Scout Notes

Extent of Lundstram injury revealed as Spurs display gives FPL owners concern

Sheffield United 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur

  • Goals: Sander Berge (£4.7m), Lys Mousset (£4.4m), Oliver McBurnie (£5.6m) | Harry Kane (£10.9m)
  • Assists: Berge, Chris Basham (£4.6m), Enda Stevens (£5.1m) | Son Heung-min (£9.8m)
  • Bonus: Berge x3, Mousset x2, Kane, Son x1

Sheffield United returned to winning ways in some style as Spurs’ key assets delivered mixed messages for their Fantasy owners.

The resumption of football had not been kind on the Blades, with three straight defeats in league and cup, whereas Jose Mourinho’s men had performed well enough in two outings to prompt solid investment in the likes of Harry Kane (£10.9m), Son Heung-min (£9.8m) and Serge Aurier (£5.0m).

The same could not be said of United players. Their only starter not to experience net transfers out for the Gameweek was defender Jack Robinson (£4.0m). The epitome of a budget enabler, even he seemed overpriced as both sides produced a first half an hour of almost entirely forgettable toil.

And then it all kicked off.

The Blades took the lead with a fine, incisive move finished when Chris Basham‘s (£4.6m) cut-back was drilled home on the angle by Sander Berge (£4.7m).

It was the Norwegian’s first league goal since moving to the Premier League in January. He added to his haul with an assist and the maximum bonus award to bring in 13 points for his, count them, 6,376 owners in Fantasy Premier League (FPL).

If he can build on such a fine display, more will flock to his cause and the (already sketchy) claims of the injured John Lundstram (£4.8m) to be the Supreme Fantasy Lord will finally be laid to rest should Berge keep him out of the starting line-up.

United’s lead lasted precisely two minutes when Kane rode a challenge and found the net, only for VAR to continue its bold crusade to be 2020’s second-worst thing with a decision that managed to be technically correct and completely wrong all at the same time.

Lucas Moura (£7.1m) was fouled in the build-up to the ‘goal’, referee Chris Kavanagh played an advantage and Kane did the rest. VAR then decided Moura had handled the ball on his way to the turf, thus negating the advantage and leading to the goal being chalked off.

How much Moura actually touched the ball was debatable, how ridiculous the letter-of-the-law ruling wasn’t debatable at all, and the only positive to be had from the whole debacle was that United, so many times the loser in VAR controversies, probably deserved their luck.

Mourinho refused, sort of, to blame the decision for the loss:

I think in the second half my players were not mentally strong enough to cope with that disappointment and they have to be. I am not just going to say that goal is the cause of everything. It would be very easy for me to do that, but I don’t want to go in that direction.

His team rallied after the break, in terms of dominating possession at least, only for substitute Lys Mousset (£4.4m) to double the home side’s advantage with a tap-in following excellent work by Ben Osborn (£4.7m) and assister Enda Stevens (£5.1m) down the left flank.

The goal was the match in microcosm – Spurs enjoyed 65% possession over the 90 minutes, but had only two shots on target to United’s five.

The strike also knocked what was left of the stuffing out of the visitors, and it was no surprise when the Blades scored a third, Oliver McBurnie (£5.6m) deftly flicking home an excellent Berge cross.

Despite the VAR shenanigans, a 3-0 result was about right based on the overall flow of the game, only for Kane to finally get his goal as the match was easing into wind-down mode.

The striker was picked out by Son’s fine cut-back and he made no mistake for his second goal in as many Gameweeks. It was also Son’s second assist over the same time frame – reward for the 150,000-odd FPL managers who invested in one or other of the pair this week.

The only worry for those who own the duo – and more are joining for a home match with Everton in Gameweek 33+ – is that they were living on scraps at Bramall Lane.

Kane did lead the way for attempts, but he managed a mere three penalty area touches, while Son had no shots at all. The England captain’s overall involvement was limited, to put it mildly. Thirteen players had more touches than he did in the final third, including substitute Erik Lamela (£5.7m), who managed 21 touches (to Kane’s 14) despite playing over an hour less.

However good a finisher Kane is, he can’t keep producing points without more support and involvement, while Son’s owners will probably settle for his assists, despite expecting more goals, for now at least.

Tottenham’s decent fixture schedule is clearly proving irresistible for Fantasy managers, but Everton are hardly pushovers at present and Mourinho will need to rediscover the right balance in a side that was heavy on attackers but still lacked any bite last night.

Some of that was down to the excellence of Chris Wilder’s team, and the United manager was understandably positive about the performance and result:

It had to be up there with our best in terms of the circumstances, players we’re missing and run we’ve been on. It’s been difficult for everyone to get back to playing but I saw signs on Sunday that we were getting more like ourselves, a bit freer and more positive in our play. When you’re playing teams like this, you have to bring close to your best game to the table.

He also gave an update on player injuries:

Fleck, Lundstram and Freeman will be out for a couple of weeks.

The Blades have a mixed bag of fixtures to finish the season, with Sunday’s trip to Burnley one of the better shouts for a goalless draw and a decent-enough run after visits from Wolves and Chelsea are done.

Berge caught the eye against Spurs, but it was the return to more solid ways at the back – despite the lack of a clean sheet – that might warrant interest.

Left wing-back Stevens once again underlined his attacking potential with his assist – he now has three of those and two goals this campaign – and defensive returns look possible at both at Turf Moor this weekend and over the final three Gameweeks when United will face Leicester, Everton and Southampton.


Sheffield United XI (3-5-2): Henderson, Basham, Egan, Robinson; Baldock, Berge, Norwood, Osborn, Stevens; McBurnie (Freeman 90′), McGoldrick (Mousset 63′).

Tottenham Hotspur XI (4-3-2-1): Lloris, Aurier (Ndombele 71′), Sanchez, Dier, Davies (Vertonghen 81′); Sissoko (Alli 71′), Lo Celso, Bergwijn (Lamela 56′); Moura, Son; Kane.

MEMBERS ANALYSIS

FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 32+

1,079 Comments Post a Comment
  1. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Play one

    A Egan
    B Lascelles

    First on bench

    1 Egan/Lascelles
    2 Tammy

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B2

    2. nolard
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Lasc
      Tammy

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Ty

        Good to have confirmation

  2. nolard
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Tammy reclaimed his starting spot over Giroud?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      He was poor v WH.

    2. Baron Penguin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think they’ll rotate starts from now on

    3. nolard
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks! I wasn't watching that game.

  3. BananaMan
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Morning All,

    Son........

    A) to Mahrez
    B) to Sterling
    C) to Other
    D) Keep

    Cheers!

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      D and captain Son

      1. BananaMan
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Did you see them last night?

    3. GoonerByron
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      D

    4. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A but only for free, not for a hit

  4. The Minus Fours
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Had to take a -4 this week and so far have:

    Hendo
    C Taylor, TAA, AWB
    Barnes, Bruno, KDB, Mane, Traore
    Jimenez, Rashford

    Bench - Martinez, Nketiah, Kyle W, Bednerek

    Thoughts? - Changes you would make (transfers already done)

  5. Summer transfer window
    avfc82
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    The 2020 summer transfer window in England is expected to open as soon as the Premier League season ends, with clubs looking at how they can improve their squads.

    But who is likely to be splashing the cash and what will the main talking points be?

    Man City will probably be busy, having already sold Sane to Bayern Munich, and it’s no surprise Liverpool rumours (Thiago) are circulating this morning after their 4-0 loss last night.

    Chelsea have already added Ziyech and Werner, and are now being linked to Havertz, Digne and Chilwell, whilst the Grealish to Man Utd rumours continue to build.

    How much of an impact the coronavirus pandemic will have remains to be seen, but what does your club need, and who can help them kick on?

    1. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sancho to utd could drag on all summer!

      1. andy85wsm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Hoping it will be a quick turnaround to next season so we don't have to listen to it all summer as you say!

        1. Rinseboy
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Ha me too. At least if we carry on playing this way. Sancho might be a lot more attracted to come compared to previous seasons

      2. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Do you think the emergence of Greenwood will make them think twice about that, or do you think they still need more options out wide?

        1. Rinseboy
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          think Greenwood is still too young and as Zilla says its all about a marquee signing to make a statement

      3. Zilla
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        United need players that add depth and have good potential along a marquee signing like Sancho.

    2. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      As a Chelsea fan, we desperately need a world class CB. Koulibaly is the man

      1. andy85wsm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Arguably Chelsea, Man United, Man City, Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal are looking for a world class CB...tough to all get one!

        I know Liverpool have VVD and Gomez has been good but I wonder if they'd be able to get even better defensively with someone as good as (or near enough) to VVD.

        1. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          True, I’m just so tired of Rudiger and Christensen at the back. (Although Christensen isn’t too bad)

        2. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah, that's a really good point.

          I imagine players like Skriniar and Dias will be near the top of a lot of their lists, but they'll come at a price.

          1. El Presidente
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Which Dias are you talking about?

            1. Beavis
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Ruben Dias, I presume

            2. avfc82
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Ruben Dias, Benfica.

        3. Beavis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Indeed, although I reckon City are the only ones certain to sign someone.

        4. Nanoelektronicar
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I'd like to see VVD Koulibaly partnership.

      2. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        City will be desperate for someone to play alongside Laportr surley

        1. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Yep agreed, Garcia is exciting, but they'll need another option.

        2. andy85wsm
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Defence has really been their issue this year.

          They've scored 11 more goals than Liverpool but conceded 8 more.

          It's not even just pure goals conceded, Laporte makes a big difference in getting the ball out into the midfielders.

          They didn't have KDB for a good chunk last year and coped, not so much without Laporte, and even when he's fit they don't really have a trusted CB to play alongside him

    3. TonyE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Burnley need a right back, and a right sided winger.

    4. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thoughts on Jesus for the next few weeks, Tom? Should start remaining games until Kun is fit.

      1. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Jesus is kak. Will not start all games, Sterling can be used in that position too. Pep has also used a couple of other players there too.

      2. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I just brought him in x

        1. Rolls-Royce
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          3.9% ownership, due and higher ceiling. Just needs to find his finishing boots.

          1. Ask Yourself
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            When he put that 1v1 in vs Allison when he was just offside it turned me on

      3. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I do like Jesus, but he needs a goal, seems a bit low on confidence right now.

    5. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      West Ham we’ve needed a left back for years now. Right back wouldn’t do any harm now that we’ve given away Ngakia for free. Plus a striker who is actually a striker to partner Haller wouldn’t go amiss

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Largely happy with the rest of the squad though as long as noble stops playing matches

      2. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, agree on the full-backs. Do you see Rice moving on?

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I’m happy either way with rice. He’s top class, and would be a legend and captain here. Or we get a tonne of money to replace him but not for a season or 2 yet. I just wish people would stop saying he is destined to play CB, he clearly has incredible technical ability and can offer a lot when he gets forward. Played a huge part in Antonio’s goal doing that. Rice and Soucek midfield pairing will be colossal next season

          1. avfc82
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            I don't watch him week in, week out, but from what I've seen, he seems to have improved massively on the ball in recent months?

            1. Ask Yourself
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Yeah he’s definitely been showing it a lot more lately I’m glad others are seeing it too. I think moyes restricts the opportunities for him to move forward but our desperation has given him the chance to show what he can do. I really hope we go for dyche and ditch moyes

              1. avfc82
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Yep, big fan of what Dyche has done at Burnley.

      3. Klaren
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Didn't Ngakia want to leave despite West Ham offering him a new contract? Not much to do when players have unrealistic salary expectations.

        Montiel is pretty much a done deal if West Ham stays in PL anyway so right back shouldn't be an issue.

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah I love that we have montiel pretty much sorted already, looks class and only £7-8m??? Amazing. I did love Ngakia though and think he will be a top player very soon. The club just treated him badly and tried to emotionally blackmail him into staying on the cheap so don’t blame him

    6. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Palace need someone - quite a few someones actually - who aren’t 30 plus.

      It’s a horribly thin squad if you look at the bench. Was pretty relaxed this season but the end of the road isn’t far off - definitely in WBA Stoke territory - one more season perhaps

      Guaita is probably off and Hennessy is frankly meh.

      Cover at both right and left back

      A forward/wide player

      Fascinated to see where Fraser ends up.

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        All gone a bit quiet with Fraser hasn't it, last I heard Spurs were interested, which I found surprising.

    7. jia you
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sancho is the player to make us much closer to title contenders next season! We also need a top defender or two. An injury to AWB would be very concerning!

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        No faith in Dalot?

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          unsure he's quite good enough defensively for a top 4/6 side

      2. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Utd need to sign a DM and RW. A very good squad then, with replacements for every position in the first team.

        De Gea
        AWB Lindelof Maguire Shaw
        Fernandes ????? Pogba
        ????? Martial Rashford

        Romero
        Dalot Bailly Tuanzebe Williams
        Fred Matic McTominay
        James Ighalo Greenwood

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          McTominay is improved at a rapid rate so could be a class DM next season and Matic might just have one more season in him

    8. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Liverpool lost 4 nil to man city last night and rumours already....

      Have we all forgotten that they were crowned champions a few days ago. They have been celebrating since and had all the signs of it. If they hadnt then there may have been more reason to worry.

      Tranfer rumours are a buisness in themselves.
      We all need to sit back and relax.

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yep, it's just the way it works with the papers though isn't it, and I do think they'll need to add one or two more new faces to the squad.

    9. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Liverpool: CB to partner VVD
      Man City: CB to partner Laporte
      Man Utd: DM and RW
      Chelsea: CB to partner Rudiger
      Wolves: LW to partner Jimenez and Traore
      Leicester: Nothing, but keep hold of their players
      Spurs: A new, forward-thinking, manager
      Arsenal: Get Saliba back from loan, sign a forward to replace Auba when he doesn't sign contract extension, get rid of the players who aren't buying into Arteta's methods (Ozil, Laca etc.)

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Spurs have needed a quality holding midfielder for a while now, and maybe a new manager too haha.

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Spurs have enough good players at their disposal. But they are not put in a system and allowed to play in a way that gets the best out of them. Mourinho did the same at Man Utd. For me, Spurs' best team is:

          Lloris
          Sanchez Alderweireld Vertonghen
          Aurier Winks Sissoko Lo-Celso Sessegnon
          Kane Son

          Their back-up team is:

          Gazzaniga
          KWP Foyth Tanganga Davies
          Ndombele Dier Alli
          Bergwijn Moura Lamela

    10. Sterling Archer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Hopefully NUFC get this takeover completed! and start the building process

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, team looks much improved at the moment though right?

    11. Nanoelektronicar
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Aubameyang to City? He could wide left now that Sane is gone, he could also play centraly? He's past 30 but there's at least couple of prime seasons in him surely.

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Was linked a few years back wasn't he? I see them moving for someone younger, but you never know.

    12. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Liverpool

      I don't think this is far fetched and is reasonable even with Covid-19 impact:

      Lovren, Lallana, Shaq out

      CB, LB, attacker in

      CB - A fourth choice reliable defender who can cover RCB and LCB. Absolutely content with Gomez-VVD partnership with Matip back up but given the injury record of Gomez and Matip, we need to bring another body in to replace the hopefully outgoing Lovren.

      LB - I really wanted Bukayo Saka but he's signed an contract extension at Arsenal. Would've covered LB, CM and LW! I like the look of Vinagre, but probably too costly.

      Attacker - An absolute must. I can understand the club not paying up for Werner given the current crisis, but another season without adequate backup/support for the front 3 is a potential disaster waiting to happen. I'd even let Shaq + Origi go if it meant a 40m+ attacker of genuine quality like Adama Traore.

    13. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      The main stories at Arsenal:

      - Will Auba sign da ting? He has one more year left on his contract, and it's believed that he will sign an extension or be sold abroad.

      - Mixed in with this is the question of whether Lacazette will stay. Arsenal fans are not currently Lacazette fans, but you would think that Arsenal will keep one of the two forwards at least. That said, Lacazette may be less keen to stay due to recent frustrations and especially if Auba leaves.

      - Elsewhere in attack, Saka has signed a new long term deal and Martinelli is expected back from injury early next season.

      - Unfortunately, it looks like the promising Folarin Balogun will be leaving Arsenal, but contract talks are ongoing.

      - Ceballos' loan deal ends, and as far as I know, there are no plans to extend further than the extension to the end of the season.

      - Ozil is being dealt with internally. Who knows if/what is going on with him. He has 1 year left. There is a possibility of him playing again, and a possibility of him being loaned out next season, with Arsenal paying a chunk of the wages. Selling is unlikely.

      - Mkhitarian is still an Arsenal player. However, it seems he has just signed an extension to his loan deal with Roma till the end of next season.

      - Fans have high hopes for Smith-Rowe, who has apparently been excellent for Huddersfield this season, although not so great since the restart. There is therefore a question about whether he will be part of the first team or loaned out again.

      The main areas Arsenal need to improve are central midfield (defence, creativity and goals) as well as centre back.

      - Full backs aren't necessarily an issue, since Bellerin and Tierney are back from injury and Cedric has now signed a permanent deal. However, Arsenal fans are also not Bellerin fans right now. They are frustrated with the time he has spent at the club without producing enough quality due to his injuries, fashion sense and all the trees he's planting. I doubt he will leave, but Maitland-Niles has impressed at right-back this season (much more than at left-back in the past).

      - However, Mailtand-Niles could be seen more as a centre midfielder, now, since Cedric has arrived and since it is his preferred position. This also helps to cover for Guendouzi, who may be on his way out after handing in a transfer request. It has been reported that Arsenal are willing to sell AMN for £20m to help fund a deal with Aubameyang. Torreira is often linked with a move away for personal reasons, but I would say that this is mostly garbage.

      - Elneny is still an Arsenal player. He has done well at Roma, who would like to continue working with him, but also owe him something like 1 million euros in wages. For that reason, it seems he is not willing to extend his stay. Arsenal are also reported to be asking for more compensation than Besiktas can afford. I would imagine that Arsenal will find an exit for him if possible.

      - At the back, David Luiz has signed a 1-year extension, although I wouldn't expect him to be first-choice next season. He is apparently a strong character in the dressing room, and will likely support the younger, less experienced players.

      - Pablo Mari has also signed a permanent deal. He has impressed when he has played. However, another signing here is necessary since he is not the quickest player and has been injured most of the season, and barely had a chance to prove himself.

      - The most exciting prospect for Arsenal fans right now is the arrival of centre back, Saliba, after his loan back to St Etienne. I expect a lot of weight to be placed on his shoulders by fans, which is another reason to buy at least one centre back. His loan deal has ended, but Arteta and the club wanted to allow him to play in the French Cup later this month, but it would have triggered a payout of 2 million euros (approx) from Arsenal as he would reach the threshold of 17 games played during his loan. St Etienne refused to waive this condition and also declined the proposed reconditioning training scheme from Arsenal, so Saliba stays in London. Hopefully, he is not bitter about it.

      - Arsenal have plenty of centre backs, actually. So the question, with Luiz, Saliba and Mari secured in the plans for next season, which of the following will be sold or loaned out: Mustafi, Holding, Chambers, Sokratis, Mavropanos. With one year left on their contracts, it might be time to move Sokratis and Mustafi on. Mavropanos has done well at FC Nurnberg, and could ease his way into first-team football next season if the opportunity strikes, or could be a good route to make some money available for a marquee signing.

      The main issue is quality. With that in mind, along with the vision of a new manager, Arsenal need to clear out some dead wood and sign some quality players if they can attract them.

      - The most persistent link in midfield during lockdown has been, and still is, Thomas Partey. These have come in all forms including a swap deal with Lacazette, for example. Without Champions League football, however, it's not the most appealing move for Partey, necessarily. Another option may be Pape Gueye.

      - For creativity and goals, fans are most enamoured by links to Coutinho, since he may be available on a loan deal to fill the void left by Ozil and Ceballos. Other links include Kai Havertz, which will never happen, and Orkun Kokcu.

      - At centre back, one of the more persistent and exciting links for Arsenal fans is Dayot Upamecano.

      Arsenal fans would hope that the club is willing to break the bank to improve defensively during this transfer window. However, they have hoped that for some time, and as always, most links to Arsenal are with tricky foreign wingers and forwards.

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Correction: Elneny has done well at Besiktas not Roma

    14. Fire Chief Moe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      How did Sane join Bayern before the window opened?

  6. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Start one this GW..

    A - Nketiah
    B - Cantwell
    C - Lascelles

    1. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      C

    3. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      C

  7. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Are there any Son owners keeping him this week?
    I'm already on a -4 but tempted to take another hit for Son to Mahrez for the remaining fixtures city have?
    Cannot decide if its worth it, any help thanks!

    Pope
    TAA Maguire Doherty
    Salah Martial (c) Bruno KDB Son
    DCL Jimi
    Martinez Nketiah Aurier Fernandez

    1. GoonerByron
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Keeping this week, have already taken 1 hit

    2. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Keeping, don't want to take another hit

    3. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      thanks both

    4. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Keeping

      But looking at swap to Kane next week

      1. Firminooooo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I did the swap yesterday with 2FT.

    5. Ian J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Tempting
      I’m keeping for Everton & next up, Bournemouth
      then who knows

  8. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bottomed:

    Southampton have lost 4 of there last 5 home games. Seriously tempted to captain a City player, Mahrez(c), anyone?

    1. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      no

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        no

    2. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I am tempted I have to admit but I think it will go to one of the United lads

    3. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I am also very tempted by Mahrez. Especially when there is a big chance of KDB to be rested, which means Mahrez should be also on penalties!

  9. Jonesfromthere
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope | Fodder
    TAA | Doherty | Saiss | Lascelles | Kiko
    Salah | Son | Bruno | Foden | Sarr
    Rashford | Greenwood | Jiminez

    Anything here worth changing for a hit? Will return comments

    1. JURGENAUT
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I’d probably like to see a Man City player in there, not sure which attacker due to rotation but sometimes the risk is worth it as their players can make the difference in ML

    2. JURGENAUT
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sorry my bad, I missed you had Foden in there. Apologies

    3. Geordienufc1
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sarr is the obvious outlier, though probably not worth a hit to replace him, especially if you don’t have any funds to look at the Pulisic and upwards bracket. You going to start greenwood over him this week?

  10. Nabs Kebabs
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A) DCL
    B) Lascelles
    C) Foden -4

    1. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      play DCL

    2. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      DCL just

  11. JURGENAUT
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone believe it’s worth trading sterling for Salah?
    Currently I only have TAA from Liverpool alongside Sterling, KDB.
    Anyone fear Salah might get rested?

    1. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think he plays but depending on your rank and how brave you are I'd risk it

      1. JURGENAUT
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I’m second in my ML, 5 points adrift of top spot. Sterling to Salah would be a -4 hit. Feel like it because I think Salah might score big, just worry about benching but surely out of the two, Sterling is more likely to be benched? The person leading my ML has Mane, so more incentive I felt.

        1. John Nerdelbaum
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Don't know about Sterling but remember he didn't play against Burnley

        2. KDF
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Not for a hit

    2. Baron Penguin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I do as I have him captain ATM. Hopefully if he is benched he doesn’t come on, strong benched needed from now on.

  12. John Nerdelbaum
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Originally lined up Rashford, Sarr and Hayden > Greenwood, Pulisic and Foden for a -4 but not sure now. Still have BB so Hayden has to be upgraded at some point

    Any thoughts, 2 frees 0.2 ITB

    Henderson
    TAA AWB Doherty Taylor
    Salah KDB Bruno
    Rashford DCL Jimi

    McCarthy/Lascelles/Sarr/Hayden

    1. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      do it

  13. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    ASM or Foden in as 5th mid in a 3-5-2? Foden will come in for NEW the following GW regardless.

    1. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      ASM if Foden is coming in anyway

      1. KDF
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        This

  14. More_Goals
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    My Team:

    De Gea, Martin
    TAA, Doherty, Aurier, Justin, Simpson
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Barnes, Guendouzi
    Rash, Jiménez, Nketiah

    Thinking of these moves:
    Son + Barnes -> Mahrez + Pulisic (for a -4)

    Good moves?

    1. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Deffos

  15. Fernandito
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Apologies for the repost...

    Patricio
    TAA AWB Doherty Aurier
    KDB Bruno Salah(C) Pulisic
    Rashford Jimenez

    Martinez Nketiah Duda Simpson

    A GTG, save FT
    B Aurier to Taylor (cover ML rival who has Pope)

    1. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      GTG, Aurier has the better fixture

  16. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    90% sure I'm WC'ing next week.

    This week:

    Pope
    TAA Soyuncu Taylor
    Salah Mane KdB Fernandes
    Rashford DCL Jimenez

    Next week looking at selling Mane and getting 5 strong in midfield with Foden/Mahrez and Pulisic/Willian probably unless Martial looks irresistible while fixing defense.

    1. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      looks decent. Capto this week?
      I'm tempted by Son to Mahrez -4 this week but then I see historically Son has scored well against Everton. Spurs looked so bad tho

  17. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    2 FT and 0.0m ITB
    All the input is welcome:)

    De Gea,
    TAA, Doherty, Fernandez
    Salah, Bruno, KDB, Son,
    Rash, Jimi, DCL

    Button, Taylor, Hayden, Robinson

    A) Rash and Hayden to Greenwood Mahrez and play 3-5-2 DCL on bench)

    B) DCL to Gayle/ Ings and continue 3-4-3

  18. uhahpaulmcgrath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone know when the gameweek 36 fixtures will be finalized ?

  19. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hi guys, would appreciate some more thoughts on this WC. Too many eggs in a few baskets or primed to dominate?

    Pope,
    TAA, Robbo, VVD
    Mahrez, Sterling, Foden, Martial (c) Bruno
    Jimmy, Rashford

    Martin, Saiss, Holgate, Connolly

    0.0 ITB

    1. Geordienufc1
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If you’re committed to the all eggs in limited baskets approach then that’s as good as it gets. I don’t think I’d personally be game to go quite that far, particularly not on triple Liverpool D, particularly after last night. But you know the risks, so if you’re gut feeling is pushing you towards upside chasing like this then don’t let me or others stop you.

    2. KDF
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Could be massive , a late goal conceded by Liverpool will hurt so much

  20. Dubores
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    2FT, 0.2 ITB, have FH left.
    Pope (Button)
    TAA - Lascelles - Doherty (Kiko, Holgate)
    Salah, Son, Bruno, Sarr (Guendouzi)
    Jimenez, DCL, Ings

    A) DCL, Ings -> Rashford, Greenwood
    B) DCL/Ings, Son -> Rashford, Pulisic
    C) DCL, Ings, Son, Sarr -> Rashford, Greenwood, KDB, Foden/Saint-Maximin (-8 hit)

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B for me

  21. zotter
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Current team.....

    Martinez
    Doherty, TAA, Aurier
    Salah, Martial (c), Bruno, KdB, Alli
    DCL, Jiminez

    Martin, Nketiah, Holgate, Saiss

    0 ITB. Two FTs

    a. Alli to Willian
    b. Alli to Pulisic
    c. Alli to Pogba
    d. Alli / Saiss to Mahrez / 4.0
    e. Alli / DCL to Chelsea mid + Ings
    f. Alli / DCL to Foden / Rashford

    1. Baron Penguin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B and you have my midfield so sounds good.
      F and you’re looking at the two I want in after this GW, so also sounds good!

  22. Baron Penguin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Going to watch Mahrez from behind the sofa this week, just can’t bring myself to sell KDB, Salah, Martial, Fernandes or Pulisic.

    Anyhow, after this coming GW, does Martial & Jota to Rashford & Foden sound good, bad or sideways?

    1. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Bit sideways. I was going to do Rashford to Greeny to free up money to bring in Mahrez but the whole board thought i was nuts. So they are probably correct!

  23. Ian Davis
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Any tips for this free-hit team?

    Pope

    TAA / Chilwell / Saïss

    Mané(c)/Salah/Martial/Bruno/Willian

    Jimenez/Greenwood

    Subs: 3.9/Taylor/Nketiah/3.9

  24. Tabbara
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which option is better :
    A: DCL, Alli and Guendouzi > Antonio, Greenwood and Pulisic for a -4
    B: Alli and Guendouzi > Pulisic, Foden
    Thanks

  25. Rover
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Would you start Ritchie (WHU) over TAA, AWB, or Doherty this week?

    1. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I have a feeling TAA could start on bench this weekend as a way of Klopp telling him he has to keep working for it. The kid that came on is ample cover for him against the likes of Villa.

  26. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who is the better Auba replacement?

    A) Jesus (in a team with KDB)

    B) Kane

    I own Son already so getting Kane would mean double attack

    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Are either 'better replacements' than Auba?

    2. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If you are not going to keep him, downgrade him to someone like Greenwood and invest your money in the midfield as lot of options there right now: Sterling/KDB/Mahrez/Foden/Willian/Pulisic/Bruno/Martial/ASM/Antonio

    3. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I would go Kane. Captain next week against Bournemouth.

  27. The Mighty I
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    WC draft

    Pope Button
    TAA Doherty Holgate Lascelles Fredericks
    Salah Sterling Bruno Pulisic Foden
    Kane Greenwood Nketiah

    1. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Hard to find fault with that.

  28. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which option seems better?

    A) Krul + Digne + Salah + Greenwood
    B) Lloris + AWB + Foden + Kane

  29. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Martial(c) or Bruno(c)?

    1. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Martial i think. Shortest odds at bookies this week.
      Worried Bruno plays deep like against Sheffield

      1. Fit_to_drop
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        They are 'only' playing BOU so I dont see Ole setting them up too conservatively. Both a good call though. Hard to call it.

  30. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Play:

    A) Ings (MCI)
    B) DCL (tot)

    1. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      ings

    2. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      DCL

    3. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ings from what I have seen. If one squirts loose around the box, he will bury it.