Scout Notes

Hunt for £4.0m FPL defender takes a turn as Ferguson ruled out through injury

The £4.0m defender discussion took an unexpected turn as Crystal Palace got their pre-season campaign underway this week.

Two of 2020/21’s potential bargain bucket options were at the heart of the latest developments at Selhurst Park, while a West Ham man also threw his name into the hat.

We’ve got all the latest talking points from another round of friendlies including an out-of-position FPL midfielder at Palace, the centre-forward position at West Ham and the Sheffield United central midfield.

CRYSTAL PALACE 2-1 OXFORD

  • Goals: Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m), James McArthur (£5.5m)
  • Assists: Jeffrey Schlupp (£5.5m), Andros Townsend (£6.0m)

Nathan Ferguson (£4.0m) missed Crystal Palace’s opening fixture of pre-season as he continues rehabilitation for a knee injury.

The news comes as something of a disappointment to the 19% of Fantasy managers who had already signed the budget defender ahead of the new season.

Roy Hodgson admitted after the win over Oxford that, while Ferguson did not look to be struggling during his rehabilitation, there was no time-frame on a possible return for the player yet, causing Fantasy managers to look elsewhere for a £4.0m defender.

“Rehab? Rehab. I don’t know what to call it really. It’s a tricky one because it was a knee injury, and an important one. It’s that difficult moment – when do you put him back into competitive training? When do you put him back in training which is a lot more intense than the type of training he’s been doing during his rehab? No-one’s got a 100 per cent answer to that. “At the moment, the sports science and medical department are wanting to keep him back a bit more. I’ve got to say, when I see him doing his one-to-one work with the sports scientist, with Michael, he looks fine, but, of course, we don’t know until he gets into a situation where he’s got to twist and turn, where he’s got to hold off challenges, where he’s got to accept a bit more weight going on that knee, how it’s going to really react. I have to be patient and wait for them to tell me that they think the strength is where it should be now, and he can come back into training. He’s looking okay from what I can see but we’d like to see him really in with us training every day so we can get an even better idea of what he’s able to do for us.” – Roy Hodgson

However, Fantasy managers may not have to look too much further beyond Ferguson, with Tyrick Mitchell (£4.0m) earning a shot at his replacement in light of his involvement on Tuesday.

Admittedly, the 20-year-old did not start Palace’s pre-season opener but injuries to Patrick van Aanholt (£5.5m), sustained during Project Restart, and James McCarthy (£4.5m), against Oxford, forced Hodgson’s hand.

Jairo Riedewald (£4.5m) was deployed in the left-back role for this outing in light of van Aanholt’s continued absence, but the versatile Dutchman was chosen as McCarthy’s replacement 20 minutes into Tuesday’s match, opening the door for Mitchell to come on and play 70 minutes on the left side of the defence.

How long that role can last is probably reliant on what happens in the central midfield department at Palace.

They were without captain Luka Milivojevic (£6.0m) against Oxford, while Cheikhou Kouyaté (£5.0m) was forced into a centre-back role alongside Scott Dann (£4.5m) because of injuries to Gary Cahill (£4.5m), Mamadou Sakho (£4.5m) and James Tomkins (£4.5m).

Meanwhile, a previous out-of-position hero in Jeffrey Schlupp (£5.5m) turned heads once again. The former Leicester man was deployed as a centre-forward against Oxford, playing 70 minutes there alongside Jordan Ayew (£6.0m).

Schlupp also managed to get his hands on taking a penalty in the second half, despite Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m) being on the pitch and winning the foul that led to it – although he did fail to score. Furthermore, the absence of Milivojevic is likely to have contributed to Schlupp taking the spot-kick – if the Serbian were to be present, he probably would not have got near it.

Hodgson is likely also considering deploying Zaha up-front again this season based on his half-time changes. Ayew was replaced by Max Meyer (£5.0m), who dropped into Zaha’s left midfield berth, allowing the Ivory Coast international to push up into a centre-forward pairing with Schlupp. The duo linked up to find the net for Palace, Schlupp slotting Zaha in for the equaliser.

Wayne Hennessey (£4.5m) was an unused substitute and Vicente Guaita (£5.0m) watched the game from the stands as Stephen Henderson played the whole 90 minutes.

Crystal Palace XI (4-4-2): S Henderson; Riedewald (Gordon 80′), Dann (Woods 70′), Kouyaté (Kelly 61′), J Ward (Inniss 70′); Zaha, McArthur (Kirby 75′), McCarthy (Mitchell 20′), Townsend (M Boateng 81′); Schlupp (Pierrick 70′), Ayew (Meyer 46′).

IPSWICH 1-4 WEST HAM

  • Goals: Sebastien Haller x3 (£6.5m), Tomas Soucek (£5.0m)
  • Assists: Grady Diangana x2 (£5.5m), Conor Coventry

Sebastien Haller (£6.5m) placed some uncertainty over Michail Antonio‘s (£6.5m) role at West Ham for the new season as he netted a hat-trick on Tuesday afternoon.

The Frenchman led the line in one of two simultaneous friendlies for the Hammers. Antonio spearheaded the attack in the other as first-team players were largely spread evenly across each game.

It is obviously early days, with three more pre-season matches to go but Haller has already made a statement about his intent for 2020/21. If he were to return to the West Ham first-team, centre-forward is probably the only position that can accommodate him, considering Antonio’s versatility.

Also of Fantasy note was the fact that Tomas Soucek (£5.0m) got himself on the scoresheet too.

The Czech Republic international was the subject of Fantasy clamour before West Ham’s fixtures were released but interest has waned since their horrible schedule was revealed – although seeing his name among the goals is certain to rekindle that bandwagon somewhat. We recently analysed his Project Restart form in THIS ARTICLE.

Two assists for Grady Diangana (£5.5m) probably further complicates the options in West Ham’s midfield department as he looks increasingly likely to stick around for 2020/21 after last season’s loan at West Bromwich Albion.

West Ham United XI (4-2-3-1): Randolph; Alese (Cardoso 55′), Cresswell, Balbuena, Coventry; Soucek (Kemp 74′), Wilshere; Diangana (Lewis 74′), Anderson (Odubeko 80′), Yarmolenko; Haller.

WYCOMBE 1-5 WEST HAM

Out-of-position Antonio could thrive as West Ham's key attacker
  • Goals: Arthur Masuaku (£4.5m), Manuel Lanzini (£6.5m), Jarrod Bowen x2 (£6.5m)
  • Assists: Pablo Fornals (£6.5m), Bowen, Michail Antonio (£6.5m), Masuaku

As already mentioned, Antonio was the front-man for this large win and, even though there was no hat-trick, he still managed to be involved in the action of a 5-1 win.

The versatile attacker saw a goal ruled out for offside, turning in Jarrod Bowen’s (£6.5m) rebound off the post. He then got a Fantasy assist when the former Hull man found the net later on.

Of all the players on display at Adams Park Stadium, it was Bowen who came away with most of the Fantasy spotlight as he scored twice and assisted Manuel Lanzini‘s (£6.5m) effort.

With Aaron Cresswell (£5.0m) playing at centre-back in the other West Ham game, Arthur Masuaku (£4.5m) impressed against Championship opposition, getting forward enough to register a goal and an assist.

There was also a 90-minute outing for Ben Johnson (£4.0m) at right-back, who is increasingly becoming a part of the £4.0m defender conversation. With Ryan Fredericks (£4.5m) not involved in either game, it was youngster Conor Coventry who staffed the right-hand side of West Ham’s defence in the other game.

West Ham United XI (4-2-3-1): Martin (Anang 71′); Masuaku, Ogbonna (Akinola 71′), Baptiste, Johnson; Noble (Longelo 71′), Cullen; Fornals, Lanzini, Bowen; Antonio (Xande Silva 71′).

DUNDEE UTD 0-1 SHEFF UTD 

Abandoned at half time

  • Goals: Billy Sharp (£6.0m)
  • Assists: Sander Berge (£5.0m)

As this game was called off after 45 minutes due to adverse weather conditions, and Dundee United rested a large number of their senior professionals, there is only so much we can learn from Sheffield United’s opening pre-season excursion.

Oli McBurnie (£6.0m), Jack O’Connell (£5.0m), David McGoldrick (£5.5m) and George Baldock (£5.5m) were all missing from the matchday squad, although there was no specifics over which of these were connected with injury or who was self-isolating after missing COVID-19 tests due to track and trace alerts.

“It’s something that’s quite common right now across the whole division. It’s definitely not exclusive to us, by any stretch of the imagination. Lots of people are in exactly the same boat.” – Chris Wilder

Aaron Ramsdale (£5.0m), making his second Sheffield United debut, had very little to do at Tannadice Park, sat behind a back-three of Jack Robinson (£4.5m), John Egan (£5.0m) and Chris Basham (£5.0m) while academy midfielder Regan Slater was performed admirably out of position as a right wing-back.

Taking advantage of McBurnie and McGoldrick’s absence was Billy Sharp (£6.0m) who found the only goal of the game and stood up to take a penalty, while Oliver Norwood (£5.0m) was on the pitch, although he struck the post.

Also filling in for the more likely starters up-front was Callum Robinson (£5.5m), who might leave the club this summer but, against Dundee United, he was an energetic foil for Sharp with his lively runs.

Meanwhile, Chris Wilder was able to choose what looked like a first-choice central midfield trio of Norwood, John Fleck (£6.0m) and Sander Berge (£5.0m). The latter is typically more comfortable playing a deeper role but with John Lundstram‘s (£5.5m) contract situation dragging on, the Sheffield United boss tried him in a more advanced central role in Scotland – which led to an assist for the Norwegian.

Sheffield United XI (3-5-2): Ramsdale; J Robinson, Egan, Basham; Stevens, Fleck, Norwood, Berge, Slater; C Robinson, Sharp.

NEWCASTLE 3-0 CREWE

  • Goals: Andy Carroll (£5.5m), Christian Atsu (£5.5m), Federico Fernandez (£5.0m)
  • Assists: Jamaal Lascelles (£4.5m), Dwight Gayle (£6.0m), Dan Barlaser

Steve Bruce played two different Newcastle XIs in the 3-0 win over Crewe, making it difficult to glean too much from a selection perspective. There were still a few takeaways to consider.

Firstly, the chances of Andy Carroll‘s (£5.5m) involvement this season may be in a good place after he scored an excellent goal on Tuesday.

It was a game that did not feature Joelinton (£6.0m) or Yoshinori Muto (£5.0m) while Dwight Gayle (£6.0m) picked up an injury.

“Dwight’s picked up a knock. We hope that’s not too serious.” – Steve Bruce

It was Jamaal Lascelles (£4.5m) who got the assist for Carroll before Gayle set up Christian Atsu (£5.5m) for the second.

Dan Barlaser was the man taking corners for Newcastle in the second period, one of his efforts headed home by Federico Fernandez (£5.0m).

Newcastle United first-half XI: Gillespie; Dummett, Clark, Lascelles, Krafth; Hayden, Barlaser; Saint-Maximin, Almirón, Murphy; Carroll.

Newcastle United second-half XI: Darlow; Manquillo, Lejeune, Fernández, Yedlin; S Longstaff, M Longstaff; Atsu, Saivet, Shelvey; Gayle (Barlaser 63′).

Best players by position:

653 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Rotation's Alter Ego
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    New Community Article

    Mitrovic, Richarlison, Maupay, Adams, DCL, Bamford - plenty of FPL options covered here by FPL Mentor. Who do you think are the best mid-priced forward?

    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/08/26/the-best-mid-priced-strikers-to-consider-for-the-upcoming-2020-21-fpl-season

    1. Our Tiny Windows
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I can’t get behind any of them. I’d rather have Antonio.

    2. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 7 months ago

        None, not even Antonio

      • Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Not happy about it but Mitrovic and then Antonio or Wood later.

      • Hangman Page
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Depending on whether Everton improve, their strikers have to be the best options among those. I think Mitro and Maupay will tick along fine for 6.0 and Adams could have a great season.

      • ElliotJHP
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Antonio, still - the underlying stats from last year are incredible

        1. Greenbackbøøg…
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          West ham fixtures bad to start with though

      • Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Mitrovic and Antonio.

        That's it. The others will have to build a case.

      • Penzardlife
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        They all give me the shivers, but it's a pain in the ass to fit an 8.5 with a premium, whilst also having TAA, Bruno, KDB, Salah from GW 3 onwards. Headaches!

      • SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Wood is clearly the best, prepared to fight anyone who disagrees

      • The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Mitrovic.

        Be ready to be disappointed

      • Andy'81
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I'll preface this by saying that I've already mentioned not to look at NUFC forwards but [here we go} Gayle's reportedly picked up a knee injury and neither Muto or the 40 million man have joined back up with the squad which leaves us with only Andy Carroll, now add this to the fire of the big lump going against his former teammates at the Hammers and it just looks like a story that writes itself with too many coincidences colliding, the main caveat being here that it's a NUFC forward called Carroll, it's classic overthinking but well worth a short term punt.

    3. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Werner or Jimenez ? Your view?

      1. Our Tiny Windows
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Werner is world class.

        1. Right In The Stanchion
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Jiminez is proven in the PL. where you getting world class Werner from?

          1. Fudgy
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            His performances in the champions league, national team and bundesliga have been world class.

            1. Right In The Stanchion
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              World class is a bit strong. Let’s see how he does in the PL first.

            2. Soto Ayam
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              He was cack when i had him in the fantasy world cup. Think Rufus Smalls.

            3. Dthinger
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              How many times has this been said about some new FPL asset or another, only for them to fizzle in the PL?

      2. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Werner but both good options

      3. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Werner for me.

    4. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Looks like Sheffield United are favorites to take Rhian Brewster on loan from Liverpool.

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Granted I and many others here will pick him as he's a rare 4.5 fwd who will get minutes but I can't see him starting every game and they don't play in a way that I'd imagine suiting him exactly. Hopefully there's competition.

      2. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Straight into my team if that happens.

      3. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Letting Brewster go would be madness. Much better rotation for Firmino than Origi and the unconvincing Minamoto.

    5. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      What's the consensus on Sheffield defense? Nothing really changed from last season apart from 0.5 increases in pricing.. still reckon Ramsdale will do great. Also, Gomez is seriously underrated on here. Sure anyone would rather Vvd/Robbo but at 5.5 there's no better value in the game imo. Will score less goals than Vvd but hence the 1 million difference. He should easily match and outscore the 5.5 and under defenders out there.

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Matip rotation concerns me there

      2. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Egan is a decent pick and Ramsdale too. But I'd be surprised if they matched last year. Henderson was immense.

      3. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Any of the picks on here (template or not) are justified and I have an open mind to

        But Gomez is a terrible pick. If Pool are guaranteed CSs (which is a tad iffy atm) then it's one of the Big 3 or move on

      4. Hangman Page
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I think they'll concede more with Ramsdale in goal rather than Henderson. Ramsdale won't dominate crosses.

      5. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I wouldn't touch Gomez with a barge-pole.
        1) No attacking threat at all
        2) for 1 million more ou get VVD
        3) takes up a valuable Pool slot

        I'll bet Tierney and Boly will score more.

    6. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      If doherty moves to spurs, does that make him a more or less attractive option??

      I'm thinking less attractive.

      I'd be keen on the chap from valencia wolves are lining up to replace doherty tho....

      1. ElliotJHP
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Less - Worse defence, less attacking role.

      2. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Less. Good fixtures yes - but I wouldn't be interested personally. For Wolves I'd probably punt on Saiss (5m) should Doherty leave and Vinagre not look nailed.

      3. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Less

      4. FourLokoLeipzig
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Not much in it for me, which is helpful - can leave him in my team without worrying too much either way (although I suppose he could miss a game depending on timing if the move goes through)

      5. SH1M1
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        More, he'll be providing crosses to Kane & Spurs defence improved under Jose

        1. Flynny
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Auerier was given full license to roam at spurs....

          So not sure if the argument that Jose will use him more defensively is accurate??

          1. The Ejiptian King
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Might want more balance, Jose only uses Aurier like that because he's a defensive liability.

            1. Flynny
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Good point Ed

              1. H-SF
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Wrong though, Mourinho talked lots in his time off about building with 3 and defending with 4, this asymmetrical full back dynamic is not a product of Aurier's own profile but instead one of Jose's own thinking

                1. Flair
                  • 3 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  You're absolutely right, Jose's been using the "one fullback defends, one attacks" tactic his entire career. It's how he maintains balance. Azpi/Ivanovic, Marcelo/Carvajal or another RB, Zanetti/Maicon

      6. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Less attractive, I'd just go for whoever they sign as a replacement and pick Dier/Davies instead

      7. Hangman Page
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Marginally less attractive however he'd clearly be the one to bomb on and I think Spurs will keep more clean sheets now with Jose in his second season and Hjobjerg added to the midfield. I would still look at him at that price myself.

      8. Soto Ayam
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        He'll only be a more attractive option if he shaves.

    7. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Just to further back West Ham's Ben Johnson as our 4m pick...

      He covers both full back spots, Fredericks is injured and the other youngster - Coventry - who played RB (vs Ipswich) is usually a midfielder. He's my go-to until we get more news.

      Saw much of both games - Diangana and Lanzini both stood out. Bowen, Antonio and Soucek remain the most sensible, nailed and productive FPL bets once the fixtures turn. I'd have loved a punt on Bowen especially. Won't quite work out sadly. I believe Rice, Diop and Fabianski all had minor knocks.

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Horrific opening fixtures though

        1. Fpl Richie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Absolutely. It'd be play the first game (maybe) and I'd root him to my bench. Even without Fredericks injury I think he stood a good chance of starts.

      2. Goonsquad245
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Really useful post - thanks for sharing.

        In honesty I don't care about the fixtures - just want the minutes at 4.0!

        Antonio gonna continue through the middle?

        1. Fpl Richie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Yes looks like it. Haller may have scored a hat-trick and he threatens some end product but Antonio looks more threatening and mobile. It's both (442) or Antonio imo.

      3. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        thanks

      4. MosF94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        How serious is Fredericks' injury?

    8. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      How disappointing Chilwell has joined Chelsea. £60m too. Chequebook club with little history

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        yes this is why i dont want messi going to city.

      2. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        They're not the the only cheque book club. Money is a necessity the win the PL.

      3. Sloths
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Do Leicester have any fit defenders left?

      4. Soto Ayam
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Lampard will be the next Guardiola, but without the trophies.

      5. Penzardlife
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Just not true really, is it?

    9. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      best everton attack asset? got burnt already last year but these fixtures look very tasty !

      1. Dthinger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Digne

    10. Champ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      My autocorrect changes WHU to Why.
      These things are telling.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        lol

    11. Fudgy
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Prefer Tierney over all the other 5.5 picks.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        he should be nailed right ?

        1. Fudgy
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Yes, wouldn't worry about him being rotated at all.

      2. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Agreed. Plus Kola looks like he may leave.

      3. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Not sure when he's at LCB

      4. UnluckyXI
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        He'll definitely play but depending on formation he could start as part of a back three rather than full back or wingback at which point you might as well go Saliba

    12. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Lots of transfer business news happening today

      Chillwell - Not an option until we see improvement in Chelsea's defense

      Doherty to Spurs - I have a lot of faith that Spurs will do great but I'm not sure he's worth the 1M over the Dier/Davies in a different system

      Brewster to Sheffield United - Needs to nail a starting spot and once that happens he'll be in everyone's team

      Correira to Wolves - Very highly rated by Valencia fans, straight in my team at probably 5.5. Should start

      1. DannyDrinkVodka
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Brewster will probably be in everyone's team regardless of whether he is nailed on.......

        1. Sharkytect
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          He was already in mine

      2. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        thank you

      3. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Correa means more rotation at wings

      4. Dybala10
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        For that price you want attacking threat which he brings and you suspect that Chelsea should be better. Partner Thiago Silva with maybe a fit Rudiger all season and have a fit Kante and they will improve. Not Conteesque but those first 14 games aren't too bad.

        1. Flair
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I don't disagree but Kepa is still there... I just like the Wolves and Spurs options better

          1. George Sillett
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            I think that he will be replaced.

            1. Flair
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Apparently Marina can't find a buyer for him and has asked Lampard to give him another chance

              1. George Sillett
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Can't see him not being replaced. Too many errors and too small to command his penalty area.

      5. Stormbringer22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers mate

      6. MosF94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Not sure about Correia, I've seen a few Valencia fans praising him too - but all sarcastically

    13. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Chillwell welcome to my team!

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        is he not injured ?

    14. DannyDrinkVodka
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      What's the haps with Struijk? Why are folks so certain that he is going to start?

      1. OPTA FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        who

        1. DannyDrinkVodka
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          4.0 Leeds "defender"

    15. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Werner highlights look like they're fast-forwarding the clip. Some pace that guy has.

      1. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Not as useful when they're playing teams that don't leave their own box.

        1. Silecro
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          That's why we bought Ziyech

        2. Bobby Digital
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Could be. Will be interesting to see.

        3. Penzardlife
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Quite sick of this narrative. Quick bursts of acceleration are exactly what makes smaller strikers able to score against teams who park up. Nonsense logic that has been disproven time and time again.

          1. The Ejiptian King
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Well, that's acceleration paired with movement and intelligence, I'm not saying that he doesn't have that but being fast isn't enough.

          2. JohnnyRev7
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Timo has a mix of Salah and Hazard about his game. Driving forward out of defence and then, slowing the play down (to let others to catch up). He's techically very gifted. He can score with both feet but can also recognise the obvious assist. It's a GW1 no-brainer for me. Oh, and he's very, very f*****g fast.

    16. JBG
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      A) Vinagre & Werner
      Or
      B) Doherty & Jimenez

      ??

    17. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Chillwell could be a beast for 5.5m in this new Chelsea team

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Ake says hi

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

          Centre back compared to left back

        2. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I'd prefer Chillwell? Attacking left back linking up with some ridiculous fire power this season

      2. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        When will he be fit?
        Can we get a chance to buy him for 5.4?

        1. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Good question, no idea tbh

    18. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Doherty looks so good in my draft, will probably get him out if he leaves for Spurs.

      1. JBG
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        He will most likely be the as offensive as Aurier was for Mou, so don't think he will be a bad option if he goes to spurs.

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          As offensive, I hope so.

          1. JBG
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Sorry, meant attacking XD. My Norwegian blended in with my English there for a moment, hahah.

        2. The Overthinker
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Don't think he'll be that effective at Spurs

    19. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      funny how things work, was doing my utter best to get doherty in my squad, wont bother now 🙂

    20. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Who is back up for Doherty?

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I think Wolves have a replacement lined up. Both wingbacks being new makes the whole defence a bit less appealing.

        1. The Overthinker
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I think Doherty for Spurs won't be as good as doh for wolves.

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

            I don't think Doherty is that good defensively. Just Boly is very good at CB and covers for him.

            AMN would be a good replacement for him.

      2. OPTA FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        traore

      3. JBG
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        They are looking for a new right back. If the rumours are true.

    21. UnluckyXI
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Anyone else think Saka should be considered in that 4th/5th mid-spot at 5.5.

      If willian plays central in the comm shield think I'll be taking a punt on sake out wide

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        If he's a starter, he's def in my squad. But it's a big 'if'.

    22. Budgies
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I'm settled on this, tried exploring something very different - options to get in the premiums in midfield. trying to prevent using any chips so early in the season:

      McCarthy
      Saiss, Vinagre, KWP, Saliba, Justin
      Aub, Ziyech, Son
      Wickham, Jimenez
      (Nyland, Brewster, Bruno, KDB)

      Will then revert my team to this from GW 2/3:

      McCarthy
      Saiss, Vinagre, KWP, Justin
      Aub, Ziyech, Son, Bruno, KDB
      Jimenez
      (Nyland, Saliba, Wickham, Brewster)

      Would then also offload one of my premium midfielders and cheap forwards for a striker upgrade to partner Jimenez once we start to see form and patterns emerging. Appreciate some thoughts, crazy going without TAA from the off, but he can be brought in!

      1. NULL-X-VOID
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Good team, but just not fine with "TAA can be brought in" you would have to shell a lot to bring him in, better to have him from the get go

        1. Budgies
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          It’s been hard leaving him out, but initial thoughts would to offload Son & Saliba/Justin and drop in TAA & Soucek/S Maximin if either hit the ground running.

      2. UnluckyXI
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Does it make sense to have that much on the bench. Wouldn't it be worth having someone with a more premium option in mid who has an easy first game then upgrade to kdb or fernandes with your FT?

        1. Budgies
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          It is and it isn’t, I’m confident I can still haul with them benched acc would still have the 2 FT to mane said changes above

      3. Dananz
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        To be honest, this is the first team I've seen that I really want to own! I'm on double Liverpool defence at the moment, but look at that attack!!!

    23. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I don't know why is Ziyech is not getting into a lot of teams?

      Who would be on Corners/Free kicks if not him in CHE?

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I'd wait on him, the PL is insanely tough. Teams like Bournemouth and Norwich
          have been almost impenetrable and people new to the league always flop like Torres, Tevez, Salah, Costa etc. So not worth the risk

          1. @persecuted_by_mods
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Jokes aside Chelsea still have signings to go, be interesting to see how they start

            • JURGENAUT
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Wouldn't the same be said about Werner then? But his ownership is massive too

            • NULL-X-VOID
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              The same cannot be said for Werner/Mitro?

              1. @persecuted_by_mods
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  I was joking, but mitro does have premier League experience

                  1. NULL-X-VOID
                    • 10 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    oh lmao, yep given that

            • UnluckyXI
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Werner has less competition imo, giroud was starting and Tammy was out of form.

              Ziyech could be competing with mount, pulisic, Hudson odoi and possibly havertz

              1. George Sillett
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                He won't be competing with Pulisic - plays on the other flank.
                Havertz is central (different position altogether ) , CHO is bench at best . Mount again plays centrally.
                I think that providing he delivers he is nailed.

                1. NULL-X-VOID
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  this, I genuinely think doubling up on Ziyech and Werner can provide to be a huge power move, even though they have tough fixtures in the latter part till GW10

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

                CHO is no threat, Havertz and Mount will stay central, Pulisic needs to be on the left. Imo he's massively nailed.

          2. The Mandalorian
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Messi wont be leaving Barcelona. It would take weeks just to sought out his contract with all his image rights and various deals. There isn't even a release established. Seems like a power play to show he's upset and not much else.

            1. Camzy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              I think this time is different. He's drawn a line in the sand and the thing is, I don't really see how he stays.

              Koeman is coach now and he doesn't like him, Suarez and the old guard are getting ushered out. There's no scenario where Messi happily takes the field next season and he's so powerful that they will want to sell him now vs letting him leave for free next year after a year of golfing or destabilizing the team. It's very hard to see an amicable road back. It looks easier at this point to sever ties and move on.

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

            Chelsea and GK and a CB away from having a title challenging team:

            ????
            Azpi Rudiger ???? Chilwell
            Kovacic Havertz Kante
            Ziyech Werner Pulisic

            Kepa
            James Christensen Zouma Emerson
            Barkley Jorginho RLC
            Mount Abraham CHO

            1. The Overthinker
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Silva joining them

            2. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 7 months ago

                They've got thiago for CB

                Keeper/Kepa is the key, he's bloody awful no team can win the title with that

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

                  Is Thiago good enough for the PL? He's 35. Obviously 5 years ago he was good enough.

                  Reminds me of when Laurent Blanc joined Man Utd. Blanc was exposed a lot in the first half of his first season. Though he did play a lot better after that.

                  1. Old Man
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    Class player - apparently he's quite fit, and quick, for a 35 year old.

              • R.C
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                They'll flop

              • Hattrick Harry
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Chequebook team with no heart

            3. Brosstan
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Time to quad up on Spurs defense. Doherty, Davies, Dier, Lloris

              1. R.C
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Ew nope

              2. La Roja
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Cool kids on Azpi Rudiger Chilwell Kepa

              3. Flair
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Second season Jose, any set and forget team should be considering this

              4. AuFeld
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Meh. Lloris has my attention. Who would replace Doherty at WOL?

            4. Von Lipwig
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Hey guys, still got some work to do, but this is my thinking. I want to have Foden from the off. GW2 bench KWP and play 352.

              Any thought? Cheers

              -------------Ramsdale--------------
              --------TAA KWP Dier 5.0--------
              Salah Soucek Armstrong Son
              ------------Werner Ings-------------

              -----4.0 - 4.0 Foden 4.5 -----

              +4m ITB
              GW3: Son + Armstrong > Greenwood + KDB

              1. FOO FIGHTER
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                I wouldn't go Soucek as a 4th mid. It will just transpire in a whole lot of 1 and 2 pointers with a goal here and there.

                You will struggle to upgrade him as well unless you rip up your team.

              2. UnluckyXI
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                I'd downgrade your 5.0 to a 4.5 and then turn soucek into ASM as soucek has the worst fixtures from gw2.

                Then as you've got the money I'd rather have auba over son for weeks 1-2 especially with auba starting against fulham

              3. FOO FIGHTER
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Foden won't be nailed so you are going to have 2 problems from the start.

              4. Von Lipwig
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Thanks! Maybe Ritchie? Can't play Auba, I hate his team too much 🙂

                1. FOO FIGHTER
                  • 4 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  All depends how your team is structured.

                  With Ings and Werner up top you will be saddled with Soucek.

                  I am not fond of an expensive fwd line this season. I cuurently have Werner, Brewster and Davis.

                  Whether Brewster goes on loan or not, he will be my 2nd striker.

                2. FOO FIGHTER
                  • 4 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Points are in midfield and defence IMO.

                  Solid defence, solid midfield Werner up top. He is at a nice price point to jump onto Jimenez and Ings 🙂

            5. UnluckyXI
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              I'm on this currently.

              McCarthy, Nyland

              Trent, Saliba, Justin (kwp, Mitchell)

              Auba, Salah, Greenwood, ASM (Saka)

              Werner, Ings, Mitro.

              1. NULL-X-VOID
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                See I'm all for Saliba as a starter, but tbh with ARS fixtures in the latter half of GW1-GW10, I'm having an issue, much well lean towards Vingare for the same price

            6. Dacra
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Any interest in Rudiger at 5?

              TAA - 5 - 5 - 4.5 - 4 is workable.

              1. Flair
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Davies/Dier both better

                1. Dacra
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Davies is my other 5, don't fancy double Spurs.

              2. Fpl Richie
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Does nick the odd goal tbf

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

              Doherty going to Spurs means they are going to play 3-5-2 going forward?

              Can't see Doherty being that good in a back four. If they are 3-5-2 then Son and Doherty could be gold.

              1. Flair
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                4-2-3-1 with Doherty replacing Aurier as the offensive fullback. Agree with you, difficult to see him doing great at that RB but Jose's a bit good at this football thing so it should work out

            8. RubberDucky
                3 years, 7 months ago

                I feel a Rubber Ducky, Ben Chilwell article coming!