Pre-Season

Five things FPL managers should look out for in the Community Shield final

The Community Shield final will provide Fantasy Premier League managers with an excellent opportunity to scout a number of key assets ahead of the new season.

Thankfully, the stars have aligned to show us two teams central to Blank Gameweek 1 plans on Saturday afternoon, namely Liverpool and Arsenal.

Mohamed Salah (£12.0m) and Sadio Mané (£12.0m) are sure to be heavily owned come the first deadline of the campaign, so watching them in a competitive setting beforehand will be of great use to us.

Meanwhile, the pricing, positional classification and fixtures on offer at Arsenal make Mikel Arteta’s men worth keeping a close eye on too.

In order to maximise what you are able to glean from the Community Shield final, we have picked out five key areas for Fantasy managers to monitor during 2020/21’s curtain-raising event.

What position will Aubameyang take up?

using-the-top-10000-ownership-to-increase-your-fpl-rank-andys-article 9

A large number of Fantasy managers are likely to be watching the Community Shield with their Blank Gameweek 1 captaincy in mind.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang‘s (£12.0m) looks certain to be involved in that first armband debate of the campaign, fresh from his recent conversion to an FPL midfielder and ahead of a trip to newly-promoted Fulham on the opening weekend of the season.

35.5% of managers have already thrown Arsenal’s number 14 their side so far, only Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m), Kevin De Bruyne (£11.5m) and Timo Werner (£9.5m) owned by more than that, at the time of writing.

Whether or not Aubameyang manages to go into Blank Gameweek 1 as the best captain option could depend on how he performs at Wembley, but also what position he is deployed in.

With Alexandre Lacazette‘s (£8.5m) Arsenal future hanging in the balance and Gabriel Martinelli (£5.0m) injured, the only two options Arteta theoretically has for the centre-forward role are Aubameyang and Eddie Nketiah (£6.0m).

Whichever one of these two the Arsenal manager elects to play through the middle of his 3-4-3 formation could have a big impact on Aubameyang’s Fantasy credentials.

If the Gabonese international can secure a centre-forward berth for a competitive fixture against Liverpool, it certainly strengthens the possibility that he could play there regularly in the Premier League this season. Such an eventuality, if he were to perform well, would do wonders for his captaincy credentials.

Although, do remember, even if Arteta were to station Aubameyang on the left at Wembley, that is still a position that he starred from in 2019/20, so it won’t be the end of the world to see him play there.

How will Liverpool’s defence look at Wembley?

Liverpool's FPL defenders struggle as Arteta hands out Arsenal goalkeeper clues

Liverpool defenders have some work to do if they are to convince us of elite-level clean sheet potential in 2020/21.

The league may have been all but won at the time but, during Project Restart, they kept three clean sheets from a possible nine, only six teams registering fewer than that.

Meanwhile, eight different teams, including Aston Villa, Everton and Southampton, conceded fewer goals than Jurgen Klopp’s men over the same period (12) and only five teams gave up fewer big chances (20). Certainly not double-up inspiring stuff.

Whatever issues Liverpool have been having at the back since June, they appear to have continued into pre-season as well, if their friendly against Salzburg was anything to go by.

Klopp had to travel to Austria without Alexander-Arnold due to injury but the right-back was the only first-teamer missing from the back-four that went 2-0 down in the first half earlier this week.

Fabinho (£5.5m) and Joe Gomez (£5.5m) were the chief culprits while Neco Williams (£4.0m) was caught out of position on occasion. Things went from bad to worse when Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) was taken off in the 55th minute with a head injury.

Klopp has since provided relatively positive updates on the captain and Alexander-Arnold, but the Community Shield final is still a big occasion at this end of the pitch.

Will our favourite Liverpool defenders be fit for the start of the season, and how will they cope against an Arsenal attack that has been steadily improving under Arteta? Answers to both of those could have a bearing on Fantasy line-ups for Blank Gameweek 1.

“Hendo and Joel looking really good. Ox early stages but good. Shaqiri good. Trent, very close, we have to make a decision about tomorrow. Harry [Wilson] looks good. Virg looks good, he has a little cut there but should be fine.” – Jurgen Klopp

What will Arsenal’s defence look like?

Who would have thought we’d be eyeing up Arsenal defensive assets at the start of the new season? Well, 2020 certainly has been a year of surprises.

The primary point of interest for Fantasy managers revolves around the goalkeeper position now that Bernd Leno (£5.0m) has returned from the injury that allowed Emiliano Martínez (£4.5m) to showcase his points potential during Project Restart.

The latter could offer exceptional value this season if he were to hold onto his starting berth. Between Gameweeks 30+ and 38+, no goalkeeper with nine or more appearances had a higher figure for saves per 90 than Martínez (3.84).

The chips might be stacked against him going into Saturday’s curtain-raiser as Leno and Matt Macey were both given game-time against MK Dons earlier this week, in light of Martínez having to quarantine following his holiday to Portugal.

While the former Reading loanee is injury-free and out of isolation now, he has not been able to train over the last two weeks, which is why he is a slight doubt for Saturday’s final.

But it’s not just the goalkeeper position we’re interested in. There has been plenty of hype around centre-back William Saliba (£4.5m) ahead of the new campaign and Fantasy managers should be on the lookout for him too.

Even though Arteta is very settled on deploying a back-three these days, the staffing of that setup is not yet set in stone. 

Kieran Tierney (£5.5m), David Luiz (£5.5m), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (£5.0m), Sead Kolasinac (£5.0m) and Shkodran Mustafi (£5.0m) are all capable of playing there but do not offer as cheap a route into the Arsenal defence as Saliba.

Mustafi is red-flagged ahead of the Community Shield final but a number of the other centre-backs got minutes against MK Dons.

Rob Holding (£4.5m) is one of these, who could be worth watching as well as Saliba, although the latter is reported to have made a better start to pre-season.

If Martínez is indeed kept out of the team by Leno, then knowing that an improving Arsenal defence can be reliably tapped into by a £4.5m option elsewhere could be handy.

With enough good things being said about the Gunners’ defensive prospects for 2020/21, a meeting with last season’s Premier League champions is the perfect litmus test for them.

Who will feature in Liverpool’s attack?

Five things FPL managers should look out for in the Community Shield final

This could, of course, prove to be a rather redundant question given Jurgen Klopp’s team selections over recent seasons, but there are enough Fantasy managers interested in budget forwards that it’s worth asking the question.

Rhian Brewster (£4.5m) was initially linked with another loan move away from Anfield this season, after netting 11 times in 22 appearances for Swansea City in 2019/20.

However, as often happens in football, things have changed very quickly, especially since Brewster scored three goals across Liverpool’s two pre-season friendlies so far.

The young forward now looks likely to stay at Anfield this year, which begs the question: can he break into the first team?

Roberto Firmino (£9.5m) has been the first-choice centre-forward at Liverpool for some time and, while he struggled for goals more than usual last season, there is no denying he is a key cog in the Reds’ machine.

Brewster offers something entirely different, less of a false-nine and more of a natural goal-scorer.

“At the moment he is (in our plans), but we have to see what happens in the next weeks. We want to use Rhian, but we want to help him as well. It’s not decided yet – why should we? He will be involved tomorrow.” – Jurgen Klopp

In light of his pre-season exploits thus far, Klopp intends to use the player in some way during the Community Shield final. Fantasy managers will be hoping to see a start for the £4.5m man, but even if he were to star off the bench, it could still ask Klopp some difficult questions ahead of the start of the season. Or… it could only ramp up the interest in his loan signing…

Who are the Arsenal alternatives?

Nketiah straight back in Arsenal team after suspension

Fantasy managers may also find value attackers in Arsenal’s squad on Saturday afternoon, specifically those who join Aubameyang in the front-three.

As already mentioned, the rumours surrounding Lacazette’s future likely restrict Arteta’s options up-front to the Gabonese international and Nketiah.

If the latter can put in a strong display against Liverpool, it might just lock him in as the first-choice striker for the new season, which would certainly be helpful for Fantasy managers currently struggling to find too much to excite them in terms of forwards priced at £6.0m or less.

Nketiah has already made something of an encouraging start to pre-season, starting the win over MK Dons, finding the net and having another goal ruled out for offside.

There is more competition for the right-hand side of Arsenal’s front-three than there is for the striker slot, but Bukayo Saka (£5.5m) will certainly fancy his chances of regular game-time there this season.

The England youth international was involved in eight of a possible 10 matches during Project Restart, operating in a number of different positions, including on the wing or as a number 10.

That versatility seems to have helped Saka establish himself in the side and at £5.5m, if he stars at Wembley, it will be hard for Arteta not to include him for the Fulham game and could spark another year of value for the relatively cheap midfielder.

1,538 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kante FC
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    A. Leno + 4.0 set and forget
    B. McCarthy + Ryan rotation

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

      A

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

        obv make sure he's actually the starter first if you can

    2. CYN
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      A if he's certain to start but I would rather bank the 0.5 and just start McCarthy every game because I hate trying to predict on GK rotation.

    3. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Southampton were better away than home last season, so may not be a good idea to rotate those two. Just have Mccarthy as a set and forget and use the 0.5m elsewhere.

  2. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Which ManU players are you going for long term ?
    Im thinking Rashford and Greenwood and still can afford 2 of Salah Auba KDB

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

      Bruno is the only option for me

    2. CYN
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      martial and greenwood probably

      bruno is tempting but team not balanced enough for my liking with him, kdb and salah

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Brunoceros

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

      I'm leaning towards the differential pogba pick

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

        i like this a lot, in form pogba can deliver big

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

        Is he COVID+?

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

          maybe but it will be 4 weeks from now before I can get him in, so I'm not worried.

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

      Bruno for captaincy. Greenwood for value.

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

      Rashford looks OK to me.

      Probably not Bruno - I think he’s vastly overrated without pens, and I don’t think united have been getting pens at a sustainable rate. I’m expecting 5-6 pens this season maybe.

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

        This same rationale when his price was released last season is what kept me off of him and led to a 200K place drop. He's not overrated. But he is tough to fit into a team at his price.

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

          He really is without pens. He’s not a £10.5 asset unless united sustain their level of pens this season - I don’t think they will.

          He was definitely good value at 8m last season (and not because he scored lots of points)

          1. Carlton P
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            ‘He was definitely good value at 8m last season (and not because he scored lots of points)’....how
            Does this make sense?

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

              Because based on how he plays I’d expect him to be good value at 8m regardless of the actual outcome.

              If you take into account the actual points he scored, he was quite obviously exceptional value at 8m - that’s not something that I think is predictive of future performance though, so I’m largely ignoring the fact he scored so well for 14 games and looking at what’s behind it.

      2. HurricaneNOLA
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I thought I just read last night that Rash picked up another injury. No?

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

          Ah, didn’t see that. Maybe nobody then!

      3. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Hmm even without pens he was popping up in great positions with late runs into the box and loves a shot from distance, brilliant pass of the ball for assists. Vastly overrated without pens is harsh to say the least!

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

          His non penalty xG and xA was *horrendous* for a £10.5 asset. Honestly, I was really hoping they’d price him higher because it feels like there’s a huge majority that bracket him with Salah/Sterling/KDB for expected points.

          Just my view - most don’t share it.

          1. FPL Blow-In
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            I love an alternative view. I mostly go against the grain on here, which is probably detrimental to my own demise to be fair, so I can see where you are coming from. I do think Fernandes looked knackered come the end of the season though and he hasn’t exactly played with the squad for a long time especially during project restart. I think it will only get better from an attacking perspective for United.

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

              Thanks - I personally see this season as a huge risk/reward opportunity, because I think Salah and Sterling will be superior to KDB and Bruno who seem to be the FFS darlings and will have huge ownership across the game.

              It’s the first season I can remember where I’ve felt so strongly against the FFS template/largely highly owned players - so I’m strapping myself in for some serious potential variance.

              1. FPL Blow-In
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Best of luck!!

              2. OverTinker
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                I am on sterling instead of KDB at the moment.

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

                  I will remember your name when KDB obliterates us in GW3 😀

              3. Don Van Vliet
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                audentis Fortuna iuvat

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

        Overrated is not the night. His stats are inflated related to FPL are inflated due to pens. If Ole keeps getting a good amount of players running into the box on the counter, the pens will come.

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

          Nothing united are doing is new. 14 and 12 pens in consecutive seasons is absurd, they aren’t the first team to have quick counter attacking forwards.

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

      Bruno and Greenwood

    8. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Surprised that only one person has mentioned Martial above. I have a feeling that this will be his breakout season for United.

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

        As do I

    9. Kobayashi
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Doesn't Rashford have an ankle injury? Greenwood offers great value, it would be between him and Bruno for me.

    10. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Bruno & Martial. It’s possible I might have a triple up for a week or two as well, depending on how my transfers pan out.

    11. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Martial Fernandes and probably Greenwood too

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

      Perhaps only Greenwood

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

    McCarthy/Button
    TAA, Dier, KWP, Vinagre/ Douglas
    Salah, Auba, Son, Ziyech/ Stephens
    Vardy, Mitro/ Brewster

    I think that squad has balance and i have covered all clubs.

    No transfer until GW3 (plan is to give all of them a chance), then if i need, ill make 2 free transfera and get Bruno and KDB

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      This feels a bit tight, lossen the top button and maybe use one of the 3rd, 4th mids to create a decent 7th attacker.

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

        Give me example

      2. Carlton P
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Agree with this. Ziyech + Stephens > Greenwood + Soucek or Armstrong + other
        Traore might be a decent shout once Doherty goes

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

          Traore is rotation risk.
          And i think that Ziyach will bring more pts then Greenwood, and that Vinagre will bring more pts then Souck (i need to bench him then and play 3-5-2).
          This game is not about players it is about prediction of pts.... for example i think that TAA will bring more then Ings (who is striker and cost 1M more)

          1. Carlton P
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Thanks for explaining the game to me....noted

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

              I didnt wanted to be rude mate...we cust have different strategies

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

                Want*

          2. Nomar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            This game is not about players.

            ????

            Do the coaches and physios score all the points now then?

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

              I think you know that’s not what he meant. Cut him some slack.

    2. Bring back Rafa
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Great team. Little tweak I'd do is downgrade 2 of your bench options-
      Douglas & Stephens
      To
      Johnson & Soucek

      So you can upgrade Dier to Doherty (assuming he goes to Spurs)
      Doherty is the Spur defender I'd want

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

        I agree, but that is 1M that i cant afforde

  4. OLB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    VVD / Rashford / Soucek / Mitro
    Or
    Laporte / Son / Greenwood / Brewster

    Which looks better?

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

      b

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      VVD rashford greenwood Brewster

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

        Can't- already have TAA and Salah - too much Pool.

    3. milanista10
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      The 4 will have to start every week? If so, I’ll go with the VVD one

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

        Thanks

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

      A, overall.

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

        A is what I have currently - good to know thanks.

    5. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      B

  5. milanista10
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    JWP or Pereira?

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

      Pereira, probably

      1. milanista10
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks, he is more likely to be involved in his teams’ goals but I’m not sure if they will score enough!

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

      Milanista10 or thee Milansta? 😀

      1. milanista10
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Milanista10 will do 😀

  6. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    A or B folks?

    A) TAA, Tierney & Armstrong
    Or
    B) James, Saliba & Son

    1. Carlton P
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      A bit Tierney > Spurs/Saiss/Egan

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Do you not think defensively, CS wise, you could afford to go without Liverpool defence until gw4? I’m starting to think I could. Their form has shown no reason to think otherwise! Son to keep pace with TAA for the first 3gw’s?

        1. Carlton P
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          CS wise yes but this is Trent we are talking about. He offers CS, goals and assists.Not leaving my squad all season

          1. FPL Blow-In
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            They started last season poorly for clean sheets also IIRC. Luckily TAA and Robertson tipped away with attacking returns.

        2. Carlton P
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Yes Son could easily keep pace with TAA for 3 weeks.

    2. CYN
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      a

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

      A) But prefere Dier insted of Tierney (and u have 0.5 extra)

    4. milanista10
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      A, you can’t leave out TAA

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yikes. Is there a chance he will miss gw1? Then has Chelsea and Arsenal? I’d definitely get in for the fixture turn. On the other hand, he was the only player I was saying was essential only recently and has been in all of my squads...

        1. milanista10
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          No one expected his 24 pts vs Leicester so I wouldn’t overthink that! 7.5 for all what he offers is a steal I’d say.. we can wait & see regarding his availability for gw1

          1. FPL Blow-In
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Very true. Thanks for your thoughts

    5. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks all

  7. The FPL Units
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    What is best?

    A. Greenwood and Mitro
    B. Soucek and Jimi/Ings

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

      A.

      1. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks

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

      A

      1. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks

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

      Are they playing every week ? If so B probably with Jimi if Man U sign another mid - if not then maybe A

      1. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah playing every week. I am leaning to A but as you say B if man u make another signing.

      2. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        For B i could stretch for Martial.

        1. Tony Moon
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          B with Martial for me. Still not convinced about Mitro, and looked like he was carrying a bit of timber at end of season!

  8. Carlton P
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    TAA over Son in every scenario basically

    1. Carlton P
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Reply fail

      1. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        But agree!

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

      Definitely yes as spare cash upgrades another too - but TAA prob outscores Son alone.

  9. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    A- but I like the James idea

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

      Darn!

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks

  10. Joyce1998
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    right guys final decision is between these two teams for gameweek 1
    1 mill itb to do son and auba > kdb, bruno

    A
    mccarthy
    taa, vvd, vinagre
    salah, son, auba, asm, soucek
    werner, mitro

    subs- nyland, johnson, taylor, davis

    or

    B
    ryan
    taa, doherty, kwp
    salah, son, auba, pereira (wba), soucek
    werner, mitro

    subs- button, johnson, taylor, davis

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

      Friendly advice: for these types of posts it's usually easier to simply state the different players in each line-up. But I'm leaning towards A out of the two options.

  11. JamTart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    How are people viewing Doherty at Spurs now we know it's done?

    I've looked at the members comparison tool and, assuming Doherty is just better and more productive with the ball in good positions, I'm encouraged. Plenty times after the restart Aurier would be in a great position and make poor use of the ball. Doherty could easily turn those into assists, plus Mou has shored up the defence more.

    I'm currently going from Doherty and Davies to Doherty and Saiss/Vinagre/AMS(if moves to Wolves).

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

      Wait and see for me. It depends whether he can get in the box at the same rate to carry the same goal threat...

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

        I mean Aurier only had 4 less goal involvements last season and that includes a large chunk where he wasn't as offensive as he was once Mourinho came in. I'm quite confident and with him being 6m already I'm not keen on being late to it and paying more, especially with so much money needed in midfield.

        Easy to switch to Laporte or downgrade if it bombs than to find even more cash.

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

          Cool, just giving my view, you do you.

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

            Absolutely. Wasn't shooting you down, just giving my opinion for us to debate. I was looking to discuss not convince.

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

              No worries - for me it is the goal threat that might reduce his potential, he should still get in great positions to deliver assists (Aurier last year)

              He might be ok at 6m even without the same goal threat - he was that exceptional value at Wolves IMO. Not a bad pick for sure.

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah I have been doing similar and have landed on Davies atm. Just unsure how Doh will go and it now feels like a punt on a 6.0 def which I don't want to take.

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

        I get that risk view. As I said in my response above, easier to downgrade or shift than to find even more is the view I'm taking.

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

      I would like more Doherty in W then Spurs.

      Little advice, Davies is rotation risk (Sess)

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

        Yeah that's why I'm a little happier. I can see Doherty being the main man or his position

        1. FPL Blow-In
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          If Aurier leaves

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

            Sounds very likely based on what's being talked about, but yes.

            1. FPL Blow-In
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Agreed

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

      I'm keeping him simply because he's been my favourite FPL player over the last two seasons, he's at a price where I can always switch to VVD quite easily as well if it's not working out.

  12. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    I can't wait to wildcard this mess post gw1 😐

    1. milanista10
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      What mess?

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

        Leo Mess

    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      😆

  13. Ninjaa
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Scenes and teams scrapped if Messi signs for City 4th October??

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

      I dont care about Messi, to be honest. There are alrdy a lot of great players and ee cant have them all

    2. Kobayashi
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      This is probably controversial, but I wouldn't sign him if he was more than 12-13m. He's 33, and I would expect Pep to rotate every now and then due to his style of play. Still the best player in the world, mind you.

  14. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Could I get any thoughts on this?

    McCarthy Steer
    Trent Lamptey KWP Vinagre C.Taylor
    Salah Auba ASM Periera Anguissa
    Kane Werner Mitrovic

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

      All looks great, although your midfield (and defence besides TAA) looks rather 'light', which I suppose is expected when you're going big up front.

      Assuming your cheap enablers do well (Periera, Lamptey, KWP) then you should be sorted. If you're downgrading for United or City players in GW2-3, then you should have some funds to spend elsewhere if necessary then too.

    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Too much upfront, in my view.

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

        100% agree

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

      Don’t mind it but I prefer Son to Kane at their prices.

  15. Z
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    I realy think that combo Son+Ziyech is better then Kane+Werner for 3m extra itb

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      May end up being the case. Hard to judge before seeing Werner or Ziyech play though or without seeing how Son does with Kane back in the team.

  16. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    I haven’t changed this now in awhile. What do you think of the team?

    McCarthy
    TAA, Tierney, Vinagre, Justin
    Salah, Manè, Auba, Armstrong, Soucek
    Werner

    Steer, Dallas, Davis, 4.5

    As you see above I was considering downgrading Tierney and TAA to allow and upgrade of Soucek it Armstrong to Son

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

      I think Salah + mane and Auba is limiting you too much.

      Personally not a fan of one playing striker, although I know some are, as it can leave you in a pickle down the line.

      The double Pool could come off though

    2. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Advantage I see is its easy to have a Salah, Bruno, Greenwood for GW3

      CHE have a lot of nifty new attacking parts that are going to need a bit of time to sort. Dont like Werner

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

    Evening. Thoughts on this lot please?

    Mccarthy 4m
    Taa vinagre justin dallas 4m
    Salah auba Greenwood Armstrong soucek
    Werner antonio mitro

    Greenwood benched for soucek gw1.

    2.5mitb for antonio to martial. Giving me 2 United for gw2.

    Thanks

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

      Use the 2.5m in the bank to upgrade Greenwood to Son and hold him and Antonio. Re-evaluate GW3 and do something involving Auba.

    2. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Spend more in defense, less on forwards, see Hedge's articles.
      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/profiles/hedge/

    3. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Dallas,Dallas who the f--k is Dallas?

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

        Leeds fill back. Leeds could be a good team to invest in I think

        Thanks for comments. Plenty to ponder!

        1. Optimus.
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I don't why he's leaving, or where he's gonna go,
          I guess he's got his reasons but I just don't wanna know,
          'But for twenty four years I've been living next door to Dallas

      2. The Hunt
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I think Leeds were quite effectual defensively last season. That could be a handy trate to have now that they've moved up.

  18. circusmonkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    'Community Shield Final'.. were the league and FA Cup all about qualifying for this?

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      It's a game for charity, means absolutely nothing

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

        I’ll let you know at 7pm tomorrow whether it’s this or the real measure of the best team in the land

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          😆

    2. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      It's a serious trophy for Arsenal tbf

  19. Jonnyb40
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts for week 1
    McCarthy ( Nyland )
    TAA Egan Saliba Vinagre ( Ferguson )
    Salah Auba Mane Maximin ( Stephens )
    Mitrovic Werner ( Davis)

  20. Sterling Malory
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    How's this for a first(ish) draft? Maybe a bit too template..

    Ryan
    TAA Egan Vinagre
    Salah Son Auba ASM
    Werner Mitro Brewster

    Nayland KWP Douglas Greenwood

    If Brewster doesn't go out on loan, will need a reshuffle.

    1. Jonnyb40
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Not sure about Brewster. Other than that its a good line up. Similar to mine.

      1. Sterling Malory
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        If he ends up at the Blades, might be worth a punt alongside McBurnie. I think they'll complement each other quite nicely.

        1. Jonnyb40
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Thats true and for 4.5 its not a bad go.
          What do you make of my team for week 1? Probably transfer mane out for kdb in week 2

  21. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    RMT
    McCarthy (4.0)
    TAA Vinagre Justin (Taylor Targett)
    Salah Auba Son Ziyech Pereira
    Ings Mitrovic (4.5)

    Great rotation strategy between the four 4.5 defs and Pereira+Mitrovic. I have to bench 2 of the 6 every week.

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

      Looks pretty solid actually.

      As long as you can find the 2 million to shift Ings to Aguero/Kane if they start firing that is.

  22. CYN
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    A. Jimenez and Armstrong
    B. Ings and Keita/ASM
    C. Mitro and Ziyech/Willian

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Don't like any of those, try again. Perhaps B at a push.

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

      I'd go B to start with. There's a few to play with at 5.5

  23. That Was Easy!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Does anyone else feel that a GW2 WC is genuinely an option?

    Essentially FH’ing the first week, then loading up on MU/MC when others will take hits and even then likely only have 2/3 from MC/MU.

    Sure, you’ll make some mistakes on the WC, you’ll miss the emergence of the lower cost options in the coming weeks that are great enablers, etc. But that’s what transfers are for.

    Don’t get me wrong, you’ll have to nail it, but if you do you’re laughing.

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

      Some are doing it yes.

    2. CYN
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I would rather wait to see who are the in form teams and players. One week isn't enough to tell.

    3. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I think it's a waste with the virus lurking.

    4. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I was hell bent on doing it until 3 hours ago.
      Realised that I rather just take hits until we know a bit more about the sure starters on all teams

  24. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    A) Werner and Rashford
    B) Jiminez and Bruno

    (Utd players coming in GW2)

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

      A by a mile

    2. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      A

    3. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Cheers

    4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I'm not as convinced as the guys above.
      Werner and Bruno is what I would aim for.
      To answer your question... Think it's B for me.

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

      B

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

      At first, I think Bruno and Martial are two safest picks but with WC coming on, value is on Rashford and Greenwood, so when they're showing better form, Green Rash is the one I'll pick

  25. Don Van Vliet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    I see Munday has elevated the Community Shield to a knockout competition.

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

      It is a knockoit competition

      1. Don Van Vliet
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        It's a one-off game, and certainly not a knockout competition in the sense that it has a 'final'.

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

          One could argue that it is a knockout competition with one of the most gruelling qualifier stages 😀

          1. Don Van Vliet
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            That's quite a stretch.

  26. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Any truth in rumours pool planning a sensational swap deal b/w messi and salah?

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

      Can't see it, these swaps hardly ever happen but the media love them. I can probably count 5 that have happened in the past decade but the press make out it's the NBA or something.

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

        I cant even count 5 in the last 10 years.

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

          you're right. this is all ive got in 20 years:

          ibra / eto'o
          mkhi / sanchez
          ash cole / gallas
          defoe / zamora
          matic / david luiz
          deco / quaresma
          coco / seedorf

    2. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Lol

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

      Get your money in at 66/1

  27. KnightSlayer
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Do you think Ali will be an option ?

    Son and traore ( or other 6.5 )
    Ali and Greenwood

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

      I think I'm right in saying that Alli appeals more when Kane is playing? He's one I've been monitoring for sure, although Son looks raring to go it has to be said

    2. CYN
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Son is much safer imo

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

      I like Son and Traore or maybe Traore to Bissouma and upgrade FW to Jimenez ?

  28. Bank$y
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    5.5 for Thiago Silva seems likely, no? If he’s 5.0 though that’ll do very nicely.

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

      Can't imagine him being lower than 5.5 for sure

    2. CYN
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      i would expect 5.5

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

      5.5

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

    Thoughts on this team? Monitoring the Rashford situation obviously.

    McCarthy - Nyland
    TAA - Doherty - Egan - Saliba - Mitchell
    Salah - Auba - 5.5 - Bissouma
    Werner - DCL - Brewster

    Cheers

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

      so rashford on the bench gw1? i would pick son instead and assess for gw2. i wouldn't feel comfortable going with DCL either after his dry spell.

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

        Rash on the bench would be my plan - but could do Son as a placeholder too.

        DCL is an interesting one. Good fixtures once Spurs are out the way and a new midfield (if they arrive soon) would definitely help. Torn whether he's worth the extra 1.0 over Mitro though

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

          I prefer placeholders as it just buys you some more time to assess whether Rash is the best move for United or if Greenwood is better value etc.

          Yeah, Everton have decent fixtures so I get why you chose DCL but I would go Mitrovic and 1M ITB just because of pens. If Richarlison was 7M he would be straight in my team.

      2. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        but he's an Everton fan!

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

      I think DCL should be in after GW3 or 4 when he's showing form otherwise you're gambling with a chance of long spell of blank even with favorable fixtures

  30. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    A) Auba + (Martial)
    B) Kane + (Fernandes)

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Bottomed, reposting on next side

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

      B