Scout Notes

Popular FPL forward Werner scores on Chelsea debut as Ziyech suffers knee “twist”

Fantasy Football Scout’s coverage of pre-season continues with another round of match reports on key friendlies.

We’ve gone over some recent summer games to pull out the key Fantasy talking points… and track the minutes played by every player…

BRIGHTON 1-1 CHELSEA

  • Goals: Pascal Groß (£6.0m) | Timo Werner (£9.5m)
  • Assists: Aaron Connolly (£5.5m) | Callum Hudson-Odoi (£6.0m)

Timo Werner (£9.5m) did not wait around to get his Chelsea career off and running.

The former Leipzig forward made his debut for the Blues in a pre-season draw with Brighton on Saturday afternoon, finding the net before the five-minute mark.

Werner also produced plenty to like off the ball as well, with some excellent energy and movement during his 61-minute outing.

There was, as expected, a lot of drifting into the left-hand channel and dropping deep, but these runs only served to demonstrate Werner’s ability to link-up with his team-mates – possibly hinting at assist potential.

It must be said that the German international offered a lot more in the first half than during the second, in light of the creativity and service around him.

Stationed on the right-hand side of Chelsea’s front-three, Hakim Ziyech (£8.0m) showed exactly why Frank Lampard wanted to bring him to Chelsea. As well as providing excellent delivery from set plays, it was his cross that led to Werner’s goal, helped on by Callum Hudson-Odoi (£6.0m).

There was, perhaps, a little bit too much time spent on the chalk of the touchline against Brighton for Ziyech but it is early days yet.

Furthermore, Fantasy managers may have to play a patient game with the former Ajax man in light of a second-half injury. Ziyech was forced off in the 54th with what Lampard described post-match as a “little twist to the knee” that needs to be looked at. Olivier Giroud (£7.0m) also left the game late-on with a bandaged head. 

Christian Pulisic (£8.5m), Fikayo Tomori (£5.0m), Emerson Palmieri (£5.0m), Mason Mount (£7.0m), Ross Barkley (£6.0m), Jorginho (£5.0m), Michy Batshuayi (£6.0m) and Tammy Abraham (£7.5m) all missed the game due to time in isolation over the last two weeks.

As ever, concerns about Chelsea’s defence remain as they conceded two penalties at the Amex Stadium, one saved by Willy Caballero (£4.5m), the other conceded.

Meanwhile, Leeds fans will not have enjoyed Ben White (£4.5m) featuring for over an hour as part of a strong-looking back-three for Brighton.

He was joined at the back by Lewis Dunk (£5.0m) and Adam Webster (£4.5m) as Graham Potter vows to give him the chance to earn a first-team place this season.

Tariq Lamptey (£4.5m) was used as a second-half substitute while three different Seagulls goalkeepers were used – but David Button (£4.0m) did not feature.

Christian Walton came on for Mat Ryan (£4.5m) at the interval but was forced off through injury with 10 minutes left to play, allowing Robert Sánchez to come on and finish the game.

Pascal Groß (£6.0m) scored the equalising goal for Brighton from the spot, but it is unclear what this means for the pecking order as Neal Maupay (£6.5m) had been substituted before this penalty, having missed one of his own earlier in the match.

Brighton and Hove Albion XI (3-5-1-1): Ryan (Walton 62′ | Sánchez 80′); Dunk (Bernardo 62′), Webster (Burn 62′), B White (Duffy 62′); March (Connolly 62′), Bissouma (D Stephens 62′ | Sanders 73′), Alzate (Molumby 46′), Lallana (Mac Allister 46′), Veltman (Lamptey 46′); Trossard (Jahanbakhsh 62′); Maupay (Groß 62′).

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Kepa (Caballero 46′); Alonso (Maatsen 66′), Christensen (Azpilicueta 46′), Clarke-Salter (Rüdiger 46′), R James (Lawrence 66′); Loftus-Cheek (Vale 72′), Kanté (Ampadu 61′), Kovačić (Baker 61′); Hudson-Odoi (McCormick 72′), Werner (Giroud 61′ | Castillo 90+2′), Ziyech (Gallagher 54′).

SPURS 4-1 READING

  • Goals: Own Goal, Dele Alli (£8.0m), Son Heung-min (£9.0m), Erik Lamela (£6.0m)
  • Assists: Son x2, Lucas Moura (£7.0m), Steven Bergwijn (£7.5m)

Son Heung-min (£9.0m) continued his exhilarating pre-season form in a big win over Reading on Friday, but Fantasy managers are urged to consider the context before jumping at the chance to throw him in their next draft.

For the second friendly in a row, the South Korean was used as a central striker in the absence of Harry Kane (£10.5m), who missed the last two weeks of training following a quarantine period after travelling.

Just as he did back in February, Son made the most of his advanced central role against Reading and now has three goals and two (Fantasy) assists this summer.

In the first half on Friday, Ben Davies (£5.0m) played a long ball down the left-hand side of the field, run onto by Son, whose shot was turned into his own net by Omar Richards.

Alli headed to Lucas Moura (£7.0m) on the edge of the box, taking in an immediate first-touch return pass and lofting the ball over visiting goalkeeper Rafael Cabral.

Steven Bergwijn (£7.5m) found space on the left six minutes later, allowing him enough room to pick out Son in the box, who swept in at the back post.

The South Korean was then involved again as he got fouled for the free-kick Erik Lamela (£6.0m) dispatched in the 52nd minute.

Tottenham Hotspur XI (4-2-3-1): Lloris (Hart 46′ | Gazzaniga 74′); B Davies (Sessegnon 46′), Dier (Carter-Vickers 46′), Alderweireld, G Fernandes (Aurier 46′); Højbjerg (Bowden 75′), White (Sissoko 46′ (Devine 86′)); Bergwijn (Cirkin 62′), Alli (Clarke 62′), Moura (Lamela 46′); Son (Scarlett 81′).

SPURS 1-0 BIRMINGHAM

  • Goals: Steven Bergwijn (£7.5m)
  • Assists: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (£5.0m)

Spurs’ next pre-season game, played the following day added a few extra factors for Fantasy managers to consider.

Kane was finally named as part of a matchday squad after his period of self-isolation, although he did not feature against Birmingham. It means we will probably only get to see him in action for Spurs before Gameweek 1 when they travel to Watford on September 5 – although he is due to play for England during the international break.

With three friendlies in the books for Spurs now, we are starting to get an idea of who Mourinho’s favourites have been in other positions.

Gedson Fernandes (£5.0m) has played 225 minutes across those outings, used in a number of different roles (including right-back) while Ryan Sessegnon (£5.0m) has registered the same game-time (most among Spurs players) predominantly on the left-hand side of attacking midfield.

Moura has also been extensively used, playing for 90 minutes against Birmingham and is the third-most utilised Spurs player so far.

Also of note, Cameron Carter-Vickers has now played 180 minutes, the most of any Spurs centre-back. While Toby Alderweireld (£5.5m) and Eric Dier (£5.0m) are likely to be the first-choice pair, the youngster’s involvement could be enough to earn a £4.0m or £4.5m price on FPL.

The same could be said of Dennis Cirkin, who has largely been rotating the left-back berth with Davies, registering 118 minutes so far.

Tottenham Hotspur XI (4-3-3): Hart (Lloris 46′); Cirkin (B Davies 46′), Carter-Vickers, Dier (Bergwijn 46′), Aurier; White (Alli 46′), G Fernandes, Sissoko (Højbjerg 61′); Sessegnon, Clarke (Son 71′), Moura. 

NEWCASTLE 2-1 BARNSLEY

  • Goals: Andy Carroll (£5.5m), Jacob Murphy
  • Assists: Matt Ritchie (£5.0m)

Andy Carroll (£5.5m) continues to draw Fantasy attention ahead of the new season as he scored for the second pre-season friendly in a row on Saturday.

With Dwight Gayle (£6.0m) currently out injured with an ankle problem, and Joelinton (£6.0m) and Yoshinori Muto (£5.0m) still yet to be involved in a single friendly, Carroll’s chances of starting Gameweek 1 are beginning to look encouraging indeed.

Add into the mix that he has now scored two goals in as many appearances over the summer, and Steve Bruce may have no choice but to build his attack around the striker for the visit of West Ham on Saturday, September 12.

With a dearth of serious options in the £5.5m bracket among forwards this season, interest in Carroll may increase slightly in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Fantasy managers should keep an eye on the goalkeeper situation at Newcastle in light of Martin Dúbravka‘s (£5.0m) recent injury.

Karl Darlow (£5.0m) is obviously too expensive for anyone to really consider but Mark Gillespie (£4.5m) could offer value if he were to nail a place down. So far this pre-season, both goalkeepers have played half of the two games. With each of them on 90 minutes total game-time this summer, more data is needed.

Of the two goalkeepers, Darlow remains the unbeaten one so far, Newcastle conceding nine minutes after Gillespie came on against Barnsley.

Matt Ritchie (£5.0m) made his first appearance of pre-season on Saturday, featuring on the left-hand side of midfield, registering an assist for Carroll’s goal and going close to scoring himself.

Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.5m) was used only as a second-half substitute in this outing and, interestingly, after two games, 11 of his colleagues have been handed more game-time. The Frenchman was exciting during his 29-minute cameo though, producing a trademark fizzing run and cross late in the game, which nearly resulted in Josh Murphy (not yet priced) adding his second of the game, were it not for a deft touch by Barnsley’s goalkeeper.

Murphy was another player to add some zip to Newcastle in the second half, winning a penalty that he scored himself.

Newcastle United XI (4-5-1): Darlow (Gillespie 46′); Dummett (Manquillo 61′), Clark (Yedlin 61′), Fernández (Lejeune 61′), Krafth; Ritchie (Atsu 61′), S Longstaff (Murphy 61′), Hayden (Saivet 74′), Shelvey (Barlaser 74′), Hendrick (Saint-Maximin 61′); Carroll (Almirón 61′).

HEARTS 0-1 SHEFF UTD

  • Goals: John Fleck (£6.0m)
  • Assists: Billy Sharp (£6.0m)

Billy Sharp‘s (£6.0m) pre-season form may start asking some questions of Chris Wilder ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

The veteran forward scored the only goal of Sheffield United’s abandoned 1-0 win at Dundee United last week and he provided an assist as the Blades won at Hearts.

He played in John Fleck (£6.0m) to open the scoring inside the eighth minute before going to close to adding his second goal of the summer and having an effort ruled out for offside.

Sharp and Callum Robinson (£5.5m) have both started each of Sheffield United’s pre-season games so far while Oli McBurnie (£6.0m) and David McGoldrick (£5.5m) remain missing, likely due to isolating in light of track and trace alerts.

While the latter pairing is arguably the first-choice at Bramall Lane, especially based on Project Restart performances, their continued absence from friendly matches is allowing Sharp and Robinson to show what they can do, each of them inside the top-three most-used Blades assets thus far.

Wilder is still without Jack O’Connell (£5.0m) but was able to welcome George Baldock (£5.5m) into the fold, the right wing-back representing the only change from the team selected against Dundee, Regan Slater demoted to the bench.

That meant Wilder could hand another solid innings to the central midfield trio of Fleck, Sander Berge (£5.0m) and Oliver Norwood (£5.0m), who played 67 minutes together at Hearts.

Considering John Lundstram (£5.5m) is still not involved, although back in training, it does look as if Fleck, Berge and Norwood could be the midfield triumvirate for the Gameweek 1 hosting of Wolves.

“John is back with us, there’s a contract offer there. That’s between the club and John and his agent. There’s no reason for John to down tools, and if he’s here for the rest of the season, he’s here for the rest of the season. Would I like him to sign a new contract? Of course, he was outstanding for us. We’ll keep looking at the situation. If the window comes and somebody makes a bid for him, that’s up to John to consider and us to consider.” – Chris Wilder

Another returning name was Lys Mousset (£6.0m) who, after missing out on the Dundee United game, emerged as a 75th-minute replacement for Chris Basham (£5.0m) on Friday.

Sheffield United XI (3-5-2): Ramsdale; J Robinson (K Bryan 67′), Egan (Jagielka 67′), Basham (Mousset 75′); Stevens (Norrington-Davies 67′), Fleck (Osborn 67′), Norwood (Brunt 69′), Berge (Rodwell 69′), Baldock (Slater 69′); C Robinson (Gordon 84′), Sharp (Hackford 80′).

BIRMINGHAM 0-2 LEICESTER

  • Goals: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Marc Albrighton (£5.5m)
  • Assists: Youri Tielemans (£6.5m)

Leicester secured a 2-0 win over Birmingham City with the help of a large number of young players earlier this week.

Jamie Vardy (£10.0m) and Kelechi Iheanacho (£6.0m) were among the biggest names missing while James Maddison (£7.0m), Ricardo Pereira (£6.0m), Jonny Evans (£5.5m), Christian Fuchs (£4.5m) and Daniel Amartey (£4.0m) were all absent through injury.

Following Ben Chilwell‘s (£5.5m) move to Chelsea, Fuchs’ knock and the absence for Luke Thomas (£4.5m) forced Brendan Rodgers to deploy academy midfielder Thakgalo Leshabela at left-back for 60 minutes while James Justin (£4.5m) spent the same length of time in his preferred position on the right-hand side of the Foxes’ defence.

Caglar Söyüncü (£5.5m) and Youri Tielemans (£6.5m) went closest for Leicester in the first half, seeing their efforts drag wide and blocked by the defence – and it was the Belgian who carved out the opening goal in the second period.

He made a driving run through Birmingham’s midfield and played in substitute Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to score.

Marc Albrighton (£5.5m) netted a rather fortunate second goal for Leicester when he charged down a clearance from goalkeeper Zach Jeacock.

With a raft of changes made for the closing stages, Admiral Muskwe won a penalty but saw his spot-kick saved.

Leicester City XI (4-3-3): Schmeichel (D Ward 46′); Leshabela (Marcal-Madivadua 60′), Söyüncü (D Johnson 60′), Knight (Benkovic 46′), Justin (Daley-Campbell 60′); Tielemans (Fitzhugh 60′), N Mendy (Choudhury 46′), Tavares (Dewsbury-Hall 46′); Gray (Albrighton 46′), Hirst (Muskwe 46′), Barnes (Eppiah 60′).

Best players by position:

1,027 Comments Post a Comment
  1. AgentFern
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Does Doherty going to spurs mean that Wolves give Traore more minutes?

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

      Nope....Jota and Traore are rotating

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

      History suggests it will mean just that ..... remember the last Doherty injury ..... Traore play wing back.

      1. Lovren an elevator
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Could give jota and/or podence more starts?

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

      Indeed. Possibility of Traore playing RWB.

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

      For now it won't harm his minutes for sure. But wasn't it likely that Wolves sign AMN from Arsenal? I imagine he will play right wing back in the long term and traore can focus on his more attacking role, sadly with likely rotation.

  2. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Delighted for Matt Doherty. Great player.

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

      Great FPL player*
      😉

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

        Great IRL players can be bad FPL players....but tell me one great FPL player that is bad in rral life?

        1. Collie01
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Alonso?

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

            He was one of the best that year...even he recived call from spanish squad

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

              What do u mean that year. He is alwasy fpl gold when he plays just a liability in real life tho. The year after che win the league he was just rubbish defensively but did finish quite high in fpl

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

          Lundstram

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

            What abot him? He was mid player that counts as def....no more, no less

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

              And he's a rubbish player outside of FPL.

              1. All de Gea no iDier
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Still fishing?

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

          Doherty 😆

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

            hahahahahahhahahhaha

    2. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      An avid supporter of the Gunners @ Spurs 🙂

      1. Rust Cohle
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Another one. Spurs are secret fans of the gunners. Being spurs-y is a feature, not a bug.

    3. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Great for his old club Bohemians too, who get a healthy chunk of money as a result.

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

    I'm thinking about moving Son on because of that ridiculous celebration 😆

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

    Getting more and more tempted by starting with Robbo over TAA. He's been the player in the best form for Liverpool recently in my opinion, been looking very lively. Added to that him being more up to speed with match fitness etc... it's tempting

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

      I'm getting more and more tempted of going Taa VVD Robbo from start

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

        Why's that? Pool have been looking poor defensively for a while now

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

          Hmm
          They'll consolidate IMO as PL starts.

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

            Yeah, it's a mirage with the Pool backline. You watch and think, "there's no way this lot are worth the premium defender slots". But they come good, each and every time for 2 and a half years

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

              Exactly
              Maybe double up to start and go triple once fixtures smoothen is the way to go

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

                Salah looks dismal atm, which probably another mirage as he'll somehow come up smelling of roses, but 3 from Mane and the Big 3 I think

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

        Madness. You'll want Salah/Mane soon enough and you'll need 2 transfers to get 1 of the 3 out

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

          Yup
          Agree with that issue

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

            That's not a problem this year:

            Auba - Sterling - KDB - Fernandes

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

              Only one of those starts GW 1 which is the issue i guess

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

                F*** GW1 already jumping on the likes of Bruno/KdB/Sterling when everyone's obsessed with GW1 sounds a (potentially) excellent medium term opportunity

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

          so true.

    2. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Agreed I’m doing it too

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

      I’ve decided the same after yesterday’s match but it would be a harder decision if I wasn’t going to WC early.

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

      If taa is a doubt roobi nailed in my team

      Otherwise im either doubling up with robbo and taa or just going taa alone.

      Either way robbo over vvd is a no brianer

    5. PrestigeWorldwidewidewide..…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      The difference is still set pieces, no?

  5. Dissecting Doherty
    sully29
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Regarding Doherty and whether he's a better/worse pick at Spurs.....

    The issue isn't whether he will be attacking, it's whether he'll be able to attack in the same way he does at Wolves. Because if he doesn't then his price becomes a problem.

    In a lot of respects, Doherty's stats are pretty unspectacular. Last season Aurier had more touches in the final third than Doherty did. He also created more chances than Doherty did and created twice as many big chances as Doherty did. It's the same with quite a few other defenders, with Doherty coming approx 25th and 39th among defenders in those stats respectively. In fact Ben Davies
    created exactly the same number of big chances as Doherty despite having half the minutes and (now) being a full 1m cheaper.

    What made Doherty valuable is *where* he was getting his touches in the final third. He had more touches in the opposition box than any other defender, with 33/35 of his goal attempts coming inside the box (also more than any other defender). That's also why he had 13 big chances (again the most of any defender) to Aurier & Davies' 0. The way Wolves play meant that instead of staying on the flank he was (at times) able to venture into the box as essentially an aux forward. That's where his value comes from and that's how he would theoretically justify the extra 1m over other Spurs options now.

    So the first question you have to ask is whether a manager who has been criticised for struggling to get the likes Kane/Son into the box will allow his fullback to operate as that aux-forward? I would suggest the answer is no. Which means that even if he plays as a very attacking fullback/wingback, I can't see Doherty's core attribute as a FPL pick continuing as it did at Wolves. In other words his attacking appeal as it stands is *very* system based.

    As for clean sheets, it seems unlikely that he will get significantly more at Spurs than Wolves given Wolves had better xG conceded than Spurs both over the season as a whole and over the final 6 Gws. Plus even if you think Spurs will improve in that regard, you can still get other Spurs defenders with the exact same CS potential for 1m less.

    I don't see where the value is with Doc at Spurs.

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

      Great insight, convinced me to swap him out nice one

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

      He was given free reign to get forward at Wolves, I think at Spurs with Mourinho he'll be given a lot more defensive responsibly so I'd be surprised if he got anywhere near the attacking returns that he had at Wolves.

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

      Spot on

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

      Agreed. If Doh had less box touches but better delivery stats, he'd be a great pick playing in Aurier's role. Unfortunately whether his marauding runs into the box are something Mourinho is interested in is in the "wait and see" department.

      1. sully29
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Tbf if I'm arguing that Wolves system was key to Doc's goal threat then you could probably argue that his lower chance creation stats were also partly a result of how he was used in that system.

        It might be that when forced to play in a different role his creative stats will improve. It's hard to see them improving enough to compensate for what is lost in terms of goal threat though.

        Also, based entirely on the subjective eye test, I just don't think he has it in him to be *that* creative from out wide.

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

          This is very nice addendum to the main post. He'll provide the width on the right side, I can't see him getting all those big chances. He might upgrade creativity I the new role, but up until now it wasn't his main trait.

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

      So perhaps the question should be...who will play RB for Wolves? And will they score anything like the same rate as Doh

      1. sully29
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yep. I'll be interested to see how they look. We have a few GWs to assess before their fixtures get really good too.

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

        It’ll be Traore I imagine, playing the RWB role

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

      I still have him atm but I agree with everything you said, also, Aurier was allowed to be very attacking with little defensive responsibility but he was primarily expected to hold width which is what Traore usually did when Doherty wandered into the box, will Doherty be expected to take Aurier's place and hug the touchline more? Will he be allowed to make runs into the box while another player takes the Traore role and provides width? Do Spurs even have a player suitable to do that?

      Another point is that one of the main reasons that Aurier was allowed to be so attacking was because he was so poor defensively, will Doherty play the same role or will he be expected to have greater defensive responsibility since he's definitely an improvement in that department.

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

      Nice

    8. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      This makes good sense. I think ideally he is a wait and see at Spurs to see how attacking he is. The problem with that is that Spurs fixtures are good from the start.

    9. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Fair point but I'm willing to give him a shot at spurs, better teammates around him mean better shot at CS and assist potential.

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

      Wait and see for me. I think Aurier has shown that Mourinho does give his full backs some attacking license. Doherty could yet just pick up where he left off. We will see.

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

        Yeah hard to rule out doc completely. Right backs always have a free role under Mourinho. Ivanovic was an fpl beast under him

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

          The lack of alternatives is a factor too. Outside of Liverpool, who do you want to start in you defense with confidence each week?
          Think I’ll still start Doherty but with an eye on a Laporte sortie escape exit. But my whole team is starting to look like a bunch of placeholders for Mancunians.

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

            Same here. Pretty happy to give doc the first 8 and move over to laporte as fixtures also change nicely at that point.

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

        Yeah I think Historically Mourinho Full backs have been intergral in how they attack.
        Ferreira, Ashley Cole, Maicon, Marcelo, Ivanovic. Even Valencia and Ashley Young were pretty attacking under him and I think one of his main criticisms of Shaw was he had to "think for him". He expects a lot from his full-backs.
        I'm keeping Doherty, I think it's a brilliant signing and i'm expecting a lot from him.
        Aurier was playing the role well going forward imo but he has too many mistakes in him.
        Mou gets labeled as a park the bus merchant but when they go forward from their bus parking the full backs make runs into the box and get goals.
        The biggest example of parking the bus ever was CL semi vs barca. who scored second goal on the counter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twOizPkZ6ko

    11. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Doherty will be an even better option at Spurs then at Wolves. Doherty from GW1 for me, might even double on them

      1. Lovren an elevator
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Who else would you take, Dier?

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Him or Davies, not sure yet.
          I think a Spurs double up can be considered and will most probably work-out given their fixtures. But still, Egan and just one Spurs is going to be more sensible.

          Egan has pretty decent fixtures as well

      2. Sir EFO
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I think about triple up with Loris

    12. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      The question is why would you basically take away all the attributes of him that make him a threat? Not much point buying him if you don't use him in a way that he has proven to be effective, just get an Azpi type instead.

      1. sully29
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Possibly because you think that A) even with reduced goal threat he's still a better all roujd fullback than what you have and B) he was a relatively cheap buy.

        1. sully29
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          *round

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

          Tbh anything is better than Aurier who offers woeful service combined with the odd defensive brainfade. I think if Spurs had poor fixtures he would be a waiting game but their start suggests a cleanie or two even without any attack points.

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

            That's my thinking at the moment, also he's a good price if I do want another premium defender, can switch him to VVD or Laporte if it's not going well.

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

              Or even Digne/Azpi and a fit Chilwell looking at fixtures

          2. sully29
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            I suppose the more relevant question is less whether he'll be as good as he was at Wolves and more whether his attacking threat (& being a nailed on starter) will still justify the 1m over other Spurs defenders.

            In theory at least he could be a worse pick than he was at Wolves but still be worth the extra money over other Spurs defenders when they have a nice run of fixtures.

            I'm sceptical though. 1m is *a lot* to justify at this stage of the season when budgets are tight.

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

              It is a lot. The real issue though is the real lack of a really clear 5.5 or 5.0 defender. 6.0 looks a great spot for other options. I'm not seeing a lot to justify using the money upgrading an ASM/Soucek to a 7 option either.

    13. Triple P
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks for this post. I have been questioning myself a lot. Should I get him from the start, mostly because of good Spurs fixtures and his record at Wolves... or just wait and see if - and how - he will play in that Spurs line up?

      Your post convinced me to go for the second strategy. Can always get him in later, if Mourinho indeed gives him free license for runs into the box.

    14. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      He’s been with Wolves all the way up from the championship, but I’d say Nuno has his an eye on an upgrade & thinks Doherty has given him as much as he can give

      Wolves didn’t let him go for no reason

      1. TopMarx
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I also think the emergence of Traore is a factor, Doherty found himself benched once or twice in favour of the Spaniard I remember.

      2. Gentlemen Crier
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        It seems like Mendes has an enormous amount of influence over Wolves' transfers, and he's Mou's agent as well. Could it just be that the transfer was just his call and had nothing to do with anything tactical at Wolves?

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          It’s entirely possible. Nuno doesn’t strike me as the type to allow that type of thing though - I’d envisage him as being in control rather than being controlled

          But stranger things have happened

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

      Had the same feeling. You’ve helped me to get rid of the bias I had towards him. Too expensive at 6,0.

    16. TopMarx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      The only issue I take with this excellent post is that you (rightly) raise concerns about his goal threat by moving to Spurs because of the system change, while saying that Aurier created more Doherty - but that's also because of the system difference between Spurs and Wolves.

      Doherty will find himself in the final third more than he did at Wolves, and he will be producing more crosses than he did at Wolves. He will provide a much bigger assist threat, will that be enough to counter the potential decrease in goal threat?

      Without doubt the attacking right-back berth at Spurs basically makes that player a midfielder/winger in most matches. Doherty, I think, will provide better quality than Aurier, and I think he will be worth £1m more than Dier/Davies.

      1. Steinburg FC
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        if we play the same system i can see him popping up with few back post headers 😉

      2. sully29
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yep that's true, I mentioned the same thing in a comment above. I wouldn't expect Doherty's creative stats to remain so low in the system Spurs play. I just don't see it improving enough to make up for the decline in his goal threat as (in my subjective opinion) his skillset isn't particularly that of a creative player. The shift in his role wouldn't be towards his strengths as a footballer.

        And while I'm sure he will be the most attacking Spurs defender I'm sceptical as to whether his overall attacking threat will be quite enough to justify the extra 1m, which is quite a lot. I suspect he will essentially be a 5.5m defender overpriced at 6.0.

        But I could be wrong. And tbf I do see why starting with Doc is tempting if you like that price point anyway. There are a lot of options to shift him to if he isn't justifying his price.

        1. sully29
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Also worth saying that I thought he was *potentially* underpriced at 6.0 when at Wolves as the fact that he only scored 4 goals from 13 big chances suggested that (with a bit of luck) the potential was there for greater returns this season if he maintained similar level of attacking threat.

          So when I say I think 5.5m would be his "correct" price as a Spurs asset, that's more of a decline in potential than the actual 0.5 difference would suggest.

          But what do I know really, that's just opinion.

          1. TopMarx
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            You make excellent points, and it is all just opinion at this stage.

            Essentially, there are the differences between the Spurs and Wolves systems.
            There's also Doherty's natural gifts as a player, which you point out, and we could see Spurs adapt their system to get the most out of Doherty.

            Jose has used Gedson in that advanced right-back position in pre-season and I would argue Gedson is more like Doherty than Aurier is - tendency to want to get into the box.

            FPL is about finding value for money players, I think Doherty will be value for money at Spurs, but we shall see!

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

        Completely agree with this

    17. Goodison Gladiators
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I agree with the analysis but have a different conclusion to your key question

      Remember the days of Ivanovic under JM?

      He has signed a weapon and he will use it. It will take the pressure off Kane and make more space. It will help the types of systems Spurs play, without wide wingers. When they dominate the ball, he will be forward. Hes upgraded Aurier because he wants something more.

      I think hes worth it with Spurs' games.

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

        I agree with this.
        If you buy Doherty, you’re buying him for his skills.
        If you want a defensive RB you buy a Thuram

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

        A lot of ivanovic’s returns came from goals off of free kicks didn’t they?

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah the Ivanovich comparison ends at RB, he was a far superior header of the ball & defender, he was the shield in that setup and only came forward for set pieces and when their whole team was defending inside the box. Wolves pull play wide an

          1. The Suspended One
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            And sneak doc on the back post; spurs are much more narrow and no overlaps to create the space. He’s going to have to reinvent himself; that’s a wait and see for me

    18. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      great post, thank you

    19. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks for this. Just what i needed. Think i’ll swap to Davies.

    20. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      One of the best posts AND comments here.

      After the starting posts I agreed that hebis wait and see at best but after reading other opinions from the comments sectio I ended up with a conclusion that Doherty will be worth it a way or another (more assist potential or continued goal threath by having bit different role than Aurier). Plus the guy is fun to own.

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

        Completely agree with this.

        Quality all around

    21. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Thing is though, Aurier played more like a RW under Mourinho - he had plenty of touches in the oppo box (one fewer than Doherty since GW30+) but was less productive with them.

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

      Nice little article with logical info! I was not seriously looking at Doherty and your point about getting/not getting in the box is quite valid. I wouldn't think Jose would want that. Also his price is now to high unless something changes with Jose's setup/tactics. Again good thinking.

    23. Geenn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Doherty was one of the most valuable players last year (Points for price). He was the second best valuable defender, only beaten by Trent. If he had played all matches he would have been the most valuable defender In the game. Don’t overthink everything. He’s basically a midfielder with clean sheet potential in a Mourinho team. What’s not to like about that. He’s locked in my team with Trent.

    24. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Thank you, it is for this reason and other reasons that I've been completely baffled by the whole transfer.

    25. Dave Boozle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      JM also likes to rotate his full-backs, so I can see Doherty getting less time due to the occasional Aurier fixture.

      1. TopMarx
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He's likely to be sold with AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen among those interested.

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

      I see lots of value to start with Doc :
      1. Last season was not a good season to measure Spurs defense as they have injuries problem in Lloris, Alder, also problem with Vertonghen. 2 seasons before is best and with Mou capability of bus parking against top 6, i believe they will rack more than 15 CS this year
      2. Bavies facing rotation competition with Sessegnon while Doc is nailed with Aurier gone soon
      3. Instead of picking Mitrovic at 6.0, chance of CS+assist/goals in Doc is better
      4. Easy to upgrade to VVD and downgrade to any DF
      5. Wealth of EPL experience and proven compared to other 6.0 mid
      6. Exciting pre-season result of Spurs with easy fixtures in the first 3.
      7. High ownership (25%) which will be a disaster to go without if Doc gained a consecutive 10+ pointers early on

      Only personal opinion, please apologize if there's mistakes

    27. Cak Juris
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Do you have FPL point history when Ivanovic (RB) play under Mourinho (2014-2015)? I think Doherty's playing style more similar with Ivanovic (Right back with great physical and aerial abilty which is allowed to enter box area)

      1. _Freddo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Everyone keeps talking about Ivanovic but no one talks about Valencia at United, he was hardly a attacking point returning beast under Jose, he got 3 goals & 1 assist the season they finished 2nd.

        Jose has Kane, Alli, Son, maybe Le Celso all trying to get into the box to attack, is he really going to allow his right back to join them & leave them so open to a counter attack?

        It was different at Wolves, they had Jimenez with the midfielders not really getting in the box, it was more the wide men, this is not the case at Spurs.

        When you throw in the hectic Sept where they play 9 games in a month, there is scope to cover the CS with Dier or Davies & see if Doherty gets the freedom to get in the box as frequently under Jose, if his game is tweaked where he stays wide & puts more crosses in like Aurier, that is not worth 1m more than others who do the same role at other teams, FWIW, I have Doherty but doubt I'll start with him.

        If you weren't interested in Aurier at 5.5 with all his Jose freedom, that tells you if you're interested in Spurs Doherty or Wolves Doherty.

        1. TopMarx
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Reply to Freddo.

          Re leaving open to the counter attack, the right-back already gets forward in this system with the right-centreback covering, essentially they often go to a back three when the right-back pushes up.

          The only tweak to the system would mean the right-forward, such as Lucas Moura, pulling wide so Doherty can underlap and get into the box. They will probably mix it up with that happening sometimes and other times Doherty overlapping.

          Mourinho has played this way before. He drills his players in the four moments of the game so they will respond correctly.

      2. TopMarx
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        His data is in the members area, there is also this end of season article on him from 2015 https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2015/05/27/team-of-the-season-branislav-ivanovic/

    28. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Poor analysis in my opinion.
      Because Mourinho's favoured tactic is let one full back bomb on and the other sits making a three.

      He did it with Aurier and Doherty will be taking the Aurier role.

      https://totalfootballanalysis.com/article/jose-mourinho-tottenham-hotspur-201920-tactical-analysis-tactics

      Even in porto was same idea one full back given a licence to bomb on while the other fb was more defensive.

      https://portugoal.net/classics-topmenu/640-jose-mourinho-s-all-conquering-porto

      I can see Doherty supporting Kane and putting in crosses on that noggin. Plus cutting inside for assists to Son/Alli et al

      1. sully29
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Nothing you've said there contradicts the point I was making though.

        I too think Doherty will take up the Aurier role, being the most attacking fullback who will be putting crosses in and trying to get assists. That's exactly the problem.

        At Wolves Doherty was actually *in* the box getting on the end of big chances. That's where almost all his attacking threat came from. If he's reduced to being a creator/supplier in the role you've described then that proves the point that his attacking threat has been diminished.

        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I think you need to read again what I said. In summary I said Doherty will be the most attacking defender playing for spurs and he will get goals and assists - based on JM previous history and use of one attacking full back.

          Got to honest I think it is bad form making your post a hot topic. When it is clear you have done no research on how JM uses his attacking full back.
          You will send people astray without any evidence to back up your cause whatsoever.

          1. sully29
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I did read your post. It doesn't mention goal threat from Doherty, at all.

            You say that Mourinho's favoured tactic is to let one fullback bomb on, that he did it with Aurier, that Doherty will be taking that Aurier role and that you can see Doherty providing assists to Kane/Alli/Son.

            None of which contradicts my point in the slightest as I agree with all of it. It's literally what I've predicted his role under Mourinho will be.

            My argument is that Wolves use Doherty in a different role, one that sees him in the box more than any other PL defender, getting more chances than any other PL defender. Receiving chances, not creating them.

            If you have proof that Mourinho also uses his fullbacks in that specific way and intends for Doherty to be in the box receiving more chances than any other defender (as opposed to being tasked with creating them) then by all means, make that argument. But so far you haven't.

            Instead you've said "Mourinho likes one of his fullbacks to bomb forward", like that's something we're not all already aware of. And that Doc will be creating chances for others, as if I've said he wouldn't be.

            In fact one of the first things my post points out is that Aurier under Mourinho was *already* more attacking than Doherty in all the ways you've described. So why you're throwing that at me like it proves me wrong, I have no idea.

            I would politely suggest that it's you who should try reading my posts properly and understanding the actual argument being made, as it seems to have largely gone over your head.

            1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Not true.
              Your whole post is implicit that Doherty will not do as well in fpl with Spurs as with wolves therefore justifying Davies over him :
              "The issue isn't whether he will be attacking, it's whether he'll be able to attack in THE SAME WAY" he does at Wolves."
              "In a lot of respects, Doherty's stats are pretty unspectacular"

              You continue:
              "In fact Ben Davies created exactly the same number of big chances as Doherty"

              Again misguidedly comparing Davies to Doherty without looking at the big picture. Davies is a full back who will sit and rarely attack.

              "The way Wolves play meant that instead of staying on the flank he was (at times) able to venture into the box as essentially an aux forward."

              Here again you contradict yourself, as it is beyond doubt that Doherty will be bombing forward as you have already said. Plus as I have said JM previous tactics prove this!

              Here again is another contradiction:
              "So the first question you have to ask is whether a manager who has been criticised for struggling to get
              the likes Kane/Son into the box will allow his fullback to operate as that aux-forward? "
              Ignoring Spurs improvement as they adapted to JM tactics and how Kane flourished at the latter end of last season.
              I am sorry but the whole post has not gone over my head at all. Rather,your initial post is littered with inconsistencies of thought and argument. It basically reads like a 'yeah but, no but' ultimate justification in picking Davies over Doherty is far from reasoned and is a logical fallacy.

              1. sully29
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                You're still not getting it.

                I'm arguing that Doherty will get forward a lot but he won't be taking up central positions in the box as often. You're saying I'm wrong because he will get forward a lot. Which makes zero sense.

                You haven't understood the argument, which has led to you trying to prove I'm wrong by pointing out things I agree with. Repeatedly.

                If you think Doherty will be getting forward a lot and creating chances, then you agree with me. Because I think that's what will happen too. If you want to disagree with me then you should be arguing that Doherty will be in the box scoring chances other people have created. But you haven't suggested that at all, because you haven't understood the argument enough to disagree properly.

                I don't think I can make it any clearer than that. Read through the other responses to the post and you'll see you're the only person I'm having this argument with. That's because you're the only person who hasn't understood the difference between "getting forward", "getting in the box" and which of the two forms the core of the point I was making.

                1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  I am fast going off Doherty after his Ireland games in the back four. Stephens outshone him! I am hoping that was because Ireland's midfield is so poor it does not give Doherty a base to get forward?

    29. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      very good

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

    Who are the 3 players that are in your starting squad no matter what? For me its TAA Salah Aubameyang

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

      Trent Auba Werner

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

        Although 'no matter what' will be brought into question if Trent isn't fit lol

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

      Well...i remove all of them if it is needed 🙂

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

      Jimenez, Fernandes, Van Dijk.

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

      Vinagre, Auba, Werner

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

      McCarthy
      TAA
      Werner

      That's it. I've swapped literally everyone else out and in. I've lost and kept both Auba and Salah. My defense has constantly been moving and my team structure also has changed a lot.

    6. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Those 3 + Kane and Soucek are ever present in my drafts

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

      TAA Auba Mane, Salah looked shocking

    8. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Even if they all get injured?

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

        Lol no matter what as in no matter who else you have in your squad

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

        Andy Carroll
        Jack Wilshere
        Phil Jones

    9. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Trent KWP Auba

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

      What if TAA is a common mistake we’re all about to make...? Too obvious now. Like David Silva in GW38+ 🙂

    11. Jekori
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Since the fixtures came out Kane, Werner and McCarthy haven't left my team in any draft. Midfield is where i mainly tinker

    12. Steinburg FC
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      TAA

    13. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Keenan Davis, TAA,, MCCARTHY

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

    Doherty in a spurs shirt is going to take some getting used to

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

      It’s been seen before.

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

    Which is better please?

    A. Doherty Vinagre 442
    B. Bavies/Dier ASM 352

    1. One Man
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      A.

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

      A

  9. One Man
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    With Ferguson out. Who is the best 4m def option ?

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

      Douglas mby

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

      Mitchell for a few games.

    3. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Mitchell for now.

  10. Swills
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Is anyone thinking about taking Ritchie as a 5.0 mid? Im between him and Soucek maybe swaying towards Ritchie due to fixtures

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

      Possibly if I need the extra .5, although Soucek's corner threat is mighty tempting, despite fixtures.

    2. One Man
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Not considering him atm, but yes on fixtures would be wisest bet.

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

      I am always for Dier insted of these boys that worth 5m in mid.

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

      Soucek the better option of the 2 imo

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

        This

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

      Richie. Bruce finds a way to play him whether on left as yesterday, on right or LWB

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

      I want newcastle to sign a leftback first. But he's on my watchlist for sure, might even be on penalties still and has done great since restart.

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

        Me too, and I am looking for a another 5.0 mid to rotate with him

        1. Neeskens Under Matip
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I have him rotating with Soucek...

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

    Really struggling to decide between Bruno and Auba, as it looks like I have no choice but to drop one of them if I want to bring in KDB.

    Auba seems the obvious choice, but it's hard to go without as I know he'll do well this season but I love having Fernandes. Hard to choose between head and heart in these circumstances!

    1. One Man
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Bruno. Auba isn’t worth the extra 1.5m.

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

        Apparently Arsenal have scored 8 goals in their last 4 games, and 7 of them were scored by Aubameyang. I do prefer Bruno, but it is hard to ignore stats like those (not to mention WGTA's Talisman Theory).

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

      Start with bith then switch auba to kdb after week 2

  12. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    La Liga issue Lionel Messi statement confirming £632m release clause is active

    "In relation to the different interpretations (some of them contradictory to each other) published in recent days in different media, related to the contractual situation of the player Lionel Andrés Messi with FC Barcelona, ​​LaLiga wishes to clarify that with regards to the player's contract with his club:

    The contract is currently in force and has a "termination clause" applicable to the event that Lionel Andrés Messi decides to activate the early unilateral termination of the contract, carried out in accordance with article 16 of Royal Decree 1006/1985, of June 26, which regulates the special employment relationship of professional athletes.

    In compliance with the applicable regulations, and following the corresponding procedure in these cases, LaLiga will not carry out the prior visa process for the player to be removed from the federation if they have not previously paid the amount of said clause."

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      So he stays unless Pep does a mad one and actually pays 632M.

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

        I dont see why barca and city cant agree a reasonable fees if messi just declines playing

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

        No one is worth €632M

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

          Surely Euros not pounds

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

        We'll have to wait until 2021, but I doubt he'd come then anyway.

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

      If this happens, half my plans are shot, he'll be over priced & devalue game time of other assets.

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

      I mean, that's to be expected, La Liga don't want to lose him, Messi might have to go to CAS to challenge the date of the clause.

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

        From a legal point of view he hasn't got a leg to stand on imo. Obviously i haven't seen his contract but supposedly the date for him to be released was the 26th of June and that's come and gone. He and his lawyers know this imo. i dont see how the pandemic can be used as a reason. If it can then every single club and every single player in the world can use it as a reason to change terms of their contracts.

        For example, Real Madrid can decide to release Bale from his contract without paying him because of the financial impact of the pandemic on the club, Arsenal the same with Ozil, etc.

        He's having a dummy spit and the discussion on his transfer is getting boring. He might not like it but he's got a contract with Barcelona and if he wants to leave then it's Barcelona's decision.

    4. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Sighhh

    5. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      La Liga won't shoot their golden goose. Lawyers will decide.

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

        Precisely.

    6. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Lionel may as well dust down the golf clubs and join Bale and Phil Hogan in a 3-ball. Better for City and Pep if Messi does not join City.

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

    Hi Guys,

    Funny as this sounds any suggestions for improvement to this team?

    Martinez (Mccarthy)

    TAA Justin Vinagre Taylor (Burnley) Dallas

    Salah Auba Son ASM Ziyech

    Ings Mitrovic (Davis)
    .
    0m in the bank
    Thanks

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

      Pieters has a larger upside & has 90 minutes pre season while Taylor has zero.
      ASM "looks" fun on the pitch, but I reckon you can get better goal involvement over a season from someone else.
      Pereira will be back soon & a transfer looms for the other side.

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

        Thanks for the Pieter insight as I had not previously considered him...However I feel Taylor is more guaranteed starts than Pieters and may offer better attacking returns if fit in addition to the customary Burnley defensive. For ASM I most definitely would swap him out after gameweek 2 when i try to get in KDB or a Manutd asset. I get your point totally as him being "fun" on the pitch doesn't equal monster FPL points.

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

      Looks good overall.

      Can maybe skimp some value by picking one of the keepers and getting a 4.0m as well as doing Taylor > 4.0m.
      That gives you 1m to upgrade Ings > Werner.

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

        Yeah the keeper to 4.0 I most probably would do that...but going without Burnley defence to me would be an aberration, except there is a 4.0 starter burnley defender of which i highly doubt.

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

    The most fun FPL thing for Wolves to do would be to reverse their system so the LWB is the one who's allowed free reign to make constant runs into the box.....and buy Alonso.

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

      Leave Vinagre alone 😀

    2. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Alonso in the Wolves system plus free kicks. May end up higher points than TAA.

    3. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      That would be a dream.

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

      Yes, please!

  15. Cheeto__Bandito
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    A) Ward-Prowse (3-4-3)
    B) Doherty (4-3-3)

    Prefer team structure of A to jump on cheap performing mids, but B may score more over time.

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

      A

  16. InvertedWinger
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Which one would you rather go WITHOUT?
    A) Vardy
    B) Ings
    C) Son

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

      Ings...because i have other two

    2. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      A obviously.

    3. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      A

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

      A) at the moment

    5. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I don't have any of them.

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

      Definitely want Son.

      So between the other two.

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

    Vardy is so under the radar

    1. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Too many questions on Leicester without Chilwell and Ricardo.

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Correct - GB & remember the rush to get him last year?

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

      Agreed, but this is because he's going to be so under supplied. Nothing wrong with his speed/fitness/desire to win though.

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

        Still, best striker last season + great fixtures at start
        For me it is better to get Son and Ziyech insted Kane and Werner and get old good Vardy

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

          We love him at the KP, but I'd feel better if Pereira & Maddison were fit, and we'd signed a better centre back to ensure that we were on the front foot most of the time.
          Mind you, Vardy has an excellent recent record at the Hawthorns - remember that great volley he scored from Mahrez' pass when the ball dropped over his shoulder?

    4. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I just don’t trust Leicester at the moment so I’m willing to wait, I think Rodgers is a bit of a momentum manager and he needs to get them going again.

  18. MysticMac17
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone else here wildcarding GW2? Trying to figure out what the best GW1 team is for that gameweek alone.

    Currently on:
    McCarthy
    VVD Robbo Bellerin Davies Doherty
    Auba Salah Son Soucek
    Kane

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I’m not against it but I’m going to try not to! I would want Werner for the Brighton game though.

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Few are. Looks decent.

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

      just wait until gw3, give your squad a chance, and then (if it is needed) use 2 free transfers. This is a COVID year so keep your WC

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

    Can see a Werner + Ziyech double up being extremely popular this season once we're a few weeks in

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

      One of them is more then fine

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

        Based on..?

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

          I just think that there is no space for double CFC guys at the start....it is too risky. Later, ofc...if they play well

  20. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    This is the team I want. How to plan?

    Mccarthy
    TAA VVD Davies Justin KWP
    KDB Fernandes Rashford Son
    Werner

    4x fodder.

    Really can't find a good solution considering price changes after gw1.

  21. Baps hunter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Koch to Leeds and Ben White to strengthen Brighton. McCarthy to Ryan and time to consider Ayling again?

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

      If I don't gamble on Martinez, I'm going Ryan in the hope that White is as good as he's meant to be.

  22. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    https://www.besoccer.com/new/amp/fifa-revises-rules-on-releasing-players-for-september-international-window-877914?__twitter_impression=true

    This topic hasn't been discussed much but I think a lot of players could miss GW1 & 2 if they have to quarantine after the International Break.

    There's quite a few countries on this list including Spain, France Germany.

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

      Good point - hadn't thought about that. (our "R" rate is going up too - it might be not be so long before we get coronavirus related problems with player availability and even fixtures)

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Martial is the first player I'm worried about with this news. I guess we'll just have to wait for news from clubs.

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

    Anyone else tempted by a TAA/Robbo double up?

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      No

    2. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Too much money. I’m on TAA and VVD and I think that’s enough for me and I can spend the difference on someone else

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

        VVD is only .5 less than Robbo this season. Seems like that’s worth it for me

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

      I've got used to being terrified as a Robbo never-owner so I'm sure I can do so again.

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

      Not with the way Pool are playing

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

        Only thing I would say to this is that I thought Pool looked pretty underwhelming this time last year too

        Very ambivalent towards Pool assets atm

    5. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      At some point, sure. Not sure their start to the season is the ideal time though. Would like a few GWs to see how they're looking defensively too.

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

      Dependant on strategy.

      Wouldn't bother if early WCing, but if looking at it medium to long term and are confident in 12-14 CSs minimum then they are FPL royalty. If you commit to them that's also fewer decisions and transfers

    7. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Tempted by telling up on their defence again tbh

      Sooooo much value there

      The “And anyways, I can just get Trent back in when he hits form” posts are eerily similar to GW17 last season...

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        *tripling

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

        Correct me if I'm wrong, MBP, but even just one Pool clean sheet with the Big 3 is a massive rank booster

        and now combined with Auba-KDB-Sterling-Bruno too

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          It probably would be yeah... they have so many other ways to score points on top of that too

          Something to consider, as wild as it may seem

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

            Indeed, I think Robbo only picked up something like 12-13 CSs last season.

            It's their consistent assisting that is powerful:

            25 between both FBs last season iirc

            1. SAY MY NAME
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              after seeing Salah in the CS (not to say he won't do well of course, but he didn't look fantastic at end of last season either, poor finishing and not quite sparking as he did in the past, while bruno/kdb/sterling were awesome) i'm more tempted to go back to my original plan of double or even triple pool defence as set and forget, then have some fun with kdb/bruno/auba/sterling options in the mid

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

                Just happened to be scrolling back on this, but yes, same here. Pool looked sluggish throughout, but:

                TAA VVD Robb
                Auba KDB Bruno (Sterling)
                as a base for longevitiy and to prevent over tinkering sounds appealing

                1. SAY MY NAME
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  indeed - plus i think my captain will be auba gw1, bruno or auba gw2, maybe kdb gw3, so i don't necessarily 'need' Salah - i may just double on Pool defence though to start, but i do like just sticking the triple in there with an 80% chance i guess of average 180-200 points each for the season, they seem to have the highest chance of 'doing what it says on the tin' in terms of premium defenders

        2. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I still havent seen a convincing argument as to the benefits of having Pool attackers over a triple pool defence.

          Exactly as you said, in the premium midfield area there is now more choice; Bruno, KDB, Sterling and Auba. All of these players are 200+ players, same as Salah and Mane and all the same price or cheaper then them.

          The best value strategy would be going triple pool defence, and then whatever heavy hitters after that you can afford. (Me most likely, KDB and Bruno for captain rotation).

          This is long term planning/strategy though. As really you need those back 3 all season to truly benefit from their points.

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

      I’m pretty committed to it

    9. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Yes, but in GW4.

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

    Re-post

    Which is better? I really want Kane though but that may not be the best thing. Son plays LWB lol

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

    McCarthy Steer
    Trent Lamptey KWP Vinagre C.Taylor
    Salah Auba ASM Son Soúcek
    Ings Werner Brewster

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      B)etter

    2. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      B

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

        Thanks both

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

      Happy with double Saints defence either way?

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

        I dont see problem there

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

          Because you also have it? I personally wouldn't wanna double up on anyone apart from Liverpool.

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

            Fair enough, but who else could I get for 4.5?

            Justin is a terrible option imo and I see no one else.. also KWP I guess has decent attacking potential

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

            Yes i have it. I dont have Justin and other chepa players. I think that McC and KWP could work....or i ll just get Ryan

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

    Harry Kane Top 100 on Sky

    What a scenario:

    WHL
    Trippier/Walker/Rose
    Eriksen
    Dembele/Wanyama
    Toby
    Alli/Eriksen/Son
    Poch

    Those days have long gone

    1. Surfeit of Lampteys
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      You forgot 'No trophies'

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

        Across 15-17 I'm sure they were by far and away the best team overall in the Prem

        1. Surfeit of Lampteys
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Just a shame there's no trophy for that.

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

            Obviously

            From an FPL perspective there weren't enough slots

  26. cigan
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    how about this

    McCarthy Ryan
    Trent Vinagre Justin Pieters Mitchell
    Auba Mane Son Saka Soucek
    Werner Ings Davis

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

      Maybe taylor for pieters. Good luck.

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      There’s a lot of punts in that defence.

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

    Guys - too dull or acceptable? Thanks.

    McCarthy (4.0)
    TAA Saiss KWP (4.5 4.0)
    Salah Auba Son Soucek Saka
    Mitro Jimi (Wood)

    1.5m ITB for Son —> Bruno

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

      i d invest that money now. maybe jimmy to werner ?

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

        Thanks. Salah for Bruno always an option too.

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

        Agree with this. Son/Werner + 0.5 beats Jimi/Bruno for me.

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

          Cheers thanks

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

    hows this draft?
    1.5 itb to do son to bruno gw 2

    mccarthy
    taa, doherty, vinagre
    salah, auba, son, asm, soucek
    adams, werner

    subs- nyland, justin, johnson, davis

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

      Think adams could be a great pick if he can get the minutes. Not a fan of ASM personally but good luck anyways

  29. Collie01
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    For me, the Southampton defensive double up looks feasible.

    McCarthy and KWP are a combined 9mil. Their first 8 fixtures include:
    Palace
    Burnley
    WBA
    Everton
    Villa
    Newcastle
    as well as tougher fixtures of Spurs and Chelsea.

    Southampton had great form post lockdown and seem to be improving all the time. I can see them keeping possibly 4 CS in their first 8. I don't see any other 4.5 (bar Vinagre) with that CS potential. Bertrand instead of KWP is one I'd be interested in but I probably can't spare the 0.5 extra.

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah, totally feasible. I think I’ll have a midfielder as well though and want to leave the door open for Adams if he starts with a bang.

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

      Yeap...as i have written top, i dont prefere doubling, but for that money- ill try. And i can always get Ryan (KWP is nailed so far for me)

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

    How long would you keep your players if they have blanks and no clean sheets

    1 ) 12 M probably your captain
    2) 8 M
    3) 5 M one of your set and forget