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. I am 42
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    A) Werner Soucek 352
    B) Ings Mitro 343

    1. I am 42
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      My apologies terrible top of the page posting

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

      A

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

      A

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

      B but I really like Werner.

    5. I am 42
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks all, currently on A too.

      But there are more playing 4.5m Mid than For, in case I need that 2-3 points off the bench.

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

        I don't like Soucek for his fixtures.

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

          Ritchie over Soucek for mine.

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

            Agree.

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

        There are playing 4.5 mids?

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

      B.

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

    Does anyone know what happens with Internationals and quarantining?

    This could be a complete mess with a bunch of folks needing to quarantine after the internationals and forced to miss GW 1 and 2. Could ruin a lot of things.

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

      UEFA has allowed clubs to not allow players to play for their national teams, as all players will face a two-week quarantine

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

      National institutions for football can make an exception for footballers. Knvb (dutch) has just done this for the Nations League two days ago. I can imagine the FA or responsible one in England will do the same, since the matches/testing/traveling all is well monitored and you don't want to either not work with full national squads or full team squads.

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

        England are lucky. Both the teams they face are in the safe travel corridor and don't require self isolation.

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

      It is frankly BS !!
      No need of that. Unnecessary !!

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

    Is son + kane too much?
    Their fixtures are just so good till gw 7-8

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

      yes...1 def and Kane or Sone is more the enough

    2. Sensible Shocker
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I don't think so. But at 19.5 for the two, there is major competition.

      I support Spurs. We don't know what team will turn up this season yet, but i'm modestly hopeful.

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

      I don't think it's too much. But it is a bit risky if they don't start off firing.

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

      Not to much with those fixtures. Spurs won’t hit another set of fixtures as favourable all season.

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

    Best 5.5 Mid:
    A. Armstrong
    B. Saka
    C. ASM
    D. Klich/Harrison

    1. I am 42
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      assuming all similar game time, I like B.

      Reality I rate A C B D

    2. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      A

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

      5.0 defenders >>> 5.5 mids

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

      What is th sudden case for Armstrong? Dont remember that much hype last season compared to for example ASM and even Saka.

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

    VDB and Sancho will be done before GW1

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

    Aurier and Doherty

    137 crosses in 33 games vs 45 crosses in 36 games.

    Bit surprising since Doherty was a WB. Mou's asymmetrical fullback system at work? Not sure about his goal threat, but do we expect Doherty's creative output to increase at Spurs? Especially if Davies is instructed to stay deeper like he has been?

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

        Nice one.

  7. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Now that Doherty is off to Spurs, who's next in the pecking order to take his place at Wolves?

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

      Traore

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

      Maitland Niles

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

    Been tinkering non stop and now feeling fairly happy with this, so long as Messi stays in Barcelona

    1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Great team.........not sure about Mitro a capt

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

      McCarthy (Martin)

      VVD Vinagre Egan (Walker Peters) Taylor

      Salah Auba Son Soucek (Stephens)

      Mitro Werner Ings

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

      Prospect of Messi to City scares me both in for FPL and real-life.

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

        Barca won their case with La Liga . . nobody is paying Messi's out clause.

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

    Fun trivia about Ziyech: Ajax bought him after pressure from their followers, they weren't really keen on him because they didn't need him they thought. Within a year he probably was their best player. Also, Van Basten's dislike to him (in Ziyechs early years they worked together at Heerenveen) probably caused why he chose for Morocco rather than the Netherlands. He didn't feel wanted and Van Basten didn't talk to him after he got injured in training with the dutch squad.

    Only thing you can make out of it he's a proud guy, he excelled in the big games and he really has improved a lot on his defensive duties/workrate the last years. Let's hope he isn't injured too long so he can stay in my team

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

    For many of us Son is a place holder (more like a 1 week punt) for an United attacker. Should we be looking at the likes of Pepe and Willian for the easier fixture?

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

      No guarantees they start though

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

        True

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

      Son should not be a placeholder. He has outstanding fixtures for 8 weeks and is clearly underpriced relative to his PPG and attacking potential.

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

        This is true but it is basically impossible to have a balanced team around KDB, Salah, Son and Bruno

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

          Yeah you have to sack one. And I've decided it should be Salah because he's so expensive and the first 3 fixtures aren't great.

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

        Nothing wrong with having a placeholder with the potential to be in your team for a longer time if he does well. I am probably replacing him with Bruno but I will be flexible and nothing is set in stone. I could remove salah or Werner instead if they underperform. And if they all do well it's not like Bruno is essential

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

          That's not a placeholder then. That's just a pick which is good and well. I just really don't like the Son + 1.5m ITB for Bruno strategy.

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

            He is if he looks crap again with Kane in the team

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

              Well yeah... I mean in two games if he's shunted out wide and does nothing he'll leave my team too.

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

          Yeah I'm probably keeping Son and 1.5m in the bank

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

      Good question. For me Son is a placeholder for Chelsea mid/Pulisic, if he starts firing...otherwise might keep Son.

  11. Manani
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    soucek+dier
    vs
    armstrong+justin/kwp

    which one?

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

    This is where I'm at for GW1

    McCarthy, (Nyland)
    TAA, Doherty, Vinagre, (Justin, Mitchell)
    Auba(c) Salah Son Saka Soucek
    Vardy Carroll (Mitro)

    GW2 Salah to Bruno(c)
    GW3 Vardy to Aguero

    Any thoughts?

  13. yanky
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    soucek or saint max?

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

      ASM

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

      Easy Soucek - IMO

      More likely to play for starters.

      1. 1569Tippins
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        ASM is nailed on as you can get

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

      Soucek

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

      Armstrong

  14. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Landed on sth like this atm.

    Thoughts on this draft?

    1. LewanGOALski
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Oooops...

      McCarthy - Nyland
      TAA - Justin - Vinagre - C.Taylor - Douglas
      Salah - Auba - Son - Soucek - 4.5
      Werner - Ings - Mitrovic

      - Ings will become Martial sooner or later.
      - C.Taylor is already there as I want a BUR defender, I just won’t use him in GW1.

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

        Very close to mine...I’ve got Dier, Mitchell, Armstrong, Brewster (vs. Taylor, Douglas, 4.5, Mitrovic). Supposing Brewster goes on loan... Steer nailed before Nyland?

      2. Sid1891
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Similar to mine
        Have Dier and Saka instead
        Reading here Mitrovic was absent and I liked feedback on Saka therefore 352
        Rest exactly same

        Can’t say if this is a good team otherwise will be complementing mine
        However key will be route to KDB and United assets

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

      How do you cope with Manchesters from GW2?

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

    Doherty probably not worth 1m over Davies or other 5.0 Spurs?

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

      wait and see, but probably will be worth it if in the same positions as Aurier

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

    Son is the most overrated player in the game

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

      Yup, hugging that chalk

    2. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Firmino is by a mile.

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

        no one rates him in fpl terms

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

        Firmino is probably Pool's most important player with VVD and Henderson.

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

          Parrot opinion that's outdated

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

          Yes but not in FPL.

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

      Wooooow . . .

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

      I respectfully disagree. I think he's one of the most underpriced.

      He went as high as 9.8m last season and people still picked him up. He's consistently scored very well PPG wise, he's explosive and can get double digit returns. He takes some set pieces. At 9.0m, he's 3m less than the likes of Auba and Salah. He's super nailed on.

      Even when he was supposedly useless out on the left since restart, he managed 2 goals, 4 assists.

      And now, since the fixtures are out, we can see he has amazing first 8 fixtures with just one tough game in mun in GW4. I want at least one Spurs attacker, and he seems the most flexible one to pick up.

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

        Yep. His flexibility is a big plus too: 0.5 more to Rashford, or drop to a Pulisic/Ziyech/Havertz.

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

        He will quickly be shipped to players like Rashford or Bruno. 0.41 xG+xA post restart for Son shows he was pushed out wide and much less effective, compared to Kane who had 0.73 post restart, the much better pick.

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

          0.41 still is pretty impressive compared to other players though.

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

            the likes of maddison, laca, traore, Barnes all outperformed that though. Players that no one is calling underpriced or even thinking of.

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

              Much smaller sample size though. Those guys didn't play every game post restart.

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

                True, but still played a fair few games, Almiron and Ings are two who played similar minutes to Son and outperformed him on xgxa

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

              You just named 4 trash picks

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

                Exactly, thats the point of my comment? Those trash picks outperformed Son on xgxga

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

                  You realize the game is about points? xG and xA have to be considered along with the quality of the player because they don't take that into account. No point in Barnes having high xG when he shoots straight at the keeper and is benched every other game.

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

                    Luckily it's not just Barnes who outperformed Son. But by all means stick with your agenda and disregard stats!

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

                      Everyone knows Traore is a very poor finisher. Very good assister though. Laca is far from nailed. Maddison became completely useless from an FPL point of view mid-way through the season until the end.

                      Compare Son's stats with Kane all you want. You'll hear no argument from me that Kane definitively performed better in the restart. But comparing these trash picks' stats with Son is pointless. They won't play to their stats.

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

                        Handily missed out Ings?

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

                        Lol where has he mentioned Ings? The comment I was replying to, he had mentioned Maddison, Traore, Laca, and Barnes. That was all I was replying to. Ings was one of the most clinical finishers in the league last season and hence outperformed his xG. It's completely understandable if one wants to pick Ings over Son.

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

                Try understanding the context?

          2. Flaming Flamingo
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Also Son is one of, if not the, best finishers in the league

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

      Are you dissing Son?
      I'll see you after the game....

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

        Son is correctly priced imo.

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

      You spelt ‘Bruno Fernandes’ wrong

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

        He's most feared by non owners.
        Hence they keep crying about his scoring ways 😉

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

          Hey, if you think United have somehow found a new and novel way of playing which means that they’re going to sustain > 10 penalties a season where no other team in history have been able to, then that’s your lookout.

          Also - being overrated doesn’t mean he’s not good. I think he’s a good footballer, I just think people have got carried away with his overperformance last season and are now saying he’s going to score 250 points this season, bracketing him with Salah, KDB, Sterling etc.

          That’s the definition of overrated to me. He might score 250 points this season, but it’ll take a hell of a lot more positive variance for him to do so than any of the three aforementioned players.

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

            You're looking at him in "pens" view i guess.

            Every United attack flows through him mate.
            He Will have a huge involvement in most of goals whenever he's on the pitch.

            United haven't found a new way we all know to why they get lots of Pens. Fast dribblers makes Defenders go crazy and commit mistakes unnecessarily.

            Not being rude. Just saying that he's engine of Man United 🙂

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

              Not being rude either mate - different views are what this game is about!

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

                Aye 🙂

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

      Am only considering if I see him playing more centrally. Bit like Rashford, really.

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

    Jimenez and Vinagre +0.5m
    or
    TAA and Mitro

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

      It's hard to see how not having TAA will pay off over the season?

      Surely Vinagre is in your back 5 anyway?

  18. 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.

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

    Nice and easy one here: a 4.5 def (such as Justin or Taylor rn) and a 4.5 mid (Bissouma), or a 4.0 def (Mitchell, Ferguson) and a 5.0 mid (Soucek, Ritchie, any suggestions)?

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

      KWP, Gordon?

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

        Got McCarthy

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

    What are you doing with salah?

    A) plan to keep him long term
    B) sell after gw 1
    C) not owning him from start

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

      Sell after GW1, even if he smashes in a hattrick.

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Easier said than done when the price could be rising .2 and then you can't get him back

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

            I'll consider it job done at that stage though.

            He'll have peaked....

            If the Manchester clubs weren't blanking in GW1, I'd have built without him at the prices - so I'll stick to that plan....

            It'll be one of those 'good problems' if he does score a hattrick 🙂

      2. Sargasso C
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Not owning. He doesn't look right to me and thats alot of money.

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

        C

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

        C at the moment

      5. Gazza2000
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        A but could be B after the Leeds game, we will see.

      6. European Bob
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        C

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

        He or Auba move to KdB . . .

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

      Ryan (Button)
      TAA, Robbo, Dier (KWP, Mitchell)
      Soucek, Son, Auba, Pereria (Greenwood)
      Ings, Werner, Mitro

      I think this gives me reasonable flexibility...

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

      Lads, any suggestion?

      Lloris
      TAA, Saiss, KWP, Lascelles / Mitchell
      Salah, Aubameyang, Armstrong, Soucek / Bruno
      Werner, Mitrovic/ Davis

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

        Great team. Maybe Vinagre over Saiss will be better because you save money but it's still great.

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

          Thank you so very much, mate!

    4. Sargasso C
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Nearly every team I see has Salah in it. I've watched him pre season and he doesn't look right to me...going to fade him.

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

        I see quite a few that don't have him. I don't have him.

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

          Who’s your captain on GW1? Auba?

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

            Yep.

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

        I don't have him. I don't like the way he is playing after restart.

      3. In FPHell
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Who would you have as that second premium mid? Or would you plan to bench KdB/ Bruno?

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

        Rather have Mané, if I go for a LFC premium midfielder.
        Considering going without even.

      5. KujaliaFC
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I had Salah in my squad, but swapped him out for Mane after watching the Charity Shield.

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

      Who do you think will score more in gw2 between Auba and Bruno?

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

        Bruno.

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

        In a one off game anything can happen. In the long run I would expect Auba to destroy Bruno.

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

          I think they'll be kind of close actually. Bruno was on for 320 points at his rate of production. Even if he regresses to 70% of that, he'd be getting 240 points which is more than what Auba would have got last season as a mid.

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

            Sorry, I meant if you replayed GW2 over and over to get a significant sample. Not based on the entire season.

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

            Can United keep getting penalties week in / week out? Some of the decision making tail end of last year was ridiculous.

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

        Auba (at home)

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

        I would say Bruno vs Palace, but it wouldn't surprise me if Auba gets 2 goals from nowhere, and Bruno has MOTM performance but to assist to the assister.

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

      How's this for flexibility?

      4.5 • 4.0
      6.0 • 4.5 • 4.5 • 4.5 • 4.0
      12.0 • 12.0 • 7.5 • 5.0 • 4.5
      9.5 • 9.0 • 8.5

      It would allow me Martial + Bruno/Greenwood in GW2 using a FT.

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

        Defence might be a bit weak?

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

          True, I'd like another 0.5m to spend there, ideally. Once I bring in KdB, I should be able to do that.

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

        No TAA? Interesting

        Looks flexible enough

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

          Am considering Digne for the first 4 gameweeks.

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

        You could use names.... We alrdy know the sqaud 😀

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

          I suspect you don't 🙂

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

            McCarhy (mby Ryan)/ any 4
            Doherty, Vinagre, KWP, Justin/ Douglas
            Salah, Auba, Greenwood, Souchek / Stephens (for example)
            Werner, Matrial, Ings

            Am i close? 🙂

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

              10/15 🙂

              Digne
              CTaylor
              Neko Williams (might become Mitchell)
              Bergwijn
              Bissouma

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

                Wooow....dont do that, its better to have MU player on the bench insted of these guys

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

                  Eh? I have Martial on the bench. I could get Greenwood too, but would prefer a punt on a 7-8m mid.

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

          Plus people get hung up on names, whether they're good or bad picks without considering their price point.

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

            No TAA is a no from me. Unless he's ruled out, he'll be in my team GW1.

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

              no pre-season for him. Will see whether he features for England and judge his fitness then.

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

        Decent.
        Flexibility is overrated here tbh.
        You can do anything with a hit or two if things change dramatically

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

          Actually, I don't like that expensive front line. Adams Mitro Wood
          We're bound to get at least one cheap attacker along the way.

          Just my two cents 🙂

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

            Problem with a cheap front line is that I'd rather VVD or Robertson to any of those you mention.

            Happy to start with Werner, Martial and Ings then jump on the cheaper striker when they stand out.

            Thanks for your input, always welcome 🙂

      5. European Bob
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Who's the 7.5 mid and 9m striker what're not Greenwood and martial?

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

          Bergwijn/Mount as a one week punt plus Martial.

    7. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Ziyech's injuries in the last two seasons:

      Calf Injury - Feb 16, 2020 - 3 days
      Calf Injury - Jan 19, 2020 - 23 days
      Thigh Problems - Sep 23, 2019 - 4 days
      Calf Problems - Mar 18, 2019 - 10 days
      Calf Problems - Mar 12, 2019 - 3 days
      Torn Collateral Ligament - Nov 17, 2018 - 20 days
      Hamstring Injury - Oct 7, 2018 - 12 days

      He's going to be best friends with the physio and Pulisic then...

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

        That baby cow needs putting down

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          😆

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

        CHO liked this comment

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

        Andy Carroll says hold my beer !

        1. 1569Tippins
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          haha

      4. FPL Theorist
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        This actually seems pretty average. Is it supposed to be worse than average?

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          It's above average, for sure.

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

            In a soft League too 😉

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

          I'd agree. it's maybe a tad above average if at all but the persistent calf injuries look like a concern.
          In a squad like the one Chelsea have put together, a 2 week injury could be a while till he's starting again.

    8. P.Aimar
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      When is Leeds United having their preseason friendlies?

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

        No need for that, Bielsa is piling up the material on the opposition.

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

      "FPL Draft: Rodriguez could be this season’s Ings"

      All due respect, but this is never ever happening, right?

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

        I dont think so....but i didnt think about Ings, to be honest

      2. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Not today, thank you!

    10. yanky
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      a) son carroll
      b) alli mitrovic

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

        A

        Carroll to score against his previous club in GW1 then make Brighton look like a Championship side.

        He'll probably be injured by GW3

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

      McCarthy (Button)
      TAA Davies Vinagre KWP (Justin)
      Salah Auba Son Soucek (Greenwood)
      Werner Mitrovic (Wickham)
      Fine for first few weeks or any ideas?

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

        Dier insted Davies (0.5 itb)

        1. yanky
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          arent they the same price?