Scout Notes

Adams and Ings star in big Southampton win as £4.0m defender plot thickens

Fantasy Premier League managers got a first look at Southampton assets in the latest round of pre-season friendlies.

With the Saints favourable fixtures at the start of 2020/21, there is great interest in options at both ends of the field – so we have run the rule over Saturday’s big win over Swansea.

Elsewhere, the £4.0m defender hunt continues to rumble on in rather uninspiring form and the key men at Leicester are becoming more clear.

SOUTHAMPTON 7-1 SWANSEA

  • Goals: Che Adams (£6.0m), Nathan Redmond (£6.5m), Danny Ings x2 (£8.5m), James Ward-Prowse x2 (£6.0m), Ryan Bertrand (£5.0m)
  • Assists: Bertrand x2, Adams, Stuart Armstrong (£5.5m), Redmond x2, Ings.

Danny Ings (£8.5m) and his Southampton colleagues showed they mean business in 2020/21 as they scored seven times in a pre-season win over Swansea on Saturday.

Played across four 30-minute quarters, the first two of these sessions was staffed with what looked much more like the preferred first-choice XI ahead of Gameweek 1, and they were responsible for all the goals during the first hour of a two-hour meeting. This line-up featured Ings and Che Adams (£6.0m) in the front-two of a 4-4-2 formation, which bodes well for the latter’s inclusion in 2020/21.

While we are often urged to take friendly results such as this with a pinch of salt, to find the net so often against Championship opposition should not necessarily be scoffed at.

With some Fantasy managers wondering whether or not Ings can match the value he offered last season, in light of his price hike, it was encouraging to see so many Southampton attackers getting in on the action against the Swans.

Comparisons between the former Burnley forward and Adams have already been made this summer, especially with the latter outscoring him in the last three Gameweeks of 2019/20.

Interestingly, the cheaper of the two men was as heavily involved on Saturday compared to any other Saint. It took Adams just six minutes to get on the scoresheet at St Mary’s converting a Ryan Bertrand (£5.0m) cross from close range.

He went close to netting a second a few minutes later, crashing a volley just wide of the post after a nice one-two with Ings.

Adams then helped Southampton into a two-goal lead as his efforts to find some space in the box resulted in the ball reaching Nathan Redmond (£6.5m), who made no mistake with his powerful effort.

Despite Adams’ contributions, Ings still left the big win with more pre-season attacking returns than his striking partner, combining an assist with two goals, one from the spot.

However, the fact that he took the penalty after Stuart Armstrong (£5.5m) was felled in the box is not necessarily as much of an advantage over Adams as it might seem on first look.

That’s because later in the same match, James Ward-Prowse (£6.0m) took a penalty of his own following a foul on Redmond. It is, of course, early days but, while Ings may take more spot-kicks than Adams this season, Ward-Prowse’s role in the pecking order may shrink the gap.

As Fantasy managers consider how best to invest in the Southampton defence this season, this 7-1 win gave an early indication of what could be on offer in the full-back areas.

Can Adams deliver on Project Restart promise and match Ings' for FPL value?

While Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.5m) had a relatively quiet afternoon, the £0.5m more expensive asset in Bertrand was heavily involved in what Southampton were doing going forward.

As we always say with these pre-season matches, it is early days and the opposition was obviously not Premier League level, but it is worth making ourselves aware of any particular disparity between two players.

Contributing an assist and two goals against Swansea, his runs on the overlap beyond Armstrong seemed to restrict the Scottish international’s involvement too, also worth knowing for anyone shopping in the £5.5m midfielder bracket.

By contrast, with Walker-Peters sitting a little deeper, it allowed right midfielder Redmond to score and assist in open play, as well as earning a penalty.

Jack Stephens (£5.0m) and Jan Bednarek (£4.5m) were the centre-backs in Ralph Hasenhüttl’s first team of the afternoon, with Jannik Vestergaard (£4.5m) and Christoph Klarer used in the final two quarters. However, the absence of new signing Mohammed Salisu (£4.5m) from the matchday squad makes it hard to know what chances he has of starting in Gameweek 1, or some insight into who might make way for the highly-rated centre-back.

First two quarters Southampton XI (4-4-2): McCarthy; Bertrand, J Stephens, Bednarek, Walker-Peters; Armstrong, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Redmond; Ings, Adams.

Second two quarters Southampton XI (4-4-2): Forster; Vokins, Klarer, Vestergaard, Valery; Djenepo, Smallbone, Slattery (Jankewitz 90′), Boufal; Obafemi, S Long.

CRYSTAL PALACE 3-0 CHARLTON

  • Goals: Jordan Ayew x2 (£6.0m), Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m)
  • Assists: Zaha, Andros Townsend (£6.0m), Jeffrey Schlupp (£5.5m)

There were more pre-season minutes for Tyrick Mitchell (£4.0m) as Crystal Palace waltzed to a 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic.

The left-back played 64 minutes, bringing his total time played during the summer to 134 minutes over two matches. That’s the longest anyone has spent on the left-side of defence for Palace thus far, but is it enough to guarantee a Gameweek 1 start? Not quite yet.

Mitchell was first called into action at left-back in the 2-1 win over Oxford United, emerging as a 20th-minute substitute for the injured James McCarthy (£4.5m). With Patrick van Aanholt (£5.5m) still on the sidelines, the versatile Jairo Riedewald (£4.5m) was the man who initially started at left-back but moved into central midfield when Mitchell took to the pitch.

With Luka Milivojevic (£6.0m) still not involved in pre-season games and Cheikhou Kouyaté (£5.0m) filling in for the injured Gary Cahill (£4.5m), James Tomkins (£4.5m) and Mamadou Sakho (£4.5m), Roy Hodgson is quite short-staffed in central midfield right now.

It means that anyone returning from injury at centre-back could push Kouyaté back into midfield, while Milivojevic returning to the fold would also boost options there too and reduce the chances of Riedewald being used there.

The knock-on effect of such a chain of events could be that Riedewald moves back into defence and pushes Mitchell back out of the team. Fantasy managers will have to keep an eye out for this in Palace’s last two friendlies of the summer, against Millwall and Brondby IF.

As the hunt for form players in cheaper brackets goes on, Jordan Ayew (£6.0m) threw his name in the hat on Saturday afternoon, with two quickfire goals against Charlton, and a goalpost away from a hat-trick.

Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m) also impressed deployed out-of-position. The FPL midfielder has now played over a game and a half up-front in a 4-4-2 formation, which bodes well for the new campaign. Started in midfield against Oxford, Zaha was moved forward in the second half and subsequently found the net, while his goal and assist against Charlton came from a 90-minute stint as a striker.

Andros Townsend (£6.0m) has been a consistent presence on the flanks of midfield during pre-season for Crystal Palace so far. While Zaha has been involved the most (180 minutes), Townsend’s 159 minutes across two matches is the second-most of any Eagle this summer. Scoring in the first friendly and assist in the second, the former Spurs man went close to finding the net against Charlton too with a spectacular overhead kick.

Fantasy managers also got a chance to have a first look at new signing Eberechi Eze (£6.0m) in a Crystal Palace shirt, who was deployed on the left-hand side of midfield, where he registered most of his goals and assists in the Championship last season.

By all accounts, the former QPR man was impressive, linking up well with Zaha and Townsend in particular, adding some much-needed pace and guile into the Eagles’ attack.

Vicente Guaita (£5.0m) has still not been involved in pre-season for Palace, but Hodgson is yet to show any specific favour for his other goalkeeper options. Stephen Henderson and Wayne Hennessey (£4.5m) have both played 90 minutes each in the Spaniard’s absence so far.

Crystal Palace XI (4-4-2): Hennessey; Mitchell (Kelly 64′), Dann (Inniss 78′), Kouyaté (Woods 78′), J Ward (Kirby 64′); Eze (Schlupp 46′), McArthur (M Boateng 78′), Riedewald (Jach 78′), Townsend (Pierrick 78′); Zaha, Ayew (Gordon 83′).

WEST HAM 2-1 BRENTFORD

  • Goals: Andriy Yarmolenko (£6.0m), Tomas Soucek (£5.0m).
  • Assists: Pablo Fornals (£6.5m), Michail Antonio (£6.5m).

David Moyes appears to be readying Sebastien Haller (£6.5m) for a return to centre-forward duties at West Ham this season.

After scoring a hat-trick in a 90-minute outing against Ipswich last time out, the Frenchman started in the place of Michail Antonio (£6.5m) on Saturday.

However, Project Restart’s form man will not go away quietly. He came on for Haller at half-time, providing the assist for the Hammers’ winning goal.

However, anyone still interested in Antonio may want to keep their ears to the ground for a fitness update in the coming days. He lasted just 29 minutes against Brentford, forced off with a bang to the hip.

Also of note from a Fantasy perspective was another pre-season goal for Tomas Soucek (£5.0m). Interest in the budget midfielder tanked upon the release of West Ham’s fixtures but he now has two goals in as many friendly appearances ahead of a Gameweek 1 meeting with Newcastle, who typically struggle to defend against aerial threats. You can read more about Soucek here.

The hunt for a £4.0m defender continues to wind on without too much joy for Fantasy managers as Ryan Fredericks (£4.5m) returned to the West Ham side on Saturday.

His start at right-back meant Ben Johnson (£4.0m) was treated to just 32 minutes against Brentford. The cheaper of the two options has more pre-season minutes thus far, but there are still two more friendlies for West Ham to play. Keeping an eye on how often Fredericks is involved at Johnson’s expense (or vice versa) is an essential task for Fantasy managers ahead of Gameweek 1.

West Ham United XI (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Cresswell (Masuaku 46′), Ogbonna, Balbuena, Fredericks (B Johnson 58′); Noble (Cullen 46′), Wilshere (Soucek 46′); Yarmolenko (Anderson 46′), Fornals (Lanzini 46′), Diangana (Bowen 46′); Haller (Antonio 46′ | Coventry 74′).

LEICESTER 0-0 SHEFF WEDS

  • Goals: None
  • Assists: None

James Justin (£4.5m) already appears to be the most cost-efficient, and safest route into Leicester’s defence ahead of the new season.

After two of their three friendly matches, the versatile full-back has played more minutes than any other Fox (150).

Capable of playing on the left or right-hand side of defence, the departure of Ben Chilwell (£5.5m) combined with Ricardo Pereira‘s (£6.0m) continued absence and Christian Fuchs‘ (£4.5m) injury all mean Justin is very likely to feature from the beginning when Leicester visit West Bromwich Albion in Gameweek 1.

Luke Thomas (£4.5m) remains an option at left-back, registering his first game-time of pre-season in the 0-0 draw with Sheffield Wednesday, although feels less assured of a start when at the Hawthorns next month.

It will be interesting to see who Brendan Rodgers will pair with Çaglar Söyüncü (£5.5m) at centre-back in the event that his defensive crisis does not ease by September 13.

Jonny Evans (£5.5m) will miss the first three matches of 2020/21 through suspension while Wes Morgan (£4.5m) was added to the injury list against Sheffield Wednesday, withdrawn with a tight hamstring.

Based on Leicester’s two pre-season matches so far, Filip Benković (£4.5m) and Darnell Johnson look the two-most likely to deputise for Evans and Morgan, having played 73 and 61 minutes each so far.

Anyone looking for nailed-on Leicester attackers cheaper than Jamie Vardy (£10.0m) might be pleased to know how heavily involved Harvey Barnes (£7.0m) has been during pre-season. Like Justin, he has started both games and with 140 minutes to his name so far, only the defender has been utilised more by Rodgers.

Leicester City XI (4-3-3): Schmeichel (D Ward 46′); L Thomas (Daley-Campbell 62′), Söyüncü (Knight 80′), Morgan (D Johnson 31′ | Benković 62′)), Justin; Tielemans (Dewsbury-Hall 80′), N Mendy (Choudhury 62′), Praet (Tavares 46′); Barnes (Eppiah 80′), Vardy (Iheanacho 46′), Albrighton (Gray 62′).

BURNLEY 3-0 TRANMERE

  • Goals: Matej Vydra (£5.0m), Bobby Thomas, Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£5.5m)
  • Assists: Erik Pieters x2 (£4.5m), Jimmy Dunne

Sean Dyche split his squad across two matches on Saturday afternoon, which made for a high concentration of youth players.

Erik Pieters (£4.5m) was the standout performer from the win over Tranmere as he registered two assists playing at left-back.

Meanwhile, Matej Vydra (£5.0m) and Jay Rodriguez (£6.0m) led the line in this one, each one surely hoping of nailing down a spot in the front-two with Ashley Barnes (£6.0m) still missing.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson‘s (£5.5m) hopes of getting back to his best in 2020/21 started here too. He took the corners and managed to get on the scoresheet against Tranmere, although Dyche continues to manage his minutes, Chris Conn-Clarke replacing him in the 78th minute.

Burnley XI (4-4-2): Peacock-Farrell; Pieters, Thomas, Dunne, Bardsley; Brady, Benson, Brownhill, Gudmundsson (Conn-Clarke 78′); Vydra, Rodriguez.

BURNLEY 1-2 SHREWSBURY

  • Goals: Chris Wood (£6.5m)
  • Assists: Max Thompson

Ben Mee (£5.0m), Kevin Long (£4.5m) and Ben Gibson (£4.0m) were three of the five senior absences from Burnley’s two opening games of pre-season paving the way for a makeshift back-four against Shrewsbury.

Dyche was forced to pair James Tarkowski (£5.0m) with left-back Charlie Taylor (£4.5m) and deploy Anthony Glennon in the former Leeds’ defenders usual position. 

Such a set-up did not start the game well as the League One opponents managed to score twice in the opening 12 minutes.

While Taylor is unlikely to play at centre-back this season, it is worth noting that Dyche is prepared to use him there. The budget defender also managed to go close to scoring a header in this game, nearly converting a Dwight McNeil (£6.0m) free-kick but sending his effort just wide.

Chris Wood (£6.5m) kept up his penalty-taking practice in this one, converting a second-half spot-kick earned from a foul on Max Thompson.

Burnley XI (4-4-2): Pope (Jensen 46′); Glennon, C Taylor, Tarkowski, Lowton (Elva-Fountaine 75′); Tucker (Trialist 46′), Westwood, Goodridge, McNeil; Wood, Thompson (Mumbongo 46′).

FULHAM 2-2 MK DONS

  • Goals: Aboubakar Kamara (£5.0m), Tom Cairney (£5.5m)
  • Assists: Tyrese Francois, Ivan Cavaleiro (£5.5m)

Scott Parker used two different teams in Fulham’s 2-2 draw with MK Dons on Saturday, their first outing of pre-season.

Aleksandar Mitrovic (£6.0m) was among the five senior players not involved in this one, with Aboubakar Kamara (£5.0m) and Tom Cairney (£5.5m) looked to for the goals.

New signing Antonee Robinson (£4.5m) got 45 minutes at left-back while Denis Odoi (not yet priced) played half the game in defence, and could be set for an FPL price in the coming days.

First-half Fulham XI (3-4-3): Rodák; Le Marchand, Hector, Odoi; Bryan, Johansen, Jasper, S Sessegnon; Kebano, Decordova-Reid, Knockaert.

Second-half Fulham XI (4-2-3-1): Bettinelli; A Robinson, Ream, Mawson, Christie; Francois, Cairney; Cavaleiro, Carvalho, Onomah; Kamara.

WEST BROM 0-1 NOTTM FOREST

  • Goals: None.
  • Assists: None.

Apart from three players, the entire West Bromwich Albion squad were used in their opening pre-season friendly on Saturday, although the result was far from promising.

Forward Kenneth Zohore (£5.0m), left-back Conor Townsend (£4.5m) and midfielder Oliver Burke (£4.5m) were the only senior players not involved as Slave Bilic used two mostly different XIs between each half.

Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone (£4.5m) was the only one who played 90 minutes.

In a largely uneventful game, mostly organised to give the whole squad some match fitness, there were very few Fantasy takeaways. Managers will have to wait until the Baggies arrange some more games to find out more about Bilic’s plans for the season.

First-half West Bromwich Albion XI (4-2-3-1): Johnstone; Gibbs, Bartley, Peltier, Furlong; Livermore, Field; Edwards, Tulloch, M Phillips; Robson-Kanu.

Second-half West Bromwich Albion XI (3-4-1-2): Johnstone; Hegazi, Shotton, O’Shea; Ajayi; Grosicki, Sawyers, Harper, Pereira; Austin, Soule.

Best players by position:

877 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Red Red Robins
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is there a chance Van De Beek now creates a bit of rotation iwth Greenwood?

    1. Sanchit
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      VDB is a defensive midfielder.

      1. Red Red Robins
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thats what i thought, but his stats suggest goalscoring and assists, more so for a DM?

      2. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Matic replacement for sure

        1. dshv
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          This

        2. Greenbackbøøg…
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Not this

      3. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 6 months ago

          No he's not

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

            He did not score 8 goals and register 5 assists from CDM in the Eredivisie, come on people.

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

              The answer to your question is that he could, but more likely Pogba/Bruno over Greenwood.
              They could alter their system but no midfield anchor would potentially put even more strain on the backline.

              1. Red Red Robins
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Agree with what youre saying mate. I do think Matic/Mct will start as the anchor, but trying to work out were he'd play
                Hes a great passer of the ball, and can score too. Dont think hed move to be a squad player, but Man Utd do need a better squad.

        • Greenbackbøøg…
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          no

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

        No, he's probably backup for Pogba, Bruno and possibly Fred. He's an AMF/CM by trait.

      5. Red Red Robins
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks for all your replies

      6. Loftus cheeky nandos
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Either ole wants to play 2 box-box cm like fergie, or he's brought him as rotation in midfield, for depth due to his champs league experience.

        1. TheTruth
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          United will be playing a 4-3-3 formation with greenwood, rashford and martial in front of Bruno, Pogba and VDB.
          VDB and Pogba will be box to box. Bruno will be offensive feeding the front 3.
          Matic will be benched.

    2. davies
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Which option lads?

      A) Robertson + 4.5 mid + 4.5 fwd (442)
      B) Taylor + Armstrong + Mitrovic (343)

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

        I'd have to know the rest of your team to give a definite answer but on the surface B.

        1. davies
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          McCarthy 4.0
          TAA ***** Davies Vinagre 4.0
          Salah KDB Greenwood Soucek *****
          Werner Martial *****

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

            A then.
            B would leave too much money on the bench for my liking but that's a personal preference of how I play.

      1. Zero
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Not keen on either, one if I had to pick

      2. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Answered on the original post

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Good Old Man 😎

      3. Tony Moon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Answered on other post too.

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

      A. Mitro and TAA
      B. Jimenez and Vinagre

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

        B leaves 0.5m itb for updating Son to Rash or jimenez/Ings to Martial.

      2. dshv
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        A

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

          A bit worried about TAA injury and Mitro being in Serbia.

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            You're going to positively cark when you discover your England players are in Iceland on Saturday

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

              Ahh yah, nations league this week.

    4. dshv
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Possible playing GK for 4.0m ??

      1. Joss Ackland’s Spunky…
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Nyland from what most people are saying. probably no one. Ryan/button got Brighton covered for 8.5m and for that reason very popular.

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

          Nyland is 3rd choice

          1. Dr Van Nostrand
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Heaton is out for awhile so he's either 1st or 2nd choice now

      2. Villa Velour
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Nyland likely to play first 3 games since Heaton is out (unless we sign a new keeper).

    5. Tinmen
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Folks, how’s this looking?
      No Trent tho

      McCarthy
      Azpil Doherty Tierney Vinagre
      Salah Son Aubameyang Soucek
      Werner Adams

      4.5 Greenwood Taylor Mitchell

      1. Joss Ackland’s Spunky…
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        nice team. went justin over vinagre for now.

      2. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I don’t like tierney if he’ll be playing at CB

    6. DazF90
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hmmm causing me a dilemma now!
      Ings + Mitrovic
      Or
      Adams + Jimenez?

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

        Former

        1. DazF90
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks 🙂 thats what I’m on currently with Werner to complete the 3
          Adams definitely one to watch though

        2. Gabbiadini
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Ings and Adams 😀

          1. PrestigeWorldwidewidewide..…
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Might do this for GW1 with 0.5 ITB to get Martial in for Ings

    7. Steinburg FC
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      So i just finished the first 3 episodes of the Spurs documentary...
      Tripple up incoming! lol
      Not really but a nice insight into the game and my club.

      Takeway is Alli and Dier nailed and Doherty could get 10 goals LMAO

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

        What does it say about Kane?

        Already on the triple up, good times

        1. Steinburg FC
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          nothing we don't know already know.

      2. Loftus cheeky nandos
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Is them playing 3 at the back with wing backs true, makes more sense on why he wanted doherty. Annoying thing is i took him out and spent his funds else where are cant find funds to bring him back

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

      Beginning to wonder if Holgate could be an interesting alternative, Everton signing Allan is a huge upgrade to their team - he's one of the best defensive midfielders around. At 5, with those fixtures, managed by Ancelotti there is a lot of potential there, even more so if Doucoure is providing the energy to that midfield. Preseason is always exciting 😛

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

        Many would've said at the start of the window that Everton needs to sign a CB, which has still not been done.
        With all these upgrades I'd be surprised if they don't strengthen at the back.

      2. Chandler Bing
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I would've gone for an Everton had there been a 4.5. Only Coleman at 5.0 looks good for me and even he's a bit of a tricky pick because of he's horrible injury he took.

    9. gooberman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      What's with the fascination with Davies of Spurs? He seems to be in a lot of the mods drafts teams. Spurs are not a clean sheet team. Only 8 last season. Egan surely a better option at the same price.

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

        Nailed for a second season Mourinho defense with easy fixtures, Spurs showed nice progress after the restart, beautiful option at 5.0 and straight in my team

        1. gooberman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          No such thing as easy fixtures for Spurs. Spurs have gone downhill under Maureen. Won't be touching any of their players.

          1. Pacer.
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            May be the case but Kane and Son managed to rattle in 7 goals between them in the last 4 games

      2. Feed tha Sheep
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        People think he will almost tuck in as a third CB with Doherty playing attacking role that Aurier played last season. So ultimately you would be buying him for Cleansheet potential

      3. Pacer.
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He's nothing to be overly excited about but he may be the best of a fairly rum bunch and match a player like tarkowski for .5 less

      4. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Don't see it, pass.

    10. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      The way I see Van De Beek fitting in is playing in the matic role against teams that united will have the majority of the ball but against better teams they may play a diamond formation with potentially Greenwood missing out. But if they don’t sign a RW or striker Greenwood will probably be used in the striker role too when Martial needs a rest (so will still play a lot of football).

      Anyone much info on the CB United are being linked with today?

      1. Greenbackbøøg…
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Vdb is a much more attacking midfielder than Matic

        1. Feed tha Sheep
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I know he is but I think when united play against weaker opposition they will have much more of the ball and won’t necessarily need a Matic or McTominany type players as much

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

        Upamecano? Looks great and would be an amazing signing but won't come cheap.

        1. Feed tha Sheep
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah what’s the realistic chance of signing him?

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

            No idea but RBL are obviously open to selling their players if they get the right offer.

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

        Don't think we're trying to sign Upamecano

        Looking at Sancho and Thiago right now

        1. Feed tha Sheep
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Can’t see them signing Thiago sancho & Van De Beek

          1. Feed tha Sheep
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Would Thiago not prefer Lpool than United anyway?

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

              He will but Pool may not sign him

    11. The-Red-1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ryan button
      TAA Vinagre KWP (Mitchell Taylor)
      Auba Zaha Salah Greenwood (Bissouma)
      Kane Ings (4.5).

      Kane and Zaha can become KDB Mitro.

      Thoughts?

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

      Chelsea fans

      Who is Conor Gallagher? Should I be excited that he’s coming on loan to Palace apparently? Had been hoping for Bats.

      1. Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yep. Attacking Midfielder who was on loan @ Charlton & Swansea last season where he scored 13 goals in 40+ games. Kind of a blond Mount. Lots of hassle and hurry with goals possible.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Understudy to Eze?

          1. Bun Rab
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Would seem very weird to send someone on loan to be an understudy. Assuming he will be played a little deeper.

        2. Gabbiadini
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          scored 6 goals in the championship last season...?

        3. Bun Rab
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          13 goals/assists. My bad!

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

            6 goals, 11 assists it was.

            1. Bun Rab
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Stats are weird to find. He got 6 goals and 4 assists at Charlton. Then says he got another 7 assists at Swamsea which would add up to yours.

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

          Ty

          It really would appear then that Palace will be trying something different this season then. Have to assume he’s a mooted first team player. Hard to see where he’d fit in right now except as the legs for McArthur who just got a contract extension

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

      Say in a 3 man defence, having VVD as your 3rd premium defender, is this too much money in defence or can this work?

      Anyone knows how much money should be allocated for 5 defenders?

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        If he's the THIRD premium defender, the first 2 must be TAA and Robbo, right? If you had those 3 last season you'd be laughing. Do you think they can reproduce those points this season? If VVD does he'll far outscore any midf or fwd 6.5.

        With your other defenders, do you think Doherty or Laporte will outscore a 6m midf or fwd? Basically, in my opinion, as the best value is in defence, you really can't spend too much. Most others have a different view though.

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

          I don't trust Pool defence so no but I have two other non-Pool premiums

          I was mainly wondering if whether 33-35m for 5 defenders inefficient use of funds?

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

            Don't trust Pool defence that much to triple up*

      2. Tony Moon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        As Andy says, over the season they will undoubtedly provide great value and lots of points. However, we're not setting up teams for the season. To play the game well, you have to pick and choose your moments for certain players. Given many defences are a bit rusty to start with, and need a few games to gel again, I personally think three Liv defs to start with is too much. Only going one myself, but two isn't a bad option. Plenty of time to double or triple up later.

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

          I get that but choosing those players can be such a hit and miss

    14. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      The PL will be so exciting this season and the next, mainly the next.
      Pool and City once again the only serious contenders this season, but ManU, Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea all getting their ships in order. All will be a force to be reckoned with, the latter 4 are all potential contenders in 21/22

      I think Spurs and Arsenal with have great defences this season

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

        i think the work for spurs and arsenal has some way to go, likely to improve from relatively bad starting positions, but unlikely to compete with pool/city for a while yet

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Spurs and Arsenal cant compete on money thats for sure, have to find other ways, get the best out of what they have.

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

        Spurs, Wolves, City, Liverpool are my shouts for the top 4 defenses. Arsenal lack the quality right now but Arteta is an absolute beast and if he gets the signings he'll do brilliantly. United are interesting, too many individual mistakes in them but let's see.

        Spurs should do great this season, next season however will be Mou's third and we all know how that usually goes.

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

          Please tell me how Spurs go to "great" this season.

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

            Continuous progress during Project Restart, solid signings perfectly plugging in the gaps of this team - a quality ballwinner, a very good rightback. Mourinhho's put his mark on this team and it's starting to show, his second season is always his strongest - Inter treble, Madrid La Decimal record breaking season, Chelsea title, United 82 points. This team may not be as good but it's still a very strong team desperate for success under a manager who they know will bring it.

            I'm not really interested in discussing the ins and out, I know I'm right and I'll be proved right. Second Season Mourinho is a world class manager and we're going to see that this season.

      3. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        If Pep and/or Jurgen were to call it day it would be even more interesting.

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Pep contract expires 2021, Klopp 2024. At least one more h2h battle.

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            🙁
            Don't care about Pep. But Klopps is worrysome

        2. Dr Van Nostrand
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Pep's contract runs out this year so he's likely looking for a new challenge next year

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Yes, he'll extend if Messi comes; otherwise, he'll be away.

            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              The question will then arise, does Arteta have a clause and will he be still willing?

            2. Dr Van Nostrand
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              I don't think Messi is going anywhere. He lost his case that was always a long shot. No one will be pay his 600m+ release clause and Barca aren't going to sell so he'll either sit or have to play

      4. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Spurs have signed a couple of "solid" premier league players from non-top 6 clubs.
        I'm not convinced they are looking that improved on last season.

      5. Pacer.
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        The premier League is defunct. It is moribund. It's barely even a competition. City are barely even a football club. The gulf between the top and bottom is completely and utterly insurmountable. Leicester were a once in a 100 year abberation and half their players already have been or will be pillaged

        I could not bring myself to give the skin off a builder's arse about the competition. I have personally been involved in more socially meaningful and exciting games of throw the ball of scrap paper in the waste paper bin.

        And yet I love fantasy football and want to play the most popular game. So here I am

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

          lol

    15. gooberman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Does anybody know much about Ziyech? Better option than Pulisic?

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

        Look at some highlights on youtube

      2. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        If they were the same price I'd pick Pulisic but .5 has me tempted.

      3. Loftus cheeky nandos
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Pulisic much better but hes out for the first few weeks

    16. Crashjct
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hello all.

      Please choose one:

      A. Son & Mitrovic
      B. Kane & Pereira

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

        B

      2. KUN_DE_BRU_YNE
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Son & Adams
        Or,
        Kane & JWP

      3. Crashjct
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thank you. I’m really thinking Adams is a great option.

    17. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Just trying to brush up my memory, if a player has ultra high ownership, it makes them both harder to rise and fall, correct?

      1. Loftus cheeky nandos
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Easy to fall, werner gets 2 for the first few weeks and he plummets. Changing prices is alot about net transfers that week

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Particularly dangeous if you load up on 4.0 cheapies that are too popular.

      2. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I think its relative, so for instance, (not knowing what percentage it is):
        A player needs 5%+ of his ownership to sell/buy him for a price change.
        A player with 100 owners will lose 0.1 when sold by 5, a player with 100,000 owners would need 5,000 sales

      3. Pasqualinho
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Not really. There are nuances but they have pretty much the same chances to rise or fall as a lower owned player.

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

        With ultra high ownership, let us say 100% no-one can buy that player and therefore his price can't rise.

      5. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Still depends on performance. It's based on percentage, so nonreaö difference. Only players who are likely to be sold/bought on WC have a smaller chance of rise/fall.

      6. FPL Theorist
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yes, but I think this is more true for the falling side. To fall, I think I've read (someone figured out the algorithm a while back and posted it on Twitter) they need to lose about 20% of their owners, so if someone is 50% TSB they would have to fall to 0.8*50% = 40%.

        Whereas I think to rise, they just need a gain of a fixed number of owners, rather than a percentage of current ownership. So a gain from 1% to 5%, or 51% to 55% would both have the same impact.

        If anyone knows the post I'm referring to, please post a link.

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          That sounds about right. I think there is also manual intervention at times, some changes, or lack of changes make no sense.

          I didnt see the post but yea someone worked it out, as did price change websites reliably.
          Then againt last season price change sites were really off...

          I think FPL have tweeked the algorithim and it throws curve balls in, theres other factors involved in it.

        2. Pasqualinho
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I think that was a very good attempt at the explanation. Here's the thread which details how it worked a few years back. Things get tweaked a little from season to season but the bulk of this was still correct last year:

          https://www.fiso.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=128052

          1. FPL Theorist
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Excellent, thanks for posting!

      7. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        As others have said, falls are relative to ownership but rises are based on absolute values.

        The only thing I worry about over this is owning a highly owned cheap player, like the highest owned 4.0 keeper or 4.5 mid. Over the season people transfer them out as they are rearranging but other players will then see more transfers in. These sort of players tend to see annoying price falls early in the season because of this.

    18. Aubamazette
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A) TAA + Dier
      or
      B) Robbo + Doherty

      1. KUN_DE_BRU_YNE
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Hard to ignore TAA,otherwise looks a bit same for me

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

        A) ez

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

        Easy A for me

      4. Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I like B.

    19. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      4 Spurs and 4 Fulham players 😎

      1. Chandler Bing
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        4 Fulham? Delete club.

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Could've been 5 had Lemina been listed in the game as a Saints player..

      2. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Need some "colours" in team !

    20. KUN_DE_BRU_YNE
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Which combo you prefer ?
      SOTON double up or, Ryan despite of his tough fixtures?

      1)Ryan + KWP
      2)McCarty + KWP

      1. LewanGOALski
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        1 - spread the risk

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

        I ll risk with 2.

      3. FFSbet.com
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        So Ryan or McCarty,i go with 2

      4. Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I have 1 so that!

      5. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I have pondered this often and came to McCarthy and Egan/Dier/Davies

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

        McCarthy and different 4.5
        KWP won't get attacking returns.

    21. LewanGOALski
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      a bit different - thoughts..? 😉

      McCarthy
      TAA - Dier - Vinagre - Justin - Mitchell
      Salah - Auba - Alli - JWP - 4.5
      Werner - Richarlison - Adams

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

      So far Ayew is on the fire!!!

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

      Pick one for first 2 GWs:
      a) Salah
      b) Auba

      Both is not valid.

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

        Auba

      2. FFSbet.com
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        B

      3. Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Auba.

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

        Auba

      5. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        definitely Auba across those 2 GWs

    24. Cert
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      RMT:

      McCarthy
      TAA Doherty Vinagre
      Son Salah Auba ASM Soucek
      Werner Mitrovic

      Bench: Nyland Justin Brewster Taylor

      Have 1m itb for KDB + Fernandes for Salah + Son

      Thoughts?

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

        Are you going to take a hit straight away for KDB and Bruno? Almost the same team as me although I'd downgrade Justin to a 4m defender

        1. Cert
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Yup I think -4 is a fair price to get in Bruno and KDB straight away. There’s no point me downgrading Justin I’ll have money with no where to spend

    25. mattyb09
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      How nailed is Lo Celso at Spurs? He is an intriguing price point/ pivot from Son.

    26. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Rashford withdrawn from England squad with ankle problem

      1. Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Real problem or International injury?

        1. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I'm not actually the Manchester Utd doctor but i'd say international injury.

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

        Predicted so not a surprise. 3 weeks to get fit for his first PL game

      3. Tony Moon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Route in for Grealish? Or maybe too late for replacements now!

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Think they already chose replacements and somehow still not Grealish

            1. have you seen cyan
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Grealish maybe has an attitude problem? lol

            2. Stockport Hatter
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Grealish has been called up. On sky sports news.

          • Gabbiadini
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            No one will pay Villa's asking price, nor should they.

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

              not what I meant, but thanks.

      4. The Legend Squad
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I think I’ve cracked it, very happy here. RMT?

        McCarthy
        TAA Robbo Doherty Vinagre
        Salah Auba Son Soucek
        Werner Mitro

        Nyland Mitchell Stephens Davis

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Shocking bench

          1. The Legend Squad
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I’ll take the risk until I can jump on the cheapies

        2. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Good team i'm going for something similar.

      5. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        That Doherty announcement video must be the most cringy thing I've ever seen...

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Jose will ruin him

        2. The Legend Squad
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Thought it was quite funny, good to see the club has a sense of humour

      6. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Is anyone’s mum playing this game? Asking for a friend...