Scout Notes

Injuries in Burnley’s defence as £4.0m defender gets more pre-season minutes

Fantasy Premier League managers can still take some important lessons away from the recent round of friendlies, even in light of the international break.

Several teams were in action on Tuesday afternoon with some missing key men, while others held onto assets who would rather get into match sharpness with their club rather than their country.

There was a further update on the £4.0m defender situation as well as some interesting developments in the Burnley defence.

Preston 0-0 Burnley

  • Goals: None
  • Assists: None

Fantasy managers learned more about Burnley’s defence than their attack in a 0-0 draw with Preston on Tuesday.

Nick Pope (£5.5m) and Bailey Peacock-Farrell (£4.0m) joining Robbie Brady (£5.0m) on international duty, Sean Dyche handed a debut to former Wolves goalkeeper Will Norris. Yet to be priced up by FPL, he was kept busy in a 45-minute outing before coming off at half-time, replaced by Lukas Jensen.

Elsewhere in the backline, James Tarkowski (£5.0m) was not risked due to a “minor knock”, which only adds to the uncertainty about Burnley’s defence ahead of the new campaign.

With Ben Mee (£5.0m) and Kevin Long (£4.5m) still absent through injury as well, it meant 90 minutes for junior centre-back pairing Jimmy Dunne and Bobby Thomas. The two players have now been involved in more pre-season action than any other Burnley asset. It will be interesting to see if FPL decide to price either of them up. 

As this was the first time Burnley brought their squad together for one match this summer, having previously split it across two, there may be something we can read into the fact that Charlie Taylor (£4.5m) was selected ahead of Erik Pieters (£4.5m), who played the last 30 minutes. However, we must remember that the latter still has more assists this summer than the former Leeds defender, so still has something going for him.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£5.5m) stayed behind from international duty with Iceland to get some more match fitness into his system with Burnley. The winger has now played more than 70 minutes in each of his pre-season appearances.

Dwight McNeil (£6.0m) was especially lively against Preston and his total of 170 pre-season minutes is so far only beaten by Dunne and Thomas.

Jack Cork (£5.0m) and Ashley Barnes (£6.0m) are two other names still on the sidelines through injury, which meant an unsurprising start up-front for the Project Restart preferred pairing of Chris Wood (£6.5m) and Jay Rodriguez (£6.0m).

Burnley XI (4-4-2): Norris (Jensen 46′); C Taylor (Pieters 60′), Dunne, B Thomas, Bardsley (Lowton 60′); McNeil (Richardson 80′), Brownhill (Elva-Fountaine 80′), Westwood (Benson 60′), Gudmundsson (Goodridge 70′); Rodriguez (Mumbongo 70′), Wood (Vydra 60′).

Millwall 0-1 Crystal Palace

  • Goals: Max Meyer (£5.0m)
  • Assists: Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m)

Tyrick Mitchell (£4.0m) continues to be heavily involved in Crystal Palace’s preparation for the new campaign, playing most of the 1-0 win over Millwall.

His most recent outing takes his game-time this summer to 208 minutes, with more than anyone else at left-back.

We will continue to caveat this with the current squad situation at Palace though. Luka Milivojevic‘s (£6.0m) ongoing absence from the team and Cheikhou Kouyaté (£5.0m) filling in for the injuries at centre-back has pulled Jairo Riedewald (£4.5m) into a defensive midfield assignment. If Palace’s club captain returns to the fold, or one of the centre-backs do, Riedewald could be pushed back into competition with Mitchell for the left-back position.

Elsewhere, Fantasy managers can be increasingly confident that Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m) will operate out-of-position this season, as he was deployed up-front for the second start in a row.

For the third successive game, the Ivory Coast international was involved in the goals as he assisted Max Meyer‘s (£5.0m) game-winning effort.

That extends his position as the most in-form player of Palace’s pre-season campaign for Zaha, who now has two goals and two assists across three matches.

Meanwhile, Andros Townsend (£6.0m) missed out for the first time this summer, while Vicente Guaita (£5.0m) was finally involved after Wayne Hennessey (£4.5m) and Stephen Henderson had shared goalkeeping duties in his absence.

Crystal Palace XI (4-4-2): Guaita; Mitchell (Inniss 74′), Dann (Kelly 45′), Kouyaté (Jach 74′), J Ward (Woods 74′); Meyer, McArthur (M Boateng 74′), Riedewald (J-K Gordon 86′), Schlupp (Kirby 74′); Zaha (Pierrick 74′), Ayew.

Stoke City 3-0 Leeds

  • Goals: None
  • Assists: None

There was very little for Fantasy managers to learn in Leeds’ 3-0 defeat to Stoke City on Tuesday, which only lasted 80 minutes.

Played during the start of the international break, there were a total of nine senior players missing including Illan Meslier (£4.5m), Liam Cooper (£4.5m), Robin Koch (£4.5m) and Stuart Dallas (£4.5m) from the defence.

Kiko Casilla (£4.5m) and Luke Ayling (£4.5m) were present although the former, who has not played competitive football since February due to a racism ban, did not have the best game.

Barry Douglas (£4.0m) started the match but only because Dallas and Ezgjan Alioski (£4.5m) were absent, while involvement for Pascal Struijk (£4.0m) in midfield was only because Kalvin Phillips (£5.0m) is currently with England.

There were more of the key attackers involved in this one, with Pablo Hernández (£6.0m) and Patrick Bamford (£5.5m) both in the starting XI but we do not have confirmation of how many minutes either of them played.

Middlesbrough 5-1 Newcastle

  • Goals: Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.5m)
  • Assists: Sean Longstaff (£5.0m)

Fantasy managers might have half an eye on teams who face Newcastle in the early part of the season after this heavy defeat to Middlesbrough.

The Magpies could not use the excuse of international duties disrupting their side as they were still able to field DeAndre Yedlin (£4.5m), Jamaal Lascelles (£4.5m), Florian Lejeune (£4.5m) and Javier Manquillo (£4.5m) in defence for this one.

Karl Darlow (£5.0m) was in goal for the first 62 minutes before Mark Gillespie (£4.5m) took the field.

Anyone who had been considering Andy Carroll (£5.5m) for the start of the season, in light of his two goals in as many matches so far, could be a little deterred by his role on Tuesday.

Despite Dwight Gayle (£6.0m), Joelinton (£6.0m) and Yoshinori Muto (£5.0m) missing out once again, Steve Bruce opted to deploy Miguel Almirón (£6.0m) in a false-nine for the first 56 minutes before Carroll took to the field.

Newcastle United XI (4-2-3-1): Darlow (Gillespie 62′); Manquillo, Lascelles, Lejeune (Fernández 56′), Yedlin (Dummett 56′); Hayden, S Longstaff (Barlaser 62′); Murphy (Ritchie 62′), Atsu (Clark 56′), Saint-Maximin (Saivet 68′); Almirón (Carroll 56′).

Derby 0-2 Sheff Utd

  • Goals: Ben Osborn (£5.0m), Billy Sharp (£6.0m)
  • Assists: Oliver Norwood (£5.0m), Kean Bryan

Billy Sharp (£6.0m) continues to make a case for Fantasy consideration this season as he produced an attacking return for the third straight friendly match.

With several Sheffield United strikers missing much of the summer campaign thus far, the veteran forward has now registered 215 pre-season minutes, more than any colleague in any position.

Oliver McBurnie (£6.0m) finally managed to get his first involvement of the summer in this one, coming on for Lys Mousset (£6.0m) at half-time, but with David McGoldrick (£5.5m) still absent, Sharp is looking increasingly nailed-on to start Blank Gameweek 1.

Oliver Norwood (£5.0m) was a key man for Sheffield United in this one, going close to an assist for McBurnie’s first touch of the afternoon and it was his blocked shot that set up Ben Osborn (£5.0m) for the game’s opening goal.

With Jack O’Connell (£5.0m) still not registering a single pre-season minute, Jack Robinson (£4.5m) has become an ever-present in these friendlies. With 202 minutes to his name, only Chris Basham (£5.0m) has played more often in the back-three thus far. Could it see Robinson start in Blank Gameweek 1? Hard to say at this stage, but certainly something to look out for once we start to hear from Chris Wilder’s in the media next week.

Sheffield United (3-5-2): Foderingham; J Robinson, Jagielka, Basham; Norrington-Davies (K Bryan 62′), Osborn, Norwood, Slater, Baldock (Brunt 71′); Mousset (McBurnie 46′), Sharp.

Best players by position:

1,052 Comments Post a Comment
  1. V-2 Schneiderlin
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I'm guessing home advantage means very little this year - no crowd etc?

    1. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It means less, but not nothing.

    2. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      The Economist did a study.

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

        And told the world money doesn't buy happiness

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

    McCarthy
    TAA-Egan-Doherty
    Salah-Aubametang-ASM-Soucek
    Kane-Mitrovic-Werner

    Nyland-Mitchell-Douglas-Stephens

    Plan:
    Kane or Werner to Martial or Kun
    Aubameyang to KDB or Fernandes

    1. hewittj1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      heavy up top, interesting. not seen many people employing that with so many midfield options

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

        That's not heavy 😉

        I have Vardy, Werner, Martial.

        1. hewittj1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

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

    Whos the fpl asset who has underperformed their price the most in fpl history?

    1. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ozil?

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

      Falcao comes to mind

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

        good shout how much was he

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

      Hazard during 'that' season was a bad one

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

      Kane in 14/15
      Sterling 13/14
      Mahrez 15/16

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

        *completely misread the question

    5. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Sanchez at United
      Torres at Chelsea

    6. Mighty Banana
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Andy Carroll's 84 points for 10m?

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

        Andy Carroll was 10M? Blimey

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

          and Suarez was 9.5... and not great value for 11-12

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

      Sanchez at united

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

    Based on comments i'm reading, when did Jimenez became a bad option?

    1. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He’s a class option.

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good option, tough opening 2 fixtures where could blank when the likes of Werner, ings And Kane are firing.

      For me a bit of uncertainty on the whole around wolves, selling good players + injuries not sure they will hit the ground the same unit they were last year so I’m just going with vin to start

      1. Hangman Page
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I think Jonny was pretty highly rated by Wolves fans - how often did him and Doc assist Jiménez though? I am sure Traoré was the most common supplier to Jimi - he could be out of GW1 too though.

    3. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      General opinion is that with no first team wingbacks, his service could be limited

    4. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bungalow ceiling.

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

      I don’t like Jimi’s first two fixtures. And I can only have one of Ings or Jimi so Ings it is.
      Jimi is never a bad option tho, and Jimi is on pens.

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

      He is never a bad option. But he's also not a particularly great one either.

      Ings is better and Martial/Werner have higher ceilings.

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

      It's difficult fitting him in with all the other great options available. As above, I think I prefer Ings or to find the extra 0.5m for Martial. I have a feeling United will score a ton of goals this season.

  5. Thomas Jerome Newton
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Have just swapped my long standing Jiminez to Werner, for a front line of Werner, Ings, Mitrovic.
    My team seems a whole lot sexier now! 🙂

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

      Did the same the moment Doherty was allowed to leave for such a paltry sum. wolves giving off alot of uncertainty heading into the new season

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

        Traoré at right wingback could do well ...

        1. pablo discobar
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          He's got corona

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

    *Placeholder for Martial for GW1&2*
    Barnes and -4 (requires an extra trade) or a 7.0 forward... and who for no hit?

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

      Placeholder for Martial? Werner is the obvious one.

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

        it needs to be a 7.0 fwd. The 2.0 is generated from Salah and Auba downgrades to KDB and Fernandes.
        Werner is a lock for me, not a placeholder.

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

          Oh. Take Adams at 6m for the week

        2. Swanremainsthesame
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          At 7.0 or less then Antonio 6.5

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

          If you're going to make such in-depth plans, might as well WC in GW2...

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Assuming he's fit - Antonio.

  7. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thought on my current draft, not keen on Salah/Mane

    McCarthy
    TAA Vinagre Doherty Johnson
    Aubameyang Son Soucek Armstrong
    Jiminez Werner

    Nylaand Mitchell Brewster Rashford

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Very nice! Personally I'm more sold on Martial than Rashford.

      1. Bruno Bruno!!
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Have 2m itb so could easily switch werner or Jiminez to Martial if required. Trying to have a flexible squad to start the season

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

    Probably an unpopular opinion, but if he stays fit, James Rodriguez will be world class for Everton and have the same impact as Lukaku. He's unfinished business.

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

      He's finished after that Goal !

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

        I don't think Zidane got the best out of him. Carlo can.

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

          He hasn't been a good enough option for number of years now.

          I don't think he's world class. Played for different teams as well.

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

        I was at that game for that goal

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

          Wow

        2. Good Times
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Woah!

  9. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which option for GW1?
    A) Ings (Mitchell)
    B) Mitchell (Martial)

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

      What scoreline you expect ?

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I think Sou will win. What do you think mate?

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

          Same. 😀
          It's naive to say yes on to A the face of it. You're looking to save a transfer down the line ....

          Still, A.

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

            Am I missing something? Ings GW1. Transfer to Martial GW2?

            1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Yes

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

              Yup. But he's thinking about saving a future FT. So am I (was i) 😛

          2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I'm leaning that way also.
            Not afraid to take a hit if needed to catch price rises!

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

              Same here 😀

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

      Option A .Join my h2h league 3 CITY ( GD-GS-GA) .Code : csnrpi

  10. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    With other premium midfield options in Auba, KDB and Salah, would you rather get Martial over Bruno?

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I guess it comes down to personal preference, because all are great options.

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It's a nutcracker. You need to be comfortable captaining one ideally.
      Bruno+6.5/6m fwd vs Martial and 7.5/8m mid is my own dilemma on that score.

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

        I'm having greenwood and martial

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

      Greenwood and Martial for me.

  11. Manani
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ziyech or Alli?

    already have Son + Werner

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

      Z

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

      Son+Werner are good enough imo alli or ziyech would be too much to start off with unless they are placeholders for Utd/City assets

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

      Alli

    4. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'd be tempted to start with Alli if he's playing up top behind Kane

  12. ZTF
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A. Kane, Brewster, Justin
    B. Raul/Ings, DCL, 4.0m

  13. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Navigating the Doherty vs other Spurs defender debate is doing my head in.

    Do we expect him to be worth the extra million?

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

      I don't personally, he won't have the same license to play as an auxiliary forward I don't think but may make up for that with more assists and clean sheets

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks Miguel. Such a shame - he's one of my favourite fpl assets but I think I'm being stubborn. Do you still think the 5m guys offer value?

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

          Yeah - think Dier should be good value whilst we analyse Doherty's positioning under Mourinho

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

        Nice thing is it should be very easy to track statistically over a few weeks.

        He *was* the defender who got the most touches in the box while also being very average in terms of chance creation. Changes in the role he plays will probably see big shifts in those stats and we'll know.

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

        From watching All or Nothing he's going in my team. I think he'll play the same role for Spurs as he did for Wolves, with more assist potential and possibly a stronger defence. Well worth the 6m IMO

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

      6mil is a good price for Doherty, and 5 mil for the others is also good value.
      For me I’m only looking at Dier and Doherty, Davies has too much risk attached.

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

      Think he'll play like a 5.5m fullback. The most attacking of the Spurs defenders but still overpriced at 6m.

      Might still be worth starting with though if you want to have that price point in your team. He's an easy swap to other premium options in a few weeks.

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        That's more or less how I see it. Trying to avoid defensive transfers ideally.
        I'll be watching the last pre season game (Watford) like a hawk!

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

        I'm looking at him as pseudo VVD/Robbo yeah ...
        Placeholder with good fixtures.

    4. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He should get a handful of assists. Maybe 30 points ahead of the others? If that's worth 1m I don't know.

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

      I think yes. He will clearly be the attacking fullback option and last year Aurier was extremely advanced.

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers Cam. He's not left any draft yet. I just want to see him in action if I can. It'll mean finding a saving elsewhere (Martial instead of Bruno etc) so I guess it's not quite as simple as I made it sound.

    6. BIG TONES
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Mourinho teams usually play with the LB tucked into the defensive line while the RB gets forward. See how advanced Aurier was into crossing positions last season

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

      I think so. I think he's been bought for his attacking attributes, I think it's a fairly simple tactical shift to get the best out of him - you'll see Moura (or whoever plays on the right) pull wide allowing Doherty to underlap. I also think at times you'll see Doherty overlapping too. I think he'll be value over less attacking Spurs defenders. What did you think of my article? Also, a lot of debate in Sully's Hot Topic.

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

    Castagne an interesting incoming signing for Leicester.
    Right footed but seems to have been signed as the Chilwell replacement... can/played on both flanks in a 3ATB for Atalanta.

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

      Does this mean that Thomas and Justin are a no-go?

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

        completed his medical.
        one of them may still be viable until Perieria is back from injury, which is expected at the start of October.

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

          Ya, will probably go with Vinagre instead. A Leicester def would've completed my defense nicely though.

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

            yes, Vinagre was the better option before this news for mine.

  15. grennans2
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which is the better duo and any reasons why? Thanks

    A) Ryan & KWP
    B) McCarthy & Lamptey

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

      As a saints fan, I wouldn't prescribe picking KWP as he won't get attacking returns and you can't rely on us to be a Burnley CS sheet wise.
      For that reason I would pick option 2 but in saying that believe there's better 4.5 options than Lamptey.

      1. Drexl Spivey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Why won't he collect any attacking returns?

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

          Because Southampton attack with a front 4 so we don't require our fullbacks to play high.
          Just have a look at Bertrand's attacking returns from last season and KWP's during his loan spell.

          1. Drexl Spivey
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Bertrand looked alright vs Swansea.

          2. Morrissey1986
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Point well made in another side Betrand would probably get attacking returns he has the ability too.

    2. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Out of those two options, probably A.

      Southampton have better fixtures so more chance of clean sheet points, but fewer saves.
      Brighton have a trickier start, but do see Ryan with save points.

  16. adondek
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Join my h2h league 3 CITY (GD-GS-GA). Code : csnrpi

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

    Auba has Fulham and Salah Leeds so no one gonna be looking else where for a captain GW1. But Werner does take my fancy a bit, even Kane if I had him.

    1. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I see that Chelsea Brighton game with goals in for both sides. You're right though, I can't look past Auba

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

        Werner is super tempting! I might YOLO it as it’s GW1

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

      Why is everyone think leeds gonna be thrashed by pool?
      It's bielsa team, they love possession. Can probably ended 1-0 for leeds

      1. stat sifter 888888
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Liverpool's style is counter-attacking teams quickly when they lose possession in midfield or defence. They grind out results more against teams that park the bus and try to attack them. Leeds playing open, expansive football is just gonna play into Liverpool's hands imo.

  18. Eleesium Lions
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    If the rumour mill is correct and Messi is joining City, how much will he be with, transfer value wise?

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

      He won't be at Barcelona.
      The transfer is being reported as a 100m fee that will get the deal done.

  19. thepuntmaster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Afternoon all!

    Not sure who was around back in 2014-16, but I did a weekly community ‘punt’ series. Stopped for a few years as life got busy, but reckon I’ll have a bit more time on my hands this season.

    Not too sure about anything yet, there’s so much more content out there now, wondering if people would still be interested in it?

    For those who weren't, here's a taster - https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2014/12/23/gameweek-18-best-punts/

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

      I remember this 🙂

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

      Always a nice article format, I think.

    3. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good idea I recon, I’ve watched enough videos recommending to start with taa now let’s see something different for the gamblers

    4. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I remember it. Nice.

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

    Anything horribly wrong with this team? Fairly settled

    McCarthy | 4.0
    TAA - Justin - KWP - Dier - Taylor
    Salah - Aubameyang - Soucek - Zaha - ASM
    Ings - Werner - Brewster

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

      its really nice mate

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Zaha I'd personally not be keen on but it's not without merit. Otherwise fairly safe assuming you have a United plan.

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

        You could downgrade a defender to 4m.

        And you'd have 0.5m for ings to martial gw2

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

          Thanks guys

          Already have 1.5m in the bank for safety

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

      Zaha -> Alli

    4. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like the Zaha pick. 7.0m, playing as a forward and his teams main attacking threat. Palace's general form the only concern.

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

        Would prefer ayew over him. Cheaper too

        1. stat sifter 888888
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Zaha is a midfielder though so will get more points for his contributions. I'd prefer Ayew to Mitro but not sure if I'd prefer Ayew to Zaha if I had the ££.

  21. It's his Job.
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on my current Draft? Many Thanks

    McCarthy
    TAA Egan Doherty
    Salah Norwood Alli Aubameyang Soucek
    Ings Werner

    Nyland Vinagre Braithwaite Davies

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Norwood? Prey tell

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Actually it's not the worst pick at 5m. Carry on!

    2. K.Jabba 88
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      On Norwood myself. Won't get much support for him on here, but hopefully will get a few more pens this season & not too bad opening fixtures. Otherwise quite template for this site.

      1. It's his Job.
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        With Norwood you may get an odd assist too as he definitely puts in a shift.

    3. It's his Job.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I am hoping this is the season Alli regain his form and starts getting the hauls we all know he can get + the 1 mill extra shores up my defence so to me this seems pretty balanced. Aub and Alli will make way for KDB and 1 of UTD

      1. Drexl Spivey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        If he starts hauling, with those fixtures, why get rid?

  22. KujaliaFC
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    With James Rodriguez signing for Everton, I take it that ends Gordon as a viable FPL asset?

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He was never a secure pick anyway. Plenty of 1 pointers so I'd probably go with a humdrum Brighton 4.5

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

      Gordon plays wide no?

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

      We're talking 4.5 midfield options, which there isn't much of... Gordon was a substitute option before and will remain that.

    4. KujaliaFC
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If I have him for GW1, I'd prefer that he played because I have Greenwood on my bench.

    5. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      That is Allan factor, not James

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

      it may be the end of Gordon but the bigger talking point I feel is does it make Rich or DCL more viable. James and Allan instead of Davies and Iwobi/Siggy are huge upgrades in terms of supplying the strikers

      1. stat sifter 888888
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I think Rich/DCL will be a viable option instead of Jimenez after a bit of settling in but it will take Rodriguez a while to adjust to the Prem. He also plays to score a significant amount of goals so he may not be a huge improvement in terms of creativity. Both Rich and DCL got 13 goals last year though and I do expect at least one of them to get 15/17 this year though. Everton have a fairly good run of fixtures after Spurs though.

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

      Gordon signed a new five year contract a few days ago so Ancelotti must rate him.

  23. megatron14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Locked in unless something major happens in the transfer market.

    Anyone better than Mitro in the same price bracket?

    Ryan

    TAA - Tierney - Mitchell

    Auba - ASM - Son - Salah - Barnes

    Mitro - Werner

    Fabri / Justin / Walker-Peters / Brewster

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

      Rodrigo

      1. megatron14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Ah yes, the new Leeds striker. Nice one!

        Great album btw, Holocaust & My lovin is digi are my fave tracks.

  24. dbeck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    My Salahless draft, feels more balanced. Questioning if i'm not going to captain Salah is he worth it

    McCarthy
    Robbo TAA Dier Vinagre
    Auba Alli JWP Soucek
    DCL Werner

    Nyland Lamptey Foden Martial

    Foden and Martial come in for Vinagre and Soucek for GW2

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

      I'd want 2 big hitters in Midfield tbh.

      But that's best you can do with only 1 IMO.

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

        thats the bit that eats away at me. I feel long term, I'm betting Martial keeps pace with Bruno

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

          Me too mate. But Bruno ain't only Midfield big hitter point missing in that team 😉
          KDB Raz Salah Mane

          If one of above fires you'll have to sell Auba asap. Just what i feel though. It's a very good team & i love going big at back

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

            This is the salah version

            McCarthy
            TAA Vinagre Mitchell Justin
            Auba Salah Armstrong Soucek
            Werner DCL

            Nyland Lamptey Foden Martial

            Perhaps Foden down to do Mitchel up, just seems weak at the back

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

              This is template....
              Go with your gut feeling. But I like having 2 of those big hitting midfielders

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like it!

  25. Reckoner.
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Struggling with the Defensive 5.0m & 4.5m picks, any advice on who to look at?

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

      look at teams not individuals, getting a cheap slice of spurs, wolves, sheff utd, burnley would be where i'd start. Then look at rotations around that

      1. It's his Job.
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        This*

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

      My current defence is:
      Robbo - Doherty - Dier - KWP/Lamptey rotation.

      There’s also Vinagre, Taylor to consider. Although With Vinagre we are not sure he starts, Taylor missing GW1

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don't expect attacking returns at that price and go by fixtures. Saiss, Egan and Dier my favourite options at 5.0

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

    You know, we could just ignore Man U.
    Sure we need a city in, but maybe we put too much emphasis on getting ManU players in.
    Yes they finished the season very well and I’m sure they won’t be bad picks. But are they really that vital that it means ditching people like Ings, Kane, Son, Alli for them.

    People who stick with the originals may be better off

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

      I think you're right. The fixtures for United are not nearly as nice as their run-in last year.

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

        I forgot about price changes which are also a factor. Ignoring them means lost value when you do want them. But I think we are all going Man U mad a bit.

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

        I think one of each isn't overcommitting. KDB and Martial will do for me.

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Kane yes but let’s say he matches martial for points assuming he stays fit, martial is a whole 1.5 cheaper

      Same for Bruno could well score similar to players 1.5m more

      To good value to pass up I think

    3. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Bruno was fine even before a good run in, points Vs big and small teams alike. In general though you are right, wouldn't rip up my team for even 2 of them. Just Bruno and his pens is enough for me

          1. @persecuted_by_mods
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Well aware of this mate, just mean he will continue to get pens as well

              His open play is underrated people get too blinded by banter and Penandes, he will score plenty from open play

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

                Yup
                😉

        1. K.Jabba 88
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Could work out. Only problem is typically in fpl man utd players are very highly owned so if they start well from gw2 prices will go up quickly & you could be playing catch up points wise.

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

          Maybe they will be better off, maybe they won't. Nobody knows.

          What we do know for certain though is if they have a good start then their ownership and prices will shoot up and the likes of Fernandes will start being heavily captained. If you're the type of manager who pays attention to that sort of thing (as many do) then that's a key factor. A good win in their opening fixture and there *will* be an almighty scramble to get them in, which you'll need to be strong to ignore.

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

          I think Fernandes if it was just 1, i couldnt handle seeing him score even half the amount of pens he had last year knowing ive not got him in

      • pepsigators
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Any feedback would be appreciated!

        McCarthy
        TAA-Justin-Davies
        Aubameyang-Salah-Alli-Barnes
        Werner-Mitrovic-Adams

        Nyland-Soucek-Vingare-Mitchell

        Considering switching Adams for Antonio?

        Thanks!

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

          looks good, i'd keep adams as you dont want double west ham

          Whats the plan with United gw2?

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

            Thanks. Thinking Salah out for Bruno GW2.

      • Jonesfromthere
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I've watched the 2nd episode of All or Nothing and now transferred in Dele. Disgusted with myself.

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

          What are the reasons for that Max? Ive not watched it, but i have Ziyech in at 8

        2. Drexl Spivey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I can't even bare to look at it. It's a story of failure, first and foremost, so I can't understand why they bothered releasing it.

        3. Cok3y5murf
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          So have I and I've NOT transferred him in 🙂

      • @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 6 months ago

          If Liverpool sign Thiago Alcantara which it seems they will, attacking wise that takes them to another level. Their midfield as a functional unit is top notch but individually they're not the most creative, Thiago is more of a pre assister but if he can get the ball to the likes of Firmino TAA and Robbo faster Salah and Mane should be in for big years

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

            Why are Liverpool prevaricating about getting him - he won't be that expensive ...?

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 6 months ago

                They're not a spending club at all, in many ways they got lucky with Coutinho money, selling Solanke and Ibe for that much. Right now they've got a world class manager and world class scouting department, money wise they won't spend speculatively to accumulate. In Thiagos case they don't want to pay that much for someone in the last year of their contract

                1. @persecuted_by_mods
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    But I think they can come to an agreement with Bayern, especially if they sell Wijnaldum to Barca

              • Andy_Social
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                So why on earth did they not snap him up immediately?

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

                  Bayern asking for 27m€+

                  1. @persecuted_by_mods
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      It's their managers quote from today that makes the deal seem more likely, I'm paraphrasing but he said something along the lines of "we assumed he wanted to stay here and retain the champions League..."

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

                        LoL
                        Savage

                  2. @persecuted_by_mods
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      They will negotiate and argue to within even a couple of million which in big football club terms isn't all that much

                2. Morrissey1986
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  What’s on the hot take on Egan for first 3?

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

                    In my team currently, although Dier and Saiss are tempting me.