Scout Notes

Lundstram back on the scoresheet as Wilder offers O’Connell fitness update

There is a cluster of pre-season friendlies taking place on the final weekend before the 2020/21 Premier League campaign gets underway and we’ll be bringing you all the key Fantasy Premier League headlines from those fixtures over the coming days.

The action kicked off on Friday in South Yorkshire, with Sheffield United sharing four goals with Preston North End in their final warm-up match before the competitive action commences.

Sheffield United 2-2 Preston North End

  • Goals: John Lundstram (£5.5m), Billy Sharp (£6.0m)
  • Assists: Oliver McBurnie (£6.0m), Lys Mousset (£6.0m)

John Lundstram (£5.5m) made his first appearance of pre-season on Friday, scoring in a 45-minute run-out for Sheffield United in their two-all draw with Preston North End.

The recently reclassified FPL midfielder, whose future is still to be resolved, slotted home a 36th-minute opener for the Blades after being teed up by Oliver McBurnie (£6.0m).

McBurnie had pulled out of the Scotland squad earlier in the week, citing injury, but was again fit enough for another pre-season appearance at Bramall Lane, before being replaced by Lys Mousset (£6.0m) at the break.

Mousset limped off with just under 20 minutes of the contest to go but boss Chris Wilder wasn’t too concerned about the knock that forced the Frenchman’s substitution, saying:

It’s looking alright. He’s took a whack to the top of his toe. It’s not a pull, it’s not a serious injury. A bit of TLC from the physios to Lys’s toe and the six inches between his ears, will get him back out on the grass hopefully on Monday and Tuesday. He’ll be fine.

Elsewhere on the injury front, Jack O’Connell (£5.0m) again wasn’t involved and hasn’t kicked a ball in pre-season.

The centre-back is set to be available in Gameweek 1, however, with his manager saying after full-time:

Jack will be fit for Wolves, 100%. He’s working away with the conditioners. No risk today.

Not an ideal situation, we would have liked him to have got minutes, but we’ll most likely have a bounce game amongst ourselves during the week. Jack will be available for that, I’m told.

We’re expecting everyone to be fit and healthy.

Wilder also confirmed that Jack Rodwell (unpriced) will be available after a period of self-isolation.

On the field, Billy Sharp (£6.0m) scored his third goal of pre-season and again stepped up to take a penalty when Oliver Norwood (£5.0m) was on the pitch.

Sharp made no mistake from 12 yards after Mousset had forced a handball out of Preston’s Ben Pearson.

The veteran striker has played more pre-season minutes than any Sheffield United player, although the unavailability of McBurnie and David McGoldrick (£5.5m) has partly accounted for that.

Wilder’s starting XI was about as strong as it could be, given O’Connell’s absence and the non-involvement of seven Bladesmen who are away on international duty.

Centre-half Kean Bryan deputised for Enda Stevens (£5.5m) down the left flank, with Wilder confirming that the Blades were in the market for two wing-backs – amongst others – to put pressure on the Ireland international and George Baldock (£5.5m).

A patched-up defence including back-up goalkeeper Wes Foderingham (£4.5m) and deputy centre-halves Jack Robinson (£4.5m) and Phil Jagielka (unpriced) was far from watertight, with Preston arguably having the better of the chances and hitting the woodwork twice in quick succession when the game was goalless.

The visitors levelled from the spot after Robinson had committed a foul in his own area and then grabbed a late equaliser from a corner with the last attack of the game.


Sheffield United XI: Foderingham, Basham, Jagielka, J. Robinson, Baldock, Lundstram (Slater 45), Norwood, Osborn, Bryan, McBurnie (Mousset 45, Hackford 72), Sharp.

Best players by position:

1,395 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Penalty iceland

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

    Pen iceland

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

    Wolves sign another Portugal international

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

      The 18 year old striker or one more today?

      1. lespaul
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Striker

  4. Hairy Potter
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ref evening it up

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yep.

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

    Pickford to prove the haters wrong

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

    Can someone pls give this referee a yc??? 🙄

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Poor there is no VAR in these internationals.

  7. Hairy Potter
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Shocker!

  8. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Terrible pen

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

      Wow

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

    Wow... poor poor penalty!

  10. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Poor performance, but take the points.

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

      Klopp to say the same thing after beating Leeds

  11. Andy'81
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Finally I've seen Euro 2016 aVeNgEd.

  12. The Wanton Trader
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    That paint took long enough to dry...

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

    Lots of talk of great Spurs fixtures. Are they all that for attack? If you look at the first 4 how many do you see Spurs scoring? I see three tidy defences quite likely to hold Spurs to one goal. Newcastle is the one juicy fixture.

    Everton
    Southampton away
    Newcastle
    Man U away

    It gets better after that but 4 games in there'll be early bolters to fit in.

    1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Agree....but do see 3 clean sheets..

      1. Flaming Flamingo
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Should have gone to Specsavers 😛

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

        Right. I've had Alli and Harry in and out. Now only Doherty.

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

        Hardly a cs against suddenly good Sou attack. Everton too may nick a goal.

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

          People have talked themselves into believing sou are world beaters... They are a mid table team, won't even be in contention for the europe spots

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

            The question here is not if southampton will beat spurs, but whether they can score a single goal against them

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

              Of course they 'can'. But with that sort of argument there's hardly any games that are good fixtures for defense except when you face Burnley, West brom or Fulham.

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

      I'm double spurs def. But also Kane because I few him with those fixtures

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

        Fear*

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

        Kane makes sense to me - it's the mids that feel a tad optimistic. Currently on Vardy but may switch.

        Double defence tempts too. Trying to hold defence as long as poss and think the later fixtures could work there.

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

          Yes looks an easy hold for 8 game weeks, that's pretty good

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

      4-3
      0-1
      2-0
      1-1

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

      Double Spurs defense because I see 2-3 cleans in that run. Kane because I'd back him to score at least 2 and then his next 4 are excellent. Alli/Son not in my thinking though, agree

  14. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    It was worryingly difficult to break down a strong Iceland bus.

    Rice, Trippier & Walker seemed to struggle to find a pass into the 5 attacking players.

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

      Players not mentally and physically up for this sham tournament. All games the same so far.

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think this was the idea: https://i.imgur.com/UVPzQOe.png?1

      But Foden and JWP were struggling to get on the ball because of the central congestion.

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Whoops, forgot to change the title...

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

      At least they won this time

  15. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Kai Havertz price?

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

      Tomorrow?

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

        OK

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

      8.5 hopefully

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

        I am hoping for 8 just like Ziyech

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

          Possible, im thinking same as Pulisic, well, more hoping hes not 9 haha

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

          No way he’s 8. Will be 8.5 most likely, small chance of 9.0

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

            Yeah at 8 he will be in so many teams. But still it’s possible

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

        Confirmed

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

          Where?

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

          Sorry, fake news got me x)

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

            haha no worries

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

      for a very young player without much experience coming to the PL should be 7-7.5 but with all the hype will be more

  16. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Castagne starting at RB for Belgium tonight :/ he better shift over to accommodate Justin for GWs 1 and 2 :/ mind you both can play on both sides

  17. FPL_Devil
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on double liverpool defence(TAA, VVD) for the start? Will move VVD to a in-form 6 mil defender before they play city. I also have Salah btw.

    1. Ole's at the wheel
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hopefully get you 3pts for gw1 maybe 4 as Trent hops in at the 80th minute

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

        4 pts wow thats a lot hopefully!

    2. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wouldn't do double LFC whilst Gomez CB

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

        yup thats my worry. also im a united fan and am doing my best to put bias aside.

      2. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Best partner for vvd - stupid comment

        1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          It's not a stupid comment. His performance since project restart has been poor and his display today was also poor.........he may be the best partner for VVD but that dont make him a good pick.

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

      I like it but not for the start of the season

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

        Yeah well i was just getting VVD as a placeholder to move to any defender in a couple of weeks. Cheers!

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

    What was the Arsenal Line up against Villa?

  19. Daniel Exeter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I have no city players 😐

    This year feels harder (said every year) but it really does

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

      Too many options this year!
      Patience is very important this season I'd imagine. But I have none :/

  20. Dr. Rog
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy 4
    TAA ____ Davies Vinegar (Mitchell)
    Auba ____ Alli (Soucek, Biss)
    Werner Ings Mitro
    0.5 banked for Martial wk2, then Kdb wk3, maybe Puli wk4 is also possible.

    A) Salah and a 4.5 def
    B) Bruno and Doherty

  21. MGMT
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    G+A stats

    Porto: 72 in 107 (0.67 per game)

    Mónaco: 24 in 36 (0.67 per game)

    Real Madrid: 79 in 125 (0.63 per game)

    Bayern: 35 in 65 (0.54 per game)

    If we even take a closer look to his PerMinute G+A stats, the result would be even better... This also doesnt take into account Fantasy Assists... Ancelotti loves him and with enough minutes, he will be a great FPL asset.

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

      James Rodriguez

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

        Depends on his price tbh. Possible he'd be same at Ziyech, and if thats the case id be going Ziyech as Chelsea better team. And tbh i cant see him in ths 7s

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

          At 7-7.5M I will definitely consider him

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

            Oh yeah,but will take time to settle and by then i think Chelsea mids be firing as had game time. So not sure ifd be trading

    2. Bartowski
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If he's as good as this suggests why are Everton the only club interested?

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

        They were not the only club interested + he loves ancelotti

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

          He loves Ancelotti? He only worked with him for two months. I'm thinking it's probably more that nobody else wanted to pay his wages.

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

            Ancelotti brought the best out of him at Madrid too.

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

        Because in real football stats aren't everything. In FPL, he should be dynamite.

      3. MosF94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He hasn't played 2000+ minutes in a league season in ages, so I think fitness issues is the main reason. No doubting his talent, though - I'm very interested

      4. Every Dog Has Its Day
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        what a clueless comment

        he works well with ancelotti that's why he moved + PL footy

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

          Rodriguez was signed by Ancelotti at Bayern before the 2017/18 season. Ancelotti was sacked by Bayern in September 2017. So they worked together for maybe a couple of months plus Rodriguez was injured at the start of that season so played very little for him.

          Maybe understand that people on here actually follow football and know stuff before you start embarrassing yourself by calling them 'clueless' when you clearly don't know anything about the subject at hand.

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

            Bro, you just ignored the whole year they worked together at Real Madrid... He averaged 0.78 G+A per game in that year...

          2. Every Dog Has Its Day
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            still clueless

    3. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If he signed for Chelsea I’d agree with you but for Everton we can halve those numbers

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

        Why? He'll be the main man, everything will go through him. He'll get corners, free kicks, probably pens too.

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

          Think Van Der Vaart at Spurs.

          1. Ginkapo FPL
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            VDV wasnt the main man

            1. Ginkapo FPL
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              I miss Bale and VDV

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

          This. Think he will be a good FPL option. 8.0 is my guess.

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

            I think so too, same price as Richarlison.

    4. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      TIFO did a good a podcast recently and brought up James Rodriguez's stats. They were saying they are at crazy high levels, and is statistically one of the best attacking mids out there.

      Everton are an interesting team this season...

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

        Is he a mid or a fwd?

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

          Mid

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

            If he’s a 7.5m mid ill be very keen

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

        With Allan and Doucoure also in the starting 11 they will have a real solid team

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

          Due to allan, I have got digne in my team. Will be solid defensively with Allan and doucoure, while digne will keep ticking at the other end

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

        Sounds very appealing for him and DCL especially with Carlo there.

  22. AllINeedIsCoffee
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) 3 4 3 using Mitrovic in the front
    B) 4 4 2 using Doherty or Digne in the back

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

      B

  23. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Son worth £1m extra vs Alli?

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

      Ofc he does....just forget about Alli ppl!

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

      Depends how you use the 1 m. I would say yes because good price point to move down to Pulisic when fit. Easier than finding.5 m

  24. Aurora Borealis?
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Haven’t seen Traore in many teams, am I missing something?

    13 goal contributions last season.
    Wolves defence, good fixtures, likely minutes. All for £6.5

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

      Playing wing back with Doherty gone?

      1. Aurora Borealis?
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Ahhh. If they got someone in to replace Doherty would people then consider him?

  25. RWB_1991
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone fancy Aguero or Jesus? I really fancy putting Jesus in but a gamble with Pep’s rotation...

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

      Jesus is only an option when kun is confirmed injured

  26. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Forgetting the blank, which combo is best?

    A) Son and Wood

    B) Kane and Armstrong

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

      A

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

      A but if you said Kane + 5.0 defender it would have been B

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

      B

  27. Mcgugan
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on Greenwood?

    And:
    A) Adams
    B) Mitrovic

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

      A higher ceiling but a bit more risky as might get reduced minutes quickly unless he hits the ground running. B safer, especially if you have a weak bench

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

      Adams till he keeps his playing 11 spot.

      Though would prefer ayew to both

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

        Ayew doesn't seem to be the main striker this season, Zaha oop

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

          Haven't followed their pre season games frankly. Ayew keeps hannging around and just buries whatever chance comes his way. Though will have q closer look now, else might take a punt on Rodrigo

  28. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    My brother has just shown me his team for GW1.
    He’s Bench Boosting then WC in GW2.

    Ramsdale,McCarthy
    TAA,Robertson,Egan,Tierney,Vinagre
    Aubamayang(c)Barnes,Bowen,Saka,Armstrong
    Werner,Ings,Antonio

    No Spurs or Liverpool attack!

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      cool story bro

    2. TRIPOS TOPPER
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      what an absolute waste of 2 chips

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeh don’t think I’d be Bench Boosting in GW1.

    3. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Per the strategy I like it.

      Whether it’s wise different matter

    4. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      not bad

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

      I see 2 Liverpool attack there 🙂

      Big call on double attacks with two of the three playing away.

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

      Nice. if it fails you can just discard 'your brother's team'

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Lol. It is his team.
        He uses his chips early as always loses interest in the new year.

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

      Almost identical to what I'm currently on
      Cool brother

  29. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which combo is best?

    A) Patricio and Dier

    B) Ryan and Doherty

    1. jimmyabs1987
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ryan and Doherty

  30. AllINeedIsCoffee
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Vinagre + Willian
    B) Doherty + Traoré

    1. jimmyabs1987
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B all day long

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

        Leaning towards it.