Scout Notes

Salah blanks in Liverpool rout as Aubameyang hits brace and Richarlison shines

There were, officially, 11 Premier League teams in pre-season friendly action on Saturday, although two more – Aston Villa and Arsenal – featured in a behind-closed-doors game that was barely acknowledged by either club.

We begin our round-up of the weekend action with this look at the two Merseyside sides, an injury-hit Newcastle United and the mystery match at the Emirates.

Liverpool 7-2 Blackpool

  • Goals: Joel Matip (£5.5m), Sadio Mane (£12.0m), Roberto Firmino (£9.5m), Harvey Elliott (£4.5m), Takumi Minamino (£6.5m), Divock Origi (£5.5m), Sepp van den Berg
  • Assists: James Milner (£5.5m), Takumi Minamino, Divock Origi, Roberto Firmino, Curtis Jones (£4.5m), Harvey Elliott

Liverpool found the back of the net on seven occasions against Blackpool at Anfield but Mohamed Salah (£12.0m) wasn’t directly involved in any of the hosts’ strikes, leaving the Egyptian without a single goal or assist to his name from the Reds’ four pre-season friendlies.

Salah turned in a quiet display in his 62-minute run-out and he hasn’t particularly caught the eye in any of Liverpool’s warm-up matches, although pre-season form is hardly a reliable barometer of how a player will perform when the competitive action gets underway.

Still, he looked a lot sharper in his one and only pre-season appearance of 2019/20 (the Community Shield against Manchester City) and his goal ‘drought’ now extends back to Gameweek 34 in early July.

Perhaps Salah is missing the presence of Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) down the Liverpool right, with the premium FPL defender having missed the whole of the Reds’ pre-season campaign thanks to illness and international duty.

The entire first-choice back four were absent for this one, along with the two understudies at full-back, due to their involvement in the UEFA Nations League.

It’s easy to dismiss the ropey performance at the back in the first half, then, with Liverpool falling two goals behind courtesy of errors from 17-year-old Billy Koumetio (not helped by a poor cross-field Salah pass) and the altogether more senior Alisson (£6.0m), who conceded a penalty.

Of more concern regarding Liverpool’s clean sheet potential would perhaps be Fabinho‘s (£5.5m) form in front of the back four, with the Brazilian incurring the wrath of his manager before being hooked at the break.

Fabinho had taken a while to get back up to speed upon his return from injury earlier this calendar year, turning in sub-par displays in defeats against Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Watford.

Jordan Henderson (£5.5m) could be back for Gameweek 1, at least, with Jurgen Klopp saying on Saturday:

Obviously Hendo was desperate to play a few minutes today as well, but it makes no real sense because he had to do an important session today for him.

If he would have played today, 10 minutes or so would have probably been OK. But that makes no sense. So that was not possible, but he trained in big parts of this week and will probably join full team training next Tuesday.

Timing-wise, not perfect that he cannot play today, but can train a few days later fully. But that’s how it is.

We will see how he develops, [there are] a few days until Leeds, how the boys come back from the national teams.

Sadio Mane (£12.0m) had got on the scoresheet at the third attempt to draw Liverpool level at 2-2 but it was Roberto Firmino (£9.5m) and Takumi Minamino (£6.5m) who caught the eye in the Liverpool attack, with the pair linking up well and combining for each other’s goals.

Minamino was deployed in an attacking midfield role for this one, with the Japan international excelling and twice going close to finding the back of the net before finally notching Liverpool’s fifth goal.

The returning Joel Matip (£5.5m) had nodded in a James Milner (£5.5m) corner for Liverpool’s first goal of the afternoon, with substitutes Harvey Elliott (£4.5m), Divock Origi (£5.5m) and Sepp van den Berg getting in on the act as the visitors wilted.

Klopp said of the match:

[The first half display] was because of a lack of aggression from our side, a lack of desire a little bit for this game – that’s how it is, playing around. The goals we conceded, yeah, that’s mistakes – it’s typical for pre-season games.

But so far I think we conceded pretty much all the goals in similar situations; losing the ball in the build-up, then it’s a counter-attack, it’s a free chance pretty much. We know that and it’s clear we cannot do it like this. We have to improve that. But we have another week to get the legs fresher.

Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson (Adrian 62′); Milner, Koumetio (van den Berg 46′), Matip (Philips 46′), Hoever; Fabinho (Jones 46′), Keita; Mane (Origi 62′), Minamino, Salah (Elliott 62′); Firmino.

Everton 2-0 Preston North End

 1
  • Goals: Jonjoe Kenny (£4.5m), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.0m)
  • Assists: Theo Walcott (£6.0m)

On the day Everton secured the much-needed signing of a ball-winning central midfielder in the shape of Allan, the Toffees signed off their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 win over Preston North End.

The victory came at a cost, however, with Mason Holgate (£5.0m) lasting little over half an hour of the warm-up game before limping from the field of play with a toe injury.

Yerry Mina (£5.5m) was also missing but any hopes FPL managers may have harboured of a start for budget centre-half Jarrad Branthwaite (£4.0m) in Gameweek 1 were slightly dampened by Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti, who said after full-time:

Yerry started to train this week and he is going to be fit for Sunday. Mason had a problem with his toe. I hope it will be nothing serious. We are going to check tomorrow.

Ancelotti sent his troops out in a 4-3-3 for this encounter and the Toffees impressed against admittedly Championship-level opposition, with Richarlison (£8.0m) – newly reclassified as an FPL forward – playing on the left of a front three.

The Brazilian has done plenty of damage from that flank before, of course, and he looked very bright at Goodison Park on Saturday, somehow emerging from the 2-0 win without an assist to his name.

Richarlison “assisted the assister” for the Toffees’ opening strike, with Theo Walcott‘s (£6.0m) miscontrol landing kindly for right-back Jonjoe Kenny (£4.5m) to take advantage of.

The Brazil international then provided a telling cross for Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.0m) to double the hosts’ lead, although the striker only scored at the second attempt after visiting goalkeeper Connor Ripley had blocked his first effort.

A Richarlison assist was thwarted again shortly after, with Yannick Bolasie somehow missing from two yards out after good work from his teammate down the left.

Ancelotti said of the change of system and the Brazilian’s display:

We tried a different shape and I think it worked quite well. Richarlison did well – up front we did well, we tried to combine well from the back. Sometimes we had more difficulties but the performance overall was good.

Gylfi Sigurdsson (£7.0m) was tasked with playing the deepest role in the central midfield three on Saturday, with the impressive Bernard (£6.0m) and budget FPL asset Anthony Gordon (£4.5m) joining him in the middle of the park.

Allan could well be thrust straight into the engine room on the opening weekend, however, with his manager saying:

Tactically he is really good. Really strong defensively, he wins a lot of balls. He is aggressive and he is Brazilian, so he is able to do both – [contribute] with the ball and without the ball.

He came back fit [from the summer break]. He trained today [Saturday] and I think he has no problem to go into the team. He can play [at Tottenham].

Everton XI (4-3-3): Tyrer (Hansen 89′); Kenny, Holgate (John 31’), Gibson, Nkounkou; Sigurdsson, Gordon (Baningime 78′), Bernard (Adeniran 88′); Walcott (Bolasie 67′), Calvert-Lewin (Simms 82′), Richarlison.

Newcastle United 0-1 Stoke City

Newcastle United rounded off their pre-season in underwhelming style after succumbing to their second defeat to a Championship side in the last week.

The Magpies are rumoured to be lining up deals for Ryan Fraser, Jamal Lewis and Callum Wilson and reinforcements look to be badly needed in attack especially, with Andy Carroll (£5.5m) – not someone you’d trust to string together a series of starts – again getting the nod the lead the line on Tyneside, shanking a rare chance wide in the first half.

Fellow striker Dwight Gayle (£6.0m) had been in decent form after lockdown ended but now could be out until January, with Steve Bruce saying on Saturday:

Dwight got injured against Crewe some 10 days ago, has an operation today, which will rule him out for at least three or four months.

There are injury problems elsewhere, with the Magpies struggling at centre-half ahead of a meeting with Michail Antonio (£6.5m) and West Ham United in Gameweek 1.

Matt Ritchie (£5.0m), linked with a return to Bournemouth, is also now on the treatment table.

Bruce said:

We know Fabian Schar dislocated his shoulder, that was only three or four weeks ago, so he ain’t ready.

Unfortunately Paul Dummett and Ciaran Clark, they aren’t ready.

Matt Ritchie picked up an injury only two days ago, so all in all we aren’t too serious but we haven’t had time to recover in terms of Clark and Dummett in particular. They are playing catch up a lot.

Jamaal Lascelles (£4.5m) missed Saturday’s friendly through suspension but will at least be available when the competitive action resumes.

Karl Darlow (£5.0m) got the nod between the posts in the injured Martin Dubravka‘s (£5.0m) absence and was caught a little flat-footed for Stoke’s winner, with Sam Clucas looping a header over the Magpies’ shot-stopper.

Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.5m) showed glimpses of brightness in his 73-minute run-out while winger Jacob Murphy (£5.0m) was again given a chance to impress, missing a one-on-one opportunity after the break but doing his chances “no harm” according to his manager.

Newcastle United XI (4-2-3-1): Darlow; Yedlin, Fernandez, Hayden, Manquillo; Barlaser (Saivet 82′), S.Longstaff; Murphy, Almiron (Atsu 73′), Saint-Maximin (Muto 73′); Carroll (Joelinton 73′)

Arsenal 2-3 Aston Villa

using-the-top-10000-ownership-to-increase-your-fpl-rank-andys-article 9
  • Goals: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£12.0m) x2 | Douglas Luiz (£5.0m), Jacob Ramsey x2

As we mentioned in the introduction of this piece, there was little acknowledgement of this friendly from these two clubs beyond a line or two in passing online and there is no footage of the warm-up match, either.

What we do know is that, given the number of players from each club who are away on international duty at present, the two sides were not completely at full strength.

Teenage midfielder Jacob Ramsey, indeed, scored two of Villa’s three goals.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£12.0m) furthered his case for inclusion in our Gameweek 1 squads with another brace, with Douglas Luiz (£5.0m) grabbing the visitors’ other strike.

Willian (£8.0m) and Dani Ceballos (unpriced) both reportedly featured following their permanent moves to north London, while Mesut Ozil (£7.0m) was also back in the fold after his late-season vanishing act.

Alexandre Lacazette (£8.5m) was involved, too, with William Saliba (£4.5m) part of an Arsenal backline that again conceded three goals; Mikel Arteta’s troops having beaten QPR 4-3 in a similarly underreported kickabout last week.


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1,586 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Pretty happy with this no Salah team....your thoughts on improving this would be great

    Ryan
    TAA KWP Vinagre Justin
    Auba (c) Ziyech Armstrong
    Vardy Kane Ings
    - Greenwood Mitchell Stephens

    - Kane/Vardy to Martial/werner depending on the form
    - Auba to KDB in GW3, Armstrong to Foden

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

      Only negative i can see is no Salah, other than that good team

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

      Ziyech + Kane could be Werner + Son

      please suggest which combo would you prefer...

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

        Or ziyech+ings change to barnes/zaha+werner

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

        The latter

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

    A) salah,ings, vinagre(template)
    Or
    B) ziyech, kane, robbo( have TAA also)

    ??
    Rest of team is
    McCarthy
    TAA, Davies,******
    Auba, Alli, soucek, ******
    Werner, adams, *****

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

      A

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        A A A!

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

      Also thinking of dumping Salah/4.5m for Kane/Robbo.
      Robbo looks to be on fire, Salah less so, so gut is that B would be better. Know nothing about Ziyech though.

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

        Watched chelsea v Brighton friendly and ziyech looked dangerous, could also down him to Barnes and Alli to son.. Still uncertain atm

  3. Rahul Tibrewala
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    RMT

    Ramsdale

    TAA Dier Vinagre

    Alli Soucek Aubameyang Pereira

    Adams Werner Ings

    Bench : Button , Mitchell , Bruno Fernandes , Johnson

    0.5 in Bank
    For Ings to Martial

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

    Any reason so many opt for Alli over William?

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

      Willian not guaranteed to start as things stand

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

        Neither is Alli looking at likely starters on here.

        1. Daithi Lacha
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          James on PlanetFPL is confident Alli is a starter and is quietly optimistic he'll have a productive season but still a wait and see.

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

    1.0% gw1 punt that will be moved to ManUtd asset later. Guess who?

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

      Bowen?

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

        Yess

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

          Looking at him also. Might be one planned transfer too many though!

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

            I can have 1.0m ITB to move to Greenwood for gw2 so I'm going for Jarrod

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Does he start?

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

        He is Ham's starman

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

    Can anyone help with a computer question please? My 2 year old was button bashing my laptop keyboard and some of the shift key symbols have changed. For example, the pound sign is now # and the quotation sign is @...
    Any idea how to get it back to normal?

    Also...for GW3...
    A) Robbo + Greenwood
    B) 5.0m defender + Rashford
    if B...
    1) Shaw
    2) Coleman
    3) Dier

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

      A, if Greenwood is a sure starter

      In terms of the keyboard: try restart - if that doesn't solve it you'll need to go into your Settings and reset your Keyboard choices either under Devices > Typing, or under Time & Language > Language

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

      Sounds like keyboard language settings have been changed. You didn't say what kind of device it is but just search for keyboard language in settings. On windows it's often accessible in the bottom right corner down on the tool bar.

    3. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Probably in the settings and keyboard type.

    4. LangerznMash
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers everyone, the reboot resolved it.

  7. Herman Toothrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Does anybody know when the swanky new members area goes live?

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

      When they’ve declared all the sponsors

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

      Ideally the pre season bit will be sorted pre season

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

    Worth having that core team and additionally playing one of the 4.5 every week???

    McCarthy
    TAA/Davies/Vinagre
    Salah/Auba/Son
    Werner/Ings/Mitro

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

      Yeah not bad, plan for gw2?

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

        Dont have yet!

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

    Kenny starting for Everton?

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

      Looks that way could be an amazing pick

      1. Stay Back
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Coleman is on international duty

  10. nolard
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Worth considering Robertson over TAA due to no pre-season games?

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

      Could be the route to go down but I’d rather have VVD + Doherty than say robbo + bavies

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

        Will Doh start from GW1?

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

          Yeah can’t see why not, aurier is on the way out so who do they have after Doherty?

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

            Haven’t played a single game with them.

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

            agreed - Doh will start.

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

        Also the new lb they’ve just bought gives me second thoughts which isn’t always good for a set and forget

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

          He is a clear back up, one that LFC had been missing for the last season or two.

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

        Considering going double LFC with VVD and Robbo.

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

          Yeah good idea just the following 2 fixtures after Leeds are a bit sketchy so it’s a long term goal for me (probably from gw5/6). Just think 1 will do for now but either way could work

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

            It's long term here as well.
            I acknowledge the risk, and could move VVD to a City defender if it doesn't work out after some weeks.

    2. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ive both atm

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

        Sound.

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

    Last two seasons there's been budget strikers from newly promoted teams (mitro then Pukki) that have been excellent picks from the start of the season and then awful later in the season. Has anyone read an article or looked at numbers about goals scored by newly promoted teams early compared to later in the season?

    My gut tells me the newly promoted sides start off with more energy and then run out of steam mid season, but is this statistically true? Or just cherry picking?

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

      Starting with Mitro, and but with plans to get Wood, to be honest.

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

      It's inevitable. Squad depth is usually poorer. Unable to replace good players with other good players. Can't keep up against relatively stronger squads, which is 2/3 of the division of you're Fulham, but only 2 teams is you're untied or Chelsea

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Sounds logical and accords with my memory of a new team bounce.

      With away fans i would have even given Leeds an outside chance at Anfield on the opening day, without I'd say the stronger team wins.

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

      I have no data to back this up but from my memory I can confirm, it seems that promoted teams starting ok and then slowly begin to fade.

  12. Sad Pablo Arsecobar
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bukayo Saka.

    Pros:
    *£5.5m
    *Just been handed the number 7 shirt.
    *Very versatile
    *Usually one of arsenals best players on the day.
    *Not shy at assisting.
    *Probably the most exciting in this price bracket.

    Cons:
    *High levels competition / Rotation risk.
    *Often plays in reverse OOP.

    Do i need talking out of having him?

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

      Pros: I have him.

      Seriously, it is an easy sideways move to ASM or Soucek.

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

      Yeah not for me at the moment, good player but they have a lot of options now which I don’t want to risk

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

      He is part of my team, for 2 weeks already. Overlooked imo.

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

      Hopefully he’s done enough to start over willian to begin with

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

      He's in my team, my educated guess is he'll play one full game and about 30' in the other, at least that's what I'm expecting from him.

  13. Toothis
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Doherty, soucek, bissouma +0.5

    Or

    B) Davies, Armstrong, ASM

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

      A

  14. Fero1905
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    My team right now. I change my team 4 Times on a day 🙂 but i am on this team right now.

    MCCARTHY
    DIER TAA EGAN
    SALAH AUBA ZAHA ASM
    WERNER INGS MITROVIC

    BUTTON--VINAGRE--STEPHENS---MITCHEL

    0.5 Itb for Ings to Martial

    What do you think about zaha, i read that he plays in a different position in his Team snd is more effective. I dont know but i want to trist him 🙂

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

      Good team but don't fancy Zaha, has wanted to leave Palace for 2 years now and was poor last year.

      Its a tough price point though, seen a few people going for foden which could work if you have a decent bench.

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

      Also I think the wisdom on here is that Stephens isn't nailed at Brighton and bissouma is the better 4.5m bench pick

      1. Fero1905
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Ok, i can change stephens to bissouma when i stay on this team 🙂

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

      Decent team. I like that you have bought a solid third defender and given yourself the opportunity to have a decent first sub or a rotation option in Vinegar. Could prove well worth the 0.5 in the very uncertain few weeks

  15. Boydinho
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Planning a GW3 WC

    Which keeper 5.0-4-5 to pick as starter?

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

      So am I ! I’ve got Lloris atm

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

        Only keeper I liked at all for the first two

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

    Which one?

    A) Soucek + Martinez (GK)
    B) ASM + Button

    1. Fero1905
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Is button the number 1 in WBA?

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

        No 2 at Brighton

        1. Fero1905
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          No he had a transfer to WBa i dont know if he is the number 1 therr

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

            Oh I didn't realise, perhaps No 2 behind Johnstone?

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

            No Johnstone’s number 1

  17. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Tough one this as both have brilliant form and fixtures.

    Ings or Jimenez???

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

      Easy Ings

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

      Ings to start. Jimi an option a bit later.

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

      Neither. Both will drop in value quickly as people sell to upgrade Soucek or ASM/armstrong to Chelsea midfielder

    4. beric
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Both great picks but somehow I'm not excited about either. I think Ings, but I want Adams...so if I was gunna have one it would be Jimenez

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

        I'm starting with both ings and Adams... Ings out gw2 for martial and keeping faith in Adams for a strong start

  18. Bring back Rafa
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Newcastle latest news for anyone interested in ASM or Ritchie...
    Bournemouth has agreed to terms to sell Callum Wilson with possibly Matt Ritchie going the other way.
    Ryan Fraser may be joining him, which would be a free transfer.
    Norwich has agreed to terms to sell LB Jamal Lewis

    I don't know much about Lewis, but I'd be pretty much if we could get these 3 players across as particularly ST & LB are 2 positions they definitely need to strengthen. ASM would be much more attractive, especially if the 2 Bournemouth boys come.

    1. Bring back Rafa
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      *pretty happy

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

      Solid signings. Proven PL players.

      1. Bring back Rafa
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I agree. Especially after last year which apart from ASM was a very bad transfer window. Best way to stay up is to target the best talent from the 3 relegated teams imo

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

      Fraser and Wilson were a potent combination in 18/19. Wonder if they could rediscover that at Newcastle...

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

      Good to see Newcastle getting a decent striker at last and possibly a man who knows how to find him.ASM certainly looks more appealing and Lewis looked a good young full back in a poor Norwich side last season.

  19. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Am I the only one who thinks that teams with two 12m mids will be the ones to struggle more at the start?

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

      Yes I think so (I’m bias as I have 2), it’s easier to downgrade than to upgrade. Salah to Bruno for example gives you 1.5 to play around and improve the squad moving forward. If you only have one then yes your team is more balanced but I’m guessing if you wanted Bruno you would have jig your team around a bit more. I think it’s personal preference

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

        Yes but what about strikers start firing?

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I would say they will have more flexibility while making future moves than those who spread the cash. Having all cash in one place is always helpful.

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

        Putting the money in attack may give you more sure PTS for the start and also allows you to spread the funds

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

      No you can easily sell one with 2FTs before gw3 and spread funds. Flexible

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

        What about starting big in the fwds with Vardy Kane ? This can also helps you spread the cash if you downgrade.

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

          I have Kane and Werner and two big mids and it feels like I have a lot of options in GW3 with 2Fts. Can use both FTs and change structure or just use one to get in Bruno or martial. I'm banking on my defense needing very little surgery long term

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

            ah same here bro

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

              Looks good doesn't it 🙂

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

      Not the only one but small minority. Starting with 2 12m's is a good strategy.

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

      I'm starting with Auba, Salah, Kane and Werner (in my latest plan)

    6. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I am considering only on premium mid. Cash in the bank to with 2 FT's to make changes for GW3 team.

      I really do not want to use my WC early until I know how UTD and City shape up so the team I select will be based on no changes for the 1st 2 GW's. Once GW2 is complete then better idea of how the two Manc sides are going to line up.

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

      Depends on the impact throughout the team.

      I'm starting with 12m/9m with £1.5m in the back and tentative thoughts about moving for Bruno and KdB in GW2 and GW3.

      So my team is well balanced because my mids will cost £22m rather than £24.

      Question is will those players match the £12s, and how much will the £2m buy elsewhere if I do move for them. -£2m can make you creaky in multiple positions if you're not careful

  20. Strchld
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Really hard to decide should I pick Bruno or Martial to bench GW1 and save transfer.

    Leave money to bank get one of them GW2 and use FT.

    Play WC GW3.

    Really annoying to pick team when I dont even know what is going to be my strategy to start a game.

    How you are starting your season?

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

      WC could be great but worried this all Covid situation and they could easily cancel a games..

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      .5 for martial

    3. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah it’s very hard with the blank teams. I haven’t decided to either go salah to Bruno or Ings to martial (or just do both for a -4 so I don’t lose out), it really depends if salah or Ings score/play well. Wait and see but I wouldn’t wc

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

        Wait and see yes.

        Salah and Ings for Martial and Bruno for a hit doesnt seems bad plan If likes hits, but probably you can also catch price risers..

    4. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I won't own any until week 3 when I get Fernandes in for Auba... unless Southampton annihilate Palace, in which case I'll do Salah to Fernandes week 2.

    5. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm wildcarding Saturday morning after the deadline to get Man Utd and Man City midfielder's and Martial in my team. And Pope and Burnley defense.

      Wish free hit worked on a GW1 selection!

  21. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Considering jota over Jimmy as the wolves attacking option. Is he nailed though?

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

      No he's definitely not nailed.

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

      The off putting thing about Jota is that he is generally subbed around 60 minutes, frustrating owning a player who gets a third of a match less than others. Wolves last season tended to get their attacking returns in the second half of games.

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers. Guess mitro is a better option than any of the mids in that price bracket.

    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wouldn't bother - get him when he's hot, but not yet

    4. beric
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      not nailed at all

  22. Gazza2000
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Marcal off to Wolves it seems...

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      That's the LB yeah. Bye bye Vinagre

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

        Didn’t even see your comment haha

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Great minds etc

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

      Damn he’s a left back, bye bye vinagre

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Drafts wripped up...

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

          Think I’ll go McCarthy + vinagre to Johnstone (have button as 2nd gk) + kwp now

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

      Puts Vinagre at risk but not a definite. The guy doesn’t have any attacking abilities to be able to play LWB; had his best performances at Lyon as a LCB in a back 3 in the Champions League.

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

      Oh im loving these dilemmas 🙁 haha

  23. Bumbaclot
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Tierney and bissouma

    Or

    C.Taylor and Armstrong

    Thanks

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B for me

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

      A

  24. Milk, 1 Šuker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Brewster or Davis as 4.5 up top fodder?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Davis might get more time, but, it's Villa

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

    Who is the most nailed 4.5 Brighton mid?

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

      bissouma

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bissouma is the coming man

  26. PapaWengzz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Reece James nailed?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wouldn't have thought so

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

      Azpi bothers me now that it looks like Thiago and rudiger/other option. Looks like he’s going to be the right back with James coming in or maybe they play 3 at the back with azpi the right cb of the 3 and James more of a wing back which could be a decent option

  27. Gazwaz80
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Why no love for Henderson, great pick as a 5th mid (5.5 mill) if your team only as 2 Liverpool players, only 3 miss had more points than him from 6.0 mill and below...

    1. Gazwaz80
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      * more

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hasn't played in a while, takes up a Liver spot

      1. Gazwaz80
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yep, that’s why I stated “if your team only has 2 Liverpool players” if you don’t completely trust Liverpool at the moment he’s worth having on your bench, goals and assists last season

        1. Gazwaz80
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I take your point though...

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

      Not a bad player to own at all. Unglamorous but like Moutino if that price point helps a good team structure then you could end up just leaving them in and their value to you could be greater than obvious at first glance

      1. Gazwaz80
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Totally agree 🙁 thanks for your reply....

        1. Gazwaz80
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Oops, wrong emoji 🙂

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

    Hi.....any views on best bet here please?

    Mccarthy 4m
    Taa dier vinagre taylor xxx
    Salah auba xxx soucek bissouma
    Werner ings adams

    A...... greenwood and lascelles (greenwood benched for soucek gw1)

    B......alli and mitchell

    I have 0.5mitb for ings to martial gw2. Saving wildcard for as long as poss

    Thanks

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B - safe to bury Mitchell at no. 3 on bench

    3. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B play the best team possible, don’t get the whole bench a blank player just to save a transfer

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

        Cheers

  29. Bumbaclot
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    This could be the one; what do we think?

    Ryan
    Trent/vinagre/kwp
    Salah/aubs/son/soucek
    DCL/Werner/mitro

    Button/Armstrong/Dallas/C.Taylor

    Thanks for the feedback

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Looks like Vinagre's race is run.

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

        Really what’s happened there?

  30. Lukakus Unit
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Decided to try out a non-Salah team.

    Thoughts?

    McCarthy
    TAA - Davies - Lascelles - Mitchell
    Aubama - Son - Barnes - M Pereira
    Kane - Ings

    Bench: Nyland - KWP - Greenwood - K Davis

    Swap out Aubama, Kane & Greenwood for Sterling, Bruno & Martial in GW3.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Looks like a plan

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

      Would you not be priced out by gw3?