Scout Notes

Son scores from the spot as £4.0m FPL defender Johnson struggles in Hammers loss

We round off our coverage of Saturday’s pre-season friendlies with a look at how Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Leeds United and Leicester City got on in their final warm-up matches before Gameweek 1.

Watford 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

  • Goal: Son Heung-min (£9.0m)
  • Assist: Erik Lamela (£6.0m)

Son Heung-min (£9.0m) led the line and scored from the spot as Tottenham Hotspur rounded off their pre-season campaign with a defeat at recently relegated Watford.

With Harry Kane (£10.5m) away on international duty, the Korean was again given the nod to spearhead the Lilywhites’ attack in front of an attacking midfield trident of Erik Lamela (£6.0m), Dele Alli (£8.0m) and Lucas Moura (£7.0m) at Vicarage Road.

On paper, it seems that Lamela would be the placeholder for Kane, with Son moving back to the left flank, but the South Korea international has shone in pre-season in a central role and his energetic displays were in sharp contrast to the sluggish performance that Kane turned in for his country at the weekend.

The England striker has mitigating circumstances for his rustiness, of course, having been quarantined following a trip to the Bahamas, and even if half-fit, it’s difficult to see Jose Mourinho omitting him for the visit of Everton this weekend.

Son’s goal from 12 yards came after Lamela had been fouled and with Alli on the pitch, which, even if it is only a meaningless pre-season kickabout, may be an indication that the Korean is next in line in the penalty-taking pecking order whenever Kane is absent.

Alli had caught the eye in his first two pre-season starts, bagging a goal and two assists, but he was unable to replicate that form here, being moved into a deeper central midfield role in the second half as Tanguy Ndombele (£6.0m) was sacrificed for young winger Jack Clarke; Alli’s ball-playing skills perhaps required from deep as the two long-passing centre-backs – Eric Dier (£5.0m) and Toby Alderweireld (£5.5m) – were not on the pitch.

That’s not a position Fantasy managers want to see him in and it likely isn’t the plan long term but with Giovani Lo Celso (£7.0m) not featuring at all in pre-season, Harry Winks (£5.5m) withdrawing from the England squad because of injury and Ndombele locked in a never-ending battle to regain match-fitness, there is a lingering question over who gets the nod alongside midfield anchor Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (£5.0m) in Gameweek 1.

Youngster Dennis Cirkin and Juan Foyth (£4.5m) both got 45 minutes at left-back in the absence of Ben Davies (£5.0m), who was away with Wales, while Serge Aurier (£5.5m) stepped into the void at right-back with Matt Doherty (£6.0m) and Gedson Fernandes (£5.0m) away on international duty.

None of the deputy full-backs turned in particularly convincing displays, with Cirkin giving away a converted penalty and Aurier’s distribution typically erratic, so there was little to worry prospective owners of Doherty and Davies.

Mourinho said after the game:

I would say that those are the positives, players who needed minutes had them, some players played 90 minutes. Also positive was that Watford took it very seriously. I liked that. They competed, they were aggressive, they made the game very hard, those are all positives.In the same way I wasn’t super-enthusiastic after winning three friendlies, wins that don’t give us any points, I’m not sad that we lost this one.

I said to the players at half-time, maybe in the Premier League if we are losing 2-0 at half-time, we have the second half to fight for the result. It was a game to give us minutes and a competitive mentality and I really liked the fact that in the last minute, we are fighting to try to score, and then Sonny makes a 100-metre sprint to stop the 3-1 on the counter-attack. So, overall, it was okay.

*With thanks to TopMarx for his observations

Tottenham Hotspur XI (4-2-3-1): Hart (Gazzaniga 46′); Aurier, Sanchez, Carter-Vickers, Cirkin (Foyth 46′); Ndombele (Clarke 46′), White (Bowden 81′); Lamela, Dele, Lucas; Son.

West Ham United 3-5 Bournemouth

  • Goals: Jarrod Bowen (£6.5m) x2, Felipe Anderson (£6.5m)
  • Assists: Josh Cullen x2, Robert Snodgrass (£6.0m)

A West Ham United side who have kept only two Premier League clean sheets since David Moyes took charge in January were again exposed on Saturday, this time by a team who have just dropped down to the Championship.

The alarm bells were ringing upon the release of the teamsheets as Moyes, without the unavailable and influential Tomas Soucek (£5.0m) and Declan Rice (£5.0m) due to their international commitments, opted to name the attack-minded Manuel Lanzini (£6.5m) and the ageing Mark Noble (£5.0m) in a two-man central midfield.

Noble was overrun and Lanzini lasted all of 32 minutes before limping off but they weren’t the only ones culpable, with the back four unconvincing as ever and back-up goalkeeper David Martin (£4.0m) not doing his future prospects any good.

In a possible blow to managers who were looking for playing defensive bench fodder, Ben Johnson (£4.0m) turned in such a poor performance that he was hooked for Ryan Fredericks (£4.5m) with less than half an hour gone, a withdrawal that can’t have done the youngster’s confidence any good.

The return of Rice especially (providing he isn’t sold) will add much-needed protection to the back four but the Hammers haven’t recorded a single shut-out in pre-season and, given the fixtures that are to come, few Fantasy managers will be interested anyway.

Goals at the other end have been flowing at least, with Jarrod Bowen (£6.5m) continuing his fine form with a brace on Saturday – both strikes being set up by Josh Cullen.

Encouragingly, Bowen was loitering around the six-yard box for each one and he took his tally to four goals in three warm-up matches with that double at the weekend.

Felipe Anderson (£6.5m) added a late consolation with a header from fellow substitute Robert Snodgrass‘s (£6.0m) corner.

Michail Antonio (£6.5m) didn’t get on the scoresheet, however, and one of the form FPL players of the post-restart era rounded off pre-season without a goal to his name.

Antonio was paired up front with Sebastien Haller (£6.5m) as Moyes plumped for a 4-4-2 but the recently reclassified forward saw little joy against the Cherries, eventually being replaced just after the hour mark.

West Ham United XI (4-4-2): Martin; Johnson (Fredericks 26), Diop, Ogbonna (Balbuena 63), Cresswell; Bowen (Masuaku 63), Noble (Wilshere 63), Lanzini (Cullen 32), Fornals (Snodgrass 82); Antonio (Felipe Anderson 63), Haller (Xande Silva 82).


Leeds United 3-1 Pacos de Ferreira

  • Goals: Pascal Struijk (£4.0m), Pablo Hernandez (£6.0m), Helder Costa (£5.5m) 
  • Assists: Barry Douglas (£4.0m), Patrick Bamford (£5.5m) x2

With at least half a dozen possible/probable starters away on international duty, including new signings Robin Koch (£4.5m) and Rodrigo (£6.0m), a patched-up Leeds United side saw off Portuguese outfit Pacos de Ferreira in their final warm-up match before Gameweek 1.

Two budget FPL defenders combined for the Whites’ opening strike, with Barry Douglas‘ (£4.0m) free-kick being nodded in by the ‘out of position’ (at least, in Fantasy terms) Pascal Struijk (£4.0m) two minutes after the visitors had gone in front.

Patrick Bamford (£5.5m) went on to claim a brace of assists after the break, first teeing up Pablo Hernandez (£6.0m) for a net-busting strike from distance and then providing a lofted through-ball for substitute Helder Costa (£5.5m) to convert.

The fluid 4-1-4-1/3-3-1-3 Bielsa set-up was again in evidence, with the hosts putting in an improved display after the interval and Hernandez looking more effective when moving into a central role from his original position on the right.

Douglas may well get the nod in Gameweek 1 if Bielsa opts to use Luke Ayling (£4.5m) at centre-half over new recruit Koch, although the longer-term prospects don’t look quite so positive for the bargain-bin defender.

Few will be wanting him to be anything other than emergency bench fodder this weekend anyway, given that reigning champions Liverpool are providing the opposition.

Leeds United XI (4-1-4-1/3-3-1-3): Casilla; Douglas, Ayling, Casey, Davis; Struijk; Hernandez (Gotts 73′), Shackleton, Roberts (Costa 45′), Harrison (Poveda 70′); Bamford (Cresswell 88′).

Leicester City 1-1 Blackburn Rovers

  • Goal: Daniel Amartey (£4.0m)
  • Assist: None

An under-strength Leicester City side drew their final warm-up match against Blackburn Rovers at the weekend, with only a handful of first-teamers featuring.

Harvey Barnes (£7.0m) and Demarai Gray (£5.5m) flanked Jamie Vardy (£10.0m) in a strong-ish looking three-man attack but there was little to report from the long-serving striker, who forced an early save from distance and then took one of his trademark tumbles in the opposition box without reward.

Ayoze Perez (£6.5m) chalked up his first pre-season minutes as a substitute but there was again no James Maddison (£7.0m), who looks to be a major doubt for Gameweek 1 given that he was only training in the ‘rehab gang’ with fellow absentee Ricardo Pereira (£6.0m) last week.

Daniel Amartey (£4.0m) made his return after a lengthy period on the sidelines, nodding home the Foxes’ only goal from a corner following a goalkeeping howler.

Wilfred Ndidi (£5.0m) was deployed as a centre-half for this one and it’ll be interesting to see if he is again given the nod alongside Caglar Soyuncu (£5.5m) in Gameweek 1, with Jonny Evans (£5.5m) suspended and Wes Morgan (£4.5m) nursing an injury – although Filip Benkovic (£4.5m) is a more natural fit and James Justin (£4.5m) could potentially deputise.

Brendan Rodgers has favoured a back four in pre-season over the wing-back system he ended 2019/20 with, although the knowledge that Evans will be suspended for Gameweeks 1-3 has perhaps forced the Leicester manager’s hand, given the lack of options at centre-half.

Leicester City XI (4-3-3): Stolarczyk; Daley-Campbell (Leshabela 84′), Ndidi (Amartey 62′), Knight (Johnson 62′), Thomas; Mendy, Choudhury, Dewsbury-Hall; Gray (Perez 71′), Vardy (Iheanacho 75′), Barnes (Albrighton 71′).

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2,395 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Triple P
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    So how will Chelseas lineup (front 6) look like most of the season? Just thinking of starting Mount, or is he a rotation risk now?

    ----------- Kanté/Kovacic ------------
    --------- Havertz ----- Mount -------
    Ziyech ----- Werner ----- Pulisic

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

      Hard to say I think. I think we might see a two up top at times as I think Tammy/Gru would be a good foil for Werner.

      Possible Lampard hasn’t got a clue and has just signed a load of names.

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

        Amen 😀

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

          Turns out you can just click “ignore” on those time limits =)

          I need something stronger.

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

            😀

      2. Triple P
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I would just be really surprised if Mount would be dropped to the bench.. I really liked him last season, especially at the beginning.

        Guess we'll just have to wait and see a few Chelsea games first

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It’s ultra lightweight in the middle

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

      Huge risk, Kante and Kovacic will play together, Mount will miss out of this lineup

      1. Triple P
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Would be a shame, but I guess you're right

    4. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Initially I expect a lot of 4231 with Kante Kova Mount Werner Ziyech Giroud
      Eventually it will be Kante sitting in front of kova/Mount Kai with puli Werner and ziyech

      Later in the year I expect him to tinker with Kai up front with Werner and ziyech on either side of pulisic

      Werner and Puli top options imo

      1. Triple P
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        If Havertz were to play up front, he surely will be even a better OOPtion 🙂

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

      As a guess:

      --------- Kante--Kovacic-------
      --Ziyech----Havertz-----Pulisic
      ---------------Werner--------------

      1. Triple P
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah that looks more solid. Too bad to see Mount become a bench player

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I think mount will play a lot, especially against teams we need to press heavily; won’t be locked into any one role, but I expect him to play 30 pl matches and start 20

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

          Probably come on after 60 minutes every game, and start cups. Plenty of games to play.

    6. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Definite rotation risk. Both Kante & Kovacic as CDM. Havertz centrally behind Pulisic Werner & Ziyech.

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

        Have you ever played this game? Havertz is nailed

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

          The question was about Mount

    7. Our Tiny Windows
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I read somewhere that Mount was unhappy about Havertz signing so that suggests he’s benched.

      1. Triple P
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I can imagine he is frustrated about that, so many quality players competing for a spot. We'll see how it unfolds

      2. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        That was complete rubbish and was debunked by his father publicly

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

      Mount considers himself more of an 8 than a 10 - so an option for the role next to Kante too, as well as 10 or on a wing.

      He'll definitely get games - just not a 100% starter all season...

  2. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Would Villa in for martinez make him the best 4.5 keeper?

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      On a terrible team with an atrocious defensive record

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Saves though. He was excellent for arsenal.

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          True and villa did tighten it up late, would rather go SOU personally

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

      I think he’d be fine. Good keeper and they really tightened up after the restart.

      There was an article on The Athletic about what Smith changed to make that happened but I’ve forgotten what is said.

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Desperation?

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

          Sigh.

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

        Targett is actually a great option. It's sad he doesn't have GW 1 fixture

  3. FPL Dancer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Forget Man Utd Players for GW1 & GW2!! Why??

    Click on the link below!!
    https://youtu.be/PQLkgc7XIYQ

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

      Easy to say you'll get to GW3 with 2 FT 🙂

      1. FPL Dancer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yes. That's the plan:)

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

    I have done a bit of research on the best way to navigate the 4.5 rotating keeper scenario.

    This research is based around rotating as much as possible to avoid last seasons top 8 teams, all of which scored the most goals (Wolves were level with Southampton in terms of goals for, but i have not included the South Coast team as they fell outside of the top half of the table by close of play.)

    I have only included the goalkeepers who are "nailed" so the likes of Martinez misses out on this.

    Option 1: Choose 2 goalkeepers and leave them to it.

    Each goalkeeper combo has to face one of the top 8 at least 4 times, and at worse 9 times. Naturally, any pick with Tom Heaton to start with is going to be the worst option as he is currently injured and not due back until deep into October, but you could include villas deputy, whoever it may be. You could rotate Villa with McCarthy for reduced meetings with the top 8, but you will have to make a decision whether to play Liverpool or Man u on 2 separate occasions, as well as City or Leicester on 2 more occasions. Villa paired with Miesler gives you 8 opportunities against top 8 opponents, and leaves you no choice but to face man city or Liverpool twice. Villa with either Ryan or Rodak forces you to face the top eight 9 times, as does Ryan partnered with Rodak. Probably best to avoid these options.

    The best rotating combination is safely Ryan and McCarthy, who would logically face Man u and Wolves twice, to avoid meetings with Liverpool 4 times.

    Option 2: Transfer strategy to avoid the big 8 teams.

    With some careful planning, I have been able to avoid facing any of the top 8 by using the least amount of single transfers for each gameweek. This strategy only works on the assumption of no injury and no postponement, and ignoring any future double gameweeks.

    Gw 1 McCarthy and Rodak.
    Before Gw10 Johnstone and Rodak.
    Between Gw 12 and Gw19 Meisler and Rodak
    Between Gw 23 and GW28 McCarthy and Rodak
    GW33 Heaton and Rodak.
    GW37 Johnston and Rodak.

    This strategy requires you to use 6 precious transfers in total, keeping Rodak every time, and transferring his partner out. You do avoid facing the top 8 by making these transfers.

    Option 3.
    Reducing the number of top 8 teams in as few transfers as possible.

    If you don't want to risk using as many as 6 transfers on rotating goalkeepers out of your team, you have the option of "damage limitation." As we have seen in the past, facing a top 8 team doesn't always garuntee the sacrifice of clean sheet points, and can also be an opportunity to rack up some save points too.

    Gw1 McCarthy and Rodak.
    Before GW10 Johnstone and Rodak.
    GW 19 Johnstone away vs wolves or Rodak at Home vs Chelsea.
    Gw32 Johnstone away to Leicester or Rodak away to Arsenal.
    GW35 Johnstone at home to Wolves.

    This Option faces you against the top 8 on 3 separate occassions by only using one single transfer.

    Conclusion.

    Having to rely so heavily on a fulham goalkeeper to avoid the top 8 teams does not really sit well with me, and think I might just take my chances with option 1 a la Ryan and McCarthy.

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Rotating 4.5s rarely comes off

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

        This

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

      Countless times I have benched a 10 pointer to recieve 2 points, but it does go the other way too. The thought of my goalkeeper facing Man City, Liverpool, Man u and Chelsea 2 times each doesnt really fill me with joy! Rotating the way to go!

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

      Rodak though? The Fulham keeper?

      I wouldn't fancy Fulham against teams like:

      Sheff Utd, Burnley, Southampton, Everton, Newcastle, West Ham, Leeds 😀

      I understand save points etc.... but Fulham, bleugh.

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

        Disagree. Think Rodak could be a save-machine this season, and think Fulham will set up to be much more defensively stable than last time round

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

        See final paragraph

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

    Is anyone else concerned abut Salam’s pre season form? Awful lot of money for someone who blanked despite his team scoring 7 in their most recent friendly!

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You'd think he played the full game.

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

        What do you mean sorry?

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

          Ignore friendlies

        2. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Subbed off at 3-2. Would be more of an issue if played all game.

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

            Fair. I’ll keep

  6. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Entire uncertainty of building an initial draft is dependent on how you think Liverpool will perform.

    Their form has been poor post re-start and pre season friendlies have not provided any suggestions that they are back to their dominant best.
    First 3 fixtures are also indifferent to say the least.
    So:
    1. How many Pool defenders will you have in your team come GW 1?
    2. Salah, Mane, both or neither? Which route are you going?

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

      Taa VVD Salah

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      TAA & Salah

      Most likely will sell Salah for Bruno in GW2

      1. The Mighty Hippo
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        That's my general plan for the moment.

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

      TAA and Salah to start. Might sell Salah gw2

    4. Triple P
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'll probably say a little prayer and go without Salah. Was the second name in my team, and was in my team most of last season.. but there are just too many great alternatives who I start to like more than how Salah - and Pool in general - are looking. Want to see some dominance again first

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

      Just trent atm

      So I could have

      Mane Brewster and Mitchell - 20.5
      Or
      Son Adams and KWP + 1 itb - 20.5

  7. RyanKent14
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How’s this looking?

    McCarthy
    VVD TAA Doherty
    Auba Son Havertz Zaha Barnes
    Mitro Werner

    Nyland Douglas Mitchell Davis

    1. cuppatea78
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I quite like!

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

    Asking this again as I didnt get much of a response before. Is Justin still a decent option?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He's a popular one at least. Time will tell if he gets decent points.

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

        Will he start?

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He's not nailed after Periera returns and Leicester def might suffer without Evans first 3 gameweeks.

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

        Have lei not signed a new RB or am i thinking if another team?

    3. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If he can play LB maybe but Ricardo back before too long

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

    Doherty or Robertson for the first 7 or 8 ?

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

      Robbo

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

      Robertson easily

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

      Doherty if you have TAA (you should)

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

        I agree

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

      I’m in the same dilemma over those two. 1.0m is a big price difference and I’m struggling to have a balanced squad with both TAA and Robertson in the team..

    5. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      VVD better value than Robbo, you should only pick the Scot if going for the triple up in defence IMO.

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

        Yes, have VVD and TAA

        1. Phil's Stamps
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I'm going without Salah too but feel the triple up at the back restricts flexibility.

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

            Kana & Fernandes are my most expensive players.

            If I drop Robertson for Doherty I can upgrade Foden to Greenwood.

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

    Going a little away from the template

    Martinez
    TAA KWP lamptey sessengnon Taylor
    Salah Auba Son JWP ASM
    Martial Richarlison Davis

    Thanks

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

      When you go away from template don't post here. You'll be template again 😉

      GL !

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

      Sessegnon? Why?

    3. Won't sleep till after…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It risks a very poor GW1 by having four players who won't play or start. Five if Arteta surprises us all and picks Leno.Who's your back up keeper?

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

      So Richa up too GW1?

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

        Up top on his own

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

      Definitly different. No reason why it can't work. Richarison isn't for me, but Everton may be okay given Ancelotti's expertise.

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

    Thoughts on Havertz starting GW1?
    Was pictured in training today so has the full weak ahead before their match. Plus, played the internationals so should be match fit.

  12. Denniezy
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Looking for more joiners!
    Code: baiaia
    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/baiaia

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

    Does anyone feel that Doherty could be a massive flop at Spurs?

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

      Cheap enough to not labelled as flopp

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        We sold kevin wimmer to stoke for more.

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

          christ

    2. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He's replacing aurier. So no.

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

        But Aurier is a better tackler and understands his defensive duties more than Doherty probably does..

        1. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Trust me. As a spurs season ticket holder, serge has some great attacking prowess on his day but is an absolute liability going back towards his own goal.

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

            It drives me mad on tv cant imagine whats it like in the stadium.

            1. how now brown cow
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              He's frustrating. People slag him but he's got a lot of talent.

              Decision making is awful at times though.

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

            Ok - thanks for clarifying that. I feel a lot happier with Doherty in my team now..

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

            To the point Jose said he was "scared" of Aurier, and that any moment he could give away a penalty.

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

          Cant be serious. Aurier is terriblenat tackling which is why gives away so many oenalties and fouls. The reason why he has so many successful tackles is gets to make so many of them

          And the reason he makes so many of them is he is always getting caugh out of position

        3. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Those wasted crosses aren’t helping anyone; if doc helps them lose the ball less as they work it into the box and can be a finisher against deep blocks, it will work well. I just don’t think that works against every kind of team; I’d be tempted to keep both and play horses for courses

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

            Would you have Doherty in your team before Robertson and save the 1m ?

    3. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not sure he fits their setup but he won’t be blamed, Mourinho will

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

    Is it actually better to go for 2 5m defenders instead of doherty+ 4m one?

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

      Yes

    2. Our Tiny Windows
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You’ve only named one of four players so it’s hard to say.

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

        The 2 5m most likely will be sheffield and wolves ones, don't see anyone else worth getting

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

          Not certain as Doherty could turn into Laporte, would depend on your bench.

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

            Yeah I guess I could just gamble on doherty and waste a transfer on him if he doesn't start, quite worth it as he still has the best fixtures out if wolves and sheffield. Laporte has bad fixtures and part of peproulette so I won't consider him.

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

              Leeds 4.5’s and Kyle Walker are good 4.5’s too, rotate pretty well in the opening 10. That’s what I am doing and going with a 5m Spurs defender. If uncertain about Doherty don’t select.

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

                The 5m spurs defenders worry me though as too many could start. I have KWP already yeah so if doherty GW1 doesn't play, I guess I'll just have to waste a transfer on him for a 5.0 and then I would have an extra million for attack.

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

                  I had Doherty for ages mate. Only took him out to fit Alli in instead of Zaha. If he starts could be a bargain in the opening 8.

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

                    Yeah that's what I gonna do now, GW2 I could always change him if he doesn't start and he's always worth the gamble. My wild card needs to be used in GW9 as I would most likely still have my triple spurs at 8. I need mancity and liverpool players at 9.

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

    Any interest in Everton players? Making big moves, surely going to be a better side this season, good fixtures

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You could have said that last season and the one before.

      I think Ancelotti has a real challenge to turn them into a team. Doucoure will help though.

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

        yeah... agree. Doesn't seem to be a philosophy/strategy that I can see...

    2. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No. Willing to let them show me they are good.

    3. Triple P
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I will be starting with DCL

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

        Id like to do this but cant justify the 1 million extra outlay over Mitrovic

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

      Might start with Rod as a place holder for Fernandes.

  16. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    People's thots on James Rodriguez?

    1. Gareth nose
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Top player. Ancelotti will get the best out of him, and if he stays fit will be one of the best performers in the league imo. In terms of fantasy potential I think everton will take a little time to gel with their new signings, so won't be picking him from the start. However with favourible fixtures and a decent price he might make it into my team for gw1.

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Past it physically but great landing spot for him, big fish in small pond

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

        Haha - that’s a priceless comment mate..

        “...so won’t be picking him from the start”

        “...he might make it into my team for gw1”

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

      Fun fact of the day, the word ‘Thot’ is slang for “that hoe over there”

      Back on topic, James would be a decent option if he shows anything like his form from a few years ago.

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

      What price will he be ??

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

      Might use him asa place holder for Fernandes in GW1. I think he’ll do well. But a lot will depend on his price.

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

    Seriously tempted to wildcard GW 2 but if i go fown that road i feel like i need to use Bench Boost in week 1 as well ughhhh

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wildcarding before you've even seen 4 teams play sounds bold.

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

        Its very risky...silly even but i do lose interesnt if i start with off badly. Awlays finish outside top 200k or inside top 5k

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

      I’ve done it last 2 years and regretted it twice. This year going to use it around GW 7/8. WC is a great chip when used properly. Prob win me my mini league last season during second half of season, I went from 5th to 2th in the 3/4 weeks after my WC. That’s why I’m not wasting one in gamesweek 2 this year.

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

    What effect will Doherty leaving have on Traore? Will he start more?

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He may have to...

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

        And do you think he’ll play less well without that support?

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I think he is a big downgrade at WB possession wise, like him better as winger going wide than as WB tucking in

  19. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Are people investing in Wolves defense?

    Looking to get Saiss in now but not happy about spending 5.0

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

      I’m personally going for Coady at 5.0m

  20. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    do you think rashford and martial will rise before gw2 ?

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe martial

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Depends on FPL Towers.

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

      Probably so. If Bruno rises early in the week, then more managers will start going for Martial and Rash instead.

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

      If Rashford is fit, he might even rise twice (current ownership - 6,1%). Martial, tough to say - currently in 16,7% teams.

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

        Anyone know latest on Rashford's fitness? Currently have him AND Martial on the bench

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

          Ben Dinnery (Aug 27th):
          Marcus Rashford is flagged as an injury doubt for next months Nations League double header against Iceland and Denmark. The #ENG forward suffered an ankle injury during the Europa League defeat to Sevilla and has been advised to rest ahead of the new campaign.
          Ben Dinnery (Aug 31st):
          Rashford admits the games will come “too soon” for him after he was withdrawn from the squad. Jack Grealish has been called up as his replacement.

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

    Do we think Saliba starts?

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not worth it

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

        Because of the risk of a non-start or because he’s not good?

        1. n-doggg
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Risk of non start

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

      yea, but wait and see

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

        Thinking from GW 1, just because I won’t have transfers available for defenders...

    3. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Do you have any indication he will is the real question

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

        Only that current arse defence is poor and he was expensive

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Lol so based on that logic why him over tierney Gabriel bellerin?

  22. BENOIT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A little guessing game....

    Who will be the top 3 FPL points scorers at Utd and Chelsea?

    I'll go:

    1. Werner, 2. Pulisic, 3. Ziyech
    1. Martial, 2. Bruno, 3. Rashford

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Kai over Z
      Bruno over Tony

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

      1. Werner 2. Pulisic 3. Ziyech
      1. Rashford 2. Bruno 3. Martial

    3. Jimbo123
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Puli, Kai, Werner
      Bruno, Tony, Green

  23. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    thoughts on Nketiah for first 2 gws ?

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I’m really really tempted

      Arteta was playing him over Lacazette before the suspension

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

      Arteta likes him, but Aubameyang is the only truly nailed Arsenal attacker.

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

      Not got the minerals

      1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        this

    4. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think he's a great shout. Hoping for some inkling he starts or laca goes.

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

      I also prefer Saka, who plays more often and is more productive when he plays.

  24. I Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What's the latest on Soucek?

    1. Mr. Mystic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Still isolating I believe. Going for a punt on Ceballos

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

    A. Doherty & Greenwood

    Or

    B. Robertson & Foden ??

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

      B

  26. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What’s people’s thoughts on Ayling @ 4.5?

    1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I prefer Dallas

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Got him in my draft currently.

      Between him or Taylor or Justin.

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

      FFS article says Dallas has more attacking potential, but Ayling is a little more nailed.

      I'm gambling on Dallas.

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

    How's it looking?

    Lloris
    Trent, M-Niles, Coleman, Egan
    Auba, Mané, Ward-Prowse
    Werner, Ings, Calvert-Lewin

  28. advdborg
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Vardy Alli Soucek
    B) Ings Son ASM

  29. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who is the most followed player worldwide signing for an English club this season?

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

      Joshua King

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        smile

  30. JURGENAUT
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts?

    McCarthy
    TAA - Doherty - Justin - Mitchell
    Salah (VC) - Auba (C) - Alli
    Werner - Ings - Mitro

    Bench: Button - Soucek - Johnson - Bissouma

    Thanks

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

      Would consider Davies Son over Doherty Alli

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Justin and mitchel will play 5 games max. Mitchel probably less.

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

      I prefer Doherty and Alli