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′).

Best players by position:

2,395 Comments Post a Comment
  1. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Dallas nailed?

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

      no

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

      Yes, he even plays in midfield sometimes

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

      Leeds fans think he is
      Ayling exciting pick for ne

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

      Yes from what I have read and can be used in midfield too but with those Leeds fixtures might be worth watching first few games and going with a safer bet in Taylor at Burnley

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

        Thanks. Think I’ll do just that

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

    A) Werner + Stephens (bench)
    B) Ings + Souchek (bench) & 0.5 for transfer tinkerings

    Have two other playing bench players.

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

      Tough call; One more risky but template one is conservative but Non template I’d be tempted for B to steal a march on the community

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

        Thanks. Yeah leaning towards B because of the flexibility it allows and not to hard to stretch to Werner if he goes bonkers.

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

      A

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

      A

      Although Bissouma is gradually pushing Stephens out of the team.

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

        Bissouma is one of my other two -hopefully- playing benchers 🙂

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

          Might go for Reed (Fulham) then -- boring but should get more minutes.

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

      The nice thing about not getting Werner is Liverpool week 2 should temper knee jerk interest even if he fires

  3. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Havertz and Vinagre likely to play up until the first 4 atleast?

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

      Doubt Havertz is thrown in without a proper bedding in period.

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks mate

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

        I think he will. No Pulisic no Ziyech. He trained, he's an amazing player. I think he'll make his debut GW1.

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

          He’s certainly capable and ziyech/puli being hurt helps his chances. I think CHO gets his chance early on, RLC and Mount know the system; I think Werner is the only guaranteed starter. I can see Frank using Kai as a sub the first couple weeks

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

          This

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

        Why? He's an incredible player and Lampard will pick the team that has the most chance of winning.

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

      That is why I only taking him on week 3/4, no point at the start when he might get heavily transferred out during 2

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

    Where to spent 0.5m or should I just save it for a rainy day?

    McCarthy Button
    TAA Egan Davies Lascelles Taylor
    Salah Auba ASM Bissouma Greenwood
    Werner Ings Davis

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

      If you're sure on greenwood, then nothing decent worth upgrading.

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

        Could upgrade to Havertz by downgrading Davies. Not sure I want to do that though

  5. Oooo Matron
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A or B?
    A) Dier & Bissouma
    B) ASM & Mitchell

    Current team:
    McCarthy
    TAA VVD Justin
    ASM Salah Son Auba
    Werner Adams Mitro

    Subs: Taylor, Mitchell, Reed

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

      Need some Spurs defence - their stats were really good post lockdown

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

    RMT please

    McCarthy Peacock
    TAA, Doherty, Vinagre, Justin, Mitchell
    Auba, Salah, Zaha, Pareira (West Brom), Stevens
    Kane, Ings, 4.5m fodder

    4-4-2 on a regular basis. Might move to 4-3-3 if a 6-6.5 m striker (Antonio?) has good fixtures or seems explosive early on...

    Not completely sure about Doherty either...

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

      Can zombies be curious?

      I’d have thought they’d have just one thing in mind.

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

        They can be...until they join the horde and go with a Salah(C)

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

        You need to watch the film "Warm Bodies". That will give you the answer

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

          Best zombie movie ever “Drop dead Fred”

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

            Sorry mixed it up, “Idle Hands” is the one I was thinking of

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

      Question marks over Vinagre & Justin & Mitchell who are not starters when their teammates return to fitness. Having one maybe two worth the risk but not 3. I would maybe convert one into a 4.5m that you know is more certain of regular game time. Taylor. KWP. Lascelles

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

    Is Spurs defensive double up an overkill?

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

      Yes

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

      Yes

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

      Yes at present. Doherty (if can afford it) Dier is saving money. Then watch to see how they go.

    4. 1569Tippins
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No

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

      I’m on it at present. Seems like one of the safer bets to get ahead of the template

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

      No, they have best opening fixtures of any team, and Mourinho teams have traditionally done excellent on his second season.

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

    Greenwood or Martial?

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

      Martial

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

      Martial. Greenwood to busy banging Iceland chicks.

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

    Which is better?

    A: Alli and Mitrovic

    B: Barnes and Calvert-Lewin

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

      I like DCL, not sure about Barnes at the moment, Leicester a bit weak.

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

      DCL swings it for me over Mitrovic although agree with the above I am not completely certain what Leicester we are going to get this season pre or post lockdown version. Chilwell will be a loss.

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

    Is this too obvious to discuss or is there a point?

    Why do we constantly think about which 5.5-7m mid when nearly all the 5.5-7.5m defenders outscored them last season?

    Don’t get me wrong, I see way less CS this year as it’s more open but I have probably drafted 150 different teams now and having 4 premium defenders

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

      Probably right but it’s harder to reach for those premium mids and forwards because you are spreading money across defenders

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

      I think it’s because 4.5 defenders outscore 4.5 mids.

      In other words, you either have A) 7.5 defenders + 4.5 mids or B) 7.5 mids + 4.5 defenders.

      Which package scores more?

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

        A

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

      What does your team look like?

      4-4-2 or 4-3-3?

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

        4-4-2

        Doherty, TAA, Digne, Egan 4.0
        Auba, Salah, JWP, Grealish (ASM)
        Mitro, Kane 4.5

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

      The difference is the cheap defenders are more likely to score points than the cheap attackers. If you go with 3-4 premium defenders, you'll be severely short of cash to get the premium mids and forwards.

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

        I’d rather punt on a 5.5m mid than a 4 or 4.5 mid def

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

          I think what you're trying to compare is for example 7 def+4.5 mid vs 4.5 def+7 mid. If you're increasing to 5.5, then 7 def+5.5 mid vs 5.5 def+7 mid. The 7 mid is better in both cases to me.

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

      I think the difference is that people think that you can get good returns from cheaper defenders, but you're not going to get much at all from most cheap mids, so it's tempting to weaken the backline to be able to pay for the decent mids.

      I'm contemplating 5-2-3 this season. Premium backline, decent strikers, one decent mid and one punt.

      1. 1569Tippins
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Same formation I’m going with right now

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

      Totally agree on this. I can’t see any 7.5 million midfielders who will score more than Robertson, or any 6.5 million players who will score more than Doherty.

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

        Exactly

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

      Mainly because people are herd animals who mostly like shuffling around various cheap attackers to enjoy various "Pukki Parties" or whatever player is hot at the moment. Or fear the perceived negative impact on rank of sitting out said parties.

      Taking a different approach puts you in a lonely place. You have to have a strong stomach to stick with your "maverick" philosophy.

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

        ''Pukki parties'' I love it. besides making me laugh, this comment stands to reason.

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

      As others have elluded to, it's about the potential of 4.5m Mid or Strikers compared to 4.5m Defs.

      You can definitely afford a couple (3 perhaps) premium defenders who will outscore their midfield counter parts, BUT you then put the pressure on to get the correct 'cheap' and 'value' bargains all the way through the season in Mid and Forwards.

      The balance and spread of value (perceived value anyway) is important and getting that alongside the 'value' cheaper defenders is what is so vital to doing well.

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

    Ownership percentage - Surely its better to have a low percentage ownership due to it being more likely the player will go up rather than down?

    I get that if a player with high ownership does well and you don’t have him, you will lose out to lots of people. However, if you have a poorly owned player who does well then you’ll beat a lot of people. These two situations therefore balance out, meaning it’s still better to own the lower ownership player.

    Am I missing something?

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

      Google “effective ownership”

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

      I think you are.
      A lower owned player there is usually a reason. Usually because he is not as good as a highly owned player.

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

      I think better performance probability. With some exceptions, highly owned players tend to perform better, as a majority is rather right. Still, if you pick the right poorly owned players, you'll make both better points and higher team value.

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

      I think a lot of people here agree with you

  12. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    DCL looking like a better option now with all the new signings?

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

      Wait 2 weeks

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

      Lipstick on a donkey

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

        Haha - lipstick on a donkey may be correct - but that donkey has the prime strip on Blackpool pleasure beach, Mitro is the donkey from the advert where you can sponser one.

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

      Been in my team for a while, prefer to spend 1.0 more on him than mitrovic. Fulham are going to struggle this year

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

        Why do you think that means Mitro won’t perform? He did well (for his price) in the relegation year

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

          Different team/manager. He’ll get the odd goal. I saw some stat that Fulham were 17th for goals scored away from home in the championship last year, that’s pretty low!

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

            This. Fulham last season were neither free-scoring nor that solid at the back. They have not signed anyone particularly strong so I think they will struggle. Mitrovic needs lots of chances before converting one of them (he should score more than he does - look at the stats) and I just don't think they will get that many in the Prem this year.

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

        I'm not keen on Mitro, but he keeps returning to my team due to price and nailedness. DLC is prob a much better option now tho.

    4. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      yes

  13. tommo1989
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What do you think of this team?

    McCarthy
    Dier Vinagre Walker-Peters Justin
    Aubameyang (c) Son Saint-Maximin Soucek
    Werner Ings

    Peacock-Farrell Bruno Fernandes Martial Mitchell

    I did have Salah and Nketiah instead of Fernandes & Martial but I’m thinking I’d prefer slightly less points the first week and try saving transfers?

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

      Bad Def, no Salah, That’s a lot of sacrifice to avoid a hit

      1. tommo1989
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I could be wrong but I predict a difficult season for Liverpool this year. They’ve been so good for 2 years which is difficult to sustain and haven’t strengthened at all

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

          Just going to drop off then? Don’t see it myself

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

      For a draft that has no Liverpool players, week 1 looks completely average compared to all the other teams....

      Of course in GW2, you're ahead of the game.

      Personally I can't see any player better value than TAA at 7.5 - regardless of a drop off, he's still going to be the highest scoring player at 7.5m on the game - same arguement for Robbo at 7.0

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

    Exclusive: Aston Villa are bidding for Joshua King after missing out on Callum Wilson

    https://twitter.com/TeleFootball/status/1303075820672561155?s=20

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

      Solanke hoping for the call next

  15. JoeJitzu +42
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who’s favourite to play RB for Wolves now that Doherty has left?

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

      Traore

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

        Haha, this.

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

      I susepct Traore but he did not look comfortable or that great there when previously used there. If not might mean Buur becomes the next value option!!

  16. FPL Joker
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who is the most likely starting 4mill defender?

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

      Struijk

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

    Best/safest 4.5m pick?

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

      For a midfielder*

    2. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Romeu
      Bissouma
      Lemina

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

      Bissouma,
      Stephens,

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

    Worth taking a punt with Havertz for GW1?

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe gw3

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

      If he's your only punt, then yes definitely - he could be explosive.

      He could also come on for 5 minutes - so depends on the rest of the team 🙂

  19. CheesyZoot
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Armstrong or JWP?

    Armstrong managed the same g's and a's in over 1000 mins less which is the only reason I might be tempted by him - however is it safer to run with JWP?

    1. Pilgrim62
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I prefer A, 0.5 cheaper as well

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

      I have gone JWP due to his set piece potential

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

    I don't think people quite realize what a player Kai Havertz is. Very easy to write him up as another 'young talent' but he's far more developed than any of those.

    He scored 17 goals in 34 games in the Bundesliga in 18/19. 12 in 30 last year. He's closer to Bruno than most of these other options. A real midfield maestro that can play in any of the attacking positions. With a better team around him he could and probably will be FPL gold.

    We're talking Chelsea's Bruno equivalent. I really hope we get more clarity on whether Lampard will start him GW1. If the indications are that he'll start, I will almost certainly have him in my team.

    1. FPL Joker
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Shhhh. Keep it between us please.

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

      I'm probably going to start with him irrespective of FL's indications.

      Its more about the next game against Pool. I think FL would definitely want his best 11 against Pool and the best way to prepare the team is to give the players game time. Plus, Havertz started training today so has the entire week ahead and also played the internationals so should be match ready.

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

        Do you not remember how many goals there were in the last Liverpool Chelsea game?

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

      Totally agree. This guy is something special.
      Wouldn't compare him to Bruno though. He's not that type of player. He reminds me more of Bale.

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

      He is a legitimate 4 position player with the size and touch to handle this league; I can’t wait for frank to build the team around him. Early days tho.

      The thing about Kai is that he doesn’t shoot nearly as much as many attacking kids; he’s clinical, great in possession and can unlock deep blocks. 100% the player we needed.

      And he’s miles better than Bruno, who I do rate

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

      The question, Camzy, is where does he play? I tend to see him starting as an attacking 8 which means we can wait in FPL, if he starts at the 10 then we all want him

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

        Where will Pulisic play when match fit?

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

          On the left of the 3 attacking mids

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

            Cheers.

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

        10. I think they play Kante-Kovacic at the base. He'll compete with Mount for 10 and he will win.

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

          If you are right it will be him in for son straight away. Not expecting Mount to be benched early myself; Frank has made all the new boys earn it so far; I expect a few sub appearances to begin the year. I think kais path to starting this week is the ziyech injury but Mount could play there and Kai at #10 like you said.. can’t wait to see it !

    6. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I was among those who joined Bundesliga Fantasy, after the restart there, and did not know much of him before this. But in the Bundesliga Game, he was one of those players you had to put in your team.
      A very interesting player, and price.

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

        Keep in mind he was playing striker or second striker a lot if that time...

        1. korbendallas82
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          oh yes. inwill wait til after Pool game anyways. A but to unsure how the team will be from the start.

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

      Interesting. Would you prefer Kai, Greenwood or Willian for a draft team?

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

        Kai from those

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

          More than Mason?

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

            Yeah, defo

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

      I really want to take a punt on Havertz from GW 1, but I can't figure out a way to get him, Salah, Fernandes and Aubameyang (later City mid) into my team…

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

      Another good post.

      I agree he's the Bruno equivilant, I anticipate he'll be very close in points to Rashford and Bruno (if not higher) and therefore as a value pick he feels like a no brainer.

      He's so comfortable in and around the box, with such a great conversation rate (compared to Ziyech who just shoots wildly) that I can't really imagine not having him.

      Like you, the decision is either start with him Week 1 or get in Week 3....

      Do you still have Son and Auba?
      I'd have to downgrade a striker to get him in....

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

      I think if him and Pulisic get equal minutes this season. Pulisic will outscore him.

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

      Reminds me of Kaka

  21. Pilgrim62
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Do we think Doherty starts? No any single minutes with the team yet.

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

      You'd think so, but I think gw1 might be a bit of a lottery.

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

      This is my concern....

      Have him in my draft at the moment but I am tempted to go with one of Davies/Dier and use the money to improve my midfield

      1. Pilgrim62
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        This

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

          If you downgraded Doh would you rather Dier or Davies?

          1. Pilgrim62
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Davies

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

              Not worried about Sessegnon?

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

    Find it hard to believe that Chelsea have sent Ampadu to Sheffield Utd to sit on the bench. Who's he coming in for?

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

      whoever gets injured I guess, they were pretty light for replacements last season

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

      He wanted to fight for a place, here’s his chance...

  23. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any defenders have a perfect 4 opening fixtures?

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

      Quite a few.

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

      TAA, cause fixtures don’t matter for him

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

    Thinking of ending up with something like this, irrespective of non-playing gw1:

    McCarthy (4.0)
    Tierney - Davies - Digne - Taylor (4.5)
    Auba - Salah - KdB - Bowen (4.5)
    DCL - Mitro (4.5)

    Bowen to Pulisic when fit.

    It's weird price points and not so templatey I guess. How we looking? Ta!

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No united?

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

        Can't have everyone. I'd have to sacrifice a forward and a defender to even get Greenwood in.

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

      First time I’ve seen no premium defender OR Trent/Robbo
      Can’t say I’m a fan
      Everton burnt me late last season so I’m off Digne for now

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

      It's different. Like the Pulisic pick. Could be the most underrated player at the start of the season. Digne could do alright now with Ancelotti at the helm. If it were me personally I'd downgrade one of the 12m mids for Bruno and spend the money in defense. But otherwise all good. As mad as it sounds Rash will prob end up with similar points total to Auba aswell. But again this is my opinion.

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

    https://volunteer.parkrun.com/principles/open-with-covid-19-management-system

    Parkrun is coming back in October. Masks arent mandatory.

  26. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A pereira from wba + st maximin
    B Zaha + Stephens

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

      Anyone care to choose?

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

        A

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

      Definitely A.

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

    Which combo is better -

    A. Robbo, Jimenez
    B. Doherty, Martial

    Assume that all players play in GW1

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

      Assume you have TAA. If so, b

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

      Hard to assume all players play in GW1 when Martial definitely doesn't?

      I think Jiminez is a great pick for early on (first 10 weeks or so) over Martial - and Robbo will outscore Doherty.

      So, A.

  28. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thinking of bringing in Traore instead of Greenwood. Thoughts? Haven't seen many drafts with him in. Very good fixtures, especially from GW 4

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

      If Greenwood is cleared to play by gw2 then I wouldn't look elsewhere.

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

      Is there a concern he’s going to be playing as wingback where Doherty played. Still decent pick imo

  29. kime67
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Think moyes switches back to 4231 with antonio upfront for gw1? didnt seem to work with antonio on the wing.

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

      Hope so.

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

      Doesn’t matter much, no fpl relevance beyond the 4 goal return

      Haller almost outscored Antonio last season

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

    Yerry Mina worth a punt from set-pieces?

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

      Na

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

      Be lucky to be a starter won't he?

      Keane and Holgate first choice?