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

    One thing I’ve not seen discussed here is when the 4 blanking teams will have their DGW.

    If you’re not using a wild card early, and said DGW is early, then there’s more of a reason to include some (cheaper) candidates for the DGW and bench them in GW 1. Good examples being Greenwood and Taylor

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

      It will be around gw18 or 19 if I remember correctly, from what I've read.

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

        this, 3/4 GWs after our WC1 deadline

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

          So then doesn’t that suggest we should have some DGW people in our teams (unless we plan to WC early)

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

            it's so far away you probably will have by then

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

      I know it would make things such easier if we knew now.

      I came on here to see if anyone had any idea too

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

    How's this shaping up?

    Ryan
    Taa Robbo Saliba
    Ceballos Auba Kai ASM
    Ings Kane Werner

    Martin Mitchell Bissouma Taylor

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

      ceballos??
      Nice one but why

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

        He seems to have been mentioned round here recently. Reckon he is a starter for 5m.

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

          yeah could be but I wouldn't lean on him for a regular starter

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

            He burned people massively last season. No longer seems on set pieces, generally played poorly and not even nailed.

            1. rookie manager
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              His form picked up at the end - not sure how directly he will be involved in goals but feel he will get game time

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

                He played the cup final yeah? And was decent iirc. 5 mil is worth looking at

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

                His form was pretty good under Arteta who is a fellow Spaniard

                1. rookie manager
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Particularly after restart - he fits with what arteta wants, adding some creativity. My only concern is direct involvement in goals but for that price worth a punt. Though also want auba, Tierney and possibly Martinez (if he locks number 1 spot down which could happen based on his form end of season)

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

      Similar to mine but I’ve gone without any Liverpool (can’t see them doing well in first three game weeks). I’ve used that money from TAA and Robbo to boost the midfield.

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

        It feels wrong but I'm considering the same. I might still hold Salah and brace myself for some forgone points for the other guys.

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

        I've gone for a little gamble on minamino - think he might get some of the goals over next few games while Salah/mane seem to shake out cobwebs - and almost half the price

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

    Thoughts or suggestions on this lot?

    McCarthy Nyland
    TAA Vinagre Justin Saliba Mitchell
    Salah Auba Son Barnes Soucek
    Werner Mitro Davis

    1.5 ITB

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

      3 4.5s in defence may hurt you

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

        Yeah, but willing to take the risk 😉

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

          May the 4.5s be with you Sir!

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

      Arise, Sir Merin!

  4. Peter Ouch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    First rmt for me this year.
    Opinions appreciated.

    Ramsdale 4.0
    Taa robbo Doherty Kwp 4.0
    Salah Aubameyang Barnes Armstrong
    Dcl Haller

    2.5 itb and gw2 upgrade my Haller to my Martial.

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

      Too heavy in defence for my liking. Would invest more up front.

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

        There is no one above 9.0 in attack that I want.
        Werner isn't in my plans for the first weeks until I see how Chelsea are shaping up.
        I just want my defence and my keeper all year so I can tinker on my midfielders and strikers!

        Thanks for the feedback!

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

          I think Werner is nailed with pulisic injury opening up the left attacking position; I never considered starting without personally. He should take our penalties also

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

            Yeah i see why people are going for him but o prefer to wait on any Chelsea player except Pulisic.
            Once he is fit he is straight into my team.
            I like him lots!

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

              Werner is miles better; stay tuned

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

              Risk is that his price shoots up if starts strongly - easily be a straight from kane/vardy jump, or downgrade mid to upgrade to him. He looks good finisher on team that looks aggressive on attack

    2. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Are you sure about Haller? I'm on Antonio. Don't like DCL at all tbh, love the solid defence

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

        Haller is locked in.
        I have a feeling for him.

        Dcl is a big gamble, indeed but i think Everton will be better this year

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

          As a West ham fan - avoid like you would covid. All West Ham players avoid. The club is in turmoil

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

            Any particular reason?

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

              I don't know where to start

              1. rookie manager
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                They have looked unhappy in preseason write ups. Admittedly maybe strengthen when everyone back, but there look more reliable options than haller

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

    I’m set...

    McCarthy (Nyland)
    Egan Trent Doherty Tierney (Mitch)
    Salah Aubameyang Son Ward-Prowse (Bissouma)
    Werner Mitrovic (Davis)

    Any Thoughts?

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

      I like it!

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

      Arise, Sir Warby84!

  6. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How’s she looking?

    McCarthy
    KWP TAA Bavies Justin
    Havertz Mane Auba Son
    Mitro Werner

    Nyland Bissouma Branthwaite Brewster

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

      Pretty similar to mine

      Mccarthy
      Taa davies kwp vinagre(?)
      Salah auba son havertz
      Werner nketiah

      4x fodders

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

      Don’t like Justin long term
      Nyland likely 3rd choice
      Braithwaite needs a few injuries..

      Like the main squad a lot

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Planning for WC GW4, so hope Justin Branthwaite etc will get me through until then lol

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

          Got ya, go Mitchell in that case, pva wont be back for a few gws

          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Are you not expecting Branthwaite to start?

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

              Definitely not with Mina, Keane and Holgate no

              1. La Roja
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Holgate is out

                I’d like think Carlo likes him. He’s giving him opportunity towards the end of last season and he seized them well. I may be wrong though, risky pick either way

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

                  Ooh missed that Holgate injury.. hmmm Mina is always an injury concern... hmmm

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

      How do you feel about double SOU defence?

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I don’t feel good about it tbh

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

    Fulham are in talks to sign former Real Madrid goalkeeper Alphonse Areola from Paris Saint-Germain on a season-long loan.

    https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1303097024506736641?s=20

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Decent keeper he is

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

      RIP my Rodak punt

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

    Just brought in Nketiah for first 2 games
    Huge differential. Don't know if I will keep him or not. But feels really good for now

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Why does it feel that good for now if you aren’t sure to keep him?

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

        Because I think I found my placeholder !

        Will get martial after gw 2

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

      I love him as an early differential; Arteta was picking him as the #1 striker, I think I’m going with him

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

        Started vs liverpool too

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

          Laca leaving would help but I think I’m starting with him regardless

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

        I have had him in and out of my team - only reason taken him out is wanted arsenal players elsewhere and maxed out. Think he starts ahead of laca and definitely good for a couple of goals over next 3/4 games at least

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

      Just be aware he may not even start both games

      1. rookie manager
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Think he will get decent minutes in both - and is kind of guy to get a goal as a sub even if he doesn't start

  9. 11SPECIALONE11
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Granted I am a Chelsea fan, but help loading up on 3X chelsea attack. Such good value

    Do I still need to tinker?

    Mccarthy
    TAA, KWP, Vinagre (Mitchell,Strujik)
    Havertz, Mount,Salah,Auba (Greenwood)
    Warner,Nketiah (Davis)

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

      Is Mount nailed?
      Cause you haven't got a bench

      1. 11SPECIALONE11
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I am confident he will get considerable minutes. He featured in every PL game last season and Frank clearly rates him

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

          He will play a lot but not good in fpl, much better value at that price

          1. 11SPECIALONE11
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I really rate Mount and am hoping he has a break out season

            I would not be surprised to see him rack up 12 goals and 10 assists

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

              I would, I expect him to play across the attacking three a bunch but only when we need to press high, otherwise he’s going to play a lot of #8

            2. La Roja
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Personally, I think he’ll be on bench most of the games with all those transfers in

              1. rookie manager
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                While pulisic still recovering and new players are getting integrated think he is good shout for first few fixtures at least

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

      Take Mount out Vinagre looking likely to go to Porto, I like it

      Havertz May take a while to bed in, if he starts as an 8 or on the wing, you may want to wait and see

      1. 11SPECIALONE11
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        cheers

        I will need to make a late decision on Mount and Havertz maybe even Ziyech

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

          Ziyech not looking likely to be fit

          1. rookie manager
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Which is why mount good earlier player - chance of goal or assist with werner. Then may need to look at gametime when zyich and havertz come in

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

    I think I'm done... For now.

    McCarthy (Button)
    Trent // Davies // Saliba* // Mitchell (Taylor)
    Salah // Ziyech // Aubamayang // Soucek (4.5)
    Werner // Mitrovic (Martial)

    Switching between 442 and 433 depending on Soucek

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

      Ziyech is hurt

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

      Arise, Sir Herman Toothrot!

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

    How am I looking?

    McCarthy
    TAA/KWP/Vinagre
    Salah/Auba/Son/Kai/Soucek
    Werner/Mitrovic

    Nyland/Dallas/Mitchell/Brewster

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

      Template af

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

      You're looking like a knight, that's how you're looking. Arise, Sir Tomerick!

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

        Funny thing is it’s barely changed since long before this was template. The ones that have come in after looking here are Brewster, Mitchell and Vinagre who are hardly the backbone.

        With he manchester blanks I really do think options are fairly funnelled this year. It’ll open up when people start to choose which assets they want from there.

  12. Postman Ty
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    So is the Vinagre party over with the signing of Marcal?

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

      Not necessarily; if the Porto move goes through he is

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      There is a talk of him going to Porto and Telles going other way. Better to avoid imo

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

        Or united buying telles and him being the replacement

  13. i am jose mourinho
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    RMT
    McCarthy
    Robbo Doherty Justin
    Salah Auba ASM Lundstram
    Kane Werner Mitro

    Bench Nyland Stephens Vinagre Mitchel
    Thought pls ?

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

      Keep an eye on what happens with Vinagre. Despite Lundstram returns in midfield recently I would still be worried with that pick. Unsure about Justin too.

      1. i am jose mourinho
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks. Justin is the one who worries me the most

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not entirely sure if there is any value of having Lundstram anymore tbh. Looks good other than that

  14. George Agdgdgwngo
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which do people prefer

    A. Tierney, Armstrong, Brewster (2nd sub)

    B. Burn, Soucek, Adams (would rotate Soucek / Adams / Mitro)

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

      A personally. Not buying into Adams hype.

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

      Brewster going to struggle for minutes but if just for bench then fair. Tierney is good shout though, think arsenal defence will shore up as get settled and potential attacking returns

  15. Lav
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Alex Telles price if he goes to Wolves?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      5.5 I reckon

      He is ridiculously an attacking wing back

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

        Yeah I was thinking 5.5 too. 6 would be insane I think, given Doherty just got that now.

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

      5.5?

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

        Is what I would put him at

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

      5.5-6

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

      5.5 would be beautiful but he probably has the reputation to justify 6

    5. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      6 IMO

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

    So it seems like not many people going with rotating 4.5 defenders?

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

      KWP & CTaylor are my 4.5s right now

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

        Nice! I really need two who both play GW1, though. With Martial starting on my bench, I'd play both GW1 and then rotate.

        I looked in the members' area and it seemed to prefer a 5.0 over a rotation of KWP and say, a Brighton defender. Hedge seemed to think you could get over 4 points per match with a rotation of two 4.5's, which could be correct but the projections in the members' area don't think it is. I wonder if Hedge is still on that rotation.

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

    Will Gabriel Magalhaes start?

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

      Has hardly played since March, think the back 3 for Fulham will be Saliba/Holding - Luiz - Tierney and Magalhaes comes in for West Ham maybe but I would like to see him start, that's for sure.

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

        Do you know if he's got minutes in pre-season at all?

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

          Not 100% sure, barely any if so but he's had to quarantine over the last 2 weeks cause he came from France.

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

            What do you think about RWB?

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

    MItrovic is currently in my side, but I feel like he is such a trap.

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

      Most likely player to drop in value

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

        That might actually be Werner. If he doesn't play or looks off the pace in GW1, mass sales for Martial.

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Why wouldn’t he play?

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

            Oh he’ll play for certain

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

          He’s the perfect player against that Liverpool back line, I’ll be keeping regardless. Fair point though; although the Manchester transfers in MF May take priority for most

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

            Asd a fellow CFC supporter, I will be keeping Werner as well. I think he will bang, and that price is incredible. I dont like owning our players, but he is in for me.

            1. rookie manager
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              He looks comfortable in front of goal, even if needs to settle with rest of team - likely to poke a few away and get some assists as new attacking wingers come in /back

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

        I need to get him out

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

          Season keeper for me, he’ll get his 10-15

          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            ...red cards.

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

              Yeah lol notwithstanding those, better touch wood if you are an owner

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

            Probably, but I know I will get frustrated with him.

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

              Take this test: did you ever own Hugo Rodallega? If so you probably know how this story ends.

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

      I’ve been burnt before

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

      mitro and werner both traps - look at the ownership

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

        the hive mind has convinced themselves they are good picks it will all end in tears

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

          The hive mind of world football? Find me a coach who doesn’t rate Werner...

          Mitro is a price point thing, 6 nailed on penos and in the box and set piece threat. I don’t care what fixtures or team, he is going to score 10 goals if he plays

          1. rookie manager
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Mitro is likely to drop in price though if Adams/nekeitah/bamford or similar price performs decent (loads will jump ship quickly - myself included tbf) so think it is question of willing to stick with him if slowish start

  19. Coaly
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Doherty and Justin or Dier and Tierney?

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

      Dier and Justin. Use the 1m elsewhere.

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

      Dier and Tierney

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

    Here we go then... BB GW1... WC GW2. Puttin it all on the table...

    Ryan/McCarthy
    TAA/Doh/Gomez/Saiss/Mitchell
    Auba(c)/Havertz/Alli/Zaha/Barnes
    Jimi/Nitro/Adams

    Dissect at your leisure...

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

      You are mad if you are BB in GW1...

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

        Why?

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

      It's better than I would have guessed was possible. I'd want more Arsenal against Fulham though. Maybe Tierney over Gomez, or Nketiah over one of the other 6.0 forwards?

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

      BB isn't necessarily mad on first GW as you can pick a bench that will play - but seems a bad week with some many important / point earning players having a blank week that week

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

        Surely points are points...

        1. rookie manager
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          They are - but also more points are more points... And bench boosting a double gameweek or when you have high point earners and bench players might get you a better haul than this week. Who do you have on bench that want to play but can't (Mitchell, Ryan and havertz (who likely only make small appearance as not trained once yet with team))

  21. Simon69
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Looking OK? Plan is Son > Bruno GW2 and Auba > KDB / Sterling GW3

    Ramsdale

    TAA, Bavies, KWP

    Aubameyang, Salah, Son, Armstrong, Soucek

    Werner, Adams

    Subs: Button, Brewster, Dallas, Mitchell

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

      ASM and Havertz > Son and Soucek

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Havertz probably won't start so no.

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

      Arise, Sir Leif Erikson!

  22. Peter Ouch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    If telles joins Wolves will they play in the Portuguese league then?

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

      Considering he is Brazilian, no

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

        Well, similar haha

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

        Lmfao

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

    Looking at the tomorrow's uk papers, foden and greenwood are going to take a pounding for this. I'll be dropping greenwood then! At his age he'll be eased back in

    1. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I actually doubt he'll be eased if United don't sign Sancho / a RW.

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

        Its about managing the pressure on an 18/19 year old rather than his ability

        1. Simon69
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I still think he plays.

          1. rookie manager
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Maybe - though think may punish him/does he need to quarantine and miss training in build up to gw 2?

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Eased back into an Icelandic model. Sounds good.

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

    what price do you rip up your drafts and put Rodders in your team?

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

      James Rodriguez? 7m I'll think about it

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

        yesh no chance though

        1. rookie manager
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Not seen him for ages - no idea how he fits with prem and Everton side that already has siggy

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

      reminds of Van der Faart at sp*rs.
      8m and then its a tough choice

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

      Zero danger of getting in my team at any realistic price unless he’s on pens

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

    No Salah but double Liverpool defence- and set and forget defence hopefully-leaves 2 m in bank so flexibility to get Martial/Bruno if I want in week 2, KDB/Sterling week 3 and best Chelsea mid week 4. Thoughts on team welcome?

    McCarthy
    TAA Doherty Robertson
    Aubameyang Son ASM Saka
    Werner Ings Mitrovic

    Nyland KWP Bissouma Mitchell

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

      Similar to mine below so I like it!

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

      Actually looks pretty solid
      Warming to Alli over Son but easier price point to move as you said

  26. LSK
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hi, all. How’s this looking?

    McCarthy/4.0
    Trent, Gomez, Doherty/ KWP, Mitchell
    Aubameyang (c), Son, Soucek, ASM/Greenwood
    Werner, Ings, Mitrovic

    1m in the bank. Probably bring Martial in for Ings gwk 2

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

      How bizarre we posted at same time. Like it obviously! Guess only concern is whether Gomez or Matip play alongside VVD

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

      I think we learnt from last couple of seasons Matip and Gomez do not cover LIV defence. For that price prefer someone like Egan personally

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

      It's looking like pretty much every other team. Arise, Sir LSK!

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

    Lads, what are your thoughts please?

    Ryan / 4.0
    TAA, Tierney, Dier, Justin , KWP
    Salah, Aubameyang, Harrison / Gordon, Greenwood
    Werner, Ings / 4.5

    0.5 in the bank

    GW2 - Ings to Martial
    GW3 - Aubameyang to KDB

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

    Havertz

    Or

    Werner ??

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

      Timo

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

      Werner - puts some money in attack and think he starting off more minutes /goal threat. But keep eye on havertz as think he will be worth jumping on when little more settled

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

    Heres left field thinking from me.

    Here is a idea i'm thinking about based on a few teams and their strength of fixtures and maybe using my wildcard in game week 3.

    McCarthy
    TAA, Vinagre, KWP
    Auba, Mane (Salah), Son, Soueck, Dendoncker
    Vardy, Werner,

    Potentially game week 2- downgrade mane/salah into a united or city player

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

      There is nothing left field about the team. Arise, Sir Humbuk!

  30. Coaly
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    RMT

    McCarthy
    TAA Tierney Dier Mitchell
    Salah Auba Alli Armstrong
    Werner Antonio
    (Steer, Bissouma, Taylor, Davis)
    2.5m in the bank

    Plan: Antonio to Martial for GW2
    Auba to KDB/Sterling for GW3