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. golden skulltula 69
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hi! Best combo?

    A. Son, ASM, Adams.
    B. Alli, Armstrong, DCL.

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

      B but not a fan of DCL or 7.0 fwds for that matter.

      1. golden skulltula 69
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks!

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

      B, only because DCL is much better than Adams I think. Would want Son & ASM though

      1. golden skulltula 69
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thank you!

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

      A

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

    My team structure so far :
    8.5m for keepers
    TAA Doh 4.5 4.0.4.0
    Auba 12.0 8.5 7.0 4.5
    9.5 6.0 4.5

    1.5 itb to upgrade mid or fwd

    Any comments?

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

      put the 1.5 on the mid/fwd that's the placeholder

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

        The thing is, i don't know who.
        I have barnes as 7.0 mid & bissouma as 4.5 mid... And the 4.5 fwd is annoying because they will likely fodder, but no 6.0 fwd who shine.

    2. The Darkest Knight
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Do you think Davies at 5.0 can match Doherty???
      I am on Davies at the moment.

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

        Zero chance

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

        No, not close. Both are fairly priced.

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

        Davies will likely play more defensively... That's why jose love him. Good for doh coz he has license to attack frequently

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

        will doherty start the first game you think?
        wasn't involved in any team training or pre-season.

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

          I think so, with the erratic display aurier show in the preseason.

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

      "1.5 itb to upgrade mid or fwd"

      see, I'd say the defence, 100%!

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

        Yes the 4.0 defs are annoying, especially with this covid situation.
        I have Douglas & Mitchell atm, will assess before gw1

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

          I think what I'd do is convert to two 4.0s to nailed 4.5s and keep 0.5 itb. The midfield and forward lines are good enough, imo.

    4. I Must Break You
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Two 4.0 defenders and two 4.5 attacking players is going to leave your starting lineup extremely thin each week, with zero DEF rotation to optimize for fixtures. Hard no for me, for the DEF alone.

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

        2 4.0 def with pre season.
        1 4.5 starting mid (bissouma)
        1 4.5 bench fodder fwd --> thid annoy me

        Yes agree very thin, but still don't know where the money should go. & 1.5m is the ideal money itb to upgrade the low/mid budget.

        Will have to find .5m more & upgrade one of the 4.0 def into starting 4.5

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

      Thanks for all the comments... Really appreciate it. GL to all

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

    Ryan
    TAA Egan KWP
    Auba Salah Alli ASM
    Werner Ings Mitro

    Button Mitchell Gordon Taylor

    If I really wanted Son for Alli (1m short) should I just downgrade Mitro and go 442, or downgrade in other areas (Egan to 4.5m, Mitro 5.5m, or even downgrade ASM to 5?)

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

      Is this a repost Sir Lav?

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

        Yes sir. I dont want template knighthood 🙁

  4. Worsle90
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Please help! Which do I go with:

    McCarthy
    TAA, Doherty, Justin (Diop, Amartey)
    Mane, Auba, ASM, Saka (Bissouma)
    Vardy, Werner, Mitrovic

    £0.0ITB

    OR

    McCarthy
    TAA, Doherty, Egan, Justin (Amartey)
    Mane, Auba, Son, Saka (Bissouma)
    Werner, Mitrovic (Brewster)

    £0.5m ITB

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

      B

    2. Bruno Commando
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  5. Bruno Commando
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How do you guys think of this? I think I'm done with the tinkering! Can't figure a way to have Salah/Mane + Auba + KDB + Martial + 1 Chelsea asset..

    McCarthy
    TAA Davies Egan Mitchell
    Auba Mane Son ASM
    Werner Ings

    Nyland Bissouma CTaylor Davis

    GW 2: Werner -> Martial
    GW3: Auba -> KDB
    GW4: Ings -> Werner

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

      Why get rid of Werner right away, especially if he bangs, just to try and get him back two weeks later? Only move I like there is GW3, which is something I will probably do. We have similar sides.

      1. Bruno Commando
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I was thinking of getting a United asset in for their Palace and Brighton game, whereas Werner faces Liverpool in one of those. I could roll the FT, and do Ings to Martial in GW4 instead. In that way I will hold an additional FT.

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

        Agree. The draft is fine. Just wait until GW3 and do 2FT. You'll have more data to go on by then.

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

      Arise, Sir Bruno Commando!

  6. steven8991
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    G2G?

    McCarthy
    Davies TAA T.Silva KWP
    Auba Mane Son JWP
    Werner Mitro

    1,5m ITB , Son>Bruno GW2
    (4.0m, 4.0m, 4.5m, 4.5m)

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

      If you are going to have a Chelsea defender, it has to be Reece James. Otherwise GTG

      1. steven8991
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Is he even a starter?

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

          No

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

            Chillwell is injured for the first three so yes for that timeframe, after that no*

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

            Whos playing RB then mate? I bet Azpi is LB until Chilwell is back. Getting Chilwell and not playing Reece also defeats the purpose of young attacking fullbacks that Lampard wants to complement the way he wants his side to play.

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

              Azpi RB, Chillwell LB is first choice when he returns in GW3-4

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

              Getting a 5.0 def for only 3 gw is wasting a transfer, especially if one of those gw have pool in it.
              I rate reece very high, but I'm not gonna touch Chelsea defence until all their personnel is fit so we know who's lampard's back 4 is

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

          Yes.

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

        wouldn't alonso possibly also start at LB for the time being?

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

    RM Tinkers

    A)
    McCarthy
    TAA Doherty Vinagre
    Auba Salah Alli Soucek Cebellos
    Werner Ings
    4.0 4.5DEF 4.0DEF 4.5FWD
    +0.5 ITB

    B)
    McCarthy
    TAA Davies Vinagre
    Auba Salah Alli Soucek
    Adams Werner Jimenez

    4.0 4.5DEF 4.0DEF 4.5MID
    +0.5 ITB

    Both Allowing for such transfers:
    GW2 Jimenez to Martial
    GW3 KDB/Sterling for Auba/Salah or Dele for Chelsea MID

  8. MrZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Salah vs mane anyone... Who do you think will get more points in gw1-3?
    & Why?

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

      None are easy games. I can foresee 3 1-0 victories with neither Salah nor Mane filling their boots.

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

        Do you plan to go without salah or mane?

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

          Yeh, both. I'll captain Auba. I have TAA, VVD and Robbo at the back.

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

            Bold move, something to think about.
            Thanks m8

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

            With Doherty as well?

  9. Chelsea91
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which option ?

    1) Salah,Davies,Coady

    or

    2) Son,Robbo,Doherty

    Thanks for the suggestion

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

      Don't feel Davies or Coady offer anything offensively

      1. Chelsea91
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        so 2 option?

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

      will odherty start gw1 tho? If so I really like 2.

      1. Chelsea91
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        i think he will start

  10. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Gone with this attack. Still need to sort the defence.

    Salah Auba Alli Armstrong 4.5
    Werner Ings DCL

    Ings> Martial (Gw2).
    City attacker in for GW 3 .
    Alli> Havertz for Gw 4.

    Thoughts??

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

      Nice

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

      Back it, DCL seems more appealing with the transfers

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers mate.

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

      how are you going to structure defence?
      Seems like you have little left

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Possibly

        Digne Davies Dallas Justin/4.5 4.0

        Im betting on Digne in the first 7 gwks over Taa.
        Feel there are more cs for Everton.

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

      Your defense is...light (?)

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Digne Davies Dallas Justin/4.5 4.0

        Or by someone downgrading DCL> Adams

        Digne Tierney Davies Dallas 4.0

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

    Mccarthy
    TAA, Robertson, Doherty, Justin
    Salah. Aubameyang, Son
    Ings, Adams, Mitrovic

    Nyland, Mitchell, Bissouma, Lemina

    Thoughts on this draft?

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good team. But how do you intend to get City and United attackers?

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

        Auba, Son and Ings can easily become a United/city asset

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

      Assuming dropping a So'ton FWD for GW2
      Martial?

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

        Yeah or son to Rashford or Greenwood once he's in the good books

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

      Mccarthy
      TAA, Dier, Vinagre
      Salah.Auba,Son,Soucek
      Ings, Werner, Mitrovic

      Nyland, Mitchell, Stephens, Ferguson

      Anyone help me?

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

        Don't post your rmt as a random reply, it'll just get lost to many

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

    Rate my lineup lads.

    McCarthy (4.5)
    TAA (7.5), Coady (5.0), Thiago Silva (5.5)
    Auba (12.0), Zaha (7.0), Mane (12.0), Son (9.0)
    Ayew (6.0), Mitro (6.0), Ings (8.5)

    Bench: GK - Ryan (4.5) Def - Mitchell (4.0), Branthwaite (4.0),
    Mid -Anguissa (4.5)

    Still undecided on silva or Coady, any suggestions for different 5 mil and 5.5 mil defenders to pair alongside taa, or should I spread the money out more and invest in better bench defenders for the rotation.

    As for my midfield, I believe Zaha had an amazing preseason and looks to be in form and ready to carry that Palace attack - Salah looks ince

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

      ...Salah looks out of form**

      And as for my attack ill be waiting to see how much Wilson is for Newcastle and putting him in instead of Ayew if he's less than 7.5 mil.

      Any improvements?

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

      I'll prefer doh & 4.5 def

  13. Worsle90
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any thoughts on Yarmolenko (£6m)?

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bowen if at all. Or Antonio

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

      Not with WHUs fixtures.

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

    McCarthy
    TAA | Justin(5.5/5.0) | Mitchell
    Auba(KDB) | Salah(Fernandes) | Alli | Barnes(8.5/8.0) | Armstrong
    Werner | Ings

    Nyland | Taylor | Ferguson | Brewster

    GW2: Salah to Fernandes
    GW3: Auba to KDB & Barnes to Pulisic/Havertz/Ziyech
    GW4: Justin to Telles/Davies (hypothesising Telles is a 5.5 at Wolves)

    Would prefer to find another 4.5 that can play GW1 and then trade this player to Taylor in GW5 starting with a fixture against West Brom.

    Thoughts?

    1. Worsle90
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      When are you going to bring Salah (or Mane) back? Or are you happy going without Liv attacking returns?

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

        Happy to go without. If it seems it is a must then WC is always there.
        Otherwise it would be Alli up and Chelsea 8.5/8.0 midfielder down.

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

          Having 2 12.0 mid is really challenging this season... I may go only with 1 (auba).

          Lots to think before gw1!

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

            I wouldn't spend 12m on a player I'm not captaining. By GW3 I'll have a Citizen (KDB or Sterling) and Bruno to have the armband most GWs. Therefore Salah or Mane would not be good value in my squad.

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

      Canny side on paper. Sure you are happy ditching Salah if he's on double figures after GW1

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

        ?

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

          Yes because I prefer KDB for .5 less.
          If City and United were playing GW1 like normal Salah would not be in my squad.

  15. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Where can one find all the XG's and stuff?
    I mean on other sites.

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

      Understat

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks lads

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

    I just learnt the Foxes signed Timothy Castagne (RB) for €21 + 2 million, who is immediately priced by FPL at £5.5. So there is a risk in picking James Justin.

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

      Justin or him will play in LB.
      Lei was considering gosens (also from Atalanta) & tagliafico, but since the price tag is high, they move to castagne who also can play LB

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

        Leicester's ideal back 4 will be... Pereria | Evans | Soyuncu | Castagne.
        They haven't spent 20m+ for Pereira or Castagne to sit on the bench.

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

          Right, but Evans is banned for the first 3 games and Pereira is out for longer. So there are short-term possibilities with Justin.

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

            yes, about 3/4 game weeks. Pereira expected back start of October

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

      no there's not. Castagne is LB.

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

        Even if Castagne played RB you've got a 4.5 at LB... Thomas or Justin.

  17. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Are we sleeping on Newcastle 4.5 defenders as an option... potentially Jamal Lewis?
    Great opening 14 fixtures.

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

      With the 3 latest incomings, Newcastle are not looking the basket case they were a month ago. Their defence did okay last season and Lascelles would be one of the better 4.5s this time around.

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

        yes. but I do think I'd prefer a WB selection over a CB.

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

          Newcastle GW2 v Brighton... both games last year were 0-0

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

          Well, isn't Lewis a LB? That flank could be dominated by ASM and Fraser. Not sure the right-side has a nailed asset. I don't follow the Toon, mind.

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

            he is and he naturally likes to play high, hence how he and Aarons were deployed for Norwich.
            Manquillo seems the one at 4.5

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

              Interesting. not great fixtures after the first 2 though - think I'll watch for a while.

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

                first 4 GWs and then to Taylor looks quite nice.

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

    Doherty or Laporte

    Who's better:
    a) short term GW1-5
    b) long term

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

      Laporte has COVID atm so probably not good in short term.

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

      Doherty is an iron man, will play all games that he can.

      Laporte will be rested for Ake, Stones, Otamendi, and Garcia.

      Plus the COVID thing.

      So Doherty Short and Long...unless Jose M does not like Doherty and decides to never use him.

  19. manuell888
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts? Feeling premo defense - Laporte covid news rocked me as sideways to VVD looking less likely. Auba to KDB and then aim to switch kane to jimenez and one of ASM or armstrong to Son post gw9 if Kane isnt firing.

    Mccarthy

    VVD \ TAA \ Egan

    Salah \ Auba \ ASM \ Armstrong

    Calvert-lewin \ Kane \ Mitro

    4m - KWP - Vinegar - Soucek

  20. Worsle90
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Think I'm going to leave it at this. Any thoughts?

    McCarthy (Nyland)
    TAA, Doherty, Justin (Egan, Amartey)
    Mane, Auba, Saka, ASM, Soucek
    Werner, Mitrovic (Martial)

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

      Arise, Sir Worsle90!

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

      A little doubt on saka rest looks more than fine

  21. tucaoneo
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Would you pick Armstrong/Adams over Ings in order to afford Werner? Because as it stands Pulisic/Ziyech/Havertz are not good Chelsea options to start with.

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

      Yes. I have have similar with Werner/Adams/Davis and Saka in mid.

  22. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Will Jonjoe Kenny start for Everton at RB? Could be a steal at 4.5

    Or will he rotate with Coleman?

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

      Coleman has the spot I think.

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

      Coleman first choice easily

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

      Coleman for sure until injury hits

  23. Sanchit
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Chelsea Mid to start with?
    Any one of Pulisic/Ziyech/Havertz look likely to start GW1?

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

      I'd wait on Chelsea mid. My strategy is pick one up in GW3 after the Liverpool fixture.

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

      Either pulisic or Havertz by GW 3

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

        Ziyech? .5 could be handy

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

          Werner is essential imo so it makes the kids less so. I’ve got Kai but will even consider a triple with Ziyech if they start well. They’re the most exciting team at the most competitive prices.

    3. Tambling5
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      The whole selection/fitness for game week 1 really difficult! Playing on Monday night means any info available on Saturday morning still likely to be speculative and Frank may not be sure himself of players fitness then. With Kovacic suspended, It is likely that Kante will play, but after that who knows! Werner is odds on to play upfront, but with Mount, CHO, Barkley, Abraham, Giroud and RLC all potentially more match fit than Pulisic, Havertz, and Ziyech, it's a complete lottery.

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

        You’re not picking your team for one week though. We know these players haven’t been bought to sit on the bench. Maybe they do sit GW1 out or have limited minutes but they’ll all be playing soon and they all have the potential to score in limited time.

  24. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone going without Pool defence?

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

      Nay, Starting with one,possible two in future

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

    Alli + Dcl
    Or,
    Son + adams/mitro

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

      Do the Opposite of ME...

      I choose Son and Mitro.

      DCL seems like he came and went last season. Alli is playing deeper with Kane, Son, Lo Celso, and Bjorwinkle(sp?) all healthy.

  26. Camino Aleatorio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Newcastle Question

    ASM plays the same field position as Ryan Fraser. When RF is not trying to sabotage and betray his team, he is actually quite good.

    2018 Fraser is better than ASM. Way better.Plus, he has his assist buddy in Callum Wilson.

    If Fraser is priced at 5.5 or 6.0....and Bruce is going to play him. He could be a fun asset.

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

      Expect 6.5 minimum

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He is going to be more expensive imho. What was his price last time?

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

        RF was 7.5 last year, now 6.0

        But he is not nailed to start, worth to keep an eye on.

        Matt Ritchie, ASM, and Fraser all play similar roles on the left flank. If Fraser can leverage his experience and success with Wilson into assisted goals. He could be a winner in Newcastle

  27. Tinker Nat
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hi Guys,

    I think I have a team that I feel comfortable with. Any feedback is most appreciated...

    McCathy, (Button)
    Doherty, Saiss, Justin (Mitchell, Taylor)
    Salah, Auba, Son, ASM, Soucek
    Werner, Ings (Brewster or 4.5)

    The plan is:
    Son to Bruno GW2
    Auba to KDB GW3
    Ings to Martial GW4

    I will take a hit if the prices are moving and keeping an eye on the Soucek isolation situation.
    For me it came to TAA and Mitro or Ings and Saiss - (Ings to become Martial)

    I think Martial is going to do well especially in the first 10 GW's. Liverpool seem a little off at the moment and Fulham ...meeah!

    TAA will be in my team, a downgrade from someone who is not firing.

    Good luck Gents

  28. pk3
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts?

    McCarthy (Walton)
    TAA James Vinagre (Walker-Peters, Mitchell)
    Mane, Auba, Son, Saka, Soucek
    Ings Werner (Brewster)

    Cheers

    1. Vamos Los Celeste
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I don't think that James, Vinagre & Saka are 100% nailed.

  29. Kiwi Don
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Final decision, help would be appreciated:

    A) Robbo and Rashford
    B) Doherty and Fernandes

    Thanks

    1. pk3
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A)

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

      B if you have TAA

    3. Kiwi Don
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers, yes I do have TAA

  30. Bggz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Do we know who will start between the sticks for Arsenal or Fulham yet?

    1. Kiwi Don
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Fulham rumoured to be buying a keeper from PSG, Arsenal is still a toss of a coin.