Scout Notes

Willian dominates in Aubameyang’s first game as FPL midfielder

FULHAM 0-3 ARSENAL

  • Goals: Alexandre Lacazette (£8.5m), Gabriel (£5.0m), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£12.0m)
  • Assists: Willian x3 (£8.0m)
  • Bonus: Gabriel x3, Willian x2, Lacazette x1

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£12.0m) delivered for his legion of FPL owners with a second-half strike in Arsenal’s Gameweek 1 3-0 win at Fulham.

Despite a quiet first half, the premium midfielder curled home a goal very reminiscent of the strike he netted against Liverpool in the Community Shield last month.

Crucially, it was Aubameyang’s switch in position that made his Gameweek 1 outing satisfactory for his 1.5 million captainers. A combination of a goal and yellow card would have made for just five points last season, but reclassified, it afforded him a total of seven, considering Arsenal kept a clean sheet.

There was some concern over Aubameyang’s positioning in the opening period, which saw him operating rather wide and tracking back a lot. Aubameyang’s defensive duties were a far from ideal development, not just because it initially limited his attacking threat but also because it meant he had to make several “forward’s challenges” on the opposition, earning him a first-half yellow card.

Furthermore, Aubameyang’s opening day goal was severely overshadowed by a surprise monster haul from new signing Willian (£8.0m), who is surely set to become the bandwagon midfielder for Gameweek 2.

The former Chelsea man was not even expected to start at Fulham, having missed most of Arsenal’s pre-season campaign. But he came straight into the side, displacing the in-form Bukayo Saka (£5.5m) and registering a hat-trick of assists. It could have been an even bigger haul for Willian, who hit the post with a free-kick in the 27th minute.

Alexandre Lacazette (£8.5m) was another unexpected starter, at the expense of Eddie Nketiah (£6.0m), and he opened the season’s scoring in scruffy style. The Frenchman tapped home after Marek Rodak (£4.5m) saved an effort from Willian.

“[Lacazette] is in my plans. He is a player that I like a lot. But he has Eddie [Nketiah] on his back, or next to him I would say, he’s gonna push him and whoever is in better shape is going to play. The same for the rest of the team.” – Mikel Arteta

“It was the best way to start the season. We wanted to win and have a clean sheet and respect what the coach wanted. Everyone is happy. He wants us to be perfect. We worked in the week for this kind of game. We have a lot of big ambitions. I want to help the team to be on top, I know it is my job. I am really happy [at Arsenal]. It is only the press and other people that say I am not. I want to play and win titles. We want to be aggressive with and without the ball and improve every aspect of our game.” – Alexandre Lacazette

Willian was again the provider at the beginning of the second half, with centre-half debutant Gabriel (£5.0m) heading home his corner.

And he bagged a hat-trick of assists when Aubameyang converted his cross-field pass in the second half, the premium midfielder cutting inside Denis Odoi and curling home.

“With Willian I knew the performance would come straight away.” – Mikel Arteta

As a result, Fantasy managers are targeting Fulham’s defence for attacking returns moving forward. They face Leeds next, who exploited Liverpool’s well-documented ongoing defensive issues at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

Despite impressing with the ball in spells, the Cottagers were suspect in defence at Saturday lunch-time. There was too much space afforded to an unmarked Lacazette for the first goal, Gabriel rose unchallenged in the box for the second and Aubameyang found it too easy to cut inside the right-back for the third.

Michael Hector (£4.5m) denied the FPL midfielder a brace by clearing an Aubameyang shot off the line in the 79th minute, as the Cottagers struggled to keep the scoreline respectable.

Reflecting on a tough opening day for his side, Scott Parker told the BBC:

The big lesson today is to understand the fine margins in this division mean you can get punished. At this level you have to be clinical and make teams pay and on the flip side the first time they get in our box and they score. I didn’t like the second half as much. The second goal was a poor goal. At that moment we have to understand how crucial it is and I felt we were a little bit weak and accepted it. When you are a team like us that has come from the Championship you can’t let defeat after defeat really cripple you. We are going to lose more than we win but as a team you have to keep learning and developing. It has been a quick turnaround for us. We have brought players in that will improve us and hopefully there will be more. We need to get them up to speed quickly. Set plays are vitally important. We looked a little accepting. There is a realism here. Teams that struggle in this league are teams that let things get to them. We may lose two or three on the bounce, the important thing is to not let defeats get to you.” – Scott Parker

Arsenal admittedly almost conceded instantly after an early error from Gabriel, who had not played a competitive match since March. The defender allowed an Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£5.0m) back-pass to go by him, which nearly saw Aboubakar Kamara (£5.0m) get on the scoresheet but the FPL midfielder was denied by quick reactions from Bernd Leno (£5.0m).

However, beyond that, it was a relatively routine clean sheet for the Gunners as Arteta continues to transform them at both ends of the field.

While Gabriel will take plenty of headlines for his goal, Arsenal’s shut-out was, in part, earned in no small part by Rob Holding (£4.5m), who operated on the right-hand side of Arteta’s back three and is looking increasingly comfortable there. On the defender and defensive midfield team-mate Mohamed Elneny (unpriced), the Arsenal manager told BT Sport:

“Elneny is a player who has been excellent in training from day one. He’s a player I know well, having played with him. Rob (Holding) is another one is exactly the sort of player we want at the football club. He had a difficult time but he worked really hard in training. He’s playing really well.” – Mikel Arteta

There remains one slight caveat with Arsenal’s defence moving into Gameweek 2. While they were assured at Craven Cottage, Fulham did not offer very much going forward. It was Kamara who started up front for the hosts as popular FPL asset Aleksansdar Mitrovic (£6.0m) found himself on the bench following a slight injury from international duty.

Fulham XI (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Bryan, Ream, Hector, Odoi; Reed, Cairney; Cavaleiro, Onomah (De Cordova-Reid 75′), Kebano (Anguissa 63′); Kamara (Mitrovic 63′).

Arsenal XI (3-4-3): Leno; Tierney, Gabriel, Holding; Maitland-Niles, Xhaka (Ceballos 79′), Elneny, Bellerin; Aubameyang, Lacazette (Nketiah 87′), Willian (Pepe 75′).

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1,955 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Dr. Rog
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Salah + Antonio ---> Bruno + Martial is happening.
    no reverse gear.

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

      I'm in the exact same situation. I think what's reassuring me that it's worth doing is that I really don't want to have Antonio for the foreseeable future.

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

      Do you have enough info to do this?

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

      At least wait until United presser. Someone could have COVID or pick up a knock in training or whatever

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

    Anyone else planning to hit the Wildcard button after 2moro's fixtures? I genuinely am, given I have zero Manchester exposure

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

      whats you team - i bet you can get 2 players in for -4.
      a wildcard needs to be a -12 or more.

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

        Ryan - 4.0
        VVD - Mitchell - TAA - CTaylor - Justin
        Son - Auba - ASM - 4.5 - Havertz
        Kane - Mitro - Ings

        0 itb

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

          no fires to put out there yet.
          if you are desperate for utd players Kane/Son --> Bruno/Martial works really nicely.
          you can also do Ings/ASM --> Martial/Soucek.
          or cash in on trent - but i wouldnt recommend that.

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

      I'm not gonna have City until maybe GW3. Might not have any United next GW either and it doesn't bother me, once I'm happy with the big hitters I have instead. Auba (WHU) and Salah (CHE).

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

      I'm gonna wait a week

    4. DARE TO BISCAN
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nah. Your team can't be that bad. Can it?

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

        Not really about bad. More about, do I want Utd and City players ASAP.

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

          and Auba - KdB/Sterling for wk3.

        2. DARE TO BISCAN
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Looking at your team above. If you really wanted to, you could do Kane, Son > Martial, Bruno for -4.
          Auba could be KDB/Sterling in GW3.
          No need to panic.

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

          Just take a hit. WC too valuable.

    5. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It's way too early.
      Try navigate at least through gw2 to double the size of the sample you can make decisions on.

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

      Went WC2 last season and blew it out of the water. Overall winner did too. He did rather better than me later on 😀

      Go for it if you have a team in mind.

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

      Why do you feel such burning need for United players, exactly? That was the question I asked myself on Friday night. Ended up saving my gameweek...

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

        So that's the key. Thought it was to cap Auba.

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

        think its the alure of palace and west brom.
        something ive noticed is that these teams (+brighton) seem to feature in blocks of fixtures for every team

  3. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hugs to my fellow no salah players. We knew the risks and we got burnt but we shall rise again! No one wins FPL in week one

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

      Bravo. 🙂

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

      im in the no salah camp, but i caved in this morning and brought him in for GW1 (figured he would haul more than a hit's worth of points - and i got it right).

      im sticking to the plan now, because its a good one. Utds fixtures are way better than liverpools.

      1. fish&chips
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Good luck mate. I was so close to doing the same but I stuck to my guns. Hoping I can scrape through in LMS.

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

        Liverpool don't have fixtures

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

        Maybe but United are also a far worse side than Liverpool.

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

      It was so annoying though, that:

      1) the first pen was arguably not a pen. It deflected off his thigh, and the rule change states that shouldn't be given

      2) Rodrigo being completely braindead with one of the worst in the box leg dangles I've ever seen

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

        Most annoying thing was merely that Liverpool managed all 3 points.

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

          Chelski will beat them next week

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

            Hope so but I don't like Chelsea either 😆

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

        1) you're literally blind if you think that hit his thigh. .
        2) bad teams concede stupid penalties

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

        That's football. Even with VAR.

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

      Just giving everyone else a headstart. Marathon not a sprint.

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

        Wise. Too many on the weekly emotional roller coaster. First game week heightened because of all the thought and effort that's gone into the team.

    5. Babit1967
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It’s a tough one to take but it’s a long season

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

      Who did you get?

      I'm still alive with Vardy C and Kane

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

        Vardy C could be gold.

  4. noahzark22
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    having Kane and Vardy still to go after today is a lovely feeling. Triple hat tricks!

    1. Towsor44
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hope so, I've got Kane captain!

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

      Likewise

      Wouldn't mind if captain Jamie put 4 in 🙂

  5. Duffy Dunk
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I expected Ings & SOU in general to be much better than that.
    However, adding that performance to the fact they face TOT & BUR next makes it easier to justify selling Ings for Martial.

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

      Adams seems a better pick than Ings given the saving.

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

        the way i see it - Ings & DCL should be the same price.
        the only difference was one kicked on in the restart period, and the other didnt.
        maybe thats worth 0.5, but not 1.5 in my view.

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

          That’s a very good point. Pre lockdown, DCL was considered as FPL gold..

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

      Palace at home to bottom 12 teams in last 22 matches

      17 goals conceded
      13 clean sheets

      What did you expect? Oh Brighton fan I assume 😀

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

        nice stat. so they close up against the small teams

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

          Selhurst is a goal desert. Even top 6 only get 2 there typically. Good for league table but not always thrilling viewing.

          Tight well-organised defence. They only really look bad away at top 6. But hardly alone in that.

      2. Duffy Dunk
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        😀
        I didn't pay attention to CRY's history at home v meh teams but based on their absentees at defence & SOU's decent performances after last season's restart, I thought SOU would look better than they did.

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

          Take your point - lots felt the same after all. The horror run at the end only had one such match - a narrow 0-1 loss. Most of those fixtures were foul - very red. Just before lockdown a weakened defence had kept 5 cs on the trot.

          My doubt - and I had doubts - was Southampton are one of the teams we match up badly against normally. Ings and Adams will score plenty in my view. Adams may be the value pick of the two.

          No thought of selling Ings at all here

    3. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Interesting stat. Watching the game, Southampton should have scored twice at least, just needed slightly better finishing. They weren't as good as the tail end of last season, but they were by no means poor, and certainly should have come away with a point minimum.

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

        Should have scored? Not poor finishing - good keeping. Credit where it's due

        Guaita is a really underrated keeper. One of the best in the division - near top 6 quality imo. Part of the reason why we concede so few is him. Dúbravka is another I really rate and Newcastle have good defensive record in good part because of him

        Best free transfer Palace will ever make.

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

          You have Guita in goal or captain hind sight!?
          Mitchell first on bench for KWP, expected 0-0

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

            Couldn't find 0.5

            Second season in a row I swore i'd get him then ducked. 🙁

            Waiting on WC and hope to get one of PvA Ferguson if he's ready or Guaita - they all look possible best in class or near given fixture run

            Also half expected 0-0 but feared Ings - you did a real job on us last year and repeat was possible

            First goal the other way and a different story

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

      Can you really make that call? Spurs barely kept a clean sheet this year and we haven't seen them play yet. Ings was scoring against anyone last season.

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

    Made 3 transfers for the week...i hate myself

  7. money face bandwagon
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Lots of kneejerking on here. I will happily save my transfer

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

    Anyone doing Ings to Martial tonight?

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

      No am waiting in case of injuries tomorrow and very unlikely there will be any price changes tonight. Martial +13.2 on fpl stats

    2. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Lots of people I imagined

    3. DARE TO BISCAN
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I want to wait until at least tomorrow. But would feels silly if he rises/Ings drops.
      Sounds like they won't. But, still...

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

      No

  9. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Before the Liverpool match had kicked off there was already close to ten thousand people that had sold him before he’d even played!! Wonder how many have brought him back for a -4 after the full time whistle!!! Haha

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

      Hey bro, how’s it going ? Based on your comment, it appears that you’re a proud owner of King Mo..

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Hiya mate!! Yeah I captained him!! Happy days, 63 points so far so a decent start, hows your team getting on Mate?

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

          Nice!! Unfortunately, it didn’t go too well for me today. I went for TAA and Robbo double up and had no Mo. I had Auba as captain who got me a few points but it’s all to play for as I have some decent players playing over the next two days. I have no Werner, which could prove costly but let’s see...

          1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Ah that’s a shame mate, plenty of points to play for its early days!! I had Aubameyang vice captain, Extremely glad I switched to Salah last night!! Haha
            Hopefully you get some big points over the next two day now, I have Werner so hopefully he can get something, easy switch to Martial too

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

              I’m going to back my decisions for at least 3 to 4 gameweeks. I don’t like chasing points in the way that a casual would. Anyway, good luck with the rest of the game week mate.

              1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Good plan mate!! Play your own game, you too mate all the best!!

    2. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      *Salah that’s is

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        *Salah that is

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

    my wk2 team

    McCarthy 4
    TAA Justin Ayling (James, Buur)
    Auba(c) Bruno(vc) Kai Soucek (Biss)
    Werner Martial DCL

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

      You took out salah?

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

        unless there are any injuries in the next 2 days i will

    2. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Will james start week in week out?

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

        no but when i studied the fixtures i decided CHE 1-4 Sp*rs 5-8. and WOL 3-7. so there are plenty of good options for a transfer if he loses his place.

  11. Thinkering like a Boss
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ryan
    Davies • TAA • Justin
    Greenwood • Salah • Auba • Son • ASM
    Werner • Mitrovic

    Steer | KWP • Mitchell • Brewster

    1 FT, 0.0M ITB

    at this rate rationally just save free transfer right? Or transfer out Mitro?

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

      To who?

      1. Thinkering like a Boss
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I dont really know either maybe Ollie Watkins?

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

          Personally I’d stick. Try and save a transfer and then with 2 transfers get him out for better

          1. Thinkering like a Boss
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            That is my original plan. Guess I stick with it. Thanks!

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

      mitro will start every game now
      i was expecting him to get 1 point against arsenal anyway (2 pts -1 booking)

      1. Thinkering like a Boss
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Arghh you're right sir!

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

      you either save, or you bring in utd players

      1. Thinkering like a Boss
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        intresting maybe save FT and make double transfer GW3 sound reasonable.

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

    Predictions

    Who are going to be the highest point scorers over the next two days ?

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

      Kane & Mount

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

      Werner, Havertz & James.
      One of the defenders in the wolves/sheff game will haul

      1. Duffy Dunk
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Hopefully Egan or (or=and 😀 ) Saiss

    3. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Son!

    4. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hopefully Werner, Egan, Saiss and Son!!

    5. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Kane

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

    Salah was absolutely fantastic today. More of that and he's probably indispensable. He needs to get rid of his away blues next.

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

      And this is one of the reasons I may transfer him out as he’s away record isn’t the best

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

        Yeah, it's really strange. A haul next week would erase those doubts. Even so, him at home is the best C option in the game.

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

          Indeed but with auba and KDB I don’t know whether I can only keep him just for his home form. I could just rotate transfer between all 3 on which has the best fixture that week

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

      At the moment, think I'm holding off on Salah to Bruno/Rashford but we'll see if it stays that way.

      Also see you went Robbo over VVD for the double-up. How come?

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

        It's a difficult one.

        TFF managed to convince me in the end! VVD should've had a few today, it's a move I may make down the line.

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

          I just thought Tsimikas surely gets a few starts around CL which is a problem if holding long-term. You think the Pool defence will improve enough?

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

            Yep potentially, it's something to look at.

            Well it can't get much worse haha! I think Matip comes in next game. Hopefully improvements soon otherwise may have to reconsider.

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

              Yeah, I'll hold for a while. Yous were leaky early on last season and Pool defenders still came out as amazing picks over the season in the end.

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

      He won't get 2 PKs every GW

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

        And was still excellent and threatening. Most dribbles, most chances created, 8 shots ITB.

    4. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      never doubt him!

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

      Thoughts on Robbo over TAA now? Is it just a case of TAA getting back to fitness or is Robbo now just a better FPL option just like he was towards the end of last season ?

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

        Robbo in great form, Trent lacking fitness

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

          Looking like Robbo VVD on my WC next week at this rate

      2. Jordan.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        i remain convinced having both is the way forward

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

          Ideally yes I agree. Would mean sacrificing other players I want though 🙁

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

      2nd goal was fantastic.
      Imagine the two pends didn't happen,
      Different story.

      Captained him so I'm very happy with the result but I don't think he looked fantastic in open play.

  14. The Son-dance Kid
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I only watched the first half or ARS v FUL and Auba was very wide and rarely was in a dangerous position. Did he change much in the second half?

    1. Ramsays Raw Steak
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No

    2. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      People said this all last season too. He still scored 22 goals

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

    I’ve rage-wildcarded...

    McCarthy
    TAA, Doherty, Bellerin (Mitchell, Amartey)
    Havertz, Bruno, KDB, Auba, Harrison
    Adams, Mitro (Brewster)

    Mistake? Had Mané, Werner, ASM, Justin, Egan, Saka instead of Havertz, Bruno, KDB, Bellerin, Amartey, Adams

    1. MaRooney 5
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      yes

    2. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Your wildcard team so much better but tbh I would not wildcard just yet

    3. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Werner, Justin & Egan haven't even kicked a ball yet...

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

      mistake? probably ,but i got well slated for gw1 no auba ,no spurs,no chelsea ,salah(c) and martial,taylor and kdb on the bench ,so far so good for me ,just do what you feel is right for you and enjoy....

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

      You've sold 3 players who are yet to start? Bold 😀

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

      Think you’ve made your season harder personally, marathon not a sprint.

    7. Ramsays Raw Steak
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Mitromight drop .1

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

      No worry, just do it

    9. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      The fact you say you did it in a rage answers your question

  16. MaRooney 5
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What to do with this mess:

    McCarthy, Steer
    Aylin, Bellerin, Mitchell, TAA, Vinagre
    ASM, Auba, Salah, Son, Soucek
    Adams, Timo, Brewster?

    1. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      This is indeed a great team apart from you need to start Soucek weeks in weeks out is not my preference

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

      You must be hating yourself

      Ayling over Dallas - really now!

    3. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Lol, it's no mess. I'd roll transfer

    4. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      How's that a mess?!

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

    I sat up my team for WC in week 2. Was a half arsed "free hit" team really but now it would just feel wrong wildcarding with Auba and Salah already in?

    Would u possibly take a -8 to get utd player and DCL/wilson etc or just wildcard???

    Mcarthy

    Robbo TAA Mitchell Dier 4

    Salah Auba Son 4.5 4.5

    Adams Antonio Werner

    1. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It's a good team, no reason to WC.
      You may need that chip a lot more later, it's be a luxury move now.

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

        Thanks just wanted to be ahead of the cruve a bit with utd and everton players. I think a -4 for utd players and hope my other players do well could work

    2. Ramsays Raw Steak
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Auba > united gw3

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

      antonio to wilson ,leave the rest alone

  18. FPL_DON
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    have the exact money to do Ings to Martial tonight, any reason to wait? Doesn't look as though they'll be any price changes but nervous it may just happen!

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

      Wait

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

        leaning that way, cheers!

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

      Nah, Im leaving it for now. I want to not risk hearing the news that Martial is out for some reason.

      1. Ramsays Raw Steak
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Been there done that

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

          You already pulled the trigger then?

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

        In typical martial fashion lol

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

      Unlikely to rise tonight anf you may have to deal with injuries yet. Hold firm.

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

        Good shout, thanks mate

    4. just a man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I’m waiting. Unlucky to be any rises tonight.

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

        thanks mate, think ill do the same

  19. F_Ivanovic
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Not having Salah was a bummer but I was always going to sell for a United asset to free up funds elsewhere which would have cost an extra transfer.

  20. Ramsays Raw Steak
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Gw2
    Transfer sterling or kdb

    1. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      KdB more safe and on a penalties!

      1. Ramsays Raw Steak
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Agree

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

      kdb for me

  21. noquarternt
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Perspective guys, just relax and don’t do anything rash right now. Just log out and enjoy your weekend and wait until all the games are finished!

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      This

  22. billnats
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) TAA & Soucek (current)
    B) Holding & Willian

    Set piece duties for both but Liverpool’s defense in all sorts last night

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

      A

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

      a

    3. Ramsays Raw Steak
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Taa & willian

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

        Can’t have both if I want Salah & KDB

  23. French Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Still wondering why so many ppl drafted Soucek - WHU are in disarray with poor fixtures

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

      for his price i dont think you could ask for much more tbh

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

        pay 0.5 more to get ASM imho

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

          Hineslty i own neither but would get soucek if given an option now

          Asm just spends half his time either on the floor or just pointless dribbling

          Soucek looks like he will score a few goals

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

            this

        2. Ser Davos
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          rather the .5

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

      Everyone forgot we only perform in survival situations

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

      Always been a shite pick imo. Never saw the appeal personally. Could be proven wrong though, he's only 5.0. to be fair. We'll see.

    4. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm getting Soucek as soon as their fixtures improve.

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

        lol trolling

  24. Cynical
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who do I start next week?

    Charlie Taylor
    Soucek

    Thanks in advance

    1. Ramsays Raw Steak
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Taylor

    2. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      taylor

  25. Carefree Crew
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I've stuck to my plan and gone early on Salah & Son OUT, KDB & Fernandes IN.
    I'd left exact money (so can't risk price rises) & neither have a fixture to get injured in, so unless I'm really unlucky & one of them gets injured during training or gets covid I thought why not.

    Salah has chelsea ARSE & everton in 3 of his next 4. For £12m I'm not convinced that's money well spent. Plus the Salah to Fernandes / KDB move was commonly mentioned so I thought potentially with a mass exodus of owners he could decrease in price even after a hat trick, this maybe nonsense others who understand the price fluctuations factors feel free to correct me .

    KDB & Fernandes are almost set & forget & Captain options & hit adverse managers won't have both unless they had them on the bench this GW.

    With Auba having W.HAM this week I am captaining him then selling for sterling GW3.

    MF: KDB, Fernandes, Havertz, Aubamayang, Soucek,
    FW: Werner, Mitro, (Brewster)

    Gives me premium MF Captain options & arguably a differential by having 3 (4 if Havertz delivers)

    Assuming Liverpool sort out their defence, I'll double up adding Robbo to TAA by downgrading a MF to free up funds. If I can I'll save / roll over a transfer so I don't have to take a hit. If not Sterling/KDB back to Salah is a relatively easy move.

    Sitting on 54 points with Werner, Havertz, Son to play so minus 4 to secure KDB & Fernandes is easy to absorb.

    Saving my wildcard, I like playing it over an international break usually as it's more fun having more time to tinker & hopefully build team value.

    The risk is obviously Salah scoring high over the next 4 weeks & outscoring the above MFs & going up in price & making it difficult to get him back in. But the upside of those MFs performing with better fixtures looks more attractive to me.

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

      Early transfers, including a hit before the GW is even over? You might get away with it, but it's not a great strategy.

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

      What are you going to do with Auba after the West Ham game?

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

        he mentions it

        > With Auba having W.HAM this week I am captaining him then selling for sterling GW3.

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

      Genuine question... there's sites that predict price rises you must know of? None are anywhere close to rising so why on earth not wait for tomorrow at least to see how Son plays and to make sure neither of the players you bring in get an injury (don't United have a friendly?)

    4. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      My strategy is to be aggressive I decided I definitely want KDB & Fernandes long term. Both have proven track record.

      Im not using 1 FT a week for 5 weeks getting in 2 City, 2 United, 1 Burnley as prices will definitely rise & I'll be priced out.

      Whilst other managers are only using 1FT a week to slowly get City, Utd, Burn, assets in. I'll have them in my team for cheaper & hopefully scoring points.

      I'll be ahead of the curve & able to react to bandwagons / value DFs add they emerge.

      Happy to take hits in the first month, then play conservatively.

      Again as these moves are Captain options taking a few hits in the first month 12 points I personally think it's worth it this year.

      Hopefully I will also build team value before I even use my wildcard.

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Auba and Salah also have proven track records. Aggressive doesn't mean transfers before you have to take them (before the gameweek is complete)

    5. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      On the outside chance price rises did happen tonight it means I'm not priced out of my planned transfers.
      I didn't want to take that chance however remote because to get both KDB & Fernandes in would mean using a 3rd transfer & downgrading elsewhere.

      You're right both Auba who I still have to Captain for West ham & Salah both have PTRs. But have you considered the fixtures?

      Salah historically scores high against lesser opposition when playing at home. Auba after West ham has a horrendous run & he like Salah doesn't score highly away from home.

      Conversely have a look at City & United fixtures they are way more attractive than Liverpool's or arsenal's.

      I noticed last year with my planned transfer, the price would regularly go up if I left it late & not once did that player get injured. Yes there's covid this year but during restart how many players got it & missed the next game?

      With players going away on hols & breaching guidelines cases have gone up. I expect this to return to as restart with players in their bubbles & are at lower risk of infection.

      Like I said, I think it would be very unlucky for Fernandes or KDB to get covid or injured over the next week, a calculated risk I'm prepared to take where I feel the reward outweighs it.

      I've been burnt with price rises before, so for the first few GWs I'm prepared to gamble on what is probably 90+% safe to do so.

      Again getting assets from city, United, Burnley DF in early should save me money, benefit from the price rise & potentially give me a team that others can't afford with the 1 FT a week, made closer to the deadline when their prices increase.

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

        Fair points but I disagree with the conclusion. I think the chance of an injury is greater than the chance of players who's are no way near predicted to increase/decrease actually doing so. That being said if you're forgetful/can't check every day I guess I understand that doing it now might stop you losing out in a couple days time if you do forget about it.

        I'm just using the assumption that most on this site are checking their FPL teams most days so you can at least re-analyze later on tomorrow night to see if either are close to rising/falling

    6. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You may very well be right that there is no way prices rise tonight but there is a small chance of players getting injured / covid.

      Like I implied in my original post regarding me talking nonsense and others who know more about price fluctuations feel free to correct me, I didnt think in previous years prices increased over the first GW but I certainly wasn't sure.

      It's not something I'm going to do every week, (transfers mid GW) so thanks for yours & others above advice.

      What's your strategy for getting United, City, Burnley players in?

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

    Missed the Southampton game. Worth holding onto Che Adams or move him to Mitrović or Rodrigo this week?

    1. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hold

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

      Fulham looked gash, keep Che for now. Bad first half but had chances in the second.

      Rodrigo could be a good shout & Leeds looked good, so wouldn't blame you although little evidence of how he plays this far.

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

      Hold.

  27. Ser Davos
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone else have a habitual knack of having the wrong Pool assets?

    Two years ago it was TAA and Firmino over Robbo and Mane. Last year was Gomez and VVD. Today TAA and Mane (C)

    Some real poor decision making on my part consistently

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

      really is a lucky dip mate, nothing you've done wrong

      1. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Need to learn and hold, cheers FD

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

    site crashed for anyone else?

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

      Yes

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

      yup

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

      Same here

  29. Puntillimon
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is steer starting keeper for villa?

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

      Suggestions that they have signed Martinez

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

    Mitchell 6pts laughing at me frm the bench. Another season of laughing points laughing at me.

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

      i feel your pain

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      sure the wheel will turn

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

      Second on bench

    4. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      This happens to everyone. Everyone. Stop whinging and own your decisions

    5. money face bandwagon
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Poor decision from u