Scout Notes

Salah delivers on underlying stats as Liverpool defensive problems continue

Liverpool 4-3 Leeds United

  • Goals: Mohamed Salah x3 (£12.0m), Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) | Jack Harrison (£5.5m), Patrick Bamford (£5.5m), Mateusz Klich (£5.5m)
  • Assists: Andrew Robertson (£7.0m), Fabinho (£5.5m), | Kalvin Phillips (£5.0m), Stuart Dallas (£4.5m), Hélder Costa (£5.5m)
  • Bonus Points: Salah x3, Klich x2, Bamford x1

Mohamed Salah (£12.0m) finally delivered on the promise he showed at the end of last season by exploding with a 20-point haul against Leeds United.

That was his biggest score since Gameweek 16 of 2018/19 when he racked up 21 points in a 4-0 win at Bournemouth.

The Egyptian spent the final Gameweeks of 2019/20 shooting often, hitting the target regularly and still went goalless between Gameweeks 35+ and 38+ without finding the back of the net.

Despite a rather flat outing in the Community Shield, Salah picked up where he left off at Anfield on Saturday, carrying that shot-laden form into the new campaign – and it finally paid off.

Admittedly, two-thirds of his hat-trick came from the penalty spot but it is difficult to count that against a man who registered no more than nine attempts on goal in Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Leeds.

As predicted by Jan Sienkiewicz in the Gameweek 1 Captain Sensible article, the way Marcelo Bielsa’s men set themselves up, pressing high up the pitch and asking questions of their own, suited Salah perfectly.

It opened up acres of space for him to exploit, allowing him enough time to win a first-half penalty by way of his fierce shot striking Robin Koch‘s (£4.5m) outstretched arm, before smashing a loose-ball high into the net for his second.

In Gameweek 1 Salah’s circa 30% ownership almost made him something of a differential, especially for the 890,000+ managers who captained him. With his former club Chelsea up next, a side that conceded 1.7 goals per game during Project Restart interest in the Egyptian is sure to climb in the coming days. 

As already mentioned, the space behind Leeds’ defence was key to Liverpool’s attacking threat on Saturday, although Sadio Mané (£12.0m) could not quite take advantage of it.

For most of the night, he had the beating of right-back Luke Ayling (£4.5m) but he left his first Anfield outing of the season without a single shot on target.

We should also point out the extenuating circumstances that probably helped Liverpool and Salah a little more than expected. Yes, Leeds were always going to play adventurous football at Anfield, such is Bielsa’s style, but they faced the defending Premier League champions without first-choice centre-back and club captain Liam Cooper (£4.5m).

The Scottish international’s knock is not thought to be serious, and he is likely to be in with a chance of facing Fulham in Gameweek 2, but his absence did leave Leeds short on Saturday afternoon.

It was Cooper’s partnership with Ben White (£4.5m) that helped Leeds record the best defensive record in the Championship last season, but neither was present in Gameweek 1. Bielsa was forced to pair Pascal Struijk (£4.0m) with new signing Koch – and what a torrid debut it was for the latter.

It was his outstretched arm that gave away the penalty in the opening exchanges and he completely lost his man when Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) nodded home a first-half corner unchallenged.

With Cooper likely back in the Leeds team next time out, they may fare better at home to Fulham, while Salah might find it slightly more difficult facing Thiago Silva (£5.5m) at Stamford Bridge… although Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5.0m) was the main reason for Chelsea’s defensive problems last season.

Outside of Salah’s huge haul, the biggest talking point from Liverpool’s win over Leeds was one of their worst defensive showings in recent memory.

Despite coming into this game with every member of their first-choice back-four in the starting line-up, the visitors breached the Reds three times and could easily have scored even more.

That said, perhaps Fantasy managers should not be so surprised to see Liverpool struggling at the back, as their defensive problems have now been winding on for some time.

For all the enthusiasm with which Reds defenders are viewed in the Fantasy community, they still only managed to keep seven clean sheets at Anfield from a possible 19 last season (36.8%).

Furthermore, during Project Restart, they conceded a total of 20 big chances, the seventh-most in the league across that period. The last time Jurgen Klopp’s men recorded a shut-out in a competitive fixture was in a 2-0 win over Aston Villa on July 5.

Since then, they have conceded to Brighton (1), Burnley (1), Arsenal (2), Chelsea (3), Newcastle (1), Arsenal (1) and Leeds (3) at an average of 1.7 per game.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m), whose summer injury kept him from any involvement in Liverpool’s pre-season campaign, was the main culprit for Leeds’ first goal. He was caught out of position, allowing Stuart Dallas (£4.5m) the time to find Jack Harrison (£5.5m).

Joe Gomez (£5.5m) was also at fault, offering too little in the way of pressure on Harrison, and neither did Alexander-Arnold, before he stuck the ball into the net.

Incredibly, even van Dijk’s performance was sub-par, his woeful attempted flair-clearance playing the ball straight to Patrick Bamford (£5.5m) inside the box; the Leeds strike needing only to hook it past Alisson (£6.0m).

More disorganisation at the back was on display as Hélder Costa (£5.5m) put the ball in the net in the eighth minute, Liverpool saved only by the offside flag on that occasion. Bamford was also allowed a clear run at Alisson in the aftermath of Liverpool scoring going 2-1 up.

And in the second half, nobody was marking Mateusz Klich (£5.5m) as he ghosted into the box and rifled Costa’s through-ball into the bottom corner.

After that, Harrison got behind the back of Liverpool’s defence once again, successfully lobbing the ball over Alisson, which Alexander-Arnold then headed into his own net. Liverpool were, again, saved by the offside flag on this occasion.

Even though van Dijk and Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) each finished Gameweek 1 with an attacking return to their name, Saturday’s seven-goal thriller hardly inspires too much confidence in a Liverpool defensive double-up – or triple-up in some cases. There will have to be some serious improvement before travelling to face Timo Werner (£9.5m), Kai Havertz (£8.5m) and company at Stamford Bridge next week.

However, there was still plenty to like about what these players offer going forward.

Yes, Alexander-Arnold was very rusty defensively, but his set-play delivery was still strong. During a promising second-half spell, he went close to registering two assists from corners. First, he found Salah at the near post, whose shot was blocked before van Dijk nodded the resulting corner just over the bar.

The centre-back could have also added to his tally, a second-half unmarked headed goal ruled out for a foul by Curtis Jones (£4.5m) in the build-up.

And Robertson could have added to his assist tally for the evening when Struijk deflected his cross towards his own goal, before it was desperately tipped over by Illan Meslier (£4.5m).

Naturally, owners of more than one Liverpool defensive asset are likely to give the set-up a bit more time to settle into a rhythm this season, but they will certainly be asking for improvements at this end of the field moving forward…

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Robertson, van Dijk, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold (Matip 89′); Keïta (Fabinho 58′), J Henderson (C Jones 66′), Wijnaldum; Mané, Firmino, Salah.

Leeds United XI (4-1-4-1): Meslier; Dallas, Struijk, Koch, Ayling; Phillips; Costa, Hernández (Roberts 62′), Klich (Shackleton 81′), Harrison; Bamford (Rodrigo 62′).

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1,879 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Zebrahimović
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone have a link to the FPL moderators league? Always interesting to follow their teams

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

      cool username

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

    auba would not get a bonus even if he was a forward. 2 more points as midfielder so far.

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

      Definitly a keeper even more sonow

  3. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    You think Bamford may turn up to be better than Mitrovic? Leeds the better team?

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

      Based on the evidence of just a single game it would be easy to reach that conclusion.

      Thought Van Dijk gifted him that goal though.

    2. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No and he will not lead that team. New signing will...

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

      Rodrigo potentially becomes first choice within a few GW's.

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

        After his rash challenge which cost them a hard fought point, Bielsa might feel he needs longer to bed in

    4. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Leeds the better team but Mitrovic the more likely to score more goals.

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

        This

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

    So, Leeds have a 4m starting defender?

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

      Leeds have defenders?!

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Leeds kept plenty of CS last year - they just played Liverpool in a very open game, can’t judge them defensively on that. You wouldn’t expect Liverpool to continue to be so open either

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

          Yeah, it was a joke.

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

      Read the article?

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

      He stood in for the club skipper who should be fine GW2. I have Meslier and Ayling on my bench - can't wait for them to haul the points v Fulham.

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

        I’m hoping Rodrigo does it for me next week.

        Punted on him rather than Mitrovic on the basis that I’d rather have the striker playing against Fulham than the one playing for them.

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

    The plan was to go without Salah on wilscard, but he made that decision so much more harder yesterday.
    Toying with no Trent instead (I know)

    Johnstone Button
    Shaw Coleman Saiss Taylor Ayling
    Salah KDB Bruno Havertz 4.5
    Martial DCL

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

      *Martial DCL 4.5

      Thoughts on this?

    2. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think Coleman’s place is under threat, although I think he’ll start the season. Keane safer at 5.0

      1. Third Eye Vision
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        But nice team. You’ve obviously cut a few corners in defence for that attack.

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

        Heard from a friend he should be nailed but who knows.. Thanks.

        1. Third Eye Vision
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Now that Kenny is staying, I think they’ll share minutes. Coleman can’t play every game anymore.

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

            Guess you are right mate. Cheers.

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Salah had 21 touches in the box, 9 shots and created 4 chances. Is a penalty taker. Nuff said.

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

        That's pretty crazy

      2. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Apparently just did well cause of 2 pens, so the clever people say

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

      Fairly similar to what I want my WCGW3 team to look like except I am sacrificing Bruno to turn shaw/Coleman into TAA/Robbo. (get Pulisic instead

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

        No Bruno feels scary. United could get a zillion pens again this season.
        Will look into that, cheers!

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

          I’ll be happy enough with a midfield of Salah KDB Puli Havertz to not be scared of no Bruno but yeah I know what you mean x I think united’s fixtures aren’t really that great

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

      I don't see what about this team was worth playing WC early for.

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

        Wait until you see mine next week x

    6. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      has to be one of the worst all round squads I have seen 😉

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

    Please help folks..
    Can’t think of a way to get United. Surely I have to ditch Nketiah tho ? 0itb what can I do?

    McCarthy
    Trent James Dier
    Salah Son JWP Auba
    Werner Wilson Nketiah
    Button Taylor Bissouma Mitchell

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

      Auba -> Bruno

      Nketiah, Son -> Bruno, Fodder (4-4-2)

      1. Third Eye Vision
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Second one.

      2. Tinmen
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Was thinking that cheers

        What about Son and Nketiah to Greenwood and DCL ?

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

      Nketia + Son -> Bruno + Fodder. easy

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

      I also took a punt on Reese James.

      Think he'll start tomorrow?

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

        Well the Guardian has Azpi and Alonso, so I'd say he definitely will!

      2. Tinmen
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yea I’m sure he will. Alonso best days are behind him. Azpil left back

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

        I did too. I have Mitchell first sub so sorry that means James will come on for a 10 min cameo

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

      Auba > Willian
      Nketiah > Martial

    5. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Werner to Martial, if Werner doesn't pass the eye test tomorrow.?

  7. Russell
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Morning all.

    I’m going to stick with my plan of going Salah to KDB but wondering if Sterling is the better bet?

    Any thoughts?

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

      How do you manage to walk with balls that big?

    2. Whiskerz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      KDB reliable Sterling explosive. Pick your poison.

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

        I would pick Salah.

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

      My take is that KDB is better if you plan to buy and hold for rest of Season. Sterling has more upside if you plan to try and cherry-pick his best potential GW's and you will be swapping him in and out your team with another premium.

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

        I think I’ll be swapping in and out this season so might go sterling until WC

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

      I would go Sterling. City’s upcoming away fixtures suit him (he is better away from home than KDB, particularly when you look at the restart)

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

        Thanks - this is a decent argument.

    5. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Be interesting to see some stats of how KDB gets on without Dilva sharing the creative duties / giving him more space to operate.

    6. Greasy Grealish Gang
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I just go both Salah and KDB set and forget. Captain based on primarily form and fixtures.

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

    What do you think of my current WC squad?

    McCarthy - Nyland
    AWB - Holding - Justin - Mitchell - Johnson
    Auba - KDB - Greenwood - ASM - Alli
    Werner - Martial - Adams

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Where is Salah and TAA?

    2. Young Lingard
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Only one nailed defender past game week five
      And some Egyptian guy just grabbed a hatrick in a tram likeky to score a lot .
      Save the WC

    3. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No Mo is a no go..

  9. THEKID_88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What are people's thoughts on Jack Harrison as a 5.5m option?

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

      Yeh, looked terrific.

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

      Based on one game he and Leeds looked decent.

      Need a greater sample size, but two decent fixtures could give you a push if it pays off.

      Feels like we may need a few matches to work out who the consistent point scorers will be for Leeds.

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

      Looked good and could emerge as the option to have at that price bracket.

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

      My sense is that Leeds' points will be spread across the team. I would monitor but worth considering after the MCity match if he's still producing.

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

      I benched him in GW1 (unfortunately).

      My plan is to start him ahead of Bamildele Alli in GW2.

    6. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I have Saka and ASM, so super interested.

    7. Snikii
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Looked fantastic, already considering getting him and rotating with Soucek, who also looked decent.

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

        Was very impressed with Soucek

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

          He is a bit deep in some situation, but i think when Moyes starts to feel the pressure of the loses, he will put him in the Fellaini role.

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

      Watch the next game first

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

      Could be a decent shout for me I'm going to monitor duocoure and see how he fits into Everton

  10. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any ideas why Greenwood didn’t partake in the friendly yesterday?

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

      Still grounded by his mum?

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

      Training in isolation due to COVID breaches on international duty.

    3. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      On the naughty step!

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

      Because he's not the messiah. He's a very naughty boy.

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

      Punishment for partaking in a friendly last week...

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

        They were more than just friends, surely.

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks, chances of playing next week?

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

            Depends when he went into isolation, and if his second test comes back negative. In theory he could be back at training by Tuesday. Remains to be see if Ole "rewards" him with a start. He seems the least nailed-on of the ManU attackers (apart from Pogba, who's also at risk.)

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

              Ole is a coward so he will play Greenwood just like he allows a criminal to continue as club captain

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

                Not a criminal, though, is he (as you charmingly put it)? If you check the law

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

                Salty. Although if alleged criminality was the litmus test for participation in the EPL then I'm pretty sure most club owners would have to be banned...

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

              I followed a link on the Mirror article posted to see young Mason has been indiscreet in other areas. Uh oh.

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

                Seems he really likes crack, in all its forms...

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

          VAR is checking....

  11. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Oh the Salah hangover hurts...

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      And the username

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Right in the feelings man 😥

        1. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          At least you’ve allowed yourself to grieve, now you can mend!

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

    Saliba missed GW1, with Tierney taking his spot in the back three.

    I'm thinking that Arteta did this so that he didn't have two debutants in his back three and that Saliba has a shot of making the back three in GW2, given Gabriel's MOTM performance in GW1, meaning that Mikel is less likely to fret about giving Saliba a run in the team.

    Or is this just wishful thinking on my part. I really don't want to knee jerk Saliba out of my squad.

    1. Flaming Flamingo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wishful thinking imo. They just kept a clean sheet, so unlikely to change.

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

      Unless AMN/Bellerin gets old there is literally no reason to put saliba in the team. Even then David Luiz isn’t far from returning so he’ll get the place over saliba

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

        Get sold* lol

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

          😀

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

      Gabby certainly nailed his spot, and I'd say Holding did too. Does Tierney need to move to WB asap? Not really. I can see the set-up staying the same until Luis is back. I wouldn't be too sure Saliba does start.

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

        I went with Tierney, because I thought he was the safest route into the Arsenal defence and has a good chance of attacking points.

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

        With Xhaka injured, AMN might move into the midfield though, then Tierney can go to his more natural position, allowing Saliba in.

        I'm going to hold for now.

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

      Ozil, Saliba etc. will be subs and or Cup game players,IMO.

    5. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      From the Daily Mirror - Explaining why the Frenchman was left out entirely, Arteta said: "I think it's going to take him [Saliba] some time to adapt to our way of playing but as well to get adapted to the language, the rhythm, the physicality of the country."

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

      No chance, Either the same back three or If Luzi is fit, he comes in for Gabriel. He will probably debut in Europa if injuries dont change that. He wasnt even on the bench.

    7. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      wishful thinking

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

      That spot is Tierney's ALL DAY, not Saliba's

    9. ThisPostsOnFire
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Tierney carries out a very important role on the left of that setup. Unless it becomes ineffectual, I don't see that changing.

    10. Kloppen Schloppen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Holding and Luiz are 1st CBs

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

    Hmm, eyes on a GW3 WC to cover all/most bases, unfortunately leaving 0.0 ITB!

    4.5 GK
    VVD, Davies, KWP
    Salah, KDB, Fernandes, Willian, Havertz
    Wilson, Bamford

    (Button, Taylor, Mitchell, Brewster)

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Needs more balance

      Suddenly defence will start performing or a striker goes on a mad one

      Think there is more value to be had than Bruno salah and Kdb

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

        Cheers. perhaps. Fernandes, Salah and KDB are season keepers for me so its then just about trying to scrape some CHE and ARS coverage in.

        1. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Fair dos - personally I think building tv is important, you get all your cash trapped in 3 players gives you little room to move on other players

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

            Cheers. Yeah I've always done well with high TV and makes a huge difference last third/quarter of the season. Just fancy those 3 to score huge this year and expecting them to be more consistent than Auba

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

      All bases 😀

      Zero up top when there’s so many options. Don’t think so

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

        What would you recommend? I guess the 'all bases' is more coverage from the top teams. Cant have them all...

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

          Actually looking at it from 3 it looks very nice. You can always shift an 8.5 type up top if need be

          I’m looking at Mo last season. 40 points for 3.5 million over the likes of Ings Jim and repositioned Martial. You can nearly get 2 of them for him

          But hold whiles he’s hot. Streaky player

          Like it

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

            Ta. Yeah would be awesome to get those in too, I guess it just depends how close Wilson and Bamford can get to their numbers (probably not very :D).

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

      Mitchell on WC makes little sense. Get Ferguson and you may get someone who plays after week 2/3

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

        Cheers, good shout.

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

      Classic GW2 WC based on who got points in GW1.

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

        8 of these are already in my team (including Salah (c)) and a fair amount of $ here is tied up in KDB, Fernandes and Havertz who haven't played.

        So...not really....admittedly Willian is in there on his performance and a cheap 'alternative' to Auba and Bamford based on Leeds play style and in budget. Similarly VVD to scrape the $ for the midfield.

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

          8 in already - do it slowly surely

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

            makes the most sense but this leaves 0.0 ITB. Already planning Son -> Fernandes this week and Auba -> KDB GW3 like many others. But could always replace Bamford with Egan for example if the extra $ needed. Although not a fan of 1 up top! Cheers

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

              If you’re short Palace have two likely budget alternatives who’ll have golden fixtures from 5

              Normally I’m a sceptical Palace fan - none in yet. But all the signs are the counterattack will be much stronger this season

              If Zaha remains oop or just more advanced I can see him matching Willian for value and Bats likewise with Wilson.

              Take a look at fixture run and then remember Palace matched good Bournemouth and Leicester for goals in 2018/19

              GW5 play really - should know by then if this hypothesis is viable

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

                Really good points- thanks. Zaha definitely looks worth monitoring!

                Cheers

      2. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        And considering it for GW3 not GW2 as per the above...but thanks for feedback anyway.

  14. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Chances of Son and Alli both doing nothing today are slim as a size zero model aren’t they?!

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

      I’d be surprised if they don’t both get triple digits

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        They better ruddy not!!!

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

        Hopefully Doherty doing a Willian and getting a haul of assists.

        Watch Mou bench him for Aurier today now.

    2. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      who knows, not sure what to expect from Everton yet. Would not be surprised if Kane scores well and Son or Alli scrape an assist only

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I only have Davies today (eek)

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

          Davies and Son here but Son will almost certainly be replaced by Fernandes this week. Hope he does well but not well enough to give me a transfer headache 😀

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            All my original drafts had Son with the Son > Bruno plan but that potential headache was the reason I went without.

            I’m instead going down the Ings > Martial route

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

              Think Martial is a great shout, would like to get him in too.

              Seems like too many options this year! But looking to focus as much on pen takers as possible.

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

      Are they playing for pep ?

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        It’s only 1 GW after all. If they explode can always get them in!

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

          Again.
          Can They explode under Mou ?
          😉

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            History would suggest not. But Kane and Son are both natural goal scorers when in form regardless of the system behind them so the fear is still real 😉

    4. Greasy Grealish Gang
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I got both as well, hahaha. Make or break!

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I have neither! My hope is FOR the blank 😉

  15. liiusions
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    ASM performance yesterday was concerning. Never seemed to be there when Toon were attacking, unless it was him bringing the ball forward. Very wasteful which we of course already knew. Gonna have to be a big improvement vs Brighton if he wants to stay in my team...

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

      This was always the case tho. Brilliant on the ball, but not brilliant infront of goal. Will not get many assists or goals, but if you time him correctly it could pay off.

    2. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Early days. For me it was him or Mitrovic and the other alternative is probably Soucek so its not like anyone really stood out (although understood Soucek was threatening). Bamford perhaps.

      Wouldnt be surprised if he does well against BRI

    3. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wouldn't be surprised if Bruce goes 4-3-3 next week with Almiron coming in for Carroll and ASM moving further forward. I think he was aware of WH's threat in the air from set pieces.

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

      Keep the faith, he will come good! We will hopefully play more attacking against Brighton at home. I've doubled up with wilson, he looks like the best geordie pick with the creativity behind him

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

      3 points was a bit of a haul considering the other players people picked at that price

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

      Away from home though don't think we will play 4-4-2 every week. ASM will play every game I think hendrick will be the one to be dropped once fraser is fitt then see a 4-5-1 with ASM and fraser on the wings

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

      I have him, but at £5.5m I’m realistic in my expectations.

      I’m likely to ship him out for Westwood soon so not really overly concerned. 3 points is better than 1 or 2.

      That price range is the one I’m targeting for the majority of my transfers, hopping on the £5-6m mids when they hit form or have a good run of fixtures.

      Easy peasy!

  16. Agger
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I have a double Spurs in defence as I’m predicting they’ll be solid this season under José, today will be fun 😉

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      *painful

  17. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I hope the Martial bench winkers are feeling smug.

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

      😉

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

      🙂

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

    Hoping one of Sheffield United or Villa get the business done quickly for Brewster 🙂

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

      Yes me too

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

    wildard active. oops

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

    Ride it out with no City or United in 1gw to have 2ft for gw3?

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

      I think that makes sense. It’s not as if many will captain assets from either team next week if they have Aubameyang.

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

      I am worried, how much pressure can crystal palace take from that United attack. At least three goals for United in that game for me. Bruno most likely to get alot of points as well.

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

        My original plan was to take a -4 and do Adams and Salah to Bruno and Martial. But Salah’s hattie has made me stop and think.

        I am worried, too, at the prospect of no United assets going into that game. I will have a look at how Chelsea’s defence looks against Brighton, how Werner plays and how Alli looks against Everton; thereafter I have some options that don’t involve selling Salah for Bruno (Werner to Martial, Alli to Greenwood/Rashford)

  21. TyroneGAA
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Guys have a look below as like many after good performances yesterday I am unsure what to do.. I wanted kdb or sterling and a utd player..

    The below transfers does that and exact money should I wait or go for it?

    Ings -> martial
    Auba -> sterling

    McCarthy

    Taa James bellerin kwp

    Auba salah son

    Werner Ings

    Steer mitchel Brewster Bissouma

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

      Why do you even consider trading out Aubameyang when he has West Ham at home?

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

        Sorry it was more around price rises .. if sterling or kdb are safe from that I could get martial in and then wait to game week 3 for the other?

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

          That makes a lot more sense than selling Auba.

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

    Thoughts on this for -4?

    Ings and Son --> Bruno and DCL

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

      do it

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

      I would wait and see how Son and DCL do before doing anything.

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

    Clean sheets are going to be hit and miss this season. Double LFC defence set forget will still the best route as if there are no clean sheets, you can bank on attacking returns.

    Will be a likely scenario where TAA, VVD and Robbo are the highest scoring defenders again.

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

      I assume you want replies? Just looks like a statement, though, not a question or proposition or anything

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

        Does it have to be a question. LFC defence keep on being the highest points scorers out of all defenders each season. So just pick 2 out of VVD, Robbo and Trent and let it roll.

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

          Love 'does it have to be a question' with no question mark, either you don't know language well or you are toying with it like Oscar Wilde, well played

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

            Are you a troll

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

      Seems counter intuitive to double up after they look a shambles and concede 3 😉

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

        I have Taa and gomez and unless they sort it out I'll be moving both on.

        They looked terrible at the back

  24. ludaslol
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Obviously not the best start and Bowen punt Didnt look great, but team looking ok for gw2.

    MCCarthy
    TAA Shaw Davies
    Havertz Alli Auba Bowen
    Martial DCL Werner

    0.5 itb, 1 FT.

    Do I play Bowen over Justin (BUR)?

    Or do I transfer him out for foden?

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

      I would give him another chance.

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

        Yeah, might aswell just bank the transfer

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

      Arsenal looked solid. I would play Justin unless Leicester defence looks a mess today

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

        This is true as well. But i guess he went with his gut for the Bowen pick, so i would stick it out.

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

        Yeah, probably wait and see. Bank the transfer for flexibility might be the play anyway i guess

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

      Wildcard

  25. Tango74
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Good morning and Hello all

    Been playing FF for nearly 20 years now and still rubbish so I thought I will sign up here. Still pondering on full membership - is it worth it ? Is there an app?

    Also LFC fan here too and not put Salah as captain:(

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

      Welcome! Yes, membership is worth the coin in my opinion. Just dive straight in to all of the tools. They take a while to get your head around but persistence pays off.

  26. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Today is a big day for my team.

    Four. Spurs.

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

      Oh boy

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Oh yeah

  27. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    everyone had a nice new bright team they were happy with, now ripping it up after half a game week ... I love FPL 🙂

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Blame those knees

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

      It's fun

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

    Hmmm, can't decide whether to save transfer or get a utd attacker, team for next week:

    Mccarthy (Nyland)
    TAA - Davies - Shaw (Saliba, Mitchell)
    Salah - Auba - Havertz - Alli - Soucek
    Werner - Adams (Brewster)

    1ft
    0itb

    Guess we'll see how the Chelsea guys do and them make a decision, doesn't look like a y price changes will happen tonight?

  29. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Foden very underpriced this year?

    Even if he plays half the games he seems like better value than everyone else at 6.5

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Lots of 6.5 forwards to go with a 4.5 mid, not many 4.5 forwards to go with the 6.5 mid ...

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

        Good point.

        If playing 4-4-3 though you can have 6.5 mid and forward and then a 4.5 mid

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

          *3-4-3

  30. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Seriously considering Che to Rodrigo/Bamford

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You should