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

    Non FPL question

    On Sky I need a captain for today and want to keep transfers before the overhaul (forced wildcard) to a minimum. It's between Kane and Vardy, given the next 3 fixtures after today who would you go with?

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

      Apologies that a Sky FF question is top!

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

        It is allowed, all games are covered here. Vardy.

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

          Cheers. I know, but seems a lot less popular. I've gone Salah to Vardy.

          Do you play SFF?

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

            I couldn't be bothered this year. Strange move.

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

              Fair, not really a strange move though. Auba is a captain option next week and Salah isn't so it's the sensible move to make.

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

      Vardy

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

        Cheers

    3. keefy59
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It's a close call but Vardy's price probably swings it for him

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

        Not sure I'll use the cash saved because I'm saving transfers but it's nice to have incase I need it

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

    The biggest concern I have with Fulham is the mentality of Scott Parker. He said yesterday after the game that Fulham will lose more than they win, that’s the reality he said. (Which you could say is him being a realist but certainly not optimistic and he’s spreading negative thoughts through his squad)

    I don’t recall Chris Wilder having this mentality when he came up. Same with Bielsa this season, and I’m sure Bilić at West Brom won’t think like that either.

    Not a good sign at all.

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

      #loser

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

      You could say the same for Norwich, yet they lost quite more than they won. If he puts in a good system, which is possible with their midfield and they start picking up points his comments would not matter.

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

      Start of the season and he’s scared already of his job probably understandably. It’s a bit too much for managing expectations that losing is easily acceptable I agree.

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

      Fulham looked OK until the first goal then it was heads down. Concerning for first game of the season

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

        I saw it this way exactly

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

      I thought Bamford was awesome. May do Ings> Bamford so I can get KdB for Alli

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

        Even after he bottled that first one-on-one with Allison? Judging by the number of big chances he fluffed last season, I’d say that is the norm rather than the exception.

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

          It was a thought. I'm keeping Alli and getting Bruno in if he doesn't perform. Alli + Auba > KDB + Bruno (see how bruno does)

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

      It was a tactic to help the players. We are looking at plenty of players so I think it will be a different team once the window shuts. Until then I do think it will continue till the new players gel

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

    It’s only GW1 and 5 players to go but 1M OR does not give a good feeling providing having Auba Salah and Wilson. I guess those captaining Salah probably rank top 500K and not having Salah mostly beyond 1M rank?

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

      The season I got top 40 OR, my GW1 rank was 1.6 million.

      Rest is history

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

      I’m currently 365k with triple Spurs and H Barnes - I captained Salah

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

        But those with Chelsea assets will see big green arrows if they score a few on Monday

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

      I am with Salah, no captain at the 1m, 3m plus are the ones without imo

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

      you have 5 players to go, what do you expect ? you are bound to be lower than others that have points for most of their players ... it’s just the way it is

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

        I said it’s about feeling and didn’t say I am in bad position

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

      I capped Salah and sitting at 1m rank but have 6 players left to play.

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

      562k here with Salah cap. Meaningless at this stage though as already mentioned above.

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

        Course

    7. Blueberg
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Just remember there have only been four games.
      The points difference between 1 million and 10k is only 30 points, with 60% of the weekly games left to be played.
      I think people are reading too much in to it at this point.

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

        Got to top 10K twice and both was a good GW1 as I could remember. So it’s a new territory re feeling. Logically it’s nothing, I know.

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

          Thee times actually I forgot

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

      Latersiser sits on 3.3M
      He is going to be on top 10 again
      Doesn't really matter at this point.

      Also 3.6% have C de Bruyne

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

    Well my initial plan was Salah > Bruno but Mo blew that out of the water. My plan is now Kane > Tony so over to you harry ruins my plans baby xxx

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

      I dont like making plans, for my players not to score 😀

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

      Same story here

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

        A fellow professional, I see

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

      Just keep everyone and ditch wc3 plan, assess with 2fts after gw3

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

        Look. This is what my WCGW3 team will look like ok.

        Martínez Steer (Villa keepers)
        TAA Taylor Targett KWP 4m
        Salah KDB Havertz Soucek Bissouma
        Martial Werner Wood

        That is very very very much better than what I have and ever could do with my team. The reason I scored so well this GW is because I made my team to be that way, Salah and maybe TAA the only survivors in a team I actually want.

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

          That might not be enough City and you'd struggle to get another. I agree with Brosstan. After a strong start, hold the xfer in GW2 and then you can mini wildcard in 3 to get very close to that.

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

      Yeah, same. Def keeping now, just unsure whether to keep Ings or get Martial. Ings has lovely fixtures in medium term so will probably keep for 2FT in GW3.

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

        You have the patience of a saint

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

    Play soucek or taylor against the foxes ?

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

      See how Leicester look today but arsenal were very solid. I’d fancy Leicester’s attack today be quite impotent so Taylor could do well

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

      Similar story here.. Taylor, Soucek or Gordon. Let's watch Leicester first shall we

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I have the same dilemma.

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

    Anyone got mane and auba?

    Was going to do mane to kdb but thinking or doing mane to Bruno then auba to kdb gw3. I have Taa and robbo so not fussed about keeping a pool attacker long term

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

      mane to Bruno then auba to kdb seems sensible ... I will do similar but have Salah instead of Mane

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

        I will do that

        Son bruno
        Auba kdb

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

          yip, but I do like the next few fixtures for Son, not so much for Salah/Mane

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

      Yeah. Think that will be the most common way forward.

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

    Vardy the only player I'm scared of this GW.. he could haul for sure against wba who will probably be whipping boys alongside fulham this year. Can't own them all this season, I went with Kane because I can't stand watching spurs without owning him

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

      Sameeee but i wouldn’t say I’m scared of no Vardy with their current crop of fit players

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

      Don't think they will be whipping boys like Fulham I think their issue will be scoring goals more than keeping them out. Bilic is a good manager

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

        This for me too.

        Think Fulham will be rock bottom, and are poor defensively.

        Albion won’t be whipping boys and Perreira may end up being this seasons Grealish. I think how he goes will determine how well Albion do.

        If anyone pulls a shock result this weekend it will be West Brom though. Could see a 0-0 in this one.

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

      he only has about 18% ownership, why would you be scared?

      that's strange.

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

      a late shuffle of my team brought in Wilson & Bats and gave the exact money for Mitro to Vardy ... Bats didn’t play so I get Soucek off the bench - I hope that moves pays off with a Vardy haul 🙂

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

      Me too.

      Hopefully Agent Johnstone is up to the task today

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

      I fully expect WBA to struggle based on what I saw last season. Avoid at all costs

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

    Unless he does a Salah tomorrow, I'm looking at an aggressive transfer of Werner -> Martial and potentially (C) too. Anyone else?

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Salah & Ings to Bruno & Martial(c)

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

        Shipping Salah is a risk but good luck to you.

        Planning to get him back in on a FT or Wildcard in 2-3 weeks time?

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Plan is to get him on FT for GW6/7.

          I can't see him scoring hatties next 2 games atleast so want to try and take advantage and build on the Salah(c) point from this week.

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

        Damn. Would take some guts to do that after yesterday but could equally pay off too. I'd want Salah back for Arsenal at home though.

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I don't think Arsenal and going to play like Leeds. They will sit back and attack on the counter that's what they have done past few games against the top teams. Also most likely will cap KDB (LEI) or Bruno (bha) that week.

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

            Werner, Sterling and Aguero the candidates for me that week

            1. Karan14
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Yes no doubt Werner if he does well will be captaincy candidate.
              I think I'll stick with KDB for the City spot for now. When they have plum fixtures will try to add Sterling/Aguero.

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

            None of Liverpool's goals from counter attacks. All from set pieces, something Arsenal have notoriously been poor in.

            1. Karan14
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Arguably they have a completely new defence now and playing with 3 CBs will help.
              Mustafi & Luiz were always disasters waiting to happen.

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

                Luiz will play

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

        You going for it?

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Yes I think so. Unless Werner completely flops and gives me a chance to sell him for Martial.

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

      Would be Kane out for me but I’d still probably Captain Auba over Martial. Palace defence look settled and have played a lot of pre season together, it showed yesterday.

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Ward Dann Kouyate Mitchell

        This is the worst back 4 in the PL imo!!!

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

          And yet they shut out the team who a lot of people tripled up on on here. They do have the best keeper outside the top 6 behind them too. Kouyaté is a very good CB btw x

          1. Karan14
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Not against big teams though. They conceded 9 goals in 3 games against Pool, Chelsea & United after lockdown with a similar defence.

            Also Tomkins/Sakho/Cahill/PVA are way better than Kouyate/Dann/Mitchell if you ask me. Ward is a disaster either way.

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

          The way they set up, the defence started from midfield.

          Gonna be tough against RH team, like always

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

      Aggressive? What does that actually mean here?

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

        Making bad decisions loudly

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

          Thought so. Aggressive? Wtf

      2. jia you
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        an excuse for being reckless 😉

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

        Depends who says it. Risky enough maybe? We could all be dead by now, killed by COVID. The risk is relative.

    4. jia you
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      this place is bonkers these days, booking in a transfer before the player in your team (one of the top strikers in Europe) has kicked a ball

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

        And one who plays wba, PAL, SOT, after the game you've transferred him out for.

    5. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      That is an aggressive move given Chelsea's fixtures but I can see why you would want Martial given the state of CP

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

        Yeah, I'd fully expect Werner to do well too but Martial has hattrick potential next week. Makes the game more enjoyable for me anyway.

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

      I’ve got the money for Son > Bruno but waiting to see how he and Werner go.

      Still mindful of Bruno’s potential quarantine too.

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

      Same plan here. Not seen Werner and TBH got him due to ownership rather than Ings plus cash ITB.

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

      I doubt it.. Some lovely fixtures after the Liverpool game. Struggling on how to fit a United player in though.

      Ings would probably have to make way.

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

      Shipping a striker who faces a team that just conceded 3 at home to a newly promoted side? 😉

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

        I do fancy Werner to score, but fancy Martial to haul

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

      potentially but wks3 and 4 look amazing for chelsea.
      and wks 2 and 3 for united

      so im more keen on salah --> bruno, bringing in martial with the released funds and keeping werner.
      and probably use a wk4 wildcard to switch back to salah

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

      So aggressive.... I like to be gentle and stroke the confirm transfers button whilst thinking of all the nice things in life

  9. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    For me, the fun with FPL has gone with all these staggered games.

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

      You are taking it too serious

      Just select your team and forget for the week

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

        Whats that got to do with my point about the staggered games?

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

          Read his post again.

        2. Syd.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Games have always been staggered at best you will only ever get 3 games kicking off at the same time given the new TV deal.

          Just give the game up if you don't get any fun from it anymore

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

      True. Prefer a bunch of 3pms to be honest, but they should be televised too.

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

        Yeah games being televised is great, just wish there were more games at the same time as it makes FPL more exciting.

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

          Very true.

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

          Hey, support a team in the Championship like me, you’ll never be bored on a Saturday afternoon!

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

      It depends how you enjoy football. I assume you dont like to watch games you are more of a scores junkie.

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

        I love to watch games, although 4 a day is a bit much. Just speaking from a strictly FPL perspective, its more exciting when there are 5 or 6 games on a Saturday with Soccer Saturday and one of the panel yelling "GOOOALLL"

    4. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Makes it easier to eye test for 90 mins rather than just highlights

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

    RMWCT

    Guaita - 4.0
    VVD - Gabriel - Dann - 4.0 - Lewis
    KDB - Salah - Auba - Soucek - 4.5
    Wilson - Martial - Mitrovic

    1. @FPL__Engineer
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wasted WC after 1 match day, FPL is back...

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

        +1

      2. Joey Tribbiani
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Everyones got their opinions, but I don't like this close mindness. FPL winners past have used wildcards on gameweek 2, and this season you have even more reason to do so. It still could be better used some other time, but noone can so far say its gonna be wasted...

        1. @FPL__Engineer
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          OPs choices in player show he’s wasting it, only 1 GW1 blanker

          1. Joey Tribbiani
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I agree on player choices

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

      Ollie Watkins over Mitrovic.

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

      I'd lose Mitro and upgrade defence personally.

    4. raff97
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Keeping Mitro on a WC is questionable after the way Fulham played

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

      they will score 30 goals this season and he'll be involved in half of them.
      he's still the pick of the 6s over the long term based on the information we have today

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

      No Mitro

      If you get Dann you get Ferguson too. Nice play imo.

      Have you checked Arsenal fixtures. Not sure defence is the play there. Transfer waiting to happen

      Wouldn't want Newcastle defence either with no Dub.

      Ignore nay sayers. Overall winner went WC week 2 last time. Just wait on Chelsea no 🙂

  11. Lingard’s Shin Guards
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Just seen a video of KWP getting floored by Ebere Eze

    Sheeshhhh

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

      He’s going to do that to a ton of defenders this season, believe me.

      Best player we had since Taarabt and an absolute joy to watch. Palace won’t be the biggest club he signs for.

  12. bOttOmEdpOstrEpliEr.
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    It is either a draw or a Westbrom win today.

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

      Said above, can see a 0-0.

  13. Salan
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    In member area, is there a place showing a player's record vs a particular team? I'm totally lost...... Thanks.

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

      I don't think so, but the transfer market website has that.

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

        Thank you.

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

    McCarthy // Steer
    TAA | Vinagre | Lewis // Mitchell | Burr
    Auba | Salah | Alli | ASM // Gordon
    Werner | Ings | Wilson

    Should I use the 0.5 ITB to go Ings to Martial at the end of the game week?

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

      I'm wondering the same, although Ings has some great fixtures coming up so may just keep.

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

        I know. the other option is trade Salah.

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

          My rough plan was to do...
          Auba to KDB
          Salah to Fernandes
          Wilson to Martial

          But that was obviously dependent on how players performed.

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

            I did Salah to Bruno

            1. Drexl Spivey
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Already?

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

              already?

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

                yes, figured Bruno more likely to get points against Palace at Old Trafford than Salah at Stamford Bridge

  15. NOSLEEPTILLBROOKLYN
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    So my team at the moment is
    McCarthy Nyland
    TAA Saiss Justin KWP Mitchell
    Salah Auba Son Saint Maximin Bissouma
    Werner Antonio 4.5

    2.5 itb
    The plan is Antonio > Martial for Gw2 and then Auba>KDB for gw3.

    Thoughts?

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

      yes, Antonio is a must trade with his fixtures.
      West Ham is a rabble at the moment.

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

      Arise, Sir Nosleeptillbrooklyn!

  16. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    If i create a ml league between 3 of my mates will gw1 scorers so far be added

    Or points will be added from gw2 onwards?

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 6 months ago

        You can decide whether gw1 counts or not if I remember correctly

      • The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Gw1 will apply as long as you don't actively pick to count from gw2 I believe...

      • HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers both

    2. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No kitchen today - carvery called off. And as I weigh up the temporary sting of unemployment for the weekend, I'm left to wonder what Doherty and Alli have to offer this afternoon to cheer me up.

      I'm all invested in the little one, hoping he delivers.

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

        I'm with you on Doherty and also have Kane so let's hope Jose season 2 is the real deal. Also good luck on the job hunt front

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

      Of course I will wait and see how Alli plays but which one would you do?

      A) Alli -> Bruno
      B) Mitro -> Martial
      C) Adams -> Martial

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

        A - I swapped Salah for him after the GW started but before seeing his hattie, so kind of regret that now but just think Bruno will carry on string the points personally

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

        B. But that's assuming Alli starts. If he starts, even if he doesn't haul, I'd rather keep him over Mitro.

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

        B

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

        CBA

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

        Clear B for me provided Alli plays

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

      19.6K. Highest rank I've had in 10 years. OK - just got to keep my finger of the transfer trigger switch

    5. One Chop Allen
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Looking for thoughts and feedback to below transfers before Wk 2

      Aubemyang / Saka / Batshuai to Greenwood / Foden / Martial ??

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

        Won't trade out Auba for now, more so on -8.

        1. One Chop Allen
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Cheers, what to do with Saka?

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

      Ings owners, should we keep the faith for the next gw? 1 game is normally too little to judge a player on. How did he fare yesterday? Any concern for Southampton attack as a whole?

      1. fr3d
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I think he can do damage to Spurs

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

          That's my exact thought. He did well against them last season, and sure Raph would push them a lot this week for a better result next gw.

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

        He was fine

        One decent chance and regulation but good save.

        Palace away was always a tough fixture. 17 goals conceded in the last 22 home games against bottom 12 sides.

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

          Yes, agreed mate. What's your plan for next gw?

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

            Not shifting him

            My alternative set up was Guiata Zaha over Ings Mc - may do that in 5 but the boat has sailed for the next few weeks

            Can see him returning whenever really. No rush for me. With 0.5 I'd be tempted by Martial mind.

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

              The issue is we have loads of options at that price bracket now inc mids. If Chelsea do click straight away, then that adds other options in Havertz, Pulisic etc to Martial, Rash etc. He will need to start scoring soon to be in our teams for the longer future.

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

        I think I'm keeping tbh. I expect Palace will put 11 men behind the ball the entire game and restrict United to a narrow win.

        Southampton have some great fixtures coming up after Spurs.

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

          Yup, he is not cheaper though. If he doesnt find his fit fast enough and the likes.of Martial start with a bang then we would have to reassess.

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

            Feet*

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

          Thing is that Palace play works best against bottom 16. It wasn't much cop against top last season.

          Was confident of a low scoring game this week but doubt it rather next time. Trouble with United that it's tough to ;pick who returns - anyone of 4 and easy to miss out.

          1. Drexl Spivey
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Who have you gunned for, Pingi?

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

              No United as yet

              Mulling a Vardy to Bruno minus 4. That was the plan preseason if needed. But if Vardy looks good I'll just roll probs.

              Bruno is the one I'd want long term. Martial would just come in for fixture runs. Don't see this fixture run as that hot and it's pretty short too

              (Went bold this week and have Vardy C and Kane to come)

              1. Drexl Spivey
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                My idea (tentative, albeit) was Salah to Bruno (GW2), then Auba to Rashford (GW3). Leaves me £4m + Alli to do the hokey-cokey.

                There is that niggling doubt as to how Utd field though:

                Salah - Auba - All - ASM
                Werner - Wilson - Mitro

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

                  Not a huge Rashford fan - just don’t trust him personally.

                  Not denying he could be gold. He’s just one of those I get wrong - streaky player. Martial is the one with regular returning record - more my style

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

                    I have a quiet suspicion that VD Beek could be massive. Might bring him in first if he impresses against Palace.

                    1. Drexl Spivey
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      I like that you're sounding him off at least. £7m though?

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

                        Could be as effective as Bruno, cut-price.
                        Just imagine GW2 2FT: Auba/Salah for William/Beek. 9 million itb!!!

                        1. Drexl Spivey
                          • 5 Years
                          3 years, 6 months ago

                          Monitoring Snake Oil Salesmanship (with extreme prejudice)...

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

        Yes true. Unfortunately price is key at this stage of the season. Martial not looking like rising for a few days so will keep an eye on things.

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

        Holding. An 8.5m striker that got 22 goals in his one full season - just last year - in a side that wasn't great. That record in a big 6 side and he's a 10.5/11m player.
        Took a good save to deny him yesterday.

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

          Oh, Southampton - yeh, they were very flat, but even so both Ings and Adams would have scored past a less alert keeper. I expect them to improve - don't panic.

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

      I had built my team with the direct plan to use my WC for GW2.
      Now I have completely lost the red thread and don't know how I should use the WC. Pls help.

      McCarthy, Areola
      TAA-Holding-Justin-Mitchell-Johnson
      Auba-Mané-Bowen-ASM-Stephens
      Adams-Werner-Kane

      1. @FPL__Engineer
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Don’t

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

        1 FT - Mane to Bruno

    8. tjostolv
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      When will the price of Willian rise (and TAA fall)?

      1. fr3d
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        http://www.fplstatistics.co.uk/
        When their "target" hits +100 or -100

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

        I would say tomorrow night.

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

      Chelsea's immense team for the season could blow our proposed transfers out the water

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

        Yeah, have to watch how they play closely. Options are so many there as well.

      2. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        That is if they gel together and they still have ropey defenders and a very dodgy goalkeeper.

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

          I think Lampard will make the attack click in a short time. The defence is the one I don't see a huge improvement straight away.

          1. Drexl Spivey
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            That's the thing for me too. I'm not buying into the 'strengthened' thing. His glammer signings have been upfront, which speaks volumes.

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

        5-0 and talk of a title challenge.
        will all end in tears but will be a wild ride

    10. Powers106
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      How did Adams look? Anybody at 6.0 or less look better (ha ha or even good)?

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

        Wilson by far the better option

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

          this

      2. Gregor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He did alright, could’ve scored. He’s worth another go.

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

        He played well was unlucky not to get some returns, could easily have had an assist and a goal.

      4. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Matched Ings which is all I ask for

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

        He was good

    11. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Salah has ruined fantasy for like 3 million people

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

        Yeah but most knew the risk of going without Salah at home to a newly promoted Leeds (who tbf did extremely well).

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

        How so?

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

        always good to get a haul then sell - lightening never strikes the following game week ... or does it ? 😉

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

        you better get him now - he is on course for a 760 point season

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

        It’s Salah mate, everyone knows what kind of player he is. You choose not to own!

    12. Von Lipwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Obviously waiting for the Spurs and Chelsea games, but which one do you like atm?

      A) Havertz > Rash
      B) Alli > Rash
      C) Ings > Martial
      D) Save FT

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        C

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

        C

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

        Cheers 🙂

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

        I'm in the C or D camp and will probably save FT.

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

          Tempting isn't it. Shame the prices will go up

    13. puhd
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thinking of ditching TAA for Holding

      Thoughts?

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

        I have always paid a heavy price for not owning TAA. Keep

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

          Wise advice. Cheers mate

      2. Gregor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Holding has dodgy fixtures after West Ham and might lose his place.

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

          Yes I do worry about him losing his place

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

        TAA for VVD i could potentially get behind, but for Holding thats insane.
        Not nailed and fixtures are pretty atrocious after west ham.

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

        You might want to Hold on that one

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

        Thanks everyone!

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

      Mitro or Wilson on WC?

      Leaning towards Mitro due to fixtures and Fulham fixtures.

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Wilson easy decision

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

        I own Mitro. Not pleased with it

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

        DCL seems like a far better pick to me - 3 plum fixtures and then you can hop onto Mitro/Wilson/Batman whose fixtures all look better from wk5 onwards - and you'll have more information.

      4. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Would still go Wilson. He did quite well yesterday.. and his mate Fraser hasn't featured yet..

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

          I agree Wilson seems the better pick after yesterday. 0.5M goes a long way in defence however

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

        *fixtures and extra 0.5

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

      Enough misery,

      Which teams are going to score highly next week? Tasty matches to attack

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

        Man Utd
        Leeds
        Arsenal
        Everton

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

          those - and Chelsea

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

          Arsenal didnt notice that one

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

        Arsenal. Auba my C