Scout Notes

Why Man United assets were so poor as Zaha strengthens case for FPL inclusion

Man United 1-3 Crystal Palace

  • Goals: Donny van de Beek (£7.0m) | Andros Townsend (£6.0m), Wilfried Zaha x2 (£7.0m)
  • Assists: Jeffrey Schlupp (£5.5m), Jordan Ayew (£6.0m), Tyrick Mitchell (£4.0m)
  • Bonus Points: Zaha x3, A Townsend x2, Schlupp x1

Manchester United look far from ready to command Fantasy Premier League investment this season after their disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace.

Having missed the first Gameweek of the season, the Red Devils looked rusty and devoid of ideas as Roy Hodgson’s men constantly exploited their high defensive line and poor passing.

24.6% of Fantasy managers decided to go into Gameweek 2 with Bruno Fernandes (£10.5m) in their team, but their enthusiasm for the premium midfielder went unrewarded.

The Eye Test - What Are We Looking For?

Not only did the Portuguese international register a blank, but there were also very few promising signs or bad luck either. After non-stop contributions to club and country between the end of 2019/20 and beginning of the new campaign, Fernandes looked exhausted against Crystal Palace and his FPL owners may already be concerned about how much he can contribute in the coming Gameweeks.

Perhaps the most frustrating thing for Fernandes and his band of Fantasy followers was how much defending he was tasked with. As he and his Manchester United colleagues were sloppy in possession at Old Trafford, Fernandes was forced to recover the ball on multiple occasions. Ironically, he was probably one of United’s best players in this department, but anyone with a £10.5m midfielder in their Fantasy team does not want to see him fulfilling the so-called Makélélé role, no matter how well he does so.

Of even greater concern for Fernandes’ owners was the impact that new signing Donny van de Beek (£7.0m) had once he arrived on the pitch. The Dutchman came on for Paul Pogba (£8.0m) in the 67th minute, tasked with number 10 duties, pushing Fernandes back into a deeper role alongside Scott McTominay (£5.0m).

“Paul (Pogba) has been training really well since he came back and for Donny (van de Beek) it’s his first game, so that’s (why he doesn’t start) today.” – Ole Gunnar Solskajer, speaking pre-match

Crucially, van de Beek was one of only a few United assets who looked fresh and ready for the campaign, and his 80th-minute goal will surely help him work into Solskjaer’s plans for the Gameweek 3 trip to Brighton. If van de Beek does indeed start at the Amex Stadium, assessing his on-the-pitch relationship with Fernandes will be a vital monitoring exercise for Fantasy managers.

With their most creative player not at his best, Manchester United’s other attacking assets were starved of quality service and also offered very little. Marcus Rashford (£9.5m) was virtually anonymous despite facing a favourable match-up with Crystal Palace’s right-back Joel Ward (£4.5m). 

Meanwhile, Solskjaer was forced into deploying Daniel James (£6.5m) and Timothy Fosu-Mensah (£4.5m) on the right-hand side of attacking midfield and defence, in light of short pre-seasons for Mason Greenwood (£7.5m) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.5m), both of whom were on the bench. The second-choice pairing did not work out even remotely, perhaps no surprise considering how rarely the two players have featured together.

As a result of Fernandes, Rashford and James putting in toothless displays, Anthony Martial (£9.0m) was left to feed off scraps in an isolated lone forward’s furrow. 

Greenwood admittedly added a bit of energy on the right once he replaced James at half time but it was still not enough. The mid-priced midfielder should have scored United’s first goal of the season when he nodded a Fosu-Mensah cross wide at the far post. Despite that miss, he will almost certainly be back in the team for Gameweek 3, which might help get the Red Devils’ attacking going.

“Let’s see if we need (Greenwood). He’s always a good option to have on the bench. He’s had a shorter pre-season than what we hoped for. That’s the reason behind a few of the calls so far (including Matić and Wan-Bissaka).” – Ole Gunnar Solskajer, speaking pre-match

Either way, it was clear from Manchester United’s rusty performance that improvement is needed before they can command the same level of Fantasy power as they did during Project Restart. The fact that they missed Gameweek 1 and had a short turnaround between the end of last season and the beginning of this really showed, the number of players involved on international duty not helping either.

“We had a long season last season and we didn’t finish until August 16 and we have not had enough preparation time to be sharper. We’ve worked hard with the ones who’ve been here, there have been a few players away on internationals.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

By comparison, Palace managed to spend pre-season playing four friendlies, getting their first league match out of the way last weekend. 

As a result, the difference between the two sides at Old Trafford could not have been more obvious. It was the Eagles who spent the majority of the game on the front foot and asking difficult questions of their opponents, beating their illustrious hosts for shots in the box and efforts on target.

As already mentioned, a combination of a high defensive line and the immobility of Harry Maguire (£5.5m) and Victor Lindelöf (£5.0m) enabled Palace’s rapid front-men to spend nearly all afternoon bearing down on David de Gea (£5.5m) in sweeping counter-attacking moves.

That first paid dividends for Hodgson’s men in the seventh minute when Fosu-Mensah got caught in possession high up the pitch, allowing Jeffrey Schlupp (£5.5m) to press into the vacated right-back space and drag Lindelöf over. Unsurprisingly, the former Leicester man got behind the centre-back easily, flashing a ball across Maguire and Luke Shaw (£5.0m), which was turned in by an unmarked Townsend at the far post.

Just before half time, Palace embarked on another dangerous counter. Zaha powered through the middle, rode the challenge of Fernandes and played Ayew in on the left, who cut inside and saw his ferocious shot tipped over the bar by de Gea.

After the resulting corner progressed to the second phase, Zaha harried possession back on the left-hand side, cutting inside himself and rippling the side-netting.

Ayew and Townsend doubled-up on McTominay in the middle shortly after half-time, catching him out and bearing down on de Gea once more. This time the former Swansea man burst through the middle, had the chance to play it wide to Zaha, but elected to blast an effort straight at the goalkeeper.

Maguire was at fault in the 66th minute when he lost possession in a dangerous area, allowing Ayew to play Zaha into a one-on-one. The Ivorian international fired into De Gea’s net but the goal was overturned for offside.

Two minutes later, Palace had a penalty after a lovely dummy from Townsend had sent Ayew through on goal, his shot blocked by Lindelöf, supposedly with his hand, according to VAR. The forward initially had his penalty saved but it was ordered to be retaken as De Gea was off his line. Zaha stood up to dispatch the re-take. There was plenty of controversy about the goal, but United deserved to be 2-0 down, there was no debate about that.

Where this leaves the penalty situation at Palace is somewhat unclear. Hodgson admitted after the game that the decision to let Zaha take the second one was because he did not want the risk of Ayew having to re-take it. However, penalty expert of recent years Luka Milivojevic (£6.0m) made a second successive substitute’s appearance so could be back in the starting line-up next time.

“I don’t think it’s good for a player to miss a penalty and immediately take another one. His confidence is affected by the miss, it wasn’t a good penalty, it was a fairly comfortable save for De Gea. And I’m sure, if I had allowed him to take (the second) penalty, he might well have scored it. But I didn’t think it was a good idea to take that chance.” – Roy Hodgson

Zaha then added the Eagles’ third as United overstretched to find a late equaliser. He recovered an intended pass from Tyrick Mitchell (£4.0m) to finish United off in the 85th minute.

“You can see we are short and they deserved the points. They were sharper than us in challenges, tackles. We started off slowly and that had a knock-on effect for the rest of the game when they got the first goal.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Zaha now has three goals in his first two league games of the campaign, recorded after impressing in pre-season too. His centre-forward role is combining well with a midfield classification and the fixtures are appealing too.

Palace host an in-form Everton in Gameweek 3, but Saturday afternoon highlighted just how many issues remain among Carlo Ancelotti’s defenders. After that, Hodgson’s men face Brighton (home), Fulham (away) and Leeds (home) between Gameweeks 5 and 8.

The Gameweek 4 trip to Chelsea looks tough on paper, but it turns out that Palace are arguably one of the most trustworthy sides when facing so-called bigger clubs. Since May 2015, they have now won nine matches away from home against the Premier League’s big-six, Manchester City the only outfit with more road victories against such opposition (10).

That could also mean good things for Townsend, who has offered value over the first two matches of the campaign. He now has an attacking return in each outing so far this season, and at £6.0m might be slightly easier to fit into a Fantasy team than Zaha.

Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Shaw, Maguire, Lindelöf, Fosu-Mensah (Ighalo 81′); Pogba (van de Beek 67′), McTominay; Rashford, B Fernandes, D James (Greenwood 46′); Martial.

Crystal Palace XI (4-4-2): Guaita; Mitchell, Sakho, Kouyaté, J Ward; Schlupp (Eze 75′), McCarthy (Milivojevic 88′), McArthur, Townsend; Zaha, Ayew (Batshuayi 81′).

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1,431 Comments Post a Comment
  1. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Danny boy time for some clinical finishing

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

      This

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

    Somehow I have McCarthy,KWP, Davies and Ings in this game.

    Gonna be a weird one to watch..

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      0-0 surely your best hoep

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

    Alli > James (-4) probably the best hit i've taken in last couple of seasons

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

      Bats to DCL worked out for me

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

        Not awful at all

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

          Good work both! I’m considering a -4 to bring in City and Wolves assets or GW3. Hopefully that comes off like yours!

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

    Van da beek >>>> bruno / martial / rash

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

      Bruno was playing in a deeper position when VDB came on as a sub.. That would worry me

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

        Is that not making us happier? Having a cheap-ish option for United?

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yep Bruno is pretty bad when you remove pens

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

    Not been on here much past couple of days. What are people’s thoughts on wildcards?

    My inclination is to wait to use mine, even though I’ve made a slow start.

    Just bring in KdB/Sterling for Auba and maybe some Wolves? Or does this need a WC?

    0ITB 1FT
    McCarthy Steer
    TAA Justin Egan Ayling Mitchell
    Salah Bruno Auba ASM Reed
    Werner Mitro Adams

    Thanks!

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

      new template for the next few hours 😉

      Martinez
      Trent - Saiss - CTaylor
      Salah - KDB - Soucek - HJamesZ
      Werner - Jimmy - DCL

      Steer, Justin, Mitchell & Bissouma.

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

        Lol, thanks! Reassuring that there’s still some crossover then!

        DCL would be nice but I think bringing in Wolves and City are more of a priority. I’m sure DCL will punish me for that!

      2. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Well done

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

      Holding mine til week 8/9.

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

        Cool, cheers. While it’s still only two or three moves I’d like to make in an ideal world, I think I’d also be better served holding on to it.

        I can live with one big price riser (DCL). If he continues on this trend, Everton’s fixtures make him appealing.

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

          Yeah thing is, even if his price rises like crazy over the next few weeks, he’d still only be 7.5m or so, which is cheap in the grand scheme of things. Does look value though..

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

            Exactly my thinking. So if you can budget for that rise and hold on to your WC, theoretically at least you’ve got a better data set and you can get more value out of it further down the line.

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

              Yeah exactly, trying to play a more patient game this year, and it’s still such early days.

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

    Can anyone tell me about podence - will he play every game post jota? Thanks

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

      Possibly
      5.5 gold

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Depends on formation bro. I think he will start majority of games, however, may miss a few if Nuno decides to play Neto in a front 2 with Jimenez

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

      He’s not a guaranteed starter at all

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

      Not every but most

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

      I think it’s a big help. I would put him ahead of Neto in the pecking order but not guaranteed

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

      I'm thinking
      A podence and digne vs
      B james rodrigues and saiss.

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        B

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

        To me thats an easy B

      3. Jay Jay Okocha
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Obviously B, although A is 1.0 cheaper

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

      Thanks all. Shifting Ali...and podence could be a route to play 4 at the back.

  7. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Bruno first choice?

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

      Joke is getting boring.

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        What’s the joke?

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

      Your Bruno “jokes”

  8. The Frenchie
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Bamford essential?

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

      Fixture wise no
      Need for value 5.5 tp upgrade, he is the only one and he is good

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

      Not at all. Brewster will be essential once he joins another PL club

  9. el polako
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who framed Roger rabbit ?

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

      Darlow or smother of those toons.

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

    Hames or Zaha?

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

      Hames plays for a better attack

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

        You sure about that? Palace only had one less shot on target than Everton yesterday while they were playing away to man united while Everton were playing at home to a promoted team and against 10 men.

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

          Cherrypicked stats.

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

            Just saying everton not proven yet just cos they won a 10 men promoted team and an unfit spurs.

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

              They were winning against 11 men yesterday too

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

                Yeah sure, conceded when 11v10, they struggled with their crap defence when 11v11 and wouldn't have that result if there was no red card.

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

      Zaha ... can’t even find the other fella in the game 😉

    3. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Rodriguez. When he slots the first pen for the Toffees people will really start to take notice

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

        You think he will be on penalties? If thats the case his stock will rise even further

        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          95% confident he has the duties. 13/16 in career and only reason he hasn’t taken more is the depth of quality assets in his teams

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

    James is the kdb of everton

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

      You got it wrong mate. KDB is the Hamezz of Man City

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        This. James is an absolute beast and is severely underpriced

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

      Ok let’s calm down now

    3. Party time
        3 years, 6 months ago

        The name is Bond

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

          Best headline ever

      • Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        A bargain like 9.5 KDB

      • Limbo
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        His balls over the back to Digne were sublime. Very KDB’esque. Hope he likes the cold...

    4. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Expecting hatties from Son and Adams haha

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

        Cue 0-0 bore draw

        1. Steinburg FC
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          new shape Spurs today, getting readying for Bale and Regulion. Looking forward to a 4-3 🙂

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

        Clean sheet from Dier and brace from Son incoming.

        Cos I ditched both for -4

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

      Bottomed:

      Pick one of the below..

      A. Soucek & Trent
      B. Robbo & Podence

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

        Trent and podence

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

          Can't get both of them in, without making another change elsewhere.. Current team

          Martinez (Steer)
          Robbo - Saiss - CTaylor (Mitchell & Lewis)
          Salah - KDB - Jrod - Podence (Bissouma)
          Werner - DCL - Jimmy

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

        A long term
        B short term

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

          So depends how you want to play it I think

    6. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think I’ve underestimated Everton. I said top 6, however, top 3 beckons.. what a steal for James, DCL, Rich and Digne

      1. Party time
          3 years, 6 months ago

          With that shitty defence?

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Please..

            1. Party time
                3 years, 6 months ago

                😆

                Never mind, buddy

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

            They look the real deal.

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

              They won't play a 10 man West Brom every week.

              Though I already have Digne and Hames.

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

            I figured United would be displaced, just didn't realize Everton were the ones who could do it.

          4. @persecuted_by_mods
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Is this a joke?

              1. IRBOX ⚽
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                I don’t know, are you dumb?

                1. @persecuted_by_mods
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Shut up you clown

                    1. IRBOX ⚽
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      The only thing worse than your taunts are your rank history.. ouch

                      1. @persecuted_by_mods
                          3 years, 6 months ago

                          You okay in the head pal? 7k is your highest haha, pipe down

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

                  Coleman is a steal if he nails position

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

                  Calm down. Spurs were awful. 10 man WBA at home. They look great (I’m on cloud 9) but still weakness in defence namely Mina/Pickford.

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

                  lol they'd be lucky to get top 8

                5. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  They’ll finish 8th

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

                Which Leeds mid to go for? Didn’t see the game so hard for me to judge.

                Currently on Klich due to penalties.

                1. FPL Daniel
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Klich or Harrison for me

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

                  Click is the one.

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

                  Good option, though Costa and Harrison more advanced in open play. All three decent options.

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

                  Kilch costa and harrison all get in the box often
                  No wrong choices

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

                  Klich but Harrison good and still 5.5

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

                  Harrison and Costa more advanced
                  Klich on penos (have him)

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

                    Toss a coin

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

                  Not enough data so would suggest checking last years scores and assists. Think Klich is a good shout, pens and some good passes. Suspect they will share points across team due to style of play.

                8. Whats the Mata?
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Honestly I don't fancy any as the points are far too spread out in that team.

              3. FPL Daniel
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Come oooooon my Son

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

                I pray for a 2 nil to Southampton.
                Danny and Danny . Pen save for McCarthy just as a bonus.

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

                  I reckon 2-0 doherty brace

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

                  I'd take this with a couple of KWP assists who will come in for me off the bench for Alli

              5. Whats the Mata?
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Thoughts on Zaha on WC?

                He's posted great numbers in terms of goal threat and creativity in the first 2 gws. If Milivojevic doesn't start, he could even be on pens now.

                Would you consider him over someone like James who yes, plays for a better team but has been playing quite deep. Had just 1 shot yesterday, that too from outside the box and scored with it.

                Where would you lean currently?

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

                  No, prefer James by far

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

                  Zaha was great at the end of last season and also preseason. He has always had the talent, the difference this season is that Eze and Schlupp take the pressure of being the sole creator away from him. (Schlupp moved position thanks to tactical changes)

              6. Touré De Force
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Looking forward to seeing N'Dombele in action, he's a talent

              7. luk46
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                what would be your preference for a hit?

                A - Davies > Saiss
                B - Vinagre > 4.5m
                C - ASM > Podence/Klich
                D - just Auba > KDB, no hit

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

                  B depending on rest of defence/bench as I don’t want a 4.5 vs mancity or Liverpool so you can get your hit back.
                  I don’t have the vinaigrette problem so may go with c dependent on asms performance (as much because his price may drop if he blanks as there are now some good 5.5 options).

                  1. luk46
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    ye, TAA Justin Mitchell the other 3... I think Davies could be dropped soon tho

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

                How’s Auba + Moura > Hamez and KDB with two free transfers?

                1. luk46
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  couldnt use it better rn

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

                I doubted Hamez at the start, but 2 games in he looks the real deal. Lets wait and see, feels good to have him in my team though despite missing out yesterday

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

                  His injury record had been an issue. You srely dont have bruno+kdb+salah+ werner then if you have jrod? I am.looking at having zaha+jrod on wc instead of Bruno+4.5defender evry week

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

                One thing I've noticed is that the comments section has a predisposition to conversative minimal hit play. Naturally people respond to queries from their own personal perspective, which in most cases will be a conservative minimal hit perspective.

                General wisdom does suggest that conservative minimal hits is a strong strategy, however, I dont think there will be many who will die on the hill of this being the only strategy.

                What I do wonder is whether the phrasing of questions is particularly unhelpful to perpetuating this cycle. "A or B" gives little room for interpretation. My suggestion would be to change to, 'how do you see the prospects of X in comparison to Y over the next three gameweeks?'. This question shapes context and allows the answering member to give their view without the strategic preference being overbearing in the decision making.

                Tl:dr language and context matters, ask SMART questions

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

                  Agree

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

                  I agree that you will get more informed answers but I suspect the majority of readers will just scroll on by. A) B) approach works because it elicits short and quick answers

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

                    True, some do what quick and easy, but I am not sure all do who ask these questions given the reposting.

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

                      *want not what

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

                  Yeah i agree with this. Last week i remember someone posting two essential same questions with different phrasing and getting completely oppostie responses each time.

                4. El Presidente
                  • 4 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  And that was a smart post right there

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

                  Looking at the comments I see lots of hits taken. Maybe I’m more conservative than I think? — hate them unless I have injury or ‘absent’ big-hitter. Really try not to take hits for defenders - harder to recoup.

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

                    P.S. hulk this.

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

                  A vs B and RMT are shallow questions, so you can only expect shallow answers.
                  Agree with you

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

                Alli out for a hit to Hames looks gold now. Thanks guys for your suggestions.

                The old me would have waited another gw as I’m usually the patient one.

                Hoping for a 0-0 here.

                1. Whats the Mata?
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Unless your 1st sub gets 20 points?

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

                    Stop it

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

                    First sub is Taylor. Not in a million permutations i reckon 🙂

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

                  I waited
                  Will do it now before value rise
                  Good man

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

                  Yep, in hindsight waiting looks to be a big error. Saved personally to get 2 FTs this week but now I have so many fires I'm going to have to wildcard anyway

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

                  I waited, but now it will be done for free.

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

                I was gonna auba to manu
                But i think auba to james would be better
                James gonna value increase ?

                1. NULL-X-VOID
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Almost certainly

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

                How on earth are bruno and martial already in the negatices on fplstats?

                Were they reset to zero becuase they must have been close to +90 otherwise

                1. IRBOX ⚽
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Because they are shite.. both deserve a 0.5 discount before I would even consider

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

                    Thats not really what i asked but ok

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

                    Unbelievable

                2. @persecuted_by_mods
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Yeah looks like some sort of reset has happened

                  • Flair
                    • 3 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    They were reset because last week's transfers have zero impact on their price, and from GW2 they're being kicked out of teams.

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

                      Yeah thats what i thought happened. Getting both definitely the low point of my wc. Thanks

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

                  If Adams blanks today should we sell him or wait that rumoured Brewster move happens? Mitro, Bamford other options..

                  1. FPL Daniel
                    • 14 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    I hope Brewster becomes and option

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

                    I think its likely that Brewster becomes an option in the next two weeks. Personally if your strategy is go 4.5 mid I would do it now if Adams struggles.

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

                  There hasn’t yet been a draw this season. Surely this stat will be broken today.

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

                    Higher the league quality, lower deaw chance

                5. HNI
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  So Bruno posted amazing stats for keypasses and shots vs CPL inspite of loss and has easy bha TOT new next 3 but Zaha+Rodriguez have easy matches long term too
                  Help me pick:
                  1) Bruno + Bur/Lei defender every gw
                  2) Zaha + Rodriguez(Switch with Foden/Greenwood/Ziyech with changing matches)
                  On option 2 but its basically going Manutd less and Bruno had highest ppg last season.10.5mn is lot though

                  1. Miguel Sanchez
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Surely hold Bruno for at least another game

                  2. Alisson WondHaaland
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    1 if you ready have Bruno, if not just avoid for now

                  3. IRBOX ⚽
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Amazing stats!? United are rubbish bro.. don’t trust them to the detriment of your FPL team. Get the real deal: EVERTON!

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

                    Despite plan
                    Im gonna go for jamez
                    I tjink brighton away will not be easy
                    Then spurs

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

                    I prefer 2 as I like rotation according to fixturesUnited manager is lost .. but again Bruno is better for long term set and forget .. tough choice

                  6. g40steve
                    • 6 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    The tea lady at Ars posted higher stats than Auba!

                6. g40steve
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Leics sign Under he looks exciting attacking winger - awaits price.

                  Defo getting some quality players in the squad

                  1. Miguel Sanchez
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Is he Under-priced?

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

                    hope he goes Under the radar

                  3. g40steve
                    • 6 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Nice one guys 🙂
                    They do seem to find some gems