Scout Reports

Set pieces – or a lack of them – could be key to defining Alex Telles’ FPL appeal

Arriving in the Premier League off the back of a season in which he delivered 19 attacking returns, Alex Telles (£5.5m) was one of the more intriguing captures of transfer deadline day from a Fantasy perspective.

The left-sided defender was signed by Manchester United for a reported £13.6m, a cut-price fee as the Brazilian was set to be out of contract with Porto at the end of the current campaign.

Telles has penned a four-year deal with the Red Devils, with the option to extend for a further 12 months.

The Brazil international boasts some eye-catching statistics from his time in Portugal, having scored on 26 occasions and set up a further 57 goals in 195 appearances in all competitions.

Priced up at a reasonable £5.5m in Fantasy Premier League, are those numbers too good to be true and is he an FPL asset to seriously consider?

We assess his worth in the article below.

THE HISTORY

Born in December 1992 and set to turn 28 midway through the 2020/21 campaign, Telles is by no means “one for the future”.

Starting his professional career in his homeland with fourth-tier side Juventude, Telles moved to Gremio at the age of 21 and spent one year with the Brazilian giants before being snapped up by Roberto Mancini’s Galatasaray.

Immediately establishing himself as the Turkish side’s first-choice left-back upon his move to Europe in January 2014, Telles then fell foul of Mancini’s successor Cesare Prandelli, only returning as a regular when the latter departed.

Reunited with Mancini for another hit-and-miss campaign on loan at Inter in 2015/16, it wasn’t until Telles moved to Porto in July 2016 that we started to see him kick on.

Nine attacking returns in his debut campaign in Liga NOS included a hat-trick of assists against Rio Ave, a feat he repeated the following season against Braga.

The 2017/18 campaign saw Telles rack up more assists (13) than any other player in the Portuguese top flight, with the subsequent season seeing him chalk up another 12 attacking returns on the domestic front for Porto.

The new United left-back hit double figures for goals in his final full season in Portugal and was still at it in the last month, playing a part in all three goals in the 3-1 win over Braga in mid-September and then claiming an assist in his final appearance for Porto last Saturday.

SeasonLeague AppsGoalsAssists
2016/173218
2017/1830313
2018/193348
2019/2031118
2020/21322

Sources: Whoscored and Transfermarkt


PLAYING STYLE

Any full-back who arrives in the Premier League with an attacking reputation will immediately pique the interest of Fantasy managers and Telles certainly fits the bill, as his statistics above indicate.

That is doubly so if the player in question is a set-piece specialist, which is one of the strings to Telles’ bow.

On dead-ball duties throughout his time at Porto, six of his eight assists in 2019/20 came from corners.

Pedro Cunha, the Porto editor for Portuguese football website MaisFutebol, told The Athletic:

He is very, very strong when it comes to the attacking side of the game. He scores important goals from outside the box — he got two or three last season alone — but his biggest asset is his crossing ability.

The way he bends the ball into the box is exceptional, and it usually results in one of the forwards getting an effort on goal. He set up at least 10 goals every season for Porto, which tells you what kind of full-back Alex is. In Portugal, we say that his crosses aren’t just crosses; they are passes that land on his teammates’ heads.

Telles himself said to MUTV upon his move:

I like to think of myself as a very intelligent player, a set-piece specialist and I’m always looking for opportunities to create passes to score goals.

I look at being a defender in a different way with my goals. I’m looking to create more openings wherever possible but during training, I also pay particular attention to set-piece training.

Apart from the key basics of being a defender, which is obviously about defending well, I want to have extra aspects to my game so I’m a versatile player.

I have great beliefs in my defensive capabilities but also in my attacking ability. I’m in the best moment of my career and I believe I’ve grown a lot, and hopefully, I can continue to do so.

The defensive side of Telles’ game will come under a lot of scrutiny upon his move to England.

The Brazilian is, a bit like Serge Aurier (£5.2m) or Marcos Alonso (£5.9m), more renowned for supplying goals than stopping them and any shortcomings are bound to be exposed against a higher quality of opponent than the ones he faced in a limited Liga NOS.

Fantasy managers may care little if he is providing regular returns at the other end of the pitch but clean sheet potential is the bread and butter of an FPL defender, and his arrival will likely do little to shore up a United backline that has been woefully out of sorts in 2020/21 so far.

The somewhat generous Cunha did suggest that working with Porto boss Sergio Conceicao has improved Telles defensively, however:

He defends as well as he attacks. Working with Sergio Conceicao, who places huge importance on the defensive side of the game, really helped him. He has made Alex into a very competent defender.

He is very impressive physically and hardly makes any mistakes. You really saw the difference down Porto’s left flank whenever he wasn’t playing.

The Statistics

As alluded to above, Telles’ crossing is his main strength.

He has been top of the Liga NOS in each of the last three seasons for attempted crosses, with the 347 he delivered in 2018/19 only 25 short of the total that Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) sent over last season.

Telles’ total of 39 shots in 2019/20 would have placed him third among FPL defenders, while his tally of 57 chances created in the same season would have seen him ranked fourth among his positional peers – although again, some weighting would have to be applied to the standard of competition.

Compared to his rival for the left-back position at United, Telles predictably outperforms Luke Shaw (£4.9m) offensively but the England international has the edge in some key defensive metrics.


Going back to the question we asked at the beginning of this piece: is Telles too good to be true from a Fantasy perspective?

The answer, sadly, might be a yes.

The Brazilian has relied massively on set-piece responsibilities for his attacking returns at Porto, especially when it comes to finding the back of the net: eight of his 11 strikes in 2019/20 and 14 of the 21 Liga NOS goals in his career came from the penalty spot.

Six of his eight assists last season arrived from corners, while two-thirds of his 57 chances created stemmed from set plays.

How much of a look-in he gets at dead-ball situations at Old Trafford is the key question here, with Bruno Fernandes (£10.5m) effectively having the monopoly on free-kicks, corners and penalties ever since the Portugal international moved to England earlier this year.

It seems unlikely that Telles will jump to the front of the queue for spot-kicks at United but, given that he is left-footed, his ability to swing in set-piece deliveries at different angles from the right-footed Fernandes may ensure that he at least gets a share of free-kicks and corners at his new club.

While his trademark flat long throw is also an interesting weapon, it hasn’t directly led to any assists in the Portuguese top flight.

The Prospects

Shaw’s place would look to be in some doubt following Telles’ arrival and his own individual display in the 6-1 thrashing by Spurs couldn’t have come at a worse time.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does have previous for rolling out a wing-back system, however, especially in the so-called “tougher” games.

The Gameweek 4 capitulation may prompt Solskjaer to rethink his usual 4-2-3-1 formation given how exposed Harry Maguire (£5.4m) was against the Lilywhites, and Shaw has arguably looked a lot better when playing as a left-sided centre-half in the past.

Telles and Shaw could even feature in the same side then, in some of United’s upcoming matches.

FPL investment in any of the Red Devils’ defence looks undesirable at present, given that they have shipped as many goals in their first three Premier League matches of 2020/21 (11) as they did in the final 17 fixtures of last season.

Games against Arsenal, Chelsea and top-of-the-table Everton are to come in the next four Gameweeks, so there may be little appetite for a United defender in the Fantasy community while confidence is at rock bottom – although the same could be said for a number of teams in this topsy-turvy campaign and there’s an argument to be had for merely buying the most attack-minded assets at the back.

Should the Red Devils even partly rediscover the form that saw them keep nine clean sheets in their last 14 matches of 2019/20, then attention switches to Telles.

Will he be Solskjaer’s first-choice option at left-back? And how much of a say will he have at set plays? Those two questions will be key to assessing his appeal and the stretch of games between now and the November international break seems like a good audition period, with more favourable fixtures to follow from Gameweek 9.

Long-range howitzers and a bombardment of crosses will see him accumulate a handful of attacking returns from open play even if Fernandes continues to hog free-kicks, corners and penalties, but United aren’t renowned for scoring goals from headers and his assist potential may suffer as a consequence.

As the below table shows, only Spurs had fewer headed goal attempts than the Red Devils last season.

The disappointing end product of Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.4m), whose cross success rate was a poor 13.6%, perhaps partly explains this but Anthony Martial‘s (£8.8m) tendency to drift away from the box often leaves United without a goal-hanging targetman, so the question has to be asked as to who exactly will be on the end of Telles’ abundance of deliveries.



1,195 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The VAR Team
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Anything wrong with this WC? Suggestions appreciated 🙂

    Martinez / 4.0
    Robertson Chilwell Castagne / Konsa Mitchell
    Salah Sterling Son Grealish / Biss
    DCL Wilson Maupay

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good to me.

    2. spray
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Pretty good.

      Do you really need Castagna and Chilwell? Possibly some value at a lower price.
      I'm not too keen on Mitchell, but so what.

      My only other thought is that Maupay and Wilson are at the same price range, so if/when you look to move one to Ings or even as far as a Kane, one is no closer than the other. (Likely means two trades, so no major worries.)

      1. The VAR Team
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers! Might do Castagne Sterling Wilson to KWP JRod Kane, if Kane is fit

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

          Stick with the 1st selection imo

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Grealish to James Rod
      Mitchell to KWP or Lamptey etc
      Maupay to Watkins

    4. Birds of Prey
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      That looks way solid. But I'd Konsa> Dunne
      Castagne> Justin frees up 1.6
      Wilson> Brewster and 3.5 gets you another hero. imo gl

      1. Birds of Prey
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        You do need some wolves

  2. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bottomed, on a WC - best option here to complete my WC?

    A) Wilson; Robbo, KWP, Cooper, Mitchell
    B) Maupay; Castagne, Saiss, Ayling, Webster

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

      B

    2. Birds of Prey
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B I like how they're totally different.GL

  3. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any tennis fans on here ? predictions for todays final between Nadal and Djokovic ? Nadal to equal Federers record of 20 grand slams or djokovic to take his 18th grand slam ?

    1. ivantys
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nadal should win it, he's too good in clay. Djoker struggled a lot in this surface over the years.

    2. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nadal will win. He is the greatest ever on that surface.

    3. Ole.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'm supporting Nadal, but think Djokovic will win. Watched the semis and quarters. Djokovic's level is phenomenal, truelly unparalleled. I think the depth on his shots will be key. He's like the final boss you just can't beat. Gotta love him for it. Supporting Nadal, will be surprised if he wins.

    4. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nadal = clay king.

    5. Erdogan
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Djoko will take it even though Nadal is favorite but FO in mid October is not the same as in June.

  4. Tic Tacs
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    How does everyone think Foden will fare in upcoming fixtures? He seems to be playing more further forward and looks sharp, just no big points scores yet but surely City will start firing soon... also Telles looks a good pick on paper so worth the risk on a punt?

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Foden= hold if you have but don't buy

        Telles= avoid, stats boosted by penalties and set pieces which he won't get

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

        I thought he looked lost at times. If you want two city wait for kun!

        1. tabzy
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I’ve noticed this a few times too. Sometimes it’s like none of his teammates favour passing to him... which may be more about his positioning? It’s weird.

      • Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        He gets one more game. Let's see what happens. If he plays well against Arsenal, I might hold him.

        Lots of people forgetting why we bought him in the first place. He scored 5 goals and got 2 assists in 9 games as a starter (not sure how many of those attacking returns were as a sub). He's started all of the last 3 games. If he continues to play, and his statistics/average position go up, he might yet stay in my team.

        1. kevchenko
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Yes I agree.

          I will probably look to move him out for a Chelsea mid though if he blanks again....then regret it when he proves the best value (PPM) in the City Midfield haha

      • Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Foden is just not good enough yet and will soon be dropped

        1. tabzy
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I think he needs more physicality before he can really hold his own. Technical ability is there- just physicality and experience to make him a complete player

      • Tic Tacs
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks, I feel like I should be holding Foden for now as he's playing in such a good team and the season is so unpredictable so far that a big score could just come along at any moment.

        Telles seems risky but if they go to a back 3 with wing-backs and Rashford through the middle with Martial sitting out a couple of games now the assist potential seems good. I also think any left-footed free kicks will be his.

    2. Liberate HK - antichinazi
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Start Foden or Brewster next GW?

      1. kevchenko
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Brewster

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

          I currently have it as this too. May change but debut aside (although there have been lots of debut goals!) this is the game to play him if any you'd have thought.

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

      Start Podence or Foden next GW?

      A) Podence (lee)
      B) Foden (ARS)

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

        I currently have Podence starting, but it may change.

      2. Jordan.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        foden,brilliant player.

        1. Birds of Prey
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I have Podence but am afraid he might make a 29 min cameo. Way B

      3. Puncheon Guly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Benching a city player is mad. Prudence may not even start

    4. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Baring no injuries which defender would you bench from
      Saiss Semedo Lamptey James?

      And would you play Brewster over Barnes or Grealish?

      1. kevchenko
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Wouldn't play Brewster over either of those even though it's a plum fixture as I'd be frustrated at one of those on the bench with their fixtures.

        I'd bench Lamptey away at Palace from those.

        1. Rinseboy
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          cheers Kev yeah might Breswter even tho the plum fixture is a wait and see

          1. kevchenko
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            I think you could forgive yourself for it even if he scores, as he's so cheap and it's going to be his first game...so we don't know he'll even get 90 minutes or even start to be fair.

            The other two are established and both doing well.

            Imagine Grealish getting a goal on your bench, how can you justiofy that in the form he's in? Similar with Barnes and his underlying stats....

            I think it's an easy choice really - it could backfire, but the correct decision is to bench Brewster.

    5. tc93
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bottomed:

      Ings + Zaha —> Son + Maupay for a -4?

      Rest of team:
      Martinez
      TAA / KWP / Lamptey
      Salah / KDB / Zaha / Barnes
      Jiminez / DCL / Ings.

      Bench: Button, Taylor, Bissouma, Michell

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

        No, good team to go save FT

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

        Not for a hit

      3. Lord Bendtner
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Not a bad team, but not having Son or Kane might be a huge differential (either way). I'd go Maupay for Jimi. Then next week look to bring in Son.

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

      Would you bench Maupay or Watkins to accommodate Foden this GW?

      1. kevchenko
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Watkins probably.
        I'd leave Maupay for sure, I'd prefer him to Foden.

        Bench Watkins.

      2. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        No. Many comments here about Foden though.

    7. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Why are people so confident that Brewster will start and be nailed on?

      Current Sheff forwards:

      McBurnie
      Sharp
      Mousset
      Burke
      McGoldrick

      If I remember correctly they also spent a big bit of money on Mousset last year and he was in and out of the team.

      1. MosF94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        He's our record signing, and we're struggling for goals - if we think he'll provide them, he'll be starting soon enough, and if he does provide them, he'll be a very reliable starter

      2. noquarternt
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        11 mill for Mousset I think,

        This is a lot more. You don’t break your transfer record to not at least try and start them for a period of time. If by Christmas he hasn’t scored etc I’d understand, but you’ve got to think he’s getting serious time to start with.

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

        5 shite players who have all had their chance and failed to take it vs their record signing.

        Of course he could potentially end up like someone like wesley or joelinton and lose his spot eventually, but surely he gets a decent run of games before that eventually happens

      4. Birds of Prey
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Current Sheff goals 1
        Don't bring a dude in to sit if you're Sheffield.
        But maybe Burke will catch on fire. Cheers

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

      Who to bench?
      A. Podence (lee) - LEE def is open but not sure whether WOL will turn up
      B. Saiss (lee) - there is chance of cleansheet
      C. VVD (eve) - slim chance of cleansheet and got DCL & JRod, but felt wrong

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

        B

      2. Blzbobuk
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        A or B for me- Leeds so open/pressing(and fun to watch) I wouldn’t bank on a clean sheet but think wolves without Doherty don’t seem the same/gelling currently.
        Podence if I had to call it(but biased with him in side), if you do think a clean sheet is possible(low xg for Leeds) then go for Saiss.

    9. JenkoJunko
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Morning all! Would you WC this lot? Struggling with it.... In my opinion there is a lot of traps emerging that I don't want to get sucked into. And I think it's easy to forget we are only 4 games in to a season that is far from the norm with all thats going on etc...

      0FT 3.3ITB
      Steer Mcarthy
      Tierney TAA Justin Mitchell Enda
      Salah Foden JRod Barnes Bissouma
      DCL Werner Bamford.

      There is potentially a few fires to put out maybe (Foden/Werner/Enda) but is it worth a WC? I'm personally worried about getting rid of Werner as i think he has the potentially to explode! Opinions really appreciated. Thanks and GL

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

        WC

      2. grumpyman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Werner will probably start returning now Chelsea have their main creators back. If you plan to keep him there’s no need to WC.

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

        Yes

      4. Blzbobuk
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Looks more like a hit than a wc, try an 8 point hit and see if you hate your team, if you do pull the trigger, if not wait.

      5. skodaole2
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I dont see a horrible team, you have some differentials that could work. Strikers are ok, Werner and Bamford at this point are differentials, mids are ok, maybe one change there but all of them could score next GW. Defence needs fixing a bit but Justin and Mitchell havent lost their places yet. I think for this GW you are ok pending more injuries. If you decide to WC i d suggest you dont make the same team with everyone (TAA, Salah, Son, JRod, DCL).

    10. tricpic
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Who does Pulisic replace when back? And how nailed is Jorginho?

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Jorginho
        Not nailed

      2. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Abraham. Werner will play central

      3. The Sociologist
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I’d imagine Abraham

    11. tricpic
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      On WC and unexpectedly have money in the bank.
      With this lot would you:
      Martinez
      Digne Chilwell Castagne
      Son Salah KDB Jorginho Grealish
      Maupay DCL (Brewster)

      A) Upgrade Grealish to Bruno
      B) Upgrade Jorginho to Zaha
      C) Upgrade one of the defs to Robbie/Trent
      D) Upgrade Brewster to Wilson

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

        A or C.
        The masses would say C but Bruno being highest PPG back end of last season and already has 2 goals 1 assist without United really firing - could be a crazy good differential

      2. Sgt Frank Drebin
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I would upgrade Jorginho to anyone really.

      3. Nightrain_
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        B

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

      Martial could be amazing value for 8.6/8.7 once United get their act together

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I think he will be in my team at some point this season. When I don't know, but at that price and when/if United click, he looks fantastic value, indeed.

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

      Thoughts on these moves with 2FT?

      Werner and Foden --> Son and Maupay

    14. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bad news for Bruno

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

        Eh?

        1. OPTA FPL
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Telles will steal some set pieces

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

            As long as it’s not penalties I’m happy lol

      2. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        What did Bruno Mars do?

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

        Excuse me?

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

          Right. Well, possibly, but he's down the pecking order too.

    15. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I could watch De Bruyne playing for a whole day. My favourite player of all time https://mobile.twitter.com/_Leroyology/status/1314635509096951814

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Of all time?

        1. Seanigula
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Maybe he’s a City fan, where time began in 2008

          1. Sgt Frank Drebin
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            I'm supposed to like players from 50' or 60' or what? You don't need to be a City's fan to admire a player playing for them

            1. Seanigula
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              I’m going to guess that your favorite band of all time is Maroon 5...am I right?

              1. Top Dog
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 5 months ago

                Really isn’t as crazy statement as you are making it out to be. The best player, IMO, of all time is Messi, favourite player to watch ever would be Zidane.

                I think De Bruyne is one of the best premier league midfielders we have seen, makes things look classy and effortless, with a huge amount of end product

              2. Sgt Frank Drebin
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 5 months ago

                Did I say he is the best player of ale time? Just saying I like him and the way he plays very much. Don't know what's your problem. With music you can listen to ald bands without a problem, have you seen Pelle play regularly? Because I've only seen couple of his goals.

        2. OverTinker
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Best passer of all time may be

    16. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      With the exception of Moyes, MUFC tank in the second year of a new manager who then gets sacked. Reports are Ole is to be replaced by Poch. Therefore it makes sense to avoid their players for now. Any thoughts?

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Poch is a class manager and will improve their options.

        1. Sgt Frank Drebin
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Probably, but who knows what formation will they play or who will play. Too much uncertainty imho at the beggining, also Poch's style probably needs much time to be implemented and learned (at least the way Spurs played in his 1st and 2nd year there, later it was some strange kind of counter-attacking football).

        2. Steve The Spud
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          As a spurs fan I could never understand why they didn’t move for poch in the first place, great guy, great manager, great work young players and a top attitude as well!

      2. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        if you think Man U players will get points then own them, if not then don’t own them ... anything else is mere puff 🙂

        1. The Mandalorian
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          So having a discussion is mere puff? Why are you even here? According to your comment history you are well versed in practising puff as you call it.

          1. Hotdogs for Tea
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Do you really think you are going to avoid Utd players because historically under previous mangers in their second half of their second season they ‘tank’ ?

            Discussions are fine, but imho it’s the most stupid reason to base any decision to pick a players or not I have ever seen on here, after just 3 games of the first half of the season lol 😉

            1. The Mandalorian
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              By the sounds of it you clearly don't know why MUFC managers tank in their second season. Its been well discussed on Man UTD fan channels and also by former players like Gary Neville.
              So therefore you call my discussion stupid because you're ignorant and don't understand why. Then you write lols as you take joy out of trying to humiliate others. Sad.
              You could have just asked why do MUFC managers tank in their second season instead of putting down the discussion.
              If you dont understand the discussion don't troll the discussion and act like you're better than the rest of us.

              1. Hotdogs for Tea
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 5 months ago

                the discussion you are proposing is about avoiding Man U players for a scenario that may not even transpire, and there is no reason that Man U will tank just because other managers have and Ole hasn’t even had a full season yet.

                To suggest avoiding their players now for the reason you suggest makes no sense at all.

                I think you are being a bit sensitive imho

                1. The Mandalorian
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 5 months ago

                  The scenario going into season two of the new manager has already happened, according to you it hasn't. So basically you don't know.

                  Do you support MUFC and follow the club?

                  1. Hotdogs for Tea
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 5 months ago

                    It’s been 3 games !!!! and you are advising people to avoid Man U players ‘now’ in case Man U form tanks ‘in the second half of the season’ because of the form of previous managers in the second half of the season in previous years ?

                    Do you really understand what you are recommending ?

                    If Man U form falls, if their FPL players aren’t scoring points, if that happens ... then I will consider not owning such players and certainly not now because of what may or may not have happened in previous seasons for previous managers.

                    1. The Mandalorian
                      • 11 Years
                      3 years, 5 months ago

                      Actually I told people I was avoiding MUFC players before the start of season for other reasons. So far so good.

                      I set up a discussion here. You haven't really been able to offer any intelligent discussions other than lols and insults. I address your negativity then you say I'm a bit sensitive.

                      You said my discussion is mere puff but have written 4 posts on it basically repeating the same uneducated nonsense.

                      I asked you a question which you haven't answered. Do you support MUFC and follow the club?

                      1. Hotdogs for Tea
                        • 8 Years
                        3 years, 5 months ago

                        lol

                        1. The Mandalorian
                          • 11 Years
                          3 years, 5 months ago

                          Enjoy your lols.

      3. Goonsquad245
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Why do you think they tank in the second year? Do you think it’s even a real effect or just anecdotal bias?

        1. The Mandalorian
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          There's a bunch of reasons that form part of the clubs business model so it's a real effect. Part of the reason is discussed here...

          https://youtu.be/gebuA7dOtIA

      4. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        should we still be avoiding Man U players ?

    17. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Grealish and Lamptey or Barkley and Castagne?

      1. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Grealish & Lamptey

      2. The Sociologist
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        1st lot

    18. Good Times
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      On - 16 no wildcard with Kane, would you freehit?

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

        Wow

        1. Good Times
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          =/

      2. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        yip

      3. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        a -16? What trades did you make?

        1. Good Times
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Had removed James, podence foden and strikers.... I just lost it with captaining Jimi blanking what on paper were already easy fixtures...

          1. Rasping Drive
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Play your FH; and/or go back to your 2016/17 tactics

            1. Good Times
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              Haha mate, luck is a major factor in there. Appreciate the positivity

              1. Rasping Drive
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 5 months ago

                I’d even go as far as to say when you have an unexpectedly bad gameweek, don’t go anywhere near your team for a few days.

                Your squad before the -16 was sound. I played my WC in GW3 and scored 36, left it alone, made no trades and scored 74 last week and now have 2FTs.

                Have a bit of faith in your players (and yourself); do that a bit more and everything else will take care of itself.

                1. Good Times
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 5 months ago

                  Yeah the price rises, chilwell looking solid, Kane blast off again, just looked like I had to do it. Will look closely at Kanes situation nearer to deadline then decide

                2. Good Times
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 5 months ago

                  Cheers for the response

      4. skodaole2
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Of course, with or without Kane, -16 i would take if 11 of my 15 players were having a blank. Take the free hit and enjoy, i d pick at least one player from each game to watch all of them

      5. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Quite possibly if he is confirmed 100% out

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

          What’s this???

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

            Oh the classic ‘International Break Injury’ lol

    19. i am jose mourinho
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      McCarthy
      Robbo Saiss Davies
      Salah Sterling Lundstram Djenepo
      Kane Jimenez Mitro
      Bench Nyland Mitchell Justin Stephens
      1.6 itb 1 ft
      Any help would be appreciated

      1. skodaole2
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Wow Lundstram, Djenepo! I d play Justin ahead of anyone of them. And change the other one, Pereira is my suggestion.

    20. Mind över Mata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Do we know the first choice back up goalkeeper for Villa?

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I'm guessing but surely Heaton

        • skodaole2
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Soon Heaton will be back, it should be him

        • Kun Tozser
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Waste of a villa spot imo

        • Super John McGinn-
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Steer for now but will be Heaton when he’s back

      2. Vazza
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thoughts on these moves

        VvD, Brewster, Sterling =>
        Branthwaite (fodder), Wilson, Salah

        For a -4 hit

        1. skodaole2
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Depends on the rest of your team but i wouldnt do that now. Maybe two moves now without a hit and keep Brewster

        2. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Just get Salah for now.

        3. hewittj1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          no

      3. el polako
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I know Digne was a bit unlucky not the get better returns in latest games but if he dont start bringing in some attacking points soon I might sell for United's shiny new toy.

        1. Rasping Drive
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          You might be better off buying Wolves’ or Spurs’ shiny new toy instead. Telles will probably soon get dragged down to the standard of the other chumps in the United back line.

        2. Top Dog
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Sold him, his reduced set piece appeal means better value options. I shipped him for Chilwell

      4. Ci Siamo
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Which combination is best for a WC?

        A) Kane, Rodriguez, Grealish, Gibbs

        b) Son , DCL , Pulisic, Taylor

      5. Dynamic
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54499407 - Five more Republic of Ireland players out of Wales game after new positive Covid-19 case

        Think it's quite likely that some of these play in the PL.

        1. Top Dog
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Egan and Robinson confirmed as those who were in contact. Will miss weekend fixtures

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

        What an excellent briefing on Telles by Neale. Tells you everything you need to know. Well done.

        1. Fitzy.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Sycophant 🙄

          1. Goodfeathers
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

          2. Goonsquad245
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Le voyeur

      7. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        RM WC Team
        Ryan Button
        Chilwell Dier Ward
        Salah Son KDB Zaha
        Vardy DCL Maupay

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Template.

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

        Some stats outlined one of Mark Goldstein's channels indicated Telles was on penalties before, so would be 3rd or 4th choice now. But did take corners and freekicks. I'd rather Bruno be in the box or lurking than sending the ball in.

        1. Steve The Spud
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Maybe, not sure bruno will contribute much in the air from set pieces