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. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Keita tested positive for Covid19

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

      Salah next

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

        Robbo *

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

      Keita owners in tears

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

        both of them 🙂

        1. MSTRKRFTSMN
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Lol, sold him for Jorginho last week. Mane’s best mate - was never in doubt

    3. Leonard hatred
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      getting more and more tempted by a cheeky DLC captain

      1. Leonard hatred
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        lol, DCL.

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

          It's so hard to not type DLC I know

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

      Wow. Liverpool squad are dropping like flies

      1. ZimZalabim
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thiago is back tho and henderson

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

        and Mané

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

    What aspect of Nadal’s game makes him so dominant on clay?

    1. Mario Balofail
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      His left hand

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

      Drugs

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

      His uncle was a potter.

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

      Slower surface favours good returners and his game is based on returning shots.

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

        The surface just suits Rafa. He has greater endurance and his heavy top spin shots are perfect for clay.

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

          Always felt he needs to improve his first serves. He serves "slowest" out of the ranked players and has one of the least aces in the game.

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

            Serving aces and speed isn't everything. He sets up his game with his serve. It's just fine.

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

              It helps you get out of tight situations easily and free points are always good to have. That is why Roger was so successful, he relies on his serves that are so hard to break.

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

                Today though are better conditions for Dokovic cause roof is closed and its more like indoor condition, though Rafa and RG something special is going on there, some special connection.

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

                  This surface just doesn't favor the big servers, and Djo is too tired today with 1 less day of rest. You can see that he dared not try his drop shots too unlike last game cos he knows Nadal will reach almost all of those. In any other courts he would have dominated Nadal.

                  1. Nightcrawler
                    • 4 Years
                    3 years, 5 months ago

                    They both played on friday. I think playing the way rhey are atm nadal would probably win on hard court as well

                    Very unlke djokovic tho. He has dominated nadal on clay courts for quite a few years now too

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

                      Has he dominated Nadal on clay courts? The only reason Djo and Fed got career slams is cos their French open one didn't have to face Nadal.

                      1. FFSbet.com
                        • 8 Years
                        3 years, 5 months ago

                        Do your homework,Nole faced Nadal when he won French open 2015 and won 3-0.
                        He also got 6 wins in a row on clay vs Nadal.

                        Nadal better on clay but Nole beat him most of other players.

                      2. FFSbet.com
                        • 8 Years
                        3 years, 5 months ago

                        *he didnt win it the same year when he beat Nadal,forgot he lost to Wawrinka

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

                        Yes hes had the upper hand vs nadal in h2h on clay since 2015. Nadal obviouly far better overall on clay. Head to heads not everything

                        Also prime djokovic is the only player to constantly beat nadal on clay. Not just one off games

                        Djokovic beat him french open 2015 and would easily have beaten him in 16 too had nadal played him

                        I agree federer got kucky that nadal didnt make the final in 09

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

                        The 15-16 Nadal was one of his worst periods of time though due to injuries and loss of form. Yeah what I meant was both he and Fed didn't beat Nadal on their way to their titles. He had to pull out of 16 when he got injured, anyone would have beaten him that year.

                  2. Nightcrawler
                    • 4 Years
                    3 years, 5 months ago

                    Serves don't play that big a part these days. Djokovic doesnt have a great serve either and he's won 5 wimbledons

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

                      Serves do play a part, just not on this surface but on others. The number of unreturned first serves plus aces means total number of free points you get a game. It's his all round game that makes him a better player compared to other big servers.

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

                        Plus add in the weak returns which are basically free points too.

                      2. Nightcrawler
                        • 4 Years
                        3 years, 5 months ago

                        Courts have got a lot slower over the years.

                        Thiem nadal and djokovic have won all the slams for the last 3 years and none of them are big servers. Fed the only top server i can remember winning a slam last 7 years ...Serve helps but not that important

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

      His movement, top spin and the fact the opponents cant get quick points on clay anyway

      Djokovic is probably the 2nd best clay court player on the ladt 30 years tho

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

    Oh man, Naby Keïta down. Wish him the best.

  4. Hy liverpool
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Nadal is angry

  5. Leonard hatred
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Will the liverpool b-team come out fighting to try to win a place in the first team, or will they play like Liverpool only worse?

    Could be an interesting match. Have 3x Everton 2x pool because I'm an idiot - trying to decide if I should bench TAA or Captain Salah as insurance.

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

      Who else is out besides Keita and Alisson? Not a big deal since Keita might not start anyway

      1. Leonard hatred
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Mane isn't back yet?

        Err. And they sold Brewster. >_>

  6. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Does Mitchell also play on the right when PVA comes back?

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

      Expectation is no

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

      no but PVA could play ahead of him

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

    Djoker is too tired today, after wasting time and energy for 2 more sets in his last game and having 1 less day of rest.

    1. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Both semis played on friday

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

        Yeah just remembered maybe cos I skipped the first game and watched the second.

  8. Sad Pablo Arsecobar
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Was thinking of ditching digne but I might keep vs a depleted liverpool

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Kieta wouldn't even of Started.

      Henderson Wijnaldum Thiago

      Fabinho at CB

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

      Depleted or not, I wouldn't sell Digne, even before Liverpool. I know it was frustrating not getting clean sheets, but they defended well. On the other hand, Pickford.

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

    Keep Zaha for a couple of weeks or sell now on Wildcard for Pulisic to get ahead of the crowd? (Playing 3-5-2 with Rodríguez, Son, Salah and Grealish)

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No City, that is going to hurt

  10. ZimZalabim
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    3 posts on depleted Liverpool because Keita might have Covid, firstly its not confirmed yet Shaq had a false positive last week which was initially reported as a correct result. Secondly he likely wouldn't have started anyway its not like its vvd or trent or Salah.

    Even if he was fully fit and rested he might not have started with Henderson and Thiago back and with Mane probably back Liverpool are actually stronger going in to this week than last. The only reason Liverpool are 'depleted' in any way is Adrian and that has been the case since before the villa game. Saying B team and all that is a nonsense.

  11. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    anyone remembers rumors on here about 2 years ago
    someone posted mane is benched before kick off
    so many people sold or put off him the captaincy here 😀
    I remember he even scored in that game =))
    there was a huge chaos

    1. bOttOmEdpOstrEpliEr.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I think it was Liverpool vs Huddersfield (5-0). Mane scored 2 goals.

  12. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Are we fancying Brewster in a 3-5-2 formation or 3-4-3 with the likes of Wilson/Antonio/DCL etc.

    Going to be switching Adams out soon so either Ant/Wilson in or just changing to Brewster and having a stronger mid.

    Current team-
    Son, Salah, KDB, Podence, Bissouma.
    DCL, Jimenez, Adams.
    Thinking something like Podence/Adams/Jimenez -> Grealish/ Wilson/Anto in a few weeks.

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      This is what I'm going for , already have Brewster from day 1.

      Salah KDB Son Grealish Pulisic
      DCL Antonio Brewster

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

        Awesome front 8, I'm two transfers away from the same

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          The defence with it ain't to shabby either

          Martinez Steer
          Robbo Zouma Saiss KWP Ferguson

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

    Thoughts on this WC draft?

    Martinez, 4.0
    Robertson, Chilwell, Saiss, Dallas, Ferguson
    Salah, KDB, Son, Hamez, Grealish
    DCL, Antonio, Brewster

    Two questions:
    1.
    A)Saiss + Hamez
    B) KWP/4.6 + Pulisic

    2.
    A) KDB + Antonio + Brewster (0 ITB)
    B)Barnes + Kane + Brewster (0.2 ITB)
    C) Soucek + Antonio + Kane (0.6 ITB)

    With B plan to get KDB back would be:
    Barnes + Kane > KDB + Antonio around GW8

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

      That team looks stacked wish I could afford it

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Same as mine but I have KWP and Pulisic instead of Dallas and Hames

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

    Couple questions to ask..

    Is Mitchell still the best 4.0 defender or will pva put pain to that?

    Who best to partner DCL upfront out of..

    Wilson
    Maupay
    Watkins

    Ta

    1. Sz21
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Maupay for the next couple and then Wilson.

      Mitchell is very likely to be dropped. Not sure on other 4.0m's.
      Ferguson may be an option- check if there is any news on his return.

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

    England XI vs Belgium:

    Pickford, Walker, Maguire, Dier, Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Henderson, Trippier, Mount, Rashford, Calvert-Lewin

    Bench: Henderson, Pope,

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

      Premature post.

      Bench: Henderson, Pope, Mings, Coady, James, Maitland-Niles, Phillips, Ward-Prowse, Grealish, Kane, Ings, Sancho

      1. PlayPercentage
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Kane on the bench.
        He can't be injured, then. Probably just a precaution.

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

          Just about to say that gotta be good for us owners

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

          He’s on the bench because the entire squad always is. Zero chance he comes on.

          It’s not serious because he’s not gone back to spurs, but him being on the bench means nothing

    2. Whiskerz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Poor team based on form. Disappointing. England back to picking names over players who have been performing.

      1. FF Dirtbag
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        DCL has definitely been picked on form...

        1. Whiskerz
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          DCL or Kane would've been in on form. So your point is moot.

          Defend the pickford choice. Or maguire or Mount or Henderson or rashford.

          1. MSTRKRFTSMN
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Jordan Henderson needs game time. Who do we play instead of Pickford? Dean Henderson? He’s not even playing for his club. Mount has been Chelsea’s best midfielder so far. Don’t see a problems with the selection

            1. Whiskerz
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              I'm not sure i can get on board with your JHenderson needs game time but DHenderson doesn't even when he should probably be starting over DDG. Pickford is poor. The 3rd choice out of those 3. Id rather see Walker in goal.

              We aren't picking Chelsea's best midfielder, we should be picking the best performing player for that position. Grealish stomps mounts stats into the ground.

              Hes picking favourites, not the best options.

      2. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Agree with the form point of view for some although blatantly incorrect with regard to DCL. Disappointing ? No . This tournament is pretty unimportant and at this stage of the season pointless picking the best 11 . It it not a case of picking names at all.

        1. Whiskerz
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Obviously I didn't mean the DCL pick. He couldn't avoid picking a form striker.

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

      Maybe he wasn't even injured but he's getting a rest not to play 3 games in couple of days and the alleged injury was just an excuse.

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

        Kane of course.

  16. abhirup780
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mitchell or Fergusson? Who should be kept in WC?

    1. Nanoelektronicar
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I have Ferguson at the moment, and I would probably keep him, i.e. I am going to double down on him. I expected him to feature if not before the break, then soon after. He's 4.0, he's price protected, and could be starting RB. On the other hand, he's dead asset in the team with uncertain time of return. It goes down to if you are comfortable having the non playing third on the bench.

      1. abhirup780
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        When can we expect him back? Any update?

        1. Nanoelektronicar
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I don't know, but not that I have done any in depth research, tbh.

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

      Ferguson has been out about 9 months.

    3. Villan
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      PVA is back very soon. So I'd go Ferguson but ensure I have the rest of my defence as nailed on players

  17. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Zouma isn't nailed is he?

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

      No. He's performed well though.

    2. Villan
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Lampard did highlight that he wants a more stable backine. So possibly his place to lose atm? Personally I'm too boring to risk it on not nailed defenders, not as big a reward

    3. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Just thinking maybe go

      VVD and Chilwell over Robbo and Zouma

    4. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Why do you think he isn't?

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        He didn't play v WBA, why was that ?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Good question, wasn't in the squad after Pool so maybe a rest/slight injury/rotation.

  18. Villan
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is switching defenders that bad a strategy? Especially as they score more points based on fixtures, with attackers individual form meaning a lot.

    I'm thinking of ditching Liverpool defence till Allison is back, freeing up money whilst goals are flowing in general

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      All about combos. The fact that Pool defenders are the most expensive, the 2nd player is a big factor.

      1. Villan
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Could you explain more what you mean? Sorry to be a pain!

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          The extra money by selling the Pool defender upgrades someone unless you just want bank interest.

          1. Villan
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Ah ok.

            Thinking TAA and Foden - Lamptey and Son (c)

            Then get L'pool defence when Allison is back, hopefully gw9

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

      U have a really good team can't believe your rank.

      1. Villan
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thank you, only decided to start playing again just before the deadline but glad I did!

  19. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Big game this

    1. Villan
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Shocking that Mount is playing over Grealish. Need more creativity imo but we'll see

      1. Villan
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Especially with Trippier LWB

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

        I guess Rashford got the left inside spot over Grealish.

        1. Villan
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          We saw what Grealish can do from the right with his cross to DCL. Not like Mount plays on the right regularly

      3. MSTRKRFTSMN
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Grealish player a few days ago. Let’s not forget these are just glorified friendlies. There’ll be agreements not to play players too much

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Playing for a 0-0 very negative line-up, I’m not watching it..

  20. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Wow FPL priced Olsen at 4.5, can't wait for Pickford to get dropped

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Isn't he just a Swedish Pickford version?

  21. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Great management by Gareth Southgate. 3 right backs in the starting 11.

    Trent
    Trippier
    Walker

    Why the hell is Walker playing anyway. He’s a disaster.

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

      Are they even right backs? I thought they are all right wingers.

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Coady should keep his spot, what was the point of the friendly?

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

      Walker is the best right back defensively among those and he is better than the CBs England have. He deserves his place.

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

        But he's still not good defensively.

  22. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Djokovic waking up.

    1. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Was busy,just started watching in 3rd set.
      What happened in first two,Djokovic that bad or Nadal was too good?

  23. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I’ve been a fan of Southgate so far dispute his odd choices but that is just a loser mentality line up.

    Luckily Belgium have some donkeys in defence so we may have a chance.

  24. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Chilwell not even in the squad? What!!

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

      Fat Frank made a phone call

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

      He’s out with non Covid illness according to the Daily Mail

  25. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Southgate confirms that Kane is not injured

    1. El Magico5
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Just cramp.

      Only a game and a half to get behind the sofa after transfering him in.

  26. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I guess this one has already been discussed here today but I think KdB is right and it’s something to really factor in when on WC.

    https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/kevin-de-bruyne-man-city-19085857

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

      What we're they doing for nearly 4 months when covid stopped the Premier league?

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

      Cheers. How would you factor it in on WC? Avoid injury prone players?

  27. pablo discobar
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Kane not injured

  28. Patio Kev
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    “Harry Kane has had a strange training week really”
    “Started training Weds and had a bit of cramp / muscle fatigue”
    “He is not injured”
    Source: Gareth Southgate on SS

  29. George James
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone still doing Werner >> Kane?

    If so what’s the best downgrade to fund it?

    A) Foden >> ASM / Soucek

    B) Podence >> Bissouma

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

      Foden to Soucek

  30. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    That was a ridiculous performance from nadal. Shd overtake fed next year now

    Djokovic probably will too

    1. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I always thought Nadal was much older compared to Djokovic, been playing on top for so long. Surprised hes only 1 year older

      1. Nightcrawler
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Nadal peaked much early. I expect dkok too remain top for much longer tho

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

      Nadal is something else. He's been injured on and off too; to still be joint-top now, crazy.

    3. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Cant see Djokovic making 20+ slams now,he waste too many chances.
      Needed one slam from US open and French,lost almost 2 years with injury when he was destroying Federer and Nadal and they won 3 slams each in that time.

      Hope i am wrong but cant see it

      1. Nightcrawler
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Cant see him not winning aus and wimbledon next year u less he gets injured or hits a line ref again. On a different level on grass and hard courts

        1. FFSbet.com
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Not easy new players coming and will be 34yo,must change gamestyle little and cut points.

    4. Monklane
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Astonishing performance

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

      Nadal is the king of Roland Garros but not as good anymore on grass. There is nothing surprising or nothing that’s changed at all. Basically nothing to reach conclusions on.