Scout Notes

Salah and Fernandes blank again as focus shifts to defensive assets

Liverpool 0-0 Manchester United

  • Goals: None
  • Assists: None
  • Bonus points: Alisson (£5.9m) x3| Luke Shaw (£4.8m) x2| Harry Maguire (£5.4m) x1

Premium assets Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) and Bruno Fernandes (£10.9m) frustrated owners by blanking again in a tight game at Anfield.

With more than 1,200,000 Fantasy Premier League players captaining Salah, the sight of him delivering no attacking returns for the fourth game in a row will have caused them great concern.

And the 80,000 players using their Triple Captain chip on Bruno Fernandes in Double Gameweek 19 will now be wondering if they’ve wasted it.

Mo Salah, Mo Problems

The “Egyptian King” cut a frustrated figure after his fourth blank in a row at Anfield on Sunday night.

With around 150,000 FPL managers choosing to play Triple Captain chips on Salah, the wide man was barely involved in the game, seeing a shot in the box deflected wide.

With Salah occupying a position in nearly 40% of all FPL teams, eyes will now turn to Liverpool’s second fixture of the Gameweek, at home against Burnley.

Should Salah fail to deliver for the fifth time in a row, then many managers will consider it time to move him on, which would have been unthinkable after the first few Gameweeks.

Delving into the stats, Salah is simply not having as many attempts on goal as he was earlier in the season.

He still leads the way for attempts in the box this season, one above teammate Mane, which shows how he got off to a fast start.

Even Liverpool legend Graeme Souness was underwhelmed by Salah’s performance.

“Trying to be a neutral, the Liverpool trio didn’t get me on the edge of my seat and nine times out of 10, they do. There was an incident in the second half where Salah could’ve gone one-on-one with Shaw, but he chose to come in and take the easy option. I think that says a lot about his performance today.”

Graeme Souness

It remains to be seen if this is just a blip for Salah, who holds the record for most FPL points scored in a single season, or if these numbers are more indicative of a permanent downward slide.

Should Salah blank again against Burnley, then attention is likely to shift towards the likes of KDB and Spurs assets in the next few weeks.

Firing Blanks

Salah is not the only Liverpool player having problems in front of goal.

Sunday’s 0-0 draw was the third game in a row where Liverpool failed to find the back of the net.

Roberto Firmino (£9.3m) missed Liverpool’s best chance of the game, firing wide from close range, while Sadio Mane (£11.9m) toiled without much success.

When asked about his side’s problems in front of goal, Klopp insisted Manchester United’s tactics proved difficult for Liverpool to break down.

“We tried to play football, tried to do it, force them back into their own box. The worst thing you can face in the world, in football, is you play against a side with world-class players and they all defend with all they have, deep in the box and only counter-attack. It’s really difficult, that’s the biggest challenge.”

Jurgen Klopp

While Klopp’s comments do have some merit, a look at Liverpool’s expected goals (xG) tells a different story.

The Reds have only scored on goal in four games in open play, but according to the xG table, they should have put at least four away.

This will be an encouraging sight to FPL players planning to stick with Salah and Mane going forward.

“We have nothing to worry about but obviously we work on it. It’s not that we ignore the fact and just hope that it will be good again. The only possibility you have to score goals is to create situations – to be ready to fail and then do it again. That’s a massive different between when you are flying when you score with pretty much each chance you have. You deal with the missed chance better then.”

Jurgen Klopp

However, while Liverpool should have scored more than one goal in four games, they are not delivering the impressive attacking numbers they were at the start of the season.

Ever confident, Klopp predicted Liverpool would be back scoring goals again very soon.

“I saw my team playing tonight and I saw a really good football team with a clear idea, with super passes, great counter-press, great desire to score – but we didn’t score. We will create chances and we will score.”

Bruno Rest?

Another Triple Captain pick to blank was Fernandes, although his game went differently to Salah’s.

The Man United number 10 saw a free-kick flash wide of the bost, then forced Alisson into an excellent save from close range.

Bruno currently sits at second for underachieving players in Double Gameweek 19, below Jamie Vardy (£10.1m), so Triple Captainers of Bruno will still be feeling confident ahead of United’s trip to Fulham on Wednesday.

That being said, there will still be lingering doubts about Bruno’s attacking points potential with Paul Pogba (£7.7m) in the team.

With Pogba starting the last four games, Fernandes has blanked twice and delivered single returns in the other two matches.

Bruno owners will also be worried by Solskjaer’s post-match comments, indicating Fernandes could be due a rest soon.

It was a tactical decision. Bruno has obviously been running his socks off for us. He’s been here and been running more or less every game. So towards the end we felt Paul’s physical presence in there might be a chance for us. And Mason, when gets a chance, can score in the blink of a second. So it was a bit of a throw of the dice to get Mason on even though he had to defend against Robertson.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Fernandes has played more than 85 minutes in Man United’s last five games, who face a quick turnaround to play Fulham on Wednesday.

One more yellow card will also result in Bruno facing a one-match suspension.

All of the above points to Fernandes potentially missing one of United’s upcoming games.

Shaw-ing Things Up

Once the figure of mockery, Manchester United’s defence is beginning to put in some stellar performances.

Fans had pointed to the return of Eric Bailly (£4.9m) injecting some pace into their backline as the main reason for their upturn in performances.

But Victor Lindelof (£4.8m) returning to the team appeared to have no adverse effect, with the Red Devils producing another stellar defensive display.

Lindelof’s centre-back partner Harry Maguire had an impressive game, recording the highest number of Clearances, Blocks and Interceptions (CBI) so far in the Gameweek, and picking up a Bonus Point.

Special praise was reserved for Luke Shaw, who did an impressive job in preventing Salah from having an impact on the game.

The left-back also came away with the two Bonus Points for the second time in a row.

Solskjaer, who previously described Shaw as the best left-back in the country, was delighted with his performance.

“Luke has improved immensely. I thought today he showed his strength, quality and composure on the ball. Delighted with his performance, definitely.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

The arrival of Alex Telles (£5.5m) in the summer appears to have lit a fire under Shaw, who has made the left-back slot his own after a string of impressive performances.

With upcoming games against Fulham (away) and Sheffield United (home), Shaw looks a cracking differential option with clean sheet and Bonus Point potential.

While the majority of FPL managers focus on bringing in Manchester City defenders, Shaw has flown under the rader with only a 1.7% ownership.

A New Out-Of-Position Forward?

Solskjaer surprised pundits and FPL managers by playing Marcus Rashford (£9.6m) through the middle against Liverpool.

It appeared from his pre-game selection that Rashford would once again be playing on the right-side of the attack, flanked by Pogba, with Anthony Martial (£8.8m)through the middle.

But Solskjaer changed the script, playing Rashford through the middle and Martial on the left.

Solskjaer confirmed in his post match comments that his plan was to use the pace of Rashford against Liverpool’s makeshift central defence pairing.

But whatever his plan was, it didn’t work.

Rashford only managed to touch the ball eight times in the first half, and spent the majority of the match drifting over to his favoured left-hand side.

Ole abandoned the experiment an hour in, introducing Edinson Cavani (£7.8m), with Rashford moving to a more familiar wide position.

Judging by the results, it is unlikely Rashford will be deployed as a lone centre forward again in the near future.

After an unconvincing performance on the right, it appears Rashford carries the most attacking point potential playing on the left-side of attack.

Time for Diallo?

Scout Report - Amad Diallo

Solskjaer yet again changed Man United’s right side attacker, this time opting for Paul Pogba.

Although the Frenchman did deliver some good moments, and should arguably have scored when he fired his shot straight at Alisson (£5.9m), he did not fully convince when playing on the right.

This is just the latest change in United’s right attacking position.

Rashford, Juan Mata (£5.8m) and Dan James (£6.2m) have all been trialled there with limited success, and Mason Greenwood (£7.0m) has failed to repeat the form he showed last season.

But has the answer to the troubled position now arrived at the club?

As highlighted in a Fantasy Football Scout piece, Amad Diallo has now arrived at the club from Atalanta.

Playing predominantly off the left-hand side, Diallo’s game is built on taking on using his pace to take on the full-back and cut inside on his left foot.

With his attributes, Diallo looks to be perfectly built to play on the right of Man United’s 4-2-3-1 system.

After exhausting most of his options, Ole may now be forced to turn to the 18 year-old, who could give them a huge boost as they battle for the Premier League title.

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Henderson, Robertson; Shaqiri (Jones 76), Thiago, Wijnaldum (Milner 89); Salah, Firmino (Origi 85), Mane

Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, McTominay; Pogba, Fernandes (Greenwood 89), Martial (Cavani 61); Rashford

376 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    4 at the back all the way baby.

    1. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Neeeeeiiiiggggghhhhhh

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

      3-4-3 is the way I find best.

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Statistically you are right Prince if memory serves.

      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Problem is there’s less and less options up front and defenders are doing so well.

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

          Keep faith in Antonio, Wilson and Bam Bam if you have them.

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Wilson is Watkins for me.

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

              OK, I take back my words and rephrase.

              Keep faith in Antonio and Bam Bam.

              1. Rupert The Horse
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Ha.

              2. markus808
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                The thing is Kane is about as valuable as your cheap forward this year, He is involved in almost every goal. I'm all against expensive forwards, this is how you realize value, using cheapos. But this year Kane has been good, and Sterling/KDB not performing, and cheap Son, justifies having someone like Kane. But the biggest mistake is to have Vardy and Kane, unforgivable really.

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

                  Vardy + Kane would make your team real light elsewhere.

                  1. The Ejiptian King
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    I have Vardy and Kane, probably until GW23, no Salah atm.

                    1. John Nerdelbaum
                      • 11 Years
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      An unforgivable mistake apparently
                      Your punishment is a box from Pumpy Pro

                2. John Nerdelbaum
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  I have Vardy and Kane and it's allowed me to have Oli Burke, I wouldn't call that a big mistake... oh wait

                  1. The Ejiptian King
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    I'll have the last laugh when I'm the only one that gets Dale Stephens' point/s.

                    1. John Nerdelbaum
                      • 11 Years
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      Is it Dale Stephens who's in Pumpy's box?

                3. John Nerdelbaum
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  There's about 4 half decent striking options

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

            Theme's my front 3.

            And yes, keeping for now. Would only ditch if I could afford Kane.

      3. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        5-4-1...lets go crazy....

    3. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Crazy how this season started with attacking hauls everywhere and not a CS in sight. And now it almost seems double City/double WHU and now even United defence has become essential...

    4. abhirup780
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'll be going next few GW with 5 at the back. Robbo Cancelo Dias AWB Coufal.

  2. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Holding brace tonight lads. It’s happening again.

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

      yesss! And I suppose non owners will call it ‘luck’ again

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If that happens I would desperately want James to not feature again. Holding first sub.

  3. TKC07
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    First

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Just 5 minutes out.

    2. Studs Up
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      lol

  4. McPollolocco
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which player for a 5 or longer week term?
    a) Gündogan
    b) Foden
    c) Barnes

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think Gundogan.

      1. JBG
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Gundo is on fire. So him

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

      Would say Foden, but for some reason Pep rarely gives him 2 or more matches in a row, from start that is.

    3. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A for security of starts, B for the highest ceiling C for shouting at the telly as he misses umpteen 1v1s. A just about I think.

    4. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Barnes playing up front, seems fairly nailed now, nice fixtures

    5. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C. Most nailed.

      1. pavlev
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        barnes is a great shout i think i'm getting him in maybe even for salah, to fund bam for kane

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Salah vs Burnley the final test.

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

      C

    7. nolard
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      c

    8. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A been in good form

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

    Smith Rowe do me proud tonight and justify my benchboost!

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Oh god yes.

      1. Superflymonk
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Amen!

    2. MoSalad
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Just hope he starts, been one of our best players recently just don't know if he will shift formation at all.

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

    WILSONNNNN!

    1. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes please x3

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

      ??

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Just practising

        1. Bojam
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Cool. Hoping for a brace tonight! Or a Holding cleansheet. Seems likely I'll win one way. Wilson's goal involvement is so high that if he blanks, fingers crossed, Holding will get a good return.

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

      Lineup not yet announced.

    4. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You lost your ball?

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

      Thats Steve Bruce shouting out to try and find him on the pitch

  7. FPL price manipulators are …
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Burn the witch!!

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      How may I contribute

  8. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Rashford not quite up to scratch smh. Hope he bangs vs Fulham though

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He will come good soon. The boy is talented.

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

        He is fast, thats about it. Really tired of owning that useless turd...

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Who are you replacing him with?

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

            No one, stuck with him and his big nose for the time

  9. aleksaa2
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Absolutely, Diallo will alone win the league for United, ffs.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Agreed. Hasn't he only played 10 minutes for Atalanta 1st team or something.

      1. aleksaa2
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        This season something like that, yes, and had 3 appearances in the last season. He is a great talent, but bore off with him being a factor immediately.

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      The hype! Unnecessary

  10. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best Trent replacement? Thinking potentially United defence, or Digne. My backline is TAA Dias Stones KWP Coufal. Evertone have nice fixtures moving forward. Who are you eyeing up at the back?

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

      Formation?

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Digne very nice option imo.once fixtures get harder for city I might lose one of Dias or stones as well.

    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Maybe getting back on Chelsea, or Mitchell of course.

    4. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Mia Malkova mainly.

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

      James but if you're getting another premium, KWP and Coufal will probably not start any game after.

    6. JeGro
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Hi guys, first message ever here.

      I personally like the double defense city-united with players such as Shaw, AWB, Stones, Dias combined with someone like Mitchell. But Coufal and Justin are great picks too

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Welcome

  11. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    ADRIAAANN

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      AAADRIIAANNN!!

    2. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Calm down Rocky the horse...

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Ooh now that’s quite clever.

    3. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Allison doubt?

  12. Esalman
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bought Cancelo instead of Stones and TC Salah. Season over?

    1. Bojam
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Totally finished! Pack your things ;P

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I fear not owing Salah. Could easily get you 45 points on Thursday.

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

      No. Because Salah has another game, which was always the better game anyway. Clearly it shows anything can happen in football, stones 21pt haul, but next game is another game and Salah may Haul and a fail turns into success just like that

    4. chrismoo75
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      12 greens in 13 have got me from 2.2 million to 6k so never over

      1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        14 in 15

  13. El Lobito 10
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Excellent article, thank you

  14. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    From now till gw 24, which differential/semi differential picks do you think can help cover up ground on template teams?

    I feel Antonio and Chelsea defence are good options

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Chelsea defense, yes. Vardy maybe. He has good fixtures. Even United defense if you don't have any.

      1. pavlev
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        does DCL count as a differential yet?! with digne and james back and reasonable fixtures i don't see why he won't start banging them in again.

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Logical. Fitness + two performances at least to judge.

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Chilwell, barnes, utd def, Pogba ?!

    3. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have been pondering this my self. I think Maddidon or Zaha would be a decent shout

  15. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Fixture swing for big hitters around GW 23 and GW 24. Best time to WC. The DGW would also be announced by then. Thinking correct?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I hope so

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Let's see how it goes.

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes. Wild card around 24-5. Then bench boost 26. Free hit 29

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes. Thanks!

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

        Rupert the clairvoyant. Yeah that's my plan.

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Should do very well.

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

    What’s everyone thoughts on Rüdiger ? Is he a legit way into Chelsea defence if he starts the next game ?

    Already have Cancelo stones and slab head so don’t really want any more cash in my defence and it’s an easy move from holding or coufal

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Do we know why he played? Did Zouma do a Kyle Walker or a Wes Brown or something?

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

        Assuming its tactical, their defence was in meltdown

      2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Walker has no competition

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Heard Big Sam could still teach him a thing or two.

          1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            The Jedi Master!

      3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Lampard said he needed players with character on the pitch (gave the same reason for playing Giroud over Abraham or Werner) so it doesn't sound great for Zouma tbh. We'll have to just see how tomorrow goes but I think Rudiger has done himself well so he might be dropped for a bit

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

      Wait and see tomorrow if he starts again over Zouma before moving

    3. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think it can be a silly time of the year. All of a sudden players that havent featured all year get a run out. I suspect it is more to do with the tranfer window open thananything else. Maybe they are reminding teams he is available for loan or other

  17. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Enjoyed my BB this week up to now (87 with 13 left to play). However, inevitably its caused a major benching headache next week!

    Which 3 would you play out of the following:

    A. Kane (LIV)
    B. Son (LIV)
    C. Dawson (cpl)
    D. Soucek (cpl)
    E. Bamford (new)
    F. Raphina (new)

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Lol, like you are really considering benching the Spuds! Also start Bamford

      1. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I know but its Jose. He’d gladly take 0-0 against Liverpool.

        Form over fixtures though, I know.

    2. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A B E

    3. Kryptonite666
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      since you are seriously looking for answers - play CDF

    4. KAALI_DAAL
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kane Son Bamford

      Not a tough pick mate.

    5. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      ABE

    6. fn.jota
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A C E

  18. tuturututu
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on Firmino, Fabianski and Soucek out for Sterling, and two fodders for -8?

    Would give me this

    Meslier
    Robbo, Stones, Justin, Coufal, Alioski
    Salah, Sterling, Bruno, Rashford, Maddison
    Bamford, Giroud

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Firmino really?!
      I think Sterling could be an expensive headache and front line is well light.

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Looks pretty nice.
      No qualms with Bobby out, but Fab and Soucek for minus 8 sounds bad.

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

      1st time I am commenting on a post where a manager has Firmino. A -8 is too much especially for Sterling. Maybe see if you can get Vardy in for your attack?

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

      No way - that’s a -8 to just get 1 player. That’s not gong to be +EV

  19. aleksaa2
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hell no, Giroud and Firmino out

    1. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Reply fail to Tutu

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

    big drop in covid cases in PL is good news

    the fear mongering on here a couple of weeks ago was a gross over reaction as expected

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes entire squads having Covid leading to cancelled games and closed training grounds with reports of footballers having parties was a gross over reaction ....

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

        What’s that got to do with on here?

        Seem to remember you saying ‘the worst is yet to come’

      2. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Weren't you all like "the end of the world is near" a few days ago?

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

      Im in tears here as I spent my life savings on a home style bunker preparing for the inevitable apocalypse after reading comments on here. Now Im finding out people on here dont have the ability to predict the future?

      1. TheDragon
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Use it to practice your sand wedge

    3. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Tell Steve Cotteril about fear mongering when he gets out of hospital

      The 'fear mongering' was very well justified. It's the response of the PL to put their fingers in their ears that has been misjudged

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

        For all you know Steve will agree with me, don't assume to know his position.

        1. Pacer.
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Who said anything about what steve Cotteril or his family think. They have (presumably) zero to qualify them in judging decisions about what is happening now. Sadly they do have some experience in the consequences

  21. Kryptonite666
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    what to do with this team lads

    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Coufal (KWP) (Dier)
    Salah KDB Bruno Son Soucek
    Antonio Bamford (Wilson)

    1.2 ITB, 1 FT.

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Subtle ‘I had stones for his 21 pointer’ brag 🙂

      I’d save the FT and be smug about all the points I have

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I had stones for his 21 pointer

      2. Kryptonite666
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Salah was captain and Cancelo was benched so could have been better 🙂

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd be happy with that - Martinez definitely fit?

      1. Kryptonite666
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        no idea. Should be def back by next week though.

    3. markus808
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Print it out and frame it

      1. Studs Up
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Nice

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

    More covid cases - BBC

    The Premier League says 16 players and club staff have tested positive during the latest rounds of testing for Covid-19.

    The league conducted 3,115 tests across two rounds over the past week.

    Between 11 and 14 January there were 10 new positive tests and six more were found during testing between 15 and 17 January.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Getting better then.

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

      I wonder what the false positive rate is for these tests.

    3. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      this sham will be of little comfort to Steve Cotteril's family, as he has been in ICU and is still is hospital. 'We are rooting for you Gaffer' they tweeted. Yeah cheers, that'll help

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

      just need the players to behave themselves and we should be fine.....

      1. Pacer.
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        'players behaving themselves' is a convenient evasion by the PL for the disgraceful decision to send people to work during a pandemic and to put them and the rest of club staff at risk of lifelong effects of a new and poorly understood virus, just to keep the money rolling in. Sure, it's frustrating that players and managers seem unable to comprehend the risk and to follow simple instructions but they are not the real criminals here.

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

          Preach, bro.

        2. jammie26
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Olson, you believe all football should be suspended then?

  23. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Mitchell now nailed?

    Too risky to take -4 for defender? Could do Holding + Dallas -> Mitchell + Dias and double up City defence.

    Other defs are Stones, Coufal and Chilwell.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Seems to be, random braces aside, City defs seem to be worth hits and Dallas has probably peaked.

      1. KUNingas
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks. I have same feelings.

    2. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You don't need to do that this week for a hit.
      You can play Stones Dallas and Chilwell

      1. KUNingas
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah I know, I will be priced out tomorrow however.
        Maybe I will just save my FT for now

        1. John Nerdelbaum
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Definitely not worth a hit. Don't sweat it, something else will come up

          1. KUNingas
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks!

    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Mitchell has been doing well. Should keep his place. Even if he misses a few, I am sure you have four regulars apart from him.

      1. KUNingas
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah and would be my 5th def. Or could well play him as Palaces fixtures looks nice

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Do it then.

  24. MoSalad
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Tbf I'm playing 5-4-1 this week and it seems to be working a treat, my defence has been the highest scoring assets in my whole team the past 3 weeks. Easier to get more premium defenders over forwards, will probably stay 4-4-2 now as there's only a few good budget forward options and I like having a playing bench.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Agree

    2. Kryptonite666
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      who are your 5 - double city, west ham, justin and ?

      1. MoSalad
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cancelo, Stones, Cresswell, Coufal & AWB at the moment.

    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes. Not too many attackers returning regularly. Number of clean sheets have increased. 4 4 2 for now

  25. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on the Covid situation at Villa? Hope people have Steere as a back up in case Martinez does not feature.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Scenes when Heaton makes a dozen saves inc. a pen

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I thought Steere was number 2.

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Jed not in squad last 3, Heaton no. 2 now fit

          1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Aah! Didn't notice that. Was too busy counting Martinez's points.

    2. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Imagine Heaton will probably play if Martinez doesn't

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yaa? So Steere is a true fodder?

        1. John Nerdelbaum
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          The truest of all the fodders

    3. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bought a bum Steer

  26. 1895Reds
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Tierney haul tonight?

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

      don't own but as a ESR and Lacazette owner im hoping he plays so they have a bit more bite going forward

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Brom revisited. Don't own him. But wouldn't mind it being an Arsenal fan.

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

    Jurgen complaining about something ...
    LOL
    He's trying to take attention away from Pool's poor attacking form !

    1. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Why are you always on Klopp's back?

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

        Cause he's a United fan. Come on now, it's not hard to figure out!

        1. John Nerdelbaum
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Thanks Camzy, I had an inkling but I wasn't completely sure.
          It makes perfick sense now

      2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        The answer is in the picture!

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

        You want to see a raw version of this ??
        Check United thread 😆

        1. John Nerdelbaum
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I don't like checking that thread. It's toxic and it makes me feel sad

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

            LOL

    2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Never ever saw Fergie do that

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

        Klopp is constantly taking swipes at United. Maybe it's part of mind games but I'm not sure it's helping

        1. Hy liverpool
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          It's not mind games, it's obvious for everyone you just don't see that.

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

            He mentioned United's penalty stats in a press where United wasn't even involved. Even though Leicester Brighton have more/same number of Pens as United.

            He's saying that United defended deep. Yes they did. But im second half they created more chances. Had 2/3 big chances which I don't remember Pool having yesterday. I'm not trolling here if you feel i am. 🙂

  28. RoysCallerAnne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Interseting stats in this article. But stats can't explain what exactly has happened to Liverpool 🙁

    The big worry was the CB situation but they've done really well since big Virg was GBHed. Fabinho has looked better than most natural CBs in the league.

    Trent burnt out?
    Firmino has turned from no-look goals to... look, no goals!
    Salah and Mane completely off form.
    Badly missing Jota.
    Fabinho and Hendo badly missed in midfield - meaningful transitions not happening as Gini not that type of player.
    VVD set piece threat also badly missed, as are his rakingly accurate long passing.

    Oppo managers simply figured them out?

    Thiago will hopefully be the key to finding some attacking form.

    1. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      “Look no goals” 😀 absolute banter

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

      Need a creative CM in order to reduce creative burden from Robbo & Taa IMO.
      Thiago is good. Maybe playing more aggresive midfielder in ox can work out.
      Clear cut chances have become an issue over last 4 GW's.

      It's not like they've been unlucky. They're creative few chances.

    3. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      "VVD set piece threat also badly missed, as are his rakingly accurate long passing" add to that his personality and what he adds in the dressing room + the connection with other defenders

      And the big factor is Liverpool really missed their fans more than other clubs, the anfield isn't that scary anymore without the fans.

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

      Thiago is actually the key to why Liverpool are so crap at the moment. He has the tempo of a snail, slowing down the midfield to a sunday stroll through molasses

      1. RoysCallerAnne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Not sure if serious. He was the only one actually speeding things up for Liverpool yesterday.

  29. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    The key is Henderson.

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Reply fail to royalcallersanne

  30. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    My defenders are Robbo TAA Coufal Dallas and Mitchell:

    TAA>Cancelo, Dallas>Stones for a -4?

    1. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I would after seeing TAA last games

    2. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Maybe just do one of those transfers and bring stones in at first. Take Dallas out if you need improvement, or TAA out if you need the funds.

      1. DannyDrinkVodka
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        It would be TAA out, but I would rather take Cancelo for the upside! Surely he's more likely to haul than Stones?