Scout Notes

Gomez and van Dijk set to remain Gameweek 1 doubts

The preparations for the start of the new season continued on Friday, with Liverpool, Newcastle United and Norwich City all taking part in warm-up games.

We’ve got all the goal, assist and line-up information in the article below plus brief Fantasy Premier League (FPL) flavoured notes on each clash.

Brentford and Crystal Palace were also in action but sent B-sides out to their respective matches, so we’ve omitted mention of those fixtures here.

Don’t forget to check out our comprehensive pre-season page for more information on the warm-up matches taking place ahead of Gameweek 1.

FPL price reveal and launch reaction from three-time top 200 finisher Lateriser 1

MAINZ 0-1 LIVERPOOL

  • Goal: own-goal
  • Assist: Owen Beck

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) and Joe Gomez (£5.0m) were once again absent as Liverpool sneaked a late win over Mainz thanks to an own-goal assisted by young full-back Owen Beck.

The two recuperating centre-halves have returned to training but didn’t feature in Liverpool’s first 90-minute friendly of the summer and look unlikely to be involved against Hertha Berlin next Thursday.

Speaking after the match, Jurgen Klopp said:

Yeah, it would still be a surprise [if they recovered for Hertha], unfortunately. But they look really good. Look, I think, they do everything, they play football, we keep them in training, we do the things we can do, they don’t do too much and stuff like this. We just have to be patient – we prepare for a full season, not for a pre-season game. I will not risk it for a game here, so we have to see. We have a lot of games still coming, pre-season games, but I don’t see them being involved for the next one.

Ibrahima Konate (£5.5m) and Joel Matip (£5.0m) were instead paired at centre-half as the bulk of Liverpool’s first-team got a 45-minute outing in Austria before making way for a more youthful XI.

The duo now looks likely to start in Gameweek 1, according to the Athletic’s James Pearce.

Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) and Sadio Mane (£12.0m) – who almost combined to break the deadlock after 32 minutes – once again flanked an ‘out of position’ Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (£6.0m) in the front three, although there was a first sighting of pre-season of Diogo Jota (£7.5m), who was an unused substitute.

Roberto Firmino (£9.0m) has yet to return to training after representing Brazil in the Copa America and subsequently being handed a three-week break by his club.

Oxlade-Chamberlain failed to make much of an impression up top, wasting the Reds’ best chance shortly before half-time after seeing a shot tipped wide when clean through on goal.

Liverpool XI: Kelleher (Adrian 46), Alexander-Arnold (N Williams 46), Konate (Phillips 46), Matip (Koumetio 46), Tsimikas (Beck 46), Elliot (Clarkson 46), Milner (Gordon 46), Keita (Morton 46), Salah (Jones 46), Oxlade-Chamberlain (Origi 46), Mane (Minamino 46).

DONCASTER ROVERS 2-3 NEWCASTLE UNITED

  • Goals: Ryan Fraser (£5.5m), Sean Longstaff (£4.5m), Callum Wilson (£7.5m)
  • Assists: Jamal Lewis (£4.5m) x2, Ryan Fraser

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

The old FPL double-act of Callum Wilson (£7.5m) and Ryan Fraser (£5.5m) reacquainted themselves as Newcastle United edged out Doncaster Rovers in a five-goal clash at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Wilson raced onto a Fraser pass to round off the scoring for the visitors, having minutes earlier been teed up by his former Bournemouth sparring partner for a blocked effort.

Injury deprived the pair of too much shared pitch-time in 2020/21, while the Scot’s ill-fated final year with the Cherries ended in an acrimonious parting of ways.

Fraser has to first nail down a place in Steve Bruce’s 3-5-2 set-up before he seriously re-enters the Fantasy radar – a tall order given the winger-less system.

But deployed at Doncaster on the left of the central three in midfield, he was at the heart of Newcastle’s attacking play.

As well as his assist for Wilson’s strike, Fraser curled home a beautiful opener and should have bagged a brace when spooning over from close range in the second half.

Injury and illness once again meant that Newcastle were without four goalkeepers, with rookie Dan Langley not covering himself in glory with Doncaster’s two efforts

Altogether more impressive were Jacob Murphy (£5.0m) and Jamal Lewis (£4.5m) down the flanks, with the latter laying down the guantlet to Matt Ritchie (£5.0m) with two assists.

Newcastle United XI: Langley, Murphy (Allan 81), Dummett (Clark 70), Lascelles (Watts 81), Hayden (Fernandez 58), Lewis (Bondswell 85), Hendrick, S. Longstaff, Fraser (Young 76), Saint-Maximin (Gayle 66), Wilson (M. Longstaff 66).

NORWICH CITY 2-0 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

Assessing Teemu Pukki and Norwich City's attacking assets ahead of FPL return 2
  • Goals: Teemu Pukki (£6.0m), Adam Idah (£5.0m)
  • Assists: Lukas Rupp (£4.5m)

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Teemu Pukki (£6.0m) and Tim Krul (£4.5m) made their first appearances of pre-season as Norwich City won another training-ground friendly in East Anglia.

Pukki – whose FPL ownership is less than a third of that of Ivan Toney‘s (£6.5m) – was the spearhead of Daniel Farke’s usual 4-2-3-1 and raced onto a Lukas Rupp (£4.5m) pass to chip the Canaries into an early lead.

There was another 90-minute showing for budget defender Andrew Omobamidele (£4.0m), although Farke had previously signalled that regular centre-half duo Grant Hanley (£4.5m) and Ben Gibson (£4.5m) would soon return to training.

New signing Pierre Lees-Melou (£5.0m) was stationed in the double pivot after scoring on his debut in ‘the hole‘ but still got forward to register the hosts’ first effort of the game and was part of a move that saw number 10 Kieran Dowell (£5.5m) fire over.

Farke said of Lees-Melou after full-time:

I watched it live and I enjoyed the performance as well. He has shown from the first day his experience, quality and calmness on the ball. He’s also competitive and when it’s time to set a sign he can do this as well.

In possession, he played slightly deeper in midfield today and although he hasn’t fulfilled this that often in his career, he fulfilled all my expectations today and he’s already an important, integral member of our squad so we’re all pleased that we have him.

Todd Cantwell (£5.5m) was lively again down the left flank, while substitute Adam Idah (£5.0m) – Pukki’s back-up this season – added a second goal shortly before full-time.

Norwich City XI: Krul (McGovern 46), Mumba (Aarons 65), Zimmermann, Omobamidele, Płacheta, Rupp, Lees-Melou, Rashica (Idah 46), Dowell, Cantwell (Hernández 46), Pukki (Hugill 46).

790 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Fpl Old Guard
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Top 3K any year league code “lacz6l”. Aiming to create a worlds best league.

    1. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      can you make it 4K 😀

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I got lucky last year.

    3. DeathoftheParty
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Sneaked in there one year...

    4. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Why are you copying my user name / pic combo?

      1. Boxwoods
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah!

      2. Fpl Old Guard
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Been my username for about 8 years!

        1. Well you know, Triffic
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Never seen you in that time... I've been quite active on here aswell....

          1. Fpl Old Guard
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            I haven’t been very active on FFS for a long time now, I’ve tended to move to Twitter and find I get quicker info there etc, but I know a lot of good players still use FFS, hence trying to attract some players for the league

  2. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    How is this looking? Undicided on Jota or Gundogan, also hoping Kane not going to city, that will kinda ruin my plans...

    Sanchez
    Taa, Shaw, Digne
    Salah, Bruno, Raphina, Buendia, Jota/Gundogan
    Watkins, Antonio

    Foster, White, Manqillo, Perica

    1. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      How about Pepe 7.5m slot?

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Not nailed

        1. Legohair
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Pepe is nailed at the moment

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good. I'd go Gundo if KDB is unavailable as he tends to be very attacking in his absence. Jota if KDB is back.

  3. Worsle90
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Bottomed.

    RMT please guys. How’s it looking?

    Sanchez
    TAA - Robbo - James - Coufal
    Salah - Bruno - Son - ESR
    Watkins - Pukki

    Steele - Brownhill - Manquillo - Obafemi

    Shaw coming in for James in GW2

    1. Carlton P
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Bench too weak IMO. If going 4-4-2 manquillo needs to be a 4.5 defender

    2. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Bench is insufficient and personally I would avoid Mr. Pukki in first few GW’s.
      Rest is good of course as you sacrificed bench 🙂

  4. R.C
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Fixture ticker still not fixed...

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

    Hey there, how are you folks doing?

    Here's the team:

    Martínez
    Tierney - TAA - Chilwell
    Buendía - Trossard - ESR - Havertz (c) for GW 1
    Jiménez - Kane - Cavani

    Bench:
    Krul - Harrison - Walker - Fofana

    Thoughts?
    Thanks 😀

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Kane wont start GW1

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Like you know?
        He easily could

        1. Wild Card this!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Kane will not feature in Spurs vs City game ‘coz he could get easily confused and score couple of own goals.
          He wouldn’t know on which goal to shoot 😉

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

        Even if he didn't, that's him already in the team

    2. Worsle90
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Quite like it and strong bench. Trossard and Harrison also rotate well

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

        A strong bench is what I sought to achieve - "good" team + strong bench > expensive assets + weak bench

    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Too much money on the bench
      Also, loads of non-nailed players.

    4. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Looks lovely but the lack of Salah would worry me - I convinced myself that I could live without for GW1 last season and the missed hat-trick (c) made it very difficult to bounce back!

      1. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        And you could’ve captained Son in GW2 and made up the difference.

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

        could bring him in but that would mean downgrading TAA to the likes of konate

    5. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Are you confident with Havertz starting every game if Chelsea don’t sign a striker?

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

        Not only was he nailed towards the end of last season, he also looked good - I think he's chelsea's most attractive fpl asset, wouldn't you agree?

        1. Doctor Zhivago
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          I completely agree

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

          For someone nailed he didn't have that many starts though?

          Assuming he'll start every game at the start of the season is just that, an assumption.

    6. jia you
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Nice, come join my 'The No BS League' !
      An idea I came up with earlier today - no Bruno or Salah allowed 😉
      Code: g104b9

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

        I don't usually field players that I don't like and I happen to hold an irrational grudge against Bruno

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          I have the same thing with Salah lol

    7. Lemonade
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I was thinking of taking a pun and bring dele in

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

        punt* lol not a native english speaker

        1. Indpush
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Australian?

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

            haha good one, not it though, I'm french

            1. Indpush
              • 6 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              🙂

  6. FPL Joker
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    I’m just focusing on Villa, Everton, Liverpool & Man Itd from the start. Can’t see better fixtures than theirs.

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I'm not focusing on fixtures only

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Good for you.

        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          How about you Leif?

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Brighton for the cheap seats.

    3. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Same. WHU and BHA as well.

  7. MARK US RASHFORD
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Join my league lads a5x0cn
    Winner gets a £100 amazon shopping gift card

    1. DeathoftheParty
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Sure

    2. Zambian FPL Addict
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Can't say no to free stuff

    3. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Join my league. Winner gets a handjob off of Scarlett Johansson.

      1. Indpush
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        What does a woman get if she wins? Same?

        1. St Pauli Walnuts
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          If that's her persuasion, otherwise it's a toffee crisp and a firm handshake from Barry from Eastenders.

          1. Bennerman
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            This is somewhat crass

            1. St Pauli Walnuts
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              To be fair, you could lose the somewhat

          2. Indpush
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            The Mrs is eager. She'll have a go.

  8. CON@16
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Chances of Sancho, Maguire or Shaw missing the first week or two? All could be lacking sufficient match sharpness if they miss too many friendlies due to rest after the Europa

    1. Mambino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Think they are coming back to training in about 9-10 days time so it would actually be tight for them to play GW1

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      High chance. I think Maguire will play because he always does. I'd be surprised if Sancho starts GW1 tbh. Seems like the easy thing for Ole to go with Greenwood and give Sancho his debut from the bench. Telles is injured so Shaw probably has a good chance of playing if he's fit.

  9. Yankee Toffee
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Any glaring errors here? Using 352 or 442 at the start until a promoted asset shines and/or fixtures turn. Cheers all.

    Foster
    TAA, Digne, Shaw, Coufal
    Bruno, Salah, Grealish, Soucek
    DCL, Watkins

    Sanchez, Dallas, 4.5, 4.0

    0.0itb

    1. Haa-lala-land
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Looks solid, just keep an eye out for the Euro players returning for GW1 or 2

  10. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this defence? (3-4-3)

    Bachmann Foster
    Trent Dunk Coufal Ayling 4

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Would upgrade one of Dunk or Ayling, both will concede plenty

    2. Haa-lala-land
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Solid defence.
      Dunk and Coufal are amongst the top 5.0's
      Ayling will be fine. 100 points last season without any g/a's, something he'll want to rectify I'm sure, and a guaranteed starter every minute.

    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Thank you both!

    4. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good to me. Dunk and Ayling rotate beautifully. Wouldn't be a shock if Coufal was able to keep up with or at least get close to the 5.5 defenders.

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Thank you, sir!

  11. Netters2018
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Hows my first draft looking?

    Bachman
    Robbo Taa Digne Creswell
    Salah Bruno Buendia
    Watkins Toney Wilson
    Bench - Foster Brownhill Gilmour Williams

    Rip it apart...

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Team looks ok, I'm not gonna punt on Toney.

      Formation wise, midfielders tend to score the most points. Look at the overall points. I would def play at least 4 mids if not 5.

  12. FPL Xylophone
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Rate my team fellas
    Henderson, Foster
    TAA, Robbo, White, Llorente, 4m
    Mo, Sancho, Mahrez, Raphinha, 4.5m
    Cavani, Watkins, Jpedro

    One thought is to upgrate white to stones and downgrade either Mahrez to gundo or Cavani to a 7.5m...

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      No dbl on Pool def imho
      Sancho too young and unproven still
      Mahrez is nailed on?
      White and Llorente need to go

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Would completely disagree that Sancho is "unproven" although I guess you could make the argument that he has no PL experience. Too young at 21 though? Hardly.

      2. FPL Xylophone
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Mahrez is as nailed as someone can be in pep roulette (60%-70%). I just hope the first 4 gws the rotation won't be massive. Then i can go to almost anyone else.
        Bha/leeds rotate nicely. I can get ayiling or veltman etc. Not huge differences in 4.5 defenders.
        Robbo can go for Chillwell or stones and i can upgrade eg 3rd striker or 5th mf. Thats not a bad idea. Cheers

        1. FPL Xylophone
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Sancho feels like a risk worth taking especially as it allows to spread the funds. Utd didn't get him to bench him. They will play him definitely. With cavani up front i feel will be a great link. Im not saying that he will do better than Bruno but feels like a better value.

    2. Haa-lala-land
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I like the Pedro 5.5 punt, he started most of Watfords games the last few months of last season. Took a penalty iirc

      1. FPL Xylophone
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks. Ideally you want a 6 and above striker but i like cavani to start with so from the 5.5 strikers pedro is the most exciting. But if i get some funds i can move up to welbeck or sth

        1. Haa-lala-land
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          It's worrth monitoring Fabio Silva at Wolves, their fans say he'll start games next to Jiminez in a 442. And good old Welbeck of course
          After I posted, like a bit if a saddo I went back over Watfords line ups for their last several games.
          Pedro only took one penalty while Sarr was on the pitch, and Sarr took the 3 or 4 others after that with Pedro on.
          What I've done is also convince myself that Sarr is an option. On penalties(without Deeney who idk but seems perma crocked), playing on the right of a front 3, scoring open play goals. It's a big risk but he could match say Harrison or Soucek at 6m mids

  13. Haa-lala-land
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    As much as we all love the name Pukki, I don't fancy him scoring in his opening two fixtures. Welbecks a better bet.

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Neither for me.

  14. Sammy S
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Seen people saying not to go with Leeds defence because they are too open and concede a lot. They still kept 12 clean sheets last year and that was with loads of injuries to their defence. Would Ayling not be a good pick at just 4.5?

    1. Mambino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I've got him

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      They were a far better team defensively in the second half of the season and adapted really well. They'll still concede goals but I don't see them conceding 3s and 4s much again

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      They began the season conceding a lot, largely because both their first choice centre backs were injured. When their first choice defensive lineup plays, they're pretty decent. I expect a lot more clean sheets this season and intend to have Ayling for most of it, but I'm just holding off until GW5 as the opening few are ones I'd bench him (well at least 2 anyway)

    4. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Ayling IS an excellent pick, certainly as a rotation option.

    5. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Those people are probably a bit mad tbf

  15. tricpic
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts please. No Bruno but otherwise I’m happy.

    Sanchez
    Coufal Digne Trent Shaw
    Son Havertz Mo ESR
    Watkins DCL

    Bench is Bachman, Toney, Bissouma, Lamptey (may switch to Dunk).

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Bruno better pick than Son or Havertz imho

      1. tricpic
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        He is - but the extra 2.0 comes in handy elsewhere. Thinking Son or Sancho.

      2. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Havertz > Bruno
        ESR > Mane
        Toney > Kane

        1. tricpic
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          If only

        2. Yankee Toffee
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          You almost got it there m8:
          Havertz > Bruno
          Son > Soucek
          .5 to spare

    2. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I quite like it. Salah, Son and Havertz for captaincy each week I guess? Do you think Havertz is fully nailed if Chelsea don’t sign a striker?

      1. tricpic
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Hoping so. Just re read an old Scout Notes and most of his rest end of last season was due to champions league fixture congestion.

        1. Qaiss
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          It’s quite tempting if he’s the striker.

    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Pretty good - think there are better 6.5 options available in mid than upfront if you are not against 3-5-2

      1. tricpic
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Agree. But I’ve always tried to start with a playing bench. And there aren’t many upfront at under 6.5 guaranteed to start. Could downgrade Toney to Pukki and save .5 - and upgrade ESR. But that’s about it.

  16. DIMITRIS
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    A tricky one. What's better:

    A) Robbo + Buendia
    B) Dias + Grealish

    1. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      A

      1. DIMITRIS
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers

  17. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Watched Arsenal yesterday, they looked good. Main takeaways

    - ESR played 10 but drifted to the wing a lot to allow Pepe to move more central.

    - ESR had two chances, the first he created for himself, a half chance and the other a big chance he should have scored. He burst forward inbetween the two centre backs and Partey picked him out with a fantastic long pass, ESR controlled with his chest in the box, brought the ball down, but hit it straight at the keeper.

    - Pepe remains a bit of a mystery. He looks better but still doesn't look like creating much. He had 2 big chances, missed the first, scored the 2nd. I really am torn on whether to risk going with him or play safe with ESR, at the moment, i don't see a 2m price difference.

    - Tierney got forward well and put in some really dangerous crosses. Arsenal play in a way that the LCM shifts to LB to allow Tierney to attack all the time.

    - Chambers is starting to make the RB position his own. He puts in some brilliant crosses. Finished the game with a goal, assist and cleansheet.

    - Lacazette - its a shame he's not ahead of Auba as he's a better player now. He's much better for the fluidity of the team. If he was a starter, his price tag would be a bargain. He's a threat for both goals and assists.

    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Should add"

      - Partey was the stand out player. He's looked really good in preseason. If he stays fit, Arsenal will do well. I do think he's an option at 5m for a 5th midfielder in a rotation. He'll chip in with the odd goal and should get a few assists.

    2. Focus
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I have my doubts with ESR. Great prospect but FPL wise - not a fan. Last season in 1500 mins expected goals+assists of 4. For example Benrahma played 1500 minutes with expected goals+assists of 6. And no one wants Benrahma.

      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yes, he plays a little too safe IMO. There have been glimpses in pre season though that he will take on more responsibility. Arteta has said he wants more goal threat from him, ESR said the same the other day. He's definitely getting in and around the box more and taking a few shots a game.

        Pepe will get some explosive scores, but he still doesn't have that assist threat you'd want from a 7.5m asset.

        1. Focus
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          I agree, the only Arsenal players I like atm are Saka and Tierney

    3. notlob legin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      very insightful - thanks for taking the time to post this

    4. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      You have to remember that Lacazette is not ahead of Aubameyang for a reason. Auba is a miles better finisher and can actually be excused for having a poor season by his high standards, while having some things going on off the pitch. Laca has been a waste of money.

      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Disagree. Auba has lost his pace and now offers very little.

        Lacazette has always been a more efficient finisher. Auba just had the pace to get himself better chances. Lacazette is better in the air, has better hold up play, but most importantly, makes the team better, he can link up the attack with the young legs around him.

        1. Qaiss
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Auba won a golden boot playing on the left in a dysfunctional team. Dragged them to the Europa league final and without him, Arsenal don’t win the FA Cup last year. Laca’s highest scoring tally in the league is 14.. they probably won’t renew his contract either and he’ll leave for free next year.

          1. Drip Doctor
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            I understand all that. All i am saying is going forward, Lacazette looks a better fit to get the best out of Pepe, Saka and ESR. When he's leading the line with them 3 behind him, Arsenal play better football.

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

        Last season Laca looks far better than Auba even when Auba get minutes playing as CF. Personally dont think he has been a waste of money. I thinkhey can play two forwards tough to be more efficient but they didnt.

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

      Thanks Drip. Need more observation like this.

    6. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Have had Tierney in my draft for a while - Chambers sounds intriguing if he was nailed there.

      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yes, i am keeping an eye on Chambers for the remainder of pre season. He looked solid towards the ned of last season and looks sharp in pre season again. No signs of Arsenal signing a RB either so it'll be him or Cedric.

    7. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      How did Millwall look?

      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Like they were in awe of Thomas Partey.

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Partey would be awesome in the Championship so…

          1. Drip Doctor
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            I don't understand what you are getting at.

            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              I know lol

    8. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks for this. I'll be using the first three GWs to decide between ESR and Saka. With Lamptey injured I've gone for Ben White in rotation with Ayling but may swap him to Chambers if he looks nailed. Tierney is also of interest but I'd have to find 0.5 from somewhere.

  18. ToonToon88
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Sanchez,
    Targett, Coufal, Trent, Fofana
    Bruno, Salah, Jota, Mahrez
    Watkins, Nacho

    4.0, Ayling, Gilmour, Davis

    Willing to take a risk on jota, am confident mahrez will start

    1. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Good team, provided they all get the game time that is.
      I wouldn’t want to have to rely on that bench…

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I like it a lot. Confident in Mahrez as well.

  19. Legohair
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Draft nro 2#

    Sanchez
    TAA-Robertson-Tierney-Fofana
    Salah-Bruno-Pepe-Buendia
    DCL-Watkins

    Foster, White, Brownhill,Obafemi

    1. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Nice Trobbo team!
      Like the Pepe pick too.

    2. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      very nice

    3. Legohair
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks guys

    4. DIMITRIS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Very similar to mine. I have Coufal instead of Fofana, and Raph instead of Pepe.

  20. schlupptheweek
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Probably A) because the ceiling is higher. I'd probably say B) might be more steady over the season with a more consistent stream of points given City's and Grealish's record. Given Robbo's fixtures and Buendia's assist potential A) is best for the start of the season.

    1. schlupptheweek
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Reply fail Dimitris

      1. DIMITRIS
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Haha don't bother.
        I agree with what you said. Robbo can be golden in first two if Pool keep their CS's and he bags an assist or two.
        On the other hand, I think Grealish will outscore Buendia and I like him as a player.
        Probably will start a season with A) tho.

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Brighton looking worse every week

    2. Nanoelektronicar
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Says it was precautionary, but bad sign anyway.

    3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Honestly even if this wasn't the case he's unfortunately one of those that you have to expect you'll need to replace within a few weeks at best

    4. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Always likely after all

      Brighton really do need a striker or two. Never afraid of making a signing or ten there so I imagine they'll bring someone in. But little faith in their scouting network here.

      Edouard might be good for FPL and is viable. Comes dirt cheap and on low wages.

  21. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Imagine spurs with a midfield of moura, bergwein and martial

    Ultimate headless chicken collection

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Winning penalties week in week out for Son 😀

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      😆 WTF

      That’s like comparing a Ford Escort, a Volkswagen Golf and a Rolls Royce tbf

      - Moura - 30 goal involvements in 102 PL appearances (Age 28)

      - Bergwijn - 9 goal involvements in 35 PL appearances (Age 23)

      - Martial - 93 goal involvements in 167 PL appearances (Age 25)

      A peak FFS comparison lol

      1. Coolbean
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Lol! 7 goal involvements in 22 PL appearances last season and offers 0 defensive contribution. Nice having recency bias on some and taking Martial’s stats from when he was born cause it favours him 😆

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          There is no recent bias you madman - that’s each of their full premier league careers lol

          Martial was sent off for a ridiculous red card in the first half vs Spurs & suspended for 3 games, he also had 4x separate injuries & illnesses last season

          He’s a lazy barstool at times with horrifically bad bodylanguage - but he is several rungs above Moura and that other clown, they’re not even comparable

      2. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Wtf are you on about, never said he wasn’t a good player or better than the other 2, he’s still headless at times

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Describing Martial as the ultimate headless chicken along with Moura & Bergwijn is just utterly ridiculous 😆

          1. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Until of course he signs for Spurs 😉

            1. Coolbean
              • 4 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              Hah! Exactly my thoughts 😉

            2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              He’s not a headless chicken though - he prefers to spend his time standing with his arms on his hips waiting for the ball, and sulking when he doesn’t get it

              He doesn’t run around headlessly chasing the ball and pressing - if anything that’s the exact part of his game he needs to improve

              (And if he did he’d have even more than 93 goalminvolvements in 167 games lol)

              1. pingissimus
                • 5 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                A tease Max a tease

                I feel sure I'll get into a fight with you sometime this season but much too relaxed right now to do that.

                Have always rated Martial really and pretty agree with your analysis. This feels to me like a make or break season for him really. Greenwood is only going to get better and better and there's a definite danger of his becoming bench player if Sancho comes good as expected. OGS is not a natural rotator. Huge comedown from this time last season as at now.

    3. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Maximus Pontificus I reckon. 😉

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        NZ for “Nonsense Zone” I reckon 😉

        1. Ruth_NZ
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          It's "Nettlesome Zealot" actually. 🙂

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Nonsense zone definitely more appropriate 😆

  22. WHY ALWAYS MESUT?
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Haven't looked at FPL at all this season, first draft:

    Sanchez (Foster)
    TAA Robbo Digne Shaw (Manquillo)
    Salah Bruno Buendia Raphinha (Brownhill)
    DCL Antonio (Perica)

    Any feedback would be awesome!

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Congrats - 100% template at first go. Did you cheat?

      Come the real thing that's naff all on the bench.

  23. School of Poch
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Sanchez Steele
    TAA Shaw Fofana XXX XXX
    Salah Bruno Buendia Raphinha ESR
    Watkins Nacho Toney

    A: Coufal Lamptey
    B: Digne 4.0

    1. WHY ALWAYS MESUT?
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      B

  24. Boxwoods
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Bachmann or Sanchez?

    Please discuss.

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Sanchez. Brighton's defensive numbers were good last season and they have a nice run of fixtures. Watford were solid in the Championship but don't know how that will translate to the Prem.

      1. FPL Brains
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        What he said ^

      2. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yup. I prefer a known known to a known unknown.

        1. Boxwoods
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Sound reasoning all ‘round. Thanks, chaps.

    2. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Bachmann.

      Sanchez will get a steady stream of 6 or 7s but Bachmann will get lots of 10s and 11s. Brighton don't concede many shots. Bachmann also likely to get more bonus which adds up.

      1. Boxwoods
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        That is the case for Bachmann well stated!

      2. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I'm with this. Goalkeeper needs to be underfire to be gold dust in fpl. If a defense is good get the defenders not the keeper

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

        U sure he'll get 10?
        Thats means he get CS + app points + saves + bonus. = 4 + 2 + 2 (6 saves) + 2 bonus,

        U sure?

        Sure?

        How sure are u? 100? 50? Or just its your hope?

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

      On both. Toss up

  25. Sammy S
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    What do people think of Pepe for the first few gameweeks? He's looked decent in pre season and with Saka coming back from the euros it might allow Pepe to start the first few games before any rotation starts.

    1. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Not high on my priority list so you could hit a good differential there.

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I'm going ESR, cheap as chips.

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      First few? Gw2-3 are horrible for Arsenal. In fact, they don't really have a nice run of fixtures at all.

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Norwich Burnley Brighton Palace to follow in the space of 5 weeks and on the basis of last season you can also add Villa minus Grealish to follow.

        Super run that.

        I'm also highly sceptical of the FDR early on. City in particular could be anything really after a vanishingly small preseason given just about their whole squad is still on hols or only just returning.

  26. FPL Brains
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Afternoon all! A repost. A, B or C in this team?

    A) Lewis, Coufal & Buendia
    B) Stones, Coufal & Smith-Rowe
    C) Dias, Lewis & Smith-Rowe

    Sanchez | Foster
    TAA | Robertson | Coufal | Holgate | Lewis
    Salah | Fernandes | Buendia | Soucek | Bissouma
    Watkins | Wilson | Toney

    Then finally,

    1) Is there a better 4.5 midfielder? Is Gilmour injured?
    2) Better 4.0 keeper?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      A
      1 Brownhill
      2 No

  27. Andy_Social
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    The penny has dropped.

    Transfer deadline day - comes after GW3 doesn't it? There's a strong chance some of these interminable transfer sagas will go down to the wire.
    I am certain to want Kane wherever he is, but I can see him missing his mojo until his future is resolved.
    If someone like Haaland or Lewandowski arrives, I'll want them too.
    This will require major major surgery.
    Therefore, logically it makes sense to set up a squad for GWs1-3. I'm saying GW4 to allow a week to see the new lads in action, clubs to iron out tactical details etc.

    So, my draft for GW1-4 looks very different to what came before. No Leeds, City or Chelsea yet, triple Liverpool and United; double Villa and Hammers. This time I'm going for a fast start. Boom!

    1. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Fair plan, I'll probs mini-WC with a hit.

    2. jia you
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      There is a fly in the ointment as City's fixtures GW2-5 are great 😉

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Well I'd say only 2 easy ones in the first 7, but of course there's the unique factor of Peptation, and more significantly the Kane factor. So I'm very happy to stand back and watch the dust settle on that one. But, yeh, one change to my draft is extracting Mahrez, which might be a mistake.

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          I almost always end up wildcarding in GW3 or 4 despite good intentions not to at the start

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Well that's the thing. I always intend to play it as late as possible and go too early. This time I had planned on saving it for the big swing after GW7, but deep down I know I'll never make it that far, so I'm just being realistic this time.

            1. jia you
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              makes sense...think this FPL season is going to be fun!

      2. jia you
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        You will need a big sofa in GW2 at the very least going no City haha...but tbf we can't have em all and no risk no reward...GL

  28. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Isn't Cresswell worth the extra 0.5 over Coufal? Set pieces sways it surely.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I wouldn't disagree with that; I've got Coufal in my current draft, but that's because I believe the extra 0.5 can make a bigger difference elsewhere.

    2. jia you
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      maybe but I really like Coufal at 5.0...feel he's a 5.5 in 5.0 clothing

  29. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Bruno blanked 16 of 37 appearances last season