Scout Notes

Lamptey latest, Iheanacho deeper and Smith Rowe chasing goals: FPL notes

There was a bumper day of pre-season friendly action on Saturday, with 12 Premier League teams in action.

We’ll have the goal, assist and line-up information from all these games plus brief Fantasy Premier League (FPL) flavoured notes on each clash.

We start with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brighton and Hove Albion, Burnley, Crystal Palace and Leicester City in this summary, with a round-up of the other half-dozen games to follow later.

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 pre-season: Trossard hits hat-trick from wing-back role 1

STOKE CITY 2-0 ASTON VILLA

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

After the Fantasy fervour whipped up by Emiliano Buendia’s (£6.5m) Aston Villa debut and his brace of assists at Walsall in midweek, there was a more sobering result at the bet365 Stadium.

The Villans were undone by two sloppy, albeit well-executed, goals in their second warm-up game of the summer.

Both strikes stemmed from the halfway line: Steven Fletcher first looping a header over Jed Steer (£4.0m) after a 50-yard cross-field ball from Nick Powell before Mario Vrancic was allowed to run half the length of the field to double Stoke City’s lead.

As for Buendia, he was stationed as a number 10 in a 4-2-3-1 in the Potteries, having been used on the right flank on Wednesday.

While it wasn’t nearly as productive an afternoon as Buendia enjoyed at the Bescot Stadium, the Argentine midfielder did link up well with Anwar El Ghazi (£6.0m).

The pair combined for a chance that Buendia could only prod at home goalkeeper Josef Bursik, with El Ghazi twice testing the Stoke custodian – one of his efforts being pushed onto the upright.

Joining those two players and Ollie Watkins (£7.5m) in the four-man Villa attack was promising youngster Aaron Ramsey, although that selection screamed ‘placeholder’ given that Jack Grealish (£8.0m) and Bertrand Traore (£6.0m) have yet to return from international duty.

Ashley Young (£5.0m) was once again employed at left-back and curled an early free-kick narrowly wide (Buendia was also stood over the ball, suggesting he’ll play a part in dead-ball situations as expected this season), while Matt Targett (£5.0m) made his return from a minor injury on the hour-mark.

Aston Villa XI: Steer (Sinisalo 60), Cash (Guilbert 60), Bogarde (Konsa 60), Hause (Revan S 60), Young (Targett 60), McGinn (Hourihane 60), Nakamba (J Ramsey 60), Buendia (Philogene-Bidace 60), A Ramsey (Chukwuemeka 60), El Ghazi (Davis 60), Watkins (Wesley 60). 

ARSENAL 4-1 MILLWALL

Can Aubameyang prove a worthy FPL alternative to Bruno Fernandes? 6
  • Goal: Calum Chambers (£4.5m), Alexandre Lacazette (£8.5m), Nicolas Pepe (£7.5m), Folarin Balogun
  • Assist: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.0m) x2, Chambers, Willian (£6.5m)

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Arsenal’s win over Championship side Millwall on Saturday afternoon replaced their scheduled trip to the US, which had to be cancelled because of a coronavirus outbreak at the club.

Calum Chambers (£4.5m) pounced on a spectacular Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.0m) shot that hit the woodwork to tap the Gunners in front, with the full-back then turning provider for Alexandre Lacazette’s (£8.5m) headed second.

Nicolas Pepe (£7.5m) curled home a third after Lacazette dummied Aubameyang’s pass into his path before Folarin Balogun latched onto a Willian (£6.5m) through-ball to round off the scoring.

Aubameyang started the game up top, with Eddie Nketiah (£5.5m) on the left, but was pushed wide in the second half upon Lacazette’s introduction.

Playing in the hole of a 4-2-3-1 was Emile Smith Rowe (£5.5m), who wasn’t among the attacking returns but who was noticably more involved when it came to shooting opportunities, something that hopefully bodes well for the season to come.

The young playmaker indeed said upon the signing of his new long-term contract last week:

The manager always wants me to score more goals, I think that’s important for the position that I play in. So I just want to try and score and create more goals for the team, I think that will help us majorly, so that’s what I’m going to focus on in training as well.

The more defensive-minded Albert Sambi Lokonga (£5.0m) made his debut further back in central midfield, meanwhile.

Arsenal XI: Okonkwo (Hein, 46), Chambers, Holding, Mari (Cedric, 60), Tierney (Tavares, 60), Partey (Maitland-Niles, 71), Elneny (Lokonga, 46), Pepe (Willian, 71), Smith Rowe (Nelson, 71), Aubameyang (Balogun, 71), Nketiah (Lacazette, 46).

RANGERS 0-0 BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Graham Potter provided injury updates on Tariq Lamptey (£4.5m), Danny Welbeck (£6.0m), Adam Webster (£4.5m) and Lewis Dunk (£5.0m) after his under-strength Seagulls side drew a blank in Glasgow.

Lamptey now looks set to miss the start of the season, with the Albion head coach saying:

It’s a little bit slower than we would like and probably he would like but with the nature of his surgery and the injury, we need to make sure that he’s right rather than putting any timescale on it. He’s making progress but not as fast as we and he would like.

It’s important that we just stay patient and do the right things for him, make sure we finish off this last stage of his rehab in a good way, because it’s not necessarily about being available for the first game, it’s about being available for as many games as he can in the season.

At this stage, I would say it’s unlikely [that Lamptey features in pre-season] but you never know. We’ll take it not necessarily day by day, but essentially, we have got a plan but we’ll see how he responds as well, that is important.

Webster and Dunk, like Lamptey, were not available for the draw at Ibrox on Saturday.

Their prognosis looks better than that of the young wing-back but Dunk still remains a doubt for the clash with Luton Town on Saturday, with Potter saying:

They’ve got a chance, Adam more so than Lewis. 

Welbeck did actually make the Seagulls’ matchday squad for the game with Rangers but was an unused substitute, with Potter explaining:

I need to speak to Danny and the physios. He literally just had a feeling before he was about to come on, so we didn’t want to take any chances, we are at that stage where we don’t want to take chances. So we will see how he goes but hopefully nothing to worry about.

As for the action on the pitch, summer signings Enock Mwepu (£6.0m) and Kjell Scherpen (£4.5m) were involved as Potter utilised 22 members of his squad.

Mwepu was a stand-out performer even though Rangers created the better chances, with the Zambian deployed on the right of centre-midfield in a 4-3-3.

Mwepu looked to get forward throughout his 45-minute showing and said after full-time:

I’ve told Danny Welbeck, ‘You’re going to score a lot of goals this season. Just be ready for my assists!’ I’m going to set them up for him.

I love to play as an attacking midfielder, so (number) eight, right or left. When I look back, I was actually a winger but now I’m growing in the game more I prefer to play in position No 8 or 10 but I’m really adaptable to different kinds of positions. But attacking is my position, eight is good.

Albion first-half XI: Scherpen, Leonard, Duffy, Burn, Zeqiri, Mwepu, Lallana, Gross, Khadra, Maupay, Connolly,

Albion second-half XI: Steele, Furlong, Tanimowo, Ostigard, Tsoungui, March, Bissouma, Alzate, Richards, Andone, Tau.

IPSWICH TOWN 0-1 CRYSTAL PALACE

  • Goal: Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m)
  • Assist: None

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Wilfried Zaha‘s (£7.0m) positive start to life under Patrick Vieira continued at Portman Road at the weekend.

Zaha won and converted a second-half penalty – admittedly with Luka Milivojevic (£5.5m) off the pitch – to notch the only goal of the game but was a threat from open play throughout, seeing a number of openings thwarted by last-minute blocks or interceptions.

Previous comments from the Palace camp about getting the ball to Zaha more were supplemented by Jairo Riedewald‘s (£4.5m) post-match soundbites on Vieira’s more attacking mindset:

This is something we worked on on the first day of pre-season: creating more chances and being more aggressive when we don’t have the ball. I think if you look at the first-half we had a 20-minute spell where we created a lot of chances.

So far it’s been good for me. Tactically I like the way he wants to play. I like his vision, with [Jeff] Schluppy and Macca [James McArthur] next to me. It’s good.

Also the centre-backs are stepping in as well and being more aggressive, and the [full-backs] are high up the pitch. So it’s clear this season we’re trying to be more aggressive and create more chances.

Those comments about the full-backs getting forward more often will be music to the ears of prospective owners of Tyrick Mitchell (£4.5m), who said of his link-up with Zaha down the Palace left:

He’s a quality player. We’re working well together. Every time I get it, I know he’s always showing for the ball to attach one-on-one, so it’s good to have him in front of me.

Last year. I was more defensive. I have it in me so it is good to show it on the pitch.

With Nathaniel Clyne adopting ‘Kyle Walker’-esque positioning and forming a back three with the visiting centre-halves when Palace were on the ball, Mitchell was allowed to bomb forward and provide width as Zaha roamed infield – something to watch out for when the real action gets underway in August.

Elsewhere, Jean-Philippe Mateta (£5.5m) did himself few favours with a profligate display, while Marc Guehi (£4.5m) made his debut at centre-back after his summer move from Chelsea.

Crystal Palace XI: Guaita (Butland 64), Clyne (Ward 64), Kouyate (Kelly 64), Tomkins (Guehi 64), Mitchell (Hannam 64), Riedewald (Milivojevic 64), McArthur (Boateng 75), Schlupp (Wells-Morrison 75), Zaha (Banks 75), Mateta (Street 75), Ayew (Rak-Sakyi 75).

BURTON ALBION 0-0 LEICESTER CITY

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Leicester City’s pre-season got underway with a goalless draw at Burton.

Jamie Vardy (£10.5m) and Kelechi Iheanacho (£7.5m) were back in tandem once again but there was a change to the starting formation and, consequently, the Nigerian operated in a slightly deeper role.

Brendan Rodgers had finished last season playing a 3-4-1-2 but he reverted to a 4-2-3-1/4-4-2 hybrid here, with Iheanacho – who skied a spot-kick in Saturday’s end-of-game penalty shootout – playing just off Vardy as more of a support striker and dropping deeper, something we FPL managers obviously don’t want to see too much of.

The pair had been brought on at half-time, with new signing Patson Daka (£7.5m) spearheading the attack ahead of number 10 James Maddison (£7.0m) in the opening 45 minutes.

A move to a 4-2-3-1 would not just have implications for Iheanacho but for Leicester’s centre-halves, too, with the three-man backline of late-2020/21 now competing for two spots.

Jonny Evans’ (£5.5m) ongoing injury means that it is not an issue at present but prospective owners of Wesley Fofana (£4.5m), who sits in 25% of squads, may want to bare the formation choice in mind.

Elsewhere on the fitness front, Harvey Barnes (£7.0m) was not involved but has now returned to training with the Foxes.

Ryan Bertrand (£5.0m) made his Leicester debut but it was his positional rival, Luke Thomas (£4.5m), who perhaps most caught the eye in a sun-drenched encounter in which minutes were more important than momentum.

Leicester City first-half XI: Jakupovic, Ricardo, Fofana, Soyuncu, Bertrand, Choudhury, Soumare, Ghezzal, Maddison, Maswanhise, Daka.

Leicester City second-half XI: Iversen, Daley-Campbell, Amartey, Benkovic, Thomas, Ndidi, Dewsbury-Hall, Sowah, Suengchitthawon, Iheanacho, Vardy.

OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0-2 BURNLEY

  • Goals: Jay Rodriguez (£5.5m), Lewis Richardson
  • Assists: Bobby Thomas, Rodriguez

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Jay Rodriguez (£5.5m) continues to make hay in the absence of Chris Wood (£7.0m) and Matej Vydra (£5.5m), with his positional rivals currently on international duty and on a post-EURO 2020 break respectively.

Rodriguez made it four attacking returns in two pre-season appearances, first tapping home from point-blank range from a corner-kick situation and then claiming the ‘Fantasy assist’ when young strike partner Lewis Richardson followed up his saved shot to score.

In a summer of turmoil elsewhere, Burnley are reassuringly still predictable: same manager, same 4-4-2 formation and largely the same personnel.

Sean Dyche said of his side’s display and missing players:

They had some good chances in the first half and didn’t take them but in the second half we showed enough there – like we should do – and I thought we were really sharp, so I was pleased for that and it was good for the supporters to see a couple of goals.

We still have Vyds and Woody to come back and Kevin Long and Popey so our group does get stronger and a bit deeper. We are probably one or two short so we will see how that goes in the transfer window.

Burnley first-half XI: Peacock-Farrell, Bardsley, Tarkowski, Mee, Pieters, Gudmundsson, Cork, Benson, Glennon, Barnes, Richardson.

Burnley second-half XI: Norris, Lowton, Collins, Thomas, Taylor, Gudmundsson (Gomez-Mancini 70), Westwood, Brownhill, McNeil, Rodriguez, Richardson (Thompson 70).

299 Comments Post a Comment
  1. 3 A
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Thanks for this.

    1. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      My pleasure!

  2. jayzico
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Best midfielder up to 5m?

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

      Isn't one worth starting. They start at 5.5m

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

      ESR at 5.5m

    3. PastaFasul
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Better to pick a 5 million defender and go 4.5 fodder mid. Much better value in the back.

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

      No one. Find extra 0.5m or never brother

    5. jayzico
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      woah. that was pretty concrete. Cool. Thanks guys

  3. Welcome to Har vitzvah
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    This could be Pepe's season. At 7.5m, if he continue his last and preseason form, could be a steal. Time for him to justify the outrageous amount Arsenal spent on him.

    Smith Rowe 5.5m is another propect that I feel will do well. Good to hear he wants to be on the scoresheet often.

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

      Im going with pepe as my differential

  4. Zilla
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this team?

    Fabianski
    Shaw Stones Konate
    Bruno Son Sancho Foden Raphinha
    DCL Watkins

    4.0 | Ayling Omo Davis

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

      Improve your bench, with covid a strong bech is needed

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

        Noted, cheers.

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

      Different. With Shaw uncertain, Stones, Konate, Foden, Sancho rotation risk, I'm suprise to see that bench

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

        Shaw - Might start with AWB and switch but not sure I want to waste a transfer on that.
        Konate and Foden - I agree, a risk I am willing to take tho.
        Is Stones and Sancho really a rotation risk?

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

          Sancho might be. Stones, are you serious with that question?

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

    Hilariously, none of this bodes well to the majority of our teams.

    Tinkering overdrive?

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

      Too early for friendlies to mean anything other than new managers' formations.

      1. Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, 100% - formations, injuries and any positional tweaks are the main takeaways right now. Match action a bit of a footnote.

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

        Agreed 100%. I'm just bantering.

  6. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Any idea who should start upfront for Watford? Deeney still a starter?

    Starting 5.5 striker would unlock dream midfield for me.

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

      Jay Rodriguez?
      Vydra and Wood are at Olympics - seems like he's the next in line - and has a bit of form in preseason

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Good shout thanks

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

      No idea.

      They have about 9 strikers, so I’m not sure even Watford’s coaches know yet who their starting strikers are.

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

      João Pedro was preferred to Feeney last season, not sure how Josh king arriving will affect things though

  7. Gabistuta
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    No Raul love round here?

    Sanchez, Foster
    TAA, Robbo, Chilwell
    Salah, Harrison, Mahrez, Buendia
    Jimi, Nacho, Cavani

    Foster, Ayling, White, Gilmour

    Don't want Bruno.

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Lots of love for Raul but new manager and haven't played in ages. Wait and see for me

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

      Keep seeing nacho in here..who is that?

      1. Blues for Salah
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        It's some cheesy nickname that somebody made up for Iheanacho

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

          Lol thanks

      2. Blues4Life
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Iheanacho

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

      Wait and see on Jiminez. We rate highly on him tbh

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

    I’ve read this and my mind instantly wants to bin ihenachio, time to delete the fpl app I think

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

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

      amen to that....i'm considering Jay Rodriguez all of a sudden.

      woof.

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

      I was considering starting the season with him but don't think I will. Too many personnel and formation risks. I'm probably going to avoid all Leicester for now even though there are some great options as most of them are hard to consider nailed.

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

    This is the second article where poor Jacob Ramsey has been called Aaron.

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

      Oh sorry, there's a Jacob AND an Aaron?? The latter's not even listed in the Villa squad when I googled it just now!

      1. Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Haha, no worries - I had to Google it too!

    2. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      This is the second comment where poor 18-year-old Aaron has been confused with his Juventus namesake.

  10. How I met your Mata
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    new and improved

    Feel free to tear it apart
    Thoughts?

    Bachmann
    TAA Lowton Shaw
    Salah Havertz Bruno Buendia
    Toney Wilson Watkins

    Foster Fofana Gilmour Manquillo

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

      I like it!!! Not fancy Brighton defences?

      1. How I met your Mata
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        might go with sanchez in nets, but I just think with White gone and Lamp injured they won't be as strong.

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

          True, cant argue with that.

    2. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I don't get the Wilson pick but looks okeyish. Not sure about Havertz either

      1. How I met your Mata
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Wilson is deceivingly good and usually always starts the season very well, but I get the Havertz questions marks any recommendations?

        1. S.Kuqi
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Not many options in that Havertz price point. Maybe someone like Bowen, Barnes, Jota could be worth a try assuming you can't get Mahrez.

  11. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Love these articles. The detail in Neale's research is fantastic.

    Iheanacho's role is a concern. Didn't see that coming. Thought it would be more likely that Vardy would support and Nacho would lead. It seemed to be evolving that way towards the end of last season. It'll be interesting to see if that continues over the coming weeks.

    And I hope Welbz recovers okay for the next game. Got my eye on him!

    1. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks very much, Giggs, means a lot.

      I liked what Mwepu was saying about Welbeck and the provision of assists!

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Me too.

        But his injury history concerns me greatly, especially if I start with Antonio, which I currently am doing.

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

      Honestly this way makes more sense considering their respective ages and form in open play last season but it doesn't sound good even if early days. Iheanacho was a lock for me from early on but might be back to the drawing board if it becomes a pattern in preseason

  12. Drexl Spivey
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Top shtuff.

  13. Tinfoil Deathstar
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Still fairly set on 8 of my starting XI with essentially 3 places up for grabs:

    Mulling over the following options:

    A) Digne; Sarr; Antonio
    B) Robertson; Smith-Rowe; Toney

    Thoughts appreciated.

    1. RichieW
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I prefer B
      Digne has good fixtures but not as reliable as Robertson for CS.
      Toney over Antonio due to high goal involvements and Antonio's injury record.
      Sarr/Smith-Rowe not much between them

    2. How I met your Mata
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      b

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

      B

    4. Chelsea Dagger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I'm on A right now. Digne for fixtures, Antonio as long as he's healthy, and Sarr could be great.

  14. RichieW
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Tried to get a half decent bench to start with Covid & payers coming back from international duty, worth spreading the funds?

    Sanchez
    Fofana Stones Shaw
    Salah Bruno Mount Buendia
    DCL Wilson Toney

    Bachmann ESR Doherty White

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

      Its ok I guess albeit without Robertson/TAA

      1. RichieW
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Could go Stones>Robertson but would have to downgrade Smith-Rowe>Brownhill & Bachmann/White>4.0
        Dont really wanna loose Bachmann as not sure on which Brighton keeper will start yet

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

          people here just giving an opinion. Go with what you believe in.

    2. How I met your Mata
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      not a big fan of the 2 goal keepers as I think the 0.5 could be used better for all the times when you need to use a sub keeper

      1. RichieW
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Will downgrade one when i see a few GWs

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

      Could easily get Trent in for Stones by moving money out of that bench

      1. RichieW
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Will probably get Robertson when VVD is back fully fit and playing

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

          News is he plays the next friendly

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

    Palace with aggressive wingbacks and pressing. Think I need to go back to the Kenny Sansom years for that approach.

    Revolution in the air.

    Squint a little (well quite a lot) and forget about fixtures and Clyne, who isn't signed yet, could be a prospect at some point if he's 4.5

    (footnote to this is that Palace got even fewer starts from their first choice CBs than Liverpool last season so that record may not mean quite so much as people expect)

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

      Although I won't start with him, Mitchel @ 4.5m is still probably a better option than Clyne (who is still in competition with Ward).

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

        A curiosity is that so far Clyne is starting before Ward in preseason even though Ward has re-signed and Clyne hasn't yet.

        Could be we'll use a loan to get someone in at RB but the message is I think that we will use wingbacks and while Ward is still defensively quite solid, Clyne is much closer to a wingback who offers going forward. Think Ward is squad player only likely.

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

      The more serious point here is that people will be looking at Palace as a team to attack.

      It's entirely up in the air how it turns out but defensively Palace are likely right now to look very different this season even before you factor in first choice CBs being available (Tomkins of course won't last). The message from preseason so far is that Palace will not be a low block side.

      So even if the personnel will be much the same come season start with perhaps just one CB different the defence itself will likely play differently.

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

        Andersen's coming isn't he?
        It usually takes about half a season for players to get the hang of a new manger's pressing system. Their opening fixtures are horrible. I'd expect a slow start, but hopefully Vieira won't get Boered. 😉

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

          The word is he's already done the medical and i's and t's are being dotted and crossed. Same sources as had Guehi and Olise so seems hopeful.

          The press if it does come about could take ages to settle in you're right. Not least as the starting personnel are going to be almost identical I suspect. Quite a change from Roy and a lot of unlearning to do.

  16. Cheeto__Bandito
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    A) Antonio, Veltman/Fofana rotation
    B) Toney, Shaw/Coleman

    Best option?

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      A

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

      Would ideally want both Antonio and Shaw but would say Shaw is more important of the two so I guess B

      Also dont ever rotate Shaw if you have him surely he is a starter 99% of the time

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

        I meant one of Shaw/coleman in that pick. If shaw fit Ill pick him if I go toney

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

          I'm going AWB in the beginning

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

      B Shaw

  17. xHaTr
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Welcome to team template aka my latest RMT. Cant be a bad thing can it?

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw Coufal
    Raphinha Salah Buendia Bruno
    Watkins DCL Antonio

    Steele Ayling Brownhill 4.0

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

      What is your option if Shaw unlikely to play GW1?

      1. Blues for Salah
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I'm rolling with Stones.

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

          Could work but I'm not trusting bald fraudiola

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

        think ill just move to AWB

        really fancy united defense and AWB has better attacking stats than people give credit for

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

    It would be nice to have a FFS League between us regular posters for the new season.

    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      gsnskx

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

        That's the broad league.

        1. Drexl Spivey
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Pretentious, no?

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

            Don't join?

            Nice to have one to banter with people who post.

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

      This

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

        Also, feel free not to join.

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

          What the league below? Too late bud

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

            Ah, so not that pretentious now 😉

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

              Where did I say it was pretentious? I agreed with you, saying that it would be nice for us regular posters to have a league...

    3. el polako
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Casuals league.

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

      Set up league last season on here which features loads of regulars - devised to avoid the professionals. You're welcome to join

      9l0u0m

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

        Cheers, don't mind if I do! I'm 'Gangster Monkeys'

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

          You're already in 😉

          Most seem to have rejoined anyway. Had great fun tracking progress of teams there.

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

            Last season I made a terrible start so went silly with hits, forgetting the effect on my cumulative ranking. Vow to be sensible this time!

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

        Cool, I'm in!

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

        hope you don't mind if I jump in!

  19. el polako
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Much happening?

    1. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      There’s a parrot next door that does the McDonalds tune. It’s boss

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Pretty cool.
        I guess it's OK if its McDonald's tune, KFC on the other hand would suggest that this parrot have cannibalistic tendencies.

  20. How I met your Mata
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Rank them:

    A Wilson
    B Nacho
    C Jimi
    D Toney
    E Watkins
    F Anotnio

    Personally E A B D F C (If Jimi proves fitness/form things could change)

    1. How I met your Mata
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      *Antonio

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

      F
      E
      A
      B
      C
      D

    3. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      FCBEAD

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

      E, F, A, D, B, C - As in right now

      Fully fit, playing all games, full time
      B, C, E, A, F, D

      1. How I met your Mata
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        very well put i was thinking long term, but suppose that doesn't make sense as a wildcard is usually used between gw 5-10

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

      E - consistency - set and forget
      F - do it while fit - won't last forever
      A - consistency - a little concern on teammates ability
      B - if nailed he's no 1 or 2
      D - wait and see for me
      C - if fit and back to what he was he's top 3.

  21. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Does anybody know much about Spurs new signing Bryan Gil ? On paper, it looks like an odd signing given that he only made 14 sub appearances for his previous club Seville. Is he a player who's likely to be a first-teamer for Spurs, or loan out to gain experience ?

    1. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      20 something million plus lamela says sky so I doubt he’s going out on loan.

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

      I wiki'd him. Supposed to be very exciting - as you say, only started like 4 games for Sevilla and loaned out to two Championship-level clubs, one of which got relegated. Don't expect immediate fireworks.

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

    Ok then, what do you think…?

    Bachman
    TAA / Tierney / Coufal
    Salah / Son / Sancho / Raphinha / Sarr
    Bamford / DCL

    Foster / Ayling / Coady / Obafemi

    1. How I met your Mata
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      quite like bamford pick as not seen a lot of him on here, although would go Buendia instead of Raf just in case Leeds start poorly

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

        Thanks.
        I think I’d prefer to start with Raph. Love the way he goes about his business.

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

        This

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

      It might actually be quite smart going Bamford and DCL because if either of those 2 explode you won't have the problem of a hit vs 7.5m gang. It looks very nice, did you go Coady for security of starts even though his ceiling is probably lower than Aït-Nouri?

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

        Exactly my reasoning behind it.
        Coady well may change.
        I wanted Lamptey… ty

  23. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Fernandless?

    a) Sancho, Son and Pukki

    b) Fernandes, Smith-Rowe and Antonio

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

      B

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

      A

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

      B

    4. Spoox777
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      B)
      I'm tempted to go with Sancho over Fernandes to use the cash elsewhere but, It's easier to downgrade Fernandes >> Sancho rather than the other way round.

      1. You've got red on you.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Just really like Son but you're right, easier to go the other way. Too many unknowns with Son under Nuno and Sancho fitting in

  24. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    a page without people squabbling about Varane signing for United?! What's going on?

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

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

    Steele - Brownhill - Manquillo - Obafemi

    Should I bring in Digne for Robbo and make Pukki at 7.5? If so, which one?

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

      Planning James - Shaw GW2

    2. Spoox777
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Too many premiums...

      If it was my team i would downgrade Son & use the cash to strengthen elsewhere.

      Don't like Sanchez or Pukki
      Everyone has Sanchez & will be getting rid of him after the first couple of GW's.

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

      Yes, Norwich has terrible fixtures. Wait and see on Pukki if he is your pick.

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

    Who else is saving money ITB to fit Kane in (if he goes to City and doesn't start the season)?

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

      Whatever happens with Kane, he will come in on 2 FT's and a hit or with my WC around GW 3-5.

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

      nah not me.

      there's a way to figure things out later. not too worried about it.

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

      Yeah, if he goes there, he has to be in

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

      No. I'm planning a post-TDD wildcard and get him in then.

  27. coriswrasse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Will Rodrigo (Leeds) play often? Nice price point at 6.5.

    3 forwards 8.0 and under + Bruno and Salah being template just looking for a possible differential up top.

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

      Rodrigo is a great player, he is though one of those players Biesla takes off around 55-65min quite often so there might be a few annoying 1 pointers. He is still worth a punt if your the opinion Leeds are relatively fixture proof.

  28. a bloke
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Just wondering what people’s thoughts are on subs or squad strength. Do we think many matches will be called off due to outbreaks, or just a few players missing a couple of games at a time? Trying to gauge how many playing subs people are going for.... I’m starting to think a couple of subs who are likely to come good with 6 points is the way to go rather than the 2 point fodder... for instance, I came up with 1 squad that had Raya, Pukki, Ayling, White as subs, and another squad with Toney and Fofana. Seems fairly critical to starting 11s as going for non playing subs can obviously allow for better players in the 11.

    1. Chemical76
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      You have to games being called off is a distinct possibility. Players exposure to fans must, even at a distance, in my opinion, increase chances of transmission. #makeitstrongmakeitlong

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

      I over-compensated for covid affecting the game last season and it cost me. This time I'm sticking to my usual rule of thumb: it should be fine to have a 4m non-playing keeper and one 4m defender, but you need 2x4.5 playing assets to fill in for injuries and rotation. At the moment I've got 3 active 4.5s, 2 defenders and a midfielder.

      1. a bloke
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I‘m toying with the idea of a non playing forward due to a total lack of value and high unpredictability vs price. 4.5 defenders are obviously worth it....not sure about the goalkeepers...

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

          Oh sorry, yeah my current draft is a 4-4-2. The only non-playing outfielder is a 4.5 forward. Then there's Brownhill and a 4.5 defender who might get a game.

          1. Chemical76
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            I'm going BB GW1 so have, all being well, 15 starters. Will then adjust as season develops

            1. a bloke
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              Interesting tactic going for BB wk1. 15 nailed on players... don’t want to hold the BB for a DGW later in the season?
              Not sure what the EPL plan to do about positive cases... is there a minimum number of affected players or simply a case of committing to the match even if a club have only 14 or so players available?

              1. Chemical76
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                Sticking to my plan. As I read on here, when else do you effectively get to play a WC and BB in same GW?
                Unsure on cancellation criteria.

  29. smithmarv
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Hi All,

    RMT Please. Tips is welcome 🙂

    Sanchez
    Fofana,Taa,Digne
    Raphina,Salah,Mane,Sarr,Buendia
    Watkins,Antonio

    Bench: Foster,Toney,Louwton,Lamptey

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

    useful article