Scout Notes

How Gray and Townsend fared on Everton debuts – and why DCL could benefit

We’ve two more warm-up matches to bring you up to speed with as we continue to assess the form and fitness Fantasy Premier League (FPL) players in pre-season.

Everton were in the US for a clash with Colombian side Millonarios which finished in the early hours of Monday morning, while Wolverhampton Wanderers ramped up their preparations for 2021/22 with a friendly against Las Palmas later in the day.

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

Millonarios 1-1 Everton

  • Goals: Demarai Gray (£5.5m) pen
  • Assists: Nathan Broadhead

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Fantasy managers got their first glimpses of Demarai Gray (£5.5m) and Andros Townsend (£5.5m) in Everton shirts as the Toffees sealed a penalty shoot-out win over Millonarios in the Florida Cup.

It’s probably fair to say that neither signing particularly excited Everton fans or FPL bosses, especially when we think back to the calibre of player that Carlo Ancelotti was recruiting 12 months ago.

But Rafael Benitez’s ability to get the best out of a mediocre team was a feature of his reign at Newcastle United.

Townsend indeed briefly played and excelled under the Spaniard at Newcastle in 2015/16, registering three goals and two assists in 10 appearances.

He was also third among midfielders for crosses during that spell on Tyneside and his ability to whip a ball in seems to have been the main reason for his capture.

True to form, Townsend was the fourth-best midfielder for successful crosses per 90 minutes in the Premier League last season.

The ex-Palace winger caught the eye in Florida in his first Everton appearance, playing on the right of a 4-2-3-1 and producing a number of telling deliveries – and his distribution could very well benefit Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£8.0m), as Townsend alluded to in his post-match interview:

I need to keep improving. I know the manager well and I’m sure he’ll go through the tape of the game with me and show me my good parts and – more importantly – my bad parts, so I can improve and help this club in any way possible. When I speak to him, he’ll be telling me what I could have done better and the positions he wants me to pick up. 

He wants to keep improving players and that’s why I had such a great spell with him at Newcastle. Hopefully, I can have similar success here.

I’ve had to work over the years to improve my weaker side. It’s got to the point now where I actually prefer crossing with my right. 

I was brought to this club to put crosses in the box. We’ve got a big number nine in Dominic [Calvert-Lewin] – or it could be Moise [Kean] or whoever is playing in that position – and my job is to put the ball in the box.  I did that on a couple of occasions against Millonarios and hopefully, the more the communication grows with my teammates, they’ll know where I’m going to cross the ball, and we can get some joy from it this season.

Townsend also struck the woodwork with a curling effort and Benitez said of his new signing on Monday:

He’s someone who I know from my time at Newcastle. He’s a player with quality. I was checking his fitness stats, too, and he was one of the best players in the Premier League in terms of work-rate. We have a player who can give us something more because he has the desire and he’s in a position that the team needed. I think he can do well for us.

Gray, meanwhile, was brought on to replace James Rodriguez (£7.0m) in the number 10 role at half-time.

The ex-Leicester City man is perhaps more known as a wide player but the unknown availability of Gylfi Sigurdsson (£7.0m) and reports that Rodriguez might be sold at the right price could open up a spot in ‘the hole’ of Benitez’s seemingly favoured 4-2-3-1.

A promising debut from the pacy midfielder was capped with a goal from the spot after fellow substitute Nathan Broadhead was felled.

Gray said of his Everton bow and spot-kick:

I fancied it [the penalty in regulation time], I thought it would be a good way to get off the mark in my first game.

I am feeling confident… and as I pick up fitness, hopefully, I can take that into the new season. I felt good, I felt sharp, I was happy to score the penalty and for the team to win the shootout. It is positive.

I have settled well and felt I trained well in my first few days. I took that into the game today, I was positive on the ball and made sure my touches were good.

Asmir Begovic (£4.0m) completed a hat-trick of debutants who impressed with his shootout heroics, while Lucas Digne (£5.5m) made a welcome return from injury with an hour-long run-out.

The France international understandably was a little short of his best after only just returning to pre-season training but did produce a glorious chance that Moise Kean spurned from six yards.

Everton first-half XI: Begovic, Coleman, Holgate, Godfrey, Digne, Doucoure, Allan, Iwobi, James, Townsend, Kean.

Everton second-half XI: Begovic, Kenny, Holgate (Keane 61), Godfrey (Gibson 73), Digne (Anderson 61), Allan (Gbamin 61), Gomes, Iwobi (Davies 73), Gray, Gordon, Broadhead.

LAS PALMAS 3-2 WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

  • Goals: Ki-Jana Hoever (£4.0m), Morgan Gibbs-White (£4.5m)
  • Assists: Hugo Bueno, Yerson Mosquera (£4.5m)

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Bruno Lage’s attacking 4-4-2 set-up was again on show as Wolves contested their second pre-season friendly in the space of 48 hours.

Raul Jimenez (£7.5m) was rested as Patrick Cutrone and Fabio Silva (£6.0m) were deployed up top, with Rayan Ait-Nouri (£4.5m) used ‘out of position’ on the left wing once more – although there was some fluidity to Lage’s set-up.

It remains to be seen if Ait-Nouri’s FPL appeal is as short-lived as that of Ruben Vinagre 12 months ago, with Adama Traore‘s (£6.0m) return to training and playing likely to be the biggest threat to the youngster’s run-outs further forward.

With Marcal (£4.5m) starting all three pre-season games at left-back, there are no guarantees that Ait-Nouri even nails down a start in the medium term.

But Nelson Semedo (£5.0m) on the opposite wing looks to be prospering in the new set-up, particularly with Francisco Trincao (£6.0m) fond of cutting inside and opening up the right flank to Semedo’s forward runs.

Both Wolves goals were well taken by substitutes Ki-Jana Hoever (£4.0m) and Morgan Gibbs-White (£4.5m), with the latter’s strike set up by a raking long pass from centre-half Yerson Mosquera (£4.5m).

Mosquera impressed at the rear and he was part of a back three in the second half, with Lage switching up his tactics.

The high defensive line is something that needs work on based on the evidence of pre-season and will be of great interest to owners of Leicester City attackers ahead of Gameweek 1.

Wolverhampton Wanderers XI: Sa (Ruddy 46), Semedo (Hoever 46), Mosquera, Saiss (Marques 46), Marcal (Kilman 46), Trincao (Cundle 46), Moutinho (Dendoncker 46), Neves (Gibbs-White 46), Ait-Nouri (Bueno 46), Cutrone (Dadashov 68), Silva (Campbell 68).

497 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Coufal and Dunk or Digne and Fofana?

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

      The former

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

        Agree

    2. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      First one. Solid picks.

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

      Dunk's got a broken toe or something. Not 100% to start.

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

        Sorry, seems okay now. Latest gossip is Spurs linked to him!

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

      Coufal and Dunk, not sure about Fofana’s attacking returns.

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

        I’m sure about them. There aren’t any.

    5. Dogs Of War
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Digne and Fofana.

  2. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    First proper draft. Flirting with going Bruno-less. Thoughts? 0.5 itb.

    Sanchez (Steele)
    TAA Chilwell Shaw (Ayling, White)
    Salah Sancho Havertz Raphina (Brownhill)
    Watkins Antonio Toney

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

      Looks good. Like the Havertz pick.

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        You could also flip Havertz to Mahrez GW2 for the Norwich game

        1. Hart-ake
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Was indeed thinking of that very move!

          1. Meechoo115
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 2 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Yep see my team below. I could copy that flip as well and delay Mahrez (also see how he does in tough first game)

  3. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Which one seems better?

    A: DCL + Brownhill
    B: Toney + ESR

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

      neither
      prefer a 7.5m striker + browneye

      1. Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Already have 2 x 7.5 forwards in Antonio and Watkins. DCL and Toney fighting for the 3rd spot.

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

          Wilson over Toney for me for first 3

    2. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Would you be playing the mid? Or bench fodder? I prefer Toney regardless.

  4. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Gundog 28 goals and 11 assist in last +/- 93 PL games
    whats not to like?

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Kdn not injured this time?

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

        doubt he starts the season.

    2. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      A lot were bunched in that purple patch. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing

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

      If KDB is out he's a good pick.

  5. Meechoo115
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    How does it look??

    Sanchez
    Digne. Chilwl. Trent
    Sancho. Raph. Mahrez. Salah
    Dcl. Toney. Watkins

    4.0. White. Brownhill. Williams

    Fairly templatey I know…

    1. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah, remarkably similar to mine above. Kind of want to wait and see on Everton a bit under Benitez but the fixtures are there for sure.

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Ones which are up for grabs

        A. 7.5 striker
        B. Raph from start
        C. Do havertz mahrez switcharoo
        D. 4.5 defender
        E. Digne or Shaw

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

    Townsend could be a decent shout at 5.5, you know. Yes I'm being serious.

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      No idea how Everton line up though…

      Allan. Doucource. Richarlison. DCL nailed for front six (or five)

      Gray. James. Gomes. Townsend plus anyone they sign fighting for one or two spots

    2. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Too much competition imo. A wait and see.

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

        ESR a far better punt at that price

  7. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this lot?

    Pickford - Steer
    Dias - Shaw - Keane - Young - White
    Salah - Bruno - Son - Buendia - ESR
    Toney - Deeney - Pukki

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Surely you want a Pool defender? I don’t like if I’m being honest

      1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I'm really not keen on overspending for Robbo/TAA.

        1. Meechoo115
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Are they really overspending given their track record ?

        2. Weeb Kakashi
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          In the last 3 seasons KDB leads the assist chart with 34. Guess who are the next 2?
          But ya the points can come from anywhere. But if Pool keep 3-4 cs in the first 6... TAA Robbo owners are laughing.

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

      seems odd that you save on defenders and end up with 3 promoted strikers.

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

      I dont know. That line up seems cheap tbh

    4. LangerznMash
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      No offence Randa but this is one of the worst RMTs I have seen.
      Three forwards all from promoted teams.
      Shaw isn't a good GW1 pick. Young won't start.
      Basically relying on 3 players to haul.

  8. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Sanchez
    TAA Robbo Shaw Digne
    Salah Mahrez Greenwood
    Antonio Wilson Watkins

    Brownhill Ayling Gilmour

    1M ITB. Mahrez>Son/Sancho in GW3

    Thoughts??

    1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Is Sanchez nailed? Pretty template otherwise.

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yes.
        Mahrez Greenwood aint template mate.
        Robbo Digne and Wilson are kinda semi- Template. Rest 6 are fairly Template.

        1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          If Sanchez is nailed, I'm getting him in and saving 0.5...

          1. Meechoo115
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 2 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Why isn’t Sanchez nailed?

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

              he is

    2. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      If I knew Greenwood was nailed I would jump on him over Sancho and Bruno. Guess he should be at the start but you never know. He might rotate with Cavani

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I guess in a starter squad you can go with 2 punts... Or max 3. For me they are Greenwood and Mahrez. Apart from them pretty nailed on players.

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

      Shaw and Digne might not be fit to start the season; Greenwood and Mahrez are rotation risks I don't think your bench is strong enough to cover.

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Digne started yesterday. With Telles out Shaw will start. Anyways id want him from week 2 onwards. Mahrez is just a placeholder for Son in week 3. With Foden Sterling KDB coming late i expect him to start first 2.

      2. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Can do Antonio Mahrez Greenwood to Bruno and 2 6.5 mids.

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

    A few questions, let me know your thoughts please!

    Current defence is:

    TAA, Robertson, Coufal, Ayling and Veltman.

    With TAA, Robbo and Coufal they would have likely been mainstays with the Ayling/Veltman rotation.

    I'm thinking about alleviating some money into my midfield. So what's the thoughts on this:

    TAA, White (Arsenal), Dier, Ayling, Veltman with Ayling/Veltman on rotation and White/Dier on rotation? This would save me 3 million which I could upgrade one/two of my front 8.

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Logic is sound but I don’t like Dier

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

        Personally? Haha.

        Or from a starting in the PL perspective?

        1. Meechoo115
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Haha maybe both

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

      Not sure I'd change. Klopp has mentioned VVD will get some minutes in Thursdays friendly which will only strengthen TAA/Robbo cleanie and attacking points potential

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

      Going from Robbo & Coufal to one of White/Dier and one of Ayling/Veltman is a huge drop off for me.

      I think if you want Robbo then downgrade Coufal to a 4.0 - save's 1.0 - back 3 of TAA, Robbo, Ayling/Veltman.

      If you don't want Robbo Downgrade to a 5.0? Save's 2.0 - and then Coufal, Ayling/Veltman is a strong back up.

      4x 4.5 with constant rotation seems like hard work to me.

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

    Hi

    My first draft, what do you think?

    GKP: Bachmann (Foster)
    DEF: Alexander-Arnold, Shaw, White (Ayling) (Ait Nouri)
    MID: Raphinha, Buendía, Salah, Sancho, Mahrez
    FWD: Watkins, Iheanacho (Davis)

    I have 1.5 ITB, was thinking maybe upgrading Ayling or Ait Nouri to Chilwell?

    Thanks

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

      Looks good. Not 100% convinced Raphina is worth the money in the 1st few GWs

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

      Solid team. Few comments;

      1) With 1.5 in the bank why don't you upgrade Davis to Toney, least he's playing?
      2) Ait Nouri is a bit of a risk in terms of long term
      3) Check on Shaw's fitness, should be good hopefully but AWB can be a backup for the same price
      4) Are you perma-captaining Salah then?

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Sancho and maybe Mahrez can be captained

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

          True, depends if Sancho hits the ground running. I'm fixated on Kane/KDB/Salah/Bruno being my only captain choices which - of course, it won't turn out like that.

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

        Problem is Toney is 6.5m so I am 0.5m short for the upgrade.
        I was not thinking of any perma captains to be honest.

        Plan was to move Mahrez on after 3 games to perhaps Son.

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

      I think if you upgrade Ayling/Ait-Nouri to Chilwell then you should downgrade the other to a 4.0.
      TAA, Shaw, Chilwell, White is a super strong 4.

      Having said that I like the Ait Nouri punt - maybe he doesn't end up playing in the midfield, but if he does you're ahead of the curve with a potential breakout player.

      I wonder is Buendia & Raphinha could become ESR & 7.5 - not sure who to pick out of the 7.5s myself though.

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

        Yeah i love that defense too. I would be hard pressed to decide between the Chilwell upgrade and the Toney upgrade. Gut says the Chelsea man is better.

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

        I always wanted Raph in my team, but the first 4 fixtures are tough. So perhaps could swap for ESR for the time being.

        I am also trying to give me options if the Kane move happens 🙂

    4. Water_Pink
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Heard Davis is going stoke

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

        Damn, did not hear about that. This could cause a problem with my finances and team set up as it is.

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

          Obafemi in?

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

            Yeah that could be an option, thanks

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

    Second question.

    A) Martinez + Foster
    B) Henderson/DDG + 4.5 Keeper (I'll have to look to see if fixtures line up nicely, else likely Sanchez)

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

      A

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

      A, that's already a lot more value tied up versus most teams

    3. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Surely you don’t need a 4.5 second keeper if go Henderson

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

      Both combinations are actually 9.5.

      In Hendo's case the back up was there in case DDG takes the spot.

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        If DDG takes the spot you sell Henderson simple. They won’t share minutes. And it should be clear before season starts

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

          It may be clear before the season starts but it won't be clear if Henderson makes a few mistakes.

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

          Careful there dude:

          Final 5 league games:

          Aston Villa - Henderson
          Leicester - DDG
          Liverpool - Henderson
          Fulham - DDG
          Wolves - Henderson

          GW10-14

          Southampton - DDG
          West Ham - Henderson
          Man City - DDG
          Sheffield Utd - Henderson
          Leeds - DDG

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

            Yeah that's certainly enough to put me off but even if Henderson was nailed I don't see the appeal when you can get Shaw's attacking threat for 0.5 more.

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

              Plus all being well with the Utd defence adding Varane - whoever is in GK will be making even less saves

  12. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    A) Sanchez, Buendia, Harrison, Wilson
    B) Sanchez, Jota, Harrison, Toney
    C) Henderson, Buendia, Raphinha, Toney

    Rest of Team:

    X
    TAA, Digne, Shaw
    Salah, Fernandes, X, X
    Watkins, Antonio, X

    (Foster, Brownhill, White, Ayling)

    Cheers

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

      A

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers

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

      Probably A, but I'm not sold on Harrison

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers - how come? Was awesome last season

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

          Just within the 6.5 bracket there are some good options. Saka, Buendia, ESR, Bowe, Raphina.

          Just an opinion though, if your gut is saying Harrison go for it!

          1. Catastrophe
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Cheers, definitely have my eye on ESR from GW4. Already have Buendia and you'd think Sala could be eased in. Like Raphinha but not sure he's worth 0.5m than Harrison. Time will tell! Cheers

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

      C

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

    My first RMT in a very long time.

    Sanchez-Foster
    TAA-Shaw-Digne-(Ayling-Ait-Nouri)
    Bruno-Salah-Buendia-ESR-Mount
    Antonio-DCL-(Obafemi)

    0.0 itb

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

      Never convinced on Mount. Looks good otherwise

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Agreed. And ESR you need to see if nailed. Personally going Sancho over Bruno and strengthening elsewhere.

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

          I'm considering downgrading Bruno for Sancho but don't want too many new faces in the PL in my team at the start.

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

          I get the impression Arteta is almost all in on ESR, as in, he'll start 90% of league fixtures. Unless he just bottles it and plays badly.

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

      Like most the Buendia/ESR/Mount combo is the question - really a case of people choosing what they like - not going to argue against yours.

      Interesting that Ait-Nouri is becoming the replacement for Lamptey as the 5th defender for plenty of folks.

  14. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this light bench team?

    Bachmann
    TAA Chilwell Shaw Ayling
    Salah Bruno Son Raphinha
    Watkins Toney
    4m Brownhill Obafemi 4m

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Lovely team. But risky up top. You may need to downgrade one of the mids fast to fix if front two flop

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

      I like it. Maybe worth downgrading Shaw to Coufal and get a 5th playing defender if going 4 at the back.

    3. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Bench is weak

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I'd prefer less money in defense in favour of a 3rd playing striker but that's just me.

  15. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Alright, y'all have convinced me:

    Sanchez
    TAA - Robbo - Keane - Young
    Salah - Bruno - Son - Buendia
    Toney - Pukki

    Steele, Gilmour, White, Davis

    If White makes the move to Arsenal, could start in place of Pukki. One of Young or Buendia might move.

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Means you have to start Pukki in two worst possible fixtures. Not sure Young nailed btw

      1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, I'm not really worried about starting Pukki. He's been known to pop up with a goal in a match in which he has no business scoring on paper. Young, on the other hand, might be a 5.0 redundancy, so him I'll have a separate think about.

        1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Dropping Son can turn Pukki to one of Rich/DCL and Young to basically anyone.

        2. Meechoo115
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Young a weird one. Surely villa wouldn’t spend those wages for a cheerleader. But Targett and Cash performed brilliantly so would be harsh to dump

          1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Could be an impactful rotation player, so valid concerns over his playing time.

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

            Would be interesting if he was OOP as a winger but can't really see that with Buendia, El Ghazi and Traore there.

            1. Meechoo115
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 2 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              And Grealish! And maybe Watkins if Tammy joins

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

      This looks pretty good. If Pukki can at least replicate what he did last time, that’s not bad for a 6M striker.

  16. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Is Mitchell a decent option? PVA off to Galatasaray

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Palace awful fixtures

  17. Meechoo115
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Lot of love for Ait Nouri

    A. How nailed is he
    B. Is he playing in an attacking position ?

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

      all preseason he's been at left-mid in a 4-3-3.

      but they don't have their full midfield available.
      and i don't know that he's had an attacking returns in that spot.

      but there's potential there - hard to know what will happen when the full squad is available.

  18. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Hello all, thoughts?

    Sanchez
    Chillwell Shaw TAA Digne
    Buendia Bruno Salah Mahrez
    Toney/Tammy Watkins.

    Foster,Brownhill, 4.0, Obafemi.

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Fantastic. BUT…I would get Sancho over Bruno and improve the attack. If you want Bruno then that team is all good

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks bro. The only way Bruno is going is if Kane goes to City

        1. Meechoo115
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          That would look better! Kane for Toney and Harrison in mid

  19. Moxon
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Meslier and Bamford overlooked. Two fixture-proof players in my eyes

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Meslier definitely. If I wasn’t fixated on a 4.5 I would be all over him. And probably should be

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

      Bamford got the exact same number of goals and assists as Son

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

      Meslier is in my team right now.
      Back and forth on Sanchez and him.

      I don't like Leeds fixture early so not going with any attackers - but I'm sure i'll have some at one point.

  20. Meechoo115
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Interesting how the templates in the past week have gone from Trent plus bunch of 4.5 in defence. To a very heavy defence

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

      Hard to resist so many good choices, especially if you have a 2x premium midfield, and an economic frontline of almost completely nailed on forwards. It seems like a fine strategy.

    2. Lanley Staurel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I have literally done just that lol

    3. Club-De-Belon
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      26.5 worth of defence in my team. Happily avoiding new trend.

      1. Club-De-Belon
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        But I've just changed Coufal to Castagne so true, we are keen to go heavier there!

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

    I have Henderson in my draft. Will he nail the numero uno spot down or will he rotate with DDG?

    Could go Sanchez and save the 0.5m.

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I heard somewhere he is confirmed as #1

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

        Bargain at 5.0 if that's the case, cheers.

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Confirmed as number 1. DDG should get plenty of game time in the cups

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

        Cheers!

  22. Mario Balofail
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Are we(those who really want to play Sancho) sure he will sustain the PL "intensity"? At first, it's been a great pick but now I am a little bit worried. Any insights?

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

      Wait and see. Would rather get Son for 0.5m.

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

        Same. For a player who has never put his boots on a PL pitch, it's just too risky for my blood. Cue incoming brace vs Leeds of course.

    2. Lanley Staurel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Im in the wait and see camp. Simple transfer if he settles in.

    3. Mario Balofail
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks guys for your input

  23. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    How many days before the opening game should I sit down spend some hours and build my team?

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

      30 mins and you should probably beat us over-tinkerers

      1. Club-De-Belon
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Agreed

  24. squ1rrel
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    How do I spend the remaining 1.0? Do I just keep it for flexibility?

    Meslier - Foster
    TAA - Shaw - White - Veltman - Omo
    Bruno - Salah - Barnes - Raph - Buendia
    Antonio - Watkins - Obafemi

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

      Barnes might not be fit to start so perhaps change him

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

      give it to me!

  25. smix
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Going safe for now ! Mahrez the only miss but he’s too prone to rotation. Hoping for Toney to get going in thePL in right earnest too!

    Bachman
    TAA / White / Coufal
    Salah / Bruno / Havertz / Raphina
    Toney / Antonio / Watkins

    Foster / Ayling / AitNouri / Brownhill

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Great. I would downgrade a defender to a nailed 4.0 and have 0.5 ready for Havertz to Mahrez for GW2

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

    Like many, I'd ideally like to have Salah, Bruno, Son and Trent. The 4-4-2 drafts with that cohort have looked better (to my eye) than other formations.

    May start with a 3-4-3 (Toney and two 7.5s up top; Raph and Buendia alongside Mo and Bruno in mid) + 0.5 ITB, and evaluate 7.5 > fodder + Buendia > Son) after 2-3 weeks.

    1. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Bruno + Buendia > Sancho + Mahrez ?
      Went that way

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

        I'm not brave enough to punt on Sancho yet. Mahrez has a great chance to be a terrific pick early, but I see Peptation catching him ere long (Grealish to take up yet another spot in the attack, FFS!).

        Would love to see some of the under 10 mids prove themselves, as I feel like having two 6.5s is also unlikely to be viable long term.

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

      This is my exact conundrum. I basically like my main team and the last major decision i have is to Son or not to Son. I am on the 'Bruno is almost essential train', and Son seems almost fixture proof to me. Problem is, i don't like the hoops i have to jump through for both Son AND Trent. It doesn't have the right balance when i try wedge them both in, and i love the idea of a robust defense with some cash splashed. And the 4-4-2 seems like the most likely path?

  27. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Have feeling Son will do better than Bruno/KDB/Mane at 12M and pretty good for (C) with double digit hauls.

    Salah + Son for (C)

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

    and back to bruno

    henderson
    trent/fofana/robbo
    ESR/salah/tella/bruno
    toney/wilson/watkins

    foster/coufal/raphina/manquillo

  29. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    RMT please

    4.5 /4.0
    7.5 /5.5 /5.5/ 4.5 /4.0
    12.5/ 8.5/ 12.0/ 5.5/ 4.5
    7.5/ 6.5/ 7.5

    Thanks.

    1. squ1rrel
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      havertz questionable

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        🙂

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

      Awful

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        🙁

    3. Club-De-Belon
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Sanchez Steele
      TAA Shaw Digne Ayling Manguilo
      Salag Havertz Bruno ESM Gilmour
      Watkins Toney Nacho ??

      1. Club-De-Belon
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        PS : I see into your soul

  30. Alexis Nonsense
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Is Buendia winger or nr. 10 ?

    Just wonder which of Traore / El Ghazi etc. who's more likely to play

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

      He played one game on the right wing and one in the hole.

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

      Buendia will replace Grealish

      1. Club-De-Belon
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Is Grealish going to vaporize or?

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

        Couldn't they have Buendia as a 10 with Grealish usually out left?

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

          Yup if Grealish stays