Scout Notes

Son, Gray and Digne among eye-catching FPL assets in latest pre-season friendlies

We run the rule over six pre-season friendlies involving Premier League clubs on Wednesday, picking out the main talking points on the field and off it.

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

MK DONS 1-3 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

  • Goal: Son Heung-min (£10.0m), Dele Alli (£6.5m), Lucas Moura (£6.5m)
  • Assist: Lucas, Son

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Son Heung-min‘s (£10.0m) positive start to pre-season continued at MK Dons, with the South Korea international bagging a goal and assist at the Football League outfit.

We probably hadn’t expected Spurs to improve too much on their attacking output under Nuno Espirito Santo, latterly known for a more reserved style at Wolves, but the signs have been encouraging so far, even if the opposition has been limited ahead of Gameweek 1.

Son, Lucas Moura (£6.5m) and Steven Bergwijn (£6.0m) formed a dynamic front three at Stadium MK, with the Korean playing as the spearhead in Harry Kane‘s (£12.5m) absence and getting himself into a number of threatening positions.

A blazed shot from six yards preceded his dinked opener from a Lucas Moura pass, with another chipped opportunity later going begging.

Son had also been in excellent positions for a tap-in when Sergio Reguilon (£5.0m) and Dele Alli (£6.5m) saw the whites of the goalkeepers’ eyes, only for both opportunities to go begging.

Son said after the game:

I have said it before, it is an honour to play for this big club and I just want to continue.

I have one wish, for the fans to keep supporting us, we will work as hard as possible to make you happy. We have missed them.

I have only played two games in pre-season but it has been really positive. It is only pre-season but the energy is there, the positivity is there.

Alli is one for the FPL watchlist at his bargain price, too, even if his duties do involve dropping a bit deeper into central midfield.

Still, he was advanced enough to tap in Son’s pass to make it 2-0 and ought to have had a second when dallying in front of goal.

Matt Doherty (£5.0m) made his first appearance of pre-season under his former boss, although was an orthodox right-back rather than the gallivanting wing-back of his Wolves days.

Spurs XI: Whiteman, Doherty (Paskotsi 64), Carter-Vickers, Tanganga (Fagan-Walcott 86), Reguilon (Davies 64), John, Skipp (Omole 77), Dele (White 82), Lucas (Clarke 82), Bergwijn (Parrott 82), Son (Scarlett 77).

MANCHESTER UNITED 2-2 BRENTFORD

  • Goal: Anthony Elanga, Andreas Pereira | Shandon Baptiste, Bryan Mbeumo (£5.5m)
  • Assist: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.5m)| Ivan Toney (£6.5m), Fin Stevens

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Another under-strength Manchester United team drew 2-2 with Brentford at Old Trafford in a game full of memorable goals.

The likes of Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m), Luke Shaw (£5.5m) and Jadon Sancho (£9.5m) were all again absent thanks to their post-EURO 2020 breaks and none of them look likely to be heavily involved at Preston on Saturday, which leaves only a warm-up game against Everton on August 7 as the one remaining chance for match-fitness building.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said:

It might be too soon [for the returning international players against Preston on Saturday], maybe one or two sub appearances. Maybe we can start Diogo and Donny as I said before the game, so let’s see how the other boys who have come back feel on Friday night, Saturday morning.

It’s a difficult question to answer. Yes, the boys who have been here are working hard and we can see the benefit they’re getting but there are still players away so you don’t really know how they are, how much they’ve worked.

Every year when there’s an [international] championship it’s a difficult summer but we’ll work with the players when they come back.

Anthony Elanga and Andreas Pereira scored humdingers for the hosts, with one of the only first-team regulars on show, Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.5m), setting up the opener.

Wan-Bissaka, maligned for his attacking attributes in the past, did catch the eye going forward, almost getting on the end of a cross from the left himself early on.

Ivan Toney (£6.5m), now only the second most-owned FPL forward in the game, claimed the flicked assist for Shandon Baptiste‘s superb first equaliser before the returning Bryan Mbeumo (£5.5m), back after missing the last two pre-season friendlies, curled home to restore parity.

Mbeumo was stationed on the right of Thomas Frank’s 4-2-3-1 upon his introduction and was also responsible for a direct free-kick late in the game.

Also operating on the right flank, at least initially, was Mason Greenwood (£7.5m), with Elanga deployed up top.

With Edinson Cavani (£8.5m) back soon and Sancho potentially poised to cover for Marcus Rashford (£9.5m) on the left flank in Gameweek 1, a right-wing berth does look probable for Greenwood against Leeds on the opening weekend.

Manchester United XI: Heaton, Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mengi, Williams (Dalot 45), Pereira (Garner 61), Matic (Hannibal 75), Greenwood (Shoretire 75), Mata (Pellistri 61), Lingard (van de Beek 75), Elanga (James 61).

Brentford XI: Raya, Roerslev (Stevens 75), Goode (Racic 75), Pinnock (Sørensen 61), Thompson (Gordon 75), Baptiste (Peart-Harris 75), Janelt (Valencia 75), Fosu (Mbeumo 61), Haygarth (Onyeka 61), Canós (Dervişoğlu 75), Toney (Forss 75).

EVERTON 1-0 PUMAS

  • Goal: Moise Kean
  • Assist: None

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Everton’s summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen, Demarai Gray (£5.5m), continues to impress in pre-season.

Operating initially off the left flank of a 4-2-3-1 in Everton’s 1-0 win over Pumas but switching wings with Andros Townsend (£5.5m) throughout, Gray was arguably the pick of the Toffees as their stay in America came to an end.

The assist column might say ‘none’ but Everton’s only goal was created by Gray, who set Moise Kean through on goal – the former PSG loanee finishing at the second attempt after seeing a shot saved.

Lucas Digne (£5.5m) caught the eye with his forward runs and set-piece duties, and the importance that Rafael Benitez places on crossing, with one eye on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s (£8.0m) return, is becoming obvious.

Digne had some positive words to say about his own fitness after the match, and the meticulous tactical approach of his manager:

I feel very well, I worked very hard during my holidays, with my team, and now you can see I am 100 per cent. I am behind the team and I will give everything for the team.

He is a very good manager, everybody knows him. We have to adapt ourselves to his style, which is different, and every player has to give their best for the team. We are doing a lot of video, a lot of tactical work. I think it is good for the team.

Benitez paid tribute to his new side after the game:

I would say the attitude of the players [is the most pleasing element of pre-season]. The way that we want to play, they have been trying to put in place in the games. 

It’s too early [for everything to be implemented] but it was quite positive. There are a lot of patterns that we could see and the communication and understanding between the players was quite good.

Everton XI: Begovic (Virginia 46), Coleman (Kenny 46), Godfrey (Holgate 46), Keane (Gibson 71), Digne (Anderson 71), Davies (Allan 46), Gomes (Doucouré 46), Iwobi (Rodriguez 46), Townsend (Gordon 46), Gray (Gbamin 46), Kean (Broadhead 46 (Whitaker 81)).

BLACKBURN ROVERS 1-1 LEEDS UNITED

  • Goals: Pascal Struijk (£4.5m)
  • Assist: Jack Harrison (£6.0m)

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

There were positives aplenty as Leeds United’s regulars got their first pre-sesaon outing at Blackburn Rovers.

Raphinha (£6.5m) slipped straight back into threatening mode down the right flank of Marcelo Bielsa’s 4-1-4-1, while Jack Harrison (£6.0m) on the opposite wing also caught the eye.

Debutant Junior Firpo (£5.0m) showed attacking promise at left-back, if looking a little raw, while Pascal Struijk (£4.5m) was a real menace at set plays and grabbed Leeds’ only goal of the game with a late deflected effort.

There were a couple of interesting positional choices to note, although such is the versatility of a number of Bielsa’s squad that none of them should really come as a surprise.

A success story was Jamie Shackleton (£4.5m) at right-back, with Luke Ayling (£4.5m) only brought on later in the game.

Robin Koch (£4.5m) was comfortable as the midfield anchor, meanwhile, but an experimental run-out for Helder Costa (£5.5m) up front won’t give Patrick Bamford (£8.0m) any concerns for his place.

The newly reclassified Stuart Dallas (£5.5m) was used as left-back upon his introduction, while Rodrigo (£6.5m) was back in the number 10 role after a late-season stint up top in 2020/21.

Leeds XI: Meslier, Shackleton, Struijk, Llorente (Ayling 45’), Firpo (Dallas 61), Koch, Raphinha (Roberts 61’), ,Klich, Rodrigo (Greenwood 61’), Harrison, Costa.

WYCOMBE WANDERERS 1-0 LEICESTER CITY

MATCH REPLAY

Brendan Rodgers continues to experiment with a 4-4-2 in pre-season but Leicester City are still yet to score in three hours of football this summer.

The Foxes boss sent two different XIs out in either half at Wycombe, initially pairing Patson Daka (£7.5m) with Jamie Vardy (£10.5m) up top.

Daka was better than he had been at Burton but the seemingly good news for Kelechi Iheanacho (£7.5m) owners is that the new Zambian signing looks like he will need time to get up to speed in his new surroundings.

Second-half substitute Iheanacho, deployed in attack with a sharp-looking James Maddison (£7.0m) playing just off him, was perhaps a little rusty himself but at least did get opportunities, firing narrowly wide ten minutes into the second half.

Maddison had been plagued by a nagging hip problem towards the end of last season but caught the eye, saying of his fitness ahead of the game:

I’m feeling really good. Pre-season’s obviously always a tough period in terms of physically, but [I feel] good. When you have the break – and we had quite a long break – from the last game of the season to the first day back, you need that break.

You get that hunger back, the motivation to come back, and you come back ready and raring to go. It’s been a good break, I’m feeling really good personally. Training’s been really good. The lads look in good condition. I’m really enjoying it.

For prospective owners of Wesley Fofana (£4.5m), the Leicester Mercury report that Jonny Evans (£5.5m) is only at the ‘gym work’ stage of his recovery along with Papy Mendy (£4.5m) and Timothy Castagne (£5.5m).

Ryan Bertrand (£5.0m) is expected to feature at QPR this weekend after missing Wednesday’s defeat to Wycombe with a slight muscle strain, while Harvey Barnes (£7.0m) and Ayoze Perez (£6.0m) are back in training.

Leicester City XI: Iversen (Stolarczyk 46), Ricardo (Amartey 46), Fofana (Nelson 46), Söyüncü (Benković 46), Thomas (Sowah 46), Ghezzal (Albrighton 46), Ndidi (Dewsbury-Hall 46), Soumaré (Choudhary 46), Maswanhise (Suengchitthawon 46), Daka (Maddison 46), Vardy (Iheanacho 46)

ARSENAL 4-1 WATFORD

  • Goals: Eddie Nketiah (£5.5m), Alexandre Lacazatte (£8.5m) pen, Kieran Tierney (£5.0m), Miguel Azeez | Philip Zinckernagel (£5.5m)
  • Assist: Willian (£6.5m), Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£5.5m), Nicolas Pepe (£7.5m) | None

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

A training ground friendly between Arsenal and Watford went the way of the Gunners on Wednesday.

Curling efforts from Eddie Nketiah (£6.5m) and Miguel Azeez were sandwiched by an Alexandre Lacazette (£8.5m) penalty and a Kieran Tierney (£5.0m) tap-in, with gloss added to the scoreline when Watford’s youngsters and second-string players were thrown into the fray.

Lacazette’s spot-kick came with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.0m) off the pitch but Nicolas Pepe (£7.5m) on it, while Emile Smith Rowe (£5.5m) provided the telling cross that led to Tierney bundling the ball in from close range.

Philip Zinckernagel (£5.5m) lashed home at the second attempt to briefly restore parity for the Hornets, who continue to hand minutes not just to all of their squad members but trialists too.

Arsenal XI: Leno, Cedric, Chambers, Mari, Tavares, Lokonga, Elneny, Nelson, Willian, Nketiah, Aubameyang

Substitutes: Runarsson (for Leno 46), Bellerin (for Cedric 46), Holding (for Chambers 46), Tierney (for Tavares 46), Partey (for Elneny 46), Pepe (for Nelson 46), Lacazette (for Aubameyang 46), Kolasinac (for Mari 64), Azeez (for Lokonga 64), Smith Rowe (for Willian 64), Maitland-Niles (for Nketiah 64)

Watford XI: Bachmann (Elliot 65), Ngakia (Trialist 80), Kabasele (Agyakwa 80), Cathcart (Abbott 55), Masina (Trialist 65), Etebo (Wise 65), Louza (Lo-Everton 65), Zinckernagel (Gosling 45), Sarr (Baah 65), Dennis (Crichlow 45), King (Fletcher 45)

172 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Collie01
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Herta 3-2 Liverpool. Jovetic. Great assist by the winger there.

  2. The Mighty One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    If Grealish goes to City then I instantly drop Watson & Buendia for Antonio & Harrison.

    (Or maybe Torres & Abraham if Tammy moves.)

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

      I just drop Buendia in latest draft after Grealish news

    2. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      What's the reasoning? If anything it makes me more keen on Buendia as he'll become the main creative focal point for Villa.

  3. Collie01
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    VVD and Gomez incoming.

  4. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    A. Digne+Toney or
    B. White+Iheanacho ?

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

      A. I’m starting to be convinced by Toney after being on Barnes/Nacho

  5. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Jovetic just made a fool of Van Dijk 😆

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Sat Robertson down too

  6. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Think I'm going to invest an extra £0.5m in my bench.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58018041

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

      This again 🙁 need to refurbish the bench

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

      How many PL clubs is that now, 3? Arsenal earlier in the week, now Norwich and ManUtd. Food for thought certainly so close to the new season start

  7. The Sociologist
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Just doesn’t look right without Son in the draft… anyone managed a decent TAA/Salah/Bruno/Son team?

    1. The Sociologist
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Here’s my first go (playing a 3-5-2 most weeks)…

      Bachmann / Foster
      TAA / Digne / Coufal / Veltman / Hoever
      Salah / Bruno / Son / Buendia (or Raphinia) / ESR
      Watkins / Toney

    2. Veggente85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I'm worried to lose value on Son after a GW1 blank because everybody and his dog will sell him to fund the heavy hitter that will go in double figures...

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

        You won't lose value, he will score

      2. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Bring him in in he 2 then 😉

      3. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Remember Son last season?

        His price yo-yoed most the season. If it drops it will rise again when he bangs.

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

      Agreed

      Sanchez
      Trent Digne Shaw White
      Salah Bruno Son Raphinha
      Watkins Toney

      (4 Dier Brownhill 4.5)

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

        Similar to mine.
        White to Coufal, and Rapha to ESR

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

          Original was Cresswell + ESR but not confident with ESR really

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

      4.5 l 4
      TAA l 4x4.5s
      Salah l Bruno l son l 6:5 l 6.0
      7.5 l Toney l 4.5

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

        4-4-2 probably better though with the 5.5/5.0s available

  8. Geordie19
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Tough decision but:
    Robbo and Hayden 4-3-3
    Or
    Ayling and Jota 3-4-3
    Thanks!

  9. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    How’s this looking? Full strong bench due to Covid and all that.

    Sanchez
    Trent, Vvd(if ready), Shaw, Tierney
    Salah, Sancho, Smith Rowe
    Cavani, Watkins, Antonio

    4, Raphina, Reguillon, Brownhill

    Plan to play 433 with Ars/Tot defenders and mids rotating?

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Cavani is tempting.

  10. pablo discobar
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Covid starting to cause carnage. Isolation requirements end 16th August though

    1. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Are most PL players not double jabbed by now? Surely that should mitigate things this season in a way that wasn't possible last year.

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        You can still carry the virus if your vaccinated so you would still have to isolate. Just means thankfully you won’t get too sick.

        1. Do I Not Like Orange
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Was just thinking for the PL training bubbles and the like. If players are fully vaccinated & tested regularly there should be less blanket policies on isolation in pro sports (assuming they aren't ill, and also that they behave responsibly outside that sporting bubble).

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

    Fairly settled on this draft for now

    Bachman
    Robbo Digne Veltman
    Salah Bruno Mahrez Rafinha
    Watkins Antonio Toney

    Foster Ayling brownhill Omo

    1. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Very nice.

      I’ll always be nervous about Pep Roulette where Mahrez is concerned!

  12. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Sanchez - Bachmann

    TAA - Shaw - Digne - Fofana - White

    Salah - Bruno - Dele - Sarr - Bissouma

    DCL - Watkins - Toney

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

      Like it! Prefer Bamford over DCL personally, despite fixtures

    2. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Nice. Rotating keepers has never worked for me mind. I think Alli is a good choice actually.

  13. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    However much tinkering I do, I always come back to this squad....any issues here? Thanks

    Sanchez
    Taa robbo shaw ayling 4m
    Salah Bruno buendia sarr brownhill
    Watkins antonio toney

    Thanks

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I had pretty much an identical draft not long ago. I like it.

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

        Cheers....

  14. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    How’s thi?
    Sanchez
    TAA, AWB,Digne,Chilwell
    Salah,Son,Sancho,Gray
    Watkins,Tony

    Steele,Raphinia,Llorente,Obefami.

    1. excellor8
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Like it apart from Chilwell, Coufal instead? I also like the look of gray at everton, just put him in as a differential.

  15. shapply
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    So, here we are atm:

    Sanchez (Foster)
    TAA, Cresswell, AWB (Hoever, Omobamidele)
    Salah, Gray, Mahrez, Fernandes (Brownhill)
    Watkins, Toney, Antonio

    of course there is an option to go with Coufal + 4.5 def. And I still don't trust Mahrez

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Like it. I have Gray as well.
      He’s impressed i his first two games but I wouldn’t be comfortable having him with that bench.

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

        yeah, true, that's why I'm thinking of Cress -> Coufal and then Omobamidele -> 4.5
        I can downgrade AWB as well

        1. The 12th Man
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Just Cresswell > Coufal should do it.

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

    Mini-League & Cup Codes: aoczuh & 1b3ppt

  17. Walter White (WW)
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Leeds conceded the most pens last season if I’m not mistaken.

    Expecting that inevitable Bruno pen on match day 1

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Meslier save.

      1. Walter White (WW)
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Oh it was even Spurs, Leeds 2nd on the list. Utd with the most pens for.

        Bruno will surely smash it in

    2. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Possibly. I’m a united fan and love Bruno but he did have a dip near the end of last season and followed it up with a poor Euros.he was knackered looking. I’m actually talking myself into going without to begin with. Still have 3 United.

      1. Walter White (WW)
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I made a draft without Bruno but it just seemed wrong. Had to bring Bruno back in.

        Drop in form at the latter stage of last season but this is a new season

        1. Paqueta Rice
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah I have had him nailed for so long but starting to sway away

  18. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    I made a few tweaks on my team basically because I did Townsend in and Trossard out. Enabled me to strengthen my back three with strong 5.0m players.

    Like others above I looked at Gray. But his end product is terrible - a bit like a weedier Traore from Wolves.

    Townsend on the other hand seems to be a much better crosser of the ball ideal for Everton on DCL's noggin.

    https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-rafa-benitez-transfers-line-21098534

    From the article linked above:

    "Andros Townsend will arrive from Crystal Palace having scored once and laid on five assists in the Premier League throughout the 2020/21 season.

    Everton will need him to provide his creative ability from one flank, as Whoscored statistics reveal he had the most accurate crosses of anyone to take 25 or more in the top division last term."

    --

    So now I have ended up with

    Bachmann
    Robertson - Tierney - Dunk (Shaw - Ayling)
    --
    Townsend - Sancho - Salah - Buendia (Brownhill)
    --
    Vardy - Watkins - DCL

    --

    I remember one fpl season I was all set to go Naismith for everton. He was about 5/5.5 unfashionable player but capable 'on his day'. I was dissuaded not to on this site and he started off great. It still annoys me I did not go for him even now.
    I am hoping the signs are Townsend is likely to start. If so this time I will stick to my guns.

    1. The Strokes
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Are we sure Townsend will be nailed?
      I don't really like the Vardy pick, too expensive imo
      I was thinking of Bachmann but Watford friendlies don't scream CS eventhough it's only friendlies ...
      But I like the other picks.

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks for the input
        I get the impression Townsend could start most games I would take 2/3 as he is a Rafa favourite. Plus Rafa seems to like those experienced professional types. It is just my gut feeling. Gray is the same price but he is very inconistent in the final third. I am wondering if Rafa will have him more as an impact player.
        I could be completely wrong of course. As for Watford they had a decent denfesive record in the championship. Even so there is the potential of save points if they are no as defensively sound. A keeper like Watfords who sit back can get 3/4 points even if they do not get a clean sheet. I would be happy enough with that.

        I have changed it slightly since and got Son in for Sancho as Son seems to be on real form plus he gives that other captaincy option gw3 ironically against Watford! 😀
        Plus I am not sure if Sancho will start the season he is likely to be eased in I would say - same with Shaw
        I got rid of Shaw and got Regullion and also went TAA instead of Robertson and Webster instead of Dunk.

  19. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Please RMt.. Sanchez - foster
    Shaw - fofana - TAA - manq - white
    Salah - BRUNO - ESr -raph - jota
    Toney - nacho - Watkins

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Bar Jota similar to many teams on here. So if they do well you will too. A 6.5m or less instead of Jota could mean an upgrade for Toney or Fofana.

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks - Yeh I could go jota to buendia and then Toney to Antonio or fofana to tierney/ reg

        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          I am not saying Jota is bad pick by the way. It depends if you are willing to put up with the odd 1 pointer or no show etc.

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

      It’s more money on the bench than I would prefer although that does Avert the risk of the unpredictability of the first GW I suppose.

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks Bench white, raph & manquilo

    3. The Strokes
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I like it !
      To start the season I'm also going with Jota hoping that a late return of Fiminho means a lots of minutes for Jota to start with.
      When Liverpool will more settled than I might switch from Jota to Robbo.

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks the strokes I agree jota good short term

  20. KieraninChina
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Sanchez (4.0)
    TAA XXX Shaw Digne Williams
    Salah XXX XXX. Maddison Buendia
    Antonio Watkins 4.5

    A) Dias Sancho Raphina
    B) Robertson Bruno 4.5

    Been stuck on this one going back and forth.

    Any thoughts?

    1. Pops15
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I would lean toward B due to the uncertainty around Sancho being available gw1. If could also drop Robbo to a 5.0 like Coufal or Dunk and fill that mid spot with Rafinha or say a Sarr at 6.0

    2. The Strokes
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I prefer B but B is more of WC team when you are sure of who plays, to start the season I don't think I would dare such a weak bench.

  21. The Strokes
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Sanchez
    TAA - Shaw - Digne - Tierney
    Salah - Son - Jota
    Cavani - Watkins - Antonio

    Begovic – Dier – ESR - Brownhill

  22. Jambo82
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Must change every day but here’s my current

    Martinez/Bachmann

    RAN Shaw Fofana Veltman Robbo

    Salah Dallas Bruno Gilmour Bissouma

    Kane Toney Pukki

  23. Hiddenpaw
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Was really keen on Sancho but seems Son will be a better option initially.
    A) Sancho
    B) Son
    Current team:
    Bach Foster
    Dinge Coufal Shaw Ayling White
    Bruno Sancho Salah Raph Gilmour
    Antonio Watkins Toney

  24. Ehubbs
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    How certain is Jota starting the first few gameweeks because of Firmino's involvement at the Copa America?