Scout Notes

Raphinha and Ayling injury latest as Saint-Maximin keeps up fine FPL form

We begin our Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek 5 Scout Notes with analysis of Newcastle United v Leeds United.

NEWCASTLE UNITED 1-1 LEEDS UNITED

  • Goals: Allan Saint-Maximin (£6.6m) | Raphinha (£6.5m)
  • Assists: Joelinton (£5.8m) | Patrick Bamford (£7.9m)
  • Bonus points: Karl Darlow (£4.5m) x3, Saint-Maximin x2, Raphinha x1

Gameweek 5 got off to an entertaining start as Newcastle United and Leeds United shared a point at St. James’ Park.

With two shaky defences on show, it was a predictably open-game which saw a combined 38 attempts on goal, with Allan Saint-Maximin’s (£6.6m) equaliser cancelling out Raphinha’s (£6.5m) opener.

LIVELY SAINT-MAXIMIN

If anyone was going to score for Newcastle, it was always going to be Saint-Maximin, who dug out a low shot across the face of the goal to equalise just before half-time.

Leading the line in the absence of Callum Wilson (£7.4m), the Frenchman was electric throughout, ending the match with five goal attempts and eight FPL points.

Often ridiculed for his lack of end product, Saint-Maximin has now returned in four of the opening five Gameweeks, with two goals, two assists and four bonus points during that time. And with Watford (a), Wolverhampton Wanderers (a), Tottenham Hotspur (h) and Crystal Palace (a) up next, his FPL ownership – which currently sits at 8.8% – will surely be into double figures by the time Gameweek 6 arrives.

Matt Ritchie (£5.0m) also impressed from a Fantasy perspective. Having started as a wing-back, he later shifted into a back four but still found himself in some promising positions and came close to scoring as he rattled the post. He also registered seven crosses, created two chances and took some set-pieces.

Defensively, the league’s worst defence so far this season left plenty of gaps, and as result, conceded 21 shots to Leeds. That meant that the returning Karl Darlow (£4.5m) was kept busy, as he registered an eight-point haul despite conceding, thanks to nine saves and three bonus points.

Newcastle United’s shots conceded map v Leeds United in Gameweek 5

RAPHINHA AND BAMFORD DELIVER ATTACKING RETURNS

Raphinha and Patrick Bamford (£7.9m), both of whom were the subject of injury rumours during the week, started for the visitors and combined for the opener after just 13 minutes.

Picking up the ball wide on the right, the Brazilian swung in a cross which bent towards the far corner and found its way into the back of the net after a neat step over from the impressive Rodrigo (£6.3m).

However, Raphinha was withdrawn after 67 minutes, with Marcelo Bielsa providing an update after the game:

“He has a problem in his hip.”

Leeds’ injury crisis at centre-half may have got even worse, meanwhile, with Luke Ayling, who was deputising in that position, limping off:

“Let’s hope it’s nothing that prevents him from playing because it will be the fourth option at centre-back that we’d lose.” – Marcelo Bielsa on Luke Ayling

As for Bamford, he struggled to make an impact for large periods, but did miss a good chance in the second-half and at least returned five FPL points for his owners via that assist.

Daniel James (£6.0m) also made a first start for Leeds since his summer move from Manchester United, replacing Jack Harrison (£5.8m) who has tested positive for Covid-19, though he was ineffective and replaced on the hour mark.

As a result of tonight’s draw, Leeds remain winless this season with three points from five games. However, their fixtures between Gameweeks 6 and 10 (see below) should at least give them an opportunity to start moving up the table soon.

“We had sufficient chances to go in at the break with a bigger margin, but we didn’t score in proportion to the amount of chances we created. We were missing some efficiency and capitalising on the chances that we had. We had a lot of possession, perhaps we could have created even more danger especially in the second half.” – Marcelo Bielsa

Newcastle XI: Darlow, Manquillo (Krafth 81), Hayden, Lascelles, Clark, Ritchie, Willock, S Longstaff, Almiron (Fraser 62), Joelinton (Murphy 90+1), Saint-Maximin

Leeds XI: Meslier, Dallas, Ayling (Shackleton 89), Cooper, Firpo, Phillips, Klich, Raphinha (Summerville 67), Rodrigo, James (Roberts 61), Bamford

554 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Good game tonight...

    Only seen a couple this year so far but if those are two of the weaker teams(?) and United and Chelsea are narrowing the gap on City/Liverpool it seems like a good season ahead.

    Not sure how you quantify intensity in football but both teams had a lot of it tonight... good stuff.

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

      good to hear, this season is shaping up to be a cracker!

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Last few seasons have been kak. The weak teams looked plainly weak and the top two these past few years (City and Liverpool) streets ahead. We need a season where the best teams have to work really hard for their wins and more best teams in the hunt.

        1. The Son-dance Kid
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Trying convincing a Liverpool fan the last few years have been kak!
          BTW I get what you're saying

          1. 1984 TC
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Stop talking kak both of you.

    2. ZTF
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Leeds will be 12-14th at worst, especially when they have some CBs to choose from. As for Newcastle, god knows where they’d end up without ASM

    3. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Other place not good enough for you anymore? Hope you are all well.

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        ?...

        Not been on hardly any social media all summer.

    4. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Newcastle without their main striker, Leeds without a defence. . . still think both are going to struggle tbh.

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah...they may do... but not as obviously as some clubs recently.

        I watched Palace last week, for example, and they also look a step up now.

        1. Bushwhacker
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah other than Dyche there's not much backward thinking in the league this year ; even Bruce in his own way is simply playing counter attacking football against everyone trying to use ASM/Wilson and Joelinton's pace.

          Norwich are horrid though, they have zero chance of staying up.

          1. Dr Dream
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            I hope Burnley go down. Backwards football. They have got away with it because there have been some weak teams in the prem whilst they’ve been there...they’re a long way behind Leeds and Newcastle in terms of good football.

            Crap (Wakey from Blackburn).

            1. Bushwhacker
              • 4 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              They'd be on my list. Dyche has done a great job for them and to be fair he's not been given much to work with . . but he's never going to do anything but play Championship and below football.

              1. Dr Dream
                • 11 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Good manager for certain. The problem is you can only do so much on a limited budget....Burnley have found a template for staying up on a budget... and it’s not pretty.

  2. ZTF
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Was relatively unmoved at Ayling injury as watching Leeds tonight it was hard to get excited about owning their defenders in the coming weeks.

    Raphinha one hurts though. He looked absolutely exceptional tonight.

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      As a Raphinha owner, I was very surprised to see he isn't higher owned.

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

      Surely he recovers thru the week?

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

      Leeds look poor ; they've not clicked at all this season and Raphinha's point tonight were lucky. Could've had 15 or so too . . but a cross that falls in is luck enough.

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

    Does anyone else have 3 Manchester City players and scared to face Chelsea next week?

    // Cancelo, Grealish, Torres //

    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Mmm..nah.. They are what they are... Iffy picks because Pep is a great manager and, somehow, keeps his squad happy through rotation.

      I’m not even sure Pep knows who’s playing until he announces his team...let alone us.

    2. Spoox777
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      No. It's only one game. I have Dias + Torres.
      Either team could win.

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

      Think they're safe bets with a weeks rest ; Torres or Jesus is probably his only big choice there.

    4. Sagnik Sadhukhan
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I played my wildcard this week. Saw a lot of people keeping Antonio and realized that there may be a potential upside in selling him for this week and getting in a high impact player like Jesus who is well rested and faces Southampton.
      I'll reverse the move next week as Antonio now looks like a legit captain shout against Leeds

  4. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Gray not pictured in training? My god

    1. bso
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      What? Tell me you are kidding! Why not in training?

      1. Letsgo!
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Haha i dont know! But the training video he is not in it

      2. Walter White (WW)
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Fake news. Don’t bother about it

        1. bso
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks mate

      3. Walter White (WW)
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        My bad, he probably missed training but this suggests he should be fit

        https://www.instagram.com/p/CT76BH1otFv/?utm_medium=copy_link

    2. Walter White (WW)
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe he was the one shooting the Video

    3. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      If you must post this type of thing you have to provide evidence.

    4. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I posted this before the deadline and got attacked for it.

  5. Plant Based FPLer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Saint-Maximum like a Traore that gives a damn.

    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      ...and slightly better hamstrings...

    2. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      . . and actually understands where the goal is.

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Both good to watch though.

        1. Bushwhacker
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Slippery.

  6. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Traore----Raphinha----Zaha
    --------Saint maximin-----
    -----------Antonio-------------

    Imagine a mid table team like West Ham can buy these players, could be most entertaining team in the league

    1. dark91
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Hamstrings FC that would be 😀

    2. Plant Based FPLer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Oh my. Traore and ASM on the same team WOULD be exciting. Kind of hilarious too. One would throw a bunch of feints then pass to the other who would carry on doing the same.

      Why not maximum beef tho? Not sure Raphinha and Zaha count there. Shaqiri is kind of beefy but short.

      1. OPTA FPL
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Zaha is also an one man team with lots of dribble

    3. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      This team would finish every game 5-4

      No defending just vibes

      1. Dthinger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Well, they’d have Declan Rice to mop up behind them so it might be more like 5-2

      2. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Just how the football founding fathers intended

  7. Ragabolly
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Risers: Bamford (8.0) Alexander-Arnold (7.6) Jiménez (7.5)

    Fallers: Daka (7.1) Tielemans (6.4) Benteke (6.3) Soucek (5.9) Bryan (5.8) Sargent (5.4) Shelvey (5.3) Sema (5.3) Louza (5.3) Gomez (4.8) Walker-Peters (4.8) Taylor (4.4) Fernández (4.4) Kelleher (4.4) Fredericks (4.4) Rose (4.3) Tsimikas (4.0)

    1. Majestic Chanka
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Tsim falls back to £4.0, time to get rid pretty soon, no doubt will play one of next few games now.

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

        2 of the 3 risers and none of the fallers. Good days work. Cheers.

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

          same my hit this GW has saved me 0.4 now and at least Bamford got some points last night

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

      0-1 but 8 players looking at rises with luck this week...

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      The penny is finally starting to drop for TAA non-owners

    4. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Antonio PRICE LOCK confirmed, knew he would be

  8. No Kane No Gain
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    None Salah owner here. Is it wishful thinking there’s a decent possibility he’s benched against Palace?!

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

      No he'll play but he's getting a 2 pointer 😉

    2. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Owner, but hoping for a blank, Ronnie C!

      1. The Son-dance Kid
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Owning a 12.5m player and hoping they blank.

        Strange

        1. BullDogTevez
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Not really

  9. Sillet Bang
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Raya Foster
    Shaw Taa Liv Duffy Williams
    Salah Raph Gray Gallagher Skipp
    Antonio Ronaldo Lukaku

    How we looking hopefully Raph is okay

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

    Probably would've taken 17 points from my triple Leeds at the beginning of the GW...was hoping for more though

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      You couldn't possibly have been expecting a CS?

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

        no but expected them to put a few past Newcastle tbh

        1. Gabbiadini
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Yeh maybe, although offensively they haven't been strong this season only scoring 5 goals in 5 games.
          I did predict a 1-1, mind you.

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

      I think you have to be happy with that… how did you get 17… I got 15 with Ayling Raphinha Bamford

      I feared a triple blank so getting a return is positive I feel

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

        Meslier got 4 mate

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

      I’d say a nice piece of jam. Leeds are not playing well.

  11. Amartey Partey
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    West Ham are going to hammer Leeds next week. Half their team is injured.

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      And the thinnest squad in the league.

    2. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Eying Bamford -> Antonio for it.

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Same

      2. Karhumies
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Same

    3. Dušan Citizen
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I'm captaining Antonio

    4. kobewan
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      4-2 scoreline would be fine with Bamford scoring a brace, hopefully Rap's injury is just minor so he play next GW

      I have Benrahma, Antonio, Bamford and Rap

      1. pablo discobar
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        If raph is out he could go for Gallagher which would allow a Jota to Grealish move on Firminios return to fitness

        1. Gabbiadini
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          why would you trade

          1. pablo discobar
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Only if raph is out. But time to be honest - Leeds are struggling

            1. Gabbiadini
              • 6 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              hold.

    5. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Another very tough captaincy pick this week, Antonio should do well, but United, Liverpool all have good fixtures so you can make a case for any player of those teams

    6. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      They aren’t playing well regardless. Second year expectancy is weighing on them and dropping millions on James was idiotic when they had much greater needs.

      1. Amartey Partey
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        James definitely a panic buy.

    7. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      West Ham aren't injury free either...

  12. Dušan Citizen
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    FPL Insider tweets suggest that Jimenez won't play today and Hwang starts.

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

      Just some players on have subbed Hwang in and Jimenez out. But that could have been anything. So many players sub teammates in and out. Wildcards.

      Maybe they both start. Maybe he sits Jimi. Maybe he don’t. Not paying any of that any mind.

    2. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      False comment.

    3. Walter White (WW)
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Would be hilarious tbh

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        "hilarious"
        ?

    4. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Don't listen to this sh**.

    5. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Literally game is in 8 hours, unless the insider is Bruno Lage I don’t trust it

    6. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Hope so I got Hwang in this week.

    7. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      No. I need a Jimi hattrick

  13. pablo discobar
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Wouldn't be a surprise. Jimmy clearly struggling to adjust back into the team. A few appearances from the bench would be good management

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Apart from the ball going in the net, he is definitely not "clearly struggling"

      1. Postman Ty
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        His job is to put the ball into the net what are you talking about? If that isn't happening he is clearly struggling. He's had tons of chances.

        1. Gabbiadini
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          It's an overreaction at this point in time.

          1. Postman Ty
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            4 games is that sort of transitional timeframe where it's plenty of time but possibly not enough time. It would be an overreaction to write him off completely, but certainly not an overreaction to say he's struggling.

            1. Gabbiadini
              • 6 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              opinions, aye.

    2. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Don’t think he’s struggling, think he just needs to get the first goal out of the way

      1. pablo discobar
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Exactly. Strikers survive on goals not stats. Right now he's struggling

        1. Gabbiadini
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          the word is still not 'struggling'
          they've had fairly tough fixtures.

          1. Gabbiadini
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            "Don't think he's struggling"

            ..."Exactly / Right now he's struggling"

            What?

          2. pablo discobar
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            4 games. No goals. No assists. From an FPL perspective that's struggling. If no returns v Brentford that's real time struggling. I'm not digging him out, his injury was a real bad one. Just stating facts

    3. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I doubt a few appearances from the bench would shoot his confidence, could be what he needs though to get his season started

      1. pablo discobar
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        League cup could be the platform- that's midweek if wolves still in it

        1. Bushwhacker
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Can they not be in it at this stage?? They won’t play Jimi in that under any circumstances.

          1. Thomas Magnum
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Even though they’re playing Spurs?

            1. theoldgit
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Didn't Kane struggle during August?

            2. Bushwhacker
              • 4 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Can’t see Spurs or Wolves playing anything like a first team.

    4. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      The thing about Jimenez is that, he's been more involved in the link up play under Lage and hence not the most furthest player most of the times.
      From a footballing perspective, he's beeb doing quite well despite the goals.
      From an FPL perspective, I'm yet to be convinced by him.

  14. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I would like to see how pro pundits zophar and Lateriser are doing. How can I see their teams?

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

      LR's id - 6775

      1. bso
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks mate!

  15. jackruet
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Having both cancelo and reece james makes the team more rotation risk? Or just pick rudiger dias

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Tough to say, I think what I would do is pick one nailed defender and one risk. i.e, Cancelo & Rudiger or Dias & James. Gives you the best of both worlds

      1. jackruet
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        You are right

    2. ManofKent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I went Rudiger & Dias and semi regret it, probably more with Dias over Cancelo. Early days though we don't know how much rotation there will be.

      1. jackruet
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Cancelo is more nailed than reece james i think. City have 3 players for 2 spot. Mendy is in jail so...

  16. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who to do with Harrison?

    If sell, who would you get for upto 7.1 other than Rafinha?

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      wait until the end of the gw, more info.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Watchlist on the home page has a few.

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Can't find myself, could you please share the link ?

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

          It’s in the sidebar, under the jersey icon

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Errrr Rachel Riley?

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

      I took my first hit this gw deciding between Bamford/Raphinha and went with Bamford...

      Starting the season I told myself in mantra no more than 2 players from same team...

      Now I find myself with 2 triple ups. Semedo, Marcal and Jimenez...Salah, TAA and Jota...

      My 40K rank is at jeopardy for sure...

  17. davies
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Very early thoughts… but what would you do here with 2FT/0ITB?

    Sanchez Steer
    Christensen Marcal White Livramento Williams
    Salah Jota Torres Raphinha Sissoko
    Ronaldo Lukaku Antonio

    Cheers.

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

      Christensen to TAA, Lukaku to Jimi/Bam, then get a better Chelsea def prob James/Rudiger and switch Ron to Lukaku GW 8. Something like that.

    2. Boberella
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, no TAA is an obvious gap but you’d need a heavy downgrade in attack

  18. jackruet
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Day by day midfielder’s list is going more short.
    Jota - Firmino coming
    Pogba - pivot role
    Torres - pep roulette
    Grealish - pep roulette
    Sarr, traore - too inconsistent
    Son - practically a forward. Decent. But its nuno's spurs. 10 m is a lot.
    Grey/doucoure/gallaghar - good value. But can they continue?
    Benrahma - EL rotation vlasic
    Raphinha - currently injured

    What to do?

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Add Bruno due to potential loss of pens

      Greenwood due to Rashford back in training

      KDB, Mane, Sterling for all being too expensive

      Leon Bailey from GW8 could be interesting - particularly with another few price drops

      1. Jarnathan
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Leon Baily over Buendia?

    2. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      5-2-3

    3. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I think players will come and go from the list, some players you haven’t mentioned like JWP, Bailey, Bergwijn/Alli, Trossard, Elyounoussi, Tielemans could all become options soon depending on form and fixtures. Just have to jump on the bandwagons early and play the form/fixtures well

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

      yup a reason I have four premium defenders and three premium forwards in my team and happy enough fielding three kids most weeks

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

        *mids lol

    5. Esalman
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      At this rate I might just go for Lukaku+CR7 up top.

    6. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe Buendia becomes an option again soon

  19. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    2FT, 0.1ITB. Thinking may just do Raph -> Gray and bank 1 FT (if Raph confirmed out). Whatcha think?

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw Livramento
    Salah Jota Greenwood Raphinha
    Jimenez CR7 Antonio

    Steele Ayling Amartey Brownhill

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes. Or Doucoure?

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, that will be my move as well - Raph for Gallagher or gray if confirmed out

      The funds Mean you could do Ronaldo and and amartey to lukaku and James for gw 7 if you’re that way inclined

  20. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    That Raph news makes it easier for me now. Had no clue where to use the 2 FTs

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Was looking to bench Toney and roll the transfer this week going for a 352, but might now upgrade Toney and go for a 343 with Raphinha benched.
      But yeah, gotta wait before pressers and more updates before pulling the trigger ofc.

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yes

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

      What’s the raph news?

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Possible hip injury. Flagged now.

  21. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Early thoughts on this for a GW7/8 WC?

    Ramsdale
    Trent, James, Rudiger
    Salah, Jota, Torres, Pepe, Raphina
    Lukaku, Antonio

    Steele, Williams, Livramento, 4.5
    Bank 0.0m

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Where’s cr7?

  22. Woy_is_back
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Lukaku to blank against spurs and city. Only scores against bum teams

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Think so too, yeah. He's a flat track bully. Hence looking to bring him in my WC around GW 8 when fixtures turn.

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

      I captained him this GW since he's playing a bum team

      1. Chelsea Rangers Loyal
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Next week too!

    3. Esalman
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      He's up against Rodon and Davies.

    4. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Spurs towards the bottom of the table for XGc - they concede a ridiculous amount of chances

      Also potentially missing Dier, ata Ganga, Moura, Bergwijn, Son

      And Romero & Sanchez are only out of quarantine today apparently

      Could get very ugly for them

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

        Spurs - Chelsea will end 1-1...Kane will get a goal (I don't have him)...Havertz gets Chelsea's goal...

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

          a Kane goal is almost a certainty this weekend (as I sold him and that's what generally happens)

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

            Lol JIA...yepp it is the curse of FPL...I sold Antonio for Bamford this weekend...I think it will bite my ass next weekend when Antonio gets a brace lol

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

              I did the same...not buying into the hype that Leeds are rubbish and WHU are going to batter them though...hopefully Bamford outscores Antonio next weekend and gives us a nice boost...GL

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

                Amen to that JIA lol

    5. The Red Devil
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      He's playing a bum team

      1. Chelsea Rangers Loyal
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        A bit better than Young Boys though!

        1. The Red Devil
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Only siggy likes playing with young boys

    6. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      And Spurs are not... Not sure what games you have been watching.

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Palace last week?

    7. Boyd to Sven
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Didn't Black Box suggest this very much was not the case?

  23. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Again, the feeling to WC has started building up!

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

      honestly I love getting it out of the way early as it annoys me every week burning in my pocket lol

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        True that, happens every Saturday-Sunday! 😀

        This time feeling could be genuine though, triple Villa and about to drop in price, Raphinha, bench is dead with Tsimikas and Webster.

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

          sounds like your team needs it so mate...Raphina could be fine come the weekend though

          1. Holmes
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Might end up with a team that looks just like "no BS" team 😆

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

              We could prove to be well ahead of the curve...if Salah got injured loads would have a similar team to mine lol

              1. Holmes
                • 10 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                😀

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Same here, it’s proving very hard to wait until GW7/8 to do it, will just wait and see how the week pans out though. Just wish I cared a little more to build TV in past weeks now

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah. Was looking to navigate with FTs but one more injury/suspension will make it tricky.

        I'm not really bothered with TV tbh as long as midfielders continue to perform like this 😀

    3. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Why?

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Team is turning into Leeds, injuries and dross players.

        Martinez, Webster, Tsimikas, Buendia, Benrahma, Raphinha(!), Ings

        1. Cok3y5murf
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I have four of those. Tsimikas fodder, Benny fine as long as he starts vs Leeds, Raphinha depends on news, will bin Ings for Lukaku next week. If Raphinha is out, I would be tempted though

    4. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Hold. It’ll destroy your team.

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Are you sure? 😀

  24. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    How bad is the raphinha injury? Seemed ok when he was subbed

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I need to know this. Am I losing Harrison and Raphael next week? Do I need to take another hit? Am I going to have to swallow my pride and lump on Traore?

    2. SHOWSTOPPERRR
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Was moving not well when he entered the tunnel after full time.

    3. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Honestly I think it will be ok, it was obviously pre existing, he played a very sharp 60 mins then ran off

      I think bielsa probably realises the important of him combined with the precariousness of their situation and played it safe

      At this point I’d be surprised if he didn’t start the next game

      1. SHOWSTOPPERRR
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        He was not moving well though. A kind of limping at full time.

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

      Bielsa: ‘He has a problem in his hip’. All that’s been said thus far

      1. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Hips don't lie...

    5. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Looked okay tbh. Was standing normally after he got subbed too. I'd be very surprised if he misses more than a game which also looks unlikely.

    6. si
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      He wouldn’t have been subbed unless there was a problem.

    7. CRAZY TRAIN
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      If he misses gw6 i(whu) it’s not the worst thing in the world. It’s that cluster of games from gw7 that I’m more concerned about.

  25. si
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Jesus (c). No Salah.
    14:01 Banging head against keyboard and repeatedly swearing
    16:48 Deletes FPL account.

  26. si
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Annoying Bamford assist that.

    1. Chrisitis
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Annoying Raph goal as well
      It was a cross

  27. Mreidfelt
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    SI...sounds like a normal FPl weekend 🙂

    1. si
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Par for the course

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

        SI tomorrow I will be brilliantly be telling myself how smart I am or blame anything on earth...

        I have a top 30K rank going in to this weekend...

        Now I have triple wolves (Marcal, Semedo and Jimenez)

        Hero or 0 ...what's the verdict???

  28. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Next week looks like a good time to try a differential captain

    1. si
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Not sure Ron and Salah are that differential.
      Ps Lingard (c)

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Easy decision for Ronaldo owner I guess 😀

        Not a fan of Salah at Brentford tbh, could be a tight game.

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

          Holmes there will be no tight game between Liverpool and Brentford...

          I back Liverpool scoring a minimum of 3....

          1. Holmes
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Lets see. They havent given any indications of being a whipping boys, yet.

            1. si
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              0-3

            2. @persecuted_by_mods
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Haven't faced anyone capable of whipping yet either

                1. Harry the Hack
                  • 14 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  clarification: Arsenal are not capable of whipping

              • Threat Level Midnight
                • 5 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Who have they played? No one

      2. CRAZY TRAIN
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Probably Salah for me. I just can’t bring myself to cap Ronaldo against us.

      3. Pinturicchio10
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I don't see any worthwhile opportunities. Ronaldo, Salah, Antonio...

        • Fish up a tree
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Antonio against a Leeds defence who are piss poor & have 4 CBs now out

      4. Chrisitis
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Last 6 PL games @ Etihad
        City-Soton 5-2
        City-Soton 2-1
        City-Soton 6-1
        City-Soton 2-1
        City-Soton 1-1
        City-Soton 3-1

        City struggle to keep CS against them

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          With Ake starting, they are probably going to concede again 😀

          1. Chrisitis
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Cancelo Walker Dias Zinchenko

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Can't see that, if not Ake fernandinho dropping into cb is probably most likely

          2. Jafalad
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Emptihad.

            Yep, cap'n Livramento. 😉

        2. Ninjaa
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Best way to get Ronaldo in here. 2 fts and 2.4m itb.

          Salah Bruno Benrahma Gray Gilmour
          Antonio Ings Toney

          1. g40steve
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            You want Kaku