Scout Reports

Could Kieran Trippier improve Newcastle’s defence and become an FPL option?

After weeks of speculation, Friday saw the official announcement that Kieran Trippier (£5.0m) had become the first signing of the new era at Newcastle United.

It felt like a coup for the 19th-placed side to successfully attract England’s main right-back away from Spanish champions Atletico Madrid, especially for such a reasonable initial £12m fee.

The next day, in typical Newcastle style, things swiftly turned farcical as Trippier’s debut ended in a shock FA Cup elimination to League One’s Cambridge United.

Trippier has been handed a £5.0m price tag by Fantasy Premier League (FPL) and, at first glance, that seems steep amongst a defence with just one clean sheet so far. However, with further names expected through the doors of St James’ Park, could a more stable defence combine with a promising fixture run make the 31-year-old a good option?

We’ll explore this below.

THE HISTORY

Born in Bury and part of Manchester City’s academy from the age of nine, Trippier joined Eddie Howe’s Burnley on loan in July 2011 in a move that soon became permanent. His fourth year at Turf Moor was in the Premier League and it led to a £3.5m transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. Initially back-up to Kyle Walker (£5.4m), it was during his final two seasons in north London where Trippier became a regular.

He racked up impressive attacking contributions from right-back, regularly assisting for the likes of Harry Kane (£12.2m). Summer 2019 brought a move to Atletico Madrid, where manager Diego Simeone has an eye for good defenders and clearly rated Trippier. Two-and-a-half years brought 68 league appearances and Simeone’s farewell quotes suggest Trippier will be missed at the Wanda Metropolitano.

“I’m absolutely grateful for the time Kieran has been here with us. The club gave him 48 hours to resolve the situation. He’s behaved very well and been very important for us. We want him to stay, but you can’t force anyone to stay. An extraordinary player” – Diego Simeone

Across his stint in La Liga, Trippier ranks joint-fourth for assists (10) and fourth for chances created (81) among defenders.

SET PIECES

Part of his high number of assists is due to his set piece duties, which famously saw him score a free kick in England’s semi-final of the 2018 World Cup. He’ll likely take over most of these responsibilities at Newcastle, although Jonjo Shelvey (£5.3m) has done an okay job.

For set piece stats, Newcastle usually rank around the middle of the pack for the first half of this season. Six goals have been scored from them, compared to Liverpool being top with ten and Manchester United being bottom with none. Their 63 attempts ranks joint 12th.

THE PROSPECTS

Could Kieran Trippier improve Newcastle's defence and become an FPL option?

His new club have kept just one clean sheet so far this campaign – a number only worsened by Watford. And it’s the Hornets who travel to Tyneside at the weekend, starting a promising run of fixtures that presents their best chance of escaping relegation. Leeds United (a), Everton (h), Aston Villa (h) and Brentford (a) are amongst their next five, with games in hand due to Everton (a) and Southampton (a) being postponed.

Under new ownership, Newcastle are the focal point of this January transfer window, with almost every rumour trying to link another name to join Howe’s side. They know a lot of incomings need to arrive and quickly. A range of centre backs such as Sven Botman, Diego Carlos, Benoit Badiashile and Issa Diop (£4.3m) have been rumoured. If any are successful, it could be argued that Newcastle will improve their awful defensive statistics.

They’ve conceded the most shots, most goals and fourth-most attempts on target. Eddie Howe believes Trippier can help fix these problems and the millions of FPL managers will be looking with curiosity, ready to swoop if needs be.

FPLMarc Newcastle fan that spends far too much time thinking about FPL.

182 Comments Post a Comment
  1. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Slllooowww here 🙂

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Covid 19 fatigue

  2. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Are the next two games on TV?

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

      I'm watching Nigeria Egypt on iPlayer. Just say it's a very relaxed game, like a friendly almost

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Lovely. But what about PL?

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

          No only tomorrow’s game

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            FPL website doesn’t have either down as televised.

            1. ilikewud
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 2 months ago

              Google is a powerful resource

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

              Yes you’re right, it’s the league cup tomorrow instead.

    2. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Think just one on tonight unless Everton is back on?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        But what about TV? Unless you’re watching outside of England.

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          I use IPTV

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

      No, next prem game Fri

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Ah ok thanks.

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

          Crellin knows - the man’s a god!

          https://mobile.twitter.com/BenCrellin/status/1480945213178884102

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

    NO

  4. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Mbuemo save my season

  5. Stamford B
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Lol no

    1. fplgaruda
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Lol 5 m

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

    Hi.....is Trent expected to be available at weekend?

    Thanks

    1. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yup

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

      Yes

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

        That's good....I look at my squad with trent, Ronaldo and Foden flagged - but seems all 3 should be ok

  7. Mufc202020
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Best double up:

    A) Ronaldo - Moura/Barnes
    B) Kane - Moura/Barnes
    C) Dennis - Bruno
    D) Dennis - KDB

    Go go

    1. Dammit_182
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      On a FH I’d go c

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

    Salah being man marked by three players & still they are losing 🙂

  9. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    AFCON. The tournament of 1-0s.

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

      Only watched this one & if the rest are like this I will pass?

      1. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Im passing. Been poor so far.

  10. Gooner Kebab
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Hi guys

    Son + Antonio to Moura + Ronaldo / Kane?

    Yay or nay?

  11. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    who would you rather have long term?
    A) Antonio
    B) Watkins

    1. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I think both, but if I had to choose I would probably go with Watkins due to him having nicer fixtures and the fact I also have Bowen.

  12. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Hi folks, help me out if you can.

    A) Save FT?
    B) Bernardo to Bruno -4
    C) Antonio to Kane -4

    DDG
    Trent Coufal Cancelo
    Bernardo Maddison Jota Bowen
    Antonio Ronaldo King
    Foster Saka Livra Williams

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

      A

    2. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I was considering a hit to get Bruno but think I'll just play Bilva and save the hit.

      That's a long-winded way of saying 'A'

  13. Stamford B
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    What are your current thoughts for your wc? My team is not looking great and Salah coming back will probably involve a hit. Are you saving for a dgw or a fixture swing maybe?

    1. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I will probably 'dead end' my team for one of the blank GWs and WC the week after.

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

      i'm tempted to use it this week, i'm already on a hit for this week and i still have a Son & James sized problems to deal with, my thoughts were to bring Bruno in for a couple week punt and leave money itb to replace him with Salah, but Utd look awful and if Ronaldo's back he's kinda worthless without pens

  14. Stamford B
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Have you got any FH left?

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

      Reply fail to Conners

    2. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, both left. No idea on when I will use them though.

      If we get multiple blank GWs I expect one will be used for another blank and the other for a big DGW.

      How about you?

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

        Same really. Either a big double or the blanks depending how they pan out.

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

    Egypt lost.

    Is it possible for Salah to be back in GW23?

    Egypt's last game is Wednesday, Jan 19. If they don't go through (16/24 teams will make it through), he could make it back for GW23 vs cpl which is on the Sunday, Jan 23.

    I wouldn't hold out hope for that though. Surely they make it through the group stage into the Ro16 minimum. But looking at the schedule, unless Egypt make the final (which is super unlikely on that showing today), he'll defo be back for GW24.

    1. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      That would be a very handy Son replacement if so!

      1. Sun God Nika
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Very handy

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

      Egypt aren't as good a side as the odds and bookies say, although Nigeria are one of the favourites. Wouldn't say it's a given they'll get through, they have Salah who is world class but doesn't have such a great team around him and they've not been in the best form

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

      Nigeria are one of the better teams at AFCON. The other two in the group will be easier. Egypt didn't look great but you'd still bet they make it out of the group.

  16. Devos
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Who would you pick on FH?

    a) TAA + Lukaku
    b) Robertson + Ronaldo

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Lampty & Firmino

  17. Mufc202020
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Repost, comments appreciated.

    Best double up:

    A) Ronaldo - Moura/Barnes
    B) Kane - Moura/Barnes
    C) Dennis - Bruno
    D) Dennis - KDB

    1. AARON-1
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Of those, probably B with Barnes but I'm not convinced.
      How about Kane and Maddison? Or Dennis and Maddison?

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

    Being reported in the Telegraph that Chris Wood moving to Newcastle

    Newcastle are closing in on the signing of #BurnleyFC forward Chris Wood. New Zealand international is expected to travel up to Newcastle for a medical tonight. Set to be Eddie Howe's second January signing #nufc

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

      So Burnley are selling their best striker to biggest rival in relegation battle. Great business!

      1. Kun Tozser
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Probably stops them buying a decent one tbf

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

          No Håland then.

          1. Old Man
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            He's no match for Chris Wood.

          2. Kun Tozser
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            3 goals for Wood right?

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

          *chuckles*

          Imagine Wood going to Newcastle and getting relegated while Burnley stay up.

          1. Old Man
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            quite plausible!

            1. Utopsis
              • 4 Years
              2 years, 2 months ago

              Least the pay would be better (I suspect)

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

        I've read rumours that he has a release clause in his contract which is one of the reasons why they've gone for him as they think they can get a deal done quick. They are intent on signing a CF and CB in time to face Watford

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

          Blimey that’s quick. I was thinking of getting him as part of a FH for a double including Watford. Just Watford isn’t quite so attractive

      3. Scrumper
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Clear statement of ambition from Newcastle

        1. Hairy Potter
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Only ambition at the minute is to finish 4th bottom.

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

      The locals will be disappointed. Nothing new there though.

    3. lugs
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Jrod essential for the dgw

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

    Are Ronnie, TAA and Dennis likely to start this week?
    Cheers all!

    1. AARON-1
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Very likely. I'd be surprised if they didn't.

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

      I think they all start.

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

    Chris Wood to Newcastle

    End of an era

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

      The short-lived era of people thinking Newcastle were going to be signing Galacticos?

      In all seriousness...an option for upcoming fixtures or not? He's always been FPL poison whenever I've brought him in, but I know others have had better experiences.

      1. Sterling Archer
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        No Newcastle fan thought this...

      2. Hairy Potter
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Maybe if the sale had gone through when first announced. They'd be on their fourth transfer window, if the Premier League hadn't stalled the takeover.

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

      Phrase I thought I'd never see: Chris Wood's release clause has been met. FFS

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

      He'll be amazing in the Championship

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

    I forgot there was a match on tonight. Postponements have killed my excitement.

  22. Old Man
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    So Broja starts ....

  23. 2999 - Lady of Legend
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Broja bounty or banquet please 🙂

  24. Crouching Tiger
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Son to Maddison?

    1. mdm
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      No. Fishhead will do his best to cancel also next game

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

    Goal - WOOD
    Assist - TRIPPIER

    Get investing boys & girls!

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

      This will be a common occurrence in The Championship next season.

    2. Sterling Archer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Actually a great signing for us, needed a target man

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

        I admire your enthusiasm!

  26. AARON-1
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Broja looks a decent, classy forward to me. Finishes well and is strong. Hoping for a goal (or two) tonight to brighten up a fairly disappointing last couple of game weeks. Likely that he will be subbed around 65-70 mins though with Armstrong, Long and Adams lurking on the bench.

    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I like your optimistic tone. I like to think he'll get 2 points minimum.

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

      I'd take 6 points. He does look a very decent player I agree.

    3. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I’ve been impressed by what I’ve seen so far

    4. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      He can take that Brentford cleanie out with any luck

  27. Firmino
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Alonso off the bench then!

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      All my players of the bench.
      Rudiger 3rd on it :-/

  28. Sim Simma
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    ⚽ Team News 📰
    SOU: Forster, Bednarek, Salisu, Perraud, Lyanco, Tella, Diallo, Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Redmond, Broja
    Subs: Caballero, Small, Simeu, Stephens, S.Armstrong, Kgaogelo Chauke, Long, Adams, A.Armstrong

    BRE: Fernández, Jansson, Ajer, Pinnock, Roerslev, Nørgaard, Canós, Baptiste, Janelt, Mbeumo, Toney
    Subs: Lössl, Thompson, Stevens, Sørensen, Jensen, Bidstrup, Wissa, Forss, Ghoddos

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

    No teamsheets today?

    Starting XI: Forster, Lyanco, Bednarek, Salisu, Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Diallo, Perraud, Redmond, Broja, Tella.

    Starting XI: Fernández, Ajer, Jansson (c), Pinnock, Roerslev, Janelt, Norgaard, Baptiste, Canós, Mbeumo, Toney.

  30. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Has Andy Carroll retired?

    1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yes hes at Reading

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

        I'd be surprised if he could read.

      2. Sim Simma
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        At Reading reading about a reader