Scout Notes

FPL pre-season: £4.5m midfielder Pereira on set plays?

Another Gabriel Jesus (£8.0m) goal, quotes on Aston Villa’s penalty-taking pecking order and an assist for budget midfielder Andreas Pereira (£4.5m) were amongst the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) headlines from the pre-season friendlies on Sunday and Monday.

We’ve got all the goal, assist and line-up information you need in this latest Scout Notes article.

We’re also keeping tabs on the minutes played in all of these warm-up fixtures, with Premium Members of Fantasy Football Scout able to access this information at the bottom of this article.

READ MOREThursday and Friday friendlies: Injured Jota a Gameweek 1 doubt
READ MORE: Saturday’s friendlies: £4.0m Williams makes Forest debut as Kane scores again


ARSENAL 2-0 EVERTON

  • GoalJesus, Saka
  • Assist: Cedric, Jesus

Match highlights

The ownership of Gabriel Jesus (£8.0m) continues to rise and rise, with the Brazilian striker now in almost 60% of FPL squads after his latest star turn in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Jesus showed quick feet to control Cedric Soares‘ (£4.5m) corner and fire past Jordan Pickford (£4.5m), later claiming an assist when his attempted pass for Gabriel Martinelli (£6.0m) fell kindly for Bukayo Saka (£8.0m).

He was at the centre of much of what Arsenal did well in the first half, from the aggressive from-the-front pressing he honed at City to the two near-miss goal attempts before his opener.

Any notion that Mikel Arteta may use Jesus on the right flank seems to have been shelved for now, although the Arsenal boss continues to trial a 3-5-2 – as he did in the second half against Everton – perhaps with a view to uniting the Brazil international and Eddie Nketiah (£7.0m) in a front two on some occasions.

“Well, he’s very versatile, but obviously, the way we would like to develop him, is in that [number 9] position. But not on his own sometimes, but don’t close that door because Gabby in relation to what the opponent does in certain games we are going to have to use him in different positions. He is open to that and he knows it’s part of his strength as well.

“He creates chaos, he creates uncertainty and he’s always on your shoulder. He’s always there to nick the ball off you, he’s always in front of the goal. He’s a real threat and this is what we need. And then he’s the one. The moment we give the ball away he is straight away active and putting pressure and getting his team behind him.” – Mikel Arteta on Gabriel Jesus

Arteta started with a 4-2-3-1 in this match, with Gabriel Martinelli (£6.0m), Martin Odegaard (£6.5m) and Saka in behind Jesus. Martinelli later moved to left wing-back after the interval, a tweak that Arteta also made in the 5-3 win over Nurnberg earlier in the month.

William Saliba (£4.5m) impressed at centre-half and his services might well be needed come Gameweek 1, with Arsenal missing several first-teamers at the weekend. It sounds like none of the injuries are particularly serious but then again, we thought that of Takehiro Tomiyasu (£4.5m) in January.

[Ben White] had a niggle in his quad and we had to protect him, but he trained with the squad yesterday, so hopefully he will be alright.

“We had Kieran [Tierney] with a slight problem, we had Emile [Smith Rowe] as well with a muscular niggle, Tomiyasu as well and Ben. The rest of them are fine, but it’s a matter of days with them.

“[Fabio Vieira] had a slight problem in his bone and hopefully he will start to train in the next week or so.” – Mikel Arteta on injuries

He was really good. I think he played a really good game, he looked really composed, straight away from day one he looked completely focussed, he’s evolved the way we wanted and today I think he had a great performance.” – Mikel Arteta on William Saliba

As for Everton, £4.0m defender Nathan Patterson was given the chance to impress in the absence of Seamus Coleman (£4.5m). Coleman should be nearing a return come Gameweek 1, however, so Patterson will have to really lay down a marker in the remaining friendlies for his first-team stint to be anything other than brief.

While Patterson isn’t a secure starter yet, Vitalli Mykolenko (£4.5m) appears to be. His appeal would be boosted should Lampard stick with the wing-back system he used towards the back-end of last season and in Sunday’s match against Arsenal but the Everton boss hinted after full-time that it’s a formation that he might not prefer going forward.

“We have to play three at the back because of the group we have on the trip. I like to be more flexible and to maybe play three in midfield, like Arsenal did tonight.” – Frank Lampard

Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Turner; Cedric (Holding 46′), Saliba (Pablo Mari 71′), Magalhaes (Walters 70′), Tavares (Bellerin 46); Xhaka (Lokonga 71′), Thomas (Pepe 46′); Saka (Maitland-Niles 46′), Odegaard (Elneny 46′), Martinelli (Nelson 71); Jesus (Nketiah 46′). 

Everton first-half XI (5-4-1): Pickford; Patterson, Holgate, Mina, Godfrey, Nkounkou; Gray, Doucoure, Davies, Dele; Calvert-Lewin

Everton second-half XI (5-4-1): Crellin; Mills, Tarkowski, Keane, Welch, Mykolenko; Iwobi, Warrington, Gbamin, Gordon; Rondon.


CHELSEA 2-1 CLUB AMERICA

  • Goals: Werner, Mount
  • Assists: Alonso

Match highlights

The much-touted move to a back four didn’t materialise in Chelsea’s pre-season opener on Sunday morning, with Thomas Tuchel sending his troops out in the usual 3-4-3.

That will have been music to the ears of owners of Reece James (£6.0m) and Ben Chilwell (£6.0m), given the attacking license that system gives them, although it seems that Tuchel will consider moving to a 4-3-3 further down the line when he makes further captures at centre-half – the suggestion being that the ageing Thiago Silva (£5.5m) would be less effective in a four-man defence.

It was business as usual for the wing-backs against Club America, with James and Marcos Alonso (£5.5m) involved in Chelsea’s two goals. An advanced James, on as a half-time substitute and later to score a comical own-goal, supplied Timo Werner (£8.0m) with the pass that the German finished at the second attempt, while Alonso teed up Mason Mount (£8.0m) for the latter’s stunning match-winner.

“Wherever I’m asked to play, I’ll do my best and try to help the team as much as I can.

“I personally prefer to play wing-back out of the two positions but Thomas is the manager and I’m the player so wherever I’m required to play, I’ll always play.

“I’ve played a number of positions before and I’m used to it now so it’s just about adapting on the day.” – Reece James

Chilwell also got 45 minutes of football, although a slight rustiness and Tuchel’s words below suggest that he may not be quite at his best for a little while yet.

“‘I’m super happy that he’s back. It’s a difference from training to playing a game and he will take time, but he will get there because he deserves it and we will support him on his way back.” – Thomas Tuchel on Ben Chilwell

Mount, interestingly, was stationed in a central midfield two on Sunday, although the absence of N’Golo Kante (£5.0m) and Mateo Kovacic (£5.0m) perhaps influenced that decision.

Kai Havertz (£8.0m), reclassified as a forward this season, was again used through the middle, the German spurning one excellent chance when being put clean through by Conor Gallagher (£6.0m).

“I’ve played a lot of positions over the years but last season I played a lot as a number nine and it’s a position I like very much. If I look back four years ago, I could never have imagined playing there. But the last two years I’ve played it more often and I like the position.

“It’s still good that I am flexible and can play different positions up front, but I am there to score goals and make assists and as a number nine you have to do that and link up with players.” – Kai Havertz

Chelsea first-half XI (3-4-3): Arrizabalaga; Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Sarr; Kenedy, Barkley, Gallagher, Chilwell; Ziyech, Havertz, Hudson-Odoi

Chelsea second-half XI (3-4-3): Bettinelli; Azpilicueta, Ampadu, Emerson; James, Mount, Jorginho, Alonso; Pulisic, Batshuayi, Werner


ASTON VILLA 1-0 LEEDS

  • Goals: Ings pen
  • Assists: None

Match highlights

Philippe Coutinho (£7.0m) missed from the spot in Aston Villa’s narrow win over Leeds on Sunday.

With one regular taker, Danny Ings (£7.0m), off the field but Ollie Watkins (£7.5m) on it, Coutinho stepped up to take Villa’s first-half penalty after forcing the handball award himself.

Illan Meslier (£4.5m) was equal to Coutinho’s effort and the follow-up, however, with Ings later coming onto the field of play to despatch his own spot-kick.

Interestingly, Steven Gerrard later took responsibility for hand-picking Coutinho for penalty-taking duties and added that the first choice for 2022/23 was still undetermined.

“It’s up for grabs. We’ve got games and, if the games finish in a draw situation, we’ll have some penalty shoot-outs so I’m pretty open. I’m here to be persuaded so we’ll see. Danny’s penalty today was fantastic. You don’t save them when they’re on either side of the net. But, listen, the first one is on me. I take responsibility. I select the penalty taker so I’ll share the responsibility on that one.” – Steven Gerrard

There were some positive displays on both sides, notably from some new signings.

Boubakar Kamara (£5.0m) certainly looked the part for Villa. While not an FPL target himself, his presence in the middle of the park – both on and off the ball – should help those around him. Not just offering more protection to the centre-halves, his occasional dropping back into the defence freed Lucas Digne (£5.0m) and Matty Cash (£5.0m) to get forward more.

A cut-price Leon Bailey (£5.0m) again caught the eye as he attempts to kickstart his Villa career, while Ings looked livelier than Watkins up top.

As for Leeds, Rasmus Kristensen (£5.0m) looks a good find at right-back – although his loftier price tag will deter FPL investment.

Meslier, a divisive figure but our projected top-scoring £4.5m goalkeeper over the first eight Gameweeks, also impressed with that double-save from Coutinho and a one-on-one stop when facing Watkins, with the acquisitions of midfielder Marc Roca (£5.0m) and Tyler Adams (£5.0m) looking like they will afford the Leeds custodian more protection.

“Honestly, now the tactic with Jesse is good, it’s better. I feel more protection with my team mates and honestly today it was good. I had a lot of tackles and defensive actions from my teammates so yeah, I think it’s positive for the future.” – Illan Meslier

Fans of a playing £4.0m defender will want to keep tabs on the Leeds left-back situation over the coming weeks, with Leo Hjelde (£4.0m) and the as-yet-unpriced Leif Davis sharing game-time on Sunday in the absence of the injured Junior Firpo (£4.5m).

Aston Villa first half starting XI (4-3-3): Olsen, Cash, Mings, Chambers, Digne, Kamara, Luiz, J.Ramsey, Coutinho, Bailey, Watkins.

Aston Villa second half starting XI (4-3-3): Olsen, Guilbert, Chambers, Carlos, A.Young, McGinn, Nakamba, Sanson, Buendia, A.Ramsey, Ings.

Leeds United XI (4-2-3-1): Meslier, Kristensen (Drameh 64), Koch, Llorente (Struijk 45), Davis (Hjelde 68), Roca (Forshaw 62), Adams (Gray 62), Aaronson (Klich 62), James (Summerville 62), Harrison (Sinisterra 62), Bamford (Rodrigo 62).


FULHAM 2-0 NICE
FULHAM 1-5 BENFICA

  • Goals: Kebano pen, Wilson pen | Mitrovic
  • Assists: Harris, Jasper | Pereira

Match highlights v Nice
Match highlights v Benfica

Andreas Pereira‘s (£4.5m) FPL ownership continues to rise, with the budget Fulham asset now the fourth-most-owned midfielder on 22%.

His price tag is the obvious appeal but it’s a rarity that we get a £4.5m midfielder who not only plays every week but operates in an attacking role and takes set plays, as happened on Sunday.

Having appeared off the bench in Saturday’s win over Nice, Pereira made his first Fulham start 24 hours later against Benfica. Deployed in an advanced number 8 role and getting forward to support Aleksandar Mitrovic (£6.5m) in Marco Silva’s 4-3-3, the former Man Utd man whistled an early shot wide before providing a whipped corner that Mitrovic nodded home in the second half.

Other than the attacking returns for the well-owned Pereira and Mitrovic, it was a predictable horror show from Fulham.

Silva’s side came up from the Championship with an attacking mentality and there are suggestions that their manager is peeved at the lack of summer recruitment, particularly at the back where new bodies are desperately needed. That was even more evident in Sunday’s sloppy, error-strewn defensive display against Benfica, who were 3-0 up after half an hour. It all bodes well for Liverpool in Gameweek 1, at least.

Reserves and academy products were mostly fielded against Nice but Neeskens Kebano (£5.5m) and Harry Wilson (£6.0m) both scored penalties with Mitrovic off the pitch. Kebano wasn’t on the field for Wilson’s penalty and the vice-versa was also true.


NEWCASTLE UNITED 0-1 MAINZ

Match highlights

Newcastle dominated their Monday afternoon clash with Mainz but couldn’t fashion out too many clear chances and succumbed to a breakaway goal early in the second half.

Kieran Trippier (£5.0m) was again involved at direct free-kick situations, also teeing up Chris Wood (£6.0m) for a big chance that the Kiwi could only prod wide via a challenge.

New signing Sven Botman (£4.5m) also earned rave reviews from the watching media, with the Magpies seldom troubled at the back despite the goal concession that they were unhappy about due to a claimed infringement.

Fabian Schar (£4.5m) seems to be fine after limping off, meanwhile.

The defence probably looks in better shape than the attack at present, with Newcastle frustrated in their attempts to add to their options up top, but Callum Wilson (£7.5m) at least remains fit for the time being.

Newcastle United XI: Dubravka (Pope 61), Trippier (Krafth 61), Schar (Burn 57), Botman (Lascelles 61), Dummett (Ritchie 31 [Targett  61]), Guimaraes (Shelvey 61), S.Longstaff (Willock 61), Joelinton (Anderson 61), Almiron (Murphy 61), Fraser (Saint-Maximin 61), Wood (Wilson 61).


SK AUSTRIA KLAGENFURT 0-0 SOUTHAMPTON

Match highlights

Adam Armstrong (£5.5m) missed a penalty in the absence of the injured James Ward-Prowse (£6.5m) as Southampton drew a blank in Austria.

Armstrong had scored in Saints’ opening pre-season victory on Saturday but fluffed his lines from 12 yards, having early taken too long when presented with a sight of goal from open play.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has started with a 3-5-2 in both of Southampton’s first two pre-season friendlies, with one eye on the desperate defensive form at the tail-end of 2021/22.

“It’s just something that we have been working on during the pre-season. We’ve tried to get defensively more stabilised and this is very often based on a good defence and this is a little bit easier with the three in the back. But it doesn’t mean that we always want to play in this shape, so we definitely have more opportunities.” – Ralph Hasenhuttl

While wing-backs like Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.5m) were encouragingly high, the move to a more defensive shape has come at a cost further forward. Saints have struggled to carve out too many clear openings in their first two pre-season games, although did strike the woodwork twice in this latest fixture.

“It’s a question of how quick you can score the goals, but this is the issue, we don’t score in these moments.

“In some parts I liked what I have seen, but, especially in the final third, like we always say, we are missing something.

“Our problem last year was that when we are coming in these areas, we are not scoring the goals. From these chances we need to take more – we had two shots on the post and bar, but we know this, we know we have to do something there.” – Ralph Hasenhuttl

Ward-Prowse is expected back soon.

PRE-SEASON MINUTES TRACKER

Who played the most minutes over the March international break?

913 Comments Post a Comment
  1. gatzi
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Who is Crystal Palace's #1 GK?

    1. Santi sensei
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Coin toss atm. Guita or Johnstone. Butland is alittle down the order i guess. He was also a good keeper at Stoke in PL.

      1. gatzi
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Thanks

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      He gently weeps.

  2. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Biggest dilemma for me:

    A. Son + Robertson
    B. Salah + Dias/Laporte

    1. Moneymar
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A

    2. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B

    4. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A

  3. Original Sin
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Glad to see some new inclusions in recent RMT teams, such as Trippier, Bruno G., Mount, Zinchenko, Rashford, Martial etc. Etc.

    At least, all the teams wont look the same

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I beg your pardon!

  4. Moneymar
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Raphinhia already enjoying life at Barca. 1 goal + 2 assist. Played 45 mins.

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Wait til he tries to cash his paycheck.

  5. Original Sin
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Which combo to score more?
    A) Rashford + Jesus
    B) Chilwell + Maddison

    1. Moneymar
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A

    2. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A

      1. Original Sin
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Doesnt it feel like (B) has a higher celing

    3. WVA
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I have all 4 of them

    4. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Mount and Martial

  6. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    a. Bruno. G + Tomi
    b. Rash + N. Williams

    1. Original Sin
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B

    2. germanyozil10
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B

  7. germanyozil10
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Please rate my team, thanks all.

    Ederson
    TAA James Chilwell Cancelo Dalot
    Salah Diaz Aaronson
    Haaland Jesus

    0.0ITB
    4.0 4.5 4.5 4.5

    A) Dalot + Aaronson
    B) Tripper + Bailey

    1. Moneymar
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A, Baily minutes unkown.

  8. Bring back Rafa
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    On the assumption that Zincenko leaves and Curacella arrives…..

    Picking Curacella and Walker sets you back $10m
    Picking Cancelo and (any $4m def) costs $11m

    You’re pretty much guaranteed one of Walker or Curacella play each week, right? And sometimes it’ll be both, when Cancelo is rested….hmmmm

    1. Original Sin
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      But PPM of Cancelo will be more, but you are saving 1m with the other option

    2. germanyozil10
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Bad idea, either 1 player only earn the sub in point.

    3. yousunkmybattleship
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      But one will start and one will come on as sub, so you’ll pick up lots of 1 pointers

    4. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      No thank you

  9. CoKane & Zohores
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Help with this huge decision

    A) With Salah:

    Ederson
    TAA Robbo Cancelo Trippier Williams
    Salah Bailey Neto Mount Andreas
    Kane Jesus 4.5

    B) Without Salah:
    Mendy
    TAA Robbo Cancelo Trippier Williams
    Diaz Saka Mount Foden Andreas
    Kane Jesus 4.5

    I love those 8s in B, but Salah captain and Ederson in goal is very tempting. I think not playing Bailey and Neto every week will slightly put B in front.

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A cause of Mo

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A, tis not a huge decision, tis a small and simple decision.

    3. svgcr
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A

  10. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Which 8m mid would you get here?

    sanchez
    taa cancelo james jansson
    salah 8m martinelli
    kane jesus martial

    steele neco andreas 4.5

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Diaz

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Rashford over Martial?

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Could do, all options open for now

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Mount or Diaz

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Yea debating between these 2, cheers

        1. The Knights Template
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          I went Diaz FWIW. Liverpool attack is a beautiful thing.

          1. SpaceCadet
            • 10 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            But a changed attack with no Mane and Jota injured. Think they'll kill it from the start?

            1. The Knights Template
              • 10 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              That’s a good question. Willing to take the risk against Halfham.

    4. svgcr
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Diaz or foden

  11. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Ok getting close now after draft 512
    What I need to know if where you would shave the 0.5 required
    4 of the most attacking defenders
    Salah + 4 of those prime 8.0 mid spots
    Jesus up front
    A. Perisic to a Cash or some other 5.0 B.Jesus to a 7.5 spot for some fun maybe even Ings at 7 for 2 nice fixtures to start 🙂
    That’s a gamble. With .5 ITB to get Bowen or maybe even Antonio from GW2
    C. Something else.

    Henderson

    TAA Cancelo James Perisic

    Salah Diaz Mahrez Mount Kulu

    Jesus

    4.0 Neco 4.5 4.5

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Very similar to my draft 218. But changed it around and got kane with a plan to switch to haaland gw2. Just 1 striker up top is limiting in case kane/ haaland fire.

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        That’s a C I understand 8.0 * 4 is limiting if I want to go Haaland or Kane but so many 8.0 choices.

      2. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Kane and Haaland and maybe Jesus are the only reasons to spend money up front. To be fair Kane and or Haaland could go crazy and this has zero flexibility to get them other than a 4.5 mid or Neco starting every week and 2 transfers to get there.

        1. SpaceCadet
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Exactly my point.

          1. Albrightondknight
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            My only fear is Haaland I know what Kane can do and also how he can let down. Haaland could be totally different gravy and “essential”

            1. SpaceCadet
              • 10 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Was all set on the 4 8m mids with salah draft. But the fear of kane or specially haaland firing is real. Messes up the whole structure of the team.

              1. seamusseamus
                • 9 Years
                1 year, 8 months ago

                Whats going to bag you more points

                A. Kane + a non-existant 4.0 mid

                B. Two 8.0 mids

                It's easy to get sucked into the hype but the game is all about balance

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Mahrez to BrunoG or Rashford. There are heaps of choices.

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        That’s a C. Of all the 8.0 mids Mahrez most likely to kill it if (big if) getting minutes. Very open to Rashford over an 8.0 mid depending on present. Thanks you SIR.

        1. The Knights Template
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          If is the question.

    3. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Minor issue but is Henderson and Neco a bad idea and enough of a reason to choose another 4.5 over Henderson?

    4. Salarrivederci
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Peri to Trippier/Cash or even a gamble on Dalot at 4.5.
      Spurs could field an entire XI with Wing-backs, and Perisic are yet to play a minute due to a minor injury.

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        That’s my preferred option right now. If I go for this I know the risks. But with basically 2 WCs in 16 weeks we have an opportunity to gamble with get out cards.

    5. seamusseamus
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I'm going similar - at least 3 8.0 midfielders plus Salah.

      Jesus / Darwin could potentially alter my draft as the preseason continues but currently happy with one striker - probably C Wilson or Toney.

      I'm keeping 0.5 in the bank for Kulu > Bowen in gw2

  12. jia you
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    My GW1 BB team:

    Meslier Raya
    Trent Robbo Can Tripp Peri
    Diaz Foden Bruno Neto Bailey
    Haaland Martial Jesus

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Could work.
      Would you plan an immediate WC in GW2?

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Yeah 2 or GW3 most likely if I go down that road

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

      You’re a Brave man! It’s beautiful & different. No Salah league this season?

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Nah might try properly this season

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

          Haha… Good luck Champ

    3. Salarrivederci
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Nice. I am currently on:

      Meslier - Mendy
      TAA - Robbo - Cancelo - Trippier - Dalot
      Diaz - Sancho - Rashford - Barnes - Bailey
      (K)ane - Wilson - Solanke

      Would not trust a Peri on BB GW1.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Nice...yeah it will likely change before deadline but think I might stick with the BB GW1 strategy, GL

  13. Kamo Warrior
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    SanchezThoughts...ccThMeslier Raya
    Trent Robbo Can Tripp Peri
    Diaz Foden Bruno Neto Bailey
    Haaland Martial Jesus

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Jia have you copywrite ? 🙂

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Oh my, there's always one haha

        1. Albrightondknight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          I will let you in on a secret. I copied it too just omitted the paste bit !!
          Only having a laugh btw Kamo

          1. Kamo Warrior
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            All good mate, I'd copied it in to the post comment box and it was invisible so tried to cancel and it posted ... lols

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

      Thief spotted 😆

      1. Kamo Warrior
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        lol's

  14. Kamo Warrior
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Lets try that again... please rate, be gentle 🙂
    Sanchez Forster
    Gabriel  James  Van Dijk  Neco  Laporte
    KDB  Diaz  Mount  Martinelli  Murphy
    Haaland  Vardy  Greenwood

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

      Think it needs Trent. No Spurs could hurt but can’t have them all 🙂

    2. Dutchy
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Well off the template which is nice somewhat. No Trent Cancelo Salah or Kane is really ballsy. I like the Mount pick

    3. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I actually like it.
      The main point here is you have KDB and no Salah Trent Cancelo etc
      The assumption is that KDB is priced too high. History would say maybe not.
      Perhaps the best crosser of a ball putting it on a plate for Haaland could be magic.
      GL it would be fun for sure.

    4. Kamo Warrior
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Thanks chaps, I'm obviously trying for a differential style team, but yes, Saalah, Son and Cancelo were my guys last season, and hurts to not have them in there. But I like the idea of the midfield 8's, instead of a few 4.5's in the midfield as the compromise for Salah and Co. They might hold their own this seaon. And, I think Vardy might have a great start too.

    5. Better off with a pin and a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Nice to see something so different. I'd be tempted to drop one of the 8m MIDs down and move Vardy to Kane - or maybe take Son over KDB.

  15. Dutchy
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Current Draft, Thoughts?

    Really keen on Bailey, will monitor closely but he's rotating with Gabriel

    Meslier
    Trent James Dias Trippier
    Salah Mount Sancho Bailey
    Kane Jesus

    Caballerro Gabriel Andreas G/Wood

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Looks fine. Standard fare.

  16. pokercroc
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    I'm sooo OVER big at the back zzzzzzzzzz

    Raya
    Perisic, Ait-Nouri, Malacia
    Luis Dias, Sterling, Salah, Bailey
    Jesus, Darwin, Haaland

    Gazzaniga, N Williams, Andreas, Vesterguard

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Are you hoarding $10m itb?

      1. The Mentaculus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Embezzlement from one's own FPL team is unacceptable practice

        1. The Knights Template
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Dodgy bookkeeping for sure!

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

      I'd say you'd be lucky to get 2 defenders out each week with that

  17. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/12655300/chelsea-in-jules-kounde-talks-thomas-tuchel-expects-armando-broja-to-stay-amid-west-ham-interest

    Sounds like there's actually a decent chance of Broja staying at Chelsea? Tuchel says they have options but no-one else like Broja, although he does say they need to decide if they can give him the minutes he needs or if he will go on loan but sounds like he doesn't want to sell him. Him leaving the training camp suggests he must be close to a move though so I'm not really sure.

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Yeah totally flip on that story in 24 hours. Probably just Tuchel trying to get some more bucks for letting him go 🙂

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        True that could certainly be a possibility, although his candour is what is making me think he does genuinely like the idea of keeping him, I think with Lukaku gone it could certainly be wise to hold onto him if he's willing to stay

    2. King Drogba11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Broja also picked up an injury so might have gone back to the UK because of that. Hope we don’t sell as Chelsea fan.

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Ah didn't know that, that might explain it. West Ham don't seem to be getting anywhere with negotiations lately so this falling through might not be a huge surprise

  18. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Which combo guys?

    A)Mendy Neto Bowen
    B) Meslier Rashford Diaz*

    (*or Mount as got Salah)

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B

      1. JELLYFISH
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Thanks. Currently on A but Rashford is looking increasingly hard to ignore with his price/pre season form.
        Another option I am looking at is swapping Maddi > Rash which enables me to keep Bowen and strengthen elsewhere

  19. petelisch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 8 months ago

    First time poster-go easy on me!!

    Thoughts?

    Armadale / 4.0
    TAA / Cancelo / James / Trippier / Zinchenko
    Salah / Sterling / Sancho / Ward-Prowse / Andreas
    Jesus / Mitrovic / 4.5

    Any tips very much welcomed!!

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Very best of luck and welcome aboard. What’s an Armadale?

      1. petelisch
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 1 Year
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Haha that's a typo!! should be Ramsdale

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Hi Pete! Good team, doesnt look like you need our help with it.

      Armadale = formerly Arndale in Manchester, recently subject to an armadillo takeover?

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Armadillos are excellent defensive assets.

    3. LC1
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Welcome my friend.

      I would most probably bring in Tomiyasu for Zinchenko and move Ramsdale to another GK (Maybe Mendy or a 4.5).

      I am personally not a fan of the Sterling pick, so would rather Diaz or any of the great 8.0 options.

      Maybe even Ward-Prowse to Rashford (both 6.5) and then you'll have 3m to upgrade Sancho or Mitro.

      Good luck mate!

    4. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Welcome mate, good luck for the season

  20. dshv
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Sanchez steele
    Taa cancelo james trippier neco
    Salah diaz razhford martinelli andreas
    Haaaland jesus greenwood

    1. To loose martinelli for zynchenko (5-3-2)
    2.haaland to kane
    3. Salah to son and bring Robbo ?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I’d knight you again were such a thing possible DHSV. Ahh heck, Arise, Sir Sir DHSV!

      1. dshv
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Hi again man, hope you are doing well.

    2. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      team looks good as is, dont like any of those moves tbh

    3. JELLYFISH
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Kane over Haaland for me so option 2. If Haaland racks it up then it’s an easy switch, but Kane pre season form promising and hes got the better GW1 fixture

  21. supercolso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Morning guys,
    How certain do you think Pope will be Newcastle no 1 to start the season ?

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      95%. I mean, he should be, but there is a little hint of doubt from all the times I've seen the word "competition" applied to their GK situation recently

  22. The Mentaculus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Starting to think that Spurs (with their 4 players per WB spot) and Chelsea (will they even have WBs or a solid defence anymore?) have broken big at the back for me. Was never going to go 5 atb, but now I'm actually looking at a back 3 - Trent, Cancelo, Trippier. I do have the flexibility to make it a 4 with Robbo but somehow that draft isn't really appealing to me at the moment

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I guess the calculus is Robbo v Diaz?

      1. The Mentaculus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Diaz already in. I know what you're thinking now - hold still thine eye!

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

      I think Chelsea should be fine, given they're trying to sign another 2 CBs, it's just a matter of the getting them all settled in. Regardless Chilwell and James are huge attacking threats so a lot of it will be a matter of what they can do at the other end of the pitch. Spurs I never really trusted in terms of WBs, the fact people are still convinced Perisic is going to be first-choice at LWB us bonkers to me (especially given he still hasn't even kicked a ball up to now from what we know) but I won't complain as it'll likely result in headaches and another transfer for whoever's going down that road

      1. The Mentaculus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Perhaps, given some settling in time. But the prospect of 4 at the back with no Thiago Silva, and a not-quite-fit Chilwell, is a bit off-putting to me at the moment. Think I would likely revert to 4 atb myself at some point, maybe on 1st WC, but for now I'm liking the 3

        1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          I think Chilwell must be fit given he returned at the end of last season and he was one of the very early batch of players that began training this summer, think he's been training for about a month now. I think Tuchel means he just wants to ensure he doesn't push him too hard, but really I can't see a reason why he'd get rested in the first few GWs of the season with a full week break inbetween the first 4, probably will just have a couple of early subs somewhere in there. By that stage he should know where he's at once the midweek / CL games kick in. Go with your gut though, I think I'll still stick with Chilwell over James due to his PPG last season (small window I know) and as I'm actually far more worried about injuries and rotation with James.

          1. The Mentaculus
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Ah ok thanks. I saw the Tuchel quote the other day & thought he might be in line for some pre-60min subbing, but that's somewhat reassuring that he's been training so long. Think I might just have to watch some of Chelsea's friendlies, too hard to make speculative decisions about them at the moment

  23. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Is this one of the better no Salah teams you have seen?

    Ramsdale
    James, TAA, Robbo, Cancelo
    Diaz, Foden, Bowen, Rashford
    Kane, Jesus

    4.0, Neco, Andreas, Plange

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Mine eye twitches when I see no Salah teams.

      1. Silecro
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        It's not so much for his price, it's that I dont like his captaincy rotation with other premium assets, be it from City or Spurs

    2. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Yes it is, perma Kaptain Kane?

      1. Silecro
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Nah, I would sometimes captain Bowen. Worked wonders last year

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Bowen is a great pick, his ownership being so low is shocking

          1. Silecro
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Absolutely agree

  24. Milk, 1 Šuker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    So if Forest pull of the Lingard / O’Brien signings our team could look like this:

    Henderson

    Niakhate McKenna Worrall
    Richards Williams

    O’Brien Lingard Yates

    Awoniyi Johnson

    1. adstomko
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      It's a good team. You just need a CM/CDM with PL experience. Your counter attacks could help you finish 12th-15th imo.

  25. Old Man
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Off topic, we've just had a Southern Hawker dragonfly in our kitchen. That's a first.

    1. adstomko
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Cheers Jeff

  26. adstomko
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    No Salah differential team. Any good?
    Lloris
    Trent, Robertson, Cancelo, Chilwell, Gabriel
    Luis Diaz, Mount, Maddison
    Kane (C), Jesus
    (Bazunu, Andreas, Lavia, Plange)

    0.5m ITB to rotate between Kane & Haaland until potential GW8 wildcard.
    Bazunu comes in for Lloris in GW2 & 7 as Lloris has CHE & MCI away.

  27. Boofhead
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Totally off topic......Are Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad the finest long form tv dramas ever made?

    Rhetorical question actually.

    1. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I hated Breaking Bad. Just felt nauseous the whole time I was watching it. And then never saw Better Call Saul because of it. I think I just hate shows like that. Despised House of Cards as well with the horrible nasty character Kevin Spacey played.

  28. out for a goalkick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Pereira’s 22% ownership is probably mainly as a 5th Mid bench fodder - however what are your thoughts on him as a 5th playing Mid???

    1. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I'm rotating him and Neco for my 11th starting spot personally. Maybe even Dasilva will join the fray for a 3way rotation if he starts playing regularly.