Scout Notes

FPL pre-season: Sancho, Rashford and bargain Bailey all deliver

Jadon Sancho (£7.5m), Marcus Rashford (£6.5m) and Ivan Toney (£7.0m) were amongst the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) names in action on Saturday as more pre-season friendlies were staged.

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 MOREMonday scout notes: Haaland, Jesus and Neto score

READ MOREFriday scout notes: Darwin scores four off the bench

READ MOREThursday scout notes: Guardiola on Haaland’s fitness and “sharp” De Bruyne


ASTON VILLA 2-2 MANCHESTER UNITED

  • Goals: Leon Bailey, Calum Chambers; Jadon Sancho, Matty Cash (own goal)
  • Assists: Emiliano Buendia, Leon Bailey; Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford

Match highlights

More FPL midfield options have emerged in recent weeks, thanks to the two sides that faced off in Perth during the early hours of Saturday morning.

An in-form Jadon Sancho put Manchester United 1-0 up after an overlapping Luke Shaw (£5.0m) picked out the 22-year-old by the six-yard box. It’s his third goal of the summer, following a big £2.0m FPL price drop.

Yet it’s teammate Marcus Rashford with the higher ownership and bigger drop in value. He likely would have tapped in a Sancho assist, had the unfortunate Matty Cash (£5.0m) not interfered to make it an own goal.

Those Fantasy managers wanting to take a punt on Leon Bailey (£5.0m) were quickly brought down to earth when he wasn’t included in Steven Gerrard’s strong starting XI. And, just as quickly, hopes were again raised when he came on and immediately scored a brilliant solo effort. Furthermore, his stoppage time corner was headed in by Calum Chambers (£4.5m).

“It was more than an impact. He changed the game, he showed energy, he showed speed and a hunger to cause problems. He’s come back from pre-season as a different player, not just from a technical point of view, his demeanour, his body language. He’s sending a massive message to me that he wants to be in the XI so he needs to have a strong two weeks.” – Steven Gerrard on Leon Bailey

Despite his preferred system not particularly needing wingers, Gerrard’s post-match quotes suggest Bailey may have forced himself into the Gameweek 1 line-up.

It should also be noted that both right-back Diogo Dalot (£4.5m) and forward Anthony Martial (£7.0m), two of United’s most impressive pre-season performers and another pair of potential bargain buys, were handed another start.

Aston Villa XI (4-3-1-2): Martinez (Olsen 46′); Cash (Hayden 64′), Carlos (Chambers 64′), Mings (Konsa 46′), Digne (Young 64′); J. Ramsey (Douglas Luiz 46′), Kamara (Sanson 64′), McGinn (Iroegbunam 64′); Coutinho (Buendia 46′); Watkins (Archer 64′), Ings (Bailey 46′)

Manchester United XI (4-3-3): De Gea; Dalot (Wan-Bissaka 67′), Maguire (Bailly 67′), Lindelof (Varane 67′), Shaw (Malacia 67′); van de Beek (Garner 67′), Fred (Telles 67′), Fernandes (Iqbal 67′); Sancho (Chong 67′), Rashford (Elanga 67′); Martial (Hannibal 67′)


WOLFSBURG 4-0 BRENTFORD

Match highlights

Brentford suffered their second pre-season loss to German opposition and this time it was a heavy 4-0 scoreline.

A strong line-up saw David Raya (£4.5m) play all 90 minutes, with versatile Aaron Hickey deployed at right-back and cheap midfield enabler Josh Dasilva (£4.5m) also getting a start.

“There are two reasons that we didn’t do that well. The first is defensive set-pieces, we conceded three goals that way. It’s something we’ve been discussing. We know we need to be really good at it, we are normally much better at it but today we weren’t up to those standards. Secondly, it was the quality on the ball. Everything from the little touch, playing forward, the weight of pass, protecting the ball and hitting a man. All of those things weren’t good enough on the ball.” – Brentford head coach Thomas Frank

As explored in last week’s round-up of recent transfers, it will be interesting to see whether Keane Lewis-Potter (£5.5m) is a bigger threat to the minutes of Yoane Wissa (£5.5m) or Bryan Mbeumo (£6.0m). This time, he came on to replace Wissa after 62 minutes.

The community is likely keeping an eye on which Brentford assets to buy for their brilliant fixture run between Gameweeks 3 and 11 – ranked as the best, according to our Season Ticker – so will be concerned by such a loss.

The Bees lost nine of the 11 outings before Christian Eriksen (£6.5m) arrived and, now that he has departed, could forward Ivan Toney therefore lose some FPL appeal?

Brentford XI (4-3-3): Raya; Hickey (Roerslev 76′), Jansson (Crama 76′), Bech, Henry (Stevens 76′); Onyeka (Janelt 62′), Jensen, Dasilva (Baptiste 71′); Wissa (Lewis-Potter 62′), Toney, Mbeumo (Dervisoglu 76′)


QUEENS PARK RANGERS 0-3 CRYSTAL PALACE

  • Goals: Eberechi Eze, Wilfried Zaha (x2)
  • Assists: Wilfried Zaha, Christien Benteke (x2)

Match highlights

After departing Loftus Road for Selhurst Park in a £16m deal two years ago, Eberechi Eze (£5.5m) marked his return by scoring a lovely long-range goal to begin Saturday’s proceedings.

Main man Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m) added two of his own strikes, including a penalty, to seal a comfortable win for the Eagles.

It was a Crystal Palace line-up without the likes of Vicente Guaita (£4.5m), Tyrick Mitchell (£4.5m), Michael Olise (£5.5m), Odsonne Edouard (£5.5m) or Jean-Philippe Mateta (£5.5m), so it’s hard to take much away from an FPL standpoint.

That’s been the case throughout pre-season, with the Palace squad split down the middle and separated by 9,000 miles over the last fortnight.

Regardless, Palace have a tough run of opening fixtures. Otherwise Zaha – whose 14 goals were the ninth-most of last season – would surely be a very popular Fantasy asset, with no price change.

Crystal Palace XI (4-3-3): Whitworth; Ferguson (McArthur 46′), Tomkins (Boateng 46′), Guéhi (Bartley 86′), Riedewald (Watson 60′); Doucouré, Eze, Schlupp; Plange (Hughes 46′), Benteke, Zaha


READING 1-2 BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION

  • Goals: Pascal Gross, Solly March
  • Assists: Tariq Lamptey, Danny Welbeck

Match highlights

Graham Potter made only one change from the win over Estoril, suggesting he knows his best line-up ahead of the Gameweek 1 trip to Man United.

That new face belongs to the man of everlasting FPL potential, Tariq Lamptey (£4.5m). The wing-back’s cross was headed home by Pascal Gross (£5.5m) to open the scoring at Reading before Danny Welbeck (£6.5m) set up a sweet strike by Solly March (£5.0m).

Still at Brighton, Marc Cucurella (£5.0m) was played at centre-back rather than down the left, similar to the closing weeks of last season.

“In the first half we played with real intensity, good control, won the ball back quickly when we lost it and scored a good goal. We created some good opportunities, so it was a really good work-out for us. I really liked the game.” – Graham Potter

Potter’s team was completely different by the 70th minute, with Deniz Undav (£5.5m) amongst those getting a brief showing.

Brighton XI (3-5-2): Sanchez (Steele 70′); Veltman (Webster 45′), Dunk (Clarke 70′), Cucurella (Duffy 70′); Lamptey (Mwepu 45′), March (Alzate 70′), Gross (Lallana 70′), Mac Allister (Mitoma 70′), Caicedo (Enciso 70′); Trossard (Undav 70′), Welbeck (Maupay 70′)


BOURNEMOUTH 0-1 BRISTOL CITY

Match highlights

With expectations already low for the Cherries, a home defeat to Championship side Bristol City will not tempt FPL managers to invest in their assets.

Perhaps forward Dominic Solanke could become an option, given his £6.0m price tag and 29 goals of last season. He has notched twice in pre-season goals but failed to do so here.

Bournemouth XI (4-3-3): Travers; Smith, Mepham (Moore 62′), Hill, Zemura; Lerma, Cook (Anthony 62′), Billing; Christie (Stanislas 73′), Rothwell (Stacey 73′), Solanke


PRE-SEASON MINUTES TRACKER


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

1,514 Comments Post a Comment
  1. jia you
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    The more I think about it Cancelo, KdB and Haaland will be pretty much nailed and very hard to ignore with their opening fixtures. Pretty sure I'm going with all three but perhaps Kane for GW1 who will become Haaland.

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

      I had a beauty draft with these 3 earlier. Then decided I wanted the 8.0 mids again.
      But with everyone probably going WC pretty early anyway it might be time for a gamble and those 3 could be immense and obviously the 3 best City picks if you want to attack their fixture.
      What’s your draft with those 3?

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

        yeah the sacrifice is the 8.0mid slot:

        Meslier
        Cancelo Robertson Zinc 5.0
        KdB Salah Mart Bailey
        Kane Martial
        (Klaesson DaSilva Neco 4.5)

    2. Herogrows
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Hi Jia You, are you running any mini leagues this year? Enjoyed the no bs league last year!

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

        Haven't planned any mate...don't think I'll go without Salah again, three seasons without was enough pain haha

        1. Herogrows
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          I know what you mean, painful seeing all those points missed!

  2. Captain-Useful
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Golden Boot Award league

    Key token password- kk4l2w

    Best of luck.

    1,2nd,3rd will gets a reward based off 2023 currency.

  3. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    12.5m to spend on a starting DEF and MID:

    a) Perisic/Coutinho
    ....
    Can't find a decent b)...

    Any thoughts on a?

    1. Von Lipwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Oh and No Arsenal as per

    2. 3 A
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Trippier, Sancho

    3. Brimble82
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B) Jonny + any £8.0m of your choosing

    4. TheKeitaSuccess
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Trippier/Zinny & Sancho
      Or
      James and Rashy

  4. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Thanks for the feedback, which do you like best?

    a) Perisic/Coutinho
    b) Trippier/Sancho
    c) 4.5m/8m (Jonny/Mount?)
    d) Robertson/Rashford/Coutinho (lose Diaz)

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

      Robbo / Grealish

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

      Robertson at 7.0 is better than Diaz at 8.0....over the first few gameweeks chances are they'll probably have the same points, so why waste the 1mil extra....Robbo is better than the other Def options in your list above, and with Rashford/Martinelli, you have better points potential compared to Perisic, trippier, or a 4.5

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

    Seems I'm able to watch this season every Premier league game from one streaming service. My question is will every Premier league game be broadcasted or are there some also that has no cameras and so no broadcast?

    Because rightnow I see a future schedule in that streaming service for 5th and 6th august and all games are there except one New v. Nfo for some reason.

    1. Hiiler
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Sionce it's future schedule than of course there is a chance that it will be added there later.

    2. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Its on NBC Peacock so its streaming

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

      Pretty sure every game has cameras. They all get covered on highlights shows (match of the day etc).

    4. TheTinman
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Every game has cameras as in most countries outside of UK every single game is televised.

      1. Hiiler
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Thanks for all the answers. Thought so too that every game probably has cameras and is broadcast just wasn't 100% sure.

        Then the reason why so far only one game is not on the schedule has to be somewhere else. Wierd though if only 1 game will not be shown. 🙂

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

      Now I see all 7 games on the future schedule for 5th and 6 th of august so I'm sure all games will be shown on my streaming service.

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

    1) GK: Ederson, D: James, M: Saka, F: Awoniyi
    or
    2) GK: Mendy, D: Tomiyasu, M: Mount, F: Jesus

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

      I'll give an alternate that could give you more points:

      Ramsdale, Dalot, Mount (or your choice of 8.0), Jesus

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

        cheers slim

    2. TheKeitaSuccess
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I like 1 if you can swap Awoniyi to a 4.5 and find an extra .5 for Rashy in mid

  7. Azzastaan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Is neco williams going to start?

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Likely yes.

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

      Yup

  8. FPL Mentor
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Pretty set on this for now.

    Ramsdale
    TAA James Cancelo Trippier
    Salah Saka Martinelli Coutinho Rashford
    Kane

    Gazzaniga / Taylor / Greenwood / N.Williams

    0.5m itb

    What we thinking people?

    1. TheKeitaSuccess
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Personally I’d do Bailey and Sancho and save yourself a mil which you could use to upgrade Tripps to James

      1. TheKeitaSuccess
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        James to Robbo I mean haha

  9. marcos11
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Mendy/Bailey or Sanchez/Neto?

    _____ Steele
    TAA Cancelo James Walker Tomi
    Salah Diaz Rashford ____ Andreas
    Kane Jesus Archer

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Sanchez / Neto

      1. Henry The Gooner! ❤️⚽
        • 1 Year
        1 year, 8 months ago

        You're a WWE fan???
        Just being curious bout the name tho.

    2. FPL Mentor
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Tough call. I'd be tempted to punt on Mendy/Bailey, but then Neto feels more nailed than Bailey. If planning on early WC I would probably go Mendy/Bailey.

  10. stevenj196thomas
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Anyone know what the code for the fantasy football scout league is on FPL?

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

    Thoughts please, downgraded Ederson to beef up midfield. Kulu probably just for GW1.

    Raya

    TAA / Cancelo / Zinchenko / Ait Nourri

    Salah / Diaz / Kulu / Martinelli

    Kane / Jesus

    Balcombe | Da Silva | Williams | Archer

    Cheers!

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

      Looking good. Who do you want to move Kulusevski to? He looked in great touch in the Rangers game & recent Conte comments suggest that Richarlison is unlikely to start ahead of him

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

        Thanks, I was not sure on his 'Naildness' I missed those Conte comments.

        So you think keep for now?

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

          Can't seem to find the quote now, annoyingly. Pretty sure I saw it here somewhere (scout report on Rangers v Spurs?). Anyway, was something about the importance of strength in depth, sounded like Richarlison would be backup for Son/Kane basically. I think we can feel a bit more confident going for Kulu now. Had a great game too

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

            Thanks

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

        Also do you think the defence is ok or a bit weak, its a toss up between making defence stronger or midfield stronger.

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

          Defence is fine. I find a little bit funny tbh that people might consider this "weak" - knockon effect of crazy-big-at-the-back I suppose. Trent & Cancelo are great but there's real value in the 5m/4.5m defenders too. My defence is likely to be 7.5 / 7 / 5 or if 4atb then 7.5 / 7 / 5 / 4.5. I even have a cheeky draft thats just Cancelo / Konate / Trippier. Personally I prefer Gabriel but can understand the appeal of Zinchenko.

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

            Agree, Zinc I am not 100% confident with, easy switch as you say to Gabriel.

          2. Dags
            • 1 Year
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Yeah will definitely go with Gab over Zin or any other Arsenal Defender. All of them might be rotated.

  12. apprehensivepipe4
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    RMT

    Ramsdale (Balcombe)

    TAA, Robertson, Cancelo, Trippier (Williams)

    Salah, Mahrez, Martinelli, Bailey (Andreas)

    Kane, Jesus (Forss)

    1. FPL Mentor
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Looks strong, similar balance to my current draft bar Robbo, Mahrez, Bailey, Jesus. Leaning towards James, Saka, Martinelli Coutinho instead. Best of luck!

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

      Too many rotation risks in midfield imo.

  13. Bird24
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Which option seems better??
    A) Jesus and 10 mil mid
    B) Son and 4.5 mil fwd
    thx

    1. FPL Mentor
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Depends who you will get in for 10mil. Not great options with only Sterling/Bruno unless you go cheaper and invest £ elsewhere? If you have Arsenal cover in mid then I'd be tempted by Son + 4.5m fwd

    2. TheTinman
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Are playing both of them or not?

      If both needed then A if not then B

      Strange question

  14. Al Pacho
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Team 1

    Meslier
    TAA cancelo cash zinchenko
    Salah diaz Sancho Neto
    Kane Jesus
    Subs: Gaza,neco, da Silva, greenwood

    Team 2

    Meslier
    TAA cancelo cash zinchenko
    Salah diaz martinelli Neto Mahrez
    Kane
    Subs: Gazza, neco, wood, greenwood

    Any opinions would be much appreciated.
    Thanks!

    1. FPL Mentor
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Sancho & Jesus vs Martinelli & Mahrez.

      Think I prefer the latter

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

      Is that Chris Wood on your bench in B? I would rather go for 2x 4.5m fwds on the bench since Kane is as nailed as they get. Or if you feel you really need a starter, maybe save 0.5m at least & get Mateta?

  15. Godspeed
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Pre-season thoughts on Konate (5.0) vs Matip (6.0) as the starter with VVD this season based on what we’ve seen this far?

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

      Its probably too soon to be thinking about Konate, but I am anyway....
      Early signs do suggest that he will partner VVD more often than not. He's going to be insane value if he starts regularly. Huge set piece threat too. But there's definitely a risk of jumping in too soon & then seeing him rotated with Matip

    2. Dags
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Too risky

  16. Wee Jinky
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    3-4-3

    Ederson + 4.0
    TAA Robertson Cancelo (Patterson & Williams)
    Baily, Salah(c), Neto, Rashford (Andreas)
    Martial, Jesus, Haaland (or Kane)

    Thoughts?

    1. DARE TO BISCAN
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Lot of faith in ManU being good IRL

  17. Riverside Red
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Leeds Fans : Is Geldhard likely to be a regular starter this year.

    1. Kiwi Don
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Probably still off the bench most games I would guess.

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

    I'm surprised that Ederson is in so many teams. No way I'm blocking an outfield city spot plus can save 1m for rest of team with a cheap keeper.

    1. DARE TO BISCAN
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Pep roulette survivors group.

  19. DARE TO BISCAN
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    a) Rashy & Grealish (+0.5)
    b) BrunoG & 8.0

  20. Kristobal
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Dumfries rumored to Chelsea. Will that dent James potential? Push him to RCB?

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

      James to RCB risk makes me prefer chilwell imo

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

    What do you guys think - Mendy and Rashford or Raya and Coutinho?

    1. Henry The Gooner! ❤️⚽
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I would go for the latter.
      Mendy??? I'm pessimistic bout his form especially his defence... So I would prolly go for Raya cos of his bargain price. I guess it's better.

  22. Henry The Gooner! ❤️⚽
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Any huge risk for not having Salah in team?...

  23. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Final places are sooooo tricky!

    Would you do

    1. Saliba - Dias - Zaha
    2. Zinchecko - Cancelo - Bailey

    Cheers