Scout Notes

FPL pre-season: Kane and Son combination strikes again

Harry Kane (£11.5m), Son Heung-min (£12.0m) and James Maddison (£8.0m) 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: Sancho, Rashford and bargain Bailey all deliver in Perth draw

READ MOREMonday scout notes: Haaland, Jesus and Neto score


RANGERS 1-2 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

  • Goals: Harry Kane (x2)
  • Assists: Son Heung-min (x2)

Match highlights

A quickfire second-half double from Harry Kane was assisted by – you guessed it – partner Son Heung-min on Saturday afternoon.

For FPL managers, Gameweek 1 will be an uneasy watch without at least one of the Spurs’ premium duo – the most prolific goal combination in Premier League history.

They enter a home match against Southampton in prolific form, with both assisting once and netting twice in the 6-3 win over Team K League before Son set up Kane versus Sevilla. It happened twice more at Ibrox.

It ensured the north Londoners won the Walter Tull Memorial Cup and remain unbeaten in their first summer under Antonio Conte.

“I’m delighted because I have seen good intensity, I’ve seen many situations that we are trying in the training sessions, the pressure was good. For sure, especially in the first half, we created many, many chances to score.” – Antonio Conte

Six new faces took part, with all but Richarlison making their first appearances in a Spurs shirt. This includes Djed Spence (£4.5m), Clement Lenglet (£5.0m) and Ivan Perisic (£5.5m).

Having said that, the £60m signing from Everton played second fiddle to Dejan Kulusevski (£8.0m), ahead of his opening weekend suspension.

Meanwhile, Conte persisted with his new idea to convert Lucas Moura (£6.0m) into a right wing-back, just like he did to Victor Moses and Perisic. He came on for Emerson Royal (£5.0m) at half-time.

Tottenham XI (3-4-3): Lloris (Forster 71′); Romero (Tanganga 82′), Dier (Rodon 66′), Sanchez (Lenglet 71′); Emerson Royal (Lucas Moura 46′), Hojbjerg (Sarr 82′), Bentancur (Bissouma 46′), Sessegnon (Perisic 60′); Kulusevski (Richarlison 60′), Kane (Spence 71′), Son (Bryan 71′)


DERBY COUNTY 1-3 LEICESTER CITY

  • Goals: Kelechi Iheanacho, Patson Daka, Callum Wright
  • Assists: Timothy Castagne, Nampalys Mendy, Youri Tielemans

Match highlights

PRESTON NORTH END 1-2 LEICESTER CITY

  • Goals: Jamie Vardy, Harvey Barnes
  • Assists: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (x2)

Match highlights

The Foxes played two fixtures on the same day, each with a strong line-up that showcases their squad depth.

With assistant manager Chris Davies in charge at Pride Park and manager Brendan Rodgers at Deepdale, it may suggest that the Preston North End team is likely the favoured selection for Gameweek 1 at home to Brentford.

“People may be surprised at playing two different teams but we’re trying to get as many of them through 90 minutes. We’re at this stage where we have to keep building the fitness levels. I’m really pleased. In the first half, some of our football, the speed of our game and the tactical idea of the team was very, very good.” – Brendan Rodgers

This would solidify James Justin (£4.5m), Harvey Barnes (£7.0m) and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (£5.0m) as good picks, whilst Timothy Castagne (£4.5m) and Caglar Soyuncu (£4.5m) need to work their way in.

It brought a third pre-season goal for both Barnes and Patson Daka (£6.0m), with Jamie Vardy (£9.5m) rounding the Preston goalkeeper to notch his second of the summer. His 15 league goals of last season arrived in just 1,823 minutes and the 35-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down.

Vardy is currently on less than five per cent ownership, so could be a fantastic early differential.

Leicester XI vs Derby (3-5-2): Stolarczyk; Amartey, Soyuncu, Vestergaard; Castagne, Ndidi (Mendy 62′), Tielemans, Praet (Choudhury 77′), Thomas; Daka, Iheanacho (Wright 83′)

Leicester XI vs Preston (4-2-3-1): Schmeichel (Iversen 63′); Pereira, Fofana, Evans, Justin; Soumare, Dewsbury-Hall; Albrighton (Perez 63′), Maddison, Barnes; Vardy


LUTON TOWN 1-1 WEST HAM UNITED

  • Goal: Tomas Soucek
  • Assist: Aaron Cresswell

Match highlights

The second goal in two matches for Tomas Soucek (£5.5m) was pegged back in stoppage time, as West Ham had to settle for a draw. He headed home a cross from Aaron Cresswell (£5.0m), who was playing as the left centre-back in a three-man defence.

The 3-4-3 chosen by David Moyes had no orthodox striker until Michail Antonio‘s (£7.5m) second-half appearance.

Antonio started the last FPL season on fire but had a notoriously bad record afterwards, so the imminent signing of Italian international Gianluca Scamacca will severely restrict his appeal this time around.

Summer transfer Flynn Downes (£4.5m) made a cameo appearance, with Nayef Aguerd (£5.0m) forced into ankle surgery following last week’s Rangers friendly.

West Ham XI (3-4-3): Areola; Johnson, Zouma, Cresswell; Coufal, Soucek (Downes 83′), Rice (Coventry 75′), Masuaku (Ashby 64′); Benrahma (Antonio 46′), Fornals (Vlasic 46′), Bowen (Lanzini 64′)


WATFORD 0-0 SOUTHAMPTON

Match highlights

Ralph Hasenhuttl is also experimenting with a three-man back line and continued with it in the goalless draw at Watford.

Armel Bella-Kotchap (£4.5m), the 20-year-old signing from Bochum, was in defence, with Joe Aribo (£5.5m) and Romeo Lavia (£4.5m) joined in midfield by James Ward-Prowse (£6.5m).

“As a striker, he has more freedom for what he can do. He was driving with the ball. It’s not so dangerous when he loses it because you have enough players to defend. I like this position for him.” – Ralph Hasenhuttl on Stuart Armstrong

What may get FPL attention is the words of Hasenhuttl regarding bargain midfielder Stuart Armstrong (£5.0m) being used up front. Should Southampton not make a major forward purchase after youngster Sekou Mara’s arrival, perhaps Armstrong could be an option.

Southampton XI (3-5-2): Bazunu; Bella-Kotchap (Lyanco 46′), Bednarek, Salisu; Walker-Peters, Lavia, Ward-Prowse (Diallo 64′), Djenepo, Aribo (Romeu 70′); S Armstrong (Elyounoussi 70′), A Armstrong (Adams 46′)


UNION BERLIN 1-0 NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Forward Taiwo Awoniyi (£6.0m) made a quick return to Union Berlin, who he helped finish fifth in last season’s Bundesliga, but was unable to score in this Nottingham Forest defeat.

Lewis O’Brien (£5.0m) played his first minutes in a Forest shirt, with new additions Harry Toffolo (£4.5m) and Neco Williams (£4.0m) starting in wing-back positions.

One of the game’s most-selected forwards, bench fodder Lyle Taylor (£4.5m), was involved again and has now appeared in all five of Forest’s summer friendlies. Whether he can offer game-time in 2022/23 is still up for debate, however, with recent reports suggesting he was surplus to requirements.

Star signing Jesse Lingard (£6.0m), not involved here, will most likely fit in as the playmaker behind two forwards in Steve Cooper’s 3-4-1-2 formation.

Nottingham Forest XI (3-4-3): Henderson; Worrall, Cook (Niakhate 46′), McKenna (Mbe Soh 76′); N Williams (Biancone 76′), O’Brien (Cafu 62′), Colback, Toffolo (Laryea 76′); Johnson (D Taylor 76′), Awoniyi (Hammond 69′), Mighten (L Taylor 60′)


PRE-SEASON MINUTES TRACKER


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

671 Comments Post a Comment
  1. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Rate this lot, most probably GW1 lineup:
    Ederson
    TAA Robbo James Cancelo Tomiyasu/Jonny
    Salah KDB Martinelli Neto
    Jesus

    1. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      yep, terrific. I keep coming back to very, very similar

      1. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I'm basically on VVD and no James to allow an 8m midfielder

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

      Do you think James is worth it, given Chelsea's pre season form and formation questions?

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

        I think it's worth the gamble. Too big of an upside there if they get their things straight. An easy switch to a 5/5.5 defender if they don't look as good defensively.

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

      Very good

  2. Toon_Army666
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Alisson
    Digne, Cancelo, TAA, Trippier, Zinchenko

    Son, Diaz, Marhez

    Kane, Jesus

    1. amit1964
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      very good

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

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Cancelo, Trippier, Neco....?
    Im looking for a 5.0 defender , but dont want Gabriel( no double Arsenal defense) or Walker ( need City spot elsewhere). Suggestions?

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

      Romero. But I’d prefer Gabriel despite double Arsenal defence or to just drop to 4.5

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

      Cash

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

      Digne? Only a few good fixtures so maybe booking in a transfer, but I'm thinking of getting him & then maybe switching to Konate if he's starting regularly alongside VVD

  4. Salah Daze
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Is this too risky? I like it though…
    Mandy
    TAA - Cancelo - Trippier
    Sanche - Kulusevski - Grealish - L Diaz
    Kane/Haaland - Jesus - Havertz
    [Sanchez - Andreas - Tomiyasu - Neco]

    1. space mercenary
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I think there are better choices than Havertz. Like the Kulu pick. He seems to be overlooked although he got 99 points in just 1259 minutes last time out and will surely get better.

  5. amit1964
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    who will start against fulham?
    1) firmino
    2)darwin

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Darwin

  6. TheBiffas
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    This site needs a downvote button

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Upvoting this

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
            1 year, 8 months ago

            But only because there's no downvote button

            1. TheBiffas
              • 3 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              You'd love it, downvoting every RMT you see

              1. @persecuted_by_mods
                  1 year, 8 months ago

                  I am going to blow your mind here but it's not RMTs I dislike

                  1. TheBiffas
                    • 3 Years
                    1 year, 8 months ago

                    A or Bs?

                    1. @persecuted_by_mods
                        1 year, 8 months ago

                        Nope it's not the concept of any of these things I have an issue with actually

                        Jokes aside it's the spammers who never seemingly make a decision, or engage with anyone else, or help anyone else. Just the same question on repeat even if it's been asked 10 times already on the same page they're posting on, likewise with an RMT in that regard

                        But they can do what they like I'm not mayor of fantasyfootballscout, I can only do my part with a sarcastic response

                        Other than that I do try to help and respond to people

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

                          Wait til United Nations turns up!

            2. Now I'm Panicking
              • 9 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              My finger would fall off

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

              I'm sure there used to be one and it was taken away.

          • Toon_Army666
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Rmt, Thoughts?

            Ederson
            Cash, Trippier, TAA, Cancelo, Zinchenko

            Salah, Marhez, Bruno G/Martinelli?

            Darwin, Kane

            1. Bobby Digital
              • 6 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Like it, let's go Darwin!

          • @persecuted_by_mods
              1 year, 8 months ago

              I leave Mentaculus and NateDog in charge for one afternoon and all hell breaks loose

              My constant smart alec responses are needed, without me it's pure rage

              1. @persecuted_by_mods
                  1 year, 8 months ago

                  @Redro you are my second in command now, you have no say in the matter

                  We'll call ourselves the twomium

                  1. TheBiffas
                    • 3 Years
                    1 year, 8 months ago

                    Ew cringe play on words

                    1. @persecuted_by_mods
                        1 year, 8 months ago

                        That's it, me and you outside right now!

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

                    Where is Nate? I can't handle this as a single parent!

                    1. @persecuted_by_mods
                        1 year, 8 months ago

                        Went out for a pack of smokes and never came back

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

                          If he's not back for dinner, I'm divorcing him

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

                            He's in the midst of preparing a 100 line post!

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

                    a) Meslier/Raya + Trippier + 8.0 mil mid
                    b) Ederson + James + Martinelli

                    1. Old and Slow
                      • 4 Years
                      1 year, 8 months ago

                      A for me... Figure refrain outdoors 4.5gk by 20 or 30... James is a risk right now... And Mart... They both COULD be gold, but figure trippier and 8.0 probably safer bet...

                  4. space mercenary
                    • 4 Years
                    1 year, 8 months ago

                    Sport Bible reporting that the Curucella move is going ahead...
                    https://www.sportbible.com/city-xtra/marc-cucurella-manchester-city-brighton-transfer-latest-update-20220726

                  5. Turmoil
                    • 7 Years
                    1 year, 8 months ago

                    Final Draft Threemium or not ?
                    looking at
                    1. Zinc, Walker, Kane
                    2. Jesus, Havertz, Matip
                    Anyone help please ?

                    1. TheBiffas
                      • 3 Years
                      1 year, 8 months ago

                      1

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

                        Thanks Gunna go with that for possible Haaland switch week 2

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

                      1. or similar 5.0 defenders

                  6. New article...
                  7. JayKay1
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 4 Years
                    1 year, 8 months ago

                    Do people really think ARS have brought Zinchenko to play LB and compete with Tierney?

                    1. JayKay1
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 4 Years
                      1 year, 8 months ago

                      Bottomed! :o)

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

                    NUFC line up vs Sporting (433)

                    Pope
                    Trippier Lascelles Botman Targett
                    Sean Longstaff Bruno Anderson
                    Almiron Wilson St. Maximin

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

                      Benfica, man. I’ve not even started drinking yet.

                  9. _____DV_____
                    • 2 Years
                    1 year, 8 months ago

                    new here — surprised everyone suddenly has super strong 5-man defences but only 3 and 2 in mid and forward? Is this a new trend? I had always assumed 5 mids were the best since they end up getting the most points at the end of the season...

                  10. sirmorbach
                    • 7 Years
                    1 year, 8 months ago

                    Please, lads:

                    A. Ederson / Cash / Luis Díaz
                    B. Henderson / James / Luis Díaz,
                    C. Henderson / Robertson / Coutinho or Grealish
                    D. Ederson / Robertson / Martinelli or Neto + 0.5 or Fornals + 0.5

                  11. Whilesy
                    • 1 Year
                    1 year, 8 months ago

                    RMT

                    Allison
                    Trent Cancelo James Trippier Perisic
                    Sterling Grealish
                    Darwin Jesus Haaland

                    Forster, Bailey, Andreas, Cafu