The Pre-season Friendly Hub Part 2
Pre-season preparations are now well and truly underway. All Premier League teams have played and depending on where you are in the world and what your sports subscription is, you may have had the opportunity to view first hand, a number of them. Be aware though that most managers see the first two or three games as purely an exercise to blow away the cobwebs and to get the joints moving once again. This is the reason a lot of the time you will see 22 (or more) players playing in a game. In short, you shouldn’t concern yourself if one of your fantasy picks only played 45 minutes in a game. This is not a reliable indication of manager intent or a forewarning to the season. Usually. The US seems to be the market everyone is trying to crack this pre-season and we know a number of site members have been lucky enough to go to some of these games. Manchester City, Manchester Utd, Liverpool, West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke City are all in the world’s latest soccer (sic) market. Heck, even Arsenal nipped out for five minutes to face the Red Bulls last night. World Cup fever has caught stateside and the Premier League teams are dipping their bread in.
Newcastle and West Ham are in Oceania, with contrasting opening results and Chelsea are back-packing around Europe, whilst the rest seem to be preparing closer to home.
Today/Yesterday has been a massive day of action with no less than nine Premier League clubs continuing their preparations. Here is a rundown on the games involving Premier League teams from Wednesday to last night…
WEST HAM UNITED
West Ham United V Wellington Phoenix
23 July 2014
GOAL: Mauro Zarate (assisted by Matt Jarvis) 71 mins
Jaaskelainen
Demel, Reid, Collins, Cresswell
Kouyate, Noble, Diame, Nolan, Jarvis
C Cole, Nolan
Subs:
60min Zarate, Downing on – Cole and Kouyate off
68min Tomkins, O’Brien on – Collins and Demel off
77 min Potts on – Cresswell Off
81min Whitehead on – Diame off
83 Fanimo on – Nolan off
CHELSEA
Wolfsberger 1-1 Chelsea
23 July 2014
GOAL:
Jeremie Boga (assisted by Branislav Ivanovic) 84 mins
Cech
Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Luis (Ake 60)
Van Ginkel (Romeu 60), Matic (Chalobah 81); Salah (Swift 85), Baker (Boga 45)
Brown (Christensen 77); Bamford (Solanke 60)
HULL CITY
York City 0-2 Hull City
23 July 2014
GOALS:
Sone Aluko (unassisted) 50 mins
Yannick Sagbo (unassisted) 79 mins
Allan McGregor
Ahmed Elmohamady (Liam Rosenior 46), James Chester (Alex Bruce 46), Paul McShane (Curtis Davies 46), Conor Townsend
Robert Snodgrass (Sone Aluko 46), David Meyler (Tom Huddlestone 46), Stephen Quinn (Jake Livermore 46), Robbie Brady (Tom Ince 46)
Shane Long (Yannick Sagbo 46) George Boyd (Joe Dudgeon 68)
SUNDERLAND
Hartlepool Utd. 0-3 Sunderland
23 July 2014
GOALS:
Carl Lawson (assisted by Mickael Mandron) 70 mins
Andrew Cartwright (unassisted) 73 mins
Andrew Cartwright (unassisted) 77 mins
Sunderland 1-61 mins
Pantilimon
Watmore, Ferguson, Roberge, O’Shea
Cattermole, Larsson, Ba, Johnson
Fletcher, Clayton
Sunderland 62-90 mins
Cartwright
Pickford, T Robson, Harrison, Beadling
Agnew, Honeyman, Smith, Gooch
Lawson, Mandron.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Toronto 2-3 Tottenham Hotspur
24 July 2014
GOALS:
Erik Lamela (assisted by Roberto Soldado) 15 mins
Erik Lamela (assisted by Roberto Soldado) 39 mins
Andros Townsend (assisted by Lewis Holtby) 84 mins
First Half:
Brad Fridel
Kyle Naughton, Younes Kaboul, Milos Veljkovic, Ben Davies
Ettiene Capoue, Ryan Mason
Christian Eriksen, Erik Lamela, Aaron Lennon
Roberto Soldado
Second Half:
Friedel
Walker, Dawson, Fryers, Rose
Carroll, Holtby, Ceballos, Townsend
Falque, Kane
CRYSTAL PALACE
Columbus Crew 2-2 Crystal Palace
24 July 2014
GOALS:
Glenn Murray (assisted by Yannick Bolassie) 36 mins
Jake Gray (assisted by Marouane Chamakh) 70 mins
Speroni (Hennessey 45)
Ward (Mariappa 51), Dann, Delaney (Ramage 60), Jerome Williams (Boateng 60)
Puncheon (Gray 60), Jedinak (O’Keefe 51), Ledley (Jonny Williams 60 {Ledley 73}), Bolasie (Bannan 60)
Murray (Chamakh 51), Gayle (Guedioura 60)
LIVERPOOL
Liverpool 0-1 Roma
24 July 2014
Jones
Kelly (Coady), Skrtel, Coates (Agger 60), Enrique (Robinson 48)
Lucas, Allen (Henderson 80)
Coutinho (Phillips 85), Borini (Can 11), Ibe (Suso 80)
Lambert (Peterson 60)
MANCHESTER CITY
Sporting Kansas City 1-4 Manchester City
24 July 2014
GOALS:
Bruno Zuculini (unassisted) 3 mins
Dedryck Boyata (assisted by Jesus Navas) 44 mins
Aleksandr Kolarov (PENALTY won by Scott Sinclair) 72 mins
Kelechi Iheanacho (assisted by Jesus Navas) 88 mins
Caballero
Richards (Clichy 46), Boyata, Rekik (Nastastic 75), Kolarov
Navas, Fernando (Javi Garcia 65), Zuculini (Huws 74), Kelechi Iheanacho (Denayer 90)
Sinclair (Leigh 88), Jovetic (Guidetti 65)
ASTON VILLA
FC Dallas 0-2 Aston Villa
24 July 2014
GOALS:
Andreas Weimann (assisted by Darren Bent) 44 mins
Charles N’Zogbia (unassisted) 49 mins
First Half:
Given
Hutton, Okore, Stevens, Baker
Herd, Bacuna, Gardner, Grealish
Weimann, Bent
Second Half:
Given
Lowton, Senderos, Clark, Bennett
Westwood, El Ahmadi, Delph, N’Zogbia
Agbonlahor, Richardson
MANCHESTER UTD
LA Galaxy 0-7 Manchester Utd.
24 July 2014
GOALS:
Juan Mata 13 mins
Wayne Rooney (PENALTY won by Valencia) 41 mins
Wayne Rooney (unassisted) 45 mins
Reece James (assisted by Ashley Young) 62 mins
Reece James (assisted by Shinji Kagawa) 84 mins
Ashley Young (assisted by Ander Herrera) 88 mins
Ashley Young (assisted by Ander Herrera) 90 mins
First Half:
De Gea
Smalling, Jones, Evans
Valencia
Fletcher (c), Herrera, Mata, Shaw
Welbeck, Rooney
Second Half:
Lindegaard
James, Fletcher, Keane M
Rafael, Blackett, Kagawa, Cleverley, Herrera
Nani, Young
SOUTHAMPTON
AFC Bournemouth 0-1 Southampton
25 July 2014
GOAL:
Lloyd Isgrove (assisted by Nathaniel Clyne) 20 mins
Boruc
Clyne, Fonte, Yoshida (Hoiveld 60), Targett
S. Davis (Reid 60), Ward-Prowse (Stephens 74), Tadi? (McQueen 60), Ramírez (Cork 45)
Isgrove (Mayuka 74), Pellè (Gallagher 74)
WEST HAM UTD
Sydney FC 3-1 West Ham Utd.
26 July 2014
GOAL: (Petkovic OG, assisted by Matt Jarvis ) 51 mins
Adrian (Howes 81)
Demel, O’Brien (Potts 72), Reid, Collins
Noble (Whitehead 68), Diame (Poyet 68), Nolan, Downing (Fanimo 81)
Jarvis (Vaz Te 59), Cole (Zarate 45)
NEWCASTLE UTD
Wellington Phoenix 0-1 Newcastle Utd.
26 July 2014
GOAL: Yoan Gouffran (assisted by Vurnon Anita) 41 mins
Rob Elliot
Steven Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini (Haris Vuckic 78), Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa (Lubo Satka 65) Massadio Haidara (Paul Dummett 76)
Vurnon Anita, Mehdi Abeid (Rolando Aarons 46), Jack Colback, Yoan Gouffran (Adam Campbell 85),
Emmanuel Riviere (Adam Armstrong 65), Siem de Jong (Ayoze Perez 33)
CRYSTAL PALACE
Philadelphia Union 0-1 Crystal Palace
26 July 2014
GOAL: White (OG, assisted by Scott Dann) 20 mins
Speroni
Ward (Mariappa 50), Dann (McCarthy 54, Ramage 65), Delaney, Jerome Williams (Boateng 65)
Puncheon (Bannan 54), Jedinak (O’Keefe 50), Ledley (Gray 65), Bolasie (Thomas 54),
Chamakh (Guedioura 65), Gayle (Murray 50).
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
Sacramento Republic 1-3 West Bromwich Albion
26 July 2014
GOALS:
Saido Berahino (assisted by Victor Anichbe) 13 mins
Yousseff Mulumbu (assisted by Saido Berahino) 30 mins
Victor Anichebe (unassisited) 62 mins
Foster (L Daniels 45)
Wisdom, Dawson (D Daniels 69), Olsson (A Nabi 83), Pocognoli
Baird (Atkinson 85), Yacob (O’Neil 45), Mulumbu
Berahino (Roofe 63), Anichebe, Dorrans (Garmston 67).
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Red Bull Leipzig 2-0 Queens Park Rangers
26 July 2014
First half:
Green
Simpson, Ferdinand, Dunne, Hill
Phillips, Barton, Wright-Phillips, Doughty, Henry
Austin
Second half:
Green
Caulker, Collison, Dunne (Sendles-White 69), Onuoha,
O’Neil, Faurlin, Petrasso, Wright-Phillips (Ehmer 69)
Zamora, Sutherland.
BURNLEY
Accrington Stanley 0-1 Burnley
26 July 2014
GOAL: Jason Gilchrist (assisted by Scott Arfield) 73 mins
First half:
Gilks
Mee (Conlan 41), Shackell, Anderson, Trippier
Taylor, Hewitt, Marney, Hall
Ings, Sordell.
Second Half:
Cisak
Lafferty, Duff. Long. O’Neill
Arfield, Howieson, Jones, Hewitt (Lowe 70)
Gilchrist, Jutkiewicz.
HULL CITY
Barnsley 1-1 Hull City
26 July 2014
GOAL: Shane Long (unassisted) 47 mins
Steve Harper (Eldin Jakupovic 45)
Liam Rosenior (Joe Dudgeon 63), Ahmed Elmohamady, James Chester, Paul McShane
Tom Ince (George Boyd 63), Tom Huddlestone, Jake Livermore , Robert Snodgrass (Stephen Quinn 63),
Sone Aluko (Robbie Brady 63) Shane Long (Yannick Sagbo 63)
STOKE CITY
1860 Munich 2-0 Stoke City
26 July 2014
First Half:
Sorensen
Wilkinson, Shawcross, Wilson, Muniesa
Shotton, Ireland,Whelan, Arnautovic
Bojan
Diouf
Second Half:
Bachmann
Bardsley, Huth, Teixeira, Pieters
Walters, Adam, Nzonzi, Sidwell
Shea
Crouch
ARSENAL
New York Red Bulls 1-0 Arsenal
26 July 2014
First Half:
Szczesny
Jenkinson, Hayden, Monreal, Gibbs
Arteta, Wilshere,
Zelalem, Ramsey, Cazorla
Rosicky
Second Half:
Martinez
Bellerin, Monreal, Miquel, Gibbs
Coquelin, Flamini
Diaby, Rosicky (Toral 70), Cazorla (Olsson 70)
Akpom
MANCHESTER UTD
Manchester Utd. 3-2 Roma
26 July 2014
GOALS:
Wayne Rooney (assisted by Juan Mata) 36 mins
Juan Mata (assisted by Wayne Rooney) 39 mins
Wayne Rooney (PENALTY, won by Danny Welbeck) 45 mins
First Half:
Johnstone
Jones, Evans, Blackett
Valencia, Cleverley, Herrera, James
Mata
Welbeck, Rooney
Second Half:
Amos
M Keane, Smalling, Blackett
Young, Cleverley (Hernandez 70), Kagawa, Shaw
Nani
Lingard, W Keane
ASTON VILLA
Houston Dynamo 0-1 Aston Villa
27 July 2014
GOAL: Joe Bennett (assisted by Andreas Weimann) 41 mins
First Half:
Steer
Herd, Senderos, Baker, Lowton
Bennett, El Ahmadi, Delph [Richardson, 30] N’Zogbia
Agbonlahor, Weimann
Second Half:
Steer
Hutton, Richardson, Herd, Clark, Stephens, Gardner, Westwood, Bacuna, Grealish, Bent
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Chicago Fire 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur
27 July 2014
GOALS:
Harry Kane (assisted by Lewis Holtby) 5 mins
Aaron Lennon (assisted by Roberto Soldado) 84 mins
Friedel (McGee, 78)
Walker (Naughton, 46), Dawson, Veljkovic (Fredericks, 80), Rose (Davies, 46)
Capoue, Mason; Holtby (Falque, 64), Lamela (Eriksen, 46)
Townsend (Lennon, 46); Kane (Soldado, 46)
CONCLUSIONS
HOT:
Man Utd started the van Gaal era impressively with a 7-0 win against LA Galaxy. Granted this was only an MLS side but any 7-0 deserves some credit. It would have been pleasing for Wayne Rooney owners to see him scoring so early (four goals in two games including sticking away two penalties) and they’ll be hoping it continues to the start of the season, especially as Man Utd. have some really attractive opening fixtures, as is well documented.
Luke Shaw appears to be lined up for the wide left position of a five in midfield as Man Utd’s default 3-5-2 formation. This in essence, makes him prospectively, the first and biggest, Out Of Position (OOP) player this season.
Ander Herrera began his Man Utd. career by dictating the LA Galaxy match and assisted two goals for Ashley Young (no mean feat!) and he may be a more attractive player in fantasy terms then first anticipated. A midfield destroyer he isn’t and never was, he is a classy player who although may play in a deep role, can unpick defences and may continue his assist scoring into the season.
The question is will Robin van Persie be used sparingly at the beginning of the season due to the burden able to be shared between Rooney, Mata, Valencia, Shaw and Herrera?
Enjoy discussing . . .
NOT
West Ham Utd. have now lost both their games against ‘A’ league opposition, in the form of Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC. OK, so it is pre-season, they have travelled a long way but you would have to be flag these two results as ‘warning signs’.
Andy Carroll has now been ruled out through injury (again). This time for a reported four months so their main striker being out and it has been one heck of a trip for Sam Allardyce and his men. Add to this the hullabaloo surrounding who he actually wants to sign / retain (Ravel Morrison) and can’t, and who he didn’t (Mauro Zarate) and did. This is all alleged of course but there usually is no smoke without fire.
Big Sam has already agreed with the owners that to appease them he will finish in the top half of the table minimum. Also, and to appease the Hammers’ support, he has promised a more attractive style of football. A return to the ‘West Ham Way’ (whatever that may be, like some, I have no idea).
The pressure is already on Big Sam and it could be argued that he now needs results (even though it is pre-season) against Schalke 04 and Malaga in Germany next weekend.
Hope you are enjoying these reviews and happy tinkering to all . . .
Finally feel like I’ve made some progress on my team… even if I’ve got some big PODs to some of the teams that I’ve seen posted on the boards.
I don’t see many investing Stevie G? I learn’t from last year that he should be played every game, no matter the fixture, and I think City will be the only real challenge in their opening fixtures. Until the Saints can show me they’ve still got it, I’m gonna treat them like a bottom half of the table team, and Spurs I’m not sure about.
Also looking at Welbeck to get some minutes early on in the season, with RvP being rested, and if so he’s a real bargain.
Any thoughts on the above?
I think Gerrard is the only Liverpool player worth investing in, although I’d take Mata or Ramsey over him at the moment at least, Steven thrived off his assists and penalties last year and with Suarez I cant see them having as much flair.
I wouldnt really risk Welbeck because if he doesnt play its probably just wasted money that could have been spent on a definite striker, even Pelle off Southampton would sit better in my books.
Yeah, I don’t think I’ll be looking at anyone at pool other than Gerrard. Already got Mata, and I think Ramsey is a tad expensive, but it’s good to have a way to bring him in if he starts firing. SG is more proven, so I would rather start the season with him, and then wait and see who looks good.
I really think Welbeck will get some minutes, and compared to others at his price he looks the best option. I’m not willing to risk Pelle, as like I said, they’re going to have to show me that they’ve still got it before I invest in them.
Him and Skrtel are the only two I’d class as nailed for them at the moment and I wouldnt bank on clean sheets with Liverpool! I suppose he could be the player that seperates you from the rest so why not!
I think he’s the perfect replacement for Lambert, but then again he did play in the Eredvisie. (I know I sound like a dickhead but its not BPL level)
I still wouldnt be certain, but once again he could be a deciding factor if he does play!
Anyone want to give me an opinion on my team, possible changes or suggestions are welcome!
De Gea (Hamer, wont play)
Caulker, Terry, Lescott (Ben Davies, Duff)
Sanchez, Mata, Siggy, Noble (Albrighton)
Rooney, Costa, Dzeko
Personally I’m staying well clear of West Ham players, take a look at Steven Davis at Southampton instead of Noble. Lescott is a bit expensive IMO. Look at Dawson perhaps? Doubling up on spurs defense may not be a bad idea….
Keep an eye on Albrighton, I’m not so keen on him but he seems pretty popular.
Yeah they’re a little worrying, but I know if the odd goal comes Noble will be involved, a set piece taker for 5.5 isnt too bad, Davies might not be a bad move, that means I can upgrade Albrighton or maybe Lescott to Debuchy. I reckon Lescott will be given his position at left back again, he was hitting 100+ points before he went to city.
Hes only a bench player really, Im trying to have dead certs starting and if all goes tits up I’ll play my WC early.
Lol great minds think alike
I think I’m just destined to make that change! Haha, him out Davies in Lescott to Debuchy I think is what I’ll do. I cant understand how I’m spending so much time and making so many changes this early on!
You have united Chelsea arsenal cover which is very good. I really like your team. Only one thing I would change is noble Lol. I know i advised u to get him but west ham have been really bad recently. I reckons they’ll get relegated. I’ll get Davis of Southampton instead. Also maybe drop one of either lescott caulker or Davies to upgrade ur keeper since u always need two starting keepers even though united fixtures are so good for now. The season isn’t 8 gw.so get krul for 4.5 and I think u have a really good team. Good luck
We meet again haha! Yeah I’m banking on them all to hit the ground running, City will aswell but theres too much uncertainty about their midfield for my liking.
They are a bit shakey alright, I just have that gut feeling he’ll bank assists, but I reckon Davies could be a smart move either freeing up the extra 0.5, oh what I’d do for another million haha.
I get what you mean, but I might just get rid of DDG between GW 9-12 at least, because that extra 0.5 is important for the first while at least!
Thanks and good luck to you too mate! And are you still sticking with Baines? Haha,
Haha I just can’t seem to take baines of my team. I feel I owe him since he got me 5 goals last season Lol. I might take him off last second and put in terry only if he starts every game. Still tinkering and it will never end till the first gw.
I wouldnt class though goals as 7m worth of a deal haha. I know Im going to have so many regrets in the first GW! last season I bottled my benteke and coleman gambles and I was sickened haha.
I disagree with the two playing keepers. If your going to invest 5.5 in a keeper, you should be playing him every round.
Yeah, Im sticking with DDG. I swapped Noble for Davies and Lescott for Debuchy, I think Im happy with it now! (I also said that this time last week when I had RVP, Toure and Ramsey, suppose thats the pre season tinkering for you!)
Thanks for the help guys, its very much appreciated!
I’m going with DDG, but going to spend the extra 0.5mil of Krul as second keeper. I think that Krul is cheap and should increase in value, may as well have someone on the bench who is appreciating in value. He is good back up, so I can sleep at night.
What do u guys think of Chris Baird. Will he start?
I definitely wouldn’t class him as nailed on to start, I can only really see Duff as a starter out of the 4m defenders. But I suppose it doesnt matter if he’s going to sit as 3rd sub anyways!
Hey lads,
Which team is most promising in your opinion?
Or both terrible? Haha.
1)
Mannone (Krul)
Terry ©, Shaw, Debuchy (Vlaar, Marlappa)
Mata, Hazard, Snodgrass, Sigurdsson (Albrighton)
Pellè, Costa, Roony (vc)
or
2)
Mannone (Krul)
Terry ©, Jones, Debuchy (Bruce, Marlappa)
Mata, Fabergas, Eriksen, Sigurdsson (Albrighton)
Remy, Costa, Rooney (vc)
Or even this team:
3)
Mannone (Krul)
Terry ©, Jones, Davies, Debuchy (Marlappa)
Mata, Hazard, Erkisen (Albrighton, Sigurdsson)
Chamakh, Costa, Rooney (vc)
Out of those 3 I’d probably choose number 1. I think Terry as captain is a bold move, it could pay off big time but you could regret it!
Oh and by the way Mariappa isnt a guaranteed starter and vlaar has a horrible first few fixtures so I might try steer clear of those two.
Ok, cheers for the advice.
This a better looking team?
Still thinking of keeping Terry captain though haha.
Mannone (Krul)
Terry, Jones, Debuchy (Bruce, Cameron)
Mata, Fabergas, Eriksen, Sigurdsson (Albrighton)
Remy, Costa ©, Rooney (vc)
That teams a lot more solid, I like the Defence and attack, midfield is very sharp too but I dont know if I’d risk Fabregas, maybe Gerrard, Silva or Ramsey might give you a wider range of coverage with a little bit more of a proven point.
Cameron might not start either, Bardsley could get the nod ahead of him, Id be more inclined for either O Shea, Coloccini or Ferdinand as they will more or less be guaranteed starters, even if they are only rotation players for your side.
The captain choice is ultimately your call anyways so dont be afraid to take the gamble!
Shit, makeya that was aimed at you. What a rookie mistake haha.
Haha all good, I get ya. Yeah true. Fabergas looked great in his first friendly, as did Costa. I’ll have to monitor all of my players in the friendlies but if Fabergas keeps building form, I’ll choose him over Hazard (purely for the start of the season as I build team value and Hazard isn’t as rested as Fabergas due to the world cup not that it should effect Hazard in a bad way).
Thanks for your views on the defence, that was where I needed advice the most I think!
Still tinkering to do as the season is still a bit away. I just want it to start already!!!!
Yeah he did, but at the end of the day Fantasy football isnt so much about the great players but the one that will pull points and I can see Fabrega picking up a few inconsistent 5 pointers from assist really.
Id like to have Hazard aswell, but I said Id go with Sanchez, just for the Arsenal coverage really.
Youre very welcome mate! Oh I’m the very same, the more time I spend playing around with my team, the more I over analyse things, the more regrets I’ll have haha.
Right. What’s happening, gents? I’ve got a team in the works but am open to advice as always. Thanks in advance!
Mannone (Krul)
Azpilicueta Davies Ward (Collins, Coloccini)
Ramsey Silva Mata Eriksen (Albrighton)
Rooney(c) Remy Dzeko
I’m def going to change out either Krul or Coloccini: no need to double up on Newcastle defense. :s
Was also thinking maybe downgrade Mata to Sterling so I can upgrade Az to Terry?
I wouldnt make the Sterling move anyways, not with Liverpools rotation, plus it would be hard to look pat uniteds fixtures, maybe downgrade Coloccini to a 4m defender and make the Terry switch?
The Midfield and attack is very good IMO
Very sensible, TETH. I will look for a 4m defender!
I think Duff off Burnley starts, but its not like he’ll ever be in your starting team anyways haha, the GK rotation might be a good move for you aswell, I’m personally banking on DDG because I dont know whos nailed in Uniteds defence.