Pre-season Hub for the 2017/18 FPL season
Hello and welcome to the Pre Season Hub for the 2017/18 season.
For those both old and new to the site this is an article which aims to bring to you in one convenient place, all the vital news from each of the twenty Premier League clubs’ friendly matches this summer. The ultimate aim is to build up a portfolio of information to help you in selecting your opening FPL squad when the game re-opens week commencing 10th July (next week)!
The hub is very much a living document which I personally will keep up to date as the matches take place. I encourage you guys to help out with any line-ups, goal scoring or assist information. We also like to see general notes being left here if you happened to witness on screen, or better still, in person, any particular player performance, style etc. Basically anything you deem FPL worthy.
How to use…
The whole article is intrinsically linked to the HOT COMMENTS section that appears above the Latest Comments. Basically we have created a comment link for each team. Simply scroll to the Hot Comments for the team you require info on and it’ll take you to their section and we will have all their pre-season info in one place courtesy of our fantastic community members.
The purpose of this is so that –
1. There is a specific place to post relevant pre-season info for each team –
Please post any findings – line-ups, signings, team news, match reports, etc…
2. It’s easy to find all the info.
Need to know the pre-season line-ups for Arsenal? Easy, just click on their link in Hot Comments and you will come to their hub.
So with the first pre-season friendlies involving FPL relevant teams taking place this Saturday the 8th with Watford beginning their schedule, please find below the fixtures…
(NB: At this stage there will still be pre-season matches being announced and I will endeavour to update these as we go along. Southampton for instance only have one friendly scheduled so far but this can be excused by their new manager only just arriving – expect further announcements soon).
Arsenal
13 July
Sydney v Arsenal
15 July
Western Sydney Wanderers v Arsenal
19 July
Bayern Munich v Arsenal
22 July
Chelsea v Arsenal
29 July
Arsenal v Benfica
30 July
Arsenal v Sevilla
6 August – Community Shield
Arsenal v Chelsea
Bournemouth
22 July
Portsmouth v Bournemouth
29 July
Queens Park Rangers v Bournemouth
30 July
Bournemouth v Valencia
2 August
Yeovil Town v Bournemouth
Brighton & Hove Albion
14 July
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Brighton & Hove Albion
22 July
Crawley Town v Brighton & Hove Albion
25 July
Southend United v Brighton & Hove Albion
29 July
Norwich City v Brighton & Hove Albion
1 August
Girona v Brighton & Hove Albion
6 August
Brighton & Hove Albion v Atletico Madrid
Burnley
14 July
Shamrock Rovers v Burnley
22 July
Kidderminster Harriers v Burnley
Alfreton Town v Burnley
25 July
Preston North End v Burnley
29 July
Nottingham Forest v Burnley
1 August
Burnley v Celta Vigo
5 August
Burnley v Hannover 96
Chelsea
22 July
Chelsea v Arsenal
25 July
Chelsea v Bayern Munich
29 July
Chelsea v Inter
6 August – Community Shield
Arsenal v Chelsea
Crystal Palace
15 July
Maidstone United v Crystal Palace
19 July
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
22 July
Crystal Palace v West Bromwich Albion/Leicester City
5 August
Crystal Palace v Schalke 04
Everton
13 July
Gor Mahia v Everton
19 July
Twente v Everton
22 July
Genk v Everton
6 August
Everton v Sevilla
Huddersfield Town
12 July
Accrington Stanley v Huddersfield Town
16 July
Bury v Huddersfield Town
22 July
Barnsley v Huddersfield Town
1 August
Stuttgart v Huddersfield Town
4 August
Torino v Huddersfield Town
Leicester City
19 July
Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion
22 July
Leicester City v Liverpool/Crystal Palace
26 July
Luton Town v Leicester City
28 July
Milton Keynes Dons v Leicester City
29 July
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leicester City
1 August
Burton Albion v Leicester City
4 August
Leicester City v Borussia Moenchengladbach
Liverpool
12 July
Tranmere Rovers v Liverpool
14 July
Wigan Athletic v Liverpool
19 July
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
22 July
Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion/Leicester City
29 July
Hertha Berlin v Liverpool
1 August
Bayern Munich v Liverpool
2 August
Atletico Madrid/Napoli v Liverpool
5 August
Liverpool v Athletic
Manchester City
20 July
Manchester United v Manchester City
26 July
Real Madrid v Manchester City
29 July
Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur
4 August
Manchester City v West Ham United
Manchester United
15 July
Los Angeles Galaxy v Manchester United
17 July
Real Salt Lake v Manchester United
20 July
Manchester United v Manchester City
23 July
Manchester United v Real Madrid
26 July
Manchester United v Barcelona
30 July
Valerenga v Manchester United
2 August
Manchester United v Sampdoria
8 August – UEFA Super Cup
Real Madrid v Manchester United
Newcastle United
14 July
Heart of Midlothian v Newcastle United
22 July
Preston North End v Newcastle United
26 July
Bradford City v Newcastle United
29 July
Mainz v Newcastle United
2 August
Wolfsburg v Newcastle United
6 August
Newcastle United v Hellas Verona
Southampton
22 July
Brentford v Southampton
Stoke City
10 July
Neuchatel Xamax v Stoke City
12 July
Young Boys v Stoke City
15 July
Monaco v Stoke City
25 July
Sheffield United v Stoke City
29 July
Bolton Wanderers v Stoke City
30 July
Crewe Alexandra v Stoke City
5 August
RB Leipzig v Stoke City
Swansea City
12 July
Barnet v Swansea City
15 July
Philadelphia Union v Swansea City
19 July
Richmond Kickers v Swansea City
22 July
North Carolina v Swansea City
29 July
Birmingham City v Swansea City
5 August
Swansea City v Sampdoria
Tottenham Hotspur
22 July
Tottenham Hotspur v Paris Saint-Germain
26 July
Tottenham Hotspur v Roma
Watford
8 July
Woking v Watford
15 July
Wimbledon v Watford
18 July
Viktoria Plzen v Watford
22 July
Eibar v Watford
West Bromwich Albion
12 July
Slavia Prague v West Bromwich Albion
19 July
Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion
22 July
West Bromwich Albion v Liverpool/Crystal Palace
26 July
Burton Albion v West Bromwich Albion
Walsall v West Bromwich Albion
29 July
Bristol Rovers v West Bromwich Albion
Slough Town v West Bromwich Albion
1 August
Kidderminster Harriers v West Bromwich Albion
Port Vale v West Bromwich Albion
5 August
Deportivo La Coruna v West Bromwich Albion
West Ham United
28 July
Werder Bremen v West Ham United (Match 1)
29 July
Werder Bremen v West Ham United (Match 2)
1 August
Altona 93 v West Ham United
4 August
Manchester City v West Ham United
Thanks for reading Pre-season Hub for the 2017/18 FPL season. This article was written by The Gallant Pioneer 
The Fixture Tracker…
EVERTON Pre-Season Hub Home
Still don’t get this Lukaku sale really. Why splash all that other cash to strengthen only to then lose your main focal point. It’s not as if we need the money, no matter how much it is. And we need Rooney like a hole in the head, he’s gone, that much is clear to anyone. Depends what’s been promised / agreed with Lukaku behind the scenes though I guess. I do get him wanting play CL football for a bigger club, no issue with that. I’ve long since said Coleman and Baines should have done the same. Landscape was very different then under just Kenwright.
Just my take anyway to kick the Everton bit off. Not sure what that’s got to do with pre-season info though
Shiny new UI Init – looks good.
Lukaku – I’m surprised with – not that he is leaving, and Utd is as good as any – so from that perspective it makes sense.
I’m surprised from the Mourinho perspective. Lukaku isnt a worker. Its the one (big) attribute that keeps him out of top drawer and I dont say that lightly. His work rate and hold up play is poor. Mourinho teams are built on that.
Rooney – I dont know what Koeman is playing at. I guest cant see it. What even is he now? a Striker or midfielder?
Benchwarmer
Hey Dreamers, hope you’re well?
That was more forced than deliberate! The UI, that is. Needs a fair bit of work yet. That’s assuming you’re on about he Site and not Everton
But yeah both, I suppose!
Totally agree on his workrate but that can be forgiven at times (bit odd that though given that Duncan Ferguson is the main striker coach – the one main thing fans loved from him was his constant chasing and harrying). The touch is unforgivable though. He’s got it as it goes from the sublime to the ridiculous, it’s just not consistent.
No idea with Rooney mate. At best he’ll replace Barkley in one of the three behind a new striker, hopefully Giroud. No way can he lead the line now in that formation. I wanted Batshit out of the Chelsea ideally.
why though Mito?
I assume he starts if he comes over, but only a matter of time before he loses his spot, I am not a fan of Barks, but I play him over him and where else would he play if not there? I certainly would not have him as a deep lying player. You got better players for that and one in particular is great at it, Gueye.
doing well Init – off to Australia on Monday for a few weeks – bringing the kids (going to be a bloody nightmare flight but is what it is).
Arsenal be crazy to leave Giroud go. It might actually suit formation for Sanchez to go (as crazy as that sounds) as could play 2 up front with Ozil behind. Giroud and Griezmann really did the business there a couple of years ago
Its somewhat odd that Giroud is ahead of Lacezette for France but I guess its to do with style of play too.
Ah brilliant, enjoy it mate. When you get there, yeah flight sounds horrendous!
Giroud probably just needs a new challenge now, he’s been there a long time. Always helps to freshen up. I’d love to think the same of Rooney and that he could rediscover some spark but all evidence thus far says it’s long gone out!
Mito – they bought Klassen as well who they reckon may take the Barkley place
Starting X1 for today’s friendly
Rooney’s goal
Emotional for you?
Very, I honestly though Aru would make it but I’ll take 3rd with us both having Bardet
hahaha I actually put a couple of quid on Aru just in case I needed to alleviate the disappointment
I think you need an intervention
Nice goal! Will he lead the line in Lukaku’s absence or will Everton look to bring in someone else with the Lukaku funds?
I’d very much imagine we’ll bring in another foraward and Rooney will operate in behind him. We do have Sandro already so depends how he settles in too. He’s been given the number 9 shirt for what it’s worth.
Sandro’s a nice player, will work great with the other talent you got there. If he adapts quickly you got an absolute steal.
Sandro could lead the line did well for Spain in the U21s. Only thing there is Klassen might get pushed out wide if Roo play’s the 10 role and from what I know of him he is not a winger.
Gor Mahia 1-2 Everton
GOALS: Wayne Rooney, Kieran Dowell
http://www.evertonfc.com/fixtures/2010-to-2019/2017-2018/friendly/gor-mahia-v-everton/match
Everton team vs FCTwente
Kenny starts at RB again
Twente 0-3 Everton
Kevin Mirallas
Aaron Lennon
Kieran Dowell
http://www.evertonfc.com/fixtures/2010-to-2019/2017-2018/friendly/fc-twente-v-everton/match
Everton vs Genk
Currently 0-1 @HT – Rooney goal, Sandro assist
Finished 1-1
Genk 1-1 Everton
Wayne Rooney (assisted by Sandro)
http://www.evertonfc.com/fixtures/2010-to-2019/2017-2018/friendly/krc-genk-v-everton/match?tab=report
Excellent, hopefully this puffs a few more thousand managers into selecting Rooney!
It’s not on here as a pre-season game but Everton play Ruzemberok on Thursday in an actual game – Europa qualifying tie. Just got my tickets now so I’ll be sure to post a match report afterwards.
Everton v Ruzomberok
Just arrived!
I see you borrowed Silver’s camera
Don’t be so negative.
Just back from the game so I’ll give a quick run down on each player but don’t worry it won’t be a Matt style essay as per Liverpool. Plus it’ll include some vital info… like the scoreline
Everton 1 -0 Ruzomberok
Stekelenburg
Martina Keane Williams Baines
Gueye Schneiderlin
Calvert-Lewin Klaassen Mirallas
Rooney
Stekelenburg 8/10 Didn’t have much to do but made a cracking save in the 2nd half from a header when he did. Won’t be No1 so he’s fairly irrelevant.
Martina 2/10 I commented after 20 minutes that we’d found the new Earl Barrett. After 90 I’d take Earl back, even at 55 or whatever he is now. Jeez! This guys hopeless. I doubt he’ll see much pitch time unless Ronald really feels the kids aren’t up to it. Holgate was on the bench whereas Kenny wasn’t. Not sure what that means at this point though as Kenny has started a couple in pre-season and he’d still be my preference.
Keane 8/10 Looks solid and composed. Won everything he had to and distributed well, looks like a young Jagielka actually.
Williams 6/10 Looks a bit rusty and gave it away unnecessarily a few times but he’ll probably start with Keane I’d think.
Baines 8/10 Usual Baines performance, got forward a lot and looked a lot more mature on the ball than he has previously, picking passes intelligently rather than just crossing aimlessly but that may be due to not having Lukaku to aim at!
*Worth noting that I can’t remember him taking a set-piece all game. Mirallas got all the corners that I noticed and we had no DFK’s.
Gueye 10/10 This guys amazing! The ball is like magnet to him anytime it enters the midfield area. He makes tackles / nips in when it seems impossible and always comes up with it. He can play a bit too. Just a shame he’s FPL irrelevant!
Schneiderlin 8/10 Perfect compliment to Gueye in the DM position. It’s fair to say that with these two at the base we won’t conceded a whole lot this season. Again though he’s not relevant for us!
Calvert-Lewin 3/10 Not even sure where I got the 3 from to be honest. If we’d taken both him and Martina off and not replaced them we’d have been better off as at least the ball would never have come down the right and then just been lost or put into touch by one of them. Unfortunately he was the only outlet in terms of a long ball and that was only because he was the only one up there above 5ft 5″. The downside to that is that if there was ever a strong wind he wouldn’t be able to play…
Klaassen 7.5/10 This guy is quality. He was really unlucky tonight with quite a few clever through balls that were just intercepted but I’m sure when he gets into his stride he will get a good few assists and probably goals too.
Mirallas 7/10 A typical Mirallas performance really – in and out, promises a lot but delivers rarely. Still can’t figure him out in all honesty. Siggy will be a huge upgrade.
Rooney 6/10 Oh dear! Not quite the homecoming he’d have wanted. I couldn’t figure out if it was his fault in the first half though as the team were poor and lacked any real penetration anywhere. He had a few decent touches but then also tried to turn and get away from people a few times and found the pace and strength to do so weren’t there. Dropped back to a deeper position when Sandro came on (played across the 3 behind, mainly switching between the right and the left, Klaassen stayed centre) and actually looked miles better. He was able to face the play and this suited him much more. In short I can’t see him leading the line much but he warrants a spot in behind somewhere.
Subs –
Tom Davies – Probably should have played from the off as we lacked energy and he has loads of it. Looked lively in his brief spell, it’ll be a real shame and waste if he isn’t afforded a spot somewhere regularly.
Lookman – This kid has sheer pace. He’ll probably have to be content with sub appearances for the most part but he stood out when he came on.
Sandro – HOLD THE PRESS!!!! Now then. We have a player! I commented within 30 seconds of him being on the pitch – “spot the difference, eh” – I think we’d scored within about 5 mins of him being there. He was sharp as, touch was great, quick feet, quick thought, just looked exciting. Basically everything Rooney didn’t. On that short showing, 30 mins odd, I’d be surprised if he didn’t lead the line come GW1. We probably need an alternative and Giroud would be perfect looking at the game tonight but even if we did that I think this lad will be a star at some point.
Thanks Init, no real surprises really. Think we had figured out Klaassen was a player and knew Sandro was quality. Just surprised he didn’t start really. Martina forever shite, glad he didn’t let me down. Love me some Sandro or Klassen once their fixtures clear up and a defender. Possibly when I play my WC they will make their way in. Love Everton’s team, except Rooney.
Init,
Forgot you had covered this from Thursday so only reading it now.
Are you planning Everton coverage from the start?
Sorry GP, only just saw this now when I came to add tonight’s info. In short – no!
Ruzomberok 0 – 1 Everton
As I seem to be the designated Everton correspondent I’ll add this in but in all honesty I didn’t see it and only caught 10 mins of commentary on the way back from football so if anyone else did then please free to add!
Line-up is below, as is the match report from the Beeb.
From the sounds of it it was a carbon copy of last weeks poor game. We played poorly and snatched a winner.
For the record –
Goal – Calvert-Lewin
Assist – Klaassen
We played a 3-5-2 with Davies RWB and Rooney up top with Sandro. Holgate was on the bench and Kenny wasn’t even that.
I’ve literally no idea how we will line-up for GW1 now as a result so don’t ask!
On Rooney going off they commented that he had been very poor again, but also said the whole team had.
http://m.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40803117
Everton 2-2 Sevilla
Sandro Ramirez (assisted by Tom Davies)
Kevin Mirallas (PEN won by himself)
http://www.evertonfc.com/fixtures/2010-to-2019/2017-2018/friendly/everton-v-sevilla/match?tab=report
HUDDERSFIELD Pre-Season Hub Home
Huddersfield’s team for tonight’s friendly against Accrington.
Don’t recognize many, but I do see Williams in there and am a touch interested in how Mounie does.
Half time 0-0.
2nd half team.
Final score Accrington 0 Huddersfield 1 (Ince)
Thanks Brooky, looked a good game 😉
Town team for the friendly at Bury today
Final score Bury 1 Huddersfield 3 ( Mounie,Ince,Kerchunga)
Interestingly and to throw a spanner in the works Huddersfield had a penalty that Kerchunga took and scored from while Ince was on the pitch !!
I really know nothing about Huddersfield looking forward to an article. Think they have signed loads of players as well
I’m gonna have to learn to spell Kachunga right ! 😉
Brookyboy,
Maybe a dumb question, but I don’t see Mooy in the lineups. Did I miss something?
Thanks in advance.
@KI
Just seen this – Mooy has been given extended leave. No dramas, as he might say.
Town team for tonight’s friendly…
Hey Brooky, have you got a chance to see Depoitre a bit? Was wondering how he looked to you?
Final score Sandhausen 3 Huddersfield 2
Ince scores again and Mounie scores a header from a Van La Parra cross.
Hi Mito,no not caught any of the friendly yet as they have all been away.I might try and get down to one of the home one’s if I get time.
https://youtu.be/JeoeXUiJi94 a link to the goals if anyone interested.Nice header from Mounie and Ince is looking sharp.
Ahh, wonderful. Had Mounie as a set piece threat and even though that wasn’t directly from a corner it might as well been. Thanks for the video Brooky.
Depoitre was awful while at Porto last season. He didn’t get many opportunities but he sure wasted the ones he got handled. Unless we see something relevant avoid at all costs!!
AT,
Thanks for the earlier info on Mooy. I have him on my list as a possible breakthrough in the 5.5-6.0 midfield range. Every year there are one or two, and it helps to be early….
Yep – do monitor him as the reason why he is absent is that he just played the under 19 euro cup
Scrap that – he’s Australian and over 25 years old. I need to sleep.
Bloody hell!!
Lol Mooy has been granted extended leave has he had been away playing for Australia in the Confederations cup.
Huddersfield team for the friendly at Barnsley.Smith still out injured and no Mooy yet but he is back training.
Oops here’s the team….
Final score 1-0 to Town.Steve Mounie latches onto a long ball by Lossl and perfectly lobs the keeper in the 89th minute.
That’s 3 goals in 4 friendly games for Mounie.
The new Stoke!
Just to add to this Town also played a game this morning behind closed doors at their practice ground against Spanish side Girona.Different side obviously and not sure what it was in aid of but Kasey Palmer got the winner in a 1-0 win !
Actually had 2 assists in Fpl from keepers in the past.Think one was from Butland !
Here’s Mounies goal…. https://youtu.be/LRArMp35Wsc
Mounie is looking like a good buy so far, hopefully he can score some when the season starts.
Yeah some tougher friendlies coming up,we will find out more next 2 weeks….
It’s not on the list above but Town play Udinese next week at home,might see if I can get down to that..
Town team for tonight’s friendly against Udinese.
Looks like lot of probable starters for GW1 in your starting xi for tonight.
Yeah just Mooy,Smith Lowe and Kachunga missing from the starting line up.
Final score Town 1 Udinese 2
Ince scores again.Glides past 2 players and slots the ball home in the corner of the net from just outside the box.Everything Town did well went through Ince and he looks a player.8 changes made at half time ! Including Depoitre on for Mounie who had a very quiet 45mins.Liked the look of Depoitre.He’s a bit of a battering ram,bit like an old fashioned English Centre forward but with a decent touch.
Mooy and Hefele came on as subs with 10 mins left.
Town team for the friendly against Stuttgart.Strong line up with Mooy and Smith back in the starting line up.
Cheers, Brooky. Any reason for Schindler’s absence? It looks like the starting XI to me bar Schindler and Hogg.
Hogg missing out due to an ankle injury picked up against Udinese and Schindler missing due to illness.
Good excuses, I suppose 😉
Cheers!
Final score 3-3
After being 2-0 down at half time Wagner changed virtually the whole team !!
Huddersfield Team v Torino today.
Their last pre-season match.
Mounie begins as striker.
Town team for the friendly v Torino.Hogg still out with an injury replaced by Billing.Palmer on the bench with Ince playing in the Amc role.
Half time 1-1.Town goal scored by Kachunga assisted by Van la Parra.
Full time 2-2.Mounie scores for Town in the 2nd half assisted by Lowe.
Torino 2-2 Huddersfield Town
Elias Kachunga (assisted by Rajiv van la Parra)
Steve Mounie (assisted by Chris Lowe)
https://www.htafc.com/news/2017/august/match-report-for-torino-fc-vs-huddersfield-town-04-aug-17/
LEICESTER Pre-Season Hub Home
Robert Huth ruled out for 6-8 weeks after undergoing ankle surgery…..should mean Harry Maguire partners Wes Morgan at the back. If anyone cares
Hi Cookie,
That did catch my attention this morning but with Arsenal, United, Chelsea and Liverpool in 4 of their first six, they rival Everton for the toughest start.
Yeah agreed GP, and good day!
I saw Morgan in a few teams, I guess cos he is cheap.
Yeah I’ve been surprised to see him in some. He’s cheap but others with better fixtures are the same price. Could be a place holder I suppose.
Tough fixtures yeah like Everton. But Morgan and Simpson are cheap and good value I think Leicester under Shakes were a lot better towards the end
Leicester City 1-1 West Bromwich Albion
(Leicester City win 8-7 on penalties)
LC: Riyad Mahrez
WBA: Jay Rodriguez (assisted by Jake Livermore)
https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2017/july/leicester-1-albion-1-7-6-on-penalties/
Liverpool vs Leicester – Final Score 2-1
Scorers – Slimani (assisted by Fuchs)
Leicester Starting XI
Schmeichel
Amartey, Maguire, Morgan, Fuchs
Mahrez, Drinkwater, James, Albrighton,
Slimani, Vardy
Schmeichel -> Really couldn’t do anything for the goal it was top notch.
Amartey -> Didn’t do much to stop Firmino so Firmino had plenty space to find a pass or try a shot.
Maguire -> Salah got in a bit too easy for his goal but Fuchs could have done more to help him as he was marking him. Big lad who could be on the end of the corners from Mahrez.
Morgan -> Didn’t do too bad was his usual self and it seems that Morgan and Maguire will be the first choice pairing as Huth is injured for the first few weeks.
Fuchs -> Beautiful cross into Slimani for the goal! Let Salah get away from him too easily for the goal.
Mahrez -> Sharp on the wing. Won multiple corners after some nice runs down the wing. Amazing dribbling, could be playing for a move away!
Drinkwater -> Always looking up for the long ball to Vardy who was slowly getting more and more chances.
James -> Probably won’t get into the PL team but he looked brilliant in the midfield.
Albrighton -> Almost got a goal after shooting from about 25 yards out but wide of the post.
Slimani -> Scored a nice headed goal! He did nothing else before the goal and not much after.
Vardy -> Sharp on the counter but didn’t get many chances early on. As the game went on he got more and more chances and almost scored a few times. Went through in the 50th min but Klavan did well to stop him from scoring.
Simpson -> Came on at HT for Amartey.
King -> Came on at HT for Albrighton.
Lawrence -> Came on at HT for Slimani.
Ndidi -> Came on in the 55th min for Drinkwater.
Iborra -> Came on in the 55th min for James.
Musa -> Came on in the 64th min for Mahrez
Ulloa -> Came on in the 64th min for Vardy.
Benalouane -> Came on in the 77th min for Morgan.
Additional Comments ->
Neither team realised it was a friendly was some top-notch football with both teams going for it! Klopp almost got sent off so he wasn’t taking it lightly either. 2nd half really died down with the tempo.
Definitely a team who look like they were champions two years ago. This could be because the high pressure of Liverpool suits their style of counter attacking but I also think Shakespeare is improving this team!
Back to playing great on the counter!
Their passing was not there today apart from long balls forward for Vardy to chase; their short passes tended to go out of play or to a Pool player.
Leicester 1-0 Luton
Scorer:
Mahrez (no assist mentioned)
http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/luton-0-1-leicester-city-243674
MK Dons 0-0 Leicester City
https://www.lcfc.com/news/443547/stalemate-at-stadium-mk
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 Leicester City
https://www.lcfc.com/news/443786/city-edged-by-wolves-at-molineux
Burton Albion 2-1 Leicester City
Harry Maguire
https://www.lcfc.com/news/444568/city-narrowly-beaten-at-burton
Leicester City 2-1 Borussia Moenchengladbach
Jamie Vardy (assisted by Matty James)
Jamie Vardy (assisted by Kelechi Iheanacho
https://www.lcfc.com/news/445667/vardy-brace-wins-it-for-city
LIVERPOOL Pre-Season Hub Home
Liverpool’s starting XI for tonight’s friendly with Tranmere.
He took a wrong turn!
Will have the full match report up about an hour after the game.
Can’t wait
Liverpool vs Tranmere Rovers –
Team Line-ups
1st Half XI
Karius
Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Lucas, Milner
Grujic, Henderson, Wijnaldum
Ojo, Sturridge, Ojo
Karius -> Largely had nothing to do but was called into action in the 27th min and he got off his line well to meet a long ball forward by Tranmere.
Alexander -> Active on the wings, always looking for a key pass, basically played as a winger, made great crosses and could have had 3 or 4 assists if the strikers were sharper.
Matip -> Glaring miss in the 7th minute from 4 yards out after blasting the shot over the bar. Got turned inside out in the 20th min but Lucas covered for him. Largely had nothing to do though.
Lucas -> Strong defensive performance, good in the air. Largely had nothing to do.
Milner -> taking most of the set pieces. Did his best to get attacking on the wings. Scored a penalty.. just! The keeper should have saved it but it hit the back of the net anyway. Almost got a second goal after bending in a shot from the edge of the box
Grujic -> Did not do much for larger parts of the game as most of the attacks were coming from the wings. He was just trying to make himself available to others to relieve pressure. Made a nuisance of himself in midfield and the box. Not afraid to have a shot. Strong and physical. Scored a brilliant goal from 30 yards out in the bottom corner.
Henderson -> Had a calming effect on others. Cleaning up at the back and in the middle after aerial battles. Acting as an extra defender. Made soon good cross field balls spreading the play.
Wiji -> Did not do much for larger parts of the game as most of the attacks were coming from the wings. He was just trying to make himself available to others to relieve pressure. Running around pressuring players and also trying to link play.
Ojo -> Hit the post in the first minute! Combined well with Alexander. Took on defenders and was not afraid to take shots after cutting inside onto his left. Absolute handful for the defence winning a penalty
Sturridge -> Did very little. Took a tame shot in the 23rd min which was easily saved. Nearly got a tap in from a Grujic shot in the 28th min but he wasn’t sharp enough. He did get more involved as the half went on but it was mainly him coming out for the ball.
Firmino -> Looks very weird wearing No.9!! Tried really hard to get involved but often left himself with too much to do as he was coming into midfield or onto the wings for the ball.
Overall Comments -> Tranmere defended deep which Liverpool found hard to breakdown at times. Alexander and Ojo were the best players of the half. The three in midfield seemed to have separate roles, Hendo was the DM/Extra defender, Wiji was the CM who ran around pressuring players and Grujic was the one that made the runs into the box.
2nd half XI
Karius
Clyne, Gomez, Klavan, Flanagan,
Stewart, Chirivella
Markovic, Woodburn, Kent
Solanke
Karius -> Made himself big to deny Tranmere striker at a set piece. Replaced by Grabana in the 66th min. Grabana touched the ball once.
Clyne -> Very quiet. Most of the attacks came down the left side so Clyne wasn’t really involved. When needed he did well to cut out Tranmere counter attacks.
Gomez -> Just passed the ball between himself and Klavan for large periods of the game.
Klavan -> Spent most of the time in the other half until about the 65th min when Tranmere started attacking more but defended well if needed.
Flanagan -> Got forward well and linked up with Kent a few times.
Stewart -> Took over from Henderson as the extra defender while Chirivella went forward. Made good standing tackles winning 50/50’s.
Chirivella -> Scored a nice tap in after good hold up play from Solanke. Another player who’s not afraid to shoot.
Markovic -> Let down by his first touch a few times. Gave away a few fouls. Did sweet FA! Missed a brilliant chance from 12 yards blasting it over the bar.
Woodburn -> Played behind Solanke but seemed to have a free roam and was everywhere. Always made himself available for the pass. Won a penalty and then scored it.
Kent -> Did very well. Took players on, made positive runs. He out in a decent cross to Solanke for the goal. Got past 2 or 3 players with some quick feet to put Woodburn through for the penalty.
Solanke -> Showed great strength to hold the ball for the goal. Sharper up top but that could be as he has just won the World Cup. Showed some good feet but was anonymous for a large part of the game as the Liverpool defence played the ball backwards and kept it between them for a good chunk of the half.
Overall comments -> Looked a little vulnerable from the one or two set pieces Tranmere had but this shouldn’t be his first choice defence. This was a younger side than the first half so Tranmere got forward more and had more chances around midfield. From the 65th minute till about the 80th Liverpool did not have much attacking play rather keeping the ball at the back.
What the hell was the score?
:big-lol:
:hippo:
Whole bloody thing didn’t paste it was meant to have Liverpool 4-0 Tranmere at the top!! :big-lol:
Thanks Matt. That’s a great review of the game and much appreciated.
Hey Matt really appreciate this mate, very detailed, certainly will scare people who are not on Milner. I never heard of Tranmere Rovers, but I never heard of that team that eliminated GP’s Rangers from the CL play-in to the play-in game either.
So is Woodburn going to get any decent minutes this season?
I had never heard of them either Teddy Bear
Damn, can’t get in a mild cheap shot in without being seen nowadays.
Cheers lads.
Was thinking during the game whether it’s worth having Milner hoping that Liverpool get a load of penalties or going with a more solid defender that is more likely going to get you a clean sheet. If he performs in the rest of the friendlies he might have to be considered.
As for Woodburn, I’d love to see him get more minutes this season along with Kent. Both players seem to link well together and are a handful for defences. Might only be used for cup matches though.
I am all seeing.
G’night
@Matt, LFC have been in the top 5 in 6 of the last 7 seasons in scoring pens, so I doubt they considerably drop off. They were very average in terms of getting clean sheets most of the season, right up until the end where they got 5 clean sheets in their last 6. So we will see if they show a bit of their end of the season form on defence.
Wow didn’t think it was that high. It’s very true if they perform defensively like they did at the end of last season I think I will have to have Milner. Only worry is Klopp might start changing his GK which could screw it all up.
Some early team news for the Liverpool game vs Wigan as Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana are both included in the Liverpool squad. Will be good to see how they get on after their break.
Yeah, I heard they both agreed to see other people. Could be awkward.
Starting lineups for the game via @LFC
Final score 1-1.
Goal Salah. Assist Bobby (Firmino)
Early first half goal for Wigan as it was dejavu all over again for Liverpools defense which conceded the goal from a set piece. Not many of those names will be part of the starting 11 come day one of the league though but something I do find interesting and one to keep an eye on is the performance of TAA (Alexander-Arnold) who once again had a decent performance and whom I think will push Clyne all the way for a starting spot.
The attacking threat of Firmino, Coutinho, Lallana and new boy Salah looked promising already with plenty opportunities made but none converted. The goal did finally come with great pressure from Coutinho, who then had Firmino through on goal. With only the keeper to beat he unselfishly squared the ball to Salah for his first Liverpool goal.
It wasn’t the best performance but people should keep an eye on Firmino up front. Yes he has lost some appeal due to his position change, but on the other hand it means one less Liverpool midfielder to gamble on and with all that firepower from the midfield, he will surely get goals.
Nothing further to write home about in the second half as most of the players won’t be in the starting line up I don’t think. Milner was solid once again but news of Hull’s Robertson being on the verge of signing will now cast doubt on his starting position. We will have to see how that one goes.
To summarize, it was Liverpool of last year again, great in attack, poor in defence.
Thanks Migs, i’d be flabbergasted if Klopp doesn’t buy a left back.
Milner got you through last season but that is not sustainable if they want to progress.
I’m surprised they haven’t gone for Chilwell of Leicester.
Bertrand is of course the obvious one, but they prob feel its best to stay away from Southampton for a while! Quite wisely!
Liverpool are closing in on an £8 million deal for Andrew Robertson, according to The Times anyway.
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace – final score 2-0
Goals: Solanke (assisted by Origi), Origi (kind of assisted by Couthino)
Team Line-ups
1st half XI
Mignolet
Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Gomez, Moreno
Woodburn, Henderson, Lallana
Salah, Sturridge, Firmino
Mignolet -> Touched the ball for the first time in the 25th min after a cross from Schlupp but did well to catch it. Also did well to save low after Anderson was put through by Townsend. Missed a punch clearance at a corner so same old, same old for the Liverpool keeper.
Alexander -> Could get some minutes in the PL this season but will be involved in cup games for sure! Almost set up Sturridge for a tap in but was blocked.
Matip -> Was rather quiet and probably should have taken control of Benteke to take the nerves away from young Gomez but he didn’t. Matip really did nothing in this game whenever Palace were attacking Matip was nowhere to be found and Gomez was the one doing the defending.
Gomez -> Don’t think he will see any minutes in the PL. Rumours that Gomez could also contend for the LB starting position so Milner is looking less and less secure. Gave away too many free kicks and was looking sloppy and nervy in this game against Benteke.
Moreno -> Won’t get near the starting XI! Can’t we just sell him already?????
Woodburn -> Could be used as a sub in PL but don’t think he’ll be a starter. Maybe in a few years time!!
Henderson -> Linking well with Alexander with cross field passes. Was showing great vision as he is playing as a deep midfielder who is spraying passes all over the pitch and connecting with the majority of them.
Lallana -> Looked lively and was playing well in a sort of no.10 role coming late into the box and getting on the end of drag backs. Won multiple free kicks as his close control was brilliant as usual. I got the sense that Lallana feels he is fighting for his place was definitely the hardest worker out there.
Salah -> Combining well with Firmino to pressure Palace defenders. Definitely got the electric pace that should see him get assists and goals in the coming season. Cutting inside well and shooting which prompted comparisons to Arjen Robben as he tends to score a good few goals that way.
Sturridge -> Looking a bit fitter than usual but was down on the ground for a few moments looked fine after though. Quick feet to create space on the edge of the box before making Hennessey save well at his bottom left corner. Definitely looking better in this game I have to hand it to him.
Firmino -> Looked lively up top with Salah so there could be a few nicked breakaways in the coming season. Linked up with Salah after one breaks away and squares or tries to find the other.
Additional comments:
Liverpool still look vulnerable from set pieces and the second balls.
Liverpool look very good on the counter. Have electric pace in their passes and their players.
2nd half XI
Mignolet
Flanagan, Lovren, Klavan, Milner
Kent, Wijinaldum, Grujic, Couthino,
Origi, Solanke
Karius -> Did not get on the pitch as only 10 subs are allowed. So it will be interesting to see who starts in goals on Saturday against Leicester.
Flanagan -> Don’t think he’ll get into the PL team. But he did come on at HT. Didn’t do much attacking wise.
Lovren -> Came on at HT. Showed some nice strength to win the ball from Zaha. Seemed to be quite animated with Klopp but I think it was just frustration over Zaha or a different winger.
Klavan -> Should only be the backup defender bar any injuries. But he did come on at HT. Did his job well but nothing special.
Milner -> Came on at HT. Started out very busy at LB as Zaha was putting him under pressure.
Wiji -> Came on at HT. Definitely the more attacking out of himself and Grujic and got off some shots.
Couthino -> Came on at HT. Did what he does best by cutting inside from the left and curling a shot towards goal but this sailed over. Played as a winger it seems. Shot was blocked in the 79th min but it fell to Origi which he scored. Looks ready for the season already!!
Grujic -> Needs to show why he is at Liverpool and his previous preseason form has been good but needs to keep it up! Came on at HT. Got Yellow carded after a bad tackle on Zaha which could have really hurt him! Could have been a red in PL. Nearly scored from 35 yards out but narrowly missed. Bit of Jekyl and Hyde character this lad!!
Kent -> Cup player more than likely! Came on at HT.
Solanke -> Honestly don’t know what Klopp plans to do with him! Came on at HT. Brilliant goal in the 60th minute from outside the box after a lovely flick from Origi. Strong, confident and seems to be one for the future but I wouldn’t be surprised if he played in PL sometimes this season.
Origi -> Same as Solanke don’t know what Klopp plans to do! Came on at HT. Got a nice assist. Scored a tap in after Couthino’s shot was blocked and it dropped to his feet before he drilled it into the net.
Additional comments
Not as lighting quick in this half without Salah and Firmino but Couthino, Origi, Solanke and Milner all looked to be linking well and playing nice tiki-taka passes. There wasn’t the long searching passes from Henderson in this half from the likes of Wiji or Grujic most of the play was along the floor through Couthino.
In the last 10 minutes, Liverpool looked all over the shop at the back and the ball was going back and forth across the box but they managed to keep it out.
Matt this is extremely helpful. Much appreciated mate!
No worries Milburn! And Cheers for the work on the Newcastle I really needed it as I have my eye on a few Geordies!
Glad you told us the score this time 😉
Nah but seriously, this is superb! Cheers Matt
Nah It was actually 17 – 0 but couldn’t be arsed writing the rest 😉 :hippo:
No worries mate
Thanks again Matt! Brilliant posts for both teams involved ? Salah is lightning fast! Very excited to see how mane and him get on. Might have to throw names into a hat and see which pool mid I get
Right now it’s between Couthino and Salad in my mind but Lallana could be a very sneaky differential I think.
Liverpool vs Leicester – Final Score 2-1
Scorers: Salah (assisted by Couthino), Couthino (assisted by Firmino)
Starting XI
Karius
Alexander, Matip, Lovren, Milner
Lallana, Wijnaldum, Couthino
Salah, Origi, Firmino
Karius -> Couldn’t do much with the goal such was the power behind it. Losing the No.1 spot to Mignolet I’d say. Did well at the start of the 2nd half as Vardy goes through but Karius met him well.
Alexander -> Some serious competition for Clyne this year! Clyne will need to make sure he doesn’t have bad performances.
Matip -> Screwed up in the 16th min by passing it back to Karius who gave it straight away to a Leicester player which came to nothing luckily.
Lovren -> Showed his strength to win a free kick but defensive wise, Matip and him just don’t seem good enough but I can’t put my finger on what exactly the problem is. I think it’s communication or different wavelengths.
Milner -> Slimani did well to get over him but Milner couldn’t do anything as the cross was brilliant! Came off in the 40th min but it looks like an injury to his thigh.
Lallana -> Lively once again, all over the pitch! Linked well with Salah.
Wijnaldum -> Played as the DM with Lallana and Couthino playing a more advanced role. Almost scored from a Couthino set piece after the ball fell to him for a volley but it was blocked. Had a very good game was really pressuring and winning the ball well. I don’t know who will drop out of the midfield but I think it could be him sadly.
Couthino -> Linking well with Alexander and Salah. Chipped in a pass to Salah who finished it brilliantly. Absolutely Beaut of a Goal!! What he always does cut inside and smashed it top corner!!
Salah -> Always seems to be available for a pass, whether it’s a long ball or a 1-2. Amazing headed goal after a beautiful 1-2 with Couthino. Absolute electric!!
Firmino -> Quick feet to skip away from challenges. Set up Couthino for his goal after snatching a ball from Salah out of the air to just lay it back to his compatriot.
Origi -> Tried to link up with other players but often was trying a flick or something flashy which didn’t usually pay off! Played very poor! Did very little compared to everyone else the only time he touched the ball was when he was trying to flick it onto someone else.
Moreno -> Came on for Milner in the 40th min. In the final few minutes of the 1st half he got forward more than Milner did but that’s obvious as Moreno doesn’t like being a defender. Didn’t do too bad attacking wise but defensively he didn’t have much to do as Mahrez was thankfully taken off.
Klavan -> Came on at HT for Matip. Probably the best CB for Liverpool today but that’s not saying too much.
Grujic -> Came on at HT for Firmino. Almost scored a bicycle kick but it went over the bar. Went down injured with a facial cut in the 72nd min but was fine after.
Henderson -> Came on at HT Lallana. Always seems to just settle the Liverpool team makes things less hectic and makes it more controlled. Once again showing his improvement in vision with the long balls forward. Was sweeping up around the centre circle so he is definitely taking up the DM role this season.
Sturridge -> Came on at HT for Origi. Was just shooting whenever he got the chance. Was trying to link up with Solanke a few times.
Gomez -> Came on in the 55th min for Alexander.
Woodburn -> Came on in the 55th min for Couthino. Looks very comfortable in midfield but won’t get into the PL team yet.
Solanke -> Came on in the 64th min for Wiji. Good target man up top.
Kent -> Came on in the 64th min for Salah. Brilliant work down the wing. Unfortunately won’t be in the PL team though.
Flanagan -> Came on in the 83rd min for Lovren.
Additional Comments ->
This looks like it could very well be the starting lineup. Mane would come in to replace Origi and then maybe Wiji gets replaced by Henderson.
Liverpool attack in some shape or form is needed!! Liverpool just look too sharp and could score a lot of goals. The problem will be who to have as there are so many options!! The main three for me are Couthino, Salah and Mane.
Basically, everyone linked well with Salah!! He was everywhere it seemed.
Liverpool need a centre back!! Klavan, Matip and Lovren that played today just weren’t good enough and Vardy could easily have scored a few times if he had a bit more luck.
Liverpool just don’t seem to want to challenge corners or defend them properly. They didn’t do too bad today but I can see goals being scored against them that way again this season.
Neither team realised it was a friendly was some top-notch football with both teams going for it! Klopp almost got sent off so he wasn’t taking it lightly either. 2nd half tempo died down.
Liverpool vs Hertha BSC – Final Score 3-0
Scorers:
Solanke (assisted by Lallana)
Wiji (assisted by Mane)
Salah (assisted by Couthino)
Team Line-ups
Mignolet
Gomez, Matip, Klavan, Moreno
Can
Lallana, Wijnaldum
Mane, Origi, Couthino
Lallana and Wiji will be fighting it out for a spot in the starting XI and right now I think Lallana wins it as he just offers more in creativity than Wiji does but it is a tough one. Mignolet starts the season in goals I think. With Clyne still out, Gomez could be in the starting XI for the beginning of the season or Trent Alexander-Arnold but that one is a guess it all depends on Clyne’s injury! Emre Can played the DM role in the 1st half today and played really well I don’t see him keeping Henderson out of the team though he did make more Yayaesque runs by bursting through the middle and up the field unlike Henderson does. Emre was pushed up into the Wiji role in the 2nd half with Henderson dropping into DM so there is a chance Klopp wants to see how he should play the young German. Can then came off in the 60th min. Mane was not as sharp as everyone else and was a bit rusty but it’s his 1st game back so it’s understandable. Nearly scored a volley after a rugged run through multiple defenders. He also assisted Wiji’s goal. I doubt Solanke will start any PL games but he did score a great headed goal and looks like he could be a brilliant impact sub for this season. Unfortunately, Couthino had a very quiet 1st half. Looked like he was trying to stay away from any action most of the time. He was out on the wing for that half and was moved into a more central role in the 2nd half. He got more involved in the 2nd half trying to play people in on goals This worked perfectly as he put a brilliant long ball over the top for Salah to chase and lift it over the keeper for another goal. Couthino was then replaced in the 65th min for Kent. Robertson came on LB at half time and after a min of his debut he had a shot on target. Later in the half he combined great with Firmino and then whipped in a brilliant cross which Salah really should have tapped in.
Additional comments
Liverpool looked sloppy at the back. Left back was their major problem and where all the Hertha attacks came from. Liverpool seem to be getting better at keeping the ball out of the net but I still think they need a CB as they just don’t seem to be communicating in the middle. They are playing a 4-1-2-3 formation with the DM playing as a 3rd CB with the two CBs spreading wide when the LB and RB attack.
If I was to name a Liverpool side right now that I think will start GW1 it would look like this:
Mig
Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner
Henderson
Lallana, Couthino
Mane, Firmino, Salah
Nice one Matt.
Regarding the starting XI I think Gini might get the nod over Lallana but there’s nothing between them.
No worries Kop. Gini vs Lallana is the only spot I couldn’t decide like it really is a toss up and I think they will be the main two rotated. They both offer similar things but Gini has the strength and defence where Lallana doesn’t but then Lallana has the skill and creativity that Gini doesn’t. If only they could be made into one player they would be amazing haha.
Liverpool vs Bayern Munich – Final Score 3-0
Scorers
Mane (assisted by Firmino)
Salah (assisted by Moreno)
Sturridge (assisted by Couthino)
http://www.espn.in/football/report?gameId=490291
Additional comments
Liverpool played Munich off the park tonight. The Germans did not like it one bit. Some very nasty and unnecessary tackles going in from Bayern. Lovren actually got kicked a few times.
Liverpool defence were very solid today and it has probably been the best I’ve ever seen them.
Moreno surprisingly had a brilliant game. Got an assist, took a great free kick that was saved and was actually defending.
Liverpool’s midfield was controlling the game and Couthino was top notch. The front three of Mane, Firmino and Salah were tearing the Munich defence apart. Mane in particlar was having a great day down the left side and was looking very good. The diamond of Couthino in the No.10, Firmino as the No.9 with Salah and Mane on the wings look like they could really hurt teams this season. Have one of them for sure. It will be difficult to decide which one to have but I’d go with Couthino, Salah, Mane and Firmino in that order.
Liverpool (team v Atletico)
Liverpool 1-1 Atletico Madrid
(Atletico Madrid win 6-5 on penalties)
Roberto Firmino (PEN won by Divick Origi)
http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/tour-2017/270646-klopp-on-atletico-penalty-defeat-cl-play-off-and-german-training-camp-benefits
Cheers GP. I forgot I hadn’t done this yet.
Liverpool 3-1 Athletic
Roberto Firmino (PEN won by himself)
Ben Woodburn (assisted by Dominic Solanke)
Dominic Solanke (assisted by Ragnar Klavan)
http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/tour-2017/270896-match-report-reds-sign-off-pre-season-with-win-in-dublin
MAN CITY Pre-Season Hub Home
New City keeper in action
Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City
Romelu Lukaku (assisted by Paul Pogba)
Marcus Rashford (assisted by Henrikh Mkhitaryan)
https://www.mancity.com/news/first-team/match-report/2017/july/united-v-man-city-us-tour
Team notes:
Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson and Kyle Walker made their City debuts, while Stockport-born youngster Phil Foden made his first senior start. City set up in a four-five-one formation, with full-backs Walker and Fernandinho pushed high up the field. Yaya Toure was the holding midfield man, behind De Bruyne and Foden, with Sterling starting wide left and Roberts wide right.
There were a raft of changes at the break, with Eliaquim Mangala, John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi, Samir Nasri, Brahim Diaz and Leroy Sane all coming on and Yaya Toure, Kompany, Adarabioyo, De Bruyne, Roberts and Sterling making way.
Is there a reason Mangala isn’t in the Man City team of FPL?
Sometimes they are slow to add players back in when they are out on loans in a different country. As the case with Joe Hart. Either that or they are waiting to see where he goes before they determine a price on him if they think he is moving on. Not sure they would think that much about it, probably more to do with him having been on loan overseas.
I think it’s the later, with Joel Campbell and Lazar Markovic being other examples of it.
Thanks, was wondering about that
4 – 1 to City
Goals and assists –
Otamendi, Stones assist maybe
Sterling, KDB assist
Stones, KDB assist
Brahmin Diaz, Roberts assist
Match Report –
https://www.mancity.com/news/first-team/match-report/2017/july/city-v-real-madrid?amp=1
Says on there that KDB got 3 assists but I can only count 2.
He only got two assists.
I watched the whole game and here were some of my takeaways.
City were the best I have seen them in a while and even though it is pre-season, I noticed that them playing a 3 back allowed them to flow much better and retain the ball Pep style. They played 4 in the back vs United and that didn’t look good at all. If they decide to play a 3 back, I think it means that they will play a 3-5-2 which looks a bit like a 3-3-2-2
Ederson
Kompany-Stones-Otamendi
Walker-Yaya-Mendy
KdB- ? (Silva, other Silva, Sane, Sterling)
Jesus Kun
This formation would mean even a bigger problem as far as who is starting. Because it makes Sane a problem. Also means that Sane and Sterling could be mixed in at Wing-backs for minutes and it is possible that Mendy or Walker could be part of the back 3 when Pep rotates his CBs. We also know that KdB could be rested for either Silva as they could do a similar job for the team. FFS!!
Stones had a goal and a fantasy assist (header that was saved and then put in by Otamendi) sort of speak. He looked good and also looked comfortable on the ball. He played in the center of the back 3 and played the full 90.
KdB was an absolute mare to control, everything flowed through him. He had 2 assists, but it could have been 4-5 if the other chances would have been finished. Also took a free kick that hit the post and in charge of all set pieces.
Sterling scored and looked like the good LFC version of himself, getting in behind and causing havoc.
Ederson looked good for most of the game, but he had two little moments that would concern me. One you can say it was a miscommunication between him and Otamendi, which you can probably blame on Otamendi more than him, but it almost cost them a goal, the other was a bad pass to one of his defenders that led to a big chance that the Madrid player missed, should have been a goal no doubt. It is hard to overlook that mistake, but he looked really good other than that. Very quick off the line and looked comfortable on the ball except for that one.
Kun had a golden chance that was blocked by the keeper and Jesus was the harder worker, but always seemed a yard short to finish one off as the ball crossed right in front of him several times.
Spot on Mito, although I wasn’t able to catch the game I would expect to see 3 at the back used more frequently since we have fullbacks with the required pace. Personally I would avoid picking any City midfielder apart from KDB. They will all score good points but none have a secure place in the starting 11 particularly in a 3/5 at the back system
Thanks for this breakdown Mito, I currently have KDB in my team as I think he will be instrumental in everything City does, and I can see goals in them. City always start like a house on fire and Pep wants goals. Would really like Jesus in as well but struggling to get 3 big boys up front. Would mean a weak midfield or sacrificing Lukaku or kane.
Cheers for this Mito. I’m starting to think that going without any City players is the safest move until we see more of them in the PL? Anyone agree with me here or am I just being overly cautious?
Possibly over cautious there Matt 😉 Pretty sure De Bruyne, Jesus, Aguero will start most matches
Matt I’m starting to think going without any could be suicidal!
Haha my thoughts exactly Init. As stated above, I’m tryna work in Jesus as well as De Bruyne
@Matt, even if KdB is rested occasionly, it’s looking like he is going to smash it this season.
Yeah I want Sane as he’s affordable but KDB is so much more interesting and more likely to get points. Looks like I’m going to have to redo a draft including him.
Manchester City 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur
John Stones (assisted by Kevin De Bruyne)
Raheem Sterling (assisted by Samir Nasri)
Brahim Diaz
Manchester City
Ederson (Muric 82), Walker (Tosin 74), Kompany (Mangala 60), Stones (Duhaney 74), Otamendi, Danilo (Sane 74), Fernandinho (Toure 60), Silva (Nasri 60), De Bruyne (Foden 60), Sterling (Diaz 78), G Jesus (Aguero 60).
Tottenham Hotspur:
Spurs: Lloris (Vorm 46), Trippier (Walker-Peters 79), Dier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen (Wimmer 71), Davies, Dembele (Nkoudou 55), Winks (Oakley-Boothe 71), Eriksen, Dele (Wimmer 71), Kane.
https://www.mancity.com/news/first-team/match-report/2017/july/man-city-tottenham-match-report-nashville-us-tour
City observations from their game against Spurs.
Once again they went with a 3 back and once again they were impressive. Only 3 changes from their last starting xi. D. Silva came in for Foden, Fernandinho in for Yaya and Sterling in for Kun. If this game ended with City scoring 6 or 7, it would have been a much fairer reflection of what happened.
It is obvious that KdB is the one in charge of making City go. He was once again very impressive last night. He put in the cross that led to the Stones header, plus he simply got into dangerous areas consistently and always looked on the verge of providing another assist or scoring himself. Think it is fair for now to say if you only could pick one City player, it have to be him.
Ederson played a perfect game. Super quick off his line, great in his ball distribution and should have got an assist, he played Kun in perfectly one time from a goal kick.
Stones with another good performance, he looks much more comfortable on the ball so far this season and he has been a big threat on set pieces, scoring his 2nd and being unlucky to not have 3 so far this pre-season, considering the he should have scored a brace on vs Madrid.
Kompany looks good on the right of the back 3, Otamendi is the one that has looked shaky to me. In particular with the ball on his feet, he seems to struggle a bit more in his decision making.
Walker and Danilo both had strong performances going forward. Danilo in particular had like 4 shots (think Mendy scores one of those) where I think a more capable shot taker at the very least gets one. He also put in a great through ball for Kun, but Aguero was denied. Overall that was a clean sheet and 1-2 bonus points in fpl that could have been 15-16 point performance with any luck at all.
David Silva roamed around like KdB did, but he appeared a touch deeper to me, so while he played like we are accustomed to seeing him with the ball, he didn’t find himself in too many positions to provide the last pass or shoot.
Jesus was good and bad all in one. It is obvious he provides a ton for City. Because he puts in the work and harasses and chases defenders, he creates space by making runs. But he needs to finish some of the chances, he missed an absolute howler. That was harder to miss then make, basically an open net after KdB squared him the ball, after pulling the last defender and keeper to him.
Kun came in for Jesus and wasn’t much better in terms of putting away chances, he didn’t miss an open net, but frankly he could have scored a hat-trick. Hit the post twice, one in particular should have been an easy goal for him and had a one on one with Vorm that he shot right into him.
Sterling in many ways did similar stuff to Jesus in terms of dragging defenders and overall harassing. I didn’t see a ton of him on the ball in the first half, but he was doing work. Second half he got friendlier with the ball and he tore Spurs to pieces in particular when he got wide. Just tons of pace that are hard to deal with. Scored on a through ball that Nasri put him one on one with Vorm, great game for Sterling again.
Nasri was fantastic in his minutes, but guessing that won’t matter much.
Conclusion, I don’t think the 3 changes to the starting XI was just Pep giving other players some minutes. I think these are the positions that are up for grabs. Sterling is playing his way onto the team and I feel he might already be ahead of Sane and possibly even Kun, that’s if Pep wishes to deploy Raheem further up the field with Jesus. Fernandinho and Yaya are battling for that holding mid role and Silva was putting in work giving Pep a chance to observe how he works with KdB in what looks like double creator roles in the midfield when they play a 3 back.
*A GOALKEEPER WHO ASSISTS?*
Interesting from Pep after the Tottenham friendly here:
Furthermore, his ability to send goal-kicks into the opposition penalty area also caught the eye of former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Guardiola.
“When I was at Bayern, I played a Champions League game against Benfica and we saw it four or five times,” said the Spaniard.
Manchester City v West Ham Utd.
RIP Delph
Jesus goal, KDB assist. My boys.
Manchester City 3-0 West Ham United
Gabriel Jesus (assisted by Kevin De Bruyne)
Sergio Aguero (assisted by David Silva)
Raheem Sterling
https://www.mancity.com/news/first-team/match-report/2017/august/man-city-west-ham-iceland-pre-season-match
MAN UNITED Pre-Season Hub Home
LA Galaxy 2-5 Manchester United
Rashford (assisted by Lingard)
Rashford (assisted by Mata)
Fellaini (assisted by Lingard)
Mkhitaryan (assisted by Martial)
Martial (assisted by Fosu-Mensah)
http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour-2017/Tour-2017-News/2017/Jul/match-report-tour-2017-la-galaxy-2-manchester-united-5-15-july-2017.aspx
Real Salt Lake 1-2 Manchester United
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Romelu Lukaku (assisted by Henrikh Mkhitaryan)
First Half: J Pereira, Fosu-Mensah, Lindelof, Jones, Blind, Carrick, Pogba, McTominay, Lingard, Mkhitaryan, Lukaku.
Second Half: Romero, Valencia, Bailly, Smalling, Darmian, Herrera, Fellaini, A Pereira, Mata (Mitchell 59), Martial (Tuanzebe 90), Rashford.
http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2017/Jul/Match-report-Tour-2017-Real-Salt-Lake-v-Manchester-United-on-17-July.aspx
**Interestingly**
Jose Mourinho:
THREE AT THE BACK
“We have trained for five days and in these five days we trained for two days in the relation to this system [three at the back]. The improvements are in relation to four hours of work so I couldn’t expect much better, it’s something we have to keep working on in case during the season we decide to play three at the back. We did it twice against Rostov and maybe we want to do it more times.”
This could prove a valid formation for Utd but they need to buy a Patrice Evra for it to work.
Valencia becomes an even better asset possibly. Would say Shaw but you can probably get that fool to chase a doughnut faster than the ball.
Yeah they simply don’t have a left wing back suitable for that system. Rojo did it for Argentina and could be an option but he’s out for the time being. Shaw does not have the fitness (Van Gall said it himself) to run forward and backwards. Blind can be tucked in there but wing backs are too central to that tactic to be using remedies. They’d need a top player for that. Also it doenst bode well with the Perisic thing, if there’s any truth in that. Valencia’s prospects would increase though I agree.
Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City
Romelu Lukaku (assisted by Paul Pogba)
Marcus Rashford (assisted by Henrikh Mkhitaryan)
http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour-2017/Tour-2017-News/2017/Jul/Match-report-Tour-2017-Manchester-United-2-Manchester-City-0-on-20-July.aspx
Nice one Rom, puffing everyone in with a decent preseason
You would have him if he wasn’t Belgian!
Don’t need him when you can have Mkhi & Rashford 😉
I’m sure Armenia is taking England’s place in the EU so your stuck with Lingard then!!
DMC, don’t you worry, I’ll throw a clause in there somewhere as and when is necessary! Similar to the old farts who play U23 footy 😉
Another assist for Mkhi. So many options this year.
Manchester United 1-1 Real Madrid
Goal:
Jesse Lingard
Team:
Romero (De Gea 46)
Fosu-Mensah (Blind 46) Bailly (Lindelof 46) Jones (Smalling 46) Darmian (Valencia 78)
Carrick (Herrera 46 (McTominay 51)) Fellaini
Pereira (Pogba 46) Lingard (Mkhitaryan 46) Martial
Rashford (Lukaku 46)
http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2017/Jul/Match-report-Tour-2017-Manchester-United-v-Real-Madrid-in-San-Jose.aspx
And for prosperity / reference…
Man Utd vs Barca
Starting line-up
Finished 1 – 0 to Barca
Valerenga 0-3 Manchester United
Marouane Fellaini (assisted by Henrikh Mkhitaryan)
Romelu Lukaku (assisted by Andreas Pereira)
Scott McTominay
http://www.manutd.com/en/MatchTrackerSeasons/201718/Match-blogs/Tour-2017/Manchester-United-vs-Valerenga-Tour-2017.aspx
Manchester United 2-1 Sampdoria
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (assisted by Matteo Darmian)
Juan Mata (assisted by Anthony Martial)
http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2017/Aug/match-report-tour-2017-manchester-united-2-sampdoria-1-aviva-stadium-dublin-2-august.aspx