Fantasy Premier League Pre-season Guide 2021/22

With the Gameweek 1 deadline landing on August 13th, our pre-season guide has all the Premier League club-by-club news, injuries, transfers and minutes that FPL bosses need to help inform their initial squad selections – this will be continually updated throughout pre-season.

The transfer window is not closing until August 31st. Television times for the first six gameweeks have been announced, with two Friday deadlines (Gameweeks 1 and 5) so far.

Find a comprehensive array of FPL Tips here, which includes everything you need to know about the 2021/22 FPL season. Team previews, chip strategy, beginner tutorials and loads more daily content can be found exclusively on Fantasy Football Hub!

Arsenal

fantasy football tips gameweek 1 pre season

July 13

Arsenal’s senior stars were all handed 45 minutes in a 2-1 reverse against Hibernian. Emile Smith Rowe (£5.5m) grabbed the Gunners’ goal, while Nicolas Pepe (£7.5m) failed to convert a penalty after winning it himself. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.0m) was off the pitch at the time. On Smith Rowe’s goal, Mikel Arteta said:

“He knows that it is a part of the game he needs to get better at. We are working on it a lot and you could see the positions that he took today. He created two or three big chances.”

Arsenal XI: Okonkwo, Kolasinac, Mari, Clarke, Soares, Elneny, Maitland-Niles, Aubameyang, Willian, Nelson, Nketiah.

July 17

Arsenal drew 2-2 against Rangers, with the starting XI getting either 45 or 62 minutes. New signing Nuno Tavares (£4.5m) and Eddie Nketiah (£5.5m) grabbed the Gunners’ goals. Kieran Tierney (£5.0m) played the full second half after his return following Euro 2020. Joe Willock (£6.0m) was introduced in the 63rd minute.

On Arsenal’s pre-season to this point, Mikel Arteta said:

“We didn’t have any injuries, which is really positive in the first week. We’re going to have some new faces arriving probably, so very positive.”

Arsenal XI: Okonkwo; Tavares, Mari, Holding, Soares, Partey, Elneny, Balogun, Smith Rowe, Pepe, Aubameyang.

July 20

Arsenal had to cancel a pre-season tour to the USA due to a small number of Covid-19 cases among the planned travelling party.

Following a small number of positive COVID tests among the planned party to travel to America tomorrow, we have sadly been forced to withdraw from the Florida Cup.

This difficult decision is based on ensuring the health and wellbeing of our players and staff.

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 20, 2021

July 24

Calum Chambers (£4.5m), Alex Lacazette (£8.5m), Pepe and Folarin Balogun all scored for Arsenal in a 4-1 training-ground win against Millwall. Aubameyang notched two assists, with Chambers also creating a goal.

Arsenal XI: Okonkwo (Hein 46), Chambers, Holding, Mari (Cedric 60), Tierney (Tavares 60), Partey (Maitland-Niles 71′), Elneny (Lokonga 46), Pepe (Willian 71), Smith Rowe (Nelson 71), Nketiah (Lacazette 46), Aubameyang (Balogun 71).

July 28

Arsenal beat Watford 4-1 in a training-ground tie. Nketiah, Lacazette (penalty), Tierney and Miguel Azeez scored for the Gunners. Smith Rowe assisted Tierney’s strike.

Arsenal XI: Leno (Runarsson 46), Cedric (Bellerin 46), Chambers (Holding 46), Mari (Kolasinac 64), Tavares (Tierney 46), Lokonga (Azeez 64), Elneny, Nelson (Pepe 46), Willian (Smith Rowe 64), Nketiah (Maitland-Niles 64), Aubameyang (Lacazette 46).

August 1

Ben White (£4.5m) made his first Arsenal appearance as the Gunners lost 2-1 to Chelsea. Granit Xhaka (£5.0m) scored a header for Arsenal from a Pepe corner. On Thomas Partey (£5.0m), who picked up an injury, Mikel Arteta said:

“I just had a talk with the doctor. He’s going to have a scan tomorrow and at the moment it’s not looking good because he was in pain and he could not continue which, for Thomas, is pretty unusual.”

On Gabriel (£5.0m), Arteta explained:

“We don’t know [whether he will be available for Brentford in GW1]. He’s still injured. He picked up an injury while he was doing the preparation for the Olympics with Brazil and at the moment he’s not been able to train with us. That seems unlikely at the moment but hopefully he can recover quickly.”

And the Arsenal boss added on Bukayo Saka (£6.5m):

“He’s back very soon. He needed some holidays, he needed to be away. He had an incredibly busy year and he will be back with us in the next few days. We’re looking forward to seeing him.”

Tammy Abraham’s winner for Chelsea came about as Arsenal tried to play out from the back. On that matter, Arteta said:

“It worries me because when you give the ball away when you’re in the position we’re in, in one or two passes they can attack your goal. It’s a really difficult situation to resolve. From those situations as well, we created many chances today. We need to know when to take the risk. It’s more about the perception and interpreting the players that we have to use in certain areas more than the actual action. But you know that against these teams, they punish you in the Premier League.”

Arsenal XI: Leno; Chambers (Bellerin 70), Holding (White 46), Mari, Tierney (Tavares 70); Elneny (Lokonga 70), Partey (Xhaka 39); Pepe, Smith-Rowe (Kolasinac 70), Aubameyang; Lacazette (Nketiah 70).

August 8

Arsenal were beaten 1-0 by Spurs. On the absences of Rob Holding (£4.5m) and Joe Willock (£6.0m), Arteta said:

“Two different reasons. With Rob, he was not available, he wasn’t fit enough to play today. With Joe, we will explain the reasons when we can.”

On the performance of Ben White (£4.5m), the Arsenal boss added:

“Yeah, he was really good.”

Signings: Nuno Tavares (£4.5m), Albert Sambi Lokonga (£5.0m), Ben White (£4.5m)

Aston Villa

ollie watkins fpl danny ings villa

July 21

Ollie Watkins (£7.5m) scored twice against Walsall, with Emi Buendia (£6.5m) providing both first-half assists.

𝟮𝟳': Ollie Watkins ⚽
𝟯𝟴': Ollie Watkins ⚽
𝟱𝟭': Jaden Philogene-Bidace ⚽
𝟱𝟴': Aaron Ramsey ⚽

Highlights from Walsall 0-4 Aston Villa. 💪 pic.twitter.com/7RSY9hxc0o

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 22, 2021

With Dean Smith in isolation, Craig Shakespeare oversaw two different XIs in each half with Villa running out 4-0 winners.

Aston Villa first-half XI: Steer, Cash, Konsa, Revan, A Young, J Ramsey, Nakamba, Chukwuemeka, El Ghazi, Buendia, Watkins.

Aston Villa second-half XI: Steer (Sinisalo 83), Guilbert, Hause, Bogarde, Chrisene, Hourihane, A Ramsey, McGinn, Philogene-Bidace, Wesley, Davis.

July 24

Villa were defeated 2-0 by Stoke City, with both goals coming before the hour mark.

Aston Villa starting XI: Steer, Cash, Bogarde, Hause, A Young, McGinn, Nakamba, Buendía, A Ramsey, El Ghazi, Watkins.

Aston Villa XI from 60 mins: Sinisalo, Guilbert, Konsa, S Revan, Targett, Philogene-Bidace, Hourihane, J Ramsey, Chukwuemeka, Davis, Wesley.

July 28

Aston Villa’s planned friendly with Nottingham Forest was cancelled due to Forest having a number of positive Covid-19 cases.

July 31

Watkins grabbed a goal and an assist as Villa beat Bristol City 3-0. Anwar El Ghazi (£6.0m) set up the striker’s goal, while Ezri Konsa (£5.0m) also netted. Buendia missed out with a reported knock, though was pictured at Villa’s training camp on August 2.

Aston Villa XI: Steer, Cash, Konsa, Hause, A Young, A Ramsey, McGinn (Lindley 80), Philogene-Bidace, Nakamba, El Ghazi, Watkins (B Young 80).

August 8

Danny Ings (£8.0m) scored on his Villa debut in a 3-1 win over Salernitana. Watkins earned a penalty which Anwar El Ghazi (£6.0m) took, while Ashley Young (£5.0m) added the third. Watkins hobbled off just after half time with a reported muscle problem. Buendia was absent once more.

Aston Villa XI: Martinez (Steer 45′); Cash, Konsa (Hause 61′), Mings, Targett; Philogene-Bidace (Traore 61′), McGinn (Hourihane 61′), Nakamba (J.Ramsey 61′), El Ghazi; Watkins (Chukwuemeka 48′), Ings (Young 61′).

Signings: Emi Buendia (£6.5m), Ashley Young (£5.0m), Danny Ings (£8.0m)

Brentford

fpl tips gameweek 1 pre season brentford

July 17

Brentford beat AFC Wimbledon 1-0, with a Joel Valencia (unpriced) rebound giving the Bees a pre-season win.

Brentford (first half): Raya; Roerslev, Russell, Pinnock, Gordon; Ghoddos, Janelt (Stevens 13), Gilbert; Mbeumo, Toney, Valencia

Brentford (second half): Gunnarsson; Stevens, Goode, Racic, Thompson; Baptiste, Oksanen, Haygarth; Fosu, Mogensen (Gordon 87), Canós

July 20

An Ivan Toney (£6.5m) goal set Brentford off to a 2-0 win over Boreham Wood. Midfielder Tarique Fosu (£5.5m) grabbed a second before Thomas Frank changed the goalkeeper and nine outfield players.

Brentford XI: Gunnarsson; Roerslev, Goode, Pinnock, Thompson; Baptiste, Ghoddos, Haygarth; Fosu, Toney, Canos.

July 24

Toney grabbed a brace, including a free-kick, as Brentford beat a Watford XI 3-1 in a training-ground game.

Brentford XI: Raya (Gunnarsson 60); Fosu (Roerslev HT), Ajer (Racic HT), Goode (Stevens 60), Pinnock (Russell 60), Canós (Dervişoğlu 60), Baptiste (Haygarth 60), Janelt (Oksanen 60), Thompson (Gordon 60), Ghoddos (Valencia 60), Toney (Forss 60).

July 28

Bryan Mbeumo (£5.5m) got himself on the scoresheet as Brentford drew 2-2 with Man Utd.

Brentford XI: Raya; Roerslev (Stevens 75), Goode (Racic 75), Pinnock (Sørensen 61), Thompson (Gordon 75); Baptiste (Peart-Harris 75), Janelt (Valencia 75); Fosu (Mbeumo 61), Haygarth (Onyeka 61), Canós (Dervişoğlu 75); Toney (Forss 75).

July 31

Brentford lost 1-0 to West Ham, with a much-changed team from the Man Utd draw.

Brentford XI: Gunnarsson (Raya h-t); Goode (Jansson h-t), Sørensen (Nørgaard 61), Pinnock; Roerslev (Stevens 80), Onyeka (Baptiste h-t), Janelt (Toney 61), Henry (Thompson h-t); Canós (Ghoddos h-t), Forss (Fosu 73), Dervişoğlu (Mbeumo 61).

August 7

Toney missed Brentford’s 2-1 win over Valencia with a minor neck injury but is expected to feature in GW1. On the striker, Thomas Frank said:

“Yes, I expect him back soon. I don’t think there is almost anything that can keep him out of the game on Friday night [against Arsenal]. I’m sure he’ll be available and ready to play.”

Brentford XI: Raya; Ajer (Bech 74), Jansson, Pinnock; Canós, Norgaard (Bidstrup 82), Janelt (Peart-Harris 87), Henry (Roerslev 74); Mbeumo, Forss (Dervişoğlu 74), Ghoddos (Onyeka h-t).

Signings: Frank Onyeka (£5.0m), Kristoffer Ajer (£4.5m)

Brighton & Hove Albion

fpl tips gameweek 1 pre season brighton

July 24

Brighton’s first pre-season tie against Rangers ended in a 0-0 draw. The big FPL news from Saturday was that Tariq Lamptey is set to miss the start of the season. On the defender’s rehabilitation from injury, Grahm Potter told the Athletic:

“It’s a little bit slower than we would like and probably he would like but with the nature of his surgery and the injury, we need to make sure that he’s right rather than putting any timescale on it. He’s making progress but not as fast as we and he would like.

“It’s important that we just stay patient and do the right things for him, make sure we finish off this last stage of his rehab in a good way because it’s not necessarily about being available for the first game – it’s about being available for as many games as he can in the season.”

Asked if Lamptey could feature in either of the Seagulls’ two other pre-season games, Potter added:

“At this stage, I would say it’s unlikely but you never know. We’ve got a plan but we’ll see how he responds.”

Both Lewis Dunk (£5.0m) and Adam Webster (£4.5m) were unavailable for the Rangers match. On the possibility of the pair being ready for a Luton Town friendly on July 31, Potter said:

“They’ve got a chance, Adam more so than Lewis.”

Danny Welbeck (£6.0m) was supposed to be in Albion’s second-half XI but withdrew at the last moment. Potter explained:

“I need to speak to Danny and the physios. He just had a feeling literally before he was going to come on, so we didn’t want to take any chances. It’s that stage where we don’t want to take those chances. We’ll see how he goes but hopefully nothing to worry about too much.”

Brighton first-half XI: Scherpen, Duffy, Burn, Leonard, Zeqiri, Khadra Lallana, Gross, Maupay, Connolly, Mwepu.

Brighton second-half XI: Steele, Furlong, Tanimowo, Ostigard, Tsoungui, March, Bissouma, Alzate, Richards, Andone, Tau.

July 31

Goals from Aaron Connolly (£5.5m), Enock Mwepu (£6.0m) and Percy Tau gave Brighton a 3-1 win over Luton Town. Robert Sanchez (£4.5m) was substituted at half time after receiving treatment on the field, while Dan Burn (£4.5m) was forced off in the second half. Asked if that pair are OK, Potter responded:

“I think so, yeah. Rob was more precautionary and Dan, I think his foot got stuck in the turf. Err on the side of caution at this stage. Just spoke to him [Burn] briefly and he felt ok. Just see over the next 24-48 hours.”

On Leandro Trossard (£6.5m), Danny Welbeck (£6.0m), Lewis Dunk (£5.0m) and Adam Webster (£4.5m), Potter added:

“Leo’s obviously late back from the internationals and then he’s had to do some isolation. Danny’s felt his hamstring in the warm-up [against Rangers]. We’re just getting to the bottom of the extent of it. It’s disappointing for us and for him. It looks like he is going to miss the start at this stage.

“Lewis and Adam still [out], should be back for Getafe [on August 7]. Adam is back in training and Lewis is not.”

Asked if Albion will try to replace Ben White, Potter said:

“We have got enough competition in the centre-back area, we have enough good players and can be flexible with how we set up. You can’t replace a player of that value; you have to look to find a solution in the squad but we are in a good place at the moment.”

Lamptey, meanwhile, looks less and less likely to be ready for Gameweek 1.

“He is not progressing as well as we would like. Because of the nature of the [hamstring] injury, we have to be really careful with him. It is still frustrating at the moment.”

August 7

Sanchez, Dunk and Webster all started in a 2-0 defeat to Getafe. Trossard also made his first pre-season appearance, from the bench. Before kick off, Potter said of his injured contingent:

“With regard to Danny Welbeck, Dan Burn and Tariq Lamptey, they are all making good progress and we are hopeful they won’t be out for too long. With Tariq, we don’t want to rush him back but he is making good progress.”

Brighton XI: Sanchez; Veltman (Ostigard 89), Dunk (Moder 79), Webster (Duffy 79); Gross (Richards 79), Bissouma (Andone 89), Mwepu (Zeqiri 89), March (Karbownik 89); Lallana (Alzate 67), Mac Allister (Trossard 46), Connolly (Maupay 67).

Signings: Enock Mwepu (£6.0m), Kjell Scherpen (£4.5m)

Burnley

fpl tips gameweek 1 pre season burnley

Chris Wood (£7.0m) is at the Olympics with New Zealand. The final of that tournament is scheduled for August 7.

July 20

Josh Brownhill (£4.5m) scored twice against Salford as Sean Dyche split his squad for two training-ground games. Jay Rodriguez (£5.5m) also braced in that 4-0 win.

Ashley Barnes (£5.5m) and Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£5.5m) were the scorers in a 2-1 win over Morecambe.

Almost every senior player was handed 90 minutes by Dyche. Nick Pope (£5.5m) was not involved for the Clarets.

Burnley XI v Salford: Norris; Bardsley, Collins, Mee, Taylor; Thompson, Brownhill, Benson, McNeil; Rodriguez, Harker.

Burnley XI v Morecambe: Peacock-Farrell; Lowton, Tarkowski, Thomas, Pieters; Glennon, Westwood, Cork, Gudmundsson; Barnes, Richardson.

July 24

Rodriguez and youth prospect Lewis Richardson scored in a 2-0 win at Oldham.

Burnley first-half XI: Peacock-Farrell; Bardsley, Tarkowski, Mee, Pieters; Gudmundsson, Cork, Benson, Glennon; Barnes, Richardson.

Burnley second-half XI: Norris; Lowton, Collins, Thomas, Taylor; Gudmundsson (Gomez-Mancini 70), Westwood, Brownhill, McNeil; Rodriguez, Richardson (Thompson 70).

July 27

Defender Bobby Thomas headed in an Ashley Westwood (£5.5m) corner to give Burnley a 1-0 win against Blackpool.

Burnley XI: Hennessey (Norris 65); Lowton (Bardsley HT), Collins (Tarkowski HT), Mee (Thomas HT), Taylor (Pieters HT); Gomez-Mancini (Gudmundsson HT), Brownhill (Westwood HT), Cork (Nartey 80), McNeil (Glennon 65); Richardson (Barnes HT), Rodriguez (Harker 65).

July 31

Dwight McNeil (£6.0m) scored and assisted Ashley Barnes (£5.5m) as Burnley beat Tranmere 2-1. On Wood’s imminent return after New Zealand were knocked out of the Olympics, Dyche said:

“Woody is coming back – unfortunately for Woody. It’s shame for him and for them but good for us, in a way. He comes back and will be able to re-acclimatise and get a bit of recovery before he joins in with us.”

Burnley XI: Hennessey; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor; Gudmundsson (Cork 60), Westwood, Brownhill, McNeil; Barnes (Richardson 82), Rodriguez (Vydra 60).

August 3

Rodriguez converted an Erik Pieters (£4.5m) pass to give Burnley a 1-0 win over Newcastle. Pope remains out for the Clarets. Matt Lowton (£4.5m) was also absent.

Burnley XI: Hennessey (Norris HT); Bardsley, Collins, Mee (Tarkowski HT), Pieters; Gudmundsson (Trialist 60), Westwood (Brownhill HT), Cork, McNeil (Taylor 60); Vydra (Barnes 60), Rodriguez (Richardson 80).

August 7

Lowton was again absent but Nick Pope (£5.5m) made his first appearance of pre-season for Burnley. The Clarets were beaten 2-0 by Cadiz. Wood was also back in action after his stint at the Olympics. On Pope, Dyche said:

“He has had a good pre-season coming back from injury and it was good to get his 90 in.”

On Wood and Matej Vydra (£5.5m), the Burnley boss added:

“We just gave him [Wood] a taste of it because he has played plenty of football. I think he has the highest minutes in pre-season from playing over there.

“Vyds has still got to get himself back fit and sharp because he came back late.”

Burnley XI: Pope; Bardsley, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor (Lennon 72); Brownhill, Westwood, Cork (Gudmundsson HT), McNeil (Pieters HT); Wood (Barnes HT), Vydra (Rodriguez 53).

Signings: Nathan Collins (£4.5m), Wayne Hennessey (£4.5m)

Chelsea

fpl tips gameweek 1 pre season chelsea

July 17

Thomas Tuchel gave 22 players a run-out against Peterborough United, as Chelsea won 6-1. Hakim Ziyech scored a second-half hat-trick, with Tammy Abraham and Christian Pulisic netting in the first period.

1st half : Cumming; Chalobah, Clarke-Salter, Sarr; Zappacosta, Drinkwater, Barkley, Alonso; Pulisic, Hudson-Odoi, Abraham

2nd half : Cumming/Bergstrom, Sterling, Miazga, Maatsen, Rahman, Baker, Gallagher, Loftus-Cheek, Ziyech, Ugbo, Broja

Cumming got 60 minutes. #CFC

— CarefreeYouth (@CarefreeYouth) July 17, 2021

July 27

Chelsea beat Bournemouth 2-1, with a youthful second-half side getting both goals.

Chelsea XI: Kepa (Mendy ht); Sterling (Miazga ht), Baker (Chalobah ht), Sarr (Clarke-Salter ht); Hudson-Odoi (Zappacosta 63), Drinkwater (Loftus-Cheek ht), Gallagher, Alonso (Baba 63); Ziyech (Barkley ht), Abraham (Ugbo 63), Pulisic (Broja ht).

August 1

Goals from Kai Havertz (£8.5m) and Tammy Abraham (£6.5m) gave Chelsea a 2-1 win against Arsenal. Timo Werner (£9.0m) set up his countryman for the Blues’ opener.

Firing us into the lead! 💥

🔴 0-1 🔵 pic.twitter.com/dnalmvs0PU

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 1, 2021

Christian Pulisic (£8.0m) lined out at right wing-back for Chelsea. Asked if that is something we could see during the season, Thomas Tuchel responded:

“Yes, maybe. He played there with me at Dortmund and we played many times like this with Callum (Hudson-Odoi). Marcos (Alonso) wasn’t able to play today (vs Arsenal) so we put Callum on the left side which I wanted to see from a long time. Callum can maybe be more dangerous from this position coming inside which he loves, and which he did today.

“So you know our situation. We have Azpi (Cesar Azpilicueta) and Reece (James) for this position (right wing-back) but Azpi only started two days ago and Reece hasn’t even started yet. So we need solutions because we start on the 11th against Villarreal and on the 14th is the season. We can’t try things then so now is the time to see. It was the possibility to give him (Pulisic) some minutes and from here we go on.”

Chelsea XI: Mendy (Kepa 64); Zouma (Sterling h-t), Chalobah (Clarke-Salter 86), Rudiger (Sarr h-t); Pulisic (Kante 64), Loftus-Cheek (Barkley 64), Kovacic (Drinkwater h-t), Hudson-Odoi (Baba 64); Ziyech (Batshuayi 64), Havertz (Abraham h-t), Werner (Zappacosta ht).

August 4

Ziyech scored a brace in a 2-2 draw with Spurs. On Chelsea playing the second half without N’Golo Kante (£5.0m), Ziyech reasoned:

“When you have NG behind you, you know always he’s clearing everything that’s behind you and he’s covering all the problems that we have at the back so if he doesn’t play, you’re straight feeling it.”

On the draw, Tuchel said:

“We should have won. I’m very happy with the first 60 minutes, we started very well. We had active ball recoveries, we created good chances, we had good control of the ball, good defending spirit, so for 60 minutes I was very happy.

“Then we had a lot of changes and unfortunately two big individual mistakes and the opponent Tottenham was very efficient to use them and take away a draw.”

Chelsea XI: Mendy; Chalobah (Miazga 80), Zouma (Ampadu 63), Rudiger (Sarr 63); Hudson-Odoi (Pulisic ht), Kante (Bakayoko ht), Kovacic (Lotus-Cheek 63), Alonso (Zappacosta 63); Ziyech (Anjorin 63), Havertz (Abraham 63), Werner (Kenedy 63).

Signings:

Crystal Palace

fpl tips gameweek 1 pre season crystal palace

On his philosophy, new Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira said in early July:

“I want to see a team who is on the front foot. I want the team to score more goals, to have more shots on target than we used to. But at the same time, [I want] to keep this kind of mental strength that the team has created in the last couple of years, to become even stronger.

“What I really want is to put a philosophy in place that my players understand really well so when they go on the field they can express themselves. I have a really good idea about the team that we have. I think what we will need is to bring [in] players who can create chances; players who can score goals.”

July 17

A Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m) goal was enough for Palace to beat Walsall 1-0 in their pre-season opener. Patrick Vieira lined his troops up in a 4-3-3 formation.

Crystal Palace XI (first half): Guaita (GK), Clyne, Kelly, Tomkins, Mitchell, Schlupp, Riedewald, McArthur, Ayew, Street, Zaha.

Crystal Palace XI (second half): Butland (GK), Quick, O’Brien, Jach, Hannam, Kirby, Boateng, Wells-Morrison (Steele 73), Rak-Sakyi, Gordon (Mateta 73), Banks.

July 24

Zaha converted a penalty to give Palace another 1-0 win, this time over Ipswich Town. After the game, Tyrick Mitchell (£4.5m) said of playing under Vieira:

“I think the things that have changed in my game personally – I’m more attacking. There’s more emphasis on me getting forward and joining in on the attacks. It’s something that I feel is going to add to my game. I’d love to get more goals here and there and more assists, and show a different side to me.”

Crystal Palace XI: Guaita (Butland 64), Clyne (Ward 64), Kouyate (Kelly 64), Tomkins (Guehi 64), Mitchell (Hannam 64), Riedewald (Milivojevic 64), McArthur (Boateng 75), Schlupp (Wells-Morrison 75), Zaha (Banks 75), Mateta (Street 75), Ayew (Rak-Sakyi 75).

July 27

Two academy players scored for Palace in a 2-2 draw with Charlton.

Crystal Palace XI: Butland (Guaita 61), Riedewald (Kirby 82), Guehi (Jach 75), Kelly (Clyne 75), Tomkins (Mitchell 61), Kouyate, Wells-Morrison (Schlupp 61), M Boateng (McArthur 61), Rak-Sakyi (Street 70), Banks (Gordon 82), Ayew (Mateta 61).

July 31

Palace beat Reading 3-1, with new loan signing Conor Gallagher (£5.5m) picking up two assists (one of which was for a free-kick). Zaha missed out with a ‘knock’, which also saw him miss the Charlton game.

Crystal Palace XI: Guaita, Ward (Clyne 70), Kouyaté, Guéhi, Mitchell, Riedewald (Rak-Sakyi 70), McArthur, Kirby (Tomkins 35), Ayew, Mateta (Gallagher 55), Street (Banks 78).

August 7

Zaha was back in action for Palace, scoring twice – one penalty – in a 3-1 win over Watford. Christian Benteke (£6.5m) headed in the other goal late on. On Zaha, manager Patrick Vieira said:

“We know his strength and know he’s capable of scoring goals, creating goals. There’s the other part of the game he needs to work on and concentrate is work without the ball. How can we be a little more compact? How can he defend better with the rest of the players? But his work ethic has been really good since I’m in this football club. Scoring goals: we know that he is capable of doing it.”

On Benteke, the Palace boss added:

“In every game, every level, set pieces are massively important in the game. It is a plus to have Christian in our team because in the air he is one of the best, if not the best, in the league. This is a powerful weapon to have in the squad. We have to use it well and I was really pleased with him scoring the goal. It was his first game after coming back from internationals, the Euros. Coming back and scoring was good for him and his confidence.”

Crystal Palace XI: Guaita, Ward, Kouyaté (Tomkins 89), Guéhi, Mitchell (Hannam 71), McArthur (Gallagher 71), Riedewald, Schlupp (Banks 80), Zaha, Ayew (Rak-Sakyi 80), Mateta (Benteke 71).

Signings: Michael Olise (£5.5m), Marc Guehi (£4.5m), Joachim Andersen (£4.5m), Conor Gallagher (£5.5m)

Everton

fpl tips gameweek 1 pre season everton

After a run to the Copa America final with Brazil, Richarlison (£7.5m) will also represent his country at the Tokyo Olympics.

On Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£8.0m), Rafa Benitez said on July 14:

“It is very easy to see that we have a great centre-forward. He’s very good in the air, he can score goals. But we have to provide him with good crosses, good passes. So the objective is to add the players to improve. We can improve in these areas and, from the wide areas, the crosses will come. When we can do that, the team will be better.”

July 10

Everton took on Accrington Stanley in an unofficial training-ground friendly played over two 40-minute periods. The Toffees won 3-0.

July 17

Another training-ground game saw Jean-Phillipe Gbamin (not priced) score the only goal in a 1-0 win over Blackburn. Rafa Benitez opted for two different XIs in each half.

July 18

On Lucas Digne (£5.5m), who picked up an injury on France duty, Benitez said:

“I had contact with him [on Wednesday morning], he is training well, doing his job and ready to join the team as soon as possible. He is a great professional and I know he is working hard. My exchange of messages with him has been good because he is telling me he is nearly ready.”

July 25

Digne started for Everton in a 1-1 draw against Millonarios. New signing Demarai Gray (£5.5m) grabbed the Toffees’ equaliser from the penalty spot. On Andros Townsend (£5.5m), Benitez said:

“He’s someone who I know from my time at Newcastle. He’s a player with quality. I was checking his fitness stats, too, and he was one of the best players in the Premier League in terms of work rate. We have a player who can give us something more because he has the desire and he’s in a position that the team needed. I think he can do well for us.”

On James Rodriguez (£7.0m), Benitez added:

“At the beginning of the pre-season, it is not easy. I think you can see he has the quality on the ball but still his fitness is not what we are expecting, so it is normal at this time. (But) nobody can argue about the quality of James.”

Everton first-half XI: Begovic; Coleman, Holgate, Godfrey, Digne; Doucoure, Allan; Iwobi, James, Townsend; Kean.

Everton second-half XI: Begovic, Kenny, Holgate (Keane 61), Godfrey (Gibson 73), Digne (Anderson 61); Allan (Gbamin 61), Gomes; Iwobi (Davies 73), Gray, Gordon; Broadhead.

July 28

Moise Kean scored at the second attempt after being put through by Gray, as Everton beat Pumas 1-0.

On his fitness, Digne said after the match:

“I feel very well, I worked very hard during my holidays with my team, and now you can see I am 100 per cent.”

On Everton’s style, Benitez explained:

“We tried to play quick [against Pumas] and not just counter-attack and our players tried to move the ball quicker at the beginning. That is the idea and we saw it today with some of our passing. I’m happy with that.”

Everton first-half XI: Begovic, Coleman, Keane, Godfrey, Digne, Davies, Gomes, Townsend, Iwobi, Gray, Kean.

Everton second-half XI: Virginia; Kenny, Keane (Gibson 71′), Holgate, Digne (Anderson 71), Gbamin, Allan, Doucoure, Broadhead, James, Gordon.

August 7

Everton lost 4-0 to Man Utd. Calvert-Lewin was absent with what the club described as a ‘slight knock’. Reports suggest the striker has picked up a toe injury.

Signings: Andros Towsend (£5.5m), Asmir Begovic (£4.0m), Demarai Gray (£5.5m)

Leeds United

fpl tips gameweek 1 pre season leeds

July 28

Leeds’ first pre-season encounter against Blackburn ended in a 1-1 draw. Pascal Struijk (£4.5m) was the goalscorer on the night, with Jack Harrison (£6.0m) picking up the assist.

Leeds XI: Meslier, Firpo (Dallas 61), Koch, Llorente (Ayling 45), Shackleton, Struijk, Harrison, Costa, Klich, Raphinha (Roberts 61), Rodrigo (Greenwood 61).

July 31

Patrick Bamford (£8.0m) converted a Junior Firpo (£5.0m) cross, while Mateusz Klich (£5.5m) also scored as Leeds lost 3-2 to Real Betis. Diego Llorente (£4.5m) was forced off after 24 minutes, while Pascal Struijk (£4.5m) limped off in the closing stages.

Leeds XI: Meslier, Ayling, Koch, Llorente (Shackleton 24), Firpo (Klich 45), Struijk (Greenwood 88), Raphinha, Dallas, Rodrigo, Harrison (Costa 66), Bamford (Roberts 45).

August 4

Leeds were beaten 4-0 by Ajax. Struijk played 90 minutes but Llorente was absent. According to local reports, that saw Luke Ayling (£4.5m) play at centre-half with Robin Koch (£4.5m) in the holding midfield role.

Right-back on the night Jamie Shackleton (£4.5m) suffered a head injury late in the game. Firpo was absent due to a reported ‘minor knock’. Liam Cooper (£4.5m) was again missing from the matchday squad.

Leeds XI: Meslier; Shackleton (Jenkins 79’), Ayling, Struijk, Dallas; Koch; Raphinha (Costa 45’), Rodrigo (Roberts 68), Klich (McCarron 68), Harrison; Bamford.

August 7

Cooper made his first appearance of pre-season in a 2-2 draw with Villarreal. Llorente and Firpo remained absent. Kalvin Phillips (£5.0m) also clocked up 45 minutes after his return from holiday. Mateusz Klich (£5.5m) and Bamford were Leeds’ scorers.

Leeds XI: Meslier; Ayling, Cooper, Struijk, Dallas; Koch (Phillips 45); Raphinha (Costa 75), Rodrigo (Roberts 45), Klich, Harrison; Bamford.

Signings: Junior Firpo (£5.0m), Jack Harrison (£6.0m) [permanent deal]

Leicester City

fpl tips gameweek 1 pre season leicester city

Harvey Barnes was nearing a return to full training on July 13, according to Leicester’s official website. The winger took part in pre-season testing and some training earlier in the month. On his knee injury, Barnes said:

“It’s probably my first really serious injury since I’ve been playing first-team football. I had some when I was younger but not to this level. It’s been a new test, it’s come at a bad time but there’s never a great time.

“With the season I was having, I was really confident at the time. I felt like, in every game, something was going to happen so it’s been both a physical and mental challenge but it’s all learning curves. I’ve come out the other side stronger.”

July 24

Leicester drew 0-0 with Burton Albion in their pre-season opener.

Leicester first-half XI: Jakupovic; Bertrand, Soyuncu, Fofana, Pereira; Choudhury, Soumare; Maswanhise, Maddison, Ghezzal; Daka.

Leicester second-half XI: Iversen; Thomas, Benkovic, Daley-Campbell, Amartey; Sowah, Ndidi, Dewsbury-Hall, Seungchittawon; Vardy, Iheanacho.

July 28

Leicester were beaten 1-0 by Wycombe Wanderers.

Leicester first-half XI: Iversen; Ricardo, Fofana, Soyuncu, Thomas; Ghezzal, Ndidi, Soumare, Masawanhise; Daka Vardy.

Leicester second-half XI: Stolarczyk; Amartey, Nelson, Benkovic, Sowah; Albrighton, Dewsbury-Hall, Choudhury, Suengchitthawon; Maddison; Iheanacho.

July 31

Patson Daka (£7.5m) scored once and provided two assists – one for a Kelechi Iheanacho (£7.5m) penalty – as Leicester drew 3-3 with QPR. Harvey Barnes (£7.0m) made his injury comeback by playing 45 minutes. On Daka, Brendan Rodgers said:

“He was excellent when he came into the game, you have to give them time but he has that pace. You see his comfort one on one and he finishes with calmness. His pace, I couldn’t believe he got to the ball for the penalty. He’ll be a really exciting signing.”

On the absent Jonny Evans (£5.5m), Rodgers explained:

“(His foot injury is) ongoing. He’s felt more comfort with it. But it’s one of those injuries that takes time. If we have to go in the market to get another centre-half, we’ll see where we’re at with it. At this moment in time, he’s progressing well, he’s putting more weight on it and we’ll see over the next week where we’re at with him.

“That will be questionable (if Evans starts the season or not), he hasn’t trained with the squad yet. He’ll take a wee bit of time to get up to speed. He’s still working, he’s still doing a lot of work, just not with the squad yet.”

And on Barnes, Rodgers added:

“You can see he’s not quite at his physical best yet. But some of his touches and some of the runs that he made, he’s such a threat for us, so we’re delighted to have him back.”

Leicester XI: Jakupovic; Ricardo, Fofana, Soyuncu, Bertrand; Ndidi, Soumare, Tielemans; Perez, Vardy, Barnes (Albrighton 45′).

Leicester XI from 62 mins: Jakupovic; Amartey, Nelson, Benkovic; Albrighton, Choudhury, Dewsbury-Hall, Thomas; Sowah; Iheanacho, Daka.

August 4

Wesley Fofana unfortunately suffered a broken leg in Leicester’s pre-season tie against Villarreal. Brendan Rodgers explained:

“He fractured his fibula. Obviously, it was a horrendous injury for us and we’re obviously devastated for him because he’s a top-class young player, so he’s going to be a huge loss for us. Our medical team were fantastic on the night. Our staff at the club and all the people in the hospital really looked after him.

“He has another scan today because his ankle was so swollen we had to leave it overnight. That will give us a clearer indication of how long he’s going to be out. Of course, it was a horrible injury and we were all thinking of him last night. We now hope Wesley will be back as soon as he possibly can be and we’ll support him in that recovery.”

On other injuries, Rodgers added:

“It’s just the guys who haven’t been involved over the course of pre-season. The likes of Papy [Mendy], Jonny [Evans], James Justin. James is coming along very well, but of course, he’s still a few months away.

“Timothy Castagne trained with the squad for the first time, which is great news for us. He’s physically in a very good place but he’s had his mask on today in training with the squad, so he won’t be available for the game [Community Shield]. But hopefully, with confidence in training, he won’t be too far away. Apart from that, we’re okay.”

Barnes scored in a 3-2 win for the Foxes, with Ryan Bertrand (£5.0m) notching two assists.

Leicester XI: Schmeichel (Ward 46); Pereira (Amartey 65), Fofana (Nelson 65), Soyuncu (Albrighton 66), Bertrand (Benkovic 66); Ndidi (Dewsbury-Hall 46), Tielemans (Soumare 46); Perez (Iheanacho 66), Maddison (Praet 66), Barnes (Thomas 66); Vardy (Daka 46).

August 7

Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho (£7.5m) converted a late penalty – with Jamie Vardy (£10.5m) off the pitch – to give Leicester a 1-0 win in the Community Shield. Daniel Amartey (£4.0m) played at centre-back amid a defensive injury crisis in that area for the Foxes. On the budget defender, Rodgers said:

“Whatever I have asked Daniel Amartey to do, he has always done so with great commitment. His attitude is first class and he’s very much a team player. He was outstanding.”

On the season ahead, the Leicester boss added:

“It’s not going to be the same XI playing in every game because each game brings something different. They just need to stay ready, train well, stay focused and then, when I pick the team, they can play.

“All of the players, they know they’re going to contribute. I think that’s the important mindset of the team. We’re going to play, hopefully, between 50 and 60 games this season. We’re going to need our whole squad.

“I think, slowly, we’re trying to develop the depth of our squad because, in the last couple of seasons, especially in the league, that’s hurt us. Hopefully, that can help us this season.”

Leicester XI: Schmeichel; Ricardo, Amartey, Soyuncu, Bertrand (Thomas 78); Ndidi, Tielemans (Soumare 70); Perez (Albrighton 70), Maddison (Dewsbury-Hall 70), Barnes (Iheancho 78); Vardy (Daka 70′).

Signings: Patson Daka (£7.5m), Boubakary Soumare (£5.0m), Ryan Betrand (£5.0m)

Liverpool

fpl tips gameweek 1 pre season liverpool

Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) is not part of Egypt’s Olympics squad, much to the relief of Liverpool fans and Fantasy managers around the world.

On Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m), Joel Matip (£5.0m), Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) and Joe Gomez (£5.0m), Jurgen Klopp told the club’s official website on July 13:

“No, they aren’t [at the same level as the others] but it’s different. Let’s start with: all four look really good, I have to say. Look really good. Now we are in constant talks with the medical department, the fitness department, the rehab department about what is right for them today – do they have to do maybe a little bit more than the rest of the group. do they have to do a little bit less?

“So, especially Virg and Joe, will not have double sessions now for the first few days with the team; (those two) have a second session of the day but it’s with Andreas Schlumberger, with the rehab department, physiotherapy, these kinds of things. That’s for these two. [They] look really good. I don’t know exactly when we can make the next steps but it will happen in the next four weeks, for sure – we will get a big step forward.

“Joel looks good, absolutely, he is the closest probably to normal training and then we will see when we get him started for playing.

“Trent was a serious enough injury but now not a major one, I would say. He is close but in the moment, probably the next five or six days he has a special programme: from time to time with the team, probably from time to time by himself. But then in five or six or seven days, he should be in normal team training.”

July 20

Jurgen Klopp split his squad for two 30-minute ‘mini matches’ to kick off Liverpool’s pre-season ties. Alexander-Arnold and Matip both played the first game, with a Divock Origi penalty (£5.0m) levelled by the Austrian side in a 1-1 draw.

Sadio Mane (£12.0m) equalised in the other tie as another 1-1 draw was played out, with no subs made by Klopp in either game.

Asked post-match if Van Dijk and Gomez could figure against Mainz on Friday, July 23, Klopp responded:

“It would be a surprise, to me as well. They have looked really good in training and yesterday was the first day where they did very complex things, usually it is either offensive or defensive and stuff like this. We have to get there, step by step but I don’t expect them for Friday.”

Liverpool XI v Wacker Innsbruck: Karius, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, B. Davies, Beck, Clarkson, Morton, Cain, Gordon, Origi, Minamino.

Liverpool XI v Stuttgart: Adrian, Bradley, Konate, R. Williams, Tsimikas, Milner, Keita, Elliott, Mane, Salah, Oxlade-Chamberlain.

July 23

Two different Liverpool XIs, one in each half, beat Mainz 1-0 thanks to a late own goal. Neither Van Dijk nor Gomez were involved again. Asked if the pair could return against Hertha Berlin on Thursday, July 29, Klopp responded:

“It would still be a surprise, unfortunately. But they look really good. Look, I think, they do everything, they play football, we keep them in training, we do the things we can do, they don’t too much and stuff like this.

“We just have to be patient – we prepare for a full season, not for a pre-season game. I will not risk it for a game here, so we have to see. We have a lot of games still coming, pre-season games but I don’t see them being involved for the next one.”

Liverpool first-half XI: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Matip, Tsimikas, Milner, Keita, Elliott, Mane, Salah, Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Liverpool second-half XI: Adrian, N Williams, Phillips, Koumetio, Beck, Clarkson, Gordon, Morton, Jones, Minamino, Origi.

July 29

Van Dijk and Gomez both made their long-awaited returns from injury, playing 20 minutes each as Liverpool lost 4-3 to Hertha Berlin. Mane, Takumi Minamino (£5.5m) and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (£6.0m) scored for the Reds. Salah picked up the assist for Minamino’s strike.

On the return of VVD and Gomez, Klopp said:

“It was a nice feeling. Started immediately well and usually we all know that the fourth goal is a clear situation which we (usually) defend well. But that’s it. I’m not sure, 260-something days for Virg and not much less for Joe they didn’t play football, so it’s nice to have them back. It was the first step, really important.”

Andy Robertson (£7.0m) and Diogo Jota (£7.5m) also made their first pre-season appearances against Hertha on Thursday.

Liverpool XI: Kelleher (Adrian 45); Tsimikas (Robertson 45), Matip (Phillips 45, Van Dijk 69), Konate (R Williams 45, Gomez 69), Alexander-Arnold (N Williams 61); Keita (Gordon 61), Milner (Clarkson 61), Elliot (Jones 45); Mane (Jota 61), Minamino (Oxlade-Chamberlain 45), Salah (Morton 61).

August 5

Liverpool played two 60-minute friendlies against Bologna. In the first game, Diogo Jota (£7.5m) and Mane netted in a 2-0 win as Van Dijk played 43 minutes. Another win followed as Takumi Minamino (£5.5m) scored the only goal, with Gomez racking up 44 minutes.

On the run-outs and minutes for his centre-backs, Klopp said:

“As long as nobody is injured – how it looks in the moment – then it was 60 minutes for a lot, 45 minutes for some and 15 minutes for some, so that’s exactly what we wanted to have today. I’m really happy.

“Having the centre-halves back, playing football, you can see Joey with new long balls from left to right to left, a nice little asset. It’s good, we can switch the game quicker maybe.”

On Jordan Henderson (£5.0m) and Liverpool’s final two friendlies – on August 8 and August 9 – Klopp explained:

“Hendo trained today in Liverpool. We have a meeting on Saturday, it’s all fine and we will see if he plays a few minutes or not. I didn’t think about it yet and probably more likely in the second game.

“But if anybody is worried they choose the wrong game, I couldn’t say which is Team A and which is Team B, to be honest. Today it was the same, we have only good players here and that’s good. Both line-ups will go for everything, so all fine.”

Liverpool XI (Game 1): Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk (R Williams 43), Robertson, Milner, Keita, Elliott (Woodburn 50), Jota, Mane, Salah.

Liverpool XI (Game 2): Alisson (Adrian 31), N Williams (Woodburn 44), Konate, Gomez (Phillips 44), Tsimikas (Beck 44), Fabinho (Clarkson 31), Jones, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Shaqiri (Gordon 31), Minamino, Firmino (Origi 31).

August 8

Andy Robertson (£7.0m) is set for a scan on an ankle injury, picked up during a 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao. Klopp said:

“We don’t know at the moment how serious it is. He got the ball, we saw it on the TV pictures, twisted his ankle. The pain has settled but we cannot say anything further without further assessment tomorrow. He has to get a scan and we will know more.”

Jota was Liverpool’s scorer in their penultimate pre-season encounter, with Mane earning the assist. Van Dijk managed 72 minutes ahead of Gameweek 1.

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk (R Williams 72), Robertson (Beck 46); Elliott (Morton 84), Milner, Keita (Cain 84); Salah, Jota (Woodburn 72), Mane.

Signings: Ibrahima Konate (£5.5m)

Manchester City

fpl tips gameweek 1 pre season man city

July 27

Man City began their pre-season schedule with a 2-0 win against Preston. Riyad Mahrez (£9.0m) opened the scoring with a 25-yard free-kick.

The perfect set-piece @Mahrez22! 🔥

🔵 1-0 ⚪️ #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/FbZ6hyV7Tj

— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 27, 2021

On Man City’s pre-season preparations, Pep Guardiola said:

“We have to adapt. We have just three or four players from the first team, every week players are coming back, so hopefully they can come back, they can train and they don’t have to rest or be isolated. I know we don’t have time because in 12 days we have the Community Shield, with just three players. We are going to play with the players in the second team and we are going to try.”

Man City XI: Steffen (Slicker 65, (Steffen 78)), Cancelo (Moreno 45), Dias (Sandler 45), Ake (Edozie 45), Mendy (Couto 45), Fernandinho (Gomes 45), Pozo (Burns 45), Rogers (McAtee 45), Knight (Bolton 45), Palmer (Roberts 45), Mahrez (Smith 45).

July 31

Mahrez got on the scoresheet again as Man City recorded a 4-0 win against Barnsley, with the winger also picking up an assist. After the game, Guardiola said:

“It’s just pre-season, we can’t take many conclusions about that but the important thing is there are no injuries.”

Kevin De Bruyne (£12.0m) was pictured back in training on Monday, August 2.

Man City XI: Steffen, Cancelo (Couto 69), Dias (Sandler 45), Ake (Burns 69), Mendy (Moreno 62), Fernandinho (Gomes 62), McAtee (Pozo 69), Palmer (Gundogan 62), Knight (Zinchenko 62), Edozie (Rogers 45), Mahrez (Roberts 69).

August 3

Another Mahrez goal was added to by an Ilkay Gundogan (£7.5m) brace as City beat Blackpool 4-0. The Algeria winger assisted one of the German midfielder’s goals, too. Despite his return to training, De Bruyne was not part of the matchday squad.

Afterwards, Guardiola said:

“One more day (closer to the new season), no injuries and one more game. The players are coming back but we need time.”

Man City XI: Steffen (Van Sas 81), Cancelo (Gomes 81), Dias (Couto 81), Ake (Sandler 60), Mendy, Fernandinho (Rogers 76), Gundogan (McAtee 76), Palmer (Doyle 81), Mahrez, Edozie (Lavia 76), Knight (Bernardo 60).

August 6

Guardiola ruled De Bruyne and Phil Foden (£8.0m) out of action, though was not clear on timescales.

“Phil Foden will be still out for a while, he had a tough injury for the national team and couldn’t play the final.

“We have to be careful because we have to anticipate that it could be longer [if he comes back too soon].

“And Kevin is still out as well. I think he’ll come back a little quicker than Phil apparently but both are still out for a while.”

August 7

Jack Grealish (£8.0m) made his debut from the bench as City lost 1-0 to Leicester in the Community Shield. On the midfielder’s cameo, Guardiola said:

“It was good. Really good. He was aggressive against the full backs. He will get to know his mates and step by step he will find his best.”

On returning players and preparation, the City manager added:

“Tomorrow seven or eight players arrive. Rodri made two training sessions, [Aymeric] Laporte is isolated, many players make just two or three training sessions.

“I would love to have Eddy [Ederson] and Gabriel [Jesus] and the English players here but they finish the season three weeks ago so they have to rest. No human being can sustain.”

Man City XI: Steffen; Cancelo, Dias, Ake, Mendy; Fernandinho, Gundogan (Rodrigo 65), Palmer (Bernardo 74); Mahrez, Edozie (Grealish 65), Torres (Knight 74).

Signings: Jack Grealish (£8.0m)

Manchester United

fpl tips gameweek 1 pre season man utd

July 18

Man United beat Derby 2-1 with goals from youth prospects Tahith Chong and Facundo Pellestri. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as with many other managers in their first pre-season tie, changed the majority of his starting XI at half time.

“There’ll be more [minutes] for some of the most experienced ones, of course. There’ll probably be less and less for the kids – that’s just the way it goes.” – Solskjaer

One player to enter the fray after the interval was Jesse Lingard (£7.0m). On the midfielder’s future, Solskjaer said:

“Jesse has come back, he’s been bright and he wants to fight for his place. There’s nothing better than seeing players willing to fight for their place. Of course, what he did towards the end of the season, that is the true Jesse. That’s what we know he is capable of. I think we saw towards the end [of our own season] that we lacked maybe some options at times. He’s still in my plans. I expect him at Man Utd at the start of the season.”

Asked if he could confirm that Marcus Rashford (£9.5m) will undergo shoulder surgery, the Man Utd boss responded:

“No, we’re looking at the best options. Of course, he went away just to reflect on it a little bit. We have to take the best course of action for him and the club. We’re still addressing that with the experts.”

Man Utd XI: Heaton; Williams, Mengi, Tuanzebe, Wan-Bissaka, Garner, Levitt, Elanga, Mata, Chong, Greenwood.

July 24

United were beaten 4-2 by QPR, with Jesse Lingard (£7.0m) and Anthony Elanga scoring for the Red Devils. Alex Telles (£5.0m) was absent from the matchday squad, with Solskjaer explaining:

“Unfortunately, Alex slipped and he twisted his ankle so he’ll be out for a few weeks. We’re hoping that it’s not going to be too bad but he’ll be out for a little while.”

Some international players will return to training sooner but Harry Maguire (£5.5m), Luke Shaw (£5.5m) – who played through the Euros with a rib injury – Rashford and Fred (£5.0m) are set for a longer break.

“The English players and Fred, the ones who went all the way to the finals in the Copa America and the Euros – they needed a longer break. They’ll be back with us in about 10 days’ time.” – Solskjaer

Man Utd XI: Heaton (Grant 46); Wan-Bissaka (Galbraith 65), Mengi (Bernard 79), Tuanzebe (Fish 79), Williams (Hugill 79); Andreas (Levitt 65), Matic (Garner 46); Pellistri (Mata 46), Lingard (Hannibal 65), James (Elanga 46); Greenwood (Shoretire 65).

July 28

Man Utd played out a 2-2 against Brentford, with Anthony Elanga and Andreas Pereira the Red Devils’ scorers. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.5m) assisted Elanga’s goal.

On Rashford, Solskjaer said after the game:

“With Marcus, we’ll make a decision in the next few days when we check him up again. We’ll see what’s best for him and what’s best for the club, that has to be considered.”

Asked if players such as Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m) could feature against Preston on July 31, the United boss added:

“It might be too soon [for the recently-returned players], maybe one or two sub appearances. Maybe we can start Diogo (Dalot) and Donny (van de Beek). Let’s see how the other boys who have come back feel on Friday night, Saturday morning.”

On first teamers yet to return to the club after international duty, Solskjaer said:

“For the boys who’ve not come back yet, I’ve not got a Scooby-Doo how they are fitness-wise. Everyone’s due in for training Monday, then it’s three weeks since their last game.”

July 29

United were forced to cancel a planned friendly against Preston on July 31, due to ‘a small number of suspected positive Covid-19 cases in first-team group’.

July 30

The club confirmed that there were, in fact, no positive cases in the first-team group. A statement read:

“After further testing yesterday [Thursday] and today [Friday], we can confirm that there are no positive cases within the first-team group. Following consultation with the Premier League, they are satisfied that all COVID protocols have been followed correctly and the squad can return to training immediately.”

And Rashford will not be available for the start of the season, with an imminent shoulder operation planned. The reported sideline time is up to 12 weeks.

“Following consultation between Marcus, the manager, club medical staff and specialists, Marcus will undergo surgery imminently to resolve his shoulder injury. He will now focus on his rehabilitation in order to return as soon as possible.”

Man Utd XI: Heaton; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mengi, Williams (Dalot 45); Pereira (Garner 61), Matic (Hannibal 75); Mata (Pellistri 61), Lingard (van de Beek 75), Elanga (James 61); Greenwood (Shoretire 75).

August 2

United announced the absence of Dean Henderson (£5.0m) from a training camp due to the ill effects of Covid-19. A club statement said:

“Dean Henderson will miss Manchester United’s Scotland training camp while he continues his recovery from prolonged fatigue after contracting a Covid-19 infection three weeks ago. He is expected to be training again soon.”

August 7

Solskjaer’s men beat Everton 4-0. Mason Greenwood (£7.5m) pounced on a Jordan Pickford mistake to open the scoring. Maguire added a second from a Shaw corner, before Fernandes fired in a long-range free-kick. Diogo Dalot nodded in a header late on.

On Raphael Varane (not priced) and Sancho, Solskjaer said:

“Of course the medical with Raphael has to be done. He’s isolating at the moment, he had to wait for visas, so unfortunately that took a few more days than expected but we’re gonna follow the protocols and the rules so it’s took a few more days than we hoped for.

“Jadon is in for Monday and hopefully then he’s in decent nick and can be involved.”

Man Utd XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka (Dalot 60), Lindelof (Tuanzebe 60), Maguire (Garner 69), Shaw (Williams 60); Matic (Fred HT), van de Beek (Pogba HT); Greenwood, Fernandes (Andreas 60), James (McTominay 69); Martial (Mata HT).

Signings: Jadon Sancho (£9.5m), Tom Heaton, Raphael Varane

Newcastle United

fpl tips gameweek 1 pre season newcastle

July 18

Callum Wilson (£7.5m) played 45 minutes as Newcastle lost their pre-season opener 1-0 to York City. Allan Saint-Maximin (£6.5m) was Wilson’s replacement.

Newcastle confirmed on July 17 that Karl Darlow (£4.5m) had tested positive for Covid-19.

Newcastle XI: Langley, Ritchie, Lascelles, Fernández, Watts, Murphy, Hayden, Fraser, Hendrick, Wilson, Joelinton.

July 21

Martin Dubravka (£4.5m) admitted he is “highly unlikely” to be fit for the start of the season.

📢 Martin Dubravka: "I would love to start the first match of the new season. However, this is highly unlikely.

"I had a broken first metatarsal, I had a fragment there that needed to be removed."https://t.co/VwrsWhBBfa #fpl #nufc #gw1 #magpies

— FPL News (@ColmVHayes) July 21, 2021

July 23

Callum Wilson (£7.5m) got on the scoresheet in a 3-2 win against Doncaster, with a throwback assist from fellow goalscorer Ryan Fraser (£5.5m).

So Matt Ritchie & Javier Manquillo are both absent due to minor injuries. Same with Joelinton, who went off injured at York.

Yoshinori Muto has a non-COVID-related illness. #NUFC https://t.co/rIOWVRctjE

— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) July 23, 2021

A deflected Allan Saint-Maximin (£6.5m) cross also set up Sean Longstaff (£4.5m) for a goal. Both the winger and Wilson were replaced after 66 minutes.

On trying to sign Joe Willock (£6.0m) from Arsenal, Steve Bruce said after the match:

“We’re only allowed two domestic loans, and we’re only allowed one from each club. So, there has to come a time when there’s a cut-off, and we have to find out what’s happening. We’re still trying our utmost, whether it’s on loan or to buy him. We’re still trying.”

And on injuries, the Newcastle head coach added:

“Matt Ritchie was a little bit sore after training yesterday so we weren’t going to risk that. We hope (Javier) Manquillo and Joelinton will train on Monday. We’ve got (Fabian) Schar and (Emil) Krafth back from internationals (too).”

Newcastle XI: Langley, Murphy, Lascelles, Dummett, Lewis, Hayden, Hendrick, S Longstaff, Fraser, Saint-Maximin, Wilson.

July 27

A Jeff Hendrick (£5.0m) header earned the Magpies a 1-1 draw against Rotherham. Saint-Maximin was absent through illness. Freddie Woodman (not yet priced) started in goal, with Dubravka injured and Darlow recovering from Covid-19. Matt Ritchie (£5.0m) was also back for Newcastle, while Joelinton (£6.0m) remained sidelined.

On Saint Maximin, Bruce explained:

“(He’s) not well, he’s sick. It’s a disappointment but we hope he’s not going to be out for too long.”

Meanwhile, Woodman could begin the season in goal. Bruce added:

“I understand and we all agree that with Freddie, it’s best to keep him playing because he’s played for two years. He was close to going to Bournemouth on loan, this was before Dubravka had his problem and then before Karl Darlow has had his.

“I’ve got to protect the club. Maybe in a week, 10 days, we’ll see how Martin is, see how Karl is. But I can’t take the risk yet, that’s for sure. No chance. I might have to register four goalkeepers.”

Newcastle XI: Woodman (Gillespie 46), Clark (Dummett 46), Fernández (Krafth 65), Lascelles (Watts 46), Lewis, Fraser (Murphy 46), Hayden (M Longstaff 73), S Longstaff (Young 80), Gayle (White 77), Wilson (Hendrick 73), Ritchie (Schär 65).

July 30

Wilson missed Newcastle’s 2-0 win against Burton Albion with a slight hamstring injury, while Saint-Maximin remained absent. On Wilson, Steve Bruce said:

“If it was a league game tonight, I think he would have played. (But) he’s got a knock, we’re never going to risk him, got a slight knock so we’re never going to risk him.”

And on Saint-Maximin, Bruce added:

“It’s possible (that he plays against Norwich next Saturday). We will see how he recovers.”

Newcastle XI: Woodman (Gillespie 46), Murphy (Allan 83), Krafth (Lascelles 64), Schär (Clark 64), Fernández (Watts 79), Ritchie (M Longstaff 76), Hayden (Young 83), Hendrick, S Longstaff (Lewis 64), Fraser (White 55), Joelinton (Gayle 55).

August 3

Newcastle lost 1-0 to Burnley. On Wilson and other absentees, Bruce said:

“[Miguel] Almiron will now start with the group which is good, he’s back. Then of course we have the illness to [Allan] Saint-Maximin, which we hope by the weekend he will be OK. Callum [Wilson] we hope will be OK.

“[Paul Dummett] has nicked a calf, at Doncaster the other night. A shame really, because he’s had a really good three weeks. We’ve been unfortunate in that department.”

Newcastle XI: Woodman (Gillespie 46), Murphy (Allan 46), Krafth (Schar 46), Fernandez (Lascelles 46), Clark (Watts 55), Ritchie (Lewis 46), M Longstaff (Shelvey 60), Hayden (Young 46), Hendrick (S Longstaff 46), White (Fraser 46), Joelinton (Gayle 46).

August 7

Both Wilson and Saint-Maximin returned to the fray as Newcastle beat Norwich 3-0. Matt Ritchie (£5.0m) opened the scoring from a Wilson assist, before Dwight Gayle (£5.5m) notched a brace.

On goalkeeper Freddie Woodman (not priced), Bruce said:

“He has put himself in pole position [to start the season] simply because of the problems we’ve got with Dubravka and Karl. I thought he did very well and was mature in his performance.”

Newcastle XI: Woodman; Murphy (Manquillo 80), Krafth (Schar 66), Fernandez (Lascelles 66), Clark (Watts 83), Ritchie (Lewis 66); S Longstaff (Shelvey 46), Hayden (Hendrick 66), Almiron (Fraser 46); Joelinton (Saint-Maximin 46), Wilson (Gayle 66).

Signings:

Norwich City

fpl tips gameweek 1 pre season norwich

July 16

Norwich beat King’s Lynn Town 3-1, with Kieran Dowell (£5.5m) striking twice and Todd Cantwell (£5.5m) also getting on the scoresheet. The latter picked up an assist to go with his goal. Daniel Farke set his men up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Billy Gilmour (£4.5m) in central midfield and £4.0m defender Andrew Omobamidele in central defence.

On Gilmour and new signing Milot Rashica (£5.5m), Farke said:

“Billy is a fantastic character, he was just yesterday involved in testing and he had the first training session with the team this morning. We got the feeling sometimes it’s good to throw the lads into cold water. It was a bit difficult for him but he showed some nice glimpses. He was there with a good workload, it’s important for him to get the feeling straight away.

“It’s also important for Milot, it’s been a tough summer for him. He’s working on his fitness and it was important for him to have his first minutes.”

The Norwich boss added on Max Aarons (£4.5m) and Dimitris Giannoulis (£4.5m):

“Max Aarons was out today, it was a minor problem. [Giannoulis] was a minor muscle injury. He pulled up yesterday after the training session. It looks like he will miss 12-14 days, it’s a little strain in his hamstring.”

Norwich XI: Gunn (McGovern 45); Omobamidele, Zimmermann, Sorensen; Placheta, Rupp, Gilmour (Cantwell 45), Mumba (Giurgi 88); Rashica (Idah 45), Hugill (Dickson-Peters 77), Dowell (Adshead 77).

July 20

A goal from new signing Pierre Lees-Melou (£5.0m) gave Norwich a 1-0 training-ground win against Lincoln City. According to the club, Farke went for a more familiar 4-2-3-1 set-up. On OCG Nice recruit Lees-Melou, the Norwich boss said:

“Even in his first minutes, you could see his experience and his quality as a player who has played many games on the top level with top-class team-mates for a good club in a good league.”

On absent players, Farke added:

“Yes, it’s a bit disturbing that not all of the players are available. I hope pretty soon that our players who are now doing rehab like Ben Gibson, Grant Hanley, Kenny McLean and Sam Byram will join us.

“Teemu Pukki and Tim Krul can hopefully join us soon and be available for the games, the same with Onel Hernandez. Overall, this is what you expect in pre-season after the Euros.”

Norwich XI: McGovern (Gunn 45); Aarons, Zimmermann, Omobamidele, Płacheta (Mumba 45); Rupp (Gilmour 45), Sørensen; Adshead (Dowell 56), Cantwell (Lees-Melou 50), Rashica (Nizet 75); Idah (Hugill 45).

July 23

Teemu Pukki (£6.0m) netted on his first pre-season appearance, with Adam Idah (£5.0m) also scoring in a 2-0 win against Huddersfield. Lukas Rupp (£4.5m) provided the assist for Pukki’s strike. On the goal, Farke said:

“It was perfect timing of the pass from Lukas and with Teemu we know his movements are smart and always spot on and it was an ice-cold finish, so it’s good to have him back. Pre-season results aren’t that important and the goals aren’t that important but it’s always a good sign when the offensive players score.”

Bali 🤝 Todd 🤝 Lukas 🤝 Teemu

A delightful counter-attack for our opener today! pic.twitter.com/ugLQo3UxUQ

— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) July 23, 2021

On new signing Lees-Melou, Farke added:

“In possession, he played slightly deeper in midfield today and although he hasn’t fulfilled this that often in his career, he fulfilled all my expectations today and he’s already an important, integral member of our squad so we’re all pleased that we have him.”

Angus Gunn (£4.0m) and Jacob Sorensen (£4.5m) missed out after testing positive for Covid-19 earlier in the week. Gibson and Hanley could feature in Norwich’s next pre-season tie against Coventry City.

🟡🟢 📢 Daniel Farke: "Ben Gibson has been involved in team training and so has Grant Hanley. It could be that the game [v Huddersfield on Friday] comes too soon for them."#fpl #ncfc #gw1 https://t.co/C5ocnHPjre

— FPL News (@ColmVHayes) July 22, 2021

Norwich XI: Krul (McGovern 46); Mumba (Aarons 65), Zimmermann, Omobamidele, Płacheta; Rupp, Lees-Melou; Rashica (Idah 46), Dowell, Cantwell (Hernández 46); Pukki (Hugill 46).

July 28

Due to a small number of positive Covid-19 cases in Norwich City’s first-team group, their fixture against Coventry was cancelled. For the same reason, the Canaries’ planned tie against Sheffield United on July 31 has also been cancelled.

August 3

Norwich returned to their pre-season preparations in style, beating Gillingham 5-0. Adam Idah (£5.0m) scored twice, while Todd Cantwell (£5.5m) racked up three assists.

On Teemu Pukki (£6.0m) and the Covid-19 outbreak that affected the Canaries, Farke said:

“We have had a tough 14 days. We had two players back yesterday [Monday] into team training, Jacob Lungi Sorensen and Angus Gunn, our two Covid-19 cases. Also until the weekend, Dimitris Giannoulis and Max Aarons were self-isolationg, they didn’t catch it but it was precautious.

“Today [Tuesday], seven players missed the game due to Covid-19 reasons. All in all, without 11 first-team players in the last days has been difficult for the mood and confidence but also on the training pitch. It’s not easy for the lads who are missing, no team training for ten days is difficult.

“For Teemu, he was away longer after the Euros, came back and had three days with us and then is not with us for ten days.

“It’s not ideal but the main thing is, the lads feel alright. Some are struggling with some symptoms but the main thing is their safety and health. We don’t want them to struggle for too long so we accept this situation.

“In the last days there have been no new Covid-19 cases so we’ve stopped the cycle a little bit. Hopefully step by step, we get our players back. We have to take time to get their fitness back.

“Until the end of the transfer window, it could be a bit bumpy due to this difficult spell but we won’t complain. Most teams will have to deal with this at some point.”

Norwich City XI: Krul (Gunn, 46); Aarons, Omobamidele, Gibson, (Zimmermann 63), Giannoulis; Rupp (Sørensen 63), Gilmour (Adshead 85), Lees-Melou (McLean 63), Cantwell, Dowell (Tomkinson 82); Idah.

August 7

Norwich were beaten 3-0 by Newcastle. Cantwell missed out with an ankle injury, while Pukki was back on the bench. Several other players missed out as a result of isolation.

Grant Hanley, Onel Hernandez, Jordan Hugill, Przemyslaw Placheta, Bali Mumba and Milot Rashica also miss the game as they approach the end of their isolation period.

— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) August 7, 2021

On Norwich’s post-Covid outbreak struggles, Farke said:

“Our situation in the last two weeks has been a difficult one. It was difficult to be really competitive today, we’ve only had ten players who’ve been ready to go for 90 minutes.

“These were the ten players in the starting line-up. On the bench we had Teemu Pukki who is just since yesterday back in team training and not ready for 90 minutes and Kenny McLean, who’s been out for 12 weeks and has been struggling with his back this week.

“We had Jacob Lungi Sorensen as well who’s only just back from Covid. He has many symptoms and is only just on his way to finding his legs back.

“We have some good news with the Covid situation. No new cases in the last ten days, all the players who’ve been isolating will be back next week.

“We are in a much better position but it’s not easy. When I think about Milot Rashica, he’s missed four games now and for a new player, it’s not great. Grant Hanley as well, he hasn’t played a game yet.

“The start to August could be bumpy but we’ll take this. We’ll have to grind things out and dig in. It’s a tough start but we’ll be ready.”

On Cantwell, Farke added:

“Todd had a knock yesterday in training and rolled his ankle. We have to wait, he’ll be out for a few days. Hopefully he’s available for the weekend.”

Signings: Milot Rashica (£5.5m), Angus Gunn (£4.0m), Billy Gilmour (£4.5m) [season-long loan], Ben Gibson (£4.5m) [permanent deal], Dimitris Giannoulis (£4.5m) [permanent deal], Pierre Lees-Melou (£5.0m)

Southampton

July 24

Southampton drew 1-1 against Fulham in their pre-season opener. It was an all-Ireland strike for the Saints as Michael Obafemi (£4.5m) assisted Shane Long (not priced).

Southampton first-half XI: McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Stephens, Salisu, Perraud; Romeu, Ward-Prowse; Walcott, Elyounoussi; Tella, Adams.

Southampton second-half XI: Forster; Valery, Bednarek, Salisu (Olufunwa 77), Djenepo; Diallo, Armstrong; Obafemi, Redmond; Long, Ings.

July 27

James Ward-Prowse (£6.5m) missed out a 4-0 win over Cardiff City. Ralph Hasenhuttl said:

“We must have a look. With Prowsey we have to be patient because I don’t want to risk anything with the knee, if we do not need to. He can play immediately when he is fit. And it is also good for Ibra (Diallo), because he can get a little bit more game time.”

Stuart Armstrong (£6.0m) was also absent with a knock. The Saints boss added:

“Prowsey has a little bit problems with the knee. We don’t take any risk, give him time to recover and Stuey the same. Maybe he (Armstrong) will be back tomorrow (Wednesday) on the pitch and then we can look for Saturday if they are available.”

Theo Walcott (£6.0m), Moussa Djenepo (£5.5m) and Che Adams (£7.0m) – who bagged a brace – were Saints’ scorers against the Bluebirds. The influential Nathan Tella (£5.0m) picked up two assists, both for Adams. On the win and that pair, Hasenhuttl said:

“A few players have shown that they are very far in their performance. This is important. I think after the first three weeks, where we have worked very hard, they are going a bit longer now. Some have played 90 minutes tonight and others will get their chance at the weekend. We need to come in the right rhythm.

“We are exactly at the point of pre-season where we want to be, physically and tactically. A few things to do but we are well prepared for the first game. Che and Nathan are really working good together. It’s good when they are showing up.”

Southampton XI: Forster; Valery (Walker-Peters 62), Stephens, Salisu (Bednarek 62), Perraud (Djenepo 62); Romeu, Diallo; Walcott (Tella 62), Elyounoussi (Redmond 62); Obafemi (Long 62), Ings (Adams 62).

July 31

Adams returned the favour for Tella, assisting the budget midfielder’s goal in a 3-1 win against Swansea. Nathan Redmond (£6.0m) and Stuart Armstrong (£6.0m) also netted, with Moussa Djenepo (£5.5m) and Shane Long setting those strikes up. Ward-Prowse remained sidelined.

Southampton XI: McCarthy; Walker-Peters (Valery 60), Bednarek (Olufunwa 81), Salisu (Stephens 60), Djenepo (Perraud 60); Romeu (Diallo 45), Armstrong (Finnigan 73); Tella (Walcott 60), Redmond (Elyonoussi 60); Adams (Ings 60), Long (Obafemi 60).

August 4

A Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.5m) goal gave Southampton a 1-0 win over Levante. Adams, who supplied the pass for the full-back’s goal, was partnered up front by Tella. On Ward-Prowse, Hasenhuttl said:

“We don’t want to take any risks with his knee. It takes times. I’m not so sure that he makes the beginning, against Everton, but we will see. It is important that we have him back fully fit.”

Southampton XI: Forster; Walker-Peters, Stephens, Salisu, Perraud; Romeu, Diallo; Elyounoussi, Redmond; Adams, Tella (Long 83).

August 7

Hasenhuttl rested several first-team players as Southampton lost 3-1 to Athletic Bilbao. Theo Walcott (£6.0m) got Saints’ goal, with Tino Livramento (£4.0m) earning the assist.

Besides JWP and Smallbone (both knee) the rest of the unnamed players are being rested ahead of next weekend. #SaintsFC https://t.co/XNSiP3mqiV

— Tom Leach (@TomLeachHL) August 7, 2021

After full time, the Southampton manager said:

“With a few changes, I am getting more and more the view of what is the first 11 next weekend.”

On Livramento, Hasenhuttl added:

“Tino in his first 45 minutes showed that he is a good lad who can help us. He immediately showed that he is a fantastic young player and it’s important that we have him.”

Southampton XI: McCarthy; Valery, Bednarek, Salisu, Perraud (Livramenton 46); Diallo (Walcott 46), Romeu (Olufunwa 90); Armstrong, Djenepo; Obafemi (Tella 82), Long.

Signings: Theo Walcott (£6.0m) [permanent deal], Romain Perraud (£5.0m), Tino Livramento (£4.0m)

Tottenham Hotspur

fpl tips gameweek 1 pre season spurs

July 17

With several senior players on holiday after international duty, Nuno Espirito Santo’s first Spurs line-up was an experimental one as Tottenham drew 1-1 with Leyton Orient. All outfield players were replaced after 64 minutes.

Spurs XI: Hart, Paskotsi, Carter-Vickers, Dier, Cesay, John, Winks, Lucas, Dele, Bergwijn, Scarlett.

July 21

From an advanced position, Heung-min Son (£10.0m) scored once and provided two assists in a 3-0 win over Colchester United.

Lucas Moura (£6.5m) netted from a Son corner, while Dele Alli (£6.5m) slotted home following a cross by the South Korean.

Son was one of three players substituted at half time, with the majority of the remaining players brought off around the 60-minute mark.

Spurs XI: Whiteman; Paskotsi, Dier, Carter-Vickers, Omole; Winks, Skipp; Lucas, Alli, Bergwijn, Son.

July 28

Lining out in a 4-3-3 formation, Spurs beat MK Dons 3-1. Son picked up a goal and an assist, with Moura and Alli both scoring again too. On the display, Nuno said:

“I thought the players worked very hard, were well organised and there was some good movement, the way they moved the ball, the speed of the lines and the possession was good.”

Spurs XI: Whiteman, Doherty (Paskotsi 64), Carter-Vickers, Tanganga (Fagan-Walcott 86), Reguilon (Davies 64); John, Skipp (Omole 77), Dele (White 82); Lucas (Clarke 82), Bergwijn (Parrott 82), Son (Scarlett 77).

August 4

Spurs came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Chelsea. Moura and Steven Bergwijn (£6.0m) netted for Nuno’s team. Son, playing up front, set up the latter for the equaliser.

Asked if Tanguy Ndombele (£6.0m) is fit or not, ex-Wolves boss Nuno responded:

“There are a lot of players who are out. At this moment of pre-season it’s all about trying to balance all the players in terms of preparation and fitness. We have to manage a lot of aspects. There are a lot of players out.”

On Hugo Lloris (£5.5m), the Spurs manager added:

“He had a problem during the Euros but I think we have good news and tomorrow he can start. It’s been very hard for all of the players from the Euros and all these situations.”

Spurs XI: Gollini; Doherty (Aurier 80), Tanganga, Dier, Reguilon (Davies 73); Skipp, Hojbjerg (Winks ht); Lucas Moura, Alli, Bergwijn (Scarlett 80); Son.

August 8

Son got the winner in a 1-0 win against Arsenal. On Harry Kane (£12.5m), Nuno said after the game:

“Harry is with us. He has to quarantine. He is in The Lodge but he is training. Already made the first day with the sports scientists. He is with us. Good.

“We expect to integrate Harry when he follows all the protocols that we have to apply. We have processes and we have to be very strict and not take any chances as one of the thing us, as everyone has learned is the pandemic is still here so we have to be really careful.”

On new centre-back Cristian Romero (not priced), the Spurs boss explained:

“He didn’t train yet with the group. It’s true, he finished the Copa America in the last game with a problem. It’s much better, much better now but we have to be very careful first, not take any chances. He is here, looks good and when he starts training in a normal way he will become an option.”

Spurs XI: Lloris (Gollini 68); Tanganga (Aurier 87), Sanchez (Rodon 73), Dier, Reguilon; Skipp (Winks 84), Hojbjerg (Lo Celso 68); Bergwijn, Dele, Lucas; Son (Scarlett 84).

Signings: Pierluigi Gollini (£4.5m), Bryan Gil (£6.0m), Cristian Romero

Watford

fpl tips gameweek 1 pre season watford

A signing spree has seen Watford end up with 10 forwards to select from on Fantasy Premier League.

July 14

Watford beat Millwall 3-2 in a training-ground friendly.

⚽️ Quina
⚽️ Masina
⚽️ Fletcher

The Hornets defeated Millwall 3-2 in a friendly at our training ground today ✅ pic.twitter.com/fFdLgdtvq3

— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) July 14, 2021

July 17

The Hornets played two 60-minute training games against Colchester United, winning 2-1 and 2-0. Ismaila Sarr (£6.0m) converted a penalty in the first match.

▪ 2-1 (Sarr pen, Mebude)
▪ 2-0 (Hernández, Gosling)

Watford came out on top in two 60-minute training ground matches with @ColU_Official today.

— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) July 17, 2021

July 24

Watford were held to a 0-0 draw by West Bromwich Albion in the first of their two ties on Saturday. Adam Masina (£4.5m) was forced off with an injury early in the first half.

Another Hornets XI lost 3-1 to Brentford, as Xisco Munoz split his squad for the two games.

Watford XI vs West Brom: Foster (Elliot HT); Ngakia (Abbott 75), Troost-Ekong (Langston 75), Cathcart (Hall 75), Masina (Trialist 7); Etebo (Wise 75), Gosling (Smith 75), Cleverley (Mebude HT); Sarr (Pochettino 60), Deeney (King 60), Hernández (Crichlow 60).

Watford XI vs Brentford: Bachmann (Dahlberg HT); Trialist (Trialist 80), Sierralta (Trialist 63), Kabasele (Langston HT), Rose (Andrews 63); Louza (Muwonge 70), Lo-Everton (Smith 70), Sema (Wise HT); Baah (Crichlow 70), Fletcher (Hunter 70), Dennis (Mebude 70).

July 27

Forward Dapo Mebude (£4.5m) required scans on a back injury picked up as Watford drew 1-1 with Stevenage. Ken Sema (£5.5m) picked up the Hornets’ equaliser. Joao Pedro (£5.5m) is another forward currently sidelined for Watford, with a knee injury seeing him out for a ‘few weeks’.

Watford XI: Foster (Elliot 68), Trialist (Ngakia 74), Troost-Ekong, Cathcart (Abbott 45), Rose (Trialist 62), Gosling (Lo-Everton 45) Hernandez (King 68), Zinckernagel (Wise 45), Sema (Baah 45), Fletcher (Mebude 45), Deeney.

July 28

Watford lost 4-1 in a training-ground outing against Arsenal. Philip Zinckernagel (£5.5m) got the Hornets’ goal.

Watford XI: Bachmann (Elliot 65), Ngakia (Trialist 80), Kabasele (Agyakwa 80), Cathcart (Abbott 55), Masina (Trialist 65), Etebo (Wise 65), Louza (Lo-Everton 65), Zinckernagel (Gosling 45), Sarr (Baah 65), Dennis (Crichlow 45), King (Fletcher 45).

August 4

Watford beat Doncaster 4-0 in a training-ground game. Kiko Femenia (£4.5m) was back in action for the Hornets after recently returning to training.

Watford first-half XI: Foster, Ngakia, Troost-Ekong, Kabasele, Masina, Cleverley, Etebo, Gosling, Sarr, Deeney, Sema.

Watford second-half XI: Foster, Femenía, Sierralta, Agyakwa, Rose, Zinckernagel, Dele-Bashiru, Hernández, Dennis (Trialist 57), Fletcher, Baah.

August 7

Troy Deeney (£5.5m) scored in a 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace. On the position of Cucho Hernandez (£5.0m), Xisco Munoz said:

“It is dependent on the game, the situation, the team and what we can do in the game [whether he plays up front or out wide]. We have options. I think Cucho was at a very good level [playing up front against Crystal Palace].”

Watford XI: Bachmann; Ngakia, Troost-Ekong, Cathcart, Rose (Femenía 65); Etebo, Cleverley (Louza 80), Sema (Kucka 65); Sarr, Dennis (Deeney 80), Hernández.

Signings: Danny Rose (£4.5m), Emmanuel Dennis (£5.0m), Ashley Fletcher (£5.0m), Imran Louza (£5.5m), Kwadwo Baah (£4.5m), Mattie Pollock (£4.0m), Peter Etebo (£4.5m), Josh King (£5.5m), Dapo Mebude (£4.5m)

West Ham United

fpl tips gameweek 1 pre season west ham

July 9

West Ham drew 2-2 with Dundee United in their pre-season opener. Most first-team players were handed 45 minutes. Jarrod Bowen (£6.5m) took a second-half penalty with Michail Antonio (£7.5m) off the pitch.

West Ham XI: Trott; Cresswell, Ogbonna, Alves, Fredericks; Coventry, Noble; Holland, Lanzini, Bowen, Antonio.

July 13

David Moyes split his squad over two games, handing 90 minutes to every available first-team player. That included Antonio, who was on the side that drew 0-0 with Leyton Orient.

A Stuart-Pearce led outfit beat Northampton 2-1, with Jarrod Bowen grabbing an assist for an own goal and Manuel Lanzini setting up West Ham’s other strike.

West Ham XI v Leyton Orient: Randolph, Cresswell, Baptiste, Ogbonna, Ashby (Potts 46), Johnson, Noble, Ekwah, Oko-Flex (Diallo 75), Antonio, Silva.

West Ham XI v Northampton: Trott, Fredericks, Dawson, Alves, Alese, Coventry, Forson (Rosa 77), Lanzini, Bowen, Holland, Odubeko (Swyer 85).

July 21

Budget defender Ben Johnson (£4.0m) grabbed an assist and a goal as West Ham beat Reading 3-0. On the friendly tie, Moyes said:

“I’m pleased tonight because we played better than we have played in the other games. This was the first time we’ve brought the whole of the squad together for one game. We played a lot of the kids in Dundee and then with the two games at Leyton Orient and Northampton we split the teams up, so tonight was all the players, even though we did split them up again.

“It’s difficult at the moment, because we’re certainly without some of our top players right now but it’s an opportunity for other players to get themselves up to the level. We’ve got a lot of games next season and we’re going to need them all.”

West Ham XI: Randolph (Martin 61), Fredericks (Cresswell 45), Dawson (Ogbonna 45), Diop (Alves 61), Johnson (Forson 83), Noble (c) (Odubeko 61), Coventry (Ekwah 83), Bowen (Baptiste 74), Fornals (Lanzini 45), Oko-Flex (Holland 45), Antonio (Benrahma 45).

July 24

Angelo Ogbonna (£5.0m) picked up an unspecified injury as Antonio bagged a brace in a 6-2 win against Celtic. With the striker on a hat-trick, club captain Mark Noble (£4.5m) declined to relinquish penalty duties. Antonio said:

“I definitely did want it but obviously when the skipper is on the field, there is only one person taking it!”

Said Benrahma (£6.0m) and Jarrod Bowen (£6.5m) also got on the scoresheet for the Hammers.

West Ham XI: Fabianski (Randolph 46), Fredericks, Dawson (Alves 77), Ogbonna (Diop 5), Cresswell, Noble (Forson 87), Lanzini (Coventry 66), Bowen (Holland 87), Fornals, Benrahma (Oko-Flex 77), Antonio (Johnson 72).

July 31

A long-range Said Benrahma (£6.0m) strike gave the Hammers a 1-0 win against Brentford. Antonio had a goal ruled out for offside.

Bowen missed out with a ‘minor injury’, while Ogbonna remained sidelined. On playing budget defender Johnson further forward for a half, Moyes said:

“We played Ben Johnson out of position, higher up on the wide right today because we did not have Jarrod. We did not have Angelo (either) so we were having to look and see what we might have to do at different times during the season, so it gives me a chance to try one or two things out.”

West Ham XI: Fabiański, Fredericks, Dawson, Diop, Cresswell, Lanzini, Coventry, Johnson (Noble 46), Fornals, Benrahma, Antonio.

August 7

Antonio scored in a 2-0 win over Atalanta, with Benrahma setting up both goals. Bowen returned to action from the bench, while Declan Rice (£5.0m) began the game.

West Ham XI: Fabianski (Areola 63); Coufal (Fredericks 63), Diop, Dawson, Cresswell; Rice (Noble 63), Soucek (Coventry 63); Fornals, Yarmolenko (Johnson 63), Benrahma; Antonio (Bowen 63).

Signings: Alphonse Areola (£5.0m)

Wolverhampton Wanderers

fpl tips gameweek 1 pre season wolves

July 17

Raul Jimenez (£7.5m) made a welcome return on July 17, logging 33 minutes as Wolves lost 1-0 to Crewe. Bruno Lage reportedly set his team up in a 4-4-2 formation.

Wolves XI: Ruddy, Kilman, Boly, Hoever, Marcal, Gibbs-White, Perry, Trincao, Ait-Nouri, Jimenez, Silva.

July 24

Wolves beat Real Betis 1-0 thanks to a Patrick Cutrone goal, which was assisted by Nelson Semedo (£5.0m). Willy Boly (£5.0m) left the field early on with an injury.

Boly off injured after 17 mins. Left hamstring possibly. Kilman on.

— Tim Spiers (@TimSpiers) July 24, 2021

Wolves XI: Ruddy (Sa 46), Hoever (Semedo 46), Boly (Kilman 17), Saiss (Otasowie 76), Marcal (Mosquera 60), Perry (Neves 46), Moutinho (Marques 60), Gibbs-White (Cundle 60), Trincao (Silva 60), Ait-Nouri (Bueno 76), Jimenez (Cutrone 60).

July 26

Rayan Ait-Nouri (£4.5m) again took up an advanced role for Wolves in a 3-2 defeat to Las Palmas, though did drop into a back five at times.

Las Palmas v Wolves in Marbella, 6pm UK time.

Patrick Cutrone starts up front after his winner on Saturday. Yerson Mosquera in for the injured Willy Boly. Raul Jimenez sits this one out #WWFC pic.twitter.com/eVShLGCuJf

— Tim Spiers (@TimSpiers) July 26, 2021

Jimenez was not involved, having played 60 minutes two days earlier. Ki-Jana Hoever (£4.0m) and Morgan Gibbs-White (£4.5m) grabbed the goals for Lage’s team.

Wolves first-half XI: Sa; Marcal, Saiss, Mosquera, Semedo; Ait-Nouri, Neves, Moutinho, Trincao; Cutrone, Fabio Silva.

Wolves second-half XI: Ruddy; Mosquera, Marques, Kilman, Hoever, Cundle, Gibbs-White, Dendoncker, Bueno, Cutrone (Dadashov 68), Fabio Silva (Campbell 68).

July 31

Jimenez scored in a 73-minute showing as Wolves drew 1-1 with Stoke City.

Wolves XI: Sa, Semedo (Hoever 81), Mosquera (Kilman 46), Coady, Saiss, Marcal (Ait-Nouri 81), Moutinho, Neves (Dendoncker 46), Trincao (Cutrone 73), Traore (Gibbs-White 46), Jimenez (Silva 73).

August 1

Wolves played a second friendly in the space of two days, beating Coventry City 2-1. Morgan Gibbs-White (£4.5m) picked up the assist for Ruben Neves‘ (£5.5m) winner. Bruno Lage reportedly set up with wing-backs in both games.

Wolves XI: Ruddy, Hoever, Mosquera (Bueno 33, Campbell 45), Kilman (Coady 78), Marques, Ait-Nouri, Neves (Estrada 90), Dendoncker (Moutinho 88), Gibbs-White (Cundle 78), Traore (Cutrone 61), Silva (Semedo 88).

August 7

Wolves were beaten 1-0 by Celta Vigo, with Jimenez lasting 77 minutes. Earlier in the week, Lage was asked about the striker’s chances of being ready to play in Gameweek 1. He responded:

“I think so. I feel he is ready. He is confident. What he did against Stoke was very good. So I hope he can help us to be a stronger team.

“He can do everything. It was a big surprise. It’s been a long process for him, I’ve just come towards the end. The doctor was always phoning him.

“We started with 30 minutes against Crewe, then the plan was to play 45 minutes [against Betis] and I talked to him at half time, he felt OK so we gave him another 15 minutes.

“Then he played 75 minutes and he scored again. I’m just here to see the last phase of the process but I think he can do everything. And that’s also what I’m seeing in training every day.”

Nelson Semedo (£5.0m) missed the game due to being in isolation but is set to be available for GW1.

Wolves XI: Sa (Ruddy 46), Hoever, Kilman, Coady, Saiss, Marcal (Ait-Nouri 77); Neves, Moutinho (Dendoncker 46); Trincao (Cutrone 77), Traore (Gibbs-White 70), Jimenez (Silva 77).

Signings: Yerson Mosquera (£4.5m), Francisco Trincao (£6.0m) [season-long loan], Rayan Ait-Nouri (£4.5m) [permanent deal], Jose Sa (£5.0m)

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