With the start of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season just around the corner, fans and managers alike are eagerly awaiting insights from the final pre-season friendlies. These matches provide crucial information about player selection, tactics, and form ahead of the opening Gameweek. In this article, we will delve into the key talking points from the recent friendlies involving Newcastle United, Ipswich Town, Southampton, Nottingham Forest, and Brentford.
Newcastle United showcased their strength in a double-header at St James‘ Park, defeating Girona 4-0 and Brest 1-0. Manager Eddie Howe split his squad across the two games, giving key players minutes and testing different combinations. New signing Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier made their pre-season debuts, with Gordon impressing before being subbed off at half-time as part of a planned strategy. Jacob Murphy continued his fine form, scoring his eighth goal of the pre-season, while Alexander Isak missed a penalty but showed promise upfront. The full-back pairing of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall also delivered attacking returns, indicating their potential as FPL assets for the upcoming season.
Brentford entertained in an eight-goal thriller against Wolfsburg, highlighting their attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities. Despite an impressive forward line featuring Bryan Mbeumo, Kevin Schade, and Yoane Wissa, the team struggled at the back, conceding goals from set pieces and open play. Ivan Toney made a return from injury and looked sharp, raising hopes for his involvement in Gameweek 1. The absence of first-choice full-backs and defensive lapses remain areas of concern for manager Thomas Frank as they prepare to face Crystal Palace.
Nottingham Forest caused a stir with a 4-3 victory over Olympiakos, with key players like Morgan Gibbs-White and Ibrahim Sangare impressing. The team displayed attacking intent and efficiency from set pieces, with Ryan Yates and Chris Wood among the goals. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga made appearances off the bench, adding depth to the squad and showcasing their potential impact in the upcoming fixtures.
Ipswich Town secured a narrow 1-0 win over Nice, with Axel Tuanzebe scoring the only goal of the match. Manager Kieran McKenna experimented with a new formation, providing more attacking freedom to players like Leif Davis and Ben Johnson. Liam Delap looks set to lead the line following George Hirst’s injury, while Massimo Luongo returned to the starting lineup. The team’s defensive resilience was tested, but they managed to keep a clean sheet despite some close calls.
Southampton played out a goalless draw against Getafe, with Kyle Walker-Peters featuring in his first pre-season game. Manager Russell Martin fielded a strong lineup, including Adam Armstrong and Ben Brereton Diaz upfront. Wing-back Yukinari Sugawara impressed with his attacking contributions, while defenders like Jack Stephens and Jan Bednarek showcased their defensive solidity. The team looks well-prepared for the start of the season, with several FPL options available at affordable prices.
As the final pre-season friendlies conclude, FPL managers will be closely analyzing these performances to make informed decisions for their fantasy teams. The insights gained from these matches will play a crucial role in shaping strategies and selecting players for the upcoming Gameweeks. With the new season on the horizon, the excitement and anticipation continue to build as fans eagerly await the kick-off of the Premier League.
