This is the team I am predicting Eddie Howe will name for tomorrow’s match against Nottingham Forest at St. James’ Park. It has just one change (Fabian Schar in for Lascelles) to the side that closed last season with a 2-1 win at Burnley.
Eddie Howe has had a full pre-season to prepare the lads with two new faces in the ranks. However, the side that starts this campaign may not look too different from the one that ended the previous one with impressive aplomb.
Howe has some selection headaches in multiple areas of the pitch. The two new signings, Nick Pope and Sven Botman, have made their case for debuts tomorrow. However, Martin Dubravka and Dan Burn have done the same to keep their place.
I suspect Howe will keep Dubravka in between the posts until the need arises to make a change. Martin has been excellent this pre-season and arguably outplayed Pope for the right to start the campaign as the number one.
The center-back partnership of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn were excellent last season. While Botman is knocking on the door with a stellar pre-season, Howe may opt to stick with the experienced pair, at least at the start.
Schar suffered an injury late last season which saw Lascelles come back into the fold. Howe really rates Schar’s ability on the ball so I see Fabian keeping our captain on the bench once again.
It wouldn’t be a shock to see Botman or Pope tomorrow, especially Botman whose pre-season is deserving of a start. I just get the inkling Howe will go Dubravka and Burn in the opening match. He eased Bruno in last season and may do the same with Sven.
Howe’s midfield decision is made slightly easier with Jonjo Shelvey’s absence. The vice-captain was also sidelined down the stretch last season when Sean Longstaff got some starts.
Longstaff’s ability to play a deeper role allows Bruno to push forward. Therefore, I think Sean gets the nod over Joe Willock, who may see himself resume his super-sub role more often this season.
The front three pick themselves. Miguel Almiron has been a bright spark this summer and deserves to play on the right. He’ll have Ryan Fraser nipping at his toes which will hopefully keep Miggy’s levels high.
298 comments so far
Vask
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:10 PM
Comment #1Could be right.
Vask
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:11 PM
Comment #2Could be wrong.
Vask
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:12 PM
Comment #3I was thinking willock instead of Sean. As well as The boatman and pope Nicholas the first.
Mund
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:12 PM
Comment #4WeLoveBetting
@WeLoveBettingUK
Warnock v Pep. Still, So good
https://mobile.twitter.com/WeLoveBettingUK/status/1370133430374076419
Mund
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:13 PM
Comment #5Be interesting if Paqueta starts tonight for Lyon
IrishRob
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:20 PM
Comment #6Wor who have we left to sign up? Think there only 1. We have 17 in the league now. Think Catchy is the last one.
Catchy or whoever the last one for the h2h3 league if you’re reading this you have 10mins to sign up or you miss the deadline.
Jay b bedlingtoon
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:21 PM
Comment #7Mund @4, that is brilliant. Made me choke on me Stella. Class man.
The Prince's Mate
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:22 PM
Comment #8I see Bournemouth have gone to Neto as their goalie…I’d like to think ours is more M&S…he’s not just any goalkeeper..
Novocastrian66
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:24 PM
Comment #9WorB; what is the code for the main league please?
Mund
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:25 PM
Comment #10Jay
Jamie Reuben retweeted it so thought I’d put it up as it’s class.
You’ve got to love Warnock 😆
IrishRob
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:26 PM
Comment #11Scythe I’ll leave my league open if that’s the plan, might be better, no sense in locking them out just because they were too busy to check .
You and Wor are the two main guys sorting it all out ao if ye are happy with that option we can go with that?
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:29 PM
Comment #12No problem with the team except swap Anderson with Longstaff
Jay b bedlingtoon
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:32 PM
Comment #13Mund, its funny as… chalk and cheese those two… looking forward to the prem kicking off tonight, but tomorrow is the big one… I’ve had a few days at Windermere been great.
Wor B
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:33 PM
Comment #14Rob
Neil sent out 20 codes for D3.
After Jasper applied and Neil sent him the last code earlier today, I announced that applications were closed.
This is where we are at present…
1..ESPO United
2..Albert albert
3..Naptoon
4..JohnJ
5..Local Hero
6..Jack Charnley
7..Shelvey
8..Novocastrian
9..Herts In The Toon
10..Mund
11..Kangatoon
12..Ruddy Marveaux-lous
13..MAGnificent
14..IrishRob
15..Check the toastie
16..Ronway
17..chancel be a fine thing
Not registered… Catchy in Norway
Not registered… Gillmag
Not registered… Jasper
I thought the system would automatically close the book, but I think Scythe suggested earlier that the league administrator (you) can close it or leave it open at your discretion?
We’ll see, I’ve just refreshed and now can’t see the D3 league.
Ronway
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:35 PM
Comment #15Novocastrian66
Code: 3j4o9x
Wor B
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:35 PM
Comment #16Novocastrian
Ed’s main league, code is… 3j4o9x
Scythe
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:37 PM
Comment #17IrishRob
Sounds good to me. Not sure what happens if someone tries to join a H2H after gameweek 1? I’m guessing it’ll lock them out automatically. Either way, don’t think you need to do anything now 🙂
AncientC
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:38 PM
Comment #18Too late to change FPL teams now as of 18:30.
I have been fairly settled on my team for quite a while.
The only thing that bugged me was choosing between Son or De Bruyne. I got my fingers burned with Man City players last season — then had to take risks to try and catch up, and kept falling further behind. So settled on Son over De Bruyne in the end. But not an easy decision.
I am sure quite a lot have gone for Haaland… I wasn’t even tempted by Haaland. Jesus is my one and only competent striker. Then splurged big on full-backs.
Gl to whoever I am playing in the first H2H game.
Wor B
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:39 PM
Comment #19This season’s FPL H2H D1…
1…Ashingtoon
2…ROSHAN
3…IITianToon
4…ClaSol
5…the eggman
6…The Ledge
7…Darnik
8…Toon fan bad
9…NY Mag
10..Vask
11..Wor B
12..Assassin’s
13..Chico USA
14..Solano
15..davo
16..Rom
17..Asi Fish
18..Scythe
19..AncientC
20..Dubai Micky
IrishRob
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:40 PM
Comment #20No bother lads!
Vask
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:41 PM
Comment #21Good choice in Jesus ancient. Scored a hatty in their last preseason friendly. 😉
Wor B
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:41 PM
Comment #22This season’s FPL H2H D2…
1…Scott
2…Martoon
3…Simon
4…Legolas
5…BigSteve
6…Zhong G
7…Davas
8…HK Mag
9…Phy
10…Adamn
11…Jay B
12…Tom68
13…Mendes
14…Taco Taker
15…ToonDarnSarf
16…AnyToon in Indiana
17…Tyran21
18…Benbulben
19…Clinath
20…Jp Mayor
Vask
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:42 PM
Comment #23And good luck to all the fantasy players this season.
lochinvar
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:42 PM
Comment #24Willock is likely to be more effective as a sub, coming on with 20 mins left with loads of energy.
Dubs better produce his best as we ain’t got room for any mistakes and if he doesn’t command his goal and distribute more effectively then he hands Howe an easy decision to play Pope.
Botman we will step by step see more of as with Bruno and I think hell get 15minutes if we’re in control and at least 2 up. He may start away at Brighton, just seems the best way?!
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:43 PM
Comment #25Dani Almo is a great player
Not sure why he hasn’t left Leipzig after the Euros ? As he was outstanding for Spain
But then it seems last season he was injured
For something like 30 million he could prove a bargain
Romford mag
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:43 PM
Comment #26Don’t know who I’ve got in the H2H this week ?
But good luck 🙂
AncientC
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:44 PM
Comment #27Vask, I’d say Jesus will be in a lot of teams. Seems like a no-brainer that one.
It will be interesting to see who had the bottle to gamble against Salah in game week one. I certainly didn’t.
Jay b bedlingtoon
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:45 PM
Comment #28On fpl, when do we find out who you’re playing against?
Wor B
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:46 PM
Comment #29Think I’ll have a lie down now.
I’m now a time-served and fully qualified cat herder.
If I was looking for a job, that would be at the top of my cv.
Good luck all.
Vask
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:46 PM
Comment #30Ancient
Sounds like we have similar teams. 🙂
Worb
I’m expecting big things from you this season. 😉
Novocastrian66
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:46 PM
Comment #31Ronway / WorB; Thank you.
Scythe
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:46 PM
Comment #32American viewers can watch the Premier League show live on the Peacock channel right now. They just interviewed Lascelles with some quick fire questions.
They also talked about FPL a bit and said more than 50% of players have Haaland in their team.
Jay b bedlingtoon
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:47 PM
Comment #33Well done Wor B, you’ve certainly earned your rest. Thank you.
Wor B
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:49 PM
Comment #34Jay B
The FPL system is updating atm.
Once it’s back online, click on Ed Harrison’s H2H league2 on your team page.
Vask
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:49 PM
Comment #35I wonder if Bruno Fernandes will do any good this season under a new coach.
Scythe
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:50 PM
Comment #36Jay b bedlingtoon
The game updates between the deadline (which was 6.30pm UK time) and the first kick-off, which is the Arsenal/Palace game at 8pm, so nobody can access their team or see anything on the FPL during that time.
We’ll all see our H2H opponents after 8pm!
Jay b bedlingtoon
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:51 PM
Comment #37Just checked and FPL is updating so I think the H2H leagues will show who’s v who after that. Good luck everyone… especially me, I’ll need it.
Romford mag
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:51 PM
Comment #38I concur!
Thanks to everyone who was involved sorting the blog FPL and the H2H leagues 🙂
And good luck to everyone this season 😉
Jay b bedlingtoon
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:52 PM
Comment #39Cheers Scythe and Wor B.
Mund
Aug 5, 2022 at 6:53 PM
Comment #40Jay
Canny wait mate!
Hope you’ve had a good time pal.