FPL Pre-Season Recap: Fernandes' Missed Penalty, Rodon's Rising Potential, and Maguire's Absence Explained

Manchester United, Leeds United, and Fulham engaged in pre-season matches, providing crucial insights for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers ahead of the new season. With teams gearing up in different parts of Europe, performance metrics are starting to take shape, affecting FPL strategies significantly.

The thrilling encounter between Manchester United and Leeds unfolded at Dublin's Croke Park, while Fulham faced off against Málaga in Spain. Both games served as a litmus test for new signings and returning players, showcasing tactical adjustments that managers are likely experimenting with as they prepare for the Premier League challenge.

Here's a look at noteworthy performances and implications for FPL that could help shape decisions as the season approaches.

MANCHESTER UNITED 1-1 LEEDS UNITED (5-4 on penalties)

Previewing Manchester United's line-up for the upcoming season

Goals Scored: Zirkzee (Manchester United) | Aaronson (Leeds United)
Assists: Mbeumo (Manchester United) | James (Leeds United)

Manchester United Starting XI: Lammens (sub: Mee, 60’); Dalot (sub: Mazraoui, 60’), Yoro, Heaven (sub: Armer, HT), Amass (sub: Shaw, 60’); Fletcher (sub: Tielemans, 60’), Andrey Santos (sub: Collyer, HT); Amad (sub: J. Fletcher, 60’), Zirkzee (sub: Fernandes, 60’), Dorgu (sub: Thompson, HT); Mbeumo (sub: Cunha, 60’)

Leeds United Starting XI: Trafford (sub: Cairns, HT); Bornauw, Bijol (sub: Rodon, HT), Muharemovic (sub: Cresswell, HT); Bogle (sub: Gnonto, HT), Tanaka (sub: Ampadu, HT), Longstaff (sub: Stach, HT), Chadwick (sub: Justin, HT); Aaronson (sub: Wilson, HT), James (sub: Okafor, HT); Nmecha (sub: Calvert-Lewin, HT)

SCOUT NOTES

The match marked the return of Matheus Cunha (£8.0m) and Senne Lammens (£5.0m) after illness, hinting at their potential impact in the coming matches.
Absent for Manchester United were Benjamin Sesko (£7.0m), Kobbie Mainoo (£5.5m), Marcus Rashford (£7.0m), and Lisandro Martinez (£5.0m). This raises questions about depth in United's roster and how they’ll manage injuries during the season.

“They haven’t been out too long... They’re in good shape, and it’s balancing the week and wanting most of the lads involved in the three games.” – Michael Carrick on Mainoo, Rashford, and Martinez

Mason Mount (£5.5m) missed the match due to a foot issue, and Harry Maguire (£5.0m) was also absent due to a decision to manage player minutes, reflecting a cautious approach in pre-season.

Joshua Zirkzee (£5.5m) impressed, partnering effectively with Bryan Mbeumo (£8.0m) for the opening goal. Mbeumo's performance, including a strike that nearly found the net, signifies his likely role as a key attacker.
In his debut, James Trafford (£5.0m) made several significant saves, but Leeds' aggressive substitutions after half-time challenged his form.
Leeds equalized late in the half, with Dan James (£5.0m) assisting Brenden Aaronson (£5.5m) for a well-placed finish, demonstrating their attacking resilience.
Joe Rodon (£4.5m) showed offensive intent, assisting Harry Wilson (£6.5m), intriguing FPL managers looking for value picks.
Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m) had a moment to forget, with a penalty kick saved and a disallowed goal for offside, which may shift perceptions about his FPL viability.
The final penalty shootout became a nail-biter; Fernandes missed his chance, yet United clinched victory with Leeds faltering.

MÁLAGA 2-2 FULHAM

Goals Scored: Sessegnon (Fulham), Iwobi (Fulham)
Assists: Castagne (two assists)

Fulham Starting XI: Leno; Castagne (sub: Tete, 74’), Andersen (sub: Cuenca, 74’), Bassey, Sessegnon (sub: Robinson, 61’); Berge (sub: Reed, 74’), Smith Rowe (sub: Palacios, 61’); Bobb (sub: Zepa, 79’), Iwobi (sub: King, 61’), Kevin (sub: Charles, 61’); Garcia (sub: Muniz, 74’)

SCOUT NOTES

Fulham fielded a strong squad under new coach Alvaro Arbeloa, showcasing tactical shifts that may define their season. The side’s chemistry will be critical as they face Premier League heavyweights.
Bobby's wing play was particularly effective, playing a role in Sessegnon’s goal, which may have FPL managers speculating on his value in the lineup.

Málaga quickly tied the game. But Fulham responded with Iwobi's tap-in from Castagne’s assist, hinting at a budding partnership crucial for Fulham's offensive prospects.
£30 million signing Shea Charles (£5.0m) made a brief but impactful cameo, illustrating that he could become an integral part of their tactics.
Conversely, Calvin Bassey (£4.5m) is quickly becoming noteworthy for his defensive actions, providing a value option for FPL selections.
A surprising end unfolded when Málaga converted a penalty amid confusion over the match's conclusion, leaving Fulham with a bittersweet feeling.

IMPLICATIONS FOR FANTASY PREMIER LEAGUE MANAGERS

The performances in these pre-season matches can't be brushed off as mere exhibition outings—they're telling indicators of how squads might line up in the upcoming season. With player fitness and performance in flux, it’s imperative to analyze these matches closely. For instance, Manchester United’s depth is precarious without key players, indicating that their substitutes may need to step up, which could impact their match outcomes.

If you're working in this space, the decisions you make based on these performances could be the difference between a strong start or a rocky season. Individual performances should guide your selections; Zirkzee and Mbeumo’s chemistry might suggest a strong attacking option from Manchester United. The question remains: can they maintain that form into the real matches?

This is more significant than it looks. Fulham’s new tactical setup, under Arbeloa, will likely evolve as they adapt to the demands of the Premier League. New signings like Shea Charles may provide better options than players already in FPL teams. Keep an eye on bench players as well, as substitutions can offer insight into managers’ strategies.