Pre‑season friendlies are one of the strongest indicators of early‑season form. They don’t guarantee Gameweek 1 success, but they do reveal fitness, sharpness, roles, and emerging tactical patterns. Based on the scraped friendly fixtures and reports, here’s how your key dataset players are performing.
⭐ Forwards
João Pedro (Chelsea)
João Pedro is the standout pre‑season attacker across the league.
- 5 goals in 4 friendlies, including a hat‑trick vs Western Sydney Wanderers and a brace vs AC Milan.
- Chelsea’s pre‑season results confirm he is central to Xabi Alonso’s attack.
Impact for FPL: Your dataset already shows him as the second‑best forward behind Haaland. His pre‑season form massively reinforces his inclusion.
Calvert‑Lewin (Leeds)
Calvert‑Lewin has quietly become one of the most productive forwards this summer.
- Scored twice vs Liverpool in a 4–2 win.
- Added another goal vs RB Leipzig.
- Leeds’ official channels highlight his strong form.
Impact for FPL: At 6.0m in your dataset, he’s now a high‑confidence budget forward with real momentum.
Igor Jesus (Nott’m Forest)
- Scored 4 goals across Forest’s pre‑season matches.
Impact for FPL: Forest need a reliable striker. His pre‑season output suggests he may start GW1.
Thiago (Brentford)
- Returned from break and scored in Brentford’s 4–2 win over Rennes.
Impact for FPL: Your dataset already rates him highly (181 pts). Pre‑season confirms he’s sharp.
Watkins (Aston Villa)
- Villa have been missing senior attackers due to World Cup rest, so Watkins hasn’t featured heavily.
Impact for FPL: Neutral — no major form indicators yet.
⭐ Midfielders
Bryan Mbeumo (Man Utd)
One of the most meaningful pre‑season performers.
- 3 goals, including two vs Atletico Madrid and one vs PSG.
Impact for FPL: Your dataset shows him at 148 pts — but his pre‑season form suggests he may outperform that early.
Szoboszlai (Liverpool)
Liverpool’s pre‑season has been mixed, but Szoboszlai has been involved in multiple games.
- Liverpool lost to Leeds and Monaco, but Szoboszlai featured in the attacking rotations.
Impact for FPL: No standout goal data, but he’s clearly part of the first‑team plans.
Rogers (Chelsea)
- Did not join the tour due to World Cup involvement, but Alonso confirmed he will be ready for GW1.
Impact for FPL: Neutral — no friendly data, but manager backing is strong.
Rice & Saka (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s pre‑season has been mixed:
- Beat Girona 4–1.
- Lost to Betis and Dortmund.
Rice and Saka played in these matches, but no standout goal contributions were reported.
Impact for FPL: Arsenal look sharp in attack but shaky in defence — good for mids, risky for defenders.
Semenyo & Anderson (Man City)
City’s pre‑season under Maresca:
- Drew with Inter, beat K‑League All‑Stars, beat Atletico Madrid.
Semenyo and Anderson were part of the rotation, but no explicit goal data was reported.
Impact for FPL: City look strong — their mids remain high‑value picks.
⭐ Defenders
Gabriel (Arsenal)
Featured in Arsenal’s friendlies vs Girona and Dortmund.
- Arsenal conceded in both matches, showing defensive instability.
Impact for FPL: Still elite, but early clean sheets may be less certain.
Guéhi (Man City)
City’s defence looks solid:
- Conceded only once vs Atletico Madrid and K‑League All‑Stars.
Impact for FPL: Fixtures + pre‑season form = strong defensive pick.
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Liverpool’s defence has struggled:
- Lost 4–2 vs Leeds.
- Lost 3–2 vs Monaco.
Impact for FPL: Liverpool defenders look risky early on.
⭐ Goalkeepers
Raya (Arsenal)
Played in Arsenal’s pre‑season matches:
- Conceded vs Betis and Dortmund.
Impact for FPL: Still the best GK in your dataset, but early clean sheets may not be guaranteed.
Donnarumma (Man City)
City’s defence looks strong in pre‑season.
- Conceded only once in their last two matches.
Impact for FPL: A safe alternative to Raya.
⭐ Summary: Who’s Hot Right Now?
🔥 Top Pre‑Season Performers From Your Dataset
- João Pedro (Chelsea) — 5 goals, elite form
- Calvert‑Lewin (Leeds) — 3 goals, looks reborn
- Mbeumo (Man Utd) — 3 goals vs elite opposition
- Thiago (Brentford) — scoring immediately after return
- Igor Jesus (Forest) — 4 goals, likely starter
⚠️ Players With Neutral or Mixed Signals
- Arsenal defenders (Gabriel, Saliba, Timber) — defence looks shaky
- Liverpool defenders — multiple goals conceded
- City mids — good fixtures, but no standout friendly data
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