Fantasy Forecast and Pre-Season Updates - August 2024
- Draft Genie
- Aug 3, 2024
- 16 min read
Updated: Aug 4, 2024
There are lots of updates that come in through out the off-season. Whether that be new signings, outgoing transfers, injury concerns, or players looking like they could have a hot/cold start. Luckily your TDS team is here to give you all the information you need as we get even closer to draft day! For more in depth analysis and article take a look at our 24/25 Draft Kit and our Pricing Plans.
Check out our 24/25 Draft Kit for all the pre-season information you could ever need. We've got a Live Draft Aide, Draft Rankings, Team Previews, Cheat Sheets, Strategy Articles, Draft 101. Dominate your draft!
Fantasy Forecast Updates
Below will be an update on the Forecasts on any important updates that you might need to know. It can be difficult to follow every single detail especially in July/August, so this article will summarize the most important updates. The best advice I can give you is to toggle between this article and the team specific forecast to get a complete look at each squad, and understand what we can expect from that team. This should help you juggle players around in your draft ranks, or completely remove them from your queue. We will also highlight any key new signings that we believe are necessary to discuss. All of our fantasy forecasts are linked in the team heading below for easy access. It is worth noting that only signings that happened AFTER articles were written will be linked. As well those who have rumoured to be on the move will be discussed.
New Signings:
Riccardo Calafiori (DEF) - Calafiori is signed and confirmed. He will likely compete with Timber for the starting LB role for Arsenal this year, and could offer sneaky late round value.
Injury Concerns:
Takehiro Tomiyasu (DEF) - Suffering from a new injury. Irrelevant in fantasy as of now unfortunately.
General Update: Arsenal's pre-season has seen good showings from Havertz (1G), Jesus (2G 1A), and Martinelli (1G). Jesus will be looking to claim a starting spot this season, but has his work cut out for him especially with Martinelli fit and Kai proving to be undroppable. Saka will be due back soon after his Euro break, and there are no questions asked about him starting every game on the right that he is fit for. Mikel Merino is also to be rumoured to be close to joining from Real Sociedad. It remains to be seen where the Basque would slot into the midfield - it's likely he fills in at LCM, which would affect Rice's fantasy output. The remaining preseason games are on August 7 and 11 vs. Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon, respectively.
New Signings:
N/A
Injury Concerns:
N/A
General Update: Rogers (3G 1A) and Bailey (1G 1A) leading the charge in preseason. Villa lost their most recent 2 preseason games to Columbus Crew and RB Leipzig. Diaby and Luiz leaving has already been felt by the club, they will need to figure things out fast with the season approaching soon. I am already low on Villa assets, and this pre-season start isn't encouraging me to change my mind. It is worth noting that Watkins is still currently on his Euro break. They have three more fixtures on August 3,7 and August 10 vs. Dortmund, their toughest test.
Aug 4 Update: Villa lost another friendly against Club America on August 3 (1-0). It is worth noting that Barkley did not start in what seemed a near first choice XI (minus Watkins). Buendia is seeing more minutes having got the 2nd half of this friendly.
New Signings:
Dean Huijsen (DEF) - A new CB signing, and should be a starter alongside Senesi. I wouldn't spend a draft pick higher than the 13th round on him.
Injury Concerns:
Tyler Adams (MID) - Will miss the start of the season with a back injury. Had surgery and could be back in October. Christie, Scott, and Cook will be the main 3 to rotate in midfield.
General Update: Bournemouth adding a new CB will bolster their defensive options as they look to improve their defensive record especially vs. the top 6. Huijsen will be fighting for a starting spot against Zabarnyi, who has proven to be a top player so far and also just signed a 5 year extension. For now I expect Zabarnyi and Senesi to be the starting pair in GW1. Pre-season has been a mixed bag, but Semenyo and Senesi are on the scoresheet so far. It is worth noting that Scott started in a near full strength XI over Christie. That is a position to monitor in the final 2 preseason games on August 4 and 10 vs. Rayo Vallecano and Girona, respectively.
August 4 Update: Solanke was missing from the August 4 friendly with a reported toe injury. It remains to be seen how true this injury is with rumours seriously escalating of his move to Spurs. There have been varying degrees of how valid a move to Spurs will be among sources, but if he leaves all Bournemouth attackers should take a hit fantasy wise. Bournemouth did win 1-0 in the friendly today with Sinisterra getting the goal, and Scott getting another start. Alex Scott got yet another start and was praised by the fans....could he start GW1?
Injury Concerns:
Igor Thiago (FWD) - Just had knee surgery. He will be back at the end of 2024. This could help the value of Schade.
General Update: Article was recently written. Please refer to the details in the forecast! Brentford's last pre-season game is August 9 vs. Wolfsburg. Toney is rumoured to be leaving but that's all they are right now...rumours. I expect him to stay with Brentford until at least January when Igor Thiago should be back. Regardless of where Toney goes he will offer FWD1 value.
August 4 Update: Brentford drew 1-1 in their August 3 friendly vs. Watford with Schade scoring a headed goal. Schade is making a case to win the final starting wing spot over Wissa for GW1. Toney is still not available, but should be back August 9.
New Signings:
N/A
Injury Concerns:
Julio Enciso (MID) - Enciso just came off in the Olympics vs. Egypt. He was in tears and could be out for some time with an injury. He should be avoided in drafts that happen before any news breaks.
General Update: Minteh is on fire in pre-season with 2 goals so far, and is making the strongest claim to win the starting right-wing role. Adingra is also having a good start with 1 goal and 1 assist. Adingra could potentially beat out Mitoma on the left with Minteh looking so strong, but it remains to be seen. Buonanotte and Gross have officially left, clearing up the rotation mess just a bit. Creativity in the middle of the park will need to come from somewhere now, but Wieffer will be looking to fill that role. Brighton's final pre-season game is August 10 vs. Villarreal, and this will be crucial for fantasy managers to get an idea of how Brighton plan to start the season.
August 4 Update: Brighton won their latest pre-season game vs. QPR thanks to a penalty scored by Welbeck. It is worth noting that Minteh and Mitoma were the starting wingers in this one.
Injury Concerns:
Nicolas Jackson (FWD) - Will return to training within the week. Worth monitoring to check his pre-season minutes.
General Update: Article was recently written. Please refer to the details in the forecast! Chelsea will close out pre-season with games against Real Madrid and Inter Milan on August 6 and 11, respectively. Look out for the return of Palmer there, and how it impacts the lineup. Worth noting - Nkunku has scored 2 penalty goals, and will likely not be on them in the regular season. Maresca has already said it will be Palmer, and has said he will give Palmer the freedom he wants...which is exciting. While he looks fit so far, I would still be cautious about using anything higher than a 4th rounder on Nkunku. I would also like to note that Lavia has been playing very well in pre-season. While he probably won't have any fantasy relevance or immediately start, he could cause some midfield rotation. Mudryk, on the other hand, has been nothing short of woeful. He might be one to avoid in drafts right now.
Gallagher is very close to leaving for Atletico Madrid and has reportedly been frozen out at Chelsea. But Enzo has said that the final say is out of his hands. Gallagher has stated he wants to play, but doesn't ever want to play against Chelsea so will be looking to move abroad. Gallagher should be seen as a DND.
August 4 Update: Chelsea got pumped by a close to 2nd team for Manchester City losing 4-2 with goals from Madueke and Sterling in the 2nd half after coming off the bench. Chelsea looked an absolute mess from start to finish and Maresca ball is starting to look like it will take some time to fully see it's effect. Lavia was Chelsea's best player by a mile in this match, also logging 9 ghost points and an assist. Other notable Chelsea fantasy performances were: Nkunku (5.5 points), Colwill (5.25 ghosts), Reece (5.5 ghosts), KDH (4 ghosts), Madueke (4 ghosts + 1G 1A), and Sterling (2 points + 1G). Clearly these point productions are not good and those over-drafting Chelsea assets may want to proceed with caution.
New Signings:
Ismaila Sarr (FWD) - Sarr was discussed in the forecast, but is now officially a Palace player! He enters the system as a FWD and could be a FWD3 with FWD2 type of upside.
General Update: Ayew looks to be on his way out to Leicester, with Rak-Sakyi off to a potential Championship club or Southampton. Kamada has had a good start to Palace life with 1 goal and 2 assist in pre-season so far, but it remains to be seen how his role adjusts when Eze returns and Sarr is embedded in the XI. Expect Palace to look just as attacking as last year even with the loss of Olise. Kamada and Sarr are both quality players they have added, but won't have the fantasy value of Olise, so keep that in mind. Palace close out pre-season August 11 vs. Nantes where you can see their opening week XI take shape.
August 4 Update: Palace won 3-1 vs. West Ham with goals from Mitchell, Schlupp, and Edouard. Kamada started another game in that attacking mid role, but both Eze and Sarr haven't been included yet. Glasner have Palace cooking and Mitchell can be a very sneaky DEF4 pick.
New Signings:
Jake O'Brien (DEF) - Discussed in the forecast but nothing more than a backup, or an option to play a 3 CB formation.
Injury Concerns:
Jarrad Branthwaite (DEF) - Not quite ready to train yet; there's a worry he misses GW1.
James Tarkowski (DEF) - A minor knock and should be back within a few days.
General Update: Article was recently written. Please refer to the details in the forecast! Everton will close out pre-season on August 10 vs. Roma. It's not a good sign that neither of their CBs have played yet this pre-season, but the hope is they get some minutes in that final fixture vs. Roma.
August 4 Update: Everton beat Preston North End 3-0 with goals from DCL, O'Brien, and Lindstrom. Lindstrom took a few sets even with McNeil in the lineup, but Garner was missing through injury so I don't think he is a guaranteed starter. Ndiaye didn't start this one.
General Update: Article was recently written. Please refer to the details in the forecast! Fulham finish pre-season on August 10 vs. Hoffenheim. Jimenez and Muniz have a goal a piece in pre-season, while Iwobi leads the way with 2 goals. In the most recent fixture on the 2nd of August - it is worth noting Iwobi started on the left hand side linking up with Robinson for a goal. I still think Iwobi will move centrally or to the right to accommodate for ESR when he is ready to go. Fulham are rumoured to be looking at new CBs. This could cause Diop/Ream to become backups as they search for a new player to partner Bassey who has proven he can play at the highest level. A new CB signing would improve their overall defensive prospects, especially that of Robinson who is already looking like a DEF1.
New Signings:
Conor Townsend (DEF) - A backup LB with little fantasy relevance. Will be a good depth piece.
General Update: Article was recently written. Please refer to the details in the forecast! Ipswich Town will finish pre-season on August 3 vs. Hoffenheim. It is worth noting that Greaves has looked good in pre-season. While he may not be worth a draft pick, he is one that should be picked up after GW2.
August 4 Update: Ipswich won their August 3 friendly 1-0 with a goal from Taylor getting the goal, and both Davis and Hutchinson heavily involved in the goal.
New Signings:
N/A
Injury Concerns:
Jamie Vardy (FWD) - Vardy has a minor injury, missing a few training sessions and games. If he misses GW1, Daka will lead the line. A new signing is expected to replace both of them anyways.
General Update: Leicester has had a decent pre-season so far with Justin (2A), and Mavidivi (2G) as their best players. Fatawu, despite no returns, has looked like their most dangerous player every game, and should be the first player off the board in the 7th round. Leicester finish pre-season on August 10 vs. Lens. It is worth noting that Ndidi is getting significant minutes so far. While he was once a fantasy starlet, he could still be worth a sneaky round 16 pick to see if he returns to that form.
August 4 Update: Leicester lost their August 3 friendly 1-0 in what was a poor performance by them. Again it was Fatawu who was their best player in this one.
General Update: Article was recently written. Please refer to the details in the forecast! Salah (1G 1A), and Elliott (2A) have looked the strongest in pre-season so far. Two more good tests remain on August 3 vs. United and August 11 vs. Sevilla. The latter matchup should be the best indicator of their strongest XI to start GW1. Elliott is seriously pushing to give Slot a headache and win the 10 role over Szobo this year. Eliott is definitely worth a late round pick given the upside he will have if he wins a role in the XI.
August 4 Update: Liverpool beat United 3-0 in the latest friendly with Jones, Carvalho, and Tsimikas getting the goals. It is worth noting Quansah looked much better than Konate in this one, and is pushing for that GW1 start. Salah managed 4 ghost points with an assist in this one. Fantasy wise no-one else really did anything of note.
New Signings:
N/A
Injury Concerns:
N/A
United on the 10th. Rumours have it that all the City players involved in the Euros will be eased back with a possibility for a B team in gameweek 1. Bobb has been on fire in pre-season with 1 goal and 3 assists, although it remains to be seen if he has a significant role this season. It is worth noting that the rumour mill has started with Alvarez to Atletico in the works.
August 4 Update: City won 4-2 vs. Chelsea on August 3 with Haaland scoring 3 goals and Bobb the other one. Haaland is clearly no longer an injury worry. These two have been on fire in pre-season and I would not be surprised to see Bobb start GW1. Despite Grealish playing 70 minutes he failed to do anything of note and only managed 4 ghost points.
New Signings:
N/A
Injury Concerns:
Rasmus Hojlund (FWD) - Hojlund will miss up to 6 weeks with a hamstring injury. Expect Zirkzee/Rashford to benefit here. Hojlund is in a similar situation to last season - look to wait until the 8th round now to draft him.
Leny Yoro (DEF) - Yoro will miss 3 months with a foot injury. Maguire will partner Martinez unless a new signing joins.
Antony (MID) - Antony has an undisclosed injury. He was never worth drafting anyways, and could be on his way out.
General Update: United's last 2 pre-season games will be vs. Liverpool and City in the Community Shield. Amad (2G 1A) and Rashford (1G 2A) have been making a name for themselves so far and hoping to be named in the XI for GW1. Right now Ugarte, Mazraoui, and De Ligt are strongly rumoured to be coming to United. Watch to see if they are confirmed before your drafts as De Ligt would hurt Maguire's "boost" in drafts. Ugarte would also more likely than not earn a starting midfield spot alongside Bruno and Mainoo. Mazraoui will provide nice depth with AWB likely on his way out. There may be games in which we see Mazraoui start at RB and Dalot pushed out to LB with Shaw's injury concerns and lack of any match fitness right now.
August 4 Update: United were thumped by Liverpool in this friendly 3-0. None of their assets did anything of note fantasy wise, and a lot of United's success will once again be relying on Bruno Fernandes and Andre Onana. Rashford started this one and is no longer an injury worry.
New Signings:
William Osula (FWD) - Not fully confirmed - but has the "Here We Go!" approval. Osula will be brought in as nothing more as a depth piece. Could this mean Wilson is on the outs?
General Update: Article was recently written. Please refer to the details in the forecast! Murphy (4G 3A), Isak (3G), and Hall (1G 1A) have been the stars of pre-season so far. Murphy is really pushing to beat out Barnes for the final wing spot in GW1, which would keep Gordon on the left, and Murphy starting at RW for GW1. A lot can change in the season, but Barnes seriously needs to get going. It is also worth noting that Tonali and Hall could share sets should Trippier leaves - but still no concrete update there. Newcastle close out pre-season on the 10th vs. Stade Brestosis. Marc Guehi from Palace is being linked to Newcastle. This could cause Burn to see significant less minutes, and rotate with Hall at LB.
August 4 Update: Newcastle lost 2-0 in their most recent friendly. Barnes and Almiron were the starting wingers, and did absolutely nothing worth noting, meaning I expect Gordon + Murphy to start the season on the outsides of Isak.
New Signings:
Jota Silva (FWD)
General Update: Article was recently written. Please refer to the details in the forecast! CHO (1G 2A), and Wood (2G) have been great in pre-season, but the signing of Jota Silva could put one of their spots at risk. Elanga could also become a rotation risk this season. Forest close out pre-season August 8 vs. Olympiacos. In their most recent friendly on August 2nd, it was noted their potential opening day XI was played. CHO - Wood - Elanga should be their front three, with Elanga and Danilo getting a lot more set-pieces in pre-season.
New Signings:
Ben Brereton Diaz (FWD) - Will immediately contend for a starting spot. Will either partner Armstrong up top or play on the wing. Could be a decent FWD3/4 using his Sheffield United stats of last year (9.1 PPS in 14 starts). With Che Adams also officially gone, he was a much needed attacking signing.
Injury Concerns:
Kamaldeen Sulemana (MID) - Ankle roll, severity is unsure. Monitor if he returns in a preseason game.
Sekou Mara (FWD) - Ankle roll as well. Wasn't going to start for Southampton anyways.
General Update: Pre-season has seen a lot of youngsters get some time for the Saints. Armstrong has himself 2 goals so far, and we are starting to see the Saints best XI piece itself together. It is worth noting the Saints have not played well so far. Fans are starting to get worried about their return to the EPL, and outside of a few late round picks, none of their assets are worth drafting right now. The Saints have just 1 more pre-season game on August 3, which should be a good indicator of their starting XI in GW1.
August 4 Update: Southampton won their friendly on August 3 with a tap-in goal from Armstrong. It was a very good defensive showing from the Saints, but their attack clearly leaves a lot to be desired.
New Signings:
N/A
Injury Concerns:
Richarlison (FWD) - A minor lower leg injury, but he will miss the tour. He is most likely going to return in the first week or so of EPL action. Could also be on his way to Saudi Arabia.
Destiny Udogie (DEF) - A minor muscle injury. Ange expects him to return in a few days but watch out to see if this is a reoccurring issue in pre-season for him.
General Update: Spurs have looked good in pre-season although against much weaker opposition. Son is leading the charge with 3 goals and 1 assist so far. Ange confirmed that Spurs are looking to add another forward to their ranks with Solanke starting to be floated around. In the next week we will definitely see other names start to be linked. A new striker could cause Son to stay out on the left, with the wingers (Johnson/Kulu/Werner) being subject to more rotation. We could also see the new forward start off as a depth piece, with Richarlison proving his fitness is unreliable. Spurs have 2 more pre-season games both against Bayern Munich on August 3 and August 10. Those will be much better tests for Ange's side.
August 4 Update: Spurs lost 2-1 to Bayern Munich on the 3rd with Porro scoring the only goal for Spurs with a 20 yard rocket. Maddison was once again very poor this one. Kulusevski played in the 9 role, which could be bad for his fantasy value if Solanke signs with Spurs which is looking increasingly likely.
General Update: Article was recently written. Please refer to the details in the forecast! Summerville, Guido, Wan-Bissaka, and Fullkrug are getting closer to joining West Ham, and all three players would be starters for their new clubs. Fullkrug and Guido officially got the "Here We Go" on August 2. Their fantasy value will depend on their role, but I would be a lot more excited about Summerville instead of Wan-Bissaka, Guido, and Fullkrug.
No real star performances in pre-season so far, but look to their final game vs. Celta Vigo on August 10 for a better idea of how West Ham will set up this season. A lot of worry about their attack with Lopetegui not having the best attacking record, and being known for his defensive set-ups instead. With players like Bowen and Kudus confirmed and other good attackers rumoured to be joining West Ham, fans will be hoping for a more attacking mindset than Lopetegui had at Wolves.
August 4 Update: West Ham lost 3-1 to Palace with Antonio scoring the only goal. Bowen and Summerville still need to join the squad, and will be much welcome additions. West Ham played a near full strength XI, just missing those two listed.
New Signings:
Rodrigo Gomes (FWD) - Signed from Braga, he will be looking to gain a starting role outwide, and could be a sneaky late pick.
Injury Concerns:
Matheus Cunha (FWD) - A minor hamstring injury, but he is an early doubt for GW1, after basically being ruled out for the rest of pre-season.
General Update: Cunha has been the best player for Wolves in pre-season with 2 goals, and will hopefully be ready for GW1. Strand Larsen has 2 assists to his name as he will hope to continue his form into the EPL. Another new signing in Gomes has 2 goals as well and is pushing to start GW1. Wolves finish off pre-season on August 10 vs. Rayo Vallecano. Neto has been rumoured to be leaving. If not, Wolves shoyhave a strong attack going into the new season, and could improve on last year's finish.
August 4 Update: Wolves won 3-0 in their latest friendly with Strand Larsen, Gomes, and Sarabia getting the goals. The two new signings are on fire and really pushing to be in the XI for the opening match. Both would make strong late round punts.
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