Pre-season Insights: Thiaw's Impact and Tottenham's Strong Start

As the 2026/27 season approaches, the recent preseason fixtures revealed critical insights for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers focused on Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. These teams have posed interesting questions early in the pre-season, and understanding their performances can help in crafting effective strategies for FPL success.

Recent Match Performances: Newcastle United

NEWCASTLE UNITED 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen

• Goals: Thiaw
• Assists: Elanga

Starting XI on Saturday: Hornicek; M Miley (Pivas 81′), Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Steur, L Miley (Finneran HT); Elanga, Woltemade (Neave 86′), Barnes; Wissa

NEWCASTLE UNITED 1-1 Strasbourg (2-3 on penalties)

• Goals: Osula
• Assists: Murphy

Starting XI on Sunday: Jaouen; Shahar, Schar (Johnson HT), Burn (Pivas HT), Charlton; Bamba, Ramsey; Murphy (Neave 75′), Willock (Finneran 87′), Toure; Osula

SCOUT NOTES:

• In Saturday's match, manager Matthias Jaissle deployed a stronger squad against Leverkusen, allowing Lewis Miley (£5.5m) to clock his first preseason minutes before his planned substitution. Miley's development will be under scrutiny as he’s seen as a potential key player.
• During the match, Newcastle faced issues with clarity in their kit colors; they had to change during a hydration break due to visibility concerns against Leverkusen's away jersey. Such logistical issues could reflect on their preparedness for the challenges ahead.
• Malick Thiaw (£5.0m) delivered a promising performance, scoring with a header from an Anthony Elanga (£6.0m) corner—he's positioned as a dependable option, ranking high in last season's defensive contributions. This shows his ability to step up in crucial moments, which is vital for FPL managers seeking consistency.
• Thiaw's contribution included 15 defensive actions, showcasing his importance to the squad. Such metrics indicate he could become a core part of defensive strategies both on the pitch and in FPL lineup decisions.
• However, Newcastle's defensive frailty remains concerning, highlighted by a late winner from substitute Victor Boniface of Leverkusen. This trend of conceding late goals must be addressed if they're to be taken seriously in the coming season.
• Despite a different lineup on Sunday that resembled a reserve match, William Osula (£6.0m) capitalized on his chances, bringing his pre-season form into focus. His performance might suggest a potential breakout year if he can maintain this scoring mindset.
• Concerns loom around Newcastle's attractiveness as an FPL choice, with no player currently exceeding a 4% ownership due to uncertainties in form and lineup. This lack of confidence among FPL managers could limit their utility early in the season.
• Recent communication suggests the impending arrival of Amar Dedic, a notable signing from Benfica, who is expected to bolster their defense. If he can integrate effectively, Dedic could mitigate some of the defensive weaknesses observed in recent matches.

Recent Match Performances: Tottenham Hotspur

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 3-0 Hoffenheim

• Goals: Richarlison, Moore (x2)
• Assists: Robertson, Tel (x2)

Starting XI on Saturday: Kinsky; Gray, van Hecke, Senesi (Hardy 81′), Robertson; Tonali, Bergvall (Donley 87′); Moore (Adewole 81′), Gallagher (Hall 81′), Tel; Richarlison (Elliott-Parris 81′)

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2-2 Hoffenheim

• Goals: Davies, Williams-Barnett
• Assists: Fernandes, Sarr

Starting XI on Sunday: Austin; Tye Hall, Danso, Davies, Souza (Byrne 69′); Fernandes, Sarr (Donley 87′), Bentancur; Williams-Barnett (Tyrese Hall 87′), Maddison (Elliott-Parris HT), Ajayi (Adewole 69′)

SCOUT NOTES:

• Spurs lined up against Hoffenheim for two consecutive days, showcasing their squad depth, especially with Richarlison continuing to find the net. His ability to score consistently will be watched closely as it significantly impacts FPL managers' strategies.
• Marcos Senesi (£6.0m) made his pre-season debut, but key absences like Pedro Porro (£5.5m) leave question marks about their defensive stability. Without clarity on who will fill critical defensive roles, FPL managers may hesitate to invest heavily in Spurs defenders.
• Newly signed left-back Andrew Robertson (£4.5m) delivered an assist and seems a viable option alongside goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky (£4.5m). His integration into the squad could be a highlight for the team's offensive depth moving forward.
• Mikey Moore (£5.0m), who had a successful loan spell last season, demonstrated potential with two goals, enhancing his profile ahead of the new season. His resurgence could make him a sleeper pick for FPL managers in search of budget-friendly options.
• Maddison’s return after injury signals a positive shift, though concerns linger about the team's overall scoring potential against weaker opponents early in the season. If his form holds, he might be essential for FPL managers aiming for a balanced midfield.

Future Implications for FPL Strategies

With both teams grappling with performance evaluations, the upcoming fixtures are pivotal in defining FPL strategies for managers navigating the uncertainties of preseason form. For Newcastle, the need for defensive reinforcements indicates that while Thiaw may be starting to build a solid profile, it’s vital to monitor the team's entire defensive setup once Dedic arrives. The prospect of him joining could shift dynamics and alter other players' values.

Spurs, on the other hand, seem to be in a stronger position offensively, especially with Richarlison and the young talents on display. But what this means for you, the FPL manager, is that while they might have attractive options, keep a close watch on their defensive vulnerabilities. FPL selections don’t just hinge on points scored; they also depend heavily on defensive performance and matchups.

Thus far, the pre-season results tell a story of potential and pitfalls for both Newcastle and Tottenham. As you set your lineups, consider the implications beyond just immediate performance metrics. This isn't just about the players who score goals; it's about how well-rounded each team's strategy can hold up under pressure. The start of the season is almost here, and with it, the promise of intrigue—let's see how these narratives unfold.