Scout Notes – Gameweek 2 – Sunday
Filed under: Scout Notes - Posted by: Paul
Carlos Tevez produces a goal and assist as City grab a 2-2 draw at Anfield. Yaya Toure finds the net again, Luis Suarez opens his account for the campaign with a sublime free-kick, while Arsenal play out a goalless draw for the second time in the opening two Gameweeks:
Arsenal Defence
Two clean sheets from their first couple of Gameweeks suggests an upturn in resilience at the back for Arsenal right now. Arsene Wenger’s decision to install Steve Bould as the club’s new defensive coach seems to have paid off – Arsenal looked far more organised at the back and easily dealt with Stoke’s aerial bombardment, overcoming a tactic that has caused them untold damage in previous visits. Carl Jenkinson continues to look strong cut-price value across the Fantasy games, though with Bacary Sagna nearing a comeback, snapping up the former could be a little risky. While Thomas Vermaelen has yet to find the net, his Fantasy owners can’t complain with his returns so far – with goals surely set to come, the Belgian could be set up for a strong season if his side continue their form at the back.
Santi Cazorla
Arsenal’s new playmaker drew another blank, despite another impressive showing yesterday afternoon. Cazorla has been handed corners since the departure of Robin Van Persie and also has a fair share of direct free-kicks; his scheming in “the hole” is sure to come to fruition sooner rather than later, judging by his two displays thus far. Post-match, Wenger admitted his new recruits have yet to gel up top but bearing in mind yesterday was the first time Cazorla, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud have started together, it’s clear we need to have a little patience with the Gunners’ attacking assets right now.
Theo Walcott
A strong source of Fantasy points last season, the winger dropped to the bench as Wenger opted for Gervinho on the right flank. Handed a role as a mere second-half impact sub, Walcott’s owners will have real concern over his game time – with Gervinho more reasonably priced across the Fantasy games, the former Southampton man could well be cast aside in our Fantasy thinking. Bearing in mind the likes of Cazorla are similarly priced in FPL at 9.0 and cheaper in the Sky Sports game (6.7 to 7.5), Walcott looks set for an exodus of Fantasy owners if the current situation continues.
City Switch Back to 3-4-1-2
We had expected a 4-4-2 yesterday but Roberto Mancini rolled out the pre-season formation that had served his side so well. The City boss is clearly keen to rotate his backline once again, with the new system meaning Joleon Lescott unexpectedly dropped to the bench – with Gael Clichy attending the birth of his child, it means that only two City defenders have started the opening couple of Gameweeks; Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta. Bearing in mind that Micah Richards is currently injured, Zabaleta will surely be under pressure for a starting berth when the England man returns in a month or so, making Kompany the only secure option already. The only problem is his price across the Fantasy games is far costlier than any of the champions’ backline but with no clean sheets so far, Kompany is finding it hard to justify such a lofty valuation, particularly in light of the strong starts by a variety of costly defenders such as Branislav Ivanovic, Leighton Baines and Thomas Vermaelen.
Carlos Tevez
There’s no denying both his goal and assist was somewhat fortuitous but the City man delighted his many new backers with another points haul at Anfield yesterday. Tevez soared by 0.3 in the FPL game on the back of Sergio Aguero’s knee injury against Southampton last weekend but looks the only City forward on form ahead of a home clash with QPR next weekend – Mario Balotelli and sub replacement Edin Dzeko both looked out-of-sorts, suggesting Tevez will be an armband favourite for many in Gameweek 3, as his price continues to climb across the Fantasy games.
Yaya Toure
The Ivorian notched to follow his assist in the 3-2 win over Southampton and is currently looking like the only City midfielder guaranteed game time right now. With doubts over his form and fitness, David Silva dropped to the bench after an ineffectual display at the Etihad in Gameweek 1 and, while Samir Nasri was handed a role in “the hole”, the Frenchman was hauled off for Jack Rodwell on the hour mark as City chased the game. The move immediately paid dividend – Rodwell’s introduction allowed Toure to move into the role vacated by Nasri and the Ivorian netted the equaliser within two minutes of the switch. Mancini may well move back to a 4-4-2 at the Etihad next weekend, though, but Toure looks a sure starter regardless of formation – something that perhaps can’t be said for his fellow City midfielders at present.
Luis Suarez
A superbly executed free-kick saw the Uruguayan open his account in his first home game of the season. Suarez had hinted at a points return last week – he had eight shots in the 3-0 defeat at West Brom but with a share of set-pieces now adding to his points potential, there’s a hint that he could produce the goods this time round. With home clashes against Arsenal and United in the next three Gameweeks though, few will be ready to get on board until his schedule takes a turn for the better.
Liverpool Defence
Five goals conceded in two games suggests Liverpool may need some time to adjust to Brendan Rodgers’ tactics at the back. In a similar situation to last week at West Brom, the Reds inability to clear their lines proved costly, with individual errors from Martin Kelly and Martin Skrtel allowing Toure and Tevez the chance to net. Skrtel still managed a nine point FPL return for his FPL owners with a goal and a couple of bonus points but the upcoming schedule suggests he may well need to maintain his offensive returns if he is to prosper in the short-term.
Rahem Sterling
Handed a start on the Liverpool left with Fabio Borini shifted to the opposite flank, the youngster is clearly one to keep an eye on. Sterling impressed without quite producing yesterday but his price (4.5 in FPL and 4.3 in the Sky Sports game) certainly elevates his appeal. Much depends on the next few days, though; with the transfer window set to close on Friday, it could well be Rodgers finally seals that mooted move for Clint Dempsey and resultantly curbs our enthusiasm over the teenager’s Fantasy prospects.
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Anyone think I'm mad for captaining Coutinho this week? I'm hoping he'll pick up bonus points for clean sheet and… » -
*Federici (inj) » -
he will not change his team.. i m sure on it so his captain is definitely BALE tnx » -
Thanx dude » -
Rangel > Baines » -
Okay i thought tevez was out » -
that's good call » -
Im actually thinking of doing this » -
Once featured twice shy » -
I am in front. His GK is Begovic so I think there is good chance he will concede. B) is my likely move. Just need to… »
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August 27 at 1:38 pm
The Milkman says:
Which one deserves a start?
Kacaniklic WHM (A)
Cuellar SWA (A)
Demel FUL (H)
August 27 at 1:39 pm
Fatman & Robin says:
Demel
August 27 at 1:40 pm
Mohit Gianani says:
Kaca
August 27 at 1:40 pm
The Shuffling says:
Attacking first, Kaca.
August 27 at 2:15 pm
Camzy says:
Kaca for sure.
August 27 at 1:39 pm
Goofsta says:
Hi, first time poster, i have 2 questions:
1. How do you know when someone’s price is going to go up or down?
2. How do I link my team?
Thanks
August 27 at 1:41 pm
Nitin Nagaraja says:
1. http://development.totalfpl.com/pricechanges
2. FAQ at the bottom of this page
August 27 at 1:41 pm
PB-THE-VET says:
1 total fpl site. Google it
2 go to ur history page. Copy the address and thrn paste it into the place provided in ur acc settings on this site
August 27 at 1:39 pm
Nitin Nagaraja says:
New post.
August 27 at 1:40 pm
Nitin Nagaraja says:
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....ameweek-2/
August 27 at 1:39 pm
PB-THE-VET says:
Should i do noble to pienaar for a -4 hit? Or just wait
Just did torres to rvp before price rise.
Team is
De gea fed
Cole zab hang demel clyne
Val bale dyer noble guithre
Rvp tevez grahem.
And whats with all the kagawa love? His goel was a fluke? Is it because no- one can afford rvp?
August 27 at 1:40 pm
Tin of Directors says:
Why was his goal a fluke??
August 27 at 1:42 pm
PB-THE-VET says:
He was 1 metre in front of the goals! The look of shock on his face even for being that lucky. Compared to rvps goal!
August 27 at 1:44 pm
Tin of Directors says:
I don’t get why he was lucky.
If anything you could argue more that he had the vision to be in the right place when it mattered.
August 27 at 1:46 pm
PB-THE-VET says:
Maybe . . . Maybe not. Still think hes the poor mans way into man u fpl wide
August 27 at 1:57 pm
Moosie the Staggie says:
Hit the post too, and judging by his time in Germany, he obviously has an eye for goal.
August 27 at 1:42 pm
Milanista says:
I have both… and Rafael!
August 27 at 1:42 pm
Triggalicious says:
I have a good friend who goes to all the United games, and calls a spade a spade when it comes to United players, good or bad. He said Kagawa is going to be immense for them this season.
August 27 at 1:45 pm
PB-THE-VET says:
Hes not better than nani or valencia. Maybe on better form at the mo but when things get going and everyone is over their summer break he’ll be outclassed
August 27 at 1:48 pm
Tin of Directors says:
Don’t think they can really be compared with other.
Nani is so flaky as well.
August 27 at 1:50 pm
PB-THE-VET says:
Anyways,
Pienaar. Worth the hit?
August 27 at 1:53 pm
Tin of Directors says:
I’d go for him yes.
Seems to be going from strength to strength now he’s back at Everton.
August 27 at 1:40 pm
Maximerized- 1st Owner of Michu- Feel Free To Join This FPL League @ 401-764. Indian Posters Join This League- 401-53820. Contact Me For Deadzone League. says:
Sky Sports saying Sunderland now 1/3 favourites to sign Clint Dempsey with Liverpool out to 9/4. Arsenal are now edged out to 7/1 to sign the Fulham man.
August 27 at 1:42 pm
Tin of Directors says:
From West London to Sunderland.
He is in for one hell of a culture shock.
August 27 at 1:45 pm
Tin of Directors says:
That said I’m going for Dempsey the minute he signs for someone.
Love him even despite the injunction he has on me.
August 27 at 1:40 pm
Manani says:
i am seriously messed up right now.
I felt emotional after watching a soap opera.
not just normal emotional, but ‘funny feeling in the eyes’ emotional
August 27 at 1:55 pm
Gimli son of Gloin says:
The Ross and Rachal breakup nearly had me in tears just now. Heart-wrenching stuff..
August 27 at 1:42 pm
Maximerized- 1st Owner of Michu- Feel Free To Join This FPL League @ 401-764. Indian Posters Join This League- 401-53820. Contact Me For Deadzone League. says:
New Post
August 27 at 1:42 pm
Bowstring92 - Torino FC representing from Dublin says:
Right guys here it is for this week – hardly post my team anymore.
———– Freidel —————
Chico – Zabaleta – Hangeland
Nasri – Michu – Kagawa – Bale
RVP – Tevez – Petric
Subs: Green, Kacaniclik, Cuellar, Clyne.
August 27 at 1:43 pm
foad says:
Szczesny Jaaskelainien
Kompany Rangel Fonte Pearce O’Brien
Michu Y’Toure Bale Fellaini Cazorla
Tevez Graham Torres
I want to go for Hazzard for Bale & Baines for Kompany
any suggestions? is it a good change!
August 27 at 1:48 pm
PB-THE-VET says:
Not for gw3 it isnt
August 28 at 4:48 am
foad says:
For GW4 I mean
already had some changes for GW3
August 27 at 1:43 pm
stupendous says:
Morning everyone…..afternoon those back home in the U.K.
Wildcard been used I have to say, but im stuck on a goalie and a cb.
Friedel and Gallas
Vorm and Chico
Howard and Hangeland
Help please!!! I have Baines,Rafael and Ridgwell already.
August 27 at 1:48 pm
PB-THE-VET says:
Get vorm! He is immense gk. even if no cleanie he gets the save points.
August 27 at 1:49 pm
Tin of Directors says:
For the 0.5 more, I think De Gea is a better option.
August 27 at 4:34 pm
Brutus619 says:
Vorm and Chico is an immense choice at the back! (Though Rangel > Chico)
August 27 at 1:48 pm
PanPan says:
hows this WC team look?
Schwarzer Begovic
Rafael Baines Rangel McCartney Cuellar
Hazard Michu Kagawa Pienaar Guthrie
Tevez RVP Petric
any major problems?
August 27 at 1:50 pm
Feanor says:
Any chance N’Zogbia makes it thru the week without dropping again?
August 27 at 1:50 pm
Tin of Directors says:
You have Insomnia?????
Why?
August 27 at 1:59 pm
Feanor says:
Cause he was recommended on here before the season started, and my transfers so far have been Mata -> Michu, and Torres -> RVP.
August 27 at 1:52 pm
SirStevieG says:
Trade out Bale for Michu or hold because Spurs have Norwich this week?
August 27 at 2:01 pm
Hitman3095 says:
Hold IMO
August 27 at 1:55 pm
Haz to be Eden- Top scoring mid 12/13 Hazard (c) !! says:
What would you do with this currently on WC:
Dyer Hazard HBA Yaya 7.8
I’m very lost
August 27 at 2:04 pm
Hitman3095 says:
I’m a bit lost as well, who’s HBA?
August 28 at 4:50 am
foad says:
Hatam Ben Arfa
August 27 at 2:01 pm
Hitman3095 says:
Quick Question! Which option do you like better? Thanks!
de Gea | (Federici)
Baines | Zabaleta | Hangeland | (Cuellar, Demel)
Mata | Cazorla | Michu | Noble | (Guthrie)
Tevez | RVP | Graham
a)
GW3, -4 poins, £1.6:
– Mata –> Y. Toure
GW4, 0 points, £0.1:
– Noble –> Pienaar
b)
GW3, -4 points, +£0.1:
– Mata –> Bale
c)
GW3, 0 points, +£0.3:
– Play Demel over Mata
August 27 at 2:04 pm
RafaMC says:
Is lescott not playing going to be a risk from now on. At 6.5m a player needs to be nailed on.
August 27 at 2:11 pm
Moosie the Staggie says:
I personally feel that Mancini was just putting Kolo Toure in the shop window – so to speak.
August 27 at 2:29 pm
RafaMC says:
That did cross my mind. Hopefully that’s all it was. I have a very cheap but hopefully effective defence. The only expensive outlay was Lescott and if he is now a doubt I will have to re-consider keeping him in my squad.
August 27 at 2:09 pm
SirStevieG says:
Petric or Graham for Pog?
August 27 at 2:15 pm
Moosie the Staggie says:
Petric if you have Michu!
August 27 at 2:17 pm
SirStevieG says:
Why not Graham? I do have Michu as of 2 minutes ago!
August 27 at 8:21 pm
scout parag says:
Fulham have easier next few games than swansea
August 27 at 2:17 pm
Otis Kay says:
Nasri or Yaya?
August 27 at 2:36 pm
Otis Kay says:
rafael gonna play people?
August 27 at 2:45 pm
The Milkman says:
Maybe so, maybe no. Is it a risk you want to take every week? However, should at least play the next game now.
August 27 at 2:43 pm
The Milkman says:
Best 4.5m midfielder?
Kaca, Guthrie or Sterling?
August 27 at 6:08 pm
stive08 says:
Frei when he gets back
August 27 at 5:51 pm
i says:
Is it wise to do A Cole to Baines,
and Yaya to Hazard for a 4 point hit?
The 2nd seems extremely counter-intuitive. Should I jump on the bandwagon to hedge against Hazard’s price rise?
August 27 at 6:42 pm
scout parag says:
rafael+rangel or
zabaleta+ceuller ??