Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Europa League – Thursday

Henrikh Mkhitaryan returns from injury to score a vital away goal as Manchester United do just enough in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie.

FC Rostov 1 Manchester United 1

An ugly pitch led to an ugly match in which the two goals were the only moments of quality, with Manchester United’s effort tilting the tie very much in their favour.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored for the visitors, sweeping home Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s skilled cut-back as Jose Mourinho’s men produced an assured first-half performance.

The second-half belonged to the Russians, however. They deserved their equaliser and pushed United hard until the final whistle of a niggly match that was high on fouls – 38 between the teams – but low on finesse.

The wind, the cold and that pitch were chiefly to blame, though at least the return of Mkhitaryan afforded Jose something to cheer about.

Because of United’s packed schedule, the Armenian has missed only one league match since injuring his hamstring against Saint Etienne last month. His recovery – and goal – came as the Red Devils embarked on another four-match run across three competitions and ten days.

After the match, though, Mourinho admitted that the former Dortmund man – who was stationed in a central support role before being replaced midway through the second period – isn’t quite up to full fitness due to that stint on the sidelines.

“We know he cannot play 90 minutes. We knew he would only play 60 minutes – it doesn’t matter [what] the result [was], we made that decision together as he is not in the best condition. We gave him freedom to play in attacking positions with Zlatan, to try to find spaces to score. He did well and managed to finish the game without injury, which is important for us.”

Mourinho made seven changes to the side that drew with Bournemouth, but more strikingly moved to a back three in which Ashley Young and Daley Blind were used as wing-backs.

That formation could very well be wheeled out again for Monday’s FA Cup quarter-final tie with Chelsea and offers Fantasy managers the chance to pick from extra defensive options should Mourinho stick with his new tactic when his side returns to league duties in Gameweek 29.

With three clean sheets from their last four starts, United defenders are certainly worth considering in the short term. Once their Gameweek 28 blank is done and dusted, they’ll face Middlesbrough and Sunderland away and West Brom and Everton at Old Trafford.

Their run-in is tough – Chelsea at home in Gameweek 33 ushers in a schedule also involving Arsenal, Spurs and Man City all away before the season ends. However, with at least two double Gameweeks to come, we will surely be calling on United assets and a certain Zlatan Ibrahimovic once again.

In the short-term, the Swede is out of the equations – he now starts a three-match ban that will keep him out of Fantasy action until Gameweek 31.

The predictable exodus is now in full flow – Ibrahimovic has been sold by more than 238,000 managers this week – and the 2.1%-owned Mkhitaryan, while not a like-for-like replacement, could be an alternative route into United’s promising upcoming fixtures, at least as a differential.

Should United, as expected, see off Rostov next Thursday at Old Trafford, their Europa League quarter-final tie would take place on April 13 and 20, either side of that huge home match with Chelsea.

Team: Romero, Jones, Smalling, Rojo, Blind (Valencia 90+2), Pogba, Herrera (Carrick 90+2), Fellaini, Mkhitaryan (Martial 67), Young, Ibrahimovic.
Subs not used: De Gea, Mata, Lingard, Rashford.

645 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Lone Wolf FPL
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    choose one:

    a) bench headache: Fernandez (Hull,Bou,MIDD) + Holebas (blank,Cry,SUN)
    b) Fernandez + Holgate as 5th mid + 0.4 extra for future transfers

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      b

  2. Simon Says...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    So guys and gals - who are we replacing Phillips with? On a -8 but feels like a worthwhile extra hit because of all the obvious reasons.

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Lanzini

      1. Simon Says...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Excellent choice, but already got Snodgrass (for my sins) and two West Ham is too many West Ham for me.

        1. Ha.
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Remove Snodgrass next week

          1. Simon Says...
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Now there's a thought.

            It's him or King.

    2. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I did it for Tom Carroll. Nice 5th mid enabler.

      1. Simon Says...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Got him already, Phillips was my 4th mid.

    3. Yome
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      King, the lad is on pens

      1. Simon Says...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        He's the one I'm looking at if I do make the move.

    4. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      sanchez next week

    5. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Lanziniiiiiiii

    6. Wardinator
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I have Mane and I'm paring him up with Cout; LIV have a good run in and they've plenty of goals in them

  3. ILOVEBAPS
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Team of 9 for -8 (so far).

    Heaton
    Baines Coleman McAuley
    King Manè Siggy
    Lukaku Carroll

    Is it worth another hit
    Phillips > Antonio/Lanzini

    Or hold off and do Phillips > Cout/Alli next GW.

    1. Lav
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Hold

    2. KneejerkJoe
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      If u are bringing Cout in next week why not now?

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Can't afford without selling Kun. I want to do that trade next GW for Kane.

    3. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Hold off

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Tah 🙂

    4. Wardinator
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      If you want Cout, get him now and field an extra player!

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        See above answer.
        Could be talked into a -12 but not-16.

  4. Hurricane Gilbert
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    King doesn't fit my team right?

    Mané Sterling* (Couts soon) Siggy Snoddy de Roon

    Lukaku Llorente (Kane)

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Courts this GW?

  5. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    For GW30, I am 50-50 between leaving Baines in for the Liverpool game (I can see there being a few penalties as they're both battling at the top) or bringing in Walker. Advice?

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Will get Rose when he is back

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Do we even know when he is back though?

  6. zotter
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Apart from the official scout cast , there was another ff related pod cast mentioned on here, what was it ?? Thanks

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      How dare you!

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Andy does a little spin off. Dont have the link though sorry.

    3. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      FML FPL us quite funny

  7. KnightSlayer
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    When is Double game weeks & can I get this team ready in time?

    Jakuponic Heaton

    Baines Coleman McAuley Ward Amat
    Firmino Coutinho Mane Hazard De roon
    Costa Lukaku Defoe

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Most likely 34, 35 and defo 37. 37 being likely the biggest. And yes there is more than enough time.

  8. Forever In Our Shadow
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Going with this line up

    Heaton
    Brunt Coleman Funes Mori
    Mane (vc) Lalana Siggy Carroll
    Lorente Lukaku (c)

    342. -4 to get this. Guys in mini league currently have 4 max and Im 71 points ahead so happy.

    Would you take Sane out for Snoddy or a tripple up on liverpool mids and get Cout or Firm for a -8?

    1. Sahil Yadav
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I'll prefer King. For 2-3 weeks, he can be a good differential. Playing center striker, also on pens. And Sane has rotation risk as well as tough fixtures so i guess he has to be moved out anyway.

  9. Sanchit
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Mane Coutinho Siggy Snodgrass Phillips.
    Who to replace Phillips with? Have 11.2 ITB so money not a problem.

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      If you have 10 that might be enough? If not maybe tripple Liverpool?

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      for a hit? might be enough to move next week if so.

  10. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Heaton
    Funes Mori
    Lallana Siggy
    Lukaku

    1FT, £1.2ITB - I already took a hit last GW.

    Would you do?

    A) Gibson to Mawson
    B) Defoe to Llorente
    C) De Roon to King
    D) Alli to Firmino

    1. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      D) Alli/Sterling to Coutinho/Firmino

    2. Sahil Yadav
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      You should take a hit. B and C

  11. Lone Wolf FPL
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Is it worth to get playing mid for -4 just for this week and sell after that one?

    I think about Lanzini/Antonio/Coutinho(triple)

  12. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    A. Kun > Llorente / A.Carroll (-4)

    B. Phillips > Barkley / Lanzini / Other 7.2m (-4)

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Jaku
      Coleman Evans
      J. King Mane Siggy *Phillips*
      Lukaku(C)

      No game: Heaton Kane Kun Walker Alonso Pieters Capoue

      1. Sahil Yadav
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        B since Phillips has to be moved out soon because of injury. Getting a playable player allows you to ship him out for only -2 (if that player only scores 2). So Phillips to Lanzini is what i am looking at. But can't ignore Barkley as well.

        You should post Barkley or Lanzini instead of this post 😛

  13. Lav
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Does this look good?

    Today:
    Sanchez to Mane -4 (-8)

    GW 29:
    Aguero to Kane
    Eriksen to Sanchez (-4)

    1. Sahil Yadav
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Looks good to me... considering Mane and Kane deliver

  14. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Contemplating bringing in Lovren for a hit. Am i mad?

    1. makaveli123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Log off asap

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I wouldn't say mad. It could pay off.

    3. DaveZubie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I'm thinking of doing it as well for Philips - so only -2

      1. DaveZubie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Scratch that - I mis-read that as Lanzini

        Don't get Lovren (don't take hits for defenders is a good rule)

  15. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Guy in my ML who is chasing me has both Mane and Firmino, I only have Firmino. I really want to get Lanzini for Phillips as it suits my structure, I have money in the bank going into 29, I'm spreading the risk of a Liverpool blank and I'm a West Ham fan.

    Help.

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I'm a Millwall fan... get Lanzini, class act.

      1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Yay! Just what I wanted to hear. I'd be more annoyed if Mane blanked but as a Hammers fan its ok if Lanzini does.

        1. Ruth_NZ
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          You wouldn't rather have Antonio? I would.

          1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Why would you prefer Antonio?

  16. zalar88
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    for next gw should I go ( I have 10 playing players ) :

    a kun - caroll ( -4)
    b philips- antonio, lanzini ( -4)
    c other
    d save

    have ( mane, king, cout, * philips* , siggy
    lukaku, lorente, *kun* )

    THANKS !

  17. Lovren an elevator
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Most likely CB pairing for United?

    1. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Really tough but I'd imagine Smalling and Bailly

      1. Spencer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I don't know either, but I'd guess at Smalling and Bailly too.

    2. Simon Says...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      As A United fan I'd like it to be Jones and Bailly. But he seems to never play that.

    3. makaveli123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      As long as they are in the Europa League, there will be rotation. DDG / Valencia are the only safe picks.

  18. Spencer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    What do you think? Take another hit to do Aguero -> Llorente? Just a one week punt as looking at getting Kane in next week.

    Heaton
    Coleman - Olsson - Brunt
    Firmino - Sigurdsson - Lanzini - Mane
    Lukaku

    Pickford - Holebas - Alonso - Capoue - Defoe - Aguero

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Do it.

      1. Spencer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks Dingo

    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      How many hits are u on?

      1. Spencer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Just one.

  19. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Stanislas what a nightmare has been ...

  20. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Jakupovic
    Kingsley*, Holgate*
    Mane(VC), Siggy, Davies
    Lukaku(C)

    0 hits
    Take a hit to get a defender in or anyone else?

  21. Mayor of Flair
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Boring question but Coutinho or Firmino?

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Both trolled me all season
      Mane

      1. Mayor of Flair
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Ya they're both basically the same person. Cheers.

    2. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Go for it

    3. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Coutinho has good stats apparently so flip a coin.

    4. Simon Says...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Flip that coin.

      Coutinho: underlying stats, loads of goal attempts, has history as an explosive scorer, inconsistent.

      Firmino: playing up top, better when Coutinho is around, also can be inconsistent, but has better form and probably the safer choice, just.

    5. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Even I went Coutinho.

  22. Sadio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Which combo to bring in? (Have Mane and Coutinho)

    1. Barkley and Clyne
    2. Antonio and Baines
    3. Antonio and Clyne
    4. Firmino and Funes Mori

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      4

  23. TOBY1
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Mmmm...
    Tempted to do Alli --> Coutinho....

    But not sure I want to lose Alli going forward...

    My free xfer (after this GW) needs to be to bring in Kane for next GW

    1. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Keep Alli.

    2. tm370
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      That would be madness.

    3. TOBY1
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Decided to do Sane to Coutinho - Sane's fixtures are poor going forward whilst Liverpools aren't too bad. They also have extra gw

  24. ROOTY7
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    How many hits have you taken (or are planning on taking) this GW?

    How many players are you fielding?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      currently on 9 (excl Amat) on a -8. But will prob go to 10 with a -12 once i remove Phillips.

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Same ^

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Taking a 12 for 11.

    3. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      3 transfers = -8

      Fielding 8

    4. Root
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      1
      11 and benching Fletcher

    5. Sjaugen
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      -4
      Got 1 GK, 3 DEF, 2 MID, 2FWD, so 8

    6. RoLiv
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      -12 for 11 players

  25. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    GW 29 benching headache with no AOA. Who to bench?

    A) one of Mane or Coutinho (mci)
    B) King (SWA)
    C) Siggy (bou)
    D) Andy Caroll (LEI)

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      None of them

  26. Brap.
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone else feeling Lallana's gonna merk the world with a 20 point spesh?

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Yep, we're getting merked blud!!!

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Let him, then buy lol

    3. BROOKLYN GOONER
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      No, don't feel that at all. Owned twice already, not going in a third time.

  27. Hawkies7
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Can someone please help with this mess...
    Any suggestions are welcome lol. I have a feeling WC is my only option.

    Daniels - Cahill - Pieters - Coleman - Amat
    Siggy - Alli - Sterling - Sane - Fletcher
    Aguero - Lukaku - Crouch

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Open goal with no keepers.

      1. Hawkies7
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Sorry I have Heaton and Pickford in goal lol

  28. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    So now Philips is out. What a disappointment he is . 2pointers every since I brought him in.

    King is only replacement really considering the price. Also I have to let PvA go as God only knows when he's bk and I really only brought him in for last gw and this.

    So PvA out for Olsen ,Mawson or Maguire or double up on another Everton defender. I have jaku so Maguire might'nt be a great idea.

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      King Olssen

  29. GE
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Sane > (-4)?

    1) Antonio
    2) Lanzini
    3) Keep Sane

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      1.

      1. GE
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks 🙂 I now finally did it 🙂

    2. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Depends on how many players you can field this GW

      1. GE
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        11 now with Diomande and Antonio 🙂

  30. foley_fd
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Have taken the plunge and gone with Coutinho.

    Fill your boots with Lanzini folks... I'm sure my decision will bite me on the backside.