Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Champions League Tuesday

A Trent Alexander-Arnold free-kick grabs the attention, but it is keeper Simon Mignolet who deserves the plaudits as Liverpool win 2-1 at Hoffenheim in their Champions League play-off match.

And a pre-season match after the start of the league campaign? Man City travel to Spain for just that.

Rotation? What rotation?

Jurgen Klopp named an unchanged side, and even the same bench, for the trip to Hoffenheim, which suggests that rotation might be a factor for Saturday’s visit of Crystal Palace.

It also highlights the slenderness of a Liverpool squad that is now well placed to be involved in plenty more high-level midweek European matches before Christmas.

That could have ramifications in both the short and long term.

The front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah were prominent in Germany, but they will struggle to maintain their brand of pacey, high-pressing intensity if required to play twice a week for the foreseeable future.

A late Hoffenheim goal kept the tie alive, making it very difficult for Klopp to consider resting players in the second leg – even with a visit from Arsenal coming just four days later.

The attacking trio are far and away the most popular Liverpool players in Fantasy Premier League, with all enjoying more than 20% ownership. Something will likely have to give at some point, be it form or fatigue.

Neither scenario is attractive for their FPL owners.

Two full-backs, one star

A pair of 4.5-priced full-backs, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alberto Moreno, took to the field against the Germans, and the former had a night to remember.

The young right-back continues to deputise for the injured Nathaniel Clyne. He’s also growing in stature as a set-piece taker and opened the scoring with a fine free-kick.

There’s a lot to love about a full-back with so much potential for goals and assists – particularly at that price – but the chance of clean sheet points is another matter entirely.

Liverpool’s defence managed 12 shut-outs last season. On the evidence of the first two matches of this campaign, they’ll struggle to surpass that modest sum.

Having conceded three goals at Watford, they could easily have done the same in Germany, relying on the profligacy of their hosts and a superb display from goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who saved a penalty amid a range of excellent stops.

Moreno continues to look the weakest link in a porous backline and even the sainted Alexander-Arnold was at fault for Hoffenheim’s goal, appealing for an offside instead of getting on with the rather more pressing matter of stopping Mark Uth from getting in on goal unopposed.

The youngster, currently owned by just 2.7% in FPL and also boasting a share of corners, has very tempting attacking credentials at such a knock-down price, but Liverpool are some way short of impressive as a defensive unit.

Milner still out of position

One player Klopp could have used to shore up the Reds’ leaky left flank was James Milner.

Having impressed as a left-back while classified as a midfielder in FPL last season, the former England international ironically now seems destined for a midfield role now he’s down as a defender this year.

That could be an advantage to us – if he gets the pitch-time.

Milner only came on for the last half an hour in Germany as a straight swap in midfield for Jordan Henderson. On Saturday, against Watford, he played the last five minutes in place of Salah.

Klopp himself has stated that Milner is like having a new signing in midfield, which is just as well when Adam Lallana is injured and Philippe Coutinho determined to leave.

With specialist left-backs Moreno and new man Andrew Robertson – who is yet to even make the matchday squad for the Reds – at his disposal, the manager has so far been true to his word regarding the veteran.

Should Milner also snatch back penalty-taking duties, he could be a steal, even at 6.5, for an out of position defender.

But for now, that seems unrealistic. He’s currently an expensive bit-part player, albeit one who provided an assist for Liverpool’s second goal in Germany.

Firmino on form, not fire

A generous 8.5 FPL price has prompted 23.7% of managers to go with Firmino up front, and he provided an immediate reward with a penalty against Watford last weekend.

In Germany, he showed his creative talents, dropping deep to play Mane and Salah into the space that he created.

But as a striker, he was limited to just the one big chance on the night, while his attacking team-mates were given, and squandered, rather more goalscoring opportunities.

The Brazilian supplied two goals (one from the spot) and three assists in pre-season and his role is more facilitator than finisher.

His price remains attractive, but 8.5 is still a lot of money for a man who could end up with more assists than goals this season, particularly if Milner does start looming again as a spot-kick alternative.

City get a random run-out

The first Tuesday after the start of a long and gruelling new campaign is the perfect time to be travelling to Spain for a friendly – if you’re Pep Guardiola.

Man City’s entire first-team squad – minus Kyle Walker for personal reasons – boarded the plane for Girona and many got a run-out in what the club span as ‘an intensive training camp’.

Four City players – Douglas Luiz, Aleix Garcia, Pablo Maffeo and Marlos Moreno – are on loan at La Liga side Girona, which also happens to be owned by Guardiola’s brother, Pere, and City are reportedly considering making an investment in the Spanish club.

Add all that up and an interestingly timed post-pre-season pre-season friendly was the result.

Guardiola again went with a three-man defence that included Tosin Adarabioyo, John Stones and Eliaquim Mangala – with Danilo and Leroy Sane taking up the wing-back roles.

Meanwhile, new signing Bernardo Silva also started and fellow midfielder Ilkay Gundogan was given a 20-minute run-out as he returned from a knee injury that has kept him out for eight months.

The match also provided both Yaya Toure and Raheem Sterling – the latter playing up front – with some extra pitch-time. Gabriel Jesus was brought on for the last 20 minutes.

New arrival Benjamin Mendy was included in the squad as he steps up his recovery from a thigh complaint but the former Monaco left-back was not even named on the bench, suggesting that he will be eased into contention by his manager.

City lost 1-0, in case you were wondering.

1,566 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Afghanistanislas
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Zaha to Atsu and Willian to Mkhitaryan a good move? Would have 0.9 left ITB

    1. Afghanistanislas
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Willian to Mkhi could be this week or next week

    2. JRM
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Doesn't make sense to get rid of Willian yet IMO. Best Chelsea player at the weekend and Hazard won't be back until September, it seems. I really rate Willian. Good value right now for sure.

      If you wasn't to free up funds for Mkhitaryan, maybe look somewhere else.

      1. JRM
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        If you want*

  2. kalmoffit
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone looking at Calvert Lewin, who helped Rooney to his good start on Saturday? Could be a useful enabler.

    1. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Worth looking into, but minutes are by no means certain

      1. Collie01
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Have him on my bench. Siggy going to Everton mightn't be good for his already uncertain minutes.

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      A striker playing WB? Wouldn't touch with a barge pole.

      1. DantheManinaPan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Never even realised he was playing wing back....
        Not a good move in my eyes. Having watched him at Sheffield United, I assumed he'd just be a striker, or in the 2 just behind...
        Wouldn't get now I know this

        1. Third Eye Vision
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          He played wingback in first half. He was our main outlet for getting the ball forward. It didn't really work out, although he did assist the goal from wide on the right. Switched to striker in second and half looked much more promising.
          Koeman obviously rates him given the amount of gametime he gives him.

          1. Third Eye Vision
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            *second half and...

  3. Fantasy Football Friend!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    What's up with Willian?

    1. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      He's a good pick. Was Chelsea's best player vs Burnley. Probably wouldn't buy if you don't already have him because fixtures + Hazard, but wouldn't dream of selling him

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        I did... My need for Mhkitaryan got the better of me

  4. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Ffs I just know whoever I pick out of Atsu and Ritchie will be the wrong choice... I pick Atsu, Ritchie will get a penalty and an assist from a corner. I pick Ritchie, he gets involved in shit all for several games and Atsu scores four from open play...

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      OK, ive got Ritchie so choose Atsu

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Not exactly confidence inspiring 😉

      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Ya ya, what this man said.

    2. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I have both and would probably bench Atsu for Dawson/Mee!

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Another strike against Atsu...

    3. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I've got Atsu so pick Ritchie 😉

      Honestly though, could you use that 1m somewhere else?

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Not until I downgrade KDB at some point if he continues like this, really. That extra 1 mil doesn't help me out of the quagmire that is the third striker option, and the 4th mid and defence I'm happy with :/ Then again, you never know...

    4. FULLSERVICECOVER
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Go with your gut,and have some faith negative nelly.

    5. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Relax. It's just a game.

      Frustrating, yes. But you need to choose and live with it.

    6. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks for the encouragement everyone... Looks like a decision that I might just toss a coin for 😉

  5. Captain Vantastic™
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Another episode leaked what is happening?!?!?

  6. Collie01
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Any issues with my team or is it gtg?

    Foster
    Bailly, Yoshida, Daniels, Dunk
    KDB, Mane, Mhki, Ritchie
    Kane, Lukaku

    (Elliot, Calvert-Lewin, Carroll, 4.0)

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      yes

    2. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Main issue is that you're committed to playing Dunk every game. But so am I for the next couple.

      1. Collie01
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Yep, my bench/rotation options are a bit limited. Will chose between Dunk and Carroll for GW3, don't want to play Carroll vs Utd this week.

    3. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Have you made transfers?

  7. Tabbara
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on getting miki and ward to replace danilo and zaha
    Can t find a decent 7.0 replacement for him
    Thx

  8. DoobNoob
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Hey guys,

    haven't made any transfers yet, save the free transfer or any pressing needs?

    Begovic / Elliot
    Jones / Danilo / Cedric / 4m / 4m
    KDB / Salah / Mkhi / Willian / Erikson
    Lukaku / Mounie / Chicharito

    1. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      who are your 4m def? coz Danilo seems not nailed enuf

    2. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Gtg.

      That midfield though.

    3. ⚽️ Barry Chocolate ⚽…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      any GW hits taken?

    4. Intinny
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Very nice. Similar to my team but I had Quaner instead of Mounie

    5. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Savage team! I'd save , sort Danillo and one of the £4.0M def next week

  9. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Got an OK score of 66 pts for GW1 - would you leave my team as it is or any changes?

    Foster
    Bertrand Kola Daniels
    Mane Ritchie Chalobah Willian
    jesus Kane Kaku

    Elliot, caroll, Mee, Honeymonster

    1. Neevesy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Stick it out.

  10. Neevesy
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Am I an idiot?

    Holding - Jones
    Zaha - Mkhi
    Redmond - Atsu

    for a -8.

    1. Captain Vantastic™
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Yes.

      Do it.

    2. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Big hits. No

  11. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Which to bench?

    A Atsu
    B JWP
    C Danilo

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      A

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      * 1 to bench

  12. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Zaha to ?

    KDB Salah Atsu Carroll Zaha*
    Kane Lukaku Firmino

    1 FT, 0 cash

    A Rambo
    B Tadic
    C JWP
    D RLC (bank 2.5 mil, maybe for KDB to Sanchez gw 3)

    1. ZakyJ
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      as you will see from below, i am thinking A or D but for you i think A. or your Midfield could be too week with Atsu/Carrol and RLC

    2. Keep Calm and Play On
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Same boat here...I thinking Rambo if I don't want to take a hit, he got in good positions last game. My dilemma is if i want to take a hit to get in another big hitter...see below.

    3. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I'm currently on D, lets me do KDB to Sanchez like you or Fraser to Pogba/Son

  13. ZakyJ
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Ok still going over this Zaha transfer, looks like ill have to move him today/maybe tomorrow before transfer drop:

    1 straight swap for ramsey or someone else between 4.5m and 7m

    or

    2 Swap for RLC (i have Carrol). This would give me 2.5 itb

    I could upgrade another position sufficiently. Which mostly looks like JRodriguez > Firminio. Was hoping to do it next week but firminio might increase in price this week.

    I dont really know if there is anyone else that interesting to upgrade Jay to and if i went ramsey id be stuck with Jay (who seemed to play well but is still a WBA attacker)

  14. Keep Calm and Play On
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    1)
    Kane>Aguero
    DeBruyne>Eriksen/Alli
    Zaha>Mkhit

    or

    2)
    Kane>Lacazette/Jesus
    Zaha>Mkhit

    Which one folks?

    1. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      2

    2. ZakyJ
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      dont get rid of Kane

      1. ZakyJ
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        especially not for a loss of points

      2. Keep Calm and Play On
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        That's my dilemma lol my current team I have coverage of all the major sides who i expect to score, can't have all the top scorers but I'm just kicking myself for having Mkhit in my team ahead of Lukaku and changing it last minute

        1. ZakyJ
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          who is your thirrd striker?

          1. Keep Calm and Play On
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            firmino

  15. henryleeds
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Kompany + Zaha > Pogba + Jones ??

  16. Metamorph
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Her guys, here's a different one.... my girlfriend has been an utter fool and accidentally played her "free hit" chip when only wanting to do 1 transfer... So I am trying to build a team for her to score high for this weekend only! Currently set on;

    Forster
    Yoshida, Jones, TAA
    Tadic, Mhiki, KDB, Mane
    Mounie, Lukaku, Aguero

    Any other suggestions welcome on who will score big this weekend!? PS. She's a Saints fan hence the need for full Saints coverage...

    1. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Looks decent. In your situation, I'd just load up on some teams and hope they perform well for this gameweek.

      Prob pick something like
      Foster
      Jones Yoshida Cedric
      Mkhi, Mane, Wjiakum, KDB
      Lukaku, Firmino, Mounie

      Don't even know what price that comes to.

    2. Bilbao Baggins
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Hey. I'm pretty sure she can just cancel the chip she has used. You cannot cancel wildcard but you can cancel chips. So hopefully no need for the team you posted.

    3. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Cancel the chip - should take you back to where you were

      1. Metamorph
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks guys! So... I thought that was possible but I couldn't seem to be able to do it, I just checked on my own and it says "Please note: Free Hit cannot be cancelled once confirmed." .....

    4. Bilbao Baggins
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Yeh I just seen that .. sorry man afraid you can't then

  17. Harmonica1967
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Feeling a bit stuffed here after Fab suspension and Zaha's likely injury. This is my potential team for gw2 right now:

    Forster
    Bertrand-Ake-Dunk-Mee-TAA
    KdB-Ritchie
    Kane-Lukaku (c)- Firmino

    Bench: Elliot, Carroll, Fab (RC), Zaha (injured).

    5/6 of my defense/gk are playing middling oppostion at home (Dunk the exception; Leicester away). Had been planning on holding the FT this week but Zaha has probably killed that. Would rather not take a -4 this early, but I'd debate it for the right change. Any suggestions? Was debating Zaha to Gross this week which frees up enough for Fab to Siggurdsson next week (assuming he won't start this weekend).

    1. The Cherry Picker
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Fab and Zaha
      Mhki and Xhaka?

  18. ludaslol
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Foster
    Alonso Stephens Jones
    Alli KDB Pogba Zaha
    Firmino Lukaku Gabbi

    Elliot, TC, TAA, Rosenoir

    1) Stay put, play TAA & have 2 FT next week with more info
    2) Get out Zaha for Atsu/Mooy/?
    3) tips appreciated

  19. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Draft just updated

  20. Cak Juris
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Choose one for bench:
    A. Willian (tot)
    B. Lowe (NEW)
    C. Atsu (hud)

    1. The Cherry Picker
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      B

  21. Suejiron
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Who to bench this week?

    1.Alonso vs Tottenham (A)
    2.Lowe vs Newcastle(H)
    3.Dawson vs Burnley (A)

    1. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      2

    2. The Cherry Picker
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      2

  22. Harper (No more Penandes)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Will TAA keep his place in the side do you reckon?

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Until Clyne is back I think

  23. The Cherry Picker
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Any advice?
    De Gea
    Bertrand Kompany Kola Daniels
    Willian Fraser KDB
    Firmino Kane Lukaku

    Elliot RLC Carroll Hune
    1FT 0ITB

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Save ft g2g

  24. Sterling Chap
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Happy new season everybody! So what would you do with these lot...

    Forster
    Daniels Yoshida Danilo
    KDB Zaha Iwobi Willian
    Firmino Lukaku Kane
    Elliot Long Carroll Suttner
    0.5ITB / 1FT

    I'm thinking Zaha > Mooy for the next couple of fixtures and not deal with Iwobi for now.

    Yay or nay?

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Yep Zaha has to go

  25. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Save ft or anything worth a transfer?

    De gea
    Mee TAA Stephens
    KDB Eriksen Salah Fraser
    Jesus Lukkau(c) Gabbi

    Elliot Dann T.Carrol Rosenior

    Cheers

  26. Sterling is £11Mill..…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    I hate those Nivea Liverpool adverts!

  27. White Hart Kane
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    If you played your WC this week what team would you put together?

    1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Kane - Mounie - Benteke (C)
      Son - Alli - Mkhi - Mane
      Kolasinac - Jones - Zonka
      Lossl
      (Ryan, Atsu, Mee, Mbemba)

  28. Captain Roberto
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    What's Zaha ever actually done?

  29. Waxys
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    ppl are overthinking this game too much.

    Just pick the players u think will do well and make transfers based on form and fixtures and make ur captain pick based on fixtures too.

    Play the chips as follows

    Wildcard 1 when he squd needs it or hesvty hitters have appeared speared usually played before the international break

    Wildcard 2 around Christmas and build tour bench

    Free hit during blank weeks

    Double captain whoever has the best form and fixtures during a DGW

    Bench boost during a crash DGW

    That simple to do well tbh i use this system every year and have great results.

    1. Waxys
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Wrong article