Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Carabao Cup – Tuesday

Pep Guardiola stuns us all by starting both of his strikers against Wolves. Phil Jones is fit enough for the Man United bench ahead of a massive weekend clash with Spurs and Bournemouth might just have found a new old solution up front.

Elsewhere, Riyad Mahrez continues to find form as Leicester City win again, Arsenal turn to the kids and Crystal Palace are at their woeful worst.

Here are the notes from a night of Carabao Cup action full of talking points…

Guardiola’s striking selections

It all seemed so simple – whoever Pep Guardiola used as his starting striker against Wolves was likely to be benched for Saturday’s trip to West Brom.

Maybe he wouldn’t even pick a striker. Maybe he’d play a false nine. Or a youth teamer.

What none of us saw was Pep playing both of his regular frontmen. So that’s exactly what he did.

Sergio Aguero – he of the 245,000+ new managers this Gameweek – and Gabriel Jesus (who’s lost nearly 175,000 of them) both started. Against Wolves. In the Carabao Cup.

And after 120 minutes of exciting but goalless fare, the Argentinian was still on the pitch and scoring the winning penalty in a shoot-out.

Throw in the fact that the 14.8%-owned Raheem Sterling was another to start and finish City’s midweek marathon and the ramifications for any number of Fantasy managers could be huge.

Aguero, now owned by 14.1%, has played 195 minutes in four days. It now seems unlikely that he will be starting all of Man City’s next three fixtures – the Baggies match, a trip to Napoli in the Champions League and then a visit from Arsenal – over the week and a half to come before the final international break of the year.

As for the 21.4%-owned Jesus, the fact he ‘only’ played 82 minutes last night to follow up a 14-minute cameo in the 3-0 win over Burnley would suggest he’s in pole position to lead the line this weekend at The Hawthorns.

And owners of Sterling will now be hoping that his zero minutes against the Clarets stands him in good stead for The Hawthorns.

But this is Guardiola we’re talking about.

So the only thing we know for sure is that the Fantasy managers who’ve made the Argentinian the most popular transfer target and the Brazilian the most sold player heading into Gameweek 10, may now be ruing their early moves in the market.

A number of City’s other well-owned assets also featured on the night.

Kevin De Bruyne (19.6%) replaced Jesus, Leroy Sane (12.9%) and Kyle Walker (14.6%) came on in extra time and John Stones (9.6%) was introduced after 90 minutes.

Ilkay Gundogan, meanwhile, played the full tie, but Guardiola revealed post-match that the midfielder had ‘finished with some problems’ and would be assessed today.

However, the German seemed to allay any concerns post-match by suggesting via social media that he is “well”.

All rather clearer for United

If City’s match was all about who played, Man United’s 2-0 win at Swansea City was rather more notable for the one that didn’t.

The presence of Phil Jones on the bench for Jose Mourinho’s men was great news for his 10.6% ownership after the centre-back limped off in the first half of United’s weekend loss at Huddersfield.

Jones was an unused substitute at the Liberty Stadium, but Mourinho was optimistic on the availability of his defender post-match.

“There were no injuries either, so it is a good day. I believe that Phil Jones will be fit for Saturday against Tottenham, but apart from that I have no news.”

Jesse Lingard followed up his first league start of the season at the weekend with a star turn last night, scoring both of the goals for United. Assists came from Marcus Rashford and Matteo Darmian.

Regular starters Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic were handed 23-minute run-outs from the bench.

As for Swansea, their defensive resources were stretched that much thinner when the side’s only specialist left-back, Martin Olsson, had to leave the field with a hamstring injury.

Post-match, Paul Clement conceded he’s uncertain on the extent of the Swede’s injury, with Kyle Naughton or Sam Clucas set to deputise should he miss out.

A move to the left flank for Naughton could see Angel Rangel – at just 3.9 in FPL – take up the right-back role. The veteran was named captain last night and played the full 90 minutes. He could be tasked with silencing a rejuvenated Alexis Sanchez on Saturday.

Up front, though, Tammy Abraham was limited to just 18 minutes off the bench ahead of a weekend trip to Arsenal.

Wilson makes timely return

Bournemouth’s 3-1 win over Middlesbrough came courtesy of a goal and an assist from returning striker Callum Wilson.

The forward had been out since January with a knee injury, and his performance will have heartened boss Eddie Howe.

The Cherries have struggled for goals this season – they’ve managed just six in nine league outings – and both Jermain Defoe (hamstring) and Josh King (illness) sat out last night’s match.

A visit from Chelsea awaits Howe’s men this Saturday, but after that their schedule improves hugely – new HUD swa BUR SOT cry.

Wilson, at 5.9, could be the answer to both Bournemouth’s frontline and our own budget third striker issues – if he can build on his excellent return, that is.

Debutant Jack Simpson and Benik Afobe, who has failed to find the net in seven league appearances this season, were also on the scoresheet, with assists coming from Simpson and Ryan Fraser.

Mahrez in fine form

More than a quarter of a million managers attempted to tap into Leicester City’s recent improved schedule by buying Jamie Vardy (14.4%).

But it has been Riyad Mahrez who has been the class act.

While Vardy has endured three successive league blanks, the Algerian has produced a goal and two assists from his last two matches and followed that up with another strike in the Foxes’ 3-1 win over Leeds last night.

The midfielder only came on after 65 minutes, while Vardy managed a mere nine, leaving others to do much of the work in a second straight win for caretaker boss Michael Appleton.

Kelechi Iheanacho opened the scoring and then set up the second for Islam Slimani, before Mahrez sealed the deal with a trademark individual effort.

Reports suggest ex-Southampton manager Claude Puel will be in the Leicester hot seat sooner rather than later, so Iheanacho’s performance looked particularly timely if a new broom sweeps through the first team.

But neither of the side’s star turns are likely to be dropped by whoever is in charge, and the club’s fine fixtures – only visits from Man City and Spurs look truly tough through to Gameweek 18 – and Mahrez’s form mark him out as a 3.8%-owned differential in the making.

Elsewhere…

Crystal Palace’s shock 2-1 win over Chelsea in Gameweek 8 is already starting to feel like ancient history as Roy Hodgson’s men were beaten 4-1 at Bristol City.

Admittedly, the Eagles’ boss made 10 changes from the team that faced Newcastle last weekend, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek – their most-owned player at 5.5% – staking a claim for a first-tem berth by supplying the assist for Bakary Sako’s opener.

Bristol equalised almost immediately and then ran away with the tie, leaving Palace to concentrate on a league schedule that looks very inviting, but must be offset by the side’s woeful lack of form and confidence.

Arsene Wenger sent out a standard Arsenal Carabao Cup side of bit-part players and youth teamers against Norwich City and came horribly close to coming unstuck as a result.

The Frenchman made 11 changes to the team who beat Everton 5-2 on Sunday, but had to rely on teenage substitute Eddie Nketiah to spare his blushes with a late equaliser and an extra-time winner in the 2-1 victory.

Assists came from Francis Coquelin and Mohamed Elneny.

1,166 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Bench one:

    A. Bertrand
    B. Yoshida
    C. Trippier

    Thanks

    1. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Who else do you have?!

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Elliot
        Bertrand Otamendi Yoshida Trippier
        Salah Sterling Choupo-Moting
        Vardy Kane Aguero

        Foster Richarlison Carroll Gamez

        1. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Yoshi then.

          1. Limbo
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            I'd always play Bertrand over Yoshida

        2. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          P.S. Im assuming you'll play Richarlison this week?

          1. FCSB
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            yes richarlison will be starting, just trying to figure out who he'll replace - thanks!!

        3. meerlight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          you should seriously consider playing richarlison over CM

          And bench yoshi

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      One of the Saints.

    3. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      C

    4. aleksios
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      A

    5. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      C

  2. thomashl
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Best def at 5.2 or less? Jones out of reach unfortunately

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Cedric, Daniels.

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Daniels, Burnley defence, Brighton defence, Gomez and maybe kiko but Watford aren’t good defensivwly

      1. aleksios
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        +1

    3. tokara
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      brighton burnley

      1. meerlight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        +newcastle

    4. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Dunk and Lascelles IMO

    5. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      4.5 defender

  3. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Would love Wilson to find form and get a starting place in the next couple of weeks

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Waste of a striker spot in FPL terms. Hope he does well IRL.

  4. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Would you play Jones (TOT) or Mee (NEW) this week?

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Mee imo

    2. tokara
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      mee

    3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Mee.

    4. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      #Meetoo

    5. LC1
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Mee

    6. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Jones

    7. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      You

    8. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks all!

    9. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Mee

    10. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Mee

    11. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Mee

  5. fr3d
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Thinking longterm, Sterling->Salah for -4 worth it?

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Could bite this week. Sterling playing some good stuff. Rather do it for free and reduce any massive points swing.

      1. fr3d
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Sucks if he doesn't play though

    2. Deano
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Both would be great, any other mid you can make Salah?

      1. fr3d
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Eriksen. But Sterling likely to be benched

        1. Deano
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          I’d prefer Sterling to Eriksen for the short term. Sterling benched is a furphy.

  6. Deano
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    So Kun to Jesus for -4 is a no brainer then?

    1. FPL_Hazards
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      no

    2. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Don't

    3. KingoftheRunts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Nope

    4. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Haha

    5. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Haha. Definition of chasing your tail.

  7. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    What's a Carabao?

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      A water buffalo

  8. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Who to captain?

    1) Aguero
    2) Kane
    3) Coutinho
    4) Silva
    5) Vardy

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Currently on Ageuro with Kane VC

    2. Garlana
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      As an aguero owner, after he player 120 mins last night I need some reassurement from pep that he will play in order to even consider captaining him.

      1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        I was thinking have a strong VC but still not set yet...

      2. KingoftheRunts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        +1

    3. aleksios
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      3

    4. jia you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I'm on my new signing 3)

  9. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Better option for the short to medium term?

    A) Salah & Luiz

    B) Sterling & Richarlison

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      If you have the funds A

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Have Coutinho, Silva & Jesus.
        Can sell Sterling for Salah this week or get Richarlison.

        1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          hmm Salah if funds are good, Rich if not

    2. aleksios
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      a

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Have Coutinho, Silva & Jesus.

        So will have to Sterling to Salah.

  10. KingoftheRunts
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    What do we reckon the % chance of Aguero starting is?

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      50-50

    2. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      90%

    3. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      5/4

  11. stat
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Elliot
      Alonso, Kolasinac, Mee, Jones
      Sterling, Silva, Ritchie, Salah (C)
      Aguero, Lukaku

      Fabianski, RLC, Abraham, Mbemba

      A) Save, and hope that Sterling plays
      B) Sterling -> Richarlison and bring in Kane next GW
      C) Alonso -> Dunk, Sterling -> Coutinho for a 4 pt hit and bring in Kane next GW

      1. aleksios
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        A

        1. stat
            6 years, 5 months ago

            The issue with that is there's a chance neither Sterling nor Aguero will start, so my team will be significantly weaker. By getting rid of Sterling that's one less player to worry about that might not start.

            1. _figu
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 5 months ago

              Yup. B for me

        2. meerlight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Save the transfer

      2. Grade: Alpha
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Had a dream yesterday. Kane running at full throttle to deliver a vicious out-swinger towards DeGea who nicks the ball towards the slips to be caught by Alli.
        Kane goal, Alli assist confirmed.

      3. DVassell
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        I'm worried about rotation and having an awful bench- anything I can do here or do I just keep calm and hope for the best this weekend?

        ___________Elliot_________
        Monreal____Jones____Dunk
        Sterling_Silva_Gross_Coutinho
        Jesus____Morata(c)____Kane

        Subs: Krul, RLC, Naughton, Mbemba

        0 itb

        1. aleksios
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Keep calm.

        2. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Keep calm. Long term upgrade Mbemba to a playing def. 🙂 (Maybe Monreal to Ward, Mbemba to Yedlin for when Arsenal fixtures turn)

        3. meerlight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          worrying won't help. Stay calm.

      4. aleksios
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Best combo here guys?

        Alonso-Jones-Suttner-xxxx-xxx
        Silva-Salah-Gross-King-xxx

        a) Naughton-Duffy-Richarlison (3-4-3)
        b) 5.0def-Bavies-4.5mid (4-3-3)

        Thanks all.

        1. Naboo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          A

        2. _figu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          A

        3. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          A

      5. Naboo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        On WC - current team (rotates between 352/343)

        Elliot - Speroni
        Ota - Jones - Azpi - Ward - Fernandez
        Silva - Salah (C) - Richarlison - Zaha - Groß
        Aguero - Kane (VC) - Abraham

        Question is...

        A) go Aguero and accept possible cameo or Jones off the bench this week
        B) switch to Jesus (C) leaving me 11.8 to bring Aguero in next week

        1. aleksios
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          A

        2. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          It's anyone's guess. But it's possible Aguero plays and Jesus doesn't. So this is way too hokey a move.

        3. meerlight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          If you want aguero for the medium term then go with what you've got. Don't make a decision based on this week only

      6. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Atsu to Richarlison worth a -4? could play RLC also?

        1. aleksios
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          No for a hit

          1. Limbo
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            Agreed. Play RLC.

        2. fr3d
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Worth it imo.

      7. stat
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Who will score more points this week?

          A) Coutinho vs HUD
          B) Richarlison vs STK

          1. The Left Duke #3
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            A but both great options

        • The Left Duke #3
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          On a WC, which 2 MC attacking assets should I bring in to accompany Otamendi?

        • New Article Posted
        • Ode
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Is it too risky to captain Aguero now when he played the whole match?

        • FPL ZB
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Would you rather have:

          a) Richarlison Lukaku
          b) Sterling Morata
          c) Sterling Lukaku

          1. Naboo
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            A

        • GST
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Anyone playing their FREE HIT chip ??

          I have potentially 4 non-playing assets, tempted to take a punt.

        • 7Hells
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Bought him in GW 3 & not looked back. Watched him in games & better than i thought bar recent poor finishes. Will keep for now, not many better for 6 mil plus a bit of fun never hurt.

        • czechow
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Is anyone captaining him this gameweek?

        • Under The Kosc-ielney
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          With Lukaku's price possibly falling tonight, City's rotation woes, and Vardy looking well off the pace ..... and my defense in shambles.... WHAT MAKES SENSE?

          A. Lukaku/ Sterling/ Davies ----} Kun/ Mahrez/ Jones (-8)
          or
          B. Vardy/ D. Silva/ Zanka ----} Kun or Jesus/ Gross/ Ward (-8)
          or
          C. Back away from the keyboard
          or
          D. Your brilliant suggestion
          or
          E. All of the above

          1. Licious Lizard
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            Posted under wrong article.

            Don't like any of those moves