Scout Reports

Scouting the Doubles – The Attack

After casting on eye over the double Gameweek 33 Defences on Wednesday evening, we shift our attentions further up the field.

Crystal Palace’s chances of beating the drop are boosted by a pair of home encounters against Norwich and Everton. The Toffees, meanwhile, make their way to out-of-sorts Watford before rolling up to Selhurst Park on Wednesday evening.

As discussed in our first article, Palace (no clean sheets in 12) and Everton (a couple of shutouts in nine) have been defensively unconvincing in recent months. Whilst faith in their backlines is limited, the prospect of points in the final third looks a little more positive.

The Eagles have been somewhat hot and cold in their last few league fixtures. Although Pardew’s side have scored twice in three of their last five, it’s worth noting that all those fixtures were on the road – indeed, Palace haven’t scored more than one goal in each of the last eight in front of their own fans.

Nonetheless, the explosive potential offered by Yannick Bolasie (6.0) could be worth a flutter – particularly in light of a double Gameweek 34. Now fully recovered from injury, Bolasie looks an assured starter over the Eagles’ upcoming four fixtures and whilst a single assist in five is indicative of his inconsistency, the DR Congo has served up 10 and 15-point hauls at home already this season.

Passed fit in yesterday’s press conference, Yohan Cabaye’s (6.4) dominance of dead-ball duties may yet prove decisive, particularly with Pardew’s love of set-pieces. In addition, the Frenchman has already netted three penalties this season.

Connor Wickham is another fit-again option. Having produced back-to-back braces in his last two appearances, the 5.5-priced striker has missed the subsequent three but has since been declared available for the weekend. With four league fixtures over two Gameweeks, though, there has to be some questions over his pitch time as he’s eased back into action. Pardew is likely to retain his 4-2-3-1 set-up, though, and having talked up weekend scorer Dwight Gayle (5.1), the competition up front looks too close to call.

In midfield, Bakary Sako (5.0) bagged an assist last weekend but bearing in mind that was his first start since Gameweek 21, there has to be doubts over his consistency of starts. It’s a similar story for Jason Puncheon (5.5) and the 5.6-priced Emmanuel Adebayor (if fit), whilst Wilfried Zaha’s (5.2) minutes could be rationed after he was hauled off at the break last weekend.

For Everton, Romelu Lukaku (9.0) is the clear standout candidate.

The runaway favourite in this week’s Captain Poll, the Toffees top scorer has been transferred in by over 154,000 FPL managers and now sits in over 40% of sides.

Although the Merseysiders have failed to score in their last two, Lukaku’s away record is encouraging – only Harry Kane and Riyad Mahrez, with 12 strikes apiece, have bettered the Belgian’s nine goals on the road. Weekend hosts Watford have been as porous as Palace and served up two shut-outs in 14.

Along with Lukaku, Ross Barkley (7.1) is the only other player to start every league match for Martinez this term and offers a security of pitch time. His form is highly unconvincing, though – the playmaker has scored in just one of the last 16 Gameweeks, courtesy of a pair of penalties against Newcastle after first-choice spot-taker Lukaku was subbed off injured.

Aaron Lennon (5.6) is the best of the rest. He’s started the last seven and fired four goals and an assist over that period but Martinez’ history of rotating on the flanks over congested fixture schedules is a slight concern. With a 1% ownership level, the former Spurs wide man could be a canny differential, though the risk here is that a big display from Barkley, who sits in 32% of sides, would prove far more punishing to non-owners in terms of overall rank.

While it’s tempting to bank on Palace and Everton assets as providing cover for Gameweek 34’s double fixtures, we have to consider the likelihood of rotation.

The Eagles travel to Arsenal and United in the following week of fixtures, whilst Everton host Southampton before visiting Anfield for a Merseyside derby. Bearing in mind that the two clubs then face FA Cup semi-finals in the weekend directly after the midweek Gameweek 34 matches and it’s fair to say a degree of chopping and changing from both Pardew and Martinez could be on the cards to cope with the packed fixture list.

The Top Target

Romelu Lukaku – with 18 goals to his name, the Everton frontman is the third-top scorer in the Premier League. A guaranteed starter with spot-kick duties who squares up to two of the top-flight’s most out-of-sorts defences, it will be a brave Fantasy manager who decides against captaining Lukaku.

The Differentials

Yannick Bolasie – a total of 16 blanks in 21 appearances sums up the inconsistency on offer from Palace’s winger. If Pardew’s side are to prevail, though, Bolasie’s recent threat in and around the box may yet come to fruition.

Ross Barkley – a respectable eight goals and as many assists this season suggests we cannot write Barkley off. Too crucial for Martinez to drop, though his woeful recent form represents a gamble.

Aaron Lennon – since nailing down a starting role in Gameweek 24, the midfielder has outscored Lukaku by 45 points to 28. Whether he can maintain an abnormally high goal conversion rate and start all four fixtures is somewhat debatable but he looks a worthy punt.

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1,466 Comments Post a Comment
  1. S.Kuqi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Would be probably easier and less stressfull to post my fpl login details here and let community decide my wildcard team 🙁

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

      Why is it stressful, have fun with it.

      1. S.Kuqi
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Can't fit in all the players I want. That United defence and dgw33 players are my main problem

        1. Blame It On Rio-ddermorten
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Decide on the following:
          1) do I want both KDB and Sanchez?
          2) do I keep Kane?
          3) do I need Smalling?

          Assuming you have Aguero and Bellerin, you can't have all three, without compromising elsewhere. So pick two, and build your team around that.

          1. S.Kuqi
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            Thanks 🙂

  2. MDK
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Payet & Mahrez or Lanzini & KDB?

    1. Costa's Counsellor
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Probably the first one.

      I have Payet and KDB.

    2. La vida FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      In the exact same situation myself. Currently on the former but very tempted to transfer to the latter.

      What are you thinking?

      1. MDK
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        I've tried to predict the line-ups for the next few weeks and Mahrez is on the bench in a couple. Thinking given his single GW's that a move to KDB to pick up the extra fixtures and Lanzini as WH cover

        1. Blame It On Rio-ddermorten
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Who are your third striker? Will you play him over Mahrez?

          1. MDK
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            Currently on Martial, Lukaku and Aguero

            1. Blame It On Rio-ddermorten
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 6 months ago

              Tough benching decision both in 36 and 37, then (depending on rest of your midfield of course). Good luck!

    3. Blame It On Rio-ddermorten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I had the exact same dilemma. 99 % sure I'm going with Payet and Mahrez.

      1. La vida FPL
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Same. Safer option I think it could be a disaster letting go of Payet/Mahrez

  3. Jebiga
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    do you think lennon will play both games on gw33, gw34 and gw37 ?

    1. Meinhoff
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I think not

      1. Jebiga
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        how many he will play ? what do you think ?

        1. Meinhoff
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          4 or 5 starts in those 6 games imo

          1. Jebiga
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            thanks lord Savicevic ! 🙂

    2. Worzel Gummidge
        8 years, 6 months ago

        No.

    3. Pedram
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Which one is the best?

      A. Lennon
      B. Bolaise
      C. Lanzini

      1. chilli con kone
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        C

    4. chilli con kone
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Is there any midfielder for 7.1 or less that you would rather have than Mahrez till the end of the season?

      Or just stick with Riyad?

      1. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Possibly Wijnaldum.

      2. Meinhoff
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        I'd go for Barkley maybe if I was chasing, but probably smartest to keep Mahrez

      3. Jebiga
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        barkley !!! 3 dgw's

      4. chilli con kone
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks all

    5. TG-man
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Wildcarding for gw33 with a 100M budget, planning on using bench boost in gw34. Please help improve this team:

      Darlow Robles
      Bellerin Gabriel Sakho Dunn Jagielka
      KDB Sanchez Lingard Lanzini Milner
      Mitrovic Aguero Lukako

      0.0 in bank

      1. Costa's Counsellor
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        100m?

        Have you still got Hazard or something?

        1. TG-man
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Just lousy...

      2. Hooky
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Please don't tell me Richard Dunne is back?!

        1. TG-man
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Lol, Dann

    6. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Whos more nailed Clichy or Otamendi?

      1. chilli con kone
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Otamendi

    7. MartialMatas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Robles Darlow
      Bellerín Gabriel Lovren Otamendi Smalling
      Sánchez Bolasie Lennon Payet Coutinho
      Lukaku Sturridge Martial

      Will probably do Bolasie to Lingard for GWK 34

      What do you think?

      1. Trigg ⭐️
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Does getting DDG over Darlow and downgrading Smalling give you more free cash?

        1. MartialMatas
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah but I don't think there are any other defenders I want

      2. Tomlette Greggs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        no Manchester City attacking cover?

        1. MartialMatas
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          If Kompany is back I can do otamendi payet and bolasie to Kompany Lanzini and KDB

    8. Trigg ⭐️
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      0.4 left in my WC draft....

      A) Stick with Simpson
      B) Balls out, get Moreno and have 15 (potential) DGW players

      1. chilli con kone
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Stick

      2. mojoindojo
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        B

    9. La vida FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      My final decision.... Either

      A) Mahrez & Payet

      Or

      B) KDB & Lanzini

      I'm ahead in my cash money mini league so I shouldn't really be taking risks and it's probably in my benefit to stick with what the majority own. However, with a good few weeks I could break in to the top 10,000 and have my best finish yet.

      1. Mookty
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        B all the way for the DGWs

        1. La vida FPL
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Cheers.. I'm terrified of going Payetless. And even Mahrez less if that makes sense

      2. Gatsby
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Its a risk but a calculated one imo.

        Lanzini has potential to outscore Payet - at nearly half his price.

        KDB is in form and the only man capable of changing games for Man City, or Pellegrini's reputation 😉

    10. Geordienufc1
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      For this game week only, do we rate City or Leceister's CS chances higher. i.e. Otamendi or Fuchs?

      1. Clumsy Sakho
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Flip a coin

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

        City.

        1. Geordienufc1
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          I think so too. I'm the Community champion this week so I'm looking for either City or Leceister to round out my defence.

      3. Jazz!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Email your scout picks to Jonty before 2, sir!

        1. Geordienufc1
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Indeed I shall! Hence my reason for asking the above question 😛

      4. Worzel Gummidge
          8 years, 6 months ago

          City.

      5. Jose's Magic Omelette
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Lanzini or Antonio, who is most likely to drop to the bench for one of West Ham's DGW ties?

        1. Mookty
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          I'm buying Lanzini cos he is cheaper

          1. Jose's Magic Omelette
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            I have the funds to spare, don't want to end up with the one that only plays 90 next week.

            Antonio has been pushed to RB of late, does the return of Collins put him under threat or is he likely to be pushed further forward again with Lanzini missing out?

        2. Jazz!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Antonio

          1. Jose's Magic Omelette
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            Really, thanks? Was Lanzini injured a few weeks ago? He seems to have missed more games recently than Antonio.

            1. Gatsby
              • 13 Years
              8 years, 6 months ago

              Lanzini is just back from injury, wasn't serious.

              He's fit and ready to go. May get rotated slightly to keep him fresh but he's essential for West Ham (our luka modric)

              Antonio has looked tired, he's been overworked. Also plays out of position if Tomkins/Byram are out at RB. But his form is great, even at RB.

              It's a toss up really, Lanzini is cheaper so i've gone with him.

              1. Jose's Magic Omelette
                • 11 Years
                8 years, 6 months ago

                Thanks.

                Bryam is back, is he a threat or has Antonio got that RB spot nailed down do you think?

              2. Eskimooo
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 6 months ago

                lanzini injury was serious enough ......

      6. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Have seen a mate's WC team and he'll have 8 blankers in GW35!

        I'm saying nothing.

        And going to hell.

        1. Mookty
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          haha ditto!

        2. Geordienufc1
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          But at least you'll have won your 2015/16 minileague beforehand 😉

        3. Top 210 Club
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          LOL

        4. Trigg ⭐️
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          I'm similar, but hopefully my monster score in 34 will pay for a hit.

          Optimistic here!

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

          Perhaps its a bluff 😉

      7. BIG TONES
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Take a risk on:

        A) Darmian
        B) Rojo

        1. Slartibartfast
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          A

          1. Gatsby
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            Pray for Rojo

      8. Boydinho
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        KdB & Mitro over Firmino & Martial? Yey or Ney?

        1. Efan Ekoku Pops
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Yay from me.

        2. Mookty
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          ney but get Firminio as well

          1. Boydinho
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            Firmino in will mean Smalling -> Klose

        3. Gatsby
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Neigh

          I like KDB & Martial if possible to free the funds for it.

      9. Sif
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Havn't actually done a RMWCT yet so here it is, fairly template.

        Mignotet,Robles
        Bellerin, Gabriel, Darmian, Lovren, Simpson
        Sanchez, KDB, Coutinho, Payet, Lennon
        Aguero, Lukkaku, Martial.

        0.2itb
        Biggest concerns are abviously game time of Darmian, Gabriel & Lennon.
        Just hoping for starts from the defenders and 120+mins overall from Lennon

        1. TheBabyfacedAssassin
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Good team. TV?

      10. Mr. O'Connell
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Due to limited budget strikers I'm considering Defoe (saves a transfer down the line and decent fixture in 34 (Norwich)). Thoughts?

        1. Miro
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          I'd rather have Deeney.
          Deeney -> Defoe in 35.

      11. TheBabyfacedAssassin
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        A) Smalling and Delaney
        B) Mangala and Darmian

        1. Trigg ⭐️
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          A for the safety.

        2. MartialMatas
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          A
          Rumours Kompany will be back soon and Darmian isnt nailed

      12. Mitts1411
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        What are people thinking on triple captain?

        I am lining up bench boost next week so could triple captain Lukaku this week or pick someone from GW 37.

        Any thoughts chaps?

        I don't trust Lukaku enough but can't call who to go for in GW 37....

      13. Captain Vantastic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Kompany back

        1. Meinhoff
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Oh ffs, really?
          I have to get a City def now

        2. Jose's Magic Omelette
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Link?

      14. Chungwit
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Arghhahahahah. Is Monreal as good as nailed on to start both games in the double? Could do with the 0.2 saved vs Bellerin.

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

          No.

        2. Jose's Magic Omelette
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          No, keep Bellerin. Monreal was rested during the Christmas fixtures.

      15. George James
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Keep seeing and hearing that Coutinho will not start the match against Bournemouth on Sunday. He would then play in the Europa return leg next week for sure then become another rotation risk for next weekend.

        With this in mind what is better

        A) Coutinho + Lanzini

        B) Payet + Iwobi

      16. EWH2020
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Any suggestions welcome on this lot! Thanks 🙂

        Darlow, Robles
        Sakho, Bellerin, Gabriel, Smalling, Delaney
        Sanchez, Coutinho, Firmino, Payet, Lingard
        Martial, Lukaku, Aguero

        1. DGWjegy
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          did you copied my draft 😉 ? that's exacly what i am having

      17. The 12th Man
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Coleman + Lanzini or Delaney + Payet?

        Think I'm siding with the former and getting Payet in after his blank.

        1. The 12th Man
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Plus the extra cash allows for Bolasie > Firmino in 34.

      18. DGWjegy
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        who is your liverpool and arsenal players?

        Bellerin,Gabriel,Sanchez
        Coutinho,Firmino,Sakho

        1. Boydinho
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Same. But may pick KdB over Firmino though.

        2. Mr. O'Connell
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          yep those 6

        3. Blame It On Rio-ddermorten
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Same, except firmino -> Mignolet

      19. NATSTER
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Oh.. I just know that I posted incorrect WC team with the wrong striker earlier.

        0.0 ITB. How is this one?

        Robles - Darlow
        Bellerin - Darmian - Sakho - Moreno - Simpson/Souare
        Sanchez - Ozil - KDB - Coutinho - Payet
        Lukaku - Aguero - Mitrovic

      20. zakard
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        hi all,
        Kane > Lukaku ?

        1. Boydinho
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Kane is better, right

      21. Hooky
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Anyone know when the pressers are?

        1. Anathallo
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          You posted them earlier! Check hot topics...

      22. nkhoughton
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        A) DDG Robles Smalling
        B Robles Schmeichel 6.1M
        C Robles GK??? DF??? 11.9M

      23. WhatsInAName
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        So how does this look? My final WC team (I hope!)
        -------------------------------
        DDG - Darlow

        Bellerin - Sakho - Jagielka - Gabriel - Simpson

        Sanchez - KDB - Payet - Firmino - Lingard

        Lukaku - Aguero - Mitrovic
        --------------------------------

        0.5 ITB - I could upgrade Sakho to Clyne. Or upgrade Gabriel to someone more nailed on? Can't think of who - maybe Reid?

        Pls let me know what you think. All help priceless at this undecisive moment!

        Thank you!

        1. Boydinho
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Lingard a risk IMO, but at 4.3 a good risk