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. The Odd Man
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    My last wildcard dilemma:
    A) Kane - Lennon - Lingard
    B) Martial - Firmino - Lingard
    C) Mitrovic - Firmino - Lennon
    (already have Coutinho btw)

    1. Amateur Pundit Zan
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      C

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

      A is tempting, I'd have liked to have kept Kane.

      But if you want to go for it, C.

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

    I posted this a couple of days ago ...

    If I go with 15 DGW players, I'd hope (fingers crossed!) to outscore a more conservative rival by 12 points.

    This would leave me light in GW35, but I will hopefully save a FT and can then make 3 transfers for GW35 for -4. This should get me a good team for that week.

    Result: A NET gain of 8 points and a fun DGW34 😎

  3. Odikostar
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    That god damn ancle

  4. JamesFG
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    A) Mahrez + Lanzini
    B) Lennon + Bolasie

    1. Amateur Pundit Zan
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      A to keep, b with both transferred out 34/35,could work though

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

    So, Silva out then.

    Williams & Silva -> Delaney & Sánchez (-4)

    Yes?

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

      Oh yes

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

      Yes!!!

    3. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Defo.

    4. Amateur Pundit Zan
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

    5. Arteta
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Yes!

    6. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers fellas

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

    Lennon, Barkley or Bolasie?

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

      Barkley

    2. Fuddled FC
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Good question.. Lennon or Barkley for me

    3. The Odd Man
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Lennon

    4. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Bolasie.

    5. Venom Snake
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Lennon

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

      Ta!

  7. Bathonian Steelers
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Do you think Lukaku is in the form to wear the triple captain armband this game week?

    His (and Evertons) results have been mixed to say the least

    1. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Nah

    2. Amateur Pundit Zan
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      No, overall better to hold for 37 and hope a good candidate emerges. Id rather payet 37 right now

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

    Sakho or Lovren for a WC?

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

    Bellerin and Simpson or Delaney and Monreal ?

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

      First one x10

  10. Siva Mohan
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Q: Why do you think Antonio Conte is the right man for #Chelsea?
    Hiddink: "I thought we had a game tomorrow"

    😆

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

      I wonder if he told Roman he didn't want the job?

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        he's not interested in becoming a full time manager even thou he loves the club (or Roman) ..

    2. Funkyav
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Guus will come back in as interim after we sack Conte after 12/18 months (probably)

  11. karvs155
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Good to go? Care to share your thoughts?
    Migno Robles
    Smalling Bellerin Delaney Simpson Gabriel;
    Payet Firmino Coutinho Sanchez Mahrez;
    Rashford Aguero Lukaku

    0.4 ITB
    OR
    1.4 ITB with Lennon in place of Mahrez?

    1. MITRO'S ON FIRE
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Surely wait on Rooney news - if he's fit, I really wouldn't get Rashford

  12. MITRO'S ON FIRE
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Looking ok? Wonder whether its worth downgrading Smalling to upgrade Lingard.. Would appreciate any thoughts!

    Mignolet - Robles
    Smalling - Bellerin - Gabriel - Delaney - Lovren
    Payet - KDB - Sanchez - Lingard - Coutinho
    Aguero - Lukaku - Mitrovic

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

      i downgraded bellerin to Lovren so I could upgrade Lingard

  13. Venom Snake
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Please help with the last pieces of my WC

    A. Bellerin, Darmian, Lennon
    B. Monreal, Smalling, Lanzini

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

      Both are poor.

      1. Venom Snake
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        That may be, but one will be chosen

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

          Why have a rotation risk when on a WC?

          1. Venom Snake
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            Because it's the best I can afford without ditching United defence altogether, and I'm not willing to do that with the fixtures

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

              Well good luck on that, hope it pulls off.

    2. MITRO'S ON FIRE
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      B

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

        B

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

    Not touched my WC team for 2 days.

    1. Venom Snake
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I envy you

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

      I'm going to text your fiance to tell her that

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

        Ha.

    3. Arteta
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Must ... stay ... strong!

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

        Yep all sorted.
        Just waiting for Ozil to drop again and its perfect.

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

    Sakho or Lovren?

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

      Sakho.

    2. MITRO'S ON FIRE
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Lovren - but both are at risk

  16. Sjaugen
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Can someone drug LR for like 10 mins, he is going crazy with the quotes, and I donno which are actual

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

      He got one wrong, he held his hands up, its done.

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

        I'm kidding ofc.
        I was impressed with Ozil's shotgun quoting tho

    2. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I'm okay with a free supply 😉

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

    Community champion scout pick team has officially been sent in 🙂

    Cheers Jonty!

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

      Good luck.

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

        Cheers mate!

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

      Best of luck. Can we get a sneak preview?!

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

        Sure 😛 Gone for 5 DGWers, and notably omitted Leceister defence. Went with most of the key players, but also a couple of players the actual scout picks are less likely to include in there.

        Robles
        Dann - Daniels - Clichy
        Sanchez - KDB - Mane - Bolasie - Lennon
        Aguero - Lukaku

        I wanted Otamendi over Clichy but was over-budget by 0.1mil with that side. Hopefully it works out well!

  18. ARKANOIIDE
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    RMWCT :]

    Robles - Darlow
    Morgan - Simpson - Bellerin - Gabriel - Darmian
    Coutinho - KDB - Sanchez - Payet - Mahrez
    Kun - Lukaku - Martial

    0.0 ITB

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

      8/10

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

      I would sacrifice KDB for Firmino to get Liverpool def for Morgan and Smalling for Darmian

  19. ralfb
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    bottomed on last page:
    Is this GTG?
    Robles Darlow
    Gabriel bellerin smalling simpson sakho
    KDB sanchez lanzini coutinho barkley
    kun lukaku martial

    Thanks

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

      Yep GTG man v similar to mine 🙂

      1. ralfb
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        thanks, hope not having mahrez anymore will not haunt me

  20. Fuddled FC
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Who will score the most points this gw

    a) Barkley & Vardy or
    b) Lennon & Kane

    1. Venom Snake
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      b

  21. George Agdgdgwngo
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Predicted points over the next 2 GW's

    A. KDB - 20, Ward - 6, Delany - 6 Total 32

    B. Lennon - 10, Smalling - 10, Clyne 10. Total 30.

    Miles off?

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

      A should be 8. 20 -6 -6 =8

      1. George Agdgdgwngo
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        lol

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

    I know what i choose in my head, but i'm a hammer so good to get a different viewpoint 😉

    Kane & Payet

    or

    Aguero & Lanzini

    Thanks

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

      B

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

      B

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

      Cheers guys, head over heart with this one 🙂

  23. Unsuccessful
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Really wondering whether Delaney is even worth it as an enabler and not just stick in Simpson.

    This move will get me Kasper > Mignolet and Liverpool def to Jagielka.

    1. Venom Snake
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I prefer Simpson

    2. Belalugozi78
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I leave Simpson, he never failed and is cheap as chips plus he even got me some bonus twice.

    3. Unsuccessful
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Gutted I'm actually 0.1 short on that unless I have both Migs and Sakho.

      Thanks for the opinions.

  24. Zizoulicious
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Hopefully Martial is listed as a midfielder next year

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

      Rather have Blind as a defender, but Shaw will be back so who cares

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

        Blind as a mid has robbed so many points. Shaw would have been template without the injury

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

        Blind's playing CB, so he should still be nailed on, unless they buy someone else.

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

          and will be cheaper than Shaw

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

      Why would he be?

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

        Plays on the left like Hazard, Sanchez etc

  25. Belalugozi78
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Jagielka or Clyne (or any other for 5,3 max).
    rest of def: Smalling, Bellerin, Gabriel, Simpson.

    With Jagielka I have 3 DGW in 33 but have to make a hit in 35.

    1. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Go Jags for 33 then change at 34?

  26. Disco Stu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    A. Coutinho or Firmino

    B. Barkley or Lennon

  27. Bouncebackability
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Mixed messages from Pellegrini there..

    I think KDB will be fine, but does this make Clichy more attractive as an option?

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

      Tell me about Clichy..

    2. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Why is clichy more attractive?

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

        Pelle said anyone who is 100% plays.. That would include Clichy presumably. But then he said he may freshen it up. One to ponder.

        With Silva out, I wouldn't be surprised to see Clichy start with Lord K also playing, just ahead of him.

  28. BBC_TF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Is it crazy to triple captain Lukaku in GW33?

    1. Red Star Toro
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      not crazy at all, fixtures are rather good.

  29. Red Star Toro
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Can I have a session of RMT?

    Robles Darlow
    Bellerin Gabriel Smalling Sakho Simspon
    Sanchez Firmino Coutinho Payet Bolasie
    Kun Lukaku Deeney

  30. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    a) Martial & Robles
    b) Mitro & DDG

    Other GK is Darlow, no other MUN/EVE defensive coverage