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

    Think this is me, Too heavy in defence?

    No GK GW33, but i can handle the loss of 2 points.
    Will do Martial & Smalling > Kane & cheapo in GW33.

    DDG - Robles
    Smalling – Bellerin - Gabriel – Clyne - Simpson
    Sanchez – Payet – Mahrez – Coutinho - Lennon
    Martial – Lukaku - Kun

    1. Park the bus
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      think it's a bit heavy yes. 3 MU players is a lot given they have a blank and Spurs away this weekend. I'd keep DDG, do Robles to Darlow and Smalling to Coleman.

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

    Sakho or Lovren?

    1. Park the bus
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Sakho will be higher up the pecking order but that order may be focussed on the Europa League now. I'd avoid and go Clyne.

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

      Lovren can score from set-pieces if he remembers how...he has been in the position to a few times.

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

    Is Cech back? Why no love for Ospina?

    1. Park the bus
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      because Cech is back

  4. Eternal City FC
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    I'm surprised at the mania surrounding Lukaku. I'm in a draft league where we don't swap players out at will - I drafted him at the start of the season, I've stuck with him and I'm in contention to win in part because of him. But of his 18 league goals only three have come this calendar year. He's not been hot. And he's coming off two blanks. I'm captaining him for the double but not triple-captaining, and I'm hoping for someone else on my roster to get hot and triple-captain in a later DGW (probably De Bruyne next week).

  5. Live Lad
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Please help!!!
    Foster, Robles
    Smalling, Bellerin, Gabriel, Sakho, Ward
    KDB, Sanchez, Coutinho, Payet, Mahrez
    Kun, Lukaku, Rashford

    For 33, probably will keep it for 34 BB.

    But I'm not confident with Rashford.. But KDB is tempting. Please help.. The deadline is tomorrow.

    1. Park the bus
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      the deadline is tomorrow?? why did nobody say anything until now?!

  6. The Mandalorian
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    The Team Part 2

    Schwazer Robles

    Smalling Fuchs Bellerin Gabriel Sakho

    Sanchez Payet Countinho Firmino Lanzini

    Kun Lukaku Kane

    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Schwarzer 😯

      1. The Mandalorian
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        enabler, can't afford Darlow

        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Fuchs to a different LEI defender

    2. Manu5
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Very nice, go with it. Looks like you have a nice TV.

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

      Schwarzer to Darlow, Fuchs to Huth (or Morgan)

      Going with just Robles is a risk (injury or Howard sentimental game)

      1. The Mandalorian
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Good point about the keepers

  7. grandemessi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Been back and forth a million times. Help is much appreciated.

    Migs/Darlow

    Delaney/Bellerin/Sagna/Gabriel/Simpson
    Sanchez/Payet/Coutinho/Firmino/Lennon
    Agüero/Lukaku/Mitro

    GW 33: Bench Mitro,Gabriel,Simpson
    GW 34: Lennon/Delaney--> Lingard/Darmian for a hit and play BB
    GW 35 Lukaku-->Kane
    GW 36 Kane--> Lukaku
    GW 37 Bring in another DGW'er and play TC
    GW 38 Win my ML's. Currently 50pts ahead in both.

  8. Blue Gaffer
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    On a WC 3rd striker AGuero, Lukaku and.....?

    1.Rashford
    2.Martial
    3.Mitrovic
    4.Welbeck
    5.Other

    1. jmcclory123
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      2

    2. La Vida Latte
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      2

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

      2

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

    Ozil or Firmino? (already have Sanchez and Coutinho)

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

      Firmino - more goals, plays in a better position.

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

    Silva injury has upset my plans. No FT left.

    I do have a strong bench, though. Would you play:

    A) Morgan
    B) Walker
    C) Alli
    D) Bring in Dann/Coleman/Barkley effectively for a -2 hit

    1. La Vida Latte
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Morgan I would say

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

      There is no such thing as a -2 hit, you're not guaranteed anything. I would probably play alli or morgan

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

      A, or consider Coleman for a hit as a differential.

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

      Cheers all

  11. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    RMWCT please

    Mignolet Darlow
    Mangala Bellerin Gabriel Sakho Jagielka
    Bolasie KDB Sanchez Payet Coutinho
    Lukaku Aguero Mitrovic

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

      Like the Mangala Ive got him in mine too.

      Interesting you ditched Mahrez

    2. Bunk Moreland
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I on the other hand don't like Mangala. Kompany is back in training (again...) and there is talk of him playing next week against PSG - which means he's likely to take Mangala's place for the doubles if he can remain fit. A big if of course - but Clichy seems safer if you cannot afford Hart or Otamendi.

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

        Thanks for the info. But Pell also said he has to see how many weeks out for Kompany. I will try to fit in Clichy.

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

          Clichy costs the same as Mangala, Kolorov is fit while Kompany isnt

  12. MoSalah Dosa
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Posting my WC team here for first time...feedback appreciated.

    Mignolet Robles
    Bellerin Smalling Jagielka Sakho Delaney
    KdB Sanchez Lanzini Iwobi Coutinho
    Aguero Mitrovic Lukaku

    GW 33 - 4 DGW Players
    GW 34 - 15 DGW with BB ( Delaney to WBA/Newcastle def.)
    GW 35 - 10 Players + 1 FTs

    This is after listening to FFScoutCast..Thanks Mark, Andy and Jonty 🙂

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

      Good team, Iwobi likely to be rotated though.

      1. MoSalah Dosa
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah..Thats a concern maybe will have Lingard instead

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

    Robles - DDG
    Simpson - Lovren - Gabriel - Bellerin - ???
    De Bruyne - Sanchez - Payet - Lanzini - Couthino
    Lukaku - Mitrovic - Aguero

    Need help with the last defender. Anyone? I have 4.7 in the bank

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Sakho

    2. Gaffa914
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Sakho

    3. La Vida Latte
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Sakho if you want to double up on pool. Delaney/ward if you want to take a punt on palace

  14. Koflok
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Play

    A) De Gea (tot) or
    B) Darow (sou)

    X) Sakho (STK) or
    Y) Gabriel (whu)

    Chheers lads

    1. dub75670
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      B and X

    2. Bunk Moreland
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      A and X

  15. dub75670
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    a) Robles/Moreno/Smalling
    b) DDG/Sakho/Darmian
    c) DDG/Sakho/Lovren

    Can't afford the 0.1 to upgrade moreno to sakho in A

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

    Pick one from each.

    A) Cech/ Sakho
    B) Mignolet/Monreal

    1) Payet/Iwobi
    2) Coutinho/Lanzini

    Y) Barkley
    Z) Lennon

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

      Currently on A 2 Z

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

      A
      2
      Y

    3. jmcclory123
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      A 1 Y

  17. dub75670
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    What do people think of Darmian?

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

      Close to nailed, good option

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

      First choice, likely subbed though.

  18. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Is Kompany worth a risk will he play the DGW's?

    1. dub75670
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      he'll get injured

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        haha fair point

  19. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    I assume pelegrini will be starting Oatamendi for all games and minding Komapany. So there will be rotation between Kompany and Mangala?

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

      Magala should be safe for the DGW

  20. max4ever
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Please rate my team

    Mig/Robles

    Bell/ Gab / Jag / Simpson/ Sakho

    KDB / Payet / Ozil / Firmino / Lingard

    Kun / Lukaku / Mit

    0.5 in bank

  21. JaydenLFC87
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Kane > Lukaku? -4? Yay or Nay???

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

      Nah

    2. jmcclory123
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      You're a brave man going without Lukaku, is there no other way to get him in than sacrificing Kane?

  22. dub75670
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    What do people think or Darmian?

  23. true believer
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Which city DEF are nailed?

    1. jmcclory123
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      None really, Otamendi probably the best bet

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

      Hart, Mangala, Otamendi.

      Clichy is 80%, Sagna 70%.

      1. jmcclory123
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Mangala can't be 100% really

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

          Why? No Kompany, no choice.You don't think that Demichelis may play once again after his horror show against United?

          1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            Not to mention this whole betting disciplinary action

      2. true believer
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Are Managala & Otamendi not DGW risks with Kompany back now? I like Clichy as much if those 2 arent 100%

  24. jmcclory123
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Poll:

    Should I triple captain Lukaku:

    Option 1: Yes
    Option 2: No

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

      Yes

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

      No.. wait till 37

      1. jmcclory123
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        who in 37? I fancy Lukaku at Watford and Palace rather than Payet at Swansea and United

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

          you will have better choice - Firmino, Payet, Lukaku maybe even Rooney. You will have one more month to pick one and probably Liverpool's situation will be stable as they will be eliminated from EL

    3. true believer
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Yes. He has the form and fixtures now. No guarantee that your 37 options form won't drop off by then, or be rotated if not playing for anything

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

    A. Moreno - Lennon (3x 33dgw)
    B. Clyne - Lanzini (2x33 dgw)

    thougths ?

  26. nolard
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    With Origi starting last night and scoring, what about Sturridge?

    Currently got Lukaku, Martial, Sturridge front line - had to move Aguero to spread the cash.

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

      Sturridge will start next game, no doubts

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

        Yeah, but I was hoping for a bit of form from him.

        No real options though for DGW's.

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

          He's not in the form of his life, that is for sure. But seems like he's better and better physically so don't give up hope

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

            Cheers!

  27. dub75670
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    a) Robles/Smalling/Moreno (can't afford 0.1 more for Sakho)
    b) Ming/Robles/Darmian/Sakho
    c) DDG/Sakho/Lovren

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

      De Gea is the united player I would go for.
      As for LFC, I would go for Lovren or Sahko in that order.

      1. dub75670
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        If I go with De Gea and Lovren I have 4.8 for my last defender...I already have Bell/Simp/Gab...any ideas who I could get? I could get Sakho but thats 2 liv defenders

  28. potatoace
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Hi Guys ,
    only got time for a quick drop-in, so sorry if its been answered before..

    has van gaal had his presser yet , what time is it at ?

  29. nolard
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Current team:

    DDG/Robles

    Monreal, Jagielka, Gabriel, Simpson, Saylor
    Firmino, Sanchez, KDB, Payet, Lanzini
    Martial, Lukaku, Sturridge.

    Alternative:

    DDG/Hennesey
    Ward, Jagielka, Gabriel, Simpon, Saylor
    Firmino, Sanchez, KDB, Payet, Lindgard
    Lukaku, Mitrovic, Aguero

    What would you prefer?

    1. MoSalah Dosa
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      -4 needed in both options to field 11 in GW35..
      How abt DDG >> Mignolet and get one MUN defender ?

    2. dub75670
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Can you field a full 11 in gw35 with that team? im not sure you can, only 7 would play so you'd take hits (in your current team)

    3. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Is saylor nailed? Im thinking to pick him too

  30. FPL Emu
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Since no one seems to be talking about this kind of strategy, please tell me where me logic is flawed.

    I am seriously considering this tactic:

    GW 33 Wildcard
    GW 34 Triple captain with 11 DGWers, benching Mahrez and two players with a DGW 37
    GW 35 Able to field 11 players with the 2 FTs
    GW 37 Bench boost, getting 15 with one hit.

    This would mean having 3 Arsenal + Mahrez + Aguero + probably Fuchs without a DGW 37 from the start, with five transfers to get DGWers throughout the weeks.

    The starting 11 in DGW 34 would be something like this

    Mignolet

    Bellerin - Coleman - Monreal

    Sanchez - Payet - Lanzini - Coutinho

    Lukaku - Deeney - Aguero

    Bench (Mahrez, Fuchs, Sakho, Hennessey).

    1. MoSalah Dosa
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Lots can go wrong between GW 33 and GW 37..Injuries, Rotation, Form etc.