Digest

The Digest – Gameweek 4

It’s time we said goodnight to Gameweek 4. Tucking it up in bed with a review of born-again Belgian, a nest of buzzing Hornets and a theory that might just see the top scoring Fantasy Premier League player make it off our bench.

The Player

There really is no contest.

Romelu Lukaku’s revival as a Fantasy asset has been sudden and extreme.

It’s taken three goals and nine shots and now we’re happy to forgive him for three season’s of Fantasy frustration.

It’s all premature, of course. With Fantasy Premier League armbands in place, Lukaku could easily revert to type and draw a Gameweek 5 blank against Middlesbrough.

But let’s just indulge ourselves for a while. Let’s entertain the idea that Lukaku’s stunning performance against Sunderland will be typical of a season that finally sees the Belgian establish himself amongst the heavy-hitting elite.

We know he has the tools – the finishing ability, the pace, the power and strength in the air.

With Yannick Bolasie installed on the flank, he may also have a new supply of service and a formidable runner who can drag and stretch a defence, leaving gaps for Lukaku to expose.

Certainly we already know that there’s an improvement under Ronald Koeman and we’ve seen enough to assure us that getting the best from Lukaku will be top of the Dutchman’s list of priorities.

It all makes sense – it all points to a 20-25 goal season for the striker.

If we feel that there’s a chance of that materialising, then we have to question whether the double act of Sergio Aguero and Zlatan Ibrahimovic is really “essential”.

Avoiding Aguero will be, for many, a risk too far, but we may now look at Ibrahimovic in a new light.

Should Lukaku snatch penalty duties from Leighton Baines and go on to deliver against ‘Boro, the Fantasy Football jury will be meeting with one key point on their agenda.

The ScoutCast jury have already assembled on this very subject.

The Team

Quique Sanchez Flores appeared to do very little wrong last season.

Watford stalled badly in order to grind out safety but we saw Bournemouth do the same – it was an understandable shift of gears, designed to preserve precious top-flight status.

But now, under the stewardship of Walter Mazzarri, the Hornets warrant a re-assessment from Fantasy managers.

The spirit and attacking intent shown in their 4-2 recovery against West Ham demonstrated that they could be revived.

Etienne Capoue’s story is remarkable and gets further attention below.

Instead, let us ponder a revival in fortunes for Odion Ighalo and, in particular, Troy Deeney.

Mazzarri’s men march on Burnley, Bournemouth, Middlesbrough, Swansea and Hull City following Sunday’s meeting with Manchester United.

That tantalising run promotes investment, with Saturday’s performance and returns revealing Ighalo and Deeney as viable targets.

At 6.9 and with penalties all the rage, Deeney looks the preferred option – he’s hovering in our Watchlist and about to surge once this weekend has passed.

Then there’s wing-back Jose Holebas – not a name we’d expect to creep into consideration.

However, the 4.5 priced Greek has impressive underlying numbers and his goal at the London Stadium is an example of his potential.

Given that fixture list, the Watford defence could offer one or two shut-outs and, if that’s the case, Holebas looks set to be a factor when the bonus points are shared out.

The Talking Point

Etienne Capoue can’t do much more to play his way into our plans.

The guy is delivering the impossible – three goals from four attempts – wildly exceeding our expectations when we tentatively dipped our toe into the limited pool of 4.5 midfield talent.

For the majority of us, he’s proving a frustrating asset to own. His best efforts have been wasted because, with pricier, more illustrious options available, we’ve kept Capoue parked on the timber.

Each week we can forlornly look at his points haul and imagine our tallies had we shown faith in the Frenchman but, as discussed in last night’s ScoutCast, will a time ever arise when we’ll look to Capoue and willingly throw him a starting role?

As it happens, the stars may just be aligning to make that more likely.

Sergio Aguero’s return in Gameweek 6, coupled with the form or replacements Diego Costa and Romelu Lukaku, suddenly have us reviewing options.

Dare we cut the in-form Chelsea and Everton strikers adrift purely out of fear of the damage Aguero may inflict on Swansea?

There is another way.

We can put faith in Capoue and dip into the 4.5 midfield market again. It’s more than just a late night FPL pipe dream.

As mentioned above, Watford’s fixtures come into bloom from Gameweek 6 onwards, presenting a scenario where it would perhaps be folly to consider benching an on-fire Capoue.

Play Capoue as our fourth midfielder and suddenly the fifth slot can be tossed away in any random direction and our 3-4-3 can bristle with a forward line of Aguero, Ibrahimovic and Lukaku/Costa. Tempting.

We’d all suffer weak benches but Capoue has proved that perhaps that’s no bad thing. At least we’d no longer be left gazing wistfully at double figures amongst our subs.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

1,082 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    capoue is a genuine captaincy shout gw 6-10

    1. PvA
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Wouldn't go that far mate

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Great fixtures though

        anyone looking to go slightly different can't go far wrong in this form

        1. Smurf
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          3 goals from 4 shots means that he isn't likely to keep these points up and has been quite fortunate.

          1. PvA
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah all luck mate

        2. PvA
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          He is the differential captain pick

          But I never consider a differential captain

    2. ⚽️ Barry Chocolate ⚽…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Steady

    3. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Back your convictions and do it then

    4. Rusty Nail
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I'll go Aguero I think

    5. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      He isn't going to keep this up, so no. Even as differential picks go.

    6. Kante Be Bothered
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      4 points from a captain is not a good

  2. BLANKET DEFENCE
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Gray to Ihenacho on a FT before Wildcarding next GW to get Aguero in?

    1. Pasqualinho
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I like it - the only negative is that it locks the WC decision in for GW6. I might not want to wildcard yet.

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Yes.
      Its probably what im doing

  3. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Hey guys...who assisted City's 4 goals Ta

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Kolarov, Gundogan, Sterling, Sane.

      1. Pariße
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        How has Gundogan looked?

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Quality performance as always. Didn't look like a player just back from injury.

          Got forward too, and had a couple chances to score.

          That being said, as expected the inners weren't as flat as they have been, with Gundogan being a little deeper, he doesn't have a good FPL history, and Borussia were atrocious.

      2. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. thoughts on Sterling minutes v Bou ?

        1. FF Dirtbag
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Should get 70. Pep loves him.

        2. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Impossible to know. He's clearly favoured at the moment, but it is only Bournemouth after all.

  4. Torres76
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Template front 8?

    Hazard Firmino Cazorla Antonio, Capoue
    Aguero Lukaku Ibra

    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Lol, that's not affordable.

    2. PvA
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Imagine benching Capoue

      1. Pasqualinho
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Imagine it? Most of us have been living it.

        1. PvA
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Me too 🙁 not any more though

    3. FF Dirtbag
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Have you got all 4m defenders??

    4. Pariße
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      It's not template it's one fo the best possible, but no one can afford this for now.

    5. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Seems a bit expensive.

    6. Darth Crooks
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Close to what I'll have GW6 except Cazorla. Have to play Capoue and have another 4.5 on the bench. You could squeeze Snodgrass in if you downgrade a defender, but then the defence would be woeful (one 5m and the rest 4.5/4).

  5. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Which defensive combo?

    A) Vertonghen and Sketlenberg

    B) Williams and Lloris + 0.1m

    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. The Iron Tulip
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      B

  6. Wilshere Knowledge
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    ‏@SquawkaNews
    Pep Guardiola: "The players deserve the stadium completely full. Hopefully it will happen vs. Barcelona & Celtic."

    😛

    1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Spending 30m on cardboard cutouts

    2. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Emptyhad

    3. goriuanx
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Regular theme in that city..
      😉

      https://twitter.com/BMRisingTV/status/776034946460811264

      1. Wilshere Knowledge
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        😆

      2. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Hardly giving them away on a buy one get one free as City were for the CSKA game in the Champions League, is it?

      3. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Cracking that. Good to see local schools benefitting. United will still have 50k for Zorya on a Thursday night in the Europa; City had 17k through the gates vs Steaua in the Champions League.

        1. _Freddo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Don't United force season ticket holders to buy the European games? Not sure City do.

    4. Rusty Nail
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      LMAO

    5. FF Dirtbag
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Blooming hell what does he expect after it being re-organised.

    6. the axolotl
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      can't buy class

      1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        They are trying to get money off a class though

    7. Numb
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Even Pep realises City are a joke!

  7. ktk_interista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    What a roller coaster ride. Kun again reminds us he is essential. Cue a brace from Lukaku and Costa and we are scratching our heads not knowing what to do. I am starting to feel missing out on Arsenal assets is the least risky route.

    1. Pariße
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Indeed. Choose the players, not the club, which is specifically hard this year being an Arsenal fan.

      1. ktk_interista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Kun, Ibra and Hazard will continue to rack up the points imo. Liverpool midfielders are better value than Arsenal based on current form. Arsenal's fixtures are lovely though but points will be more spread than at Liverpool where Mane and Firmino will be the main scorers.

        1. umerlfc
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Lallana is also a shout

        2. _Freddo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Liverpool have just as big a spread of point scorers as Arsenal.

          Firmino, Coutinho, Mane, Milner, Lallana and Sturridge all point scorers.

  8. Paganoi
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Have Lukaku. Worth it to do Barkley > Cazorla to catch the price rise and double up with Ozil for a week and then downgrade Ozil next week?

    1. Pariße
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    2. ktk_interista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Absolutely not. Hull is not an easy game as we have seen. They have the mentality and defensive setup that usually frustrates Arsenal.

  9. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Bailly is nailed right? No real risk of being dropped?

    1. Pariße
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I think so.

    2. The Iron Tulip
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      He's nailed, been one of best players for Utd

    3. goriuanx
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Had a very poor game vs City.

    4. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Less nailed than everyone thought Smalling was before the season started.

      1. goriuanx
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Whatever happened to Mike 😯

    5. PvA
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Nailed yes

    6. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Difficult to say. He's been our best player so far this season but looked completely shot at the end of the Derby.

  10. Pirlø's Pen
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    What are people's views on KDB for this season? Set pieces for the most potent attack in the league. Admittedly he is pricey but still feel he is going largely unnoticed. Tops the creativity charts too and with Gundogan now being fit can see him being pushed further forward.

    1. The Iron Tulip
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Very good option just hard to fit him in!

    2. goriuanx
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Top dollar for a top player. That's all there is to it really.

    3. Rusty Nail
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Too expensive

    4. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Very expensive differential. Could be a really good pick, definitely means you'll miss out on another premium player.

      1. Pirlø's Pen
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Thinking of sacking off Hazard due to fixtures drying up. I also just really like De Bruyne and I have a gut feeling he's going to be a 200+ points scorer this season.

    5. Jay Jay Okocha
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Best midfielder in the league starting to hit his stride in a Guardiola attack. I'll own him at some point

  11. Ayew Serious
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Bemba you are a legend

  12. Baked baines
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    So how worried are Sterling owners. Didn't think Pep would play him for 70+ minutes.
    They were crusing all game. Would think he would have been taking off at HT.
    Not good!!!

    1. ktk_interista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      He will start imo. Glad he got an assist and was so close to a second before being taken off. He will only get 60-70mins though especially if City are cruising. I wouldn't mind as an owner if he gets me something.

  13. Kaneyonero
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    If kane starts firing soon I plan to have a Kun Kane Kaku frontline

    1. PvA
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Good choice not having Ibra. Can't go wrong

    2. ktk_interista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Doesn't look like happening soon. Spurs are poor at the moment. Inconsistent to say the least

  14. Transfer Window
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Is Giroud eligible to play his next premier league game ?
    Yes/No

    1. The Iron Tulip
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    2. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Why wouldn't he be?

      1. Transfer Window
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Because he got a red card against PSG

        1. Rusty Nail
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Start season watching football?

          1. Rusty Nail
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            First

  15. Mr.Bojangoals
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone know if Kolarov is a starter for City now? Pep obviously prefers him to Clichy but still a rotation risk in the league?

    1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Not considering surely at that price? City been poor defensively

    2. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Favoured, but will always be a rotation risk.

  16. kingcairo
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    As I have said earlier on I'm sticking with coutinho for one more GW and if he blanks I'll have to take him out for a ManCity midfield

  17. Cojiro
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    I know it sounds crazy, but if I want the wildcard team with 2x 4.5 mids (Capoue playing) I might have to do Sanchez to Antonio before he rises. Hmmmmm

    1. PvA
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      That's not crazy. That's beautiful.

      1. Cojiro
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        You sir, are a gent

  18. PvA
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Coutinho massively overlooked on here

    1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Firm and Mane both look like better options

    2. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Firmino and Mane much better options IMO.

  19. goriuanx
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    New celebration for Antonio soon 😉

    https://twitter.com/Michailantonio/status/776114888750034944

    1. PvA
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Hahahhahahaha

    2. Rusty Nail
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I look forward to that in 2017

  20. New Article Posted
  21. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Front 8 of

    Hazard Özil Lamela* Barkley* Fletcher
    Costa Gray* Ibra. 1ft.

    A) WC
    B) Gray > Iheanacho

    Thanks.

  22. keeney
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Best midfielder until I bring Kun back in gameweek 8 ? Next 3 week 9.7m to spend ?

    1. Kante Be Bothered
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      You are brining Kun in 2 GW's late

  23. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Ranieri on Mahrez penalty

    "If he doesn’t score, I crush the neck. I tried to say Slimani because he is a penalty scorer. He took the responsibility. He had the personality to want to choose. He was lucky man!”

  24. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Should I get...

    A) Coleman (double with Williams)

    B) Bailly

    1. Kante Be Bothered
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      You still don't have a Man Utd defender?

      1. FPL Maldini
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        On my WC

        1. Kante Be Bothered
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Can you not adored shaw/Valencia?

          1. Kante Be Bothered
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            afford

            1. FPL Maldini
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              Not really unless I end up 3 midfielders under 5.5m when I get Kun back

              1. Kante Be Bothered
                • 8 Years
                8 years, 1 month ago

                id get Bailiy then

  25. nikornla
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Need one of these midfielders:

    A) Capoue
    B) Fer
    C) Barry

    I'm leaning towards A or maybe C.
    B is in the mix to see if someone would recommend it.

  26. MoSalah Dosa
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Great article Mark!!

    I've had Capoue since GW1 and never played him. It has been frustrating but even I think now is the time to promote him as the 4th MF

    Cheers.

    1. Zebrahimović
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Would you play him over Snod this week?

      1. MoSalah Dosa
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        I am playing him above Gray.

        Snod and Capoue looks like a good 4th and 5th MF combo. Nor sure who plays ahead of whom.

        Only because Walter Mazzari is making Watford play some good football.. I think it might just be Capoue.

        Cheers.

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

    Barkley owners... what are you doing

    Am tempted to switch to Antonio before he rises today.

    1. ibenji
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      inclined to get Antonio or Cazorla here

    2. MoSalah Dosa
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Sold for Antonio. Bolasie looks great value at 6 for Everton cover.

  28. Zebrahimović
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    For the next few GWKs, which one?
    A)Bolasie
    B)Antonio

    B means downgrading Benteke to a forward with a max value of 6.7

  29. EWH2020
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Feeling punty...who to captain?

    a) Benteke
    b) Nacho

  30. delarrn
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone else definitely considering the Aguero/Ibra/Costa frontline?

    Would leave me with a midfield of Firmino/Cazorla/Antonio/Capoue/Hojbjerg.

    Wise - or Foolhardy?