Scout Notes

The Stock Check – Gameweek 33 – Monday

After four straight defeats on the road, Arsene Wenger rolls back his coaching menu by twenty years and opts for a back three. It does the trick, earning the victory at Middlesbrough, as Alexis Sanchez breaks out of his run of blanks to deliver. Here’s the Stock Check on Monday’s final Gameweek 33 encounter.

On the Rise

Alexis Sanchez
Without a goal or an assist for three Gameweeks, the Chilean was yet to go four Premier League matches without finding the net. His sublime first-half free-kick at the Riverside Stadium ensured that run continued.

Deployed in support of Olivier Giroud in what appeared to be a 3-4-1-2 in the first-half, Sanchez shifted to play a more disciplined left-flank role in the second period. His average position over the match therefore again showed him to be stationed far deeper than when given free reign as the central striker.

In all honesty, along with Arsenal as a whole, Sanchez still struggled to make a big impression – he had two efforts on goal all match – but his moment of brilliance did at least offer a reminder of his qualities and provided a belated return.

Sold by more than 91,000 ahead of Gameweek 33, Sanchez’s ownership sits at a modest 24.8%. That will surely rise ahead of a Gameweek 36 double but, until then, further returns from Sanchez – against Leicester City (home) and Spurs (away) – could have a major bearing on mini-leagues and the Fantasy Premier League top ranks.

Mesut Ozil
For those unable or unwilling to revisit Sanchez’s hefty price tag, Ozil could well be a consideration for Gameweeks 36 and 37.

The German’s well-taken half-volley took him to two goals and two assists from his last four Gameweeks – his most consistent run of the season so far.

Owned by just 5.9%, he would represent a worthy differential for those inclined to take risks over the final furlongs.

Gabriel
Part of Arsenal’s back three on Teesside, he would surely be in line to retain a starting role should Arsene Wenger maintain the formation.

While Laurent Koscielny made his return from injury, birthday boy Shkodran Mustafi missed out with his own thigh problem, paving the way for Rob Holding to earn a rare opportunity.

The 4.0 option may be of interest, but will surely make way for Mustafi’s return.

However, Gabriel offers the ability to switch to a back-four by slotting in a right-back without the need for a substitution. That versatility could keep him a starting berth.

Alvaro Negredo
A second goal in three Gameweeks perhaps offered a glimpse of the potential that the Spaniard could offer over Gameweek 34.

Priced at just 6.2 and up against the Bournemouth and Sunderland defences, Negredo should really offer value. Middlesbrough must be driven to win those matches and Negredo has scored or assisted 57% of their goals when on the pitch this season.

Nonetheless, with Christian Benteke in form as the third striker option and our heavy-hitter slots booked out, Negredo certainly represents a gamble.

In Decline

Victor Valdes
Second only to Manchester United’s David de Gea for transfers in among goalkeepers ahead of Gameweek 34, Boro’s Spanish stopper was a surprise omission from the teamsheet.

It was revealed that Valdes missed out due to a rib injury sustained in training on Sunday and following a knock picked up in the 0-0 draw with Burnley in Gameweek 32.

Steve Agnew confirmed post-match that the keeper was to be assessed, with no real prognosis offered. That immediately puts his double Gameweek credentials in question, promoting Boro’s back four options – and Ben Gibson in particular.

Fabio
Returning to the starting line-up following a two-match absence, the Brazilian’s night was derailed early on when he departed on 16 minutes with what was confirmed post-match as a knee problem.

His withdrawal opened the way for George Friend to make a first appearance since Gameweek 27. Priced at 4.2 and with some attacking promise, Friend would be a Gameweek 34 consideration should Fabio face a spell on the sidelines.

Agnew offered little on the injury other than he believed it was a new problem and confirmed that the full-back was being assessed by the doctors.

Hector Bellerin, Theo Walcott
Perhaps the two major victims of Wenger’s formation swap, both were benched at the Riverside with Bellerin’s involvement limited to a cameo from the bench.

Walcott, who had started the last four outings and six of the last seven, played no part and, on the face of it, will surely struggle to find a role in the XI should Wenger entertain the idea of retaining a three-man defence.

Meanwhile, Bellerin would seem perfectly suited to the right wing-back role but was ousted in favour of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Englishman was, arguably, Arsenal’s best player on the night.

However, we expect Arsenal to revert to a back four against Manchester City in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final, with perhaps both Bellerin and Walcott restored.

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

1,662 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Urchin
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Worst time to have a FPL team...so much confusion!!!

    1. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Keep it simple, sit back and relax

      1. Urchin
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Looks the best course of action, i would say.
        That United win made all the fantasy frustration sweeter...

  2. itwaswritten
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Is Valdes a doubt to play next week?

    1. Junior ⚽
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      No news yet but he isn't 100% to start

      1. itwaswritten
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        : (

  3. Visionaries
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Concerned about Chambers' playing time

    Valencia, Chambers*, Davies* Maguire, Holgate

    Best option?

    B - Davies -> Friend
    C - Chambers -> Friend
    C - Sanchez & Davies -> Hazard & Rojo -4

    1. Junior ⚽
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      No point in selling him.

      1. Visionaries
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Would you play him in the dgw though? Don't want him coming on in one ganme for 2 points as I have other good options

  4. Sickboy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Taking out Sanchez for a -4 to bring Ibra in is no longer a good idea is it.

    Damn you Mourinho!

    1. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Why? Nothing has changed. Only increases his chance of getting more gametime

      1. tm370
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Nothing has changed? Ibra was benched for the first? time this season, and his deputy impressed. Sanchez scored and was pivotal in creating the second, ending Arsenal's poor away run and surely bringing some confidence.

        It is definitely a bad idea.

        1. Urchin
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Mou said he wanted to replicate the gameplan they employed in FA cup. Ibra didnt fit into it and he was tired. he is rested now and maybe more suited for upcoming games.

        2. Holmes
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Nothing has changed for me, dont know how others look at it. Its their fixture I'm not a fan of, thats why never planned to get him.

          Gametime wise, I'm sure Ibra will get something like 140mins in double which is good enough to do the damage.

          Re Sanchez, numbers have been dropping week after week, pretty much same performance like last 3, poor! Will be first one to get dropped if and when I need some cash.

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

          I disagree.
          Arsenal were very poor and Sanchez does not justify his price (see article above)
          Zlatan maybe rested but he is Zlatan, I would take 120 minutes over the double gameweek ahead of a 90 minute player who is annoymous for most of the game.

          1. djpete
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            I'm with you on this, but taking a hit into account and with Ibra arguably more of a risk of rotation, is it still better to get Zlatan in at a cost?

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

              Well before yesterday's game I did the following:

              Sanchez out Zaha in
              Carroll out Ibra in for a -4 hit

              So yes I do think it is worth it.

              I have my wildcard to to get Sanchez back in if needs be

              (I did the transfers early because I was thinking of getting gibson for another -4 and might not have the cash otherwise)

              1. djpete
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 6 months ago

                That's fair play. All I mean is that we don't know yet whether moves like that will pay off. I feel your Sanchez frustration though.

          2. tm370
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Sanchez scored and was pivotal in the second goal against a very negative side with a solid defence. Ibra, despite scoring well against a 10 man Sunderland, has looked poor recently (esp against anderlecht for a performance he was criticised for by mourinho and subsequently benched). Sanchez has Leicester at home and will be the prime captain candidate in 36. Taking him out for a hit is bizzare.

            1. Sickboy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              Thanks for the input guys.

              1. djpete
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 6 months ago

                Was looking at Sanchez or Lukaku out for a hit, or Kane-Ibra as a straight swap. I have 5 other dgwers and as each day passes I just can't justify a hit for Ibra unless I can also keep Sanchez, Lukaku and Kane. Captain Negredo it is!

  5. Junior ⚽
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Reply fail
    Pickford (Heaton)
    Alonso / Valencia / Walker (Smith Pieters)
    Sanchez / Alli / King / Zaha (Carroll)
    Carroll / Kane / Lukaku
    4.3 ITB 1 FT
    A) Carroll ➡️ Benteke
    B) Carroll/Pieters ➡️ Benteke/Gibson -4
    C) Carroll/Walker ➡️ Ibra/Gibson -4
    D) other

  6. RohanVaswani
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    which middlesbrough defenders are nailed on?

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

      Gibson, friend see below

    2. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Only Gibson as of now

    3. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      surely, Barragan is nailed now

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

    My double gameweek planning did not go too well from a Boror point of view.

    I have both Fabio and Valdes who are doubtful

    I am a bit annoyed how Friend turned out to be the better option.

    I think it is still worth considering another -4 (-8 in total) to get Gibson in.

    To me Boro looked very impressive defensively.

  8. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    With Rashford taking a valuable striker spot is anyone considering Lingard at just 5.6 as a punt. Definitely will get some mins.

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      or not 🙂

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

      Not for this double gameweek for my team, but the later ones if Man United are concentrating in the Europa league.

      They will be very handy to have so you can spend cash elsewhere.
      If I did not have the cash for this double gameweek I would definitely get rashford

    3. Urchin
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      He will get minutes, but points?
      I had the same question but looking him play against Chelsea, not so sure now!!

    4. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I'm definitely not I have Ibra and Valencia. Considering Bailly but would be for a hit so think I won't. Was just curious

  9. Jose
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    What would you do? Only 1 DGW but quite like the 11 (and two subs) that I already have. 1FT and nothing in bank.

    Pickford (mid)
    Alonso (SOU), Valencia (bur, MCI), Davies (cry)
    Alli (cry), Sigurdsson (STK), Sanchez (LEI), King (MID), Coutinho (CRY)
    Kane (cry), Lukaku (whu)

    Subs: Grant (swa), Llorente (STK), Maguire (WAT), Amat (STK)

    A) Sigurdsson > Zaha
    B) Save
    C) Something else?

    1. Visionaries
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I'd do A or Davies > Gibson/Friend

  10. Annie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Kun to Ibra for a week for free?

    1. Urchin
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

      No

      Maybe

      Welcome to my world 🙂

      *Sorry not much help there 🙂

      1. Annie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        It's pretty marginal, guess I'll monitor ML activity.

    2. Visionaries
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      not a bad move, but I'd wait until after the EL game to see what happens with Ibra

    3. Sjaugen
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

  11. Non-template FPL is for Kin…
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Speculation rife over PM statement at Number 10 - BBC News
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-39627690

    DGW Announcement imminent!!!!

    1. MTPockets
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Another bl00dy election?

    2. anish10
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Would you take any of Aguero, Lukaku or Kane out for Ibra??

      1. Holmes
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Maybe Aguero

    3. Patty
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Thoughts on Lukaku, Gabbiadini, Siggy > Ibra (c), Negredo, Zaha -8?

    4. ROOTY7
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      What players will be the core of your GW35-GW38 WC team?

      1. Urchin
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Kane & Sane

      2. Lanzini girls just want to …
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Sanchez, Ozil, gabbi, ward-prose, Yoshida
        Then Kane, maybe ageuro and also alli, sane, maybe Kompany. If there's money left, hazard

        1. ROOTY7
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Think i would be cautious doubling up on Arsenal mids. Heres my list of players i want:
          Arsenal- Sanchez, Cech
          Southampton- Stephens, JWP, Gabbiadini
          MCI- Kompany, Sane
          Chelsea- Hazard/ Pedro, Alonso
          Spurs- Kane, Alli, Walker

          Will be so hard to fit them in!

          1. Lanzini girls just want to …
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            I'm only doubling on arsenal mids for week 36 then gonna sheg for someone else in 37

      3. umerlfc
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Kane, Alli, Alonso, Hazard, Sanchez, Sane

      4. Pino
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Hazard and Kane are untouchable on my current team. Alli an Eriksen probably too. Bringing in Sane and Gabbiadini soon. Will have to chose between Sanchez and Ibra. Current team:

        Valdes (Heaton) Valencia Mustafi Jagielka (Gibson Yoshida) Walcott, Eriksen Alli Hazard Zaha Zlatan Kane (Origi).

      5. Rover
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Sanchez, Hazard, Alli, Firmino, Ibra, Kane for the big firepower
        Pickford, Yoshida, Ake for funding the firepower

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

      Bring in Chambers or Friend for Mawson guys?

      Thank you

      1. Visionaries
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I've got Chambers but I have no idea if he's even going to play, I'd get Friend

    6. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Hello guys. What would you do with this lot? Wildcarding on GW36 so only GW's 34/35 to consider.

      Heaton
      Robertson, Holgate, Alonso
      Hazard, Sigurdsson, Alli, Zaha
      Lukaku, Aguero, Kane

      Subs: Foster --- Brunt, Yoshida, Clayton --- 1 FT, 1.0 ITB

      A) Brunt -> Bailly
      B) Aguero -> Ibrahimovic
      C) Aguero and Brunt -> Ibra and Bailly (-4)
      D) Something else, what?

      1. Lanzini girls just want to …
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I'm looking at getting bailly in myself. Good fixtures, seems nailed on. Wish I'd clocked him earlier before the dgw

    7. GoonerByron
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Anything else worth a hit here or leave it at this??

      Hennessey*
      Gibson* - Valencia* - Alonso
      Zaha* - Son - Coutinho - Firmino
      Benteke* - Negredo* - Lukaku

      Heaton - Walcott - Mustafi - Jones*

      0FT, 6.4 ITB

      1. Gooner Kebab
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        All set GB

        1. GoonerByron
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Cheers bud.. No Ibra is a bit of worry but consensus around here seemed to be Tekkers > Ibra

          1. Gooner Kebab
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Sideway-ish imo. Ibra is good for long term as he has more games in GW36-37.

    8. faux_C
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      2 FTs, who should I invest in for the mini DGW?

      1. Holmes
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        One piece from each team will do the trick

    9. Gooner Kebab
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Be careful with hits for DGW players.

      I'm sure we are all hoping for Tekkers/Austin (Villa vs QPR) type point explosions with our DGW, but the reality is probably going to be 2-6 points.

      1. GoonerByron
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        People said this the week leading up to Tekkers Austin hauls too 😛

    10. Bubz
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Crept into the top 1k for the first time this season. This is my team:

      Valdes
      Valencia, Gibson, Alonso
      Sanchez, Eriksen, Alli, Zaha
      Kane, Lukaku, Benteke

      Pickford, De Roon, Yoshida, Holgate ... 1.6m ITB

      Do you think I should bring Zlatan in for Lukaku and captain him? Think it's too big a risk to go without

      1. Gooner Kebab
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Welldone Bubz on 1k.

        1. Bubz
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Cheers mate

      2. McQueen
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Lukaku does well vs Hammers and I see him scoring at least 4,5 more goals until the end of season. Risk either way, Lukaku most owned player and if he does well, rank suffers for non owners. Coin toss really. Wish I had the right answer for you, have the same problem, expect I'm trying to replace Kun for Ibra for -4 and not feeling good about it.

        Congrats on 1k rank, mate. You deserve it.

        1. McQueen
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          *except.

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

          Cheers for that mate 🙂

      3. Tommyg
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I have this problem. Can't shake the feeling that Lukaku could outscore ibra.

      4. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I would wait until after EL on Thursday. If United win no as likely Zlatan rested and on single game week Lukaku more likely to get haul. If United lose then yes make change

    11. Junior ⚽
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A) Carroll ➡️ Benteke
      B) Carroll/Pieters ➡️ Benteke/Gibson -4
      C) Carroll/Walker ➡️ Ibra/Gibson -4

    12. Sparkos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I thought Daniel Ayala looked good last night and probably deserved a mention in this piece. He had a couple of decent chances to score and made some key interceptions/tackles. Only £4.8m

      1. GoonerByron
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Had 1 cleared off the line against Burnley too... Could be a good pick.

      2. Holmes
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Sure starter

        1. Holmes
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          *?

    13. Tmel
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Bailly or Gibson? Already have Valencia

    14. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Any thoughts on the following WC team for activation next week (GW35)? Thanks

      Pickford – Foster

      Valencia – Clichy - Davies – Yoshida – Smith

      Sanchez – Hazard – Sané – King – Lingard

      Kane – Lukaku – Gabbiadini

    15. Sal76sal
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Kane or ibra?
      I have ibra and would be -4 to swap..

      The only thing making me make the change is private leagues.. guys just below me have kane!!

      Help please thanks

    16. Rover
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Who will score more this week?

      A) Benteke (liv, TOT)
      B) Negredo (bou, SUN)
      C) Lukaku (whu) + 4 points

      1. Holmes
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Probably B, dont know, tough to predict

        1. Rover
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks 🙂

    17. Patty
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Play Alonso (SOU) or Robertson (WAT)?

      1. Holmes
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Alonsooooooooo

      2. Urchin
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Alo

      3. _Gunner
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Alonsooo

        Chelsea will bounce back after the defeat

    18. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Is Davies (tot) likely to play against palace?

      1. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I would think so. Not heard anymore updates on Rose as it stands.

    19. vectorman
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Slightly off topic but does anyone know if the FPL bods actually respond to your enquires?.. Asked them to give back my 2013/2014 score damn it lol. I know people have told me if I sign in should be there but I quit the site entirely, it was hard to find how to do that (for me anyway). So then when I signed back up to the site there was no trace of it... Major bummer!!!

      The team was Vectormen FC, don't know if you can search for an old side or not? (crap name I know).. All I have if it's not in their records is a pic of the final day and my rank. Wonder if Mark will help me out, look quite nice on my season history. 😀

      1. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Taking a picture of your ML rivals winning team and trying to claim it as your own won't wash with FPL 😉

        1. vectorman
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          I know someone accused me of lying before and that pisses me off... Sorry I have to use that language but there's one thing no one should ever accuse me of is lying.. I'm as honest as they get

        2. vectorman
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          I was playing in a league also with a couple of mates called the NLL league too.. So they can verify it as well

    20. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Not that I necessarily think Man Utd will definitely keep a cleansheet in their double game week but because of how my team is set up I'll be going for a triple up on their defence.

      DDG, Valencia and Bailly.

      A great risk I know. Hopefully I can get some reward.

      1. Visionaries
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I'd say they're a shoe in for a cs against Burnley at least so that's 18 right there, plus 2 each for the City game. Great value