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. Aubaaaaa
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    If you have to choose 1:
    A. Maguire (WAT)
    B. Benteke (liv, TOT) -4
    C. Negredo (bou, SUN) -4

    1. Cesc Pistols
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      C.

    2. jia you
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

    Bottomed guys, need help.

    Just Valencia from DGW but I don't seem any good options around.

    Heaton
    Alonso Valencia Robertson ( Brunt Amat )
    Alexis Alli Ericksen Coutinho King
    Carroll Lukaku Kane

    1FT, 0 ITB.
    I am leading my cash league by 1 point and rival has Zaha,Gibson,Benteke, Valencia plus 2 transfers.

    A. Brunt -> Gibson
    B. Alexis , Carroll -> Ibra and Zaha [-4]
    C. WC now and prepare for 36/37 ( 4 DGWs now and transfer them out every GW )
    D. for A + B.
    E. Carroll , Alonso -> Gibson + Benteke

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

      B

  3. Congressman
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Hey guys, really need your help in thinking this through. I still have all chips and wildcard in hand. Should I:

    A) use TC in gameweek 34, play wildcard in 36 and bench boost in 37
    B) hold steady in 34, play wildcard in 35 in prep for 36 and 37 DGW, triple captain in 36 and bench boost in 37.

    In the absence of a strong triple captain option in 34, I am somewhat torn between the two options.

    Are you please able to advise?

    Thanks in advance!

    1. greghammer95
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Option B is better depending on the state of your team now? Could always WC this week in prep for the DGW's, allbeit a little early it's another option for you.

      1. Rhodes your boat
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I'm going b

    2. Roy Rovers
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      B

  4. the snazzy viking
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    who to captain for GW34?

    A. Theresa May
    B. Theresa May
    C. Theresa May
    D. Theresa May
    E. Theresa May

    thoughts?

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

      F. Boris

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

      Who cares.

      She's a small fish in a big pond no one cares.

    3. Rhodes your boat
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      B for brexit

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

    Those with no TC but WC & BB, what is your plan?

    Thinking of WC 36 then BB 37

    1. the snazzy viking
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Was thinking that but then again I don't have a good team for 35 so might do it early

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

        Team right now is:

        Grant
        Alonso Bailly Davies
        Zaha King Sanchez Alli
        Lukaku Kane Aguero

        Pickford--De Roon--Holgate--Roberston

        1. the snazzy viking
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          yours is decent enough to be wildcarded in 36 imo

    2. greghammer95
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      That's my plan. Might do it next week, unlikely.

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

      WC 35 BB 37

      1. Neo-Viper
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        This!

  6. The Happy One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Pick 2 to start this week: 🙂
    Jagielka (whu)
    Walker (cry)
    Azpilicueta (SOU)

    1. Cesc Pistols
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      B and C.

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

    Tadic > Herrara for free?

    1. the snazzy viking
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      If you still have WC, yes.

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

        i dont

        1. the snazzy viking
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          No then

    2. greghammer95
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I wouldn't, especially if you don't have your WC left.

    3. Rhodes your boat
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      No can't see him scoring many

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

      No

    5. The 12th Man
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      ok, thanks guys

  8. Atimis
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    You recon that situation regarding Boro GK will be clear before DGW ? I wanted to do Grant to Valdes as my way into their def .

    1. Neo-Viper
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I already have Valdes... so hope he plays!!!
      Have Gibson too...

  9. Cesc Pistols
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    DDG, Pickford
    Luiz, Vertonghen, Valencia, Yoshi, Fabio*
    Sanchez, Alli, Pedro, Redmond, De Roon
    Ibra, Lukaku, Deeney

    Does Pedro + Deeney ➡ Zaha + Negredo (2 FTs) sound reasonable?

    Is it worth it to take a hit to do Fabio ➡ Gibson?

  10. jia you
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Rudy Gestede brace against SUN is the only certainty this coming GW!

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

    Anyone know for sure if chambers is fit? Or how to find out?

    1. balint84
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      i believe him

    2. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Agnew said he was, so he is. Said prior to Arsenal game.

  12. Hypnos
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    if you were to choose a united def/gk who would be your most preferred choice?
    Bailly? De Gea?

  13. FF Dirtbag
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Plan to do AOA with this team for the DGW (at a cost of -8):

    Grant
    Alonso Chambers
    Sanchez Alli Eriksen King Zaha
    Kane Ibra(c) Benteke

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Pickford; Baines, Brunt, Amat

      What are people's thoughts? Any good? Out of 10?

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

        Seems like a good time to do it

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

    REPOST

    Aguero + Holebas > Ibra + Gibson (-4)

    Have Valencia so don't like doubling up on United defenders

    Yay or Nay?

    1. Neo-Viper
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Yay! i reckon you have your WC left?

  15. boc610
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    predicting that Antony Knockaert is going tol be the cheap bandwagon everyone will want to get on next season

    1. Top 210 Club
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      agreed

    2. Pirlø's Pen
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      he'll probably do an Andre Gray

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      DG9 😎

    4. Sterling is £11Mill..…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Probably be a flop in the PL, he had 11 appearances for Leicester in the PL and didnt produce anything

    5. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      wonder if he is good enough? I think Bruno might be a good one, if he handles his age well-). They are quite resillient, and he has 4 assist this season.

  16. boc610
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    kun to outscore Ibra next week

    1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Negredo to outscore everyone

  17. Chris_White
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    If Ibra is going to be benched in one of the next PL games, I would put my money on the derby. United will need to sit back and hit them on the counter, it worked well against Chelsea and it worked well last season at Eithad where Rashford scored the winner.

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I'd go the complete opposite. Zlatan already said he loves and gets extra motivation playing against Pep. He will be desperate to play that one

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

        They'll need him for Burnley though. They will play with 11 men behind the ball.

        1. tokara
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          i dun think ibra will play burnley

  18. Yome
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Those with Ibra and Kane or even Aguero, who are you captaining?
    Really tempted by Kane

    1. Top 210 Club
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Ibra

  19. EDEN THE MAN
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Rate this WC team!

    Boruc-PICKFORD
    ALONSO-STONES-YOSHIDA-KONE?-Holgate
    SANCHEZ-HAZARD-ERIKSEN-SANE-King
    KANE-Lukaku-GABBIADINI

    CAPS=DGW

    Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Amazing. Whats your TV?

      1. EDEN THE MAN
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        106.8

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

      Would rather have jesus, stones not nailed with kompany's return and kone didn't play the last game i guess

      1. EDEN THE MAN
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Jesus ahead of Lukaku?

    3. AB.
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Looks v good. Do you have a fall back plan if Gabbiadini hasn't returned?

      1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Gabbi has returned, he played other day

        1. AB.
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          So he did. Sorry, I'd missed that. Really nice team.

  20. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Anybody going ibra and Rashford?

    1. Deano
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Only if they include the EL game in this GW.

    2. EDEN THE MAN
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      No

  21. Hypnos
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    would you play de roon over any of these -

    https://gyazo.com/4cf895fbd76499ff6c2904c12f008a3c

    ?

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

      I'd bench Pieters

    2. denial
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah - Williams or Pieters.

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

      over all

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

      Over Pieters for sure

  22. Deano
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Quick poll:

    How many Negredo knockers on here watched last night's game?

    A. Yes

    B. No

    1. greghammer95
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Yes.

    2. the snazzy viking
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

    3. Deano
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      That's what I thought - only two!

  23. greghammer95
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Most will be bench boosting in 37 which is great. But there's no talk of who to captain? The main contenders...

    A) Hazard (wba, WAT)
    B) Costa (wba, WAT)
    C) Aguero (LEI, WBA)
    D) Sane (LEI, WBA)
    E) Sanchez (sto, SUN)
    F) Ozil (sto, SUN)
    G) Kane (MUN, lei)
    H) Alli (MUN, lei)
    I) Eriksen (MUN, lei)
    J) Son (MUN, lei)

    There's a host of other options I haven't even included but any of the big hitters are great options! Anyone got some screenshots from teams in the DGW last year, wasn't playing so no idea how the scoring went.

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

      Depends on who's playing for what by GW37

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

        Yeah this is the main thing to consider

    2. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Too far ahead to think about that, Form can be very different by then.

      GW35 I will look a little more at that when I WC

    3. The 12th Man
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A or C look good

  24. denial
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Really stuck on what to do. Team after no transfers this week:

    Heaton

    Alonso Maguire Valenica

    Zaha Alli De Roon Siggy

    Kun Lukaku Kane

    Robbo // Sterling / Baines / Stephens

    a) Kun to Ibra
    b) Siggy to Townsend
    c) Robbo to Hennesy

    Not sure. Ideas?

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

      Anyone?

    2. The 12th Man
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Baines > Bailly

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

        Hmm. Not thought of doubling on Utd defenders. Ta.

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

      Wait to see if Valdes is fit and then Robbo to him?
      Are you set on starting De Roon? Could bench him and bring in Townsend for Sterling.
      I would be keeping Siggy for at least this home game

    4. Arn De Gothia
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      b

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

        Cheers guys

  25. ZakAFC_
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Any ideas for this team?

    Heaton
    Valencia Davies Alonso
    Sanchez Alli Siggy King
    Aguero Lukaku Benteke

    Grant De Roon Pieters Kingsley

    1FT, 1.2 ITB

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

      I'd probably do King or Siggy to Palace mid

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

      Aguero > Ibra seems to be a popular choice

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

        Oh yeah and that. Any ideas above?

  26. TooDifficuIt
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    I have 2ft and 0 itb, what would you do with this team ?
    Pickfrod/jaku
    Alonso/walker/baines/mawson/byrem
    Sanchez/alli/eriksen/siggy/de roon
    Ibra/lukaku/carroll

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

      Get Benteke for Carroll

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

        I have to downgrade one of the def then baines > friend or siggy > zaha

    2. Sterling is £11Mill..…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Carroll out

      1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        carroll>gabbi ?
        hasnt got a great fixture this week, but your set for his doubles then

  27. The 12th Man
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Im considering saving my FT this week. Is Gibson,Valencia,Zaha and Ibra enough DGwers in a team of ?

    Grant
    Alonso,VALENCIA,GIBSON,Pieters
    Sanchez,Alli,ZAHA
    IBRA,Kane,Lukaku

    Foster,Tadic,Yoshida,T.Carroll

    1FT 0 itb No WC

    Other options ive considered:-
    1. Save, play as above
    2. Alonso,Pieters > Bailly,PVA -4
    3. Lukaku,Tadic > Benteke,Hazard -4
    4. Tadic,T.Carroll > JWP,Townsend -4
    5.Tadic > Townsend or King

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

      Can you just do Tadic to Townsend? I like how Palace have DGW followed by Burnley at home.

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

        Hmm. I could. Is Zaha and Townsend not a little too much?

        Could also do Tadic,Pieters > Townsend,Bailly -4?

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

          It is a bit but as I say, I'd be happy to play both of them for DGW and the following GW

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

          Save looks good. Keep Tadic IMO; Gabbi back will boost Sotons output.
          I'd hold on hard to Lukaku and Alonso

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

            Thanks. I dont want to play Tadic(CHE) this week so play Pieters over Tadic?

  28. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Rojo or Bailly?

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

      toss a coin. Rojo 0.2 cheaper but gets booked a little more.

    2. denial
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Bailly

    3. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Rojo 5 yellows, Bailly 3 yellows so not much of a difference. 0.2 cheaper could turn out handy in other purchases, so i´d say Rojo.

  29. Syd.
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone captaining Tekkers?

    I am tempted given CPs form against the bigger teams

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

      Can't see more than one goal at best for him. Although that would still be decent I guess.

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

      Owning is enough. Kane vs a tired Palace will be thunder dome. Too bad Sakho is rested due to the loan, but you can't have everyting

  30. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Jaku Foster
    Robertson Valencia Naughton Gibson Coleman
    Sanchez Cout Alli Erikson Zaha
    Carroll Lukaku Kane
    1FT/0.3ITB

    A) Save
    B) Carroll + Coleman + Foster ---> Benteke, stephens, Cech (-8) And play Bench boost as Im using TC on 37
    C) Lukaku + Coleman ---> Ibra + Yoshida (-4)