Scout Notes

The Stock Check – Gameweek 34 – Saturday

Hazard sparkles from the bench in Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final, as the failings of the Middlesbrough defence and Negredo and Lukaku in our attacks provide an inauspicious start to Gameweek 34. Here’s the Stock Check following Saturday’s events…

On the Rise

Eden Hazard
Surprisingly preserved on the bench for Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final, Hazard emerged in the second period to turn the tide with a goal and an assist in a 29-minute appearance.

Hazard’s form was already exceptional heading into Saturday’s tie: the defeat at Manchester United aside, the Belgian had returned in five successive Gameweeks which included three double-figure returns.

Now rested for Tuesday’s Stamford Bridge meeting with Southampton, Hazard is a certain starter and will surely be backed for yet another return. Owned by 30.9% of FPL managers, he is surely a key target for those still wielding end of season Wildcards with two fixtures to come in Gameweek 37.

Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli
On the losing side at Wembley, Spurs’ elite trio nonetheless made notable contributions in the 4-2 defeat.

Kane and Alli typically provided goals, while Eriksen supplied two more assists to demonstrate their promise ahead of Wednesday’s visit to Crystal Palace.

Spurs were beaten but are unlikely to be dispirited given that they more than matched Chelsea in the Wembley clash. We can surely expect Kane, Alli and Eriksen to start at Selhurst Park and, with the title race still to be settled, a victory with goals and returns for their three key assets looks the likely outcome.

Josh King
Benched by 104,000 of his 711,000 (16%) FPL ownership, King once again delivered a return in Bournemouth’s 4-0 rout of Middlesbrough.

Now priced at 6.0, King opened the scoring for Eddie Howe’s men, firing a fourteenth goal of the campaign, meaning he has now provided goals in three of his last four.

Since established – either as the central striker or as a No 10 – King has supplied 12 goals, two more than any other FPL midfielder and just two less than Everton’s Romelu Lukaku over the same spell.

With Sunderland, Stoke, Burnley and Leicester City left to play, King will surely be a key figure in our line-ups and Wildcard thinking, despite the fact that he lacks the appeal of a double Gameweek.

Harry Maguire
Having scored in successive matches, Maguire benefitted from a first Hull City clean sheet since Gameweek 24. That also brought about his first maximum FPL bonus points of the campaign.

The Tigers are without a double Gameweek over their remaining fixtures, although Maguire could still hold some appeal ahead of a trip to Southampton and a Gameweek 36 KCOM Stadium meeting with Sunderland.

In Decline

Alvaro Negredo
As detailed in last night’s Knee Jerk, Middlesbrough’s striker was heavily backed by 201,000+ new owners going into his first of two Gameweek fixtures at Bournemouth.

Hampered by the fact that Boro were reduced to ten men early on, Negredo was restricted to just two attempts on goal and was eventually replaced on 79 minutes.

Captained by 155,000 (3.5%), that figure included 27 of the top 100 FPL managers prior to Gameweek 34. They will now be hoping that Negredo will start and convert opportunities in Wednesday’s meeting with Sunderland – a high-pressure fixture following the victories for both Hull City and Swansea City on Saturday.

With a testing match-up with Manchester City to follow, Negredo’s ownership are already considering exit plans: the striker lost 4,035 owners overnight and is second only to the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic for transfers out.

Ben Gibson, Antonio Barragán
Boro’s defence also failed to impress on the south coast, shipping four goals for the second time in four Gameweeks.

Like Negredo, Gibson was a hugely popular target heading into Gameweek 34, attracting more than 118,000 new FPL owners.

However, despite an overnight price rise, he will surely be victim of sales and a Wildcard exodus ahead of City’s Gameweek 35 visit, regardless of his midweek tally against Sunderland.

Meanwhile, Barragán’s starting role for that encounter is now in question. Deployed as a wing-back in an initial 5-4-1 set-up by manager Steve Agnew at Bournemouth, he was sacrificed following the dismissal of Gaston Ramirez on 22 minutes.

With Calum Chambers now set to challenge for the right-back role, and Agnew surely driven to deploy a back four with two strikers, Barragán could find himself on the bench on Wednesday. The Spanish full-back was brought in by 32,000+ ahead of Saturday’s deadline.

Romelu Lukaku, Joel Robles
With a goal in each of his nine appearances against West Ham in Everton colours, Romelu Lukaku was backed as the top captain pick for Gameweek 34 ahead of his trip to the London Stadium.

But the 24-goal striker produced just one effort on goal – from outside the box – as Ronald Koeman’s men put in a hugely disappointing shift.

Lukaku has now scored just once from his last eight away trips and will likely suffer further sales ahead of a Gameweek 35 encounter with Chelsea.

That does at least take place at Goodison Park, and with Lukaku scoring in his last nine on home turf, he may receive a stay of execution as FPL managers ship out their Middlesbrough assets as a top priority.

However, with a Wildcard shake-up expected, Lukaku is set to be a popular casualty ahead of remaining fixtures with Swansea City (away), Watford (home) and Arsenal (away).

As for Robles, he lost his Everton start in goal to Maarten Stekelenburg who was restored following a run of four without a shut-out, with seven goals conceded. Robles had found his way into 59,000+ squads prior to the deadline.

Lee Grant, Marko Arnautovic
Another goalkeeper to suffer a Gameweek 34 setback, the Stoke City custodian was relegated to the bench to allow for Jack Butland’s return at Swansea City.

Grant had been a hugely popular budget signing over the season and was part of 415,000+ squads ahead of Saturday’s trip to South Wales.

His participation over Stoke’s remaining fixtures now looks to be very limited, causing a major issue to those who are without a suitable back-up option.

Elsewhere, Potters team-mate Marko Arnautovic also suffered a blow as a result of Saturday’s action.

The Austrian had been lined up as a possible Gameweek 35 differential ahead of a home fixture with West Ham but, having returned double-figures in Gameweek 33, he conspired to miss a spot-kick in the 2-0 Swans defeat.

Arnautovic may now surrender duties against the Hammers, which could put off those who were considering a gamble on the midfield acquisition prior to a Gameweek 36 Wildcard.

Ben Davies, Son Heung-min
Spurs moved to a 3-4-2-1 setup as expected against Chelsea, mirroring Antonio Conte’s preferred formation. However, few would have anticipated Son Heung-min’s role as the left wing-back, with Ben Davies ousted to the bench.

There are now some some doubts surrounding both players heading into Wednesday’s meeting with Crystal Palace.

Mauricio Pochettino could easily restore a four-man backline for that encounter, with Davies returning at left-back. However, equally, to help counter Benteke’s threat in the air, he could retain Dier as one of three centre-backs.

That would then raise concerns on Son Heung-min’s role. The South Korean was replaced on 68 minutes in Saturday’s defeat.

As a sidenote, Kyle Walker would seem assured of his start at Palace: he lost his place to Kieran Trippier at Wembley but would seem likely to earn a midweek recall.

Darren Randolph
It was a bad day for mid-price keepers, with West Ham’s stopper also finding himself relegated to the bench as Slaven Bilic restored Adrian between the posts against Everton.

Randoplph was owned by 75,000+ FPL managers having started every outing since Gameweek 12. However, he had kept just a single clean sheet in his last 12 Gameweek appearances, shipping 24 goals

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

1,490 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ravager
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Should have just capped Kane as I originally planned you know. Got caught up in the DGW fervor

    1. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      same for me

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I was going to captain Lukaku so Negredo(c) does not feel that bad now. But Kane and Benteke captainers currently in the driving seat IMO.

      1. Ravager
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah. I was thinking Lukaku for a bit since he 'always scores against West Ham'. But I'm thinking that with Negredo that it was such a punt anyway that just owning him could have sufficed. #hindsight

    3. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Lesson is always go for quality over 1 gw rather than shite over 2

      1. camarozz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Totally agree.

        1. Ravager
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Benteke (c) worries me. Couple in my ML went for him.

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

    A Burnley goal today is badly needed!

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

      Rashford comes on at 80 mins to score an own goal and gets a red card. Would b perfect

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

        Too much fantasy there 🙂

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

    One of the biggest armband fail game weeks of the season so far

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Benteke(c) will make you feel better later.

    2. Numb
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Tekkers about to change all that.

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

        Tekkers is marginally better then negredo but not by much. If benteke gets one goal this double then I think ur lucky

    3. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Who, Benteke? We'll find out soon enough 😉

      1. Pierce34
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Oh, I thought I was the only one thinking that 😀

  4. GuillermoDickero
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    As a united fan I'm disappointed that I started Valencia over maguire this week!

    MCity away will be a tough one for him to get a CS

    1. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Let's hope for some attacking returns

      1. GuillermoDickero
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I think unlikely...

    2. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Exactly the same problem! I resisted starting Maguire because I knew I got in Valencia for a reason

      1. GuillermoDickero
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah.... in hindsight a poor decision.

        Then again, when hull went 10 men down yesterday we would have probably been happy starting Valencia

  5. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    I blame zlatan.
    All season trying to offload amat and finally I do it for a m'boro defender.:-)

  6. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Rashford wagon crashing down to reality huh

    1. Numb
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      He'll probably get some minutes today when it's still 0-0 after 65 minutes, then start against City. Not the end of the world.

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

      Not scoring today is big cause Jose will park a nice big bus at the Ethiad and he wont get a sniff.

      1. Magic Bean
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Scored there last season

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Rashford is there now until the end of the season - anything more than 90 minutes this GW is a bonus

  7. The Wise Owl
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    No WC, 1FT.

    Jaku / Pickford
    Alonso / Alderweireld / Valencia / Gibson / Yoshida
    Sanchez / Eriksen / Sigurdsson / Zaha / Davies
    Kane / Lukaku / Negredo

    0.5 ITB

    A) Gibson > Stones
    B) Negredo > Gabbiadini
    C) Zaha > King

    1. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      C is dullard
      B is maverick

      B+C?

      1. The Wise Owl
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks, I was thinking the same actually. Just worried about Gabbi's points.

    2. Ravager
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I'd keep Zaha for Burnley at home. Just have to see how he looks today

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

      Why sell Zaha before Burnley at home?b imo

    4. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      B this week

  8. Kane Toads
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Rasford or Defoe for the rest of the season?

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

      1st rule of FPL is get players who are nailed 😛

      1. Kane Toads
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        cheers and thanks for that - second rule - get players who are always involved?...

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

          Going to score points.

          I'd go Defoe of the two but would look elsewhere.

          Gabbi?

      2. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        No such thing really. Negredo is technically nailed - that didn't work out well.

    2. EDEN THE MAN
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Neither

      1. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Defoe will be a nice differential for the double coming but, probably better options.

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

          Ur right Defoe will be a great differential cause absolutely no one will have him, doesn't mean he will score tho. He is probably flicking through retirement home brochures

          1. Athletic Nasherbo
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Aha no chance considering Prem teams wanted him in the January window. He's had a drought but he could score a couple for sure as they do have good fixtures.

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Rashford

  9. EDEN THE MAN
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Aguero to Kane will happen this week should Kane get through unscathed.

    T.Caroll to King as another transfer for a (-4)?

  10. Sim Simma
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    The Best DGW ever... It just keeps on giving ....surprises...No Valencia and Rashford

    1. Ravager
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      After the EL quarters going to extra time, not such a huge surprise honestly.

    2. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Not really a surprise. Especially Valencia.

    3. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Starting to think getting Valencia was more pointless than when I pointlessly brought in Phillips...

  11. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    1-0 Villa, Gabby I fought the law and the law won.

    Maybe an omen for the Golden Oldies with Rooney starting...

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

      Agbonlahor was never gold

      1. Fred54
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Wooden then.

        1. Team Cruel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Racist.

  12. Trading Bear
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone get the felling Fellani is going to be the biggest DGW score?

    No, me neither.

  13. EDEN THE MAN
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    ML Rival

    Rashford (c)
    Ibra (vc)
    Wasted BB

    Loving it

    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/team/4140961/event/34

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

      Make sure to have a proper lol at him when u meet him

    2. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      His or is 3,954,588 and you are considering him a rival?

      1. EDEN THE MAN
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Basically, the league administrator keeps reseting it so its not from GW 1 which is why he has a chance. Around 30 pts in it

        My Or is around 150,000

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

      When Boro get a result v Sunderland you'll be weeping

  14. Dušan Citizen
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Dear lord, people really thought Rashford will start after playing 120 mins 2 nights ago?

    That's why I bought Benteke over him.

    1. b✪mber
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Rah looks pretty good as a Super-Sub! Might get in with 15-20 to go and score.

      1. b✪mber
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Rash*

    2. ljuta zena
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Niko nije naucio lekciju da Murinjo kad je u skriocu igra na 1:0

  15. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Crashford strikes.

  16. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    No Valencia no surprise. Mild disappointment.

    A Rooney hattrick today would be interesting on the Rashford front.

  17. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Rashford will destroy City

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Optimistic

    2. Toby Lerone
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Otamendi is still looking for Rashford after last years 1 0

    3. Elwood
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      If he plays . . . 🙁

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Of course he will! 🙂

      2. 1314
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        he will

  18. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Rashford being benched is no great surprise

    Valencia being rested was expected

    1. GuillermoDickero
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Did you start Valencia?

  19. EDEN THE MAN
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Aguero to Kane will happen this week should Kane get through unscathed.

    T.Caroll to King as another transfer for a (-4)?

    Any response would be greatly appreciated.

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I'm doing Carroll to King and playing 3-5-2

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

      Unless Jesus looks fit and able I would not sell Aguero before he plays Boro!

      1. EDEN THE MAN
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Could sell Luk but after the FA cup Jesus becomes a rotation risk.

    3. Dr. Mantis Toboggan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Depends, would you be starting Carroll? If not, who would King replace in your first XI?

  20. Toby Lerone
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    I remember about 2/3 weeks ago I foolishly said Valencia would start every game until the end of the season... How blind I was

    1. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Daley Blind?

  21. Costa's Counsellor
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Sims gaining himself some TotS votes today I see.

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

      Today? He's at it every weekend.

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      *gets popcorn*

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Sweet or salted

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Extra salty 😛

      2. grumpyman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Salty popcorn, I suspect.

    2. grumpyman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Nope. Fatigue was highlighted as an issue. No indication of an injury whatsoever.

  22. sillyhilly69
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    When will we learn? DGWs are over-rated, prone to rotation and mess up any cards that we have played.

    Logging off as I took a -4 for Valencia and Gibson... :/

    1. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Never

  23. Neeskens Under Matip
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    My head hurts (too much bison vodka last night), I only have wildcard and bench boost left.

    When should I be using my wildcard, now, or later?

  24. Assisting the assister
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Oh well if Valencia bombs out completely I have Robertson on the bench with a legendary 5 points

  25. Toby Lerone
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Negredo captainers keep the faith!

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I have lost faith already, he's out

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

      Captained him for the Sunderland game 😛

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah, brace incoming...

    4. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Captained him mainly for the Sunderland game, hoping he starts along with Traore' who can supply him with assists

    5. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      At least he has got us 2 points!. Lukaku only got 2 points. Rashford not starting. Benteke and Zaha need to blank now. Then it becomes a one game shootout.

    6. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      There will be one almighty cheer in my house if he scores on wed

  26. rohan
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    United cleanie and Benteke brace please

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

      Wow that would be perfect. Zaha assisting and it would be the best day of my life

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

        Best day 😳

    2. grumpyman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I'd take an assist from Benteke the way the other captains are going.

  27. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Surely a double game week star will emerge at some stage when it comes it will be a big one after all misfires

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

      Pva will be the only star of this double

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Hopefully Townsend!

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

      Boy wonder!

  28. Think
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    It's scouting time, Rooney against Swansea next week and DGW after that.A massive deferential with great FPL history. Despite being city fan I still he is the player if given regular pitch time can do miracles.

  29. Malcolm Tucker for England …
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    my father's team.....Roonpig captain

    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/team/300238/event/34

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      What a Lord!

      1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Valencia vice though...
        he looks at the team once in a blue moon

    2. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      On a loosely related note, here's my Auntie's pretty much forgotten team:
      https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/team/2943201/event/34

      Imagine if Costa comes back to life V Saints...saved by that bench though too!

      1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        nice