Scout Notes

The Stock Check – Gameweek 34 – Thursday

An underwhelming Double Gameweek 34 dishes out its final disappointment as the Manchester derby finishes goalless at the Etihad Stadium.

On the Rise

Eric Bailly, Daley Blind, David De Gea
On a night when the 17%-owned Antonio Valencia was at least rewarded with a second start in five league matches, the consistent Bailly delivered once again.

Last night’s result earned United a fifth clean sheet in their last six league outings and the Ivorian is the only defender to benefit on each of those occasions.

An upcoming schedule that affords Jose Mourinho’s side home encounters with Swansea City and Crystal Palace as well as a Double Gameweek 37 indicates that Bailly’s 9% ownership will be happy to hold as part of their Wildcard plans.

Having earned two bonus points in the 2-0 win at Burnley, Blind finished Double Gameweek 34 as United’s top-scoring defender on 14 points.

The Dutchman – who has returned more bonus points than any defensive team-mate – looks set to continue as Bailly’s central defensive partner for the run-in, with the likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo still stuck in the treatment room.

Meanwhile, De Gea was the top-scoring player over Gameweek 34 thanks to a 17-point haul. Brought in by 69,000+ for the two fixtures, the Spaniard produced two clean sheets, two save points, and maximum bonus points in Thursday’s stalemate.

With Sergio Romero seen as United’s Europa League keeper, the Spaniard is perhaps the one potential asset immune to Jose Mourinho’s rotation plans.

Vincent Kompany
Considering his injury history, we may be getting ahead of ourselves here.

Nonetheless, Thursday’s outing was the first time that the City skipper has started three successive matches in all competitions since March last year.

And there’s no denying Kompany’s impressive return to FPL form. He’s racked up 23 points in the last two Gameweeks, thanks to a goal, two clean sheets and five bonus points.

City’s remaining schedule (mid, CPL, LEI & WBA, wat), involves five matches in the final four Gameweeks and could barely be kinder for those willing to take what essentially remains a big risk.

For those unwilling to consider Kompany, it’s worth monitoring the situation in goal after Claudio Bravo was forced off with a calf problem. A potential period on the sidelines for the Chilean could promote Willy Caballero at just 4.7.

In Decline

Sergio Aguero
Having scored in each of his previous five league appearances, City’s frontman was the third most-captained player for Gameweek 34, with over 8% backing.

Aguero had chances aplenty – nine of them, to be exact – but was unable to convert as United’s defence led a somewhat charmed life.

Without a double-figure haul since Gameweek 13, the Argentine’s 12.8 price tag may now be a little too steep for some as we fine-tune our Wildcard plans.

The return of Gabriel Jesus also places major doubt over Aguero’s security of starts.

Handed just five minutes off the bench late on, the Brazilian turned in a lively cameo and had an effort disallowed for offside, stepping up the pressure on Aguero ahead of Sunday’s trip to struggling Middlesbrough.

At a price of 8.6 and owned by less than 1%, a start at the Riverside could turn a few Wildcard heads.

Marcus Rashford
The striker was subject to a massive 457,000+ transfers-in for United’s Double Gameweek 34, but registered a mere three points across the two matches.

After appearing off the bench against Burnley, the teenager returned to Mourinho’s teamsheet but failed to fire a single effort on goal before being replaced late on.

With this weekend’s home encounter against Swansea taking place four days before the first-leg of their Europa League semi-final against Celta Vigo, Rashford’s owners will already be considering their options for fear of Mourinho rotating again.

Indeed, Rashford is already the fifth most transferred-out player over the last 24 hours, with mid-price alternatives such as Manolo Gabbiadini and Christian Benteke facing favourable home encounters with Hull City and Burnley respectively this weekend.

Gael Clichy
The 5.2-priced Frenchman had started each of the previous seven league matches and seemed a viable differential in defence for our upcoming Wildcards.

Owned by just 1.3% of FPL managers, Clichy was promptly dropped to the bench as Pep Guardiola reinstalled Aleksandar Kolarov to his teamsheet, placing further question marks over the make-up of City’s defence for the run-in.

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1,687 Comments Post a Comment
  1. greghammer95
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 3 days ago

    For someone thats owned De Gea all season. This week was sweet, wish I was brave enough to captain!

    Not sure what to do with this United double up now, they look solid (Boring).

  2. anish10
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 3 days ago

    Anyone know what time the pressers are on today

    1. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      Hot topics

  3. Bunk Moreland
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 days ago

    Tempted to go with a Kompany/Caballero double up on my wildcard...

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      Yes I am on this too

      1. Bunk Moreland
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        Cool, how does the rest of the defense look like then?

        Currently on
        Cab Pick
        Kompany Monreal Vertongen Yoshida Holgate

    2. greghammer95
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      Guessing this is based on Bravo being subbed off last night? Do we have any more information on this? Cabballero would be a great option if nailed on.

      Are you not worried about Kompany's fitness and hence possible rotation AND on top of that possible injuries.

      1. Bunk Moreland
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        Yeah I am worried about that. It's a bit of a reckless choice.

        Still, it's only 5 matches left of the season and City have to win everyone. Kompany is their best defender by miles, he should play 4 or 5 of them and his ceiling is high.

    3. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      Don't think city are that good defensively?

      1. Bunk Moreland
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        They are with Kompany.

        1. Feed tha Sheep
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Def more solid but don't know if I would double up but could work I suppose just be worried about Kompnay staying fit

    4. Pep says
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      He's very expensive for an injury risk playe

      DeGea Caballero
      Monreal Alonso Vertongen cover these 5 teams defensively and are all nailed on

      1. Bunk Moreland
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        True. That is another good option, thanks for the suggestion Pep.
        I do want Alonso but I was late to the train, so he is very expensive for me (pp 6,6).

    5. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      Kompany could be decisive if he stays healthy, but not tempted before 37, have not the fear they say, but i have-) So I´ll wait even though they have nice fixtures till the end of season. Cab is coming in, if Bravo is out.

  4. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 days ago

    What do you reckon?

    A) Aguero starts, Jesus bench
    B) Jesus starts, Aguero bench
    C) Both start

    1. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      A

    2. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      C

    3. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      Jesus will start defo, my feeling, either on flanks or up front.

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        I expect both to start and Sane bench

    4. anish10
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      Jesus will start I reckon, Aguero looked tired last night - 3 games in 7 days. Jesus looked sharp when he came on

    5. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      A

    6. Zlatans little helper
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      B. And Sane will get rested.

    7. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      C most of the time I reckon.

    8. Delhidynamo
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      C with Sane benched

    9. Sausage and Eggs
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      Sane has one quiet game ... in fact if the ball was played into him last night he would of been in some good goal scoring positions. IMO sterling will be sacrificed against Boro if any one.....seriously though option A is likely

  5. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 days ago

    Better option on wildcard?

    A) DDG
    B) Willy

    The 0.7 saved on Willy would be useful.

    Appreciate your thoughts!

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      B

    2. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      It is difficult but price and fixture is swaying towards Willy. But United has found themself gritty for a while and a quite few of them matches left could end in boring stalemates, I can´t see them winning all of them, but besides the obvious good CS opportunities vs palace and Swansea, both Arsenal and Southampton could end 0-0. In fact a series og 2-3-0 with five CS is not entirely out of reach. City does look more solid now, and Willy could be more safe than one of the defenders

  6. Atimis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 days ago

    Would you WC this week into this:

    Caballero Pickford
    Alonso Vertonghen Blind Yoshida Holgate
    Sanchez Hazard Eriksen Coutinho King
    Kane Jesus Gabbi

    Or Costa Sane Romeu instead of Jesus Coutinho King ?

    1. bluetiger
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      I'd hold off one more week - will know more about Caballero and Jesus and could be one or two injuries

      1. Atimis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        Seems reasonable 😉

  7. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 days ago

    Anyone with WC in hand looking Sanchez out this week?

    I'm looking at, Sanchez -> Firmino/Coutinho & Negredo -> Costa (-4)

    1. GoonerByron
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      No, I'm getting Sanchez in for Firmino or Coutinho this week on WC 😛

  8. Berbalove
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 3 days ago

    An underwhelming DGW34? I think not.

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      Needed more Berba.

    2. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      Not if you owned Benteke, Blind, Bailly & DDG.

      I had none of them. 🙂

    3. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      I loved it

    4. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      Far from underwhelming.

      98 pts and absolutely enjoyed it

    5. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      Decent in the end!

    6. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      It was alright.

  9. chelseabrad
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 days ago

    Pickford Cech
    Clichy Alonso Yoshida Stephens Holgate
    Ozil Eriksen Hazard Sane King
    Kane Gabbi Anichebe

    Wildcard played, good to go for now?

  10. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 days ago

    Which one?
    A. DDG, Alonso, Yoshida (have Stephens)
    B. Cab, Alonso, Blind
    C. Cab, Luiz, Vertonghen

  11. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 days ago

    Anyone else getting Willy in tonight?

    Serious question.....

    1. MTPockets
        7 years, 3 days ago

        Still subject to decision on Fuchs, otherwise Holding.

      • MTPockets
          7 years, 3 days ago

          * Not until we know how injured/not Bravo is.

        • Fuchs Mane Kante
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Willy Fuchs Mane Kante.

      • Always Take Lamela With You
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        Struggling here:

        a) Lukaku > Gab Jesus (-4)
        b) Rashford > Gabbi (-4)
        c) Stick

      • andy85wsm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        Caballero and Jesus starting wouldn't half make the wildcard easier

        1. bigbudgie
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          even if Jesus doesn't start .... he surely will end up starting in the very near future.

        2. greghammer95
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          This, particularly Jesus.

        3. jmcclory123
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Help me out here Andy I'm a bit behind, isn't it better to wildcard next week rather than this week?

          1. Irish Madridista ⭐
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 3 days ago

            Depends on the state of your team, but due to fixtures being tough enough this week I'd say so yes.

          2. andy85wsm
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 3 days ago

            As IM says below it depends.

            I'm waiting as my team isn't in trouble this week and I'd rather have a weeks extra information

        4. Pep says
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Caballero is a cert unless he opts for Aguerro to put on the gloves.

          Jesus could start over Sané or come on for the 2nd half/last half hour I'm thinking

      • Irish Madridista ⭐
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        Would appreciate some help with this one:

        Which would ya go for?

        A) RMT
        B) Strawpoll
        C) Points prediction
        D) Quiz
        E) Hot Topic

        1. Sjaugen
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          QUIZZZ

          1. Irish Madridista ⭐
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 3 days ago

            @TFF YOU'RE NEEDED!

      • iron899
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        Costa & Walcott
        or
        Gabi & Ozil
        ?

        Probably till the end of season.

        1. Irish Madridista ⭐
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Not mad on either of those Arsenal mids... Ozil in better form but I'd prioritize Costa over Gabbi.

        2. Bunk Moreland
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Walcott isn't nailed.
          Agree with Madridista.

        3. iron899
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Kk, tnx for opinion guys. Appreciated. Ill find some middle solution. 🙂

      • FER FUSCH AKE
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        90(-4)

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          98

          1. Irish Madridista ⭐
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 3 days ago

            Better luck next week lads, keep the heads up.

      • greghammer95
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        Who would you prefer for GW36? Giroud (MUN, sou) OR Jesus (CRY)

        If Jesus is nailed I think I prefer him, saves the transfer in for GW37 anyways BUT that's a key factor here. So tbh, the answer to my question is Jesus if nailed.

        1. ryacoo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Giroud isn't nailed either - Welbeck and even Walcott could get minutes upfront. So Jesus for me.

      • bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        Rate these moves

        This week: Valencia, Sterling, Negredo > Alonso, King, Jesus -8
        Next week: Zaha, Benteke > Hazard, Gabbiadini -4

        Already done the -8 this week BTW.

        A) Brilliant
        B) I wouldn't have but you might get away with it
        C) Awful

        1. Delhidynamo
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          A

        2. Mini Mane Mo
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          A...would have gotten Gabbiadini over Jesus though as the latter might not start the game.

          1. bigbudgie
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 3 days ago

            Cheers, well it's done, and I just think there is explosive potential in Jesus even in a 20 minute cameo, City being a fantastic attacking team playing Boro who need a win....

      • Delhidynamo
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        Your combo of choice from these

        A) Costa Yoshida Vertonghen Sane

        B) Jesus Cahill Alonso Redmond

        1. bigbudgie
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Personally I think Jesus has huge potential with three home fixtures coming up and anything with Alonso for MID wba WAT SUN....has to be B

          1. Delhidynamo
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 3 days ago

            Redmond has been crazy overlooked for the double double too

            Vert might bite back a little but gotta take that risk

            1. bigbudgie
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 3 days ago

              Vert is a solid source of CS but not much goal threat. Alonso has a great chance of CS wiith upcoming fixtures but also as we know incredible attacking threat. I had to get him in too!

      • La Roja
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        How's she looking chaps?

        Jaku
        Blind Bailly Bavies
        Sanchez Hazard Eriksen Zaha
        Kun (K)ane Tekkers

        Grant Olsson Amat Hojbjerg

        No hits, WC & BB next GW

        1. RustyBz
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Beaut. Bavies could be an issue though

      • bluetiger
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        Got a couple of replies on the last article but...
        I'm so close to being able to afford this GW36 WC team - who should I downgrade to enable me to afford a final playing defender?

        CECH / CABELLERO
        MONREAL/ STEPHENS/ Maguire/ Holgate/ 4.0??
        SANCHEZ/ HAZARD/ SANE/ ALLI/ King
        COSTA/ VARDY/ GABI

        1. bigbudgie
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Probably Vardy

        2. Bunk Moreland
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Sanchez or Cech imo.

        3. Karan14
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Cech

        4. The Mighty Hippo
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          One of your goalies to Pickford.

      • goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        Day 6: Lovren is f****** s***.

        1. Bunk Moreland
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          My condolances.

      • Flynny
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        20 ahead of rival....who is best captain.

        A...benteke (who rival has)

        B...kane (who rival doesn't have)

        Thanks

        1. Pep says
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Kane

        2. iron899
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Id say Kane

      • ANON.
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        Who would you rather have for this week only?
        A. Coutinho/Firmino v Watford(A)
        B. Gabbi v Hull(H)

      • GoonerByron
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        Keep Benteke for 1 more week or get Jesus now on WC?

        Alternatively I could get Benteke + Jesus now and bring Costa in next GW for Benteke instead?

        1. bigbudgie
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          The alternative

        2. Pep says
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Hold

        3. Delhidynamo
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Gabbi not in plans?

          1. GoonerByron
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 3 days ago

            He's the 1 nailed one alongside 2 of Benteke/Jesus/Costa..

      • FCSB
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        How can I improve this WC draft??

        Willy Pickford
        Yoshida Alonso Azpi Daniels Kelly
        Alli Sane Hazard Sanchez King
        Kane Gabbiadini Anichebe

        0.1 ITB, BB

        Plan to do Gabbi >> Jesus GW36 or 37... but is there anything I can do for this week??

        Thanks

        1. ANON.
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Azpi + Daniels + Kelly to Vert + Monreal + Holgate

          1. ANON.
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 3 days ago

            or Stephens instead of Holgate

            1. FCSB
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 3 days ago

              thanks mate, i dont get the monreal love though, they have some real tough fixtures... and chelseas run after this weekend is sumptuous.... is azpi nailed??

      • Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        In general, is Eriksen a better choice than Alli, when Kane plays?

        1. Irish Madridista ⭐
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Not really, Alli and Kane love each other.

          Eriksen is just a good pick regardless, as is Alli, it's like comparing Coutinho and Mane

        2. Pep says
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Alli had some good chances last night. He's got more goals in him

        3. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Yeah

        4. Rolls-Royce
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          I don't see logic behind that. Didn't he get the streak of triple 15 pointers when both in the side?

        5. Karan14
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Yes it does look like that.

          But Alli can pop up with a brace against any team in the league.

          I'm personally keeping all 3.

      • anish10
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        Tempted by Aguero > Jesus for a one week punt.

      • Kuns n Moses
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        Dilemma, who to bench from my midfield?

        King (sun)
        Sanchez (tot)
        Zaha (BUR)
        Alli (ARS)
        Arnautovic (WHM)

        Thanks

        1. RustyBz
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Reckless, but Sanchez

          1. Kuns n Moses
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 3 days ago

            That's what I'm thinking but it's crazy right?

        2. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Arnie

        3. Sausage and Eggs
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Im having the same dilemma

          Sane Ali Zaha King

          and benching Sanchez am i crazy??

        4. iron899
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          Zaha or Arnaut

      • GoonerByron
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 days ago

        Any chance it'll be Sane that gets rested/dropped for Jesus starting?

        I'm thinking about getting both Sane + Jesus on WC...

        1. bigbudgie
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 days ago

          If Silva is fit then Aguero Silva Sane Sterling Jesus into four attacking places, one is definitely benched on a rotational basis. Who that is and when.....*shrugs shoulders*