Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Carabao Cup – Tuesday

Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino provide some hints about their weekend line-ups, while West Ham and Swansea City continue to keep things tight at the back.

There’s a first win for Roy Hodgson and a first goal for Josh King, but it’s more away day gloom for Stoke City.

Here are the notes from Tuesday’s Carabao Cup ties…

Coutinho primed for repeat performance

Liverpool warmed up for Saturday’s trip to Leicester City with a midweek Carabao Cup trip…to Leicester City.

They left having lost 2-0 but with a few pointers as to who will make the return journey at the weekend.

Philippe Coutinho started and ran the show until taken off at half-time by Jurgen Klopp, with the manager quick to explain the substitution post-match.

“That was the plan before the game, he needs match time but it was not for a second the plan [to keep him on] and it was not allowed to let him play again for 90 minutes, or 60 or 70 or 80 or whatever. It was clear that 45 is the limit, we need to make him fit but we cannot push him through. That’s all.”

With Sadio Mane serving the final match of his suspension in Saturday’s tea-time kick-off, Coutinho looks likely to make his third start in a week at the King Power.

The same probably can’t be said for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was handed his first Liverpool start last night and only occasionally made much of a case for another one in Gameweek 6.

But Fantasy Premier League managers with Alberto Moreno (2.0%) or Trent Alexander-Arnold (2.1%) in their squads would have been encouraged by Tuesday’s teamsheet.

Both were unused subs at Leicester and although Andrew Robertson combined well with Coutinho down the left in the first half, it could be that both he and the versatile Joe Gomez will be back on the bench for Saturday’s league match.

Gomez is suspended for the Champions League trip to Moscow, although with Jon Flanagan as back-up, Klopp is perhaps willing to risk Alexander-Arnold against the Foxes on Saturday, regardless.

Leicester survived a Coutinho-inspired first-half battering to win 2-0, thanks to goals after the break from Shinji Okazaki and Islam Slimani.

Midfielder Vicente Iborra provided an assist on his debut for the Foxes, while his fellow new signing, defender Aleksandar Dragovic, also made his Leicester bow.

Spurs make no mistake?

Spurs coach Mauricio Pochettino sent out mixed messages aplenty as his side laboured to a 1-0 win over Barnsley.

He spoke pre-match of how prioritising domestic cups over the league and Champions League would be ‘a big mistake’ and then promptly picked a strong side including match-winner Dele Alli, Son Heung-min and Jan Vertonghen.

Fernando Llorente made his first start for Spurs, with Harry Kane an unused sub, defender Juan Foyth was handed a debut and Kieran Trippier played the full 90 minutes and set up Alli’s goal.

The presence of the England midfielder was perhaps understandable as he is suspended for the next two European matches, but Son’s 90-minute shift suggests his next start might come on Tuesday in Cyprus rather than this Saturday lunchtime at West Ham.

More shut-outs for Hammers and Swans

West Ham’s mini-revival continued with a 3-0 win over Bolton in which Marko Arnautovic caught the eye with two assists.

It was a third match undefeated for the Hammers, who have now kept three consecutive clean sheets in all competitions.

Slaven Bilic’s men might struggle to keep that defensive record up when Spurs, who have scored five goals in two away matches, visit on Saturday, but the side is generally in a good place to take advantage of the decent run (SWA bur BHA cry) that follows.

Goals came from Angelo Ogbonna, Diafra Sakho and Arthur Masuaku, while Mark Noble returned from injury to start for the Hammers.

Swansea City have been even more solid defensively – particularly away from home.

Paul Clement’s side won 2-0 at Reading to notch their fourth clean sheet in six matches in all competitions this season, all of which have come on the road.

That is the only downside to an otherwise excellent upcoming schedule for the Swans. They’ll face Watford, West Ham, Huddersfield and Leicester over the next four Gameweeks, with the Hammers encounter the only away match.

Clement mixed and matched his team at the Madejski Stadium, handing Wilfried Bony his first start since rejoining the club, but it was regular starter Alfie Mawson who opened the scoring from a Renato Sanches corner.

The centre-half scored four times last season and if he can rediscover his goal touch in the league, a 5.0 price tag might look rather more appealing given Swansea’s solidity at the back.

Second-half substitute Jordan Ayew wrapped up the win from a Leroy Fer pass.

The Swans teamsheet for the Gameweek 6 meeting with Watford will now be interesting, with Clement clearly lining Bony up for his first Premier League start.

“He is in good shape, he played 60 minutes for the under-23 team last week and now he has played 80 minutes in this game, so I think he is ready to start now in the Premier League.”

It remains to be seen if this impacts on Tammy Abraham or if it’s Ayew who makes way – both were used from the bench on Tuesday.

The alternative could be to pair Bony and Abraham, with Ayew deployed as a number ten – a very attacking option.

Elsewhere…

Josh King scored his first goal of the season, from a Marc Pugh assist, as Bournemouth beat Brighton 1-0 after extra time.

A full 120 minutes was not what either side would have wanted, with the Cherries’ upcoming schedule particularly tough. Three of their next five matches are away from home, including a trip to Spurs, and they also have a visit from Chelsea to look forward to.

Eddie Howe made nine changes, Chris Hughton ten, the Brighton manager handing starts to Jose Izquierdo, Ezequiel Schelotto and Tim Krul.

Meanwhile Howe was able to welcome back both Steve Cook in defence and Junior Stanislas on the flank. Both will be considered for the trip to Everton in Gameweek 6, although the Cherries boss did admit that they were “taking no risks” with Stanislas.

With both Ryan Fraser and Jordan Ibe playing over 100 minutes apiece, Howe’s choice of winger for the Goodison Park visit is in question. It could be that both are benched along with Marc Pugh as Howe reverts to a 3-5-1-1 now that Cook is now back as an option in a back three.

Burnley striker Chris Wood scored his third goal of the season, this time from the penalty spot after Kevin Long was fouled, but the Clarets still ended up losing to Leeds.

Sean Dyche’s men had to come from behind twice, with a 96th minute Robbie Brady free-kick taking the tie into extra-time before Leeds prevailed on penalties.

It’s now two defeats in three home matches for Burnley. Their next four at Turf Moor are HUD WHU NEW and SWA, but their ground is currently not the fortress it was last season.

Bakary Sako scored Crystal Palace’s first goal under Roy Hodgson as they saw off Huddersfield 1-0.

The midfielder converted a corner from Andros Townsend, the winger one of only two players to make the cut from the weekend defeat to Southampton.

Substitute Pape Souare made an emotional return to action after recovering from a car crash that threatened to end his career a year ago. Mamadou Sakho‘s appearance was perhaps more significant from a Fantasy perspective. He was given 70 minutes on his return to the starting line-up and will surely be line to start against Manchester City in Gameweek 6’s early kick-off.

Midfielder Jonathan Hogg made his first start of the season, and Florent Hadergjonaj his competitive debut, for the Terriers – two of nine changes from the side that drew with Leicester.

Stoke City made six changes, but still put out a relatively strong side for the trip to Bristol City.

Peter Crouch, Kurt Zouma, Kevin Wimmer and Darren Fletcher all started as the Potters slumped to a 2-0 defeat.

Stoke have now lost three and drawn one of their four away matches this season. They’ve also conceded six goals in their last three fixtures – hardly ideal preparation for a visit from Chelsea on Saturday, particularly with the on-loan Zouma – one of their stand-out performers this season – unable to face his parent club.

880 Comments Post a Comment
  1. akashan99
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Is tripper going to play in the weekend? Apparently tripper was played yesterday only because he is out of two champions league matches.

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Asked the same yesterday:
      * Bavies got his rest last GW, so he's going to play this one;
      * Trippier may be rotated with Aurier, so it's a risk.

  2. mcgrejam
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    A) Jones and Morata
    B) Lascelles and Jesus

    A or B please?

    1. Magic Box
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I'm on A. Jesus is a great pick but I can't bring myself to rid of Morata just yet...

    2. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B

  3. Magic Box
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Play Carroll (WAT) over Maguire (LIV) this weekend?

    Fancy Maguire might steal something against a dreadful Liverpool defence but can't see a clean sheet there at all really.

    Perhaps this is the week Carroll steps up a notch.

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      TC imo

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

      TC

  4. Vlad Tepes
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Eriksen + Jones --> Salah + Kolasinac YA/NO? Already have Kane and Davies and have no Ars/Liv player.

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      No.
      Eriksen's a good one and should not be ditched.

      1. Vlad Tepes
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        well I have 0.6 ITB and need 0.3 to upgrade Jones--> Kol. I really would like to have him, I can get him if i play 4-3-3 but is that formation good?

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

      No

  5. Hy liverpool
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    No love for shaqiri ? Got the fixtures and attacking threat
    also he is on penos .

    tempted to get him over otamendi on WC

    Thoughts !!

    1. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      There is love, just not yet. GW9

  6. Fantasynørden
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Best option this weekend?
    A) Kane
    or
    B) Aguero

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      b

    2. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B on paper but hope Kane will deliver 🙂

    3. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B) but still A) medium/long-term for me. Definitely not worth ditching.

      1. arndff_
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        This

    4. Swinner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Just a word of warning!
      I've txfr Aguero in for Morata.

      On current form that's likely to nullify B. and put Morata on a hat-trick!

      Just saying

  7. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Hi managers

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Hello

  8. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    GW6 Team, any thoughts, right order of line up and bench?

    Fabianski
    BDavies Jones Mbemba Kola
    Miki Ramsey Eriksen
    Kane Aguero(C) Firmino

    Subs: Elliot, Simpson, Carroll, Chalobah

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      G2G but swap Simpson and TC

      1. HD7
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        what if Leicester get another clean sheet vs Liverpool?

        1. arndff_
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          They won't. Salah will score again.

          1. HD7
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            because you have him? 😀

            1. El Lobito 10
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Because Liverpool put chances on a plate for him and he always manages to score one in ten it seems

  9. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Have just started to listen to the scoutcast from last night and one the pundit started to say he was tormented and agonised over the aguero situation. Seriously ? They look like nice chaps buy seriously seriously get a life 🙂

    1. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I wouldn't agonise over it too much 🙂

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        🙂

  10. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Who to captain?

    1. Jesus
    2. Lukaku
    3. Other?

    Elliot
    Mee Davies Kolasinac
    Groß Ritchie Eriksen Alli
    Firmino Jesus Lukaku

    Forster T.Carroll Dawson Hunemeier

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Jesus, Kaku or Eriksen

  11. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    On WC and have Aguero and Otamendi. Reckon that's enough City?

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Yep

    2. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      plenty

    3. Swinner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Silva! Go whole hog and strategise cash for Aguero to Kane / Silva - Eriksen next gw

  12. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    WBA home and BRI home.

    Any Ramsay love here?

    1. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, but Ritchie/Brady better options imo

      1. FPL ZB
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        I have Atsu and looking just for a two week stint before WC

    2. Magic Box
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Tempted. I wouldn't get in for -4 but currently have Antonio and a FT sitting there, mocking me...

      1. FPL ZB
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        I'm in the same boat with Tadic!

      2. arndff_
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Save your transfer, mate

        1. Magic Box
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          That's the plan!

    3. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Yes. Got him in with Kola and Kun in a mini clear up.

    4. ShaunGoater123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      yeah im thinking of putting him in for Willian for a -4.

      The fixtures are appealing

    5. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I've had him for 3 weeks. Not a pleasing experience, so no.

  13. El Lobito 10
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Brady or Ritchie?

    Brady scored last night.

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Ritchie

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Both good options. I have Brady but would have Ritchie if I had the funds

  14. chonks
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    myk and firmino > jesus and ritchie

    yea or no?

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      No

    2. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      no.

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

      How about Mk and firminho to Sanchez and Abraham?

      1. LǝgleSs e|even
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Interesting indeed..Alexis on full 90 this weekend?

  15. Dybala10
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone going for Leicester & Everton defenders after this weekend or waiting to see if we can trust first?

    Seem to have the fixtures.

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Wait

    2. Magic Box
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      LEI: I like Maguire.

      EVE: Wait until they can actually put together a clean sheet first!

  16. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Is it time to consider Alexis with Wellbeck injured and

    WBA
    BRI
    wat
    eve
    SWA

    to come ?!

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Isn't it early?

      1. rnrd
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        can't see wenger benching him much longer. Arsenal needs to catch up

        1. arndff_
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          OK, then go for him 🙂

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

      I'm so tempted.

  17. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Posted this before but no response. Which WC team is better?

    A) Elliott (Krul)
    ALONSO Kola Jones (HUNEMEIER Naughton)
    Salah Mkhi Ritchie GROSS (Carroll)
    Kane Kun VARDY

    B) Elliott (Krul)
    MEE Kola Jones Naughton (MBEMBA)
    Salah Mkhi Ritchie (RLC Carroll)
    Kane Kun LUKAKU

    (0.2 ITB)

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B for sure

  18. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    1. Mendy / Walker (Pick one)
    2. Gross / Brady / Ritchie (Pick two)

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      1. Walker
      2. Gross, Ritchie

    2. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Mendy
      Brady Ritchie

    3. Point-one short
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      1. M
      2. GR

  19. Pringle
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    What do you prefer?

    A. JRod --> Abraham
    B. Kane --> Aguero (C)

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      A

    2. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      A

  20. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Which 1 to play?
    A) Choupo CHE (H)
    B) Carroll WAT(H)
    C) Chalobah SWA(A)

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B) without a doubt

    2. GS456
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      a

    3. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Carroll will get you 3 points max most likely. Choupo scored two v Utd. Go him.

    4. Veezeeboy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      A easily

  21. El Lobito 10
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Interesting one:

    Ritchie or Otamendi?

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

      Ritchie

    2. GS456
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      ritchie

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Ritchie.

      But Mendy over Ritchie.

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks Got Mendy, Bavies, Kol, Jones. Only got 5.7 mil for a defender. Otamendi about the best out of them unless you prefer someone else!

        1. arndff_
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Wow! at that defence.

          1. El Lobito 10
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Loading up on premium defence pal 🙂

            1. arndff_
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Are you on a WC now?

              1. El Lobito 10
                • 6 Years
                6 years, 6 months ago

                Yep

                Eliot (Woodman)
                Kol Bavies Jones Mendy (Marippa)
                Salah Ritchie Mkh (RLC, Carroll)
                Vardy Kane Kun

  22. GS456
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    is an aguero, kane, lukaku front 3 simply not viable?

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

      Other positions may look meh

    2. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      The herd says no. I say why not? You can have a great team still.

    3. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      With these three, other areas become unbalanced.

      1. GS456
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Ive managed to get this.

        Fabianski/Elliott
        Mee, Davies, Jones, Heunmeiur, Wimmer
        RLC, Mkhi, Eriksen, Choupo, Ritchie
        Kane, Lukaku, Aguero

        1. arndff_
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          I don't really like your defence and mid line. But follow your gut and good luck!

    4. Depleda
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I have all 3 now on my wildcard. I'm one for sacrificing the defence though and I only care about my mini leagues rather than the overall picture

  23. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Who has a better chance of clean sheet this week?

    A) Arsenal (WBA)

    B) Burnley (HUD)

    1. GS456
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      both strong chance but arsenal.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      ARS

    3. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      ARS

  24. GS456
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Which two lads?

    a) Salah and Vardy
    b) Kane and Ritchie.

    1. Jacques The Lad
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      a

    2. LǝgleSs e|even
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      b

  25. jose249
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    MY Gameweek 6 Squad:

    Fabianski
    Valencia / Davis / Bertrand
    Kante / Erikson / Richie / Matic
    Jesus(C) / Kane / Lukaku

    Subs: Foster / Oriel / Long / Rangel
    Guys please suggest the Squad is fine to go??

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      g2g

  26. Jacques The Lad
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    chalobah + davies or atsu + jones?

    1. GS456
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      the latter

    2. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Davies must have imo, if his nailed

  27. Yozzer
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Even though it destroys balance, if on a wc it makes sence to go triple K up top No?

    Then we can decide after lukaku plays palace which one makes way?

    1. Yozzer
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Preferably with 2ft on the IB?

      Although I know it doesn't always go to plan

    2. GS456
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      yeah i am most probably going with this.

      Kane, Kaku, Kun

    3. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Vardy for me and wil switch Kun to Kane for Palace and back again

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Meant switch to Lukaku

  28. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    G2g?

    DDG
    Alonso, Mee, Naughton
    Mkhi, Atsu, Salah, Eriksen
    Lukaku, Kun(c), Ayew

    Elliot,- Carroll, Bertrand, Fosu

    1. Yozzer
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Lovely . WC team?

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Nope still got my WC 🙂

  29. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    J. Stephens > K Naughton for free would be good move right?

    Or who else would you suggest I replace Stephens with?

    rest of me def is Mee, Bavies, Dawson, Mbemba

    Thoughts please?

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I bought Naughton too

  30. El Lobito 10
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Poch plaed Trippier yesterday. Does this mean Aurier may be his new RB of choice?