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

    Ritchie or Shaqiri?

    1. Leeds2116
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      ritchie

    2. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Ritchie

    3. Sidekick_08
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Ritchie.

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

      Ritchie now, Shaqiri after 3 weeks

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

        Cheers all

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

        Shaqiri never

  2. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Play one

    A) Daniels (eve)
    B) TC (WAT)
    C) RLC (mci)
    D) Cedric (MUN)

    1. Leeds2116
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Daniels

    2. Sidekick_08
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Daniels imo. Everton look poor going forward, Bournemouth buoyed by their win against Brighton.

      1. KUNingas
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks

    3. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      A or B and i'd nearly give TC a run this week

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

    What do you say about Gross? I havent watched him play and I am uncertain if I should keep or go 4-3-3 instead ( will get 1 mil to upgrade defense).

    1. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I'd keep him at the minute but he isn't a long-term option, the points won't keep coming

  4. FPL Mentor
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    RMT

    Elliot
    Alonso Davies Mendy Jones
    Eriksen Mkhitaryan Groß
    Kane(C) Lukaku Abraham

    (Foster, Mbemba, Phillips, Carroll)

    Good to go?

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Very nice if you are content going without any Liverpool players. I would try to upgrade gross>ritchie

  5. Egyptian Giza
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    A. Ramsey Mbemba
    B. Atsu Monreal

    1. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B, Mbemba may not play

    2. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Both to play or one for bench?

      1. Egyptian Giza
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        which combo is preferred?

    3. FPL Mentor
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      A

    4. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B

  6. Lone Wolf
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Bottomed. If you could have one:

    A) Kolasinac
    B) David Silva

    1. Sidekick_08
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      A

      1. Bury94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Depends if you have any other City players

    2. drughi
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      A

    3. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

    Play one:

    a) Loftus-Cheek (mci)
    b) Naughton (WAT)
    c) Löwe (bur)

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

      B

    2. Deano
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      C

    3. drughi
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      b

  8. Deano
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Foster, Elliott
    Bavies, Kola, TAA, Suttner, Long
    Antonio, Ramsey, Tadic, Grob, Tarroll
    Kane, Lukaku, Jesus

    1FT, 1.3M ITB.

    A. Antonio to D Silva

    B. Tadic to Atsu and Suttner to Mendy (-4)

    C. Any other suggestions?

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Your midfield is a mess. Focus on clearing out Antonio and Tadic first of all

      1. Deano
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks, hence those two options.

        1. drughi
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Maybe Antonio and Tadic to atsu and Eriksen if it's poosible

  9. Eton Rifles
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Raheem Sterling has the same points as Harry Kane.

    He's played 12 mins in one game, been sent off in another and has served a one game suspension.

    true story

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

      Kane --> Sterling -16 done

  10. n14mul
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Morning,

    Need some advice, my current team is:

    Foster/ Elliot
    Bavies Maguire Jones Alonso / Mbemba
    Miki Erikson Choupo / TC Chalobah
    Morata Firmino Kane

    I want to take out Bavies free up funds and replace Firmino for Jesus, City are scoring for fun so need a city player in.

    Thoughts would be appreciated.

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

      Getting rid of Firmino & Bavies for a player that doesn't play over 70 minutes and is facing Chelsea away soon...

      I wouldn't do that tbh, your team looks fine as it is

      1. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        lack of city is what worries me and Spurs have been a bit hit or miss!

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

    Walker and Lukaku
    or
    Ritchie and Kane

    ?

    1. gatekeepa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      tough one...but if i have to chose: B

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

        A! Lukaku and Kane will get Similar points I think this season and Walker will be up as the top scoring defender I think. Go A

    2. Ode
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Kolasinac & Lukaku

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

        Got Kol already

        Thanks to everyone for your comments Any others more than welcome

  12. gatekeepa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    For the past 7 seasons ive been playing FPL ive always gone for and rotated value cheapie defenders based on schedule, and loaded my cash in MF/STR.
    This season ive talked myself into alonso and kolasinac to be "must haves" from the very start, and thus coupled with a heavy strike force ive searched for value in cheap MFS who both dominate their team's open play as well as set pieces. Ritchie/Brady/Mooy/(TCarroll) form the 4/5 of my midfield.
    Even after 5Gws played out, i still believe in kane/Lukaku/Mancity striker to be essential while maintaining the 2 beasts in def.

    Elliot/foster
    Alonso/kolasinac/davies/lowe/4.0 long
    KDB/Mooy/Ritchie/Brady/TC
    Kane/Luk/Firmi

    I currently face the dilemma of the following 2 moves:
    a) Davies/Firmi out for Mbemba/jesus (2 FT) with potentially moving into high end kop MF asset next GW in place of KDB. this leaves me with some petty cash in the bank
    b)Davies/KDB/Firmi out for Mbemba/coutinho/Aguero (-4) and 0.0 in the bank

    Any constructive comments welcome.

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

      The defenders are now so appealing because of the change in structural systems. I would keep Davies and possibly lose Firmino to enhance your mids

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

      Why would you get rid of Davies?

      Firmino is crap now because he's been shunted out to the week as Mane is out. Next week he is back up top. But I'd refer Vardy anyway.

      Downgrade KdB and upgrade Mooy.

  13. French Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    RMWCT Please - Cheers

    Elliot - Woodman
    Jones - Naughton - Morgan - Mee 4.0
    Salah - Mahrez - Ramsey - T.Carroll - RLC
    Kane - Lukaku - Aguero

    I like 'em top heavy

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      looks good. Nothing wrong with top heavy, but I'm a midfield man

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

        Mahrez good shout but Silva better

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

      Is Woodman Elliot's backup or third choice? Any chance Krul wins the position over at Brighton?

  14. drughi
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Can't decide on what transfers to make.

    A. Mikhi > Hazard
    B. Firmino > Jesus
    C. Alonso and Firmino > Kola and aguero -4
    D. Save ft

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

      B

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

        Especially if no city

        1. drughi
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          yeah no city

          1. drughi
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            question is does jesus (CPL, che) score more then firmino (lei, new) over the next 2 and is the money spent worth it ?

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

              I think it is warranted. City have great fixtures coming up and Firmino out wide is just not the same prospect, despite pens

              1. drughi
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 6 months ago

                yeah

    2. Rex Lapis
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        cheers

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

    Who actually rotates well with Elliott?

    I thought it was Fabianski

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Gomes rotates quite well

  16. F4L
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    My midfield inn 2 GWs

    Coutinho Mane Mkhi Ramsay Salah

    Watch.This.Space

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

      Looks good

    2. Ode
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Wait, 3 liverpool mids?

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        yeah, love my Pool mids

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

      and who up front?

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        probably Aguero and Jesus.

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

      Liverpool going to play away match and yesterday Leicster won the match. So be careful

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        that was a full 2nd Pool eleven. Not too worried about that game

  17. Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Coutinho Firmino Salah front 3 this weekend, or will Klopp persist with Sturridge?

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Sturridge will start I think. Coutinho in the CM again

    2. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      the former imo

    3. olidooley
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Cout Firmino Salah

  18. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Bellerin or BDavies for next 3 games?

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Bellerin

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

      Davies

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

      Bellerin

    4. Mahesh_Kumar
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Monreal

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

    Elliot (Foster)
    Alonso Bavies Naughton (Cedric, Zanka)
    Alli. Mkhi, Brady, Carroll, (Doucoure)
    Kaka Firminho, Kun
    £0.4 ITB.

    £0.5 away (eg Cedric->Mee) from £12.5 for 3rd FWD (currently Kun) to start a new strategy to weekly TXI a 3rd FWD as a heavy hitter n Captain when not Kaka.

    Anyone else adopting this strategy? Any thoughts?

  20. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Play ?

    1. Lowe (bur) or TAA (lei) ?
    2. Moting (CHE) or Carroll (WAT)

    1. olidooley
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      TAA Carroll

  21. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Where can I see how much a player is owned in top 1k teams?

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      subtle brag 😉

  22. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Kolasinac and Alonso or:
    Ritchie and Ramsey

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Or all 4?

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

      How are they comparable? Depends on the rest of the team but defenders are the winner here

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        It is about value for money.
        Already have Bavies and Jones.
        It will mean Atsu and Dacoure If I go for defenders

  23. Ode
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    I'm actually tempted to captain Ramsey over Lukaku this weekend 😀

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

      Maveric

  24. The Boys 999
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    brady or atsu or naughton?

    1. Hardly Athletic
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Brady

  25. olidooley
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Save FT here??

    Foster Elliot
    Alonso Kolasinac Bavies Jones 3.9
    Eriksen Mkhi Ritchie RLC Carroll
    Kane Jesus Firmino

    1. Hardly Athletic
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Save

  26. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Hey guys, do you reckon one of Jesus and aguero will be benched this weekend? Thinking of doubling up on city... Kane for Aguero for a hit?

    Foster Elliot
    Bertrand Jones Mee Naughton Hunemier
    Eriksen Ritchie Miki Chalobah TC
    Kane Kaku Jesus

    1. olidooley
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Very possible....watch tonights team sheet

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

      Depends on the cup line-ups. No way would I do that for a hit, let alone for free.

    3. olidooley
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      And keep Kane there....a hit is craziness there

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

        Thanks guys will do.

  27. Mahesh_Kumar
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Kane is the poster boy for every single The Big Numbers article. So annoying. When am I getting my FPL points you mouth breathing legend?

    1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      lol I bought and C'd for the brace so am content with 2 goals from 2

  28. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    which channel is showing live League Cup games in India?

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

      None....

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        too bad

    2. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      None in UK either

  29. okan58
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    1FT
    Bank 0.2

    Foster
    Cedric - Jones - Davies
    Ritchie - Eriksen - Mkhitaryan - Willian
    Kane - Jesus - Firmino
    Subs: Elliot, Carroll, Mee and Rangel.

    Any suggestions?

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Keep and stick Mee in for Cedric

    2. Hardly Athletic
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Willian > Ramsey

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Try to be more original with your grav!

  30. JustPark
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Off topic.
    For a pound, would you bargain more for a black tea served in a remote, mountain area?