Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Austin Builds His Case

Another goal confirms a Southampton striker as a potential festive differential, while an Arsenal super-sub stakes another claim for starts in the 1-1 draw at St Mary’s.

Four goals from just three starts – and five for the season from a mere 399 minutes of pitch-time – has elevated the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) stock of Southampton’s Charlie Austin.

The forward opened the scoring against Arsenal today to continue his purple patch, but it is a run of form that has passed most of us by.

Priced at 6.1, he is owned by just 1.8% of FPL managers and only 41,000+ drafted him in for Gameweek 16.

Austin’s less than illustrious history of injuries and the Saints taxing festive schedule have clearly dissuaded more from investing, but over the next six Gameweeks, he has three strong home fixtures (LEI HUD CRY).

They are counterbalanced by a trio of brutal road trips (che tot mun), although coach Mauricio Pellegrino has tended to start away matches with the more mobile Shane Long as the lone striker anyway.

For managers with adaptable squads, Austin could be used as a budget third striker when the fixtures fall in his favour as Pellegrino seems likely to keep his striker in reserve for the key St Mary’s matches.

He is currently the fourth most popular signing ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, already claiming over 21,000 new owners following today’s seven points.

Meanwhile, the coach’s switch to a 3-4-2-1 formation helped Dusan Tadic prosper as well.

The midfielder supplied the assist for Austin’s goal to go joint-top with Son Heung-min for big chances created (three) in Gameweek 16.

The Serbian now has a goal and two assists from his last three starts and, with just 1.8% ownership, is another to track while the Saints enjoy this spell of form.

Giroud pushing for a start

Arsenal’s much-vaunted ‘big three’ of Alexandre Lacazette, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil now have just one goal and an assist between them from the last two Gameweeks.

Sanchez set up today’s equaliser, the fourth time in five matches he’s delivered points, but it was Olivier Giroud who scored it – his third goal in as many Gameweeks, and all of them from the subs bench.

The big Frenchman might not have the mobility of his compatriot Lacazette, but he’s now scored four goals from a mere 253 minutes of action this season.

With rotation inevitable from now until the New Year, Giroud is building a strong case for the starts that have so far been denied him this season.

The Gunners certainly have a good set of fixtures to come, with West Ham, Newcastle, Crystal Palace and West Brom in four of the next five Gameweeks.

Another in fine form is Aaron Ramsey, who was brought in by 203,000+ for Gameweek 16, only to blank for just the second time in eight Gameweeks.

It wasn’t for the lack of trying, however, as he had more shots (four), efforts in the box (three) and attempts on target (three) than any team-mate.

But he is now an injury doubt for Wednesday’s trip to West Ham, as Arsene Wenger confirmed post-match.

“Aaron Ramsey couldn’t play at the end. He had a hamstring problem.”

Defence missing Mustafi

At the back, Arsenal continue to struggle when Shkodran Mustafi is absent from the line-up.

The German missed today’s encounter with a knock and the Gunners promptly failed to keep a clean sheet as a result.

In fact, all seven of the shut-outs they’ve managed this season have come when Mustafi has played the full 90 minutes.  His injury issues have kept him to just nine starts, however.

That’s clearly having a knock-on effect for FPL managers with Arsenal defenders in their squads, with Sead Kolasinac (15.8%) the most popular.

The Bosnian was drafted in by 81,043 this week, but his lack of returns on the road continued – only 18 of his 74 points have come away from home.

His frustrated FPL followers might now need to take note that three of Arsenal’s next five matches are away from the Emirates.

1,373 Comments Post a Comment
  1. rokonto
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone know who is more nailed when baines and Coleman return.
    Kenny or Holgate?

    1. Scout Pics
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Kenny

    2. gunner 2727
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Neither. Both back up

      1. Limbo
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Yep, neither. Although Holgate can play in a back 5 as CB

  2. gunner 2727
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    This game, team doing well all season, captain struggles. Then...

    Last two game weeks combined

    Salah plus captain 70
    Other 18 players 30

    One would determine rest of my team is pants but it doesn't look it!

  3. Scout Pics
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    % chance of Moreno falling tonight?

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      It won't happen tonight

      1. Scout Pics
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Good

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

      slim

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

        %

      2. Scout Pics
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks

  4. christoff
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Mourinho likes to park the bus, park the bus
    park the bus

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      wheels on the bus go round and round, with big holes

  5. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Best replacement for Daniels?

    A. Kenny
    B. Ogbonna
    C. Kabasele
    D. Simpson

    I currently own Azpi Mee Naughton Daniels Mbemba

    1. Jayv807
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I went C, but I’m having a terrible year haha

    2. Scout Pics
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

    Best Moreno replacement if he's out again? Up to 4.8m.

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

      Kiko if he’s fit.

    2. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Reid (especially with dgw)

    3. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Kenny.

      1. barracuda
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Will he play midweek?

    4. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Do you not fancy Gomez or Robertson

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Gomez maybe. But he'll be rotated.

  7. F4L
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Someone help me I'm in free fall.

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Show us your team?

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        linked in bio

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Stick for now. You may get decent returns in midweek. You have good players. Then use your two frees to remove Abraham and Bellerin.

          1. F4L
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            cheers Diesel

    2. gunner 2727
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Just had a look. Personally think you need harry back but with BGW looming that's a toughie. Sack off bellerin for sure, don't ever drop otamendi.. like the rest of it tbh, bit unfortunate

      1. gunner 2727
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Just too much cash in defence for me, altho I would say that as I'm the opposite

      2. F4L
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        cheers mate, Kane's a problem for me, I feel like its the wrong time buy. Bellerin's going for sure, just don't know who tbh

        1. gunner 2727
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah can see the Kane issue. But at least team is ready for him cash wise if you get now, spend the cash you have and bellerin money and it's spread. But if not Kane would upgrade Tammy anyway. Or Quaner to Austin. Problem is at present , bring em in, watch em get benched. I need to rid zegelaar, everyone could buy looks like poss rotated

    3. Rash
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Lose 1 of arsenal defenders imo to put funds in attack

    4. TopMarx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      You were unlucky this week because of Arsenal and Chelsea having bad weeks. But they are still the two teams I would want to own players from over the Christmas period. Unlucky benching Otamendi. Gross got one more hard game before he comes into a better run of fixtures. Ramsey injury unlucky. Gray (LEI) worth keeping an eye on he seems to offer good value. Big thing is - do you want to get Kane back your team? I presume that's a GW22 move?

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        cheers for the in depth reply mate. Yeah, I just feel like its the wrong time to acquire Kane, definitely coming in for the DGW like you said. Ramsey's going if out for a while, currently looking at Shaqiri, nice shout though Gray, I'll give him look.

        1. gunner 2727
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Like gray! Or even upgrade to mahrez be a good diff!

        2. TopMarx
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          you're welcome, I just noticed you have 2.7 itb, you could get another Liverpool mid, or downgrade to Gray and then upgrade a cheap forward to Firmino. I mention Liverpool mids because I've been looking at Numb's team and he has Salah, Cout and Firm - not great today but could be profitable in the next couple of fixtures at least. Not got much of an opinion on Shaqiri, but he seems in the form of his life, good price, tempting looking fixtures (although WHM are an improving force). I haven't followed Stoke too closely.

    5. gunner 2727
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Check mine out to please, feel a bit stuck... ML rival has scored 80 this week sighhhh

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        blimey you're ML rival seems to be on a good run. However, you're still in a great position right now, rank wise. Team looks really good mate, need to shift Zeegelaar ofc, probably say that's the only real stand out problem. Lots of 4.4-4.8s to pick from, my two favourite right now are Gomez and Kabasele, slim pickings tbh. Mee needs to be monitored , and Daniels fixtures don't look great, but I don't think its worth taking a hit for either

        1. gunner 2727
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Cheers. Good pep talk! Gomez was my first thought, but surely TAA comes in midweek? Really annoying as really need a nailed man

    6. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Too much money at the back, midfield is brilliant, attack is weak. Downgrade bellerin upgrade Tammy or try to get Kane

    7. Weasel51
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Ramsey + Abraham >>> RLC + Firmino

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

      too much cash in defence.
      Decent midfield with 3-5-2.
      So it's about finding a way to either upgrade Morata to Kane and go 4-5-1 or upgrade Abraham to Firmino might be an option for this GW without a hit. 2.7m itb.
      Then funnel cash out of the defence.
      Taken way too many hits but if you don't mind more Bellerin & Alonso can go

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        cheers. I like my transfers, I know it doesn't help though ahah. The Kane problem is struggle, might just wait on him till GW 22 and do the Abraham to Firmino transfer you suggest

        1. tisza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          that'll work then get the cash out of defence to prepare for Kane in.
          way it's going atm 2 premium defenders is plenty particularly if you've DDG. For me Bellerin has to go and one of Kola or Alonso. Looking really long-term i'd hold Alonso and maybe take Kola down to Mustafi if you really want Arsenal coverage. Still leaves a bit too much cash in defence.

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

    Pope
    Otamendi • Christensen • Ward
    Hazard • Salah • Coutinho • Richarlison • RLC
    Kane(c) • Morata

    (Elliot / Kiko / Niasse / Wimmer)
    1FT & 0.0 ITB

    Save FT?
    Bench RLC or Kiko?

    Appreciate your thoughts!

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

      Very nice! Nice dots too 😉

  9. Manani
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    wilson, daniels, ramsey > DCL, Mariappa, Coutinho (-4)

    thoughts?

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      as long as you don't expect anything from Mariappa

      1. Manani
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        got Gomez, Memba, Mee, Otamendi as my other defenders

        kind of risky

    2. Rash
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Too risky with mbemba

  10. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Removing Vardy and Choupo for:

    A. DLC
    B. Austin

    And

    X. Sterling
    Y. Ramsey

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Well Ramsey is injured, so its BX

    2. Jayv807
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Ramsey is an injury doubt isn’t he?

      1. n-doggg
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Ah.

        DLC and sane
        Austin and sterling

    3. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      BX

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

    Just seen Klopp post match, loved that interview.

    Sharp contrast to Jose...’what went wrong today’, ‘well we should of had a penalty’...

    Just ignore the fact you were totally dominated at home.

  12. mad_beer ✅
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Ramsey and Sane to Coutinho and Lanzini for free?

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Lanzini could be a great pick On my radar

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

    Niasse, stick or twist?

    1. Scout Pics
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Sticking, he'll get game time coming up

      1. Limbo
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Hmmmn. Not so sure after only 45 today. I was more sure this morning

    2. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      sell sell sell

  14. Winners900
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on Firmino? Was planning on getting him in, now a rotation risk?
    Vardy a better pick?

    Apperciate some advice.

    1. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I'm probably getting Firmino this week. Liverpool looks more fluid and score more goals when he plays. No Europe for a while and Klopp needs wins.

  15. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Sane + Daniels to Kenny + Coutinho looks good using 2fts?

  16. Dazzrb
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Vardy and Gross > Son and DCL? 2FT.. 0.1ITB

    Pope
    Otamendi Daniels Maguire
    Coutinho Salah Gross Richarlison
    Kane Morata Vardy

    Elliot Mee Cedric Carroll

    Thanks in advance!

    1. Oven Glover
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I like it fwiw

  17. @fpl_phenom
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    £0.5M ITB 1FT

    Thinking;
    Zeegelaar > Kabasele

    DDG
    Otamendi Ward Christensen
    Salah Sterling Hazard Richarlison RLC
    Kane(C) Morata

    Elliot Niasse Hune Zeegelaar**

    1. Pancake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Why is he's not gona play. Just keep your ft

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        He’s suspended and Kabasele is rising tonight’s....

  18. ILOVEBAPS
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Hello!
    Silly question but if you still have your first WC will you have two for use when the 2nd one comes in?

    1. mad_beer ✅
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      No you lose it. 🙁

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks.
        Is Jan 1 the cut off?

    2. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      No

    3. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Use it or lose it by last gameweek in December

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Tah

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

      No, one per half-season I do believe, use it or lose it.

  19. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Aguero and Jesus both starting midweek game?

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Doubt it.

    2. Longlatini
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Nobody knows

  20. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    a. Choupo-Moting to Gray (-4)
    b. Play Choupo-Moting - away to Burnley
    c. Play Kolasinac - away to West Ham

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      C

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

    What would you change here? 0.4M ITB, 1FT, WC available

    DDG
    Daniels Mee Otamendi
    Hazard Salah Coutinho Richarlison RLC
    Kane Morata

    Elliot Long Niasse Naughton

    1. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      save or get rid of daniels

    2. foley200
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Daniels to Kenny? Bournemouth have a horrible run

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

      Earlier today, I asked about his possible replacement, but I still can't make up my mind.

      What would you suggest?

      1. lilmessipran
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Masuaku decent punt for the next 3 after arsenal and a DGW to follow in 21

      2. Delph & Safety
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Kiko?

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

    Niasse to DCL for free?

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Slightly risky but I think so

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

        Yeah he wasn’t great today but the favoured of the two....

  23. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    who has a better shot at cs only next gw?

    1 tarkowski STK
    2 Kennny new

    1. Oven Glover
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      1

    2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Burnley

    3. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      thnx. going w the tark then.

  24. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts mates? 1FT and 0.3ITB

    Elliot/Foster
    Azpi/Daniels/Mee/Kiko/Mbemna
    Hazard/Salah/Sterling/Richarilson/TC
    Kane/Morata/Niasse

    Daniels to Masuaku/Gomez? or TC to RLC?

    1. Atimis
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Could also do Niasse to DCL.

  25. Legohair
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Need help here?

    Kolasinac-Christensen-Moreno-Mee-Daniels
    Salah-Sane-Groß-Richarlison-RLC
    Kane-Morata-Firmino

    1FT 0.6 in the bank
    A. Sane->Sterling
    B. Daniels->Femenia
    C. Elliot->Speroni
    D. Something else?

    1. Scout Pics
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      C

  26. JasonG123
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Wilson and Zeegs to DCL and Otamendi for -4?

  27. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    A. Simpson
    Or
    B. Kenny
    Or
    C. Kiko

    1. Scout Pics
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      B

  28. Delph & Safety
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Advice greatly appreciated.

    Fabianski Elliot

    Kiko Daniels Alonso Ward Maguire

    Salah Hazard Richarlison CM RLC

    Kane Jesus DLC

    I.4 ITB

  29. JimmyCoop
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Silva and Abraham to Couts and DCL for free - worth it?

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Nah. City v Swa

  30. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Squad:
    Lloris - Elliot
    Mariappa - Daniels - Alonso - Bellerin - Maguire
    Salah - Richarlison - Hazard - Surman - Carrick
    Kane - Morata - Wilson

    Transfer thoughts:
    A) Alonso + Wilson >> Firmino and 4.5m def (-4)
    B) Wilson >> DCL (ft)
    C) Suggestions

    Really don't trust Calvert-Lewin though.