Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Pogba outguns Lingard

A superb Paul Pogba display drove Manchester United to three points against struggling Stoke City at Old Trafford, as Jesse Lingard failed to live up to the pre-match hype.

Lingard went into Gameweek 23 as the most signed player, with over 567,000 managers swooping in a bid to capitalise on an obliging home fixture against the Potters. Some 103,000 owners also trusted him with the captaincy.

Now priced at 6.4, Lingard had produced seven goals in nine Gameweeks prior to last night. But he suffered a frustrating evening, notable only for a single shot on goal and a second booking of the season to supply just two points for his expectant new owners.

He was eventually hooked on 79 minutes and has now returned points in just one of his last five home matches in the Premier League – the brace against Burnley in Gameweek 20 when introduced from the bench at half-time.

While Lingard struggled, he was surrounded by team-mates and notable Fantasy rivals that flourished.

Pogba, in particular, was outstanding.

With Ander Herrera dropping to the bench, it appeared that Pogba was to take up a deeper role alongside Nemanja Matic. However, he was given the license to roam forward and put on an imperious display, littered with accurate cross-field passes and punctuated with two more assists for United’s opening goals.

That followed his brace of assists in the Gameweek 22 victory at Everton, taking Pogba to 11 for the season, level with Kevin De Bruyne.

The player himself brought us this, post-match, on his role on the night…

“I have been more forward, so I have more freedom to go forward and have a positive influence.

I can use more of my ability, my attributes to go forward, use my power, to shoot and to get assists, so it suits me more I would say.”

Pogba did, however, muster just two shots on goal – one of those a late free-kick from range. Indeed, it seems dangerous to judge him in that role based on a home fixture with Stoke. The next two matches at Burnley and, in particular, Spurs, will tell us more on Pogba’s attacking impact should he continue alongside Matic.

Nonetheless, last night’s double-digit return took the Frenchman to 6.6 points per match (ppm), third among FPL midfielders.

Antony Martial offered more in terms of goal threat on Monday night, recording six shots in total. He converted one of those efforts to produce a second successive double-digit score.

An injury doubt heading into the contest, it was notable that Jose Mourinho elected to turn to Martial over Marcus Rashford once again. He repaid that faith with an eighth goal of the season, although he remains more of a risk as an investment having started just three of the last six Gameweeks.

Romelu Lukaku also made a return to the starting line-up to make his mark.

A strong all-round display was rewarded with a third goal in his last five starts or fourth in six in all competitions.

The Belgian has lost over 613,000 owners in the last four Gameweeks – a decline accelerated by a head injury which saw him miss the Goodison Park win. However, he is now beginning to hint at a level of consistency which could yet see his Fantasy stock revived.

Valencia thrives in United shut-out

United claimed a third successive clean sheet to move to 13 for the season, more than any other side.

Mourinho was able to welcome back skipper Antonio Valencia from a hamstring injury for the first time in five Gameweeks, as Victor Lindelof gave way at right-back. The Ecuadorian had lost over 531,000 owners since his previous Premier League appearance back in Gameweek 18.

But Valencia made an instant impact on his return, firing a third goal of the season. It marked the first time that he has scored more than two goals in a season since the 2011/12 campaign.

With maximum bonus also accrued, he delivered a second 15-point haul of the season to move to two points behind Nicolas Otamendi among FPL defenders.

Elsewhere, Chris Smalling also earned a recall having seemingly slipped behind Marcos Rojo in the pecking order to partner Phil Jones. But Rojo also dropped to the bench as Mourinho made two changes to his back four. Luke Shaw retained his start, though with Ashley Young serving out his suspension, his berth at Burnley will come under threat.

In truth, United were fortunate to escape with the clean sheet: they handed Stoke three big chances on the night. But a combination of the visitors’ profligacy and David De Gea’s brilliance, kept them out.

De Gea went into Monday’s contest with the Premier League’s highest save percentage (83%) but with just one save point from his last four outings. However, when the Potters did get an effort on target, they found De Gea a more than capable last line of defence. He is now 22 points ahead of his nearest goalkeeping rival in the FPL standings.

Sanchez deal imminent?

Off the pitch, United’s pursuit of Alexis Sanchez may just have taken a new twist.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan was omitted from the United squad, this despite Mourinho’s statement in his pre-match press conference.

”He is our player. He’s a very good player. Saturday he is training, Sunday selected and Monday play.”

Intriguingly, the manager was to reveal that the decision to omit the Armenia was down to renewed speculation surrounding the player’s future.

“I would lie if I said it was a pure tactical decision….I don’t think it’s easy for a player to play when there are doubts about his future. It’s added pressure that a player doesn’t need, so I think it’s the best for him and for us, while the doubt is in the air, to protect him”

That inevitably led to increased speculation that Mkhitaryan could possibly be included as part of a package that brings Sanchez to Old Trafford.

Further fuel was added to the fire with the news that Manchester City had withdrawn from the race for the Chilean.

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

1,366 Comments Post a Comment
  1. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Any of these moves worth a hit this gw or good to go? Thanks

    a. dcl > wilson
    b. alli > mahrez
    c. alli > kdb

    ddg
    alonso christensen otamandi masuaku
    salah alli sterling arnie lingard
    kane

    joel quaner dcl mariappa

    1. Tazah
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      C

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

      Alli has poor fixtures coming up so I would get rid, but I'd keep him in your team for Southampton away. They look poor at the moment.

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

      DCL > Wilson, bench Masuaku, sell Alli next week

    4. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Not A, dcl-niasse could be better if he moves. Keep Alli for soton away

    5. RIDZ
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      C, but maybe Alli to Sane looks good as Sane starts rising and if you have enough money you can upgrade Lingard to Pogba.

      We are on a same boat but you have more money itb

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

      Thanks everyone

  2. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Is Calum Wilson now nailed? Can’t company at 5.7!!

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Complain

    2. Fitzy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Kompany is 5.8 mate 😉

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Ouch! 🙂

    3. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      he's a great option if fit and nailed on.

      What if i told you Callum Wilson has been involved in 20 goals in 33 pl starts (17 goals 3 assists)

      If he manages to stay injury free he's the standout 3rd striker imo

      1. RIDZ
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        wow that's a good stats. but double matches at London makes me afraid to bring him in

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

    Morata, Schindler, Alli -> Aggu, Alonso, Ibe

    Thougts?

    1. Tazah
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Sound

    2. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I've got Kun, but Firmino looks better value at the moment.

      Schindler also has a decent fixture list.

      Shipping Morata>Firmino looks the best option, and then reassess next week.

  4. danishdynamite
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Sometime soon I'm gonna have to chose one of the following:

    1) Christensen > Alonso
    2) Lingaard > Mahrez

    Christ knows why Christensen has suddenly fallen out of favour, but if he remains benched then he'll have to do one.

    For all the Alonso love, however, I think having Mahrez in my team is that wee bit sexier. And he plays in 28

    1. ceerus
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I did 1

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

      2

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

      2, clean sheet for Chelsea defenders looks enough for now as they played 2 goalless out of 5 matches

    4. seewhyaxe
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      2 is a differential.

      1 is safer. I did 1

    5. danishdynamite
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Thx for the replies, fellas

  5. Tazah
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    So glad theres games today and tomorrow, ever since the winter period I've had a football addiction

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Which games are these?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Da cup.

  6. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Team for GW 24:

    De Gea
    Vert Ota Ogbona Alonso
    Sterling Arnie Salah Lindgard
    Kane Aguero(C)

    Subs: Elliot, Obiang, Crouch, Mbemba

    Choosing the Captain will be hard though... Kun to rule them all?

    *Did Alli DCL to Obiang Aguero (-4) and going 4-4-2

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Blimey nice team

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

    Which mid do you prefer?

    A) Son.

    B) Silva.

    C) Pogba

    (rest of mid is Salah Sterling Arnie Lingard)

    1. No Totti No Party
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Mine is the same with Son, i will keep it that way 1 more GW

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

      A

    3. Chazz69
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A

    4. RIDZ
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A, we have similar mid without Lingard for me, Alli does. But I am planning to ditch Alli not sure this week or next week for Sane

    5. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A>C>B at the moment, until Silva's properly back.

  8. johnbarnes
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Best defender at 4.2 or below?

    Torn between Crystal Palace Kelly and Alexander-Arnold

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Dummett also 4.2

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

      neither appeals. kelly if nailed on.

      1. johnbarnes
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Trying to get Callum Wilson in for DCL, need a 4.2 defender to replace Lowton who never plays. Any nailed on defender will do.

    3. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Kelly plays cb and rb, and a lot of injuries in palace backline.

  9. GreenArrows
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Pick one for -4

    A) Otamendi > Alonso
    B) Kenny > Christensen
    C) Son > Mane
    D) Hold

    Pope
    Otamendi Jones Ogbonna
    Sterling Salah Lingard Arnie Son
    Kane (C) Firmino

    Elliot Duffy Kenny Quaner

    2.5itb 0FT

    1. Tazah
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

      B

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

    Asked last night no reply... Best 3.9 Def?

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

      Tuanzebe

      1. Tazah
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        possibly one of the worst considering hes united

  11. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on Schmeical as GK with those amazing fixtures?

    1. Lazaretti
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Good option if on WC or no other pressing issues. Not keen to use FT for GK

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Not on WC but 2FTs and no major issues apart from Elliot/Fab:

        Fabianski
        Masuaku • Otamendi • Christensen
        Son • Salah • Richarl • Sterling • Arnie
        Kane • Aguero

        (Elliot / Depoitre / Duffy / Kiko*)

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Decent option for sure. Might not keep a huge # of clean sheets but has potential for those 9, 10, 11 type scores when they do.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah! It’s a toss up between him and Pickford to replace Fabianski. Leicester seem pretty solid at the minute

  12. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Kun (-4) Kane or Salah as C?

    Currently on Kun

    1. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Salah

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

      Kun

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

      Kane

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

    DDG
    Jones Ogbonna Gomez
    Sterling Salah Arnautovic Son Lingard
    Aguero (C) Kane (VC)

    elliott depoitre klavan mariappa

    Am I good to go ? Want to bank my FT and try to get alonso somehow before gw 25. 1 ft and 0.0 itb.

    1. Lazaretti
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Yes gtg. Try to improve your bench also Klavan and Mariappa not starting anymore?

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

        sound advice, cheers

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

      weak defence. prefer firmino over kun and use the money on likes of ota alonso

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

        Double united defence been working well but I agree. Will try to get alonso but probably not at the expense of aguero, might change if he blanks against newcastle

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

    What to do?

    DDG
    Jones - Alonso - Gomez
    Milivojevic - Salah - Lingard - Lanzini - Son
    Kane - Aguero
    Speroni - Gray - Mee - Dunk

    2FT 0,1 Itb

    All my ML rivals have Sterling and Otamendi and they are chasing. So thinking of bringing Sterling in. Gray needs to go but don't want to get rid of Son or should I? Lanzini also has good fixtures and in form...

  15. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    If I do Richarlison + Vertongen to Mahrez + Dummett I would have

    Pope (Elliot)
    Alonso Otamendi Robertson (Mee Dummett)
    Salah Sterling Mahrez Son Arnie
    Kane Firmino (Niasse)

    Looks nice right? 😀

    1. johnbarnes
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Is Dummett nailed on?

      1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Not 100% sure, someone on here said yes as he's a first time player returning from I so it might depend on if they buy someone new.

  16. Dele
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    The best move here? Both for a -4 hit.

    Hazard, Richarlison & Depoitre OUT

    A) Arnautovic, 4.3 Fodder, Aguero
    B) Arnautovic, Lanzini, Firmino

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I prefer B. I sold Hazard for a hit two weeks ago so I'm not going to tell you not to.

  17. Jackson99
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Really need help, which do you prefer:

    A)
    Pope (Elliot)
    Ota Jones Alonso Mustafi (3.9)
    Salah Sterling KDB Mahrez Arnie
    Kane (Crouch Quaner)

    B)
    Pope (Elliot)
    Ota Jones Alonso (Kenny 3.9)
    Salah Sterling Arnie Lingard Mahrez
    Kane Firmino (Crouch)

    Much appreciated

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B for me

      1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Maybe even B in a 4-4-2 with a strong 4th defender and Lingard to Ibe/Mili.

        1. Jackson99
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Thank you

  18. FortunesAlwaysHiding
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Any guesses to when Coleman will be back in the Everton side?

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Jan 12: "He is a considerable amount of time away. Introduced to [full] training and we monitor on a daily basis."

      A return date has yet to be given though.

    2. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Late feb

  19. slove
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    I have now taken back to back 8 point hits, and last weeks hit resulted in me getting 16 less points ( i ditched Eriksen and Arnie as i was desperate for Lingard and Mahrez) - a bad move in hindsight i know. This week i ditched RLC , Christensen and DCL for Alonso, Ibe and McBurnie only to realise that i didn't even need to swap RLC for Ibe this week as im not playing him. How do i avoid being this stupid in future? Last weeks mistakes already dropped me from 60k to 115k.

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Take more time. Hits are really devastating when they go wrong, and are almost always avoidable in my opinion. I've taken 3 this season, all were mistakes. Look at your reasons for making them, ask yourself why they did/didn't work out and how that ties into what you thought would happen, then you'll be more careful in future.

      1. slove
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Thank you very much!

    2. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Once I stopped taking hits my fpl end of season ranks shot up. It forces you to think about moves instead of doing them mindlessly

  20. finnish92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Will go for the wc. Any thoughts on this team?

    De Gea, Elliot
    Alonso, Stones, Jones, Hegazi, Bardsley
    Salah, Mahrez, Pogba, Sterling, Loftus-Cheek
    Kane, Wilson, Quaner

    0.1 ITB

  21. Kante Touch This
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Currently only have Otamendi in my team, need another City player and am using my wildcard, Sterling or Aguero?

    / Sterling + Rashford // Surman + Aguero /

  22. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Oh God, I would like Mahrez in my team so much, but how can I squeze him in? Can he still stay overlooked by us, when he's the 4th highest scoring midfielder, he's only 8.6mln and has great fixtures? Frankly speaking I can't choose anyone to get rid of from my current midfield, but I'm already tired of hoovering around 100k and have a feeling I need to break from the template. Your thoughts?

    My midfield is Eriksen - Pogba - Salah - Sterling - Arnie.

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      erik

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Paul

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Actually Erik yeah

    3. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      It would have to be Eriksen but that's always tricky as he's done well recently.

  23. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Owned Wilson for 4 GWs (6pts)
    Sold for DCL for 8GWs (13 pts)
    Meanwhile bought Rashford for 7GWs (11pts)
    Now sold Rashford for Wilson again

    The merry-go-round continues and I still have DCL 😐

  24. trinzoo
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    DDG / Elliot
    Alonso / Otamendi / Mee / Ogbonna / Martina
    Salah / Sterling / Alli / Arnie / RLC
    Kane / Firmino / DCL

    1 FT, 0.2 ITB

    Alli > Mahrez this GW
    DCL > Wilson next GW

    Good plan or keep Alli and have 2 FTs next gw ?

  25. Harmonica1967
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    What to do with this team? Had been thinking about doing Aguero and Richarlison to Firmino and Sterling after this weeks games. Depending on if he's fit I could use one FT to do Francis to VVD this week and then do the double swap next week?

    Pope
    Ota-Christensen-Jones
    Salah-Son-Arnie-Richarlison-Lingard
    Kane-Aguero

    Elliot, Dunk, Crouch, Francis

    1.4 ITB, 2FT

  26. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Please advise the best replacement for Richarlison. Have the following midfield and nothing in the bank:

    Salah/ Lingard/ Arnie/ Ramsey/ Richarlison

    Thanks a lot!

    1. Ëð
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I'd downgrade somewhere and upgrade Richarlison for Son

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

      Is there no-one disposable elsewhere in your team?

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

      If it has to be a straight swap i'd maybe take a punt on Shaqiri with the lovely lineup of fixtures that he has.

    4. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Shaqiri

    5. Rsforstar
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      albrighton

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

      Gundogan

  27. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    It would be awesome to own Mahrez with those fixtures! What you think of this? Cheers 🙂

    Richarlison+Son >> Ox+Mahrez

    Fabianski
    Masuaku • Otamendi • Christensen
    Ox • Salah • Mahrez • Sterling • Arnie
    Kane • Aguero

    (Elliot / Depoitre / Duffy / Kiko*)

    1. Ëð
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Don't think it's worth losing Son for.

    2. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure about Ox. Not yet.

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

      I like it.You can also do just Rich->Albrighton.

    4. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I'm keeping Son, I think he's one of the best options in the game right now, even with some tough fixtures ahead.

  28. Ëð
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    What are people's captaincy thoughts this week? Seems a straight up battle between Kane and Salah. Who are you picking and why?

    1. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      They are the best options, followed by Aguero, Mahrez and Arnautovic, in that order, imo.

      No clue who I will end up captaining.

      1. Ëð
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        It's a tough one, they both put 5 goals past in the reverse fixtures.

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

    Is Robertson likely to lose place back to Moreno despite performing so well? Thinking of getting him in side but could be too much of rotation risk I guess

    1. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Probably wont lose his place but will be rotated regularly. No go zone for me.

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I'm only keeping because I have him already, but I'm not sure I'd be bringing him in. I imagine it'll be another Gomez/TAA situation.

  30. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Fab -> Pickford worth a hit in a long term?

    1. RichRover
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      No