Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Hazard Hits Back

Eden Hazard bursts back into life just as Fantasy managers’ lose faith, while a Chelsea centre-back misses out on clean sheet points by only three minutes for a second Gamewweek running.

More than 100,000 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers – close to a quarter of his total ownership – sold Hazard before today’s trip to Brighton.

Not that this was a one-off exodus, with the Belgian losing over half a million managers since Gameweek 19 on the back of an eight-match run in which he’d managed just one goal and an assist.

Almost inevitably, he bit back with a 16-point display involving two goals and maximum bonus as the Blues were left slightly flattered by their 4-0 win at the Amex Stadium.

However well Brighton played for scant reward, there was no disputing the masterclass put on by Hazard.

He thrived in a 3-4-2-1 system forced on coach Antonio Conte by suspensions for Alvaro Morata and Pedro and a hamstring issue that continues to keep Cesc Fabregas on the sidelines.

Hazard and Willian supported lone striker Michy Batshuayi, and it was the midfielders who provided much of the attacking threat.

The Brazilian matched the forward’s four attempts on goal (Hazard had three), while Willian (8) and Hazard (7) both had more penalty area touches than Batshuayi’s four.

Conte has been doing a convincing impression recently of a manager unsure as to his best side and how to set them up.

It looks like he might have stumbled on both the formation and most of the personnel today, with Morata likely to replace Batshuayi, but with Hazard and Willian retained as his attacking partners, particularly as the latter scored one goal and set up another at Brighton.

That could finally usher in the Brazilian as a consistent starter this season, making the 6.7-priced midfielder a real option with Chelsea’s schedule (BOU wat WBA) still attractive until a Manchester double header of both United and City across Gameweeks 28 and 29.

Willian has recorded three double-digit returns in the last eight Gameweeks, having started only five matches in that spell.

He is owned by 7.6% at present, which is a mark of how far Hazard’s star has fallen as the Belgian’s ownership is now down to 6.4%. Their contrasting price tags – with Hazard at 10.6 – has been the major factor. Sure enough, it is Willian who is currently the most bought asset following today’s action, picking up over 10,000 new owners while Hazard has tempted just a third of that so far.

Mixed fortunes at the back

Chelsea have now kept six clean sheets in seven matches as their popular defenders Marcos Alonso (26.3%) and Cesar Azpilicueta (23.0%) continue to set the pace in the overall standings.

But it hasn’t been so sweet for all.

Spare a thought for the 4.2% who overlooked Alonso in favour of the more budget-friendly Andreas Christensen (5.6).

The young Dane was taken off after 57 minutes with a head injury at this afternoon – the second week running he’s missed out on clean sheet points by just three minutes. During Chelsea’s superb recent run of shut-outs, Christensen has profited from just one of them.

Mercifully, the injury was dismissed by Antonio Conte post-match, who indicated that Christensen would return for the midweek Carabao Cup semi-final with Arsenal on Wednesday…

“Andreas had a contusion. We made a substitution, but the player didn’t want to come off. At the same time, when you have the possibility to have on the bench players like David Luiz, it was simple for me. The referee tried to force this substitution. It was a simple contusion. The player is okay. From tomorrow’s training session, he’s ready.”

Nonetheless, Christensen is already the most sold defender, with over 6000 of his owners reacting to their misfortune by trading him out, regardless of those kind fixtures to come.

There was also a bitter blow for the 13.3% of managers with Thibaut Courtois in goal.

The club confirmed that a minor ankle issue, sustained in training, was to blame for the Belgian’s non-appearance today, which meant a first league start for Willy Caballero.

The Argentine looked shaky at times but pulled off one fine point-blank save from a Tomer Hemed header to earn his corn.

Victor Moses was another to enjoy his day out on the south coast, the wing-back adding a goal, an assist and two bonus points to his clean sheet for a season-high 17 points.

However, such is the pull of Alonso in Chelsea’s backline – the Spaniard has 60 points more than Moses – that the Nigerian’s insignificant 69,280 ownership is unlikely to increase by anything more than a nominal amount.

Dark clouds over Brighton

The consensus was that Brighton performed admirably against Chelsea.

But they lost 4-0 anyway.

Chris Hughton’s side have now kept just one clean sheet in five matches, conceding nine goals along the way.

And their attacking form is desperate – the Seagulls have scored only four goals in 12 matches, with half of those coming in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in Gameweek 22.

Brighton have broken their transfer record to sign striker Jürgen Locadia from PSV Eindhoven to try and stop the rot, although he is currently recovering from a hamstring problem and played no part today.

But the major casualty of the goal drought has been Pascal Gross.

The midfielder’s ownership peaked at over 1,176,000 in Gameweek 14. It’s now down to 872,000, with more than 112,000 getting rid for Gameweek 24 as the midfielder’s barren spell stretched to one goal and no assists from his last 12 starts.

Brighton’s short-term fixtures (sot WHU stk SWA) are sound enough for Gross to recover, although his, and the side’s, form suggests otherwise.

At the back, Hughton’s move to a three-man defence brought Connor Goldson (3.9) into the line-up.

Such a bargain basement price creates a situation that needs monitoring.

But given Brighton’s early capitulation – they were 2-0 down after six minutes today – it will likely be an experiment abandoned almost as soon as it began.

2,531 Comments Post a Comment
  1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    I’ve unfortunately got Richarlison in my team.

    Worth keeping him for one final game?

    Or ship to Willian?

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

      If Will is starting go for it

    2. MTPockets
        6 years, 2 months ago

        He's going for me. Probably to Walcott.

        1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Hmmm. Walcott is quite a good shout to be honest.

          I’ve just got a feeling about Willian, the way he linked up with Hazard today was unbelievable.

          1. MTPockets
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Willian can be great when he plays. I'm not ready to revisit chelsea yet after 14 weeks of Morata.

              1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                This has been the one thing losing me back.

                Selling Morata for Firmino this week felt so good!

                Maybe I will just stick Arnautovic in.......

                1. MTPockets
                    6 years, 2 months ago

                    I didn't see today's game/highlights to be fair, and feedback has been quite different for team & Willian with 3-4-3 if Conte keeps it that way.

          2. THFC4LIFE
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            I’m shipping him and Lingard waiting til after Fa cup games tho

            1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              I’ve got Lingard as well.

              I’m holding onto Lingard for now, but I cannot wait to sell Richarlison!

          3. Batchain
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Willian looks consistently their best player - WHEN he gets to play. I'd go with Willian.

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

          VVD or Maguire for next month?

          1. BucketHead
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Went vvd myself

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

              Think I will also go with him,
              but will wait after tomorrow

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

          As a Kun captainer, and a Kane and Salah owner, should I be wishing that the latter two blank?

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Depends who your rivals have and captained.

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

              I’m more concerned by OR

              1. TorresMagic™
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                You lose slightly with Salah and more with Kane.

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

                  Cheers TM

                  1. Epic Fail
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    6 years, 2 months ago

                    It does depend on rank though. Where are you?

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

                      I’m currently sitting at 8k (jumped from 19k pre last night’s games) Son, Salah, Kane and TAA to play.

                      1. Epic Fail
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        6 years, 2 months ago

                        Wow, that's template territory. Yeah them players hauling can definitely hurt you then.

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

            No

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

            Be happy with your points and don't wish ill for the others. JogaBonito

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

              I like your philosophy. In this case, I’m wishing that my own players don’t haul, not sure that’s wishing ill on others...

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

                Who don't own Kun

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

                  Well if your aim is a strong OR, you need to score more points than teams ahead of you. That’s how the game works. There’s no malice there.

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

          Alonso had some chances today?

          1. Team Cruel
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Non existent.

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

            Nah, not really. Didn't really venture forward much. Bit more in second half.

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

            Nope

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

              AZ will you bring in Kun if Kane blanks?
              Since you have used up your TC

          4. Francescoli
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            He was hardly seen in the final third

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

            I guess I will keep Azpi than and hope for the best. Cheers

          6. THFC4LIFE
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Nope but cleanie is welcome

        5. Duffy Dunk
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Good evening managers, would you change anything?
          Mainly thinking if it would be worth trying to get Aguero or another City mid in.

          Ryan Elliot
          Alonso Otamendi Jones Mustafi Cresswell
          Salah Sterling Son Arnautovic Lingard
          Kane Firmino Calvert

          2 FT, 0.3 itb

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

            I'd say Son > Mahrez, and (Lingard > Albrighton or DCL > Niasse/Ayew)

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

          Non Kun owners..
          What would you do if Kane blanks this gw?
          Assuming you don't own both Kane and Kun

          1. Hansel
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Keep kane

        7. Team Cruel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Arsenal rejected £50m for Alexis in the summer and five months later they decide to straight swap him for Mkhi. Okay.

          FWIW I think Mkhi is a much better fit for Arsenal than United on paper but there are some real question marks regarding his mental strength.

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

            Wait till Aubemayang joins ARS 🙂

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

            I guess they were hoping to have a really good season and then persuade Sanchez to sign a new deal to stay

        8. Big_Andy_GAWA
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Any more up to date info on Hugo Lloris and whether he has travelled to South coast etc, folks?

          Cheers.

        9. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Kane + alli > kun + hazard?

          Aguero has form and fixtures and hazard always scores vs Bournemouth. Can reverse in 3 weeks for gw 28?

          1. Az
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Do it

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

              AZ will you get in Kunis Kane blanks?
              Since Your TC chip has been used

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

                *Kun if

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

            Yep it makes sense to jump off Spurs after this gameweek. Both good replacements.

        10. Tabbara
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Thoughts on Shaqiri and Mahrez for Son and Lingard(4)?

          1. Stats Don\'t Lie
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            I like

          2. Ambrosiana Inter
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Oooh yesss

          3. thegame
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            wait to see how Son does tomorrow.

            i personally did it last night to fund Aguero. But was wondering if i chose the right person out of shaqiri, Ox and albrighton

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

          Which one should be prioritized for GW 25 transfer?
          A. Elliot
          B. Lingard
          C. RLC

          1. Hansel
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            C

        12. whatsgoingon
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          It seems alonso did not play very well yesrerday

          Which one is better?
          Vertonghen to

          A) Alonso
          B) Azpilicueta

          1. Hansel
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            A

          2. 1966 was a great year for E…
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Alonso's not really that good in real life. But in FPL, definitely A.

        13. Hansel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Ox + Aguero or Mahrez + Firmino?

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

            B

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

          She made only 6 transfers and used her wildcard gw21..never own Kane and yet 159 worldwide!

          https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/team/1209144/event/24

          1. Hansel
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            She also captained Quaner gw1!

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

            thats unbelievable jeff

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

            I also don't have Kane. Expecting great things of my team now

          4. Ambrosiana Inter
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Ore impressive only 6 transfer

        15. pablo discobar
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Mahrez has Everton and city away in his next 3. Not worth getting till that run is over

          1. Team Cruel
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Everton conceded vs West fookin Bromwich while City have looked awfully shake of late. If anything City is a good game for Mahrez because of Leicester's style of play.

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

              Would have to agree on the City defensive point. Very worrying when they suddenly do not have the ball and Leicester love a counter.

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

            Everton.. Well, we saw it today. They are not United. City is a tough one

        16. walce86
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Sorry for repost

          Thinking of WC from:
          De Gea (løssl)
          Ota Jones Alon (Kenny ogbo)
          Salah Sterling Lingard Arno Son
          Kane (Calvin Hemed)

          To

          De Gea (løssl)
          Maquire Jones Alon (B.Chil Kenny)
          Salah Martial Arno Mahrez Milivo
          Firmino Aguero (J.Ayew)

          Would Leave me with about 0.7 ITB

          Thoughts..?

          1. walce86
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Anyone..?

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

          Evening all, how did Wilson play today?

        18. the snazzy viking
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Better transfer?

          A) Richarlison ➡ Shaq
          B) Christensen ➡ Maguire/VVD
          C) Both for -4
          D) Save FT

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

            Probably D

            1. the snazzy viking
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              cheers

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

            Hold off for now. B with Maguire is tempting however. Also worth looking at Mustafi.

            1. the snazzy viking
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Thanks

          3. BucketHead
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            B

            1. the snazzy viking
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              With Maguire?

          4. MTPockets
              6 years, 2 months ago

              A. I watched the Watford game and while Richarlison's clearly a skillful player, they didn't look a team about to start scoring lots of goals.

              1. GreennRed
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                Probably difficult to acclimatise to a Watford winter compared to a Rio one.

                1. MTPockets
                    6 years, 2 months ago

                    Probably although Rich looked ok, just Leicester the better team. Think they need a decent win for morale.

            • Do I Not Like Orange
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Had a 100pt lead in ML, but my rival's Kun (c) has hurt me. Won't ne able to absorb another 2-3 hauls if Kane fails to show up during his tough run, so should I do Kane > Kun for safety? Can easily reverse the move when fixtures swing back.

              1. Epic Fail
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                If the ML is your only concern then you may as well.

            • camarozz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              I won't even read above article because of a certain troll who will probably keep getting points over nxt three games.

              Anyhow who has mid week games??

            • Brosstan
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              64 points courtesy of aguero (C). Now a Kane blank is needed tomorrow.

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

                Should have TC for 96 points

              2. My Name Is Prince
                • 11 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                What's your motivation to write such text on a social platform?

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

                  I guess I should have said I hope Kane gets a hat trick so my OR plummets!

            • HD7
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Vert to VVD or Maguire?

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

                Maguire

            • Deulofail
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              How much would United want for Martial? Sanchez + ?

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

                Ozil

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

                  Martial + Mkhi Ozil Sanchez? Let's get it done

              2. My Name Is Prince
                • 11 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                18

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

                  Done.

              3. Team Cruel
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                + 120m at least.

                Don't get Arsenal's obsession with Martial. He is already so vital for this United side and he is still only 22. Not for sale.

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

                  What obsession?

                  I don't understand Arsenal's obsession with mediocrity. Mkhitaryan is not enough for Sanchez, a player that multiple teams want, and shouldn't get without sacrifice. Regardless of contract lengths.

                  imo

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

                    PS not vital. Not even nailed on.

              4. Nascimento
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                Probably recoup what they paid for him. He'll end up at a bigger club.

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

              Will Kane + Firmino outscore Kun this gw?

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

                Could be

              2. My Name Is Prince
                • 11 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                Hopefully... Stupid question though....

            • NestorC
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Simple question, Sane or Mahrez?

              1. My Name Is Prince
                • 11 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                Mahrez

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

                Mahrez. I believe Jesus will be back in the not-too-distant future?

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

                  And than Sane is rotation risk again?

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

                    I guess

            • TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Top 50 in live HoF averaged 31.42 today.

            • Nascimento
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Got to feel for Burnley. If they'd been playing anyone else today they'd have been awarded a penalty for that.

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

                I'm sure John Moss would have given it I'd they were playing Chelsea.

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

                It makes no difference, except Ederson would got extra points

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

                  Burnley played Man Utd. Newcastle played Man City.

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

                    My bad, heard earlier today something about City

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

                      No worries, something similar probably happened in their game.

            • Fpl Richie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Why is Willian suddenly an option?

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

                Will he be Nailed when Morata is back next gw

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

                He plays he scores

            • FPL Maldini
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Anyone tempted by Mhky at Arsenal? Only like 7.6m

              1. THFC4LIFE
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                Yep

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

                Definitely

            • Fpl Richie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Play one...
              A. Oggy (CPL)
              B. Duffy (Sou)
              C. Kenny (LEI)

              Next gw. Thinking A.