Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Key Men Rested in Spurs Win

There are no alarms for Spurs and no surprises for Fantasy managers as League Two side Newport County are beaten 2-0 in the final replay of the FA Cup fourth round.

After needing a late goal from Harry Kane to keep his side in the competition when the teams first met late last month, Mauricio Pochettino wasn’t inclined to risk many of his big names for the Wembley follow-up.

The coach made ten changes to the side that drew with Liverpool on Sunday, with Ben Davies and Jan Vertonghen rested, Kane and Kieran Trippier left on the bench and Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli only introduced in the second half.

Just Son Heung-min remained from the Anfield epic and he was a lively presence throughout, setting up Spurs’ second goal before being taken off on the hour with Saturday’s north London derby presumably in mind.

If Newport were daydreaming of a cup upset, an own goal in the 26th minute injected a dose of reality as Moussa Sissoko’s cross deflected off a defender and left visiting keeper Joe Day high and dry.

Spurs never allowed complacency to creep into their game and it was only a combination of Day’s heroics and Spurs’ profligacy – Fernando Llorente missed a range of big chances and Alli hit the bar when put clean through – that kept the score respectable.

But in truth, the tie was over once Erik Lamela had steered home Son’s pass in the 34th minute.

The Argentinian’s career has been in limbo for over a year since picking up a serious hip injury and last night’s goal was his first in 17 months.

He remains unsurprisingly rusty and poses little threat to Spurs’ established attackers for now. New signing Lucas Moura, another possible midfield rotation option for Pochettino, wasn’t eligible for the tie as he signed after the first match in Wales.

The League Two side refused to give up the ghost, but only had one shot on target all night – and that came in injury time at the end of the match – as a Spurs defence which included Toby Alderweireld and Danny Rose made it four consecutive home clean sheets in all competitions.

The experienced pair, out since Gameweeks 11 and 22 respectively, will intensify the risk of rotation among Spurs defenders, although it would be a surprise if either featured in this weekend’s clash with Arsenal.

Alderweireld is perhaps the more likely to be used against the Gunners, but only if Pochettino opts for three centre-halves for the derby.

And with Vertonghen, Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier all currently available, the Belgian can afford to be eased back into the fray.

Spurs’ reward for last night’s win is a fifth round trip to League One strugglers Rochdale.

Unless there is a major upset in that tie, a quarter-final place beckons, which means Gameweek 31’s home match with Newcastle will have to be rescheduled.

Little by little, Spurs’ squad is now returning to full strength, which is well-timed with league, FA Cup and Champions League fixtures to fulfil over the next month.

Then again, the six matches to play from this Saturday to early March are sufficiently well-spaced not to demand excessive rotation from Pochettino, with Alderweireld and Rose the most likely to upset the status quo, while the potential impact of Moura is yet to be gauged.

FA Cup Fifth Round Draw
Leicester vs Sheffield United
Chelsea vs Hull
Sheffield Wednesday vs Swansea
West Brom vs Southampton
Brighton vs Coventry
Huddersfield vs Man United
Rochdale vs Spurs
Wigan vs Man City

At present, we have just two confirmed fixtures for Gameweek 31 – Liverpool vs Watford and Stoke vs Everton, though this is, of course, subject to change.

For example, the loser of the Huddersfield vs Man United match will have a Gameweek 31 fixture, as both their respective opponents (Crystal Palace and West Ham) are already knocked out of the FA Cup.

Although the outcome of these results will mainly affect the Gameweek 31 schedule, then, it’s worth bearing in mind that Man City’s trip to Wigan may yet influence the Gameweek 28 calendar.

This is due to the knock-on effect of City’s Carabao Cup final against Arsenal, which takes place on the weekend of Gameweek 28.

That Wembley Stadium match has forced Arsenal’s home clash with Pep Guardiola’s side to be moved to Thursday March 1, keeping it in the same round of fixtures.

However, should City draw away to the Latics at the first attempt, their replay would take priority over that league encounter with the Gunners and force it to be again rescheduled to another date, moving it out of the Gameweek and leaving both with a blank.

A reminder that Ben Crellin’s Twitter Moment provides full detail on the scenarios that could develop for Gameweek 31 and beyond.

555 Comments Post a Comment
  1. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Harry or Mo for the armband???

    1. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      🙂

    2. ZeBestee
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Mo

    3. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Aguero out of those

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        eh?

    4. JasonG123
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      On Mo for the Moment.

    5. Yozzer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      https://youtu.be/za4BKMMdrXA

      This is what I thought when o saw this question.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        class 🙂

    6. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Salah

    7. We Will Klopp you
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Salah

  2. Lingardium Leviosa.
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    So...Salah or Kane (C)? Both Ludo & Jonty make strong, albeit contrasting cases for either

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Salah.

  3. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Also, Christensen >>

    A. Mawson
    B. Mee
    C. VVD

    Like the look of all 3 so really struggling here

    1. Tcheco
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Mawson

    2. balint84
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      mawson short term, mee long term, vvd rotation risk

      1. arndff_
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Mawson and Mee are equally good long term options.

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Yes, Mawson is very good long term too, agree

    3. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      VVD is more expensive though. You should think whether you'll need some money to upgrade elsewhere.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        True but I want 3 good defenders to go alongside Jones and Otamendi. Duffy and Kiko are the backups.

        Pool also have a 31 game and he is best over next 6 on RMT. The pool defence stats wise is much better than Swansea!

        Really can’t decide

        1. arndff_
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Have you already got Pope in your squad?

          1. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            No

            1. arndff_
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              It's a toughie. Hope you'll make the right choice!

              1. RAFA THE GAFFA
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                Cheers matey! Who would you go for? I Think any of the 3 could work out

                1. arndff_
                  • 12 Years
                  6 years, 8 months ago

                  Same thinking here. It's toss a coin situation.

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

      Sensible to get vvd for the 31 scenario

  4. MGD
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Pope / Elliot
    Otamendi - Jones - Daniels / Masuaku* - Mbemba*
    Salah(C) - Sterling - Lingard - ChopaMoting / Mili
    Kane - Aguero - Firmino

    1 FT 0,8 ITB

    Ideas?

    Thinking Masuaku to

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

      A) Robertson
      B) Fernandez/Mawson/Naughton
      C) Bauer

    2. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I would actually look to move out Lingard first. I know..'why keep an injured player?' But since you already have three nailed on defenders, you can look to boost points potential in midfield, which is lacking a bit. Possibly consider Walcott or Deulofeu

  5. Jayben23
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Please help me out

    Fabianski
    Mee Jones Kenny
    Pogba Salah Sterling Son Mikitarian
    Firmino Kane (c)

    Adrian Quaner Monreal Mbemba

    Gtg?

    1. JasonG123
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Looks okay but monitor defensive player news.

  6. JasonG123
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    How do we rate Son for the weekend? He'll probably start but then will probably be subbed.

    Is it worth trading Lingard to Walcott so that I can bench Son? Or just hope he gets an assist in his 60 minutes.

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      If you have lingard on bench to come on for him if he is rested, id save

    2. Yozzer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Play Son. He should start. He always gets brought off pretty early so just another gw

  7. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Cap Salah or kun?

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Same boat.. going for Aguero one last time before selling him for Kane...

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Same thinking. Cheers!

        1. FC Hakkebøf
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Great minds think a like (prolly just jinxed it), your welcome buddy!

          1. SpaceCadet
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Haha true dat

      2. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        All the betting sites favours Aguero as well...

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Leicester look rubbish without mahrez

      Tempted to go kun

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers

      2. Lingardium Leviosa.
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        What does Mahrez do for their defence though?

        1. Kanga roo
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          gives them hope

  8. Laurel and Vardy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Bottomed on last page 🙁 Will appreciate your thoughts:

    2FT. 2.6m ITB.

    A) Niasse->Wilson (bench Mili)
    B) Lingard -> Shaqiri/Ramsey/Mkhi/Deulofeu
    C) Both

    Adrian (fodder)
    Alonso-Ota-Jones (Dunk-Ogbonna)
    Salah(C)-Son-Lingard-Sterling-Milivojevic
    Kane-Firmino-(Niasse)

    Thank you!

    1. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Both! And just like that your team looks stellar

      1. Laurel and Vardy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers. Was thinking of saving one of the FT. Could come handy for the next GW.

        1. Lingardium Leviosa.
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          In that case, A.

  9. ZakAFC_
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Any ideas for this team?

    Adrian
    Otamendi, Jones, Monreal
    Salah, Pogba, Sterling, Shaqiri
    Kane, Aguero, Wilson

    Pope, Dunk, Kenny, RLC*

    1FT, 0.8 ITB

  10. barracuda
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    If you would have Sanchez, Salah and Kane/Kun...

    Would you C Sanchez?

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Only if I'm chasing. But not 100% sure.

    2. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Nope

    3. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Neh. Newcastle will grind out a 0-1, maybe 1-2 while I can see the other games being higher scoring

    4. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Nope.. differential enough in it self to have Sanchez.. id cap Aguero for sure

    5. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Probably not personally, but captain who you think will score the most points. Don't over-complicate it by thinking about ownership etc.

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

      So apart of one guy you all going with Salah, right?

  11. SoccerBoi69
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    A) Fabianski + Davies
    B) Lloris + Fernandez

    Leaving towards B due to the 'nailedness' although A seems to have a higher points ceiling (save bonus/ attacking threat).

    1. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

    2. SoccerBoi69
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B also means I can go Ogbonna > Fernandez this week. 0.2 swing otherwise.

  12. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    What would you do with this team please guys?
    [1FT; 0.2m]

    Pope
    Alonso // Ota // Mee // Dunk
    Salah(c) // Sterling // Haz // Lingard
    Kane // Firm

    Subs: Adrian; Dyer, DCL, Kenny

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Save

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Save. Salah over Harry for armband?

      1. arndff_
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        100%

      2. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I thin so tbh. tough pick this week. nice headache to have

  13. Afghanistanislas
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Who would you play this week:
    A) Lingard (new)
    B) Choupo-Moting (BRI)

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Prolly still Lingard.. but tough

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

      CM

  14. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Any changes necessary here? I am tempted to save but feel i'm missing something in the below:

    Adrian (Elliot)
    Maguire / Otamendi / Azpi (Kabasele / Kenny)
    KDB / Sterling / Salah (c) / Fraser (RLC)
    Kane / Firmino / Wilson

    Thanks in advance, any help much appreciated!

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Maguire > Kenny.

      And save.

  15. Siva Mohan
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Thursday Pressers

    Arsenal (08:45)
    Tottenham (12:30)
    Burney (13:15),
    Stoke City, Crystal Palace, Leicester City (13:30)
    Brighton (13:45)
    Swansea (14:00)
    Everton (14:30)

    1. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Cheers Ozil

  16. jose1
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Chances of Kenny starting? And would you start him before Mee?

    1. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Mee Mee Mee Meeeee

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Very tough.. but given the home advantage, prolly yes

    3. Wardinator
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Start Mee defo

  17. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Mahrez out for:

    a) Mane (would mean not being able to do Kun > Firm in the near future)
    b) Walcott
    c) Mkhi
    d) Other (9.3 max and can't be City)

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Mane's not nailed on.
      Mkhi got some tough fixtures.

      So out of those, Walcott.

  18. estheblessed
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    I basically need to use my FT to get Mahrez out. So that would mean £8.6m to spend:

    Pickford
    Otamendi, Jones, Azpil
    Salah, Sterling, Shaq, Lingard
    Niasse, Firmino, Kane

    Elliot, Ogbonna, Kenny, Mahrez*

    A) Son
    B) Ibe
    C) Walcott (and upgrade Kenny -4pts)
    D) Deulofeu
    E) Save

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

    How much of a rotation risk is VVD?

    I've seen it mentioned a few times - but surely he's first choice etc.

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      spent 75m not to bench warm..

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Would also love to know this answer? Any pool die hearts about?

    3. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I don't get the appeal of a Liv defender, in spite of their 'strong' fixtures. Unless you're relying on the odd goal from him, I'd avoid.

      1. Wardinator
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        They’re solid at home and they have 3 home fixtures in 4 coming up after this weekend. They also don’t blank in GW31. VVDs recent attacking stats are also good

    4. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      He's nailed.

    5. nevins84
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I dont think he will be rotated, he done an interview this week about being back at Saints and being ready for the boo's , doesn't sound to me like he will be rested..
      Huge set piece threat is the reason id be looking at him

  20. Totti
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    front 8
    hazard salah sterling lingard milivojevic
    kane aguero wilson

    1 FT 0 itb

    A) lingard to deulefeu
    B) other suggestion
    C) save

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Lingard to Shaqiri or
      just Save

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

        what do u think about james ward prowse or tadic?

        incase of saving the FT who to play lingard or milivojevic

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Save.

    3. SCZCCOLA
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      c

  21. drughi
    • 15 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Highest scoring:

    GK
    Defender
    Mid
    Forward

    this week ?

    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      !

    2. Norman Conquest
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      de gea
      alonso
      salah
      kun

  22. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Quick snap poll - are FHing in:

    a) GW31
    b) GW35

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. SCZCCOLA
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      b

    3. Wardinator
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

    4. zon
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Thinking A

  23. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Am I correct in thinking teams that blank in GW31 have a double in GW34, and teams that blank in GW35 have a double in GW37?

    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Possible, but not confirmed.

  24. arndff_
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Team's locked in.

    DDG
    Otamendi Dunk Ogbonna
    Hazard Salah(c) Sterling Walcott Shaqiri
    Kane(vc) Firmino

    Elliot Quaner Long Maguire

    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Good for you.

      1. arndff_
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        🙂

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Really nice front 7

      DDG Dunk Ogbonna Wally Shaqiri

      vs

      Pope Alonso Mee Son Ibe

      1. arndff_
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        These are the differences between mine and yours team, aren't they? Your defenders will beat mine for sure. 🙂

        Gotta ditch them next GWs, but not decided who I'll buy.

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

        BTW, are you going to captain Hazard again?

        1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah, assuming I do Mili to Ibe - can't really see another tranny that I like, given that I won't want to play Mili in any of the next four which forces me to bank on Niasse or defenders with not so good fixtures. I don't want to sell Son yet either.

          Captain currently Salah with Kane vice.

          1. arndff_
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Good luck! Hope we'll smash it. 🙂

  25. FantaCity
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    When is Sean Dyche due to speak to the press please?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Today @ 13:15h

      1. FantaCity
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        thank you

        1. joeydelucchi
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Ward v Taylor
          Bardley v Lawton
          ?

  26. arndff_
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Today @ 13:15h

    1. FantaCity
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Meant for me? Cheers

      1. arndff_
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Yep. Reply fail. Cheers!

  27. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Hi guys,

    Who would you lot bench;

    Nathan Dyer (BUR)
    Lewis Dunk (sto)

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Dyer.

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

      Dyer

    3. rokonto
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Tough call but I'd say Dunk.... only a slim chance of a clean sheet imo... had Dunk long time n can't wait 2 get rid

      1. rokonto
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Dyer may get 3 points.... Dunk 2 or 1

    4. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Cheers all 🙂

  28. Pariße
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Lössl ➡ Fabianski despite the formers decent run of fixtures?

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Nope

  29. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    God I HATE Andreas Christensen so much! What a horror horror signing he was. Still causing me pain with this stupid injury

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Wasn't the best move.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Ideally I want to save this week but can’t get 3 defenders out because of that idiot

      2. FantaCity
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Easy to say with hindsight, but he WAS the right move price-wise ... just a long time ago

    2. THAT'S LIFE
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I endured the pain till this last injury. Coupled with Chelsea turmoil he was a good part of the reason I did a WC...

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

      i'm bringing him back when he's confirmed fit 🙂
      Chelsea's best PL defender.

    4. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Ditch him asap. Worst signing ever!

  30. SoccerBoi69
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Bench one:
    A) Walcott (CRY)
    B) Martial (new)
    C) Wilson (hud)
    D) Firmino (sou)

    1. Wardinator
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Jeez, b if you had to but I’d bench someone else