Scout Notes

The Watchlist Updated – The Midfield

Having analysed the Defence in yesterday’s first instalment, we move onto the men in the centre of the park as we roll out our recommended player picks for the next four to six Gameweeks. Chelsea’s Belgian sensation continues to lead the way after last night’s stunning performance against the Black Cats, while Arsenal’s two main protagonists retain lofty positions despite a testing run to follow:

Eden Hazard retains top spot after another devastating display in last night’s win at Sunderland. With Oscar missing out against the Black Cats due to an ankle injury, the Belgian delivered his fourth set of double figures in the last seven Gameweeks for the Blues – a trip to Stoke and home games against Palace and Swansea in the next four look set to see him plunder the points again.

Arsenal duo Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil remain in the top five refresh, with an assist and goal respectively in last night’s win over Hull. The Gunners’ schedule is far from straightforward, though – home games against Everton and Chelsea bookend a trip to the Etihad in the next three. Those with more than one of Arsene Wenger’s attacking options may look elsewhere in light of such a schedule. Theo Walcott is further down the rankings – he has still yet to start a match since returning from injury, with his manager explaining he was no more than a sub against Steve Bruce’s side after failing to train over the past week due to illness.

Steven Gerrard’s outstanding consistency earns him the nod over midfield team-mate Philippe Coutinho. An assist in last night’s win over Norwich means the Reds skipper has now earned his owners attacking returns in eight of the last nine Gameweeks – Liverpool’s next three home matches (WHM, CAR, HUL) could barely be more appetising but trips to Spurs, City and Chelsea somewhat lessen his appeal. Yohan Cabaye has also delivered on a regular basis. The 6.5-priced Newcastle midfielder has scored or assisted in six of the last 10 and has home games against Southampton and Stoke in addition to a trip to Palace in the next four – the downside is that he remains on the Suspension Tightrope and is just a single caution away from a one-match ban.

Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri have the form but three of the next four fixtures are a little tricky for City. A visit to Southampton and home games against Arsenal and Liverpool look a real test for Manuel Pellegrini’s men as they attempt to maintain the last 100% home record in the top-flight. The Ivorian is the pricier of the pair, at 9.6 to 8.2, though this is vindicated by his consistency – Toure has now scored or assisted in nine of the first 14 Gameweeks compared to Nasri’s seven. The latter remains a real differential, though, and currently sits in less than 6% of FPL teams.

Stephane Sessegnon’s stock took a real dive after he was benched for last night’s home loss to City. With rotation kicking in, though, we expect him to return to the fold as Steve Clarke’s side brace themselves for home games against Norwich and Hull, with a trip to Cardiff sandwiched in between. Chris Brunt offers a cheaper route into the Baggies midfield for such a schedule – coming in at 5.0 to Sessegnon’s 6.6, he has scored or assisted in three of the last five.

Nathan Redmond, Barry Bannan and Peter Whittingham are the stand-out budget selections on offer in this week’s refresh. Coming in at just 4.6, Redmond looks a secure pick in light of injuries to Robert Snodgrass and Anthony Pilkington on the flanks – trips to West Brom and Sunderland supplement the visits of Swansea and Fulham in the next four for Chris Hughton’s side. Bannan is even cheaper at 4.4 and has played a part in each of Palace’s last two goals – he welcomes Cardiff, Newcastle and Norwich to Selhurst Park in the next six and also travels to Villa.

Whittingham (5.1) pays visit to Palace before three home games in four (WBA, SOT, SUN) and heads the queue for set-pieces and spot-kicks for Cardiff. As mentioned in yesterday’s defenders piece, Malky Mackay’s side rotate home/away perfectly with Palace all the way up to Gameweek 27 – some Fantasy managers are eyeing up a cut-price Bannan/Whittingham partnership to take advantage of what looks a very kind run of matches.

Antonio Valencia has started the last five for United and, whilst he has managed just a goal and assist all season, has a very enticing schedule on his agenda. Home games with Newcastle and West Ham are supplemented by trips to Villa, Hull and Norwich and, at 7.1, he could appeal as a mid-price punt as David Moyes looks to recover from last night’s loss to former club Everton – a move to right-back midway through the Toffees defeat is somewhat worrying, though.

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1,874 Comments Post a Comment
  1. HVT
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    To whom it may concern ;
    Hazzard will rise tonight ,
    Currently on 80% and a long way to go

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    1. McSauce
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      +1

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  2. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Any chance Gerrard gets rested this weekend?

    About to bring him in for Wally....

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    1. McSauce
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      doubt it!

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      1. HVT
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        + 1

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    2. ktk_interista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I dont understand the Wally obsession. He hasn't played for ages, he won't match Ramsey and Ozil in points even when fit and Arsenal have terrible fixtures. Gerrard has been consistent and has good fixtures.

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      1. HVT
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Your right with your opinion , but it's just that guys are craving for options eg Wally / Silva Michu / brunt ,
        Teams are so similar any little thing can give you the edge ,
        Wally in the past gave plenty of goals/assists.

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        1. Pigvig
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          I agree with all apart from that he won't match Ramsey & Ozil's points. I expect him to outscore both when he is fully fit. Long way to go for that though.

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  3. Dago
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Sess to Lampard? or risk Sess starting?

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    1. McSauce
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      decent gamble! sees form very week! however sees --> Shelvey and used funds saved else where! Shelvey prob rise 0.2 min this week

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    2. HVT
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I'd keep Sess tbh

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  4. Judas
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Townsend ---> Shelvey for free?

    Morrison is suspended but cant afford it and need to flog townsend out anyway?

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  5. boogle
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Advice would be appreciated guys.. current lineup:

    Migs
    Terry Mert Gabbidon Burner Baker
    Yaya Gerrard Ramsey
    Aguero Suarez

    Subs: JWP Rooney Ravel

    1FT 0 in the bank.

    Can I save or should I do one of the following to make sure I have 11 starters?

    A) JWP > Pozuelo
    B) Baker > Chester
    C) Something else

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    1. HVT
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I'd save tbh.

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    2. dush64
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Ravel --> Bannan or another cheapie? Even if Ravel only gets 1 week (not sure if retro action will mean more), he has liv, mun, ARS in the next 4.

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  6. Jeremiah
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Oscar > Hazard for free ?

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    1. HVT
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I'm glad to see Oscar leave my team , never wanted him in the first place only for the passport saga.

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  7. andres
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    So I need cash, selliing lallana:

    A shelvy
    B bannan
    C redmond

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  8. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    When Shelvey scored 3rd one, from behind, I thought I am looking at Gerrard.

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    1. HVT
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      What was her name ?

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      1. HVT
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Oh my bad I thought you were on about Terry.

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  9. BantamPhil
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Who reckons Jerome Thomas would become a regular starter at Palace? Only 4.2m

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  10. Jaswarbrick
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Repost......ignorance

    Alright guys really need some help

    Krul
    Chico / Ward / Terry
    Whittingham / Januzaj / Sess / Oscar / Ramsey
    Suarez / Aguero

    Boruc / Turner / Fonte / Rooney - 0.4 in bank 1 FT

    Januzaj, Sess and Fonte rotation doubts
    Oscar injury doubt. Boruc definitely out.
    Rooney suspended.

    ARRRRRGHH!!!

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  11. isacki: full casual
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Shelvey gametime

    GW1 90
    GW2 69
    GW3 90
    GW4 90
    GW5 90
    GW6 60
    GW7 90

    GW8 0
    Europa 90
    GW9 0

    GW10 90

    Given time off for family reasons: http://www.clubcall.com/swansea-city/swans-missing-trio-1660646.html
    GW11 20

    GW12 32
    Europa 90

    GW13 90
    GW14 90

    GW15 ?
    Europa ?

    Shelvey has started all but one GW when Europa wasn't on, and that was after missing out that week due to family reasons. It seems that Shelvey is a first choice player for Laudrup that he chooses to use to strengthen the Europa team. Europa League has almost finished now, so he's likely to be a regular starter over the Christmas period.

    As to whether he'll start in GW15 against Hull, he has the final Europa fixture 3 days later at St Gallen. This is a bit of a tricky one. Swansea need a point so you'd think they will play a strong squad with him in it. He could be doubtful to start this game.

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  12. isacki: full casual
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    New post

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  13. You Must Be Jokin Ere
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Despite a Gameweek of 33 Goals, the Defenders picked up the highest proportion of the 75 Bonus points given out. The Breakdown was:

    Keepers: 2 pts Wk 14 (5.8% for season to date)
    Defenders: 33 pts Wk 14 (37.6% for season to date)
    Midfielders: 28 pts Wk 14 (30.9% for season to date)
    Forwards: 12 pts Wk 14 (25.7% for season to date)

    The main talking point of the Baps this week was the 15 Baps given out to Palace players - 3 for the goalscorer, 2 for the assister and 2 each to the entire Back 5. In a push for transparency, this kind of result is unsatisfactory and it needs looking at..............

    As G-G-Granville posted earlier, perhaps we need a player to score a minimum no. of points under the new system, in order to qualify for any Baps ?

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  14. craggsy14
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Looking for some insight into my team as im top of my league and worried about being caught;

    Mignolet / Harper
    Zabaleta / Ivanovic / Dawson / Shaw / Coleman
    Toure / Hazard / Ramsey / Barkley / Kasami
    Giroud / Suarez / Remy

    1FT - 0.8m In Bank

    I think there's quite a few areas need improving...

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  15. Paidaki
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Is it crazy to do Mert --> Coleman now ?
    Cant afford him going up twice before saturday

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    1. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Keep Mert for the home game

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  16. izo
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    what do u guys think?
    http://i44.tinypic.com/2z4ddvb.jpg

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  17. Valencias left foot
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Utd have a great fixture list and need a way into their team..

    Thoughts on Januzaj - will he start this week?

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  18. Your Mum Zohore
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Hi Guys, my team for the week:

    Migs

    Gabbidon/Walker/Lovren

    Y.Toure/Lallana/Cabaye/Ramsey

    Lukaku/Suarez(C)/Giroud

    Bench: Jagielka/Ward-Prowse/Rosenior

    1 FT, 1.7m in the back

    *Thinking of replacing Lovren. What do you think?

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  19. dr. Phil
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Quick vote please, Bannan or Redmond?

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    1. dodger49
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Bannan

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  20. dodger49
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Evans set to start this week?

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