Opinion

Scout Mission – Gameweek 10

There’s no shortage of topics for us to monitor ahead of this weekend’s fixtures. Diego Costa’s expected return for Chelsea, Wayne Rooney’s effect on the United formation, Arsenal’s midfield set-up against Burnley and Liverpool’s much-maligned frontman are all amongst this lunchtime’s menu.

Costa’s recovery…
Back in training yesterday, the omens look good for a return to action at home to QPR. With Didier Drogba playing all but 16 minutes of Chelsea’s last three matches over the last week or so and Loic Remy still injured, Jose Mourinho has even been candid enough to admit Costa is likely to feature against the R’s. It remains to be seen just how many minutes his manager will afford the Spain international but, having scored in each of his four home appearances, he may well be given enough time to wreak havoc against a backline that has conceded more away goals than any other team so far.

Martinez’ use of Ross Barkley…
After starting back-to-back matches in all competitions upon his return from injury, the Everton youngster was utilised as a second-half sub in last weekend’s win over Burnley. With Samuel Eto’o staking a claim for more minutes by bagging a brace, though, Roberto Martinez has decisions to make as the Toffees entertain Swansea, with the Cameroon international potentially restricting the minutes of Barkley or Romelu Lukaku, as evidenced by last week.

Kane’s opportunities at Villa…
It’s eight goals in 12 appearances now for the Tottenham youngster after he struck in last night’s cup win over Brighton. Despite his side’s toils up top – just six strikes in the last seven Gameweeks – Kane has been used sparingly by Mauricio Pochettino in the league, with Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor handed a start apiece in the last two Gameweeks. Given his form, though, it seems a matter of time before he’s finally entrusted with a first league start – at 4.8 in FPL, we’re keeping an eye on his pitch time as the north London side roll up to Villa Park.

Aarons and Obertan as budget prospects…
Back-to-back wins at Spurs and City will have filled Newcastle with confidence ahead of the weekend home encounter against Liverpool. The Reds’ porous backline looks there for the taking right now and with the fixtures improving after this one, Newcastle’s budget wide men have the chance to stake a claim for our attention. Obertan has a goal and an assist in the last three now, whilst Aarons notched on his comeback at the Etihad last night – more of the same and they may well find themselves on our watchlists.

Balotelli’s reaction at St James’ Park…
Emerging from the bench to notch against Swansea in the cup, the Italian relieved some of the pressure after a woeful start to life on Merseyside. Nonetheless, Balotelli is still awaiting that first league goal and with Daniel Sturridge still injured, he looks set to lead the line at St James’ Park again – will his midweek strike against the Swans be the shot in the arm his season needs?

Wenger’s shuffle of his midfield assets..
A 2-0 win at Sunderland brought Arsenal a second clean sheet of the season last weekend. On both occasions, Arsene Wenger has moved away from his 4-1-4-1 formation and utilised a 4-2-3-1 – last weekend saw Alexis Sanchez benefit from the central role behind Danny Welbeck to fire both his side’s goals. With Aaron Ramsey set to return to the starting XI against Burnley, though, Wenger must decide whether to utilise the Welshman in the double-pivot and allow Sanchez to retain his position through the middle or move the summer signing back to the flank against the Clarets, thus allowing Ramsey more freedom to bomb forward and join in his side’s attacks.

The United shuffle on Rooney’s return…
Available after a three-match suspension, the United skipper is expected to shake off a foot problem in time for Sunday’s derby trip to the Etihad. In Rooney’s absence, Louis van Gaal has moved away from a midfield diamond and switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the likes of Marouane Fellaini and Adnan Januzaj earning increased pitch time. With Radamel Falcao also in line to recover from injury, though, Van Gaal has options aplenty – West Ham caused City problems aplenty with a 4-2-3-1 last weekend and the Red Devils’ boss could well retain his recent system, with Falcao and Juan Mata on bench-warming duties.

Zaha’s return as a mid-price differential…
After grabbing an assist off the bench against Chelsea in Gameweek 8, the on-loan youngster seems to have finally convinced Neil Warnock he’s worthy of a starting role. Zaha ousted Jason Puncheon from the Palace XI for last week’s clash with West Brom and looks poised to keep his place out wide at home to Sunderland this Saturday. Certainly, the situation is worth monitoring for now – Zaha is ineligible to face parent club United in Gameweek 11 but if he turns on the style against the Black Cats, at 5.3 he could be worth considering after the next international break is out of the way.

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1,146 Comments Post a Comment
  1. RideMyPony
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    pick one to play :

    A. PVA

    B.Wilson

    C. Moore

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      B

    2. Jimbo123
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Wilson or Moore

    3. Mr. Grv
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      PVA

  2. Demí
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    Arsène Wenger has revealed the latest team news ahead of Saturday's home match against Burnley at Emirates Stadium:

    on the team news…
    There are a few uncertainties, like Kieran Gibbs. But we’ll know more tomorrow. Apart from that everyone should be available. Wilshere is back from suspension. We have no other injuries and no one else coming back into the squad.

    on Kieran Gibbs…
    It is a hip problem. He came off at Sunderland with 20 minutes to go. He is a doubt but we’ll know more tomorrow.

    on Yaya Sanogo…
    He is back available.

    on Serge Gnabry and Abou Diaby…
    They are not quite ready yet. Gnabry is closer than Diaby fitness-wise. He is a couple of weeks away.

    1. Richard_b
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Will Diaby ever play again? He looked like a good player about ten years ago

      1. Walsh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        Who cares.

        1. chrisjdgrady
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 4 days ago

          Id love to bench arteta and flamini for him tbh

        2. Richard_b
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 4 days ago

          Clearly just me! He was a good player though a while back Had that gangly, almost lazy way of playing. Reminded me of Vieira.

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Arsenal close to a fully fit squad 😯

      1. Walsh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        What are you playing at? Kos..Wally..Ozil...now Gibbs...

      2. Wilshere Knowledge
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        Debuchy? Giroud? Koscielny? Ospina? Ozil?

        1. Walsh
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 4 days ago

          Maybe "close" in Arsenal terms is within the next few months....to be fair. 🙂

        2. xuwei
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 4 days ago

          Other than that - really close! 😉

    3. Andrew
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Did Diaby have a set back against Soton in the Capital One Cup then? T

    4. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Koscielny back then. Good for Chambers owners.

      1. Wilshere Knowledge
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        I dont think this includes Kos.

    5. chrisjdgrady
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Thought Diaby was back playing with U21s a month or so ago. Did he get hurt again? Lol

    6. MJ6987
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      How is Diaby not being fit "news"?

      1. Demí
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        LOL great joke mj

  3. Bumbaclot
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    Hi everyone. I have 0.1 in the bank and I want baines. Would appreciate the help.

    Mannone/heaton
    Azpi/clyne/chambers/moore/wisdom
    Sanchez/Oscar/sterling/siggy/boyd
    Costa/Aguero/ulloa

    Thankyou guys

    1. xuwei
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      You can't afford him. You're welcome.

      1. xuwei
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        But seriously - I personally think both Aguero and Costa unbalances a team too much, especially when there are cheaper options like Pelle currently firing.

        1. Bumbaclot
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 4 days ago

          Thanks pal

    2. Shifty
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Not sure where your money is being spent? Seems like you should have plenty in the bank with that team.

  4. Sweetpea
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    Will Naughton start?

    Could be great value..

    1. Walsh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      He certainly should. Dier has been their worst defender by a mile recently.

  5. Andrew
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    Have 2FT this week and £1.2 in the bank. Want to do Sterling > Sanchez but am £0.5 short, where would you find the £0.5 from this squad?

    DDG Myhill
    Terry Chambers PVA Wisdom Hutton
    Fabregas ADM Sterling Siggy Marney
    Aguero Pelle Welbeck

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Downgrade DDG or Terry

    2. Kerz
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      DDG > Foster

      1. Andrew
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        How about Siggy > Downing

  6. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    Bottomed

    so, too much of a risk to bring Mane in this week?

    1. Parm
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Mané up and bring him in.

      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        I want him but no guarantees on his fitness, or even if he starts

    2. Scoredelario
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      I don't generally transfer in doubts, but he should be ok.

      Then again Long finally scored and koeman has selection headache so he might be happy to rest him again.

    3. Demí
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Think Long will start this week. It's clearly not a carling cup injury unfortunately

      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        dammit, so no worth a hit to bring him in for Boyd?

        The last thing I need in my team is Gaston Ramirez MKII. MKI was bad enough

    4. Lanley Staurel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Mane will be on the bench with Long starting. I expect Mane to be on in the second half.

    5. Walsh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Of course...

    6. Ludo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      I really like him, but I do think that it's too risky this week.

      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        might have to take a chance on Downing, Eriksen or even the Ox

  7. Richard_b
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    Hi guys

    Milner or Obertan this weekend?

    Cheers!

    1. Tsssst
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      obertan

  8. Dr Dream
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    Don't want both Aguero and Costa...so...Aguero or Costa ?

    1. Jebiga
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Kun for me

    2. Scoredelario
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Aguero.

      Still I'd prefer both with berahino

      1. Jebiga
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        with sakho fit 😀

        1. Scoredelario
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 4 days ago

          I like berahino because he was also good last season. People didn't notice because he only played about 1500 mins, but very good record

    3. Mr. Grv
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Costa

      1. Mr. Grv
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        srry i meant costa for this match

    4. Ser Football 42
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Why don't you want both?

      1. xuwei
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        Too expensive for me although watching Aguero from behind the couch blows.

      2. Dr Dream
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        I prefer to play the game...Premium, mid priced and cheap....I really don't want to sit and look at just two forwards all season...

    5. EmreCan Hustle
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Costa this week. Otherwise, Aguero.

    6. Lanley Staurel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Kun this week, otherwise Aguero 😉

    7. Badgevilla
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Gotta be Costa

      1. Dr Dream
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        It's a lot of left over money to do something else with....and I really can't get excited about watching City, no matter how good they are.

  9. Scoredelario
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    Oh Pelle is on 4 yellows. This makes my decision. Was wondering whether to go for Costa or Pelle+upgrade on my wildcard.

    Costa it is

    1. Walsh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Madness to go without Pelle right now given his form and next few. Not inconceivable to think he will be extra careful as a striker and just not get one for a bit.

      1. Ser Football 42
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        I dropped Pelle to pick up Sanchez. Have Tadic though and before didn't have any arsenal players

      2. Scoredelario
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        Well, you can't have everyone. I want about 25 players in my squad!

        Many would also say madness to go without Costa

        1. Walsh
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 4 days ago

          Yeah I guess you could make an argument for going Kun and Costa and a cheapo and leaving Pelle in the ditch upon further reflection.

    2. King Nil Miss ✩
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      I understand the risk but did you noticed he has only 1 yellow card in league games?

      Either way I would prefer to have DC too.

    3. Mr. Grv
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Pelle it is ...

  10. Laserface
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    RMT please .. Suggestions if any ?

    Forster
    Clyne Baines Wisdom
    ADM Siggy Fab Sterling
    Welbz Aguero Lukaku

    Subs - Elliott , PvA,Moore,Marney
    0.1m itb , 1 FT

  11. The King
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    Pick one please lads:

    1) Oscar + Eriksen

    2) Sterling + Tadic

    3) Sanchez + Downing/Diame

  12. jordinho23
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    Any news on Silva?

  13. Tsssst
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    Krul
    Chambers Baines Clyne
    Mason Fabregas Sanchez Sigurdsson
    Pelle Costa Aguero

    Mannone Cork Wisdom Duff

    1. Mr. Grv
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      nyc

  14. st4rt__
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    Right chaps, I've got 2 FT's -

    Sanchez & £8.4m to replace ADM & Sterling???

  15. andres
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    A Sterling, siggy => hazard (c), downing (-4)
    B sterling, siggy => alexis, 5.6 mid (-4)
    C other

    Forster (McCarthy)
    Chambers Baines Clyne (Moore Naylor)
    SIGGY ADM Sterling Fabs (Boyd)
    Aguero Welbeck Pelle
    1FT, 1.0

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      I dumped Sterling ( 2 Fts ) , but in your case would save .
      Too early to dump Siggy imo

  16. chrisjdgrady
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    Foster Myhill
    Baines Clyne Chambers PVA Moore
    ADM Fab Chadli Siggy Boyd
    Aguero Costa Pelle

    Think I'll be saving my FT this week ya?

    1. Walsh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Ya

  17. RoysCallerAnne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    Afternoon all 🙂 anyone got a link to the pre season post linking all the best club fan forum sites?
    I forgot to bookmark it, thank you!

      1. RoysCallerAnne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        Super, thanks Demi

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Fraid not, I think Lanley Staurel posted it though, so if you catch him online, he can sort you out.

      1. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        Too slow as usual 🙂

        1. RoysCallerAnne
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 4 days ago

          Thanks anyway RD 🙂

  18. Bumbaclot
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    Hi everyone. I have 0.1 in the bank and I want baines.

    Would appreciate the help

    .Mannone/heaton
    Azpi/clyne/chambers/moore/wisdom
    Sanchez/Oscar/sterling/siggy/boyd
    Costa/Aguero/ulloa

    Thankyou guys!

    1. Mr. Grv
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      seems difficult to bring in baines until u transfer azi out

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      How many Fts you got ?
      Your TV looks a little low ?

  19. The Chosen One...
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    lol Pelle's on 4 YC's and only has 1 in the league. Makes no sense that cup and league bookings are added together...

    1. Walsh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      But it is so tidy when players who you own *cough cough* Ivanovic *cough cough* serve their suspensions in the cup 🙂

    2. Pasqualinho
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      It makes perfect sense to me when my player only misses a cup game after getting 5 yellows, though.

  20. ameenkw
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    How does Collins game time look like?

  21. Lingardium Leviosa.
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    anyone without both Costa and Sanchez? 🙁

    1. xuwei
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      I've had both since the beginning.

    2. Ibracadabra
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      I have neither but 2 FTs.

      DDG - Hamer
      Terry - Dummett - Wisdom - Wilson - Hutton
      Di Maria - Sterling - Tadic - Siggy - Hazard
      Aguero - Welbeck - Ulloa

      Top priority out is Ulloa. Happy w/ the midfield 5 but likely going to downgrade Sterling to a 4.4m [Boyd or Obertan] and upgrade Ulloa to Costa, with DDG facilitating the move. Would require a -4 only.

      Other option is to go without Costa and use FTs to upgrade Ulloa to Berahino while downgrading Wilson to Alcaraz for free.

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        Ulloa to Costa would be a good move.

    3. Mr. Grv
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      dnt worry bro ... im here lets hoPe for the best

  22. jordinho23
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    Anyone getting Rooney before he rises?

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Nope

    2. Richard_b
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Been thinking about this. I'm going to get him in after this gameweek I think.

    3. Mr. Grv
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      worth it but ull have to ditch costa or augero

      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        Then not worth it

  23. Andrew
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    How does Siggy > Downing and Sterling > Sanchez with 2 FT

    1. AH 🙂
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Not me man .Mayby when Aguero gets injured

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      That could be good .

      Dont like Siggy out but in combo think its a good move

  24. Parm
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    Anyone with both Diego Costa and Sánchez? 😎

    1. MadridistaRants
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Costa, Sanchez & to top it off, Aguero 😎

  25. Richard_b
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    Captains are a big issue this week. Who would you guys pick out of Sanchez, Welbeck, Aguero, Hazard and Pelle?

    1. Badgevilla
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Hazard with his Fixture he is gonna run a muck this wkd...

      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        Had Haz on the "radar " for weeks.

        Given up on him eventually - likely he does then

    2. AH 🙂
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      I picked hazard Richard . I done Sterling+Siggy --> Hazard + Moses ! captain haz

    3. Richard_b
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Thanks guys. Pretty definitive answers here! I can't help but think Sanchez is going to rip Burnley apart, though! Was going to captain Sanchez last week and captained Aguero instead; been kicking myself since haha.

      Then again, can definitely see where you're all coming from with Hazard. He could have a field day!

  26. Badgevilla
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    Over 2000 people have thrown Diego to the dogs today... Madness considering he is prob gonna play at home V QPR... Strange

    1. Mr. Grv
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      yea im one of them

      1. Shifty
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        😆

  27. Kerz
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    Best mid for 6.2 or less? Downing, Diame, ?

    1. Badgevilla
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Diame or a sneaky one Ben Arfa...;)

  28. Beatle
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    Anyone else considering Tadic > Barkley once Saints fixtures turn bad?

    1. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Yes, I'm keeping an eye on this, see if Barkley's game time improves
      What other options are there?

    2. Parm
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      Maybe, still got three weeks to decide.

    3. Scoredelario
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      No

  29. Not Irish
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 days ago

    lol I'm now contemplating taking a hit for Costa. I hate this GW already.

    1. Mr. Grv
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 days ago

      ahhh i sold him last week so im gonna wait until 1 gw

      1. Scoredelario
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 days ago

        It is now or never. Qpr