Scout Notes

Scout Notes – FA Cup Fourth Round – Saturday

City and Chelsea are humbled at home by lower league opposition. Gylfi Sigurdsson sees red as Swansea exit at Blackburn. Victor Anichebe and Marouane Chamakh bag a brace apiece as West Brom and Palace’s resurgent form continues, while Daniel Sturridge is on the brink of a return for Liverpool.

Sigurdsson Set for Ban

Gylfi Sigurdsson is set for a three-match ban after being dismissed towards the end of yesterday’s 3-1 loss at Blackburn. Garry Monk’s men were reduced to ten men after Kyle Bartley – one of five changes from the 5-0 home defeat at the hands of Chelsea – received his marching orders after just seven minutes. Despite that early setback, the Swans managed to take the lead, courtesy of a Sigurdsson long-range effort before Rovers staged their comeback. With his side on the brink of an exit, Sigurdsson’s wild lunge on Chris Taylor has proven very costly for his 41% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) owners – he’s now set to miss clashes with Southampton, Sunderland and West Brom and with Wildcards in play, that ownership looks set to tumble. Monk is likely to turn to Jonjo Shelvey (5.2) to fill the breach but with their form on the slide, and Wilfried Bony off to City, our faith in Swansea’s assets is rapidly diminishing.

Anichebe at the Double

Tony Pulis made just three changes from last Monday’s draw at Everton as the Baggies made their way to Midlands neighbours Birmingham. Intriguingly, 3.9-priced budget option Chris Baird dropped to the bench, and with Craig Dawson handed a starting berth at centre-half, Joleon Lescott was switched to left-back, suggesting Baird’s pitch time is not as guaranteed as we’d hoped. Pulis kept faith with Victor Anichebe up front and the Nigerian vindicated his manager’s decision by bagging both goals in a 2-1 win, with fellow forward Saido Berahino supplying a pair of assists as West Brom’s momentum continues to build under their new manager.

City Stunned by Boro

Manuel Pellegrini made just four changes from the side that lost to Arsenal last weekend as City played host to Middlesbrough. Worryingly for the champions, the likes of Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Aguero all completed 90 minutes in a shock 2-0 defeat, with the champions showing little form ahead of next weekend’s trip to Chelsea. Whilst the fixtures take a turn for the better from Gameweek 24, City look to be toiling without Yaya Toure’s presence and some may well reconsider snapping up Aguero until the Ivorian makes his return – potentially, he could be unavailable until Gameweek 26. Aguero has now gone 203 minutes without a goal since his return to fitness: the first time he’s made three consecutive appearances without scoring this season.

Blues Crash Out at the Bridge

Jose Mourinho clearly had one eye on the midweek Capital One Cup semi-final with Liverpool, as the Chelsea manager made nine alterations to his XI against League One Bradford. Mourinho handed a number of fringe players the opportunity to impress but, despite sailing into a 2-0 lead thanks to Gary Cahill and Ramires, he saw his side concede four goals in a stunning turnaround in fortunes. Oscar played the full 90 minutes, while Mourinho threw on Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard late on but the duo could not rescue the situation as their manager’s decision to preserve the big guns proved disastrous.

Chamakh Stakes a Claim

One of three changes from last weekend’s win at Burnley, fit-again Marouane Chamakh netted twice as Palace’s progress under Alan Pardew continued with an impressive 3-2 win at Southampton. New boy Yaya Sanogo grabbed a goal and assist as Pardew shifted in-form duo Dwight Gayle and Jason Puncheon to the bench: the latter replaced Chamakh on 64 minutes as the Moroccan is eased back into action after a recent hamstring injury. The Eagles now have Everton, Leicester and Newcastle in the next three, and with his attackers in form, Pardew has an unlikely selection headache on his hands ahead of the Toffees’ weekend visit.

Saints Marched Out

Ronald Koeman can now focus solely on league matters after Southampton were ousted by Palace. The Dutchman made just one change from the side that beat Newcastle last weekend, as Jack Cork replaced Harrison Reed in midfield, but despite going ahead on two occasions – with Graziano Pelle back in the goals – the injury-hit St Mary’s side were unable to hold on. The unconvincing Florin Gardos was hauled off at the break as Ryan Bertrand was shifted to centre-half to accommodate Matty Target at left-back, meaning the Romanian’s short-lived Fantasy prospects look to have come to an end. Elsewhere, Koeman was hit by yet another injury blow after Shane Long was forced off just 13 minutes after emerging from the bench – the Republic of Ireland international could be set for weeks out with suspected fractured ribs.

Schlupp Downs Under-Strength Spurs

Mauricio Pochettino made nine changes to his Tottenham XI as Leicester rolled up to the Lane and claimed a late victory. The hosts went ahead through another Andros Townsend spot-kick but, despite introducing Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen from the bench midway through the second period, Pochettino’s tinkering proved his team’s undoing as they slumped to a late defeat.

Jeffrey Schlupp was once again in the goals for the Foxes, as Nigel Pearson’s side grabbed a much-needed morale boost. The Ghana international – who has netted three times in the league so far – bagged a last-gasp winner after Leonardo Ulloa had levelled matters on 83 minutes, serving another reminder of his out-of-position potential. Classified as a defender in FPL, Schlupp – at 4.5 – has nailed down the left-wing berth but is set for some tough fixtures that may well curb our enthusiasm. Over the next six, Pearson’s men face United, Arsenal, Chelsea and City and also welcome in-form Palace to the King Power in Gameweek 24.

Black Cats Blunted

Gus Poyet continued with a 3-5-2 formation for Sunderland’s home encounter with Fulham. The Black Cats boss replaced Costel Pantilimon, Adam Johnson and Wes Brown with Vito Mannone, Liam Bridcutt and Sebastian Coates. Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher led the line once again, although Jack Rodwell’s second-half dismissal forced a tactical switch which saw Fletcher sacrificed. With three very kind home fixtures (BUR, QPR, WBA) in the next four, Defoe failed to strengthen his claim for our attentions, though another clean sheet once again underlined the appeal of Patrick van Aanholt in Poyet’s defence.

Sturridge on Verge of Reds Return

Brendan Rodgers made only five changes for yesterday’s goalless draw with Bolton. In spite of the upcoming trip to Stamford Bridge, the Reds boss fielded Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Raheem Sterling for the full 90 minutes – the latter led the line until Fabio Borini’s introduction on 68 minutes saw him shifted onto the flank. Whilst their failure to find the net is a real concern for the Merseysiders ahead of the semi-final second leg, Rodgers has cause for optimism after revealing that Daniel Sturridge has a chance of facing his former club on Tuesday:

“He starts training tomorrow with the team. He’s in his final rehabilitation with the medical and sports science guys today. He joins in with the group now and it’s just about getting football fitness and game fitness. We’ll see how he is for Tuesday. If he’s not ready for Tuesday then he’ll be back, for sure, against West Ham next weekend.”

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2,262 Comments Post a Comment
  1. koza
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    General question how many player have a combination of these player do you think ..
    A)aguero Sanchez hazard
    B) aguero costa Sanchez
    C)aguero costa hazard
    D) costa sanchez hazard
    E) aguero costa
    F) aguero Sanchez
    G)aguero hazard
    H)costa Sanchez
    I) costa hazarad
    J) hazard Sanchez

    This is odd but i wanted to know % in each options of having them in there team please answer all options with %.Thank you

    1. Sharkytect
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I have A (and, by default, I also have F and J) but trying to squeeze in Costa as well...

    2. The Nuttmxn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      There is no option for all 4?

      1. Tinchy Sneijder
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        I have all 4

      2. koza
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        opps sorry for that . K) all four 🙂

        1. The Nuttmxn
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          That's a K for me then.

    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      A) 50
      B) 50
      C) 50
      D) 70
      E) 55
      F) 55
      G) 55
      H) 75
      I) 70
      J) 75

      Complete guesses though

      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        K) 30%

  2. Special Mou
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Rojo?

    1. The Nuttmxn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Not if Phil Jones is still on corners.

      1. Tinchy Sneijder
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        This

  3. Tinchy Sneijder
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Rmwct:
    Pants/Heaton
    Bertrand/Fonte/PvA/Wisdom/Schlupp
    Haz/Fab/Sanchez/Puncheon/Boyd
    Ings/Costa/Aguero

    0.4m itb have no clue how to spend it! 🙂

    1. The Nuttmxn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Is Heaton a better rotation buddy to Pantilimon than Krul? Have Krul and myself and really like it.

  4. Nazz
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    So we have to play our wildcards this game week now....

    1. A.T
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      No you've got another week after this.

    2. copps
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      you have until 7 feb latest

  5. Red Star Toro
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Opinions please! WC team.

    Krul - Panti
    Bertrand - Jones - Naughton - PVA - Wisdom
    Hazard - Sanchez - Sterling - Punch - Boyd
    Kun - Costa - Kane

    I'd love to fit Chelsea defender in, but simply cannot afford it. Should I look for extra 1.3M in my defense/GKs to make Sterling-> Fabs?

    1. Henrzd
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      no id keep sterling

      1. Red Star Toro
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        ta

    2. Caesar, Hot Mustache
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      same dilemma.
      Sterling has been getting points, albeit not being explosive. Sturridge also nears a return. only visible downgrade would be Wisdom / Naughton. I like the team

      1. Red Star Toro
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        thanks, when it comes to ~8.0 priced midfielders (Caz, Sterlo, Erik, Oscar) I've been leaning towards Raheem lately. Sturridge return can do wonders.

      2. Henrzd
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        ive gone for silva>sterling ........staying put with stewart

    3. Red Star Toro
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      btw:
      A) Terry + Fabregas + Giroud
      B) Jones + Sterling + Costa
      ?

  6. Caesar, Hot Mustache
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    still tinkering. opinions please
    A. P. Jones Cazorla Costa
    B. Terry Fabregas Giroud

  7. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    After yesterdays shambles, will Azpil get dropped for Luis?

    1. The Nuttmxn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Pretty sure it wasn't 100% only Azpilicueta's fault, if people are dropped I'd expect 2-3.

  8. The Machine
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Whoever wins between nadal and berdych pretty much guaranteed a spot in the final

    1. SW6
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      It's all pretty irrelevant anyway, Novak will win it.

      1. The Machine
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Not after wawrinka/nishikori knock him out

      2. The Nuttmxn
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        I hope Muller's been watching the FA Cup for inspiration.

    2. The Nuttmxn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Who'd they play the winner of then?

      1. The Machine
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Murray or dimitrov or kyrgios

        1. The Nuttmxn
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Easy street then.

  9. Henrzd
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Any Downing owners keeping the low-priced beauty for the tough GWs ahead??

    1. The Nuttmxn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Nope, fear West Ham will have a tactic change to make sure they don't loose.

      1. Manu5
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        I'm keeping both Silva and downing, going against the masses works out more times then not

        1. Henrzd
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          got rid of silva yesterday. if u have aguero he isnt necessary

      2. Henrzd
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        hmmmm im not so sure about that

        1. The Nuttmxn
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          How many times has Downing got more than 2 vs a big side?

          1. Henrzd
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            Man City and Chelsea are the only real threatening sides in the league. And WHU dont face them until a while away. I can see WHU and downing keep ticking points over in the next few. United and Liverpool havent reached potential yet so theres point scoring possibilities there. The fixtures really arent that bad IMO

            1. The Nuttmxn
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 9 months ago

              That doesn't answer my question though.

              1. Henrzd
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 9 months ago

                i know what ur saying. For sure hes unlikely to be scoring like he has been. But its the value factor why most ppl should keep him. His ability to impose himself in bbig games is obviously a "down"side

            2. Manu5
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 9 months ago

              His knack for bonus points is a big plus as well

              1. Henrzd
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 9 months ago

                agreed, he only needs an assist to get BAPS

    2. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I'm keeping. Keeping Cresswell too.

      1. Henrzd
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        yeh im keeping

      2. Henrzd
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        wouldnt keep cress

  10. SweeSwee
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Chadli > Puncheon

    Any thoughts? I have Kane also

    1. Caesar, Hot Mustache
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      yeah

    2. The Nuttmxn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Do it.

  11. copps
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    So for FPl we're joping for a Liverpool/Spurs final? Or Chelsea/Spurs?

    Personally i think a DGW with liverpool and man city is better than a dgw with chelsea and west ham

    1. Dr. Agabuse
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Might be the time to get Sakho back in

    2. The Nuttmxn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Chelsea vs Sheffield United final for me.

  12. Red Star Toro
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    A) Terry + Fabregas + Giroud
    B) Jones + Sterling + Costa

    1. Mak_Gold
        9 years, 9 months ago

        A.

      • Dr. Agabuse
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        B

      • Caesar, Hot Mustache
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        I'm torn also. I just did Terry Fabregas Giroud > Jones Cazorla Costa. I can get Aziplicueta too if I downgrade Krul > Hamer

    2. Mak_Gold
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Does anyone use this Chrome extension called FPL Price Watch to track price changes? Is it safe to use? It says it can read and change my data on the FPL website. Don't know if I can trust it.

        1. In Like Flynn.
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Also changes your passwords and pin numbers, transfers any money you have and takes out large mortgages in your name. 😉

          1. copps
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            as a bonus feature you also get to have a squad of 15 red flagged players

      • In Like Flynn.
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Any West Ham line up yet?

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Yep

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            Usual squad

        2. Alan The Llama
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          TEAMS: #WHUFC starting XI: Adrian, Jenkinson, Reid, Tomkins, Cresswell, Noble, Song, Nolan (c), Downing, Carroll, Valencia #BCIWHU

          1. In Like Flynn.
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            Thanks Alan.

      • Galfadez
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Di Maria or Cazorla
        Downing or Puncheon

        1. Dr. Agabuse
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Caz. Punch seems to be the consens. Can't really talk against it

        2. The Nuttmxn
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Cazorla and Puncheon though keep Di Maria on a watchlist.

      • Jay_
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Nice to see full strength West Ham, showing the cup and Bristol City the respect they deserve , should be a cracking game

        • djenzio
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          i want to keep two of Ings, Kane and Austin for the foreseeable future...

          who would you loose from those 3?

          1. WINNING!
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            Ings

          2. Elniñorules
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            Danny

          3. Dr. Agabuse
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            I heard Kane Ings rotate well so...

        • Elniñorules
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          I'm glad Mourinho stood up to his mistake.

          Very rarely can you make 9 changes to your first team and get away with it in England.

          1. The Light Knight
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            Like United vs MK Dons.

        • The Light Knight
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          https://twitter.com/karlsentk/status/559326617504612352
          Yikes, might be worth Sundeland's while to get relegated

        • Mr Tin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Loose/lose twice on one page. What is the world coming to.

          1. The Nuttmxn
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            😉

            1. The Nuttmxn
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 9 months ago

              I actually mean't to put a get in front of mine as was doing to many things at once.

              1. The Nuttmxn
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 9 months ago

                The comma is a bonus for you 😉

        • Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Coverage about to start on BBC 1.

        • In Like Flynn.
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          West Ham taking no chances then. Full squad for Bristol.

        • Elniñorules
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Diafra Sakho on the bench.

          Should start next weekend?

        • The Machine
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Every team will be going for it then.

          1. Home Run Baker
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            All these guys think they can win it now.

        • Caesar, Hot Mustache
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          oh dear! I've done wrong, tell me it's not bad :'( 🙁

          I just did Terry Fabregas Giroud > P.Jones Cazorla Costa. rest of team
          Pantilimon Krul
          Fonte Jones Wollscheid PvA Baird
          Sanchez Hazard Cazorla Puncheon JWO
          Aguero Kane Costa.

        • Shanty Toon
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Having a tough time deciding between these two teams. Swaying towards B at the moment. Any thoughts?

          A: Bank - 0.6
          Panti - Krul
          Kos - Jones - Hutton - Wollschied - Baird
          Di Maria - Oscar - Boyd - Downing - Sanchez
          Aguero - Costa - Kane

          B: Bank - 0.0
          Panti - Krul
          Kos - Jones - Cahill - Wollschied - Baird
          Di Maria - Hazard - Cazorla - Elia - Boyd
          Aguero - Costa - Kane

          1. MORIS FC
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            A: Hazard is missing for me
            B: Sanchez is missing and I don't believe in Elia

        • Trust John
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Which looks better for a one week punt next GW? Other playing Mids will be Sanchez, Hazard + Chadli.

          - DiMaria
          - Tadic

          - Other Mid? (Caz?)

          1. Dr. Agabuse
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            Caz

        • In Like Flynn.
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          West Ham line up courtesy of Alan the Llama.

          TEAMS: #WHUFC starting XI: Adrian, Jenkinson, Reid, Tomkins, Cresswell, Noble, Song, Nolan (c), Downing, Carroll, Valencia #BCIWHU

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            Didn't realise it hadn't been posted at all. Usually loasds of people post the line ups. Team sheets came out a while ago

            1. In Like Flynn.
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 9 months ago

              I know, I'd been looking all over the place thinking I'd missed it, or there was another post up and running. 🙂

          2. Home Run Baker
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            Probably should have green'd Alan, not yourself. 😉

        • MORIS FC
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Ospina anyone?
          Ospina/Krul for 9.2 offer great "rotation"!

          1. NIGHTHIKER - I Kane, I Shaw…
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            I had that rotation but switched to Foster/Pantmilion, not sure Ospina will keep his place.

          2. In Like Flynn.
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            Great option, IF he's made the place his own.

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

            me, Ospina + 4.0

            1. In Like Flynn.
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 9 months ago

              Dangerous if Ospina goes back to number two. Then you have to use a non WC transfer for another keeper.

              1. tokara
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 9 months ago

                some chap here says if Ospina had played agst ManC, arguably an impt game to Arsenal, he should be nailed

                i am going to take a risk

          4. The Nuttmxn
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            I prefer Krul/Pantilimon myself but I'm not against people giving Ospina a punt.

        • SW6
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Dimitrov 😯