Scout Reports

Scouting The Doubles – Tottenham

Tottenham’s quest to muscle their way into a top four berth sees them welcoming a buoyant Swansea City side to the Lane on Wednesday, before making the short trip across the capital to face Queen Park Rangers in their second match of Gameweek 28. While there’s doubtless a couple of standout candidates for Spurs coverage in their double, the north London club’s recent exploits in domestic and European cups raises one or two questions regarding rotation.

The Prospects

First up for Tottenham is a match-up with the Swans on Wednesday evening. The visitors’ form has fluctuated in their previous 10 outings, yet back-to-back victories – which included the Welsh outfit’s first ever double over Manchester United – means Garry Monk’s side enter this clash in high spirits. Furthermore, they’ve recorded wins and clean sheets in two of their previous three road matches, shutting out Southampton and Burnley.

That being said, inspecting the underlying stats from their victory over Burnley suggests they aren’t dominating matches, with Swansea scraping the win through a Kieran Trippier own goal, having only fashioned two attempts on goal. In the wake of Wilfried Bony’s transfer to Manchester City and Bafetimbi Gomis’ sporadic attacking returns, Ki Sung-Yeung has emerged as an unlikely goal threat, registering two goals in his previous four starts. Considering Tottenham are without a clean sheet in their last four home ties, the South Korean midfielder will fancy his chances to build on a five-goal haul this term.

Spurs close out a testing run of four matches within the space of 10 days when they visit London rivals QPR on Saturday afternoon. R’s boss Chris Ramsey will hope to avoid a repeat of the reverse fixture, in which Tottenham humbled the Hoops 4-0 at the Lane. Charlie Austin, who’s scored six in his last nine appearances, will be central to the hosts’ desire to enact revenge.

The Likely Lads

Having netted 12 times in his last 11 league starts, Harry Kane is the form player of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) by some margin. Despite a fixture pile-up complicating matters, the 6.2-priced Kane remains an essential pick – however, bearing in mind that he’s the most popular player in the FPL by some distance (45% ownership), it’s likely that our additional coverage for the double could be key to making a difference.

After starting 34 consecutive league matches, Christian Eriksen (8.4) dropped to the bench for the trip to West Ham, with his manager clearly having one eye on the Capital One Cup Final. With Spurs now out of the Europa League and looking to bounce back from their loss to Chelsea, though, can Pochettino really afford to rest Eriksen as he looks to finish the season strongly? This hot topic by Jonty on Eriksen’s prospects is certainly worth a read.

Intriguingly, it’s worth noting that Eriksen has never gone more than three matches without finding the net this season – food for thought, given that’s he’s failed to notch in his last trio of appearances. With six sets of double figures already accrued and an average of 4.8 points per appearance, the Dane’s potential is obvious – little wonder over 80,000 have already snapped him up this week.

With uncertainty surrounding the other spots in midfield and the Spurs defence far from impressive, it could be argued that, aside from Kane and Eriksen, any other option looks no more than a punt. For those eyeing up the Spurs defence, Hugo Lloris (5.6) is nailed-on and has been the best points scorer, boasting an average (3.7) that surpasses that of Danny Rose (3.4) and Jan Vertonghen (2.9). This can primarily be attributed to his propensity for picking up save points, having made at least three saves in nine of his last 10 outings. Six clean sheets for the campaign hardly inspires confidence, yet QPR’s inability to score in three of their four home encounters increases the chances of a shut-out.

The Cheeky Punt

As highlighted by Ludo’s recent community article on Navigating the Spurs double Gameweek, rotation is a concern here and limits our reliable options. If you’re willing to roll the dice, though, Mousa Dembele (5.2) looked to have generated some momentum recently – with one goal and two assists in three outings – before he was hauled off at half time against West Ham following a wretched 45 minutes. Named amongst the subs yesterday, he has, nonetheless, started each of the last seven Premier League outings, whereas Nacer Chadli has failed to feature in the first XI in the league since Gameweek 22, at a time where Erik Lamela has started each of the last four. Chadli’s reinstatement to the first-team for yesterday’s loss to Chelsea perhaps hints at increased pitch time but, despite an impressive 4.6 points per appearance (Eriksen has 4.8), there’s no doubt he remains a real risky prospect in terms of guaranteed pitch time judging by recent team sheets.

Danny Rose has been an unlikely source of attacking returns in recent weeks. The left-back has started each of the last seven and tallied two goals over that period and, at 4.9, the former Leeds full-back is one of the cheaper routes into Spurs’ back line. Rose should be less prone to rotation than others, having been rested for their Europa League clash against Fiorentina, but Pochettino could still hand Ben Davies a start, thus slightly denting his prospects in spite of his recent form.

Jan Vertonghen looks the most likely defender to play from start to finish in both encounters, though the downside is that his form isn’t on par with Rose. While Eric Dier and Federico Fazio have shared centre-back duties, the Belgian international has completed Spurs’ last 15 league matches and scored in Gameweek 22. Potential investors will have to weigh up whether his 5.9 price tag is justified, though, considering the wealth of superior alternatives in that price bracket beyond the double Gameweek.

4,358 Comments Post a Comment
  1. boogle
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Foster
    Terry Vert PVA
    Haz Erik Silva Walters
    Aguero (K)ane Giroud

    Punch Wolly Naughton

    All in order?

  2. TyrannosavrvsPvlis
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Siyahamba

  3. You Must Be Jokin Ere
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Tony Pulis says he'll speak to Sessegnon about his dive - and says it has no part in the game. How refreshing to hear a proper manager speaking with authority.

    1. copps
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      its easier for him to do that because its a crap player who isnt in his plans

      1. You Must Be Jokin Ere
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Disagree. He has a value and Pulis has also been publicly critical of Berahino - who is most definitely in his plans.

    2. Not Irish
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      It's what makes me the one, true special one.

      1. 32chickens
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        agreed TP will do the talking that maureen never would

  4. ooga booga
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    walcott to nasri or lamela?

    1. Voodoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Lamela

      1. Arsenal USA FC
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        x2 For a Punt

  5. Syd.
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Roma 1 - 1 Juve

    I think that is Romas first shot

  6. Arsenal USA FC
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Which is the best change?

    A) Giroud -> Austin
    B) Sterling -> Eriksen
    C) Both A & B
    D) Another Option
    ____________________________
    Panti - Krul

    Bellerin Clichy Rose - PVA Naughton

    Ozil Haz Sterling Silva - Ameobi

    Giroud Aguero Kane (2FTs & 1.4 in bank)
    ____________________________

    1. Arsenal USA FC
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      anyone?

  7. Voodoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Did Walker get injured then? Hearing he picked up a knock?

  8. Numb
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Are the Pressers for the Weds games tomorrow?

  9. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    think ive narrowed it down to these two

    play one of

    bellers (qpr)
    terry (whu)

    1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Terry!

    2. S.Kuqi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Terry.

    3. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Dejavu...

      Terry

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        it was a more complex question before 😉

    4. Arsenal USA FC
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      John

    5. A.T
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Terry

    6. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      thanks all

  10. Merteswagger
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    2 FT thinking of making three changes

    Panti/Krul

    Terry, Bellerin, Jones, Pva, Baird
    Ozil, Hazard, SILVA, ERIKSEN, jwp
    Kane, Aguero, GIROUD

    Defoe/Di Maria/Sanchez out
    then will deal with baird/jwp

    1. Arsenal USA FC
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I'd ship Defoe & DiMaria 1st

  11. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Hot to trot?

    Foster
    Clyne Rose C.Dawson
    Eriksen Sanchez Hazard Di Maria
    Aguero Kane(c) Austin

    subs - Krul, Puncheon, van Aanholt, Naughton

    Much like everyone else i imagine. My only real issues are who to play in goal, and if (as expected) the correct answer is Foster, should i take a punt with PVA and bench Dawson?

    Thoughts?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      ADM -> Sterling 😉

      1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        I know. I want rid but not sure i can take ANOTHER hit. That shower up there already cost me 4 points this week

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      And double up with Dawson

      1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Definitely the right move on paper. Trouble is i know that come 6:45 tomorrow, Demi is gonna tell me PVA is starting and the urges are gonna be hard to resist!

    3. Not Irish
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Hate to say it but I'd bench Rose.

    4. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      ADM 😀

      Think I'd play double WBA.

      1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Shush you

        ... oh and thanks 🙂

    5. how now brown cow
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Go for double baggies i think.

  12. S.Kuqi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Giroud owners keeping him or maybe getting Austin in? (assuming everyone have Kane)

    1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I'd keep i reckon. I had Defoe so was an easier swap i think

      1. Not Irish
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        This

    2. Arsenal USA FC
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Thinking of shipping for Austin but not sure atm

    3. 32chickens
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      so what's giroud done wrong apart from not having 2 games?
      austin has difficult games

      1. S.Kuqi
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        What if he gets rested like few weeks ago?

    4. Home Run Baker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Getting Austin.
      Planning to get Costa in a week or 2, to go with Aguero and Kane.

    5. how now brown cow
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Undecided. I guess it depends what your team will look like for the next gw.

      1. S.Kuqi
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Crystal Palace next isn't worst possible game for Austin.

    6. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I switched from Gru to Austin for FT. Simply because I feel Gru could be benched due to upcoming manu, Monaco wham games within short period of time

    7. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Just used second FT two swap, so have done Sanchez + Giroud -> Eriksen + Austin. Feels quite risky, so I'll hide behind the sofa 😉

  13. RSe
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Good to go check please? Subs order all good?

    Foster
    Ivan // Clyne // Bellerin
    Haz // Sanchez // Eriksen // Downing***
    Kun // Kane(c) // Giro

    Pants -- Wolls -- Dawson -- JWP

    ***Planning on Downing > Coutinho with my other FT this week.

    Cheers!

    1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good to me

      1. chinmusic
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Would you keep Roo if you had him, SD? -4 for Austin is tempting

        1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          oooooo

          I think i would keep him yeah. Easy to say with Austin sat in my team i know, but to be fair i did have Defoe!?

          It's tough. If you have a post DGW Austin plan then perhaps it's worth getting him in short term (certainly short term for me!) but saying that i can't see any reason why Rooney won't continue to score well over the next month or so.

          Sorry... not much help there lol

          1. chinmusic
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            It's a tricky one as I'd like the cash and fear the huge tumble if Austin produces big. I'll sleep on it I think. Happy to have the dilemma I guess - Roo saved my GW last time

            1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 8 months ago

              He's a fairly reliable sort, especially with pens back under his belt. I certainly wouldn't bet against him scoring well in the next few GWs.

              Good luck. Tough decisions ahead!

    2. S.Kuqi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good to me.

    3. Captain Haddock
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      gtg

    4. RSe
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks all!

  14. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Help is required on this

    Is this worth a 4pt hit

    Azpiculieta > Vertonghen
    Defoe > Austin

    &

    Which 2 shall I play out of

    Jones, Bellerin and Clyne

    Any ideas would be welcomed

  15. For Fuchs Sake
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Panti
    Zouma Bellerin Bertrand
    Alexis, Santi, Silva, Mane, Haz
    Kun, Kane (C)

    Subs: Defoe, Naughton, PVA

    Santi/Alexis to Eriksen worth it? Alternative is Defoe to Austin, but who would I drop from MF?

  16. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Has Gervinho destroyed Juve yet?

  17. Dr. Rog
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone else eyeing up a front 3 of aguero costa sturridge for the run in?

    1. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Wouldn't see why tbh. Costa could well get himself a nice two game ban, Aguero's returns are okay but could be better ( 3 goals in his last 7 PL appearances now) and Sturridge is not guaranteed to start.

      At a stretch, I'd go for two of them but I can't really see the point in all three.

    2. Woy of the Wovers
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      No-one who wants to gain big ranks.

    3. Lallana_
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Sturridge is too expensive. Get Sterling instead.

      Kane, Aguero, Costa/Giroud is the way!

    4. Jaws
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Look at Sturridge's gametime. 50 minutes over the last 3GW in total. Waste of +11 mil.

    5. how now brown cow
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Too rich for my wallet. Costa kun kane for me unless sanchez starts getting points.

  18. red beard
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    I disagree with lloris being nailed on

    1. Syd.
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Suppose somebody has to disagree

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        😆

      2. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        No they don't.

    2. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Cool story

      1. Woy of the Wovers
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Chapter 2 : Rooney's cool hairstyle.

      2. red beard
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Ha, vorm could easily be given some minutes, just a pre warning

        1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Anyone dumb enough to be wasting their transfers on bloody goalies deserves everything they get...

          1. red beard
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            I'm probably just hoping my mini league rivals who've had him sat on the bench fail!

    3. how now brown cow
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I'll eat my hat if he's rested.

      Apologies to Just A Hat if you read this.

  19. Captain Haddock
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Current midfield:

    Sanchez, Hazard, Silva, Özil, Boyd.

    Having 1FT.

    Should I:

    A) Özil --> Eriksen
    B) Sanchez (selling price 10.9) --> Eriksen
    C) Save FT.

    Özil would be easy to get back if needed, Sanchez would not.

    Thank you!

  20. Syd.
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    I think Spurs might struggle against Swansea

    They've only conceded 2 goals in their last 4 games

    1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I kind of agree. Think it's probably going unders anyway

    2. how now brown cow
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Need an early goal to lift the gloom or else it might be a struggle.

      Horrible feeling siggy will come back to haunt us.

  21. ۩۞۩Tommo727™۩۞۩
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Good to go?
    De Gea
    Vertonghen, Hutton, Wollscheid
    Silva, Hazard, Coutinho, Eriksen
    Aguero, Kane (c), Rooney
    (Guzan, PVA, Coloccini, Arfield)
    0FT

    1. Captain Haddock
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      gtg

  22. pppppppp88
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    COUTINHO OR STERLING?

    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Either. But Coutinho.

    2. ۩۞۩Tommo727™۩۞۩
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Coutinho bigger risk, bigger reward, he's in fantastic form atm, I had the same dilemma and went with Coutinho

  23. semiconductor
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    what about getting rid of my fifth mid ameobi with bentaleb with the coming DGW?

    1. how now brown cow
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Can't see him racking up many points.

  24. whitters_2014
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Am I the only one considering Dzeko over Austin

    1. BlzE_94
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      bony will end up playing instead

  25. Tinmen
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Who to start folks? Not much in it really

    Wollscheid
    Fonte

    1. Captain Haddock
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Fonte

    2. Numb
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Not even close.

      1. Tinmen
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Ahh, that helps 🙁

        1. Numb
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          You're welcome.

  26. Numb
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    I might not be bringing in any DGW players this week. Anyone else this daft?

    1. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Already owned Kane. Brought in Austin because Defoe has wrecked my head. That's it though.

      1. Numb
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        If you have Defoe that move is a no brainer

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      RIP xx

      1. Numb
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks 🙂

    3. UCL Fantasy
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      How many do you already have?

      1. Numb
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        2

    4. Captain Shirokov
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Have two already, not sure I'll get more.

    5. Syd.
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Replace the N with a D if that is the case 😉

    6. 32chickens
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      daft-seeing the track ahead and ignoring it?
      positively you must be very happy and confident with your squad

    7. Not Irish
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Not daft at all. Kane the only necessity.

    8. Tinmen
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I see you haven't a clue then !!

  27. Stannage
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Hi all....thinking ahead to gw 29.....what do people reckon about taking a hit and immediately removing Eriksson and Austin to Costa and one of the following.
    mane
    puncheon
    siggy
    Walters

    Keen to get Costa in asap....what do u reckon and who would be the best midfielder?

    1. copps
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      i dont think costa is urgent. he's 2 YCs away from a 2 match ban which could fall in those easier games

    2. Repetive Expletive
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Wait to see if he picks up a booking midweek

    3. Tex
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I'd try to keep Eriksen. His week 29 fixture isn't great but next 3 or 4 are pretty nice. If his form is decent he should bring steady points for next little while.

      Costa 2 bookings away from 2 match ban. Ideally wait until after match on Wednesday. If booked then I'd reconsider options.

  28. Captain Shirokov
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Foster
    Koscielny - Dawson - Bertrand
    Hazard - Sanchez - Eriksen* - Silva - Moses
    Aguero - Kane*

    (Sakho, Cresswell, O'Shea)

    A) Cresswell to Rose, bench Dawson(avl).
    B) Cresswell to Rose + Sakho to Austin (-4), bench Dawson(avl) and Moses(EVE).
    C) Save FT

    And no I can't afford Sakho to Austin. Leaning towards C atm.

    1. Every Dog Has Its Day
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      C

    2. how now brown cow
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Save

  29. Every Dog Has Its Day
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Scout Picks today?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Tomorrow

  30. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    top 4 for form are

    pool
    arse
    chelsea
    stoke

    southampton are like 13th, worse than palace at 7th ............ so would you bench clyne v palace at home if you had 3 defenders from the top 4 formwise ??

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      urghh top of the page 😕

    2. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      No chance

    3. Woy of the Wovers
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      No I would not.

    4. Amateur Pundit Zan
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Clyne has good assist and goal potential for a defender as well so no I'd rarely bench and certainly not home to palace