Scout Notes
20 August 2017 4477 comments
davidwardale davidwardale
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Marcos Alonso nets twice at Wembley as Harry Kane’s August woes continue. Meanwhile, Aaron Mooy picks up the points again as Huddersfield Town maintain their 100% start to the season.

Here are the notes from Sunday’s brace of matches.

Peerless Alonso at the double

Marcos Alonso recovered from a zero-point return against Burnley in some style by bagging both goals in today’s 2-1 Wembley Stadium win over Spurs.

That disappointing tally against the Clarets had persuaded over 72,000 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers to transfer out the Chelsea wing-back, yet his underlying numbers that day hinted at what was to follow – five efforts on goal in Gameweek 1 was more than any defender.

After last term’s six goals and five assists, it’s somewhat understandable that the Spaniard is the priciest defender on option in FPL at 7.0.

Despite an average of 5.7 points per match in the previous campaign, most have baulked at that cost, with just 11% currently owning Alonso.

Today’s 16-point haul once again reminded us that when it comes to premium priced picks at the back, the Spaniard remains peerless as a supplier of explosive returns.

David Luiz also remains a factor as a cheaper route into the Blues’ backline, though.

Stationed in front of the back-three as Antonio Conte opted for a 3-1-4-1-1 formation, he was brought down for Alonso’s free-kick opener, earning an assist to add to his goal against Burnley last weekend.

Priced at 6.0, he’s the most popular defender in FPL and sits in over 25% of squads.

Luiz fired a reasonable 31 efforts on goal last season – ranked sixth among defenders. So far, he’s registered four efforts in the first two Gameweeks – only Alonso, with seven, has managed more from the back.

Batshuayi back to bench-warming

Five goals in pre-season suggested that Michy Batshuayi could cement an early-season role on Antonio Conte’s teamsheet.

But the Belgian was named among the subs at Wembley due to the tactical reshuffle, with new boy Alvaro Morata handed a first start after his goal and assist off the bench last week.

Batshuayi started just one league match under Conte in 2016/17, with 19 further outings as a substitute. Given that his main impact was to nod Christian Eriksen’s free-kick past his own goalkeeper, it’s a fair bet that Morata looks set to lead the line at home to Everton next weekend.

Kane’s testing our patience

The hoodoo continues, but it’s certainly not for a lack of trying.

Shown the door by over 164,000 FPL managers last week, Harry Kane has now failed to score in all 12 Premier League appearances in August and returned back-to-back single-point returns after earning his second yellow card of the season.

But the underlying numbers could barely be more encouraging. He produced eight shots, with a total of six efforts in the box equal to Chelsea. He also hit the woodwork for a second successive Gameweek.

So far, Kane has registered 14 attempts in two matches, at least six more than any other forward. At this point last term, he’d managed six shots.

A home clash against Burnley surely offers him the tonic to address that lack of cutting edge, with the Spurs striker among the main captaincy contenders for Gameweek 3.

If he fails against the Clarets, though, the exodus will surely accelerate to new levels over the international break.

Eriksen delivers as Spurs show Wembley promise

While Kane spurned chance after chance, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli mustered just a single effort apiece, with Conte’s decision to crowd out the midfield denting their goal threat.

Once again, though, the Dane’s set-piece duties came to fruition – an assist for Batshuayi’s own goal takes him to three for the season.

Sitting in 18% of squads to Alli’s 37% and Kane’s 31%, Eriksen is now up to third in the midfield standings behind United pair Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan on 19 points, and level with the top-scoring forward, Romelu Lukaku.

Spurs’ toils at Wembley continue, then – it’s now two wins, one draw and eight losses in 11 competitive matches at the venue.

However, the statistics suggest it’s not all doom and gloom. Mauricio Pochettino’s team outshot Chelsea by 18 shots to nine, though, firing 10 efforts inside the box – almost identical to their respective tallies of 19.6 and 10.2 at White Hart Lane last season.

Mooy moves into double figures

Aaron Mooy’s goal kept Huddersfield’s perfect Premier League record intact while cementing his emergence as a go-to budget midfielder.

The Australian followed up an assist at Crystal Palace with the winner against Newcastle United, from an Elias Kachunga assist. That took him up to 16 points in FPL and confirmed him as the most productive midfielder for 5.5 or less – indeed, Mooy is the top ranked midfield for value in terms of points per million.

Mooy’s ownership close to doubled after his role in the 3-0 opening day win as he continues to impress from a position that, on the face of it, doesn’t exactly scream offensive threat.

But despite operating from a deep-lying role in the double-pivot, he’s led the way for the Terriers for touches in the final third over the first two fixtures.

Add in the fact that he’s also the side’s primary set-piece taker and it’s clear to see why he has such potential for attacking returns.

Huddersfield’s kindly opening schedule continues for another four Gameweeks, giving Mooy further chances to build on his impressive start to the season.

Mounie misfires

If Mooy’s ownership burst into life following the Palace win, striker Steve Mounie’s practically exploded.

Over 160,000 managers brought him in on the back of his brace at Selhurst Park, only to see their new budget third striker fail to spark against Newcastle.

A booking kept him to just one point from a tepid afternoon in which he managed only two penalty area touches and zero attempts.

The 6.1-priced striker will hope for considerably better days as Huddersfield move onto fixtures with Southampton and Leicester City at home and trips to West Ham and Burnley.

Terriers keeping it tight

At least there were no such complaints for those owning Huddersfield’s backline and goalkeeper Jonas Lossl.

The Danish stopper made it back-to-back clean sheets and save points and is the only keeper to earn FPL bonus in both Gameweeks.

In front of him, two fellow 4.5-priced assets continue to rake in the returns as well.

Zanka, now the side’s most popular player with 5.1% ownership, and Christopher Schindler have both enjoyed good bonus returns to add to their shut-out points, with the latter bagging a maximum against Newcastle.

The German centre-half registered an eye-opening 17 clearances, blocks and interceptions (CBI), won five of six tackles and all four of his aerial duels in a towering defensive display.

Small wonder that three Huddersfield players now grace the top ten for points scored by defenders (Chris Lowe is also in there) and all three are the cheapest on that list.

Gayle lacking force

Dwight Gayle hit 23 goals to help Newcastle back into the Premier League at the first attempt.

His own return to the top flight has been deeply underwhelming.

Gayle managed 52 minutes at Huddersfield before being subbed off having mustered just a single attempt.

His replacement, new signing Joselu, proceeded to have four attempts – all of them on target – in an all-action 38-minute display.

Gayle (6.5) sits in 2.3% of FPL squads, the 5.5-priced Joselu in 0.2%, but it is the latter who has made a convincing case for inclusion when West Ham visit on Saturday.

Newcastle have yet to score this season, which only strengthens the lively Joselu’s case, particularly as Rafa Benitez’s side still have a very attractive schedule stretching all the way to a Gameweek 11 clash with Bournemouth.

4,477 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. stesomerville31
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    RMT
    De Gea Foster
    Bellerin Trippier Jones Cedric Luiz
    Willian Salah Tadic Redmond Dier
    Hernandez Lukaku Firmino

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Too much spend on def and gk for my taste. Double south h mid is also a bit risky.. If that was my team i would wc and rethink thingsover..

      1. stesomerville31
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 days ago

        Who would you recommend on who to make changes with?

      2. bellerWin
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 days ago

        Agreed wc get pogba/mkhi , alli/eriksen maybe Zanka and downgrade bellerin

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Not good to be honest

      Too much on goalies and defence, Salah only decent midfielder as Willian benched when Hazard back, double Southampton risky and Dier plays too deep. Sorry!

      1. Jeremy Corbyn
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 days ago

        salah what?

  2. Hurricane Gilbert
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    Help me navigate gents.

    A) Daniels to Alonso
    B) Willian and Ince to Mooy and Eriksen -4

    Foster (Elliot)
    Bertrand Stephens Dunk (Daniels Mason)
    Salah Pogba Willian Ince (TC)
    Kane Kaku Gabbi

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      1 FT, 2,0 ITB

    2. Cojiro
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Wait for city match. You may wish to have cover after watching it

  3. Rex Lapis
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    King to?
    A. Mounie
    B. Gabbi
    C. Chica

    1. Cojiro
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      C

  4. Goonermeister
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    Kola + Zaha to Alonso + Pogba ? (-4)

    1. Dušan Citizen
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Sure as Kolarov is off to Roma

      1. BALOOO
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 days ago

        + Zaha injured 😀

    2. BALOOO
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      How much ITB do you have :O Anyways, great transfers IMO.

    3. FC Hakkebøf
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Alonso + miki is a better option imo.. Dont think pogba will keep these high numbers when they meet an opponent with a bigger attacking threat..

  5. F4L
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    Salah dropping like a stone; quite funny that

    1. HALFSPACE
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      It's hilarious tbf

    2. Licky
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      I got rid, not because I think he won't do anything, just because I'd rather get Eriksen for those tasty fixtures.

  6. Nomar
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    Where the hell do I begin with this lot of one point merchants? Got 2 FT's and £0.5 ITB.

    Fabianski, Ryan
    Francis, Danilo, Cedric, Kolasinac, Mee
    Pogba, Salah, Carroll, KDB, Lokilo
    Kane (weeps silently to self), Jesus, Mounié.

    Happy with Carroll as 4th mid as think he will come good but Lokilo is a busted flush and Salah now looks rotation risk like every other Liv player except Mané.

    Maybe wait till after tomorrow's game and reassess?

    1. Football Heaven
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Who's Lokilo?

      1. Nomar
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 6 days ago

        Palace £4.5 mid who got a lot of game time pre season.

  7. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    Okay, I need your help. My current team is:

    DDG, Elliot
    Danilo, Daniels, Mee, Cedric, Hunemeier
    Willian, Pogba, Salah, Eriksen, RLC
    Lukaku, Kane, Quaner

    Im thinking of wildcarding because of these reasons:

    - Daniel and Mee do not have good fixtures for clean sheets, and neither Burnley nor B'mouth look defensively good
    - Danilo has to go for Trippier, although I will wait for injury news and potential Aurier's transfer
    - DDG is returning points, but is maybe too expensive for a goalkeeper considering Foster and Lossl
    - Hazard is back and is simply essential for my team, I just have to have him and Willian>Hazard and Salah>Jese would be a way to do it

    What do you guys think

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      How many FT?

  8. Kevtheotter
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    Need extra United cover?

    Only way I can do it without a hit is KDB -> Mhki.

    Worth it?

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      see what happens tomorrow

  9. Whats the Mata?
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    What to do with this lot?
    1ft

    Ddg Elliot
    Danilo Stephens Suttner Francis 4m
    Kdb Salah Mkhi Fraser TC
    Kane Lukaku Mounie

    A. Danilo to Trippier
    Or
    B. Fraser to Mooy

    1. Whats the Mata?
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Or WC?

  10. F4L
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    Just need my Pool players to go unscathed against Hoffenheim

  11. ooooo
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    Ake to which £5.0 defender cause (plot twist) I have Pereira warming the bench.

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      no spoilers please

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Jones

      1. ooooo
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 days ago

        Forgot to say I had three united players

    3. Ben Mee Over A Table
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Jones if you don't already have 3 united

  12. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    do people realise there is the league cup games midweek?

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      second teams will be rolled out in force though

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 6 days ago

        a few will put a few first teamers out I guess. Squads not big enough to rotate massively?

        1. F4L
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 6 days ago

          I suppose; most are looking to transfer in players from teams in the CL however, and they don't take part.

  13. nola87
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    Would you do Valencia + tadic + Willian for jones + mooy + eriksen for -4?!

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Yes. Dont fancy mooy though.. I feel like this huddersfield bandwagon is over the edge.. Would bank money on that team.. But he is really cheap though. So yeS

      1. GHB
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 6 days ago

        Agree, won't play Newcastle every week

    2. Ben Mee Over A Table
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Looks good to me

    3. FC Hakkebøf
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Maybe not until nexr gw though.. Do jones now and wait till next window b4 doing the rest to avoid a hit..

    4. Podge
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      I would do none of those

  14. Football Heaven
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    A trippier and Salah
    B alli and ake

    Hoping trippier is fit. Bringing in richarlison for mata as well

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      A

  15. Rashers
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    Evening all.

    Anyone watch Liverpool on Saturday? Wondering how Firmino played but hard to judge on MOTD highlights.

    Just worried with Sturridge sniffing around that he will be pushed back a bit.

    1. Aston-villain
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      I was disappointed with him and the sight of Sturridge.

    2. liiusions
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Played on the wing and wasn't very good tbh but he never is out wide. Think Firmino will definitely play as a #9 in the next 2 at least

    3. JONALDINHO
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Sturridge definitely won't take his place unless rotation. He looked decent, had a couple long shots and was involved but mane was more lively. Hopefully he stays on pens if so that's 10 extra goals for him

    4. Rashers
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Yeah if he plays out wide he is gone for me. Don't want to be relying on the hope that he has penalties.

      Will give him the next 2 and reassess then.

      Thanks all.

  16. Aston-villain
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    Is Chicharito worth the extra 1mil over Mounie ???

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Don't expect much from Mounie especially after today's performance . Hernandez will definitely get plenty of goals due to poaching

    2. Rashers
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      I think so. Disappointed in Mounie today. But can't expect too much for 6mil.

      Wesh ham have good fixtures. Just need them to start playing a bit better.

  17. JONALDINHO
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    If KDB isn't heavily involved tomorrow would KDB>Eriksen be a good move

    1. Aston-villain
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Yeh or mikhi, pogba, willian, alli et al.

    2. Pompel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Sure

    3. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Yep

  18. FantasyNik123
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    If KDB walks away with a 2 pointer tomorrow, how many of you will sell him?

    1. Pompel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Sell for Eriksen, Mkhi or Pogbs for sure

  19. tissae
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    Daniels ---> Jonas for -4?

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      -4 is a cs.. And jones is not attacking threat neither a bps potential. So i would wait till nexr gw unless you already have something planned.

  20. James2201
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    Hey, can you please rate my team. I am trying to hold off until after transfer deadline so I know the situation with Sanchez, Coutinho and when Hazard comes back. I have a feeling Kane is gonna go on a goal run soon, and ideally want to get him in next week. I took a 4 point hit this week, unsure where to improve my team so would appreciate some opinions

    De Gea
    Bertrand Davies Kolasinac
    Redmond KDB Pogba Carroll
    Abraham Jesus Lukaku.

    Subs - Elliot Dann Fabregas Rangel

  21. henryleeds
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    Fraser > Mooy? And is playing Suttner away to Watford a better move than transferring out Daniels? Thanks in advance!

  22. Whats the Mata?
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    Anyone WCing?

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      did it last week 😛 Very happy

      1. Torres76
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 6 days ago

        What does your team look Like?

        1. F4L
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 6 days ago

          Elliot

          Bertrand Cedric Yoshida

          Mkhi Mane Eriksen Salah Pogba

          Lukaku Firmino

          I know people don't like putting a lot of eggs in one basket, but i do 😉

      2. Ben Mee Over A Table
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 days ago

        Me too 🙂

    2. Rash
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Yep glad to see the back of danilo and my shambolic midfield

    3. laplana
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      I have

    4. Cato Fong 你好
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Indeed! 69pts from 2 GW's so far 😎

  23. F4L
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    Why was there only one game today? Isn't there usually 2 PL games on a Sunday?

    1. Rainer
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      😛

  24. Rainer
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    Alonsoooooooooooooooo 😎

    1. Aston-villain
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Get innnnnn

    2. F4L
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      jammy haul

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      you changed your grav

  25. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    Any Newcastle and Southampton fans - do you think JWP Atsu did enough to get start next week?

    1. liiusions
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Watched the Toon game and Atsu could be a risk. Think Gayle may drop out first though it depends who can replace them

      1. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 days ago

        Thanks for that

  26. FantasyNik123
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    RMT pls

    Foster
    Hegazi Bertrand Jones
    KDB Eriksen Ince Ritchie
    Lukaku Kane Gab

    1. slamdunk
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      That on a wc?

      1. FantasyNik123
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 days ago

        lol no

  27. dhamphiir
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    Will you transfer out Koslanic for?
    A. Alonso
    B. Bailly
    C. Jones

    1. liiusions
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Honestly C and bank the 2m. This Alonso knee-jerk is stupid, everyone knew he'd score goes at the start of the season so what's changed now? Chelsea will struggle for cleanies in the next 5

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      A) if you have the funds.. Really likes jones value though

  28. liiusions
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    DDG
    Yosh Stephens Dann
    Salah Micky Willian Ritchie
    Kane Kaku Firmino
    (Elliot Carroll Mee Long) 1FT 0ITB

    Save the transfer? Ritchie is the only real problem and the only players I want in (Trippier/Eriksen) involve a hit.

    Cheers

  29. slamdunk
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    Best mid 6m or below?

    And not mooy!!

    1. Rash
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Richarlison

    2. liiusions
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Richarlison/Jese

    3. slamdunk
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Thanks guys.flip a coin I suppose but maybe Watford fixtures are abit better at the mo

    4. Ben Mee Over A Table
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      As a proud Australian I am offended.

  30. ooooo
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 days ago

    Ake to which £5.0 defender non-united

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      Yoshida

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 days ago

      I would say Fosu-Mensah and save.5. I think he could do really well once settles