Scout Notes
4 September 2017 651 comments
davidwardale davidwardale
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There’s double delight for two Dutch stars as Holland keep their World Cup qualifying hopes alive, while reports of an injury threaten to dent any chance of Alexis Sanchez’s revival as a Fantasy prospect.

Happiness abounds in Belgium, however, as the country’s Premier League-heavy side book their place for Russia 2018 with two matches to spare.

Here are Sunday’s international notes.

Daley’s Dutch Double

Holland’s hopes of World Cup qualification were given a boost by a 3-1 win over Bulgaria in which two Premier League players were instrumental.

Brighton midfielder Davy Propper scored twice, while Manchester United’sDaley Blind typically provided two assists.

Results elsewhere, and in particular France’s surprising inability to break down a stubborn Luxembourg, mean that the Dutch will go into the final round of matches in October with at least a shot at the play-offs for Russia 2018.

And their two match-winners, to varying degrees, reminded us of their Fantasy credentials.

Blind is the main draw of the pair.

The United defender has played every minute of the domestic season so far for Jose Mourinho’s men, racking up 18 points from three clean sheets.

Versatile enough to be able to play as a full-back, wing-back or centre-half, at a price of 5.5 he represents the middle ground in terms of value in United’s rearguard.

His 3.3% ownership has perhaps been kept at such a modest level by the availability of Phil Jones for 5.1, but nearly 10% of FPL managers have decided to spend a whopping 6.5 on Antonio Valencia, despite Blind currently outperforming his team-mate in terms of attacking threat.

The Dutchman has created three chances to Valencia’s two and the 23 crosses he has sent over is the highest figure among all defenders this season. Both the 13 corners he has taken and the five successful deliveries that have resulted are also league-leading figures among defenders.

United’s generous opening schedule continues with a trip to Stoke City on Saturday and takes in visits from Everton and Crystal Palace and an away match at Southampton before the next international break in October.

A Propper Performance

The case for Propper is rather less clear cut.

A double for the Dutch will have come as no surprise to his domestic audience – he hit 16 goals in his last two seasons at PSV – but a deep-lying midfield role at what can only be described as an “offensively limited” Brighton side doesn’t exactly bolster his attacking threat.

Propper has had four attempts to date for the Seagulls, none on target and all outside the box. By contrast, three of team-mate Anthony Knockaert’s four efforts have been from inside the box.

Only four Brighton players are owned by more than 1% of Fantasy Premier League managers – and three of those are for their 4.0 price tags alone based on the fact that they’ve thus far managed just 45 minutes of action between them.

Brighton have just one point, and no goals, from three matches. Something has to give, you would suspect, although manager Chris Hughton’s defensive instincts are likely to mean that not conceding goals will continue to trump scoring any of them for the time being.

But the Seagulls’ schedule is almost ridiculously kindly – only a trip to Arsenal just before the October international break stands out as particularly hurtful until it all turns evil, appropriately enough, from Gameweek 13.

Remove the Arsenal match, and this is their schedule through to late November – WBA, bou, NEW, EVE, wha, SOT, swa, STO.

This could yet promote the likes of Propper (5.5), Knockaert (5.9), Pascal Gross (5.4) and the attack-minded new signing Jose Izquierdo (6.0) as cut-price differentials.

Slim pickings for Sanchez

This has been a week to forget for Alexis Sanchez.

First, he saw his proposed move to Man City break down on deadline day, then former Chile coach Jose Sulantay took to the media to describe the national side’s main man as ‘…out of physical shape, totally. He’s fatter than normal’.

And now there are reports that the 11.9-priced Arsenal man has suffered an ankle problem and could miss Chile’s vital World Cup qualifier in Bolivia tomorrow night.

That would also make him a doubt for the Gunners’ home match with Bournemouth on Saturday.

Arsenal are a club in early-season chaos but at time when the schedule smiles kindly.

Aside from a Gameweek 5 trip to Chelsea, the Gunners have favourable short-term fixtures involving that Bournemouth clash and two other home matches with West Brom and Brighton and an away day in Watford.

That would usually spark a surge of interest in Sanchez – his huge price tag offset by memories of last season’s monster 264-point haul – although we are yet to see how he will consistently react to being forced to return to a club he clearly spent the summer wishing to leave.

Belgian bonus

Roberto Martinez’s Belgium became the first European team, aside from hosts Russia, to qualify for next year’s World Cup when they secured a fine 2-1 win in Greece last night.

A confident Romelu Lukaku made it four goals in two international matches with the winner, Jan Vertonghen opened the scoring and Eden Hazard was given a late run-out as he continued his return from injury.

Hazard will doubtless be assessed on his return to Chelsea but looks well placed to play some part – perhaps even start – when Chelsea visit Leicester City in Gameweek 4.

Man City skipper Vincent Kompany missed out with a knock on Sunday, though, which will need to be monitored given that Liverpool roll up to the Etihad next weekend.

Belgium are packed with Premier League talent – seven started Sunday’s match, two more came on as substitutes, and a further five were on the bench.

With their place in Russia now assured, and the group won as well, the final two matches of their qualification campaign are now dead rubbers in which Martinez can be entirely selective about how he uses his troops.

This could have a very pleasant knock-on effect, with a number of well-owned assets enjoying a rather less intense October international break than is usual.

Rotation is a factor around the autumn months, what with a busy domestic and international schedule and European club football also in full swing.

But Belgium’s efficiency has the potential to ease the risk of rest surrounding a whole host of players who earn their corn in the Premier League.

651 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Cov
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Who takes penalties for Bournemouth?

    1. TheTwelfthMan
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Defoe or King.

    2. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      I'd imagine Defoe if he was on the field

  2. Jackson99
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Thoughts on this team please:

    DDG (Elliot)
    Yoshida Hegazi Mee (Stones Mariappa)
    Pogba Willian Eriksen Carroll (RLC)
    Lukaku Kane Firmino

    0.5 ITB, 0 FT
    Should I keep it as it is or should I transfer out Willian, Stones or anyone else?
    Thanks

    1. Squires FC
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Ditch stones

    2. Podge
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Hegazi's days seem numbered too

  3. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Are people who are wildcarding now planning their transfers to get in the Chelsea/Everton/Stoke players after gw7?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Everton after gw5. Not sure why you'd plan to buy any Stoke. Chelsea makes sense.

      I'm not wildcarding now though, so ignore the above 🙂

      1. FPL ZB
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 17 days ago

        Stoke have reasonable fixtures and are relatively solid at the back, plus the Jese factor. Jese/Wimmer could end up being good enablers possibly

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 17 days ago

          Agree. I would have them in my team possibly, but I wouldn't specifically plan anything for them in the future

    2. Numb
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Maybe something like...

      Salah > Siggy GW6
      Kane/Lukaku > Morata GW8

  4. AJ24
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Replacement for Ake?
    A) Jones
    B) Otamendi
    C) Mawson
    D) Other

    Current Backline
    Foster, Elliot
    Kolisninac, Ake, Stephens, Manquillo, Long

    ITB - 1.4m but don't partcularly want to did into that. Swaying towards Jones at present.

    1. Squires FC
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Yea jones

    2. Oven Glover
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      D) Maguire

      Good fixtures and after Chelsea including Pool at home, and we all know that Liverpool can't defend set pieces.

    3. It’s a Knockaert
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      A

    4. Regin
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      get rid of long & manquilo. Manquilo only short term option. Long will not play.

  5. Ode
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Which WC team do you prefer (changes in caps):

    A) Foster
    Naughton Jones ALONSO
    Pogba MKHI MANE Eriksen
    Kane Firmino ABRAHAM

    B) Foster
    Naughton Jones CEDRIC
    Pogba ATSU SALAH Eriksen
    Kane Firmino LUKAKU

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      prefer B as mine is very similar:

      Foster
      Jones-Cedric-Mee
      Eriksen-Salah-Mkhi-Atsu
      Kane-Lukaku-Firmino

      Elliot-Carroll-Naughton-Mbemba

    2. Visionaries
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      B

    3. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      A

  6. MattyW
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    right ... a week or so of tinkering and i think i'm settling on this wc - what do you think?

    Foster/Elliot
    Mendy/Cedric/Naughton (Hegazi) (Schindler)
    Salah, Erikson, Brady, Mkhitaryan (Atsu)
    Lukaku, Hernandez(C) Morata

    1. It’s a Knockaert
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Bailly for mendy and I don't think rotation is worth all that money

  7. OldBenKenobi
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Anyone else get the occasionally pop up on iphone when trying to get on the FFS site? Dabi or something? Your iphone is a winner etc?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Nah, you're phone needs to see a doctor

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 17 days ago

        *your 😳

  8. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Not an urgent question, but thinking ahead to my WC. Everton full backs haven't really looked to get forward at all this year have they? I miss Seamus.

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Michael Keane is this season's Alfie Mawson

    2. DJ1000
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Think Holgate is a bargain at £ 4.4m from gw6 onwards.

  9. Grounderz
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Folks, between which GW does the 2nd international break take place?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      7 & 8

      1. Grounderz
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 17 days ago

        Cheers.

  10. Kushal
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Bench one
    Bavies or abraham

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Davies

  11. MattyW
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Brady, Ritchie or Atsu ... ?

    1. It’s a Knockaert
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Atsu

    2. ***00tennis***
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Brady
      Knockaert
      Atsu

      Not Ritchie

  12. Chardee McDennis
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Can anyone on here explain the Wildcard love for Naughton? Cant shake the feeling his returns so far are unsustainable. Swansea have conceded the second highest amount of big chances and shots in the box in the first 3 games.

    1. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Playing wingback. Attacking potential

    2. It’s a Knockaert
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      I don't know. I'm certainly not putting him in although in all fairness he could be the best 4.5 option

  13. It’s a Knockaert
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Jones and silva or naughton/nyom and miki. Also could you rate my current WC team:

    GK: Foster, [Elliot]
    DEF: Cedric, jones, Davies, Alonso, [Mbemba]
    MID: Silva, pogba, mane, eriksen, [Carroll]
    FOR: Lukaku, firmino, [quaner]

  14. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Who's with me on starting Daniels this week?

    1. AnfieldLad
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Me

    2. JoeSnowUK
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      I don't know whether to start Daniels (A to Arsenal) or T. Carroll (safer bet, H to Newcastle). Leaning towards the Daniels gamble as Arsenal are a mess.

  15. AnfieldLad
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Who scores more over the next 5 GWs:

    A) Sanchez
    B) Hazard

    1. Ode
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      I think Sanchez

    2. nonprophet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      I'd say def Haz. Way better team

    3. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Hazard- Sanchez very out of shape and overweight

      1. potatoace
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 17 days ago

        ...and sulking and supposedly injured.

  16. HARLEY
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Need to WC?

    Foster
    Stephens Kola Mee
    Salah Pogba Ince Richarlison
    Kaku Kane Gabbi

    Bench: Elliot Danilo Suttner Carroll

    1. Squires FC
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Don't need to but wouldn't hurt if you did. 5 players worth changing. If you have 2 fts then definitely hold

      1. HARLEY
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 17 days ago

        0 ft 1.3 itb
        Thought?

  17. FlockofSeagulls
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Did somebody say "Seagulls"?

    1. Podge
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Nope

      1. FlockofSeagulls
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 17 days ago

        As you were then.

  18. Visionaries
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    In a bit of a pickle here, want rid of Sterling. 0.1 short for Silva..

    A Sterling > Tadic/Redmond/Willian/Cesc?
    B Sterling & Mooy > Sanches & Silva -4
    C Sterling & Bavies > Tadic & Alonso -4
    D Bench Sterling, play 4 at the back

    1. I Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      I wouldn't take a hit to get rid of Mooy or Davies so A or D. Who would the defender be in D?

    2. Squires FC
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      C

  19. Ted Striker
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Lukaku - Mkhi - Pogba triple up. Mkhi and Pogba particularly look like being amazing value this season.

    I'm on a wildcard, and I'm seriously tempted to triple. Something's nagging at me though. It's a bad idea, right?

    1. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      They haven't conceded a goal yet.. surely a defensive spot is merited?

      1. Ted Striker
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 17 days ago

        Fair point, and the extra £2m from switching to Bailly/Valencia can beef up the rest of the team. Would they be as good value though? I can't think of another circa £8m midfielder that will bring in the points like Pogba.

        1. FPL ZB
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 17 days ago

          if you're on WC then you're better off getting two high value mids and then two low value mids I reckon. Like going with Eriksen/Hazard/Salah/Mane/Pog and then richarlison/atsu/redmond types

          1. Ted Striker
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 17 days ago

            Sounds safe, but without three mids of decent value I'd feel a little vulnerable. Could spend the extra in defence i suppose.

      2. I Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 17 days ago

        This. stk, EVE, sou in the next three look better for clean sheets than goals imo. Would rather have a defender than three attackers.

        1. Ted Striker
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 17 days ago

          Yep, solid point.

    2. Better off with a pin and a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      I'm toying with both Mkhi and Pogba + Jones for def, but losing Lukaku (so have Kane, Firmonho, Morata or some such). Such good value in those 2 mids.

      1. Ted Striker
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 17 days ago

        EXACTLY. If I wasn't so terrified of Lukaku's ownership I'd drop him in favour of those two, no question. Nearly £3.5m difference between.

      2. potatoace
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 17 days ago

        I think im going this way too.
        The way manu play its not beyond realms of possibility one of them will outscore kaku each week.

  20. Shrimpy
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Foster
    Bailly, Daniels, Stephens, Naughton
    Mane, Mkhi, Ramsey
    Kane, Kaku, Firm

    GTG?

    1. Neo-Viper
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      solid!

    2. JoBro
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Stephens not naiiled

    3. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Hard to tell. Who are you not playing

  21. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    If Kane is WCed out by the masses and somehow doesn't drop, then does that mean he will be far more susceptible to future price rises?

    1. Podge
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Yeh probably unless they are wildcards also

  22. makaveli70
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    G2G??
    Foster
    Davies-Alonso-Yoshida-Naughton
    Mané-Mkhitaryan-Pogba-Alli
    Firmino-Morata

    Bench
    Elliot Brady-Abraham-Mbemba

    1. I Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Good team, tough benching decisions. I'd be wanting to play Brady (CPL) and/or Abraham (NEW).

    2. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Get cedric instead of yoshi
      Hes the only one without uncertainty surrounding him following the transfer deadline

  23. JoeSnowUK
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    If Harry Kane scores again for England I am sure his confidence will be back through the roof, I am holding off WC or selling him at the moment.

    Anyone else waiting to WC after the next international break? Will likely get some Chelsea and Everton coverage then.

    1. DJ1000
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      I think it makes sense to do that if you have most of the early big hitters in such as Mkhi/Pogba, Salah/Mane, Eriksen/Alli etc. Think Kane has to come in at home to Swansea. Great fixtures including the likes of Bournemouth. We normally know a lot more in October when players have settled in and the likes of Hazard and Sanchez are back. I know from past experience it would have been nice to have the wildcard still in place by then.

  24. TigersTooTough
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Would love some opinions here community!

    Which option is the more suitable?

    A) Kolasinac, Silva, Morata, Chicharito

    B) Dawson, Salah, Lukaku, Abraham

    C) Jones, Ramsey, Jesus, Firmino

    I don't have any City or Liverpool cover atm.

    Cheers!

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      I like b the most

    2. Oven Glover
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      B

    3. Captain Roberto
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      C.
      Change Ramsey for someone good in a good side.

    4. Chardee McDennis
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      C

  25. jose1
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    A. Tripper v Everton

    Or

    B. Daniels v Arsenal

    1. BB-8
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Trip

  26. james_lebron
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Maguire a good option to come in after week 5?

    1. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Yes

    2. Regin
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      yes. Even Everton defenders.

  27. Pirlø's Pen
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Anyone playing UCL this year? If so what's your draft looking like? So many brilliant striking options and such poor midfield options imo.

    1. VS10_
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Got Ronaldo, Lewandowski and Lukaku up front. Ignored Messi and Dybala because they play each other in a tough fixture. Then got the midfielders who play up front in Mertens and Firmino. Rest pretty much bargains. Usually, do a very early wildcard.

    2. Margarido
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Ronaldo Lewa Falcao
      Up front

      Firmino Isco in midfield

      WC gw 2 or 3 because of possible price rises

    3. Cesc's old mullet
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Rico / Cesar
      Sidibe / Ghoulam / Ismaily / Marcano / Alexander-Arnold
      Firmino / Pogba / Asensio / Salvio / Kante
      Messi / Mbappe / Jesus

      Overall I find that Mbappe, Dembele, and Jesus have been really underpriced.

      Haven't been able to find any other cheap gems so far

  28. Syd.
    • 17 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    It's ironic that the most corrupt league in the world renowned for dodgy transfer deals and tax evasion is asking UEFA to investigate others clubs. Given the evidence that Real Madrid have been state sponsored for the last few decades makes this eve more laughable

  29. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Any chance Lacazette starts this weekend?

    1. BB-8
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      I'd say there's a good chance that he will. Arsenal need to bounce back, and Alexis seems to have picked up an injury anyway.

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 17 days ago

        Thinking of giving Laca the armband. Might jump a few spots in OR...

        1. BB-8
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 17 days ago

          He's my captain atm too. Good week for a captaincy punt.

          1. My heart goes Salalalalah
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 17 days ago

            Yeah no other standout options IMO. Heer's to hoping he plays 80 minutes

  30. Ask Yourself
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 17 days ago

    Is trippier's spot this weekend safe?

    1. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      You'd think so. But maybe the last week

    2. Captain Roberto
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 17 days ago

      Hang on, I'll just ring Pochettino and find out.

      1. potatoace
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 17 days ago

        You're friends with Pochettino? Cool.
        Can I be your friend too

        1. Captain Roberto
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 17 days ago

          He says they will do a fitness test on the lad's ankle but Aurier is fit and raring to go.

      2. Ask Yourself
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 17 days ago

        Boring

        1. Captain Roberto
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 17 days ago

          to be fair, so was your question.
          Serge Aurier has had no game time for PSG and Trippier is likely to recover from his ankle issue having withdrawn from England to re-coup. Aside from that information, how can anyone say either way who will play?