Scout Notes
10 September 2017 3471 comments
davidwardale davidwardale
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Burnley’s record signing keeps things clinical, while his defensive colleagues keep it clean against a Crystal Palace side that does everything but score at Turf Moor.

Elsewhere, a toothless Swansea City can only dream of such chances as they succumb to an increasingly resilient Newcastle.

Here are Sunday’s notes.

Wood pulling up some trees…

Two matches, two goals – Premier League life is good for Burnley’s Chris Wood.

He followed up his debut strike away at Spurs with the winner at home to Crystal Palace, latching on to Lee Chung-yong’s awful back pass to slot home.

The New Zealand international was used alongside Sam Vokes in a 4-4-2 formation by Sean Dyche, a system that could well be the home default for a while in light of the Clarets’ kindly Turf Moor schedule.

They’ll entertain Huddersfield, West Ham, Newcastle and Swansea City before the end of Gameweek 12, although it’s an entirely different matter on the road.

Dyche is unlikely to be so progressive when his side have to face Liverpool, Everton and Man City over their next three away fixtures – match-ups that should mean a switch to 4-5-1 and competition between the two strikers for a lone spot up front.

Wood has form and efficiency in his favour. His 60% shot accuracy and 40% goal conversion rates are up there with the best among those forwards who’ve scored twice over the last two Gameweeks.

That’s just as well when Burnley have managed a mere 17 attempts over that time frame – including just three chances created today.

…while Burnley’s defence stand tall

An injury to talismanic keeper Tom Heaton didn’t deter Burnley’s backline from completing their first clean sheet of the campaign.

Last season’s top scoring shot stopper went off with a suspected dislocated shoulder after 35 minutes – a blow to his 7.2% ownership but a chance for understudy Nick Pope, who is 0.5 cheaper, to get a good run in the team.

He started that bid with a two-point showing – he made three saves – while the most popular pick among the defence, Ben Mee (8.1%), had to make do with just the six points after missing out on any bonus.

Those on team-mate Stephen Ward (4.4%) will be rather more satisfied with an eight-point showing that included two bonus – the full-back now has almost double the points (19-10) of his more popular colleague.

Mee’s time as the go-to Burnley defender for Fantasy Premier League managers could be limited.

James Tarkowski looks to have cemented his start and is beginning to show more bonus point potential as he now leads Mee for clearances, blocks and interceptions (65 v 55) and tackles won (7 v 5).

However, if Heaton is – as expected – sidelined for several months with a dislocated shoulder, we perhaps have to question the merits of investing in the Clarets’ backline. The skipper is undoubtedly a key factor in their clean sheet potential having made more saves than any other keeper last season.

Palace problems crystal clear

Frank de Boer might be out of a job by the time I finish writing, or you finish reading, this sentence.

But there were signs of a revival in their loss at Burnley.

The coach ditched his wing-back system and geared his players up to be more direct, and it so very nearly paid off.

A Gameweek-leading 23 shots was the result, with Christian Benteke and Scott Dann particularly profligate in front of goal.

Unfortunately for the Eagles, their schedule is about to stiffen. Southampton visit next week, before back-to-back trips to both Manchester clubs and a home match with Chelsea.

Palace’s most popular player, Ruben Loftus-Cheek (8.4%), could be the major casualty in all that.

The 4.5-priced midfielder had reportedly recovered from a groin injury that forced him to miss the Gameweek 3 loss to Swansea City, but he was deemed not fit enough to even make the matchday squad on Sunday.

Benched by 349,000 and sold by 91,000 this week, the exodus may well now continue.

When fit, his starting role would seem assured, however.

Newcastle keep it clean

Nearly 900,000 FPL managers kept Newcastle keeper Rob Elliot out of their starting line-ups, making him the most benched player of the Gameweek.

The 20.5%-owned stopper responded with an eight-point performance at Swansea City that included a clean sheet, three saves and one bonus point.

He’s now up to 19 points for the season and, with minimal competition for his starting slot at Newcastle, continues to function very nicely as a 4.0 fire and forget option. Significantly perhaps, he made just three saves today but still picked up a single bonus point.

The Geordies made it back-to-back clean sheets with a resolute showing in south Wales, and they have now conceded just three goals in four outings this season – only three sides can top that.

Rafa Benitez’s men are also fifth best for fewest shots conceded in the area, while centre-half Jamaal Lascelles’ match-winning goal launched him to a 15-point display.

But it was Jesus Gamez’s first start of the season that might get us thinking.

The 4.0-priced defender racked up eight points, including two bonus, and could be the latest uber-cheap way into an increasingly impressive Newcastle defence ahead of an almost entirely kind run of home fixtures – STK LIV CPL BOU WAT LEI.

His place, however, is far from guaranteed, with the benched DeAndre Yedlin and Florian Lejeune waiting in the wings.

At the other end of the pitch, Matt Ritchie made it consecutive assists for his 2.4% ownership, while the 3.6% on Christian Atsu had to make do with a second-half cameo following his international exertions for Ghana.

And in the battle of the budget forwards, Joselu might have failed to score, but he offered much more than Swansea rival Tammy Abraham.

The 5.5-priced Magpies striker registered a Gameweek-leading four shots on target, while his six shots in total was matched only by Man United’s Romelu Lukaku.

Abraham managed just two attempts as the Swans continue to struggle for a creative spark.

Swansea assets cheap but cheerless

Abraham was one of three Swans players who made it into the top 20 for transfers-on this Gameweek.

He was bought by 101,000 new managers, while team-mates Kyle Naughton (135,000) and Renato Sanches (116,000) proved even more popular.

Naughton’s owners can at least look forward to a decent run of fixtures.

Once next week’s trip to Spurs is out of the way, that involves visits from Watford, Huddersfield and Leicester City and an away clash with West Ham – solid chances to build on Swansea’s two clean sheets thus far.

But the Swans’ impotent attack is a major issue.

Paul Clement’s side are bottom for shots and joint-bottom for both shots in the box and shots on target.

In fact, they’ve managed just three more attempts all season than Palace had at Burnley today.

3,471 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Jakarta
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on whether Trippier will get another game, or whether Aurier will come straight in now?

    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Nobody knows. Maybe not even Poch

    2. Sims
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I think tripper starts vs dortmund and aurier vs swansea

  2. Steevo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    WC active after an absolute horror show of a GW4. Bench too weak?

    Elliot
    Davies Jones Wimmer
    Eriksen Salah Pogba Carroll
    Kane Lukaku Firmino

    Woodman RLC Mee Gamez

    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I wouldn't want to play Caroll every weej.

      1. Les Bleus
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Week*

  3. FPL Mentor
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    What are your thoughts on going 433 and playing something like this?

    Foster
    Alonso Davies Mendy Jones
    Eriksen Pogba Groß
    Kane Lukaku Chicarito

    (Elliot, Carroll, RLC, Mbemba)

    1. grig
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I'm looking at something similar if I wouldn't use my WC. Not sure if Groß as 3rd midfielder is strong enough.

  4. RVP20
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Should I do Danilo > Bavies to catch the price rise?

    The rest of my team is:
    Foster - Elliott
    Danilo - Jones - Yoshida - Suttner - Long
    Alli - Mkhi - Salah - Ritchie - Carroll
    Kane - Lukaku - Mounie

  5. stat
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Who do you think will score more pts next GW?

    A) Dann vs Southampton (H)
    B) Clark vs Stoke (H)

  6. Roys Peak
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Bertrand V Walker V Kolasinic?

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Mendy. Looked a world beater

  7. chilli con kone
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Any chance that Salah doesn't rise before Liverpool play CL?

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I don't think he will

      1. chilli con kone
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        He's on just under 35% atm with Mane selling fast

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      No

  8. Hardly Athletic
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Best defender and midfielder combo up to 11.2?

    1. ENZO SZN™
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      B. Davies + Choupo-Moting

  9. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Gabbiadini+Mane >>

    A. Chicarito+Salah

    B. Firmino+Antonio

    C. WC

    Foster
    Trippier • Yoshida • Daniels 
    Eriksen • Mkhi • Mané • Atsu
    Kane • Lukaku • Gabbiadini
    (Elliot, Carroll, Suttner, Long)

    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      A

    2. Oven Glover
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I would want to see the Hammers in action before making that call.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Got tomorrow night I guess 🙂

  10. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    This midfield too weak with Kane, Lukaku and Firmino upfront or is it ok?

    Salah | Alli | Atsu | T. Carroll | RLC

    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Too weak

    3. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Far too weak

    4. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Poundland

      1. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Haha love it!

    5. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      If you're playing 4 or 5 at the back it's fine. In a 3-4-3 it's too weak though

      1. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        In a 4-3-3?

        1. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Thanks

        2. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          It's fine.

        3. Volley127
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Fine in a 4-3-3 imo

    6. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Thanks everyone

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

      Mines eriksen Mkhitaryan richarlison Tcarroll RLC in a 433 if yours is weak then I guess so is mine? Altho I have Alonso so it's more like a 343 lol

      1. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        I have Alonso too. Thanks to the consensus I've gone for a 4-3-3:

        Foster
        Alonso | Jones | Bavies | Lowe
        Salah | Alli | Atsu
        Kane | Lukaku | Firmino

        Elliot | RLC | T. Carroll | Tuanzebe

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

          Very similar teams I have confidence we should do ok

          1. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Cheers yes, I have 14 out 15 at home next week!
            Shame I have taken a 8 point hit!

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

              I had all 11 away this week 46 plus lössl could be worse hoping next week with 11 home players have a big week

              1. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 10 months ago

                44 similar score but all played. Same, we will look forward to next Saturday hopefully! 🙂

  11. Blue Gaffer
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Seems like every transfer is backfiring at the moment.
    Ritchie-----Richarlison 2 weeks ago
    KDB & Willian--------Sanchez (c) & Atsu this week.
    Current team is:
    Elliot, Speroni
    Zanka, Cedric, Kolasinac, Suttner, Long
    Sanchez, Atsu, Richarlison, Mkhitarian, Carroll
    Firmino, Kane, Lukaku

    Worth a wildcard to sort midfield/defence out or should I stick?

    1. The Hobbit
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Getting Sanchez was a huge gamble, captaining him was something above that IMO.

      I dont like your team at all so yeah, I would wildcard. But I didnt have this kind of team in a first place - you clearly had your plan and maybe try stick with it? Can try to build team around Luka, Kane and Sanchez, though for me the Chillean is too expensive.

    2. Sims
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Just do sanchez and richarlison to alli and pogba

      Get rid of mkhi next week

  12. MrFrodo
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Who would you say is most nailed on out of Trippier or Davies or are they both a bit of risk with the arrival of Aurier and Rose returning from injury.

    Thanks

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Davies! Both a risk longterm, a lot of wingback rotation is likely

    2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Davies is good for several weeks yet

    3. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      davies

  13. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Thank you god for bringing us Elliot. Don't even know his first name but he may be the best FPL keeper of all time

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Sir Robert

  14. Sims
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Us open find underway

  15. Detweiler
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Who is more likely to get dropped for Southampton this week Gabbiadini or Stephens?

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Both

      1. 32chickens
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        yes

        1. Detweiler
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Thanks

      2. TONFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Stephens really, not Yoshida?

  16. stat
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Who do you think will score more points next GW?

    A) Dann vs Southampton (H)
    B) Clark vs Stoke (H)

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      B

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      A

    3. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      A

    4. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      B

    5. bojack
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Southampton don't do goals so maybe Dann.

      1. stat
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Here's an interesting statistic: no team has conceded more attempts from headers (15) than Southampton in the first 4 GWs... Dann sure does love a header. Plus no team has had more attempts from set plays (25) than Palace and Palace rank second when it comes to attempts from corners (14).

  17. Respect My Authoritah
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    I sat through both games somehow. My notes:

    - All 4 defences should have conceded.
    - Wood was fairly poor - miscontrolled a few times and rarely threatened. Literally anyone would have scored his goal.
    - Abraham looked like he doesn't know how to score.
    - Dann is still a big threat from set pieces.
    - Carroll seems likely to remain in the side.
    - Joselu is actually pretty decent. Might be worth a look if shopping in that price range.
    - Burnley will concede a lot of goals.

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Agree. Especially Joselu! Looks great for us so far

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Was really surprised. Looked good last week too. Never made an impression at Stoke, so not sure what's happened!

    2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I like what I have seen of Joselu

    3. Our Tiny Windows
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Useful. Thank you!

    4. Cok3y5murf
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Burnley will concede a lot? Why?

      I thought they were solid against Spurs.

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        They're so vulnerable in the air. They let Palace have about 3-4 clear but chances. And Palace were dreadful on a creative front

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          *cut

          It's a little weird. I naturally associate Burnley with being good at set pieces for some reason

    5. suddenorgan
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Really liked the look of Carroll actually, was going to ditch him for Chalobah on WC but thinking twice now

  18. Chilli2k
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Is Ince likely to drop tonight?

    Should I go:

    A) Trippier to Davies

    OR

    B) Ince to Gross?

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Check out Groß heat map. Then you will have the answer.

      1. bojack
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        For the whole season or just against an Albion side who treat the ball like it's about to explode and kill them?

  19. 32chickens
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    de gea (elliott)
    alonso pva daniels kola (mee)
    pogba brady mooy 'mane' (carroll)
    luka morata(vokes)
    ITB 1.9

    Things not going fantastic-defence has ended up to heavy
    A) Mane to Eriksen?
    B) some -4 /-8 moves to get jesus/vardy in(not enough wonga to do a simple mane +vokes to eriksen +vardy)
    C)-12 Downgrade pva to allow move to eriksen +vardy
    D) W/C-if so any key player missing
    E)do nothing

  20. seanie3
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Is Danilo going to play another game or two now Kompany is out injured?

    1. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      difficult to guess pep

  21. Call Me Old Fashioned
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Looking to make a defensive change or two..

    2FT, 0.5 in bank

    DDG, Elliot
    Danilo, Yoshida, Mee, Dawson, Long
    Eriksen, Salah, Mhiki, Atsu, Carroll
    Kane, Lukaku, Mounie

    1 - Danilo ---> B. Davies
    2 - Yoshida --> Cedric
    3 - Both
    4 - Other, maybe sell DDG

  22. CFC1990
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Best 5.5m option?

    Brady?

    Gross?

    Mooy?

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Brady

    2. Darth_Krid
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Groß is 5.4 (until later this week anyway). After that I'd look st Choupo-Moting playing OOP with good fixtures coming up.

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

        At*

        1. CFC1990
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Tempted by Choup-Moting tbf

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

            Me too mate, bringing him in this week.

    3. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Brady

  23. Taking the Mkhitaryan
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Does anyone know how many members this forum has. Just wondering how many more times I am gonna be answering when rose is back. So far I have answered it 1768 times
    I am hoping there are only 1769 members or i may be heading for a padded cell

    1. Oven Glover
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      So you have the answer? When is he due back?

      1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Look back through my last 1768 comments 🙂

        1. Oven Glover
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          On it 😉

        2. Yellin' in my Ear
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Looking back too long. When's he back?

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I think it'd be a real benefit for everyone if their was a weekly refreshed FAQ section with popular questions from that week answered.

      Might cut down on comments and page visits etc so understandable why it's not here I guess

      1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Best idea

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

    Finding it so difficult to resist early transfers this week. Want to bring in Bavies and ditch Willian, and both are likely to rise/fall respectively tonight. But there's CL midweek and feel like I should hold off for now.

    But that 0.2 could be vital in what appears to be a stifled transfer market :/

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      You should hold off
      early transfers flirts with disaster on CL weeks

    2. Sedemuda
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Willian will only drop to his original price unless you bought him in 7.1

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

        You, sir, are an absolute hero!!! I honestly didn't even realise Willian had risen. He's brought me nothing but misery all season....

        That's settled then, I can afford the 0.1 on Bavies, much less vital than a possible wasted transfer if he picks up a knock.

  25. PURPLE-RONNIE
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    What positions was Danilo playing vs lpool lads?

    I'm considering swapping him out for Davies if he's not nailed

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Centre back

    2. Manbatius
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      In the right slot of a back 3.

    3. bojack
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Centre back.

      1. PURPLE-RONNIE
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers lads I'm guessing no one no's if he's nailed or not whilst peps calling the shots?

        1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Maybe while Kompany is out. Its anybody's guess though

  26. liiusions
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Best mid for 6.4? Choupo-Moting?

  27. umerlfc
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Lose Hegazi or Stephens in order to get in Bavies?

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Either or.

    2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Either but prob Hegazi first

  28. RADOAFC
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Foster Elliot
    jones Lowe Yoshida Kolasinac Hunemeier
    Ritchie Mane Eriksen JWP Carroll Kane Lukaku Abraham

    Yoshida to Bavies
    Mane to Silva/KDB
    JWP to Someone!

    For -8, yay or nay?

  29. stat
    8 years, 10 months ago

    No team has conceded more attempts from headers (15) than Southampton in the first 4 GWs. No team has had more attempts from set plays (25) than Palace and Palace rank second when it comes to attempts from corners (14).

    Although they have had a terrible first 4 fixtures, could next GW be a big one for Scott Dann?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Very possibly

  30. Snoop
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    I'm planing to change hegazi or dawson to Davies tonight.. due to his price will rise tomorrow.. should i change hegazi or dawson? i save .2 if i change dawson but hegazi might be benched for mcauley?

    1. Je suis le chat
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Bin Hegazi and plan ridding Dawson soon.