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. Tiamani Warrior
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    What's thoughts on choupo? Will he continue to play up front? Who's his competition for the spot?

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

      Swaps striker and wing with jese

      1. Tiamani Warrior
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Good pick you think?

    2. fpltactician
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      May play on the left with Jese up front. Should be in the starting XI tho.

      1. Tiamani Warrior
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Good value or one off?

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

    Hart
    Yoshida
    Danilo
    Ince
    Mane
    Abraham (may be dropped soon)

    Enough to wildcard?

    1. KISSES
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      yes

    2. Pochecinno
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I think so.

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

    Mané to Silva
    Naughton to Davies

    Worth -4 hit?

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      No

    2. KISSES
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      im looking at something similar

    3. trinzoo
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      They say don't take a hit for defender, but I would be tempted 🙂

    4. MTPockets
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Just lose Mane. Davies may already need a clean sheet to just break even.

    5. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Yes easily

  4. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Decent 4th Midfielders are hard to come atm. Need a replacement for Fraser, 5.9 mill or below.

    Who do you reckon is best?

    Narrowed it down to Gross, Choupo Moting or Ritchie. Not convinced by any of them really :-/

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Mooy

    2. Numb
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Ritchie seems most likely to sustain it

  5. KISSES
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Cedric or Jones out for Bavies?

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

      Cedric obviously

    2. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      C

      1. KISSES
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        thanking you all

    3. Chris_White
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Cedric

    4. Pochecinno
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Cedric

  6. buttigieg93
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    What to do with this lot?1.3 ITB and 1 FT. Also still have my WC.
    Cheers.

    Foster,Elliot
    Jones,Bertrand,Stones,Suttner,Long
    Salah,Mkhi,Willian,RLC,Carrol
    Kane,Kaku,Firmino

    A)Willian>Ramsey
    B)Willian>Silva
    C)Stones>Davies
    D)Suttner>Davies
    E)Activate WC
    F)Save FT.

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Stones to Davies
      Willy to Antonio

    2. Sandy Ravage
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      C

    3. Iceball
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Willian out for sure

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

    I think Hegazi will need to go. I don't see any replacements for Willian doing well this week so I will have Carrol ready on my bech if he doesn't play. Best £5.0mil defender but not jones?

    1. Delph & Safety
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Maguire has good fixtures coming up but is 5.1

  8. ignis88
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Prediction on LMS cut off this week?

    1. Numb
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      33

      1. ignis88
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        think i'm safe with 38?

    2. MTPockets
      8 years, 10 months ago

      30 so far

  9. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    If you had these in your squad would you WC?

    I do have 2 FT's and 0.5 in the bank.

    Dann
    Dawson
    Bertrand
    Mane
    Fraser
    Gabbiadini

    1. KISSES
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I'd look to do a 'mini WC' you could probably sort that with a -4 for next GW

    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Just lose the last three for -4

      1. Pochecinno
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        This

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

      Nothing wrong with bertrand

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

        Or dawson

      2. Numb
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Except that he's not Bavies

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

          We cant all be Bavies

    4. Numb
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I maybe would

      1. Numb
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Depends on what big hitters you would change as well as all that deadwood

  10. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Foster Elliot
    Alonso Valencia Bertrand Naughton Hunemeier
    Eriksen Pogba Gross Tadic Carroll
    Lukaku Jesus Abraham
    Already dropped Willian to Gross for free transfer.
    Almost pressing WC since I wanna get Kane, lose Tadic, downgrade Valencia and Bertrand, get Davies.
    But other part of me thinks just lose Tadic will be enough this week since fine fixtures for Bertrand, Jesus and others.
    What do you think?

  11. TerryVenables
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    I have no idea who to move Willian to? I have 2 free transfers and was also thinking Trippier > Davies. Any suggestions?
    -------Foster-------
    --Stephens--Kola--Trippier--
    --Eriksen--Ritchie--Ramsey--Willian-
    --Firmino--Kane--Lukaku--
    Bench -Elliot--Mee--Carroll--Long--

  12. AC Pilkington
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    With Mané out 2 games we can assume that Coutinho will play his old attacking role?

    8.8m

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I do hope so would be a lovely mane replacement if that big transfer situation doesn't affect his minutes

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Think he was quoted saying he'd rather sit in the stands than play for Liverpool again to his friends but maybe he's changed his mind

        1. George Sillett
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          As reported by The Daily Fail !

          1. Ask Yourself
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Ah is that right I do apologise then everyone

    2. Chris_White
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Seems likely

    3. Iceball
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Wouldnt dare betting on it. You could just get Mahrez in the meantime for 8.5 and fine fixtures?

    4. MTPockets
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I wouldn't assume it yet.

  13. Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Foster
    Davies Bertrand Jones Aké
    Mané* Pogba Mooy
    Kane Lukaku Firmino

    (Myhill Romeu Carroll Long)

    1FT 1.7ITB
    My plan was Pogba > Eriksen.
    I guess Mané > Eriksen is a no brainer now..
    Any better suggestions? Cheers.

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Do it

  14. Oliver Tockman
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    bottomed...

    A) Aguero
    B) Jesus

    Will pep rotate either of them once ucl starts?

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

      Both prone to rotation or early subbing

      1. Oliver Tockman
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Is Aguero no longer a first rate fantasy option?

  15. Flynny
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Just seen big Andy Carroll is 5.9m!

    Need a cheap striker...would be great if he does well tomo and becomes a viable option...

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

      5.9 minutes his average time between injuries

    2. Chris_White
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      He won't be as long as Chicharito is fit

      1. Flynny
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Fully fit carroll and Chico could be nice partnership for west ham...

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Excited to see it as a fan

  16. The Royal Robin
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    GTG for GW5?

    Lossl
    Cedric Jones Bavies Alonso
    Mkhi Brady Eriksen (V)
    Lukaku Chich Kane (C)

    Foster TFM Carroll Chalobah

  17. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Is Alderweirald to Davirs a waste of a FT?
    More attacking and frees up cash

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

      It is a bit pointless

    2. Chris_White
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      No

    3. Pochecinno
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Waste

    4. Oliver Tockman
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      is davies locked in though? I was also considering to free up some cash

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Think he's pretty nailed now. Can't see Rose walking back into that role when he's fit.

    5. MTPockets
      8 years, 10 months ago

      yes a waste

  18. Vasty Deep
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Need help...please suggest

    A) Alonso, Davies, Salah and Woods
    OR
    B) Kompany, Davies, Eric Maxim Choupo and Morata.

    1. MTPockets
      8 years, 10 months ago

      kompany's injured

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

      A for me... Though I personally can never bring myself to shell out for Alonso (stupidly!)

  19. AC Pilkington
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    An Antonio brace tomorrow would do me wonders

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

      Me too

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

        Unless you mean knee brace

        1. AC Pilkington
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          2 goals please

  20. WatchMen
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Whats best replacement for Mane?
    Already have Eriksson Alli Salah and also no slot for United

    1. Pochecinno
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Bloody hell, that's a strong midfield. Position wasting as well as basket wasting 😛

      See how Hazard does in the CL if you can afford him.

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      KDB?

    3. MTPockets
      8 years, 10 months ago

      hazard, mahrez?

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

      Mahrez maybe...or Coutinho perhaps

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

      Can afford only 9.6
      So no KDB or Hazard

    6. WatchMen
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Coutinho might not start on lineup, dont want to risk. Best option Silva ir Mané ?

  21. flipthebuzzard
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Want Bavies in...

    Bertrand or Valencia out??

    Thanks guys

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

      Valencia
      Overpriced and poor value

    2. Pochecinno
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Valencia. Isn't worth his price tag.

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

      My thoughts also... Nice to have them backed up 🙂 cheers

      (cue him scoring next week...! Ha)

  22. Kalou
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Want to get Davies and Kane for next week,which option is best ffs experts?
    A.Lacazette>Kane ( no davies)+no hit
    B.4m defender>Davies+Lukaku>kane-4hit
    C.Cedric>Davies+Lukaku>Kane -4hit
    D.Naughton>Davies+Lukaku>Kane -4 hit

    1. tm370
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      b

    2. MTPockets
      8 years, 10 months ago

      a or b subject to your view on lukaku

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

        Am not going to cap him and have mkyt

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

      Spurs won't keep a clean sheet so don't take a hit to bring in a defender.

  23. Yozzer
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Willian
    Mane
    Long
    Stephens
    Gabbi
    Carroll
    Cork

    Think I have to look at a wc ?

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I think so.

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

      I'd see if you can limp through to next break. Maybe just Mane & Gabbi out for now.

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

      Thanks both. Tough decision as id probably need to lose Kaku to get balance

  24. Pooodle
    • 17 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Which looks best this week? 2FT and 0.5m ITB. Current team below.

    A) Willian and Ake out, Ritchie/Fab and Davies in
    B) Willian and De Gea out, Pogba and Fabianski in

    De Gea, Elliot,
    Ake, Dawson, Stephens, Suttner, Long
    Alli, Eriksen, Willian, Mooy, Carroll
    Lukaku, Jesus, Firmino

  25. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    A Hegazi to Jones or
    B Danilo to Davies or
    C Both

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

      B

  26. how now brown cow
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Need to start shifting some of Stephens, Tadic & Willian. 2FT

    a) Stephens & Tadic -> Davies & Mooy/Gross
    b) Willian & Tadic -> Ramsey & Mooy/Gross
    c) Bailly, Tadic & Willian -> Mendy, Pogba & Mooy/Gross (-4)

    1. Pochecinno
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      C with Davies and Jese (if you can afford it)

    2. Yozzer
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I like c. Mend looks unreal. Great fixtures too. Matong over mooy?

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

    Out: Suttner, Willian, Lukaku
    In: Ben Davies, Brady, Kane

    Worth -8?

    1. tm370
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I'm not sure about Brady

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      No way

    3. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Probably not tbf

  28. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Hegazi to Leicester defender is going to happen but is Maguire worth .6 over Simpson and Morgan do you think

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

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

      Goal threat possibly worth a bit. Maybe look at bap scoring.

    3. Pochecinno
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

  29. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Best (safest) 4.4m defender, please? 🙂

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Wimmer looked good v United

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        I hope he continues to start. Rotates well with Mee, too...

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Francis

    3. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Wimmer

  30. boc610
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    renato sanches was so bad today that if you told me he was drunk id believe you