Scout Notes
17 September 2017 3652 comments
davidwardale davidwardale
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Another big win for Manchester United flatters to deceive as Romelu Lukaku produces a double-figure haul that still may not be enough to halt sales of the Belgian.

Earlier in the day, Chelsea and Arsenal play out a goalless draw which saw David Luiz become the next Chelsea defender to see red to cause a headache for his sizeable ownership.

Here are the notes from Gameweek 5’s final fixtures.

Lukaku’s late show fails to halt sales

When Antonio Valencia crashed the ball into the Everton net four minutes into the match, a 4-0 result looked like the least Man United could expect from their day’s work.

By the end of an often lethargic showing, three late goals put a decidedly flattering gloss on the exact same outcome.

Romelu Lukaku was wasteful until the final flurry in which he scored once – his fifth goal in as many league matches this season – and set up the equally disappointing Henrikh Mkhitaryan for the midfielder’s first strike of the campaign.

Lukaku’s 12-point haul could and should have been doubled. He missed a big chance in the first half having been put through by Juan Mata, and then seemingly surrendered penalty duties to Anthony Martial for United’s fourth goal.

Indeed, post-match, Jose Mourinho provided some insight on that situation – indicating that Lukaku may well have relinquished duties from this point on.

“The penalty-taker today was Juan Mata, but he was out, so I let the players take the decision.”

That may compound matters for Lukaku, who, despite today’s 12-points, continues to see his ownership dwindle.

Over 51,000 managers have already sold him ahead of Gameweek 6 and, having been part of 60% of squads, he is now down to 55.6%, having suffered close to 108,000 sales going into Friday’s deadline.

That still means a majority of managers remain happy with the returns on his 11.7 price tag, though there is a feeling that the Belgian is closer to a barren run than a bonanza.

He led the way with four attempts today, but Jesse Lingard‘s 29-minute cameo produced more penalty area touches (6) than Lukaku’s five, with the substitute’s flick also setting up the forward’s goal.

United’s fixtures are on the cusp of stiffening. A Gameweek 6 trip to a defensively organised Southampton will be tough, although a visit from Crystal Palace a week later should prove rather more fruitful.

After the October international break, however, United will travel to Liverpool and Chelsea and entertain Spurs in what could be a treacherous four-Gameweek spell.

Sergio Aguero‘s 20-point burst at Watford, allied to a long run of good fixtures to come for Man City, has reminded us all that the Argentinian is Fantasy royalty.

More than 216,000 have now bought him since yesterday’s hat-trick, with Roberto Firmino (39000+) and Lukaku (37,000+) the main fall guys.

Mkhitaryan, who tops the FPL midfielder standings after his nine-points against the Toffees, remains a far more popular target than his team-mate, aided by the injury to Paul Pogba.

The Armenian is already the fifth most-bought player for Gameweek 6, with the majority (as happened ahead of Gameweek 5) swapping him in for Pogba.

And United assets at the back are still delivering good returns, with Phil Jones (5.1) unlucky not to sweep up bonus points – his baseline of 17 was easily the strongest in the Red Devils’ defence – with only Valencia’s goal scuppering the chances of extra points.

As for Everton, their horrifically tough start to the season is now at an end, and it’s come at a heavy price.

The side have been winless since a narrow Gameweek 1 victory over Stoke City, and they’ve lost three straight in the league, conceding ever more goals as they’ve gone.

Confidence is low, and their attack is toothless – only Swansea City have managed fewer attempts than the Toffees’ 42 (Spurs lead the way with 105).

At 4.3, right back/wing-back Cuco Martina could be a bargain now that Everton’s schedule takes a turn for the better (BOU, BUR, bri). We’ll learn more as to his starting credentials when coach Ronald Koeman decides on his line-up for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Sunderland.

No goals, but points to be had

Arsenal visiting Chelsea and leaving with a point from a goalless draw was one of the more surprising results of the weekend.

It was great news for the 10.9% of managers who tempted fate by sticking by Sead Kolasinac, the muscular Bosnian recording a second consecutive clean sheet to keep him top of the Gunners’ defensive standings with 23 points.

His added attacking threat just about justifies the hefty 6.0 outlay he demands, and if Arsenal can continue to show the resilience on display at Stamford Bridge, he looks the most attractive route into an often untrustworthy backline.

The match was not a classic – Danny Welbeck led the way for goal attempts with a meagre three – and it was another case of wait and see when it came to the sides’ two big-ticket men Alexis Sanchez and Eden Hazard.

Both had to make do with appearances from the bench and the 11.9 required to secure Sanchez’s services looks too high a price to be pay until he’s starting and scoring regularly, even with an immediate schedule – WBA BHA wat – that promises much.

Hazard, at 10.5, is rather kinder on the wallet, and Chelsea’s fixtures are even better, a Gameweek 7 visit from a rampant Man City notwithstanding.

But coach Antonio Conte has made it clear he will not be rushing the Belgian back into action too quickly, and neither should we if he continues to be given limited pitch-time.

That Man City match will have to be endured without David Luiz as the 24.0%-owned Brazilian was given a straight red towards the end of today’s encounter.

The centre-half, an ever-present at the heart of the defence this season, will now miss two Gameweeks, with Antonio Rudiger his most likely replacement.

Luiz at least left it until he’d earned his owners a clean sheet. The 21.2%-owned Marcos Alonso was also in the points, but he was way off the bonus points with a BPS score of just 20 – only Luiz recorded a lower score among the Blues’ backline.

His 68% pass completion rate had much to do with that and the Spaniard’s net ownership is currently in decline, even though the 30 points he’s racked up makes him the highest-scoring Chelsea defender.

It would seem, however, that FPL managers expect extra from Alonso – like his two-goal, 16-point show stopper against Spurs, for instance.

For a price of 7.1, they may have a point, but Alonso is still producing consistent returns, and only five defenders have scored more points than him thus far.

One big-name player not producing so regularly is Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette.

His 11.5% ownership base has paid 10.4 for 17 points to date, but after scoring against Bournemouth last time out, he was subbed off on 66 minutes at Chelsea having mustered just a single shot on target – a big chance he failed to convert.

The competition for places in our forward lines is intense. Twelve strikers have scored more points than Lacazette, while just three of them cost more than the Frenchman.

His days of double-digit ownership look numbered.

3,652 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. InSaneMan-e
    9 years, 1 month ago

    1FT. Thinking save? Or perhaps Carroll in for Choupo

    Elliot/foster
    Davies Kolasinac naughton (TAA, Simpson)
    Alli Mkhi Salah Choupo (Carroll)
    Kane Carroll Lukaku

    1. InSaneMan-e
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Oh dear. Awful top post. Apologies everyone!

      1. Pariße
        9 years, 1 month ago

        No pressure, a post as any other.

        Good to go.

    2. Lrf
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yeh, just save.

    3. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Save

  2. hany0lo
    9 years, 1 month ago

    still cant decide

    1. chicharito/daniels -> vardy/def for 3.9
    2. chicharito/salah -> jesus/gross or ritchie
    3. chicharito-> rooney/fwd up to 7.5
    4. chicharito/morata/miki or salah -> aguero/vardy/gross or ritchie

    anyone?

    1. InSaneMan-e
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Why even consider getting rid of salah

      1. hany0lo
        9 years, 1 month ago

        hard fixtures for lfc in the next 2 weeks, all 4 fixes are away from home

    2. Shy Milf Hunter
      9 years, 1 month ago

      maybe 3...atleast dont get rid of salah

  3. ZakAFC_
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Lukaku or Kane to Kun?

    1. MTPockets
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I've done Kane, many disagree.

    2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      9 years, 1 month ago

      neither

    3. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Out of the two, probably Kane. Giving it time to ponder throughout this week.

    4. Pariße
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Keep. What if Kun gets rested for the easiest game in the next 2 weeks.

    5. Yozzer
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I'd wait for the cup game. If kun don't start then he will the palace game

  4. powegu2006
    9 years, 1 month ago

    I have a front 3 of Lukaku, Morata, Firmino.

    Need some city cover...

    A) lukaku => aguero
    B) morata => Jesus
    C) lukaku =>Jesus + 1.5m

    1. Lrf
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A or B, 50/50

  5. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Knees got a little jerky yesterday (thought about WC), but I didn't make any moves. Now I'm thinking I might just save the gw6 FT for gw7.

    Elliot
    Cedric, Dawson, Alonso
    Eriksen, Richarlison, Atsu, Mhki
    Firm, Kane, Lukaku
    (Foster, Rangel, BSmith, RLC)
    1FT, 0.4ITB

    1) Upgrade defense
    2) Low-end mid move (RLC>TCarroll or Rich>Gros or Ritchie??)
    3) Save
    4) Other consideration

    1. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Do I need Kun? Would have to drop Kane or Lukaku for the FT, or would have to WC.

      1. Lrf
        9 years, 1 month ago

        2 out of Lukaku, Kane and Aguero is enough. Don't WC to get all three.

  6. Davido989
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Captains for GW6?

    1. Sims
      9 years, 1 month ago

      kane

      1. Davido989
        9 years, 1 month ago

        why is your grav misbah 😆

        1. Sims
          9 years, 1 month ago

          because im from pakistan

    2. Numb
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Kane

    3. UnitedFan
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Kane or Jesus.

    4. InSaneMan-e
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Kane

    5. TheTinman
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Haven't looked at fixtures but probably Kaku

      1. Davido989
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Away to Saints

    6. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Kane

    7. Yozzer
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Kun

    8. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      9 years, 1 month ago

      kun

    9. Norman Conquest
      9 years, 1 month ago

      had kaku every week so far going with him for next 2 weeks at least

    10. DA Minnion (Former great)
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero

    11. bojack
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Lukaku if I don't fold and get Kun.

    12. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Kane

  7. Blue Gaffer
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Firmino & Morata------Aguero & £7.4 striker.

    If so which striker is best Chicarito/Abraham or someone else?

    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      9 years, 1 month ago

      No way.

  8. TheTinman
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Game seems to take a long time to update atm

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      9 years, 1 month ago

      H2H league?

      1. TheTinman
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Nothing important 🙂

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          9 years, 1 month ago

          No H2H in FPL for me but the draft ones are updated.

  9. Kun Tozser
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Davies back next week?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Very likely.

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I'd assume so. I got him in this week for his 0 points.
      he's gone again now on a wildcard so double digits ahead.

  10. Whitetiger14
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Otamendi or Bavies?

    1. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Bevies

  11. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Hello you filthy animals.

    1. JAC THE CAT
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Hello LR 🙂

    2. Hy liverpool
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Hello mate

  12. Kun Tozser
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Lacazette > Kun?

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      9 years, 1 month ago

      No

      1. Effe
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Brainier?

    2. TheTinman
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I would drop Laca asap yeah

    3. InSaneMan-e
      9 years, 1 month ago

      No. Those arsenal fixtures are good

      1. Kun Tozser
        9 years, 1 month ago

        No faith with Wenger though, think kola is enough Arsenal. If he was playing a decent amount of the game and involved would be different

    4. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

  13. Hurricane Gilbert
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Which is my priority transfer? And why?

    A) Mooy -> Ritchie
    B) Bertrand -> Kola

    Elliot / Foster
    Davies Jones Dunk (Bert, Mason)
    Eriksen Salah Mkhi TC (Mooy)
    Kane (C) Kaku Abraham
    1FT, 0,6 I

    1. MTPockets
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Both incomers have decent form/fixtures, so probably A because I'd rather keep Bertrand than Mooy.

    2. Effe
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A as Bertrand had good fixtures after the next one (so just bench for one week) and Ritchie has looked great and on set pieces.

  14. Sims
    9 years, 1 month ago

    if i do lukaku (selling price 11.6) to aguero, do u think aguero can rise enough (till 11.7) over the next gaemweek for me to do aguero back to lukaku?

    have nothing itb atm

    1. TheTinman
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Stop overthinking it

      1. Sims
        9 years, 1 month ago

        i need to have a plan to get kaku back in case aguero flops

        1. 32chickens
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Kun does not flop
          He either does not get mins or gets a hammy at this time of year

          1. Sims
            9 years, 1 month ago

            that is flopping in fpl terms

    2. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Maybe but with price rises less likely this season I would just hold.

      I wouldn't be getting rid of Lukaku anyway. All he's done for me is score goals and got me points.

      If it ain't broke don't fix it.

      1. Sims
        9 years, 1 month ago

        would u sell kane for kun though?

        1. Tommyg
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Nope. If kun starts banging in hatrick every week then I'm happy to re think but at the mo people are chasing points.

    3. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I tried to be clever doing that with Kane and it backfired. Hold

  15. Catastrophe
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Aguero or Jesus?

    1. TheTinman
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Jesus for me

      1. Catastrophe
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks, and if they were same price?

        1. TheTinman
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Errrm tighter. But probably still Jesus

          1. Catastrophe
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers

    2. MTPockets
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Jesus is safer, Aguero for potential.

      1. Catastrophe
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. Would rather Aguero...hope he doesn't start on Wednesday..

    3. Effe
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I prefer Aguero as he's playing right up top whereas Jesus sometimes gets played wide.

  16. FPL Marc
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    9 years, 1 month ago

    How would you fit Aguero into:

    Lukaku - Morata - Firmino?

    1. TheTinman
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Wouldn't bother

    2. Catastrophe
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Firmino and downgrade an expensive mid to Ritchie or Gross..

      1. FPL Marc
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Got Alli and Salah.

        1. Catastrophe
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Hmm tricky then! I'm downgrading Eriksen but have Kane...

        2. hammersp2000
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Got same problem.

          Can't. See a reason to ditch salah and can't see a reason to go double pool so thinking Ali to Richie and firminio to kun

  17. Turns
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Have 2 FTs - what would you change?

    Foster
    Jones - Dawson - Naughton - Cedric
    Salah - Alli - Miki
    Lukaku - Kane - Firmino

    Subs: Elliot - Carroll - Chalobah - Mbemba

  18. Gazza2000
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Foster - Elliot
    Davies - Jones - Stephens - Daniels - Long
    Salah - Eriksen - Mkhitaryan - Choupo M. - Carroll
    Kane - Lukaku - Abraham

    2 FT 0.9 ITB

    a) Stephens & Daniels -> Kola & Mee
    b) Stephens & Lukaku -> Otamendi & Aguero
    c) Eriksen & Abraham -> Chalobah & Aguero

    1. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

  19. FPL Maldini
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Everyone going wild to transfer in Kun need to seriously think twice

    Pep wouldn't think twice to rest him or Jesus for Sterling / Sane I bet

  20. Hect.OR 98th
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Jeez I've had an awful start to this season. Never finished outside the top 12k in eight years but only had on week in the top million this year so far and now languishing at 2m. Can't seem to get going.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      9 years, 1 month ago

      One great GW and you'll be inside the top 1M.

    2. 32chickens
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Still early and OR swing is big

  21. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Martial > Mata or Stirling

    Own Mickey & Silva. tx

  22. Henning
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Gross in for Richarlison for free, to free up some money?

    1. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      9 years, 1 month ago

      To do what with?

      1. Henning
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Improvisation my attack in The futuristiska. Kane Firmino chicharito atm.

        1. Henning
          9 years, 1 month ago

          In The future

  23. JAC THE CAT
    9 years, 1 month ago

    I hate the lack of Man City in my team.

    1. 32chickens
      9 years, 1 month ago

      You and me 2 jac

      I'm looking to offer my WC up to greater Mata minds...

      1. JAC THE CAT
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I've got my eye on Mendy and Jesus.

        1. 32chickens
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Mendy plays at terrific speed

      2. 32chickens
        9 years, 1 month ago

        But trailing Hazz on here this week i am going on a Jesus punt as it's nearing kun hammy season

        1. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          9 years, 1 month ago

          You rang, sir? 😉

          1. 32chickens
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Hi Hazz
            Just trailing your citeh search
            I suddenly remembered (i am a citeh fan) we are approaching hammy time of the season for kun
            So it's i have seen the faith-jesus

            1. Hazz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              9 years, 1 month ago

              Hey Mr. Chickens. Bookmarking this for the now-inevitable hammy spanner.

              1. 32chickens
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Feel much better now
                I have the funds waiting
                No threat of my target , Jesus ,rise
                I just enjoy the midweek game then decide which of my forwards is for the chop

  24. white lightning
    9 years, 1 month ago

    What would you do with this team. 1ft & 0.7itb. Thoughts & thanks.

    Lossl (Foster)
    Davies, Jones, Mee, Fernandez (Hegazi)
    Eriksen, Mkhi, Richarlison (Moting, Carroll)
    Kane, Lukaku, Firmino

    (a) Kane out - Aguero in or
    (b) Richarlison out - Ritchie in or
    (c) Richarlison out - Gross in or
    (d) Hegazi out - Monreal in or
    (e) Hegazi out - Lascelles in or
    (f) save ft

  25. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    9 years, 1 month ago

    A) Kolasinac + Atsu
    B) Otamendi + Ritchie

    Elliot
    Naughton - Jones - _______ - Davies
    Salah - Mkhi - ______
    Kun - Kane - Kaku

    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      9 years, 1 month ago

      As much as I think Ritchie is a great pick a just.

  26. ignis88
    9 years, 1 month ago

    GW rank 4.6 million. Shocking week after w/c. Unbelievably bad really, depressingly so

    1. Sims
      9 years, 1 month ago

      gw score?

      1. ignis88
        9 years, 1 month ago

        39

    2. ignis88
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Currently on

      Elliot

      Naughton Alonso Davies Stones

      Mkhi Eriksen Doucoure

      Firmino Morata Kane

      Maguire Choupo Carroll

      Thinking of bringing in Kola for Stones, worth it?

    3. Belalugozi78
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I'm better 41 with -8 hit, So 33 netto. After 5 gw i'm 3,7 mln in OR. I may pack my bags

  27. Gudjohnsen
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Those who are afraid of Pep's rotation policy should think about Klopp. He brought in 7 new players yesterday. Also Firmino didn't play up front yesterday which means he suddenly isn't that good an option.

    1. El Lobito 10
      9 years, 1 month ago

      This should be hulked.

  28. El Lobito 10
    9 years, 1 month ago

    A. Alonso and Morata
    B. Bertrand and Kun

    ?

  29. Hy liverpool
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Final Draft for today ... (No kane)

    Fabianski Elliot
    Mendy Kolasinac Bavies Lascelles Mee
    Salah Eriksen Ritchie RLC TC
    Kun lukaku Vardy

    Thoughts

    1. El Lobito 10
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Quality. Prefer Mkhitaryan to Eriksen myself.

  30. specc
    9 years, 1 month ago

    RMT, Any advice much appreciated!

    Elliot - (Foster)
    Alonso - Jones - Naughton - Clark - (Simpson)
    Silva - Salah - Mkhi - Alli - (Choupo)
    Kane - Firmino - (Quaner)
    0.4 ITB

    1FT

    1. Gudjohnsen
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Not much wrong with this team on paper.

      1. specc
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Off paper? I'm thinking Firmino to Vardy and then trying to figure out some way to get Alli to Morata later on...