Scout Notes
25 November 2017 1106 comments
davidwardale davidwardale
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A late Harry Kane goal spares Spurs blushes and more than a million captaincy calls as West Brom battle their way to a point at Wembley Stadium.

In a season where the unexpected has been all too common, Harry Kane’s Wembley travails have become increasingly predictable.

Home bankers against the likes of West Brom were meat and drink to the striker last term – he fired a hat-trick in the corresponding fixture at White Hart Lane. However, he’d been starved of goals when Burnley, Swansea City, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace visited earlier this season and came into today’s match scoreless in three Gameweeks.

What followed was standard fare for Spurs at their temporary home. They dominated possession and out-shot the Baggies 24-5, but mustered just two big chances and only found a way past Gary Megson’s well-drilled defence after 74 minutes of huffing and puffing.

That one of those gilt-edged opportunities was converted by Kane came as a huge relief to the 1.2 million (22.5%) of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers who trusted him with the armband.

But it took changes in tactics, formation and personnel by Mauricio Pochettino to end West Brom’s resistance, with the 9.6%-owned Jan Vertonghen replaced on a point-busting 59 minutes by Fernando Llorente as Spurs swapped to a back four and went more direct for the final third of the match.

Kane will never be a shrinking violet up front and his eight shots today is the most of any player in Gameweek 13 thus far.

But just one goal in four matches is scant reward for managers used to more explosive returns – he hit eight in the six Gameweeks prior to his current slump.

Still, a goal’s a goal, and although Kane’s ownership dipped by 77,000 coming into the weekend, Romelu Lukaku’s blank for Man United is likely to distract from the Spurs talisman – particularly with two promising away fixtures, against Leicester City and Watford to come.

It should be noted that, with Morata also failing to find the net at Anfield, Kane was one of just three strikers to score a goal in Gameweek 13 so far.

Alli assist not enough

Dele Alli’s cross for Spurs’ equaliser was his first return in four matches and a modest boost for his remaining 16.2% ownership.

But that base is dwindling fast – he’s lost close to 300,000 managers in the last two Gameweeks. One goal and an assist from his last six starts just can’t justify his selection in the current landscape where other premium midfielders are delivering consistently.

Similarly, Christian Eriksen is faring no better. The Dane has been in scintillating form for his country, but abject domestically.

Today’s blank was his fifth in succession and even Spurs’ fixtures – after Leicester and Watford, they host Stoke City and Brighton – will not stem the flow of sales. He is already placed second only to Lukaku for sales ahead of Tuesday’s Gameweek 14 deadline.

Trippier claims the maximum

While Spurs’ struggles to break down spoiling visitors to Wembley is well-documented, they have at least kept things tight at the back, recording four clean sheets in six home matches before today.

A Salomon Rondon strike put paid to that, one of just five attempts West Brom mustered, which is the lowest total of the Gameweek to date.

But that failed to stop Kieran Trippier claiming the maximum bonus points on offer from a personal performance that ticked all the statistical boxes.

The wing-back played seven key passes and three open-play crosses and won four tackles.

Rotation with Serge Aurier, however, could remain an issue for the 8.8%-owned Trippier. But the situation could change on opposite flank, where Ben Davies made consecutive league starts for the first time since Gameweek 7. Danny Rose was again excluded from the matchday squad.

If that indicates some off-pitch issues surrounding Rose – and he has previous for such things – then Davies could yet become a more assured selection ahead of Spurs’ continued run of favourable home fixtures.

  1. WrightnBright
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    How does this look?

    Lukaku, McArthur, Fernandez > Niasse, Hazard, Mee/Cook -4

    Already have Ward and .1 short of Daniels. Also have Morata

    1. WrightnBright
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Seem to be wearing my invisibility cloak tonight

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Looks decent. Expect rotation.

        1. George James
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 5 months ago

          You think Haz rested midweek TM?

    2. XabiAlonso
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      What's the rest of the team look like

    3. George James
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      It’s looks bang on mate. Do it

  2. ooooo
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    DDG
    Azpi Otamendi Ward
    Salah ***** Richarlison ****
    Kane Morata Niasse

    A) Hazard + Gross
    B) Sane + Pogba

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      B

  3. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Who is the best cheap forward? Looking for an Abraham replacement atm

    1. The Cisco Kid
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      To start, rotate, or perma-bench?

      1. CelticBhoy1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        The best on offer for 6.5 or under

        1. The Wise Owl
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 5 months ago

          Callum Wilson

        2. The Cisco Kid
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 5 months ago

          Not sure I think there’s a “best” in that range. Unless you need a sure-starter, it’s probably best to stick with Abraham (who could even start again midweek).

    2. Scout Pics
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Niasse

  4. ooooo
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    42 with Silva and Otamendi left? Is that any good? I don't think it is.

    1. Chris_White
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Decent

      1. ooooo
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        really all depends on city score tomorrow.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Average will be around 50 if City do well.

      1. RESULT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Sane to get a hatty!

      2. ooooo
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah that's why I don't think it is that good.

  5. RESULT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    2ft to get this team
    Pope speroni
    Mee smalling azip Daniels Duffy
    Sterling sane hazard salah surman
    Kane niasse Wilson

    Richarlsn lukaku to haz Wilson Free
    DO IT?

  6. Hotdogs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    1FT, 0.5 ITB

    DDG Elliot
    Kola Daniels Mee Naughton Jones
    Salah Pogba Sterling Richarlison Choupo-Moting
    Kane Jesus Hemed

    A. Jesus > Morata
    B. Sterling Pogba > Hazard RLC for -4
    C. Jesus Sterling Pogba > Morata Hazard RLC for -8
    D. Hemed Sterling Jones > Morata RLC 3.9 def for -8

  7. Hy liverpool
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    @TorresMagic just tell me what transfers you are going to do to copy it !! We have exactly the same team except Cedric is Moreno for me
    😀

    1. Whats the Mata?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Luka to Morata

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Hopefully Cedric does well tomorrow. Too many options so hopefully wait a day.

      1. Hy liverpool
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Indeed there're many many options ... morata/Alonso/City attacker or punt on a cheaper striker Rondon/Wilson
        All good options

  8. sully29
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Who are your cheap defenders of choice between now and the end of the year?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Daniels Mee and probably Moreno

    2. lugs
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      none that will make my starting 11 barring injuries or rotation , currently have Azpi/Ota/Kola in first 11 , with only Dunk likely to come off the bench

  9. GXNG
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Although Richarlison is playing arguably the 2 best defences in the league, this gw both defences weren't that great. United looked very open with 2 in midfield and were lucky not to concede. Spurs don't look as solid without Alderweireld. Definatly keeping.

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Watford will cause the big boys trouble...remember chelsea

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Valencia will be in trouble against him

    3. Differentiator
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Rich is a season keeper. At the heart of Watford's very decent attack

  10. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Get Niasse or DCL as a fodder?

    1. Scout Pics
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Niasse

  11. n-doggg
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    A. Sane and Wilson
    B. rlc and morata

    1. Scout Pics
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      B

  12. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Eriksen + TFM > Salah + Moreno for -4.

    Yay or nay?

    1. Chris_H
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Can you do Erik > Salah for free? Doubt we'll keep a CS at Stoke tbf

  13. A Team Of James McCleans
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Jesus->Morata? FT
    After tomorrow obvi

    1. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Sure.

    2. Chris_White
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Sounds good

  14. UshFPL
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    How does Eriksen and Kaku->Kane and Pogba sound? I have 2 FT

    1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      What city mid do you own? Wouldn't be in a rush to get Pogba

      1. UshFPL
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Don't have one I have Jesus. Anyone more expendive than Pog and I can't get Kane

  15. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    did the early -4 again
    Team looks monster for GW14 - defence will be a problem come GW15.
    Team below would like some thoughts on it.

    Moves were
    Alli and Jones
    To Hazard and Dunk 0.0 ITB

    Pope Pereira

    Alonso Mee Kiko Dunk Hunemeier

    Salah Sane Sterling Hazard Richardson

    Morata Jesus Niasse

    1. the snazzy viking
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Kane says hi

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Will be fine captain choices
        Of Hazard Morata Salah and Sane are all good.

    2. RESULT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      I WC last week, teams without Kane lukaku look really good. It may pay off big time not having both and a squad with good options for every gw

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah this team is a huge gamble on City and Chelsea over Utd and Spurs. And of course it's risky. But nothing this weekend changed my mind that this was the way to go.

    3. Ghost Gooner
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Need Haz to haul and Alli blank to justify the move so its 50/50

  16. fedolefan
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Need an Aguero start and brace more than bloody ever. Horror game week this.

    1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Can't see Kun starting mate, sorry

  17. ooooo
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    GW8: Bring in azpi - own goal
    GW13: bring in yedlin - own goal

    1. A Team Of James McCleans
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Who you bringin in this week?

      1. ooooo
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Morata - no own goal this time right?

        1. A Team Of James McCleans
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 5 months ago

          Darn I guess I better postpone my morata transfer in so 😆

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Get Alonso.

  18. Man Chest Hair United
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Better option
    A Ramsey
    B Groß

    1. Scout Pics
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. ooooo
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      b

  19. Eddie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone know if Mariappa is going to keep starting for Watford?

  20. One Man
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Which defender to bring in

    A. Valencia

    B. Alonso

    C, Walker ??

    1. ooooo
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      b

    2. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Alonso or Azpilicueta

    3. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      B

    4. Scout Pics
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Azpi

  21. ooooo
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku + Choupo to Morata + Pogba(-4) this week?
    Will help get rid of Abraham quicker and bring Sane in.

  22. Scout Pics
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    55 points with one to play. Above average?

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

      No average is 84

    2. Fitzy.
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Average comment.

    3. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Same, but the one is Been Mee.
      Can't watch city tomorrow, gonna be 5-0

  23. Emiliano Sala
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Do you think hazard will rise tonight?

    1. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Unlikely

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Aye

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

    GW rank updated.

    1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      65595 gw rank with no city
      Gonna enjoy tonight.
      Any chance there are a few feet of snow in Huddersfield overnight?

  25. Gruu
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone know why Dann was dropped today?

  26. The Mandalorian
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Scott Dann this weeks jail bait

  27. the snazzy viking
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    35k gameweek rank 😎

  28. MUFASA
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Darn that Willian cross/goal! Cost ne at least 5 points - probably more with bonus from salah and moreno. Plus Hazard got the assist. Darn it to hell!

    1. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah, that goal lost salah 4 points and gained hazard 6. Crazy swing if you own salah and don’t own hazard (me).

  29. VardysParty
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Henessey, Begovic or Pope to go with Speroni?

  30. Chasing Waves
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone GW rank inside 1000?

    1. XabiAlonso
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      About 999 teams 😉

    2. Scout Pics
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Approx 999 people

      1. XabiAlonso
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Shit comment

      2. XabiAlonso
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        😉

    3. istanbul05
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      355 here with Otamendi left. Massive slice of luck as I left Fabianski as my starting GK instead of Elliot as I was playing Naughton.

    4. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Me somehow 😯