Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Sanchez Denies Battling Clarets

A contentious win for Arsenal at Turf Moor sheds a favourable light on key players from both sides, while a Charlie Austin brace reinvigorates Southampton as Everton’s season lurches ever closer to the disastrous.

Regardless of the rights or wrongs of the last-gasp penalty Arsenal required to find a way past Burnley, the Gunners are finding some form and their stars edging towards Fantasy recognition.

Inevitably, some managers will consider flirting with today’s match-winner Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean has now scored back-to-back goals and has three strikes and an assist from his last five starts.

Yes, Sanchez surely only took the penalty because Alexandre Lacazette was off the pitch, while his 11.8 price tag is still far too steep given the alternative options screaming for attention – not least Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.

But his class is not in doubt, while the Gunners’ next five fixtures (HUD MUN sot whu NEW) offer plenty of potential for more of the same from a player who, for some, could prove a devastating differential.

While Sanchez will be a stretch too far for most, Aaron Ramsey is enjoying an equally consistent five-match run. Today’s assist was his third from those five outings, with a couple of goals adding further lustre to a midfielder priced at just 7.0.

It’s also back-to-back clean sheets for a defence that has benefitted enormously from the return of Shkodran Mustafi (5.4).

In the seven matches he’s started this season, Arsenal have conceded just a single goal.

That upcoming schedule looks particularly promising for the Gunners’ backline, with even the visit from Man United offering the promise of returns should Jose Mourinho decide to revert to his now familiar negative tactics when facing top-four rivals.

Meanwhile, Mesut Ozil missed Sunday’s victory through illness, with Arsene Wenger confirming post-match that the playmaker “will be short for Wednesday” when the Gunners host Huddersfield.

No luck, but no panic for Burnley

We almost feel partly responsible for Burnley conceding the last minute spot-kick, having talked up Lee Mason’s fondness for penalties in Thursday’s Men In Black.

Despite that cruel last-minute twist, there was again much to admire about the Clarets’ defensive work. They were seconds away from a fourth straight shut-out, ensuring that our faith in their backline remains intact.

Not that faith was entirely the order of the day – a combined 504,000+ managers benched either Stephen Ward or Ben Mee for today’s clash.

The former is the most popular defender in the game, with 22.1% ownership, while his team-mate is in 12.5% of Fantasy Premier League squads, which puts him in the top ten.

Sean Dyche’s rearguard restricted Arsenal to just two shots on target, and only the two Manchester sides have conceded fewer goals than Burnley’s 10 from 13 matches this season.

The Clarets’ immediate schedule (bou lei WAT STO bri) promises more of the same.

Ward and Mee have started every single league match this campaign, while goalkeeper Nick Pope is also an ever-present since taking over from Tom Heaton in Gameweek 4.

All three remain sound investments for a hectic period when nailed-on starters will be at a premium.

Austin powers Saints win

Southampton had failed to find the net in seven matches this season prior to the visit from Everton, scoring just nine goals from 12 generally dreary encounters.

It says much for the Toffees’ meltdown mode that the Saints hit four today, though recalled striker Charlie Austin clearly deserves credit.

In his first start under Mauricio Pellegrino, the injury-prone forward scored twice and fired five shots in the box – no striker had more in Gameweek 13.

He’s owned by just 0.4%, a figure that will most likely rise on the back of Sunday’s instant impact.

But those seeing cut-price differential material in the 6.0-priced Austin might want to pause and reflect on a schedule that includes trips to Man City, Chelsea, Spurs and Man United and a visit from Arsenal over the next eight Gameweeks.

Elsewhere, Steven Davis (5.1) moved up to fourth in the value midfielder charts after scoring his third goal of the season, while Dusan Tadic netted for the first time since Gameweek 2.

Meanwhile, the 8.5%-owned Ryan Bertrand made amends for being part of a defence that’s kept just a single clean sheet in eight matches by providing two assists in a nine-point performance.

The Saints might well kick on from this heartening win, but, given their schedule, it would seem wise to wait until the New Year before we seriously re-consider any revival under Pellegrino.

Ineptitude and now injuries for Everton

Let’s start with the positives.

Positive, actually, because the only reason to be cheerful at Everton is the form of Gylfi Sigurdsson, who now has a goal and an assist from his last two starts.

The midfielder has the fixtures (WHU HUD new SWA) to profit further, and he might now have penalty-taking duties as well, with Leighton Baines suffering an injury in Sunday’s defeat.

But Everton are so poor at present – they’ve conceded nine goals in the last four painful days and the 28 they’ve shipped domestically is the worst record in the Premier League – that taking a punt on any of their assets looks very ill-advised.

That defence can only improve, though it might now be without both Baines and Michael Keane.

The pair limped off at St Mary’s, with David Unsworth offering a gloomy post-match assessment on both.

“Leighton has done his calf, unfortunately. We’ll probably assess him more tomorrow. We’ll reassess him, but it looks like he’s going to be struggling for Wednesday. Michael was a bit different. I don’t know whether it was concussion. He was with the doctor at the end of the game and I haven’t had the chance to speak to either yet.”

5,621 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    which two would you feel most comfortable with benching?
    A) Moreno (sto)
    B) Daniels ((BUR)
    C) Ward (bou)
    D) Otamendi (SOU)
    E) Dunk (CRY)

    1. SC not pearls before swine
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I'd probably bench Moreno and Dunk. Other than Otamendi I think they're all relatively equal though.

  2. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Kane Morata Hazard Salah...
    Who would you captain from them next GW and why?

    Most of my league will probably use Kane because they dont have Hazard, the question is shoud I risk with Hazard...

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Tough call.. prolly Kane.. Salah might be rested... swansea looking pretty strong in the back

  3. Paramaribo
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    For how long is Mariappa expected to start?

    1. Paramaribo
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I mean - is there an eventual return (Kaboul, Cathcart) expected soon which will put Mariappa on the bench?

    2. Essem
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Prödl is back as well. Probably some rotation looming.

  4. Infamy, Infamy
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    More of a general question this. Deciding between big hitters in DEF and an extra big hitter in midfield.

    Looking at FPLs stats for value on season, suggestion is big hitters in defence offer more points per £m than their midfield counterparts. Azpilicueta is at 11, Kolasinac 10.5, Alonso 9. Sane is also at 9.

    Implication from this stat is of course you are better off with the big hitting defender. Most on this site like the midfielders though.

    Thoughts?

    1. Iceball
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I like big defenders, I have Alonso Walker Kolasinac

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      You're missing a key point though. Most of big hitting defenders points (CS points) you can cover with other cheaper defenders from the same team. You can't however cover Hazard's points with someone like Willian.

      1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        this

      2. Iceball
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        But Alonso and few others sneak in goals and assists now and then. Haz is close of course but much more expensive

        1. glufs
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          more then than now

          bitter owner of Alonso from GW4 to GW10 here

      3. Infamy, Infamy
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        That’s a great point and normally I’d agree. It seems like a strange year though. Kolasinac could easily be Mustafi for example. But who would you bring in instead of Azpilicueta or Alonso? Talk of Christiansen, but he’s nowhere near nailed and others are around £6m each. Jones was gold until he broke down. I’d argue that Valencia is only nailed defender and he’s £6.7m. So this year there really aren’t many cheaper options from the big clubs. Of course there is value in Burnley DEF and others, although most of these eventually regress to norm.

    3. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      problem is there are plenty of cheaper defenders who can score well and rotate but much fewer attacking options who can perform, so the money tends to go there

    4. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      All about balance.

      Have a few big hitters in each position.

    5. Disco Pat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I prefer the points per match option..that's a better criteria if you ask me. Points per price can distort.

      1. Infamy, Infamy
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks. I compared Gross, Azpilicueta and Kolasinac to Sane, Monreal and Mee. Current cost 18.9 to 19.3.

        The Gross trio gives 16.7 ppm and Sane trio 15.1.

        Of course it is all about getting the right players, but an exceptional value budget midfielder and 2 heavy hitters in defence yield better than a stud midfielder and 2 well performing cheaper defenders.

  5. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Haz due a rest against Swansea?

    1. Dele
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      He had loads of rest earlier in the season

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Nah.

  6. SheBangsTheDrums
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    These look like good moves?

    Out: Carroll, Lukaku & Abraham

    In: Gross, Morata & Niasse

    1. Differentiator
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Forget Carroll to Gross. Not worth a hit

      1. SheBangsTheDrums
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Means that I'll have to play one of Naughton or Mariappa midweek though!

        1. Differentiator
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          I'm in a similar position. Suck it up and play Mariappa. Gross has to score an assist just to match, realistically. but you buy yourself time and flexibility

    2. Differentiator
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Same applies to Abraham to Niasse. Neither will play the next game, so wait on it

      1. GuillermoDickero
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Niasse is back next game right?

    3. Disco Pat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Would get gross and morata...both have better for me than the players you're selling.and also morata less rotation risk than lukaku.

  7. AFC49
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Anything worth a hit?

    Pope
    Azpi, Kolasinac, Daniels
    Salah, Silva, Groß, Richarlison
    Morata, Kane, Vardy

    Elliot, Ward, Mariappa, Carroll

    0 ITB

  8. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    You reckon CM will do well vs Pool at home?

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Decent chance. Pool defence is shite away

  9. Hurricane Gilbert
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    The KdB song is so good: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3atSVqYa844

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Meh

  10. The_FF_King
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    I have the exact money to do:

    Vardy > Wilson
    Silva > Salah
    Cedric > Azpilicueta or Alonso

    Pull the trigger? If so. Shall I go Az or Alonso?

    Cheers!

    1. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Do it
      Flip a coin between Azpi/Alonso

  11. Drieet
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Which WC team do you prefer? 0.0 in bank with both

    A) DDG - Speroni*
    Otamendi - Christensen - Mee - Dunk - Francis*
    Hazard - Salah - Sane - RLC - Cork*
    Kane - Morata - Niasse

    B) DDG - Elliot*
    Otamendi - Christensen - Mee - Dunk - Mariappa*
    Hazard - Salah - Sane - RLC - Surman*
    Kane - Morata - Niasse

    Worried about 2 rotation risk defs in 2nd line up (Christensen & Mariappa)

    1. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Think 80% of everyone's players are in risk of rotation even players you wouldn't think, like Salah/Morata/Hazard

      1. Drieet
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Good point, so you'd go B then?

        1. FDMS All Starz
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          I'd go B with Hughes over surman, hughes looks good value

  12. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Carroll & Lukaku ---> Hazard & Niasse (-4) sound good?

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Haha lol

    2. Drieet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Looking at who would play it is probably Lukaku -> Haz for -4. Seems like a good move

    3. glufs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      yes

  13. We Will Klopp you
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Dunno, Would like to start RLC but feels wrong benching a more than likely clean sheet, who would you start of these?

    A) Daniels
    B) Ward (own Pope)
    C) RLC

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      You're going to start Pope, so I'd bench Ward in that case.

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers Arndff

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      1. Daniels
      2. Ward
      3. RLC

  14. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Azpi or Alonso?

    1. We Will Klopp you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Coin toss but I prefer Azpi due to baps, consistency and assists

    2. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Azpi fo sho

    3. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Alonso for me.. same price bigger attacking threat

  15. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Hey guys. Not really sure what to do with this lot.. prolly looking to save ft iand then downgrade Aguero to Niasse next week, in order to upgrade Elliot and Caroll. But Aguero was on the scoresheet and Everton looks a mess. So not sure wether to do it or not.

    Team for gw14 so far:

    Elliot
    Mustafi Gomez Mee
    Salah Sane Sterling RLC
    Kane (VC) Aguero Morata (C)

    Subs: Krul Caroll Cameron Naughton

    1 ft. 0 itb

    A) Save ft
    B) Cameron to Dunk
    C) Other

    Cheers!

    1. We Will Klopp you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      No 1 move switch appeals so Save and do a mini WC to sort things out next gw imo

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Sort things out sounds harsh haha.. got 73p this gw.. back in top 200k yay! But I think you are totally right. For all I know Aguero might play next week

        1. We Will Klopp you
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Haha, it does tbh, apologies pal, improve your teams weakpoints then 😉

  16. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Help

    A silva and vardy to morata and Ramsey for -4
    B naughton and vardy to 3.9 and morata for -4
    C Pickford to courtios for free
    D save transfer, play silva and vardy or richarlison

    1. RESULT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      A then D

  17. Salarrivederci
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Elliot Speroni
    Monreal Mustafi Aké Lowton Duffy
    Salah Hazard Silva Zaha RLC
    Kane Morata Niasse

    1.1 ITB

    Anywhere I should take a -4 to upgrade?
    Should I just accept the Silva drop tonight?

  18. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Would this team be gtg?
    DDG
    Azpi Otamendi Ward Yedlin
    Salah Hazard(c) Richarlison Choupo
    Kane Morata

    Elliot Carroll Dunk Abraham

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Very nice

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

        Thanks

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

        Will do Abraham to Niasse later and Dunk to Mustafi to upgrade defence

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I would Captain Kane over Hazard I think.. swansea look bad going forward but are pretty resilient in the back..

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Also ahave concern that you have 0 city cover

  19. Scotty B
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Elliot
    Bellerin Otamendi Ake Alonso
    Salah KDB Sane Ritchie
    Lukaku Firmino

    Fabianski Carroll Abraham Tuanzabe

    Lukaku & Abraham > Morata & Wilson tonight before rises for -4 yay or nay?

  20. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    I wont be suprised if Hazard blanks this midweek. Swansea will close shop for sure.

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

      Like they are good at that though

      1. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        They did it at Wembley

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

          Oh yeah

          1. FC Hakkebøf
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            Have not conceded more than 2 goals bar one game so far

    2. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      The hype is real... but I feel sth like this could happen... Going for him @GW15 it seems

  21. GuillermoDickero
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    On a Wild Card - Thoughts?

    Pope, Elliott
    Otamendi, Daniels, Moreno, Mee, Duffy
    Hazard, Salah, Sane, Richarlison, RLC
    Kane, Morata, Niasse

    Any changes you'd make?

  22. Dybala10
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Best midfield option under 6.5?

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

      Gross

    2. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      RLC or GroB

    3. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Probably RLC +2mil itb

    4. Bluth Banana
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I quite fancy Shaqiri FPL-wise. Seems to go under the radar somewhat. If you're not chasing, Gross might be the safer bet.

    5. Darth_Krid
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Richarlison.

      1. Darth_Krid
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Sorry, he's 6.6 now. Didn't realise he'd risen so much, he's only worth 6.3m if I sell him!

  23. Fantasyamateur
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Foster
    Daniels - Hegazi - Mee - Moreno
    Richarlison - Salah - Sterling
    Agüero - Kane - Lukaku

    Bench: Elliott, Dann, Carroll, Chalobah.

    1FT, 0.8M ITB.

    Thinking Lukaku or Agüero to Morata. Any thoughts? Will Lukaku get banned for the attempted kick towards his opponent's nuts?

  24. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Who scores more up until Christmas?

    A. Sane and Abraham
    B. Hazard and Duffy

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

      B

  25. Ninjaa
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Fed up with the aguero/Jesus rotation. Got no Chelsea but have Sane. Thinking of doing Aguero > Morata? Mids are salah sane richarlison RLC Pascal gross. Views please?

    1. Kevtheotter
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I got rid of Aguero last week and feels good. Also Chelsea fixtures are too tasty

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        How can it feel good when he scored + got 2 bps?

    2. AD2110
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Thinking of doing the same tonight

  26. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Most of my league will probably use Kane as C because they dont have Hazard, the question is shoud I risk with Hazard ?

  27. Kevtheotter
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    What’s the likelihood of Lukaku getting banned?

    1. Visionaries
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      For what?

  28. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    A - azpi and silva
    B - Otamendi and hazard

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

      B

  29. Horlicks esq.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone shine a light on Christensen?

    Has he taken Luiz place in PL games indefinitely?

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      First-choice ahead of Luiz. Whether he gets rotated in this heavy schedule is another thing.

    2. SC not pearls before swine
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Seems like he's definitely first choice, but I'd be surprised if there still wasn't some rotation between the two.

  30. Visionaries
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku & Alli > ?

    A Morata & Sane (have Sterling)
    B Lacazette & Hazard
    C DDG, Lukaku, Alli > Courtois, Hazard, Morata -8

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      A