Scout Notes
30 November 2017 772 comments
davidwardale davidwardale
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A much-maligned German star shines for Arsenal, Everton find some form thanks to Wayne Rooney, while Burnley win again, but without a clean sheet for a change.

Amid all the selectorial carnage on show last night, Arsene Wenger’s choices promoted much serenity and even more points.

Mesut Ozil was pronounced fit after a bout of illness to return to the Gunners’ ‘big three’ of himself, Alexis Sanchez and Alexandre Lacazette, while the in-form Aaron Ramsey continued in his productive role behind them.

The German was clearly fully recovered as he turned in a season-best performance of 17 points from a goal, two assists and maximum bonus.

A mere 1.3% have been prepared to fork out the 9.3 required for his services, with an ill-timed 10,402 getting rid ahead of the 5-0 dismissal of Huddersfield, but those who have stayed loyal have now been treated to two goals and five assists from his last five starts.

That’s the sort of form that made him 200-point Fantasy royalty just two seasons ago.

Priced tantalisingly close to Man City pair Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane – but potentially without the rotation issues – Ozil has much to offer in a fine schedule (sot whu NEW) following Saturday’s visit from Man United, with even Jose Mourinho’s men looking more vulnerable of late.

Ramsey (7.1) is another rolling back the years as he claimed another two smart assists.

He’s now produced points in five of his last six Gameweeks, supplying two goals and four assists.

That consistency surely has to pique our interest in the mid-price bracket, potentially challenging Richarlison and Pascal Gross for the fourth midfield spot in our line-ups.

Ramsey’s appeal is boosted further by the fact he offers cover of the Arsenal attack in the continued absence of Sanchez as a viable big-ticket target.

The Chilean scored again on Wednesday – his third goal in as many matches – but was overshadowed by Ozil’s performance.

Despite successive returns, Sanchez is still struggling to convince as a heavy-hitting option in the current landscape, as Mohamed Salah, Eden Hazard and Sterling all justify selection ahead of him – and all for considerably less than his 11.8 price tag.

Kolasinac exploits home comforts

The Gunners defence, like Chelsea’s, is now showing some consistency.

Wednesday’s shut-out was their third in a row and they’ve not allowed a single big chance over those three matches – the only side to achieve this.

Sead Kolasinac remains the stand-out option in Wenger’s backline, particularly at the Emirates.

He raided forward as usual and came out of the Huddersfield match with an assist – his fourth of the season – for Olivier Giroud’s second goal.

In his seven home matches the Bosnian has now returned four assists, a goal and five clean sheets.

Shkodran Mustafi, at 5.4, comes in 0.7 cheaper than Kolasinac, but nobody in Arsenal’s newly reliable rearguard can hold a candle to the summer signing’s potential for points at both ends of the pitch.

Lacazette derailed by injury

It wasn’t all wine and roses for Arsenal, however.

Lacazette opened the scoring last night, taking him to seven goals for the season, five of which have come at home.

But he was withdrawn at half-time with a groin problem that Wenger admitted post-match could take some time to overcome.

“It looks like a groin injury, and he is certainly out on the weekend (against Manchester United). He might be out for a while.”

Even the virtually indestructible Sanchez suffered on the night.

“Everybody else looks to be OK, yes. Sanchez had a little hamstring problem – that’s why I took him off, but I think he will be alright.”

All of which points to a Giroud (8.2) start on Saturday, although Danny Welbeck could also be an option as he is often favoured by Wenger against his former club.

Rooney treble welcomes Big Sam

In a season of consistent awfulness, the one other constant for Everton has been the Fantasy Premier League popularity of Wayne Rooney.

The striker has been the most owned Toffees player all season, although he’s now down to 438,000+ owners (from a Gameweek 4 high of close to a million) following a four-match barren spell prior to last night’s visit from fellow strugglers West Ham.

But with new Everton boss Sam Allardyce watching on from the stands, Rooney broke his longest run of matches between Premier League hat-tricks – his last was in 2011 – and capped it with a wonderful effort from his own half.

There’s a genuine sense of a new dawn at Everton now – and not a moment too soon for such an expensively-assembled squad – with Rooney in pole position to take advantage of a generally decent run (HUD liv new SWA CHE wba bou) through to the New Year.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (5.1 and owned by 3.3%) also impressed, indicating that Oumar Niasse (5.0, 5.1%), who now returns from a two-match ban, will struggle to get a start for Gameweek 15.

The 4-0 win over the Hammers, which included a goal for Ashley Williams and assists from Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jonjoe Kenny, was Everton’s first clean sheet since Gameweek 1.

That, perhaps, could be a sign of things to come now that Big Sam is in place, potentially promoting the cause of keeper Jordan Pickford (4.8).

His fine penalty save from Manuel Lanzini was the match’s turning point and helped bring in a whopping 13 points for his 5.9% ownership.

Phil Jagielka’s (4.8) omission from the matchday squad was unexplained, though the centre-half was rested for last Thursday’s clash with Atalanta and it may just be that the Toffees are managing his minutes. He also went into the weekend match with Southampton as a doubt.

Brady carries Clarets to victory

A superb individual display from Robbie Brady (5.5), involving a goal and an assist for 13 points, helped Burnley to a 2-1 win at Bournemouth.

That was the first double-digit haul of the campaign for the Irishman, who was once in 114,000+ squads, but is now very much an 83,000-owned (1.6%) differential.

The budget charms of fellow midfielder Johann Berg Gudmundsson (5.0) were again on display as the Icelandic international provided a fourth assist of the season, all of which have come from the last seven matches.

Burnley’s other goal came from striker Chris Wood, his fourth of the campaign.

The Clarets’ back four again looked commanding, although they missed out on a fourth clean sheet in five matches.

Indeed, so well have they performed of late that goalkeeper Nick Pope has had to make just a single save in each of his last three Gameweeks.

With Burnley allowing just five shots on target in that spell, save points may continue to be at a premium for Tom Heaton’s understudy.

As for Bournemouth, Callum Wilson (6.1) was starved of opportunities to boost his appeal as a budget third striker option, Josh King bagging his second goal of the season from a Jermain Defoe assist.

772 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. F4L
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    i know dropping sane seems a bit OTT, but I want Mane. Anyone else in the same boat?

    1. AttackAttackAttack
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I'm considering it. Do you reckon sane plays against West ham? If you do then keep him imo

      1. F4L
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        i'll wait to see if he's recovered first. if he has i'll probably keep

  2. Hardly Athletic
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Bench 2:

    a. Callum Wilson (home to Southampton)
    b. RLC (away to West Brom)
    c. Duffy (home to Liverpool)

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Bc

  3. LosBlancos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Kane RLC Courtois really beat the likes of Rooney Hazard and Pickford/Fabianski?

  4. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Fab
    Azpi ward Daniels
    Haz Salah rich sane
    Kane Morata abra
    Subs:elliot rlc naughty dunk

    Gtg???
    0 itb 1 ft

  5. Tmel
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    For those still with a WC, when are you planning on using it?

  6. HurriKane
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Have a Gut feeling Gabriel Jesus is going to net his First Hatty of the season against Hammers.;)

    1. Thiga
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Even if it's not Jesus, you can be pretty confident that someone WILL net a hatty against the hammers this weekend. 😆

      With that being said I hope you're right and it's him 🙂

    2. AandyzZ
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      will be difficult for him to get a hattrick from the bench 😉

      1. Pep bites Kun
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Salah got a brace in 26 mins last night 😉

  7. cuporbust
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Decided to ditch Kane to upgrade Sane to Hazard (I still have Sterling) and Duffy to Alonso. Do I get Firmino or Rooney as a replacement?

    1. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I have double LIV so I think I'll get Rooney

    2. calmc92
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      brave man ditching Kane

  8. AzzaroMax99
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Why do people sell Sane? FPL says that he's droping tonight. 🙁

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      2,7,2,0

    2. cuporbust
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      He's an injury risk and on 4 yellows and not performing as well as Sterling who's cheaper.

    3. Deano
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      He’s got to go. 9M on the bench with 4YC.

      1. Awesom-o
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        He wasn't on the bench he was ill.

        Costa's 4 yellows last season shows us why we shouldn't be bearing that in mind too much when it comes to keeping or selling a player.

        1. Deano
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Whatever makes you sleep at night.

  9. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Jesus (c) Who's joining me?

    1. Ronnie Hotdog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Aguero (c) Jesus (vc) for me.

      1. Deano
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        You have both?

        1. Ronnie Hotdog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Yep. I've had Aguero for most of the season and I brought in Jesus for Kane a few weeks back. It's been green arrows all the way since I did that.

          1. Deano
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            And now?

            1. Ronnie Hotdog
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              And now what? I don't understand the question.

              1. Deano
                • 13 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Keeping them both after last week's debacle?

                1. Ronnie Hotdog
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 8 Years
                  8 years, 7 months ago

                  Yes. Kane is the only other striker worth having and he's not doing me any damage at the moment. Aguero has been out of form since the car crash, but I'm expecting him to bounce back very soon.

    2. MTPockets
      8 years, 7 months ago

      On him atm. Might crumble.

    3. Thiga
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I want to join you but I'm not as brave as you. 🙁

    4. calmc92
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I see Sterling, Aguero, Sane starting Sunday and Jesus getting the midweek champions league game.

      1. Bury94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        It's impossible to guess, I'd say Jesus to start though, but who knows

    5. BRONALDINHO
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Not captaining City players. Not benching them either

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

    What needs to be done? Have had a few terrible weeks now...

    Foster Elliot
    Jones Mee Daniels Dunk Mbemba
    Salah Silva Eriksen Richarlison Atsu
    Morata Kane Wilson

    Considering:
    A) Jones --> Moreno
    B) Dunk —> Moreno
    C) If Jones fit, save FT
    D) Other

  11. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    I get the feeling Alonso will be rested this weekend for the big Champions League game. May hold off getting him in.

    1. Deano
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yep, very likely. Moses and Zppacosta lurking.

    2. L S P
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      i think this is likely. bummed to have brought Azpi in last week for him to be rested but doubt Azpi rests until March now.

      I expect Alonso to be rotated a bit more with Moses back.

  12. JohnnyMagrinho
    8 years, 7 months ago

    How likely do we think it is that Sterling will be benched this weekend?

    And Christensen too? Is David Luiz going to take his place on Saturday?

    Thinking of upgrading my defense a bit and maybe even adding Sterling to my midfield..

    1. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I think both of them will start.

    2. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      David Luiz has water on the knee...

    3. Awesom-o
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Your guess as good as ours on Sterling.

      Christensen will very likely play as there is a lack of options

  13. Old Wulfrunian
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    *repost
    Best replacement for Dann at 4.9 or less?

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Sakho

      1. Old Wulfrunian
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        thanks.I am not selling Dann only because he is lost his place but i don't like Cpalace's fixtures.Someone else?

        1. Athletic Nasherbo
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Good fixtures IMO. Femenía is a good shout after this week.

          1. Old Wulfrunian
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            cheers.Yes Watford has some good fixtures even if they concede easy.

            1. Athletic Nasherbo
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Only against the bigger teams

    2. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Tomkins according to Hodgson.

  14. MikeDuff
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Best defender upto 4.7? Have Mee and Dunk

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Kiko or zeeg

  15. Mo_salah
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Fabianski (Elliot)
    Oti/Davies/Mustafi (kiko/rangel)
    Richarlison/hazard/Sane/RLC (carrol)
    Morata/Kane/ firminho

    1. firminho and richarlison to salah and niassa - 4

    YAY OR NAY?

    Thanks

    1. WINNING!
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Nay salah not going to score 2 goals every 13 minutes LOL

    2. L S P
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      YOU are Mo Salah and you don't own yourself?

      tsk

  16. Kno
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    A sideways sane -> sterling worth it to get cash for monreal -> alonso?

    Its either that or settle for christensen

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Settlr with christy

    2. Deano
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      For sure.

  17. Sims
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Kolasinac rising at a good rate. should make it tomorrow night right?

    need him to rise before deadline to make the kola > Azpil switch for free

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Get azpil but shipping kola. Not sure. Ur team?

      1. Sims
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        kola has served me well but important not to let player's history affect decisions too much. it's about how much he'll score next. tough home games which is where he's been getting his points

        1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          U make ur own decision man. But what I think is kola is much better than abraham. Or wilson

        2. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          I agree and arsenal fixtures aren't that great to be honest

  18. Tmel
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Speroni, Davies, Carroll & Jesus > Pope, Kiko, Hazard & Niasse/DLC for - 8?

    1. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I desperately want Hazard in my team as well 😀

      1. Pep says
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        I have Hazard. I desperately want Mane. You always want what you don't have

  19. sk018
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Getting in Salah and have to downgrade..

    A) VVD -> Kiko Ferminia
    B) Cedric -> Mariappa

    1. AzzaroMax99
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A

    2. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A

    3. Pep bites Kun
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      You have 2 Sou def's?
      Get rid of both, but A first.

  20. McNulty
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Speroni* (Elliot*)
    Alonso, Otamendi, Mee (Ward, Duffy)
    Hazard, Salah, Sterling, Richarlison, RLC
    Kane, Morata (Quaner)

    I take it a hit for a goalkeeper when I don't have a playing one is always worth it? Guranteed to pay off as soon as the new keeper gets 4 pts providing the other stays benched.

    If so, I have 4.5m to spend. Who is the best option?

    Hennessey
    Ryan
    Begovic
    Gomes
    Hart
    Foster

  21. Miguel Sanchez
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Greater priority:

    A) T.Carroll to RLC
    B) Mbemba to 4.5 def?

    1. AzzaroMax99
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A

  22. AzzaroMax99
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Who to get if I sell Sane? I have Salah, Sterling, Pogba and RLC.

    a) Ramsey
    b) Richarlison
    c) Gross
    d) other mid ?

    1. AzzaroMax99
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      0.1 IDb

      1. McNulty
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        In da bank?

        1. AzzaroMax99
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          yes

    2. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      It really depends on what you plan to do with the money you make. If you simple want a replacement and do not care abou price then Ramsey is your man. I also like Mahrez

      1. AzzaroMax99
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        I could upgrade Fabianski to DDG.

        1. Athletic Nasherbo
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          I’d go Courtois and Ramsey

          1. AzzaroMax99
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Ok, but I already have Azpi and no United def.

  23. Pigs in Blankets!!!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Currently the team is:
    Fabianski Elliott
    Mee Kiko Naughton Daniels Duffy
    Salah Silva Pogba Surman Carroll
    Aguero Kane Morata

    Am thinking with 2 FT’s of taking
    Pogba & Carroll out
    Richarlison & Gross in

    What do you all reckon - Yes or No?

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      No I don’t think so. I’d probably downgrade Aguero to Vardy and use the money to upgrade Naughton or Surman.

  24. FPLHaggis
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Any two defenders up to 9.2 for Dann & Mbemba?

    Pope (Elliott)
    Alonso Tarkowski Francis (Dann Mbemba)
    Salah (c) Sane Sterling Gross (Richarlison)
    Kane Morata Wilson
    0.7itb 2FTs

    a) Kiko
    b) Zeegelaar
    c) Moreno
    d) Dunk
    e) Duffy
    f) Naughton
    g) Other

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Similar issue I’m facing just with a Gk and Def for 9.4m

      I’d be tempted to go Kiko and Moreno.

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Moreno and Kiko

  25. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Ward + naughton to mee + Kiko??

    1. L S P
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      don't trade one BUR defender for another BUR defender

      1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Budget problems

        1. L S P
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          well, if that's your best use of 2 FTs, be my guest, but I think it's a total waste.

    2. AttackAttackAttack
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      You've probably gained a lot of tv in ward so worth releasing it for mee imo

  26. DONS
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Any thoughts on my team guys. Haven't got anything right the last few weeks.

    Elliot De Gea
    Naughton Mustafi Lowton Trippier Azpi
    Gross Richiarlison D Silva Salah Davis
    Kane Morata Niasse

    Thinking;
    Silva > Sterling
    Trippier > Moreno

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Trippier will play but I understand the frustration.

      1. DONS
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Already used FT for Pogba to Salah so should maybe hold off taking any hits...

  27. WINNING!
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    "As for Bournemouth, Callum Wilson (6.1) was starved of opportunities to boost his appeal as a budget third striker option, Josh King bagging his second goal of the season from a Jermain Defoe assist."

    Who has faith in Josh King?

    1. Pompel
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Defoe has, apparently

      1. Pompel
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        ..on a more serious note, it would be brilliant if he could step up to fill the mid priced striker spot.

        1. WINNING!
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          He is on track..man of the match GW13, GW14 1 goal
          (1 Bonus).
          we will see...

    2. Ramboros
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      For GW20 against West Ham and then Everton perhaps. Just a shame that Bilic and Unsworth aren't going to be in charge.

  28. L S P
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Save the FT & the .5 ITB?

    Fab
    Azpi/Ota/Daniels/Ward
    Hazard/Salah/ECM
    Morata/Jesus/Vardy

    Elliot/Simpson/Stephens/Carroll

  29. Sbee_10
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Quick one
    Azpi,lowton,ward,Jones,mbemba
    Salah,hazard,sane,gross,dyer
    Kane,morata,crouch

    Gtg?

  30. Tmel
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Two main rivals both have Haz and will likely captain him this weekend. I really want him but can't squeeze him in this week without a - 8, too far or is he worth it?

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Not for -8. He's not scoring that much and it's Morata who's been involved more. He's a good transfer, but will also be next week or when your FT's allow. Che fixtures good for a while, so save your points and use the FT imo.