Scout Notes
11 March 2018 627 comments
davidwardale davidwardale
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Everton get things right at both ends of the pitch for a change, while Leicester City see off a sorry West Brom and Huddersfield throw everything at ten-man Swansea City to no avail.

A Cenk Tosun strike and yet another Brighton own goal secured Everton a vital victory as the Seagulls’ five-match unbeaten run came to an end.

The Turkish striker was signed by 10,000+ Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers this week – presumably with more than half an eye on the Toffees’ Gameweek 31 fixture at Stoke City – and he responded with his second successive goal.

Owned by just 0.5%, he’s fast becoming a differential candidate who also delivers bonus points – his two scoring matches have brought in five of those.

Overall interest in Everton assets was minimal heading into the Gameweek, with Theo Walcott’s 24,000+ new managers making him the club’s most popular choice, although some 124,000 have also sold him on over the last three Gameweeks.

He looked like he’d opened the scoring when Yannick Bolasie’s cross ended up in the back of the net, only for it to be ruled a Gaetan Bong own goal, with plenty of pressure but no touch coming from the England midfielder.

Walcott was then subbed off with what looked like a calf issue on 72 minutes, with coach Sam Allardyce confirming post-match that Walcott had suffered cramp and was likely to be “okay” for the visit to Stoke up next. Allardyce also added that Gylfi Sigurdsson played on despite picking up a knock to the knee; presumably he will also need assessment before the Potters trip.

Maximum bonus on the day went to Fantasy legend Leighton Baines, who set up Tosun’s goal and also picked up a clean sheet for a chunky 12-point haul on his first start since Gameweek 13.

And it could have been even better for the left-back when Everton were awarded a late penalty, but Wayne Rooney ended up taking the spot-kick, which was promptly saved by Mat Ryan.

Allardyce later confirmed that the striker is unlikely to retain penalty duties, with Tosun, Sigurdsson and Baines all in the running to take the next. That could add to Baines’ appeal, although his 5.6 price tag, a lack of double Gameweeks and matches with Man City and Liverpool in the next three will dissuade investment from all but the most fanatic of followers.

It was a first clean sheet in nine matches for the Toffees, while Brighton have not managed a single shut-out over the same period, with Ryan’s second penalty save in four Gameweeks a major consolation prize for his 149,000+ owners.

Glenn Murray and Pascal Gross were among the top 10 most signed players heading into Gameweek 30 – they’d had five goals and three assists between them over the previous four fixtures.

But they were kept very quiet at Goodison Park, while a red card for Anthony Knockaert means he’ll miss an FA Cup quarter-final with Man United and the two Gameweeks that follow.

Baggies looking Championship-bound

An opening goal from Salomon Rondon, set up by Oliver Burke, gave West Brom fans some hope of a desperately-needed revival for a side seven points adrift at the bottom of the table.

Four Leicester City goals later it was more Apocalypse Now than The Great Escape for the Baggies faithful, and even a Gameweek 31 fixture at Bournemouth is not going to encourage investment in their misfiring players.

Leicester won’t be in league action next weekend – they’re facing Chelsea in the FA Cup – but should they prevail against the Blues they’ll be in line for two double Gameweeks before the season’s end.

A decent enough schedule – only matches with Spurs and Arsenal look particularly taxing – should also prompt interest in their assets, with Riyad Mahrez the main man.

He scored one goal and set up another, for Jamie Vardy, at The Hawthorns, and has now produced returns in 11 of his last 14 Gameweek starts (nine goals, four assists).

Some 78,000 managers signed him for Gameweek 30, and he responded with back-to-back goals and double-figure hauls – he now has five of the latter this campaign.

Only one bonus point came his way, however, as he was tackled five times and fired two shots off target.

Vardy actually lost 28,000+ in ownership ahead of the Gameweek, but made it five goals in seven matches with a stunning finish from Mahrez’s through-ball.

The other scorers were Vicente Iborra and Kelechi Iheanacho, who were both awarded maximum bonus. The striker also produced an assist, as did Marc Albrighton and Ben Chilwell.

That was a welcome boost for the defender’s 1.3% ownership as the Foxes have now gone six matches without a clean sheet, meaning investment in their players for a probable double Gameweek 34 away at Burnley and home to Arsenal is likely to involve Mahrez and Vardy alone.

Defiant Swans frustrate Huddersfield

The final side with a Gameweek 31 fixture, Huddersfield, had 30 shots to 10-man Swansea City’s zero, but couldn’t find a way past the visitor’s defence in a 0-0 draw.

Jordan Ayew, the second most signed striker of Gameweek 30 with 63,000+ new owners, was dismissed for a tackle on Jonathan Hogg after just 10 minutes and will now miss the FA Cup quarter-final with Spurs and a further two league matches.

He’ll be back for a potential double Gameweek 34 involving home matches with Everton and Southampton, making him a solid budget striker option for Wildcarders.

In truth, either Ayew or Hogg – or even both – could have seen red in the incident, which prompted a supreme backs-to-the-wall performance from the visitors.

Keeper Lukasz Fabianski earned nine points from the shut-out, two bonus and a save point, although it was a mark of the Terriers’ lack of real quality in the final third that he was only required to make four stops.

Maximum bonus instead went to Huddersfield’s Florent Hadergjonaj, who produced an extraordinary eight successful open-play crosses – which created seven chances – from right-back.

Midfielders Alex Pritchard and Aaron Mooy created four chances apiece, while Tom Ince had no fewer than eight shots, including five in the box.

Pritchard, with a goal and two assists from the last four Gamweeks, is perhaps the most attractive prospect of those players for Gameweek 31’s home match against Crystal Palace, although he was replaced by Collin Quaner on 65 minutes yesterday.

That could be a concern, given that Huddersfield were chasing a winner, but the midfielder had managed only 45 minutes in the previous Gameweek against Spurs, which was a likely factor in his substitution.

Up front, Steve Mounie had eight shots, all in the box – more than any other forward in the Gameweek to date.

Three of those were on target, and he is arguably the Terriers’ most likely attacking target for Gameweek 31.

Some 80,000 FPL bosses have already brought him in over the last three Gameweeks on the back of two goals and as many assists in the three matches that preceded yesterday’s stalemate.

627 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Rash
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Would love to have Aub kaku Kane in my wildcard team but leaves the midfield very light.. so I have to choose between aub vs kaku?

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Auba + Lukaku an option too 😉

      But yeah I definitely wouldn't recommend all three.

      1. Rash
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Not a chance I'm going without Kane!! Made that mistake last season.

        1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          So did Willy Wonka

  2. eamonhegg
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    (-4) for the follow?
    A - MAne & zanka
    B - Van Dike & Mooyyyy

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A

  3. Shultan
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Im only one point behind my ML rival & we both have our 2nd WC & chips, however looking at his team value he has +2 mil more at 106.
    Would you say that makes him more likely to win. He can afford 5 decent mids at 7+ & 2 good goalies for his WC team to BB but i have to go for a cheap 5th mid

    1. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      It’s gives him a slight advantage but in the end it’s all about picking the players that score and I won’t make a huge difference having a few extra milk in your budget.

    2. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Wont make much difference...

      Every price bracket has potential points scorer, so not a big deal

  4. Smurf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    I didn’t watch the game. Why was Benteke subbed?

    1. Pierce34
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Tactical

      1. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        In what sense?

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Zaha came on, it was a straight choice between Sortloth/Benteke to stay on, he chose Sorloth

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      It sometimes happens when you're rubbish.

    4. jia you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Was poor, at least Sorloth was trying! Had planned to possible go with him in my FH team, def not now! Going Tosun instead.

  5. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    CANDEIAS

    1. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      WATP

      1. Super Silva
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        hun

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Windy ass and candy ass, nice.

    3. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      We are the people. 🙂

  6. Pierce34
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Just a few minutes until I find out that Ramsey is benched, meaning I would get Jordan Ayew off the bench!

    1. Patch
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I do hope you are right about Rambo I got a sickly gross instead of him

      Please let Rambo be benched.

      I will buy him for GW32

      1. Patch
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Fantastic first rule of fight club, player has to be nailed..

    2. #FPLBhuna
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Ramsey not even on bench hahaha

      1. Pierce34
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Even better, puts me out of my misery quicker. Welcome to my first XI, Jordan Ayew!

    3. Sim Simma
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Ramsey not in the squad

    4. TheRealDog
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Jammy bench points

    5. jia you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Ouch mate, no Ramsey, I started Ayew so I'm over the pain of it all now haha and looking forward to my Auba(C) punt!

  7. #FPLBhuna
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    A) zaha and king
    B) stanislas and king
    C) mounie and king
    D) benteke and king

  8. Sim Simma
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Team News: ARS vs WAT
    Referee: Martin Atkinson

    ARS: Cech, Maitland-Niles, Kolasinac, Holding, Mustafi, Iwobi, Elneny, Özil, Mkhitaryan, Xhaka, Aubameyang
    Subs: Ospina, Chambers, Wilshere, Joel Pereira, Nelson, Welbeck, Nketiah

    WAT: Karnezis, Holebas, Mariappa, Prödl, Janmaat, Pereyra, Capoue, Richarlison, Doucouré, Kiko Femenía, Deeney
    Subs: Bachmann, Britos, Hughes, Carrillo, Sinclair, Gray, Okaka

    1. DAZZ
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      No koscielny

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        No clean sheet

    2. SW6
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      The state of that Arsenal 11. Watford 2-0 win

    3. Rash
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Kiko oop 😯

      1. d3bug
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Nope

        1. mookie
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          RW in a 4-2-3-1 methinks

          1. d3bug
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Janmaat will play there. According to twitter

            1. mookie
              • 12 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              Ah, okay! Cheers!

      2. michudagawd
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Janmaat is the oop one.

    4. michudagawd
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Joel Pereira?

      1. Sim Simma
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        *Joe Willock

    5. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Cmon Doucoure!

  9. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Ramsey not.in squad

  10. Patch
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Ramsey dropped like third period french

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Rested again ?

  11. Brosstan
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    I absolutely hate Arsene Wenger

    1. Patch
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      He is a nasty piece of work leaving Rambo out in the cold

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Just rested for the Europa

        1. Brosstan
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Why is Ramsey the only player in the league who apparantly cant play 2 games a week. He was rested last weekend.

          At least Wenger could fcking say something in his press conferences, demented old fool.

          1. Hotdogs for Tea
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Why though ? He is hardly going to spill the beans so the opposition can plan better for the game. I really wanted to bring in Ramsey but it was simply too much of a risk ?

            1. Brosstan
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              He clearly doesnt give a shit about the league, might as well just say who will be left out when he doesnt care if he wins or loses the game.

              1. Hotdogs for Tea
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 4 months ago

                Why though ? For what reason ? He doesn’t pick his team and leak team news to help FPL managers. Annoying I know and you have my sympathy 🙂

    2. Arteta
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Why?

  12. Zilla
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Cech; AMN Mustafi Holding Kola; ElNeny Xhaka; Ozil Iwobi Mkhitaryan; Aubameying.

    Ramsey not in the squad, odd.

    1. jia you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Arsene minding him for EL it seems!

  13. Rash
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Ffs Ramsey another shocker buy last week

  14. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Is Ramsey considered their most important player or something?

    1. Sim Simma
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Wenger seems to be managing his time given his injury history

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Prioritising the EL certainly.

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

          Will be fascinating to see the fall out when Leicester (or god forbid Burnley) pip them to 6th

    2. Arteta
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I'd say Özil but Ramsey is definitely up there when he's fully fit and firing.

  15. Zilla
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    I can't be the only that wants Deeny to score to do his celeberation? 😀
    Cojones

  16. #FPLBhuna
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Richarlison surely in with a shout this week with that defence wow haha cmon richa!!!!!! Time to become a hero

    1. Sim Simma
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      *Kiko

  17. Queens of the South Age
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Hi guys. Heading away for a week with limited Internet access so might need to do something earlier than usual. What's thoughts on these for a -4?

    Kane > Tosun
    Son > Zaha

    Gives me below for 31. I know some are at risk of not starting but don't think any are worth more hits.

    Foster
    VVD Schindler Shawcross
    Salah Mane Zaha Choupo
    Tosun Wilson Depoitre

    Wildcard in 32 and bring Kane back in.

  18. West Hammered
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Ffs where is Ramsey! Another red arrow, can’t catch a break at the moment. Willian or Ramsey my transfer options this week of course I pick the one who doesn’t even play.

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Ramsey was rested for Europa last week and it looks like it again ...

      1. West Hammered
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        #wengerout

  19. SADIO SANÉ
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    well there you have it - got Mahrez and Ramsey in, kept Sterling, and ignored GW31 mids (including Mane) - one delivered, one failed, one probably fails..standard 😐

  20. Dokdok666
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Janmaat playing as winger? hmm...

  21. @persecuted_by_mods
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Can you use your one normal transfer during a week in which you free hit? If so do you make that transfer then use the free hit or use the free hit and then make the transfer? Cheers

  22. Over Midwicket
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    So has Lacazette disappeared off the face of the earth?

    Must go down as one of the worst transfers in recent memory. Catastrophic waste of 50 millions big ones.

    1. Zilla
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      he's injured

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      He was ruled out for 6 weeks due to injury. Has it been 6 weeks? I lost track.

    3. Rash
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Had surgery

    4. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      He's been injured the last 5 weeks, 9 goals and 4 assists before that

    5. Pariße
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Well, that will go down as one of the most ignorant comments in recent history.

      1. Over Midwicket
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Oo, bit harsh

        1. Pariße
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Just fairly ignorant then 🙂 He's Arsenal's top goalscorer.

    6. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      actually think he could be alright in future.
      living off scraps for a lot of the time when Sanchez & Ozil weren't performing.

    7. Over Midwicket
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Ah, had no idea. Thanks lads.

  23. Arteta
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/972813367135043584

    For those asking, @6_LKOSCIELNY and @aaronramsey are rested for today's match

    #AFCvWFC

  24. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    2FT this week and currently thinking
    Alonso > Baines
    KDB/Walcott (if injured) > Zaha

    possible a 3rd transfer as well for a depoitre replacement.

  25. fiveyears
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Well that's Arsenal ignored between now and the end of the season

    1. Pasqualinho
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Only if they stay in the Europa. Looks likely for at least another round, I know.

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

        Takes us up to 34 at the very least

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Auba will get a few goals ...

    3. Arteta
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Auba will play practically all remaining league matches so he's an interesting option and differential if you want/need one.

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

        I know what you're saying but 6-7 changes in the league will surely affect his success

    4. Pariße
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Auba is as nailed as they come though.

  26. el polako
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    I bought Koscielny this GW 🙁
    Getting Mee's 6 points off the bench 🙂

  27. #FPLBhuna
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Koscielny and Ramsey rested hahahahah
    Wow small club mentality

    Hope arsenal get wholloped

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      why is that small club mentality?

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

        I'll be honest, I can't work out why a manager would revert to a losing team rather than trying to maintain the momentum from Thursday. Got a weekend off next weekend.

  28. klavan
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Janmaat OOP, great fixtures after gw31, could be a great option

    1. mookie
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Kiko RB and Janmaat RW? Would've thought it's the other way around.

      1. klavan
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        janmaat is more attacking player

        1. mookie
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Fair enough. Kiko looked good too when he came on for Deulofeu a few weeks ago.

  29. Sz21
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Anybody planning to get rid of some big guns for just next GW?

    Have Otamendi, Mahrez and Kane not playing and thinking of taking a hit (-4) to remove 2 of them and have 11 starting.

    On 9 players atm- Is it overkill to go for 11 for a hit we reckon?

  30. Zilla
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Mousaa