Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Arsenal Fluff Audition

Newcastle underline their fine home form, while also showing up Arsenal’s wretched away record, in a 2-1 win that highlights the risks of opting for Gunners assets over Gameweek 35’s reduced set of fixtures.

Rafa Benitez’s side made it four straight wins to all but secure their Premier League place for next season, with goals coming from the in-form Ayoze Perez and Matt Ritchie.

It was also their fourth consecutive victory on home soil; a run under early threat when Alexandre Lacazette opened the scoring from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s assist.

The latter had been sold by 217,000 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers ahead of Gameweek 34 due to Arsenal’s single fixture, but the transfer tide is already turning in preparation for next weekend’s schedule.

Some 12,000+ managers have moved for the Gabon international as the Gunners have what had looked to be a plum home match-up against West Ham, making him the sixth most popular purchase of next weekend.

Aubameyang certainly has the form – he has now returned points in five successive Gameweeks and has six goals and two assists in eight matches since arriving at the Emirates.

But coach Arsene Wenger chose to station him on the left flank at St James’ Park, handing Lacazette another chance to up his match sharpness ahead of the Europa League semi-final as Aubameyang is ineligible to play in the competition.

He still looks sure to start domestically, but if Lacazette continues to get the nod as the Gunners’ central striker, Aubameyang’s appeal will lose some of its shine ahead of both Gameweek 35 and his side’s Double Gameweek 37, which involves a visit from Burnley and a trip to Leicester City.

At least those with the Free Hit chip to employ next week can bring in Arsenal assets without having to fret over their wretched form on the road, with Wenger’s team playing three of their final four fixtures away from home.

They’ve now lost five straight league away matches and haven’t kept a clean sheet on their travels since Gameweek 17.

Lacazette played the full 90 minutes at St James’ Park and has now scored in two of three Gameweek appearances since returning from injury.

He could potentially retain his starting berth for Gameweek 35 as the match is four days before the first leg of the Europa League semi-final with Atletico Madrid.

But Wenger has consistently rested his big hitters prior to European action, and Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil, Laurent Koscielny and Hector Bellerin didn’t even make the squad for today’s match.

Nacho Monreal did feature on Tyneside, but he and his fellow key assets will likely have their minutes carefully managed, if they feature at all, against West Ham next weekend, leaving us with few concrete options to exploit Arsenal’s appearance in the six-fixture Gameweek 35.

Geordies nearly sure now

The same cannot be said for Newcastle, who are as good as safe in 10th place and could provide some decent differentials for a run-in, like Arsenal, that also involves a fixture next week and a Double Gameweek 37.

Their schedule (eve WBA wat tot CHE) is promising, particularly if Chelsea reach the FA Cup final and rest key players in Gameweek 38 as a result.

And their form is excellent, with that fine run at home augmented by an overall record of just one defeat in nine Gameweeks.

Perez (2.0%) has now scored in three successive matches, having netted twice in the first 30 Gameweeks of the season.

In fact, he has a goal and an assist from his last two fixtures and, at 5.3, could come into consideration as a budget striker.

Strike partner Dwight Gayle’s pitch-time now looks threatened by Islam Slimani, whose impact off the bench helped them to the points against the Gunners.

The day’s other goalscorer, Ritchie (1.8%), has been overshadowed by Kenedy’s recent form on the opposite flank, but he has now scored in three of Newcastle’s last four home matches.

On the downside, both Gameweek 37 clashes are away; a fact offset somewhat by their home fixtures involving West Brom and a cup-chasing Chelsea showing erratic form.

Defensively, the Magpies have conceded just six times in seven Gameweeks since goalkeeper Martin Dubravka arrived – only Liverpool (four) are more resilient.

So for those still with Wildcards, Florian Lejeune (4.3) and DeAndre Yedlin (4.4) have an assist each to go along with two clean sheets from their last four starts, with the American recording only his second attacking return of the season in Sunday’s victory.

1,609 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Moves like Dejagah
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on Kiko Femenia? Really frustrated at him being subbed but still think he’s a decent option for the run in.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      As an owner, bench or get rid. Look at the fixtures.
      They are on the beach seeing the bottom 3 are useless.

      1. Moves like Dejagah
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks. I guess the fact they blanked against Huddersfield is a worry.

  2. Clintymints
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Alrighty, first attempt

    Pope
    Kompany - Mustafi - Robertson
    Salah - Sterling - Silva - Zaha - Arnie
    Auba - Firm

    Pickford | Wood - Lowton - Feminia

    1. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Comes down to

      A. Jesus + Mane

      or

      B. Firmino + Silva

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

        B

      2. WE GO FOR IT
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        A if chasing.

    2. Moves like Dejagah
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Nice team. Are you not worried that Firmino will be rested? I think you have to take the risk with Salah mind you.

      1. Clintymints
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Yep no idea what Klopp will do it's impossible to predict unless we get a leak!

        At least by risking Firm you get a solid Dave Silva

        Aguero might get minutes to lift the cup but and Mane might get subbed early

        All possible scenarios but the bench is decent

        1. Moves like Dejagah
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          I suppose the hope is that if players are rested they aren’t in the squad at all so there’s no risk of 1 pointers.

          1. Clintymints
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            Yea true, but the nailed on alternatives, especially strikers aren't great

            We're all in the same boat

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Pope & Heaton or Pickford & Robles

      1. Clintymints
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        P & H

  3. Fantasy Gold
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    No FH. How’s this look for -12?

    Mahrez, Pogba, Lukaku, Kane > Sterling, Salah, Jesus and Auba

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Looks good if presser/leaked team match.

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers TM

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Another hit for 36?

          1. Fantasy Gold
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            Yeah, of course.

            Season over for me anyway

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Keep Kane for 36, 37 and 38.

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

    First FH attempt I want a bench that will play as going 3 Pool and 3 City attack obviously has its risks

    Cech 3.9

    Tompkins Sahko Baines

    KDB Sterling D. Silva Salah Mane

    Aubameyang Firminio

    Norfeldt Perez Long Kiko

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

      First FH attempt for 35. 0.0 itb with this.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Not sure on GK

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

        K. Is the rest ok?
        Who would you have over Cech?
        Bench order and who I play amongst those defenders will be a headache too.

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Rest looks like the others on here. Pickford maybe.

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

            Cheers.

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

    Best City Mids for the rest of the season?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Sterling, Sané, Silva, KdB... take your pick

      1. Pep says
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Silva could be granted some time off before the WC. Sterling and KdB for me. KdB's home returns are excellent

    2. Moves like Dejagah
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Sterling is getting so many chances - can’t see past him. Sane for the double up in midfield.

      1. HammersXI
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        His finishing is horrid though. That's the only thing putting me off. Got burnt with choosing Sane over Sterling this season and am not sure if I would do the same again

  6. Test Eagles
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Now that City have won the league could we see some rotation from Pep as he tests a few of the younger guys? I'd worry he might become the tinker-king. Or does he have too much pride and wants to smash out victories for the rest of the season?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      I think we might see more of Foden.

    2. lugs
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      if he's smart he'll rest a most of them , many of them have a long summer ahead at the world cup

  7. Darsh
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Feel like I’ve gotten away with one so far with my Kane (c) blanking and not owning Lukaku.

    1. lugs
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      same 🙂

    2. Fantastisk
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      A

  8. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Price changes HT removed
    ...

    I guess 1 rise and 1 drop is what it'll be

  9. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Price Changes - 16th April 2018

    🔺  Zaha (6.9), Eriksen (9.5)

    🔻  Xhaka (5.1)

    1. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      1 up.
      Hoping for another zaha rise

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Nice to see Eriksen rise despite him not having a game next week. Perhaps people think they'll get him for Brighton?!?

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

        I recall something similar happening for BGW31

        Bring X in before the price rise, they said

    3. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Ahh Xhaka, one of the first bandwagons of the season. Cheers TM

    4. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Good to get Zaha in before his rise in my FH team. Not that it matters a lot, but could come in handy if I do end up needing .1 in the end.

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

        Same here. 4.5 itb atm so looks like money is not going to be issue at all though.

  10. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    How is this for a FH. .6 ITB

    Pickford

    Kiko mustafi Robertson

    Silva Ramsey Salah Sterling

    Jesus firmino aubameyang

    Ryan PVA lowton king

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Forget Ramsey.

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Oh yes. Zaha in place of him

    2. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Aguero?

  11. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Early thoughts on next week's captain?

    The strong options in my team all have question marks:

    Firmino, Salah: Possible rotation?
    Sterling: Again, rotation, City on the beach, Swansea still fighting for their lives.
    Auba: Don't know what kind of team Wenger will put out behind him with Europe in mind, and Arsenal a bit meh at the moment.

    A couple of risky differentials:

    Milli: Surely he can't keep up this streak?
    Walker: Never keen on captaining defenders.

    Thoughts?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Likely to know Pool team before deadline.

      1. Phil's Stamps
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers I'll bear that in mind, got it on Auba at the mo, Salah as vice, but might switch around if there's another leak.

  12. GoonSquad
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    If you skipped using free hit chip in week 35, when else would you use it? Thinking I may hold and use it week 38 with week 36 TC.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      TC36 or 37?

      1. GoonSquad
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Yes, 37 TC, sorry.

    2. MrZ
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Any BB & WC chip left?

      1. GoonSquad
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Using BB this week, still have TC and FH, no WC left.

  13. MrZ
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    J. Ayew vs Perez for rest of the season... which one?

    1. Pigeon
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Ayew

    2. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Ayew. Newcastle has almost nothing to play for

    3. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Ayew. Players of Perez's calibre don't go on scoring 4 or 5 in a row.

  14. MidTableFantasy
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Best midfielder for next game week aside from Liverpool players?

    1. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      City guys

      1. HammersXI
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        which city guy though. Am stuck between Sterling Sane and Silva

    2. The Gobstopper
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Zaha seems almost unstoppable at the moment. And if you're on a budget, you could do worse than Milivojević.

  15. HammersXI
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    No Free Hit left and planning to TC in GW 37

    How does these moves sound for BGW35? It would give me 10 players for that week

    Gross Mahrez Vardy Lukaku -> Jesus Aubameyang Kenedy + Either 1 of Sterling, Sane, Silva (-12)

    Planning to do Alonso + Jesus -> City defender + Kane the next week in preparation for 37

    1. justlikehoney
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Should have planned better, shouldn't be needing to take -12 to field 10 players in all honesty. I've no FH chip either, taking a -4 this week to field a full eleven, planning on going 4-5-1 at the moment. Think Aubameyang is the one striker you need to have this week. Problem is you are getting rid of four players who all have a double GW in 37. If you want a City defender, might as well as get one in this week as well I'd say.

      1. HammersXI
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        The -12 is meant for the long run also. I just thought on doubling up on city attackers hence the -12 or else I would use it to get in a City defender for Alonso. I went all in for the DGW and it was spectacularly backfired.

  16. Arctic monkeys
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    hey TM if you are around, any idea about the % of Kane and Lukaku captainers in LMS ?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Kane 35
      Lukaku 33
      Sanchez 4
      Mahrez 2
      Vardy 2

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        At least 32 get knocked out so a big difference between them will hurt.

      2. Arctic monkeys
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks man. With 30 points and a rank of 73, still a chance to move things around ?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          You need a bit of help from there with Alli, Lingard, Austin and Kane(c) your main helpers.

          1. Arctic monkeys
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            Thanks for your input and for the league. Top work

            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 11 months ago

              Cheers and well done for getting this far.

  17. BIGREDDOG
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone without a Free Hit selling Lukaku after this week? Even if he hauls against Bournemouth I don't want to watch him play anymore it's painful.

    1. Arctic monkeys
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Lukaku to Auba/Jesus will be a popular move for non FHers

      1. BIGREDDOG
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers

    2. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Lukaku gone for me. Watching Man U like a slow death. Awful. Mourinho team at its Dullard best

    3. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Watching Kane was perhaps even more painful. And forgetting rules and finding out that it wasn't assist. FH active now, rage transferring Mahrez out would be even closer.

  18. MarkoSD
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    If I do one transfer and press confirm button, and after that I sell/buy players and press fh, does that first transfer counts or everything is back like it was before first transfer?

    1. Arctic monkeys
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Doesn't count

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Make unlimited free transfers for a single Gameweek. At the next deadline your squad is returned to how it was at the start of the Gameweek.

  19. sfsfsfe
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Thinking ahead of 35 with an Active free hit

    Current FH-team

    Karius
    Lejeune, Mustafi, Walker
    Zaha, Sterling, Salah, Arnautovic
    Jesus, Firmino, Aubameyang
    *Nordfeldt, Long, Milivojevic, Tomkins

    My biggest braintwister is all of the defenders especially Walker and Mustafi....
    Thankful for any opinions, way to tired of thinking about this for 5 more Days...

  20. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    at this rate ill be lucky to get to 100 points

    1. Arctic monkeys
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      66 from 14 is doable

    2. BIGREDDOG
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      100 points would be great for me

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Might not even reach 50pts 😮

    4. seewhyaxe
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      i only have 45 now.

      happy to have 60 honestly.

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

      So it seems... I am currently on 29 pts without bb, but hoping help from Kane (c) and Son. Has been a nightmare with only Vardy, Willian and Alonso delivering so far. Mahrez blanking needs likely action after fh.

    6. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      I'll be glad if I cross 60 tbh. Out of all my players, the one I expected to let me down is the only one who has scored, Hazard.

  21. BIGREDDOG
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    If Burnley catch Arsenal and they don't win the Europa, Wenger is gone

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Last season, people said he'll be gone if they don't get CL. He'll stay as long as the owners are making enough money.

  22. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    How will this look for a -8 BGW35? Any changes/more needed?(No FH)


    Lowton Robertson *Long* vdH (ik, they play city, but had him already)
    Dilva *Sterling*
    *Auba* Barnes

    So the transfers rn would be:
    Mee Gross/Son Lukaku —> Long Sterling Auba.

    Anything else needed (FYI, son out instead of Gross out gives me extra 2.3ITB)

  23. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    30pts with 10players including Lukaku TC to go...

    (DDG Lowton Morgan Mahrez Son Willian Gross Kane Barnes Lukaku)

    Likely score? I was hoping for 100+ going into the week lol

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      99

  24. Bob McMayday
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Any thoughts...

    Butland
    Coleman, Mustafi, VVD
    Sterling, De Bruyne, Salah, Zaha, Mili
    Auba, Jesus

    3.9, Long, Wood, 3.9

    Room for more Liverpool or Arsenal

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Pretty standard FH.

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Some will have Firmino in there.

  25. Bob McMayday
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Really hope there's a leaked Liverpool line-up with some big players rested. Could be a good opportunity to bring in some big differentials on a FH

    1. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Anfield express sat morning. Liverpool likely to rest players big time against stoke

  26. LSP
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Pope
    Lowton Long PVA
    Salah KDB Mane Sterling
    Aubameyang Firmino Jesus

    Bench: Bauer

  27. Legohair
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    If im using free hit now,can i still make chances as much i would like before deadline?

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

      yep

      1. Legohair
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      yep

  28. WE GO FOR IT
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    RMFHT

    Pickford
    Tarkowski PvA Robertson
    Zaha Salah KdB Sane Sterling
    Auba Firmino

    Too top heavy? Should I downgrade one of the City guys to get Walker in?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Nah, looks good

      1. WE GO FOR IT
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers! 🙂

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          You can try Jesus upfront instead of KDb in midfield, thats probably the only change I would consider

          1. WE GO FOR IT
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            Yeah! If Jesus is confirmed to start, I'll surely be getting him in.

  29. Farke in hell
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Is Alonso ban confirmed? Asking for a rival.

  30. steven8991
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Lukaku to Auba and Son to Sterling for -4..do it?

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Yes!

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Maybe on Friday.