Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Lacazette Leaves It Late

A late Arsenal goal rush saves the day for Free Hit managers, while a Burnley forward delivers the goods to keep those without the chip in credit as well.

Eighty minutes into the Gunners’ home match with West Ham and many of the 154,000+ Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers who had employed their Free Hit chip were in a dark place.

As revealed by Ragabolly’s latest Metrics article, 63.9% of the top 10,000 managers playing the chip had elected to recruit Alexandre Lacazette.

The striker had been signed by 42,000, and captained by more than 100,000, with many taking advantage of the Free Hit to bring him in after coach Arsene Wenger revealed, during a press conference on Thursday, that he wanted to give run-outs to most of the side likely to play in next week’s Europa League semi-final tie against Atletico Madrid.

That was a bitter blow to those looking to cash in on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Ineligible in Europe, he’d seemed a shoo-in for domestic action, prompting major investment ahead of Gameweek 35.

He was the third most signed player ahead of Saturday’s deadline, with 201,000 making their move. Meanwhile, 221,000 captained the 14.8%-owned forward – Arsenal’s most popular player in FPL.

Wenger’s statements on Thursday changed everything, leaving those without the Free Hit chip somewhat in the lurch.

Sure enough, Lacazette started and Aubameyang was on the bench, although at 1-1 with 10 minutes to go, neither had anything to show for their troubles.

By then, the Gabon international was on the pitch as the Gunners sought to reclaim a lead given them by Nacho Monreal, only for Marko Arnautovic to equalise for the visitors.

A goal blitz then followed, with Aaron Ramsey and Lacazette, twice, putting a decidedly flattering spin on a match in which the Hammers had been competitive until their late capitulation.

Aubameyang did at least produce an assist for his owners, with Ramsey and Granit Xhaka also setting up goals in the 4-1 win.

Maximum bonus went to Lacazette as he recorded only his second double-digit return of the campaign, his 13-point total matching his previous season’s best, in Gameweek 6.

Those points, relative to Aubameyang’s tally of four, are likely to have a major impact on FPL ranks once Gameweek 35 is done.

And Lacazette’s form – four goals in as many Gameweeks, with only two of those starts – suggests he’ll continue in the main striker role despite Aubameyang’s equally strong recent showings. He’d scored four goals in his last three home matches, and six in eight Gameweeek appearances overall.

That state of affairs, and Arsenal’s next fixture away at Man United, is persuading many of those non-Free Hitters to offload Aubameyang – he’s the second most sold player ahead of Gameweek 36, as managers look to Harry Kane and Gabriel Jesus for the run-in.

Ups and downs for others

Ramsey was another vital Gameweek 35 figure.

Signed by 27,000, he was a key differential for Free Hit investors after returning to the starting XI and producing a goal and an assist, along with two bonus points, against the Hammers.

The Welsh international had four shots, three chances created and a match-high nine touches in the box in a strong attacking display.

His 12-point return was a huge boost to his 4.0% ownership, particularly when stacked against the fortunes of those who decided to use their Free Hit chip to bring in Mesut Ozil instead.

The 2.7%-owned German missed the match due to illness – as did keeper Petr Cech – and his 9.3 price tag (compared to Ramsey’s 6.8) was a high one to pay for a no-show.

Arsenal’s defenders, meanwhile, had attracted 149,000 transfers-in for the West Ham clash, with hopes high of a third consecutive home clean sheet.

But those shut-outs were their only ones in 16 Gameweeks, and it was left to goalscorer Monreal to provide a decent return among the backline.

Owned by 493,000 and signed by 68,000, the Spaniard was the most popular of those Gameweek 35 defensive acquisitions and his fifth goal of the season means he’s now just one shy of Marcos Alonso – amazing work for a man with just one strike in his five previous Premier League seasons.

Marko the man

Predictably enough, Arnautovic was West Ham’s only bright spark.

He had four shots, all in the box, and his goal from substitute Manuel Lanzini’s assist was his 10th in his last 16 Gameweek appearances.

The midfielder also has five assists from that spell and was signed by 49,000+ going into the Arsenal match as his ownership, now at 6.1%, continues to increase.

That should mean he remains the Hammers’ one tempting asset ahead of Double Gameweek 37’s trip to Leicester City and a visit from Man United.

Before that, there’s the small matter of a home match against Man City, with David Moyes’ side still requiring points to finally put their relegation fears to bed.

Arnautovic’s owners can only hope that his form will trump what are a tricky set of fixtures.

Deadlock at Stoke

Burnley assets went into their match at Stoke City well supported, particularly by managers without the Free Hit active.

And it was striker Ashley Barnes who delivered, bundling home his sixth goal in eight Gameweek starts to earn the Clarets a point and deny their hosts a precious win.

Owned by 288,080, Barnes had proved a popular target for Double Gameweek 34, although he was jettisoned or benched by many Free Hit managers ahead of Saturday’s deadline.

The forward promptly punished that decision, but there were slim pickings on offer among other Burnley assets.

Kevin Long, with 45,000+ new investors, was their most signed player ahead of Gameweek 35, only for the Clarets defence to concede yet again.

They’ve kept just one clean sheet in 15 league matches in 2018 – only Brighton have a worse record in the Premier League since the turn of the year – with an assist for centre-half James Tarkowski at least providing some joy for his 5.0% ownership.

For Stoke, Xherdan Shaqiri was their most popular target in action.

He was brought in by 51,000+, with goalkeeper Jack Butland (7,700) ranking next.

The midfielder managed one shot and created three chances, but he failed to find the net for the seventh successive match, having delivered three in three prior to that.

Butland at least brought in a couple of save points in a performance that also earned him one bonus point, with the main hauls coming from goalscorer Badou Ndiaye and Mame Diouf, who provided the assist.

In truth, players from neither side are of much interest to Fantasy managers now, with their assets likely to provide bench back-up at best, or more likely replaced by Double Gameweekers for the run-in.

2,315 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    1FT 0itb, just top of my mini league and I have no city cover!

    A. Bailly --> 6.0 defender
    B. Mahrez --> 8.8 mid (Can't afford Sterling)
    C. Bailly + Mahrez --> 5.9 def + Sterling -4
    D. Lukaku --> Jesus

    1. Klip Klopp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Ohh my first time being top!

    2. European Bob
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      C

      1. Klip Klopp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        which defender for up to 5.9?

        1. European Bob
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Smalling

  2. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Its been a long old battle but gone gradually from 504k gw 30 to 188k tonight with Baines + Dubravka left.

    Closed 60 point gap to 5 pts in ML which i won last season.

    I have TC, he has WC and BB so with a few smart transfers i think i have him. TC worth more than BB imo. And my gw33 wc cathered for 37 aswell albeit with no city .

    Mahrez and Vardy wont be around my team much longer i think.

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn't count your chickens...TC could be worth 3, -3 or even 114...who knows!

    2. fusen
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Congrats, I'm very very similar in ranking jumps (as posted below yours).

      Patience and chips used luckily/well are really paying off.

      All these casuals who did well earlier in the season being caught up with 😛

  3. Nath88
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Still got Wildcard, Bench Boost and TC left... trying to decide when to use them. Can I wildcard AND bench boost in the same GW?

    1. fusen
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      no, one chip per week, so you need to wildcard the week before doing the bench boost

    2. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      wc
      bb
      tc

      in that order

      1. Nath88
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        OK, thanks guys

    3. runny
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      WC now definitely, depends on how your team looks at to whether you run BB in 37 or 38, i'd be leaning towards using TC on Kane for 37....

  4. fusen
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Gameweek 8 - 2.2 million
    Gameweek 30 - 628,000
    Gameweek 35 128,000

    Still have triple captain to go and 9-10 players for the remaining double gameweek.

    If I can finish in the top 100k then I'll be super happy considering what an absolute train wreck of a season it has been

    1. AF90
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I feel your pain I was 3 million after GW9 after ditching Kane for all his braces. Now 182k with TC left, hoping for a bit of luck now to get top 100k!! Always finished inside except for very first season

  5. WVA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Selling Alonso was a good feeling

  6. gawa11
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    I can bench Alonso easily this week so make sense to keep for 37?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah

    2. Aston-villain
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Just get rid

    3. Jersey
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      yes, keep

  7. flippetyflop
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Random one guys but if I wanted to rewatch all of Manchester City's games this season is there a website where I could do this?

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      End of season dvd

  8. arndff_
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    A) Would you keep Alonso?
    B) What your front three will look like at 37: three premium strikers or two + a cheapie?

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A) I think I will

      B) Aubameyang Kane Ayew (probably - but will require hits)

      1. arndff_
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Hits are not a problem when it’s DGW time — they’re justifiable.

        I’m ready to take 2 hits if needed.

    2. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      No
      Lukaku auba Vardy

      1. arndff_
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Heavy. Kane could bite you though.

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Going to get Alli or Eriksen in midfield.

          My reasoning is building to the maximum DGW players, and they are my current front three.
          Whereas I only have one DGW defender and two DGW mids

    3. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I will keep. He has been properly rested and I believe he will play both 37. No need to use -4 and hide behind that sofa. Robertson is bigger issue for me. And I need City coverage. Rotation is problem with all other teams also.

    4. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B) Kane, Kaku, Vardy

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Oh, sorry. That is my current front. The problem for me is that Jesus is no Agüero imo. I feel City mids are at least as good options.

    5. MeinBergkampf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      2 and a cheapie, on a grounds that depth on the bench is more important than usual. Trying to make funds for Austin rather than Perez/Ayew if I can...

    6. Jersey
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      i'm keeping Alonso for GW37

      Kane - Vardy - Ayew

  9. barton fc
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    who to start this week?
    A) long
    B) morgan
    already playing lowton.

  10. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    urghh i cant see any way out of selling salah gw37

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Hmmm

  11. arndff_
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Those who are about to sell Mahrez, do you have Vardy or preder to gk without any Leicester attacker?

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      leicester look awful, happy to go without

      1. arndff_
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

    2. Digital-Real
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I sold Mahrez this GW, he's blanked in last 4, then again how long can he keep blanking.

    3. Jersey
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      i think both Mahrez and Vardy should be kept for gw37

  12. Junior ⚽
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    1.5 ITB
    A) Vardy to Jesus (.1 ITB)
    B) Mahrez to Sterling
    C) Both -4 (0.0ITB)

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Just B imo

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      b

    3. Powers106
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      C...come on they are up against WHU, it's gonna be another 5-0

  13. HamezMace
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Knew I should have captained Fabianski away to city, rather than that one season wonder Salah

  14. Adderz
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone know what the situation is with Bailly?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      No

    2. Viper
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      No but he's obviously nowhere near Mourinho's thinking

    3. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Certainly no mention of an injury.

    4. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Just not as good as people think. Smalling and Jones ahead of him, doesn't look good for his prospects.

  15. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    What to do with this lot?

    DdG (Ryan)
    Vert Lowton Morgan (Simspon Alonso)
    Mahrez Kenedy Salah Willian (Lingard)
    Barnes Kane Lukaku
    0,0m in bank and 1 FT

    Want to bring in Sterling and one of KdB/Eriksen

    The plan is to wait for L’pool team news and if Salah is benched it’s Salah to Sterling. If Salah plays it’s Willian and Alonso to Sterling and Naughton. Thoughts?

  16. Viper
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    I've taken 7 hits all season (28 points) and havent taken more than 4 at any stage. I can't see a situation where I don't take a - 8 or - 12 for gwk 37 though.

    Although, having seen how the last one went, maybe it wouldn't be the wisest move

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Same, Mili outscored Son, Hazard, vardy and Lukaku last dgw, so could easily backfire

  17. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    gargatron says I'm 41 pts off top 100K could easily get in with the dgwks and my TC

  18. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Would you do Sane to Son next week for free?

    1. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Nah

      1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Ok cheers

    2. Powers106
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Not feeling the Spurs vibe myself, must be better options?

      1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Just looking at that Spurs fixture next Monday, as well as the 37 double.
        I think Son will get more minutes over the 3 matches compared to Sane, and I feel like Son is close to hauling....don't know

        Already have Sterling and Salah

        1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          *don't know why

        2. Powers106
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah, well, I see your point but I am not sure either -- Spurs just look so flat and Kane looks injured, maybe that is an argument for Son. I'd bet if Kane doesn't score in GW36 and Salah gets 1 or even 2... that Kane will be done for the season, put him on ice after golden boot race lost. Crazy game!! Good luck!

          1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah I can't see Kane every giving up the ghost though, so incredibly determined. They did rush him back too soon it seems.....good luck mate!

    3. Jersey
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      no

  19. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    would any1 do willian to eriksen for a minus 4???

    cheers all

  20. Infamy, Infamy
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Alonso and Gross to Dummett and Sterling?

  21. Gazzpfc
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    DDG
    Smalling Lowton Tark
    Sterling Salah Pogba Son
    Vardy Kane Barnes

    Bench Ryan Willian Alonso Morgan

    Want silva and jesus means losing Pogba and Alonso

  22. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Bailly to:
    A) Otamendi
    B) Kompany
    C) Walker
    D) Vertonghen
    E) Smalling
    F) Jones

    1. Digital-Real
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      F loves bonus

  23. PvA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Ruben Neves price prediction?

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      6.0

    2. wolves_simmo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      6.5

    3. West Hammered
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      6 goals 1 assist all season in championship shouldn’t be more than 5.0

    4. Clintymints
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      6

    5. Bouncebackability
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      5.5

      1. Bouncebackability
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        And a fantasy no go

    6. TallestJohn
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      6m

  24. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Planning to go without Salah DGW37 to free up funds.

  25. CRO KLOPP
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    1ft 0.2 itb

    DDG
    Vertongen Lowton Long
    Salah Mahrez Son Willian
    Kane Vardy Barnes
    Ryan Lingard Morgan Alonso

    Have exact money to do Mahrez to sterling,need to do it tonight
    Or save?
    Help

    1. Digital-Real
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      do it tonight, why you waiting?

      1. CRO KLOPP
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers mate

  26. West Hammered
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Watching that game back on MOTD how did we manage to lose that 4-1.. Arsenal were rubbish but we always manage to make them look good

    1. Powers106
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      yeah....just ... yah...drag

  27. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Just watching MOTD and I'm wondering why Lacazette didn't get the assist for Ramsey's goal? The defender did touch it but wasn't Ramsey the intended recipient of the cross?

    1. gooberman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Disregard that. Just seen the replay and he wasn't. Where is the delete post function on this forum??

  28. lopezrich
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Should I drop Salah for Hazard for remaining game weeks? I am 10 points behind in my league, pretty equal teams. Looking at one more game for Hazard and less chance of resting.

  29. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    What are people doing with Alonso?

    Emerson to steal minutes during GW37?

    1. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I'm keeping
      Would you do Mahrez to sterling tonight,have exact cash
      Cheers Andy

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        If you're 100% sure you want to do that transfer than it seems like now is the time.

        Just remember something could happen this week!

        1. CRO KLOPP
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Thanks mate,keep Alonso
          Who would you get for him?

    2. MTPockets
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Ignoring it and getting in MCI.

      • The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        cant see it after being rested 3 games..

      • Digital-Real
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I'd keep if I had him, can't see him rested from GW37 onwards

      • Jersey
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        keeping

    3. Winners900
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I have no clue who to get Alonso in for. Also got Bailly to worry about, but need to get rid of Alonso first. Cant get Spurs defender as I got tripple Spurs already.

      Thoughts?