Scout Notes

Aubameyang nets brace as Lacazette and Hazard have night off

Chelsea and Arsenal both won their first Europa League matches of the season on Thursday night.

The line-ups named by both managers have already given us early indication of which players will feature in Gameweek 6.

We’ve gone over the two matches to find the best Fantasy Premier League talking points in this latest Scout Notes article.

PAOK 0-1 CHELSEA

Goals: Willian (£7.4m)

Assists: Ross Barkley (£5.8m)

As expected, Eden Hazard (£10.9m) played no part in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over PAOK in the Europa League. While fellow captain candidates Mohamed Salah (£13.0m) and Sergio Aguero (£11.4m) were involved for their clubs in the Champions League, Hazard should be completely fresh and ready for his Gameweek 6 trip to West Ham.

It was Pedro (£6.8m) and Willian (£7.4m) who started the match as wide forwards in Maurizio Sarri’s 4-3-3 system. The two players have been going head-to-head for preference in the Premier League with room for just one of them in the Chelsea front-line when Hazard is around.

On Thursday night, Willian may have secured the advantage in what looks like an ongoing see-saw between him and Pedro. After registering a 10-point FPL haul on Saturday, the Brazilian also scored the only goal in Greece. Meanwhile, former Barcelona man Pedro was forced out of the game with an injury late on, although Sarri does not believe it is too serious.

“I don’t know. The problem is the shoulder, but I don’t know exactly the situation. I have spoken with the doctor, but only for a few seconds. The doctor told me that probably it’s not a very serious injury.” – Maurizio Sarri

Pedro also took to Twitter on Friday morning to allay any fears over the knock he sustained.

 

 

Crucial to his battle with Pedro, Willian was handed the captaincy on Thursday night, suggesting that Sarri does hold him in high regard. It was the first time he had skippered the side in a competitive setting, having last done so in a pre-season friendly against Lyon. Sarri is yet to announce his official club captain, although he is unlikely to pick Willian for the role. Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.4m) has worn the armband in every league match so far and took it from Willian when he came on for a 24-minute appearance.

Azpilicueta was one of just five players to drop out of the starting XI on Thursday. The others were Hazard, David Luiz (£5.5m), Mateo Kovacic (£6.0m) and Olivier Giroud (£7.8m).

There was some concern over Marcos Alonso (£6.8m) starting, but Sarri did the gentlemanly thing and took him off unharmed on 66 minutes, Azpilicueta his replacement. This was presumably to give the left-back some rest ahead of Sunday’s trip to West Ham.

Jorginho (£5.2m) was substituted at the same time as Alonso although N’Golo Kanté (£5.0m) played the full 90 minutes. The fact that both of Chelsea’s key central midfielders started the match did come as a surprise, and some Chelsea followers believe it was a risk to name such a strong team. Especially considering Ethan Ampadu (£4.4m) and Callum Hudson-Odoi (£4.3m) not even in the match-day squad, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek (£5.3m) an unused substitute. Journalists asked Sarri why he did not rest more players ahead of a Sunday’s London derby.

“I don’t know. For an English team, the Europa League is a very difficult competition. For example, in Italy, if I play in Greece on Thursday I can ask to play on Monday night. Not in England. We have to play again in 63 hours, on Sunday morning. I don’t know in the future. It’s not a big problem now. We have played only six matches. Now it’s not a problem. I hope to qualify before the last one or two games.” – Maurizio Sarri

It is possible that Sarri took the risk of starting so many key players in order to get Chelsea off to a good start in Europe. A trip to PAOK away was probably the hardest test of the group, with BATE Borisov and MOL Vidi still to come. Going a little heavy-handed with team selection ensured that Chelsea got three points and eased pressure on the remaining fixtures.

That said, Chelsea could have won the game by a larger margin. Those who have watched all their matches so far in 2018/19 have revealed that the Blues are often lacking a killer instinct. The win in Greece was not the first time this season that Chelsea dominated possession but failed to make it show on the scoreboard. Last night they had 68% possession and fired off 22 shots, but just five were on target and they only scored once.

Part of the reason for such profligacy in front of goal was down to Álvaro Morata (£9.0m). The Spaniard did not have a particularly poor game as a whole, but his contribution will be largely remembered for missed chances. There was a first-half header in particular that he really should have buried.

“Alvaro has to gain confidence with one, two, three goals. I am not able to give him confidence. In this match, he has had three, four opportunities. He was unlucky. I hope for him that in the future I can try to help him, but the confidence can become only with goals. With two goals in two matches. I don’t know. I have to say also, for maybe the first time in this season Alvaro was ready in the box. He was on the ball and was active.” – Maurizio Sarri

Finally, there was an interesting story involving left-back Emerson Palmieri (£5.3m). Sarri left the Italian defender out of the match-day squad for the trip and did not explain why in his post-match press conference. Emerson then took to Twitter to explain that he wasn’t injured, before deleting the post shortly afterwards.

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Kepa; Alonso (Azpilicueta 66′), Christensen, Rüdiger, Zappacosta; Barkley, Jorginho (Fabregas 65′), Kanté; Willian, Morata (Giroud 81′), Pedro

ARSENAL 4-2 VORSKLA

Goals: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang x2 (£10.9m), Danny Welbeck (£6.5m), Mesut Özil (£8.3m)

Assists: Alex Iwobi (£5.5m), Henrikh Mkhitaryan x2 (£7.1m), Stephan Lichtsteiner (£4.7m)

The stage looks set for Alexandre Lacazette (£9.4m) to light up Gameweek 6 for Arsenal after he was given the night off on Thursday. The Gunners ran out 4-2 winners over Ukrainian side Vorskla with the Frenchman an unused substitute.

He should line-up alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) for a third league match in a row on Sunday after Unai Emery substituted the Gabonese forward in the 57th minute.

However, there was much to be frustrated about for some Fantasy managers. Firstly, Aubameyang found the net twice in an impressive performance, having taken his time to find his stride when FPL points are on the line.

Furthermore, Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£7.1m), once owned by 20% of Fantasy managers, returned to the starting line-up and demonstrated his credentials by registering two assists. A return to the Premier League first-team still seems a little unlikely though as he sustained a knock to his ankle against Vorskla. Alex Iwobi (£5.5m) had his minutes managed in the second half, while Mkhitaryan played the whole match. Also, Mesut Özil (£8.3m) was restricted to a 33-minute substitute’s appearance in which he scored his second goal in as many matches.

Emery made eight changes to the side that beat Newcastle in Gameweek 5. Aubameyang, Nacho Monreal (£5.5m) and Sokratis Papastathopoulous (£5.3m) were the three to keep their places. The latter performed well according to local press but the Gunners are still without a clean sheet this season after they conceded two goals late on.

“We are speaking before each match about having the mentality to not concede easy chances. Today was a good opportunity not to concede goals. But the last 20 minutes we need to do better on this competitive aspect. It was our disappointment today. We are conceding a few chances, it was the same in Newcastle and we need to continue to improve in this. In the last minute at Newcastle and in the last 20 minutes tonight two goals. Our challenge is to be competitive for 90 minutes, it is one thing to improve.” – Unai Emery

There was the first start in Arsenal colours for summer signing Lucas Torreira (£4.9m). The Uruguyuan central midfielder ran the show in the middle of the park until coming off with a knock in the 57th minute. The fact he was forced off is a great shame for Arsenal fans who are yet to see Torreira start regularly this season. He is now a doubt for Gameweek 6, but when he returns to full fitness he could be the key to transforming Arsenal.

Torreira arrived in north London with a reputation as a ball-winner but took on the role of a deep-lying creative player on Thursday night. Whether he can replicate that against a better quality of opposition remains to be seen, but he clearly has the ability to orchestrate and improve Arsenal’s attacking play. While he may be too much of a deep option to warrant consideration for inclusion in FPL squads, it’s clear he has the ability to improve the Fantasy prospects of the more forward-thinking assets at Arsenal. He also took set pieces and nearly scored from a direct free-kick.

“Lucas played well. He is playing with passion in his performance, each minute he plays he does very well. Torreira he got two hits on his leg. I hope tomorrow and Saturday he is good to be OK for Saturday.” – Unai Emery

Bernd Leno (£4.8m) also made his first competitive start for the Gunners.

“For Leno it was his first match also. We conceded two goals but not from a mistake from him. For him, he got minutes in the game and he can take confidence to also because he is continuing to play matches in the next week.” – Unai Emery

ARSENAL XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Monreal, Holding, Sokratis, Lichtsteiner; Elneny, Torreira (Guendouzi 57′); Iwobi (Smith-Rowe 70′), Mkhitaryan, Welbeck; Aubameyang (Özil 57′).

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1,946 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Trippier or Robertson for Mendy?

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

      Trippier

    2. Pooodle
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Walker?

    3. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Laporte another

  2. YouReds
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    anyone have any faith in Arsenal's attack and in particular Laca?

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Laca a great option.

      1. moz_1983
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Stuck with laca since GW1, his stats look good, good fixtures coming up, rested midweek... I'm keeping.

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

          thats what I'm thinking

          Arnie > Laca incoming

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

      Always. I want Ramsey, but the Mendy news might put that on hold. I had Laca and regret selling 😀

  3. FPL FREAK
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Keep Pedro or sell for -4...??

    My team:

    Rui patricio.
    Mendy. Alonso. AWB.
    Salah. Hazard. Mane. Pedro. Stephens.
    Aguero. Wilson.

    Hamer. Kamara. Bednarek. Peltier.

    Don't have any free transfer so hold on Pedro or swap him for -4..?? If yes then with whome. .?

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

      If you want to replace Pedro, you can go for:

      Richarlison / Maddison / Fraser

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

    A) Mendy > Trippier
    B) Ings > Mitrovic
    C) Other move
    D) WC

    0FT, 1.8M ITB

    Foster
    Alonso Mendy* Robertson AWB
    Salah Hazard Bernardo Fraser Hughes
    Aguero

    Fabianski | Kamara Peltier Ings*

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

        My bench sucks big time.

        WC's so tempting...

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Probably A unless you fancy Shaw plus cash

  5. V K
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Who are your must haves if youre on a WC?
    Hazard, Kun, Alonso for me

    1. Bilbao Baggins
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Definitely some one for Liverpool. And probably one other man city

    2. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Kun isn't a must have at all.
      He's only actually scored in one game, and they've been easy games.

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

        Yeah, Kun is a nostalgia pick.

  6. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Final decisions on Wildcard here... which option?

    GK 1 GK 2
    Alonso Robertson Doherty Wan-Bissaka DEF 5
    Hazard Mane Richarlison Fraser Hojbjerg
    Aguero Firmino Mitrovic

    A) Etheridge, Hennessey, Laporte

    B) Ederson, Button, Shaw

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

      B

  7. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Is Mitrovic definitely on pens?

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      No one knows for sure, but probably

      1. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks

  8. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Red flag on Mendy. Wholesale catastrophe starts

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

      🙁

    2. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Can take the 0.1 drop tonight without loosing value. Doherty coming in from bench.
      Trippier in next GW in the cards.

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

      Love it (Mendy owner)!

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

        I don't understand?

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

          Think it spices things up when such a highly owned player is confirmed out that’s all

          People have a choice to make!

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

            I see...if it was a highly owned player that I didn't have I'd feel the same way...but now I have to debate the issue of price as I'll want him back when he's fit again, and I don't want to have to pay more than 6.2m for him (current selling value)

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

              This is what I mean, it makes people think.

              Fwiw I’m keeping hold for now and playing Wan B, see if we get any more info on Mendy next week.

              Although metatarsal injury doesn’t sound promising 🙁

    4. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Happy to play AWB or Holebas from my bench this week.

  9. konrad.sygula95
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Need some help with this team, what should I do?
    Bring in Hazard somehow?
    2ft 0.1itb

    Fabianski - Patricio
    Awb-Mendy-Robbo-Pereira-Bednarek
    Salah-Eriksen-Maddison-B.Silva-Costa
    Aguero-Zaha-King

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Incident in Feb

  10. Iain Dowies Love Child
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    "Pep Guardiola didn't entirely clarify what the extent of Benjamin Mendy's present injury situation is.
    The France full-back has not played for City since before the international break and was missing from training again today.
    Last week, Guardiola said Mendy had a knee problem.
    Today that had changed. Guardiola said the injury was bone related and is somewhere near the ankle or the foot.
    He offered no indication when the former Monaco man was likely to be fit again."

    Hmmm.

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      It sounds like he will be out more than one GW to me

  11. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    If I have AWB coming in for Mendy and Hughes 2nd on bench do I need to take a hit to get Pedro out or is Hughes good enough?

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

      I'd keep Hughes

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

        * play

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Not even take chance that Pedro comes on from bench and scores?

  12. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Hmmm want both Laporte and Trippier in the next 2 weeks but can't decide which one, have Ederson but do I spread the coverage or take the better fixture?

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

      Trippier

    2. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Trippier for sure then

    3. Bilbao Baggins
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Pff. Trippier is a great fantasy player but rotation fear hmm

  13. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    On a wildcard would you get a city midfielder?

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

      David Silva is a good option

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

      Yes

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

      Sterling.
      But would probably mean losing one of Hazard, or Salah/Mane

  14. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Would be a bit funny if City kept another CS without Mendy

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Hilarious.

      1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        This

  15. pressdpm
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Is there any Arsenal defender wort considering, or is there really no point potential there?

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

      I wouldn't touch an Ars def

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I have Bellerin and not to confident about him, but the fixtures are there.

  16. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    A hit this week is better than the same hit the following week?

    Might do Walcott to Richarlison (-4) a week early as will have other issues next GW

    1. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Why take a hit for a sideways move?

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Cause it's special circumstances when Theo is involved

  17. Balotellitubbies
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Got 2FT & already have Fraser

    A) Kamara, B. Silva -> Mitro, Rich
    B) Kamara -> Wilson & bank 1FT

  18. Albert_Luque
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Really stuck between these two moves, both for free. Any help would be much appreciated.

    A) Mendy to Alonso
    B) Mane to Hazard

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Obviously A

  19. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    For next GW:
    a) Mendy + Billing to Bennet + Richarlison (leave Hughes as 5th mid)
    b) Mendy + Hughes to S.Cook + Richarlison (leave Billing as 5th mid)

  20. Meme2011
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Made a big error in hastily getting rid of Mane on wildcard (lost 0.2m) now i wish i had him for this week as i could've had Mane & Vardy...

    whats the best pairing 1.this week & 2.moving forward

    A) Lacazette & Sane (differential)

    B) Kane & Richarlison

    C) Zaha & Hazard

    assuming moving forward most will go hazard...

  21. CaTriEm
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Are sky sports covering any of the 3 o clock kick offs tomorrow?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      How do you mean?

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

      No

    3. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Soccer Saturday

  22. ScratchingTheMud
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    The Mendy dilemma:

    Last week Pep said Mendy was out with a knee injury...

    Today he says he has a problem with a bone in his foot...

    Meanwhile, reports emerge Mendy has been banned from driving for 12 months after 4 separate offences and not turning up to court.

    What are people doing with him? I suspect his unavailability may have something to do with his unproffessionalism off the field.

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Fishy situation, gonna sell

    2. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Playing AWB

  23. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Since mendy is injured... who as first sub? Kabasele or Jimenez

  24. Tabbara
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts anyone
    Bennet+D Silva for Walcott and Mendy (-4)
    Would allow me to get hazard for mane next week in 1FT

  25. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Mendy to Laporte and Ings to Laczette? For -4

    Foster
    Van Dijk Laporte Alonso
    Mané Hazard BSilva Fraser
    Aguero Lacazette Mitrovic

    Patricio AWB Tomkins Billings

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe not take that hit and play the Palace defenders

    2. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Absolutely

  26. V K
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Morata, Odoi out
    Kamara, Hazard in (-4)?

  27. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Mendy on red. So is it knee-jerk move to do Mendy to Laporte or Walker for free?

  28. Tosa86
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Hennessy - Fabianski
    Mendy* - VVD - WanBissaka - alonso - holebas
    salah - neves - pedro* - stephens - manè
    arnautovic* - aguero - zaha

    at the moment i picked my team:

    Hennessy
    Mendy* - VVD - Alonso - WanBissaka
    Salah - Pedro* - Manè
    Arnautovic* - Aguero - Zaha

    Fabianski - Holebas - Neves - Stephens.

    FT: 0
    InB: 0.1

    Can i play in this way..or i need to play the wild card?in the second case, which player i can choose?
    thanks

  29. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    I have a dilemma.. is it worth weakening my WC defence to avoid a benching problem?

    Currently got AWB Alonso and Shaw starting, and Doherty and Bennett benched.

    But I have 0.9itb so would be easy to strengthen Doherty and give myself a headache

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Next week they have Southampton at home. Bennett upgrade imo

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

        This, keep Doherty for sure