Scout Notes

Arnautovic blanks as Brighton get first clean sheet of 2018/19

Just under a fifth of Fantasy managers put their faith in Marko Arnautovic for Gameweek 8 only to be disappointed.

It was the West Ham striker’s first blank away from home since the opening day of the season, despite plenty of opportunities falling his way against Brighton.

Meanwhile, there was a first clean sheet of the campaign for the Seagulls.

We’ve got all the Fantasy talking points from their 1-0 win on Friday night in this latest Scout Notes article.

Brighton 1-0 West Ham

Goals: Glenn Murray (£6.5m)

Assists: Beram Kayal (£4.4m)

Brighton’s talismanic striker Glenn Murray (£6.5m) was the difference as the Seagulls beat West Ham on Friday night. The 35-year-old has now scored four home goals this season, with no Premier League player able to boast more at time of writing. Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero (£11.4m) is currently level with Murray, who had four shots against West Ham.

However, a switch to the Brighton man is not necessarily the best option, looking at his upcoming schedule. Three of his next four matches are away from home, where Murray has found the net just once in 2018/19. Furthermore, the only match at the Amex Stadium in that run is against a Wolves side that ranks top of the league for big chances allowed away from home.

Midfielder Beram Kayal (£4.4m) continued to benefit from the absence of Dale Stephens (£4.4m). It was his third start in a row in place of the injured Stephens, and he provided the assist for Murray’s first-half close-range tap-in. However, he is another budget option to probably avoid looking ahead. Stephens is a clear favourite in the middle of the park and is reportedly closing in on a return to the side. That said, Davy Pröpper (£4.9m) was taken off with a knock in the second half potentially leaving the door open for Kayal starts, depending on the extent of the injury.

“I have felt I probably need a run of games, but every child when he is dreaming is dreaming to play in these games.” – Beram Kayal

Manager Chris Hughton lined his Brighton side up in the usual 4-4-1-1 formation but afforded Solly March (£5.0m) are more advanced role just behind Murray, compared to his usual left-midfield berth. That spot was occupied by Iranian international Alireza Jahanbakhsh (£6.8m).

Anthony Knockaert (£5.5m) performed admirably in his latest audition for Fantasy inclusion. The appealing nature of Brighton’s upcoming fixtures means the Frenchman is now the radars of some managers. Once again, he was the chief creator for Brighton, producing three key passes in the game. With Pascal Groß (£6.7m) still sidelined, Knockaert remains on set-pieces too.

The 1-0 win over West Ham meant that Brighton finally registered their first clean sheet of the season, at the eighth time of asking. It is likely that the Seagulls benefitted from the experience of right-back Bruno (£4.4m) who made his first appearance since Gameweek 1 in the Friday night encounter. Martín Montoya (£4.5m) had been filling in for him since he was taken off injured against Watford on opening weekend. He did not feature at the Amex Stadium. Meanwhile, Bruno earned praise from his manager and an FPL bonus point for his efforts.

“It’s difficult to get the right combination at the back. I thought we needed Bruno’s composure in the end. We know what we get from them, they are as brave as each other and they throw their bodies on the line. It’s a massive win for us.” – Chris Hughton

The clean sheet was good news for Mat Ryan (£4.5m), who made four saves in the match. The addition of his two bonus points ensured he matched Murray’s match-score of nine.

Shane Duffy (£4.5m) was the only Brighton defender to earn fewer than six points for the shut-out, earning a booking for a rash challenge on Marko Arnautovic (£7.0m). The centre-back has now picked up a yellow card in each of his last two matches but has averaged 5.25 points in the last four Gameweeks.

While Murray was scoring his sixth Premier League goal against West Ham, Marko Arnautovic blanked away from home for the first time since a Gameweek 1 trip to Liverpool. 260,000+ managers signed the Austrian forward ahead of Gameweek 8 but earned just one point for their efforts.

Arnautovic had more shots on goal than any other player in the game and still could not find a breakthrough. He registered the same number of goal attempts (five) at Brighton as he had managed in the three appearances prior to Friday night. However, only one of them was on target, a fine volley struck at goal, following a well-worked Felipe Anderson (£6.8m) corner.

Arnautovic’s performance was a laborious one, with him regularly dropping deep to create opportunities. Despite registering more touches in the penalty box than any other player on the pitch, these were often with his back to goal. It was frustration at this that saw him lash out and earn a yellow card in the second half. Manager Manuel Pellegrini played down any suggestions that he was carrying a knock in his post-match comments.

“Marko Arnautovic was not injured. He was able to play without any problem.” – Manuel Pellegrini

It was clear that Arnautovic needed more creativity behind him to free him up from having to take the responsibility upon himself. Accordingly, Pellegrini ditched his 4-3-3 formation in the 59th minute when he brought Michail Antonio (£6.8m) on for Pedro Obiang (£4.4m).

This allowed him to operate a 4-2-3-1 system, with Antonio and Andriy Yarmolenko (£6.8m) out wide and Anderson tucking in behind Arnautovic and assuming his creative duties. Lucas Pérez (£6.3m) was soon introduced for Yarmolenko. The changes breathed some new life into West Ham’s play as Arnautovic was given slightly more licence to lead the line. The Hammers did finish with a higher shot count (17 to 9), but could not make that count.

Anderson remained on set-pieces for the match but disappointed with a number of his corners and free-kicks. In the second half, Robert Snodgrass (£5.4m) and Arnautovic became the candidates for direct free-kicks, with the latter blazing over a late effort.

Promising recent defensive displays against Chelsea and Manchester United appear to have been a false dawn for West Ham. They averaged half as many big chances allowed at Brighton compared to their two previous matches and were still breached. Pellegrini had insisted beating the Red Devils in Gameweek 7 was not as much of a turning point as some had suggested. It looks as if he may have been right.

“Before this game, I said it was not a turning point that we beat Man Utd, every game is difficult. We must continue working the same way as the way we played the last 45 minutes was more what we wanted.” – Manuel Pellegrini

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION XI (4-4-1-1): Ryan; Bong, Dunk, Duffy, Bruno; Jahanbakhsh, Propper (Bissouma 80′), Kayal (Izquierdo 70′), Knockaert; March (Locadia 86′); Murray

WEST HAM UNITED XI (4-3-3): Fabianski; Masuaku, Diop, Balbuena, Zabaleta; Noble (Snodgrass 83′), Obiang (Antonio 59′), Rice; Anderson, Arnautovic, Yarmolenko (Pérez 68′).

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1,856 Comments Post a Comment
  1. *sigh*
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Ayling reminds me so much of Robbie Savage

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Had him on my Yeovil Town career mode a few years back.
      Good times.

  2. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Oh my is Richarlison St on the week I am planning to get rid :O maybe need another KDB route then 🙁

  3. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Lol anyone listening to pontus jannsons post match interview on pitch haha legend

  4. Hy liverpool
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Palace vs wolves score predictions?

    Guess it and you win nothing

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

      1-1

    2. Podge
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      0-2

    3. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      0-1, Jimenez goal, Costa assist.

    4. Wılly
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      0-0

    5. Majestic Chanka
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Like Wargames, the only winning move is not to play!

    6. *sigh*
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      1-1

    7. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      2-0

    8. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      0-1 wolves

    9. Lokako
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      0 - 0

    10. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      0-0 would be perfect

    11. Rash
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I'd be happy with 0.0

    12. Numb
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      0-0

    13. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      0 - 1

  5. Rash
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Have Kane captain but worried still as a trippier non owner

    1. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Spurs keep conceding jammy goals, so hopefully Bamba gets a header late on.

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Don't live your life in fear is my advice

    3. Lokako
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Trippier - 1 point
      Yellow and conceeding 1 goal
      You read it here first

      1. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        I read it here first and almost certainly last.

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

    Looking forward to seeing the Newcastle options audition for a place in my team this evening.

    Yedlin, Kennedy, maybe even a striker to free up funds will be on the watchlist.

    1. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Joselu frees up a lot of funds

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Don't think this Newcastle team will score enough to justify Kenedy, nevermind a striker.

    3. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Joselu is on my radar

      1. *sigh*
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        You’re lost

        1. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Maverick minds are easily misunderstood

    4. shortymak
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Richie get most assist and a goal but attacking wise they look bad but they had very tough games yedlin ive my eye on

      1. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Ritchie is too expensive for what he returns. Ideally I’d be looking to spend no more than 5m on a player from Newcastle.

  7. Coaly
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Best keeper to bring in as a set and forget?

    a) Ryan
    b) Dubravka
    c) Scmeichel

    1. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Has to be Ryan for those fixtures.

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

      Dubravka should come good imo

    3. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Abra-Dubravka

    4. Wılly
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      B, more value in Ryan though.

    5. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Ryan for his price

    6. *sigh*
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      A

    7. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Ryan has a 4.0 understudy ..... just saying.

    8. Down with this sort of thin…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      D) Leno 4.8?

    9. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      B

  8. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Richarlison Maddison blanks
    With Son outscoring Kane would be nice

    1. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Hopefully A outscores B in your scenario 😆

  9. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Hopefully Zaha to Vardy doesn't bite me

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I fancy Vardy.. Was Considering bringing him and captain this week but i didn't

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

      Good transfer

  10. DGW Sane TC Fail....
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    think my differential this week is Shaw

  11. Winners900
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    If I join a minileague now. Will I have my points or will I start with 0 points?

    Appriciated!

    1. DGW Sane TC Fail....
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      you will have all your points

    2. ZaZaZu
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Your points

    3. Down with this sort of thin…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Likely same points. League admin can set the week from which points count, but I'd imagine most will start GW1.

    4. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Your points count so you slot in where appropriate. Some idiot joined my prize ML in gw 37 and took my football shirt prize 😥

      1. Winners900
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks!

      2. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Why did you even allow him to join? Join from gw1 or gtfo..

  12. Chenku╰☆╮
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Who plays up front for Everton today? Wally?

    1. DGW Sane TC Fail....
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Richarlison

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

      Richarlison

      1. Chenku╰☆╮
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Are u sure though.. we will find out soon.

        1. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Unless they're lying on their Twitter.

    3. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Richarlison

    4. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      R

  13. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Predictions for 15.00 KOs?

    Burnley 2-1 Huddersfield
    Crystal Palace - 0-2 Wolves
    Leicester 2-0 Everton
    Spurs 1-0 Cardiff
    Watford 1-3 Bournemouth

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

      leicester -everton btts, watford to win imo

    2. Lokako
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Burnley 1-1 Huddersfield
      Crystal Palace - 0-0 Wolves
      Leicester 1-2 Everton
      Spurs 5-0 Cardiff
      Watford 0-3 Bournemouth

    3. Rash
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      2.0
      0.0
      2.1
      2.0
      2.1

    4. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Some off centre predictions there!

      Burnley 2-0 Huddersfield
      Crystal Palace - 1-0 Wolves
      Leicester 2-2 Everton
      Spurs 2-0 Cardiff
      Watford 2-0 Bournemouth

      1. Beard of Bees
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Agree with all of those

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

      1-0
      0-0
      3-1
      5-1
      1-1

    6. Jenks
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Burnley 2 - Huddersfield 0
      Crystal Palace 0 - Wolves 0
      Leicester 2 - Everton 2
      Spurs 3 - Cardiff 1
      Watford 2 - Bournemouth 1

    7. DGW Sane TC Fail....
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      1-0
      0-0
      2-1
      3-0
      2-1

  14. Nutsmuts
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Vardy (c) yes go hatrik my boy

    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      We have done OK against Everton in the past few years but they are a bit of bogey side.

  15. barton fc
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    pitty set on this WC for gw9-10
    0.0ITB
    fab (hamer)
    alonso robbo doherty (dunk AWB)
    salah hazard sterling richalison (CHO)
    arnie mitro murray

    thoughts?

  16. Rash
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Really hope Kane gets a goal early so we can avoid all the "Kane fail" posts before half time.

    1. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

    2. DGW Sane TC Fail....
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      am never around when the games kick off it's much better to watch a game.

    3. The Jackal
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      All non owners are keeping their fingers crossed.
      We all know what he is capable of and just hoping the gods are with us and Spurs attacking points come from elsewhere. For me personally it was a case of leaving myself with 2 FT after the break. If he blanks then I will think myself very lucky. I promise I wont "Kane fail" post :^)

  17. GinjaWhinja
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    As a non-owner, anything less than 2 goals for Kane will be deemed a success.

    1. DGW Sane TC Fail....
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      i will be happy with 1 goal and 3 bonus ..

  18. Chenku╰☆╮
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Today is going to be did day.. just have a feeling about it.. 30 average after games are finished.

    1. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      *Dud

  19. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Kane blank and Cardiff goal.. who’s with me?

    1. Lokako
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Tripper will score this year most comical own goal before starting a fight with the judge and direct red card
      You read it here first

      1. Lokako
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Then hatrick for Kane

      2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Fighting with a judge in the UK never ends well

    2. Nutsmuts
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Kane miss penalty and red card

  20. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    My Maddison pick over Richi on wc is going to mean I continue my can't catch a break run that started in gw32 last season isn't it 😆

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Nah, Maddi is better.

    2. DGW Sane TC Fail....
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      great pick Maddison ..

    3. grumpyman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I think both will end with similar points this season. I'll probably switch between them depending on fixtures. Maddison for now.

    4. Reedy
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      If it helps, this fixture last year was 2-0. I'd rather have Madds.

      1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Seems most do mate. Didn't expect him to start up front. I know the were rumours but Tosun did ok last game

        Hope you all right

  21. Fer Fuch's Ake
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Can someone build a couch surrounding the Wembley stadium, non-Kane owner here

  22. Differentiator
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Kane 4 goals please.

  23. Differentiator
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Arter close

  24. Differentiator
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Cardiff pressing high. Trippier CS gone and Spurs running riot confirmed

  25. seewhyaxe
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    goals galore!

  26. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Benched Wilson. Cool.

  27. southernpacific
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Sold Wilson for vardy 🙂

  28. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Wes Morgon red card

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

      For 2nd yellow

    2. TyroneGAA
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Really?

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

        Yup

        Leicester will be under even more pressure for th last 25min

  29. learnedlizard
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Khabib may get his title stripped off