Scout Notes

Fraser and Richarlison impress as international break draws to close

Fantasy Premier League managers can finally worry no longer about their players being involved in internationl matches as the latest break came to a close in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

We’ve rounded up all the matches that took place over night and on Tuesday ahead of the Gameweek 13 deadline.

Ryan Fraser and Richarlison were in fine form for their respective nations, which will be encouraging to their owners and potential suitors.

There would have been a report on Egypt’s trip to the United Arab Emirates but the match was cancelled.

UEFA Nations League

Kosovo 4-0 Azerbaijan

Aro Muric (£4.5m) – 90 minutes

Manchester City goalkeeper Aro Muric kept a clean sheet on a memorable night for Kosovo on Tuesday.

The small Balkan nation has only been recognised by FIFA for two years but their 4-0 win over Azerbaijan means they have now secured at least a play-off spot in qualifying for Euro 2020.

Serbia 4-1 Lithuania

Aleksandar Mitrovic (£6.6m) – 90 minutes

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic continued his excellent scoring run for his country as Serbia secured top spot in their UEFA Nations League group with a 4-1 win over Lithuania.

He scored his second goal in as matches to take his record in competitive international matches in 2018/19 to six in four. That is in huge contrast to his club form for Mitrovic, with just one strike in his last eight Premier League outings.

Nemanja Matic (£5.0m) was left out of the Serbian match-day squad altogether but there has been no confirmation whether the decision to omit him was injury-related or not.

Portugal 1-1 Poland

Jan Bednarek (£3.9m) – 90 minutes

Southampton defender Jan Bednarek got 90 minutes for Poland as their 1-1 draw saw Portugal win the UEFA Nations League group.

In fact, he was the only FPL asset involved in the match as Rui Patrício (£4.6m) and Cédric Soares (£4.4m) remained on the bench. Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves (£5.0m) was absent from the matchday squad, although there have been no reports of an injury.

Sweden 2-0 Russia

Victor Lindelöf (£4.8m) – 90 minutes

Manchester United’s Victor Lindelöf made a memorable comeback from the illness that had ruled him out of Sweden’s first match of the international break.

The centre-back fired his nation into the lead as they went on to beat Russia 2-0 and seal promotion from their UEFA Nations League group.

Scotland 3-2 Israel

Andrew Robertson (£6.5m) – 90 minutes
Callum Paterson (£5.2m) – 90 minutes
Ryan Fraser (£6.2m) – 90 minutes
Stuart Armstrong (£5.1m) – 76 minutes
Scott McTominay (£4.3m) – 3 minutes

Beram Kayal (£4.4m) – 90 minutes

James Forrest may have been the hat-trick hero for Scotland on an epic UEFA Nations League night, but the FPL focus was on Ryan Fraser.

The Bournemouth midfielder emerged from the 3-2 win with two assists to his name. That took his goal involvement total to four over the November international break, one scored himself and three more assisted.

The impressive versatility of Cardiff’s Calum Paterson was on show once again. The utility man, who has operated in defence, midfield and attack in his time in South Wales, has established himself as Cardiff’s first-choice centre-forward this season. However, there was a return to his roots against Israel as he played 90 minutes at right-back. Paterson doesn’t particularly enjoy playing there but was happy to be back in the national set-up.

“It’s not my favourite position. I like to attack and I was a bit exposed. It’s not the best for me but I’d do whatever is asked for me for the country.” – Calum Paterson

Meanwhile, there was another goal for Brighton central midfielder Beram Kayal, who put Israel into an early lead before they were defeated.

Friendlies

Albania 1-0 Wales

Danny Ward (£4.4m) – 90 minutes
Sam Vokes (£5.3m) – 78 minutes
David Brooks (£5.1m) – 59 minutes
Aaron Ramsey (£7.4m) – 34 minutes

Wales ended the latest international break in embarrassing fashion as they were beaten by Albania on Tuesday night.

Danny Ward was named between the sticks, just his third for club or country start since joining Leicester over the summer.

The two other FPL options starting the match were not permitted to complete the match. Burnley’s Sam Vokes and Bournemouth’s David Brooks lasted 78 and 59 minutes respectively.

Aaron Ramsey came on for the last 34 minutes while substitute goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey (£4.5m) spent the match on the bench.

Argentina 2-0 Mexico

Roberto Pereyra (£6.4m) – 90 minutes
Erik Lamela (£6.5m) – 59 minutes
Paulo Gazzaniga (£4.5m) – 31 minutes

Erik Lamela continued to calm any fears over the facial injury he suffered in Gameweek 12 as he started for Argentina against Mexico in the early hours of Wednesday morning. He featured as a substitute against them a few days before and lasted 59 minutes this time around, contributing an assist.

Watford’s Roberto Pereyra also managed to play for the entire 90 minutes.

Sergio Romero (£5.0m) and Juan Foyth (£5.1m) were among the unused substitutes.

These are all players perhaps the most at risk of suffering jet lag issues in the build-up to Gameweek 13 with both of their matches played in Argentina.

However, Raúl Jiménez (£5.8m) was not involved in this second match for Mexico. It is unknown whether or not he came back early.

Australia 3-0 Lebanon

Mat Ryan (£4.6m) – 45 minutes
Aaron Mooy (£5.1m) – 82 minutes

It was a memorable night for Huddersfield midfielder Aaron Mooy as Australia beat Lebanon 3-0. He provided the assist for Martin Boyle’s opening goal but was also chosen as the make way for Tim Cahill’s final Socceroos’ final appearance.

Meanwhile, Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan was substituted at half-time.

Brazil 1-0 Cameroon

Ederson (£5.8m) – 90 minutes
Danilo (£5.1m) – 90 minutes
Richarlison (£6.9m) – 82 minutes
Willian (£7.4m) – 68 minutes
Roberto Firmino (£9.2m) – 45 minutes
Gabriel Jesus (£10.1m) – 45 minutes

Gaetan Bong (£4.5m) – 90 minutes

Richarlison further dispelled any fitness fears by scoring the only goal as Brazil completed their Global Tour with a 1-0 win over Cameroon in Milton Keynes. However, the Everton striker did not actually start the match, coming on for an injured Neymar in the eighth minute. He headed home a corner on the stroke of half-time ahead of a week where he could be the FFScout Community’s chosen captain option against Cardiff.

The set piece Richarlison converted was sent in by Chelsea’s Willian. The midfielder has been exceptionally creative this season, contributing three league assists from 34 chances created. No player has fashioned more opportunities in the Premier League than him in 2018/19, and he continued that impressive form on Tuesday night.

Danilo reminded Fantasy managers of his potential to replace the injured Benjamin Mendy (£6.4m) in Gameweek 13. Fabian Delph (£5.3m) and Leroy Sané (£9.2m) have been much discussed but Danilo’s versatility allows him to play on either flank of defence, and he has completed 180 minutes over the international break.

Roberto Firmino (£9.2m) and Gabriel Jesus (£10.1m) shared minutes in this one with the former getting more pitch-time across the two matches. The Man City man was unlucky not to score though as he hit the post in the second half.

Firmino’s Liverpool colleagues Alisson (£5.7m) and Fabinho (£5.5m) were left on the bench.

Gaetan Bong (£4.5m) played the whole match for Cameroon but Fulham’s André-Franck Zambo Anguissa (£4.4m) was not in the matchday squad at all.

Chile 4-1 Honduras

Alexis Sánchez (£10.0m) – 90 minutes

It was a decent night for Manchester United’s Alexis Sánchez as he contributed to Chile’s big win over Honduras.

It was his header, saved by Luis Lopez, which lead to Arturo Vidal’s opening goal and he scored in the second half.

However, it took him two stabs at the 61st-minute penalty to find the back of the net after his initial effort was saved.

As has been the case lots of times this season, Sánchez’s place in the next Man United line-up is not secure, exacerbated by a later return from South America and possibly jet lag issues between now and the weekend.

France 1-0 Uruguay

Hugo Lloris (£5.4m) – 90 minutes
N’Golo Kanté (£4.9m) – 90 minutes
Olivier Giroud (£7.7m) – 80 minutes
Mamadou Sakho (£5.0m) – 45 minutes
Moussa Sissoko (£4.9m) – 1 minute

Lucas Torreira (£4.9m) – 74 minutes

Olivier Giroud continues to re-familiarise himself with finding the net as he scored the only goal of France’s 1-0 win over Uruguay.

He netted his 33rd strike for Les Bleus from the penalty spot to go closer to third-placed David Trezeguet in the all-time top-scorers list for France.

Meanwhile, Mamadou Sakho became the latest player to fall victim to the international break injury curse. He was substituted at half-time with a suspected back problem and is now a doubt for Gameweek 13.

Lucas Digne (£4.8m) remained unused on the bench.

Iran 1-1 Venezuela

Salomón Rondón (£5.7m) – 16 minutes

There was little FPL interest in this match as Newcastle’s Salomón Rondón featured only as a second-half substitute.

Iran’s Alireza Jahanbakhsh (£6.7m) missed out on international duty with a hamstring problem.

Italy 1-0 USA

Emerson Palmieri (£5.2m) – 90 minutes

Chelsea’s Emerson was the only FPL asset present as Italy beat the USA 1-0.

Jorginho (£5.0m) was given permission to make an early return to Chelsea and therefore missed the match. He is not believed to be carrying any kind of injury.

DeAndre Yedlin (£4.5m) was also absent despite having played 90 minutes against England.

Japan 4-0 Kyrgyzstan

Maya Yoshida (£4.2m) – 29 minutes

Southampton centre-back Maya Yoshida managed just 29 minutes on the pitch in a second-half appearance for Japan. They thrashed Kyrgyzstan in their latest warm-up match ahead of January’s Asian Cup.

Nigeria 0-0 Uganda

Alex Iwobi (£5.5m) – 75 minutes
Isaac Success (£4.6m) – 45 minutes
Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.9m) – 2 minutes

Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi got a well-earned rest towards the end of Nigeria’s friendly draw with Uganda. After completing 90 minutes against South Africa, he was afforded the last quarter of an hour on Tuesday night.

No Premier League player featured more than him in the game, with Isaac Success coming on at half-time and Kelechi Iheanacho with just moments remaining.

Meanwhile, after playing 90 minutes against South Africa, Leon Balogun (£4.2m) was not involved this time around. He was allowed to return to Brighton after qualification for the 2019 African Cup of Nations tournament was sealed.

South Africa 1-1 Paraguay

Fabian Balbuena (£4.4m) – 90 minutes

West Ham’s Fabian Balbuena was the only FPL asset present in this match. He played 90 minutes but failed to keep a clean sheet.

Tunisia 0-1 Morocco

Romain Saïss (£4.2m) – 90 minutes

Versatile Wolves man Romain Saïss’ played 90 minutes for his country as they were 1-0 winners over Tunisia.

Turkey 0-0 Ukraine

Caglar Söyüncü (£4.9m) – 90 minutes
Cenk Tosun (£6.6m) – 45 minutes

Oleksandar Zinchenko (£4.8m) – 90 minutes

Centre-back Caglar Söyüncü made his case for a return to the Leicester line-up in the absence of Harry Maguire (£5.5m) for Gameweek 13. He started for his country once again, keeping a clean sheet against Ukraine.

Everton’s Cenk Tosun featured only in the second half while Manchester City’s Oleksandar Zinchenko played the whole match in central midfield for Ukraine.

Denmark Under-21s 1-5 England Under-21s

Kieran Dowell (£4.5m) – 90 minutes
Dominic Solanke (£4.7m) – 90 minutes
Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.2m) – 71 minutes
Lewis Cook (£4.8m) – 71 minutes
Demarai Gray (£5.4m) – 71 minutes
Phil Foden (£4.6m) – 61 minutes
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.3m) – 29 minutes
Ryan Sessegnon (£6.0m) – 19 minutes

England Under-21s players continued their success on the international scene as they extended their unbeaten run to 22 matches with a 5-1 thrashing of Denmark.

There was a goal for Demarai Gray who will be hoping to nail down his starting place in Leicester’s line-up for the upcoming Gameweeks.

However, it was Liverpool’s Dominic Solanke who stole the show with his brace, the second of which was a hugely impressive back-heel over the goalkeeper and into the net. Naturally, there have been already been calls for the youngster to overtake Daniel Sturridge (£5.8m) in the Liverpool pecking order, but that may still be unlikely at this stage.

Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced into the game for the final half an hour and added two goals of his own, one from the penalty spot, as he hopes to make his first league start since Gameweek 7 this weekend.

Manchester City and England fans also have grounds to be excited about midfielder Phil Foden who was a creative force against Denmark, registering two assists. The first a sweeping through-ball to Gray for his opener, the second a shot saved by the goalkeeper before Solanke backheeled the rebound into the net.

Everton’s Kieran Dowell also assisted on the night while colleague Tom Davies (£5.2m) sat alongside and Angus Gunn (£4.3m) among the unused substitutes.

Ademola Lookman (£5.1m) missed out on the match having returned to Everton with a minor injury.

UEFA European Under-21s Championship qualification – play-offs

Portugal Under-21s 1-3 Poland Under-21s

Diogo Jota (£5.9m) – 90 minutes

Wolves attacker Diogo Jota will be hoping his performance against Poland on Tuesday will help him earn a first start since Gameweek 9 this weekend.

He scored the only goal for Portugal’s Under-21s side as they were eliminated from European Under-21s Championship qualification at the play-offs stage.

UEFA European Under-19s Championship qualification

Turkey Under-19s 1-0 England Under-19s

Morgan Gibbs-White (£4.3m) – 45 minutes
Steven Sessegnon (£4.0m) – 19 minutes
Callum Hudson-Odoi (£4.2m) – 9 minutes

England’s under-19s side might be wishing they had utilised their FPL contingent more extensively in their 1-0 defeat to Turkey. None of them started the match with Wolve’s Morgan Gibbs-White getting the most pitch-time.

Steven Sessegnon and Callum Hudson-Odoi featured as second-half substitutes while Arsenal’s Emile Smith-Rowe (£4.5m) remained on the bench.

Huddersfield’s Philip Billing (£4.5m) was not involved for Denmark despite receiving a call-up. There has been no reported injury, however.

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620 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Mysterion
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    When did Everton sign Andre Silva and turn him into a midfielder 😛

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

      probably confused with Andre Gomes

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

    Fabs
    Mendy Robbo Alonso Doherty
    Salah Hazard Maddison
    Kun Arnie Jimenez
    Button - Duffy - Kenedy - Obiang

    Looking for replacements for Mendy and Maddison up to 13.4m.

    A. TAA with Richarlison (12)
    B. TAA with Martial (12.7)
    C. Digne with Dilva (13.4)
    D. Laporte with Richarlison (12.9)
    E. Digne with Martial (12.4)
    F. AWB with any of the above (cheapest option).

    Best pair?

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      D, but don’t over think it much more 🙂

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

        Yes, I might be getting annoying now. Will back off 🙂

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Don’t back of but you need to take stock of what suits you and your plans, there is only so much advice you can absorb from here for a couple of transfers ... it is great that you are thinking deeply about it and good luck with what you decide 🙂

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

            Thanks Hotdogs. Sound advice!

    2. spyda12001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Depends on your ranking and goals to me but I think C is a great differential pick. D is the safe pick though.

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

    Schindler a safe perma-bench player over Xmas?

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Go Fernandez for 0.1 more

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

        Wish I could afford

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

      If truly perma bench why not go cheaper? (AWB or Bennett)

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

        Got AWB, Doberty + Pat

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

          Schindler is safe but not sure I would want a Hudds defender coming in over Xmas pile up - mayeb wait util you have a few more 0.1s to get someone a bit better

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

      I actually think he's decent bench-fodder. Nailed when fit, slight attacking threat, good fixtures and Huddersfield are far from the worst defensive outfit in the league.

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

    Hi all, currently on wc and could need some help on this one.

    LLORIS - Hamer

    Alonso - Robertson - Doherty - STONES - Wan Bissaka

    Hazard, MANE, D SILVA, Richarlison, Camarasa

    Aguero, Arnautovic, Jimenez

    ———

    A, B, C or D?

    A) Lloris, Stones, Mane, D Silva
    B) Fabianski, Laporte, Sterling, Martial
    C) Ederson, Yedlin, Sterling, Martial
    D) Lloris, Digne, Sterling, Martial

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

      C

    2. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      B

  5. french holiday
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    good fixtures + nailed + fabianski in goal + high in bps and ict
    Balbuena has produced 13 shots inside the penalty area, placing him joint-third with Marcos Alonso among FPL defenders.
    people sleeping on the 4.4m gift

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

      Just doesn't appeal because of this week's fixture. He's on my bench biding his time.

  6. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Captain this week is Gona be really tough!

    Anyone got a good argument for one of Salah, Kun or Richalison?

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Deadline at 2pm with City United Pool playing at 3. Should get some inkling on the likes of Sterling, Martial etc. which could decide for us.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        I'll be too drunk to function by then 🙂

    2. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I have Richarlison but there's no way I'm going to captain him. For some reason every once in a while there's a movement here for a 'differential captain' - so much so that Richarlison has become the mainstream option, even leading the captain poll! - but it rarely ends well. There was a similar week last year where lots of people captained Richarlison (after someone on the scoutcast said he'd captain him) and he got 1 point.

      I'm going Aguero, and I think I would go Aguero even if I had Salah too. That doesn't mean I don't rate Richarlison, but I don't think he's reliable enough yet.

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

      Richarlison - feel he has a higher ceiling than Salah this week and I don't have Aguero

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

    If going for a costly Mendy replacement?
    A) Laporte (6.0)
    B) Van Dijk (6.0) (Have Robbo)
    C) Neither will offer what Mendy does points-wise, go cheaper.

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

      C. I'd go Stones if you really want city cover, or Digne if not

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

      Really like VVd with Xmas schedule coming up

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

        Yep just done the move myself

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

          Perfect placeholder for Mendy

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

            Would have made that move if I didnt already have 3 Liverpool (Robbo, Salah, Shaq). I had to go for spicy vinegar instead.

    3. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Of A and B prefer B.Tempted to go C tho

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

    With my team currently looking like this, should I just sit tight?

    £0.5itb 0FT
    Fab
    Alonso, Robbo, Laporte, Doherty
    Salah (C), Haz, Martial, Fraser
    Kun, Wilson

    (Foster) (Duffy, Diangana, Success)

    The only 2 potentially magic ingredients I could see myself wanting atm are Sterling and Richarlison but the only easy way to get either is to lose Hazard or Martial respectively, neither of which seems sensible.

    I have spent quite a bit of time comparing Sterling and Haz and it really is swings and roundabouts. Haz is more nailed, more creative and more likely to be involved in attacks. Sterling is possibly more explosive, showcasing that form more recently but open to more rotation.

    What do you think? G2G and leave alone? Captain choice and bench?

    Thank you!

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

      G2G

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

        Cheers - let's hope so!

    2. Skid Vicious
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Very solid. G2G.

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

        Thanks mate - I think this is a week I feel relatively comfortable and hoping to avoid hits!

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Very nice. Your tough call is your cap

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

        Thanks Rafa mate - yep my heart says Salah all the way and that's where I have it atm but Kun could easily tear WHU apart

        How are your lot faring?

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Mendy headaches again!! I’m likely to just leave him this week and let Bennett come in.
          And the Salah/Aguero Captain headache!

          Patricio
          Alonso • Robertson • Mendy*
          Salah • Hazard • Richarlison • Kenedy
          Aguero • Arnautovic • Ings
          (Hamer / Bennett / Cairney / AWB)

    4. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I think you've got everything spot on, G2G!

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

        Cheers fella - makes me feel better!

        How are your lot shaping up so far?

        1. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Unsure at the moment! I've got 2 FT's and 1.5 in the bank. Mendy will probably turn into Doherty if he's fit, and I should probably move on Maddison too - maybe for Sane if I'm confident he'll start. I also want to have the option of bringing in Hazard next week without a hit so plenty to think about ha!

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

            The deadline is nice and late this week so you should have fairly good intel to make any late moves

            Good luck!

  9. Are we overlooking Walker?
    avfc82
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    In light of Benjamin Mendy's recent knee injury, the majority of attention has been directed at Aymeric Laporte, which has seen his ownership increase to 12.8%. With his price on the rise too, he'll now cost you 6.0m. There's no doubt he's a decent option, and if you haven't already go and check out THEFANTASYFREÆK's post in the Hot Topics, it's well worth a few minutes of your time.

    However, should we be demanding more from one of our defensive big hitters? Laporte's biggest haul this season is 8 points, and he is currently 28 behind Marcos Alonso and 13 behind Andrew Robertson. Doherty and Alexander-Arnold are also keeping pace despite playing less minutes. Is a goal on the horizon? Well his xG is reasonable but behind the likes of Bamba, Balbuena, Morrison, Doherty, Ake, Alonso and Rudiger, whilst his xA isn't worth talking about.

    This brings me onto the main point of this post and a thought I had last night - are we overlooking Kyle Walker? The return of Mendy this season has clearly had an effect on Walker's positioning up until now. The marauding forward runs have been replaced with a more reserved mentality, heavily involved in the build up phase, shuffling over to form a back three when Mendy pushes high and more often than not sitting alongside Fernandinho in the inverted full back role when City are in possession.

    But... could this be about to change?

    With Mendy's injury Fabian Delph is in the driving seat to occupy the left back position. If he does, will Guardiola revert to last season's shape where Delph was the one most likely to tuck in, giving Walker the opportunity to play further forward, an in effect, play more of a Mendy role on the other flank? Walker is yet to register an assist this season (he recorded 6 in 2017/18), but could he become the City defender of choice over the next few weeks?

    1. french holiday
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      balbuena is a gift

      1. Swanremainsthesame
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        with 1 CS in 12?
        mmmmmmmm

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

          No one expected many cs from them so far.

          1. Jealous Viper
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            Even against Burnley, Brighton and Huddersfield?

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

              They have underperformed a little bit, sure, but nothing special. Its the upcoming run people have been looking at from before the season started.

      2. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        I'm not convinced by West Ham's defence but he's 4.4m, expectations shouldn't be too high, and those fixtures after City are so good.

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

      Great analysis bro!

    3. Skid Vicious
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      That made an interesting read. The theory is good.
      Same as perhaps Doherty may see his foraging runs stifled by Vinagre, who I understand is very attacking.

      Thanks. Walker is now on my watchlist.

    4. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Walker is one to keep an eye on.

      Laporte has already scored two goals this season. He’s a fine pick just now.

    5. abreu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Yep I'm with you on this thinking, Walker looks great going forward from now on and is not hooked up by the mainstream either, making him a good differential actually.

    6. timPgoodwin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Too expensive.

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah I get that, 6.5 is a lot, but if he gets close to Robertson's attacking output whilst playing in a team who are defensively better than Liverpool, then he becomes an option.

        1. timPgoodwin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Oh no, personally I would live him and would triple up nicely with Sterling and Aguero, the problem I have is only having 6.1m to spend which forces my hand to go with Laporte really.

          1. timPgoodwin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            love*

    7. Rock n Grohl
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Walker was my choice on that thinking but also because it's easier to transfer down to Mendy when he returns.

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

      Nice post.

      I did notice that in the absence of Mendy, Walker was more attacking than he usually is. That was especially apparent in the game against Brighton. I did consider him, but I think he's a bit too expensive. The return of Danilo means that Pep could afford to rotate him as well, so I'm not sure whether his security of starts matches Laporte which could be crucial at a time where rotation will be rife.

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Yep agreed, 6.5 is a lot and you'll want to monitor before investing, I just have a feeling he's being overlooked but let's wait and see!

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

      Problem with walker is he's just not very good

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        That's not really true though is it? No doubt he can improve, personally think he needs to improve his concentration and focus in game, but he's a top player.

    10. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I had him from the start of the season alongside Mendy. He did very well for me but wasn't worried about loosing him on my WC a few weeks ago. 6.5 is a lot considering his poor attacking stats so far. Yes that could change, but if my Aunt had balls....

    11. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Nope 🙂

    12. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I am going with city defence for the near future. Not bothered about them, decent value to be had elsewhere

    13. WesMantooth
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      This is actually a very good question. Those with mebership should take a dive and look at walkers heatmap and stats 1-4 and 8-12 compared to 5-7, the short summary being theres really no comparison to befound. He was way more attacking the games when mendy didnt play. City of course had three very nice fixtures 5-7, but the stats still paint quite the picture.

      I dont think this is a bad shout at all. If I had the money to make a direction swap, I'd definately consider it.

  10. Kingtekkerz
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Who would you bench?
    A) Ings (Ful a)
    B) Arnie (MCI h)
    C) Fraser (Ars h)

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

      i'm in the same predicament

      benching arnie and pereira

      playing ings and fraser

    2. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I'd bench Arnautovic.

    3. timPgoodwin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Fraser, arnie is central to anything WHAM do

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

    Take a hit or play Zabaleta against City? Mendy > ?

    A) Doherty (have Patricio and Bennett)
    B) Laporte
    C) No hit

  12. muc1999
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Play kenedy or arnie this week? Ederson keeper

    1. Skid Vicious
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      When in doubt over who to play, I generally play the home player.
      With Ederson in goal it makes the decision harder.
      Toss a coin !

    2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Kenedy

      1. muc1999
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        I generally favour 3 up top regardless but think kenedy gets the nod for this one

  13. JohnyM9
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Hey guys,

    R. Neves or D. Brooks - One needs to go to let richarlison in.

    Which one is the best/secured 5th option mid/long term?

    Thanks in advance

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

      Ditch Neves. Not even close. Brooks is the perfect first-off-the-bench cheap mid.

      1. JohnyM9
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks bro, will do!

  14. timPgoodwin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    I've swapped out Mendy, Pereyra and Salah for Sterling, Digne and Richarlison ... I feel dirty ...

    1. timPgoodwin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Writing down that I've transferred out Salah has caused me palpitations.

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

      What's the rest of your team? Will help me judge quite how dirty you should be feeling!

      1. timPgoodwin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Patricio - Hamer
        Alonson - Digne - Kiko - Bennett - WanB
        Fraser - Hazard - Sterling - Richarlison - Maddison
        Aguero - Arnie - Wilson

        Downgrading Salah has given me enough funds to do Maddison and Kiko to Robertson and Martial, thinking on the longer term

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

          No doubt you have a good team on paper.

          I would be concerned about the lack of any 'Pool - not even a Robbo or VVD/ TAA .... this could seriously lose you ground if they spank Watford

          Did your moves constitute many hits?

          I would say other than the lack of 'Pool I would be slightly nervous about your back line. Apart from Alonso you have only bandwagons (Digne) and out of form players or those in a run of tough fixtures. However, your front 8 COULD more than compensate for that.

          Good luck!

          1. timPgoodwin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            Thanks, I will only be without any Pool player for 1 GW, next week I will bring in VvD / Robbo or TAA dependent on who plays this weekend and who I want the accompanying midfielder to replace Maddison to be.

            It was 1 hit, a -4 but needed a way of pulling money out to upgrade the defence, felt that Salah was damaging the team and never feel like I want to captain him, the pull of Sterling was another big factor and I felt having a Man City midfielder over a Pool one was were I wanted to go.

            Digne is a bandwagon yes but has good underlying stats, good fixtures and as of next week will rotate with Bennett / WanB as Ill have Alonso & a Pool defender taking 2 of 3 defensive spots.

            Am I worried about not having Salah? Yes, massively. Would I prefer to have Sterling over Salah, yes I would. I also think that in the coming weeks I will look to move Hazard on, potentially for Salah.

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

              Well explained. Sounds reasonable to me!

              1. timPgoodwin
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 5 months ago

                I also think that not having Salah is the only real differential I can have to propel me from a slightly-above-average OR of 88K, still surprised by how low owned Sterling is!

        2. Lucky Z
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Why Pereyra went before Maddison

          1. timPgoodwin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            I like Maddison and the LEI fixtures and may end up keeping him beyond GW14, would prefer to keep him if it's like Puel says and 'nothing serious' I am thinking Puel will come out in his presser and says he is available after the IB. If both Pereyra and Maddison were injury free I would keep Mads.

  15. Crespo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Have actually gone without Alonso last few weeks, so Mendy injury very helpful to correct this. Would you:

    a) Mendy + Maddison -> Alonso + Patterson
    b) Mendy + Maddison + Salah -> Alonso + Martial + Sterling (-4)

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

      Not the best week to bring Alonso back. My plan is Mendy, Maddison to Digne, Martial then use the extra cash to upgrade Robbo to Alonso next week.

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

      Hmmm. B obviously has some decent trades but it would be great to do it in stages and avoid the hit. Taking out Salah for a hit feels wrong, and I know this because I've been thinking about doing it myself all week. What if he's benched and Salah returns? Probably still B, but are they really your only two options?

  16. CRO KLOPP
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Who do we expect to be above 100 pct EO this gmwk?

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

      Overall - nobody, top 10K perhaps Aguero

      1. CRO KLOPP
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Yes, I meant top 10 k, this is the week to go for Richarlison as captain imo

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

          Indeed his (Rich's) top 10k ownership last week was just under 70%

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

      Top 10k aguero and Salah (just barely)

  17. Bennison
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Hart
    Laporte/Alonso/Trippier/Doherty
    Hazard/Salah(C)/Sterling/Fraser
    Arnie/Wilson

    Foster/Camarasa/AWB/Quaner

    GTG?

  18. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Can Kane match Aguero from GW15-20.. I have the funds for this and I’m tempted as surely Kane will come to the party sooner rather than later.. Is having Kane and Salah too much, as I would be tempted by sterling over hazard for man city cover..

    1. Evanlution
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Was thinking the same. Kane is The Best Bet for that period. Worth risking.

  19. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Already own Doherty.

    So, Bennett or Vinagre?

  20. Jimmy Floyd
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Gomez or TAA?I normally go for the more attacking fullback but see Gomez getting more game time, seems a close call

  21. timPgoodwin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Any announcement when the pressers with be this week?

    1. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Thursday and Friday like always.

      1. timPgoodwin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        I was asking more around which managers at which times.

    2. Sess!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      TAA

      His attacking pts/bonus potential should cover the odd game he misses

  22. Dead Lift
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Sooo confused! Need some help here please!

    Fab, Foster
    Robbo, Alonso, AWB, Mendy, Jonny
    Mane, Hazard, Richa, Fraser, Mahrez
    Kun, Arnie, Success

    2FT, 0.1 itb

    I am thinking to sell both Mendy and Jonny. I want Doherty desperately but I don't know yet if he's available.
    My first thought was Laporte and him. Money exactly sufficient. So I need to sell Mendy today, just to be sure.
    But I 've come with other things on my mind. I really consider ManU defence for the next 4 GWs. So to summarize:

    Mendy to
    a) Laporte
    b) Digne
    c) Smalling

    Play Fab or Foster?
    And lastly do I bench Arnie?

    1. The Darkest Knight
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      a or c...
      i did mendy to digne...

      1. Dead Lift
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Haha! Thanks for your advice.

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

      Think most people expect Doherty to be fine, but eagerly awaiting pressers. I own him, and I am absolutely ecpecting him to play. Personally don't like the Man Utd defence at all, despite the fixtures. So a or b for me, depending on what your plan is for the spare cash. I'm guessing you can't do Digne & Doherty with enough to turn Mane into Sterling next week? Maybe worth going cheaper than Digne in order to have that possibility? I dunno. Food for thought.

      1. Dead Lift
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks for the reply. No I can't afford Sterling with these moves. Since I own Mahrez despite the fact that he's not a sure starter, I don't want to double on City's mid. I am worrying about their defence coverage much more. According to your assumption, I can consider Doherty as a already made tranfer. So maybe Laporte.. tonight.

  23. The Darkest Knight
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    whom to play?

    1. Alonso
    or
    2. Arnautovic

    1. Skid Vicious
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Arnie

    2. Dead Lift
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Tough. Alonso for me.

    3. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Alonso

    4. George James
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I would go for the highest point scorer in the game over the one playing against the best team in the league

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

      I own both and am definitely playing Alonso over Arnie. Spurs-Chelsea could easily be a low-scoring game. My main conundrum is Arnie or a second Liverpool defender or Brooks.

    6. Pep Pig
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Just checked your rank and you are 980th! Well played sir... you don't need our help.

      Though i'm curious who your 5th midfielder is because I'd want to start both Alonso and Arnie for sure

    7. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      The highest points scorer in the game.

    8. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Alonso for me.

  24. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    What to do here?

    Patricio (Button)
    RAM TAA (AWB)
    Richarlison Hazard Mane(C) Fraser Sterling
    Wilson (Arnie) (Kamara)

    1 ft, 0.8 itb

    Mendy to Doherty or Laporte?
    I'm thinking of GW16 WC so Doherty looks good, also is GW 16 WC worth it for my team?

    1. The Special Wan
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Wait for press conference, if Doherty is fit he is the Better option.

  25. bialk
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Walcott to Richarlison now or wait for press?

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Almost a month a late but do it now at least :p
      No brainer, don't wait

    2. Flaming Flamingo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Might as well wait.

    3. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Why do it now? Neither should rise or fall tonight so may as well wait for the press conference.

      1. Skid Vicious
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        This is sound advice

      2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Well yeah that's actually true..

    4. bialk
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Haha, Richa to Walcott was my stupiest move this season. Lost points and team value.

  26. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Not liking double Liverpool defence this week tbh

  27. Boxwoods
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    On WC, Hart and Lossl look to rotate well for quite some time (planning to play Hart this week, so not troubled by Lossl flag).
    Better option than Pickford/Ryan and fodder?
    Can't take Patricio or Fab in my ML and not inclined to plump for 5.0 or higher keeper.

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

      decent combo as they're both capable of getting a few clean sheets + save points , i was considering getting Lossl myself for his nice fixtures, and since i already have Hamer so i can cover myself in case of an injuries (currently have Foster who needs to go)

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

        I also have Foster (who I’m keen to ship) and Hamer.
        Lossl/Hamer could be worth a think, with excess funds deployed elsewhere.
        Cheers.

  28. CRO KLOPP
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    I will do Mendy to Digne with my only ft in order to get funds to upgrade Madds to Martial/Bilva
    Ryan
    Alonso TAA Doherty Digne
    Salah Hazard Richarlison(c)
    Aguero Wilson Arnautović
    Hamer Madds, Hojbjerg AWB

    Am I GTG or should I do Madds to Martial for a hit and bench Arnie?

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Get Martial imo

      1. CRO KLOPP
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers mate

  29. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    So my captain dilemna is the same 3 as the 3 favourite captain options this week

    Salah
    Aguero
    Richarlison

    Which one folks?

    1. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Look above, I'm on Rich, bigger reward this week then punishment imo

    2. Jealous Viper
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Salah. Basically playing as a striker. Extra point for goal and CS. Bonus is a real problem though

  30. Jealous Viper
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Hopefully as a non-Alonso owner I can watch this game with one eye just peeking out of the sofa. Spurs should at least get a goal