Scout Notes

Why Kane came on in FA Cup with Spurs 6-0 up

Fantasy Premier League managers were surprised to see Harry Kane (£12.6m) come on and score in Tottenham’s FA Cup win at Tranmere on Friday night.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men were 6-0 up the time and ended up winning the tie 7-0, making the striker’s introduction all the more baffling.

The Spurs boss clarified his decision in the post-match press conference which we will discuss in this latest Scout Notes article.

Tranmere Rovers 0-7 Tottenham Hotspur

Pochettino brought Kane on for a 15-minute spell in Spurs’ trip to League Two Tranmere Rovers, much to the confusion of Fantasy managers all over the world. The north London side were 6-0 to the good at that point and Kane was definitely not needed to help secure the result. It appears Pochettino was keen to allow the home fans to witness England’s talismanic striker play on their pitch in the flesh. After all, it is not too often that a World Cup 2018 Golden Boot winner and MBE can make an appearance in a competitive fixture at Prenton Park. While the FA Cup is largely seen by managers, both Fantasy and Premier League alike, as a chance to rest key individuals, Pochettino’s decision not only makes sense but is an admirable one too, a gesture that feels in keeping with the so-called “magic” of the competition. It will be interesting to see how many other top-flight bosses consider utilising their star names as they go up against lowly opposition in the third round this weekend.

“It was respect. Respect the people, respect the opponent. They’re not going to have many chances to see Harry Kane play here in a competition like the FA Cup. I think it was a great atmosphere. For different reasons, I decided to make a change and put Kane on the pitch but one of them is that It’s important to show respect to the people here so they could see Harry Kane, who is an icon in English football. It is difficult in that division to see it. It was important to see him in action.” – Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino also explained that it was good for Kane to get some football to keep his momentum going. His late goal means he has now found the net in each of his last five games in all competitions.

“It’s important for him to score and have 20 minutes playing football. I think it was important for him and for the team an important victory and to get to the next stage of the FA Cup. It was an important fixture for the club. To be in four competitions is an important thing.” – Mauricio Pochettino

Kane was not the only key player to get significant pitch-time. In making eight changes to the side that dispatched Cardiff, Pochettino handed starts to Davinson Sánchez (£5.8m) and attacking midfield duo Son Heung-min (£8.8m) and Dele Alli (£8.9m). There were attacking involvements from them with the South Korean netting in the 57th minute, having assisted two goals already by that point. Alli was the one who set-up Kane’s 82nd minute finish. He played the full 90 minutes with Pochettino keen to give him the run out after he recently returned from injury.

“Dele was injured and now I think he’s fresh. He can manage his effort. Of course with the result, it was better for us to give him more minutes in the game.” – Mauricio Pochettino

Son’s contribution to another heavy Spurs win was, once again, highly important. He involved himself in three of the goals before being replaced in the 65th minute. The South Korean now has just one match left with the squad before leaving to join his compatriots at the Asian Cup. However, Pochettino is still playing down how much Spurs will suffer in his absence, which could last until Gameweek 25.

“I accept that and I don’t suffer with that. Sure that the squad is strong enough to push forward and to of course perform in the way that we expect. Of course, you want all the players but I’m not going to suffer. We knew from the beginning of the season that that will happen. Now is not a point to suffer from something you know is going to happen.” – Mauricio Pochettino

Ben Davies (£5.6m) played in a back three while Christian Eriksen (£9.3m), Toby Alderweireld (£6.0m), Moussa Sissoko (£4.9m) and Michel Vorm (£4.8m) were among the unused substitutes. Hugo Lloris (£5.4m), Kieran Trippier (£6.1m), Danny Rose (£5.8m) and Harry Winks (£5.5m) were given the night off entirely.

Returning from injury to again put rotation pressure on Trippier, was Serge Aurier (£5.8m). He played the entire 90 minutes and even managed to score twice, his first ever brace for the club. In fact, the two goals he scored at Prenton Park is as many as he has managed in his first 35 appearances for Spurs.

“I think it was good for him. It’s important for any player to have the possibility to score. When you are a full-back and you score and you don’t have the habit to score, always it’s special. I think he scored two but I need to see the second if he scored or not I don’t know. He did? Ok, good for Serge.” – Mauricio Pochettino

As rumours continue to circulate that he will be leaving in January, Fernando Llorente (£5.6m) performed some excellent marketing work by scoring a hat-trick. Pochettino explained that there will be discussions held between him and the player during the winter window, and the three goals scored will probably help other clubs take notice of him.

“Yes, it’s a six-month contract with the club and we will see what happens. As I explained for different players, it’s not only in our hands, what the player wants. Of course, now the window is open we’re going to talk.” – Mauricio Pochettino

There more starts for Juan Foyth (£5.0m), Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.2m) and Oliver Skipp (£4.5m), whose appearances in the first team at Premier League level have been increasing of late. Central midfielder Skipp especially impressed under the lights, and on national television, as he provided two assists on the night.

“Yes I am so happy. Always I never expect more than the attitude from the young players. They have the quality we believe but you cannot put too much pressure on them. Today they were very good, Skippy was fantastic. Of course Kyle Walker-Peters, Foyth, they are so young. I am so happy with the evolution of them.” – Mauricio Pochettino

Timothy Eyoma and George Marsh were also involved for Spurs, both featuring as second-half substitutes. Neither player is in FPL yet but Pochettino’s comments after the game suggest they may earn Premier League appearances between now and May.

“Yes, these are players who have been involved this season for us. George and TJ they were involved in the pre-season tour in the summer. I think they are players that I hope have a future with us in the first team.” – Mauricio Pochettino

Tottenham Hotspur XI (3-4-3): Gazzaniga; Davies, Sánchez (Eyoma 79′), Foyth; Walker-Peters, Skipp, Alli, Aurier; Son (Marsh 65′), Llorente (Kane 75′), Moura.

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1,165 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    EVE: Baines, Mina, Zouma, kenny, Davies, Gana, Sigurdsson, Bernard, Lookman, Calvert

    1. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Baines on goal

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Better than Pickford

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

      Digne and Richarlison rested for the onslaught against BOU

    3. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      No Keeper

      1. A.T
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Not needed

      2. Supersonic Marv'
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Can't blame them. Both their keepers are awful.

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

        Pickford 😛

    4. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      B team, nearly

    5. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Brave going without a goalie.

      1. CRO KLOPP
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Baines

    6. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Shouldn't be playing Gana, Siggy and Bernard IMO. Put out the second team and screw the FA Cup.

      1. A.T
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Lol. So clueless.

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

    As a Reading fan, I think this showing has been excellent despite the score: certainly the best of the season. Interested what neutrals think of the game.

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      The quality of the opposition are making you look good 😉

    2. A.T
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      They given a good account of themselves for sure. Utd b team not exactly firing though.

    3. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Shame we're not more aggressive in the final third. Both goals against were a bit weak but it's an encouraging performance.

      1. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Agreed. Some lovely attacking football, but not clinical. Swift's sloppy moment, not getting Ilori off when he asked and a poor Richards tackle have cost us.

    4. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      We all hate books,
      We all hate books.

      1. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        This took me a while.

  3. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Fellaini has taught his sprog all his tricks

  4. french holiday
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    why do people keep selling fanderson immediately after he blanks for a week...his returns have been excellent

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Never mind the blanks.Cant see the logic in shipping before next 2

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      They probably want Pogba / Salah so somebody has got to make way

      1. french holiday
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        hmm

    3. HollywoodXI
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      I’ve got him and I’m keeping him

    4. SweeSwee
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      They probably always planned to sell after West Ham’s fixture run ended. There are better options available now.

      1. french holiday
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        arsenal and bou are their next 2 opponents and u wouldnt bet them keeping clean sheeths would u?

  5. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    How bad is that Arnie injury then?

    1. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      No one knows wait for pressers.

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

    SOU: Gunn, Cedric, Vestegaard, Stephens, Targett, JWP, Slattery, Elyonussi, Redmond, Long, Austin

    CHE: Caballero, Zappacosta, CHristensen, Luiz, EMerson, Cesc, Ampadu, Barkley, Loftus Cheek, Morata, Hudson-odoi

    1. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Sou full strength Vs Chelsea bench.. will be nice 0-0 again 😀

      1. The 5% Team
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        not playing each other right?

        1. Fred54
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          No.

          Chelsea v Forest.
          Saints v IDK

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Great stuff by Chelsea putting out the second team. Screw the FA Cup.

      1. JohnCarewCarew
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Saving the big guns for the Milk Cup. Shakes head. Remembers the old days.

  7. Tommyg
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Is Arne injured?

    1. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Some say precautionary as reading are physical team some say knock/ injury. Just wait on pressers.

      1. Tommyg
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks.

      2. Christophe Savage
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Or sure what reading been physical has to do with Arnie going off?

        1. Christophe Savage
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Not

  8. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Crouch G.

    Listened to a few of his podcasts, well travelled and decent grounded guy.

    1. A.T
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Great pods those.

      1. Fred54
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        The Ineista photo banter and then it being real.

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

    Thoughts on Eriksen as a Son replacement? Spurs have a good run of fixtures.

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Yes but have a bad feeling he is gonna be a bit deeper to accommodate moura I guess

  10. el polako
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Livescore have Nathaniel Clyne playing as RB for Bournemouth... ?

    1. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      He is playing yes

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Didnt realize they have signed him.

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

      Gone on loan, i hear

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

    I'd really welcome any thoughts on this team.

    Fabi
    Lovren, Digne, Luiz
    Bilva, Salah, Son, Anderson
    Kane, Firmino, Jimenez

    Buttons, Doherty, Bennett, Hojbjerg 1.2 itb

    For this week transferred in Firmino for Laca. Next game week tentatively have Son going out for Pogba. Also tentatively have plans for Anderson out for Dilva week 24. The further you go out in game weeks the fuzzier it becomes due to unforseen injuries etc. Thought I would then adjust the defence if nothing else to deal with.

  12. french holiday
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    salah wont find it easy in the next 2 fixtures brighton a palace h
    i think there will be better captaiin choices and we need not do surgery to get him in

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Dont worry, soft peno to the rescue.

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

      Will struggle to get more than four goals across two fixtures

  13. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Man Uniteds secondary team lineup is quite impressive.

    1. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      So is their wage bill

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

      Their second string striker cost 90m alone. You’d expect it to be strong

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

    Replays or penalties for today's game if it ends as draw?

    1. Sap
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Replays

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

      Replays

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

      cheers

  15. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Burnley 1-0 up

    91st minute

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Burnley v Barnsley.

      https://goo.gl/images/ZCXE5B

  16. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Bednarek rested?

    1. Teomi
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Looks like it

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Rested along with almost everyone else of the regulars

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

      Good question, was about to bring him in. Team looks quite first team though, he could be the 3rd choice CB after Vestgaard and Stephens?

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        On the contrary - Bednarek is the 1st choice CB for Hassenhuttl

      2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Pretty sure bednarek is nailed

  17. Supersonic Marv'
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone played FM19 yet? Thinking about getting it.

    1. Meme2011
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      only on iphone - didnt like it

  18. Majestic Chanka
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Carroll goal, essential now for two weeks (then injured again obviously)

    1. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Arnie to Andy and back

  19. Teomi
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    I’m not sure if this team will be stronger and more balanced with a Salah in it?
    If so, where would you downgrade?
    Won’t have any problems with C options with Kane and haz in it.
    Also I can upgrade felipe or rich if needed with likes of dilva or martial etc.

    Lloris (button)
    Alonso taa Shaw (awb bednarek)
    Haz sane pogba rich Felipe
    Kane rash (kamara)

    1,6 itb

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

      Maybe Hazard and Alonso to Salah and Luiz?

      1. Teomi
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Thought of it but Haz is a season keeper. And with a couple of game weeks absents he still has 6 double digit gw compared to Salah who got 5 so far

    2. french holiday
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      forget salah as ben crellin says

  20. Numb
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Arnie injured again. What a surprise

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

      Read a few pages back.

    2. Where has all the rum gone?
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Ask Mark what he's gonna do

  21. Whazza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on Puncheon? Will he go straight into that Huddersfield team?

    1. Teomi
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Think it’s a good 5 mid fodder.

    2. Meme2011
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      also looking at him...but cant see past camarasa

    3. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Ask yourself

      Are you prepared to play a Huddersfield attacking player?

      1. Whazza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Bench spot for 4.2

        1. Syd.
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Suppose it depends who you are transferring out for him and if it is a good use of a FT

  22. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Wanted to bring in Arnie, already injured.. I am not going close to him as he is a disaster in-waiting.

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

      Read a few pages back.

    2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Though he is slightly injury prone .Can't see any better cheap striker option in the game unless rashford is nailed

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

        Rashford probably is for the time being, to be fair.

        1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Can see lukaku bullying his way into the team even next week

          1. ZeBestee
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Rashford will get many games. Easy to see why as he has played all games so far even with 'tiredness' he had for playing many games in a short period of time.

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

        He scored a brace in the previous game, but he has a knack sometimes going without goals in few consecutive games. Can't judge a player based on 1 previous game. And his injury problems compounded, i just don't trust him at all. Wilson (if he stays)/Rashford/Jimi all better imo.

        1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          I disagree tbh.Next 2 fixtures are ideal for arnie plus has been pretty consistent for his price since converted to striker

          1. ZeBestee
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            No doubt a good player but am content with FAnderson to 'cover' for now.

  23. french holiday
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    why are managers selling richarlison ahead of his appetizing home fixture vs bournmouth who cant help concede goals for fun atm?

    1. Where has all the rum gone?
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Money for salah

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

      Knee jerking. Will buy him back after a couple of goals in the next two gws

  24. Gringo Kid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Who is the best Fabianski replacement in your opinion?

    1. Going To Win This Year
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      I've gone Foster

    2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      IMO keep

    3. Rusty71
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Etheridge for the next few!

  25. Going To Win This Year
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    WC team. Would appreciate thoughts. Thanks!

    Foster button
    TTA Luiz doh Wba benderek
    Salah haz sane pererya masuaku
    Kane Jimmy Rash

    1. Going To Win This Year
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Thinking of downgrading Jimmy and upgrading pereyra to rich or upgrade elsewhere

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

    Which duo would you prefer for this week?

    A) Son (MUN) + Alonso (NEW)
    B) Salah (bri) + Jimenez (mci)

    If I go B, Salah will be (C), for A it is either Hazard (NEW) or Kane (MUN)

    1. Going To Win This Year
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Close one. A will prob score higher this week

    2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      A

    3. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      A

    4. Rusty71
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      A, no question!

  27. Surfeit of Lampteys
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    See Oliver Burke is back in the news. You gotta say Leipzig had West Brom's pants down with that deal. To get more than they paid was outrageous, fair play.

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah he certainly has been a disappointment

  28. NorwichCityLad
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Which team is better and will get more points?

    A)etheridge
    Luiz,pva,Digne
    B.silva,salah,Hazard,Redmond
    Barnes,Kane,Rashford

    B)etheridge
    Awb,TAA,Doherty
    Hazard,salah,Pereyra,Sané
    Kane,Rashford,Jiménez

    1. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      B

  29. Meme2011
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    So are people now keeping Martial, i thought he looked awful last game!

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Maybe just because of Alexis injury

    2. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      If you don't have money for Pogba, you have Martial, as I do 🙂

    3. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Might leave him on bench and play Tarkowski

  30. jason_ni
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Crazy to go without Salah?

    I don't want to shift any of the players I'd need to fund it.

    Auba, Kane, Alonso were the 3 I had lined up, but all have good fixtures, and Kane Auba rotate captain nicely.

    Could just do Fanderson to Sane for next GW, and leave it at that, could also switch out Hart?
    2 FT
    Fabi / Hart
    Alonso, Robbo, Digne, Doherty, Dunk
    Pogba, Fanderson, Richarlison, Fraser, Lerma
    Kane, Auba, Rashford