Scout Notes

Salah and Mané to feature in Triple Captain debate

In their 2-0 win over Chelsea, Liverpool options furthered their case for Fantasy inclusion ahead of two very favourable fixtures.

It was a big game for the Reds in their quest for a first-ever Premier League title, but they came through it with a clean sheet and attacking returns for two key attackers.

We take a look at how they got on to pinpoint which players look the most likely to capitalise on upcoming matches against Cardiff and Huddersfield.

Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea

Goals: Sadio Mané (£10.1m), Mohamed Salah (£13.2m)

Assists: Jordan Henderson (£5.3m), Virgil van Dijk (£6.6m)

Mohamed Salah (£13.2m) is slowly putting himself back in the conversation for the triple captaincy in Gameweek 36. The Egyptian’s incredible strike against Chelsea saw him register goals in back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since Gameweek 23. Back then Salah was in fantastic form and demanded considerable Fantasy attention, and judging by his energetic display in Double Gameweek 34, he could be set to return to the spotlight.

No player had more goal attempts, more shots in the box or more efforts on target at Anfield on Sunday afternoon than Salah, while only one of his colleagues registered more touches in the box than him. All of that bodes well for his chances of attacking returns against Cardiff and Huddersfield over the next two Gameweeks.

However, we should point out that the Egyptian has been able to boast a high number of shots in the right places for some time, even during his barren spell. What put those statistics into context was disappointing expected goals (xG) data. In the four matches prior to the win over Chelsea, Salah had inferior expected goal involvement (xGI) scores than both Sadio Mané (£10.1m) and Roberto Firmino (£9.3m), which was also the case on Sunday.

That’s because the xG score on Salah’s wondergoal was just 0.0395, considering how difficult a chance it was to actually convert. There are two ways of looking at that statistic; either it proves the goal was a fluke and non-owners can worry less about his chances of doing the same again, or it demonstrates his exceptional quality as a finisher ahead of two very appealing fixtures.

“It blew me away. I was really happy. I saw it really well; maybe I saw it first the ball would go in. It was a really, really outstanding finish.” – Jurgen Klopp

While Salah has put re-established himself in the Fantasy conversation, non-owners can take solace in the fact that the much cheaper Mané is still delivering. He finished Sunday’s match with a higher xGI than any other player, indicating his ability to sustain his attacking returns, and now has 10 league goals in his last 10 at Anfield.

That does not necessarily make a shoo-in for Fantasy points at Cardiff in Double Gameweek 35. By contrast to his exceptional home form, he has found the net just twice in his last 10 on the road. That may count him out of the Double Gameweek 34 captaincy debate, but Mané will almost certainly present himself as an option for the Triple Captain chip in Gameweek 36 when Huddersfield come to Anfield.

“(The first goal) immediately reminded me of the 4-3 against Borussia Dortmund, only Hendo instead of Millie and Sadio instead of Dejan, but a similar situation with this wonderful cross in that area and really good team play. The performance was really good but to really make it happen you need the goals and we got them, all good.” – Jurgen Klopp

In the last two matches, Liverpool have been aided by Jordan Henderson‘s (£5.3m) exploits in a more advanced role. While he is still being officially stationed as a central midfielder, the England international has been making runs into dangerous attacking areas in his last two outings. This appears to have boosted Henderson’s own Fantasy potential given that he has a goal and two assists in his new capacity.

“I’ve spoke about it over the last few weeks. I’ve moved further forward and I’ve really enjoyed it.” – Jordan Henderson

“Hendo I said it from the first days and I’ve never changed my opinion that he is a fantastic skipper for this team and this football club. He has played many games for this club in positions that I forced him to. The last three games he is obviously on fire.” – Jurgen Klopp

Those considering Henderson as a budget route into Liverpool’s attack will have to be aware of a few caveats though. Klopp has rotated the central midfield positions more than any other this season, with the England international registering just three starts in the last six Gameweeks and two substitute appearances. Furthermore, he also picked up a knock to the ankle against Chelsea and now needs to be assessed ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League match against Porto.

“He got a knock on his ankle, that’s pretty much all. He was fine after the game. A bit of pain, no problem, [he] didn’t twist [it]. It’s only painful, not a problem.” – Jurgen Klopp

One of the reasons why Henderson has struggled to command a regular place in the Liverpool midfield in a deeper role has been the form of Fabinho (£5.5m). The Brazilian has been receiving considerable praise for his recent performances and has now started all but one of the last 10 Premier League matches.

“You have these days when you see from the first second that it’s clicking. Football-wise, we were really in a good moment today, all three midfielders. It was the plan that Hendo is slightly higher and we have this in between the lines, it then gives Fabinho and Naby a bit of different space. It’s not always exactly the same idea, today it was a little bit the idea. From the first moment he was there, football-playing.” – Jurgen Klopp

There was good news for those invested in the Liverpool defence this weekend, as they kept a first clean sheet since Gameweek 29 and a first at Anfield since Gameweek 28. Virgil van Dijk (£6.6m) was the chief beneficiary as he attached an assist and maximum bonus to his defensive returns for a 12-point haul. Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.5m) continues to offer value as he managed two bonus points in this one. His place in the side still seems locked in for now, as Joe Gomez (£4.8m) is yet to impact the defensive selection at Liverpool.

However, it is worth just pointing out that the Reds were certainly fortunate to get their clean sheet against Chelsea. They controlled the game for large portions but after they went 2-0 up, the visitors enjoyed a promising 10-minute spell. Maurizio Sarri changed the shape slightly, moved Eden Hazard (£11.0m) into a wider role from false-nine and brought on Gonzalo Higuaín (£9.2m). That led to the Belgian being played through on goal for what looked like it would be a trademark cool finish, but he could only the post. Alisson (£5.9m) was then forced into two very important saves before Liverpool re-established control by bringing Georginio Wijnaldum (£5.5m) on for Naby Keita (£7.1m) to calm things down.

“But in these 10 minutes, if they were 10 minutes, they could have changed the game completely – [hitting the] post and two saves from Ali. That was a bit dangerous, of course, but then we controlled the game again.” – Jurgen Klopp

Apart from that 10-minute period in the second half, Chelsea offered very little attacking threat on the afternoon. It appeared to benefit Liverpool’s defence that Hazard was initially deployed in a false-nine role officially, as he spent a lot of time dropping deep to move the ball around, but that left van Dijk and Joel Matip (£4.9m) with little in the way of marking duties.

Those looking for cheaper differential options in the Chelsea side would have been encouraged to see Sarri show some consistency in using his younger players. Both Ruben Loftus-Cheek (£5.2m) and Callum Hudson-Odoi (£4.2m) earned their third consecutive league starts at Anfield, in central and wide attacking midfield respectively.

Chelsea came away from Merseyside with an injury to key centre-back Antonio Rüdiger (£5.9m). He took some damage to his knee in the opening 25 minutes and attempted to play on but was forced from the field in the 40th minute. Rüdiger was replaced by Andreas Christensen (£5.0m), who will likely earn some more starts in the coming weeks if he is ruled out for some time.

“I hope nothing serious but at the moment I am unable to say anything. We need to get back to Cobham and have another visit with the doctor. Probably we need something else to be sure it is not serious but at the moment I am not sure.” – Maurizio Sarri

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Robertson, van Dijk, Matip, Alexander-Arnold; Keita (Wijnaldum 66′), Fabinho, Henderson (Milner 77′); Mané, Firmino, Salah (Shaqiri 90′).

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Kepa; Emerson, D Luiz, Rüdiger (Christensen 40′), Azpilicueta; Loftus-Cheek (Barkley 75′), Jorginho, Kanté; Willian, Hazard, Hudson-Odoi (Higuaín 56′).

295 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kepa's at the wheel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Trying to decide which 2 to go with with

    1. Son Jota
    2. Eriksen Deulofeu

    I suppose it will be clearer after the game tonight, but any thoughts?

    1. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Son and Deulofeu for me

      1. Trippier Hazard
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Check heatmap for Docoure after tonight - if he's playing advanced, could be more certain of starts and better than Deulo?

        1. Kepa's at the wheel
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Will be watching keenly. Cheers lads

  2. Jimmy Boy
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Aguero the go-to captain for GW35?

    1. Trilly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I think so...always seems to be him scoring in the big City games. Your grav is a shout to.

      1. Trilly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        too*

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      your boy might outscore him

    3. Kepa's at the wheel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Currently have my armband on Kun, but no stand out candidates this week

    4. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I’m planning to tc Aguero at present

    5. Richd
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I’m looking at Deeney or Jiminez. Unless something makes me confident between Raheem and Kun midweek. Waiting game for me.

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Deeney

    6. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Jimenez

    7. Trippier Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Thinking about Deeney or Sterling for this DGW - Liverpool should keep City from rotating their best players. I assume City will (marginally) prioritise the league over CL if it comes to it?

  3. Hits from the Bong
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    I’m miles behind my ml leader, and thinking of triple captaining Aguero this week.
    Already done Kane to Aguero and Vardy to Jimenez. Would you also do:

    A. Hazard to Sterling
    B. Ryan to Foster
    C. Something else?

    Ryan
    Robertson TAA Doherty
    Salah Hazard Son Fraser
    Aguero Jimenez Rondon

    Button Camarasa AWB Schindler
    3.3m itb

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Gtg

    2. Kepa's at the wheel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Hazard is an excellent differential at home to Burnley, especially since you're chasing. Rondon to Firmino might pay off more than a keeper change would

    3. Trippier Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Find some way to get Sterling in if you can. Rondon might be expendable, for Deeney perhaps?

    4. STORZ
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Could just do Camarasa for Redmond / Ward-Prowse. Cant see Cam getting anything at Liverpool

    5. STORZ
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Got a feeling Fraser wont hall big against Fulham

  4. Trippier Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Hi everyone, RMT please - I've got 2 FT for DGW35 to use, would consider a -4 (maybe a -8 for a solid DGW player):

    Leno - Hamer
    Duffy - TAA - Morgan - Valery - Kola
    Salah - Mane - Hazard - Son - Brooks
    Laca - Vardy - Jimenez

    Thinking of ditching Leicester players and not sure about keeping all 3 of Salah / Mane / Hazard, Mane's last 2 GW stats not as good as Salah's and Hazard form is good. Really want Sterling, Spurs / City defense, and/or some solid Watford option - but could use some advice.

    Thanks all for any feedback.

    1. Tsssst
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      See after European games

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Don't ditch Mane, 10 in 10!

  5. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    On benchboost now and have 1ft and 0.9 itb.
    Would you rather lose Varery or Dunk?
    And get Kolasinac or Lindelof?

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Dunk to Kola

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Wait til after tonight's match

    3. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      If on BB then Valery could be injured - you don’t want an injured player for BB. Kola

    4. Trippier Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Unless you're going to be priced out, go to Kola - and wait until injury presser on Friday before deciding on Valery vs Dunk

  6. TomSaints
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    I'm pretty sure whoever I TC will fail based on previous seasons, however it does feel like there are several options with decent changes for double digits:

    - I'm convinced a Salah 20+ pointer will come before the end of the season. Cardiff away i'm wary of as they are scrapping for every point and relegation teams can be funny fixtures in the run in. I don't like Friday night (c) choice but Huddersfield have nothing to play for and there will be goals. Mane for either of these games is decent option as well.

    - I really like Jiminez who has been a gem this season. Two home games against Brighton playing like this weekend and Arsenal with Wolves top 6 record means I can easily see 2 or 3 attacking returns. Wolves don't have anything to play for though and might slump...

    - Son against City and Brighton is also tempting. Rested annoyingly at the weekend, but surely has to play most of the next 3 with how critical a fixtures they are. There will be goals.

    Just got to pick the right one....


    For me the TC is between Jiminez,

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Salah

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      And..Bugs Bunny?

    3. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Whichever liverpool attacker isn’t rested against Huddersfield. The tricky thing is guessing who that might be!

    4. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Might be worth saving it until GW 38 and going for a City or Liverpool asset. Ideally one from the team in the lead on final day assuming it goes that far.

  7. Yankee Toffee
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Need a bit of help here lads. Who should I ditch with my 1 FT and 2.4itb for BB this GW? Leaning Vardy but unsure...

    Foster, Ryan
    Robbo, Doh, Duffy, Valery, Trippier
    Salah, Eriksen, Moura, Jota, JWP
    Vardy, Firmino, Deeney

    Cheers!

    1. Fantasy Premington
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Vardy to aguero if the money works but probably doesn't I suspect?

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Would work with a hit, but I just took Kun out on my WC.

        Arsenal are a shout, will see how they fair...

    2. Fantasy Premington
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      could take a punt on Aubameyang or Lacazette

    3. Trippier Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Laca a good shout. Sterling or De Bruyne in your thoughts?

    4. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Vardy to Jimenez?

  8. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Go sword or shield with FT, am just outside top 10k and that is the target finish:

    A) Jimenez (BHA, ARS)
    B) Moura (mci, BHA)

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A

    2. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A

    3. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Moura for a differential pick. Jimenez for cover. I'd go Moura as you are trying to break, not protect. Sword!

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Which scores more until the end of the season:

        A) Sterling
        B) Vardy +4

        Easy A right?

        1. Fpl Richie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          A by a good 10-15 pts.

    4. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Jimenez

  9. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Have a laugh on me troops.

    I missed the deadline after careful planning, so my bench was the d/gw Seagull boys, Dunk Duffy and Ryan. 000. lol

    Unfortunately Sterling was sat with them. 🙂

    I scored 93 with VVD(c). 😯

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Who were the three that were played instead of the Brighton boys?

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Perez, Lascelles and Heaton probably. 🙂

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          so 9, 7 and 7 - 23 points total that you wouldn't have otherwise had minus the 14 points from Sterling so a difference of 9 points.

          Gotta hope those Brighton boys don't beat 9 points between them tomorrow night. Cheeky Cardiff goal and it's possible.

          1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            That's about it yesterday 🙂

            Had the Pool triple Mane, Salah and VVD(c) from last week but was planning on a transfer or two.

            It's a craazy life!

            1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 11 months ago

              yesterday > yes*

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      😮
      No way for Raz to come in ??
      That's a bloody good score this gw buddy !!

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Nah, I'm all out.

        Just a total lucky flook that I was bogged down on Friday and missed the deadline, first time ever!

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Blessing in disguise 😮

          Still a great gw for you buddy.
          I got 53 with WC + hours of planning 😀

          1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            😆 Mice and Men sir!
            Mice and Men.

  10. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    There really is nothing quite like Martin Tyler lauding a goal, its such a buzz.

  11. Amey
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    What is the best use of 3 spots of Liverpool in your opinion guys ??

    Currently have Robbo Taa Firmino.

    Thank you in advance !!

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Robbo TAA Mane I think for value.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Thank you 🙂
        I think I've made a mistake by going for Bobby instead of Mane 😕

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      For next 2 games, I feel Salah/Mane/Firmino will do well

      But in last 2 games, I expect defenders to outscore the attacking players

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah.
        So save FT & hope that Bobby does well Against Cardiff & reassess ??

        I also think last two gw's are good for taa robbo.

  12. ShaymenTID
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Is it a given that Emery will play Ramsey at home in 37?
    I've kept enough itb to bring him in for 37.
    Last home game before he goes to Juve - worth a captaincy shout surely as he'll be wanting to go out on a high.