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. NUFCAndrew
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    1 FT, 0 ITB. Just need to use 1 FT or take a hit or 2? Bench boosting GW35

    Ederson Gunn

    Robertson Periera Duffy WB Bednarek

    Salah Mane Son Pogba Brooks

    Vardy Wilson Rondon

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

      VARDY TO DEENEY?

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

    THANKS TO @NUMB FOR YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS.

    1. Baby Bowen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Caps on

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

        Whoops.

  3. simong1
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Looking to replace Siggurdson .Better to bring in Deulefeu or Mane this week?

    Could hold on Mane until his match against HUD. Only have TAA as Liverpool coverage at the moment

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I'd def bring in Mane ahead of Deulo with Cardiff & Huddersfield the next two fix!

      1. simong1
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Deulo's double against HUD and SOU next GW is tempting though...he may well outscore Mane against Cardiff!

  4. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Is Henderson now an option in his new advanced role?

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      lol, has this what its come to for you now Virg?

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Haha I'm desperate here! 😆

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          🙂

    2. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I think there are at least three better Liverpool options, and budget shouldn't be much of an issue for most now, but if it is, sure, he's worth a punt.

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Lots of premium mids doing well who I don't want to move on. He could be excellent, budget friendly cover for the Liverpool attack.

  5. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Just forget Mane and Salah. Live a little and triple captain Troy Deeney.

  6. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    And here I am TCing Deeney

  7. jia you
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Pity that wonder strike overshadowed Mo's blatant diving again

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Luiz kicked him, don't forget. Very few players wouldn't have tried to win a penalty from such a clumsy challenge in the box. If Salah had gone to the ground in a more convincing manner, we'd all agree it was a stonewall penalty.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        He brushed his foot and Mo did a stuntman impression 😉 It's more a fact he has a habit of trying to con the ref, I'd say nothing it was just once or twice!

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          He missed the ball and kicked his ankle. Definite contact. Entitled to go down.

  8. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    "The xG score on Salah’s wondergoal was just 0.0395."

    😯 😯 😯

    1. Tev
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Do you know which is the lowest xG goal this season? Townsend v City maybe?

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Could be, yeah.

  9. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    who we all leaning towards for dgw35 captain?

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      There is only one standout option

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Duffy again?

        1. S.Kuqi
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Vc for me

    2. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Actually quite tempted by Aguero. Got it on Jimenez right now though

    3. ritzyd
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Jiminez i think

    4. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Probably Aguero having seen what he can do to Arsenal and Chelsea. Quite often get penalties in big games too.

  10. YEAH PITCH!
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Deeney is the guy.

    1. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      It starts this way.

      Remember how Duffy (C) started?

      1. YEAH PITCH!
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Lol, never fell for that one.

        1. ZeBestee
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Haha, whom did you captain?

          1. YEAH PITCH!
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            Was between Eriksen and Son. Flipped to Son last min.

        2. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          I did!!!!!!!

  11. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    No Spurs or City cover.

    A) Maddison > Jota or Moura
    B) Vardy > Jimenez
    C) Maddison + Vardy > De Bryune + Jimenez with -4 hit

    Thoughts? Cheers!

  12. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    who to captain for BB DGW35 out of this lot?

    Ryan Foster
    Robbo doherty Duffy Laporte Bednarek
    Mane Raz Erik Redmond Doucoure
    Kun Jim Deeney

    1. Tev
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Raz or Kun for me.

    2. Sandy Ravage
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Jimenez or Deeney

  13. Sandy Ravage
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Best 3rd Liverpool player for rest of the season with Robertson & Mane? VVD, TAA, SALAH or Firmino?

  14. Baby Bowen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Where's all of the Deeney love come from?

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

      very good fixtures and his FA cup goal

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

      Logical sequal to all Duffy madness

    3. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Best dgw fixtures on paper and Watford are pretty decent side. No other standout option atm

    4. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Fellow inmates

  15. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    What a sh*t show this gameweek has been. Absolute sh*t. I won't waste a lot of time this week planning, that's for sure.

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

    I want 4 th pool spot 😮

    Don't want to lose Taa Robbo & want to get Mane alongside Bobby in my team

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Why not Salah too.
      8 Citeh and 7 Pool seems reasonable.

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

        😀
        Salah is overpriced 😉

  17. quayle99
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Batshuayi, Shlupp, Daniels > Deeney, Valery, Vertonghen -8

    Bench Boost

    Boroc Patricio
    Valery Vertonghen TAA Doherty DLuiz
    Lmoura Hazard Sterling Tielemans Brooks
    Aguero Deeney Jiminez

    Hows this?

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      6 5
      4 6 5 4 7
      8 9 8 6 6
      7 8 5

  18. KINGS
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Brighton Fabulous Trio - Ryan, Duffy and Murray - worth bench boosting?

    1. quayle99
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      brighton aint the team to back just because they have 2 fixtures

  19. OldBenKenobi
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Lose Son or Eriksen for Mane in GW36?
    Im leaning towards keeping Eriksen just for the sure starts/playing time

    1. KINGS
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Any other premium assets from Manc?

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I have all 3 and doing Vardy to Firmino. Have Robbo.
      Who are your other premium assets?

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

      why lose? keep them for WHM and change to Martial/Pogba in GW37

      cant see them doing much damage vs new and WOL

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

        This

  20. NUFCAndrew
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Vardy + Rondon > Deeney + Auba/Laca -4?

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Why not

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

      Tell you after the game.

  21. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    It's funny how the Duffy (C) rhetoric started, in twitter in particular.

    Started as a joke, Kane got injured, slowly gained fame, and then 1/2 good managers confirmed he they will give him the armband, others followed. Half of twitter captained him.

    Still 1 more game to play though, maybe they will have the last laugh. 😀

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Hope so!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

      Not my ©.
      I'd take any points coming though as Rival don't have him

    3. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Duffy was always the most likely captain choice for me.
      I'd always take the punt on a DGWer and though the 2 teams hardly inspire confidence the other fixtures made it a worthwhile gamble.
      He had a 48% chance of a CS over the two games and as you say he's still got one game left.
      It was a gamble but DGWers are always worth a punt in my book - just not this time I fear.

      1. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        I think he was an option, for me Brighton haven't been good enough to deserve the captaincy choice. I owned Ryan for most part of the season, watched many of their games, they were always going to concede bar a few games before he went to the Asian Cup when he hauled. Just couldn't see a CS against Bou, and now they conceded 5 goals, that would lower the confidence for the Cardiff game. I just hope they do at least get that CS.

    4. KINGS
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      And then there’s the YOLO thing

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

      Well aguero is my VC anyway so unless Duffy gets a red there won’t be much in it

  22. Miniboss
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Despite fixtures or rotation threat, I think Sterling & Aguero are the only real captain contenders for coming dgw. With Pool breathing at their neck, city should field a strong team against rival big clubs and these two can punish even with limited minutes.

    All Deeney love will end in tears and more captain fail moaning will be written on the pages of this forum. I'd even stay away from Jimenez (own both him & Deeney) for now.

    1. *sigh*
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      All the while Pool and City keep winning both will play their first eleven I reckon. Or pretty close to it anyway.

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

    Ugh, just realised Arsenal haven't even played yet, thought the rank dive had finished.

    1. *sigh*
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Hoping for a Lacazette and Kolasinac master class tonight.

  24. Aubamazette
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    If you had to pick from the two Jiménez or Deeney captain?

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

      Jiminez

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

      Jimenez any day. He plays Arsenal who are known to have gained 0 clean sheets on their travels.

    3. Goat
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Jim

    4. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I have Jimi at the moment, but I fear after Saturday that Wolves may be on the beach now.

      Watford probably more concerned about the Cup final.

      City's games look tough too.

      I may just cap Salah and be done with it.

  25. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Best striker replacement for Vardy? No budget restrictions, already have Jimenez & Deeney

    1. *sigh*
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Aguero for me.

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

      I'd just go Aguero.

    3. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Firmino

  26. Goat
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Who to replace Dunk?
    A) Boly
    B) Kolasinac
    C) Other up to 5m

    1. Goat
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Cheers all.

    2. AuFeld
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I'd be tempted by Holebas if he starts today and plays well. Otherwise, I'd lean towards Boly for the two home double fixtures.

  27. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Am I only one considering Mendy?

    1. Goat
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Don’t think it’s to best time to buy a city full back

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

      Im not in the position to really.

    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      No, but most already have Laporte, so not many people will likely be in a position to get Mendy now.

    4. *sigh*
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Was planning to. Even kepyexact change from wildcard to do Duffy to Mendy/Laporte but the pull of Lucas is too strong.

    5. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I hope many are

  28. Offs!de
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Can anyone provide me with David Mundi's Team ID, please?

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

      As in Munday?

      1. Offs!de
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Exactly Munday!

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Mods and cons league

  29. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Just a shame £13.2m gets you goals but no BAPs.

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

      Right now yes, but I can see him exploding very soon.

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

        Yes, it's just annoying that he scored and played well yet got nothing BAPs wise.

      2. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Soon? The season is almost over, snd people been saying thid for the past 2 months almost

    2. Offs!de
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      You'd better not buy him in future