Scout Notes

Jota and Jiménez impress as Cutrone makes Wolves debut

Pyunik 0-4 Wolves

Goals: Matt Doherty (£6.0m), Raúl Jiménez x2 (£7.5m), Ruben Neves penalty (£5.5m)

Assists: Diogo Jota x3 (£6.5m), Patrick Cutrone (£6.0m)

Forwards in form

Diogo Jota (£6.5m) and Raúl Jiménez (£7.5m) sent an ominous message to the Fantasy Premier League managers not considering them on Thursday night.

The two forwards ran the show as Wolves emerged 4-0 victors from a Europa League third qualifying round first leg against Pyunik in Armenia.

Jiménez scored twice, taking his goal tally in the last eight days to four, while Jota provided three assists.

The latter has been Wolves’ standout player in pre-season, really picking up from where he left off at the end of 2018/19.

Across the five matches, three of which have been competitive, Jota has scored twice and provided a total of five assists.

If the Portuguese international can replicate his form from December to May of 2018/19, as well as his pre-season displays, then he could prove fantastic value as a £6.5m forward in 2019/20, especially given the dearth of choices in that price bracket.

Jota (centre) got three assists on Thursday night

Against Pyunik, Jota was at the heart of so much of Wolves’ attacking play and he already looks sharp, fit and ready for the new campaign.

For the first goal, he held the ball up well and slid a perfectly weighted through-pass to the overlapping Matt Doherty (£6.0m), who bore down on goal to slot home.

For the second, Jota was played through by Rúben Vinagre (£4.5m) and squared to Jiménez to finish.

It was a similar situation for the third goal. This time Jota gobbled up a loose ball in midfield and straight away played Jiménez in to fire home.

He probably could have scored himself, but he missed a first-half chance when played through into the box by Joao Moutinho (£5.5m).

Jota created plenty more chances in the game too, crossing for Leander Dendoncker (£4.5m) in the second half, who was denied by a strong tackle.

Cutrone impact

Patrick Cutrone (£6.0m) made his competitive debut for Wolves on Thursday night as we got the first clues as to his role in the side.

He featured as a substitute for Jota in the 63rd minute and won a penalty late in the game.

Nuno explained post-match that it will take time to integrate the Italian into the side, which probably bodes well for Jota and Jiménez’s minutes in the Premier League.

The fact that Wolves won 4-0 takes the pressure of the second leg as well which might see Cutrone start that to allow the first-choice forwards some rest for Gameweek 2.

“He’s integrating, but it takes time. Every new player who comes to our team needs time. We have to keep on going with him. His adaptation into the squad has been great, he has been received well into the group and it’s important that he continues to improve and get inside the dynamics of the team. But more important is the way he believes in the terms of discipline and ambitions; he’s going along with that so I’m happy.” – Patrick Cutrone

It is worth adding that Cutrone was going to take the penalty he won but Rúben Neves (£5.5m) pulled rank to assume responsibility for it.

By our calculations, that means Jiménez is due to take the next penalty if Wolves are continuing their rotating responsibility.

He took Wolves last penalty of 2018/19, scored in February, which meant Neves was next in line, although Jiménez had gone off by the time Cutrone won the spot kick.

Either way, the midfielder having taken his turn likely puts Jiménez top of the pecking order for the first penalty of Wolves’ Premier League campaign.

Put a Donck on it

Dendoncker (middle) looks the best £4.5m midfielder for the start of the new season

Dendoncker has quickly become the people’s choice for the fifth midfielder ahead of the new season.

The Belgian is just one of a handful of £4.5m options in his position who look likely to start matches regularly.

Crucially, of those players, he is certainly the most likely to be involved in attacking returns.

Just as we saw last season, Dendoncker was handed something of a free role against Pyunik, making runs into the penalty box and popping up as an option there quite often.

That bodes well for those who will be relying on him as their midfield substitute in the early part of the 2019/20 season.

Doherty’s back

Those who had written off Doherty as a viable candidate for their squads might have felt a niggling feeling at the back of their minds as he put Wolves in front after half an hour.

In his first game back following an injury, he played an hour in his right wing-back berth, scoring after a trademark attacking run.

Adama Traoré (£5.0m) has been playing on the right side of Wolves five-man midfield during the summer in Doherty’s absence but was unable to travel to Armenia because he reportedly could not find his passport.

“Traore had a problem with his passport, so he couldn’t travel. He didn’t know and it was impossible for him to travel with his ID card outside the European Union, so he didn’t travel with us. He’ll join us for the next game.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

There were suggestions that Doherty only played in this match because of Traoré’s absence but that seems unlikely.

Had the Irish international not been ready to return, Nuno could have deployed Vinagre on the right and started Jonny (£5.5m).

Instead, it was Vinagre on the left, Doherty on the right and Jonny on the bench, until the latter two swapped over around the hour mark.

Nuno was probably hoping to give Doherty an hour of football to potentially prepare him for a start against Leicester on Sunday.

Tight turnaround

Wolves have had a busy pre-season but have looked sharp in all their matches

There has been some concern from Fantasy managers, this one included, about how Wolves would cope making a 6,000-mile round-trip between Thursday and Sunday.

This has caused many of us to expect points from Leicester players this weekend.

However, those connected with Wolves seem defiant that the long journey won’t knock them off their stride.

Conor Coady (£5.0m) confirmed after the game that the Wolves squad was straight on the plane as soon as they were finished at the stadium in Pyunik and were due back in England at 2 am local time.

Furthermore, the local press seem confident that Nuno’s pedigree for managing the recovery of his players over the last 12 months should put them in a good position to still give a good account of themselves at the King Power Stadium.

“I back them to be ready for Sunday and I back them to get over this journey because of the science behind it and the details and methods they implement to injury-prevention and recovery. It’s second to none, it’s got to be the best in the league, certainly judging on their injury record from last season.” – Tim Spiers, Express and Star

Defence in shape

In the early stage of the game, the Armenian side posed more of a threat than perhaps most would have expected. They attacked their visitors and were backed by an enthusiastic crowd.

Wolves kept a good shape in these moments and stood up to the hosts when they were on the front foot.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game, and they started the game very strong, created us a lot of problems, but it’s a good team with good players, and that was the time for us to be organised, be patient and stay in shape. After that, we managed well and started moving the ball and trying to create gaps and spaces, but it’s not over. We still have one game to go, but it’s a good team.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

However, whether that indicates they will give Leicester a tough time on Sunday remains to be seen.

The Foxes will be a massive step up in quality from Pyunik and will have the advantage of more preparation for the game than Wolves.

Wolverhampton Wanderers XI (3-5-2): Patrício; Bennett, Boly, Coady; Vinagre, Dendoncker, Saïss, Moutinho, Doherty (Jonny 63′); Jota (Cutrone 63′), Jiménez (Neves 71′).

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2,105 Comments Post a Comment
  1. JamieC180
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Pope (Button)
    Zinchenko - Robertson - AWB
    Sterling - Salah- KDB - Moura (Dendonk)
    Jota - Wilson - Greenwood

    Thoughts on this lads?

    1. JamieC180
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Fourth defender is Kelly, putting him first bench this week

    2. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Greenwood probably won't start?

  2. Tabbara
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Which option is better:
    A: Siggy Wilson and TAA
    B: Vardy Fraser and VVD

    Thx

    1. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A possibly

  3. Kragbaek
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts? You can reply and I'll rate your team too.

    Pope
    TAA, Digne, Zinchenko, Walker-Peters
    Salah, Sterling, Pérez, Trossard
    Aubameyang, King

    Heaton, Dendoncker, Rico, Greenwood

    – Thinking I can do some switches between Aubameyang and Kane.
    – Will have to get rid og Zinchenko and Walker-Peters eventually.
    – If I downgrade Zinchenko to 4.5 eventually, I can upgrade Pérez or Trossard to something like Martial.

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Seems fine don't overthink wk1.

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

        Cheers bud.

  4. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Which formation is best for GW1?

    A) 4-3-3
    B) 3-4-3

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

      Depends on the players

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Depends on the player

  5. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone considering Leno after arsenal defensive signings? I think at 5m could be set and forget w/ a 4.0 fodder....

    1. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      No, still think they'll lose goals as not that strong in central defence or in holding midfield.

    2. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Nope

    3. Ode
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Luiz & Tierney won’t make their defense much better, could work though

  6. Leeds2116
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Ryan - BUtton

    VVD - KWP - Zouma - Digne - Rico

    Barkley - Perez - KDB - Salah - Norwood

    Jota - Wilson - Kane

    Thoughts?

    1. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Not keen on Zouma, otherwise good

  7. Gaffa914
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) Zinchenko & De Bruyne
    B) Trent Alexander & Lucas Moura

    (I already own Sterling and Robertson for context)

    1. Rust Cohle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

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

      B

    3. Seamy
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Ive got A in my team

  8. Ode
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) Wilson, Perez, VVD
    B) King, Fraser, Robertson

    Good luck for your season everyone.

    1. Rust Cohle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    2. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

    3. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A for that one but would want Robbo

    4. FPL_Sponge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A for sure (as a Bournemouth not keen on the double up and Wilson is class)

  9. Frank Koscielny
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) Coleman + Zinchenko or B) Digne + Zouma/KWP?

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B + Zouma

    2. Manani
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      a

    3. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

  10. simsey747
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    What are the arguments for deciding between Wilson and King? What are people's thoughts on who is better value?

    1. Fer Fuch's Ake
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      King gives me cash in my pocket + penalties

      1. Konstaapeli
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        But Wilson gives you points.

    2. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Wilson just an overall better striker - better finishing, positioning etc. worth the extra 1.5

    3. teddypicker
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Wilson

    4. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Wilson better player more points, King value.

    5. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Wilson worth the difference in price

    6. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Get both

  11. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) Pope, Button, Trossard

    B) Pope, Heaton, Robinson

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

  12. htfcbrad
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Bottomed...

    Alex Iwobi (6.0m) as a differential? Can't settle on any midfielder at that price

    Also why are people backing Montoya over Dunk now?

  13. McGinn
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A - Digne & Martial
    B - AWB & Siggy

    I'm tempted more by A? Martial a wildcard

    1. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A for me

  14. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Waste of time posting today I think lol

    Il try anyway.

    352 formation.

    A) Wilson/Barkley

    B) Jota /Moura????

    1. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    2. FPL_Sponge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Really tough one, probably B as need to see Barkley start ahead of mount in PL before I buy

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A for me but either are good

    4. Yordan Letchkov
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A if you have a sub for Barks

  15. BigBillyBass
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) Siggy
    B) Ryan + 0.5 to upgrade bench keeper

    1. BigBillyBass
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Ryan Fraser*

  16. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    I have a question about the 4.0m keeper - I am starting Alison.

    Should I just get button as my 4.0m or should i go McGovern as he would be less likely to drop on ownership.
    Or is that a fallacy?

  17. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Rate /10.
    Pope
    Trent - Van Dijk - Digne - Rico
    Salah(C) - Sterling - KDB - Perez
    Wilson - Jota
    (4 / Lundstraum / Dendoncker / 4)

    Pretty settled on this.

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Sorry Robertson instead of Trent

    2. BigBillyBass
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Like it - 8.5

    3. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      8/10 bench a worry but a great starting 11

    4. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Risky with two 4.0 defs.

      1. Konstaapeli
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Otherwise it's pretty awesome. Identical to mine but I have King & Zinch for Wilson & Lundstram. Rico on bench.

        1. Konstaapeli
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          With that bench and two 4.0's I'd deffinently considered Robbo over TAA.

        2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          All the RMT's are just different shades of the same colour at this stage.
          It is rare I see one that makes me think, that is a different way of doing it.
          There has to be more combinations than just the current in vogue RMT's?

        3. JONALDINHO
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Did King and Zinch to Wilson and 4.0 yesterday. Feel like there's a massive difference between King and Wilson. Also makes it easier to get a premium striker

    5. lespaul
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      There are no 4 million strikers

  18. Leeds2116
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Barkley or Trossard best 6 mil mid?

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I considered Trossard gone with experience Barkley on the bench gw1 hope he plays as 10.

      Both players in the same fpl team would be an interesting move.

  19. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    What's the goss with laporte ?

    1. BigBillyBass
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I doubt he starts, I think it will be Stones + Ota

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        thank you

  20. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    5.5m to spend on my final DEF. Have Coleman already...
    A KWP
    B Holebas
    C Zinchenko

    Q - If i do A or B and save 0.5m...is it worth upgrading Coleman to Digne

    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      C for me

  21. Zola
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Good to go? Think this could be the one...

    Pope, Button

    TAA, VVD, Digne, Montoya, Rico

    Salah, Sterling, Perez, Trossard, Dendoncker

    Wilson, Jimenez, King

    1. BigBillyBass
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Not sure about Jimenez, I would downgrade to Jota and upgrade Montoya/Tross

      1. Zola
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I did consider Jota and Zinchenko instead of Jimenez and Montoya funnily enough. Think that looks better?

        1. BigBillyBass
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Yup

  22. mcmd11
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Am I good to go?
    Pope (Button)
    TAA VVD Zinchenko Digne (Rico)
    Salah Sterling Sigurdsson Perez (Dendoncker)
    Wilson Jota (Wickham)

    1. BigBillyBass
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Very similar to my team. G2G

  23. Yordan Letchkov
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Help please!

    Any suggestions to this one?

    Pope Button
    TAA, Zinch, Coleman, Cathcart, Rico
    Salah, Sterling, Siggy, Barkley, Dendo
    Vardy, Deeney, King

    THX!

  24. Clem Fandango
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Need a second playing 4.5 midfielder.

    Set on Dendonker.

    Currently have Luiz as the second.

    Do people think these are the best two options?

    Like Drinkwater but surely isn’t fit after his Chelski holiday.

    Same with McCarthy.

    Hayden should start but have terrible fixtures.

    Guendouzi must have Ceballos Torreira Xhaka

    1. Clem Fandango
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      *Post fail.

      ......in front of him.

  25. Better luck next year
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Last two questions before deadline:

    A: Wilson and Van Dijk or
    B: Fraser and Robertson?

    Which 4.5 goalkeeper is best for first 4-5 GWs. Currently on Heaton.

    1. BigBillyBass
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B and Pope or Ryan/Button

      1. Better luck next year
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers!

  26. MINUS FOUR
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone considering TC Salah? I'm rather tempted. Gets it out of the way, makes chip strategy clearer later on, and he can easily outscore a DGW score. Norwich defence looks ripe for the picking.

    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Could be decent, but I’m waiting on more info later in the season

  27. MGD
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    What are ppl doing for their goalkeeper situation?

    One expensive one or 2 rotating ones?

    1. firstade
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Ryan+button for me. Cheap and guaranteed starts

      1. MGD
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Yup. Pope with great fixtures tho.

    2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I am going Alison for the first 6/7

      Depends on your team structure.
      The simple button/ryan could work.

      I am never a fan of rotating keepers pointless in fpl they get save points anyway.
      Plus it is frustrating picking the wrong keeper

  28. tikka mo'salah
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Considering TC on Salah. VS Norwich, at home, first game back in the PL, and their defense isn't solid. There's a chance pool will wreak havoc, and with Mané out for GW1 by the looks of it, Salah is in for some points.

    Madness?

    1. Manani
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      not madness, but I just like to wait for dgw.

    2. MINUS FOUR
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      See my comment just above. I'm really think about it too. I honestly don't believe there will be too many better opportunities.

    3. BigBillyBass
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Do it

  29. the divine ponytail
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Would you prefer....

    A) Perez + non playing 4.5m striker (Wickham)

    B) Jota + non playing 4.5m mid (probably Drinkwater)

  30. Leeds2116
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Barkley or trossard?

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

      Trossard

    2. Captain_Shirokov
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Ross

    3. FPL_Sponge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Trossard for GW1, but as soon as Barkley starts ahead of Mount in the PL he is in my team

      1. Saxe-Gotha
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        This.

    4. King Kun Ta
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Got both