Scout Notes

Why there is still more to come from Lundstram despite latest blank

Norwich City 1-2 Sheffield United

Goals: Alex Tettey (£4.5m) | Enda Stevens (£5.1m), George Baldock (£4.7m)

Assists: Christoph Zimmermann (£4.4m) | Baldock

Bonus Points: Baldock x3, Tettey x2, Stevens x1

Despite a much-needed win for Sheffield United on Sunday afternoon, there were no returns at either end of the pitch for John Lundstram (£5.1m).

The central midfielder, classified as a defender in Fantasy Premier League, blanked for the fourth time in the last five Gameweeks, causing some to lose faith in his services.

The slight waning of interest in Lundstram is understandable, to some extent, considering the recent form of George Baldock (£4.7m) who scored a spectacular individual winning goal in Gameweek 16.

Baldock (left) celebrates scoring an excellent goal for Sheffield United

Having provided the assist for Enda Stevens‘ (£5.1m) equaliser, Baldock left Carrow Road with a 14-point haul having claimed all three bonus too.

That means that since Gameweek 11, the right-back has outscored Lundstram by 34 points to 31, even though that run includes the midfielder’s famous 21-point monster haul in the 3-0 win over Burnley.

Since that time, Baldock has kept the same number of clean sheets as Lundstram (one) but has added two goals, two assists and three bonus.

However, Lundstram owners should certainly keep the faith, regardless of what time they bought him.

Those who have been in possession since the start of the campaign can still only sell him for £4.5m, a bracket which, at the current stage, still offers very few viable alternatives.

But either way, it must be said that Lundstram was extremely unfortunate not to get more returns at each end of the pitch against Norwich.

Lundstram was incredibly unfortunate not to get attacking returns against Norwich

For a start, the Sheffield United defence largely restricted the Canaries’ attack to low-quality chances, Daniel Farke’s men not fashioning a single big chance in open play, so there could have been a clean sheet were it not for a fortunate bounce off Christoph Zimmermann (£4.4m) following a corner, which Alex Tettey (£4.5m) pounced on to score.

Crucially, Lundstram was very close to involving himself in Sheffield United’s goals.

He assisted the assister for Stevens’ goal, releasing Baldock down the right flank when he probably could have crossed the ball in himself.

Lundstram then did play a ball into the box from the right flank minutes later, which nearly reached the intended target, Baldock. However, the right-back only received the ball after Mario Vrančić (£6.2m) lost possession of his cut-out. Had the cross gone directly to Baldock, Lundstram would have been awarded the assist.

As Sheffield United continued to turn the screw on their hosts, Lundstram had the ball in the back of the net shortly after Baldock’s strike, only for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to rule it out for offside.

Had McGoldrick finally managed to score for the Blades, Lundstram would have got an assist

Finally, a late counter-attack pitted Lundstram, David McGoldrick (£5.4m) and substitute Callum Robinson (£5.1m) against two Norwich defenders and a goal looked quite likely. Lundstram played McGoldrick in, who could only blast his effort over the bar, remaining still in search of his first Premier League goal this season.

With all of those events in mind, it certainly makes sense to hold onto Lundstram and consider starting him against Aston Villa in Gameweek 17 considering the defensive vulnerabilities of Dean Smith’s men thus far this season.

We should probably touch on the defensive prospects of Sheffield United considering a recent interest in a double-up on their assets, often involving goalkeeper Dean Henderson (£4.7m).

After keeping four clean sheets between Gameweeks 6 and 11, it has now been five matches since their last shut-out. With Aston Villa (home) and Brighton (away) coming up next, as well as trips to Manchester City and Liverpool in Gameweeks 20 and 21, it seems possible that clean sheets may continue to be an issue for the Blades.

Mousset had to come off injured at Carrow Road

Rotation could also present a slight issue for those invested in their attack over Christmas. Lys Mousset (£5.1m) did return to the side at Norwich, following his midweek benching, but did have to come off with a calf injury after 64 minutes.

He has struggled with some muscle problems in the last few months and may have his minutes managed during the festive period, as we already saw with Oli McBurnie (£5.7m) playing 90 minutes against Newcastle.

Owners of Norwich midfielder Todd Cantwell (£4.7m) may also experience a similar frustration as he was named on the bench for the third time since Gameweek 11.

Onel Hernández (£5.3m) and Emi Buendia (£6.0m) were named on the flanks of attacking midfield for this one, Cantwell replacing the Cuban in the 72nd minute.

The youngster admittedly came close to scoring, forcing a quality save out of Henderson late in the game.

Either way, Farke’s multiple options in wide areas could see Cantwell prove a frustrating asset to own during a busy Christmas period.

Cantwell didn’t start against Sheffield United

Finally, Norwich’s defence remains in a pretty poor shape ahead of the festive schedule, which is good news for owners of assets at Leicester, Wolves, Aston Villa and Spurs, who face the Canaries between now and Gameweek 20.

The first-half was relatively encouraging for Farke as Sheffield United offered little and Norwich largely had control of the game.

However, it all fell apart in the second period, in which the Blades came back into the game and exposed the ongoing issues with Norwich’s defence.

They have now conceded 34 goals this season, an average of 2.2 per game, only Southampton (35) allowing more in the first 16 matches.

Norwich City XI (4-2-3-1): Krul; Byram (Lewis 72′), Godfrey, Zimmermann, Aarons; Vrančić (Srbeny 81′), Tettey; O Hernández (Cantwell 72′), McLean, Buendía; Pukki.

Sheffield United XI (3-5-2): D Henderson; O’Connell, Egan, Basham; Stevens, Fleck, Norwood (Bešić 65′), Lundstram, Baldock; Mousset (Robinson 65′), McGoldrick (McBurnie 83′).

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743 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Jimenez to Tammy for a -4 or not? Bournemouth are in all sorts of trouble

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Not for a hit imo.

    2. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Wait for midweek match

  2. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Team good to go? Subs in right order?

    Schmeichel
    VVD TAA Lundstram Kelly
    Salah KDB Maddison Zaha
    Vardy Abraham

    Heaton Pukki Aurier Dendonker

    0it 0ft

    1. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      g2g

  3. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Lose TAA or Robbo to afford Rashord?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Robbo, TAA more of a threat.

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

      None this week, Robertson in next

    3. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      neither before Watford at home.

      After Watford I'd lose Robbo.

    4. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Robertson

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

    Having a really rough season with 1.6m OR and appreciate any advice:

    Pope
    TAA Lundstram Tomori*
    Sterling KDB Alli Pulisic Cantwell
    Vardy Jiménez
    Button Kelly Rico Greenwood

    0FT, 2.3 ITB

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Play Kelly, bench Tomori.

      1. Balance
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks any trf worth a hit?

        1. JustPark
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          no

  5. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Does anyone here have much knowledge on Fan Team?

    Do you have chips? I thought you did, but cant seem to work out how to play TC ?

  6. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Pick one to start?

    Zaha (BHA)/Mount (BOU)

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Try to start both

      1. Slitherene
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        The rest 6 are KdB, Maddison, Salah, Rashford, Ings & Vardy.

        Who would you drop now?

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Ouch, tough.. why have you put yourself in this situation? 😛 I really can't say... throw a coin between Zaha and Mount.

          1. Slitherene
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            GW 18 fixtures are the reason for this situation I've put myself in.

    1. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Good to hear, im liking the Salah Mane double up with Trent this week.

    2. Le Bluff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Could be a few bloodbaths this weekend. Liverpool, Chelsea and Leicester all capable of scoring 4+ goals in their fixtures.

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Some Salah, Tammy and Vardy points imminent.

      2. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        City too against this shite Arsenal side

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Wow.

      Who is your captain then? Vardy has higher goal involvement than Mane, so Leicester don't need to score as many for Vardy to be the better pick.

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I'm going to let the instinct decide on Saturday. One of Salah, Mane and Vardy.

    4. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      That is a crazy stat.

      Somehow I still cannot see past Vardy.

    5. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Cheeky Twitter plug 😉 What does it say for those who have Twitter blocked?

      1. Weilong7
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Lateriser12
        @lateriser12
        In the last 3 home games against Watford, Liverpool have scored 16 goals at an average of 5.33 goals per home game.

  7. chelseabrad
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Henderson
    VVD TAA Chilwell
    Sterling Dilva Maddison Pulisic
    Auba Ings Barnes
    (Button Tomori Dendoncker Rico)

    Looking at possibly doing Dilva > Grealish this week, will be using my WC in gw20. Any reasons not to, or any better ideas?

    Cheers!

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Better to WC next week.

  8. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    OK for a hit?

    Jimenez, Tielemens -> Rashford, Grealish?

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Very much, should payoff quickly.

    2. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Grealish on 4 YC's

  9. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    No answers before so have to repost. Hope this time someone will help.

    Don't like it myself but asking for opinions. Would you do Pulisic + Mousse to Cantwell + Tammy? That would mean having potentialy the best Che asset and also shifting to 433. What do you say, yes or no?

    Pope
    TAA Lund Kelly
    Mo KdB Son Puli
    Vardy Rash Mousse

    Button Soy Guilbert Dendo

    0,2 itb, 2 ft

    1. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Wait for midweek games

      1. iL PiStOlErO
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Of course, but leave that aside. Would you do this move or it doesn't make sense?

        1. Albrightondknight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Very hard call I would say maybe not.
          But Abraham is more nailed it would seem. That is what would make me consider it.

        2. Slitherene
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          I wouldn't

          1. iL PiStOlErO
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Cheers guys, basically we all agree. Want Tammy but maybe better to leave Puli for now.

  10. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Stuck a little in my mini-league,
    I have 0.9m ITB, what is the best way to upgrade someone without taking a hit?
    Or should I hold and wait for 2 transfers?

    Ryan
    Soyuncu Lundstram Aurier
    Son Mane Alli KBD Maddison
    Vardy Jimi

  11. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone thought about using WC or FH in GW18? The template is fekked that week.

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Save FT this week, use 2 FTs in GW18 to dead end your team for GW19 or (preferably looking at the fixture swings) GW20 WC.

  12. Tibbs
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Really no idea what to do here, 2FT:

    1) Jim + Pulisic>>Tammy + Alli
    2) Ward>>Kelly and save 1FT
    3) Pope>Another goalie
    4) Kane + Pulisic>> Tammy + Son?
    5) Combination of above?

    Front 7 is currently
    Hayden/ Mane / Maddison/ Pulisic/ Zaha

    Kane / Vardy / Jim

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

  13. JustPark
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Having Alli, do Aurier and Tammy cover Son?

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      huh?

      1. JustPark
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Instead of double up of course.

        1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          I'm not sure if your question is clear....

          Are you asking if Aurier and Tammy cover Son?

          1. JustPark
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            My bad. Yes it is.

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Aurier might be injured. Tammy will cover Son atleast this GW.

      1. JustPark
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I'm looking through December tbh(up until early January). Think I'll go power mid of 5(Mane KDB Son Alli Maddison) in next three gameweeks. Hopefully 0.1 buffer is enough. 😀

  14. jacklfc88
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    FOMO question. I have had Tielemans since he got an assist then nothing for 4 games so I am desperate to get shut after Norwich.

    However I see Jimi - Tammy as a good switch this week. Is it a waste to then do Tammy - Jimi for the Norwich game?

    No hits required, just the (potential) waste of a FT...

    1. JustPark
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Do that and keep him?

      1. jacklfc88
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Jimi v Norwich in GW18 though

        1. JustPark
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Well if you're not keeping, I don't think it's worth then. Unless your squad is quite settled and you have extra FT to burn.

  15. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Really tempted to get Rashford for - 4 this week...

    A) Do KDB/Jimmy to Maddison/Rashford this week for -4

    B) Wait one week and do for free one of
    - TAA/Jimmy to Willems/Rashford
    or
    - KDB/Jimmy to Maddison/Rashford

  16. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    A) Jimi > Tammy
    B) Hold

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

    2. Better off with a pin and a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I did A. I think it's an upgrade, but could backfire this week.

  17. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Really tempted to stick the TC on Vardy this week. Usually save for DGWs but last few have not worked out. Vardy looks to be in red hot form but is it still wasting the chip?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Percentages suggest waiting for a DGW (we know Liverpool will definitely have one at some point, for starters), but sometimes one lottery ticket wins more than two.

    2. kime67
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      he could still get a good dgw

  18. Captain_Shirokov
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Henderson
    TAA, Soy, Lund
    Mane, Alli, Maddison, Zaha
    Vardy, Tammy, Jimenez

    1ft, 3.5m itb.

    Zaha(BHA) to Son(wol) worth doing this week?

  19. kime67
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    rahsford kind of has to be a midfielder next season. If mane and sterling will he will too.

    1. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      He's qualified for the move already. Would only NOT happen if he switches back to ST for the last 12 games of the season or something

      Martial moves to FWD as well

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Sterling is clearly a winger. Mane should be a striker. Rashford should be a striker.

  20. Bouncebackability
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I know its only a bit of fun and nobody takes it seriously, but the FPL Cup draw is out, I’m sure its been mentioned already.

    Maybe worth a hot topic so it reminds people to log in to see whether they are playing a dead team or not..

    Always worth checking it out before being knocked out by some randomer who triple captains James Tarkowski with a clean sheet, a goal and max baps, or someone who bench boosts with three injured players and two suspended but who spikes a monster haul!

    1. jacklfc88
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      My opponent had same number of points this week with a very different team, only 27 points between us in the game...

  21. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    A) Lose TAA and Mount next week to fund Connolly to Rash

    B) Lose KDB this week to fund it

    1. CMJC
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I’d keep KDB against Arsenal

  22. CMJC
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Would you start Lund or Willems - feel like Lund is due an attacking return but don’t hold much hope for a CS against Villa...
    Thanks

  23. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Son or Rashford worth bringing in to this squad if it means a hit to afford either? (Jim, Tiel, Aurier on the transfer block)

    Pope, Button
    TAA, Soy, Aurier, Lunds, Rico
    Mane, KDB, Alli, Tielemans, Cantwell
    Vardy, Jimenez, Tammy

    1. CMJC
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I don’t think a hit is worth it - depends if plan on captaining one imo.

  24. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    A) Jimi > Tammy
    B) Jimi + Aurier > Rash + Kelly (-4 hit)

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

  25. Captain_Shirokov
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Kinda tempted by Jimenez to Kane.

    Have just enough cash for it, not going to get rotated over Christmas....

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I'm getting him. Chasing and need a differential.

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        get Alli or Son rather

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Alli not a differential in my ML and it's much easier for me to get from Firmino to Kane than Pulisic to Son.

  26. cuppatea78
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I already have Alli but thinking of doing KDB > Son this week.

    What do you reckon?

    1. Feanor
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      It could work out. I have all three, plus Mane & Maddison.

      1. JustPark
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Rest of the frontline? I'm guessing Vardy in it as well.

      2. cuppatea78
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        If I made the move I'd have Alli, Son, Mane, Maddison, Mount (sub)

        Up front:

        Ings, Vardy, Abraham (thinking of selling for Rashford next week)

  27. The 5% Team
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    You guys think Aguero will be fit for the Arsenal match, or will it just be Jesus again?

    1. Feanor
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Christ knows.

    2. InSaneMan-e
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Jesus. Kun on bench.
      Not sure pep will start aguero back after injury to arsenal away

  28. Daghe Munegu
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Pope
    TAA Aurier Lundstram
    Kdb Martial Son ____
    Kane Vardy Ings

    Button Kelly Rico

    Play Tielemans or Grealish?
    And save or use ft?

    1. ppv
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Grealish. Probably save but you are 1 sub short

  29. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Salzburg Liverpool prediction...
    I say 3-2 Salzburg

    1. InSaneMan-e
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yea also think high scoring. 3-2 liverpool

    2. Captain_Shirokov
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      god I hope so