Scout Notes

Rashford and Martial reward patience in big win over Newcastle

Manchester United players rewarded the patience shown by owners in Gameweek 19.

Despite losing at Watford and going behind against Newcastle, they went on to win 4-1 at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, owners of Sheffield United defenders were left disappointed by Watford getting a breakaway goal at Bramall Lane.

We’ve got all the latest Fantasy Premier League talking points from those two matches in this Scout Notes article.

Man United 4-1 Newcastle

Goals: Anthony Martial x2 (£7.7m), Mason Greenwood (£4.3m), Marcus Rashford (£9.1m) | Matthew Longstaff (£4.5m)

Assists: Andreas Pereira (£4.9m), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.3m) | Joelinton (£5.6m)

Bonus Points: Martial x3, Greenwood x2, Wan-Bissaka x1

Manchester United attacking assets went some way to disproving the theory that they can only deliver against bigger clubs as they thrashed Newcastle 4-1 on Boxing Day.

Following a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Watford, Fantasy managers were perhaps a little less trusting of Marcus Rashford (£9.1m) and Anthony Martial (£7.7m) but, despite a disappointing start to their Gameweek 19 match, the Red Devils responded ruthlessly.

Martial bagged himself a brace for a 15-point haul and arguably could have netted a hat-trick while Rashford nodded home his 11th league goal of the campaign and scored six points.

While Newcastle did gift two goals to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men, seeing them take apart a side that had, to some extent, set themselves up to defend should encourage owners of Manchester United attackers.

They had been accused of not being able to break down compact sides recently but did it perfectly at Old Trafford.

Crucially, the fact that Manchester United were 4-1 up around the hour-mark provided Solskjaer with the opportunity to rest Rashford and Martial in the final 30 minutes – all but securing both starts and relatively fresh bodies for the two players ahead of their Gameweek 20 trip to Burnley.

Owners may feel considerably more positive about that match after Manchester United’s Boxing Day exploits. Not only did they punish Newcastle, Burnley have also conceded at least three times in each of their last four against last season’s top-six.

Solskjaer’s men could be further boosted at Turf Moor by a first start since returning from injury for Paul Pogba (£8.4m).

For the second league match in a row, the Frenchman featured as a second-half substitute at Old Trafford on Boxing Day but an injury to Scott McTominay (£5.1m), as well as 45 minutes against Newcastle, may see him come into the team on Saturday.

“Paul (Pogba) it’s too early to demand too much of him. He’s worked really hard but then it’s been a long lay off. We’ll have to drip feed him in and gradually play him more and more.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Having said that, Solskjaer did hand starts on Boxing Day to Andreas Pereira (£4.9m) and Mason Greenwood (£4.3m) in more attacking roles than was afforded to Pogba.

“Andreas (Pereira) and Mason (Greenwood) have done well and they’ll give us fresh legs.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Therefore, with McTominay potentially out for a prolonged period, as is possible, Pogba may well find himself deployed in a deeper role than Fantasy managers would like.

“(McTominay) has done his ligament in the knee. Don’t know how bad. Biggest heart of the lot. Played until half-time. Not sure if he will be fit for Saturday. Probably not.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): de Gea; Shaw, Maguire, Lindelöf, Wan-Bissaka; Fred, McTominay (Pogba 46′); Rashford (Lingard 63′), A Pereira, Greenwood; Martial (Mata 67′).

Newcastle United XI (3-5-2): Dúbravka; Lejeune, Fernández, Schär (Krafth 88′); Willems, Almirón (Yedlin 63′), S Longstaff, M Longstaff, Maquillo; Gayle (Atsu 59′), Joelinton.

Sheffield United 1-1 Watford

Goals: Oliver Norwood (£4.9m) | Gerard Deulofeu (£6.1m)

Assists: George Baldock (£5.0m) | Nathaniel Chalobah (£4.4m)

Bonus Points: Norwood x3, Chalobah x2, Baldock x1

Amid heavy backing for Gameweek 19, the Sheffield United defence was let down by a rare lapse of concentration against Watford.

As per usual, the Blades gave little quarter in their latest Premier League match, restricting the Hornets, typically goal-shy anyway, to just five shots, three in the box and two on target.

Despite that, and registering 12 penalty area shots of their own, Chris Wilder’s men were unable to find a way to win.

The roughly 80,000 Fantasy managers who captained John Lundstram (£5.2m) can certainly feel somewhat unfortunate not to get returns at either end of the pitch.

As already mentioned, Watford managed to make the most of their only big chance of the game, Gerard Deulofeu (£6.1m), deployed on the flanks of attacking midfield, converting at Dean Henderson‘s (£4.8m) near-post after going through on goal from a Nathaniel Chalobah (£4.4m) pass.

By comparison, John Egan (£4.5m) had four chances inside the Watford box but could not get any of them on target, while Ben Foster (£4.8m) did well to stop Oli McBurnie (£5.7m) twice.

“My players were really not at it today as well as they have been. These are precious points in the Premier League and we will take one and move on. We have a positive result even if it was not one of our best and most positive performances. We never played with our drive and energy that got us into this position. If you’re not at full tilt, you will not get the result you want.” – Chris Wilder

While Sheffield United were disappointed not to win at Bramall Lane, Nigel Pearson continues to be pleased with the progress being made at Watford since he took over.

During his short tenure, the Hornets have claimed four points from a possible nine against Liverpool, Manchester United and this season’s surprise package in the Blades.

With Gameweek 20 pitting Watford against Aston Villa who, despite a Boxing Day clean sheet at home to Norwich, have been poor at the back this year, we should keep an eye on their assets as they continue to improve.

“We were far from at our best today. But what should give us encouragement is even when we have not been playing as fluently as we can do, we get something out of it. We still have enough time and games to affect our own season, and it is as simple as that in my view.” – Nigel Pearson

Sheffield United XI (3-5-2): D Henderson; O’Connell, Egan, Basham; Stevens, Fleck, Norwood, Lundstram, Baldock; McGoldrick, McBurnie (Mousset 63′).

Watford XI (4-2-3-1): Foster; Femenía, Cathcart, Kabasele, Mariappa; Hughes, Capoue; Deulofeu, Chalobah (Dawson 89′), Sarr (Pereyra 46′); Deeney (A Gray 80′).

2,334 Comments Post a Comment
  1. GuillermoDickero
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on this wildcard?

    Ramsdale, Button
    Trent, Soy, Lundstram, Kelly, Kilo
    Salah, KDB, Alli, Maddison, Grealish
    Vardy, Rashford, Greenwood

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

      Good team. I’m on same but with Sterling of Maddison and Henderson for Ramsdale. And Rico for Kilo

      1. GuillermoDickero
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        What's your team value?? Must be crazy high

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

          105.6m, so yea - not too bad this year

    2. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Looks great, I'm considering something in the same line

    3. TheBabyfacedAssassin
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Template. You chasing? Would consider Kun or maybe double pool MF in Mane and Salah.

      1. GuillermoDickero
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Im sitting at around 150k which is below where I'd usually be based on previous seasons

        I did look at the Salah and mane double up but felt like it meant I was having to play 4-4-2 every week

        My midfield was Salah, Mane, KDB, Grealish, Dendoncker with Vardy, Abraham and Greenwood up front

        1. Cok3y5murf
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          442 isn't a bad thing. I've been on 442 the whole season and currently at 26k. Started with Robbo + TAA which didn't work, switched to TAA + 3 cheapies.

  2. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Zaha > ?

    A - Martial
    B - Richarlison

    Henderson (other GK Button) >

    1 - Ryan
    2 - Guaita
    3 - Ramsdale
    4 - Keep Hendo and do Button > McCarthy?

    Thanks.

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

      A3

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

      A1

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

      A1

    4. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Just 1. Zaha worth keeping for next 2

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

    Which pair for the next 2?

    A) TAA (WOL, SHU) + Rashford (bur, ars)
    B) Aurier (nor, sou) + Kane (nor, sou)

    1. The Sociologist
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A) for sure

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

      A

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

      A

  4. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Wolves 0-1 city
    KDB assist
    I guess everyone will be happy (including non-owners and non-captainers )

    1. Party time
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Wolves 3-2 City final score

        I just got back from the future

        1. Railwayman
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Please tell me KDB and Jimenez scored all the goals ?

      • Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Not me. KDB (C)!!

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

          Something better than nothing plus he will get some baps

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Better than nothing but him as captain is a massive differential in my ML

    2. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Which combo on WC?

      A) Mane - McCarthy - Grealish - Ings

      B) Maddison - Ryan - Jiménez - Rashford

    3. Mikey44
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Ramsdale
      Aurier Soyuncu Lundstram
      Salah Sterling KDB Alli Grealish
      Vardy Ings

      Subs: Button Greenwood Kelly Rico

      Any suggestions please 1 FT 0.9 itb?

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

        Save.

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

      Out of these who is priority to go out?

      One or even two players?

      A) Pope
      B) Guilbert
      C) Dendo
      D) Mousset

      2.5 itb, 2 ft

      Rest of the team is:

      Martin
      TAA Soy Lund Kelly
      Salah KdB Alli Grealish
      Vardy Rash

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        B

    5. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Henderson to _____ ?

      Other keeper is Button.

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

        Ryan

      2. Saka Punch
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Ryan or Foster for me

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

        Ramsdale

    6. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Current team

      Gazzaniga
      TAA Kelly Soyuncu
      Mane KDB Alli Martial Maddison
      Vardy Abraham

      Martin Mousset Lundstram Rico

      2 FT, 0.1 ITB
      Any stand out moves?
      Tempted by Tammy + Mousset to Ings + Maupay and then moving one to Jimenez once his fixtures turn

    7. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Are people not wanting to captain Vardy purely through fear he won’t start? I don’t see that being an issue this GW, next one sure. Not this one.

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

        The rationale is: More rest for the new year one than the coming one

    8. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Ideal scenario for me tonight:

      KDB brace and an assist (subbed off after 60 mins to rest up for the next match)
      Sterling blank
      Foden goal
      Moutinho goal

      WOL 1-3 MCI

      How about rest of you?

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

        8 - 1 Kdb scores 8, all unassisted, wolves score with a conor coady goal.

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          I was going for believable but I like yours better!

          Assume KDB cap also?

      2. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        On 66 points with Jimmy and De Bruyne captain.I want 100.

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          I have KDB cap but no Jimi so I’ll allow you one assist from him if you like 😉

      3. Miniboss
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Ideal scenario would be Tevez surprise return to City, and a revelation that KdB is his son.

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          😆 a left field option I’ll admit!

      4. Party time
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Wolves 3 v 2 City
          Jimmy brace & assist, Traore 2 assists, Doherty goal
          Bernardo Silva goal, Cancelo assist
          Jesus goal No assist
          Kdb red card under 35 minutes

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Ban!!!!

            Literally want the opposite of everything you said

            1. Party time
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Lmao

          2. Throwback
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Surely you want a demoralising loss for city .. title wrapped up and the champagne on ice for Easter...

            1. Don Kloppeone
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Hmm you’re right

              So I’ll take the KDB goals and then a late brace/ hattie for a combo of Moutinho/ Coady to give Wolves the win

        • gellinmagellan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Pope Button
          Soy Kelly Lundstram Rico Dunk
          Salah KdB Alli Zaha Dendoncker
          Kane Vardy Ings
          1 FT 0.9 ITB. What should I do?

          1. zon
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            save FT

        • zon
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          RMWCT

          Foster 4.0
          TAA Lund Sidibe Soy Rico
          Salah KDB Alli Maddison Grealish
          Vardy Ings Maypay

          0.5 itb

          1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            I like the core but maybe a bit benching headache in Grealish/Maupay?
            Think I'd prefer something like Martial/Greenwood instead.

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

              Agreed

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

              Strong bench might be vital in a couple GW's to come. Feeling hesitant dropping either Maddison or Grealish. Maybe just Maypay to Greenwood and keep some funds itb?

          2. One Wheels Enough
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Bench headache

        • KingoftheRunts
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Does anyone have any insight on whether Holgate is nailed?

          1. DA Minnion (Former great)
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Carlos .

        • IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Which combination of players scores more this gameweek?

          A)
          Abraham (Away against Arsenal, risk of rotation?)
          Cantwell (Home against Spurs)

          or

          B)
          Ings (Home against Crystal Palace, got rested last game)
          Digne (Away against Newcastle)
          - 4

          Im thinking B?

          1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Anyone? 🙂

            1. Soto Ayam
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Possibly b

              1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Thanks!

        • manu4life99
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          A) Webster/Kiko Rashford Maddison
          B) Robbo Martial Ings

        • Saka Punch
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Best option for Hendo?

          A) Foster
          B) Ryan

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

            B

        • Rhodes your boat
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Tammy to-
          A) rashford
          B) ings
          C) Maupay (also allows richarlison to mane next week, own salah)

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

            A

        • Bobby
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Grealish in for Cantwell - good call?

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

            Yep, Grealish was excellent yesterday

        • Fpl Richie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          I'm no big shot here, but might be nice to have a hot topic about Tammy Abraham.

          Highly owned (35.5%) but 1 goal in the last 7 game weeks (out for 1). Meanwhile...
          - Ings providing potency against high and low quality sides and scored 7 in the same period.
          - Maupay has lovely fixtures and for many, is the lowest price striker they'd be happy to start.
          - Deulofeu - admittedly very punty, but good fixtures and starting to look sharper.
          - Jimenez provides a safe and steady sideways switch. Six returns in the spell mentioned.
          - Rashford for the upgrade. Pogba back to supply. More reliable this season.

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

            Anyway - what is everyone doing about Tammy?

            1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Considering to move him out for Ings!

            2. One Wheels Enough
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              If you've still got him it's too late... 🙂

          2. Benjustjamin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            keeping for a few more weeks

          3. Soto Ayam
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Taking a hit to switch him out for Kane next week

        • CelticBhoy1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Does Lundstram still merit a start given his assist & goal potential?

          1. Pukki Party
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            I will bench him

          2. One Wheels Enough
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            No

        • Miniboss
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Abraham to whom?

          A) Ings
          B) Rashford
          C) Firmino

          1ft, 1.5itb

          Pope Button
          TAA Soyuncu Lundstrom Kelly Rico
          KdB Grealish Salah Alli Dendoncker
          Abraham Vardy Jimenez

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

            B

          2. One Wheels Enough
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Delo

          3. Soto Ayam
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Never c, a?

        • Slitherene
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          On a WC, if you could drop one player, who would it be?

          A) Kane
          B) Rashford
          C) Alli

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

            A or C, depends on who you bring in and rest of the team

          2. One Wheels Enough
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            C, others on pens

        • Coys96
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          I think this will be a high scoring week. So many good captain choices....

          Alli, Kane, Vardy, De Bruyne, Salah, Mane, Rashford, Ings....

          Who’s your current captain pick and why? I’m currently at Kane (c)

          1. CheesyZoot
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Salah, least rotation risk from my options

          2. Pukki Party
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Salah

          3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Ings, rested and reliable

        • Party time
            4 years, 3 months ago

            That strong smell of rotation & inevitable "benched" comments this gameweek... Oh I can't wait

          • Lucas8406
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Which one should I sell to accommodate Aurier to TAA
            A) Salah
            B) Mans

            1. Lucas8406
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              B) Mane

            2. Pukki Party
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              B

          • Pukki Party
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Thoughts here? Have 1ft and 2.6itb. Don't like the Palace defensive double up even though their defence looks good, upgrade Kelly or Do something with attack?

            Guaita
            Trent Aurier Kelly
            Salah Alli KDB Mount Cantwell
            Vardy Tammy

            Martin Lundstram Rico Greenwood

            A) Kelly to Digne
            B) Mount to Maddison/Antonio
            C) Greenwood to Pukki (bench Cantwell)

            Cheers

          • Klein
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            How would you fund kdb?
            A) lose one of salah maddi alli or kane
            B) dont get TAA.
            C) forget kdb

            1. Pukki Party
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              A) Alli

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

                Would you do this week? Or wait for rotation?

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

              lose Kane

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

                This week? Or after newyear?

          • JONALDINHO
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Is this the last week to use 1st WC?

            1. CheesyZoot
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              yes

            2. Forza
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Yep, activate it ASAP.

          • tibollom
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            hows this for a WC team? Who to add for 6.3?

            Ramsdale Button
            TAA rico dunk lunds aurier
            salah grealish kdb alli 6.3
            vardy greenwood rashford