Scout Notes

Newcastle defenders stutter at first hurdle in defeat to Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace 1-0 Newcastle

Goals: Patrick van Aanholt (£5.5m)

Assists: Jordan Ayew (£5.0m)

Bonus Points: van Aanholt x3, Joel Ward x2 (£4.3m), Scott Dann x1 (£4.3m)

Newcastle’s budget defensive options stuttered at the first hurdle in their 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.

There was plenty of interest in Jamaal Lascelles (£4.3m) and Fédérico Fernández (£4.4m) ahead of Gameweek 27, as the Magpies prepared to embark on a favourable run of fixtures.

That began with a trip to Crystal Palace, and Selhurst Park, the stadium that had seen the fewest goals this season.

However, just as they had done over the last few matches, Newcastle gave up a whole host of chances and probably should have conceded a lot more than they did.

The fact that even Palace (who have scored the joint-fewest goals this season) were able to shoot 18 times, more than double the tally recorded by Steve Bruce’s men, should be cause for concern for anyone invested in Newcastle’s defence.

In fact, such was the poor nature of Newcastle’s display, especially at the back, their manager is starting to question whether or not he will continue with the 5-4-1 formation, which has been an established system for some years now.

“Maybe it’s time for (a) change. Maybe it’s time to try something different, to have a look, but I couldn’t fault their effort and endeavour. They never stopped in that respect.” – Steve Bruce

Lascelles, Fernández and Fabian Schär (£5.0m) all came in for media criticism at Selhurst Park, the latter giving away the free-kick that led to the only goal of the game. It will be interesting to see which of these hold onto their places if Bruce does change the system, although Ciaran Clark (£4.3m) and Paul Dummett (£4.4m) are still out with injuries.

Furthermore, there was some objection from fans and the media to the performances of Nabil Bentaleb (£5.0m) and Sean Longstaff (£5.0m) in central midfield. They were guilty of some poor passing, which restricted the service to Miguel Almirón (£5.8m) and Joelinton (£5.5m) especially, and losing the ball in key areas put more pressure on the defence.

“Our big Achilles heel is blatantly obvious today. We gave the ball away in good areas so cheaply, especially in the final third. We get so far and, unfortunately, it breaks down too often, too cheaply.” – Steve Bruce

Perhaps the only silver lining for those already invested in Newcastle defence is the fact that they still have some favourable home fixtures on the horizon, against Burnley, Sheffield United and Aston Villa.

While the Magpies have spent much of their last two away matches obliging their opponents, they do have clean sheets in each of their last two at St. James’ Park.

Meanwhile, Martin Dúbravka (£5.0m) was one of just two Newcastle players who had a good game on Saturday.

He was the main reason that the scoreline stayed respectable. Without his eight saves, Crystal Palace could have racked up a big score. That large number of stops helped Dúbravka to a four-point FPL score of his own.

The other Magpie to show some redeeming qualities was Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.4m) who, as per usual, asked plenty of questions with his pace but failed to deliver much in the way of end-product.

Meanwhile, Palace’s attacking options may well be ruing their profligacy as they completely dominated Newcastle but only found the net once.

Christian Benteke (£5.7m) started a third match in a row at the apex of the Eagles’ 4-3-3 formation and had some chances, that he could not capitalise on.

Meanwhile, Wilfried Zaha (£6.8m) had a decent game up against Valentino Lazaro (£5.5m), the Newcastle man continuing to struggle in his attempts to adapt to life in the Premier League, picking up a red card in the process.

Zaha himself asked plenty of questions from his left-winger berth and would have picked up a collection of assists had Jordan Ayew (£5.0m) been more ruthless.

The Ghanaian international was afforded a host of chances but saw a few tame efforts saved, other more powerful ones denied by a strong Dúbravka performance, and he even managed to strike the post in the second half. Arguably it was enough to discourage much investment in Palace attackers, as well as Newcastle defenders.

There was admittedly plenty of threat from set-pieces, even though Luka Milivojevic (£6.7m) was absent through injury – but, then again, Newcastle always struggle in dead-ball situations. Gary Cahill (£4.4m) and Scott Dann (£4.3m) both went close and were only denied by the aforementioned heroics of Dúbravka.

However, the key takeaway has to be the performance of Patrick van Aanholt (£5.5m) as he emerged with a monster haul.

His role in set pieces continues to increase his points potential, leading to his scoring of a direct free-kick in the second half. A combination of the clean sheet and maximum bonus points made for a 15-point haul.

Crystal Palace XI (4-3-3): Guaita; van Aanholt, Cahill, Dann, J Ward; McArthur, McCarthy, Kouyaté (Riedewald 89′); Zaha, Benteke (Tosun 89′), Ayew.

Newcastle United XI (5-4-1): Dúbravka; Rose (Ritchie 71′), Schär, Lascelles, Fernández, Lazaro; Saint-Maximin, Bentaleb, S Longstaff, Almirón (Gayle 71′); Joelinton.

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752 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Shatner's Bassoon
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Martial + Maupay to Ings and Traore in GW26 worked out brilliantly. Ffs this game is absolutely trash for anyone paying attention. Just set and forget some binbag team at the start of the season, you’ll get the same finish.

  2. teddypicker
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Traore benched. Niceee

  3. davies
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Traore can’t be trusted - time to sell?

  4. Gobigorgohome
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I sold Greenwood and he starts WTF

  5. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    My one transfer was bringing in Traoré for Maddison .... hopefully comes in against tired legs

  6. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Too much Traoré hype on here imo

    1. GREEN IS GOOD
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Captain Hindsight

  7. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Time to ship Traore I think

  8. Totti
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    time to sell traore?

  9. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Love Steve McMananan. Beast of a player and unbiased pundit.

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yep, also as UNbiased as Micah Richards!

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Class act. CL final goalscorer and winner.

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Lol

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A). Not an expert.
      B). You're a boring troll
      C). It's tactical

      https://www.molineuxmix.co.uk/forum/index.php?threads/norwich-h-pre-match-thread.216481/page-2#post-6037729

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Enjoy in his massive 1 pointer

        1. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          My 1st bench player has 1 point so more than happy either way.

    3. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Besides, when did I say Adama was 100% even starting this match?

      I've brought Barnes into my squad for the exact reason I think they'll be a bit of rotation, especially with EL & his shoulder issue - so I don't have to play him week-in, week-out.

  10. Jullepuu
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Will Leicester play with wingers in the future? 5 at the back just against City?

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Say so won’t do that against Norwich imo!

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thinking that too but they have played 4-1-2-1-2 diamond as well. Little bit worrying

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Think they will continue with 4 at the back

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Hopefully with wingers and not a diamond in midfield lol

  11. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Barnes was benched. Traore and Williams now benched too. Terrible for wildcarders!

    1. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      yep. Barnes should come straight back in though. Possibly even playing up front.

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Williams was in wildcards?

  12. Old Man
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Oh dear. Major rank drop coming in. No Jimi and Traore on bench.

  13. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Should have started greenwood ahead of mooy..

    1. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Casual detected

  14. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Uhhhh Traore!!! Having a mair this week

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

      With FPL and spelling

  15. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    There goes my thinking of a Wolves triple up with Traore.

    Europa League Nuno rotation.

    Least Jimenez is nailed.

  16. JBG
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Has this FPL season given anyone consistent enjoyment? Imo it's just been so unpredictable and no fun at all. Only time I've enjoyed it was when I had Martial and Rashford together in my team.

    1. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I've owned quite a few differentials and those have been fun. And I plan to continue that towards the end of the season - I've found that sticking to the template can be disappointing.
      Traore, case in point.

      1. JBG
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        What's your rank? If I may ask.

        1. BNMC
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          In and around 500k, which is not really where I want to be but I'm still quite new to FPL. My goal for this season is just to beat my rank from last season (470k).

          1. JBG
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Ah... I'm around 150k and still don't like it XD.

            1. JBG
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Not my rank, but this FPL season.

    2. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Strange season. Midfield options have been extremely dissapointing.

      1. JBG
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Midfield options are still disappointing. Besides Mane, Salah and Kdb. There is almost no one consistent.

    3. Iceball
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah. Salah 48 and 32 points was the moment for me.

      1. JBG
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Exactly just minor enjoyment here and there.

    4. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      It's the dirty filthy casuals ruining everything, happens every season.

  17. BNMC
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Hypothetircal question: would you sell Ings on a WC?

    1. Jullepuu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      No

    2. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      No

    3. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      no

    4. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Hell no.

  18. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I am stunned as a Traore owner 🙁

    So now Traore owners: keep or sell? can't be benched it is blank GW !!!

    1. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      yes.. bad timing..

    2. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Sell him. He is fraud anyway

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Stop being so negative

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          who?

          1. Jullepuu
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            This Ninho guy. Feels like Traore shagged his wife or something

            1. Niho992
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              He would try to dribble her

            2. Wally banter
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Lol!

  19. Gobigorgohome
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    it looks like Traore will play Europa league mid week and will be benched again next GW

    not a good thing while it is a blank GW 🙁

    1. Silecro
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      that's the problem with Traore, awkward price range

    2. kamdaraji
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      thanks Nuno

    3. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Don’t know until team sheets come out then, it’s a wait and see

  20. CobraKai
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    By just having one (active) goal keeper: Pope it's stopped me from tinkering with my keepers and ive had a load of points that might have been on my bench.

    1. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I always like having 2 playing keepers, provided that none are more expensive than 5m

    2. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      what a pair Henderson and Pope have been. Both 4.5 and the 2 top scoring GKs. Getting on one early and not budging has been the play this season. 

  21. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Bertrand first on the bench, expect Traore to come on in the final 15 then.

    1. kamdaraji
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      will prob play at least 20 mins

  22. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Do we think Traore comes on? I’ve got 6 points from Stephens that I will gladly take

    1. kamdaraji
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      for sure

    2. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Same, unfortunately he probably will

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I think he will come on after 60 minutes or so

    3. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah he’ll come on I’m afraid.

    4. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      sadly will come on surely

      1. kamdaraji
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        will come on and score a brace

    5. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yes. Think he will get 15-20 mins run out

    6. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I've got 0 coming from the bench, so am hoping he comes on.

  23. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is this a one-off or a tactical shift from Nuno maybe? Back to the 3-5-2...

    1. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Doherty and Jota will be back to their best from last season

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      It’s tactical, change in formation

    3. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      That said, maybe he’ll revert back to other formation vs spurs, had a lot of joy with it against big teams.

  24. seewhyaxe
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    1 point difference to me.

    Traore benched and cameo = 1 point
    Maddy 1st sub = 2 points.

    1. kamdaraji
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      same

    2. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      same here

  25. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    unlucky Traore cappers!

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Surely not many?

  26. davies
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Next week...

    A) Traore (tot)
    B) Cantwell (LEI)

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. Wally banter
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      if you have one of these two, then hold... if you are bringing in then A

  27. DycheDycheBaby
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Well...Son to Traore was a waste of a transfer.

  28. jason_ni
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Damnit, shoulda moved on lundy, is 1st on bench, but no William's today means he moves into my 11 🙁

  29. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    worst GW ever!!

    1. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      almost every week

    2. Wally banter
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      been the case for me since i sold pope and taa around gw 17/18