Scout Notes

Mané outshines colleagues as defensive issues continue to plague Liverpool

Liverpool 2-1 Bournemouth

  • Goals: Mohamed Salah (£12.8m), Sadio Mané (£12.4m)| Callum Wilson (£7.4m)
  • Assists: Mané, Virgil van Dijk (£6.6m) | Jefferson Lerma (£4.8m)
  • Bonus Points: Mané x3, Salah x2, van Dijk x1

Normal service was resumed on Merseyside as Liverpool edged ever closer to the Premier League title with a tighter-than-it-should-have-been win over Bournemouth.

After defeats in the league, the FA Cup and Europe, Jurgen Klopp’s side had lost their unbeatable swagger, and a spirited first-half performance from the Cherries prompted a sense of unease around Anfield on more than one occasion.

The home crowd reached peak nervousness early on when Callum Wilson (£7.4m) opened the scoring for the visitors, from a Jefferson Lerma (£4.8m) assist, although the goal had more than a whiff of controversy about it.

For those of a particularly anti-Reds bent, the term ‘LiVARpool’ has been trotted out every time they’ve felt the powers that be at Stockley Park have favoured the league leaders this season, but there was no such generosity on offer with the Wilson strike.

The Bournemouth striker seemed to have given Joe Gomez (£5.3m) a decent shove in the back in the build-up to the goal, but VAR decided not to overturn referee Paul Tierney’s decision to wave play on and the goal stood.

The Cherries came close to doubling the lead when a Nathan Aké (£4.8m) header from a corner forced Adrian (£4.0m) into a save that was effective, if unconvincing.

But when Jack Simpson (£4.0m) came on for Steve Cook (£5.0m), who looked to have suffered a hamstring injury, things started to unravel for Eddie Howe’s men.

Aaron Ramsdale (£4.6m) had already made a smart save from Roberto Firmino (£9.6m) before Simpson gifted Sadio Mané (£12.4m) the ball in the final third. The midfielder’s pass to Mohamed Salah (£12.8m) was a poor one, but the Egyptian kept his composure and found the bottom corner with a canny strike.

Some 111,721 Fantasy managers had sold Salah heading into Gameweek 29, while a much more modest 15,689 had offloaded Mané. That the pair punished that lack of faith was not exactly a big surprise, and Mané wasn’t finished either.

The Senegal international’s ownership had peaked at three million-plus before a Gameweek 24 injury meant he missed two league matches, and he is now in just over half that number of teams.

Those who have stuck by him were rewarded with a third goal in four matches since his return in Gameweek 26, and it was an alarmingly simple strike at that.

Virgil van Dijk (£6.6m) won possession on the halfway line, his pass forward split open the Bournemouth defence and Mané steered the ball past Ramsdale with the minimum amount of fuss.

On the balance of play, it was harsh on Bournemouth. They looked dangerous on the break throughout the first half as a Liverpool defence missing both Alisson (£6.2m) and Andrew Robertson (£7.0m), who Klopp described as “something between rested and injured”, struggled for solidity.

The Liverpool boss added that his left-back should be fine for Wednesday’s Champions League game with Atletico Madrid, but that will be cold comfort for his 20.6% ownership in FPL, even if the Reds did fail to keep a clean sheet for the third straight Gameweek to offset the pain of his absence.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.8m) also blanking, it was left to van Dijk to deliver a decent return among the back four, with a single bonus point award helping him to a fourth six-point tally from his last six starts.

After the break, Liverpool slowly took control of the match and Mané was unfortunate not to score again when his superb first-time shot hit the post.

Firmino, meanwhile, failed to end his current barren streak in front of goal when he blazed over inside the area having been set up by Salah. The Brazilian has not found the net for six Gameweeks now and, incredibly, hasn’t scored at home all season.

At the other end, Ryan Fraser‘s (£6.8m) even longer search for a goal – he hasn’t scored in the league since Gameweek 5 – came tantalisingly close to ending, only for his effort to be hooked off the line by James Milner (£5.3m) with Adrian beaten.

The stats – Liverpool had 14 attempts, with six on target, to Bournemouth’s six and three – suggested an equaliser would have flattered the Cherries, and Liverpool were good enough, just about, for their win.

But even if they are far from the all-conquering force of the pre-winter break, their immediate schedule remains attractive and, crucially, includes a Gameweek 31 fixture.

As a result, holding onto their key assets, or bringing them in on a Blank Gameweek 31 Free Hit, looks decidedly sensible business, especially if Mané and Salah continue their recent form.

Klopp’s later verdict on the injury issues surrounding Robertson and Jordan Henderson (£5.4m) is another positive for Fantasy managers.

“Robbo should not be a problem; he only missed today pretty much. He finished the session yesterday and afterwards felt something, but it was then nothing in the end. Hendo was out, I don’t know exactly in this moment, but I think he will train tomorrow. If that looks good, I have to make a decision.” – Jurgen Klopp

The case for Bournemouth purchases is not nearly so clear-cut.

They too have a Blank Gameweek 31 fixture, but that’s away at Wolves, and they have a brutal four-match run to come not long after that.

Howe accented the positive in his post-match analysis.

“”We gave it a go. We started really well and looked a threat on the counter-attack.” – Eddie Howe

But his side have neither form nor fixtures to recommend Fantasy investment.

The manager also provided injury updates on both Cook and Philip Billing (£5.0m), who played the final few minutes as a virtual passenger following a knock.

“I don’t know with Steve Cook, it does look like a hamstring pull that will rule him out for a number of weeks. Philip took a whack to his back, I hope that’s just a knock rather than being anything more sinister.” – Eddie Howe

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Milner, Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Oxlade-Chamberlain (Lallana 84′); Firmino (Origi 90+2′), Mané, Salah.

Bournemouth XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Smith, S Cook (Simpson 19′), Aké, Stacey; Lerma (Gosling 80′), L Cook, Billing, Fraser, Stanislas (Solanke 68′); C Wilson.

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1,062 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    If you have Dendo, would you take -4 to turn him into Jota for BGW31?

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      No.

    2. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      is Jota assured starter?

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Yes

  2. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    For GW 31...

    Ings,D.Henderson,Adama,Fleck TO Pope/Foster,Ayew,Saka,Alli =-8?

    Henderson
    Lascelles TAA Boly B.Williams Cahill
    Mane Salah Bruno Traore Fleck
    Jiminez Auba Ings

    0ITB

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Anyone?

    2. Ibra
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Don’t sell Adama. He plays in 31.

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        thanks what should I do?

        1. Ibra
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 22 days ago

          Can you do Henderson, Lascelles, Fleck and Bruno to Pope, Cathcart, Sarr and Alli for -8?

        2. Wheyyyy
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 22 days ago

          Don't need to sell Hend this gameweek. Ings has Norwich in GW 30 so hold him. Adama plays in 31. I'd just save a transfer and reassess with two frees. What is your chip strategy?

          1. Champions League Varane
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 22 days ago

            unfortunately not and need rid of ings!

            1. Champions League Varane
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 22 days ago

              no not a chance of me getting rid this week but in terms of gw 31? what would you do?

              only have BB left 🙁

              1. Wheyyyy
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 22 days ago

                With your team I would save transfer this gameweek then move Hend to Pope, downgrade Auba and upgrade Fleck for a -4

                1. Champions League Varane
                  • 5 Years
                  4 years, 22 days ago

                  downgrade Auba with those fixtures!?

                  really?like the moves though!

  3. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Good sense of humor would have been to use "Mane haunts early sellers" 🙂

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Ell Oh Ell posts are deleted and you are questioning thier sense of humour?!

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        what kind of posts?

  4. dshv
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Traore raplacement for 6.2 ??

    Mount ?

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Do you need them for 31?

      1. dshv
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Free hit for 31 ?

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 22 days ago

          Are you asking me, or telling me?

          How many GW31 players do you currently have?

          1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 22 days ago

            This reply made me chuckle 😆

          2. dshv
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 22 days ago

            Acutally i have for 31

            3 pool 3 wolves 1 burnley ?

            Bur if i don’t use free hit in 31 then why ?

            1. HamezMace
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 22 days ago

              I just posted a similar explanation for FH chip on the last post....but here it is again.

              If you have 7 players in 31, by FH’ing you only get 4 more players.

              If you use FH on a DGW, you can get 11 players with 2 games. Or in other words, 22 players.

              I think the upside is much greater to FH in a double.

              (Obviously you’ll have some DGWs without FH’ing, but unlikely a full team)

    2. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Traore was really good when he came on.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        I might keep him and pray.

  5. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Last Man Standing Update (356 teams)

    Current safety score with autosubs = 32
    Top score = 77
    LMS average = 40.53 (-1.58) = 38.95
    Players played = 7.4/12.14
    Captains played = 27.45%

    4 games to go

    1. Bring the Cavalry
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      How many getting cut this round TM?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        20% so minimum 72

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Look likely to go through again but I fear my time is neigh!

    3. chriscosta
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      56 pts, i should be alright i guess. for next round

  6. dshv
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Big question actually
    Free hit for gw 31

    Or trying to put as many players as i can ?

    Stil have wildcard when i have to use free hit chip v

    1. Ibra
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      There isn’t many good FPL-players in gw31 so I wouldn’t use it.

  7. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    FH not going well so far, 36 points but still have 8 to go with another Auba cap.

    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/586126/event/29

    What to do with the team I get back lol

    Henderson
    TAA VVD Dunk Stephens Lascelles
    Bruno Salah Richarlison Perez Cantwell
    Vardy Ings Jimenez

    Quality over quantity for GW31 and taking hits will not be ideal.

    Everyone will captain Salah for GW31 as well.

    So thinking I will get in 2 more bodies and roll with 6 for GW31.

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Should have got KdB 😉

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Nope, I am still going without him 😀

  8. FPLtfs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Will lose value on Ings tonight, and Jota will probably rise. Do the switch now?

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Final weeks is not the time to worry about value.

  9. Francescoli
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Liverpool attacking double up strikes again!

    1. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      yep they did and it was soweeet 🙂

  10. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    51 with Auba C and no Lundy Mane (remains KDB Martial) seems OK? Still pity not to have Lundstram.

    1. teneighty
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Probably below average.

  11. CroatianHammer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Mané was my (C) before the DGW was announced... KdB don't let me down...
    If Martinelli fails to play I get 5 point Ayew in. I require Foden to fail to play then to get Lundstram in...
    Gained on the Top 10K, dropped some places overall.

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Ayew got 6

  12. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    I envy those who have Mane abd Salah double up.

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      *and*

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Thanks. (Got KdB too for the complete triangle of success)

        1. Francescoli
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 22 days ago

          Same. Was never sold on the two Liverpool defence as value picks. The clean sheet run had to end.

        2. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 22 days ago

          Good for you.

          Let's see how many he plays this week. He will definitely not start vs Burnley 😉

          1. HamezMace
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 22 days ago

            How do you know this?

            1. FOO FIGHTER
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 22 days ago

              Real Madrid 3 days later.

              1. HamezMace
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 22 days ago

                How many minutes did he play against Leicester when they had the first leg away to Real Madrid 3 days later?

                1. FOO FIGHTER
                  • 4 Years
                  4 years, 22 days ago

                  I do not think Pep will want to burn out his best player now, especially picking up an injury.

                  1. HamezMace
                    • 9 Years
                    4 years, 22 days ago

                    Thats fine, if that’s what you THINK, but history suggests he will play him.
                    And as you’ve said he ‘definitely’ won’t start you should have something tangible to back it up.

                    1. FOO FIGHTER
                      • 4 Years
                      4 years, 22 days ago

                      Ok, let me rephrase 😀

                      KDB could start vs Burnley but will Pep risk his best player when he has an injury?

                      Let's see what happens tomorrow...

  13. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Pope owners finally punished for garbage pick!

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      What? He’s still the best keeper in the game.

      1. BERGKOP
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Don't bite

  14. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Who are the must haves for gw 31?
    TAA
    Salah
    Mane
    Doherty
    Pope
    Jimenez
    Jota

    If you have most of these players already or can get them for a hit or two, FH is a waste imo

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Jimi's the only one i dont have

    2. Francescoli
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Maybe add Moura, Alli and Sarr/Deeney to that list.

      I only have 4 players playing 31 so will definitely be FHing

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Have all but Doherty- got Boly instead so hopefully set for 31 and save FH for big DGW

    4. Ibra
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      3 Liverpool, 3 Wolves, Pope, Warford defender, Sarr and Alli for me

      1. Slitherene
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Foster + Tarkowski would be a better pick, plus Deeney over Sarr, which is debatable.

    5. Jullepuu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      To have Mane and Salah is tough for many of us. I have all except Mane

    6. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Would have to do some major surgery to get Mane to go along with Salah, think I'm gunna have to cross fingers and hope for some Liverpool CS to come back into the picture.

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        I think that the clean sheets will come back. Mane and Salah both great but just so expensive

    7. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Wish I could have my GW1 team back

    8. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Honestly think you want one of Antonio or Bowen.

      We are playing much better! Spurs suck....

  15. reo19uk
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Wow my ffs cup match is close. I'm on 42 with Saka and Fernandes left they on 45 with KDB left

  16. LǝgleSs e|even
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Did anyone watch the Watford game?
    Honeat review of Sarrs performance pls

    1. LǝgleSs e|even
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      *honest.
      Thanks

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Nothing special. Doucore was awesome.

        1. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 22 days ago

          Doucoure is a good player, regardless of his inconsistency in fpl...

  17. dshv
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Auba TC is a waste ok

    Have all other chips + wildcard
    Best time to use them?

    For gw31 have 7 players ..

    1. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      7 players might be a little bit too low, I have 8, considering taking a hit to bring the 9th... then fh on gw34, wc on gw35/36, bb on 37

  18. waldo666
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Lord Lundstram, aye! Well done to those that held and played him this week, whether it was by luck or by design.

    1. CRAZY TRAIN
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      If I’m honest it’s more luck that I still have him. Had I WC in the last few weeks she would be gone by now, so his points today were a nice surprise

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Enjoy them!

        1. Ser Davos
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 22 days ago

          I confess to be saltier than a bag of pretzels due to Lundstram's points.

          That's twice now where he's looked dead and buried and returned!

          1. waldo666
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 22 days ago

            Hahaha, I can understand that!

  19. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    All about KDB tomorrow. Will he play?

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Hopefully he doesn’t and Mahrez gets double digits.

      🙂

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Yes please and I have Mahrez x2 this week 😀

    2. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      I guess not. I trust MEN

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Kun Sterling and Foden I guess

      2. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        sorry who's that?

  20. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    How were wolves playing today? Are they on the beach already?
    I'm considering doing ings + soy ---> saiis + Jota right now to prevent getting outpriced

    1. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      I would wait, lots of football to be played

      1. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        I know, I usually wait, but I'm stuck with very low tv and limited moves, any 0.1m screws my plans for gw31

        1. FPL Pillars
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 22 days ago

          You could get a Wood or Denney etc instead of Jota

          1. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 22 days ago

            good alternatives thanks

    2. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      They can play in CL. no way they are on the beach mode

      1. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        yes right, thanks

  21. Strchld
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    I have for BGW31 7 players.

    Pope
    Robbo - TAA - Saiss
    Salah
    Jota - Jimenez

    Are these 4 worh to use FH:
    Aurier, Alli, Sarr and Deeney/Wat/Bur def.

    Could assume they could bring around 14-20 extra points.

    Do we know before GW31 how GW34 could looks? I mean is it like a regular GW or do we have doubles and blanks?

    1. YouReds
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Not worth FH imo

      1. Strchld
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Not If we have 3-4 teams playing double and some blanks. But we dont. If we have a regular GW, maybe it is worth.

  22. Gringo Kid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Maddison and Ings to Alli and Deeney for free?

    What do you think

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Sounds good

  23. Ser Davos
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Always felt Wolves should be a better source for clean sheets.

    Seems the return of Boly is realising their potential.

  24. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    How many points do I get from

    Mahrez x2 and Jesus x2?

    Hopefully Christmas comes early this year!

  25. Lav
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    I really dont mean to brag, but after today I am now 1.7k OR - my highest rank ever.

    What a season, just honestly happy to have an incredible bounce back in FPL after the last 2 year 🙂

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Gotta feel so good...

      1. Lav
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Its just stunning honestly. I hope your season is going well.

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 22 days ago

          It is ok, chasing top 10k.

    2. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Well done. Good luck pushing on for a top 1k finish!

      1. Lav
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Cheers, good luck with your goals too.

  26. YouReds
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Arghhh Pope and Ings are potentially rising and falling tonight. If they do I’ll be scuppered for gw31... I may have to make my moves now

  27. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    for 31

    ings+henderson+Fleck TO Haller+Doucoure+pope?

    exact funds

  28. YouReds
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Ings/pope close to price changes

    1. YouReds
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Reply fail to martial above

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        damn i am f!cked have 0ITB!

  29. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Can Vardy, Bruno, Alonso & KDB C rescue my horror week so far?

  30. Ibra
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Who does this look?

    GW30 - save a ft
    GW31 - McCarthy + Rich + Grealish -> Pope + Alli + Sarr (-4)

    My GW 31 team:

    Pope
    TAA - VVD - Boly - Cathcart - Rico
    Salah - Alli - Sarr - Traore
    Jimenez

    Button* - KDB* - Vardy* - Ings*

    Rico might not play but I don't see any player who is worth of -4.