Scout Notes

What next for Aubameyang after double-digit haul hots up Golden Boot race?

Arsenal 4-0 Norwich

  • Goals: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang x2 (£11.0m), Granit Xhaka (£5.1m), Cédric Soares (£4.8m)
  • Assists: Aubameyang
  • Bonus Points: Aubameyang x3, Xhaka x2, Hector Bellerín x1 (£5.4m)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) finally rewarded his patient owners with two goals, an assist and a double-digit haul in Gameweek 32+.

Faith in the Arsenal forward had ebbed away since the Premier League restart, especially after blanks against Brighton and Southampton.

However, if Aubameyang and his 24% ownership were rather unlucky in Gameweeks 30+ and 31+, they were more than repaid by the Fantasy fates in Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Norwich.

For the opening half an hour, the Gabon international did not look any more dangerous than usual, afforded three opportunities that were far from clear cut.

In the ninth minute, Aubameyang cut inside on his right foot from his usual wide-left station, bending a shot straight at Tim Krul (£4.6m). Shortly after, Reiss Nelson (£5.3m), who found plenty of space against Jamal Lewis (£4.4m) in the first half, lofted a clipped cross to the back-post, but Aubameyang could only nod a tame effort at Norwich’s goalkeeper. It was the same story a few moments later when Dani Ceballos (£5.2m) got around the back of Lewis’ flank, his cross too high for Aubameyang to bring under control.

These were the sorts of chances, mixed in with some bad luck, that had led to those recent blanks, but arguably, the forward’s luck was due based on what happened next.

The first stroke of good fortune occurred in the 31st minute when his high-press on Krul, and the goalkeeper’s over-confidence on the ball, led to him winning possession in the Norwich penalty area. Pulled a little wide by the tackle, Aubameyang had no problems sliding the ball into an unguarded net.

His involvement in Arsenal’s second goal was much more about Aubameyang’s own skill. David Luiz (£5.7m) played an excellent crossfield ball from the back to Kieran Tierney (£5.3m), who slid Aubameyang into an advanced position on the left-hand side. His quick-thinking fed a rapidly approaching Granit Xhaka (£5.1m), who pulled his shot back across goal and underneath Krul.

Lady Luck (who we assume captained Aubameyang for Gameweek 32+) then smiled again in the 67th minute when Josip Drmic (£5.3m) played a blind ball back to his defence from a wide-position, sliding Aubameyang instantly into a one-on-one with Krul. With the confidence of an earlier under his belt, Arsenal’s number 14 made no mistake from close-range.

While we cannot rule out the flukey nature of Aubameyang’s two goals against Norwich, his latest outing might just ask some questions of his remaining owners.

Many of those who held onto him for Gameweek 32+ (this author included) did so after watching the unfortunate nature of recent blanks, seeing enough efforts on goal to predict a haul at some point. Therefore, you could argue that Aubameyang’s luck evened out over the three Gameweeks we’ve had so far.

And the position that period has left the striker in is certainly an interesting one. Not only has he become Arsenal’s fastest ever player to reach 50 Premier Leagues (77 games), he is now joint-top of the race for a second Golden Boot in a row. Sharing that prize with Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) and Sadio Mané (£12.5m) last season is almost certainly motivation enough for Aubameyang to end the season on a high, especially with his contract situation still up in the air.

“I’m really happy that Bukayo signed (the contract). We’ll see. We’ll talk with the club and see what happens. I’m really focused on the games. Since Mikel is in we’re doing well. We’re working well. We have signs we’re improving.” – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

“A credit to him. He’s always trying to be the best and help the team. I am really happy for him not just for the goals but his attitude overall.” – Mikel Arteta

However, the remaining fixtures for Arsenal are not pretty at all. Up next is a Wolves side with seven clean sheets from their last eight, then it’s Leicester and Spurs, before Liverpool come to the Emirates Stadium in Gameweek 36+.

That same caveat of fixtures also applies to other Arsenal assets recently considered by Fantasy managers.

While Wednesday evening was one of much-needed rejoicing for Aubameyang owners, those invested in Nicolas Pépé (£9.2m), Bukayo Saka (£4.7m) and Eddie Nketiah (£4.4m) were left ruing what could have been. Even though the Gunners ran out as 4-0 winners over Norwich, that trio were all left on the bench. Saka stayed there all evening while Pépé and Nketiah emerged for one-pointers.

Saka seems the most likely to hold his place in Fantasy teams considering his price and position, fully capable of operating as a useful fifth-midfielder. Furthermore, this was the first time since the Premier League’s restart that Saka had been absent from the starting line-up, so he was more than owed his rest.

However, despite Joe Willock‘s (£4.7m) late shot nearly earning him an assist, Nketiah remains a rotation threat for those looking at going ultra-cheap in the forward line. This was the second time in four matches that the former Leeds loanee was superseded in the centre-forward role by Alexandre Lacazette (£9.3m). Considering that Mason Greenwood (£4.3m) has started each of the last two, earning praise from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the process, the Manchester United man, who has nicer fixtures too, arguably looks a better option for the run-in than Nketiah.

Meanwhile, Emiliano Martínez (£4.3m) proved his worth as a budget goalkeeper once again. He has now contributed to two clean sheets in a row for Arsenal, although he stopped short of amazing his 2.0% ownership with his five-point haul. Norwich’s rather subdued nature led to just two saves for the goalkeeper, one short of an additional point and he picked up a yellow card just after the hour-mark.

Also, the chances of Martínez earning starts from his Fantasy owners over the next four matches seems low, considering those aforementioned tough fixtures against Wolves, Leicester, Spurs and Liverpool. A Gameweek 37+ trip to Aston Villa looks like the next chance for Martínez to ask his owners a difficult question from the bench.

Despite drawing a fourth successive blank, Norwich did offer some threat at Arsenal, although, as usual, fell short of actually finding the net.

Ben Godfrey (£4.4m) stepped out of defence and into midfield in the 19th minute, firing a fierce shot from distance against Martínez’s post.

Kenny McLean‘s (£4.8m) powerful free-kick forced a diving save from the Arsenal goalkeeper just short of half-time before Daniel Farke made some changes at the break.

Teemu Pukki (£6.5m) and Emi Buendía (£6.0m) were both withdrawn allowing for a very central front-three of Drmic, Todd Cantwell (£4.6m) and Adam Idah (£4.4). This new set-up could be something that Farke tries in the remaining games of 2019/20 as it nearly led to a breakthrough in the 46th minute, Idah stinging Martínez’s palms with a fierce shot from the edge of the box. During this period, Norwich arguably saw more joy going forward than Arsenal, but all their confidence was dispelled when Drmic handed the game to Aubameyang in the 67th minute.

Arsenal XI (3-4-3): Martínez; Kolasinac, D Luiz, Mustafi (Holding 46′); Tierney, Ceballos, Xhaka, Bellerín (Cédric 77′); Aubameyang (Pépé 82′), Lacazette (Nketiah 76′), Nelson (Willock 58′).

Norwich City XI (4-1-4-1): Krul; Lewis, Tettey, Godfrey, Aarons; Trybull (Idah 46′); Cantwell (Stiepermann 75′), McLean, Rupp (Vrančić 75′), Buendía (O Hernández 46′); Pukki (Drmic 46′).

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FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 32+

1,380 Comments Post a Comment
  1. gellinmagellan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope Button
    TAA Doherty Lascelles Holgate Masina
    Son Salah KDB Bruno Sarr
    Nketiah DCL Jiminez

    2 FT 0.1 ITB. Any suggestions on what moves I should look at?

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Same same
      same same Sais Lund Laporte
      Same same same same Pulisic
      same same same

    2. Steiger
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Depending on what Son does tonight.

      Son>Mahrez Sarr>Willian/Pulisic

      1. Steiger
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Or Son>Martial

  2. SpagBol
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hey lads, keen for a bit more feedback!

    Cheers 🙂

    On a WC (with BB to play in GW37), which option and why?

    A) Azpi, Son, Nketiah (bench)
    OR
    B) Taylor (bench), Mahrez, Ings

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

      A safer.
      B riskier but more potential
      Ings immediate fixtures might sway me to A

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

    Who would you bench in the front 8, Bou fixture seems to good to bench Greenwood might know more after the City game but looking like Foden or Jesus is the one I bench?

    Salah Bruno Martial Son Foden
    Jesus Jiménez Greenwood

  4. BNMC
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Still can't decide if Rashford to Greenwood is a smart move or a kneejerk move. With how bad Bou were yesterday, anyone can score past them...

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Knee-jerk as all get out for mine.

    2. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      poor move, imo.

    3. maratus
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Seems awful move.

  5. Manumana
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Any kind souls help mw out here. Many thanks

    Have 2 FTS. Thinking im prob goin to do

    Son & DCL - Mahrez & Greenwood. Then next GW do Hayden - Willian/ Pulisic

    My team

    Pope
    TAA Doherty Maguire
    Salah KBD Son Bruno
    Jminez Ings DCL

    Martin Lascelles Kiko Hayden

    Cheers

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

      Don’t know about losing Son in 33 when he has Bou in 34
      Not enough cash for just DCL and Hayden to Greenwood and Che mid this week?
      If not you could just take a punt on DCL to Greenwood and roll the FT

      1. Manumana
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thx. Dont have enough for wot u suggest. Could also do

        DCL & Son - Rashford & Willian/Pulisic

        Umm decisions

  6. AFC49
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which is the better option?

    Rashford and Mahrez (mahrez is a rotation worry)
    OR
    Auba and Martial (both nailed on)

  7. Nabs Kebabs
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A few people buying Pulisic. He's quite the rotation risk isn't he? That's my impression anyway.

    1. Onz
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      After Chelsea's last performance they can not afford not to play him.

      1. si
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        He was excellent too.

    2. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      He's the man in form.. and even a 20min cameo can gets better returns than their attackers

    3. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      suit yourselves then...i'm not keen. If i was going for a chelsea player it'd be Willian.

  8. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Any suggestion? Don't know what to do
    2 FT. 0.0 itb

    Patricio
    VVD Boly Saiss
    Salah KDB Bruno Martial
    Jesus Rashford DCL

    4.0 guendouzi schletto ngakia

    A) kdb + dcl to mane + connoly/nketiah
    B) dcl + boly to connoly + robbo

    Other suggestions?

    1. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Can swap dcl + ngakia to laporte and connoly too
      But don't know how many games will laporte start

    2. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A seems best 😀
      Will give me 0.4 to get a 4.4 defender next week too. Maybe holgate.

  9. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Last Man Standing Update (141 teams)

    Current safety score = 40 (41 with autosubs)
    Top score = 82
    LMS average = 43.69 (-0.26) = 43.43
    Players played = 8.13/12.03
    Captains played = 87.23%

    2 games + autosubs to go.

  10. The Suspended One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    How do we feel about Sarr after next week? NOR (H) NEW (H) WHU (A)

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It's a risk, Watford haven't really shown any form since the restart.

  11. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Just realised if I swap out Guendouzi & DCL for Foden + a bench striker, I can afford Maupay. He also rotates well with Foden (if it's possible to accurately guess the Man City man's starts of course)

    Would you prefer Maupay 1st bench to Nketiah/Origi/Ayew? (already have 3 UTD so not Greenwood).

    Thanks.

  12. BNMC
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Perhaps Newcastle are overperforming? xG suggests they should have only scored 5 in these last 3, but they've scored 8.

    Not sure their attacking is sustainable especially given that they face tougher opposition very soon.

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Saint Maximin makes all the difference and if Shelvey can hit some form, they'll get goals..
      Not Joelinton, but Caroll and Gayle will.

    2. Srv210
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      next west ham ...they can still get some goals..maximin being the key for them

  13. FF Red!
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Auba captain but Wolves away next. Would you do
    A) keep
    B) auba and barnes to mane and greenwood. Mane has villa next.
    C) something else

    1. Onz
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      C Aubameyang to Kane

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      C) Auba to Rashy

    3. SH
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I am thinking of B for my team. Will leave me with this attack for next week:

      Salah Mane KDB Bruno (Sarr)
      Ings Greenwood Jimenez

  14. Live Lad
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Any one to replace DCL with? Have 6.5 max. On WC.
    Deeney? Jota? Have Jimmy

    1. Live Lad
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Or Pukki even... What is happening to him??

      1. Onz
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Narwich are so poor that he is not getting any service

      2. BNMC
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        He was subbed off at half-time yesterday. Farke raising a white flag.

    2. Onz
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Greenwood and have some cash in the bank

  15. Live Lad
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    On WC:
    (1) Salah + any 6.5 (DCL, Pukki, Deeney.. any??)
    (2) Rashy + Son

    1. Onz
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      1. Salah and Greenwood

  16. balint84
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A) Mount
    B) Bowen
    C) Foden
    D) Saint-max

    1. Onz
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A Mount.
      Good fixtures and Chelsea cant be that bad again

    2. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mount doesn't really inspire me. Can you stretch to Pulisic/Willian?

  17. Harvey Spector
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Any free hit templates here? I have activated the chip.

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

      Triple Pool, triple Utd, at least one Chelsea probably the essentials.

      1. Harvey Spector
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        1-2 Lei, 1 New, 1 City. issue is who with all the rotation.

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

          Leicester uninspiring and their fixture is still in doubt.

          1. si
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Palace less inspiring.
            I have gone Chilwell.

      2. Harvey Spector
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I am thinking the following can be played in the FH:

        Salah
        TAA
        Rash
        Martial
        Bruno
        Saint Maximin
        Vardy
        Alonso
        Jesus

        1. si
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          You clearly didn’t see Alonso last night.

        2. si
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I would add Mane and Pulisic in the pot.

    2. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thinking about activating it as well. One of the drafts I made. Will change it around depending on tonight’s line ups.

      pope
      taa vvd awb aurier
      salah kdb Bruno martial mahrez
      jesus

      martin taylor connoly nketiah

  18. balint84
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pulisic or Alonso? Both?
    A) pulisic+mount+soyuncu
    B) pulisic+hayden+alonso
    C) just try to get mane instead of any chelsea

  19. maratus
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Morning Lads!

    Martinez (Martin)
    TAA Doherty Saiss (Aurier Lascellas)
    Mane KBD Martial Bruno (Guendouzi)
    Jminez Rashford DCL

    2 FT, 0 ITB.

    I really dont know what to do here. Im chasing 50pts lead.
    I wanna ship Mane or KDB for funds and take some differentials.
    But next GW is so good for my current lineup.

    I wanna get rid of DCL for sure. Maybe upgrade Martinez?

  20. Live Lad
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    On WC:
    Pope
    Doherty, TAA, AWB
    KDB, Salah, Willian, Fernandes
    Ings, Jimmy, Greenwood

    Button, Cantwell, Lascelles, Kiko

    Gambling on Greenwood who did well against Brighton. The FA Cup lineup suggest that he was rested.
    Can pay Can't well if needed.

  21. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What to do here

    Martinez(button)
    Taa.robbo doherty (lascelles stevens)
    Barnes kdb salah fernandes (saka)
    Ings jiminez rashford

    1 ft 0.2 in bank

  22. Me Spurs
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone you’d want to add to this fh team?
    Ederson
    Awb taa azp
    Salah mane fernandes martial Willian
    Giroud Maupay

    Button Connolly saiss Robinson 1m ib

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Maybe Ederson to Pope and Giroud to Jesus (if Jesus isn't starting vs Liverpool)

  23. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Losing double CS in 94th minute, grrrr...

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Same for me.
      Luckily had stMaximin.

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, would have been more annoying without Maximin 😀

    2. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ouch, that stings.

      On the contrary, I was relieved to see it go in since our opponents in the Pundits Playoff had 5 x Lascelles.

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Good good 😀

        Who are you facing this week?

        1. Rasping Drive
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Slaven’s Ball-Itch. We look well positioned to pull off a win, but you never know what might happen in tonight’s games.

  24. Srv210
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    which one with bruno and martial

    A) Rashford
    B) AWB

    1. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      You can't do a straight comparison between a 9.1m forward and 5.4m def

      1. Srv210
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        yeah my bad AWB with jesus , rashford with VVD

        1. Nabs Kebabs
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          not a fan of Jesus...overpriced imo. So i think I prefer the second option. Consider Digne instead of VVD.

          1. Srv210
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            thanks

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Rashford will probably score more this week but over next few weeks, I prefer B

      1. Srv210
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        thanks

  25. Cubillas
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What's best choice for next 3 GW's?

    Pulisic with WAT cry shu, or . . .

    Son with EVE bou ARS?

    Any feedback much appreciated

    1. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      need to see how Son/Spurs look tonight before deciding that one imo

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Don't like both tbh

      If I have to pick one, then Son.

    3. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      both perhaps.

      Martial/Son/Mahrez/Bruno/Willian could all do well.

  26. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Mahrez or Pulisic ? What do think ? Or neither?

    1. Srv210
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      if mahrez gets good minutes then probably him

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Leave. I thinK Mahrez will get more points than any other Citeh player to season end.

    3. SweepaKeepa
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Let me know when you work it out. Have same dilemma.

  27. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    How’s the FH team looking? Mahrez and Jesus can be sterling and Giroud/ Maupay depending on who starts tonight.

    pope
    taa vvd awb aurier
    salah kdb Bruno martial mahrez
    jesus

    martin taylor connoly nketiah

    1. Srv210
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      no saint maximus ,jk ....looks good jesus playing time a doubt though

  28. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A) Son to Salah
    B) San To Mahrez and DCK to Kane -4
    C) Leave

    1. Srv210
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      see how spurs perform today....Salah against villa looks good

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers mate. How’s this one?

        Ederson
        Taa vvd alonso aurier
        Salah kdb Bruno Mahrez martial
        Rashford

        Button nketiah Connolly Simpson

  29. ludaslol
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts here?
    Patricio
    Doherty TAA Maguire
    Pulisic Son Martial Salah Bruno
    DCL Jimi

    x, nkethia, lascelles, kiko

    1.4 ITB. Pretty happy with the defence. Thinking of doing Son-> Mahrez. Any other moves I should consider?

  30. Dthinger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on Fabianski? West Ham’s fixtures look pretty good...

    1. Azathoth
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Can you trust WH's defence?