Scout Notes

What Salah blank against Sheff Utd means after Mané’s latest FPL score

Liverpool 2-1 Sheff Utd

  • Goals: Roberto Firmino (£9.3m), Diogo Jota (£6.3m) | Sander Berge (£5.0m)
  • Assists: Sadio Mané x2 (£12.0m) | Oli McBurnie (£5.7m)
  • Bonus points: Firmino x3, D Jota x2, Berge x1

Point of Mo Return

Fantasy Premier League managers who captained Mohamed Salah (£12.4m) for Gameweek 6 can certainly feel rather hard done by given the way Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Sheffield United played out.

The heavily-backed Egyptian was not particularly involved in proceedings initially, after the Blades won a controversial 13th-minute penalty. And a move away from the traditional 4-3-3 formation seemed to hinder Salah finding any kind of rhythm.

He was officially deployed as the centre-forward in a 4-2-3-1 with Diogo Jota (£6.3m) operating in his usual right attacking midfield berth, although this development seemed to cause the former Wolves man and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.4m) to get in each other’s way and damage supply to Salah.

But even after the Reds turned things around in the second half, it appeared the FPL gods were truly against the Egyptian.

Alexander-Arnold found Salah with a trademark 62nd-minute through-ball from deep, allowing him to nip in behind the Sheffield United defence and poke beyond Aaron Ramsdale (£4.9m). However, the goal was chalked off by VAR for a very marginal, albeit correct, offside call.

Then, in the 81st minute, Salah peeled an agile turn off the back of John Egan (£4.9m) to get behind the Blades’ defence and go one-on-one with Ramsdale. This time he shimmied inside the six-yard box and flicked his deft shot… onto the post.

Backed by over 40% of the Fantasy Football Scout captain poll for this weekend, Salah’s second blank of the season could be a Gameweek-defining event considering that Harry Kane (£10.8m) proved the most popular skipper in the top 10k.

While it is unlikely to offer too much comfort in the event that Spurs’ key attackers explode on Monday night, the fact that Salah was so unfortunate not to return is surely enough to keep him in the captaincy conversation for Gameweek 7 when West Ham come to Anfield.

Mané of the Moment?

Salah’s blank was made all the more conspicuous by an eight-point haul for Sadio Mané (£12.0m) who has proved a more reliable asset since returning from his coronavirus-related absence in Gameweek 4.

In the last two matches, Salah has registered a total of nine points, while his left-sided colleague has totted up a total of 14.

On the Virg

Against Sheffield United, Fantasy managers got their first look at Liverpool without Virgil van Dijk (£6.4m) in the Premier League.

After keeping out Ajax in the Champions League midweek, the Reds were a little more vulnerable on Saturday evening.

Liverpool were actually boosted by the unexpected return of Alisson (£5.9m) behind a centre-back pairing of Fabinho (£5.5m) and Joe Gomez (£5.4m), although they were still unable to keep a first home clean sheet of the 2020/21 Premier League campaign.

For all the Blades’ struggles in front of goal this season, they still asked questions of Liverpool’s defence on Saturday night.

Oli McBurnie (£5.7m) ghosted in behind Alexander-Arnold in the 20th minute, allowed enough time to fire a left-footed shot across Alisson’s goal.

Then in the 23rd minute, George Baldock (£5.4m) pressed into space left by Andrew Robertson (£7.1m) to loop a cross to the back post where Ben Osborn (£4.9m) fired a powerful volley at the Reds’ goalkeeper.

The right wing-back then had a fierce effort from the edge of the box deflected wide for a corner after John Lundstram‘s (£5.3m) initial ball was cleared.

That said, owners of Alexander-Arnold and Robertson can arguably feel as hard-done-by as those who captained Salah regarding Liverpool’s clean sheet.

None of the aforementioned chances created by Sheffield United found their way into Alisson’s net, the Blades scoring from a controversial penalty, with replays heavily suggesting that Fabinho won the ball when tackling McBurnie, as well as the incident taking place outside the penalty box…

So, is it worth holding onto the Liverpool defensive double-up? It certainly gets more difficult each week, but, forgetting what they have shown in the first five Gameweeks, the clean sheet wipeout feels more about bad luck on this occasion. Sander Berge‘s (£5.0m) spot-kick was the first one Liverpool had faced at Anfield in the Premier League for 37 such matches there.

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Robertson, Gomez, Fabinho, Alexander-Arnold; J Henderson, Wijnaldum; Mané, Firmino (Minamino 83′), D Jota (Milner 83′); Salah.

Sheffield United XI: Ramsdale; Ampadu, Egan, Basham; Stevens, Osborn, Berge, Lundstram (McGoldrick 76′), Baldock; Brewster (Burke 54′), McBurnie.

LESSONS LEARNED FROM FPL GAMEWEEK 6

610 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    DCL and Hamez, go do bits. Make up for that Salah(c) fail a bit

  2. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Everyone gangsta until Hamez starts.....

  3. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Scene is also set later for a Jimenez 16pt haul while Kane blanks on Monday night.

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Jiminez doesn’t haul

      1. ivantys
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Hard to say it's newcastle

    2. Boxwoods
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Works for me

  4. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    JRod gets two different injury flags in one week and still starts, legand!!!!

  5. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Currently on 9pts, any good?

    1. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Better than 8, miles better than 5.

    2. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      smashing my THREE points...

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        But you must still have loads of players left to play in that case.

        1. Chucky
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          8 remaining but most of them are highly owned... Ings and Jimenez hauls needed...

    3. Forza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      You know it's good, stop bragging 🙄

    4. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers all...

    5. Mings the Merciless
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      That's kind of amazing. After hits, I'm on -12

  6. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Remember: it's not your fault that a player blanked or hauled. You have no control over what happens on a pitch

    If you find yourself deep in self blame, switch off and do other things you find fun

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Oh shush

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

        Why?

    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Good advice.

      People forget it's a game of LUCK and skill. With the former being most prevalent.

    3. The Reptile
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Good advice mate

    4. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A 20-30 min run is perfect to rid stress and leave you feeling fresh again, works everytime.

      1. fish&chips
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Except there is a red bridge on my weekly run where I vividly recall listening to Joe plant the seed of Alli over son on the scoutcast and I get flashbacks every time I run over it. Hahaha

        Great advice though. Nothing like a good run to clear your mind.

    5. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'll do other things I find fun ... Like making transfers for next week 😀

  7. Nimby
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hamez starts. Screw you Carlo! Filthy liar!

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He NERVER lied tbf

  8. Mr. O'Connell
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    1-1 please.

    DCL own goal assisted by James
    Siggy goal no assist

    1. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Why are you this way?

      1. MagicMessi
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Because he doesn't have any Everton

  9. ivantys
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Carlo is another fraud like Jose

    1. Riverside Red
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Need him to get an injury in the warm up...or 17pts lost

  10. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Those Everton defence is for relegation. Come on Saints !!

    1. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Quality post.

  11. HippY
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I have triple Everton, but I feel it's one of those gameweeks where my SOT bench (McCarthy/KWP) could outscore them with a 0-0/1-0 result

    1. Salan
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I have the same feeling.

      No surprised if SOT won this game by 1-0 / 2-0 / 2-1.

      1. Glokollur nr.1
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        would not be suprised either if Everton won the game or they would draw.
        No suprises

  12. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hamez need a double digit haul to save my gw somewhat

  13. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    How is Pickford still starting ffs. Ings goal guaranteed

    1. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Because he’s easily Everton’s best keeper. Plus, he was man-of-the-match in the last game.

    2. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Wasn't terrible in the last game, tbf

      1. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Surely they have higher standards then that

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

          Yes... But they didn't buy a new keeper, so here they are. Can't drop him, especially not after his last game

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

            Correction: they bought a new backup keeper

            Seems he's just backup, though. Not like Hendo vs DDG

          2. Gnu
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            But they did get Olsen in on loan.

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

              Yeah. Remembered right after posting. Pardon me

          3. Flair
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            They signed that Olsen guy from Roma but I've heard mixed reviews on him. Let's see what happens!

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

              Yeah. See above

  14. osceola31909
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    So is R. James going to be a regular starter now or was yesterday's formation an anomaly?

    1. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Suggestion that they’ll only set up that way against the bigger teams.

    2. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Big game, so he went conservative. Few chances created. Not sure Lampard will want that long term

    3. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Anomaly most likely

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

    4$gsjbr!/-8;}%¥€£ to those who said carlo is a respectful person who doesnt lie

    1. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He was merely drawing some attention to the fouls (with intent to hurt) committed by the reds in that game.

      The obvious thing to do given the ridiculous over emphasis against his team by the red sh*te media.

      Well done, Carlo.

    2. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Heard he said that to distract away from discussing Pickford supposed ban

  16. Jensen Luiz Coleman
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Glad to see Rodriguez start as player above me in my mini league has Bamford on the bench. Phew.

  17. Turbo Timo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    5 players from this match.. Ings, KWP, Hamez, DCL and Digne. 3-3 should be a good result especially after Salah (c) 😀

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

      All in 🙂

  18. Railwayman
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    How many managers benched Rodriguez ? Could he be a little differential this week maybe ?

  19. Turbo Timo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I'm so used to spelling his name as Hamez that I went ah sh*t at not seeing him in the lineups and also on the bench!

  20. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    At this point in time (obviously barring any injuries arising), which move looks best for next week with 1.2 ITB 1FT?

    A) Podence to Foden
    B) Podence (Davis) to Bamford (Bissouma) (-4) + some change left ITB
    C) other

    Team linked 🙂 but I think Podence is main issue.

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I am thinking to get in Podence next gw so hold for me.

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Really? Why?

        Tbf if he does well tonight I'll keep, but he's blanked 3 in a row for me. Meanwhile Foden a good city option and Bamford nailed cheap and form of his life

        1. wulfrunian
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I think that he is a good footballer and soon will return points.3 good fixttures for Wolves.

        2. wulfrunian
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          His only goal for Wolves was vs CPal last season.

      2. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I would save ft or sell Taylor.

    2. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A seems nice but wait till pressers etc

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        yeah - can only afford one foden rise is all

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

      I think Taylor is more of a problem than Podence

      He's offering next to nothing at 4.5, a valuable price point in the game

      Taylor to Chilwell, then sort Podence out (if needed) later. Something like:

      Taylor to Chilwell now
      Robbo to Coufal next
      Podence to Man U next

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Could be good shouts, that. Never really considered selling Robbo, or Taylor for that matter as I always just have a Burnley defender...

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

          Liverpool and Burnley have somehow dumped what we expected from them based on last season

          You can always buy them back, but based on stats and fixtures, it's easy to lose them now

          1. Flair
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Burnley's underlying defensive stats are very good

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

              Yeah. Stats for Pool, fixtures for Burnley

  21. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I looked at JRods heatmap for home and away games. At home he starts on the wing but moves into central positions in front of goal.
    Away he is confined to the wing. This might explain why he hasn't scored away from home.
    Four out of his next six games are away.
    Although he faces weaker opposition he may still be confined to the wing as Everton choose to play a tight game.
    Therefore we could see points dry up or be drastically reduced.
    After todays game I will run the analysis again and see if positioning changes against a weaker team or he plays more forward with Rich out.
    No goals from JRod today and we may have some vital clues as to why.
    Any thoughts?

    1. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      That's exactly why I sold but he can haul big anyways so regretting this logic now

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      food for thought. not sure how many other mids I'd ditch him for though atm, really. Grealish and Zaha the obvious, but Grealish 2 blanks in a row (right?) and Zaha so streaky

    3. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Well, when Richarlison went off against Brighton he got forward a lot more. Let’s see what happens

    4. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      It’s a useful line of thinking. Another impactful part of his play has been those crossfield passes to Richarlison. I can’t decide if he’s going to play in a similar role as part of a 433 or whether the inclusion of Siggurdson & Iwobi will see him a bit deeper.

      We’ll find out.

    5. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Meh, doubt this matters much. I see no reason to mess with his incredible form when he's performing so well, not like there are better alternatives out there. Has averaged a return every 96 minutes for the last 6 seasons and it looks like this will continue.

    6. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      If JRod blanks in the next two then the analysis stands good and I will downgrade Robbo and use the funds to get in Bruno for Uniteds good run.

    7. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Overthinking. Season is only 5 games old.

  22. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A certain manager who cried wolf deserves to have his fakery come true

    1. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      In a similar way that VVD got a massive dose of karma last weekend?

      1. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Lol cretinous Everton supporters, what a shock

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

        Wow grow up

        1. Third Eye Vision
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I was fairly livid with his awful challenges in the first 2 minutes of the game. I get that it was a derby and he was throwing his weight around. I felt little sympathy when he had to go off.

          It is a shame that he’s got a serious injury. I certainly don’t wish it on any sportsman.

          But I’ve been sick of the endless whinging all week.

        2. Third Eye Vision
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          And the original post is wishing harm on Rodriguez, so I felt the need to respond.

          I certainly don’t ever wish harm on any sportsman. There’s just a lack of sympathy on my part.

    2. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      If it worked like that Mourinho would be playing U-21's every other week.

  23. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone know if there are any upcoming blanks or when the teams(who didn't play in GW 1) are due to play their rearranged games.

    Just thinking when I should play my WC.

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I listened to podcast recently where they talked about this. Can't remember which one it was but they were speculating that we may not even know where the double gameweeks would be come GW16 when you would have to use your first wildcard.

      1. FPL Theorist
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        We should know. The DGW19 fixtures aren't dependent on FA Cup results, so there isn't the same need to wait until very late to announce them. One would think they'll make up the missed GW1 fixtures then, giving MCI/MUN/BUR/AVL a DGW19 after a regular GW18.

        1. Flair
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          GW18 may be a blank iirc.

    2. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      The double GWs come after the first WC expires

      Two or three GWs after, if I recall correctly. There was a lot of talk about it here when the season started

      1. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Three DGWs this season iirc, GW19, ~GW29, GW37. Could be the perfect time for the more committed players to gain an edge.

  24. Warbling Wendy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    James you beauty!

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

    Lucky casuals who missed the rodriguez news now probably get a goal and assist from him

    Done wih this game

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Casuals are those who sold\didnt play him.

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I’m embracing my casualness this week

    3. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      The so called casuals will get lucky every so often, but in the long run the serious players making good decisions throughout the season will come out on top.

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        True

      2. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        You say that, but I started James Reece twice then benched vs United. 8 pts benched.

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Lol Reece James even

    4. Supertrooper
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nothing missed, I waited with any transfers with him until there was more info there, which then was stated by Carlo in his press conf.

      Was comfortable starting him with targett as 1st sub in case jamez didn't play.

  26. el polako
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Started James hoping he will get some game time today, 1st on bench is Brewster so as long as Columbian makes it to 60th minute without card I be ok 🙂

  27. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Info for the admins:

    Clickbait titles might get flagged by social media and Google soon. They're all working on the AI now

  28. Party time
      3 years, 5 months ago

      James massive haul needed

    • The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      WC from A to B?

      A) - 343
      McC, Steer
      TAA, Justin, Kilman, Mitchell, Taylor
      Salah, Sterling, Son, Podence, Biss
      DCL, Mitro, Jimi

      B) 352
      McC, Forster
      Chilwell, Masuaku, Gomez, Kilman, Mitchel
      Salah, Son, Rodriguez, De Bruyne, Zaha
      DCL, Jimi, Brewster

    • FantasyHero
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Hamez starts!!! Awesome.

      But siggy starts too...there goes hamez penalty taking chances.