Scout Notes

FPL defenders only winners of Manchester derby as De Bruyne and Fernandes blank

Man United 0-0 Man City

  • Goals: None
  • Assists: None
  • Bonus points: Luke Shaw x3 (£4.8m), John Stones x2 (£4.8m), Kyle Walker x2 (£6.2m)

DULL DERBY

The occasion of a Manchester derby appeared to get underneath the skin of Ole Gunnar Solksjaer and Pep Guardiola’s men in Gameweek 12.

Bruno Fernandes (£10.9m) and Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) came into the encounter backed by 40.4% and 24.5% of Fantasy Premier League managers respectively but combined for a total of six points.

With neither side prepared to stretch themselves to get the win, Old Trafford played host to one of the dullest matches of the season so far.

That said, it was not the first time the Manchester derby has disappointed, considering that Gabriel Jesus (£9.3m) and Raheem Sterling (£11.4m), whose first touch was consistently poor on Saturday, both remain goalless against the Red Devils.

On the flip-side, Manchester United have still won just one of their six home league games this season, scoring three in the process, two of which have come from the penalty spot.

There could be hidden benefits from this result for Fantasy managers invested in the Manchester clubs though.

De Bruyne and Fernandes owners were unlikely to captain either of the premium midfielders for an unpredictable Manchester derby but more favourable midweek fixtures stood out enough to guard against mass sales.

That said, the quick turnaround between Manchester City’s Old Trafford visit and a Tuesday-night home meeting with West Bromwich Albion had caused some rotation concerns for De Bruyne.

Likewise, some managers had been put off captaining Fernandes for a plum away trip to Sheffield United for the same reason, although that game is on Thursday.

But considering that neither side exerted themselves too much at Old Trafford might convince both Solskjaer and Guardiola there is enough left in the tank to keep key players in the side in Gameweek 13.

ROLLING STONES

Manchester City are increasingly becoming a source of reliable clean sheets, picking up a fourth from their last six on Saturday.

The fact that it came against a Manchester United side that had a point to prove makes it somewhat more impressive, although the main focus will be on the Citizens’ upcoming fixtures.

With their defensive credentials improving week-on-week, City’s meetings with West Brom (home), Southampton (away) and Newcastle (home) are particularly attractive between now and Gameweek 15.

As ever, the question is: how do we best invest in their back-line, short of forking out for perennial six-pointer Ederson (£6.0m)?

Ruben Dias (£5.6m) remains the key man in terms of outfield defenders, having started each of the last nine Premier League matches, lasting 90 minutes in eight of them.

However, John Stones (£4.8m) is slowly emerging as a viable cheap alternative having started and played 90 minutes in each of the last three.

Crucially, he has been present for all of Manchester City’s clean sheets in the last five and added two bonus points on Saturday.

Whether or not he can retain his starting berth depends largely on Guardiola’s whim, of course. The games are coming thick and fast over the next few weeks although it is notable that Aymeric Laporte (£6.0m) has been benched for three Premier League matches in a row now and Nathan Aké (£5.4m) has not started since Gameweek 5 through injury.

As ever, the full-back situation remains unpredictable. Following a Gameweek 10 rest, João Cancelo (£5.5m) has now started each of the last two and captured clean sheet points too.

His versatility is a complicated piece of the puzzle as he played a right-back with Benjamin Mendy (£5.9m) on the left against Fulham but switched back to the left, pushing the Frenchman to the bench at Old Trafford, so that Kyle Walker (£6.2m) could return to the side.

DEVILS’ TRIANGLE

Paul Pogba (£7.7m) has now started and completed each of the last two league matches for Manchester United, potentially adding an extra complication to predicting the team.

Against Manchester City, he was deployed in a central midfield trio comprised of Fred (£5.3m) and Scott McTominay (£4.9m) but spent some time drifting into a left-wing role.

Meanwhile, Fernandes was officially stationed as a number 10 behind a front-two of Marcus Rashford (£9.4m) and Mason Greenwood (£7.1m), with Anthony Martial (£8.7m) making a second-half comeback from injury.

The Portuguese international spent some time advanced into the gaps between the strikers to become the centre-forward point of a 4-3-3 shape to press Manchester City as high up the pitch as possible.

That could be seen as one of the reasons why Guardiola’s men were unable to get things going from deep at Old Trafford. Fernandes is, after all, much better at pressing off the ball than he often gets credit for.

Whether such a role exists for Fernandes outside of the big games, remains to be seen, especially considering the shake-up of Martial’s 74th-minute introduction for Greenwood. At that point, Solskjaer reverted to a more familiar set-up with Fernandes at number 10, flanked by Rashford and Pogba while Martial led from the front.

Manchester United XI (4-3-1-2): de Gea; Shaw, Maguire, Lindelof, Wan-Bissaka; Pogba, Fred, McTominay; B Fernandes; Rashford, Greenwood (Martial 74′).

Manchester City XI (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Cancelo, Dias, Stones, Walker; Fernandinho, Rodri; Sterling, De Bruyne, Mahrez (Torres 66′); Jesus.

Lessons learned from FPL Gameweek 12

627 Comments Post a Comment
  1. McPollolocco
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Best replacement for Telles? (5.6 ITB)
    I already have James, Coufal, Targett and Lamptey. I don't use Spurs defender

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

      Is it an anti-Spurs thing? They seem to be solid and Dier is cheap.

      Maybe a City defender then.

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

        No, its not a anti spur thing. I am in a mini league with rules, and some other players has all spurs defender

    2. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Dias / Dier / Dallas. The D’s

      1. Vazza
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        How things change.

        It was the C’s that were bossing these discussions a few weeks ago

        Chilwell / Coufal / Cancelo

    3. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Dias

    4. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I think a LIV defender will pretty much emerge - Trent or Robbo it is up to you

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

    Score check
    31-4 from 9 players!

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      31(-4) with Mane(C), Son and KWP left.

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        38 with Vardy(c) and Son left

    2. 1zverGGadeM
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      26 from 5
      (S)alah Robbo Son Kane Justin Veltman to play 🙂

      1. R.C
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Veltman won't start

        1. 1zverGGadeM
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          He is in for Kilman

          1. 1zverGGadeM
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            And my 5th def is Dunne 😀

    3. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      43 from 8. Looking like lamptey coming in for Jota.

      1. aborg
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        35 from 7 but have nobody from my bench has started so nobody coming in for Jota.
        So basically it’s 35 from 8 with Vardy, Vestergaard and Salah(c) left. Any good?

    4. L.U.H.G.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      23. -4 from 7 players

    5. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      37 with Salah (C) and Kane left

    6. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      35 from 7

      Kane cap
      Son
      Salah
      Robo
      Zaha left

      1. Gobigorgohome
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        6*

    7. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Awful Saturday - 15(-8) from 5. However I have 6 to play with Salah (c) Robbo Son Kane Dier and Ryan so I hope for some decent score

    8. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      33 Salah(c) Trent Zaha Son to go

    9. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      32-4 from 8. Seems pretty average right now. Kane Salah (c) Dier. Soucek first sub.

    10. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      35(-8) from 7, C to go

    11. LSK
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      38 from 8

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

    Anyone else growing tired of Grealish's active Philanthropy? Youre the captain take some responsibility

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

      Nah who cares, life to short to care about people who aren't a part of your life.

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

      He took responsibility. Excellent call from the captain.

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

      I'm getting tired of Grealish's face

    4. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Next one is his

      1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        If El Gahzi off the pitch

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

        No hell find someone else theb

    5. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Wait until he gives you your christmas presents. You’ll think hes Santa soon

    6. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      As a Grealish owner, yes, it's super frustrating...

      But, in real life, it was actually a nice story around El Ghazi getting the penalty.

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

    Lads thoughts please.
    A.Jota to Soucek for free.
    B.Jota and vardy to Bruno and Watkin/Adams for a hit.

    Team
    McCarthy
    Lamptey Dallas Chilwell Kilman Coufal
    Salah Grealish De Bruyne Jota Stephens
    Kane Bamford Vardy

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

      I like both of those moves - Adams over Watkins I think. Obviously wait to see Vardy and Adams play first.

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B. You need Bruno for Christmas.

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

    Who is the better option for next 3 game weeks

    A. Foden
    B. Soucek

    I’m wildcarding in GW16 so can take a few risks.

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B and use the funds elsewhere

      1. Vazza
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        That’s great. Just the answer I was looking for

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Foden is not even an option

      1. Vazza
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks mate. Just wanted to hear it from someone else

    3. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

    4. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Foden is probably a 1GW punt vs WBA, but only if you have 2FT and no other fires to put off in your team. I would go with Soucek long term

      1. Vazza
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks. Makes sense

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

      B

      F. Torres could also be a decent punt

      1. Vazza
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks. Can’t afford him mate

    6. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      No contest. B

  6. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who is a better value option over Xmas fixtures?

    A) Balbuena

    B) Coufal

    1. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B without a doubt

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

      I prefer Coufal but not much in it

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

      Coufal but balbuena a good alternative if you need the extra funds

  7. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Best midfielder below 5.3?
    Have Soucek

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

      Lookman

    2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Lookman

    3. 1zverGGadeM
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Lookman

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

      Look man the answer is obvious

  8. thegaffer82
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    It's going to be the week where Spurs asset sellers have their pants pulled down and get a right good spanking...

    I say this as somebody who has sold Kane & Son in recent weeks (to get Salah, Bruno & KDB)

    But next week will be my week I tell you. Expecting big fat blanks for Kane and Son next week gosh darn it! And, KDB, Bruno are going to go mental with double digit hauls all around.

    Just got to get through today without having a breakdown...

    1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Betting against the house rarely ends well

    2. Fudgy
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I sold them both this week

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

      Can’t see Kane and Son’s points drying up any time soon.

      1. thegaffer82
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I'm saying next week (v's Pool) they will blank (I pray!)

        Not that Kane/Son will just stop scoring all season.

        And, I'm actually getting Kane after the Pool game. Can't take this feeling every week

    4. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I’m fine. I have KDB Bruno Salah and Kane. Can’t wait for all the fixtures coming up.

      1. thegaffer82
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        That'll be the four I have after the Pool game. I like it a lot!

    5. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I wouldn't gamble on kdb starting against mediocre west brom either. Be carefull with that arm band.

  9. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Just reached 1900 rating on chess woop

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Thought you were going to say that was your OR. Well done anyway.

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

      900 more points and you go past Magnus.

    3. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Well done, chess is all the rage. Really enjoyed the Queens Gambit, lead was hot though I'd imagine the chess not realistic.

    4. KnightSlayer
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      well done what you called and which site do you play on
      I a have a similar rating

  10. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Vardy + Podence + Lamptey to Kane + Soucek + Lewis for a -4. Makes sense?

    1. 1zverGGadeM
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      yep

    2. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

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

      Lewis the best you can get right?

      Can't stretch to a WHam or Leeds Dfer?

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Have Coufal and Dallas already. And James.

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

      Good moves but wait till after Liverpool game

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Planning to do it immediately post that game. Aiming to get this 11:

        Martinez
        James Dallas Coufal
        Salah KDB Bruno Son
        Kane Bamford

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

      Delay Vardy to Kane move

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Planning this post Lei vs Eve and Spurs vs Pool

  11. WVA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Isn't it funny how this game works out, had Soucek from the start despite everyone telling me he wasn't good enough for a 4th mid, started him for first few weeks and did nothing so sold on my WC, now everyone that told me he wasn't good enough is getting his points off the bench while I'm stuck with Salah KDB Bruno Son Grealish!

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

      With that midfield, how stuck are you?

      Grealish to Soucek if it will stop you being unhappy.

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

      Sounds like they were right early-km and he wasn't good enough to be a reliable 4th mid. (4/12 returns all season paints that picture too.)

    3. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'd rather your midfield than Soucek

  12. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A) Save FT, play Bednarek (ars) with Kilman and Mitchell only subs
    B) Take -4, play Balbuena (CPL), with Bednarek sub

    Martinez
    Chilwell, Zouma, Bednarek
    Salah, KDB, Fernandes, Son, Grealish
    DCL, Bamford

    (Steer, Brewster, Kilman*, Mitchell*)

    Thinking B as I will likely be priced out otherwise and probably need a bench for next week.

    Cheers

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

    No Southampton, no Spurs, no Leicester. Can Brewster cover them?

    1. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Afraid no

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

        Big red arrow today. Maybe Robertson and Salah(C) can save me later.

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

      I'm not even expecting him to get 2 points. 1pt seems to be his ceiling these days

    3. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Maybe you'll get a Brewstie Bonus.

    4. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Whoops.

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

      No spurs? Mental

  14. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Would you bring Dias in for a 4 point hit and drop Charlie Taylor to the bench? He would be the only playing asset on the bench

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not a hit

  15. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Jota > Soucek ?

    1. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      That appears to be the dream move on these forums at the moment

  16. The Mighty Hippo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Which two City full backs are most likely to get game time. I assume it's Walker and Cancelo, with at least one of those playing on the right when Mendy is selected?

    1. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I think the City fullback positions are a minefield now.

      I expect Pep to keep on shuffling his pack in that position now dependent on form, fixtures and fatigue.

      I'm keeping Cancelo for now, but I'm well aware he might not show for the next GW v's WBA. And, I'll sell him as soon as I get a free transfer spare (probably for Dias)

      1. The Mighty Hippo
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I've got enough cash to bring in Walker alongside Csncelo, which would mean double City defence when they play together and at least one of them playing in the WBA game.

        1. thegaffer82
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Big nope from me.

          1 City DFer is plenty I think.

          Cancelo > Dias when/if you get a FT and combine with a Chelsea DFer and your premiums are sorted in DF.
          Then having a couple from Coufal/Dallas/Lamptey and you have a solid, inexpensive DF

    2. manu4life99
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Just get Dias

  17. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Save FT?

    Martinez
    Robbo Dias Lamptey
    KDB Salah Bruno Grealish
    DCL Bamford Wilson

    Johnstone soucek ayling mitchell

  18. KnightSlayer
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is Dunne to Kean Bryan worth doing?

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I’d say no because I have never heard of him. That’s usually a good sin not to sign someone.

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Which sport?

    3. KnightSlayer
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Think the answer is NO as not playing now 3.9M defender for Sheffield

  19. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Havertz's performance was so bad.

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not living up to his preseason billing.

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      To think I started with him in gw1 is miserable

  20. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who will score more points over next 3 gameweeks

    A. Bamford
    B. Soucek

    1. Dannyb
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Have to back Bamford

    2. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Jeex it better be Bamford. He is my captain next week. No other options

  21. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What radio station is the commentary on?

  22. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Adams G

  23. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    JWP territory

  24. Kitman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Keep Che Adams - the only change I would consider is for Antonio in a few weeks