Scout Notes

Fernandes scores again as new Pogba role pushes Rashford to the right

Man United 2-1 Aston Villa

  • Goals: Anthony Martial (£8.7m), Bruno Fernandes (£11.2m) | Bertrand Traoré (£5.9m)
  • Assists: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.3m), Paul Pogba (£7.7m) | Jack Grealish (£7.7m)
  • Bonus points: Fernandes x3, Grealish x2, Wan-Bissaka x1

PAY THE PENALTY

Manchester United’s knack for winning penalties continues to underpin Bruno Fernandes‘ (£11.2m) Fantasy Premier League credentials ahead of their appealing run of fixtures.

The Portuguese international, now owned by 50.4% of managers worldwide, despatched his fifth spot-kick of the campaign in a 2-1 win over Aston Villa, the sixth he had taken over the first 17 Gameweeks.

Only Jamie Vardy (£10.2m) has shouldered the responsibility of more penalties (seven) in the Premier League than Fernandes (six) so far. Beyond that, since Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s first Premier League match in charge of Manchester United (December 2018), his side had been awarded (27) and scored (21) the most penalties.

“(Fernandes) wants to take the penalties and that’s the first thing. He is never afraid of missing. He has been very safe and is a confident man on the spot.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

As a result, Manchester United’s established penchant for winning spot-kicks could arguably play a part in captaincy decisions over the next two Gameweeks – when the Red Devils play three times.

More importantly, two of their next three opponents have been particularly obliging in the box this season. Liverpool and Fulham, who Manchester United face in Double Gameweek 19 have both given up five penalties in 2020/21, the second-most behind only Leeds (six) at the time of writing.

Since Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford in Gameweek 7, Solskjaer’s men have gone undefeated and won eight of their last 10 league matches – setting up for a very interesting encounter at Anfield later this month…

RASH DECISIONS

A new role for Paul Pogba (£7.7m) against Aston Villa pushed Marcus Rashford (£9.5m) into a relatively unfamiliar role on Friday night, perhaps throwing a spanner into the works of preparations for Blank Gameweek 18 and Double Gameweek 19.

Solskjaer gave the Frenchman a chance to operate on the left-hand side of attacking midfield, where Rashford has produced some of his best work since Project Restart.

Having spent much of 2020 sitting in the holding midfield pair at Manchester United, Pogba was hugely impressive in a wider and more advanced position. He had more shots in the box than anyone on the pitch, attempted more passes than any other colleague (48) and won the penalty which led to victory.

“He’s getting better and better. I think he played well today. They are a physical side and Paul’s one of these guys who can get hold of it for us.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Pogba is sure to fancy his chances of holding onto the left-wing position for next week’s trip to Burnley, which could bring him into consideration for those building squads around the Blank and Double Gameweeks.

Of course, we also have to assess the impact on Rashford who went an eighth home Premier League match from his last nine without a goal.

In an unfamiliar role on the right-hand side of the attack, the Englishman was arguably the least impressive of Manchester United’s front four against Aston Villa, closely marked by Matt Targett (£4.6m) and somewhat selfish in key moments too.

It must be remembered that Rashford has been considerably more effective away from home anyway, which bodes well in light of Manchester United’s next three matches all taking place on the road.

In nine Premier League outings at Old Trafford this season, the 23-year-old has just one attacking return. In just six away matches, Rashford has found the net six times and added four assists.

Anthony Martial (£8.7m) has less of an excuse for his home form, considering he has just one league goal at Old Trafford and one on the road too.

He seems a much less viable asset for the Blank and Double Gameweek based on his starting credentials anyway. Edinson Cavani (£7.8m) was handed a three-match ban by the FA, but two of those will be spent on cup competitions. Gameweek 17 was the only league match the Uruguayan was due to miss and he will be available for the Gameweek 18 trip to Burnley.

GREAL DEAL

Just as Fantasy managers were starting to lose faith with him, Jack Grealish (£7.7m) posted a seven-point score in another impressive performance for Aston Villa.

Over the five matches previous to Gameweek 17, the midfield maestro was outscored by 42 points to 19 by colleague Anwar El Ghazi (£5.8m).

Grealish has, of course, been unfortunate not to pick up more assists in that time thanks to wayward finishing from Ollie Watkins (£6.1m).

As is often the case in FPL, the good fortune swung back around at Old Trafford. Grealish capitalised from a lapse in concentration from Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.3m) to cross into the box in the second half.

The ball came through a crowd of bodies yet managed to go untouched by Douglas Luiz (£4.9m) before Bertrand Traoré (£5.9m) bundled it home.

Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Shaw, Maguire, Bailly, Wan-Bissaka; Fred (Tuanzebe 90+4′), McTominay (Matić 65′); Pogba, B Fernandes (D James 87′), Rashford; Martial.

Aston Villa XI (4-2-3-1): Martínez; Targett, Mings, Konsa, Cash; McGinn, D Luiz; El Ghazi (Davis 84′), Grealish, B Traoré (J Ramsey 79′); Watkins.

Lessons learned from FPL Gameweek 17

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1,891 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    My best transfer of the season

    Reese Jame to Tierney for gw17

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      We’ve already done this once but I’ll join you for it again

      Me to!

      1. Gudjohnsen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, I´m just happy I finally did a transfer right after some bad moves lately like

        Chilwell to Dier for gw16 - lost 5 points
        Not doing KDB to Bruno (C) before Leeds
        Etc. Etc.

    2. Parsnips
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Well played!

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

      Move. Well done. Tierney has been looking really good and now has really delivered.

    4. Babit1967
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Well done mate I done Zouma Taylor to Saiss / Holding for free so cant complain

  2. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Need that Holding cleanie since I'm having a shite week yet again.

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

    This is a very very high scoring week

    1. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Is my 26 part of that?

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

    Should I activate my free hit now or wait?

    1. Party time
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Wait

      • Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Make transfers for rises but don't activate, small chance you would use wildcard if something changes.

    2. Bleh
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      76 points with Salah, Dias and Stones still to play. 17 points on the bench too. Stark contrast to last week!

    3. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Let’s get it over and done with then....... show us your scores

      52 with 5 left for me, seems average

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

        81 Salah + Robbo to go 🙂

        1. THFC4LIFE
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Jesus Christ lol well played

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

            Ik. Best score of the season so far. About time too 🙂

      2. djman102
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        70(-4) with 3 to play.

        Top 10K is 51 with 4 to play.

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

        67 with chilwell, salah, adams and cancelo

      4. Konstaapeli
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        68 + Salah & Cancelo

      5. FPL.team
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        26 with 4 left.

      6. Alisson WondHaaland
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        56 with Salah Robbo Chilwell. Unless Chilwell has a masterclass its looking very average

      7. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        70 salah Vardy and Trent to go

      8. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        51
        5 to play

        I’ll take it

      9. lugs
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        65, Salah, Cancelo, Dias, Wilson to go 🙂

      10. Roy Hudd
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        91 with Salah to go

      11. Neves say Neves
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        45 with 4 left to play
        biggest red arrow of my career coming up, currently top 30k

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

          I have 30 points...........

          1. Neves say Neves
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            plus (s)alah, mane, robbo, chilwell, dias
            you'll be grand

      12. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        88 with KDB left 🙂

        1. Mr. O'Connell
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          90 then

      13. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        74 with KDB and cancelo to play. 🙂

      14. Buck The Trent
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        76 + Mo, KdB, Stony

      15. Tomsk
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        20 but still got Werner to play.

      16. Il Capitano
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        54, Vardy, Justin, Salah and Robbo to go, Leicester game huge for my GW

      17. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        62 Adams, Salah, Cancelo, Robbo to go

        1. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          (Will get 1+0 if both Adams Cancelo out)

      18. The Pesci challenge
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        69 with 4 to play

        1. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          69 is nice

      19. Rash
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        66 with 4 left

        Cancelo
        Dias
        Chilwell
        Salah

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

      1,136,577 to 615,330

      Salah + Robbo to go.

      Happy New Yr to me 🙂

      1. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Congrats mate 🙂

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

          Thank you. I'm sure il get slated as always on here

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

        link to your team says differently???

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

          72 plus bonus (livefpl)

      3. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Sort your link out 😉

      4. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        nice
        x

    5. Feanor
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      10 points from Holding gets me to 60 with Salah, Robbo and Justin left

      1. Feanor
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Make that 68

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

      76 with Dias and Salah to go, big change from last week. Hope Ruben finally gets his header

      1. Gazwaz80
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        74 with Salah, Robbo, McCarthy and Zouma to go...

      2. Buck The Trent
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        76 with Salah, KdB, Stones

    7. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      am now tempted to keep bowen for dgw19. having 3 w ham looks like a good idea v west brom.

    8. Mr.K
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm on a Wildcard and have now gotten to:

      Sanchez - McCarthy
      Holding - Mitchell - Robertson - Dias - Coufal
      Saka - Salah - Son - Soucek - Fernandes
      Moupay - Kane - Wilson

      Am I making too many compromises getting in the big guns or does this seem like an alright team?

      1. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        De Bruyne ?

        1. Mr.K
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I don't know what to do with him. I've been plotting ways to get him in all autumn but regretted not having him only a couple of times. At 11.6 I don't know if he's worth the price tag. Basically I think I'd need to drop Bruno for him. I guess an objective viewer could make a case for dropping Salah too but I've had him since the start and I think he's a season keeper for me.

          1. Qaiss
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Tbh with you, I would drop Kane. That way you still have Son and you also have a Man City attacker. It's probably my strategy going forward, but instead of KDB, getting rid of Kane for Fernandes.

    9. Klopp's Kids
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Rashford or Son on Free Hit?

      1. Aztec Kamara
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Son

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

        Both.

      3. I Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Son

    10. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Uhhh. I was so close to bringing in Holding + Saka this week to field 8 next week and save a Free hit. Ended up commiting to the Free hit route which hasnt paid off so far

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

      71pts. Dias Mane Salah to go. Gotta love it.
      Lsst week (37pts..)

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        awesome mate!!! I was 39 -4 last week and only 8 player play and one was Johnstone who got zero anyway and Vardy with a point, 68 here with Salah, Vardy, Zouma and Stones to go!! With Coufal to come in of Stones is one of the City players out

        1. Pukkipartyy
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Thx Bro! Good luck 🙂

    12. fedolefan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      19 points for me from Holding in the last two. Woop woop!

    13. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      54 with 4 to go seems below average this week. Need the customary KDB 19 pointer to even things out.

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Just above Top 10k average.

      2. djman102
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Top 10k bag is 51 with 4 to play, so you're a bit ahead of the curve atm.

        1. djman102
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          *avg

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

      So my bottle of red wine Taylor➡️Holding actually worked. Pity I'm on white tonight 🙂

    15. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Holding and Saka, lovely jubbly.

      Need a De Bruyne haul tomorrow, big time.

      1. Egg noodle
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah. He has been outscored by Ward Prowse this season.

        1. Qaiss
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yep. But if he does anything big tomorrow then his ownership will sky rocket from next week/week after.

      2. Buck The Trent
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Hoping

    16. teddypicker
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cresswell is gunna pull a Tierney in dgw19 isn't he?

      1. Egg noodle
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Robbo will pull one tomorrow

    17. Aztec Kamara
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Hi all, really torn on whether to play the FH or not.
      I can get 7 out something like:
      Martinez - Dias - KDB(C) Bruno Grealish - Kane DCL
      (MCI players can be someone else if needed)
      It’s borderline, but wondering if the FH may still be more valuable later on e.g. W29.

      So would you FH or hold it?
      Thanks

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        i 100% wouldnt use fh

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          funny name by the way 🙂

          1. Aztec Kamara
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Thx - one for the 80s kids 🙂

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

        I am in the same position with similar players but can hopefully have 8 players with games. For me i am more tempted to wildcard instead of FH right now. Then i can field 11 and have a very very good team for the DGW and bench boost.

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          i am also using my wc. in order to bbgw19 i cannot field 11 players for 18 though unless I have some players with one game only gw19.

          1. Aztec Kamara
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Yep tricky to balance - I should have 13 doubles + DCL & Kane so keeping my WC stashed. The plan was always to FH but now I can get 7 out I’m leaning towards holding it.

    18. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Alright then let's see those FH 18 drafts.

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Darlow
        Dias Cancelo Holding
        Sterling Son Bruno(c) Rash Saka
        Kane Tony

      2. Basil1977
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        i think we will see enough on here over the next week

    19. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Pogbas "new role" on the left means Solskaer has watched some Pogba youtube clips from his Juventus years

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

        Finally popped up on his Recommended.

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

        this... Even I knew long ago it is his best position

      3. Arctic monkeys
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        An option for the DGW ?

        1. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Actually yes

    20. FPLMarc
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure what to do and it's all about De Bruyne.

      Team currently has 9 for BGW18 [but includes Taylor (MUN) and Mitchell (ars)].

      (a) FH18, no KDB for Man City's great games afterwards, keep Kane
      (b) KDB for Salah, FH19, without Salah for one match in GW20
      (c) no FH, don't bother with KDB, keep Kane

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

        Wildcard is you're solution.

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

      I got 2ft how does Salah to Sterling sound for this week?
      And GW 19 with 2ft some like this for a hit
      Son Watkins and Dier to
      Salah Davis Zouma

      In 18 would give 9 ( really 7)

      Dias Dier (Bernardo)
      Sterling KDB Son Bruno
      Watkins (Brewster)

      And in 19

      Mendy

      Roberston Dias Coufal Dier Zouma

      Salah KDB Sterling Bruno Soucek

      Bamford

      Forster Bernardo Brewster Davis
      Would TC Salah or maybe even Sterling

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

        Sorry Dier should not be in GW19 team.

    22. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Would you save FH?

      GW18
      Martinez
      Stones Holding
      KdB Bruno Son Rashford Saka
      Kane (+ Davis)

      GW19 (-8)
      Martinez
      Stones Dallas Coufal
      Salah KdB Bruno Rashford Rapinha
      Bamford Vardy

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

        Yes

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

          But -8 is a bit much when your are going up against a lot of BB.

          1. Buck The Trent
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Hoping that can make up -8 when i use BB later in the season

      2. I Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah easy save with those 9.

    23. Mile Plankton
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      How's this for next week? No hits, No FH.

      Martinez/Sanchez
      Dier - Stones - Holding
      Bruno - KDB - Son - Grealish - Saka
      Kane - DCL

      Target on the becnh
      Bamford and Justin blank.

      1. Buck The Trent
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Solid

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

      Bar Zaha & Pieters, Scouts Squad smashing it.

    25. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      45 with 4 left to play
      biggest red arrow of my career coming up, currently top 30

      1. Neves say Neves
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        30k!

    26. Surfeit of Lampteys
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Just not going for me this season, one way or another. Two players in each of the three postponed games this week, bellerin off injured with a booking too smh. All but out of the cup but hey, hope springs eternal. Looking at some of these totals above, I have 18 points so far lol

    27. SMOOTH
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      anything concrete on che adams?

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        talk he will miss livp

        1. SMOOTH
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          really need those 10 holding points off the bench. and preferably the 6 mitchell ones too.

          maybe cancelo is out too

      2. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Probably sub or completely rested but given Monday game may be in his favour.