Scout Notes

Everton’s superior away form and Lingard’s lack of FPL returns assessed

West Ham United 0-1 Everton

  • Goal: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.6m)
  • Assist: Ben Godfrey (£5.0m)
  • Bonus: Calvert-Lewin, Godfrey x3, Yerry Mina (£5.5m)

A goal for Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.6m) and an eighth away clean sheet of the season for Everton’s backline saw the Toffees’ Double Gameweek 35 off to a satisfying start.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side next face Aston Villa on Thursday in a swift rematch of their Gameweek 34 meeting, while West Ham take a backseat until their Gameweek 36 encounter with Brighton.

WHILE THE CATENACCIO’S AWAY

Everton’s Jekyll-and-Hyde form sees them rank third in the Premier League table for away points and a lowly 15th for home results.

(tables from www.soccerstats.com)

Is there something to this disparity or merely “one of those things” that we can chalk up to chaos?

With 23 goals scored in both home and away matches, the key difference has been at the back.

HomeAway
Goals conceded27 (=16th)15 (=2nd)
Clean sheets2 (19th)8 (=2nd)

Speaking in March, Ancelotti hailed his backline when asked about the reason for Everton’s superior form on the road:

The defence. I think the key was that we were a little more focused defensively away, we were a little bit more scared or worried to play away and so we were more focused defensively. Most of our results away were down to a really good defence.

After that we have quality in the counter-attack, we have quality on set pieces – most of these victories were after set pieces.

Ancelotti’s comment about focus is perhaps the most pertinent here: the Toffees are top of the league for the fewest defensive errors (three) in away games but rank bottom for the same statistic in home matches (13).

There was only really one major scare against a below-par West Ham, with Vladimir Coufal (£4.7m) striking the post and Jarrod Bowen (£5.9m) unable to tap home the rebound.

The Hammers, indeed, didn’t have a single shot on target.

All of the above bodes well for Thursday’s trip to Aston Villa, who will be without leading goalscorer Ollie Watkins (£6.5m) through suspension.

Everton’s decent away defensive record is also worth considering in Gameweek 38, for those managers mulling over a sentimental punt on Sergio Aguero (£10.3m) or indeed any other Manchester City asset.

CAL ZONE

Calvert-Lewin has been a streaky player ever since Ancelotti was appointed, with purple patches at the start of the Italian’s reign and the first 11 Gameweeks of 2020/21.

Back-to-back goals would potentially hint at another scoring run – a Villa side without a clean sheet in eight games is up next – and the ship hasn’t sailed for those Fantasy managers looking to pounce.

A home fixture against the division’s worst defence follows in Gameweek 36, with Wolverhampton Wanderers to come in the penultimate round of Premier League matches.

With Nuno Espirito Santo giving fringe players a chance in the run-in and his side looking defensively fragile against the might of Burnley, West Bromwich Albion and Brighton and Hove Albion in the last three Gameweeks, Wolves are there for the taking.

But the chances continue to come and go for Richarlison (£7.8m), whose eight-game goal drought has seen him rack up 17 shots in the box without any success.

STOP HAMMER TIME?

Jesse Lingard (£6.6m) blanked for the third match in a row, with his repeated dropping into a deeper position as much of a sign of frustration as his late booking for dissent was.

Perhaps Lingard is better suited to playing against the ‘bigger’ teams: all eight of his goals from open play have come in games when West Ham have been dominated in terms of possession and played on the counter-attack.

The Hammers scored four goals directly on the break (a league-high) from Gameweeks 22-30 but none since then.

West Ham’s possessionLingard’s attacking returns
GW22: AVL (a)43.9%2
GW23: FUL (a)39.2%0
GW24: SHU (h)46.2%1
GW25: TOT (h)30.8%1
GW26: MCI (a)36.9%1
GW27: LEE (h)34.3%1
GW29: ARS (h)36.5%2
GW30: WOL (a)33.9%2
GW31: LEI (h)36.7&2
GW32: NEW (a)65.2%1 (penalty)
GW33: CHE (h)44.1%0
GW34: BUR (a)56.1%0
GW35: EVE (h)68.6%0

The loanee’s phenomenal rate of attacking returns was always going to be unsustainable over a significant period of time and it was inevitable that there would be some regression to the norm.

But he did at least have some good underlying numbers to back up his superb initial form for West Ham (joint-third among midfielders for shots in the box from Gameweeks 22-32), figures that have since tumbled in an admittedly small sample of games.

At least Brighton and Southampton, two of the Hammers’ three remaining opponents, are in the top ten for possession in 2020/21 and may offer more opportunities to Lingard and co on the counter.

DAWSON CREAKING

At the back, West Ham are without a clean sheet in seven matches – and it’s no surprise that Declan Rice (£4.7m) has missed all of them.

We’ve been treated to the sight of both Mark Noble (£4.5m) and Manuel Lanzini (£6.4m) in the double pivot alongside Tomas Soucek (£5.2m) recently but even those two players are now injured, with Lanzini suffering a thigh strain on Sunday.

Aaron Cresswell (£5.6m) also limped off during the game, with David Moyes confirming that the former merely had a dead leg:

Lanzini had an injury at the top of his thigh and it looks as if it is the top of his thigh or a groin strain that he had before.

Cressie, I think, was a dead leg, which won’t be so bad if that is the case.

Declan [Rice] – I am not putting a time on it yet, I can’t do that just now.

There could be goals aplenty when Brighton face West Ham in Gameweek 36, then, with the Seagulls potentially without two of their own key defenders.


West Ham United XI: Fabiański, Coufal, Diop, Dawson, Cresswell (Fredericks 59), Souček, Lanzini (Bowen 43), Fornals, Lingard, Benrahma (Yarmolenko 73), Antonio.

Everton XI: Pickford, Keane, Mina (Holgate 62), Godfrey, Coleman, Allan, Davies, Digne, Sigurdsson (Delph 85), Richarlison (King 84), Calvert-Lewin

306 Comments Post a Comment
  1. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A) Nacho -> Antonio
    B) Nacho + Jota/Zaha/Lingard -> DCL + Raphinha (-4)
    C) Nacho + Kane -> DCL + Aguero (-4)

    1. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      If A, I have to field Vydra against Leeds.

    2. Prison Mike
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

      The answer is probably to see how Burnley and Vydra perform tonight. I'd be leaning towards A, the rest can massively backfire with the -4 included.

      1. KUNingas
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks!

    4. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B but all 3 options to get rid all equally bad ha!

  2. Prison Mike
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best midfielder to bring in for Maddison?

    A) Mahrez (new)

    B) Foden (new)

    C) Jota (wba)

    D) Raphinha (bur)

    1. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      D just because of game time.

    2. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      D, move that I am doing myself this week

      I can ev d oit even if I need to take a -12

      Easily the most frustrating move of the season

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

      D is the safe choice, A if feeling punty and good bench. Never know might get a leaked line up as City play Friday.

  3. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    How’s this looking for a FH Draft for this GW?

    Pickford
    Digne - TAA - Phillips
    Mahrez - Foden - Son - Bale - Salah
    Kane - DCL

    Forster - Lowton - Davis - Kilman

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Hehe same 11 except for Stones

    2. Guba
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Don't like the city midfield double up myself with question marks over starts.

    3. Vjm6891
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I would have at least one "decent" person on the bench as you have doubled up on city midfield? Unless you think Lowton is a decent pick. Leeds at home? possible clean sheet but Burnley haven't been great defensively recently?

      1. Vjm6891
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        SO west ham playing Brighton who might have some some (definitely Dunk) out. Could be getting some goals there? Lingard / Anontio?

  4. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on this FH draft plz?

    Pickford
    TAA Digne Stones
    Salah Son Bale (c) Mahrez Foden
    Kane DCL
    - Dallas Mitchell Brewster

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Might want better subs (Dallas is good) if going heavy on City

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

    TAA obvious replacement for Maguire if out and money no option?

    1. Guba
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Definitely, barring no injury to TAA against Utd.

    2. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      yep

    3. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      1 TAA
      2 Digne
      3 Dallas

    4. CapK
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      thanks all

  6. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Watkins > Aguero?
    Makes the final few GWs a bit more fun

    Front 8
    Saka, Salah, Son, Bruno, Lingard
    Kane, Watkins, Nacho

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not sure about Kun as pep wont rotate massively, he has to keep the min a good level before the final and I think he only rotated massively in the last game cause it was close to the C.L

    2. Guba
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      With Bruno, Saka and Nacho all not playing I wouldn't be getting rid of Watkins against CPL.

      1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yep fair point

    3. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'd ditch Saka, Bruno, Lingard and Nacho before Watkins.

  7. PompeyUpNorth!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Any Brighton fans (or anyone else) out there that know if Veltman is likely to play next GW or shall I ditch quick?

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      nat philips is your man if you want an easy switch
      Not sure on his condition but if its a calf issue as the offfiaal app says I wont expect him back soon

      1. Bury94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        That's annoying, only needed to make 1 transfer to get 11 out but might need to take a hit now

        1. PompeyUpNorth!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Exactly same as me Bury94

        2. Peter Ouch
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Same boat and I have Veltman as well.
          I hope he is back

      2. PompeyUpNorth!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers. Only got 9 atm if he’s out but got 3 Pool so I’ll need to do 2 transfers I think which is fine. I’ll wait for games to finish this week n go for best cheapo apart from Phillips then

  8. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best midfielder for gw36?

    A.Bale
    B.Son
    C. Raphinha
    D. Mahrez
    E. Foden
    G. Sigurdsson

    1. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Safest I’d say Son.. punty n most gains if it works is Bale or Mahrez n Captain so depends on your situation I guess ?

      1. Peter Ouch
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        agree

  9. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Lingard's returns dropping away can hardly be a surprise, he was was returning like the best player in the world, there was no way he was going to ever sustain it.

    1. Cheeto__Bandito
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      said it was funny to see everyone hopping on the bandwagon after Leicester, a player with a hot streak and no stats to back it up, since then one pen and 3 blanks.

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        jumping on to those kind of hot streaks is one of the big secrets to FF success.

        1. Cheeto__Bandito
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          No, it is following numbers and jumping on players that you know have a good chance of consistently returning, DCL as a good example, great numbers all year and keeps delivering, yet only 33% owned in top10k

          1. No Professionals
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            at the right time.

    2. Guba
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Looks to be playing deeper with Antonio back.

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yep - he was in the absolute stratosphere of “over-performance”...

      Should still be good for a return every couple of games going forward mind you, just not the 1.3 returns per game he delivered from GW22-32

      That party was always going to be pooped sooner or later

    4. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Jota another one who’s been caught up to by the FPL variance Gods

      8 goals in his first 13 appearances... followed by none in his last 4...

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        You're missing out Gundo

        6 double digits in 12 and then a goal and an assist since. Even given patchy appearances that's quite the regression.

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Yeah to be fair to Gundo, I think he had the stats to back up his absolutely insane scoring streak (whereas Lingard didn’t) & it was more Pep that killed him by both saving him for the bigger cup/European games and then by taking back out of the striker role he was doing so well in when KDB came back

          Massive decline in output all the same, but it was at least telegraphed that coming up towards GW30 it was very clearly time to abandon ship from city assets

          1. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            True

            Jota is the interesting one to me. Having enjoyed him at Wolves - and having got lucky with him - he seems to be the text book case for sometimes ignoring underlying stats and just looking at returns. Hot when he's hot but otherwise ice cold.

            Hope he hauls in one of the next two but zero expectation really - failure to sell him for Bale last time haunts me.

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

    Who wins H2H?

    Me - DCL + 5
    Opp - Vardy, Greenwood

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      ohhh thats so tight

      Opp wins

      1. Cheeto__Bandito
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        by how many?

        1. Peter Ouch
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Nah, I just wanted wind you up!

          I guess you'll win by 0.5!

    2. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      You, think DCL braces against Villa.

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

      You do by a DCL!

    4. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Why do you keep asking this lol

      1. Cheeto__Bandito
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        asked it one other time mate no need to be offended

        1. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Not offended. But not sure what you're hoping to gain.

          Would be a fine question if you were asking for a transfer or next GW.

          1. Cheeto__Bandito
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            an opinion like everyone else who asks a question. No post on here achieves anything yet people come on to kill time or boredom .

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

      If Greenwood plays both, he will. If not you have a huge chance.

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

      Draw

      Dominic : 2pts
      Vardy: 2pts
      Greenwood: 3pts

    7. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Dunno

    8. The Red Devil
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      gonna be very tight, one vardy goal/assist & you're in trouble, i'd lean more towards Opp tbh. need DCL to score atleast a goal

  11. Biggsy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Currently worried about GK as a Mendy/Forster owner.

    In 36 there is No Mendy (Blank) & No Forster (McCarthy expected to start based on Ralph's recent comments). Surely for the remaining two weeks you'd expect both Kepa/Mendy and McCarthy/Forster to get a game each - Kepa tends to get the game after the FA Cup and if Ralph sticks to playing 2 games each it could mean both blank in 37. I think two blanks in three is a high risk.

    So taking (another) -4 to bring in a GK makes sense?

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

      Yes, should recover points over 3 games. who to pick is a tricky part though.

      1. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah, another can of worms. Was thinking Meslier but ruins the Dallas + Bamford transfers as already have 1 Leeds

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

    Rotation pretty much confirmed by Ole, would be happy to get 2 starters out of 3 Man Utd players.

    Probably good news for those with Leicester players as well.

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I have madisson but I am not expecting anything from him.
      He cant return points even if he plays against SE dons

  13. boogle
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    How many hits would you take with only 7 players? Is it worth getting to a full 11 ocnsidering the hits are technically only -2 each??

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

      Depending on outgoing players, -8 maximum.

      1. boogle
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I was looking at something like:

        Vardy, Nacho, Martinelli, Rudiger > DCL, Bamford, Raphinha, Digne -12 to give me:

        Forster
        TAA Digne Lowton
        Salah Son Jota Raphinha
        DCL Bamford Watkins

        Mendy Bruno Shaw Holding

        1. Brimble82
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Juicy.
          But -12 is meaty.

          Juicy meat. No complaints here

          1. boogle
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Haha thanks, I'm all about juicy meat so might go for it

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

          On paper, it should work.

          Maybe avoid Martinelli to Raphinha.

          1. boogle
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Ok cool, I'll consider that thanks

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      YOLO

      1. boogle
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Amen

    3. Nimby
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I have 8 players but one of them is Coady, my only defender. Considering a -8 to replace him as well.

      1. boogle
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        yeh I'd say take another hit to get another player out there!

      2. Utopsis
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I wouldn't replace Coady for a hit - if he gets 2pts say, the incoming player would need at least a CS just to match him

    4. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Depends on the names

      I wouldn't blink personally at a minus 8 there provided you were factoring in weeks 37 and 38 too.

      If you're missing a GK I'd pass on that one.

      1. boogle
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks, yeh bringing in those with decent 37 & 38 fixtures too so would be no more hits for the season.

        Team above!

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Yep saw

          But dubious about Raph myself for anything other than an odd assist but it adds up for me generally.

    5. fclackless [Brazil Nuts]
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Three ... possibly.

      It depends how you're set up for 37 and 38.

      If you're gonna need more reinforcements for the last two game weeks, why not take the full hit now and get set up for the run in.

      If you can plan your ideal first eleven over the next three game weeks and bring in the 3/4 players that have the form/fixture and rotate/complement who you already have, I'd go for it.

    6. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      All hits are -4.
      It's just that if the new player is replacing a blank then he only needs to score 4 to break even in that gameweek, whereas if he's replacing another player in your starting eleven then he needs to outscore that other player by 4.
      So the questions you need to ask yourself are whether you expect each new player to score at least 4, and whether they'll strengthen or weaken your squad for later gameweeks.

  14. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best transfer;

    A) Bruno > Son
    B) Greenwood > Lingard
    C) Azpil > Dallas

    Cheers.

    1. CapK
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A
      C
      B

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

      I would keep Bruno in case he gets a game against Fulham. Which other Spurs do you have? Definitely not B. C looks good.

      1. Ronnies
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Have Kane

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

          C

    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      C

  15. CapK
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Azpi > Maguire (-4) my worst transfer ever 100% - currently 15 points worse off and azpi potentially 1 more game to go

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      How are 15 points worse off ? Azpi only scored 7

      1. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Maybe ruing one of those Leeds 9 pointers on his bench?

        9 points benched + 7 from Azpi - 1 from Maguire = 15?

  16. Grounderz
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Cavani signed the contract extension. Means reducing the possibility of a Kane move to Man Utd, if he’s indeed looking to move out of Spurs this summer.

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Good for Greenwood, gets to continue learning from Edinson for another year - should put him in good stead

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        *and for Utd obvs

        That’s a serious qualitybstriker they’ve got for another year now, for free too - a rare enough bit of good transfer business

        1. Drexl Spivey
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          £13m a year a bit pricey for a bit part player.

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            That’s... a lot of moolah

            But to be fair - he’s easily worth it - if you don’t look at his passport he doesn’t look like a guy who’s finished, far from it

          2. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Ruthless finisher - ideal for Champions League and squad rotation. United won't be able to field second in teams in Europe if they stay in the CL.

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      He's still class. In great nick. 34 is the new 25.

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

      Kane has specifically said he wants to win trophies. With United FA, EL possibilities for sure. But would he want to move to a club just for that. Or to a club with a possibility to win PL and CL?

      1. Grounderz
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I think there is always a possibility with Man Utd on PL and CL. Leicester won the PL, who would have known.

        1. FPL Theorist
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          And Chelsea are in the CL final against a team they've already beaten twice this season, so why not United with Kane?

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

            My reply below.

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

          At his age combined with his desperate desire to win a big trophy I think he would play the probabilities.

      2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Utd aren’t actually miles away from the league - they’ve actually lost less games than Man City this year & have probably been the most improved club in Europe since Bruno’s arrival (and crucially are in the Chmapions league again next year)

        Adding in a world class striker (theoretically) would give them the extra 6-9 points of a push to close the gap to City over a season

        But to be honest I don’t know if Kane is the right fit for them, and whoever signs him may be getting damaged goods - those ankles are getting beyond ridiculous now - and he’s also 29 next season

        He’s great scoring braces against your Newcastle’s & your Palace’s, and sewer-tier international teams - but don’t think he’s worth the money being talked about - much better value out there

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

          And that is why I said this. Not that United cannot win it. I am talking from his point of view. Nobody knows his state better than he himself. If he wants an easy solution to end his cup draught, he would want to go to a club with the highest probability of winning a trophy. Another story how many of such clubs want him.

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

            Drought*

        2. Peter Ouch
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          If Chelsea continue the way they do and pool aren't as unlucky with injuries next year United will be 4th.
          They just dont have that something

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            There’ll be a few more West Brom type results for Chelsea next season id wager

            Once Tuchel’s new manager bounce/honeymoon period wears off he’ll be yet another severed head in the Ambramovich managerial guillotine

            That dressing room will go sour eventually (if it hasn’t already) too many big names & big egos that have no realistic chance of playing more than limited games per season

            If VVD comes back the same player you’d expect a massive improvement from Pool - but they’ve also looked all Geggen-pressed out of it - could be a major rebuild needed there, particularly in the forward positions

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

          🙂

          I'd argue the case for Chelsea here - short time scale I know but the uptick under TT is phenomenal.

          Can only see them getting better too with some form of preseason. We haven't seen much of Puli at all and Havertz is only just getting his feet under the table.

    4. @persecuted_by_mods
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Shows how far utd have fallen though in reality, a cavani is supposed to supplement not be the main guy (like the larsson signing) we'll see how many games he can play

        1. Maeki2
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Greenwood start stepping up as he did late in last season. Its been a lot of complains about defenders but if you look at stats united are just behind chelsea and city. And scored more than chelsea.

          I think united need more supplements to the midfield and not a Harry Kane.

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Greenwood has been such an incredible find

            With his left foot he’s probably going to be used as the RWF longer term though, with Rashford’s right foot on the left, and Bruno tucked in behind in the #10

            It just leaves that gaping hole that an off the shelf #9 could fill beautifully - it would genuinely elevate the team a level or two, even from a balance perspective

            1. Grounderz
              • 12 Years
              2 years, 10 months ago

              Exactly. Greenwood’s two footed technical ability suits him on the right.

              Cut in from the right and blast a left-foot shot or speed down the flank and blast a right-foot shot. Not to mention, his finishing is so clinical.

              Such a gem.

              1. GreennRed
                • 12 Years
                2 years, 10 months ago

                Will Southgate pick him in his Euros squad?

          2. @persecuted_by_mods
              2 years, 10 months ago

              It's not about what they need more, back in the day they got what they needed and didn't have to pick and choose

          3. kingbails
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Nahh quality is quality. Doesn't matter if they're getting on a bit. Did this many times before with Teddy, SVP, Owen, Blanc. If it ain't broke.

        2. SHOWSTOPPERRR
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I don't think so. You cannot rely on cavani. Surely there has to be a first choice striker I mean proper striker. Would prefer Kane. But levy 🙁

          1. Grounderz
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            I too think Kane would be a good fit for Man Utd for the next 5 years or so. I don’t think we’ll be squeezing anymore juice out from him past the fifth year. Hence, 80m is just the right price. 150m is just the wind talking for Levy.

        3. Peter Ouch
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Great player for Liverpool

        4. bench boost for every gamew…
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Signing cavani for another year has nothing to do with Kane, Cavani is there for the young players to learn how to be in the right positions etc plus he scores a lot as a bit part player. To compete with City and Liverpool next year United Will need a first choice striker in the mould of kane, or anything in that quality level

        5. Ruth_NZ
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Cavani is better than Kane anyway. 🙂

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            England fans (and Kane fans) will angrily fill their nappies at the mere suggestion - but there’s honestly not *that* much between them ability-wise

            Certainly not €150m (of ability)... it’s just that every game could be Cavani’s last, whereas Kane is theoretically in, or coming into his prime years

            Such a shame Utd couldn’t have gotten Cavani earlier say when RVP finished up, or instead of Falcao or Di Maria in 2014/15 - he’s just such a class act

            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 10 months ago

              *Even though Kane’s prime goalscoring years are behind him statistically

      • Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Which move seems better as a part of a -4 after doing Vardy -> DCL this week?

        A: Saka -> Mahrez
        B: Rudiger -> TAA

        1. Quan MisTaka
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          B

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

        A Wood hattie too much to ask for?

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

          He might. In good form. Fulham need to win. Loves to exploit the spaces.

        2. SHOWSTOPPERRR
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Can see vydra hauling as I sold this week.

      • kingbails
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Free Hit team, thoughts appreciated

        Pickford
        Digne, Dallas, TAA
        Salah, Son, Lindy, Siggy
        Antonio, Kane, Bamford

        Forster, Raphina, Coufal, Bryan

        I'm debating...
        Dallas starting but his attacking returns are hard to ignore

        Lindy drop in form vs tasty feature without Dunk. Could be real GW troll potential.

        I think DCL will get returns but hard to drop in form Bamford who scored against Burnley in last outing and putting Siggy in to cover (who also scored against Brighton last time)

        GTG?

        1. SHOWSTOPPERRR
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Fh..you can gamble on mahrez or any city mid in place of siggy.

          1. kingbails
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            You think Siggy will blank?

        2. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Double WH doesn't appeal to me even despite Brighton missing Dunk and possibly Veltman.

          4 goals combined against Everton Burnley Newcastle (all dodgy defences really) doesn't inspire me. Think they might eke out a result but the goal surge they had a month or so back feels a bit like history to me. I'd lose Lingz for Mahrez/Foden both of whom I suspect start. Lots of upside there and on FH you get a sub to field 11 - loads of teams will struggle to put out 10 this week.

          DCL would be close to my first pick this week. More signs of form from him than Bamford and it is SHU.

          1. kingbails
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            I think this is the answer I was looking for. Taking out Bambam and Lindy is tough to do but deep down feels like it makes sense.

            Agree with you and Showstopperrr above might as well take a punt on Mahrez. Thanks.

      • Mooster©️
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Is Watkins ready for GW 36? Only one match suspension?

        1. Maeki2
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          He got 2 yellow

          1. Mooster©️
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Tnx!

          2. GreennRed
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Is that no suspension? A one game ban for straight red unless it's violent conduct. Thought he'd miss Everton game but not flagged. Second yellow was a small bit harsh, there was a very faint contact though he made a meal of it.

            1. Rover
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 10 months ago

              He's not flagged because the flags are for next GW but the Everton game is in this GW.

              1. GreennRed
                • 12 Years
                2 years, 10 months ago

                Oh nice one Rover. Good spot. Cheers 🙂

        2. SHOWSTOPPERRR
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Yeah..will be back for 36.

          1. Mooster©️
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Thanks!

        3. Studs Up
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          yes & yes

          1. Mooster©️
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Nice!

      • Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thoughts on Bruno to Mané as a differential?

        1. Peter Ouch
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          yes why not at this stage of course
          Bruno wasnt really lively again and had more creative role

      • Quan MisTaka
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Current Team 0.1itb 1FT

        Martinez / Areola
        TAA, Dias, Shaw, Dallas, Holding
        Salah, Bruno, Jota, Lingard, JWP
        Kane, DCL, Nacho

        Want to do Nacho to Antonio but dont have the cash for a straight swap. How would you fund it

        A) Jota to Raphina
        B) Lingard to Raphina
        C) JWP to Raphina (Would leave me with no money itb to use on keeper upgrade for GW37)
        D) Bruno to Son
        E) Something else

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Shaw to fodder.

        2. Biggsy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          A or C

          Probably lean towards A, although not sure I'd waste a final transfer on a keeper upgrade when both will play

      • The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Bring in who?

        A) Son or Lingard
        b) Bamford or Antonio

        1. SHOWSTOPPERRR
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          A) son

        2. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Bamford and Son 😉

        3. Biggsy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          A Lingard - don't rate Spurs' fixtures and CL likely out of reach so not much to play for
          B Bamford

          1. No Kane No Gain
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Disagreed. They would want top 6/7 for Europa and that is far from secured. Mason will want results too for jus CV.

            Spurs have everything to play for...

      • Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        As i'm probably taking a hit on a GK change this week, which looks better?

        a. Meslier, Coufal*, Bamford
        b. Areola*, Dallas, Bamford

        *These might change, have about £5.5m to spend

        1. Biggsy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          c. Mesiler, Dallas, Wilson

          Ahh I don't know myself....

      • Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        How many hits is the question? Can field 8 with no hits...

        A. (-4) Nacho + Fofana -> Antonio + Coufal
        B. (-8) Nacho + Fofana + Saka -> Antonio + Alioski + Raphinha

        1. Biggsy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I think hits for Leicester will pay off - you won't need them for 37 and 38 so worth doing the moves now to pay off. Its only an effective -2 per player this week

      • jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        My team going into gw36. 1FT, no chips.

        Sanchez, Forster
        TAA, Coufal (Rudiger, Shaw, Holding)
        Salah, Lingard, Jota (Bruno, Greenwood)
        Kane, Vydra (Iheanacho)

        Greenwood, Shaw > ...
        1) Mahrez, Dallas (-4) -- Will Mahrez even play? Thinking Raph or Siggy, too.
        2) Son, Dawson (-4) -- too risky with double WH def?

        1. linkafu
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          1

      • linkafu
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Help:

        A Mahrez
        B Foden

        1 Son
        2 Bale

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          A1

      • Mr. Mystic
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Choose one for next week only:
        A) Mahrez
        B) Bale

      • Monster Muppets
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Did vardy+nacho+zaha+veltman --> Kane, Bamford, Raph and Dallas
        -12, but think i might earn it back in just one week...

        Was planning to just do -4
        Vardy + davis --> DCL + antonio

        But zaha trolling and veltman injured made me pull a big one.

        Bad choice?