Scout Notes

Everton defence on good run ahead of appealing short-term fixtures

Aston Villa 0-0 Everton

  • Goals: None
  • Assists: None
  • Bonus points: Emiliano Martínez x3 (£5.4m), Lucas Digne x2 (£6.2m), Ezri Konsa x1 (£4.7m)

LUCAS THIS

Everton defensive assets put on another solid audition for investment as they kept a fourth clean sheet in six against Aston Villa.

During that period, no Premier League team has registered as many shutouts as the Toffees, who face two appealing fixtures in the next two Gameweeks.

Sheffield United and Wolves are the last two sides to visit Goodison Park this season, who have five goals across their respective last five matches combined.

Lucas Digne (£6.2m) and Ben Godfrey (£5.0m) have been the chief beneficiaries of Everton’s defensive returns of late.

The latter finished Triple Gameweek 35 as the Toffees’ top-scoring asset with 18 points, offering decent value in recent weeks.

He has claimed maximum bonus points in two of Everton’s last three clean sheets and his score of 26 on the Bonus Points System at Villa Park was just short of breaking into the top-three on Thursday night.

Godfrey’s versatility forms part of his appeal, considering he can play as a traditional centre-back, the left-hand option in a back-three, or even at left-back or left wing-back, he has played 90 minutes in all but one match since Gameweek 22.

But it was Digne who earned a share of the bonus against Villa, claiming two of them thanks to his creativity as a left wing-back in a 3-5-2 formation.

He laid on three key passes at Villa Park, more than any other player. And, crucially, over his last six, he is joint-top among Everton players for key passes (eight) and big chances created (two).

That said, Gylfi Sigurdsson (£6.9m) continues to take responsibility for Everton’s direct free-kicks as well as some corners.

EMILIAN DOLLARS

Against Everton, Emiliano Martínez (£5.4m) put on a show reminiscent of the winter months as he kept a clean sheet, made five saves and claimed all three bonus.

It was the first time Villa had stopped their opponents scoring since a Gameweek 27 draw with Wolves and the first time Martínez had managed more than four points since the same match.

And whether or not Dean Smith’s men can follow that up with defensive returns in their final three matches remains to be seen.

Not only do they face Crystal Palace (away), Spurs (away) and Chelsea (home) between now and Gameweek 38, they could be without Matt Cash (£5.0m) too.

He came off with a muscle injury against Everton which, if it is a reoccurrence of a hamstring issue sustained against Brighton, would likely end his campaign, according to Smith.

“With Cash, I’m not sure if it’s a re-occurrence of the hamstring (picked up vs Brighton) but he certainly felt his hamstring and, if it is, that’s him out for the last three games. Somebody’s just spoken to him and he didn’t feel bad at all so we’ll see with him.” – Dean Smith

That said, Villa’s attack could be worth more of a look in the last three Gameweeks considering Ollie Watkins (£6.5m) returns from suspension in Blank Gameweek 36 and Jack Grealish (£7.5m) is now back from injury.

He was named on the bench for Thursday’s match and played the final 20 minutes on the left-hand side of a front-three, although Matt Targett (£5.0m) continued taking set pieces upon his arrival.

“It’s really good to have him back. It’s small steps at the moment but it’s great to have him back out there. We’ve got three games now in the next 10 days and we’re hopeful Jack will play a part in all three of them games. Whether it’s Tottenham or Chelsea, we’re hoping to get 90 minutes out of him. He’ll be as fit as can be. He’s a naturally fit player anyway. He’s continued to work on his CV (cardiovascular) with a little bit more off feet and, in training, you don’t see a lack of fitness in him, that’s for sure.” – Dean Smith

Aston Villa XI (4-2-3-1): Martínez; Targett, Mings, Konsa, Cash (El Mohamady 45+2′); D Luiz, McGinn; El Ghazi, Barkley (J Ramsey 65′), B Traoré (Grealish 72′); Davis.

Everton XI (3-5-2): Pickford; Godfrey, Keane, Holgate; Digne, Allan, Sigurdsson (Gomes 67′), Doucouré, Coleman (Iwobi 75′); Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison.

Man United 2-4 Liverpool

  • Goals: Bruno Fernandes (£11.5m), Marcus Rashford (£9.6m) | Diogo Jota (£7.0m), Roberto Firmino x2 (£9.0m), Mohamed Salah (£12.7m)
  • Assists: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.7m), Edinson Cavani (£8.0m) | Nathaniel Phillips (£4.1m), Trent Alexander-Arnold x2 (£7.6m), Curtis Jones (£4.4m)
  • Bonus points: Firmino x3, Alexander-Arnold x2, Fernandes x1

The absence of Harry Maguire (£5.6m) was arguably the most telling takeaway from Manchester United’s 4-2 defeat to Liverpool on Thursday night.

The centre-back has now missed two Premier League matches in a row for the first time since moving north from Leicester and in that time, the Red Devils have conceded six goals, as many as they had shipped in their previous 11 outings.

Eric Bailly (£4.8m) has stood in for Maguire in each of the last two but endured another poor evening on Thursday, perhaps opening the door for Axel Tuanzebe (£4.1m) to feature in the Gameweek 37 meeting with Fulham.

“Harry’s been really important for us and really good. We’re going to miss him but he’s out so we’ve got to deal with that. We’ve got good enough players to be able to deal with it. Now it’s about regrouping and start building our confidence and momentum again.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

As for Manchester United’s attack, the defeat to Liverpool highlighted the two options facing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s very well.

They began the game with Paul Pogba (£7.6m) stationed on the left-hand side of attacking midfield and Marcus Rashford (£9.6m) on the right.

However, after Liverpool had gone 3-1 up, Solskjaer brought Mason Greenwood (£7.2m) on to replace Fred (£5.3m), shifting Rashford to his stronger side of attacking midfield (the left) and dropping Pogba into a deeper midfield role.

What proceeded was the Red Devils’ most productive period of the match, Rashford cutting in, running through the middle and scoring their second goal.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.6m) was Liverpool’s standout player, producing two assists and claiming two bonus in the process.

He finished this game joint-top among his colleagues for efforts on goal while no player on the pitch could match his five key passes and two big chances created.

He could have added a third assist late-on as he played a pass from deep, of which Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) would have been proud, to put Sadio Mané (£11.7m) through on goal, only for the Senegalese international to take it in with a heavy touch.

With West Bromwich Albion (away) up next for Alexander-Arnold, he was one of the first names on the Blank Gameweek 36 Scout Picks team sheet.

Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): Henderson; Shaw, Bailly (Matić 86′), Lindelof, Wan-Bissaka; McTominay, Fred (Greenwood 63′); Pogba, B Fernandes, Rashford; Cavani.

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Robertson, N Phillips, R Williams, Alexander-Arnold; Thiago, Wijnaldum (Jones 74′), Fabinho; Jota (Mané 74′), Firmino, Salah (N Williams 90+2′).

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1,029 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    1FT, 0.8 ITB, thoughts?

    Meslier / Guaita

    TAA / Castagne / Digne / Coady / Coufal

    Salah / Fernandes / Zaha / Jota / Lingard

    Kane / Iheanacho / Vydra

    Iheanacho and Castagne to Bamford and Dallas?

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      You think Bamford starts all 3? Any chance Rodrigo plays one game. I've noticed Bamford has been getting subbed off every now and then.

      1. Chandler Bing
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        If you do, I'd go ahead with the move.

      2. The Mighty Whites
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        On paper they both should start, Rodrigo in No10

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Good moves mate - yes

  2. kempc23
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Penandes to Salah worth a -4?

    Im leaning towards no. I already have 11, and will captain DCL. Would want Bruno for Fulham at home too.

    1. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bruno will most likely not play GW38, but he's the standout 37 captain

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Is he the standout 37 captain? He’s a good option but there are loads like Salah Kane and Antonio

    2. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      If you call him Penandes, you don't deserve his points.

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      That's a tough one if you already have 11 because then you are weighing up potential to return against probably another good asset.

      Do you have Greenwood? If so, may be worth the risk

  3. Friday press conference times
    Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Friday Press conference times

    Klopp - 12.30pm
    Mason - 1pm
    Nuno - 1pm
    Hodgson - 1.15pm
    Moyes - 1.30pm
    Heckingbottom - 1.30pm
    Allardyce - 1.30pm

    https://twitter.com/ffscout/status/1393100013081825283

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

      Waiting on Ralph's news on whether Forster's pen save breaks the rotation and I've already missed it!

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Wasn’t mentioned sadly. Think he’ll rotate. Very annoying

  4. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Castagne Rudiger to...?

    Digne and Llorente?

  5. BremerHB
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A) Dunk -> Dallas and play Coady.

    B) Dunk, Iheanacho -> Llorente, Bamford (-4) and bench Coady.

  6. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    1 week only (FH chip)

    A) Son + Raphinha
    B) Mahrez + Bamford/Antonio

    Nailed on FH picks so far...

    Pickford
    Digne TAA Stones
    Salah Mane Foden
    Kane DCL

    1. zdrojo187
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

  7. EWH2020
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Rudiger to Digne worth a -4?

    Worried about Fielding 11 if someone gets benched

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

      I think its a good move. Not sure about a hit to cover a "just in case"

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

      Probably not worth it.

  8. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Son or Mahrez this GW

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Think I'll punt on Mahrez tonight

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Thinking Son. One less headache for the last 3 GWs

  9. kinghenry14
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    what to do with this lot? 2FT 1.3ITB

    martinez
    dallas coufal keane targett
    salah son lingard
    kane dcl iheanacho*

    forster fernandes* shaw* esr*

    A) iheanacho -> bamford/antonio and play targett
    B) iheanacho esr -> bamford/antonio and lookman/el ghazi/other cheap mid

    thoughts? leaning B

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

      I’d hold on to ESR. So A.

      1. kinghenry14
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        thanks! looking at the fixtures of my other mids and strikers i just don't see him starting again for my team this season

  10. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Currently with 8 players (prob no keeper too).
    Which option for -8?

    A) Castagne/Bruno/Nacho -> Dallas/Son/DCL
    B) Castagne/Bruno/Nacho -> Dallas/Mahrez/Bamford

    Cheers

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

      Don't get rid of Bruno, he's the standout captain for GW37

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks mate

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

          No worries, probably just Castagne and Nacho to Dallas and Bam/Antonio

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

    A. Saka to Mahrez/Foden
    B. Ihenacho to Antonio/Bamford

    1. kinghenry14
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      b imo. leaning antonio

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

      B sets you up better for the run in, if not this week alone.

    3. Killitzer
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Tough choice but option B with Bamford. West Ham look to be running out of steam but Leeds will still be on a high after thrashing Spurs last week.

  12. Killitzer
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Morning all.

    38 points on the bench last week. Where was BB when I needed it? My ML also hit the WC and now we have a near identical team but he is 13 points ahead of me.

    Forster Giuita
    Digne TAA Dallas Phillips Shaw*
    Salah JWP Zaha Greenwood* Bruno*
    DCL Bamford Nacho*
    £1.9m itb

    Options-
    1. Bruno --> Son
    2. Bruno + Nacho--> Son + Antonio (-4)
    3. Bruno + Zaha--> Son + Mahrez (-4)

    Any thoughts would be appreciated. Rival will almost definitely bring in Son.

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

      If you think your rival will get Son and you have near identical teams do you think making the same move leaves enough differential to close the gap?

      1. Killitzer
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        lol not with Zaha unless he does a Zaha special and gets 13 points!

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B high upside

  13. trinzoo
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Replacement for Mendy on a FT:
    A) Meslier (double up with Dallas)
    B) Pickford (double with Digne)
    C) Fabianski

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

      I'm leaning on C because of same double ups

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

      A.

  14. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Just watching FPL black box! Mark’s team with no hits this week is unreal! He’s planned that amazingly well

  15. Plagued by indecision
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Full of regret about the gambles I took on the free hit which did NOT pay off - Zaha over Greenwood, captaining Iheanacho over Bruno... Oh well.

    1 FT, 1.5 ITB, and a bit short up front and with no playing GK. Thinking of a -8 with this:

    Bruno > Bale(c)
    Iheanacho > DCL
    Mendy > Pickford

    Would leave me with:

    Pickford (Forster)
    Coady / TAA / Lowton (Rudiger / Holding)
    Bale / Son / Lingard / Salah / Harrison
    Kane / DCL (Iheanacho)

    Any thoughts? I have little to play for as I am way off the pace in one minileague, and way ahead in another. Hovering around 75k OR.

  16. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    will u -4 to sell saiss for stones?

  17. Tango74
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Sell Bruno on WC?

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

      If you don't want him back sure.

  18. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Morning......taking a -4 for this team. 2.3mitb. Anything for another hit?

    Prob don't have a keeper this week

    Thanks

    Forster (mendy)
    Taa Dawson konsa (shaw holding)
    Salah son lingard jota (greenwood)
    Kane dcl bamford

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Shaw to digne could work but probably just leave it

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers...

  19. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    GTG?

    Took -4 to get 11!

    Martinez
    Trent VC, Dallas, Godfrey
    Son, Salah C, Jota, Lingz,
    Antonio, Kane, Watkins,

    Button, Veltman, Shaw, Bruno,

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

      Looks very good.

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Very good

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Cheers

  20. TVPlugSockets
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I’m thinking Bruno and Nacho to Son and Antonio, but makes me nervous not having Bruno for last two gameweeks. My mini leagues are tight

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Same position. Horrible decision

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

      Same. Between Son/Antonio and Foden/Kane

  21. TVPlugSockets
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Forster is not expected to play is he?
    He’s my only keeper this week, can’t imagine it’s worth a hit to replace if I’m already on -4?

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

      It depends who your regular keeper is IMO. If you have Mendy it's probably not no.

    2. Tango74
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Ralph said McCarthy back this GW . Regarding Bruno I have a WC bit had his since gw1 lol

  22. JabariParkersEyelid
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I know that hits for keepers rarely pay off, but I feel like Kasper deserves an exception here.

    Kasper, Iheanacho to Meslier, Antonio for a hit good moves?

    Can't afford Antonio or Bamford without raising the funds somewhere and this is easiest way.

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Looking to raise the funds too. Looks decent

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

      Just think of it as the keeper for free, and Antonio for the hit!

    3. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Should pay off, Leic have some tricky fixtures left

    4. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'm looking at Ederson on a mini wildcard.

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

        Ederson is a good choice, but in my case that would mean rolling with a Welbeck or a Vydra up top so I'll pass.

  23. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    In a right mess. Upto 15k so reluctant to take too many hits.

    A. Bruno+Nacho >> Son+Antonio (-4)
    B. Shaw+Nacho >> Coufal+Antonio (-4)

    Forster*
    TAA. Ward
    Salah. Jota. ASM
    Kane. DCL
    (Mendy. Shaw. Nacho. Bruno. Greenwood. Holding. Rudiger)

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

      I prefer B, as wouldn't want to lose Bruno.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Might just get the 1 game out of next 3GWs though?

    2. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B if you want bruno cap next gw

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Not sure I do

  24. merin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Iheanacho Saiss -> Antonio Phillips (-4). Sensible moves?

    Martinez Areola
    TAA Shaw Saiss Dallas Targett
    Salah Bruno Greenwood Lingard JWP
    Kane Iheanacho Bamford

    1 FT, 0 ITB, No chips left

  25. Gizzachance
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts? Vydra to
    A bam
    B Antonio
    C dcl
    For rest of season
    Cheers

  26. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is anyone else getting Aguero in?

    I'm looking at it on a mini wild card but at his price is it pure sentiment?

    Surely his team mates will be looking to play him through.

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

      I'm not touching any city until 38.

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

      Seems like a sentimental way to lose points....

    3. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Aguero in gw38 could be good.

    4. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      It's really hard to justify him over Kane if you're on market for the most expensive strikers.

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

      Planning to get him in 38.

  27. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bowen to Raphina for -4?
    Yes or no?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Probably not.

  28. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Morning gents

    Looking to consolidate a v good run the last few weeks. Have no chips left so don’t want to make any mistakes!

    However, feels like a -8 to have 10 starters this week vs 7 without should pay back quite quickly.

    Which option looks best?
    Iheanacho, Bruno, Rudiger >

    A) Bamford, Son, Dallas
    B) Bamford, Mahrez, Dallas
    C) Ings, Son, Alioski
    D) Ings, Mahrez/ Raphinha, Dallas

    1FT 0itb
    Forster*
    TAA, Coleman, Masuaku*
    Salah, Jota, Lingard
    Kane, DCL
    (Mendy) (Bruno, Greenwood, Shaw, Rudiger, Iheanacho)

    A) is likely to be the most popular/ safest. Ings looks like a nice pick but it means other downgrades - maybe D) if I'm going for him?

    Cheers!

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

    Easy question now, your expected backline for Mancity tonight plz?

    Thinking of punting on Walker or Cancelo on FH

  30. suddenorgan
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    ugh, for some reason assumed I could afford Maguire -> TAA to get me to 11 this week but £0.4 short.. guess it's Nacho -> Antonio like everyone else instead