Scout Notes

Lukaku on target as Chelsea assets prosper at Arsenal

We continue our more detailed Scout Notes of the Gameweek 2 action with a look at Arsenal v Chelsea.

ARSENAL 0-2 CHELSEA

  • Goals: Romelu Lukaku (£11.5m), Reece James (£5.5m)
  • Assists: James, Mason Mount (£7.5m)
  • Bonus: James x3, Lukaku x2, Edouard Mendy x1 (£6.0m)

Romelu Lukaku (£11.5m) scored and put in a dominant display as Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-0 on Sunday.

The Belgian’s man-of-the-match performance earnt rave reviews, while Reece James (£5.5m) – who got the second goal – also impressed as a wing-back in Thomas Tuchel’s 3-4-2-1 formation.

LUKAKU OFF THE MARK

Lukaku took just 15 minutes to get off the mark with the opening goal, sweeping home James’ delivery, and was unlucky not to add a second after a superb save from Bernd Leno (£5.0m).

The 28-year-old bullied Arsenal’s defence all afternoon, as he gave Chelsea a focal point up top and the clinical finisher that they have missed.

As a result, he collected two bonus points to return an eight-point Fantasy Premier League (FPL) haul in Gameweek 2.

After just one appearance, Lukaku already features amongst the top forwards for goal attempts, having attempted eight against the Gunners alone:

“What a start for Lukaku. In the beginning he struggled to touch the ball a little bit. Then he was very well integrated. He proved his value for the squad already. He linked really well with Mason Mount and Kai Havertz up front and gave something to the game that we did not have already.” – Thomas Tuchel

Lukaku deservedly grabbed the headlines, but this was a dominant team performance where others impressed, too.

JAMES IMPRESSES

James’ 18-point FPL haul – via a goal, assist, clean sheet and maximum bonus – was the biggest of his career to date.

Overall, he registered 42 final-third touches, more than any other player on the pitch, four goal attempts and two shots in the box, while his advanced role (no. 24 below) stood out, too:

Chelsea’s average position map v Arsenal

It’s now two clean sheets in two matches for Chelsea, though most FPL managers will surely be content to wait until Gameweek 7 before investing, given that their next four fixtures are Liverpool (a), Aston Villa (h), Tottenham Hotspur (a) and Manchester City (h).

ISSUES AT ARSENAL

While Arsenal’s opening day defeat at newly-promoted Brentford was perhaps unexpected, it has to be said that this result was on the cards.

Despite improving after the break, the Gunners 4-2-3-1 set-up looked devoid of width and left too much space for the likes of James to exploit.

However, it’s worth noting that the squad has been hit by Covid and injuries in the opening two weeks.

After the match, Mikel Arteta said:

“I don’t think the club in their history have faced something like this. We have to face the challenge. The league or table is not decided in August. The worst thing you can do is throw in the towel. We certainly are not going to do that. You have to understand the situation we have. We are missing nine players, and it is difficult. It is not just nine players – they are some big, big players.”

Worringly, Kieran Tierney (£5.0m) also limped off after 66 minutes with his side losing.

“They had to limp off. KT had an issue with his quad and Gabi (Martinelli) was cramping.”

It doesn’t get any easier for Arsenal, as their next Premier League game sees them make the trip to reigning champions Manchester City, though their fixtures do improve from Gameweek 4 onwards.

Arsenal XI: Leno, Cedric, Holding, Mari, Tierney (Tavares 66), Lokonga, Xhaka, Smith Rowe, Saka (Aubameyang 61), Pepe, Martinelli (Balogun 79)

Chelsea XI: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, James, Jorginho, Kovacic (Kante 72), Alonso, Mount (Ziyech 82), Havertz (Werner 90), Lukaku

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW FROM GAMEWEEK 2

FPL Gameweek 2 round-up: Sunday goals, assists, bonus and injuries 4
2,220 Comments Post a Comment
  1. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Which transfer would you prioritize this gw?

    a. gundo > greenwood
    b. Barnes > Benrahma
    c. Both a and b for free
    d. gundo toney > dcl mbuemo for free

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I have done gundo to Ben

    2. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      i did barnes to ben

  2. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Early thoughts on this bunch?

    Sanchez (Steele)
    TAA, Shaw, Ayling (Veltman, Tsimikas)
    Salah, Bruno, Greeny, Benrahma (Browny)
    Ings, Ant, Toney

    1 FT, 1m in bank

    a) change a defender
    b) change a forward
    c) save
    d) something else

    Cheers

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Velt to Spurs ?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Which one though?

    2. Fitzy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I reckon save. If Veltman is back for GW4, your defence is covered for a while, and the front 7 are good for this GW. Maybe Ings to someone next week?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        The likely outcome, cheers.

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

          Save, your good this week unless you've got a transfer to burn.

      2. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Veltman wont be available for GW3?
        I thought he came in contact with a Positive person. And that was before GW1. Considering the quarantine period of 10 days he should be back i thought.

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Potter said after IB.

          1. Weeb Kakashi
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            Is it? Havent seen it.

            Thanks.

            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              2 years, 7 months ago

              It's in the green tweets box on this page

    3. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I would prioritise DCL. I have watched both his games and he is a constant goal threat getting some great chances. The stats back this up too. It looks like there is a strategy at EVR of getting the ball to him in the box as often as possible.

      No need for Lukaku at the moment but DCL is a more than able player with good fixtures.

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Probably comes in for Ings in GW4.

    4. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Cheers all.

    5. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Easy Save. Unless you want to upgrade Toney to a Wilson/Jimenez.

      I have Toney but limited to the 6.5 budget. No much options there. So instead Saving this week and getting him out for Lukaku in GW4. Price drop will be annoying.

    6. FantaCity
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      would get in Whitey, just for poetic balance

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        😆

  3. RAMZES666
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Any idea if Sare will miss gameweek 4 because of Africa Cup qualifers?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      As long as double vaccinated, similar to Mane and would be available.

  4. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Bruno and esr to benrahma and grealish/greenwood for free?
    Or shaw to dier and esr to benrahma?

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

      I'd hold Bruno for now, I've prioritised Greenwood and Benrahma this week.

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

    Pulled the trigger and decided to WC( I know it's a big mistake but yolo)
    Managed to assemble a team with TAA Salah Bruno and Lukaku.
    Sanchez Foster
    TAA Shaw Duffy Liveramento Tsi
    Salah Bruno Pogba Benrahma
    Lukaku Antonio 4.5
    Any suggestions? The defense is weak and I really want DCL too for his upcoming fixtures. Any advice on how to improve this one further?
    Thanks gents.

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Why not get DCL now for Lukauku as CHS fixtures are not the best? DCL has great stats too.

      Passed the eye test on both occasions.

      You could have a forward line of Ings, DCL and Antonio. Plus beef up the D.

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

        Was thinking along those lines but how I do get back Lukaku later on ?
        Will need to take multiple hits right?

        1. Wild Card this!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Nah, just 2.
          Downgrade Bruno to 4.5ish and 4.5 upfront becomes Lukaku for example...

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

            Cheers thanks

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

      3 premiums does now make sense to me, you can't captain them all and there are great options elsewhere. Lukaku to DCL for now upgrade the 4.5 forward and sort that Defense.

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

        Thank you much appreciated

  6. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    LMS back open for entry.
    Minimum 71 & 55 after hits needed.
    2700 through to GW3

    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/6dcode to enter.

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

      Time to get knocked out

  7. 03farmboy
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Which transfer is best for this week?

    Barnes to Benrahma or Gray
    White to Tanganga or Livramento

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Benny.

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

      White out

      Have to give final chance to barnes vs norwich

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

      Benny on his form and decent fixtures looking forward. Other one bit of a toss up but Tanganga I reckon, Spurs fixtures quite mixed and not sure how solid his place is with Doherty lurking.

  8. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Sanchez
    TAA Reguilon Veltman (!)
    Salah Bruno Son Barnes Benrahma
    Antonio Toney

    White(!) Tsimikas (!)

    1 FT. Want to Save.

    Although price drops for Toney , Barnes, Veltman and White would be annoying.

    Thoughts?

  9. Hiiler
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Martinez or Sanchez for GW3?

  10. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Start one

    Ayling/Duffy/Tsimikas

    (TAA Shaw xxx)

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Ayling.

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

      Duffy

  11. R.C
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Prices rigged again. Lukaku not rising. How come?

    1. Man Chest Hair United
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Probably skewed by wildcards

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Good point. I was all ready to activate my Lukaku-wildcard last night, but I smashed it and got into the Top 1K. Now I feel I can't justify tampering with a winning squad - for this week anyway. The Chelsea-Liverpool game will hurt me, so I'll WC next week with a more expensive Kaku.

        1. Man Chest Hair United
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Why wildcard at all if you are top 1k?

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            There's a great deal to be said for wildcarding from a position of strength. With upcoming fixture-turns, I want to change 5 of my squad. I wasn't in the Top 1000 before the Antonio-Benrahma show, which is why I've postponed it (they were due to stay in my WC squad anyway).

            1. jia you
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 7 months ago

              I've considered it this week but can't justify it...great start btw mate!

              1. Andy_Social
                • 11 Years
                2 years, 7 months ago

                Cheers. Massive help from my BB with Duffy and Bissy's hauls, there.

                1. jia you
                  • 7 Years
                  2 years, 7 months ago

                  of course can't smash it without that sort of luck!

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

      New comers probably requires more transfers, otherwise they would rise every other day

      1. bunk_medal
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        I've never really understood how they account for that. Do they just set some kind of average ownership percentage and base price moves off that?

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

          who knows, price algorithm is kind of mystery

    3. jia you
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Toney not dropping also surprising?

  12. Man Chest Hair United
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Anything worth a hit here?

    Sanchez
    Trent Aiyling Shaw
    Son Salah Bruno Gray
    Antonio DCL

    Who to captain?

    1. Man Chest Hair United
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Also Benrahama

  13. vova
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    White/Barnes to Coufal/Dele

    yay or nay?

    1. Man Chest Hair United
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Looks good

    2. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Nah

  14. RogDog_jimmy
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Crazy wildcard team that I won’t do but fun to imagine.

    Sanchez, 4.0
    Dias, Shaw, Ayling, Duffy, Livramento
    Salah, Son, Greenwood, Benrahma, 4.5
    Lukaku, DCL, Jiminez

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Interestingly, it's very different to my mock wildcard. Suggests the template is rapidly disintegrating.

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

        Going to be fun when that starts to happen.

        I didn’t put too much thought into it. Realistically I think I’ll probably steer clear of Lukaku for a while, and may stump for a premium keeper too.

        Having such a strong team now is obviously great but kind of boring. I want to do something!

    2. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      No Antonio?

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

        Had to use his 0.1 selling rise to get DCL. Would probably rather go him and downgrade Dias to a 5.5 to be fair.

    3. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Yes looks quite exciting. Son Jimenez> Sarr Bruno . For the GW4 captaincy.

      Can get Digne for Dias just as a placeholder for Chilwell/Reece.

  15. Polister Club
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    So anyone?
    Salah —> Jota (is it okay) or any recommendations?

    And wanna transfer toney out. Which one better? DCL or Lukaku?

    1. Man Chest Hair United
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Don’t do Salah to Jota or at least I wouldn’t.

      Both DCL and lukaku good options. Big price difference though

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

      Not much upside in getting Jota for Chelsea game

      Dominic for now

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

      DCL is the one for now

  16. The Knights Template
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    When is Antonio's hammy going to go? Asking for a friend.

  17. vova
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Dele or Raphinha?

    1. Ëð
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Raph for me

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

      Raph

  18. Salah(c)
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    mahrez >son(c)

    yay or nay?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Nay

  19. HEY JUDE
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Nailed?

    Toney to A. Amstrong vs (NEW)

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

      Only if you wanna keep longterm

  20. Ëð
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    2FT, would you do Tsimikas to Livramento and Barnes to Benrahma? Or should I give Barnes one final game against Norwich?

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Benny has a good fixture too. I would swap because Barnes just isn't passing any eye test right now.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        I was 'scouting' Barnes with a view to a WC last night, but once the red card occurred, it wasn't possible to judge Barnes fairly. He could be great v Norwich and going forward. I cashed in on Benny (again) but the Hammers run into a Thursday night overload in a couple of weeks and I can see Benny being rotated.

        Tsimi wants to be sold whilst you can get that 0.1 out of him. I'm just awaiting news to see if Amartey is likely to keep playing; otherwise, I'd definitely take Livramento.

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

      Benny looks to hot to ignore

  21. jia you
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Think I'm pretty ok to leave off WC til later in the season. Ings to Jimenez a likely FT during the IB or even save FT during it. Captaincy is tough this GW with several interesting candidates!

    Schmeichel
    Trent Cancelo Shaw
    Mane(C) Greenwood Torres Benrahma
    DCL Antonio Ings
    (Sanchez Doucoure Coufal Tsimikas)
    0.8itb

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      It's a strong squad providing everyone starts (hello, Pep).
      Captaining Mane against Chelsea is bold. Lower fruits might be a red-hot Antonio, a last hurrah from Ings, or Torres if he starts (I can see City steam-rollering Arsenal - problem is picking the right personnel for the job).

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        I have two decent asssets on the bench for cover in the medium term or until I wildcard and I really like Cancelo plus not quite ready to give up on Torres yet! And, yes, could captain any of 5 or 6 really...just need that bit of captaincy luck!

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Yeh, I don't see any need to WC or even use a transfer. The real dilemma is the captaincy this week.

          1. jia you
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            Yup and everyone is in the same boat there really

    2. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Team stats suggest Antonio could score well again. .

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Def a very viable option for GW3!

  22. Westfield Irons ⭐️
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Does Nacho come in for Perez for Leicester GW3 v Norwich? Tempted

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Most probably but he ain’t nailed at this rate, I’d avoid

    2. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I would guess it will be Albrighton, but Ricardo could also play RW if Castagne is match fit. The club is also trying to sign a RW, but won’t be done in time for the game.

      The only real alternative is a three at the back (which would mean Nacho in a 2 with Vardy) but our defence is in disarray from all of the injuries so I doubt it.

  23. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    How’s she looking?

    Pickford
    Cresswell Shaw TAA
    Son(VC) Mahrez Greenwood Bruno Benrahma
    Antonio(C) Wilson

    4.0 Amartey White* 4.5

    0 FT

    Bench alarm bells but I guess another week to battle on lol

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Nice midfield but otherwise a little bit of a mess after using your FT and no bench for GW3 at least, better options than Wilson also but you might get through it with a bit of luck!

  24. DT42
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Which one would you remove this week? (wildcarding after GW7)
    A. Veltman
    B. White
    Will downgrade to Amarty, Livra or Duffy

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      A with Livra

  25. Exeterslowly
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Hi chaps

    Is anyone thinking of transferring out Toney? If so who would you get upto his price bracket?

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Nobody is the real answer atm I feel...need to upgrade him or downgrade and move to a 5 man midfield. I transferred him out for DCL and downgraded Pepe.

      1. Exeterslowly
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks. I was thinking of Dennis he is cheap and after next week has decent fixtures. Toney has been unlucky but don’t think he is going to be a goal machine as most people thought?

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          I'm kinda stuck with him myself. I don't think a sideways transfer to a cheaper forward is a positive move. I'll be losing him as part of either a 2FT or wildcard and get the likes of DCL or Lukaku in.

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

      Am transfering Toney out for DCL

  26. Exeterslowly
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Also what do we think about white? Time to offload? I was thinking of Dier but although nailed on he doesn’t exactly scream points machine? Any other 4.5’s to consider?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      He's got great fixtures after the break and will be fit to play. If you had him in your GW1 squad, you knew GWs2-3 were write-offs anyway.

  27. Original Sin
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Which team is better defensively? Brentford or Spurs? Want to get a 4.5 Defender from one of then

    1. PikeyMikey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Spurs

      1. Original Sin
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Someone said their underlying stats are very poor and they have been lucky for the last 2 weeks?

  28. PikeyMikey
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Who to start?
    Ings vs Brentford A
    Raph vs Burnley H

    1. George James
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Bloody hell surely there is someone else

  29. George James
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Did Barnes >> Ben last night what’s best move for my other FT

    A) Gundo >> Dele (other mid 8.3)
    B) Tsimikas >> Coufal (other def 5.0)
    C) White >> Coufal (other def 5.4)
    D) Save Ft and roll with below

    Sanchez
    TAA • Ayling • Shaw
    Salah • Gundo • Bruno • Ben
    Toney • Ings • Antonio

    Steele / Tsimi / Brownhill / White

  30. FantaCity
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Can somebody explain the rush to transfer out one 4m defender (Tsimikas) for another (Livramento) ? If Tsimie plays, great, if he doesn't he's already doing the same cheap bench job as having Livra ... can't be just for 0.1 surely ?

    1. The Legend Squad
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Livra is expected to start

      1. FantaCity
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        ... and what, you're desperate to start a SOTON defender with all the choice we already have ?

        1. The Legend Squad
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Obviously not. But having a starting 4.0 player on the bench is much better than having a non playing guaranteed 0-pointer.

          What are you struggling to understand?

    2. jia you
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I'm holding but the obvious answer is Livra looks to be keeping his place in his side while Tsimikas won't play once Robbo is back which looks likely in GW3

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        This, plus the 0.1m bonus can help some people move for players who have risen like DCL.