Scout Notes

Is now the time to sell Everton’s value-for-money FPL midfielders?

We continue our Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek 9 Scout Notes with analysis of Everton v Watford.

For a briefer summary of all six of Saturday’s games, click here, while the footer at the bottom of this piece will direct you to our detailed Scout Notes on the other Gameweek 9 action.

EVERTON 2-5 WATFORD

  • Goals: Tom Davies (£4.9m), Richarlison (£7.4m) | Joshua King (£5.5m) x3, Juraj Kucka (£5.5m), Emmanuel Dennis (£5.2m)
  • Assists: Demarai Gray (£5.8m), Michael Keane (£5.0m) | Craig Cathcart (£4.4m), Cucho Hernandez (£5.0m), Dennis x2, Joao Pedro (£5.4m)
  • Bonus: King x3, Dennis x2, Keane x1

BENITEZ’S HONEYMOON OVER?

Everton’s attacking assets have offered us some excellent value for money this season but we might be reaching the jumping-off point for Andros Townsend (£5.7m) and co, not just because of Saturday’s freak 5-2 loss to Watford.

Depending on your view of the backlines of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur, the Toffees’ favourable fixture run has, or soon will, come to an end.

Rafael Benitez’s troops sit bottom of our Season Ticker for fixture difficulty from Gameweeks 10-18, meeting all bar Manchester United of the ‘big six’ plus Leicester City and Brentford.

Demarai Gray (£5.8m) still found a way to deliver his fifth attacking return of the season with his assist for Everton’s opener but it was a largely lethargic offensive display for the third home match running, with injuries perhaps finally catching up with the blue half of Merseyside.

Salomon Rondon (£6.0m) yet again flattered to deceive in the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£8.0m), while Abdoulaye Doucoure‘s (£5.8m) first no-show of 2021/22 was felt at both ends of the pitch.

Yerry Mina (£4.9m) was arguably the biggest loss, as the out-of-sorts Michael Keane (£5.0m) and Ben Godfrey (£4.8m) served up a horror show at the back.

“Today was not about [the injured players], we had enough quality on the pitch to win – and we were winning. It is up to us to manage the situation and improve that. Some players were a little bit tired but it doesn’t matter, it is not an excuse. We have to be better – especially when you are in control of the game. You can’t make the mistakes we made.” – Rafael Benitez

While Gray, Townsend and Doucoure have been success stories in Benitez’s traditionally strong start at a new club, Lucas Digne (£5.3m) has arguably been the biggest FPL flop of the campaign: the France international averages under 1.9 points per match after a ticker-topping opening nine Gameweeks.

A positive was the goalscoring return of substitute Richarlison (£7.4m), at least, with the Brazilian’s comeback presumably now meaning that Townsend’s stint as penalty-taker has come to an end.

KING LEADS THE LINE FOR NEW-LOOK WATFORD

After seeing his new charges thrashed by Liverpool last weekend, Claudio Ranieri had a full week of training with his Watford squad and set his side up in a 4-3-3, following the disastrous wing-back experiment of Gameweek 8.

Ismaila Sarr (£6.3m) was back in the right-wing role that seems to suit him best but somehow he missed out on any attacking return after a rare off-day and early substitution, leaving a quartet of sub-£6.0m forwards to do the damage.

Emmanuel Dennis (£5.2m) hadn’t even started the game but replaced Sarr to bank three attacking returns and move up to sixth in the FPL forwards’ points table, while the corner-taking Cucho Hernandez (£5.0m) – again preferred on the left flank – and substitute Joao Pedro (£5.4m) each chipped in with an assist apiece.

Star of the show, though, was Joshua King (£5.5m).

Deployed in the middle of the front three, King racked up a total of four big chances and an expected goal involvement (xGI) figure of 2.13, totals beaten by only Christian Benteke (£6.3m) in the Gameweek just gone.

“For a striker it is confidence. I had a horrible season last season. Any striker when you start scoring gets confidence.” – Joshua King

The Norwegian has now quietly amassed six attacking returns in his last four appearances for the Hornets, although like Everton, King and his teammates languish at the wrong end of the Season Ticker over the next six matches: they’re probably a ‘hold but don’t buy’ for Gameweek 10, after which comes a particularly nasty set of five games:

The good news for owners of Armando Broja (£5.0m) et al ahead of next Saturday was that, despite an improved defensive showing, the Watford backline still managed to concede twice to a below-par Everton; that makes it nine Premier League matches without a clean sheet for the Hornets.

Dennis will miss that match against the Saints, meanwhile, having collected his fifth booking of the campaign.


Everton XI (4-4-1-1): Pickford, Coleman, Keane, Godfrey, Digne, Townsend, Davies, Allan, Gordon (Richarlison 60). Gray (Iwobi 77), Rondon.

Watford XI (4-3-3): Foster, Ngakia (Nkoulou 76), Troost-Ekong, Cathcart, Masina, Tufan (Pedro 64), Sissoko, Kucka, Sarr (Dennis 64), King, Hernandez.

1,011 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Touré De Force
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Yes

  2. Hy liverpool
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Looks like it's conte then!!
    Keep ole ffs.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Interesting to see what happens when Klopp eventually goes. Chelsea and City seem to be set up to handle manager churn, Utd and the Arse have not been.

    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Has to be, really.

      Ole looks like he’s lost the dressing room, Ronaldo clearly isn’t a fan.

      Truth is United need Conte more than Conte needs United right now.

  3. Kevtheotter
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hey guys

    Have the exact money for Alonso and Raph to Chilwell and Mount.

    Terrified someone drops tonight. Should I pull the trigger or wait it out until the team sheet tomorrow and hope.

    Thanks

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Just do it

    2. FantasyHero
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Raph has Norwich next

    3. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Until Raphinha is confirmed out i would not sell.

    4. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I would definitely do that. Leeds will probably draw 1-1 or lose 1-0 to Norwich anyway.

  4. space mercenary
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    In answer to the headline question. No, the time was 2 weeks ago.

  5. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Just putting it out there, do we think Mo could get a rest anytime soon?
    Make just had his and obviously Bobby/Jota will rotate at some point it wouldn’t surprise me for Klopp to give Mo an extended break before afcon

    1. Firmino
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Carabao

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      he'll get his customary rest as some point in the Christmas' fixture pile up I think for sure, but he's on a record breaking streak for scoring in consecutive games right now so until that's over I doubt Klopp will bench him.

      1. bench boost for every gamew…
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Klopp does only care of his players fitness level, not records so if his staff says Salah is in red zone he will be rested.

    3. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      In past seasons Salah ben rested in that gw in midweek early december, i think it was Everton one year and Stoke the year before, and Burnley las year, i think was at the end of that week, so my guess is Everton or Wolves

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Probably right. Def crystal palace last year when he came off the bench in 30 mins to score big in the 7-0 win

  6. Firmino
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    So Foden rising tonight again? Plan was to wait for Raphinha news but feels stupid to miss two price rises.

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'm gonna pull trigger tonight or I'm priced out. Unbelievable to rise twice in 3 days.

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      it's not stupid

    3. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      May be rested at the weekend in prep for the champions league and the prem league game after. Ignore the price rises I think and wait for news

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

    I was going to bring in Mane this week, but then he got benched.

    Should it discourage me as he is a rotation risk or does it just mean his rest is out the way and he'll play the next few?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Punt on kdb instead

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

        prefer Mane for sure

    2. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Think he will play more often than not

    3. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Don't really care too much for the odd benching, the issue is Firmino/Jota's form more imo; benchings could become a lot more frequent

    4. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Had his rest, as has Bobby and Jota, so...

  8. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Tomiyasu Gallagher + Vardy to TAA, Raph + Hwang -4pts

    Yeah or nah

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Do you know something about Raph and Vardy that we don't?

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      maybe Friday, not now

  9. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Would you get Mount for Raphina, even if you already had Havertz?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Unless it’s 100% certain he’s out I have to keep Raphinha for Norwich.

      1. Gooner97
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        This

  10. el polako
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Those who know do not speak.
    Those who speak do not know.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      ...

  11. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Mbeumo out of cup game with minor hamstring issue. Hoped that will be back for weekend

    https://twitter.com/BrentfordFC/status/1452706243848642568?s=20

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks Dog

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      fingers crossed, so many injuries this season

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

        Yeah, every time I bring someone in, they're out with injury. All while possible replacements are rising in price while waiting for injury updates

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

    Can anyone help here?

    Still have Mahrez Armstrong

    Have the cash to go son and hwan for a hit or just mahrez to Foden?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Hit

    2. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I’d be tempted by the hit although Foden is popular round here atm.

  13. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I think Foden plays fifa

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      He also drives vauxhall corsa with "go faster" stickers, wears Longsdale tracksuit & argos jewelry and likes to hang around asda carparks on weekend evenings.

  14. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    If Vardy still injured who is the best replacement (except hwang & Antonio)? Thanks

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Toney

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Broja if fit

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yeh thanks great value

  15. rozzo
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Raya Gunn
    TAA Cancelo Dias Azpi Williams
    Salah Son Sarr Benrahma Allan
    Jesus Antonio Dennis

    1ft
    1.4 itb

    Azpi, Dias and Sarr to Chilwell, Cresswell and Foden worth a - 8?

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I wouldn't sell Dias personally

    2. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Mental

    3. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Just upgrade Sarr/Ben

  16. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Serious Question.

    If you still have Ronaldo will you hold onto him for now if (when) Conte gets appointed before the weekend?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      yeah i still have him. I am thinking holding for now as I want to get Foden/Mount in for Raph/Sarr. Not seeing a certain replacement for CR7 either atm.

    2. More Cowbell
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      If you were to ship him, who would you get in?

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Kane probably.

    3. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I've already sold him for Firmino.

  17. Beatle
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    102 points. What a GW!

    1. dshv
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Good

  18. More Cowbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Weird that Cancelo looks to be rising tonight but Dias seems to be dropping?

    Is theres any reason why Dias owners are getting rid but people still looking to get in Cancelo

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Price changes appear to be more random this season.

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Weird one and annoying as an owner of both. I think people are getting TAA back in (prob Chilwell too) and Dias with the smaller up side is the sacrifice.

    3. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Probably because he was rested at the weekend. Although that only enhances his appeal and Cancelo the more likely to be rested next time.

  19. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Fool me once (with Torres) shame on you, Pep.
    Fool me twice shame on me.

    Welcome to the team Foden!

  20. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Correct Bench order 1, ESr 2, livra 3, manquilo?

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yup

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Nice ta

  21. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    How do you rate this as WC squad?

    Raya
    TAA James Cancelo Chilwell
    Salah (c) Son Foden Mount
    Antonio Toney

    Foster Mbeumo Livramento Gelhardt

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Nice

    2. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good do you think son a must hsve as my wildcard team excludes ?

      1. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I think from game week 12 one or both of Son Kane for the run of fixtures

        1. Stranger Mings
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Yeh good shout

    3. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Same starting XI, so hopefully good

    4. JamTart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Looking at something very similar! It's between Mount/Son/Toney and ESR/Raph/Kane.

      Like the idea of Kane over Son just for the flexibility of Ronaldo once the fixtures swing from spurs to utd favour.

  22. The Son-dance Kid
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    The price rise mechanism needs an overhaul. Either more objectivity (i.e. not influenced by human emotion), or rises to be at set times during a week (i.e. on a Friday morning so as to not be before midweek games). I could list dozens of examples where the current method is not equitable.

    I play fantasy games in other sports and they follow these sorts of things.

    What's the consensus here?

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      It’s fine as it is.

    2. ANGRY PERSON
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Its their way of keeping people hooked

    3. More Cowbell
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'm fine with the mechanism but the lack of transparency is laughable. This sums it up perfectly...gold

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBpAAuANTUM

    4. Eastman
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I agree. All rises to be done Friday morning weekly. It’s become a bit of a lottery

  23. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    1FT, 1.3ITB

    Sanchez (4m)
    Rudiger Azpi Livramento (White, Tsimi)
    Salah Greenwood Gray Havertz (Brownhill)
    Antonio ASM Ronaldo

    Would you WC this GW? I'm not keen on WC tbh, but some players have not the best form/fixture (Sanchez vs LIV, ASM vs CHE, Ronaldo ecc.). Also Azpi didn't start last game...

    Maybe sell ASM first or one of Greenwood/Gray to Foden?

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I’d hold off WC for one more week, see if Man Utd bounce back under Conte and do Gray to Foden.

      1. Gooner97
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Can only sell Greenwood to Foden. I have 7.1 ITB if I sell Gray... who should I get?

        1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Mount?

          1. Gooner97
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Already have 3 CHE...

  24. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What’s the biggest fire to put out here, Armstrong or Raphina?
    1FT 0.2 ITB

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Christensen, Dias, Cancelo, Liv
    Salah, Raphina, ESR, Mount, Brownhill
    Armstrong, Kane, Antonio

    I could put out a decent 11 without Armstrong and Raph. Currently leaning towards Armstrong for Hwang.

    Thoughts

    TIA

    1. The Son-dance Kid
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Armstrong (unless Raph out for more than 1 GW)

    2. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Armstrong has to go first for me. Raph may be fit and has Norwich next. Bielsa is usually quite honest in his pressers so you should find out if Raph is fit by the end of the week.

  25. panda07
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Have exact cash for Azpi & Vardy > Chillwell & Kane. What do you think?

    Foster
    TAA Cancelo Dias Azpi
    Salah Foden Raphinha
    Vardy Antonio Toney

    Ramsdale ESR Livra Brownhill

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Is Vardy definitely out or something?

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Would rather have Vardy & Chillwell though

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Why would you want to do Vardy to Kane? That’s a downgrade. ESR and Livra are good options if Vardy and Raph don’t play so just do Azpi > Chillwell.

      1. panda07
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Kane has juicy fixtures coming up soon so I'll be getting him in at some stage. Could get priced out soon

        1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Too pricey for someone who can’t be trusted with the armband.

    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No.

    4. Babit1967
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Azpi will likely play this weekend

  26. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hopefully two of Mbeumo, Raphinha, Lukaku and Tierney are fit or else I’m in trouble of getting 11 out this weekend

  27. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    For a -4 (sorry wring thread earlier) …

    Chillwell and Foden IN
    Azpi and Benhrama OUT

    0.1 left so worried about the unpredictable price changes of late?

  28. Aaa
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Guaita/Foster
    TAA/Alonso/Rudiger/Duffy/Liv
    Salah/Havertz/Raph/Sarr/Gray
    Vardy/Antonio/Armstrong

    If all ok injury wise, Alonso or Armstrong the first fix? 0.9itb

    1. Kane5
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Probably Alonso first. I have Armstrong as well and looking to move him on. Guess it depends on who you are bringing in to replace either of them.

  29. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    0.2m off getting Foden.

    Is this worth a -4 to give me the 0.2 ?

    Rudiger, Greenwood > James, Foden

    Cheers.

  30. SMOOTH
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    is cancelo james and chilwell too risky as a wc defence.
    obv subs will be playing subs

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I have gone cancello, mendy & chilwell instead

    2. Baron Penguin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I am on a WC and have this plus TAA and Livramento. James is probably a risk too far but it feels the more exciting high risk/high reward move.

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I had that defence but wanted to upgrade Sanchez to mendy so sacrificed james

      2. Baron Penguin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Plus Dias seemed boring so I have currently Ederson in goal. I've never had an expensive keeper but it just feels the right way to go to have City/Chelsea goalkeeper given the cheap nailed bench options to cover the inevitable benchings of my defense and midfield.

        1. Stranger Mings
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          You think ederson over mendy ?

          1. Baron Penguin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            I see higher reward in Chelsea full backs, and the only City one I want is Cancelo. So for a double double up with City and Chelsea it has to be Ederson in goal.

            1. Stranger Mings
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              My only issue with 5 great defenders is benching headache

        2. Baron Penguin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          So I have Ederson, TAA, Chilwell, James, Cancelo, Livramento. Overall getting three each from Liverpool, Chelsea and City I reckon.

          1. Stranger Mings
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Nice I have gone mendy (Carson) TAA, livra, chilly & cancello so basically mendy rather than James

            1. Baron Penguin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Good luck! I think I'll make 0.1 on a load of players before Friday anyway then I can reassess! So many double risers this week I reckon, James for one, If I change anything I'll get rid of James. WC this week will add a LOT of team value.

              1. Stranger Mings
                • 3 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                Good luck too