Fantasy EFL Gameweek 17’s weekend action saw only 14 matches played due to FA Cup commitments for [nearly] all League One and League Two sides. Nevertheless, 35 goals were scored across the Championship and two matches in League Two. Below, we’ve outlined the most notable actions and points (and the lack thereof…) served up by the clubs that featured on the weekend in Gameweek 17 in our Fantasy EFL Scout Notes.
A quick reminder that the Gameweek is yet to finish! All League One sides, and 22 League Two sides will feature across Tuesday and Wednesday to wrap up the Gameweek. Additionally, Fleetwood Town and Colchester United are set to Double.
Keep an eye on our updated fixture ticker [free Members access] for the latest news so you never miss out.
LEAGUE TWO – DOUBLE GAMEWEEK REVIEW
It wasn’t quite the thriller we were hoping for at Highbury stadium, as Colchester United held Fleetwood Town to a 0-0 draw. Nevertheless, to all those that selected both the Cod Army and the U’s as club picks were treated to 10 points total – five points each – for the draw (+3) and clean sheet (+2).
Three players for Charlie Adam’s side nailed double-digit hauls. Carl Johnston (D), selected by 2.1%, kept up his wonderful form since Gameweek 9, made six clearances (+2) and five tackles (+2) in an 11-point return. Additionally, Finley Potter (D), selected by 0%, also banked 11 for nine clearances (+3) and two tackles (+1). Elsewhere, with three assists to his name (+9), Mackenzie Hunt (D) returned 10 points for the first time since Gameweek 1 for three clearances and four tackles. Despite the defensive contributions, Ronan Coughlan (F), backed by 1.9%, blanked with only 2 points secured. Nevertheless, Charlie Adam’s side will be hoping to continue their four-game unbeaten run when they host fourth-placed Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday.
As for the U’s, Ellis Iandolo (D) maintained his impressive form for Danny Crowley’s side, nailing defensive contributions for 0.6%, returning nine points. Defensive teammates Aaron Donnelly (D) and Mandela Egbo (D) both banked eight. Colchester’s highest Fantasy scorer, Jack Payne (M), secured four points for 3.5% for four key passes (+2). Goalkeeper Matt Macey (G) would’ve matched Fleetwood’s David Harrington (G) with seven points had he not been picked up a yellow card (-1).
The U’s take on 23rd-placed Swindon Town (H) on Tuesday, who lost 4-1 on penalties to Accrington Stanley (A) in the FA Cup Second Round. The U’s record against the Robins at JobServe Community Stadium is impressive, and Crowley will be hoping his side can start to push away from the relegation zone.
RAILWAYMEN BANK LATE DRAW AGAINST CUMBRIANS
Jake Lankester (M) ensured Crewe Alexandra didn’t leave Brunton Park empty-handed, scoring a late penalty (+6) and taking two shots on target (+1) to secure nine points for 0.1% of managers! Ever-popular Mickey Demetriou (D) secured five points for 10 clearances (+3), taking his total to 136. The centre-back hasn’t been as potent in recent weeks but is still a good option and returned for 13.5% of managers.
As for Carlisle United, Dominic Sadi (F) scored his second goal of the season (+5) and took two shots on target (+1) to bank eight points. Cameron Harper (D), Aaron Hayden (D) and Sam Lavelle (D) all secured seven points for defensive contributions – Hayden provided the assist!
CHAMPIONSHIP
43 goals were scored across the division, as we saw five home wins, five draws, and two away wins.
THE BLADES REACH THE SUMMIT
Sheffield United made it seven matches unbeaten after defeating Sunderland 1-0 on Friday night to lead the Championship.
Substitute Tom Davies (M) scored the winner (+6) with seven minutes to go, and would’ve ended with seven points had he not been booked (-1). Nevertheless, Alfie Gilchrist (D) wrote the headlines on Fantasy, banking 11 points for his second double-digit haul, making four clearances (+1), two blocks (+1) and five tackles (+2). Equally, Michael Cooper (G) was sensational, saving Patrick Roberts’ (F) penalty (+3) to keep the score level.
Sunderland’s Chris Mepham (D) ended with 0 points for a straight-red card, denying a goalscoring opportunity. Equally, the Blades’ Harry Souttar (D) let down 3.6% of managers, getting sent off for two yellow cards just before half-time, securing -1!
For the visitors, Jobe Bellingham (M) secured five points for over 12%, making one interception (+2) and two key passes (+1).
Up next, Sheffield United face WBA (A) and Millwall (A) in a Double Gameweek, while Sunderland look to win for the first time in six games, facing Stoke City (H) and Bristol City (H).
BORO BOUNCE BACK
Middlesbrough got back to winning ways at Riverside Stadium, defeating Hull City 3-1.
Tommy Conway (F) wrote the headlines in Teeside, scoring a brace (+10) and taking four shots on target (+2) for 0.2% of managers, returning 14 points. The youngster now has eight goals in 14, seeing Emmanuel Latte Lath (F) benched, coming on for only one point. Ben Doak (F) scored 11 points, providing two assists (+6) and seven key passes (+3) for 0.1% of managers. The number 50 has one goal and six assists this season, totalling 57 points. Both options are great differentials, seeing Boro score 32 goals, including 2+ in eight matches. Additionally, Finn Azaz (M) scored his sixth goal of the season (+6), banking nine points for 11.1% of managers following his omission last week. The number 20 now has six goals and eight assists in 17, totalling 125 points.
Elsewhere, Mason Burstow (F) scored off the bench for the Tigers (+5), opening his tally for the season. Hull have now lost five consecutive games.
Boro have a very difficult task in Double Gameweek 18, taking on Burnley (A) and Leeds United (A). Meanwhile, manager-less Hull face Blackburn Rovers (H) and Watford (H), hoping for their first points since Gameweek 13.
INCONSISTENT LEEDS UNITED
Leeds United’s woes on the road continue this season. The Whites suffered a 1-0 defeat at Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers.
Credit must be given to Rovers – they’re unbeaten in three, and are knocking on the door of the Play-Offs! Todd Cantwell (M) scored the only goal from the penalty spot (+6) and made two key passes (+1), returning nine points. Defensive duo Danny Batth (D) and Dominic Hyam (D) continued their impressive form, returning double-digit scores. Hyam now has 99 points, returning three major hauls.
As for Daniel Farke’s side, Brenden Aaronson (M), Joe Rodon (D) and Ao Tanaka (M) all secured four points for defensive contributions. Illan Meslier (G), selected by 19% of managers, only secured two points.
Up next, Rovers will be hoping to continue climbing the table, facing Hull City (A) and Sheffield Wednesday (A), while Leeds take on Derby County (H) and Middlesbrough (H). With two home fixtures in store and their imperious record, do not write off Leeds in their double.
THE ROBINS RIP THE PILGRIMS APART
Bristol City secured a home win at Ashton Gate Stadium for the first time since Gameweek 7, defeating struggling Plymouth Argyle 4-0.
Anis Mehmeti (M) stole the show for the hosts on Fantasy EFL, scoring a brace (+12) and providing an assist (+3), alongside taking six shots on target (+3) and three key passes (+1). The winger returned 21 points for 0.1% of managers, scoring 90 points overall! Elsewhere, Summer signing Scott Twine (M) was also excellent, bagging 13 points for 0.3%. The number 10 scored (+6) the opening goal, made two interceptions (+4) and took two shots on target (+1) in just 67 minutes. Club captain Jason Knight (M) broke the 100-point barrier for the season, scoring double-digits to bag 103 overall. The club captain provided an assist (+3), two interceptions (+4) and three key passes (+1).
The Pilgrims have now lost two consecutive matches and sit just outside the relegation zone on 17 points. The talks of Wayne Rooney’s future are becoming louder, and have two crucial matches against Oxford United (H) and Swansea City (H). Meanwhile, the mid-table Robins sit five outside the play-offs, and face Portsmouth (A) and Sunderland (A) in back-to-back away ties.
LATE DRAMA AS SKY BLUES AND BLUEBIRDS SHARE SPOILS
Newly appointed Frank Lampard got to watch his side battle hard to secure a 2-2 draw against Cardiff City (H).
Although, from a Fantasy perspective, Alex Robertson (M) of Cardiff was a standout. The number 18 secured 17 points for very few managers, providing an assist (+3) to the opening goal and firing the visitors ahead (+6), alongside three interceptions (+6) and two key passes (+1). He would’ve banked 18 had he not received a yellow (-1). The next-best scorer for the Bluebirds, Yakou Meite (F) scored his first goal in 14 matches, returning eight points.
Additionally, Coventry’s Ephron Mason-Clark (F) scored (+6) to level the match at 1-1, securing his first goal of the season after multiple substitute appearances. Elsewhere, Victor Torp (M) scored a late penalty (+6) in the 89th minute to salvage a 2-2 draw.
The Sky Blues take on Millwall (A) and WBA (A) in Double Gameweek 18, two challenging games for Frank Lampard. Meanwhile, Cardiff face Watford and PNE in back-to-back home matches.
NORWICH’S SCORING SPREE CONTINUES
Norwich City maintained their prolific form in front of goal, defeating Luton Town 4-2 to see them score 12 goals in three matches.
Although Borja Sainz (F) did score AGAIN (+5) and took two shots on target (+1), taking his total to 15 goals and three assists in 18, nailing 145 Fantasy points as the highest-scorer, his attacking teammate wrote the headlines. Ante Crnac’s (F) sensational performance led Johannes Hoff Thorup’s side to their impressive victory. The Croatian forward’s two goals (+10), one assist (+3), and multiple shots on target (+2) earned him a massive 16 points. Additionally, Emiliano Marcondes (M) scored (+6) to make it three consecutive games returning in front of goal, and made three key passes (+1), banking nine points for 0.1%.
On the other hand, Luton Town deserve plaudits. Jordan Clark (M) secured 11 points for very few managers, providing an assist (+3) and making three interceptions (+6). Equally, Elijah Adebayo (F) scored his third goal (+5) in 18 matches, banking eight points for 5.8%. Nonetheless, Rob Edwards’ side are just three points clear of the relegation zone and have conceded 33 goals – the second-most in the division.
Norwich will have opportunities to extend their run against QPR and Portsmouth away in Gameweek 18, while Luton Town will host tough but winnable fixtures against Swansea and Stoke.
BURNLEY CONTINUE TO BE BRILLIANT DEFENSIVELY
Scott Parker’s side have been formidable defensively, and continued their impressive form, defeating Stoke City 0-2 at the bet365 Stadium.
CJ Egan-Riley (D) banked his third consecutive double-digit return for the Clarets, making nine clearances (+3), two blocks and two tackles (+2), alongside the clean sheet return (+5). The number six now hasn’t blanked in seven games. Left-back Bashir Humphreys (D) secured 10 for defensive returns, while midfielder Josh Cullen (M) provided an assist (+3), two interceptions (+4) and two key passes (+1). James Trafford (G) helped Burnley keep their 12th clean sheet in 18 matches. Although it was only his 11th in 17 given his omission in the second Gameweek.
The Clarets face Boro (H) and Derby County (H) in 18, while the Potters face Sunderland (A) and Luton (A).
SWANS BATTLE POMPEY
Bottom of the table Portsmouth held Swansea City to a 2-2 draw at Swansea.com Stadium.
Pompey’s Josh Murphy (M) was the standout on Fantasy, banking 16 points for an assist (+3), goal (+6), two interceptions (+4) and two shots on target (+1). The winger is in good form, scoring 36 points in four matches. Teammate Matt Ritchie (M) scored his first goal of the season (+6) and made two interceptions (+4), despite getting booked in the 35th minute (-1).
Furthermore, for the hosts, Liam Cullen (F) was excellent. He provided an assist (+3), scored the equaliser (+5), three key passes (+1) and three shots on target (+1) but got booked in the first half (-1), totalling 11 points. The striker now has four goals and two assists in 15, contributing to 33% of their goals this season [19].
Jose Mousinho’s Portsmouth have two interesting ties against Bristol City and Norwich City at Fratton Park up next, while Swansea take on Luton and Plymouth in consecutive away games.
