Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Gameweek 5 – Sunday

Leicester overcome a two-goal deficit to get the better of Villa, with Riyad Mahrez the chief architect yet again. Jack Grealish and Carles Gil grab their first strikes of the season for Tim Sherwood’s side. Elsewhere, Ryan Mason’s strike earns Spurs a first win of the campaign and sends Sunderland to the bottom of the table.

Mahrez Sparks Foxes Comeback

Riyad Mahrez’s dream start to the campaign continued apace with his fourth double-figure haul in five outings. The Algerian bagged a brace of assists as Leicester recovered from 2-0 down to emerge 3-2 victors over Aston Villa – maintaining their five-match unbeaten streak. Mahrez now lays claim to four goals and two assists and has contributed to nine Foxes goals in his previous eight starts. Although Mahrez (6.2) has experienced a 0.7 price rise since Gameweek 1, non-owners will doubtless be clamouring to recruit the in-form midfielder ahead of a largely favourable run of fixtures (sto, ARS, nor, sou, CRY, wba, WAT, new) leading up to Gameweek 14.

Jamie Vardy – one of our three Differential picks this Gameweek – notched his second goal in as many starts. Priced at 6.1, the English striker ranked joint-top among forwards for attempts (five) this weekend, while none of his counterparts chalked up more shots inside the box (five). Vardy is thriving as part of an attack that’s placed joint-first – alongside Manchester City – for goals (11) this term, rendering him strong competition for Callum Wilson (5.8) in that price bracket.

Right-back Ritchie De Laet opened the scoring with his second Premier League goal and first of the campaign. His rare strike was rewarded with three bonus points, resulting in a ten-point haul – the best tally of any defender so far this Gameweek. Danny Drinkwater delivered his first attacking returns in the top flight, assisting Vardy’s equaliser.

Nathan Dyer netted an unlikely header on his debut, rounding off the scoring for the East Midlands club. The Swansea City loanee replaced Shinji Okazaki at the break, prompting a shift to a 4-2-3-1 set-up, with Dyer operating on the right and Mahrez moving into the number-ten berth. Considering how successful that change in system proved to be, Claudio Ranieri might be tempted start the next match in a similar fashion.

Villa Capitulate at the King Power

The Villains were left to lament what could have been after relinquishing a two-lead and leaving the King Power Stadium with nothing to show for their efforts. Tim Sherwood’s side are now without a win since Gameweek 1, having posted four defeats on the trot. Only Chelsea (ten) have conceded more goals than Villa (eight) since that trip to Bournemouth, underlining their troubles at the back.

Jack Grealish got Villa off to a strong start, curling in from just outside the 18-yard box after 39 minutes. The 5.4-priced midfielder certainly harbours the potential to be a top pick in the budget-midfielder bracket, having commandeered his side’s attack with authority in the first half. Carles Gil then bagged his debut goal for the club, doubling the visitors’ advantage at three minutes past the hour.

Micah Richards (4.6) and Gabriel Agbonlahor both claimed an assist, with the latter remaining the prime route into Villa’s rearguard in spite of new recruit Joleon Lescott (4.9) joining him in central defence. Richards is well backed (9.6% ownership) and could deliver precious shut-out points as the West Midlanders gear up for two promising home ties over the next three Gameweeks (WBA, liv, STO) – only Newcastle United have recorded fewer goals (three) than the Potters and Baggies (both three) so far this season.

Mason Wins it for Spurs

At the fifth time of asking, Tottenham Hotspur secured their first win of the campaign, extending their unbeaten streak to four matches. Ryan Mason scored eight minutes from time to claim just his third goal in 46 outings for the north London club, with substitute Erik Lamela delivering the decisive through ball. Mason did, however, suffer a heavy knock to the knee from the onrushing Sunderland keeper, Costel Pantillimon, and is set to be assessed early next week.

Only three sides have conceded more goals that the Lilywhites this term, following their second consecutive clean sheet. Further shut-outs in the coming Gameweeks could be hard to come by, though, with a challenging quartet of fixtures (CRY, MCI, swa, LIV) next on the agenda.

Eric Dier (5.0) is arguably the prime route into their rearguard, having turned out a man-of-the-match performance in the double pivot against the Black Cats. The former Sporting Lisbon centre-back offers out-of-position potential and has been the most prolific shooter among Spurs’ back line (five attempts) – only three defenders across the league have managed more shots.

Harry Kane failed to build upon his pair of goalscoring performances during the international break, carding his fifth successive blank. Over 400,000 Fantasy managers have sold the 9.4-priced striker in the build-up to the past three Gameweeks and – off the back of another disappointing display – his 22% ownership looks certain to diminish further.

 

Sunderland ended the week in 20th position following their 1-0 defeat to Spurs. The Wearsiders are now without a league win in eight matches, having lost four and drawn four over that stretch. That being said, Dick Advocaat’s outfit more than held their own at the Stadium of Light, notching just three fewer attempts (12 compared to 15) than the visitors and arguably boasting the better quality chances throughout the encounter.

As expected, Ola Toivonen’s impressive cameo last time out triggered a switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation for Advocaat, facilitating the Swedish midfielder’s deployment in “the hole”. Fabio Borini earned a start on the left flank, while Jeremain Lens excelled on the right – Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott (both eight) were the only midfielders to fashion more shots than Lens (four) over the weekend. Despite previously suggesting that Jermain Defoe couldn’t operate as a lone striker, Advocaat tasked the diminutive poacher with leading the line, enhancing his Fantasy prospects at the 5.6 mark ahead of clashes with Bournemouth, West Ham, West Brom and Newcastle in the next five.

1,193 Comments Post a Comment
  1. New Post
  2. PINKFISH (SANCTIONED AND GA…
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    I've always admired Marc Albrighton........

  3. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Where's the CL game?

    How late can they be? 😡

  4. Sergeant Garcia
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    With who should I replace Chadli?

    1.1 ITB and already own Mahrez, Sanchez, Ayew & Payet.

    1. Jonjo Shall_We? (Flowers - …
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Coutinho

  5. t4thomas
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    How would you use 2 transfers and 0.7M?

    Butland
    Kolarov | Cedric | Richards
    Hazard | Sanchez | Mane | Mahrez
    Aguero | Gomis | Wilson

    Fletcher | Holebase | Huth | Ruddy

    1. t4thomas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      *Holebas

    2. S.Kuqi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Mane for Bolasie and save other FT

    3. Jonjo Shall_We? (Flowers - …
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Get a wba defender atleast

  6. S.Kuqi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Repost.

    How did Kdb play?

    1. Your Mum's Athletic
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      like he could be an assist machine

      1. S.Kuqi
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        😀 sounds promising

  7. C-Dawgg
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    A lot of people talking about shipping Aguero and Sanchez and one of the reasons being put out there is their price.

    Thing is does their price really matter? Who else you planning on spending that money on?? I currently have both of them and STILL have 4 million in the bank. All the alternatives (except maybe Pedro?) are under 8 mil.

    1. Tadic is the new Eriksen
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yep exactly. I have Kun, Sanchez and 4.1 ITB with no clear move to make with my 2 fts

      1. C-Dawgg
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I've never been in such a good position with a team and yet have such a bad rank!

  8. Relaxing
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Butland, Ruddy

    Cédric, Shaw, Reid, Richards, Kolarov

    Mahrez, Silva, Chadli, Hoolahan, Depay

    Gomis, Benteke, Agüero

    FT:2
    BANK:0m

    Thoughts?

    Myhill for Ruddy?
    Losing patience with Depay, Barkley or palace player in perhaps?
    Tempting to bring in Sakho or Wilson in for Gomis. Also considering taking a gamble with Berahino

  9. Psychos got ya number
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Worth going AOA with this team assuming Sterling and Aguero fit? Defensive options not great this GW and want to save a FT

    Butland
    Azpi, Kolarov, Cedric, Huth, Mings
    Ayew, Sanchez, Sterling, Mahrez, Sinclair
    Wilson, Benteke, Aguero

    1. S.Kuqi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yup, I would use it.

  10. S.Kuqi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    If Aguero is out for WH game captain decision will be tough. Not a single standout option imo except Benteke.

    1. Leaf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Tekkers it is then

    2. Tadic is the new Eriksen
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yaya

  11. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    My team this week: Can't seem to find anything to change... (1FT, 0.4m itb) should I save? Defence looks shoddy.

    Butland (Ruddy)

    Kolarov | Huth | Targett - (Ward, Saylor)

    Hazard | Yaya | Mahrez | Chadli - (Payet)

    Aguero | Tekkers | Defoe

  12. Sess!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone else feeling totally disengaged with FPL this year?

    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      totally.

    2. Leaf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I have a friend ,whenever he is doing well in FPL he regales us all with the reasons behind his genius selections
      When he's doing badly he says it's because he's disengaged

      1. Ibralicious
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I think we have the same friend :O

    3. Tadic is the new Eriksen
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      No actually, I'm quite into it this time. Although I think that is because I have had a decent start and I deleted my team last year after about 4 GWs so the novelty factor still hasn't worn off yet.

  13. Ibralicious
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Is it worth using the 'all out attack' chip right now now if I'm wildcarding to allow a 5th mid, say Sako(CP) play?

    If there are only a couple DGWs later on in the season, I guess it is safer to play the 'bench boost' and 'tripple captain' then, am I right?

    1. Relaxing
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I think you have the right idea with that yes.

    2. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      You can't use the AOA and wildcard chips both in the same game-week.

      The AOA chip should be worth at least 3 points and you can only use it once, so don't play it unless you expect your 8th front player to outscore your 3rd defender by at least 3 or 4 points AND you don't expect to have a better chance to play it later in the season.

  14. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Fargo series two?? Awesome

    1. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Theres a season 2???

  15. PINKFISH (SANCTIONED AND GA…
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Love Evertons next 3 fixtures. Swans / Brom / Pool

    Just the sort of opponents they will thrive against. May pick up that crafty Scotsman ahead of Barks.

    1. PINKFISH (SANCTIONED AND GA…
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Why am I here ?

  16. Veraswami
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Why all the panic ?

    Nothing has really changed in football or the premier league . Manchester United and Liverpool options seem similar to last year .We have seen Liverpools defence vacillating and Manchester united struggling to score .

    Manchester City has quality and they are performing . Aguero needs to be full fit and he will fire!

    Kane obviously cannot repeat his last season heroics
    Swansea is team in the making and are improving year by year .
    Leicester are high on confidence from last season and Mahrez of course is a class player who wasn't given enough opportunity by the previous manager .

    The only real exception is Chelsea , so avoid them until things turn around for them
    They have have been poor , because of a lot of factors maybe overconfidence or lack of determination .Hopefully they improve .

    Arsenal , same old . Ozil performing , Sanchez doing what he does best , taking shots, a bit unfortunate not to have scored , but then again I don't expect too much of him .We have seen last season also where for a long period in the second half he did not score but had lot of shots , I've asked a few barca fans and they don't really regard him that highly . He had a wonderful World Cup campaign and took that form to arsenal in the first half of the season .

    CP showing same attacking outlook under Pardew . WB defensively solid under Pulis.

    Of course teams with new managers and promoted sides are hard to predict.

    With such a busy summer for all clubs , our predictions of the so called "easy fixtures " might be wrong because teams have changed so much since last term .

    I'm not a veteran , so i don't know about heavy hitters of yesteryears .Maybe you guys are too used to the Ronaldo-es and Suarez-es ,but they don't come along so often , and they are a class apart . There remains no player of that level in the PL except for Aguero at that level ( Hazard and Sanchez , in my opinion are a notch lower ,I'm sure a lot of you will agree )

  17. exitgate4
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Looking to wildcard, please rate my (potential) team...also not sure on the midfield/attack, who to sub?

    de Gea (Hennessey)
    Shaw Sagna Clyne (Baker Mariapa)
    Ayew Mahrez Walcott Pedro Sako
    Benteke Wilson Aguero

    Appreciate your comments. Ta.

  18. Bartowski
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Victor Moses is annoying to watch

  19. simvale007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Is there an advanced notification of when a scout-cast will occur?

  20. Green Mango
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    16 team Draft league....

    Who to roster as 5th defender? (to go with Cahill, Skrtel, Van Dijk, & Naughton)

    A. Yedlin (could provide attacking returns if he gets minutes)
    B. Zouma (I already have Cahill, but CHE has to tighten in back at some point)
    C. Johnny Evans (Have Lindegaard Pants in net)
    D. McCauley (another west brom option)
    E. Tomkins (West Ham option)

    Thanks!

    1. Tadic is the new Eriksen
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Whoever is more nailed out of C and D. C I think

    2. juggos
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      How is it possible that any of these guys besides yedlin is available in a 16 team league??
      I'd pick up zouma as he seems more nailed than cahill to me. That said I wouldn't want both so can always grab a wba defender after dropping a chelsea def

  21. Raikan007
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    How is Aguero looking for this weekend injury wise?

  22. kikomacheda
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Can I get some advice on my team? Have 0.0 in the bank and just 1 free transfer, but don't mind a 4 or 8 point hit if necessary

    Cech Schwarzer
    Darmian Schlupp Janmaat Azpilicueta Kolarov
    Sterling Westwood Milner Mahrez Fletcher
    Costa Benteke Agüero

    1. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Well not this week but longer term i would look at Milner out and possibly Costa too unles she bucks up his ideas.

      For this week if Aguero and Stelrign are fit i would look at doing Schlupp -> a Watford or WBA defender

      1. kikomacheda
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks, yeh Costa and Milner are beginning to annoy me. I guess I'll wait until Thursday / Friday to make any changes then