Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Europa League – Thursday

A late goal for the hosts ensures a wasteful Manchester United must go to Old Trafford with their Europa League quarter-final tie still in the balance. While post-match, Jose Mourinho has a further revelation on Antonio Valencia. Here’s the notes from Thursday’s events.

Anderlecht 1 Manchester United 1

Different country, same old result – Man United again failed to kill off a match and had to settle for a draw in a Europa League quarter-final they dominated for long spells.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s smart finish from a tight angle, after Marcus Rashford’s shot was parried, had given the visitors a lead that their first-half superiority utterly merited.

But United are a side that has drawn 12 of their league matches this season and they took that inability to convert chances with them to Belgium.

Jesse Lingard hit a post and, crucially, Paul Pogba was denied when put through by Zlatan Ibrahimovic after the break.

That would have probably killed off the tie. Instead, minutes later, the Belgians equalised from their one and only attempt on target – United had seven.

The result was precisely not what Fantasy managers were looking for, creating doubt as to team selection in the run-up to a double Gameweek 34 involving trips to Burnley and Man City.

United could, and should, have run out easy winners in Belgium, allowing Jose Mourinho to concentrate his increasingly sparse squad resources, if only in the short-term, on attempting to secure a fourth-placed league finish that would guarantee Champions League football next season.

Now, he will surely be forced to field a strong side in next Thursday’s second leg right before embarking on that double Gameweek.

Mourinho’s post-match comments regarding the 16.1%-owned Antonio Valencia won’t have eased the concerns of Fantasy managers either.

“Antonio Valencia is having some problems and he cannot play every game.”

The Ecuadorian right-back has already missed the last two domestic matches. Those who were banking on strong returns from him in Gameweek 34 are suddenly very uncertain, while his start against Chelsea also appears far from secure.

Injuries to key players in both defence and midfield mean Mourinho can only shuffle his pack so much, but the Red Devils now face four key fixtures in 13 days, starting with a huge match on Sunday against Chelsea.

Expecting the 30%-owned Ibrahimovic and Pogba (7.6%) – or even differential prospects Mkhitaryan (2.4%) or Rashford (4.7%) – to feature in all four perhaps seems unlikely.

The best-case scenario probably involves United losing to Chelsea, forcing Mourinho to commit fully to winning the Europa League and taking at least some of the doubt over selection out of the equation.

But based on how United’s season has been going, they’ll probably draw it, and those doubts will linger.

Team: Romero, Valencia, Bailly, Rojo, Darmian, Carrick, Pogba, Mkhitaryan (Fosu-Mensah 90), Lingard (Martial 63), Rashford (Fellaini 75), Ibrahimovic.
Subs not used: de Gea, Blind, Ander Herrera, Shaw.

571 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Astronautovic
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Guys i need your help
    1FT 1.5itb
    Hennessey
    Alonso davies robertson
    Sanchez haz alli siggy zaha
    Kaku zlatan
    Pickford brunt fernandez grabban

    A)hold the transfer
    B)brunt to bellerin
    C) siggy to coutinho/firm
    D) siggy to townsend
    E) siggy to eriksen
    Plan to bring in a boro defender next week

    1. Mic
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      A or B, E if you plan on keeping him and dont need the spurs slot.

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

        Thank u

  2. Weasel51
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Pickford
    Holgate Pieters Walker
    Alli Sanchez Siggy Zaha
    Kane Lukaku(c) Carroll

    Heaton, Valencia, Alonso, Leko

    G2G?

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

      Yes
      I prefer alonso in front of valencia or even holgate

    2. Weasel51
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      That's the only change that might be made, Alonso in for either Pieters or Holgate.

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

      alonso over pieters, valencia second on bench

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

        Yes this sounds good

    4. KLOPPS GLASSES
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Alonso for Pieters

    5. Weasel51
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Would the fact that my only rival has a Stoke double-up in defence?

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

    Rank - 140k; I should be able to reach 30k right?

    1. Mic
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Chips? And what does your squad look like? Not impossible

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Jaku Picky

        Alonso Jags Holgate Chambers Rojo

        Haz Alli Eriksen Zaha King

        Kane Ibra Kaku

        I took a -16 this week and I've got it all planned out for the next 3 gws; still got BB

        1. Mic
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Big move! GL. Id say its pretty difficult

        2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I think around 80k. -16 is horrible with a few game weeks to go.

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      10k is possible. Many ranks will drop from poor picks due to ignoring good players with single games in DGW, bad choice of TC, picking players with no form because of seemingly easy opposition and ML leaderhunts 😉

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        here's hoping 😛

  4. joersherman
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Just had a thought....

    I haven't got WC left. What do you think about BB in 34? It allows me to play my normal 11 and then have 4 DGW on the bench, giving the same benefit as using it in 37.

    It also means I can focus on just building a team of 11 DGW players for 37. The best games are with top 6 teams so would be good to get bench fodders and spend big on big hitters for 37.

    Thoughts?

    1. Mic
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Makes sense actually, have to have a good look at your squad

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

      That's one way to look at it. Another would be that you're fielding your DGW's this week and simply bench-boosting 4 first eleven players. I'm in the same position, but i intend on building a balanced team with a good, strong bench. Hopefully that would outscore a strong team and weak bench

  5. Bis_78
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    So...
    Jakupovic, Randolph
    Stones, Holgate, Ben Davies, Yoshida, Brunt
    Sánches, Coutino, Son, Alli, Sigurdsson
    Origi, Lukaku, Llorente

    3mil ITB

    A) Sig > Tom Davies (gives cash for Llorente > Ibra next gw)
    B) Son + Llorente > Tom Davies + Kane (-4 points)
    C) Sig + Brunt > Tom Davies + Cameron (-4 points, cash for Llorente > Aguero next gw)
    D) Other suggestion

    1. KLOPPS GLASSES
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. Mic
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Would get Ward and Benteke in somehow, the players you suggested taking out cam get points I think. Otherwise B as id be scared with no Kane

  6. KLOPPS GLASSES
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Current team
    Jaku (Foster)
    Holgate Mawson Robertson (Valencia Britos)
    Alli Siggy Zaha Redmond (DeRoon)
    Kaku Kane Costa

    A) Siggy > Coutinho
    B) Redmond > Sane
    C) Costa > Ibra
    D) G2G

    1. Bis_78
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      C, Costa hasn't done much while I've had him.

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

      C next week not this one i think

      1. KLOPPS GLASSES
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Risk of price increase of Ibra and decrease of Costa by the end of this week?

  7. JÆKS ⭐
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    So Zaha has a higher ownership than Kane? Can't wait for a Kane haul!

    1. Mic
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      What do you think of Zaha, Jaks? I prefer King and think Benteke will get the points now for some reason

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I'm selling King for Zaha so I def rate him. Good fixture this week, 2 difficult ones in the DGW but he got points against ARS and CHE so not so worried about that and a good fixture in 35 as well

        1. Mic
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Going to get back King? His fixtures are amazing

          1. JÆKS ⭐
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Yes on my WC 35

            1. Mic
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Fair. Good luck

    2. Funkyav
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      either is fine by me

  8. Funkyav
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    gravless everywhere....

    1. Mic
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      FPL snobbery 😉

      1. Funkyav
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        not at all just think if you are gonna post on this site, its worth getting a grav, why not?

        if nothihng else it helps people remember who you are

        We are all one big happy family (until Sanchez blanks again!)

        1. Mic
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Was just kidding haha, ill get one soon probably. If Sanchez blanks again I wont want to be on this planet anymore

    2. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Prefer them to the weird Smliey's in username....

  9. JIM BOB
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    PVA too risky? Ward anyone?

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

      Ward if any Palace defender

    2. Mic
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Chances are if hes not back this week then he'll only play one game imo in DGW, but i have him and keeping as his home fixtures following are plum, and he does well at home against small clubs.

    3. Hairy Potter
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Will PVA automatically replace Schlupp when fit?

  10. Liastro ⭐️
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Ok to save FT? WC intact, 1FT & 0.0m in the bank.

    Heaton Pickford
    Williams Davies Francis Olsson Pieters
    Alli Firmino Siggy Tadic Fletcher
    Aguero Costa Lukaku

    1. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      much better grav!

    2. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      please don't go back liastro, will you swear?

  11. Baines on Toast...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Mourinho is very close to giving up on the league. He keeps talking about mathematical possibility, but if they lose this weekend, I think he's seriously going to start resting people every week.

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

      I don't think Ibra will be a problem. He has had a rest and wouldn't exactly like it if he was on the bench when fit

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

      I'm going to shift Valencia, he'll be a poor option for the run in anyway and there's no way he's playing both games in the DGW.

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        He rested him after Equador game for Anderlecht. Unlikely to be rested if they're still going for top 4.

    3. makaveli123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Ibra is not a problem. The defence will be most prone to rotation if they choose to shift focus.

      1. Numb
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        How can you know that?

        1. makaveli123
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I don't know, it is just what I think. Should have written "I don't think Ibra is a problem".
          Only 2 fit CBs (a part from Blind) and Mourinho said to MUTV that they need to "push" Bailly and Rojo as long as they have focus on both PL and EL.

      2. Mic
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Ambitious statement 🙂 He will be rotated once at leastwith these fixtures

    4. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      4 points from 4th with a game in hand ? United supporters would lynch him if he fell in Europa and didn't put out his best 11 for a CL spot.

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        He might keep saying he's going to throw away the league but there's no way his ego lets Wenger finish on top of him. Although mathematically they're not far off the top 4, it would require some instant magical performances/results from them and a huge collapse from City/Liverpool.

  12. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Damn I woke up thinking it was Saturday and a couple hours til Kane's hat trick 🙁

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

      I did that today as well! 🙁

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

      *Lukaku's hattrick.

      Kane's can wait until next week when I have him

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Won't mind both

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

          Damn you 🙂

    3. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yep everything out of sync.

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

      Eriksen *

      1. Jazz!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I would consider terrible things if that happens lol

    5. makaveli123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I woke up this morning feeling fine. Got triple captain Kane on my mind.

    6. ANON.
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      How did you get Kane in?

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

        Sold Ibra

  13. Daviek212
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Is triple captaining Ibra next week a waste of a chip?

    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      defo not. godd choice..or Sanchez GW 36

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

      No.

      Probably the most favourable TC option left of the DGWers.

      At this stage, unless we see vast improvement in Arsenal and Alexis gets put back up front, then saving it for Sanchez in GW36 is a disaster waiting to happen.

  14. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on sanchez starting upfront?

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

      Az posted a relevant link on the previous page/ Don't know how helpful it it though, just that it has something to do with that

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers. Will check it out

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

      Yeah, he's not

    3. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Wenger is a moron

      1. Lone Wolf FPL
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        hmmm a bit harsh but sadly it's true. Why he's giving so many chances to Welbeck? Sanchez up front was so good not only for FPL but for Arsenal team. Even Giroud up front would be better than Welbeck

  15. K-win
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Is Mustafi a better option than Valencia for the run in? Arsenal should tighten up and he'll play all the doubles.

    1. makaveli123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Should tighten up? Would want to see that before I invest

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

      There's nothing to suggest that they'll tighten up. I'd avoid until I see some defensive form first

    3. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      his performance on mon was droppable

  16. John Nerdelbaum
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    defence of valencia walker brunt holebas amat

    weighing up brunt > gibson/chambers (if fit) for a hit.

    the problem is a great DGW is sandwiched by arsenal and city although I could move him on to yoshida/stephens for hull

    tempted by tadic > zaha as well

  17. Kings of Lyon ★
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    If you are certain that you are pulling the WC trigger next week and are interested in joining a league to compete against the GW36 WCrs. Let me know on Twitter @Kingsoflyon7

    1. Funkyav
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      sounds good, although i still need to decide whether to WC in 34 or 35

      BB is defo 37 and I have TC too so that has to be 34 or 36 really

      1. Funkyav
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        or even 36 😉

    2. alexmj
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I wc in 31 to setup for 34, can I enter? Only BB left.

  18. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Is Townsend fit to play ?

  19. SpinyNorman [*_*]
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    All set?

    Pickford
    Davies Pieters Mustafi
    Sterling Alli Firmino JWP
    Kane(c) Lukaku Ibra

    Subs: Jaku, McAuley, De Roon, Smith

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

      GTG

  20. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    When are people wildcarding?

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

      36

      1. Digital-Real
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        i'm leaning towards that too

    2. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      36 probably

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      GW35

  21. Concrete
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Who's on PvA now?

    1. Mic
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Got him but read above what i said, worried about games

      1. Concrete
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Just seen it, cheers
        Some other valid comments too. Probably a risk not worth taking

        1. Mic
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Fit on FPL now actually

    2. Hairy Potter
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I've got Schlupp. Bought him back in Jan when it looked like Townsend was going and PVA's injury gave him a reprieve in my team. Finally got some points from him in recent weeks. I'm probably the only person here who wants Schlupp to maintain his position.

  22. Astronautovic
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Who is the best option for boro defence after gibson and valdes?

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

      Chambers if fit

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

        Thank u

    2. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      barragan

  23. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Points prediction this GW for
    Siggy and Coutinho?

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

      That's what i want to know
      If i should do siggy to firm/cout
      Or stick
      For sure liverpooo mid is better over the next 3 fixtures, isn't he?

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah it is but keeping Siggy wil give me enough cash to do Kun and Son to Hazard and Ibra/Kane so it's hard

    2. Please Help I Don't Kn…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Sig: 2
      Cout: 8

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      2 and 3

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        and I have both, hopefully Kaku and Kane will come good.

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

      10
      1

    5. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      both will score/assist

  24. Please Help I Don't Kn…
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Should I take a punt and captain Zaha? Or be boring and cap Lukaku.

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

      Lukaku. This is not the week for captaincy punts.

    2. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Will Zaha slip again?

  25. blog
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    gtg?

    Pickford

    Mustafi | Holgate | Jagielka

    Ward-Prowse | Alli | Coutinho | Hazard | Son

    Aguero | Kane (C)

    Subs - Grant | Yoshida | Negredo | Gibson

    1.4itb with 1FT

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

      I'd play Grant over Pickford. There's also a case for Negredo over JWP, but that could go either way. Otherwise GTG

      1. blog
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        cheers and save my FT?

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

      I'd be playing Negredo over JWP

  26. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Aguero Captainers O/

    1. Mic
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I ended up going for Kane and sold Kun... very worried

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

      😳

  27. The Left Duke #3
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    1 FT 1.1m ITB

    Jaku Foster
    Alonso Alderweireld Valencia Holebas Brunt
    Sanchez Siggy Coutinho Eriksen Lanzini
    Aguero Origi Diomande

    A) Aguero to Kane
    B) Aguero to Lukaku
    C) Couts to Alli
    D) Lanzini to Zaha
    E) Save FT for DGW

    Struggling this week lads, really need your advice as am stumped. Have players with grand fixtures but seem to be missing the heavyhitters for this GW. Thinking Zaha might be a good option with Leic at home and a DGW next. Thoughts?

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

    Aguero sellers o/

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      O\

    2. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      o/

    3. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure yet...too many choices and decisions

  29. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Morning chaps!

    Quick one: Vardy to Benteke for free? (Have Zaha)

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Why not!

    2. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yes Brock

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

      Beautiful

  30. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Some almighty selection headaches just round the corner in gw 34.

    Home ties for Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal. United and Palace double. Siggy home to Stoke, King home to Boro and I wouldn't want to drop Spurs assets in their current form.

    1. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Lukaku vs West Ham as well