Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Gameweek 1 – Sunday

Romelu Lukaku is at the double on his league debut for Man United, while Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan offer able support from midfield. Meanwhile, Harry Kane spurns chances aplenty as Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen steer Spurs to victory at Newcastle.

Lukaku hits the ground running

Perhaps it was a visit from his favourite whipping boys West Ham that ensured a seamless start for Romelu Lukaku at Manchester United.

In a Gameweek where many big-hitters thrived up front, the Belgian didn’t let us down, bullying Slaven Bilic’s side again by scoring twice in a 4-0 rout at Old Trafford.

The most popular player in the game (48%), Lukaku was also the most captained (28%), while over 31,000 opted to play their triple captain on the summer signing.

Although United’s midfield did enough to suggest that they may yet provide us with more budget-friendly options, Lukaku’s immediate impact suggests that, if anything, his 48% ownership looks likely to grow ahead of clashes with Swansea, Leicester and Stoke in the next three.

However, there’s no doubt that the displays of Paul Pogba (goal) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (two assists, already one more than he managed last season) indicate that United will be a different proposition from the side that scored just 26 times at home in 2016/17.

Indeed, with Nemanja Matic sitting in front of the back-four, Pogba, Mkhitaryan, Juan Mata and Marcus Rashford all registered 27 touches apiece in the final third in the roles behind Lukaku.

While Lukaku will remain the main man for now, Pogba and Mkhitaryan could soon force their way into consideration if Jose Mourinho’s men can build momentum over that kind schedule.

The wing-back system may be Jose’s Plan B

Having utilised a three-at-the-back for a handful of summer friendlies, Mourinho rolled out a 4-1-4-1 set-up against the Hammers.

This was a blow to the 7% owners of Antonio Valencia – impressive as a wing-back over pre-season, he reverted to a right-back berth today.

The most expensive United defensive option at 6.5, we were looking to Valencia as a source of attacking points but he managed just 15 touches in the final third to Daley Blind’s 30 on the opposite flank. Meanwhile, the Dutchman took seven of his side’s 11 corners.

Considering the nature of today’s display, Mourinho will surely be tempted to keep things as they are for Saturday’s trip to Swansea. While a right-back spot doesn’t rule Valencia out of our thoughts, it may force a reassessment of his appeal in the premium defender bracket after the likes of Marcos Alonso and Sead Kolasinac both impressed in the Gameweek.

Frustrated Kane fires a blank

Runner-up in our maiden Captain Poll and second most popular armband pick among FPL managers, Harry Kane left his owners deflated with a one-point return at Newcastle.

Yes, the Spurs frontman’s lack of August Premier League goals continued but this was far from the lacklustre display that saw him fail to register a single effort away to Everton in Gameweek 1 last season.

Six shots – with five inside the box – was top among forwards on both counts. Having struck the woodwork and also had an effort ruled out for offside, Kane could easily have bagged double-figures Fantasy returns on another day.

Granted, there’s no shortage of in-form premium frontmen to consider right now but back-to-back home clashes with Chelsea’s decimated defence and Burnley surely give Kane the chance to immediately atone for today’s blank.

We better get used to the Eriksen vs Alli debate

While Kane fluffed his lines on Tyneside, the Spurs midfield duo wasted no time in picking up the points.

Second only to Kevin De Bruyne for assists last season, Christian Eriksen already has two to his name after teeing up Deli Alli and Ben Davies. The Dane also boasted a considerable threat and fired six attempts on goal – more than any midfielder – on his way to claiming maximum bonus.

Yet Alli reminded us just why he’s the most popular midfielder in FPL by coolly slotting home the opener. Priced at 9.5 apiece, the Spurs midfield big-hitters were also identical for points per match (6.1) last time around – getting in one already seems a wise move.

Given their consistency, non-Kane owners may even consider acquiring both if they have viable options up top as armband alternatives.

Davies rewards early adopters

While his fellow left-back Danny Rose is itching for a way out of White Hart Lane, Davies is making headlines for all the right reasons.

Having scored in Gameweek 38 last season, the Welshman’s strike at St James’ Park means that he has netted in back-to-back league matches, with today’s clean sheet also reminding us of Tottenham’s resilience.

Although young right-back Kyle Walker-Peters offers a cheaper option at 4.5, he’s surely set to give way to Kieran Trippier once the latter gets over his ankle problem.

Coming in at 5.5, Davies is still less expensive than centre-backs Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld, yet only 3% of FPL managers have acquired him. Encouragingly, he also took four of his side’s seven corners.

Davies excelled despite being utilised as a left-back, rather than a wing-back, with the north London outfit lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation today.

Spurs welcomed back Son Heung-Min back from injury with an appearance off the bench and Mauricio Pochettino may well choose to retain the same system and unleash the South Korean from the off against Chelsea’s defence next weekend. On the other hand, he could turn to 3-4-2-1 if he doesn’t fancy Walker-Peters against the raids of Marcos Alonso down the Blues’ left.

Elliot may just stay on our benches

The Magpies were already without injured right-back DeAndre Yedlin then watched on as another two defenders, Paul Dummett and Florian Lejeune, limped off before the break.

Rafa Benitez will also have to reshuffle his double-pivot after Jonjo Shelvey’s dismissal for a stamp on Alli, with new loan arrival Mikel Merino (5.0) expected to deputise.

Today’s teamsheet at least confirmed that Rob Elliot is the only current active keeper at a cost of 4.0 in FPL. Owned by 17%, he was the second most benched player in the Gameweek, named as a sub by 673,648 FPL managers.

The fixtures may look favourable (hud WHU swa STO bri) but those problems at the back hardly look conducive to clean sheet returns and suggest that Elliot may well have to get used to FPL bench-warming duties.

Interest in Huddersfield’s Steve Mounie could now rise further ahead of next weekend’s home clash with the Magpies after the 6.0-priced striker netted twice away to Palace yesterday.

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5,892 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone know how I cancel my wildcard and get my gw1 team back. I went asleep messing around with my team and pressed wildcard button. Go ahead lol

    1. Super Frank
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      lol

    2. CostaCoffee
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      No turning back now I’m afraid

    3. Big Sum
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Press the "Cancel Wildcard" button

      1. Ange Ball
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Tried it won't work 🙁 don't play around with your fantasy before bed it ends badly

        1. thepeen555
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          oh the bright side you get to play with you team a lot

    4. Bird Raymond
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Drop fpl an email, they're very understanding about this kind of thing.

      1. thepeen555
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        lol

    5. Andy_Social
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I'll be expecting a similar tweet from Trump when he presses that big red button.

    6. FlockofSeagulls
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      If Xhaka was in your wildcard team is doesn't matter anyway.

      Instead you'll have to email me instructions on how to delete your account completely.

      flockofseagullswildcardsolutions@hotmail.com

  2. ☻ Jon Snow ☻
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Activated my WC, and what sweet relieve it has been. I was without Lukaku and any Liverpool cover and I needed to sort out the Zaha/Kane/Danilo issue (which isn't a issue, but I realize I can find better value in other players)

    Now I have Eriksen, Salah and Lukaku. I even transfered in Hegazi and Xhaka - which I don't need, but hopefully they will rise again before next GW and I will switch back to Atsu + 4.5 defender and banked the 0.2 for later.

    GW1 wildcard FTW

    1. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      That's great, but you should've waited, like most people who are wildcarding early, until the first international break. Price changes galore.

    2. Captain Roberto
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      it's very unlikely Xhaka and Hegazi will get 60,000(ish) net transfers in one day this week to gain 0.2m. They will stay at the 0.1m increase this week. If they do well again at the weekend then I would predict another 0.1m increase next week.

    3. Lanzini girls just want to …
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Kane had loads of chances. He'll probably score next week. I'm not getting rid of him

  3. Farke in hell
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Not enough responses on last page:

    fab ---> ramsey/willian
    or
    fab+Azpi ----> Mkhi+Bailly (-4)

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Am in a similar predicament - wouldn't take the -4 with a defender switch

    2. Captain Roberto
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

    Just want to say, with all the Spurs thrashing Chelsea talk, i fancy Che to beat Spurs to be honest.

    They were flat until NewC got a red and Che looked really good once Morata came on i thought.

    1. Big Sum
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Chelsea are going to get a red card for sure, maybe two

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Very possible

    3. Eze Really?
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Half agree with you.

    4. OPTA FPL
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      They beat Spurs at Wembley last time

  5. viewoftheland
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    As a Huddersfield fan who was at Selhurst Park, if Zaha isn't ruled out, I wouldn't be getting rid of him if he was in my team.

    By far Palace's biggest threat, would have scored if not for a great save by Lossl, and was the reason we couldn't rest easy until we got the third. Very active, got in behind a few times and only stopped by great recovering challenges.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Which Hudds midfield do you most fancy as a fantasy option this season. I like the look of Mooy so far.

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

        Mooy has set pieces, and will get assists, but Ince will have more direct goal threat. Probably between them two.

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      "great recovering challenges" = fouls 😉

      Gosh you lot are rough! Nice to see

      1. OPTA FPL
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        this

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

        Smith was a little fortunate the ref didn't pull him up for one, which is why he got subbed off. But there were a couple of last minute blocks which definitely weren't fouls! 😀

    3. OPTA FPL
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      hulk this. told that

  6. Benjo
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    What are your thoughts on Mkhi's game y'day. I'm pondering whether I should bite the bullet and transfer Zaha to Mkhi before this is out of reach.

    Thoughts?

    1. Eze Really?
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      him and Matic the best on the field IMO

    2. chr12345
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      In the same boat with Fabregas to Mkhi!

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

    What football related shows does everyone here like watching from Mon-Fri? Please post shows name, channel and airing date/time. 🙂

    1. Captain Roberto
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Monday Night Football (when there is a fixture) first hour where there is an decent tactical analysis of the big games from the weekend before the Monday night fixture. Neville and Carragher often provide some interesting insights.

  8. Eze Really?
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Something I fail to do every year. give myself a way out if things start off badly.
    I tell myself year in year out, the less expensive players are going to be in your side for a while. there is usually an injury, a need to change a big hitter etc that tfrs are not available for the smaller fish. each time I gamble on those players and come unstuck adnorsium.
    Players 6 mil and under should be chosen based on a longer term strategy. anyone getting (Hegazi, Atsu) type players in the first GW should think again and keep their tfrs which are gold.

    1. Captain Roberto
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      WHilst Kane missed two sitters and should have scored the same as Lukaku I made the mistake of having three Man Utd players, meaning I cant' if I wanted to, just switch Kane out for Lukaku. Rookie error on my part.

  9. Lallana_
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Which one lads?

    1) Dann>Lowe, Zaha>Mkhitaryan [-8]
    2) Zaha>Ritchie or Ramsey [-4]
    3) Play Naughton or Carroll

    1. chr12345
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      3 - Don't take a hit

  10. chr12345
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    a) Fabregas > Mkhi
    b) Fabregas > JWP (+£1.5m)
    c) Hold and play T. Carroll
    d) Other options?

    Mane, KDB, Fabregas, Fraser, Carroll
    Kane, Lukaku, Quaner
    (£1m ITB)

    Cheers

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

      I'm in a similar boat with Fab and I'm going to hold him, depends on the strength of the rest of your side

  11. Captain Roberto
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    To quote the article:

    "The wing-back system may be Jose’s Plan B
    Having utilised a three-at-the-back for a handful of summer friendlies, Mourinho rolled out a 4-1-4-1 set-up against the Hammers.

    It was definitely a 4231 formation. Pogba played as a two with Matic with Mata, Miki, Rashford supporting Lukaku. Pogba's heat map in the Members section shows him as a box-box role in central midfield. He only moved forward more at the end when West Ham had capitulated entirely.

    1. Captain Roberto
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      hmm... looks like the 2017 heat map refers to last season?

      Anyway.. It was definitely 4231 from watching the game.

  12. No_Mo_Salah?
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone watch the Man City game? How deep was KDB playing?

    1. Captain Roberto
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      because they had 80% possession he and Silva constantly drifted about and dropped deep to move the Brighton defence/midfield shape around. I wouldn't use it as a barometer for the future. Wait for a few more games would be my advice.

    2. Deli Alli OxenFree!
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Watched the game; and imo, it looked like the same KDB from the majority of last season: playing pretty deep, holding up the ball until another mid makes a run, & registering a few lame shots. Seems like others had different opinions, but I was Most Impressed by: KYLE WALKER(really fit into the team-style, constantly involved in buildup+final passes, plus had some killer tackles+interceptions); as well as my boy G.JESUS(still so hungry for goal, really great awareness/runs, was involved in like 80% of the attacks, & could've had 2 or 3 Goals)

  13. Jablocas
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Kane for who in GW2?

    1. Captain Roberto
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Kane for Kane! Chelsea are there for the taking.

  14. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    If we get bad news on Zaha, who to prioritize? Have pool (firm), arsenal (kola)and Utd (kaku) cover already I should say.
    1. Mkhi
    2. Salah
    3. Rambo

    And who is the best makeweight to draw back cash if needs be...
    A. Ritchie to 4.5-5.5
    B. Fraser to 4.5-5

  15. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    I had Iwobi, Fabregas and Zaha,

    Suggestions to get me out of this mess.

    1. Chris360uk
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I just subbed iwobi for elneny and saved 1m in the bank. Might want to wait on zaha and sub fab out until you can transfer for free or sub back in. Could early wildcard but not recommended.

  16. Captain Roberto
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Evening Standard - [Zaha] posted a picture on Instagram of his knee in a brace — with the captain “God shall protect me” — on Saturday evening before later deleting the post.

    So, for all Zaha owners that is reassuring. His God will look out for him. Nothing to worry about.

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

      Our*

      Fixed it for you 🙂

      1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        What are you talking about?

    2. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Depends which god he plays for now he's not English

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

        What are you talking about?

  17. Feloh
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    1 gw gone and I still can't even make it into the top 1million ughh!

  18. Xerheart
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Will Xhaka lose his spot when Sanchez goes back in action?

    1. Unbelievable Jeff!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      No - Welbeck will be under threat

  19. matty_bruns
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Kane to lukaku before the price moves tonight?

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

      Yes, but not for a hit

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I wouldn't

  20. SH
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    If Zaha's price is to drop this gw, whom to get in place of him?
    Current mid: KDB Salah Zaha Redmond Ritchie

    A) Willian or Some other 7m mid
    B) A 5.5m mid to fund Redmond>Mikhi/Pogba in the next gw

    1. The real slim shady
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 days ago

      Dropping Zaha? I will buy him. Even though CPL is shit, allmost all goals go through Zaha.

  21. jmcclory123
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Any kind soul got a link to Mark's team?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      370

  22. FPL Daniel
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Is Lewis Dunk nailed on for Brighton? Brighton fans or another knowledgeable lads?
    Thanks