Scout Notes
20 August 2017 4477 comments
davidwardale davidwardale
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Marcos Alonso nets twice at Wembley as Harry Kane’s August woes continue. Meanwhile, Aaron Mooy picks up the points again as Huddersfield Town maintain their 100% start to the season.

Here are the notes from Sunday’s brace of matches.

Peerless Alonso at the double

Marcos Alonso recovered from a zero-point return against Burnley in some style by bagging both goals in today’s 2-1 Wembley Stadium win over Spurs.

That disappointing tally against the Clarets had persuaded over 72,000 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers to transfer out the Chelsea wing-back, yet his underlying numbers that day hinted at what was to follow – five efforts on goal in Gameweek 1 was more than any defender.

After last term’s six goals and five assists, it’s somewhat understandable that the Spaniard is the priciest defender on option in FPL at 7.0.

Despite an average of 5.7 points per match in the previous campaign, most have baulked at that cost, with just 11% currently owning Alonso.

Today’s 16-point haul once again reminded us that when it comes to premium priced picks at the back, the Spaniard remains peerless as a supplier of explosive returns.

David Luiz also remains a factor as a cheaper route into the Blues’ backline, though.

Stationed in front of the back-three as Antonio Conte opted for a 3-1-4-1-1 formation, he was brought down for Alonso’s free-kick opener, earning an assist to add to his goal against Burnley last weekend.

Priced at 6.0, he’s the most popular defender in FPL and sits in over 25% of squads.

Luiz fired a reasonable 31 efforts on goal last season – ranked sixth among defenders. So far, he’s registered four efforts in the first two Gameweeks – only Alonso, with seven, has managed more from the back.

Batshuayi back to bench-warming

Five goals in pre-season suggested that Michy Batshuayi could cement an early-season role on Antonio Conte’s teamsheet.

But the Belgian was named among the subs at Wembley due to the tactical reshuffle, with new boy Alvaro Morata handed a first start after his goal and assist off the bench last week.

Batshuayi started just one league match under Conte in 2016/17, with 19 further outings as a substitute. Given that his main impact was to nod Christian Eriksen’s free-kick past his own goalkeeper, it’s a fair bet that Morata looks set to lead the line at home to Everton next weekend.

Kane’s testing our patience

The hoodoo continues, but it’s certainly not for a lack of trying.

Shown the door by over 164,000 FPL managers last week, Harry Kane has now failed to score in all 12 Premier League appearances in August and returned back-to-back single-point returns after earning his second yellow card of the season.

But the underlying numbers could barely be more encouraging. He produced eight shots, with a total of six efforts in the box equal to Chelsea. He also hit the woodwork for a second successive Gameweek.

So far, Kane has registered 14 attempts in two matches, at least six more than any other forward. At this point last term, he’d managed six shots.

A home clash against Burnley surely offers him the tonic to address that lack of cutting edge, with the Spurs striker among the main captaincy contenders for Gameweek 3.

If he fails against the Clarets, though, the exodus will surely accelerate to new levels over the international break.

Eriksen delivers as Spurs show Wembley promise

While Kane spurned chance after chance, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli mustered just a single effort apiece, with Conte’s decision to crowd out the midfield denting their goal threat.

Once again, though, the Dane’s set-piece duties came to fruition – an assist for Batshuayi’s own goal takes him to three for the season.

Sitting in 18% of squads to Alli’s 37% and Kane’s 31%, Eriksen is now up to third in the midfield standings behind United pair Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan on 19 points, and level with the top-scoring forward, Romelu Lukaku.

Spurs’ toils at Wembley continue, then – it’s now two wins, one draw and eight losses in 11 competitive matches at the venue.

However, the statistics suggest it’s not all doom and gloom. Mauricio Pochettino’s team outshot Chelsea by 18 shots to nine, though, firing 10 efforts inside the box – almost identical to their respective tallies of 19.6 and 10.2 at White Hart Lane last season.

Mooy moves into double figures

Aaron Mooy’s goal kept Huddersfield’s perfect Premier League record intact while cementing his emergence as a go-to budget midfielder.

The Australian followed up an assist at Crystal Palace with the winner against Newcastle United, from an Elias Kachunga assist. That took him up to 16 points in FPL and confirmed him as the most productive midfielder for 5.5 or less – indeed, Mooy is the top ranked midfield for value in terms of points per million.

Mooy’s ownership close to doubled after his role in the 3-0 opening day win as he continues to impress from a position that, on the face of it, doesn’t exactly scream offensive threat.

But despite operating from a deep-lying role in the double-pivot, he’s led the way for the Terriers for touches in the final third over the first two fixtures.

Add in the fact that he’s also the side’s primary set-piece taker and it’s clear to see why he has such potential for attacking returns.

Huddersfield’s kindly opening schedule continues for another four Gameweeks, giving Mooy further chances to build on his impressive start to the season.

Mounie misfires

If Mooy’s ownership burst into life following the Palace win, striker Steve Mounie’s practically exploded.

Over 160,000 managers brought him in on the back of his brace at Selhurst Park, only to see their new budget third striker fail to spark against Newcastle.

A booking kept him to just one point from a tepid afternoon in which he managed only two penalty area touches and zero attempts.

The 6.1-priced striker will hope for considerably better days as Huddersfield move onto fixtures with Southampton and Leicester City at home and trips to West Ham and Burnley.

Terriers keeping it tight

At least there were no such complaints for those owning Huddersfield’s backline and goalkeeper Jonas Lossl.

The Danish stopper made it back-to-back clean sheets and save points and is the only keeper to earn FPL bonus in both Gameweeks.

In front of him, two fellow 4.5-priced assets continue to rake in the returns as well.

Zanka, now the side’s most popular player with 5.1% ownership, and Christopher Schindler have both enjoyed good bonus returns to add to their shut-out points, with the latter bagging a maximum against Newcastle.

The German centre-half registered an eye-opening 17 clearances, blocks and interceptions (CBI), won five of six tackles and all four of his aerial duels in a towering defensive display.

Small wonder that three Huddersfield players now grace the top ten for points scored by defenders (Chris Lowe is also in there) and all three are the cheapest on that list.

Gayle lacking force

Dwight Gayle hit 23 goals to help Newcastle back into the Premier League at the first attempt.

His own return to the top flight has been deeply underwhelming.

Gayle managed 52 minutes at Huddersfield before being subbed off having mustered just a single attempt.

His replacement, new signing Joselu, proceeded to have four attempts – all of them on target – in an all-action 38-minute display.

Gayle (6.5) sits in 2.3% of FPL squads, the 5.5-priced Joselu in 0.2%, but it is the latter who has made a convincing case for inclusion when West Ham visit on Saturday.

Newcastle have yet to score this season, which only strengthens the lively Joselu’s case, particularly as Rafa Benitez’s side still have a very attractive schedule stretching all the way to a Gameweek 11 clash with Bournemouth.

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

    A Kompany Bailly or
    B Alonso Jones

    1. Odikostar
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      A

  2. Puyol Pants Up
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Any ideas on what to do with this lot? In a pickle right now.

    Foster, Elliot
    Bertrand, Stephens, Dann, Mee, Long
    KdB, Salah, Ritchie, Mooy, Carroll
    Kane, Lukaku, Gabi

    1.5 ITB, 1 FT

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      don't think you really need to do anything

    2. FF Dirtbag
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Ritchie or salah out

      1. Puyol Pants Up
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        For who?

    3. AFC1886
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Ritchie to Willian. The rest is fine imo.
      Personally, I'd go Kane to Aguero too if the classy Argie scores tomorrow night...

  3. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Tempted to double up on city midfield for GW3 with both Silva and DeBruyne am crazy

    1. Odikostar
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Atm yes. Tomorrow, maybe not

  4. warriorbx
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Need some help!!

    Forster (Elliot)
    Dawson, Stephens, Ake (4.0,4.0)
    Mkhi, Salah, KDB, Atsu (4.5)
    Lukaku, Kane, King

    Not overly impressed with atsu and Ake and King need the boot. Thoughts?? Shall I just take out 2 players for a -4 or all 3 for a -8? Or do I go for the WC and shuffle the team around a bit..

    Thank you!

    1. AFC1886
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Bournemouth and Arsenal defenders should be avoided like the plague. At least for now...

  5. Sterling is £11Mill..…
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Darn, Alonso rising already. Better make my transfer now before its too late

    1. Sims
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      What?

      He won't rise until Friday night at least

    2. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      He is on -33%

    3. Yozzer
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      - 33% ?

    4. the snazzy viking
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Yes because he is going to make it to -33% to 100% in 2 hours lol

  6. FF Dirtbag
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on these 2FTs:
    Daniels and Fraser - > Jones and Moor for this team?

    Foster Elliot
    Davies Jones Stephens Mee Hune
    KDB Mane Willian Mooy Carroll
    Kane Lukaku Gabbi

  7. Foozeball
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Hoping Ben Davies rises in price one more time before I switch him for Trippier next week 🙂

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah, funny thing is, he's now on corners so arguably becomes an even better asset

    2. GENERATION X
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      im getting davies asap. him and erik on every dead ball

    3. Jersey
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      i keeping Davies also. no need to swap for Trip, still no pressure from Rose.

      1. Jersey
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        *i'm*

  8. Sims
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Would be a joke if zanka didn't rise tonight. Also kane avoiding a drop until Saturday wouldn't be surprising considering how slow it's been.

    Having Burnley next will definitely slow it even more

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Does it matter if it's tonight or not? Hegazi at 15.2% ownership now and has only risen once so he might not

  9. ooooo
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Is Stephens nailed anymore? They are bringing in a new defender for £15mil....

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Won't know until it happens

  10. Differential C (Mark)
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    What to do?
    Foster Eliott
    Hegazi Stephens Lowe Suttner Long
    Kdb Alli Mane Carroll RLC
    Gabbi Kane Lukaku

    0.0-ITB 2FT
    Any advice welcome

    1. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season rc…
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Chill out . Relax .
      Wait until the midweek matches have finished !!
      Then come back to what to do next 🙂

    2. AFC1886
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      You have a similar problem to me: our defence is too weak. Hegazi holding it all together. Kane to Aguero saves £1m for starters...

  11. Fantasyamateur
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Foster - Elliot
    Davies - Bertrand - Daniels - Mee - Mbemba
    KdB - RLC - Willian - Pogba - Carroll
    Lukaku - Firmino - Kane

    Already on -4 this week after getting Pogba and RLC last night. Considering to WC into this team:

    Foster - Elliot
    Tripper - Bertrand - Jones - Schindler - Mbemba
    Mané - Eriksen - Mkhitaryan - RLC - Carroll
    Lukaku - Kane - Chicharito

    Do or don't? Would remove the -4 hit as well..

    1. warriorbx
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good. Not sure about the spurs double up, but i'm sure they will tick soon.

  12. HALFSPACE
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Ince keep or sell

    1. the snazzy viking
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Keep. Had some good chances today

      1. HALFSPACE
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Agreed

        1. Moss
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 5 months ago

          He had some wild shots early on, then he was anonymous for most of the game. Mooy is the better pick.

          1. HALFSPACE
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 5 months ago

            Ince a lot more advanced than Mooy though, who's a deep lying playmaker

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

      Not many better options at his price

      1. HALFSPACE
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Yep, was always going to keep but in a few GWs when fixtures dry up likes of Ritchie, Knockaert, Jese on the radar

  13. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Is a double City midfield a crazy idea would be Debruyne and Silva

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      See how they play tomorrow.

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

    3. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      No.It;s a fantastic option imo if you stick with it.

      I wrote in the summer that you can forget Aguero, KDB and Jesus as being Pep's golden boy...the real golden boy to him is Silva...

  14. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Will Mkhitaryan rise tonight or are the Fpl price rise sites still not accurate enough to determine?

    1. GS456
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Not tonight

  15. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Made a bit of a bllx of a start on it due to not understanding that you can make a killing on a team time trial...nonetheless...Roadcc fantasy cycling is probably the best fantasy game I've ever played...right up there with Fantasy ultimate team...

    Hooked.

  16. Yozzer
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    What's everyone doing with Willian

    http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/842745/Antonio-Conte-Willian-Chelsea-Premier-League-Transfer-News-Gossip

    Articles like this don't help

    1. HALFSPACE
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Keeping atm but need a little more info on Hazard return

      Got money itb to swap to Pedro anyway, always been the plan

    2. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Got rid of him even before I saw him play today.

      1. HALFSPACE
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        For who out of interest

        1. Lingardium Leviosa.
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 5 months ago

          Pogba 😀

          1. HALFSPACE
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 5 months ago

            Bad move

            1. Lingardium Leviosa.
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 5 months ago

              🙁

  17. Dynamic Duos
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    ok i am WC this lot, no need?

    DDG Elliot
    TAA Stones Bertie Mee Long
    Salah KDB Mykhitarian Ritchie Carroll
    Laca Luka Gabbi

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Nowt wrong with that, a couple of hits can sort it, relax.

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        just dont like falling behind casuals haha

  18. Miami Monkey
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Running into the same problem I do every season, where I feel like the team I have is better/has better underlying stats than the bandwagon list and don't know what to do. I have 2 FT, 0 itb, and nothing I can really do that makes sense

    Foster / Elliot
    Jones / Cedric / Stephens / Suttner / Rosenior
    Alli / Salah / Mkhi / Willian / 4.5
    Kane / Jesus / Gabbi

    The main target is Lukaku, but I really can't see a good way of getting him in besides for Kane. Jesus --> Lukaku and Willian --> 6.0 would have been decent, but Lukaku has already risen.

    Any ideas? Wish you could stack free transfers to 3...

    1. speedy7
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Looks solid and you've got the cover for United with Mkhi. Just see how tomorrow goes first. Jesus will come good still expecting very big things, 2 disallowed goals, point blank header saved and again would of scored if not for Dunk taking over the cross. City coverage will prove essential.

      1. Miami Monkey
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        You're right. Just wish Kane had gotten some points today to slow the Lukaku wagon. Will need Jesus to for sure.

        Any thoughts on a transfer? Need to use 1 as I have 2

        1. speedy7
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 5 months ago

          Next week City/Spurs/Utd all got favourable fixtures so you'll want at least one coverage from each which you have and then it's inty break. Willian nice coverage too for a home fixture vs Everton.

          If really not liking Jesus/want Lukaku still after tomorrows game, then can always drop Willian to Mooy for the funds. But for now team looks solid. I prefer Eriksen over Alli myself, will get more points this year, so you could always do this transfer for Burnley then can reasses again next Sunday with 2FT again.

  19. ooooo
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Dawson good value at £5.0 or better options other than United and Southampton players

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Good Value.

  20. Lord of Ings
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Play willian or Mounie next week?
    Richarlison Kdb salah
    Gabba Lukaku
    Bailly Alonso Bertrand Dawson
    Ddg
    This the squad

    1. HALFSPACE
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Both

      1. Lord of Ings
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        For who?

        1. HALFSPACE
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 5 months ago

          Bertrand or Dawson

  21. E25
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Chance of Eriksen going up tonight? Looks pretty likely on FPLstats.

    Willian + Dummett -> Pogba + Jones (-4)
    KDB + Dummett -> Eriksen + Jones (-4)

  22. ThisPostsOnFire
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    I know it's extremely early, but....

    Alli looks severely off his game.

    Looked very awkward and non-threatening throughout today, not sharp at all.

    His stats for both games have been in the dumps in comparison to most other heavy hitting midfield prospects.

    Seriously considering bringing in a 6m mid + Alonso for Alli and a 4.5 def, as I'm happy with Eriksen and Davies for Spurs coverage for now.

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Well, Alli is like this, the stat's can look gash but you know what will happen.

  23. Gravless wonder
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Not sure of the accuracy of price prediction sites this early in the season. Can anyone tell which players will go up in price tonight?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      WC's confuse the issue, so no

  24. GS456
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    The chance to create our own watchlist might be a good idea for the site no?

    I use the FFix app, but I feel like I'm cheating on FFS

    1. HALFSPACE
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      You can create a watchlist on fpl site

      1. GS456
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        i use this way more though

  25. ooooo
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Looking for Ake replacement:
    (a) Dawson
    (B) Hegazi
    (C) double up soton
    (D) any other but united

    1. pjomara
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Maguire

      1. ooooo
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Fixtures arent the best but I'd have him if it wasn't

  26. Frozen flying mammoth
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Who would you bench next week?
    A) Fraser (MCI)
    B) Carroll (cry)
    C) Stephens (hud)

    1. laplana
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Fraser

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

      A

  27. pjomara
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Thinking of not bothering with Spurs players this season, they have 38 away games after all.

    1. laplana
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Eriksen is still a great pick, he's head and shoulders above the rest of the team, could walk into Barcelona's squad for example.

      1. Lingardium Leviosa.
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Hegazi could walk into this current Barca squad tbh...

    2. GS456
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Worrying today, they just don't seem to play with the same tempo.

      Won't be doubling up just yet.

      1. laplana
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Its the pitch size, Spurs play better in small pockets where the regista can play short balls into the overlapping wingbacks, I think they will play better 'away' for certain.

        1. HALFSPACE
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 5 months ago

          a bigger pitch suits Spurs' style of play

          1. laplana
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 5 months ago

            I disagree with this, surely every Wembley game has showed that?

    3. HALFSPACE
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Not buying this Wembley talk, Spurs are excellent

      1. Lingardium Leviosa.
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        I believe he was tongue in cheek but +1 all the same!

      2. GS456
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        They are but they've won once there?

  28. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Quite like the following for -4 ?

    Salah to Silva
    Danilo to Hegazi
    Zaha to Pogba

    1. HALFSPACE
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Salah out is a bad move imo

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Not sure about the top one, seems a bit jerky

    3. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Just be wary of missing minutes for Silva...having said that Salah may be similar...

  29. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    I mentioned it about twenty times last season so I better refresh..

    Eriksen really is just David Silva in disguise....remarkable how similar they play these days.

    1. GS456
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      He's the best player in the league

  30. COYS Down Under
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Is Trippier nailed on now? How did he look?

    1. Odikostar
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Like walker

    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      He looked injured 😉

    3. Baked baines
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      He was very hesitant.
      Could have made a dozen runs behind chelsea's back 3 but didn't. Strange

      1. Foozeball
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Might've been too early for him to play. He looked slower and his crosses were nowhere near as sharp as usual

        1. Lingardium Leviosa.
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 5 months ago

          Crosses weren't exactly being pumped on the left side as well. Think it was down to Chelsea's tactics...

    4. Jersey
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Davies looks much better.

    5. HALFSPACE
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      On the watchlist, only one I'd break up my budget defence structure for