Scout Notes

International Scout Notes – Sunday

There’s double delight for two Dutch stars as Holland keep their World Cup qualifying hopes alive, while reports of an injury threaten to dent any chance of Alexis Sanchez’s revival as a Fantasy prospect.

Happiness abounds in Belgium, however, as the country’s Premier League-heavy side book their place for Russia 2018 with two matches to spare.

Here are Sunday’s international notes.

Daley’s Dutch Double

Holland’s hopes of World Cup qualification were given a boost by a 3-1 win over Bulgaria in which two Premier League players were instrumental.

Brighton midfielder Davy Propper scored twice, while Manchester United’sDaley Blind typically provided two assists.

Results elsewhere, and in particular France’s surprising inability to break down a stubborn Luxembourg, mean that the Dutch will go into the final round of matches in October with at least a shot at the play-offs for Russia 2018.

And their two match-winners, to varying degrees, reminded us of their Fantasy credentials.

Blind is the main draw of the pair.

The United defender has played every minute of the domestic season so far for Jose Mourinho’s men, racking up 18 points from three clean sheets.

Versatile enough to be able to play as a full-back, wing-back or centre-half, at a price of 5.5 he represents the middle ground in terms of value in United’s rearguard.

His 3.3% ownership has perhaps been kept at such a modest level by the availability of Phil Jones for 5.1, but nearly 10% of FPL managers have decided to spend a whopping 6.5 on Antonio Valencia, despite Blind currently outperforming his team-mate in terms of attacking threat.

The Dutchman has created three chances to Valencia’s two and the 23 crosses he has sent over is the highest figure among all defenders this season. Both the 13 corners he has taken and the five successful deliveries that have resulted are also league-leading figures among defenders.

United’s generous opening schedule continues with a trip to Stoke City on Saturday and takes in visits from Everton and Crystal Palace and an away match at Southampton before the next international break in October.

A Propper Performance

The case for Propper is rather less clear cut.

A double for the Dutch will have come as no surprise to his domestic audience – he hit 16 goals in his last two seasons at PSV – but a deep-lying midfield role at what can only be described as an “offensively limited” Brighton side doesn’t exactly bolster his attacking threat.

Propper has had four attempts to date for the Seagulls, none on target and all outside the box. By contrast, three of team-mate Anthony Knockaert’s four efforts have been from inside the box.

Only four Brighton players are owned by more than 1% of Fantasy Premier League managers – and three of those are for their 4.0 price tags alone based on the fact that they’ve thus far managed just 45 minutes of action between them.

Brighton have just one point, and no goals, from three matches. Something has to give, you would suspect, although manager Chris Hughton’s defensive instincts are likely to mean that not conceding goals will continue to trump scoring any of them for the time being.

But the Seagulls’ schedule is almost ridiculously kindly – only a trip to Arsenal just before the October international break stands out as particularly hurtful until it all turns evil, appropriately enough, from Gameweek 13.

Remove the Arsenal match, and this is their schedule through to late November – WBA, bou, NEW, EVE, wha, SOT, swa, STO.

This could yet promote the likes of Propper (5.5), Knockaert (5.9), Pascal Gross (5.4) and the attack-minded new signing Jose Izquierdo (6.0) as cut-price differentials.

Slim pickings for Sanchez

This has been a week to forget for Alexis Sanchez.

First, he saw his proposed move to Man City break down on deadline day, then former Chile coach Jose Sulantay took to the media to describe the national side’s main man as ‘…out of physical shape, totally. He’s fatter than normal’.

And now there are reports that the 11.9-priced Arsenal man has suffered an ankle problem and could miss Chile’s vital World Cup qualifier in Bolivia tomorrow night.

That would also make him a doubt for the Gunners’ home match with Bournemouth on Saturday.

Arsenal are a club in early-season chaos but at time when the schedule smiles kindly.

Aside from a Gameweek 5 trip to Chelsea, the Gunners have favourable short-term fixtures involving that Bournemouth clash and two other home matches with West Brom and Brighton and an away day in Watford.

That would usually spark a surge of interest in Sanchez – his huge price tag offset by memories of last season’s monster 264-point haul – although we are yet to see how he will consistently react to being forced to return to a club he clearly spent the summer wishing to leave.

Belgian bonus

Roberto Martinez’s Belgium became the first European team, aside from hosts Russia, to qualify for next year’s World Cup when they secured a fine 2-1 win in Greece last night.

A confident Romelu Lukaku made it four goals in two international matches with the winner, Jan Vertonghen opened the scoring and Eden Hazard was given a late run-out as he continued his return from injury.

Hazard will doubtless be assessed on his return to Chelsea but looks well placed to play some part – perhaps even start – when Chelsea visit Leicester City in Gameweek 4.

Man City skipper Vincent Kompany missed out with a knock on Sunday, though, which will need to be monitored given that Liverpool roll up to the Etihad next weekend.

Belgium are packed with Premier League talent – seven started Sunday’s match, two more came on as substitutes, and a further five were on the bench.

With their place in Russia now assured, and the group won as well, the final two matches of their qualification campaign are now dead rubbers in which Martinez can be entirely selective about how he uses his troops.

This could have a very pleasant knock-on effect, with a number of well-owned assets enjoying a rather less intense October international break than is usual.

Rotation is a factor around the autumn months, what with a busy domestic and international schedule and European club football also in full swing.

But Belgium’s efficiency has the potential to ease the risk of rest surrounding a whole host of players who earn their corn in the Premier League.

651 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    On a wildcard only enough for one of these

    A lukaku
    B Kane

    1. Alan_T
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Rejig

      1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        This... if you are going to use your wild card ... get Kane and Kaku... try no Man City to make it work

    2. Ode
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      B

    3. Get up ya bum
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      b

    4. eamonhegg
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      B

    5. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I can't believe you lied on the gravetar website and selected a G rating for your profile pic.

      1. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Huh?

      2. Alan_T
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        🙂

    6. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks all

    7. LC1
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      b

    8. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      A

    9. I Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      B

    10. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      A

  2. ameenkw
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Foster / Elliot
    Davies / Jones / Stephens / Suttner / Lascellas
    KDB / Willian / Tadic / Carrol / Chalobah
    Jesus / Kane / Lukaku
    2 FT & 0.0 ITB

    I'm thinking either:
    A) KDB + Willian + Jesus -> Salah + Alli + Firmino (-4)
    B) KDB -> Alli and save FT
    C) Other suggestions

    I'm really lost .. KDB is definitely losing his place ..

    1. Ode
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      B, although I feel like Kdb is going to troll us and get loads of points this gw

    2. IWR
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I really like A

    3. BobBradleysOpportunity
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      B, see comment below as to why

    4. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I have A but prefer Eriksen to Alli

  3. eamonhegg
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Foster
    Mee-kol-Stephens
    Miki-d Silvia-astu-Willian
    Frimino-Kane(c)-lukaku

    Elliot-Jones-Dawson-Carroll!

    A - Keep it as it stands.
    B - Jones for Astu
    C - Jones for Willian

    1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      C but wait for pressors to see if Willian likely to play

  4. pakornk
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Bottomed.
    Does anyone have both Kane and Lukaku? What are your formations? (Do you play with another 3rd forward or just get Quaner for 4.5?) Is your team balanced?

    1. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Both and play Mounie

    2. Dont Shoot
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Foster/Eliot
      Cedric/Jones/Britos/Hegazi/Long
      Pogba/Mane/Eriksen/Mooy/TC
      Kane/Lukaku/Chicharito

      0,1 in bank
      Def - weak (Britos was for diff from guys in my mini league - will be Naughton or Mee soon)
      Maybe Mane to Salah for some def upgrade

  5. BobBradleysOpportunity
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    B for me........ jesus could be quite an asset after this week i think he's the most nailed of city attackers bar KDB, and doubling up on pool with champs league looming is risky....keep that FT for next week

    1. BobBradleysOpportunity
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      reply fail

  6. Ode
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on this WC team:

    Foster
    Cedric Jones Alonso
    Eriksen Mkhi Pogba Salah
    Firmino Kane Abraham

    Elliott Cork Naughton Mbemba

    1. IWR
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      ooh. I like that.

      1. Ode
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers, I like it also. Just not having Lukaku & double Manu mids are my concerns

        1. IWR
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Mm you can't have them all. I've got Pogba and Lukaku myself, but toying with Lukaku-Kane soon.

    2. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Nice team - thinking about going with something similar. Who you planning to captain GW4?

      1. Ode
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Not too many good options here for GW4, but atm I'm going with Kane

        1. ryacoo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah - Kane permacap for next 5 looks viable.

    3. Ted Striker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Like.

  7. eamonhegg
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Ive seen a trend of people looking at getting 5-2-3. 5 wing backs, soild mid, strong forwards.

    Whats your thoughts

    1. Get up ya bum
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Bonkers. Way too inflexible. Need to be able to adapt to form

    2. suddenorgan
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      if a 3rd expensive midfielder hits form you're going to have to take hit(s) to raise the cash

    3. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I spent a lot of the preseason trying to convince myself to go with 5 at the back... but in the end went for 3-4-3 for the flexibility reasons stated above... and so far I am glad I went with 3-4-3

  8. pakornk
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    If you had to sell one - Daniels or Dawson?

    1. ameenkw
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Daniels (poor fix)

  9. crazyassbitch
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Play Tammy Abraham(home vs newcastle) or Dawson (away vs Brighton)?

    1. RATEBT
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Tammy

    2. ameenkw
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      you got to play the attacker ..

  10. RATEBT
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Reckon Kane will drop?

    1. MTPockets
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Doesn't look like it

    2. goriuanx
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      "With Liverpool, you can go away from home and draw and that's okay. But Celtic, you have to win every game. It's a different pressure."

      A quote from a man who got sacked after drawing away to Everton.

      1. Alan_T
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        He's right to an extent, but it's all relative 🙂

        Staying in the prem is the same as Celtic doing the treble

    3. Alan_T
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Best option?

      A) Defoe & Mbemba 4th defender

      B) King & Naughton 4th def (Mbemba 5th)

      1. RATEBT
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Not a fan of Bournemouth but B

    4. LC1
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      De Gea
      Dawson Cedric Jones
      Salah Eriksen Willian Ritchie
      Kane Lukaku Mounie

      Myhill Carroll Mee Rosenior

      1.0 ITB & 1 FT.

      Any issues worth addressing or should I save for next week?

      Thank you,

      1. I Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Save.

    5. melvinmbabazi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Best three 4.5 defenders?

      A) Naughton
      B) Dunk
      C) Mee
      D) Schindler
      E) Clark
      F) Suttner
      G) Simpson
      H) Lascelles
      I) Fernandez
      j) Kiko Femenía

      1. IWR
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Wow that's a long list. Probably ABC

      2. Netley Lucas
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        What a list! Schindler obviously, Naughton & Mee

        1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Lol

      3. ryacoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        A C E

      4. Pierce34
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I'll say J, just because I'll probably never get the chance to say J again in a question 😀

        1. Supersonic
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Haha

      5. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        A and C and whoever rotates best with them (if applicable)

    6. Pierce34
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Is Blind nailed on for the foreseeable future? I need a United defender soon and I'm considering him instead of Jones.

      1. suddenorgan
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        think everyone except Bailly is a risk once champion's league starts

    7. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Need Morata to rise once more and Kane to fall once, before next GW in order to get the WC team I'd like. That should happen right?

      1. I Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Hopefully.

      2. Netley Lucas
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Before deadline? Kane yes, Morata still 76k off, needs a lot of people logging on and making that move, maybe, doesn't feel on though

        1. ryacoo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah, probably will end up being 0.1 off. Always the way!

        2. I Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Morata's already got 206k transfers in this round. Could get that 76k when the market picks up on Thursday/Friday.

    8. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      any comment about coutinho? think gonna hold my kdb-->salah transfer to monitor coutinho first since de bruyne only at 63% and maybe not going to drop for this week

      1. Pierce34
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I'd still have one or two of Liverpool's front 3 instead of Coutinho if he plays in a more central role.

      2. Netley Lucas
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        He has to mend relations with Klopp and teammates and get over his bitter disappointment, get his head in the right place. It's not going to happen fast, observe

    9. nobwak
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Play one from each set.

      A) Mooy (wha)
      B) Carroll (NEW)

      A) Trippier (eve)
      B) Mbemba (swa)

      Thinking A & B.

      1. I Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        AA if Trippier is fit.

      2. ryacoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        AA

    10. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Too top heavy?

      Foster / Elliott

      Monreal / jones / Cedric / naughton / mbema

      Hazard / silva / Brady / Carroll / chalbobah

      Lukaku / Kane / lacazette

      1. I Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Ballsy.

        1. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Ha

      2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Yes

    11. EnoughisEnoughFFS
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Despite the Arsenal crisis, the run of fixtures looks very kind. Four of the next five look decent, the usual Arsenal to hammer a few lesser teams in between being thumped 4-0 by Chelsea, whos the best Arsenal attacking option in peoples minds?

    12. pakornk
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Salah injured?

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        No

    13. somato
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Need help please guys with my current (Not WC yet) 1 FT, 1.0 ITB.

      DDG (Elliot)
      Stones Yoshida Suttner (Daniels, Mee)
      Willian Pogba KDB Ward-Prowse (Carroll)
      Lukaku Kane(C) Mounie

      Since Ward-Prowse won't play for 90 mins and KDB isn't productive enough, should I
      A. Ward-Prowse --> Atsu
      B. Ward-Prowse & KBD --> Atsu & Salah. with -4 Points.
      C. Other suggestions?

      Thank you,

    14. 11SPECIALONE11
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Gamweek 4 team

      De Gea

      Cédric - Hegazi - Bertrand

      Eriksen - Mane - Mkhitaryan - Atsu

      Morata - Firmino - Lukaku (C)

    15. joast
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Who's to play?
      Lowton
      Schindler
      Naughton

      /thanks

    16. PocketZola
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      forster
      bertrand maguire d.luiz cedric
      erik alli pog salah
      kaku firm

      elliot, mbemba, chaolbah, ayew

      thoughts?

    17. Visionaries
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Really struggling to get rid of Sterling. 0.1 short for Silva. I have 3 playing CB's with Mbemba on the bench.

      A Sterling > Tadic/Redmond/Willian/Cesc?
      B Sterling & Bavies > Tadic & Alonso -4
      C Sterling & Bavies > Salah & Naughton -4
      D Sterling & Bavies > Eriksen & Rosenior -4
      E Sterling & Mane > Silva & Salah -4
      F Sterling & Chich > Jesus/Laca & Chaloba