Scout Notes

Scout Notes – City Suffer Injury Blows

Manchester City’s run of victories hits the buffers at Selhurst Park where injuries to both Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne overshadow events in a 0-0 stalemate. Meanwhile, Arsenal are pegged back by a controversial late penalty at The Hawthorns.

Pep Guardiola has revealed that striker Gabriel Jesus will be sidelined for at least a month having suffered a knee problem in the first half of the draw with Crystal Palace.

The Brazilian sustained the injury after 20 minutes, finally succumbing shortly afterwards as Sergio Aguero – initially rested today – emerged to replace him.

Guardiola conceded that Jesus will now be sidelined.

“Hopefully he [Jesus] will be one month, maybe two months he will be out.”

City also lost Kevin De Bruyne late on, after he received a clattering challenge from the Eagles’ Jason Puncheon. Guardiola had this to say on the Belgian’s setback.

“With Kevin we have been lucky in the past with what has happened from the same actions. I don’t know what will happen in the future. He may not be ready for Watford in a few days.”

De Bruyne was initially stretchered from the field but was seen walking on the injury with help from the City medical team.

He will be assessed before the visit from Watford for Gameweek 22 on Tuesday, though some 87,000 managers have already made the midfielder the fifth most sold asset ahead of tomorrow’s deadline.

Having scored just once in two matches – and with the invention of David Silva still missing as his personal issues continue – Guardiola will be keen to have De Bruyne available.

He chose to recall Leroy Sane to the left flank against the Eagles, resting Raheem Sterling and retaining Bernardo Silva in the starting XI.

Sterling will surely return to start against the Hornets, with both Bernardo Silva and Sane also in line to face Marco Silva’s side should De Bruyne miss out.

Sane was largely disappointing in today’s clash and is now without a goal in eight Gameweek starts, recording just three assists in that run since Gameweek 11.

While his stock continues to decline, Aguero’s could now be revived.

With Jesus sidelined, it would seem that the Argentine is poised for a run of guaranteed starts, with Guardiola’s alternative options in attack limited unless he delves into the January market.

Milivojevic fluffs his lines

City’s afternoon could have been far worse had Luka Milivojević converted a late spot-kick.

A controversial award, it remains to be seen if Wilfried Zaha will face any FA retribution for his role in winning the penalty. The challenge on him from Sterling looked to involve minor contact, though there has been no announcement as yet.

Zaha was again the key threat for Palace and, as it stands, will be free to face Southampton on Tuesday.

However, the Eagles are set to be without Scott Dann and Jason Puncheon; both were stretchered from the field in Sunday’s bruising contest.

Roy Hodgson had made a raft of changes to his starting XI, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek among the notable absentees. No details on an injury to the loanee midfielder have yet been revealed, though Hodgson stated post-match that he hoped to have some unavailable players returning for the Saints trip…

“We will recover one or two players who were unable to play today before the Southampton game.”

Gunners denied by Baggies rally

The afternoon kick-off at The Hawthorns was far less eventful in Fantasy terms, with neither Arsenal or West Brom contributing key assets to our squads currently.

Alexis Sanchez did at least maintain his impressive recent form with an assist via a direct free-kick that deflected off James McClean for the opening goal.

The Chilean has now produced a goal or an assist in seven of his last ten Gameweeks. However, he is still a long way from tempting investors given his 11.8 price tag.

Arsenal were eventually pegged back when Kieran Gibbs earned an assist having drawn a controversial handball decision from referee Mike Dean. Jay Rodriguez converted the penalty that followed.

Arsene Wenger kept faith with the three-man defence on Sunday, with Callum Chambers retained on the right-side of that backline. That meant that Sead Kolasinac kept his left wing-back berth at the expense of Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

That may remain the case for the Gameweek 22 clash with Chelsea, with Wenger perhaps set to mirror the Blues’ formation. However, Kolasinac is an early doubt for that encounter having been withdrawn early on 37 minutes with a knock.

Mesut Ozil will also need to be assessed for Tuesday’s fixture – he sat out Sunday’s draw with a minor knee problem.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

878 Comments Post a Comment
  1. toerag
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    short of cash ... is ogbonna worth a punt???

    1. CloudSky
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Sure.

      1. toerag
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        ty

    2. Detweiler
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

    3. Ahtikullervo
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      No in my opinion.

    4. Kermit Special
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      MASUAKU IMO

  2. JustPark
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    I've had enough.
    Naughton, Hazard and Richarlison to Vert, Alli(c) and Arnie.

    See you lot next time of day.

    1. CloudSky
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      What did Rich do wrong?

      1. JustPark
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Enough of wondering to pull the trigger.
        He's done well. He'll be remembered.

  3. Champione
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Coutinho + DCL >

    A) Alli + Firmino
    B) Lingard/6.8 + Aguero

    1. JustPark
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Not keen on any but Lanzini is 6.8.

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        This go for Lanzini makes the team tick could get assist returns in the DGW

      2. Champione
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Unfortunately have 3 West Ham players already.. but thanks!

    2. Kevtheotter
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Wouldn’t be getting rid of Coutinho

    3. Feed tha Sheep
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      A

    4. Champione
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      thanks all

  4. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Already have Masuaku, Arnautovic, Son and Kane.

    A) KDB > Alli -4

    B) KDB, DCL > RLC, Aguero -8

    1. Detweiler
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      No -4. I would wait

    2. Champione
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      B

  5. Sahil Yadav
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Big dilemma here:

    For DGW I have 2 FTs. The plan was to do Gray->Quaner and Richarlison->Alli/Son. But I can also downgrade Hazard and upgrade Richarlison to get two Spurs mid(I have Arnie too) but that leaves me with Gray and Niasse, who are two frustrating players.

    So which move do you think is better?

    A) Having 4 DGW players (Kane, Arnie, 2x Spurs mid) with weak links in team(Niasse and Gray)

    B) 3 DGW players (Kane, Arnie, Son/Alli) with solving other issues (Gray to Quaner)

    1. Kevtheotter
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      B

      1. Sahil Yadav
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        B with Son or Alli?

        1. Kevtheotter
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          I went Alli. Not confident Son will play as many mins

  6. Detweiler
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Bottomed.

    Start Pope or Speroni?

    RLC or Mee first sub? Starting Salah in hope.

    1. Kermit Special
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      POPE
      MEE

  7. diesel001
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Interesting to see what Marco Silva does with Watford against City. This is what I would put out, but Janmaat would be a weak link against the pace of Sane or Sterling.

    Gomes
    Janmaat Kabasele Britos Wague Zeegelaar
    Doucoure Capoue
    Carillo Okaka Richarlison

    1. CloudSky
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Richy Rich is going to steamroll that defence.

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        ??

        1. CloudSky
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          You dont believe in our lord Saviour Richarlison Bemba?

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Good try Diesel but even you can not save Watford a pummeling

      1. diesel001
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Unfortunately I think Watford will get thrashed. They really lack mobility in defence, except for Zeegelaar. Similar to WBA, but City have improved since then so cam see a 3-0 or 3-1.

    3. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I think I would just drop all strikers, all midfielders, and just play 10 centre backs which simply camp all game to draw out a 0:0. 😆

      Without KDB my tactic definitely works 😎

      1. Majestic Chanka
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        The Jose Inter Milan tactic

    4. GHB
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Zero chance Capoue starts

  8. Kevtheotter
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Keepers are Elliot** and Foster

    Foster —> Adrian -4 worth it?

    Cheers

  9. Jazz!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    We expect Stones to start for City right? He was on the bench against Palace. Need him over Ota for my free hit team for funds!

    1. JustPark
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      It's a gamble but could pay off.

    2. thegame
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yes i expect stones to start

  10. #FPLBhuna
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Taken a minus 8 and lining up like this

    Lloris (DGW)
    Alonso - Maguire - Masuaku (DGW)
    Sterling - Richarlison - Son (DGW) - Lanzini (DGW)
    Morata - Firmino - Kane (DGW)

    Bench: Elliot - Dunk - Kenny - Surman

    5 dgw players and -8.

    Is it worth taking another -4 for Richarlison to Arnie?

    YES/ NO

    1. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Use free hit??

      1. #FPLBhuna
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Already used haha

  11. CloudSky
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Expect 14 from Vert. There. I said it.

    Wont make it true, sadly.

    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Dier to score in both games.

      There_I said it.

      1. CloudSky
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Thats actually more likely than Vert getting me anything other than a solid 4.

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          I'm counting on him actually and is my fav for the armband. (Vert)

          1. CloudSky
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Thats a bit of a stretch, no?

  12. Feed tha Sheep
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    What’s a better move this week?
    A. Pogba > Alli
    B. DCL >Firmino

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      A

  13. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Sorry ..repost...been away for a few days so slightly detached from fpl.

    Can anyone advise how this sounds please?

    Rlc richarlison and morata to alli Arnie and ayew -4

    Team currently is

    Fab Elliot
    Alonso Ota Kenny ogbonna wimmer
    Salah cout sterling richarlison rlc
    Kane morata dcl

    Thanks

    1. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Not loving Ayew pick?!

  14. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Auto subs and vice captain updated

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Oh hello there Salah points 🙂

  15. Zareos
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Can't afford Eriksen, which player would you transfer in for the DGW?

    A. Alli,
    B. Son, or
    C. Arnie?

    1. thegame
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      a

  16. TLF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Happy New Year all....advice needed before booze kicks in and it all goes wrong 🙂

    A. Richarlison > Alli
    B. Richarlison > Arny & Morata to Aguero -4
    C. Richarlison, RLC, Morata > Arny, Alli, Rooney -8

    Adrian, Speroni
    Alonso, Otamendi, Masuaku, Kenny, Mee
    Salah, Sterling, Son, Richarlison, RLC
    Kane, Morata, DCL

    1FT

  17. Foozeball
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Would it be madness to triple captain Eriksen with Kane's fitness for the 1st match in doubt?

    1. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Maybe. I am just captaining Eriksen probably.

  18. Tombory
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Cresswell or ogbonna?

    1. Tombory
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Who's got more potential for minutes and points for double?

  19. FPL Mentor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Looks like theres no Salah or Cout for liverpool tomorrow after both didnt train today.

    https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/898563/Mohamed-Salah-Philippe-Coutinho-Liverpool-players-training-injury

    Hope my Salah & Cout 》 Eriksen & Son pays off!

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      maybe they were given an offday?

      managers say not much training required between such short period of games

      1. FPL Mentor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Hope not..

  20. Viper
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    I went into my FPL Cup tie today, simply needing one of two things not to happen in order to go through

    -KDB not to score

    Or

    -Ederson not to save a penalty.

    I should have put money on both because one of them was guaranteed 🙁 😆

  21. Boss Hogg
    • 15 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Do we think Firmino starts at Burnley or not?

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Doubt it

    2. Kun Tozser
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      If Coutinho and Salah are out youd think

    3. Prøfeßör …
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Definitely if Salah and Coutinho are out.

    4. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Nailed on.

  22. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Alli, son or Eriksen for KDB?

  23. Kun Tozser
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Captain:

    Kane
    Alli

  24. Alan The Llama
    • 15 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Autosubs and VC done

  25. Punty McPuntface
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Bookies and media outlets appear to be convinced that Coutinho is pretty much a Barca player...plus not pictured in training today...

    Would you ditch for a spurs player for a hit?

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      risky

      1. UnitedFan
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        How about for free Bemba?

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

      No not for me, will be a Liverpool player until the summer I think and he's a great option

    3. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I own Coutinho, too, and am hesitant to sell until any such deal is confirmed. This could result in a blank, but I’d hate to sell him as he is an excellent Fantasy asset.

  26. Ostrich Baby
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Am I Mad To Go Without Kane?

    Here's my team at the moment:

    Adrian
    Otamendi Jones Dunk
    Salah Hazard Sterling Richarlison Pogba
    Firmino Aguero

    Subs Elliot Niasse Kenny Mbemba

    Got 2FTs, 0.6m in the bank. I had set this week up for a Hazard and Aguero to Eriksen and Kane swap, with a Richarlison or Pogba upgrade for -4 on top. But, I'm having second thoughts now, mainly because getting rid of Aguero before he's nearly guaranteed to start at home against Watford feels criminal. Also, I wouldn't mind getting rid of all three of those midfielders.

    So basically, that's a long way of asking, A or B:

    A: Aguero, Hazard, Richarlison to Kane, Eriksen, Arnautovic

    Or

    B: Hazard, Richarlison, Pogba to Eriksen, Son, Arnautovic

    Thanks!!

    1. FPL Mentor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

  27. Darklord_bg
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Should I do Coutinho to Alli for -4?

    I don't want to lose Coutinho, since he's been doing so well, and I would lose 0.2 in TV, but he could be rested and Alli has a DGW.

    It's the kind of decision that could make or break my game week.

    DGW players I have are Adrian, Masuaku, Kane, Arnautovic.

    Cheers!

    1. FPL Mentor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

  28. cjhewitt92
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Is this worth playing freehit for

    Sane, Salah Hazard and DLC to Alli Eriksen Surman and Aguero

  29. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Coutinho owners - what is the plan?

    Are you keeping?

    Or losing for a dgw player? Lots of chat that he will not play tomorrow and off to barca

    Thanks

    1. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      See above....same question asked. A lot seem to have indicated they’ve sold him for a Spurs mid, but I’m inclined to hold unless I hear official news that he is sold, for real (not fantasy) to Barcelona.

  30. aguerodontblankonme
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    If I did two transfers and took -4 hit, now I decided to play FH chip, what happens?

    1. FPL Mentor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Cancelsnit out