Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Sane Blow for Victorious City

Man City cruise past Cardiff in the FA Cup, but an injury to Leroy Sane spoils the celebrations, while Marcos Alonso is among the goals again as Chelsea brush aside Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.

Pep Guardiola’s side made short work of their Championship opponents, with goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling barely indicative of the dominant display by the Premier League leaders.

The excellent Bernardo Silva had a strike incorrectly ruled out for offside that would have more accurately reflected the tenet of an encounter in which seven of City’s 17 attempts were on target.

Ilkay Gundogan drew the foul for the free kick dispatched by the imperious De Bruyne, while Silva did at least have the satisfaction of setting up Sterling’s goal.

The Portuguese midfielder has now been directly involved in nine goals (three goals and six assists) in his last 13 matches in all competitions as he continues to grow into his career in England.

As for Sterling, he profited from a first-half role through the middle to fire his first strike in four matches, which would have come as some relief to his 36.9% Fantasy Premier League (FPL) ownership.

City’s immediate schedule (WBA bur LEI) remains attractive, but that hasn’t stopped a growing exodus of late, with 61,000+ managers selling Sterling ahead of Gameweek 25.

A similar fate will surely now befall Sane (12.6%) after he sustained an ankle injury following a studs-up challenge from Cardiff’s Joe Bennett.

The in-form German, who had scored once and produced two assists over the last three Gameweeks, didn’t come out for the second half and Guardiola’s post-match assessment was not positive.

“He will be out for a while, minimum two, three weeks, one month, we will see what exactly tomorrow. ”

Guardiola rang the changes for the cup tie, bringing in Vincent Kompany for John Stones at centre-half, starting Danilo at left-back, benching Sergio Aguero and leaving David Silva out of the squad altogether.

The top transfer target for Gameweek 25, Aguero then had to come on for Sane at the break as Guardiola’s plans to rest his only fit forward were scuppered by Bennett’s crude intervention.

As befits a side still in four competitions this season, City’s fixture list remains busy, with three league fixtures and a trip to Basel in the Champions League to come over the next 15 days.

But until Gabriel Jesus returns from the knee injury that has kept him sidelined since New Year’s Eve, Aguero’s growing ownership should be confident of his security of starts for the foreseeable future.

In many ways, a potential term on the sidelines for Sane may just add greater security for Aguero owners. While Bernardo Silva seems a natural fit for the role vacated by the German, Guardiola may also use a fit-gain Jesus in a wider role in Sane’s absence, perhaps protecting Aguero’s start as the central striker for a longer period.

Meanwhile, Stones’ omission from the XI would seem to guarantee his start for Wednesday’s visit from the Baggies. It remains to be seen if that puts Nicolas Otamendi’s starting role under threat, though Kompany is perhaps unlikely to be risked for back-to-back appearances following his recent injury concerns.

Even so, with the club thought to be closing in on the capture of Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao, it is clear that Guardiola will soon have a wealth of options available at centre-back.

Otamendi is long overdue a rest having started in 12 successive Gameweeks and, indeed, 12 consecutive matches in all competitions.

Batshuayi impresses in Chelsea stroll

Michy Batshuayi continued his improved FA Cup form with two of Chelsea’s three goals in a regulation win over Newcastle.

The Belgian striker had scored in the third round replay against Norwich and was at it again yesterday, finishing off fine breaks as the Blues took control of the tie in the first half.

Marcos Alonso and the busy Eden Hazard provided the assists before the Spanish defender rounded off the scoring with an excellent free-kick given for a foul on Davide Zappacosta.

Chelsea coach Antonio Conte made four changes to the side that lost the midweek EFL Cup tie at Arsenal. Gary Cahill, Zappacosta, Danny Drinkwater and Batshuayi were brought in and Cesar Azpilicueta given a rare day off.

Willy Caballero remained in goal in place of Thibaut Courtois (ankle), while Conte was also without Alvaro Morata due to his ongoing back problem. David Luiz also missed out after picking up a minor ankle injury in training.

The Italian again went for a 4-3-3 formation, with Hazard and Pedro playing off lone striker Batshuayi.

Should both Morata and Willian (hamstring) fail to recover in time for Wednesday’s visit from Bournemouth, the Belgian forward might well have done enough yesterday to retain his start.

However, when asked on Morata’s availability for midweek, Conte seemed optimistic:

“Morata probably. He is going to start the training from tomorrow, but not with us. Tomorrow he is going to start for sure, but with an injury of this type you need a bit of time to recover, for sure.”

Hazard has certainly prospered when the inclusion of a specialist striker has meant he’s not had to play the ‘false nine’ role, scoring twice against Brighton in Gameweek 24 and looking lively throughout the 73 minutes he was given against Newcastle.

New signing Ross Barkley eventually replaced his fellow midfielder, while the fit-again Cesc Fabregas remained on the bench for the duration of the tie, boosting his chances of featuring against the Cherries.

Azpilicueta is surely set to earn a recall for Wednesday’s fixture, while Andreas Christensen would seem more assured of his start in light of Luiz’s knock. Cahill would be the most likely rested from Conte’s back three – he has been rested/rotated in three of the last seven Gameweeks.

As for Newcastle, coach Rafa Benitez made five changes as he kept one eye on Wednesday’s home match with Burnley, with Chancel Mbemba, Massadio Haidara, Henri Saivet, Matt Ritchie and Dwight Gayle all returning to the starting XI.

Karl Darlow once again retained his spot between the sticks as Rob Elliot missed out with a minor knock.

684 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Paully Walnuts
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    I probably need to step away from the computer. I'm currently looking at Son, Arnautovic and Wilson to Milivojevic, Lewis Cook (!!) and Aguero for -8

    Would give me:

    DDG (Elliott)
    Otamendi, Christensen, Ogbonna, Duffy, (Tomkins)
    Salah, Sterling, Richarlison, (Milivojevic, Cook)
    Kane, Aguero, Firmino

    It makes bits of my team doesn't it?

    1. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      No:)

    2. Yozzer
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      If just do kane to kun and save 8 points. Be sure to have cash to brink Harold back

    3. Lukakuna
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Midfield too depressing

    4. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Even if Kun gets a hattrick you won't benefit with -8

      Kun is a short term punt, not essential, will be rotated within 1-2 weeks

  2. Yozzer
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on OX? Been on set pieces last 4 games too

    1. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Not nailed as was dubbed early 2 times cuz done nothing

      1. StoichkovFPL
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Subbed

      2. Yozzer
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Ah ok. Didn't notice thanks. Who would take his spot?

        1. StoichkovFPL
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Lallana? Hendo? Milner?

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

    Where to with Arnautovic?

    A) B. Silva
    B) Chuopo-Moting
    C) Shaqiri
    D) Milivojevic (easier to get Sanchez)
    E) Save - Reassess next gameweek.

    Hennessey
    Alonso / Otamendi / Jones / Ogbonna
    Salah (C) / Sterling (vc) / Mahrez / Son
    Kane / Wilson

    Speroni / Kenny / Depoitre / Arnautovic

    1ft / £0.7itb

    1. Niemi
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      C or E. You can field a decent team this week.

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

      I did B to save up for Mkhi/B.Silva next week

    3. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      D but it means playing him or Depoitre so not sure.
      Dont like Stk picks too

    4. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      D, gives you the cash next week

  4. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Got Salah, Mahrez, Sterling.

    A) Hazard, JAyew -4
    B) Walcott, Lingard
    C) other nailed 9.4 mid + Lingard

  5. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who is the best 7.5m replacement for Arnie?

    I'm thinking Alonso is the best value along with a cheap mid, instead of going with a say Shaqiri & cheap defender.

    1. AndyCook
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Agree

      • StoichkovFPL
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Already own.
        Walcott in that price range

        1. King Kohli
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Don't have him currently.
          Will get him and double up with Courtois

    2. BON
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Niasse gonna move clubs or no?

      1. AnderEstimatedHerrera
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Nobody knows unfortunately.

    3. C_G
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Play Kenny or bring in Simpson for a (-4)?

      1. AndyCook
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Play Kenny

          1. StoichkovFPL
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            This

          2. czechow
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            play Kenny

        • AnderEstimatedHerrera
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          no need to take hits for defenders, never.
          Unless it is Alonso 😛

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

        Given that I will have a decent squad for next week but need one player to make good 11 for this one, do I need to take a hit and swap Arnie to Shaq? or just leave it, play one of Wilson (Chelsea away) or Kenny (Leicester home) and accept 0.1 price fall..or maybe 0.2 for next 2 weeks..

        1. AndyCook
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Leave it

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

          What you think Aubameyng price will be?

          1. Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            11

          2. StoichkovFPL
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            10.5

            1. AnderEstimatedHerrera
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              This

          3. Holmes
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            10

          4. Over Midwicket
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah probably 11mil.

          5. Lukakuna
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            10.5

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

            Something like that yes,best buy from Arsenal surely is Mkhi now,right???Laca and Auba will both play tohether i think so i dont probably wont either Laca or Auba.im tempting to get Mkhi isntead

        3. czechow
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Can someone update me on GW 31? I know we have two guaranteed games, Liverpool v Watford and Stoke v Everton.

          Will this potentially become more or is that it?

          1. Hotdogs for Tea
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            FA Cup 1/4 finals that weekend .... Fifth Round not even drawn yet ... no one knows much yet

            1. czechow
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              So any teams not in the quarter final essentially will play?

              1. Hotdogs for Tea
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                If their opposition doesn’t have a Cup game either ... will all depend how the 5th round fixtures fall, and then the last eight .... not worth worrying about now as too many variables - just keep your FH chip in your pocket, otherwise don’t necessarily sell players that you know have a game in 31 😉

        4. Longlatini
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Alonso or Sanchez after this gw?

          1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Alonso

        5. FortunesAlwaysHiding
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Ulloa or Rashford for a draft league guys?

          Thanks

        6. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Oi is Sako nailed with Townsend back or will MacArthur keep his place

        7. Fpl Richie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          An 'improvement' on my awfully long list of options earlier...

          A) Arnie and Son to Mahrez and Shaqiri
          B) Lingard and Arnie to Chupo and Mkhi
          C) Lingard and Arnie to Milivojevic and Mkhi

          Both B and C allow room for upgrading Son to Pogba/Mahrez next week.

          1. Lukakuna
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            B

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

            Mkhi is wait&see for now imo.

          3. Ask Yourself
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            I’m doing B

          4. Fpl Richie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks chaps. Chupo a better option than Mili/Fraser/Allen et al. in that price bracket?

            1. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              I have compared them an Mili comes out best 🙂

            2. Rsforstar
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              i like fraser better but its close

        8. C_G
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          gtg? no hits taken, 0.3 ITB

          Pope

          Azpi Kenny Jones

          Mahrez Sterling Salah Son Allen

          Kane Firmino

          Elliot Wilson TAA Masuaku

        9. Lukakuna
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Who is the best bet for a 4.5-4.8 range striker at the moment? Is it best to postpone the decision until February?

          1. Clump
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            None

          2. ShaunGoater123
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Postpone the decision, but Ulloa might be good

            1. Lukakuna
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Cheers, will wait and see

        10. Emiliano Sala
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Which one?
          A) arnie to B.silva for -4
          B) arnie and lanzini to B.silva and Shaqiri for -8
          Already used my FT to get VVD in a rage transfer for christensen.
          Adrian
          VVD jones stones moreno wimmer
          Lingard salah arnie lanzini a.king
          Kane kun vardy
          0.6 itb

        11. Stef rocks
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Currently on Wc:

          Please help!

          A) Foster Adrian
          Jones Alonso Maguire Bauer 3.9
          Sanchez Salah Walcott ALLEN Elneny
          VARDY Firmino Kun

          B) Foster Adrian
          Jones Alonso Maguire Bauer 3.9
          Sanchez Salah Walcott B.SILVA Elneny
          WILSON Firmino Kun

          1. FPL Puppy
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Don’t like that WC, but if anything I would pick A.

            1. Stef rocks
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              What would you change?
              Basically i have a few picks that i want:
              Alonso, Aguero(going to change him to Kane after 3 weeks), Firmino, Salah, Sanchez - rest is trying to fit the squad with the money left

              I want also Hazard Sterling De bruyne Otamendi Vardy Mahrez De Gea but you cant catch them all 🙂

        12. Fpldonny
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          If holding Arnie this week means playing Dummett or Joselu, would you hold, or would you sell?

          1. Lukakuna
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Sell

          2. Rsforstar
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            if no hit needed, sell

        13. Mayo for Sam
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Best Masuaku replacement (4.4)?

          1. Over Midwicket
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Chilwell.

          2. Alli In
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Chilwell or Simpson, whichever is the safest to play the next 6 weeks. I just don't know which. Any Leicester fan able to help?

            1. Niemi
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              I'm no Leicester fan and I'm not 100% sure, but:

              I think Simpsons is more nailed than Chilwell, but Chilwell seems to be first choice over Fuchs and offers more attacking threat. Simpson is just coming back from an injury though, so not 100% sure he'll start on Wednesday and Saturday. He started in the FA cup this weekend, so three games in a week could be too much I guess.

              1. Alli In
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                Thanks for the help. With Simpson now fit do you think beyond this week or next then he is nailed?

        14. Clump
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Coleman available.
          RIP Kenny folks.

          1. Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            *insert South Park reference here*

            1. Clump
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              🙂

          2. Hotdogs for Tea
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Coleman no where near match fit ?

            1. Niemi
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              I guess Kenny will have a few more weeks, but his time is coming to an end.

              1. Now I'm Panicking
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                Just in time for Everton's great run of fixtures from GW27!

            2. Clump
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Probably not in fairness.
              Will walk back into that spot though.
              Kenny a weak link.

            3. MTPockets
                6 years, 2 months ago

                Allardyce said he's in the squad for wednesday.

                1. Clump
                  • 9 Years
                  6 years, 2 months ago

                  Ah.
                  Cheers

                2. Hotdogs for Tea
                  • 8 Years
                  6 years, 2 months ago

                  "If and when he does play he needs time, he's been out for an awful long time as is the same with Yannick. He's had such a long period of time out he can't be expected to hit his top form immediately.

          3. DV8R
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            G2G? No hit needed?

            DDG
            Alonso, Otamendi, Christensen, Mee
            Salah(C), Sterling, Son, Lingard, Choupo
            Kane

            Elliot, Wilson, Dunk, Niasse

            0FT, 2.7m itb

            1. Lukakuna
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              gtg

          4. balint84
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            more useful:

            A) a City defender
            B) two City midfielder

            ?

            1. Tcheco
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              b

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

              B

          5. drughi
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            So I feel I need to get alonso especially as I have 2 ft now is the time. Question which is the best way

            A. Arnie, Lingard and Klavan > CM, Mili and Alonso -4
            B. Arnie, Depoitre and Klavan > Mili, Quaner/niasse and alonso -4

            1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              B imo

          6. SuperMane Returns
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            GTG chaps?

            Fabianski
            Ogbonna/Otamendi/Alonso/Duffy
            Salah/Sterling/Son/Lingard
            Aguero(c)/Firmino

            Elliot/Mee/Duffy/Quaner/Arnie*

            2.5 ITB 1FT - thanks in advance.

            1. SuperMane Returns
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Ignore the Duffy on bench lol

          7. 007 [RoboKlopp]
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Hi, Lingard owner, what you do this week?
            A. Hold
            B. Replace with...
            Thinking to sell him for Choupo Moting or Allen so I can upgrade Son to Sterling or Mahrez next week.
            Thanks 🙂

            1. melvinmbabazi
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              a

            2. StoichkovFPL
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Do it but next week. Simple.

            3. DAZZ
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Im tempted to hold for a few more weeks the fact he didnt play against yeovil tells me he could be nailed as a starter

          8. vanillasky639
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            de bruyne or salah captain?

            1. Tcheco
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Have them both & going for Salah

          9. melvinmbabazi
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Thoughts on what to do this week? 2FT 0.4ITB
            Plan is to bring Sanchez in next week.
            Can downgrade Arnie to Mili?

            DDG Elliot
            Alonso, Kenny, Ogbonna, Naughton,*Masuaku
            Salah, Sterling, Lingard Gross *Arnautovic
            Kane , Aguero, Niasse

            Cheers

            1. Rsforstar
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              need to strengthen that defence

          10. Tcheco
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Would you do Lingard to Shaqiri?

            1. drughi
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              no

            2. @fpl_phenom
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              I’d wait and see if he’s dropped... I think he plays alongside Sanchez, making him more valuable as an FPL asset....

              1. Tcheco
                • 6 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                good point, cheers

          11. @fpl_phenom
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            £16.1M on 2 midfielders

            Suggestions?

            1. Tcheco
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              What does the rest of your midfield look like?

            2. drughi
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              hazard and choupo

              1. StoichkovFPL
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                This

            3. Over Midwicket
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Hazard and Choupo/Allen
              Alllmost KDB and Shaqiri (lol)
              Mahrez and Mkhi?

              My numbers might be off.