Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Cup Joy for Spurs and United

FA Cup quarter-final wins for a vibrant Spurs and a lifeless, if efficient, Manchester United bring more clarity to the Gameweek 35 picture.

The first full match without Harry Kane proved to be a perfectly pleasant one for Spurs as they saw off Swansea City 3-0 with little fuss and plenty of swagger.

Christian Eriksen ran the show, scoring twice from outside the area – four of his last six goals in all competitions have been from long range, including all of his last three.

The Dane had managed just one goal across his previous seven starts in all competitions, but his display at the Liberty Stadium reminded us all of his quality ahead of two double Gameweeks still to come.

Coach Mauricio Pochetino reacted to the Kane-shaped hole in his side by utilising Son Heung-min as the lone striker, with Lucas Moura taking on the South Korean’s duties on the left and Erik Lamela afforded a freer, more central role as Dele Alli dropped to the bench.

The changes worked well, the Argentine scoring one goal and setting up another and Moura also providing an assist. Moussa Sissoko was the other player to register an assist on the day.

Son’s blank was more of a concern as his attacking threat was relatively muted – he managed only two attempts on goal – but he was unlucky to have a goal disallowed for a decidedly marginal offside call that was confirmed (just about) by VAR.

The burgeoning form of Lamela could be a concern for the 14.3% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers who own Son, although Pochettino might well stick with the mobility of the South Korean over the more classic target man attributes that Fernando Llorente brings to the lone striker role.

The recovery time of Kane remains the key issue.

If he can return for Gameweek 34 – a likely double for Spurs that is looked at in greater detail below – then Son might not play both fixtures.

But until we receive an update on the issue, Son should continue to be a key asset, although Eriksen could well end up being the stronger double Gameweek candidate with his greater security of start.

As for Swansea, Premier League survival remains their ultimate goal, and a likely Double Gameweek 34 involving vital home matches with Everton and Southampton is now on the cards.

That will promote the stock of their budget assets for those playing their Wildcards in Gameweeks 32 or 33.

Jordan Ayew (5.4) will have served his suspension by the time the double comes around, and goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski (4.7) and centre-half Alfie Mawson (5.1) could also be targets.

United win ugly

Goals from Romelu Lukaku and the excellent Nemanja Matic were enough to see off a spirited Brighton 2-0, but the win did little to allay the doubts over Jose Mourinho’s misfiring men.

Matic set up the Belgian’s first-half opener before sealing the deal from an Ashley Young cross after the break.

But in between, Brighton were the better side and they out-shot their hosts 17-8, with six attempts on target to United’s two.

The Red Devils were frequently as sluggish as in their 2-1 loss to Sevilla despite Mourinho making some big calls in his starting XI, with both Alexis Sanchez and Paul Pogba left on the bench.

Marouane Fellaini was another to be dropped as five changes were made to the Champions League side.

Sergio Romero, Juan Mata, Anthony Martial, Scott McTominay and Luke Shaw came in and Marcus Rashford and Young made way, with the latter replacing Shaw at half-time, presumably to combat the threat of the lively Solly March on Brighton’s right-hand side.

Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling were again the preferred centre-back pairing and they duly combined for only United’s second clean sheet in six matches in all competitions, although they rode their luck against a visiting attack spearheaded by Jurgen Locadia, who was making just his second Seagulls start.

That was one of five changes Chris Hughton made to the side beaten at Everton last weekend.

Anthony Knockaert was suspended and Gaetan Bong injured, while goalkeeper Mat Ryan, winger Jose Izquierdo and striker Glenn Murray also made way, with Tim Krul, Markus Suttner, Leonardo Ulloa, March and Locadia brought in.

United now have two double Gameweeks to come before the end of the season, but the form and confidence of much of their side remains a major concern.

Lukaku is the exception.

Currently the second most purchased player of Gameweek 32, he has three goals and two assists from his last five Gameweek starts, with strikes in both the FA Cup and Champions League to further boost his appeal.

How it’s all panning out

As a result of yesterday’s FA Cup ties, Gameweek 35’s fixtures involving Brighton v Spurs and Bournemouth v Man United will now be postponed and rescheduled.

But Swansea’s defeat means their trip to Man City is now confirmed in the Gameweek 35 schedule, which currently comprises:

Everton v Newcastle
Stoke City v Burnley
Watford v Crystal Palace
West Brom v Liverpool
Man City v Swansea City
Arsenal v West Ham

Chelsea v Huddersfield (TBC)
Leicester City vs Southampton (TBC)

Only one more fixture – one of those marked TBC – can now be added to that list, however, and it could be that both of those matches are also postponed.

If Chelsea lose today, then their home match with Huddersfield Town will take place in Gameweek 35.

Alternatively, Chelsea will have to beat Leicester City and Southampton lose to Wigan for the Saints’ trip to the King Power Stadium to remain a Gameweek 35 fixture.

Spurs now have probable double Gameweeks in 34 (MCI NEW) and 37 (wba bha), while Man United have a likely double Gameweek 34 involving West Brom at home and West Ham away, with Gameweek 37 probably involving trips to Brighton and Bournemouth.

Chelsea’s Gameweek 34 is likely to involve matches away at Southampton and Burnley and, should they beat the Foxes, a Gameweek 37 of Liverpool and Huddersfield at home would be the likely outcome.

Brighton should have trips to Crystal Palace and Man City in Gameweek 34 and home matches with Man United and Spurs in 37.

Southampton have a probable Gameweek 34 of Chelsea at home and Swansea City away, while victory over Wigan today would likely lead to a double Gameweek 37 of Everton and Leicester, both away.

Leicester’s Gameweek 34 should be Burnley away and Arsenal at home and, if they beat Chelsea or if Southampton get past Wigan, they’d entertain West Ham and Southampton in Gameweek 37.

The upshot of all that is the likes of Kane (if fit), Lukaku, Son and David De Gea will all be popular Wildcard targets for those looking to use the Bench Boost chip in Gameweek 34.

Further assets from the likes of Chelsea or Leicester will be added to that list after today’s results.

However, those who no longer have the Free Hit chip will have to be wary of going overboard on assets from teams that will miss Gameweek 35.

They will need to build for a Gameweek 34 Bench Boost with this in mind.

1,798 Comments Post a Comment
  1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Hi, which one is better option?
    A. Lukaku, Christensen
    B. Vardy (have Mahrez), Alonso
    Ta.

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      B

    2. Shearer & Sutton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      B

    3. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Rashford Alonso too crazy?

  2. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Captain for gameweek 32?

    A. Salah
    B. Lukaku
    C.Aubameyang

    1. markus808
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      If chasing I would go C or A.

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      A or C, probably A

    3. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      *Flip

  3. Jay Jay Okocha
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Who to downgrade to enable Firmino to Lukaku on my WC?

    A) Willian
    B) Silva

    Need to free up 0.8

    1. Boxwoods
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      I’d be keeping Silva.

    2. Optic1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      William > Gross

  4. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    If you're WC now & BB in GW 34, is it best to get your team set now or wait & bring players in for GW 34 using your 2 FT's?

    1. Dacra
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      I'm setting now, transfers for the inevitable injuries or problems that will arise..

  5. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Mahrez's hair is worse than Big Willys

  6. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    No-one putting Kane in their WC team? 2 games for him in GW 34.

    1. Dacra
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Madness.

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      I'm not putting any injured players in my team on WC.

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Will he play both?

    4. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Spending 12.7 million on an injured player who nobody knows when he will be fit would be a bit daft

    5. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      If you WC in 34 and he's fit, maybe.

  7. denial
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Loathe to lose Firmino but it's the right move for lukaku yes?

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Potentially

      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        This

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Not for me. Gw37 is best

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        Firmy fixtures are great until then and Lukaku blanks in 35

        1. denial
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 12 days ago

          Interesting. Thanks.

        2. denial
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 12 days ago

          How was your GW WR?

          1. Wild Rover
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 12 days ago

            Not great, 81 as I only had 7 playing, 71 of those were from 3 Liverpool. Hope you fared better

            1. denial
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 12 days ago

              About same here. Par score really.

      2. Rik Waller
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        Who's your captain GW34?

        1. denial
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 12 days ago

          I don't know yet. Yours?

          1. Rik Waller
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 12 days ago

            Think Rom could be the best option, which is why I might get him

    3. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      SWA mci...
      Kak in GW34

      1. denial
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        This is helpful. So much value tied in Bobby too, plus obvious form team.

  8. Optic1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    In split minds. I can field the below next week..... Or WC....?

    Pope
    Mee Davies VVD Ogbonna
    Salah Mahrez Stanislas
    Firmino Mounie Aubameyang

    Joel Shaqiri Walcott Kenny

    Possible WC

    DDG
    Monreal Robertson Christenson
    Salah Sane Mahrez Mkhi Son
    Firmino Aubameyang

    Fabianski Barnes Mee Chilwell

    General consensus?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      I’d WC to your first team

      1. Optic1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        Yeah, with 6.9 change itb as well.

        Think the WC team is decent for the double. It's for perfect money though which means I need to make a decision soonish.

  9. Frank Koscielny
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Hard to not hit that nose tbh

  10. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Conte would be great playing the part of a vampire in a movie he just has that look about him.

    Maybe he should think about getting into the movie business after Roman sacks him.

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Ha , this

    2. the axolotl
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      i wouldn't be inviting him or pellegrini around for dinner

  11. Rik Waller
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Is Albrighton related to Christopher Eccleston?

    1. Brap.
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      No, but I know what his favourite Premier League team is

  12. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Chelsea got a European hangover? Not playing anywhere near as well as they did midweek.

  13. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Hazard sighting

  14. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    What random thinking is no replay in the 6th round only? Either make it all rounds with home advantage or none

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Money.

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      World cup year, less free time before seasons end.

  15. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Whats our thoughts on potential DDG,Alonso falling.

    Will they fall in price? When? Very much debating whether to even get alonso on WC.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Wait but don't expect a drop.

      1. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        Yeah thats what I think. Thinking Valencia,Azpi instead of Otamendi Alonso

    2. Jeremy Corbyn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      They are not dropping

      1. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        Thanks Jezza

  16. Pierce34
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Leicester would have no chance in a penalty shoot-put with Mahrez and Vardy taking penalties.

    1. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      I think Leicester would win if it went to Pens TBH.

      1. Pasqualinho
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        Vs Willy? He's a PK wall.

      2. Pierce34
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        Why? It strikes me that Chelsea have the better penalty takers (Maguire and Fuchs are actually Leicester's best 😀 ) and Caballero is great at stopping them.

      3. Patio Kev
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        I think home advantage is always good for pens.

  17. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Any obvious changes or gtg with this wc?
    DDG
    Christ Robbo Lowton
    Salah Mahrez Son Mkhi
    Auba Firmino Vardy

    Fab Gudmundsson Hoorn Chilwell

    1. Frank Koscielny
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Zero CHE, MCI and only De Gea MUN. Not for me

  18. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    First WC draft was a bust. How about this?
    Current squad: Fab, Elliot; VVD, Mee, Azpi, Duffy, Baines; Salah, Mili, Son, Stanislas, Shaq; Mounie, Firmino, Wilson

    WC team:
    Fab, DDG
    LOWTON, SMALLING, CHRISTENSEN, CHILWELL, vdHOORN
    Salah, Son, DILVA, MAHREZ, KENEDY
    LUKAKU, AUBA, BARNES

    Not thrilled with defense, but trying to work within budget. Open to suggestions. Thanks in advance!

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Assuming you're bench boosting, I would get Ki Sung Yeung instead of Kennedy - much better fixtures in 34, plus better form.

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        Ki is on the short list, but he was slightly more expensive. I've got other ideas to bring him. Thanks.

    2. markus808
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Silva to Mikhi or Willian and sort out that defence. Also not sold on Son without Kane.

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        Leaning toward Willian, and opted for Silva because he's the cheapest City mid (going without City is a concern, even if the all rest after wrapping up the title). Thanks!

    3. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Also I honestly think Firmino is a better option than Lukaku until DGW 37

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        Hadn't really thought of that, honestly. I like it. Thanks again.

    4. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      I’d wait for this game to be resolved first.....

    5. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Great side I'd stick

  19. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Lukaku more likely to rise twice instead of Jesus riding once more (no puns) this week? On Wildcard and scraping together any SV I can

    1. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      I don't know, I'm trying to think of puns on Jesus riding but nothing off the top of my head right now 😛

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        😛 just saw that

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      yes

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        Cheers TM.

    3. Rik Waller
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      I doubt any player will double rise

    4. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      I doubt any player will rise twice this GW to be honest now. Transfers will drop off completely.

    5. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Would say, best to have caught Jesus rise last night

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        He did.

      2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        I did, so i need one more rise for 0.1 in SV when i sell at the end of this week

  20. Patio Kev
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    This game feels pivotal to me in deciding my current active Wildcard team (have already used Free Hit)

    If Leicester win I can fill my boots with Chelsea assets knowing they have DGW34 and play GW35 but will then avoid Leicester assets as they will probably rotate more in DGW34 ahead of a critical FA Cup Semi / BGW35.

    If Chelsea win I will probably avoid their assets but pick more Leicester for DGW34 even though they blank in BGW35.

  21. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    and that's why you can't don't pick willian

    as good as he is, conte will rotate him or drag him off suddenly

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Played 90'

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      lol

    3. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Go to sleep.

    4. Rik Waller
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      nice rest

    5. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Thing is there is plenty of cover for his position and he did play midweek vs Barca too. Always a risky pick.

    6. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      It is extra time tbh and he was one of their better players

    7. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Willian is class I’m getting him end of

  22. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Lukaku v Firmino? The fact Lukaku has 2 extra games (I’m FH in 35) makes him so attractive. He’s also been heavily involved in Utd attack recently. However Firmino is in much better form and provides value. Also has nice fixtures. Who to partner Auba with?

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      I think Lukaku is a great option if the team looks ok with him in it. If Firmino makes it look better, i would go for him.

    2. markus808
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      I was sure on going with Firmino until I changed my mind, Lukaku has improved and double GW-s are a factor, and i have FH for GW35.

    3. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      I’m avoiding Lukaku I think but keeping Firmino. Man Utd didn’t look great vs Brighton last night so would expect a similar scoreline vs Swansea. Man City the next game plus they blank in GW35 now.

  23. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Any striker you would rather have than Vardy Firmino Lukaku for the next run of fixtures?

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Auba, Wood, Barnes, Deeney, Jesus, Murray,

    2. Rash
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Auba

  24. arndff_
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    WC Draft #3 -- This time I tried to spread my funds more wisely:

    DDG (Fabianski)
    Mustafi Robertson Lowton (VDH Chilwell)
    Salah Mahrez DSilva Willian (A King)
    Lukaku Auba Firmino

    0.2M ITB

    Thoughts?

    1. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Not bad at all

      Undecided on Arsenal defence but fixtures so good

    2. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Not going to have Chelsea defender? I'm think to have at least Christensen on wc.

  25. Boxwoods
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Haven’t been able to watch the match. How has Morata looked?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      He's been alright. Much better than in previous games.

      Wouldn't be transferring him In, though.

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Nice finish for the goal but otherwise terrible, always offside

      1. Boxwoods
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        Thanks, all.

  26. Salah Fingers
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Wildcard this squad or wait for gw33?

    Pickford
    VVD - Maguire - Schindler - Mee
    Salah - Sterling - stanislas
    Firmino - Aubemyang - Mounie

    (Elliot - Shaqiri - Walcott - Jones)

  27. Kai
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Vardy potential ban

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Could make Oheanacho a smexy option if he's gone for a while

  28. Kun Tozser
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Most points 32-34

  29. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Mahrez or Dilva?

  30. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    chucky sighting