Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Lacazette Leaves It Late

A late Arsenal goal rush saves the day for Free Hit managers, while a Burnley forward delivers the goods to keep those without the chip in credit as well.

Eighty minutes into the Gunners’ home match with West Ham and many of the 154,000+ Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers who had employed their Free Hit chip were in a dark place.

As revealed by Ragabolly’s latest Metrics article, 63.9% of the top 10,000 managers playing the chip had elected to recruit Alexandre Lacazette.

The striker had been signed by 42,000, and captained by more than 100,000, with many taking advantage of the Free Hit to bring him in after coach Arsene Wenger revealed, during a press conference on Thursday, that he wanted to give run-outs to most of the side likely to play in next week’s Europa League semi-final tie against Atletico Madrid.

That was a bitter blow to those looking to cash in on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Ineligible in Europe, he’d seemed a shoo-in for domestic action, prompting major investment ahead of Gameweek 35.

He was the third most signed player ahead of Saturday’s deadline, with 201,000 making their move. Meanwhile, 221,000 captained the 14.8%-owned forward – Arsenal’s most popular player in FPL.

Wenger’s statements on Thursday changed everything, leaving those without the Free Hit chip somewhat in the lurch.

Sure enough, Lacazette started and Aubameyang was on the bench, although at 1-1 with 10 minutes to go, neither had anything to show for their troubles.

By then, the Gabon international was on the pitch as the Gunners sought to reclaim a lead given them by Nacho Monreal, only for Marko Arnautovic to equalise for the visitors.

A goal blitz then followed, with Aaron Ramsey and Lacazette, twice, putting a decidedly flattering spin on a match in which the Hammers had been competitive until their late capitulation.

Aubameyang did at least produce an assist for his owners, with Ramsey and Granit Xhaka also setting up goals in the 4-1 win.

Maximum bonus went to Lacazette as he recorded only his second double-digit return of the campaign, his 13-point total matching his previous season’s best, in Gameweek 6.

Those points, relative to Aubameyang’s tally of four, are likely to have a major impact on FPL ranks once Gameweek 35 is done.

And Lacazette’s form – four goals in as many Gameweeks, with only two of those starts – suggests he’ll continue in the main striker role despite Aubameyang’s equally strong recent showings. He’d scored four goals in his last three home matches, and six in eight Gameweeek appearances overall.

That state of affairs, and Arsenal’s next fixture away at Man United, is persuading many of those non-Free Hitters to offload Aubameyang – he’s the second most sold player ahead of Gameweek 36, as managers look to Harry Kane and Gabriel Jesus for the run-in.

Ups and downs for others

Ramsey was another vital Gameweek 35 figure.

Signed by 27,000, he was a key differential for Free Hit investors after returning to the starting XI and producing a goal and an assist, along with two bonus points, against the Hammers.

The Welsh international had four shots, three chances created and a match-high nine touches in the box in a strong attacking display.

His 12-point return was a huge boost to his 4.0% ownership, particularly when stacked against the fortunes of those who decided to use their Free Hit chip to bring in Mesut Ozil instead.

The 2.7%-owned German missed the match due to illness – as did keeper Petr Cech – and his 9.3 price tag (compared to Ramsey’s 6.8) was a high one to pay for a no-show.

Arsenal’s defenders, meanwhile, had attracted 149,000 transfers-in for the West Ham clash, with hopes high of a third consecutive home clean sheet.

But those shut-outs were their only ones in 16 Gameweeks, and it was left to goalscorer Monreal to provide a decent return among the backline.

Owned by 493,000 and signed by 68,000, the Spaniard was the most popular of those Gameweek 35 defensive acquisitions and his fifth goal of the season means he’s now just one shy of Marcos Alonso – amazing work for a man with just one strike in his five previous Premier League seasons.

Marko the man

Predictably enough, Arnautovic was West Ham’s only bright spark.

He had four shots, all in the box, and his goal from substitute Manuel Lanzini’s assist was his 10th in his last 16 Gameweek appearances.

The midfielder also has five assists from that spell and was signed by 49,000+ going into the Arsenal match as his ownership, now at 6.1%, continues to increase.

That should mean he remains the Hammers’ one tempting asset ahead of Double Gameweek 37’s trip to Leicester City and a visit from Man United.

Before that, there’s the small matter of a home match against Man City, with David Moyes’ side still requiring points to finally put their relegation fears to bed.

Arnautovic’s owners can only hope that his form will trump what are a tricky set of fixtures.

Deadlock at Stoke

Burnley assets went into their match at Stoke City well supported, particularly by managers without the Free Hit active.

And it was striker Ashley Barnes who delivered, bundling home his sixth goal in eight Gameweek starts to earn the Clarets a point and deny their hosts a precious win.

Owned by 288,080, Barnes had proved a popular target for Double Gameweek 34, although he was jettisoned or benched by many Free Hit managers ahead of Saturday’s deadline.

The forward promptly punished that decision, but there were slim pickings on offer among other Burnley assets.

Kevin Long, with 45,000+ new investors, was their most signed player ahead of Gameweek 35, only for the Clarets defence to concede yet again.

They’ve kept just one clean sheet in 15 league matches in 2018 – only Brighton have a worse record in the Premier League since the turn of the year – with an assist for centre-half James Tarkowski at least providing some joy for his 5.0% ownership.

For Stoke, Xherdan Shaqiri was their most popular target in action.

He was brought in by 51,000+, with goalkeeper Jack Butland (7,700) ranking next.

The midfielder managed one shot and created three chances, but he failed to find the net for the seventh successive match, having delivered three in three prior to that.

Butland at least brought in a couple of save points in a performance that also earned him one bonus point, with the main hauls coming from goalscorer Badou Ndiaye and Mame Diouf, who provided the assist.

In truth, players from neither side are of much interest to Fantasy managers now, with their assets likely to provide bench back-up at best, or more likely replaced by Double Gameweekers for the run-in.

2,315 Comments Post a Comment
  1. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    What’s up with mahrez?

    1. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      hes on the beach

      1. EL tridente
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Source?

        1. Coaly
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          His performances

    2. Les Bleus
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Already on his summer break

      1. Bissisine
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        He still going to play? Whats up??

    3. Jersey
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      he's streaky.

      sell him and he many produce 2 double digit returns

  2. Origi-nal
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    A) Auba > Jesus
    B) Mahrez > Sterling
    C) both (-4)

    1. Coaly
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      C

    2. Our Tiny Windows
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      I did B

  3. Winners900
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Can anyone help me? Dont know what to do really

    DDG
    Tarkowski-Bailly-Morgan
    Alli-Son-Mahrez-Willian
    Kane-Vardy-Barnes

    Ryan, Gross, Dunk, Alonso.

    1FT, 0,3 ITB.

    Would have a defender for Alonso, but cant see who to get when I already have tripple Spurs. Appreciate some thougths!

    1. Coaly
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Kompany?

      1. Winners900
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        do we think he will play the rest?

  4. Viper
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    If Salah is confirmed to be benched vs. Stoke Saturday, are you going to sell him?

    Remember it was vs. Stoke earlier in the season when he was benched and came on to score a brace

    1. Coaly
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Would sell yeah

    2. conew
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      yes because next game is vs chelsea and its dgw

    3. Jersey
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      if confirmed not starting, yes.

      few minutes in 36, no double in 37. why keep?

  5. Cuchu
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Firmino to Jesus before or after GW36?

    1. conew
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      after anfield expres

    2. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Now

    3. Jersey
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      can't be decided until the end of the week

  6. Clintymints
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Is there many people with Mahrez left over on their teams from the recent WC? Surely it's wise just to keep him for 37 at this stage

    1. Coaly
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Nah, finished as an option and City cover essential again

    2. MTPockets
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Probably keeping. Maybe Sane/Silva in 37, but that involves also keeping Austin.

      • Viper
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        He is potentially my route to a City midfielder and they are definitely getting priority over Mahrez

      • TheCurseOfRaheem
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        I got rid for 35, he looks uninterested lately. Would rather have a City/Spurs mid at that price.

        1. Clintymints
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          What if you already did?

          I've a feeling spending points to get rid of double game week players for other double game week players is probably a bad idea!

          He did have an awful lot of chances and near misses in recent games. Definitely unlucky not to have more baps

          1. TheCurseOfRaheem
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            I see the logic in keeping as he's nailed and we know what he is capable of. I do agree though that it is a high risk play to get rid of him for a hit.

      • Je suis le chat
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        I'm holding until gw 38 to switch to Mo, if I don't do it earlier.

      • Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        I had him 30 mins ago. Mahrez > Sterling done now.

      • pjomara
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Keeping, not getting rid of a nailed on player with 2 guaranteed home starts against the worst defensive away side and a weakened Arsenal side who are terrible away from home at the best of times.
        Sterling worth getting even though he wont start twice with only 2 days rest between and lots of squad players to keep happy.
        Will get Sterling in for Willian probably

        1. Clintymints
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Yea that;s my thinking. I wouldn't bring him in but he's already there so 2 home games and only PL games isn't too bad

          It's a tricky call

      • G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Just pulled the trigger.
        Mahrez and Lukaku for Sterling and Jésus(-4)

        1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Basically mahrez to sterling for a -4.

          1. G-Whizz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            ???

          2. G-Whizz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            I don't have Sterling or Jésus, I was on a FH this week...

      • Jersey
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        i'm certainly keeping him

    3. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Lukaku-> Jesus for a FT too sideways?

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        No, not sideways imo. Frees up a crucial 1.4 too

        1. Ibralicious
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          True,cheers

      2. Je suis le chat
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        I've just done it and feels good.

        1. Ibralicious
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Alright me too then 😀

    4. SuperMane Returns
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      After the worry of the FH adavantage against the Non FH'ers, being a non FH'er im happy I got all my Man City players in already in GW35, so I dont have the issue of that, so feel like I have a headstart of some sort over some GW35 FH'ers.

      1. ZimZalabim
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        with the amount of price changes that have happened this past week the non free hitters that brought in city assets are the big winners for sure. I just checked how much my free hit team would cost if i tried to buy it now and theres been a 1.4 m swing in prices.
        I think if the free hit chip stays in the game then it really shouldnt count towards price changes really makes a massive dent in TV.

    5. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Bench one please

      A Barnes
      B Arnie
      C Mili

      1. Begbie.
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        B probably

    6. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Wilson-> Perez for -4?

      (5th mid is currently McArthur)

    7. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Is this OK for 36 or do I need to change anything for hit?

      DDG
      Lowton Smalling Kompany
      Salah Son Sterling Zaha Gudmundsson
      Kane (c) Jesus

      Ryan Barnes Mustafi Morgan

      1. TooDifficuIt
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Kompany may not play

        1. Henryyy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Why is that?

        2. dunas_dog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Would yo transfer to Davies or any other suggestions 5.9m or under?

        3. Sánchez
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Even so, you'd still start him

      2. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        * Salah becomes Eriksen if AE say not in starting 11

      3. Coaly
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Would play Barnes over Gud

    8. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Lukaku -- Jesus
      Mahrez -- Sterling -4

      ?
      Means no Salah till 38

      1. Je suis le chat
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Do the first bit and wait until after Liv play to decide on the second.

        1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Can't afford Salah without a -8 if I do that though

          1. Je suis le chat
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            I'd still wait until later in the week to have more complete info. I may do the same myself.

            1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 11 months ago

              Cheers mate, appreciate it

    9. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Who would you prefer for GW37 and 38?

      A) Lukaku
      B) Auba
      C) Laca

      1. Je suis le chat
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Maybe none of the above and go for Swansea striker.

      2. Part-time Scout
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Kaku

      3. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Lukaku

    10. pjomara
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Any Man City players besides Jesus likely to get more than 120 min in the dgw?
      I can see Foden, Yaya, Zinchenko and B Silva all getting at least one start.

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        I think Sterling will get two starts

      2. arndff_
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Sterling?

    11. NoName
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Everyone who FH in 35 waiting until Friday to make transfers this gw?

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        I think a lot will depend on Salah for me, so yeah

        1. NoName
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Thinking the same. Cheers Viper.

      2. ZimZalabim
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        have to wait but will mean i have to take a -4 as ill be priced out of mahrez to sterling tonight but i think at the moment its better to wait till thursday.

      3. Clintymints
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Would love to but I'm being out priced so need to move now

        Wait as long as you can, funds allowing

    12. pakornk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Keep Lukaku or sell for Kane - 4?

      1. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Sell

    13. Nanoelektronicar
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Sane no show is so annoying, can't wait for tomorrow night and Perez autosub.

    14. willl
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Is going with Salah on WC, with plans to switch KDB in and then out around the DGW, a good idea?

      Team is set up for BB so other transfers wont be needed, unless an injury/suspension comes up.

    15. DAN DARE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Gutted that I took out Monreal, Kompany and Lacazette for Bellerin, Otamendi and Aubameyang. I guess that's the problem with making 35 transfers in a week. 20 players that can come back and haunt you!

      1. Slitherene
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        A free hit is like that only.

    16. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Little help here please, 0itb, 1FT, team is:

      Ddg,Ryan
      Alonso,Bailly,Dunk,Lowton,Morgan
      Salah,Mahrez,Willian,Son,Kenedy
      Lukaku,Vardy,Barnes

      Mahrez to Sterling or save? How do I get Kane in for the double? Cheers

    17. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Alonso spotted!

    18. Les Bleus
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Well deserved for Salah

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Will be in the Ballon D'or conversation if he wins CL

        1. ZimZalabim
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          should be top three regardless i think

        2. Les Bleus
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Should be.

    19. QuintonFortune25
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Lukaku and Alonso to Jesus and Masuaku now for (-4pts) to catch potential price rise/drop. Then if Salah confirmed starting I'll bring him in for Mahrez, if not probably KDB or Sterling. Good plan?

    20. magnet
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Probably a silly question but I'll ask anyway. Do you not gain any free transfers when a chip is played?

      1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Unfortunately not mate

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

          I'm also assuming you can make free transfers and play BB in the same week?

          1. Baps hunter
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            1-2 😉

    21. Viper
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Jesus & Sterling should only go up 0.1m each before Friday yeah?

      1. QuintonFortune25
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah reckon they will be top transfer targets throughout the week

      2. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Lukaku and Mahrez to drop also though.
        Both could go up tonight

      3. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        If they go up tonight they'll likely be very close again on Thursday night.

        1. Viper
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          I need another wildcard 😆

      4. Fred54
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Firmino went up by 0.2 over two nights...Maybe the pricing algorithm has becone self aware.

        1. Viper
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          He went up??

          1. arndff_
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            Twice!

            1. Viper
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 11 months ago

              That's very odd

          2. Fred54
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            Sorry my bad. Just one rise.

            1. Fred54
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 11 months ago

              Heh I went to check and confused myself.

    22. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Wildcard, finally!
      Will BB in 37.

      Completely changed the draft, kindly RMT?

      de Gea - Ederson
      Smalling - Morgan - Mawson - Vertonghen - Cedric
      Dilva - Eriksen - Arnautovic - Sterling - Willian
      Perez - Kane - J. Ayew

      Who do you think might not end up playing the both the matches of the DGW?

      Suggestions appreciated!

      1. arndff_
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Looks good

        1. Slitherene
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Although Smalling, Dilva and Willian might end up playing once only kn the DGW.

    23. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Who is your C atm for GW36?

      1. arndff_
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Kane atm

        1. Henryyy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Same.....Will his form be good enough tho....

      2. Jersey
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        atm doesn't matter. only at the deadline matters.

        Salah if confirmed starting, otherwise Kane.

    24. sergioaguero67
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      What to do with Aubameyang?

      A. Keep
      B. Sell him off for Lacazette

      Please help

      1. arndff_
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        B is a sideways move, isn't it?

      2. Viper
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        A

      3. Jersey
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        keep

    25. HD7
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      De Gea
      Morgan Tark Baily
      Gudm Son Willian Mahrez
      Kane Vardy Lukaku

      Subs: Ryan, Alonso, Lowton, AKing

      GW 36
      Baily to Vert

      GW 37:
      Mahrez Lukaku to Sterling Jesus -4

      Or do them all tonight before rises for -8?

    26. JJeyy
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Bench one:
      A) Lingard (ARS)
      B) Arnie (MCI)
      C) Barnes (BHA)

      1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Still C for me. Arnie is a one-man show