Scout Notes

Kane presence forces FPL re-think while Alli offers cheaper alternative

Harry Kane (£12.5m) led another contingent of returning World Cup players to make unexpected appearances in Gameweek 1.

As the Fantasy community reacts to his inclusion in Spurs’ win over Newcastle, we’ve had a look at today’s lunch-time match in detail.

NEWCASTLE 1-2 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

  • Goals: Joselu (£5.0m) | Jan Vertonghen (£6.0m), Dele Alli (£9.0m)
  • Assists: Matt Ritchie (£6.0m) | Davinson Sánchez (£6.0m), Serge Aurier (£6.0m)

Manager Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that his side will be rather unsettled in coming matches, much to the worry of any Fantasy managers holding Spurs assets.

“I think it was very good competition today with a big squad. Massive competition between them and I’m going to rotate in the next few weeks, trying to give the possibility to all the players to play and be important.” – Mauricio Pochettino

Harry Kane’s (£12.5m) wait for a Premier League goal in August continued, even after he made a surprise return to competitive action for Spurs at Newcastle. The England international only came back to training on Monday, which had meant he was a doubt for Gameweek 1 involvement, but he was named in the starting line-up.

That was of particular delight initially to the 36.1 percent of managers who had signed him for their squads in spite of the initial uncertainty over his status. Meanwhile, it caused some worry among managers who had not factored Kane into their plans. However, Kane’s involvement proved to have little impact, as he failed to score and was yellow-carded too.

But Kane’s first appearance of 2018/19 is still likely to cause a stir in the FPL world as managers will have to decide whether he is worth making major changes or for, or if it is best to wait it out until September. He faces Fulham next, who were undone by Crystal Palace in their opening fixture, before trips to Man United and Watford come next.

Jan Vertonghen (£6.0m) was another returning face, which proved to be good news for the 9.2 percent of managers who had chosen Ben Davies (£6.0m) in their squads. It meant that both centre-back slots were filled, with Sanchez involved too, allowing the Welshman to play in his more natural position of left-back. While he did not contribute to attacking returns in the match, his owners can at least be encouraged by the fact that his position on the pitch won’t be as restricted as previously thought.

Dele Alli (£9.0m) was another unexpected starter for Spurs and immediately put himself in the conversation for the Gameweek 2 transfer market. The England international came into this opening weekend in just under four percent of squads but his goal against Newcastle gives him some appeal ahead of next week’s meeting with Fulham. With Kane perhaps too expensive to pull in before deploying a Wildcard, and possibly goalless in August again, Alli could be the way to go if a Spurs attacker is needed. Furthermore, Christian Eriksen (£9.5m) created more chances than any other midfielder either in this match or in the later 3pm kick-offs.

Kieran Trippier (£6.0m), the most popular defender in FPL with 26.3 percent ownership, was not involved in the fixture and neither was Danny Rose (£6.0m). That was a result of Pochettino allowing the two players extra time to recover from their World Cup exploits this summer.

Eric Dier (£5.0m) and Lucas Moura (£7.0m) limped off in the closing stages of the match but Pochettino has played down any fears of injuries.

“No, no they are ok. I hope that Monday they will start to train with the team. Eric Dier was so tired. He felt in the end cramp, but Lucas nothing.” – Mauricio Pochettino

As for the Magpies, Matt Ritchie (£6.0m) delivered on his creative potential at the first time of asking. We had picked Ritchie out as Newcastle’s top assister for 2018/19 in pre-season, and he was the one who provided one for Joselu (£5.0m) to equalise in the first-half. The Scottish midfielder also resumed his duties as Newcastle’s corner taker.

At one stage last season, there was plenty expected from Joselu, especially after the first 10 Gameweeks. Only Kane, Romelu Lukaku (£11.0m), Sergio Aguero (£11.0m) and Alvaro Morata (£9.0m) had more shots than him in that period. He struggled to deliver though, only scoring twice in that spell, with a very poor conversion rate of 8.3 percent. The budget forward suggested he could improve on that this season as he buried one of his two chances today and secured a bonus point too. However, with Newcastle’s fixtures remaining really tough over the next four weeks, and the fact that Salomon Rondon (£6.0m) looks set to take his starting place, neither Joselu or Ritchie are worth considering.

There were discouraging signs for DeAndre Yedlin (£4.5m) who left the stadium on crutches after the match. Rafael Benitez revealed that further assessment was required, opening the door for Javier Manquillo (£4.5m) to come in for him in Gameweek 2.

“It is still too soon to know for sure. There is a problem with his knee, but we need to wait. The doctor has to assess him properly.” – Rafa Benitez

NEWCASTLE UNITED XI (4-4-2): Dubravka; Dummett, Clark, Lascelles, Yedlin; Kenedy, Shelvey, Diamé, Ritchie (Atsu 67’); Joselu (Rondon 57’), Pérez (Mutō 80’).

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR XI (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Davies, Vertonghen, Sánchez, Aurier; Sissoko, Dier (Amos 88’); Moura (Dembele 67’), Eriksen, Alli (Son 80’); Kane.

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2,093 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Jonny Sutt
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    I have no richarlison but i do have siggy. Anyone else in this situation sticking with siggy?

    1. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      He just got pulled because of the red card. I'm sure you picked him for a reason, have some faith!

      However, wasn't there some comments that Bernard might challenge him for game time?

      1. Jonny Sutt
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Ye either him or wally and as he was the player subbed, thst makes me think Walcott is preferred. I hope im wrong!

        1. Funny Face
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          I think Siggy got hooked rather than Walcott as Silva wanted to leave pace on either side of Tosun. In coming weeks I think Siggy will be a big player for Everton.

    2. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Same here. Dunno what to do.

      Surprised he got pulled. Would’ve thought Walcott would be the one who made way. Worrying and not decided if I’m sticking or not.

      1. Rotation's Alter Ego
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        With Mina and Co offering serious threat at set pieces, I can see Siggy really racking up a good amount of assists.

        iirc Az is in the same boat as you 😉

    3. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      I have Richo but I Would definetly keep siggy

    4. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      I'd be worried with Bernard coming in. But Walcott is more likely to lose his place.

      1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        keep until we know more about Rich's injury and Berndard

      2. Jonny Sutt
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers guys, think I'll save the transfer

  2. Rotation's Alter Ego
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone in particular you will be watching out for tomorrow?

    Has to be KDB for me. One good performance and I might struggle to keep my knee in check. Beautiful fixtures and you'd assume as close to nailed as anyone can come in that City midfield.

    1. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      KDB for me as well. I also want to see if Bilva is ready to be the new Dilva

      1. Rotation's Alter Ego
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        If Bilva gets regular game time he becomes very interesting to me.

        In my team currently in hope of him achieving just that in the opening weeks, but there's so many not just talented, but exciting, footballers there. 🙂

        1. Ghost Gooner
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          At his price I'd be ok with him get rotated occasionally

  3. trustmeimpurple
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    I can’t see any comments does anyone know how to change it?(can only see comments on my posts)

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      That’s weird

  4. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    @trustmeimpurple

    Tick the "see replies" box.

    1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      ?

  5. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    trustmeimpurple tick the ‘show replies’ box in the enter comments area

    1. Tempestic
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      He just said he can only see comments on his posts, but u don’t reply on his post?

  6. the Penman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Perspective people. You were never going to play your 4.0m defender of convenience.

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Exactly.

    2. BUZZBOMB
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Fairly certain to start and excellent fixture? Really?

    3. captainjilflex
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      i covered myself in case wolves shut out everton with doherty over awb, bad choice. didnt bank on him getting a cs and assist away from home. doh!

    4. ChelseaKTBFF
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Why not? I did. He was a sure starter and his fixture was easy. Would you feel better playing Tomkins?

  7. All de Gea no iDier
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Yep. They spend the best part of five weeks researching and agonising over team selections, saying nothing of endless RMTs where they ask a random bunch of strangers their opinions, and all it takes is Luke Shaw to score his first goal ever and Kante to get his whole season's tally in one GW and the Wild Cards will be out in force. Knee-jerkers!

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      I love it, it's beautiful to watch the meltdowns. People never learn.

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      pretty standard, although...he obviously won't be Frank Lampard or anything but I'd bet a decent amount that Kante scores again this season

    3. captainjilflex
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      stick to the plan

  8. Ruud000
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Has everyone’s FPL id changed?

    Thought it stayed the same.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Very few will be the same.

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      It's always in the order that you sign up each season.

    3. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Changes based on when you sign up. Will be different every season.

  9. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    top 10K avg anyone???

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      https://fpldiscovery.wordpress.com/

      Top 10k average is fairly meaningless this week.

    2. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      There's no such thing as the top 10k

      1. Yellin' in my Ear
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Not yet anyway

  10. rdamjan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    when do the first price changes occur?

    1. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Hopefully not tonight

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      When players get bought/sold enough.

      http://www.fplstatistics.co.uk/

      Scroll down to read about how this works.

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      When someone reaches +/-100%
      Normally 2.10am UK each night.
      http://fplstatistics.com/

    4. Matt Birch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Can prices change during a game week?

  11. Whats the Huth
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Siggy to Rich
    Costa to Neves

    -4

    1. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Would I get their points then?

      1. noahzark22
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        no

      2. Yes Don
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        yup

        1. Whats the Huth
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          Get in.
          Knee jerking right now

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      😀

      Relax and watch the matches tomorrow at the very least.

      1. Whats the Huth
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Very uncomfortable viewing tonight 🙁

    3. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Lol

    4. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      pretty good transfers imo 😀

    5. Own Goal
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Yes.
      And a free bench boost, AND
      free entry to Alton Towers.

  12. Hairy Potter
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Expecting a very big season from Hazard. Will definitely look to have him in my team by GW3.

  13. Henning
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    How was Milivojevic today?

  14. New Post
  15. Qubit
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Bloomin fpl outage before the deadline means Wan-Bissaka may be stuck first on bench. Annoying but there you go.

    1. Locarno
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Because you were going to start him? Aha. Me too. And captain him. Bloody internet.

  16. juanmata8
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Alonso > Walker for next GW?

  17. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    How will you improve this team for gw2 onwards:

    Patricio
    PVA Robertson Shaw
    Salah Eriksen Richarlison Jota
    King Firmino Kun

    Hamer Peltier WB Stephens

    I will wait after tomorrow's game to make a decision, of course would make swaps as late as possible considering price changes.

    Save?

  18. jia you
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    61 points, yet 706k rank! What the hell?

    1. fedolefan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Haha, may be the ranks haven't updated or whatever?

  19. The Enlightener
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    FPL site going into super slow mode/freezing up with 5 minutes before deadline while I was trying to switch Schurrle for Richa has cost me 12 points. (This happened, as documented by others, so not making it up.) I knew as the site stalled and jammed, while I sat there unable to do anything about it, that I was gonna get bent over by it all with no recourse. And sure enough. Yeah, I'm whining, but I am not exactly thrilled and would expect nobody else to be either. What a damper. And, should anyone argue that I left it too late and tinkering with little time to spare, the deadline is listed as a precise time and I was ahead of it. Arrrggghh! Rant over. Just feeling uninspired by the game at the moment........

    1. Locarno
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      It happens every single season. You had two months to make that switch.

      1. The Enlightener
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Empty argument. What does it matter when you do it if it's before the listed deadline? That's the point. And yeah, who sets their team two months early? Weak.

        1. Locarno
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          But if you know it crashes at the same time every season, why wait till 6.55pm? Weaker.

          1. The Enlightener
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 7 months ago

            The rules of the game and the deadlines are clearly outlined. And if the game crashes at such a crucial moment, don't you see that as an issue? That's the whole point. It's basically a glitch in the game. And to be honest, more often than not in the past, because of time changes (where I live) I was sleeping when the deadline came around.

            1. The Enlightener
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 7 months ago

              What kind of integrity is that if the game always crashes right before everything gets under way? At such a crucial time? Maybe if it always happens, as you say, somebody should do something about it other than dismiss it as the FPL manager's fault. I mean, if it's so predictable.

        2. The Enlightener
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          But I already knew that responses like this would be made. So go on with it, you whoever feels like it.

      2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        You never had a last minute change if heart switch.....which turned out to be genius
        It's part of the game

        1. The Enlightener
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          It's the site stalling while I was waiting for the transfer to go through minutes before the clearly established deadline that bothers me. I have had what you mention happen before, but what I'm talking about here is the site going down essentially at such a crucial moment.

    2. The Enlightener
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      And of course Richa had to get two instead of just the one, which was painful enough. LOLZ. Why do I play this game, sometimes I wonder..................

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

    Fraser only owned by 1.3%... so happy to have punted on him.

    1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      I remember seeing ppl asking about him before the deadline. A lot of the experienced ppl laughed them off.

    2. captainjilflex
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      good punt. I had him in from the start. thought he looked decent last season

  21. Boo Ya Ka Sha
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    How did Lucas Moura play today? Was he stuck to the wing, you think he'll be in the starting eleven against Fulham?

    1. captainjilflex
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      didnt do alot for me. mis controlled the ball a couple of times.

  22. Martin66
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    32 points on the bench, anyone got higher?

    1. captainjilflex
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      ouch

  23. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Early thoughts going into GW2

    Foster
    Robertson Mendy Azpilicueta
    Hughes B.Silva Mane Eriksen
    Aguero Firmino King

    Patricio Cairney Tomkins Wan-Biassaka

    0.5m ITB

  24. George Sillett
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    I hope that TAA has a well deserved rest tomorrow from his world cup on the bench.

  25. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone know why Anfield Express has been suspended on twitter?

  26. Leeds2116
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    how did cairney and will hughes play?

    1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Bad as every 5.0 white player would.

      1. Leeds2116
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        racist

        1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          You know guys named so monotonous like Cairney, Hughes, Ralls, Stephens will never outscore Neves, Wan Bissaka etc..

          1. Leeds2116
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 7 months ago

            sure just like kane lol

            1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 7 months ago

              He too was not good today

          2. Skid Vicious
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 7 months ago

            Lol

            1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 7 months ago

              Jorginho, Richarlison, just think about it

  27. Lampard 8
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Please may you join our league:
    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=314109-233527.

  28. St Pauli Walnuts
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Bit of advice sought chaps. For a long while in build-up I had Neves in for Cairney but then really wanted Jota and didn't want to double up on Wolves mid, especially as I plan to start with a 5 mil mid most weeks (might play 4 at back when fixtures are kind). Neves is looking really good value though at 5 mil and sure to go up in price this week. Stick it out with Cairney or double up with Wolves? Or plan C I haven't thought of yet? Ta.

    GK Ederson
    D Mendy
    D Robertson
    D Daniels
    M Jota
    M Salah
    M Eriksen
    M Cairney
    F Arnautovic
    F Aguero
    F Firmino

    B Hamer
    B Wan-Bisaka
    B Peltier
    B Schneiderlin