Scout Notes

Aguero hits hat-trick as Mendy collects another two FPL assists

Sergio Aguero hit a hat-trick as Benjamin Mendy delivered another two assists in Manchester City’s 6-1 defeat of Huddersfield Town.

Watford’s fine start to the season continued, while in our re-cap of yesterday evening’s match, Chelsea and Arsenal both exhilarated in attack – but looked shaky at the back.

In our latest Scout Notes article, we analyse three goal-laden matches from Gameweek 2.

Manchester City 6-1 Huddersfield Town

  • Goals: Sergio Aguero (£11.0m) x3, Gabriel Jesus (£10.5m), David Silva (£8.4m), own-goal | Jon Stankovic (£4.0m)
  • Assists: Ederson (£5.5m), Benjamin Mendy (£6.1m) x2, Sergio Aguero, Leroy Sane (£9.5m)

Sunday’s demolition of Huddersfield Town suggested that Manchester City players are, as they were in 2017/18, going to be a rich source of FPL points this season – but that we must also be prepared for more rotation roulette.

After Leroy Sane‘s (£9.5m) owners were left cursing Pep Guardiola’s team selection last weekend, this time it was the turn of FPL managers who had backed Raheem Sterling (£11.0m), Riyad Mahrez (£9.0m) and Kyle Walker (£6.5m). All three of these premium picks – as well as Sane – started on the bench as Guardiola brought in Gabriel Jesus (£10.5m), Vincent Kompany (£5.5m) and David Silva (£8.4m) for their first league starts of the season.

Rumours that Sergio Aguero (£11.0m) would be dropped for City’s first home match of the 2018/19 campaign proved to be unfounded, with Aguero lining up alongside Jesus as Guardiola switched to a 3-5-2 to combat their visitors’ defensive set-up.

Aguero’s three-goal contribution – and in particular his hat-trick goal – left Guardiola purring:

The pass was outstanding, the control by Sergio Aguero. I never saw him like this since I was here, he is in an incredible condition with the ball and without the ball. I thought to take Sergio off before the hat-trick but in the end it was perfect, he scored a goal and off to a standing ovation.

After surgery with the doctor, he feels free now. He suffered last year with some problems but his whole game, not just scoring goals but his passing and his assists… he never stops!

When that happens, he is one of the best strikers in the world, without a doubt. Since he came back, in this period, in the Community Shield, against Arsenal and today, he has been perfect.

Given the level of speculation surrounding Aguero and his position in the City team over the last 48 hours, those comments should leave FPL managers in no doubt about the Argentinean’s importance to Guardiola and the City set-up.

Aguero had nine shots on goal in this match and no FPL forward has had more attempts on goal than the 30-year-old striker so far this season.

Guardiola reiterated after the match the importance of Benjamin Mendy (£6.1m) in the 3-5-2 set-up, a system that the City manager only rolled out once after the French left-back’s serious injury suffered at the beginning of 2017/18.

Last season Huddersfield played five at the back. We decided today, we would play with two strikers. All the players made a good performance. We could not attack in this way last year because we did not have Benjamin Mendy [due to a long-term injury], he is so clever to go up and down. When we have we are able to attack in that way.

While effusive in his praise of Mendy, Guardiola’s slightly tongue-in-cheek comments after the match hinted at the possible need to manage the wing-back’s minutes when City are back in midweek Champions League action:

He’s a guy who is full of energy, offensively and defensively and with the ball.

We know his physicality. Now, we have one game a week, we have time for recovery. I don’t know what will happen when we play every three days!

Mendy recorded a brace of assists for the second week running and played a big part in City’s second goal, with the loose ball from the Frenchman’s halted darting run being rifled home by Jesus. Mendy’s price will surely rise again this week, with the former Monaco left-back having already been bought by over 100,000 new managers since the Gameweek 2 deadline passed.

Although Walker was rested for the visit of Huddersfield (perhaps with Guardiola taking into consideration his World Cup exertions), the England wing-back would seem ideally suited to this 3-5-2 formation going forward. City’s shape off the ball on Sunday – with John Stones moving across to right-back as City became as 4-4-2 of sorts – is, however, an indication that there was also a possible tactical reason for Walker’s omission.

Mahrez and Sterling played centrally on occasion for their respective clubs last season so it is not necessarily a given that the pair couldn’t be integrated into such a set-up; Sterling, of course, was deployed as a striker for England in Russia in Gareth Southgate’s similar – albeit not quite as fluid – 3-5-2 system.

With Mahrez off the pitch and De Bruyne crocked, David Silva demonstrated his aptitude from dead-ball situations with a direct free-kick goal. Bernardo Silva (£7.6m), meanwhile, was mostly entrusted with corner-taking duties.

Huddersfield were without the injured Zanka (£4.5m) and Jonathan Hogg (£4.5m), while Aaron Mooy (£5.5m) missed the match with his wife in labour.

David Wagner sprung a few surprises in his bid to combat their hosts, deploying FPL defenders Jon Stankovic (£4.0m) and Florent Hadergjonaj (£4.5m) “out of position” in midfield.

Stankovic scored on his Premier League debut and could, depending on the severity of Hogg and Zanka’s injuries, be another bargain-bin defender to add to the short-term watchlist, particularly with the Terriers next at home against Cardiff City.

Wagner said after the match:

I’m pleased for Jon (Stankovic). It wasn’t easy for him in the last 12 months. We prepared him as a centre-back, but when City changed their shape to a three, he had to play alongside Philip Billing as ‘six’.

Aaron Mooy will be back for Cardiff. We also have to hope that Zanka and Jonathan Hogg will be back; we will make a decision on that later in the week.

The first-team prospects of the only £4.0m-rated goalkeeper to have started a Premier League fixture this season, Ben Hamer, might be in doubt after his display in this match, however. Hamer was particularly culpable for City’s third goal, shovelling a Mendy cross straight into the path of Aguero.

Manchester City XI (3-5-2): Ederson; Stones, Kompany, Laporte; Mendy, D Silva (Mahrez 64′), Fernandinho, Gundogan (Foden ’82), B Silva; Aguero (Sane 76′), Gabriel Jesus

Huddersfield Town XI (4-4-1-1): Hamer; Smith, Schindler, Kongolo, Lowe; Pritchard (Diakhaby 61′), Stankovic, Billing, Hadergjonaj; Sabiri (Depoitre 46′); Mounie (Sobhi’ 84)

Burnley 1-3 Watford

  • Goals: James Tarkowski (£5.0m) | Andre Gray (£6.0m), Troy Deeney (£6.0m), Will Hughes (£5.0m)
  • Assists: Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£6.0m) | Troy Deeney, Abdoulaye Doucoure (£6.0m)

With all the tactical tweaks and line-up changes going on at the Etihad, it was a Scout Notes writer’s dream to see two unchanged Premier League teams walk out at Turf Moor.

Burnley had the joint-best home defensive record outside of the top six last season, conceding on just 17 occasions in 19 matches on their own soil, but the first potential impact of their Europa League-influenced Thursday/Sunday schedule might have been evident on Sunday as they fell to a 3-1 defeat to the Hornets.

Although only Joe Hart (£4.5m), Stephen Ward (£5.0m) and Jeff Hendrick (£5.5m) of their starting XI today played the full 120 minutes against Istanbul Basaksehir, a further six of the team that faced the Hornets were also involved to varying degrees on Thursday evening.

Dyche though refused to blame the defeat on the Clarets’ hectic schedule and heavy legs:

It’s the story that started five months ago. It’s not new, but you’ll all run it, it’s your jobs. That’s the challenge, it’s here, it’s real, so that’s what we get on with.

The performances have been really good. First half we were very good, certainly the better side. Once they get 3-1 up, it’s difficult, at the end of the market, when teams have a two-goal swing.

The Clarets will again be in action on the next two Thursdays, taking on Olympiakos in a two-legged Europa League play-off less than 72 hours before matches against Fulham and Manchester United – something that will perhaps influence Fantasy managers’ decisions on whether to draft the likes of Hart, Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£6.0m) and Chris Wood (£6.5m) into their squads for Burnley’s appealing next half-dozen matches.

Gudmundsson, who registered more assists (nine) last season than anyone in the £6.0m or under price bracket, was the architect of yet another goal on Sunday afternoon, with one of his five corner-kick deliveries finding the head of James Tarkowski (£5.0m) for Burnley’s equaliser.

The Icelandic midfielder was also the most advanced Burnley player over the course of the 90 minutes, based on average positions.

To claim that Watford’s victory was down to their hosts’ weariness would be a disservice to an impressive Hornets’ side, though.

Javi Gracia’s well-organised “4-4-2 with inverted wingers” set-up once again allowed Jose Holebas (£4.6m) plenty of freedom to push forward from the left-back position, though he and the other hero of last weekend – Roberto Pereyra (£6.1m) – were to give up the stage for four other key players in Watford’s midfield/attack.

Troy Deeney and Andre Gray (both £6.0m) combined beautifully for the latter’s opening strike before Deeney got a goal of his own from Abdoulaye Doucoure‘s (£6.0m) sumptuous pass.

Speaking of his front pairing, Gracia said:

It’s good for our two forwards. They are doing a very good job, not only like today by scoring goals. They are creating difficulties for the centre-backs and today we have been able to keep the line a little bit higher.

Will Hughes, at £5.0m over one million pound cheaper than Pereyra in FPL, posed a bigger goal threat than his opposite wide-man and got a deserved goal on 51 minutes, punishing a sloppy pass from Matthew Lowton (£5.0m).

Crucially, Watford have now shaken off their away-day jinx under Gracia (this was his first win on the road) and they now face three successive home matches in the league with which to capitalise on their impressive start.

Burnley XI (4-5-1): Hart; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Ward (Taylor 74′); Lennon, Hendrick (Vokes 70′), Cork, Westwood, Gudmundsson; Wood (Barnes 65′)

Watford XI (4-4-2): Foster; Janmaat, Cathcart, Kabasele, Holebas; Hughes (Femenía 82′), Doucoure, Capoue, Pereyra; Gray (Sema 67′), Deeney (Success 88′)

Chelsea 3-2 Arsenal

  • Goals: Pedro (£6.5m), Alvaro Morata (£9.0m), Marcos Alonso (£6.5m) | Alex Iwobi (£5.5m), Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£7.0m)
  • Assists: Marcos Alonso, Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.5m), Eden Hazard (£10.5m) | Henrikh Mkhitaryan

After all the doom-mongering pre-season predictions about how life as an orthodox left-back in Maurizio Sarri’s 4-3-3 system would end his days as a worthwhile premium pick, Marcos Alonso (£6.5m) sits atop of the highest points-scorers’ table in FPL with only one match of Gameweek 2 remaining.

Alonso delivered his second successive double-digit return, registering a goal and assist in Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Arsenal to add to his 11-point haul in Gameweek 1.

The Spaniard had three attempts on goal in the win over the Gunners and made numerous overlapping runs past Willian (£7.5m) ahead of him, who would often cut inside to generate space for Alonso.

The introduction of Eden Hazard (£10.5m) arguably made him an even bigger threat in attack and it was the Belgian who found Alonso in the box with nine minutes remaining for the left-back to grab Chelsea’s winner.

Substitutes Hazard and Mateo Kovacic (£6.0m), the latter of whom completed 42 of his 43 passes, drew praise for their displays, though Sarri’s words after the match hinted that Willian and Ross Barkley‘s (£6.0m) starting positions might be safe for another week or so:

I am really very happy. But in my opinion, in this moment Kovacic and Hazard are not able to play for 90 minutes.

So I thought that it was better 25-30 minutes when the intensity of the game is going down, and Hazard has done two assists in two matches. So I am very happy, also because I think that Kovacic can improve a lot here.

While the Blues were potent in attack, the quarter of an hour of madness immediately before half-time would have been a worry for both Sarri and FPL managers who own a Chelsea defender.

Arsenal scored twice to peg the score back to 2-2 and looked in the ascendancy at half-time, having struggled to get into game for the first half-hour.

That Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£7.0m) created more chances than any other player at Stamford Bridge yesterday said much about Alonso’s failings defensively, though the Spaniard was not afforded a great deal of protection by the midfielders in front of him and wasn’t alone in his iffy showing at the back.

Speaking of his side’s defensive work, Sarri said:

We have to improve in the defensive phase, and I’m not talking about only the defenders. The defensive phase of all the team, all the players. If we press very high, we are able to do well. But, at the other moments, when we are not able to press in the other half, we are in trouble.

Pedro (£6.5m) scored his second goal of the season to open the scoring and was a threat all night, while Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.5m) and Alvaro Morata (£9.0m) demonstrated their almost telepathic understanding for Chelsea’s second goal. Azpilicueta, while not quite as gung-ho as Alonso on the opposite flank, made three key passes yesterday evening and now has seven assists since the start of 2017/18 – all seven of which were scored by Morata.

Jorginho (£5.1m) and N’Golo Kante (£5.0m) delivered eye-catching performances in midfield, meanwhile.

Jorginho was metronomic at the base of the central three, though the fact that not one of his 99 passes led directly to a chance says much about the Brazilian’s Fantasy appeal (the odd converted penalty aside).

Kante’s rebirth as a box-to-box midfielder continues to intrigue, however, with no player on either side having as many touches in the opposition area. The French midfielder also fired off three shots, though lacked conviction when presented with a goal-scoring opportunity.

Unai Emery was adventurous in his team selection, deploying Alex Iwobi (£5,5m) to the left of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) and stationing Mesut Ozil (£8.5m) in the hole.

Nacho Monreal (£5.5m), meanwhile, was fit enough to return at left-back.

The Gunners’ offensive performance for the second half of the opening 45 minutes would have encouraged FPL managers ahead of Arsenal’s appealing run of fixtures from Gameweeks 3-10, though, like Chelsea, their defence left much to be desired.

Iwobi’s display in particular, capped off by a goal, would have given Emery food for thought ahead of next week’s home encounter with West Ham United.

Mkhitaryan, meanwhile, delivered a double-digit return to further his case in the mid-price midfielder bracket.

Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan both spurned glorious opportunities, but the fact that Manchester City were the only side to carve out more “big chances” than the Gunners this weekend speaks volumes about their attacking menace. Iwobi’s goal involved ten Arsenal players and 19 passes, underscoring their fluency in attack at times yesterday.

Ozil was withdrawn midway through the second half after a somewhat underwhelming showing, though Emery backed the German midfielder in his post-match press conference:

We need him. He helps us with his quality and also I want to push him to be competitive in every match. I am happy with Mesut because he worked hard. I decided to change it because I think we needed a little more of a push in the middle, so that we couldn’t let Chelsea progress easily with the ball.

We were defending too deep and we needed a push, so for that I brought on Aaron [Ramsey] to push up more and recover the ball to continue attacking. I am happy with Mesut. With him, I am going to do the same work, help him and demand also that he works every day. At the moment he is doing that and I am happy. In the process, he is one player that I am sure is going to have a good season.

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Arrizabalaga; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso; Kante, Jorginho, Barkley (Kovacic 60′); Willian (Hazard 61′), Morata (Giroud 74′), Pedro

Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Cech; Bellerin, Papastathopoulos, Mustafi, Monreal; Guendouzi, Xhaka (Torreira 46′); Mkhitaryan, Ozil (Ramsey 67′), Iwobi (Lacazette 74′); Aubameyang.

5,702 Comments Post a Comment
  1. JaydenLFC87
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Hudson-Odoi King

    >

    Hughes Ings

    For free Yay or Nay???

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

      king will drop in price and ings will most likely go up so worth doing. ( I say this as ive swapped ings for king )

    2. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      yay

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

    Quick question, might be a little stupid..

    I know when prices rise and you have the player you only get half the value of the price rise compared to where you bought them.

    Eg bought Richarlison at 6.5, he is now 6.7 so if I were to remove him I would get 6.6.

    My question is, does it work the same way for price drops.

    Eg King bought for 6.5, if he falls, does he have to fall to 6.3 for me to lose value on him when I get rid of him?

    So if he goes to 6.4 is he still “worth” the 6.5 I bought him for in other words when I sell?

    1. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      nope, you get the full effect of price drops sadly. King would be 6.4 if you sell him at 6.4

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

        Thanks, that is a shame...

    2. Burton
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      For drops you lose it all.

  3. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Worth shifting Arnie? Those fixtures are so poor, Arnie and King to Zaha and Ings looks better, frees up funds, and allows Mahrez to stay

    1. Burton
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I don't think Mahrez will get the game time to justify the money, and Southampton look worth avoiding entirely. Zaha in seems sensible though.

    2. The Finnisher
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Arnie to Zaha doesnt free up anything though. Like saying Aguero/King to Auba/Ings frees up funds.

      Can see Arnie bullying Mustafi, and we knew the fixtures were tough.

      Either way, I wouldnt be desperate to keep Mahrez.

    3. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      "Allows Mahrez to stay." - why is this a good thing? 9.0 for a rotation risk seems like way too much to pay when you can go Miki or even Dilva.

      1. Jealous Viper
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I think with City, you just have to set and forget with their mids and hope they get enough points with their minutes

    4. Jealous Viper
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Would leave Arnie personally. You can just do the King to Ings straight up. That King decision looks to be my worst so far but giving him one more week. Arnie on pens and even in the tougher fixtures, West Ham could nick a goal or two and good chance he gets involved

    5. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Fixtures are the same as when you left him in your team just over a week ago.

      Moving him to Zaha doesn’t free up funds.

      He’s got one goal from two games (one being one of the hardest fixtures of the season away at Anfield) and now seems to be on pens.

      He’s a great pick. People should be looking to get him in, not dump him.

      1. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Also allowing Mahrez to stay isn’t that much of a positive. I also assume you are lining up a hit if you are considering Mahrez our to free up funds?

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

      after the Everton game I'm probably gonna swap to Zaha

    7. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Arnie and King could easily outscore Zaha and Ings

  4. listentochaos
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Foster
    Robertson // Bailly // Mendy
    L.Moura // Salah //Mane // Richarlison
    King // Aguero // Zaha

    Fabianski // Bissaka // Stephens // Peltier

    Thinking, for free.

    Bailly > Laporte
    King > Ings

    That will leave me with 1.5m in the bank. Thoughts?

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

      Laporte a bit risky with ota coming back.

      Maybe Alonso?

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

      Personally I’d hold on king.

  5. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who do you think we score higher this GW

    Mkhi or Richarlison ?

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

      Mkhi

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

    Does anyone know which game week Son is back please?

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

      GW1 2021

  7. Here's the manager
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Morning .

    Have:
    Pick/Stek
    Mendy Peltier Alex-Arnold Tomkins Davies
    Pogba Mane Richarlison Eriksen Stephens
    Aguero King Lacazette
    2FT 0.5 ITB

    Have enough to do :

    King/Lacazette/ Eriksen to:
    Ings/Wilson/Salah.

    Chasing last week's points or worth it for -4?

  8. Duffy Dunk
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Maybe too early, but for gw3 would you play:

    A) Tomkins (wat)
    B) Cairney (BUR)
    C) Wan (wat)

    Pickford
    Alonso Mendy Robertson
    Salah Mane Bernardo Richarlison
    Aguero Zaha

    Stekelenburg Kamara

    1. Jealous Viper
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Watford look good early on. Could be tough for a CS. Go Cairney

  9. boc610
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    mhiki for 7 m doesnt seem right. he is basically now the Alonso enabler.

    1. @fpl_phenom
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Simple game isn’t it ? 🙂

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      That is how I did it and the 2ft feel like an upgrade

    3. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I suppose you could say the same for Willian if he continues to start.

  10. @fpl_phenom
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Foster
    Mendy Robertson WanBissaka
    Salah Hazard Bilva Richy Mkhi
    Aguero King

    Fab Shaw Peltier Madine

    Thoughts on my GW3 team? (-4 pts)

    1. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I guess you know without asking as you've made your moves already

    2. Burton
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Feels like you should have ~£2.5m spare.

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        It really doesn't, with 5 premiums

      2. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I was thinking similar that it looks like there should be extra cash to spend.

    3. Dynamic Duos
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Keeping King?

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

      I’m surprised with a -4 that King still made the cut.

      What were your transfers?

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Apologies , Wilson in for King

  11. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Ok so King > Ings done, £1m in the bank.

    Thinking where to upgrade.

    Possibly Ward > Trippier/Bavies?

    Foster - Ryan

    Mendy - Robertson - Ward - Daniels - Tomkins

    Salah - Eriksen - Pedro - Richarlison - Cairney

    Aguero - Zaha - Ings

    1. Four Hit Wonder
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Patient with Eriksen? I sold mine.

      Pedro a rotation risk.

      Upgrading Ward would give you 5 playable defenders, too much IMO, money better spent in midfield or attack.

      1. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers.

        Eriksen is class, he will deliver soon, consistent every year.

        Be surprised if Pedro rested, 2 goals in 2 games?

        What’s wrong with 5 playable defenders?

        Other worry is Cairney but not too bothered at the moment, bench player.

  12. turd ferguson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Jota dropped in price. What the hell?!?!

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

      I'm so glad I went with Rich at the start instead.

    2. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Been crap so far and subbed at half-time. Surely not that surprising?

      1. turd ferguson
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Didn't realize he was subbed at half time. No surprise there then.

    3. Andy_Social
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      He's done nothing and was hauled off at half time. I know, I've got him and can't get rid without a hit. Both he and Costa will be on my bench next week as I work out how to get rid. 🙁

      1. turd ferguson
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        King > Zaha and Jota > Fraser, will be my moves. Annoyingly can't squeeze in Mkhi.

  13. jose1
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Do you think hazard will start next game or another game off the bench?

    1. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Bench I think, I'm waiting til GW4 to get him. Not ultra convinced New (a) is that good a fixture for him, they're capable of parking the bus.

      1. Pep says
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Agreed. Mané to Haz after GW3 for me

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

    Privious years I have always played 3-4-3, but this year I will try play 3-5-2. Which formation do you play? Its hard to fit in agge/kane and salah otherwise

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

      Previous

    2. UCL Fantasy
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      3-4-3 currently but not against switching it up

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        This will be my main formation, but I feel I have fluidity in my sqaud and can play any formation with a great starting 11

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

        I think your team URL is outdated in your bio.

    3. Jealous Viper
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      3-4-3 looks like the viable long term option for me though the value to be found defensively is astonishing

      1. Mikeharbrw
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        there's so many points flowing from midfield though. 3-5-2 with Aguero and one of Zaha / Arnie is the way to go imo

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

          I manage to get Firm and aguero. Zaha is a good pick and have great fixtures after lfc

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

        I understand and its my preferd formation as well. But its a game and I will try get some points on the midfield this year instead:)

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

      4-4-2 now I’ve dumped King to Mendy from my original 3-4-3.

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

        Nice! I have both mendy and alonso

    5. GAMBIT
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      3-4-3 currently but I feel like that third striker spot is going to be a problem all year. Might just switch to a 3-5-2 on WC

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

        I had the same problem in pre season. I think I can get a decent team with aguero zaha arnie on top. But the price raises can mess everything up

  15. MattyW
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Would you guys do;

    King, Tosun, Sanchez to Auba, Ings, Mkhitaryan ... for a -4

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

      Tosun isn't a bad pick IMO, also Aubameyang might drop this week so hold off getting him until Saturday IMO.

    2. Burton
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      No. Keep Tosun.

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

        Thanks

  16. tafrère
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Currently sitting on 48 pts. With (S)alah, Mané, Firmino and Zaha left, I sure could top the 70 pts right ?

    1. MMN
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Well if Salah scores and they all blank you’ll already have 70.

  17. vova
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Do you guys reckon Hazard will start vs Newcastle or is it better to wait? I'm on a WC btw.

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

      Maybe bring Mané for GW3 and let room to get Hazard in GW4 ?

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

        In my WC draft I already have Mane, it's between Salah and Hazard for me right now (as well as the upgrades in attack should I go with Hazard).

    2. turd ferguson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I think he will

    3. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      See my answer above. If on WC budget for getting him in next GW.

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

        Thanks! I'm thinking about that too, leave some money ITB to get him in. I guess it's wait and see until Sarri's press conference.

    4. Jayv807
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Just get him now, never plan a transfer on a WC as something else always comes up

  18. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Did anyone find out if Peltier was dropped or injured?

    Not hugely important, but he has an okay fixture next up if called upon.

  19. UCL Fantasy
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone know if that Argentinian striker City have on the books will start against Wolves?

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

      Ask that chap from the Guardian. Do the opposite to what he says.

    2. Dream Killers 2.0
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      After the last performance I'd say yes...

    3. turd ferguson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      he's always a rotation risk. That's why you should never captain him..............

      1. GoonerByron
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Lol

    4. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      should do based on peps comments after the game yesterday, best hes ever seen him

    5. GoonerByron
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Last time I doubt Aguero.. Didn't end up putting me off (C) him but I was all set to use my (TC) on him this week before the articles started circling and didn't end up doing it.

      Aguero (c) vs Wolves!

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

        I'm captaining him again next week unless Salah goes mental today

        1. JJO
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          thats the main reasoning on this site
          And there is no sense in it

    6. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I would think so. Pep will certainly rotate soon but I think even Pep would feel uncomfortable about rotating Aguero the game after a hat trick.

  20. The_Fish
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    I want Mendy, I have Ederson, Bilva and Aguero.

    Which one to drop to bring in Mendy?

    1. Urchin
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Bilva please

    2. Burton
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Ederson

    3. UCL Fantasy
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Probably B.Silva but it's close between him and Ederson

    4. GoonerByron
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Bilva, loads of good options at that price.

    5. The 12th Man
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      On Ederson,Mendy and Aguero.
      Not going near City “minefield” midfield

  21. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    My Hughes -> Neves move last week totally backfired but seems like deserved.. Should have given Hughes an other chance

  22. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Sporting lad! What's up!

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

      People were asking for the rest of it

      Pat Hamer
      Robbo Mendy Lindelof WB Peltier
      Salah Mkhi Haz Richa Stephens
      Kun Bobby Kamara

      Going 4-4-2 for WBs good run

      1. SPorting
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Quite decent actually. Although I'd need a -8 to get there.

    2. SPorting
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Not my rank, that's for sure.

      How's you doing son?

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

        Doing great. Life's not that bad. Getting married in December 🙂

        1. SPorting
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Woo hoo!

          Congrats. I'm sure you'll make a lovely bride.

  23. The 12th Man
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    On Wild Card.
    Actually considering having Mane and Kane instead of Salah and Firmino.
    Crazy?

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

      Watch tonight

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

      Don't think so. Salah will bring in the points but 13m is a lot.

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

        I mean I don't think it's crazy at all.

    3. UCL Fantasy
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Think I'd prefer Salah and Mane 🙂

      1. SPorting
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah but LIV fixtures from GW4-GW8 are dodgy.

        Better value players elsewhere regardless of "essential" FPL status.

        1. The 12th Man
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          This is why I’m considering this. It’s not as if Salah and Kane can not be changed back.

        2. UCL Fantasy
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          But next 4 include Brighton (h), Leicester (a) and Southampton (h)

          Not sure if I need to look much further ahead than that.

          Still not sure Kane is worth £12.5m and if Salah comes away with 2 attacking returns tonight then I think people will stop talking about getting rid of him as much

          Granted - Aguero looks like a top captain for the next 4-5 weeks!

          1. The 12th Man
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            This is why it’s not straight forward. Just weighing up all the options after a bad start with KDB and Sanchez.
            See how tonight pans out.

      2. The 12th Man
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        That would mean someone like Zaha/Arnie to go alongside Aguero and Ings and give up Pedro or Mkhitarian for Mane

    4. danishdynamite
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Not crazy ............ 13m requires a solid points return and a bankable (C) ......... if he ain't delivering, then fine, he can do one

      Same applies to Kane, of course

    5. Burton
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      If you're spending the big money, I'd much rather Salah than Kane.

      1. The 12th Man
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Going to see how the game pans out tonight before deciding.

  24. danishdynamite
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    I'm not keen on finding the $$$ for Auba, so Mihki it is.

    However, one of these to has to make way: Salah / Mané / Bernardo Silva

    I'm leaning toward Mané being the makeweight as their fixtures start getting a bit bobbins after the coming GW (all things being relative)

    1. danishdynamite
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      The question being: whaddya think ? Sound about right?

      1. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I wouldn't get rid of any of those

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

      I'd keep Mane for sure.

      1. danishdynamite
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Mane from GW4: Lei away / Tot away / SOU home / Che away / MCY home

        Jus sayin

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

      Well if Mane does well tonight it will be very difficult to justify selling and you probably won’t want to either. I’m monitoring Bilva myself and if Mkhi seems far more instrumental for Arsenal than Bilva is for City then I’ll probably make the switch

      1. danishdynamite
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Thx

    4. The 12th Man
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Think I would be looking at a way to move Bilva to Mkhitarian rather than Mane.

      1. danishdynamite
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Thx

  25. Efan Ekoku Pops
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Is this worth a hit (-4)?
    Jota + King + Mahrez > Mhki + Zaha + Rich

    1. danishdynamite
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

      1. Efan Ekoku Pops
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers, Chris

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

      Yeah but wait until tonight and see how Zaha plays.

    3. Urchin
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Yes totally

    4. The 12th Man
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

  26. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Any reason not to do king to Zaha

    1. Cok3y5murf
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah, he may outscore him

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

      wait until tonight's game has finished

  27. vova
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Best 4.0 defender to have? I already have AWB. Bennett?

    1. Urchin
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Nobody apart from AWB really ATM. Even AWB has only played one game so far,we will know more tonight.

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

      You don't have a good choice. Why are you going three 4.0s when there's great value in defense this season?

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

        3 premium (Robertson, Mendy, Alonso)

        1. MMN
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          I’m currently on these 3, WB and Peltier. Doubt I will need Peltier any week bar an injury crisis.

  28. Urchin
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    If I do King to Ings, I will have Jimenez Kun & Ings as my striker, I will give King another week I guess.

    Right decision?

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Give King another 8 weeks

    2. Burton
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      He'll drop 0.1 this week, but other than that, probably...

  29. Zladan
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Hamer/Patricío
    Robertson Mendy Alonso
    Salah Richarlison Fraser Mkhi
    Agüero Zaha Firmino

    Roast me.

    1. Burton
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Best I've seen this morning (I'm the same except B Silva & Pedro rather than Mkhi & Fraser)

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

        Cheers! Looked into both of those differences. Definitely on the watch list.

    2. The 12th Man
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Those keepers! Yuck.
      Rest is nice

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

        £1m itb could be used on them but I’m not so fussed right now.

        Cheers

  30. willl
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Mkhi seems like a trap in my opinion.

    Doubt he is nailed, Ramsey and Lacazette both started on the bench in the last match, have to imagine Iwobi and Mkhi drop out for them at least some of the time.

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

      lol bottomed

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

      Mkhi has played every minute so far and seems to be the creative spark.

    3. The 12th Man
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      @7m must be worth it with those fixtures