Scout Notes

Aubameyang nets brace as Lacazette and Hazard have night off

Chelsea and Arsenal both won their first Europa League matches of the season on Thursday night.

The line-ups named by both managers have already given us early indication of which players will feature in Gameweek 6.

We’ve gone over the two matches to find the best Fantasy Premier League talking points in this latest Scout Notes article.

PAOK 0-1 CHELSEA

Goals: Willian (£7.4m)

Assists: Ross Barkley (£5.8m)

As expected, Eden Hazard (£10.9m) played no part in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over PAOK in the Europa League. While fellow captain candidates Mohamed Salah (£13.0m) and Sergio Aguero (£11.4m) were involved for their clubs in the Champions League, Hazard should be completely fresh and ready for his Gameweek 6 trip to West Ham.

It was Pedro (£6.8m) and Willian (£7.4m) who started the match as wide forwards in Maurizio Sarri’s 4-3-3 system. The two players have been going head-to-head for preference in the Premier League with room for just one of them in the Chelsea front-line when Hazard is around.

On Thursday night, Willian may have secured the advantage in what looks like an ongoing see-saw between him and Pedro. After registering a 10-point FPL haul on Saturday, the Brazilian also scored the only goal in Greece. Meanwhile, former Barcelona man Pedro was forced out of the game with an injury late on, although Sarri does not believe it is too serious.

“I don’t know. The problem is the shoulder, but I don’t know exactly the situation. I have spoken with the doctor, but only for a few seconds. The doctor told me that probably it’s not a very serious injury.” – Maurizio Sarri

Pedro also took to Twitter on Friday morning to allay any fears over the knock he sustained.

 

 

Crucial to his battle with Pedro, Willian was handed the captaincy on Thursday night, suggesting that Sarri does hold him in high regard. It was the first time he had skippered the side in a competitive setting, having last done so in a pre-season friendly against Lyon. Sarri is yet to announce his official club captain, although he is unlikely to pick Willian for the role. Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.4m) has worn the armband in every league match so far and took it from Willian when he came on for a 24-minute appearance.

Azpilicueta was one of just five players to drop out of the starting XI on Thursday. The others were Hazard, David Luiz (£5.5m), Mateo Kovacic (£6.0m) and Olivier Giroud (£7.8m).

There was some concern over Marcos Alonso (£6.8m) starting, but Sarri did the gentlemanly thing and took him off unharmed on 66 minutes, Azpilicueta his replacement. This was presumably to give the left-back some rest ahead of Sunday’s trip to West Ham.

Jorginho (£5.2m) was substituted at the same time as Alonso although N’Golo Kanté (£5.0m) played the full 90 minutes. The fact that both of Chelsea’s key central midfielders started the match did come as a surprise, and some Chelsea followers believe it was a risk to name such a strong team. Especially considering Ethan Ampadu (£4.4m) and Callum Hudson-Odoi (£4.3m) not even in the match-day squad, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek (£5.3m) an unused substitute. Journalists asked Sarri why he did not rest more players ahead of a Sunday’s London derby.

“I don’t know. For an English team, the Europa League is a very difficult competition. For example, in Italy, if I play in Greece on Thursday I can ask to play on Monday night. Not in England. We have to play again in 63 hours, on Sunday morning. I don’t know in the future. It’s not a big problem now. We have played only six matches. Now it’s not a problem. I hope to qualify before the last one or two games.” – Maurizio Sarri

It is possible that Sarri took the risk of starting so many key players in order to get Chelsea off to a good start in Europe. A trip to PAOK away was probably the hardest test of the group, with BATE Borisov and MOL Vidi still to come. Going a little heavy-handed with team selection ensured that Chelsea got three points and eased pressure on the remaining fixtures.

That said, Chelsea could have won the game by a larger margin. Those who have watched all their matches so far in 2018/19 have revealed that the Blues are often lacking a killer instinct. The win in Greece was not the first time this season that Chelsea dominated possession but failed to make it show on the scoreboard. Last night they had 68% possession and fired off 22 shots, but just five were on target and they only scored once.

Part of the reason for such profligacy in front of goal was down to Álvaro Morata (£9.0m). The Spaniard did not have a particularly poor game as a whole, but his contribution will be largely remembered for missed chances. There was a first-half header in particular that he really should have buried.

“Alvaro has to gain confidence with one, two, three goals. I am not able to give him confidence. In this match, he has had three, four opportunities. He was unlucky. I hope for him that in the future I can try to help him, but the confidence can become only with goals. With two goals in two matches. I don’t know. I have to say also, for maybe the first time in this season Alvaro was ready in the box. He was on the ball and was active.” – Maurizio Sarri

Finally, there was an interesting story involving left-back Emerson Palmieri (£5.3m). Sarri left the Italian defender out of the match-day squad for the trip and did not explain why in his post-match press conference. Emerson then took to Twitter to explain that he wasn’t injured, before deleting the post shortly afterwards.

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Kepa; Alonso (Azpilicueta 66′), Christensen, Rüdiger, Zappacosta; Barkley, Jorginho (Fabregas 65′), Kanté; Willian, Morata (Giroud 81′), Pedro

ARSENAL 4-2 VORSKLA

Goals: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang x2 (£10.9m), Danny Welbeck (£6.5m), Mesut Özil (£8.3m)

Assists: Alex Iwobi (£5.5m), Henrikh Mkhitaryan x2 (£7.1m), Stephan Lichtsteiner (£4.7m)

The stage looks set for Alexandre Lacazette (£9.4m) to light up Gameweek 6 for Arsenal after he was given the night off on Thursday. The Gunners ran out 4-2 winners over Ukrainian side Vorskla with the Frenchman an unused substitute.

He should line-up alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) for a third league match in a row on Sunday after Unai Emery substituted the Gabonese forward in the 57th minute.

However, there was much to be frustrated about for some Fantasy managers. Firstly, Aubameyang found the net twice in an impressive performance, having taken his time to find his stride when FPL points are on the line.

Furthermore, Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£7.1m), once owned by 20% of Fantasy managers, returned to the starting line-up and demonstrated his credentials by registering two assists. A return to the Premier League first-team still seems a little unlikely though as he sustained a knock to his ankle against Vorskla. Alex Iwobi (£5.5m) had his minutes managed in the second half, while Mkhitaryan played the whole match. Also, Mesut Özil (£8.3m) was restricted to a 33-minute substitute’s appearance in which he scored his second goal in as many matches.

Emery made eight changes to the side that beat Newcastle in Gameweek 5. Aubameyang, Nacho Monreal (£5.5m) and Sokratis Papastathopoulous (£5.3m) were the three to keep their places. The latter performed well according to local press but the Gunners are still without a clean sheet this season after they conceded two goals late on.

“We are speaking before each match about having the mentality to not concede easy chances. Today was a good opportunity not to concede goals. But the last 20 minutes we need to do better on this competitive aspect. It was our disappointment today. We are conceding a few chances, it was the same in Newcastle and we need to continue to improve in this. In the last minute at Newcastle and in the last 20 minutes tonight two goals. Our challenge is to be competitive for 90 minutes, it is one thing to improve.” – Unai Emery

There was the first start in Arsenal colours for summer signing Lucas Torreira (£4.9m). The Uruguyuan central midfielder ran the show in the middle of the park until coming off with a knock in the 57th minute. The fact he was forced off is a great shame for Arsenal fans who are yet to see Torreira start regularly this season. He is now a doubt for Gameweek 6, but when he returns to full fitness he could be the key to transforming Arsenal.

Torreira arrived in north London with a reputation as a ball-winner but took on the role of a deep-lying creative player on Thursday night. Whether he can replicate that against a better quality of opposition remains to be seen, but he clearly has the ability to orchestrate and improve Arsenal’s attacking play. While he may be too much of a deep option to warrant consideration for inclusion in FPL squads, it’s clear he has the ability to improve the Fantasy prospects of the more forward-thinking assets at Arsenal. He also took set pieces and nearly scored from a direct free-kick.

“Lucas played well. He is playing with passion in his performance, each minute he plays he does very well. Torreira he got two hits on his leg. I hope tomorrow and Saturday he is good to be OK for Saturday.” – Unai Emery

Bernd Leno (£4.8m) also made his first competitive start for the Gunners.

“For Leno it was his first match also. We conceded two goals but not from a mistake from him. For him, he got minutes in the game and he can take confidence to also because he is continuing to play matches in the next week.” – Unai Emery

ARSENAL XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Monreal, Holding, Sokratis, Lichtsteiner; Elneny, Torreira (Guendouzi 57′); Iwobi (Smith-Rowe 70′), Mkhitaryan, Welbeck; Aubameyang (Özil 57′).

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1,946 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Alderweireld getting overlooked? 0.1 cheaper than Trippier, and a BAP magnet/nailed on

    1. Pacer.
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      They can't keep clean sheets though

    2. KingOllie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Trips takes some corners and FKs. You cant put a price on that my friend

    3. stat
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Hasn't had any attacking threat in a while

      • Mini Mane Mo
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        As long as Lloris is out spurs probably won’t keep cleanies

      • Athletic Nasherbo
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        He was class a few years back. Scored loads. This isn’t the same Spurs however.

    4. Hungry Singh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Afternoon folks!

      Mendy + Mkhi >

      1. Pogba + TAA
      2. Richarlison + Trippier/TAA
      3. Ramsey + Trippier/TAA

      ?

      Thanks!

    5. Four Hit Wonder
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      If I bought Mendy at 6.0 I'm not losing anything with the price drop from 6.5 to 6.4.

      So the correct course of action is to hold and then reassess next week, right?

      1. badgerboy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        That's one course of action yeah.

      2. _figu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        If you have playing bench, hold for sure.

      3. Pacer.
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        It's my course. Do nothing rash, selling is potentially a bigger mistake than holding imo

      4. Bob McMayday
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I’m doing that. Got PVA or AWB to come in for him

      5. ritzyd
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        if you have a decent bench, yes

      6. HamezMace
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I'm on a WC and I'm still keeping him. Also got him at 6m. Wan Biz is an able deputy for the next few weeks in a worst case scenario.

      7. Longlatini
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Holding for now

      8. ClassiX
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Correct - needs 2 price drops before you lose 0.1

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

      Do you think I can cope with no bench this week?

      Foster
      Wan-Bissaka, Tomkins, VvD, Alonso
      Salah, Hazard, Bilva, Fraser
      Aguero, King

      Subs: Patricio --- Mendy, Gunnarsson, Ings --- 0 FT, 0 itb

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Should be okay.

      2. romer
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Seems ok.

    7. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Love the smell of hits in the morning.

    8. Leeds-Utd
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Is Mendy definitely out?

      1. ZakAFC_
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah

      2. sarri mein sarri
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yep

      3. FPLGeezer
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yes Pep said so

      4. clodhopper
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Problem with his bone in his foot might swap for alonso minus 4

    9. ZakAFC_
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      GTG for this GW?

      Fabianski
      Robertson, Alonso, AWB
      Salah, D Silva, Maddison, Fraser
      Aguero, Mitrovic, Wilson

      Foster, Pedro*, Mendy*, Bednarek

      FT used, 0.2 ITB

      1. riccorich
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yes 🙂

    10. sarri mein sarri
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Rui Pat/Hamer
      Robbo/Holebas/WB/Bednarek/Mendy*
      Salah/Walcott/Fraser/Stephens/Mkhi*
      Aggy/Firminho/Zaha

      1 FTB

      Mkhi+mendy to Haz + 4.5 defender for a -4?

    11. KingOllie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Mendy -> Trippier
      Ings -> Mitrovic

      Thank god i got 2 FTs still saved

    12. SantiClaus
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I almost feel relieved that Mendy has tipped me onto the WC

      1. pressdpm
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Same

    13. Bat Man
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Advisable to take a -4 to go from Mendy to Trippier? Think it pays off in next few weeks
      Ryan Button
      Alonso Mendy WB Bennett Holgate
      Salah Hazard Fraser Kante Billing
      Kun Lukaku Jiminez

      1. sarri mein sarri
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Better now than later. Trip can give good returns.

      2. clodhopper
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Thinking same with alonso recon he could drop fast

    14. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Pep said that Mendy is injured.
      Why no one asked for how long???

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        The speed of response and the ankle/bone nature of it didn't sound good. It's a guess, but I wouldn't like to rely on him for the next game either.

      2. clodhopper
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Bones take longer too heal

      3. Hits from the Bong
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Pep was asked, and said “I don’t know”.

        1. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Oh, thats very interesting!!! If so that could be Mendy out longer than we thought

    15. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Mendy ➡ Trippier or Bellerin?

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        You want Bellerin? Why? I own him but

        1. pundit of punts
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Bad idea right?

          It's just the fixtures that are luring me.

          1. Dynamic Duos
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            I'm getting rid of him next week, I'm playing him thus week though he could do well, but I'm getting Trips for Mendy myself

    16. riccorich
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      On a WC and can't get this right. Appreciate some help!
      Team looks like this:
      Pat/Hennessey
      Shaw, Rob, Mendy, AWB, Bennett
      Haz, Richa, Mané, Fraser, Højbjerg
      Aguero, Lukaku, Ings

      A) Bennett and Mendy -> Alonso and Doherty
      B) Mané, lukaku, mendy, bennett -> Salah, vardy, trippier and doherty

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        A - but could wait a bit longer with Mendy.

        1. riccorich
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          So basically keep as is, but with Bennett - > Doherty then?

    17. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Already have PVA in defence.

      A) Replace Mendy with AWB and play double Palce defence.
      B) Play 3 at the back and bring in Walcott into a 4 man Midfield

      Bottomed

    18. boc610
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      mendy mendy mendy mendy mendy mendy mendy

    19. cylus11 ( Manager) - Russia…
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Whom should I sub in the team from.the bench for Mendy :
      1. Seri FUL H vs Watford
      2. Boly Wolves A vs Manu.

      Thinking Wolves will do good and Boly seems a good option.
      Thoughts plz

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Seri as he could play as the most advanced of our midfield 3 with Cairney out

    20. dee_top
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Is it a good idea to cap Lacazette if I have Aguero, Mane and Hazard??

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Risky

      2. romer
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        That's a world class punt... I have salãh, haz and Laca and not even considering captaining Laca next week, with Chelsea vs pool. But it could pay off very well. How big is your sofa?

    21. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Ings or Jimineaz

      1. Dr Van Nostrand
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Jimmy

      2. barton fc
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        ings carnt play this week but him in the long run

      3. Sgt Frank Drebin
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I think Ings is a better option long term, but Jimenez has more favourable next couple of fixtures.

      4. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks Chaps

    22. barton fc
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      best option?
      A) mendy and bilva > trippier and fraser
      B) ings and bilva > mitro and fraser

      1. riccorich
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        A

    23. Whazza
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Shaw in for Mendy? More nailed than Trippier?

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        No and no

    24. Saka Punch
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Pedro, Arnie, Mendy, Ings, all doubts/out in my team this week. So need to get one out to field 10 men. Should I do:

      A) Pedro -> Rich
      B) Ings -> Mitro
      C) Mendy -> Trip
      D) WC

      1. clodhopper
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        If u have bench why get rid of ings

        1. Saka Punch
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I don't have a bench. Need to transfer one of the non starting players to field 11 men, ings was because mitrovic looks like he could get a decent score this week

      2. Longlatini
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        A

    25. WrightnBright
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      So, I may ditch Mendy as on WC but should I do a like for like or use it to bolster attack?

      A) Mendy > Trippier/Robertson
      B) Mendy,Hojberg > Bennett,Richarlison
      C) Mendy,Success > Bennett,Mitrovic

      1. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        B or C. Can I see rest of team?

        1. WrightnBright
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Hennessy Hamer
          Alonso Mendy Doherty AWB Holebas
          Salah Mane Hazard Fraser Hojberg
          Zaha Aguero Success

    26. MITRAKADABRA
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Pick one for next few weeks:
      A Shaw
      B Trippier
      C Robertson
      D Walker
      E Laporte

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        B, but I'm going B and E

      2. Sgt Frank Drebin
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        C imho.

        1. Sgt Frank Drebin
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Oh, few weeks... Then Trippier maybe.

    27. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Patricio
      AWB Alonso Robbo
      Salah Mane Maddison Pogba Stephens (I know)
      Arnie* Kun
      Hamer - Ings* Mendy* Peltier*
      0.1itb 1ft

      Wildcard? Or take the following hit options...
      A) Mendy and Arnie/Ings to Mitrovic and Shaw
      B) Mendy and Mane to Shaw and Hazard
      C) Mendy and Stephens to Fraser and Shaw
      D) Just do Mendy to Trippier. No hit.
      (Shaw could be another sub 5m def)

      1. AzzaroMax99
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Arnie to Mitro

    28. AzzaroMax99
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      My team (1 FT, 0.5 IDB):

      Foster
      Mendy**, Alonso, AWB, Pereira
      Haz(C), Mane, Maddison, Lucas
      Kun, Laca

      Patricio, Hojbjerg, Ings**, Doherty

      So what to do:
      a) bench Mendy, play Hojbjerg (3-5-2)
      b) sell Mendy, but who to buy then?
      c) do nothing, there is a slight chance that he would start 🙂

      1. Boss Hogg
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Play Doherty

        1. AzzaroMax99
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          You think that he can do something vs United? 🙂

          1. Boss Hogg
            • 15 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Maybe.

    29. aidmata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Good to go?

      Foster

      Shaw AWB Tomkins Robertson

      Salah Mane Hazard (VC) Fraser

      Aguero (C) Arnautovic

      Fab Doherty Stephens Ings

    30. Boss Hogg
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Which of these forwards would you rather have in your squad...

      a. Ings
      b. Lacazette
      c. Vardy
      d. Wilson

      ???

      1. Longlatini
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        E none?!

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

      So with the Mendy news I have no playing bench, and one of my 'fit' XI is Pedro.

      Pedro > Rich for a hit?

      1. Boss Hogg
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yep. Or Maddison.

    32. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Last decisions on Wildcard... help?

      A) Hennessey, Etheridge + Laporte

      B) Ederson, Button, Shaw

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        B