Scout Notes

Aguero’s consistent FPL returns at the Etihad continue in derby win

Our Scout Notes from Gameweek 12 conclude with a look back at the Manchester derby and Wolves’ excellent performance in their 1-1 draw with Arsenal.

All-but-one of Sergio Aguero‘s 14 goal involvements in 2018/19 have come at the Etihad, with the Argentinean striker on target again at Eastlands in a satisfying victory for Pep Guardiola’s side over their cross-city rivals.

Wolves’ run of hard-luck stories continued at the Emirates, meanwhile, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side just five minutes away from all three points before a late equaliser from the Gunners.

Raul Jimenez delivered another attacking return for his large Fantasy following, while there was plenty to be encouraged by for those FPL bosses who own a Wolves asset ahead of an appealing Gameweek 13 match against Huddersfield Town.

Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United

  • Goals: David Silva (£8.5m), Sergio Aguero (£11.4m), Ilkay Gundogan (£5.4m | Anthony Martial (£7.6m)
  • Assists: Bernardo Silva (£7.5m) x2, Riyad Mahrez (£8.6m) | Romelu Lukaku (£10.7m)

Sergio Aguero (£11.4m) delivered an attacking return for the seventh straight home league match as the Manchester City forward became the outright leading Premier League goalscorer of 2018/19 with his eighth strike of the season.

Much has been made of Aguero’s inability to deliver mammoth points hauls (two double-digit scores in 12 appearances) and regular attacking returns on the road but his consistency in home fixtures – matches, perhaps, in which he is most likely to be handed the captaincy by Fantasy managers – is an underrated quality.

The Argentinean forward’s goal just after half-time was brilliantly taken after a one-two with Riyad Mahrez (£8.6m) and Aguero kept the United backline occupied for most of his 75 minutes on the pitch, even if he wasn’t to register another shot on target in the match as Jose Mourinho’s side attempted – with some success after the opening goal – to smother their hosts.

Pep Guardiola spoke of his side’s first-half toiling after the game:

The first half was not so good, we played like, ‘I don’t want to lose the ball’ but not with the intention to attack. I felt when I watched my players a team that felt the pressure. We were stable, we scored one goal, the first 15 minutes was good and after that we didn’t press so well.

The second half we started better, we change the way we pressed [the United centre-halves Victor] Lindelof and [Chris] Smalling.

We spoke at half-time that we could play better and we were much better with the goal after five minutes. It is difficult, they defended so deep, they are aggressive, they follow man to man. After 2-1, we reacted well, we don’t concede chances and step by step we regained our game.

There has been much talk in recent weeks of ditching Aguero for Raheem Sterling (£11.2m), though almost inevitably the England winger was to blank following his 21-point haul against Southampton the previous weekend.

There was still plenty to encourage Sterling’s owners, however, even if the City midfielder saw all three of his attempts on goal blocked by last-ditch United challenges.

Sterling, deployed on the left flank in this match as City welcomed back Mahrez on the opposite wing, registered five more penalty box touches than the next most-involved player in the Manchester derby and looked a threat every time he went forward, even if some of his decision-making in those dangerous positions was perhaps below the usual standard.

Twice Chris Smalling (£5.7m) managed to shackle the ball behind when Sterling looked poised to pull the trigger.

Sterling indeed played a key part in City’s opening goal, though sadly for his owners only “assisted the assister” in the move that led up to David Silva‘s (£8.5m) strike.

Guardiola was seen to berate Sterling for showboating at full-time, though downplayed the scolding in his post-match presser:

He made some movements with the legs, we can avoid it, but he is young, he can improve. But I like a lot how he played.

David Silva scored for the third time in a week and he, Fernandinho (£5.4m) and Bernardo Silva (£7.5m) utterly dominated United’s defensive-minded midfield trio of Nemanja Matic (£5.0m), Marouane Fellaini (£4.9m) and Ander Herrera (£5.0m), with the Silvas pulling slightly wider than usual and not allowing their United counterparts to suffocate their creativity.

This was nothing new, of course: Silva and Bernardo have been two of City’s most impressive performers this campaign.

To borrow a line from City Watch, though, the pair have played exceptionally well this season without registering the same eye-catching attacking statistics that Sterling and Aguero have been posting to back their performances up.

It’s all relative, of course: Bernardo and Silva have now each been directly involved in six of City’s league goals this season, while no FPL midfielder has recorded more key passes than “El Mago” in 2018/19.

It was Bernardo’s turn to be the creator on Sunday, with the Portuguese international carving out more chances than any other FPL player in Gameweek 12.

After supplying the first goal for Silva to sweep home, Bernardo then capped off City’s victory with another assist for the fit-again Ilkay Gundogan (£5.4m) on 85 minutes.

For the second match in a row, owners of Manchester City’s defensive assets were denied a clean sheet when Ederson (£5.8m) brought down an opposing attacker in the box and could then do nothing to prevent the subsequent spot-kick from being converted.

Benjamin Mendy (£6.4m), although fairly prominent in the final third and fizzing over half a dozen (unsuccessful) crosses, didn’t register a single key pass or shot on goal and blanked for the second week in a row.

His owners were dealt another blow on Monday when he pulled out of the France national team squad with a knee sprain and lesion, though further news is awaited on the severity of the City defender’s problem.

Mendy wasn’t the only player involved in the Manchester derby to drop out of Les Bleus’ squad yesterday: Anthony Martial (£7.6m), the scorer of United’s “consolation” penalty, was also ruled out with an adductor problem.

Team-mate Paul Pogba (£8.0m), who played no part in the defeat to City because of a thigh injury, won’t be joining up with Didier Deschamps’ squad either.

United were anaemic without Pogba (who was admittedly poor in Turin last Wednesday) to propel their attacks, with two of their front three – Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford (both £6.7m) – not registering a single penalty box touch between them.

The introduction of Juan Mata (£6.2m), Alexis Sanchez (£10.0m) and the fit-again Romelu Lukaku (£10.7m) off the bench sparked the slightest of improvements, with Lukaku being felled by Ederson for the penalty that Martial subsequently despatched.

Mourinho spoke of how Pogba’s absence disrupted his game-plan and forced him to play Fellaini for the second time in five days.

There was a fantastic character from the team and a great effort by everybody. [Marouane] Fellaini shouldn’t play for 90 minutes because it was too much for him. He should be on the bench and come on later in the game. But he had to play because of Paul [Pogba]’s absence.

So it was not an easy week for us but I just told the players they’re playing much better than before; we are much stronger, we are much more compact. Now we have to not let the defeat disappoint us. Sad, yes, but not too disappointed. In two weeks’ time we play at home against Crystal Palace and, from that game, we have to try to get the points.

It is not for me, after a defeat, to speak about a player who was not here [Pogba]. Of course, we missed him and one of the things that breaks a little bit, a lot of our plan, is the fact Fellaini had to start. He is not in the conditions to play 90 minutes. He was phenomenal in his effort but not in the conditions. Normally, adding Fellaini to this late part of the game, you have the image of him fresh coming on at 2-1 with 25 minutes to go, it is an important thing for us.

Luke Shaw (£5.0m) picked up his fifth yellow card of the season and will miss the home match against Crystal Palace in a fortnight’s time.

Nicolas Otamendi (£6.1m), who hasn’t featured for Manchester City in the league since Gameweek 7, pulled out of the Argentina squad on Monday with a tendon injury.

Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Stones, Laporte, Mendy; Bernardo, Fernandinho, Silva (Foden 89′); Mahrez (Sane 62′), Aguero (Gundogan 75′), Sterling.

Manchester United XI (4-3-3): De Gea; Young, Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw; Ander Herrera (Mata 73′), Matic, Fellaini; Lingard (Lukaku 57′), Rashford (Sanchez 73′), Martial.

Arsenal 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

  • Goals: Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£6.7m) | Ivan Cavaleiro (£5.2m)
  • Assists: Aaron Ramsey (£7.4m) | Raul Jimenez (£5.8m)

It has been a frustrating few weeks for owners of Matt Doherty (£4.9m).

Denied an assist in Gameweek 11 after being wrongly flagged for offside and having had six shots on goal without success at Brighton a week earlier, the Irish wing-back came within five minutes of emerging from the Emirates with a clean sheet on Sunday only for a late Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£6.7m) goal to leave him without a return in four matches.

There was plenty of encouragement for owners of Doherty and other Wolves assets, though, ahead of excellent-looking fixtures against Huddersfield Town and Cardiff City after the international break.

That it took until 60 minutes for Rui Patricio (£4.6m) to be called into action said much about Wolves’ rearguard effort, with one remarkable minute of play a quarter of the way through the game representative of the visitors’ overall performance.

Alexandre Lacazette (£9.7m), Granit Xhaka (£5.3m) and Alex Iwobi (£5.5m) were all denied within the space of ten seconds by superb last-ditch blocks from a sea of old gold, before a rapid breakaway led to an excellent – but wasted – chance for Helder Costa (£4.9m) to double his side’s lead.

Wolves were exhilarating on the counter-attack and that spurned opportunity for Costa was just one in a series of chances that the visitors carved out on the break, with Arsenal relying on Bernd Leno (£4.8m) to keep out shots from substitutes Diogo Jota (£5.9m) and Adama Traore (£5.4m).

Another of Nuno Espirito Santo’s second-half replacements, Morgan Gibbs-White (£4.3m), was desperately unfortunate to see his stoppage-time effort crash back off the angle of post and bar.

Wolves’ 12th-minute opener had also come from a swift breakaway, with Granit Xhaka (£5.3m) guilty of dawdling on the ball in midfield and allowing Ivan Cavaleiro (£5.2m) to steal possession – the Wolves winger playing a one-two with Raul Jimenez (£5.8m) before firing past Leno.

Jimenez, like Wolves in general, has been guilty of some wasteful finishing this season. Only three Premier League teams have registered more attempts on goal than Santo’s troops in 2018/19, but 12 clubs have been on the scoresheet with more frequency.

Jimenez meanwhile has spurned seven of his nine big chances and his goal conversion rate is among the lowest in the division among first-choice strikers.

There endeth the arguments against the Mexican target-man, however.

Only Aguero has created more chances than Jimenez among FPL forwards this season, for instance, while only Callum Wilson (£6.8m) can offer Fantasy managers better value-for-money than the Wolves number nine in attack (returning 10.6 points per million spent compared to Jimenez’s 9.8).

Jimenez is also something of a talismanic figure, having been directly involved in eight (three goals, five assists) of Wolves’ 12 league goals in the top flight.

The Mexico international has only failed to deliver an attacking return in two of the last eight Gameweeks, meanwhile, and with two of the bottom three Premier League clubs to face next, there will be no shortage of takers in the short-term.

Doherty, meanwhile, is looking in ominous form for those two upcoming fixtures, having made more key passes than any other player on show at the Emirates and ranking second for touches in the final third among Wolves assets.

Jonny (£4.5m) also caught the eye with an excellent all-round display on the left flank, while anyone watching the match in north London on Sunday will wonder quite how Costa hasn’t delivered a goal or assist this season after he terrorised the Arsenal backline.

Santo paid tribute to his side after full-time:

Coming to the Emirates and playing the way we played, I feel we should be proud. It’s a good point, but of course we could have won. We were organised, solid and brave to put our barriers in front of the ball.

Arsenal are a very good team. We blocked them, we had a lot of balance and cover and didn’t allow them to play so great credit to the boys. When we had the ball we were threatening and created chances.

The way we managed possession and created so many chances, against a very good team in a difficult stadium, is a credit to our players.

Sometimes you are clinical and do it, sometimes not. The defensive organisation is why we stayed in the game until the end. Even after Arsenal scored, it was us who had the chances, we were asking for more time from the referee.

Arsenal, meanwhile, were lucky to escape with a point having failed to really pose a goal threat until the final 20 minutes of the game and having looked abysmal at the back throughout – which should offer plenty of encouragement to owners of Bournemouth’s Fantasy assets ahead of the two clubs’ meeting in Gameweek 13.

No Premier League side, indeed, has conceded more big chances on home soil than the Gunners this season.

That the Gunners’ defence has proved to be sieve-like this season is a disappointment from a Fantasy perspective, as Hector Bellerin (£5.4m) has otherwise looked an attractive FPL option: in the last four Gameweeks, no defender has had more shots on goal than the Spaniard.

Bellerin twice found himself in excellent shooting positions on Sunday, blazing the best of his chances over, while no player on any side registered as many penalty box touches.

Bellerin also created Arsenal’s only “big chance”, which Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) somehow turned onto the post on 73 minutes.

Aubameyang was again unable to influence the game from the left flank, but Lacazette similarly wasn’t any sort of threat up top either – that one blocked shot we mentioned earlier being his only attempt on goal.

Mesut Ozil (£8.4m) was anonymous as Wolves bossed the midfield, though Iwobi and substitute Mkhitaryan were similarly ineffectual on the flanks – until, of course, the Armenian’s inswinging cross fortuitously found its way past Patricio on 85 minutes.

Iwobi indeed was hooked at the interval, with Unai Emery explaining his decision after full-time:

It was a tactical change. We wanted to play our right and left-backs deeper and win back more possession inside with Sead and Hector. Sometimes we did this situation well and we created chances to score. Their work was good defensively because their block was very high.

Arsenal confirmed on Monday that Danny Welbeck (£6.5m) has undergone a second operation on his ankle, while Lacazette, just hours after being called up by France, withdrew from national team duty with a reported groin injury.

Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Bellerin, Mustafi, Holding, Kolasinac (Mkhitaryan 75′); Torreira, Xhaka; Iwobi (Guendouzi 46′), Ozil (Ramsey 75′), Aubameyang; Lacazette.

Wolves XI (3-4-3): Patricio; Bennett, Coady, Boly; Doherty, Neves, Moutinho, Jonny; Costa (Traore 75′), Jimenez (Gibbs-White 85′), Cavaleiro (Jota 61′).

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1,125 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Those who are wildcarding in GW15/GW16, I'm interested to see what team you're planning.

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      A lot can change in a few weeks... Not planning at all as of yet.

      1. Rihanovic
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Plz check yr comments history.

        1. #FPLBhuna
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Bit sad looking through others history to find information that contradicts something they’ve now said.

          Oh dear.

          1. Maddi Son
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Did you get rid of Kane in the end mate? Or keeping him for the fixture swing.

            1. #FPLBhuna
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              Binned him pal

              Had to make way for a Salah

              May get him back for gw15 but only if he plays well next 2 games

          2. Rihanovic
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            That's not it, I wouldn't try to be so smart.
            I would mind my own business if I were you.

            1. Fantasy Gold
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              Jesus.

            2. #FPLBhuna
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              Mind my own business

              The irony haha xD

              1. Pierce34
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 4 months ago

                OK, I'm not minding my own business at all here, but I see what's going on - Rihanovic asked Limited to check his comments history in order to reply about the community tournament, not to expose a contradiction relevant to the post here.

                Going back to minding my business now!

                1. Rihanovic
                  • 6 Years
                  5 years, 4 months ago

                  Thank you so much sir, I appreciate your reply.
                  I didn't say that because I just don't think I need to justify myself to everyone in here.
                  Thanks again.

                  1. #FPLBhuna
                    • 7 Years
                    5 years, 4 months ago

                    My apologies, my misunderstanding.

                    1. Rihanovic
                      • 6 Years
                      5 years, 4 months ago

                      NM, apology accepted.

                2. Lawrø
                  • 12 Years
                  5 years, 4 months ago

                  Yep, just a simple misunderstanding. Nothing to see here

              2. DAZZ
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 4 months ago

                Bit if a misunderstanding here i think FPLG.

                1. #FPLBhuna
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 4 months ago

                  Yeah my bad, have apologized.

        2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          What about them?

          1. Rihanovic
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            The melee tourn. Boss!!!
            Still recruiting???

      2. Vobinho
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Hi, I notice you're one of the managers for the FFS melee tournament - wondering if you still have any spaces left?

        1. Rihanovic
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          That's exactly what I'm talking about.

          1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            same boat .Completely missed that article 3 days before

      3. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        mate can i join ur team for the community tournament when u plan to recruit?

      4. Planet Head
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Your name has gone from Limited to somewhat elaborate 🙂

    2. Badluck Jonathan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Lacazette high on the Watchlist. Either Kane or a spurs mid. Richarlison probably.

      Arsenal/spurs defender at a push. Otherwise similar to the current template.

      And probably keeping Fraser.

      1. KingOllie
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        I think Bellerin could be a good shout - hes really important to arsenals attack

        1. Badluck Jonathan
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Good shout. Agreed

      2. Maddi Son
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Kane or Spurs mid is the big dilemma I'm having.

        Agree with everything else.

        1. Badluck Jonathan
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          I don’t think we can resolve till nearer the time. If Kane picks up some form, i’ll get him. If he keeps playing like he is, i’m hoping Eriksen will slot in.

      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Posted my team below before seeing this comment 🙂

      Fabiański Hamer
      Alonso TAA Balbuena Bennett Wan-Bissaka
      Salah Hazard Richarlison Kenedy Camarasa
      Kane Aguero Success

    3. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      fab button
      alonso mendy bellerin digne doherty
      hazard mahrez/dilva fraser/deuleufeu richarlison 4.5
      kane laca arnie

      but many things can change tho.Just have this draft in the back of my mind to see the form of these players

    4. Vobinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Fabianski
      Alonso Robbo Laporte
      Anderson DSilva Hazard Martial
      Kane Laca Rondon

      Hamer, Schindler, Wan Bissaka, Camarasa

      Still mightily tempted to downgrade Laporte & Robbo to upgrade Anderson and Rondon but aint sure yet.

  2. jblakes
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Probably a stupid question, but how many more games weeks are in November? Wolves play Cardiff on 30Nov .does that mean all that weeks are counted in Nov or Dec?

    1. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      If the gameweek starts in Nov then all games in that gameweek count as Nov even if they go into Dec. I’m not sure if that’s what you’re asking.

    2. Goat
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      2 more

      1. jblakes
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        yeah thats what im asking, cheers

  3. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    RP. With 2.0 ITB my plan has always been to get Doherty in for TAA, to double up on Wolves but thinking about it, it may be worth keeping Trent for the fixtures.

    My backline currently looks like this;

    Patricio Hamer
    TAA Robertson Mendy Dunk AWB

    Now im thinking perhaps i can move Dunk or AWB on for Doherty? AWB is great value, nailed and cheap, but i could also bring Bennett in for someone? Thoughts?

    1. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Mendy may actually be out for surgery. Monitor that

      1. DAZZ
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah literally just seen fplguru's post on previous page. Bit of a nuisance that!

        1. KingOllie
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Mendy -> Doherty would be easy for you though

  4. VIRATKOHLI18
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Would you rather have Salah or have Kun long term?

    1. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Kun

    2. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Both will score goals, Kuns cheaper, playing in a better team.

      1. claretparrot
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Exactly this

    3. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Probably Kun BUT you can get great City options elsewhere, whereas Salah is the only liverpool attacker id want.

      So id go Salah 🙂

    4. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I know it's an annoying answer but it really does depend.

      I currently have both as my only attacking assets for each team.

      Personally I wouldn't get Mané so it has to be Salah for me. Kun could potentially become Sterling or even Dilva so I think more options there

    5. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Salah or Kun is not a choice for me. Need both for an effective captaincy rotation (Salah, Kun and Hazard). Without my captaincy point hauls I would be f#$%^d.

  5. claretparrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Afternoon all.
    Thoughts on moves here, assuming Mendy is ok? Fixtures have turned pretty sour for this GW.

    Ryan
    Robbo - Chilwell - Mendy - Boly
    F Anderson - Mané - Hazard
    Wilson - Kun(C) - Firmino

    [Foster-Barkley-Hughes-AwB]
    1 FT, 0.7 ITB

  6. Captain_Shirokov
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Rui
    Alonso, Robbo, Walker
    Haz, Mane, Ozil, Richarlison
    Kun, Arnie, Jimenez

    (Duffy, AWB, Stephens)

    1 FT, is Ozil to Martial the easiest transfer decision of all time or should I hold onto him (for some reason)?

    1. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I would definitely bin Ozil, and Martial seems a decent option. How about D Silva to increase your City coverage?

      1. Captain_Shirokov
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        0.1m short of Dsilv unfortunately

  7. Snuverink
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Why is it optimum to play chips (like TC) in the double gameweeks? I am new to the game and reading some comments on this

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      bascially, the player get a chance to score big twice

      1. Snuverink
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        ah right; so the chip is the complete week valid.. I thought only for 1 game. Which weeks would this apply to?

        1. BenDavies
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          We're not sure exactly yet but the first DGW should be GW32 I believe

          1. Snuverink
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            But do they then play 2 premier league matches that count? because a FPL "gameweek" is just 1 game right? So 1 game the chip applies to?

        2. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          normally there will be double gameweeks after December. GW34 and GW37 are pretty much locked for DGW every year.

          1. Snuverink
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            But do they then play 2 premier league matches that count? because a FPL "gameweek" is just 1 game right? So 1 game the chip applies to?

            1. Fitzy.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              No, that's not right. That's why they're referred to as double gameweeks.

              1. Fitzy.
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                5 years, 4 months ago

                Gameweeks are determined by start and finish dates - so some teams will play more than once within a determined 'gameweek'.

                1. Snuverink
                  • 5 Years
                  5 years, 4 months ago

                  ah ok. Great, thanks for the comment 🙂 then i will make sure i'll start using my chips around that time

  8. as33
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Trippier to keep or sell? best replacement?

    1. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Completely depends who else you have and how his and Mendy's injuries pan out. All else equal I'd switch him to Mendy or Robertson

    2. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I'd keep unless you have a wildcard as you will probably want back in time for GW15

    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    I am looking to potentially use my first Wildcard in GW15 and came up with this draft - how does it look?

    Fabiański Hamer
    Alonso TAA Balbuena Bennett Wan-Bissaka
    Salah Hazard Richarlison Kenedy Camarasa
    Kane Aguero Success

    1. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      A bit unbalanced for me but depends on your strategy. Can see the logic behind not leaving any big hitters behind once you've got no WC to bring them in.

        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        My thinking is that it will always be easier to downgrade one of the big hitters if he isn't performing well.

        My main worry is that it is super light in defense, as most of the season so far I have gone with many premium defenders.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      too much sacrifice for Salah-Hazard-Kane-Kun quartet imo

        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Is it Kenedy as the 4th mid or the cheap defense that bothers you most?

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          kennedy and success I would say plus it also restricts transfer activity in other positions. we are forced to get a potentially poor replacement if an when required.

          say for example, kennedy or success or one of the cheap defenders dont do well, their alternatives wont be any good, pretty much some quality-wise.

            • 8 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Cheers, good food for thought.

    3. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I had a look at this earlier. Try removing Salah and see what you can do with the extra £££'s. I'd personally want double City attack and probably Trippier. Also Arnautovic - look at those fixtures!

        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Thank you.

        It would mean no Liverpool attack which is far from ideal. But if I were to go that route, I would go with Arnie and Kane upfront.

        Sterling Hazard xxx Richarlison Kenedy in midfield. 10.4m to fill the 3rd mid spot and also upgrade the backline.

        1. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          It's also worth looking at your ideal captain choices, from say GW15-20. Hazard fixtures look great, but would you captain him in any of those gameweeks?

            • 8 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            I got him at 10.5 and don't feel the need of having him as captain every week. They already qualified from Europa League and Sarri is well known for sticking with the same lineup, which is so important in December... so fair to say that Hazard is as nailed in my WC team as it gets.

            Would consider captaining him vs (LEI) and (wat).

            1. avfc82
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              That's fair enough, I wouldn't get too hung up on rotation though, I'd expect all of the big players will miss the odd game in December, just pick the best options and have a strong bench, and good luck!

            • 8 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Assuming I would go for the big 4, my preferred captain choices would be:

            15. SOU (Kane)
            16. bou (Salah)
            17. BUR (Kane)
            18. LEI (Hazard)
            19. BOU (Kane)
            20. WOL (Kane)
            21. SOU (Hazard)

            1. avfc82
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              When I do this I come up with something very different, but that's the beauty of FPL, it's all opinions!

              15 Kane (SOU)
              16 Salah (bou) - could be a good week to invest in Arsenal attack?
              17 Aguero (EVE) or Kane (BUR)
              18 Aguero (CRY)
              19 Salah (NEW)
              20 Aguero (sou)

    4. Ibra
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      A couple of problems:

      - No City defense
      - 2 from West Hams defence
      - 2 horrible midfielders

    5. nisag17
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      The problem with Kane is that he occupies a striker position. With Arnautovic quite reliable for the next 8 fixtures after Man city and Jiminez such great value not sure he can do so much better than them that he justifies his price. And with four big hitters you are really diluting their captaincy value. I think Salah and Kane really need to be captained often to justify their price.

        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Two questions arise from that, though:
        1. Can Jimenez keep it up? (also, I am not very keen on Wolves attackers, they simply don't score enough)
        2. Can Arnautovic stay fit and not get rotated? (in order to protect his body)

        Kane is basically a set and forget, amazing fixtures and generally does very well in the winter period.

    6. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Really dislike this draft. All sorts wrong with it.

      Having Salah, Hazard, Kane and Kun is overkill as you can only captain one and it wrecks the depth of your squad. I'm choosing between Kane and Kun (probably former given consistency of starts and Tottenham's schedule) and probably binning off Salah.

        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        I will never captain Kun in the winter period as he will get rested sometimes. Being able to chose between Kane, Salah and Hazard week in, week out gives me a better chance of hitting the jackpot. I can see where you are coming from but I'm not buying the captainicy argument, I like to have plenty of choice.

        1. Pegboy
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          I like numerous captains too, but only if it doesn't mean compromising the rest of the team. If you're not going to captain Kun, you'll get more out of Mendy + Martial + Arnie (£20.9) than Bennett + Kenedy + Salah (£22.1m).

          Players like Bennett, AWB, Balbuena, Kenedy, Camarasa + Success are fine for filling your bench and occasionally rotating in for favourable fixtures or if someone gets injured, but it's an absolute disaster if you've got to play at least three of them every week.

    7. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      not a fan either. With this team you basically have to play 2 players out of Bennett, WB, Kenedy, Camarasa and Success. surely you can see thats weak?!

  9. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    I've noticed a lot of people in this community ask tons of questions and RMT's, and don't bother helping reply to other peoples posts. I think if you're asking for advice atleast help others out whilst you're here.

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Even replying to only one post above and one post below will do the job

      1. DAZZ
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Exactly mate.

    2. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Completely agree. Not that putting it into practice seems to help me get replies to my own questions haha

      1. DAZZ
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        If you're a regular poster on this forum you know who will reply to questions, there are a few who have regularly helped me in the past, and i appreciate but being regular here, i also see some people constantly demanding advice and help without contributing to other peoples problems.

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Def true - I think people naturally get fixated on their own questions and forget there are tons of other posts going unanswered. I am trying to get better at this!

    4. Goat
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Scotty B posts 15 questions a day, mostly reposts and has never ever helped anyone else

      1. DAZZ
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Extremely selfish.

    5. Lawrø
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      When somebody replies to my post, I search the page to see if they have also posed a question. If they have I answer it. Simple etiquette, the site would be much nicer if everyone abided by this the best they can

    6. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Agree.

  10. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    If Mendy does need knee operation would you transfer to Laporte or get TAA or Gomez and double up Liverpool defence using cash to boost midfield?

    Back line at present

    Alonso Robertson Mendy Doherty AWB

    1. Ibra
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Laporte. Or even Delph if you want to use money elsewhere.

    2. aspilcueta
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldn't look to double up on Liverpool defence right now, unless you're going for Alisson. I would boost your midfield or front line with the extra cash. Maybe bring in Dunk or Balbuena? I would hold on to Mendy until we hear what's going on for sure:)

      1. Pegboy
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Agree with this. I'd go Balbuena, particularly if you don't have a WC, as he's got great fixtures for the next two months.

    3. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I currently have Alisson and Robertson and I'll be loosing Alisson this week, also not keen on City defence (I can't see a CS for the next few) but it may be the best move for you if Mendy is out.

  11. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    With 1FT and both Wilson and Fraser, would you look to ship one for the next GW, and if so which?

    I would lose £0.3m in TV on shipping Fraser and £0.4m on Wilson so neither are ideal.

    If needed I'm leaning towards Wilson > Jimmy but would also like to find a way to get in Rich, who I don't have currently

    Advice appreciated!

      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I would try to get Richarlison in, so Fraser out would be my preference in that scenario.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Trouble is to do that I would prob need to do something like

        Fraser, Mendy > Rich, Stones/ other 5.4

        Or to find £1m elsewhere to fund the Fraser > Rich

    1. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I think Fraser is insane value for 5.5.

      Don't sell the guy, but a defender to rotate with him

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        So you would agree better to ship out Wilson of the two?

        Aside from my Wilson > Jimmy move, I was casually considering:
        Fraser, Mendy > Rich, Stones

        But this seems a stretch just to get Rich

      2. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        He isn't 5.5, and even if you bought him at that price it's totally irrelevant. Like shares, the only genuinely relevant figures are
        a) how much you'd get for him if you sold
        b) how much you'd have to pay if you wanted him back.

        1. KingOllie
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Ok, but if you bought him at 5.5, his SV is 5.8. So need to judge him against mids below 6m

    2. alastair
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      With Arsenal failing to keep clean sheets keep them both for at least one more week and if you roll over the transfer you will have more options the following week

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        This is also an option and I do like a nice healthy 2FT to play with

        The only downside is missing a possible Richarlison haul this GW vs Cardiff but to get him in I would need to take a hit or lose quite a bit of TV on a decent player

        1. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Arsenal are not the best at the back and if you decided to roll your FT you should get returns from one or even both of your Bournemouth attackers.

    3. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      personally I'd lose Wilson - and yes I have him. In the forward line Jimenez represents good value too, but there are no really (italics) good alternatives to Fraser at that price in the midfielders.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        This is what I'm thinking and why I'm leaning towards Wilson out. The only mid I'd want to bring in if Fraser came out is Rich and I would need £1m extra from elsewhere to make it happen!

    4. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Im expecting a goalfest in that game so will keep both of them 🙂
      AWB covers well for GW14 and Plum fixture in GW15..

  12. KingOllie
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    i know i am probably the only owner, but does anyone have an update on Lascelles? Likely to be fit after IB?

    1. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Also own here, I hope so because I want to keep him up to GW18. Have a good 1st sub though so not too worried.

      1. KingOllie
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        He will be coming on for me in place of Mendy!

  13. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Sorry to ask this but is it fine to Play Richarlison away to Liverpool in GW14(this would affect my future planning)

    1. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I think id happily play Rich in any fixture. I wouldn't expect much - but Everton actually look ok

      1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        this except man city maybe depending on alternatives

    2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      yup imo

    3. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Cheers both 🙂

  14. Zladan
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    I’m only Mendy short of the template core until the new year:

    RAM
    Haz
    Agüero Arnie Jiménez

    It’s then just a matter of who fills the additional spaces the best.

    1. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      December fixture swings could destroy the template.

      1. Alexis Nonsense
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Can't see that happening, what fixture swings?

        Liv, City, Che all have good fixtures in December

        Then add West Ham in the mix and the template is pretty much intact

        1. Eytexi
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Disagree with Liverpool having good fixtures (United, Arsenal, City, Bmouth away, Wolves away) although not bad. City rotation to increase throughout the packed schedule as well.

          Not saying im against you but i know a lot will be hopping on bandwagons looking at Arsenal, United and Spurs fixtures, especially if assets haul once or twice.

          1. Alexis Nonsense
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Agree on Liverpool, but I would expect them to do fairly well during that period anyway.

            Guess Spurs will get a lot of attention yes, and Gunners forwards.
            Spurs don't look too strong atm, but maybe Eriksen/Alli need to find form before the Kanewagon kicks in

            I would like the template to shift, cause there is nothing more boring than template in this game so lets hope

          2. Zladan
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            It’s only the premium options you’d need to accommodate... but who do you sacrifice? Agüero (no), Arnie (fixtures so good so probs not), Jiménez (so cheap it’s take surgery to change to Kane without losing out on other key players).

            Kane - needs to find form.

            Lukaku - needs to find form and probably have a double gameweek to justify inclusion in teams.

            Laca/Auba - brave to choose those over other premium options you could find in midfield from other teams.

            Other players (£10m or less) from all of those teams could fit in the template easily enough.

            1. Eytexi
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              I reckon Aguero ownership will drop the moment Pep rotates, especially if midweek against Watford before a tough Chelsea game. Im keeping him but certainly not 100% settled.

              1. Zladan
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 4 months ago

                I didn’t notice the timing of those games. A shuffle to Kane could well be on the cards after all!

                I know I’d regret the decision the moment I remove the most consistent player in the game though.

                1. Eytexi
                  • 5 Years
                  5 years, 4 months ago

                  I think im going to do it myself, mostly because of Kane's two plum home fixtures. If he hauls, his fixtures til March are sublime. If he flops, quick swap back to Aguero before Palace at home.

                  1. Zladan
                    • 6 Years
                    5 years, 4 months ago

                    Sounds like a good plan.

                2. Christina.
                  • 14 Years
                  5 years, 4 months ago

                  rather remove Salah

                  1. Zladan
                    • 6 Years
                    5 years, 4 months ago

                    Salah nowhere near my team. 1 double digit return for a £13m in 12 gameweeks is not acceptable. You’d expect to be able to captain him week in week out and that’s just not the case this season.

                    1. Christina.
                      • 14 Years
                      5 years, 4 months ago

                      nice.

    2. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Disagree Jimenez is part of the template. I think Rich or Martial will be in it soon.

      Kane is the one that could shake things up soon.

      1. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        I am actually bringing Richarlison in to join this bunch this GW. Cheap, OOP, form and fixtures on his side.

        All I see is post after post of managers bringing Jimenez in for his form and upcoming fixtures and price. He’s ideal where current performing forwards are about to get bad fixtures.

        I feel players like Martial, Moura, Maddison, Mkhi are very much interchangeable due to unsustainability. Those in the core should be everpresents until the New Year.

        Kane as you say is the only player I feel could alter this though, given his price not fitting with the remaining funds of the above template.. and of course 3 striker positions filled. I, for one, will stay well clear of Kane though unless he bangs a fair few more in to get me worried.

        1. Pegboy
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          I probably haven't been around enough to see the start of the Jimenez bandwagon. I see the attraction though.

          I think Salah/Mane are in too, but they're probably the ones to make way for Kane. SOU, lei, BUR, eve, BOU, WOL, car is too good too good to ignore, particularly as he'll play every single minute if fit.

          1. Zladan
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            What a run that is. He may not even need form for some of those games! Maybe we just need more money.

      2. jtreble
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        "... Kane is the one that could shake things up ...". Agree - Kane is the only player that concerns me.

  15. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    if mendy out it will lead to one my easiest ever 2 free transfers
    mendy + king to robbo + jimmy

  16. Norsemen
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    What would you do with this team before next GW?
    Still have WC and 0.3 ITB

    Patricio - Hamer
    Mendy - Alonso - Robbo - Benett - AWB
    Haz - Salah - Richa - Fraser - Diangana
    Aguero - Ings - Arnie

    1. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      i would monitor the potential injuries you might have, then maybe consider Martial for fraser?! this is opinion. i feel martial is on fire and Bournemouth fixtures turn whilst united become much easier.

      1. Norsemen
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Martial is 7.6 and Fraser 6.2?!

    2. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Nice team tbh. Pending injuries I would probably save the transfer. Can't see any pressing issues.

      1. Norsemen
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers!

  17. fpork
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Mendy->Alonso for 1FT an obvious move?
    Got exact funds.

    1. fpork
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Already got Robertson.