Scout Notes

Guardiola plants clues to Chelsea selection in Watford win

Pep Guardiola frustrated Fantasy Premier League owners with his team selection on Tuesday night.

Several key players were absent from the Manchester City side as they beat Watford 3-1.

We’ve got all the Fantasy talking points in this latest Scout Notes article.

*FPL prices are accurate at the time of writing (Tuesday PM).

Watford 1-2 Manchester City

Goals: Abdoulaye Doucouré (£5.9m) | Leroy Sané (£9.4m), Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m)

Assists: Mahrez

The team Pep Guardiola put out for their trip to Watford provided some clues to his rotation policy ahead of the busy winter period. Several of the players who missed out on the 3-1 win over Bournemouth came back in at Vicarage Road. David Silva (£8.7m), Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m), Fabian Delph (£5.3m) and Kyle Walker (£6.5m) were the headline changes to the side.

Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling (£11.5m) was left on the bench for just the third time this season. Some rotation for him should not come as too much of a shock, though. He played the full 90 minutes against Bournemouth amid Guardiola’s recent comments that Mahrez was breathing down his neck to rotate with him.

With the Algerian in excellent form when he does play, Guardiola can be confident playing him whenever he needs to give Sterling a rest – which could be quite often over the next month. In Mahrez’s last four Premier League starts he has amassed a total of three goals and two assists now as he was the top FPL scorer at Vicarage Road (13 points). Sterling owners can probably be confident of a start at the weekend though, with Tuesday’s rest under his belt.

Leroy Sané (£9.4m) continued his excellent form by scoring the fourth goal in his last five appearances, taking his points per game over that time to 9.2. As has been said plenty of times, his place in the side does feel more secure than those around him because of Benjamin Mendy’s relatively long-term absence. However, there can be no ignoring of the fact that the German international has now played 180 minutes across the last two fixtures. That may be enough for Guardiola to consider benching him for Chelsea, although it is a big game for Manchester City.

“Now we try to recover our legs and minds and go to Chelsea on Saturday and play our game. We know how difficult it is at Stamford Bridge, but first, we must rest and recover.” – Pep Guardiola

Also out of the side was Aymeric Laporte (£6.1m) who finally missed a match this season. That reconfirmed that nobody in this Manchester City side is safe from Guardiola’s rotation policy. The French centre-back had played every single minute in the Premier League up until the trip to Watford. He will probably come back in for the Chelsea match but this benching shows that over Christmas he may not necessarily be as nailed on as his owners might hope. Frustrating for his owners he came on for a one-point cameo in the closing stages. Responding to Watford’s late flurry, Guardiola introduced him for Gabriel Jesus (£10.1m) to sure things up.

Calling the full-back selection may be easier to call based on Manchester City’s line-up at Watford. Delph may have to continue at left-back with Zinchenko’s nose injury, but the fact that he played only the last half an hour against Bournemouth should mean he is rested enough in Guardiola’s mind. Walker also missed that one which means his 90 minutes in Hertfordshire shouldn’t jeopardise a start ahead of Danilo (£5.1m) at Stamford Bridge.

Prior to that were some clues about the options Guardiola wants to safeguard for the trip to Stamford Bridge in Gameweek 16. David Silva was replaced in the 73rd minute by Ilkay Gundogan (£5.4m) in a clear sign that the Spanish midfielder is needed this weekend. It is possible that Vincent Kompany (£5.2m) will be able to keep his place after coming off in the 83rd minute. The Belgian international had to leave the pitch limping, holding his hamstring, but Guardiola confirmed it as nothing more than cramp post-match. Kompany will face competition from both Laporte and Nicolas Otamendi (£6.1m), who combined for just nine minutes of normal time in Hertfordshire. Having played 90 minutes, John Stones (£5.3m) is unlikely to hold onto his place.

As expected, Sergio Aguero (£11.5m) missed out once again after his recent struggles with injury. The Argentinian did not travel with the matchday squad and neither did Oleksandr Zinchenko (£4.8m), and Guardiola was not prepared to give an update on their condition in the aftermath of Tuesday night’s win.

“I don’t know (if Aguero will be fit). I don’t have the report right now.” – Pep Guardiola

Overall, it was not a hugely comfortable win for Manchester City, especially as Watford fought back late on. However, they did have plenty of chances to kill the game earlier on but didn’t take them. It is possible that six changes were what removed the ruthless edge. A testament to the quality in their ranks was the fact that even with the likes of Sterling and Aguero, Manchester City sill secured the three points.

“We had the chances to kill the game and score a third and then maybe a fourth, but we missed them. It is what it is. We knew it. We are not new in this league and we know it happens.” – Pep Guardiola

Javi Gracia made three changes to the side that lost at Leicester at the weekend. Christian Kabasele (£4.4m) returned at centre-back, coming in for Adrian Mariappa (£4.2m), Troy Deeney (£5.9m) replaced Gerard Deulofeu (£5.4m) up front while Nathaniel Chalobah (£4.5m) slotted in for the suspended Etienne Capoue (£5.0m).

“We tried to find the best option with Capoue out. It was the best option in my opinion – trying to be strong and compact in the middle with three players there plus Roberto, Troy and Isaac ready when we recover the ball to counter-attack. I think he played well. I think he needs to play more times to show what he can do but I think he showed a very good level.” – Javi Gracia

Will Hughes (£5.0m) was forced out of the game in the second half with a knock and was replaced by Domingos Quina (£4.4m), who made his first ever Premier League appearance.

“(Quina) is training well. He’s a young player but with high quality. I think he has a very good present but he will have a great future. Today is a special day for him because he has done his debut against City and played very well in my opinion.” – Javi Gracia

“(On Hughes) I think it’s the same pain as in the last games – in the hip. We’ll see in the next games but I’m confident he’ll be ready for the next game.” – Javi Gracia

Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Delph, Stones, Kompany (Otamendi 83′), Walker; Fernandinho, D. Silva (Gundogan 73′), B. Silva; Sane, Mahrez, Jesus (Laporte 88′).

Watford XI (4-4-2): Foster; Holebas, Kabasele, Cathcart, Kiko Femenia; Pereyra, Doucouré, Chalobah (Deulofeu 63′); Hughes (Quina 51′); Deeney, Success (Gray 75′).

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1,300 Comments Post a Comment
  1. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Have 3.1 in the bank
    A) Arni and Fraser to Wilson and D Silva (Will play with 4 midfielders)
    Or
    B) Arni and Gunnarson to Succes and Sane (Will keep Fraser and Will play with 5 ind the mid)

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Keep Fraser.

    2. BenDavies
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      a

  2. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Sane won’t be benched vs Chelsea I hope

    1. BenDavies
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Would be a lot of games in a short space of time for him.

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah. It’s a big game though. You never know

      2. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Could see him getting rest in UCL

    2. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I think he will be but I hope not

    3. NOMONEY
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      he is a young player, dont think it will be a big issue for him

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

    Repost

    Thoughts on this WC team? 0.1 ITB.

    Fabianski - Button
    Alonso - TAA - Digne - Doherty - AWB
    Sterling - Son - F Anderson - Richarlison - 4.3 (1 point every match)
    Kane - Aubameyang - Wilson

    A lot of value locked in on Wilson since I got him early.

    Your thoughts would be highly appreciated!

    Thanks.

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Brilliant

    2. MGD
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Nice.

      Close to mine, see below 🙂 I have Kepa instead of Alonso, Laporte instead of Digne and Sane instead of Sterling

  4. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    now 8 starts 8 returns for sane this season, still 'not-out'

    1. BenDavies
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      underwhelming 7 points yesterday still

      1. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        It was always going to be a difficult game at Vicarage Road.

      2. fclackless [Brazil Nuts]
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        better than zero I guess ...

  5. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    For Christmas:

    A) Schindler, Schurrle, Kane + 0.4 ITB

    B) Trippier, Eriksen, Mitrovic + 1.1 ITB

    C) Schindler + Son + Lacazette + 0,7 ITB

    1. buzzkill
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      The one with Kane.

  6. MGD
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    WCed this yesterday to catch price rises. Decent?

    Kepa / Hamer
    Robertson - Alonso - Laporte - AWB
    Hazard - Eriksen - Martial - Richarlison - Stephens
    Auba - Arnautovic - Wilson

    To this:

    Kepa / Hamer
    TAA - BELLERIN - Laporte - AWB
    SANE - SON - FANDERSON - Richarlison - Stephens
    Auba - KANE - Wilson

  7. tucaoneo
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Is Chicharito too much of a punt? Sick of Arnautovic. Don't have Felipe Anderson.

    1. BenDavies
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Would be worried about Perez now. I am steering clear of any of that nonsense.

      1. tucaoneo
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah it seems they can score with pretty much anyone given those fixtures. Really hard to nail.

        1. BenDavies
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          I have both Arnie and Anderson but am definitely not going to be messing around with Chicarito. It's adios to Arnie for GW16.

  8. Champions united
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Bottomed

    Thinking or over thinking plz tell me
    If haz and kane both have 12+(i own both)
    Then i can hold wc for 2 more weeks as both have very good fix

    Yes or no

    fab/foster
    Alonso dunk roboo doherty awb
    Dsilva haz sterling camarsa hoj
    Kane arnie Murray

    1. BenDavies
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Arnie is dodgy. Would prioritize getting him out. Wait to see how Hazard does today. If he blanks, I would seriously consider Hazard and Arnie out for Auba and another mid.

      1. Champions united
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Thnks

  9. Jamb0
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Hmmmm... Arnie + Salah -> Auba + Alli? (already have Kane)

    1. JammySprat
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Will you be able to sell Salah after Inc haul 🙂

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

    Can’t believe Auba went up 3 days in a row and is 10% to a rise again

    Wtf

    1. BenDavies
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Hardly surprising. Aguero has been shipped out by 1 million managers over the past 2 gameweeks. That is serious numbers. Most of them will gravitate towards Auba as he is less expensive, many can't afford Kane. It's an easy FT to make.

    2. ☻ Jon Snow ☻
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Wouldn't happen if Aguero was fit. It's a probably the most logic/obvious move

  11. mr. inconspicuous
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Can someone help on the best way to upgrade Arnie to Aubameyang?

    Patricio Fabianski
    TAA Alonso Laporte AWB Bennett
    Salah Hazard Richarlison Fraser Hojberg
    Kane Arnie Wilson

    0.4 in the bank, I stupidly missed out on the rise last night to go Anie Salah to Aubamayeng Sane which was 0.1 short.

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Eriksen

  12. Sharkytect
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Team is plummeting down the rankings. Any suggestions?

    Fabianski, patricio
    TAA, alonso, digne, bennett, AWB
    Salah, hazard, richarlison, anderson, Kayal
    Arnautovic, aubameyang, mitrovic

    1FT 1.1itb

    Have 3 players injured or not getting picked, all annoyingly cheap, so don't kniw whether to deal with them or try and get city players or Kane.

  13. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Which one would you downgrade to get Arsenal attacker:

    A) Laporte
    B) Robertson

    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      B

    2. NOMONEY
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      A

    3. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      A

    4. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      A

    5. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers all

  14. TaiwanHC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    1. Is Sterling worth the extra cash over Sane?

    2. Is Alonso worth the money?

    3. Is having Kane, Aubameyang and Sterling too much?

    Thanks guys!

    1. tucaoneo
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Yes
      Yes
      No.

    2. J T
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Having both is ideal.

      Alonso, Yes.

      No.

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

      no
      yes
      not really.But laca sane for aubs sterling my preference

      1. Jules Rimet
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Whats your current OR rank?

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

          4592 y?

  15. Viper
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Morning all.

    How does this look?

    Ederson & Arnautovic - > Fabianski & Aubameyang (-4).

    I need to do the Ederson move for funds. Nit that it matters but it'd be my first hit since gwk 4

    1. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Nice. Fabianski should get a lot of save points with those fixtures but Westham can't keep a CS.

    2. mr. inconspicuous
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      100% yes

  16. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Nice words from Pellegrini on Lucas Perez yesterday, anyone considering him as Arnie replacement with those fixtures ahead? Carroll back though.

    1. tucaoneo
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Chicharito was taken off at 64'. Probably means he will start again? On the other hand, Chicharito had 0 shots in that game, which means he was poor? Didn't watch the game.

      1. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Came on and scored 2 goals. Perez is a decent player and has a nice left shot, can see him do well if he gets a run of games with Arnie out.

        1. tucaoneo
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          That front line is a bit of a mine field. Maybe I will get Felipe Anderson for more security.

    2. BRKFCTrueRover
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Probably avoid hammers strikers for now to uncertain.

  17. fedolefan
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    My God, Cardiff's defending on that first Perez goal is Sunday League quality.

    1. fedolefan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Lol, and then there's the absolute joke of West Ham conceding.

  18. SPorting
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Was quite happy with my set-and-forget Ryan/Button combo until yesterday.

    Ryan to Fab an option?

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

      Might do it myself depending on today. Sick of Ryan and his conceding

      1. J T
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Fab conceded also..

        1. SPorting
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          Yes but WHU fixtures stay decent and BHA turn iffy.

          Plus we've seen that Fab is a save and bap magnet and he saves pens

    2. SPorting
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Would mean a double up with Balbu

  19. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Any word on Ings? Need him to be fit next weekend.

  20. Lallama
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Why have the updated scores in FFS Cup 2nd round (GW14), been of GW13 again instead?

    https://members.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/cup/18/rounds/2/

  21. Shatner's Bassoon
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    5.4ITB so probably gonna do Arnie -> Auba this week.

    Means a strikeforce of Kane - Auba - Lacazette for GW16!

    Wasn't planned but.... exciting eh? Until two of them get benched anyway.

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Amazing. Looks ace.

    2. Jules Rimet
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      rest of team must be wack

      1. SPorting
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        *weak

      2. Shatner's Bassoon
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        No City mids - will get for EVE/PAL though, sacrificing Laca.

  22. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on this wildcard much appreciated.

    Fabianski, button
    Trippier, Robertson, taa, Doherty, schindler
    Sterling, sane, alli, dsilva, gunnarsson
    Auba, jiminez, mitro

    Got 0.4 spare. Not sure about the mitro call but with arnie possibly out and wilsons fixtures I don't know where else to go except ings if he's ever fit again.

  23. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    A) Duffy > Holding
    B) Duffy,Arny > Kola,Mitro(-4)
    C) Hold

    Fab
    Laporte Robbo Doherty Digne
    Haz Anderson Salah(vc) Rich
    Wilson Aub(C)
    SUBS: Arny*,Duffy*,Bacuna*

  24. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    I physically cheered when Otamendi came on over Laporte...

    A long, grumpy night reflecting on my 11 from 5. Next GW can not come soon enough

    1. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Many games yet to play.

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Not looking forward to next GW myself. Got benching headaches, or maybe rather playing headaches

    3. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      That's unfortunate - I've done OK but am still fuming about the worst goal in PL history robbing the West Ham clean sheet.

  25. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    How does this sound for -8? Madness?

    Alonso, Brooks, Arnie OUT

    Kolasinac, Siggy, Mitrovic IN

    1. KGFC
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Not for -8. Like Kola, Siggy and Mitro but also Alonso

      Can you do Arnie to Mitro for now or max take -4?

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers mate. Maybe yeah, will look into it!

    2. Jamb0
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Naaaaah

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

      would work next week but alonso would burn u after that in the easy games

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        I'm not so sure. Owned Alonso since GW3 but right now I feel a bit concerned about Chelsea's (fan) and Alonsod form.

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

          Alonso plays even when out of form and doesn't look like droppable by sarri and always gets fpl points somehow irrespective of our form

  26. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    A. Hazard and Richarlison to Sane and Son
    B. Arnie and Hazard to Kane and Snodgrass

    Best option? Thanks.

  27. Indalo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Already have Fraser but very tempted to bring in Wilson for Arnie. He's in flying form and Bournemouth look good shouts to score in almost every game, regardless of the fixture.

    1. Jules Rimet
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      this

  28. bigdip
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Fabianski (Patricio)
    Doherty Alonso, ROBERTSON (AWB, Cook)
    Sterling Fraser Richarlison, Hazard (Cairney)
    Auba (C) MURRAY ARNIE

    1FT with 1.0mn ITB

    Got so many players with injury doubts (Robertson, Murray & Arnie)

    Any suggestions?

  29. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Would you WC this squad?
    Fab Foster
    Alonso Robertson Doherty Duffy WB
    Sane Salah Richarlison Cairney Stephens
    Kane Wilson Arnie

    Main priorities would be Auba and Sterling in but other than that I would change too much so don’t know if it warrents a WC?

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Nah take a hit or two if needed.

  30. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    What are Richarlison owners doing after the next game?
    A. Selling for...
    B. Keeping
    C. Delaying decision until afterwards

    Thinking of Rich to Anderson but a few pennies short

    1. Indalo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      B