Scout Notes

Hazard’s latest display in the false nine role furthers FPL concerns

Our write-ups of the weekend’s matches continue with a look at events at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Chelsea defeated a dogged Newcastle United side in yet another underwhelming match for owners of two of the Blues’ more popular Fantasy assets, though there was joy for the differential alternatives to this premium pair.

As ever, we’ll cover the main Fantasy talking points, key manager quotes and headline injury updates in the Scout Notes below.

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle United

  • Goals: Pedro (£6.3m), Willian (£7.2m) | Ciaran Clark (£4.5m)
  • Assists: David Luiz (£5.9m), Eden Hazard (£11.1m) | Matt Ritchie (£5.8m)

Another Gameweek and another Chelsea display that left owners of Marcos Alonso (£6.7m) and Eden Hazard with a lot of pondering to do.

Our reviews of the Blues’ performances in recent weeks have had a similar refrain, as Maurizio Sarri’s side have struggled to break down opponents who have sought to frustrate their attacking instincts (see Crystal Palace, Southampton and even Spurs in the Carabao Cup).

The visit of Newcastle United always threatened to be a tricky prospect on that front, given what happened between the two teams in Gameweek 3 and Rafael Benitez’s knack of organising his very limited Magpies side into a difficult-to-penetrate outfit.

An eighth-minute goal from Pedro (£6.3m) seemed to be exactly what Chelsea and owners of their FPL assets needed but any hopes that the Blues would cut loose and subsequently steamroller their visitors were dashed as Sarri’s troops produced yet another disjointed offensive display: it is now 12 Premier League matches since the Blues scored more than two goals in a game.

Sarri acknowledged his side’s struggles after full-time:

I’m really very happy with the result. I was happy with the performance at Tottenham, today we started well for ten minutes but after the goal, we thought it was easy and it wasn’t. We slept for 25 minutes and we were in trouble.

It was better in the second half but we need to improve in the mental reaction because after the first goal something happened. We stopped playing. It was very important to get three points and to score, and for now, that’s enough.

It’s very difficult to understand. In the last five matches, it was difficult to score. Today, we did it after eight or nine minutes so I think the team felt it was easy. We stopped playing and then, of course, we had problems. We were not able to react in the right way to the difficulties but today there were no difficulties as we scored after nine minutes.

For the first time, at Watford, we reacted well to their goal in the last minutes of the first half. We reacted very well at Tottenham. Today we only had to manage a positive situation, not a difficulty. I think we need to improve our mentality.

There was no Alvaro Morata (£8.4m) to blight Hazard in west London on Saturday evening but the Belgian was arguably the least effective of Chelsea’s front three, registering only one attempt on goal – which was blocked – and a single key pass in his 87-minute showing.

Hazard was deployed as a false nine with Pedro and Willian (£7.2m) either side of him but despite the Magpies’ spine looking particularly weak – three of their senior central midfielders being injured or unavailable – the Belgium international was unable to wreak the kind of havoc he has often caused against Newcastle down the years.

Hazard did give the United backline some problems whenever he did receive possession and his brilliant turn and scamper 40 yards out led to an assist for Willian’s curling winner on 56 minutes.

Ultimately, though, there wasn’t enough of Hazard on the ball. The Belgian had the fewest touches of any Chelsea outfield player in the opening 45 minutes and although he was more involved after the interval, his touch count was the lowest it has been at Stamford Bridge this season – with the exception of the counter-attacking win over Manchester City in December.

Sarri was positive about Hazard’s second-half display, though, and hinted that the set-up will continue, highlighting the defensive stability it brings:

Not in the first half but in the second half my feeling was that he enjoyed it. I wanted to see the solution with the three small players and in this moment it is a very good solution because we are not less dangerous in the offensive phase and in the defensive phase, we are more balanced.

In the last six matches, we have conceded only three goals, and one was a penalty, so in the moment in the defensive phase we are doing very well and one of the reasons, in my opinion, is that Eden is playing in that position.

For his characteristics, of course, he goes to the direction of the ball. We need to learn to attack spaces or to attack the box with other players. It was better on Saturday with the wingers in attacking spaces more than the box. We scored inside ten minutes by attacking the spaces behind the line with Pedro, and I remember very well one time at the beginning of the second half the same situation with Willian.

So it is better now, we need to improve in attacking the box when the ball is out of the box on the lateral side. It is impossible for Eden to stay in the box.

Sarri mentioned there about other players attacking the vacant spaces and Pedro and Willian certainly seemed to be the beneficiaries of the vacuums that Hazard was creating when dropping deep and searching for the ball.

The pair racked up seven shots between them and both got on the scoresheet, with Willian spurning two excellent one-on-one situations with Martin Dubravka and Pedro forcing the Slovakian into three stops – one a superb save from the Spaniard as he broke free in the Newcastle box just after half-time.

Chelsea and Hazard’s rhythm wasn’t helped by another poor performance by Jorginho (£4.7m), the midfield metronome who Sarri brought to Stamford Bridge in the summer with the intention of building a team around.

Sarri continues to overlook the impressive N’Golo Kante (£5.0m) for that “regista” role and hinted that the departure of Cesc Fabregas would force him into the transfer market, though mentioned that Ethan Ampadu (£4.4m) is a potential long-term option in that position:

After 20 minutes he [Jorginho] lost a lot of balls and it is unusual, so I think he was in trouble. Maybe he was tired, I don’t know, but if Fabregas was on the bench I think in the second half Fabregas would have been on the pitch instead of Jorginho

The player who plays in that position usually touches about 120 to 130 balls [a match] and so I think we need a specialist there.

The bench is not really very short. It is left short for only one position at the moment because Hudson-Odoi is improving, Hudson-Odoi in one or two months will be at the same level as the other players. I hope the same for Ampadu. Of course, playing as a central midfielder in our team is not easy, we need to try and try and try in training.

As for Alonso, this was more of the same: the third-highest number of touches in the final third among all players on show at Stamford Bridge and plenty of gallops into the Newcastle half but ultimately lacking in any serious threat going forward.

It’s now 12 Premier League matches since Alonso delivered an attacking return and while Hazard’s owners may consider the upcoming trips to Arsenal and Bournemouth something of a boon given the spaces likely to be gifted by those two unconvincing defences, the prospects of Alonso compensating his lack of goals or assists with a clean sheet in Gameweeks 23 and 24 look slimmer than in recent weeks.

An away match at Manchester City in Gameweek 26 will also fuel doubt among Alonso’s existing owners.

The Spanish full-back has always been a streaky player, of course: in Gameweeks 23-33 last season he didn’t register a single attacking return and recorded only two clean sheets in that period.

Alonso’s underlying numbers were still competitive during that stretch of games in 2017/18 (racking up the joint-highest number of shots among FPL defenders) and in Gameweek 12-22 of this season, he indeed ranks joint-third for attempts on goal among players in his position.

The Spain international’s creativity has tailed off, however, and with David Luiz (£5.9m) outscoring him from Gameweek 4 of this season onwards, there is even a viable alternative option in the Chelsea defence for those still wanting representation from the Blues’ backline.

Luiz produced a sublime through-ball for Pedro to score his goal on Saturday and the Brazilian walked off with maximum bonus to bolster his assist points.

Newcastle caused the Chelsea occasional problems in attack, with Salomon Rondon‘s (£5.7m) presence a particular threat: the Venezuelan nodded a late chance wide and it was from his flick-on that Ayoze Perez (£6.1m) wasted an excellent opportunity in the first half.

Ciaran Clark (£4.5m) nodded in a Matt Ritchie (£5.8m) corner to restore parity in the 39th minute and this was another spirited performance from the Magpies, showing that they can at least limit the damage that Fantasy assets from the title-chasing clubs can inflict on any given day: this was their fifth 2-1 defeat to a “big six” side in 2018/19.

Benitez said of his side’s display:

We conceded a goal we could avoid but after that, we were fighting for every ball. These players care, you could see that.

We were working so hard against a good team, and we were doing well. It’s a pity that a player with quality made the difference at the end.

We finished the first half – the last 20 minutes – being the better side. That, for me, is clear. In the second half, they started moving the ball with more pace.

You could see a lot of positives with the performance but no points. We knew that they would keep the ball and we had to maximise what we did when we got the ball. We had some chances on the counter but our final pass wasn’t there.

We will have chances to get points against teams who will be closer to us. We have to be better than three teams and if we play like we did today we will do it.

Florian Lejeune (£4.4m) made his first league start of the season and performed admirably as part of the Newcastle back three, with Benitez highlighting his ability in possession:

He is giving us something on the ball, and he helps us to play the way we want to play sometimes from the back.

He can play short or he can play long, and I am happy with him coming back because he is another player, and he can give us more competition.

Sean Longstaff (£4.5m) made his full league debut in central midfield in the absence of Ki Sung-yueng (£4.7m), Jonjo Shelvey (£5.3m) and Mohamed Diame (£4.8m), meanwhile.

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Kepa; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso; Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic (Barkley 63′); Pedro (Hudson-Odoi 81′), Hazard (Giroud 87′), Willian.

Newcastle United XI (3-4-2-1): Dubravka; Lejeune, Lascelles, Clark; Yedlin (Manquillo 82′), Longstaff, Hayden, Ritchie; Atsu, Perez (Murphy 82′); Rondon.

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828 Comments Post a Comment
  1. WorldCupDanB
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Has Facer been on yet?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      NO, HAVENT SEEN HIM.

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        You've done that new post - CAPS lock thing again, haven't you?

        Or are you really mad this time?

        1. Mysterion
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Facer must owe him some ££

        2. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Ha, whoops.
          No, I'm really hoping Facer comes on today.

    2. WorldCupDanB
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      If ever there was a time we need him it is now.

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

      Is there a link to when he went over his ankle

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

    Hazard is a troll

    Pass it on

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Gazza in a bowl

      Pass it on

      1. Son is Rising
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Neymar in a roll

        Pass it on

        1. Mysterion
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Matip in the hole

          Pass it on

          1. Typo
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Wazza on a stroll

            Pass it on

            1. ClassiX
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Mourinho is a LOL

              Pass it on

          2. Sharkytect
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Mourinho on the dole. Pass it on

    2. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Passed both.

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

        😉

        1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Dazza is in on goal...…...pass it on

    3. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Zaha missed an open goal pass it on

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

    First!

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

      Lol.

    2. altan8797
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      epic

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

    There will be mass Hazard fire sale this week and he’ll score 2 against Arsenal.

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

      If Kane’s out Hazard lives on

      Could be a blessing from an fpl perspective I suppose

      1. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        This is the most annoying thing about Kane’s injury. There are less premium options making people’s teams more similar. With Kane gone everyone can have Salah, Haz and a City option and most now will. Especially with Arsenal’s fixtures/dip in form meaning less will hold onto Auba.

        Salah, Haz and one of the City lads will not become template without Kane.

    2. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Lol, scenes.

    3. ㅤRising
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Im convinced he will score at least one goal, thats the game he will have some space finally

      1. Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, I'm likely keeping for Arsenal (a) and Bournemouth (a) - neither of whom is capable of the stultifying performances of Newcastle, Palace, Southampton etc. Sell for Huddersfield (h) 😀

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

      treating Haz like I did Salah... 3 games now to prove himself or he's gone. hopefully does wreck

    5. Typo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Looks like he will be saved by Kane.

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

      Nah. If Kane is out. Hazard survives this week. Then we may see an influx of hazard to sterling

  5. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Wilson - sell or keep?

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Are you the Bournemouth chairman?

    2. Mysterion
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Sell if Bournemouth keep

      *Maybe* keep if Bournemouth sell

    3. Bullet Eder
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      I sold for Rashford this week. I have been patient with Wilson but his hot streak is up, I believe.

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

    1) whats up with Harry?
    2) keep or the got of Haz?
    3) Keep or get rid of Auba?

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      1 - He's probably injured.
      2+3 - We probably have bigger issues to worry about this week than getting rid of those two players.

    2. Predator
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Broken ancle, keep, keep

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

    Fab
    Alonso Robbo TAA
    Salah (C) Haz Pogba Martial Rich
    Rashford Arnautovic

    0.0 ITB 1 FT
    Bench: Guiata, Ings, Doherty, AWB

    GTG or downgrade Alonso now?

    1. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Gtg

      1. sovietrockettes
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Thank you!

    2. Last Raulist Alive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      We have the same starting eleven but Rich and Rashford. I would wait and see what happens with Arnautovic.

      1. sovietrockettes
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Annie could be a great differential if he stays fit and motivated! Out of curiousity, who do you have ahead of Rashford?

        1. Last Raulist Alive
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          The problem with Arnautovic is if he finally leaves the team this week. If he stays, I will definitely keep him. I have Wilson and Jimenez in a 3-4-3. I'm planning on selling Wilson for Rashford next week. I haven't' done it yet because I had to sell Son for Pogba, don't want to take a -4, and because I'm waiting to see what happens with Arnautovic.

          1. sovietrockettes
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            With Kane’s injury, it’s all about a monster midfield......so if Arnie leaves I would be tempted to downgrade him to a permanently benched Kamara and go with a 4-5-1 bringing in Sane for Martial.....

            1. Last Raulist Alive
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              You certainly have that option. In my case, if he leaves, I would buy Rashford and, afterward, sell Martial and buy Son when he's back from the Asian Cup. Although to do so, I would have to downgrade Alonso, which is something I have been considering for a few weeks now.

  8. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    A) Pereira -> Doherty
    B) Richarlison + Kane -> Sterling + Rashford (-4)
    C) Camarasa + Kane -> Sane/KdB + Rashford (-4)
    D) Save?

    1. Last Raulist Alive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      If Kane is finally injured, I would go for C. Next week, I would do A with a plan to bring Pereira back for week 27. Leicester will have a run of 9 games where he could be playing as an attacker.

  9. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    43 points all out, 2 FT's, 2.2 itb.
    Would you wild card this team?
    Fab
    Doherty Schindler Shaw Bednarek WanB
    Anderson Rich Son Haz Ward
    Auba Kane Mitro

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

      Dont think It needs a wc mate

      2ft or -4 max should do the job

    2. altan8797
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      I think I would. Have lot to solve otherwise to feel comfortable. Kane (if injured), Mitro Son, Ward, Fand, Rich, Schind could all go imo. auba too maybe.

      1. altan8797
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        also hazard as well. Salah looks more convincing. Especially for captaining.

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah I want rid of all of those players.

    3. Son is Rising
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Son + Auba (or Kane if out) > Sane + Aguero

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Plan was to get Salah in this week, but I don't think thats happening now.

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

      No way, don't WC. You have 2 free transfers and money in the bank - lots of options.

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

        Son, Kane > Salah, Rashford this week gives you...

        Fab
        Bednarek, Doherty, Shaw
        Anderson, Haz, Rich, Salah
        Auba, Mitro, Rashford

        Hamer, WanB, Schindler, Ward

        Looks fine for this week with no hits, WC intact.

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Really appreciate the effort, thanks.

    5. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Nah, triple transfer for -4 should get you a very good team.

    6. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      i was writing how i think a couple of hits here & there sort it & dont WC but actually might be best.

      Son's gotta go, wait on Kane but may need to go, i think the defence needs work also & maybe try fit Salah in there. no city/united mids/forwards (like myself) could hurt

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, I know its wrong to WC when you have 2 FT's but still.

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

      if Kane is injured I probably would

    8. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Well it looks like Kane and Son are going to take up your 2FTs.

      I don't know what else you'd look to do with a WC?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Haz to Salah, TAA in, Anderson and Rich out for Pogba and Eriksen, Mitro to Rashford.
        Loads of stuff.

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          In that case I probably would WC.

          I think if you can justify 5/6 changes - more than half your team, then a WC is worth it.

          The trade off is potentially not having 15 players with DGW fixtures late in the season I suppose.

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah, just wondering what position I'll be in by that point.

            1. HamezMace
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              I'm in a similar position, ideally I'd like to hold my WC until those DGWs as it's been very valuable in previous seasons, but I have almost the same midfield as you, with no Salah and want to change that.
              I'm not as unhappy with my defence, but I do have the Kane situation to address also.

              1. Rupert The Horse
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                5 years, 2 months ago

                What would you do this week if you didn't wild card?

                1. HamezMace
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 2 months ago

                  Kane to Aguero, and weigh up a -4 to do Hazard to Salah.

                  If I WC...Anderson, Lloris, Ward to Pogba, Rui, and Puncheon...and Schlinder to Bednarek

    9. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Not with 2 frees

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        I know, it feels so wrong.

    10. The Darkest Knight
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      No... loose Kane and get Salah... with your 2 ft and money ITB.

    11. greenybne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Could be tempted but Auba, Haz and Son to Pogs, Salah and Rash might do the trick

      1. greenybne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Unless Kane injury is bad of course

      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Ooh, I like that.

    12. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Son + Kane (if out) > Salah + Rashford

    13. LSK
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Son and Kane to Salah and Rashford surely?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Really wanted to give Auba and Hazard the boot.

        1. LSK
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          I know the feeling. I have them both and was thinking of wildcarding but I’ve come to my senses. Playing before a double Gameweek has too many advantages imo. Might still do Auba to Rashford but then I’m Spursless so no Kane/Son worries

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

          Auba's on the brink of an unreal run of fixtures. Keep the faith IMO.

          Kane and Son the priorities but wait for news on Harold.

  10. altan8797
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    etheridge speroni
    taa trippier bednarek digne awb
    sterling richarlison pogba salah brooks
    kane jimmy arnie

    yay or nay questions:

    1. kane+arnie to kun+rash (if kane's gone for a while)
    2. richarlison to lucas (if kane will be fit at least before watford)

  11. xhaka-laca
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    What do you think about lucas moura as a differential pick? Sure spure are probably going to struggle a bit if kane is out, but great fixtures and without Son and possibly Kane, he should get in the 11 right? And maybe even up top?

    1. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah, there's a chance. Not sure if Llorente will be used though. He's not great for us, but who knows what Poch is thinking.

    2. The Darkest Knight
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      too risky to say at the moment.
      with Llorente, Lamela are the other options.

  12. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Rumours circling that David Wagner has lost has quit as Huddlesfield manager, or is about to. Bookies slashing the odds.

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Surely betting would be suspended rather than the odds being slashed?

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        I'm no bookie.

    2. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      David Wager spotted having lunch in Manchester.

    3. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      that would be crazy.
      Not a bad side particularly with their budget.
      Only lacking a striker - had several games recently they've dominated just not been able to score.
      poor ref decision denied them a penalty on Sat

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

      I haven't followed them very closely, but they don't strike me as the best run club out there and seem to have used their limited (all things being relative) funds in a bizarre manner (see Pritchards signing / salary)

    5. Majestic Chanka
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Fairly surely they said that Wagner is basically manager as long as he wants to be for getting them up in the first place.

  13. The Darkest Knight
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Regarding this article...

    Should I have Hazard in my WC team or Sterling?

    1. The Darkest Knight
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      already have Sane.

    2. altan8797
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      had both this week. sold hazard for salah. But I have no other city asset so there is that. I would focus more on the teams rather then players if I were you. City feels like they're back on track while chelsea really struggles to score even against the kinds of southampton or newcastle.

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

    Who to (c) Hazard Sterling or Rashford?

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

      Rash

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

      B

  15. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Just got rid of Kane and feels good, think some in my ML will keep...…...Spurs fixtures good enough for the B team to win and will not risk Harry, CL back in mid Feb.....

  16. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    I've got myself in an expensive pickle... so which D would you get rid of first?

    Digne or Doherty?

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      rest of defence?

      1. Klip Klopp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Robertson, TAA, Digne, Doherty and Bennet!

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

      Doh

      1. Klip Klopp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        haha

    3. altan8797
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      This is the definition of a coin toss 🙂

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

      Never get rid of double D's

      1. Klip Klopp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        this is the rest of my defence... Robertson, TAA, Digne, Doherty and Bennet

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

      Wouldn't even consider removing either.

    6. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Play 4 at the back.

  17. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    David De Gea can save a PDF on a Nokia 3310

    1. Mysterion
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      But can he save it on a fax machine...

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Not bad.

    3. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      David De Gea could saved Gerrard of slipping.

  18. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    When we can expect any news on Kane injury? Friday?

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

      yes, likely to be Friday

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

    Auba -> Kun before Auba drops? 1FT 0.0ITB

    Patricio
    Robbo TAA Digne
    Salah Hazard Sane Pogba
    Auba Rashford Jimenez

    (Guaita McNeil Bednarek AWB)

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

      Wait til tonights game, but yeah, there are worse moves you could make

    2. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      I would ignore Auba falls, he has Cardiff and Huddersfield in the next three weeks ?? ………..

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

      not sure on auba out tbh.He has 3 home matches vs awful defenses in next 6 + plus one away vs hudders and is known to statpad vs those lot .Kun pretty much has similarish fixtures and cant see kun outscoring auba much next 6 tbh

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

      Thanks all!

  20. soupeh
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    I've been hit so hard, I think this is due a WC? Can't see what I can do with 1 FT and maybe a -4 for 2 transfers:

    GK: Alisson - Patricio
    DEF: Robertson - AWB - Lindelof - Doherty - Jonny
    MID: Sissoko - Pogba - Salah - Kante - Hazard
    FWD: Ings-Kane-Deeney

    1. soupeh
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      ...0.3 ITB

    2. danishdynamite
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Don't WC that !!

      One hit (I'd assume Kane + Sissoko to Kun + ?) and you're nicely setup for the coming week, then deal with next week next week

      1. soupeh
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers mate, you're keeping me sane. Better to take the hit I guess.

    3. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      sissoko & Kante… my word 🙂

      too much spent on GKs but not a big issue
      Defence is grand
      See opening line of my reply re midfield
      wouldnt fancy Ings & Denney everyweek

      anything itb?

      1. soupeh
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        0.3 ITB. I've been rotating keepers.

        1. kennethrhcp
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          why rotate Allison? imo just play him & go cheap as possible 2nd gk. free up funds & get it in the starting 11

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

            Agreed, but it's done now - no need to use an FT on a keeper. Save that change for the WC

          2. soupeh
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Start of the season I was unsure of how Liverpool would fare, and haven't had a good reason to change it (should have done it in the first Wildcard, but Rui Patricio picked me up some massive points pre-christmas)

      2. soupeh
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Also yeah... Sissoko and Kante were a gamble ahahaha.

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

      Kane (if injured)
      Sissoko and Kante our for minus 8

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

        With just 1 FT you can put this out next week

        Allison
        Robbo / Linelof / Doherty / Jonny
        POgba / Salah / Haz
        Deeney / Ings / Kun

        For a hit you could deal with Kante / Sissoko but there aren’t many super options around the max 6.5 mark, and none who I'd say are worth a hit.

        I’d do the one move, and take stock after the weekend.

        1. soupeh
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          How nailed on is Kun to start though? Tough one,

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

            You'll find out tonight.........and besides, nobody is nailed in that team, keeper aside. That's just the inherent risk of picking a Pep player

            1. soupeh
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Appreciate the insight. Thanks!

  21. fenixri
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on Pogba(C) this week?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      If you don't have Salah, a plausible shout.

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      decent option.

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

      Salah Eo will be too much this week to bet on someone outscoring him i think but pogba ofc looks a good option

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

      If Kane is out. And I’m still not convinced on captaining salah. The Pogba captain is really appealing. He’s the one that makes it all happen. Scores and assists.

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        I have Pogba and Salah and im thinking to C Pogba

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

        My thinking exactly. Where is fun in captaining Salah every week.

    5. LSK
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Considering it but think I’ll play safe with Salah

    6. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Got it on him at the moment.

  22. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    have enough money to upgrade either richa or anderson, which one shall i keep ? both have okish fixtures but have not got any returns lately. dont know what to do...

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

      How much ITB?

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        4.2 m 🙂

    2. LSK
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Richarlison personally, but it’s a 50/50 call

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        thanks goodish. i could do anderson to sterling. richa to kdb/erik

        1. Slitherene
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Anderson to KdB/Eriksen/Sane and save some money

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks

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

          I think Anderson to Sterling would be my preferred option.Assume you already have Sane?

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            no city asset, no sane. mendy is back soon though

    3. Dybala10
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Richarlison is hard to stay loyal too. He's giving me flashbacks of last season when I stuck by him when Watford has easy fixtures and he continuously blanked. As a non-owner, Fanderson worries me.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        cheers

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

      Sell Anderson imo

      Richarlison has been sooooo unlucky and is still the main man in that team. And with Digne pumping all them crosses in. Richarlison should explode. Give rich the next two games at least and reassess

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        thank you

  23. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Kane Hojbjerg Alonso => Rashford Salah Shaw -8 is tempting if Kane is out.

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      -8 though....

  24. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    I know fantasy is just game but im so depressed lately. In last 7 GWs my captain blank 4 times.

    Few weeks ago i was 7 K and now im 24 K.... awful

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      the wheel will turn i m sure 🙂

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Hope so mate
        Im going to bring Salah so thats mean he will blank..

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

      Form is temporary
      Class is permanent

      I’m still 100k. I’d love to be in your position haha

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Meh wouldnt be suprised if my OR in 4-5 Gws be arround 200-250 k

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

      oh, you are 24k now, thats sad!

    4. Party time
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Go fishing for a while 😉

      • Konig Luther
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Funny, In last 7 GWs my captain blank 4 times.

        Few weeks ago i was 100K and now im 24 K.... awesome

        1. Niho992
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          You re joking right ? 😀

          1. Konig Luther
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            No... You can check the link in my name... Sometimes the other players make the difference

      • LSK
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Don’t let it get you down mate. One day you’ll get to die and your rank won’t matter anymore

      • dbeck
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        4k to 20k over xmas.. Avoid knee jerking and be patient. Greens are due

      • Dybala10
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        From 6k to 50k since GW16 and it puts me in a foul mood. Wish I didn't take it seriously.

    5. Salah4Ever
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Just can t decide
      Bench 2
      1.Ings
      2.Donerty
      3.Digne
      4.Deleufo

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Ings
        Digne

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

      I’m really hoping Kane isn’t injured.
      I’m 5th in my mini league. And it’s a tough league.
      But 3 of the top four don’t own Salah! And it is because of Salah I have been slowly climbing the rank.

      Kane injury means they will all get Salah in 🙁

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

        I wont be able to get Salah even if Kane is injured, sigh...

    7. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Please make me feel better... Who wins;

      6 points or Sterling & Doherty.

      1. ClassiX
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        For next week? Sterling + Doh

        1. Zenith UK
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          For tonight. Cup fixture.

      2. Salah4Ever
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        I think either sterling or doherty can t get those 6 points
        I wish Doherty gets CS

        1. Zenith UK
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          If either score I lose, just praying they don't

      3. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        6 points loses out i'm afraid

        1. Zenith UK
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          You're not helping me! :'(

    8. Jack Burton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Sorry about this one guys which 2 to start out of these 3 Deulofeu, Doherty, Jimenez cheers in advance

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        the two Wolves lads

      2. altan8797
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        tough call. I would got with Wolves assets

        1. Jack Burton
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Cheers chaps may just do that then

    9. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      I am 33K currently... Realistically where do you think I could finish?

      I've had two top 5K finishes, five top 20K finishes and never finished outside the top 100K (bar first season playing).

      I always tend to come strong in the final third of the season and can't remember the last time I had as good a start as I have this term.

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        101k

        1. Ten Season Wonder
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          that would be an Internal Error i would think

      2. LSK
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Can easily finish in the top 5k again.

    10. altan8797
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      anyone considering to captain pogba over salah in the next 2?

      1. Fergus1107
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        City assets next week surely?

        I own both btw

        1. altan8797
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          have ster and could bring kun if kane is out for a while. could consider them. (have ster(c) vs wolves atm).

      2. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Nah. But they are my C and VC for the next 4