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. Fergus1107
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    An injured Kane & out of sorts Hazard to Sterling & Aguero is looking tidy for Huddersfield next week.

    1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

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

    Hazard to Deulofeu & Arnie to Aguero for free?

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

    Kane's "injury" rather he will be fit or not is a real concern for owners. Remember last year when he could play but you could tell he clearly wasn't playing full throttle and had this being the back of his head.
    Of course, last year was a WC year but still..

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

      My thoughts exactly.

      Do I want a half fit Kane walking around the pitch? Absolutely not.

      As a Spurs fan, I would want him to take the rest and get back fully fit in 3 or so weeks.
      And as a FPL manager, I would not like the option to play him when he is half fit.

  4. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Already used my 2 ft's to get Salah in, but if Kane injured do I WC or just Kane > Aguero/Rashford for -4?

    Current Team
    Fab / Hamer
    Robbo / Alonso / Digne / Doherty / AWB
    Salah / Sane / Pogba / Anderson / Rich
    Kane / Jimi / Kam

    Possible WC Team, seems counter productive as just lost Haz for Salah!
    Fab/Button
    Robbo / TAA / Digne / Doherty / AWB
    Salah / Sterling / Haz / Pog / Anderson
    Rash / Jimi / Long

    1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Dont wc

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

    Who scores more next gw?
    Richarlison or Sterling -4

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

      Sterling.

    2. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      I'd say Sterling, if he starts!

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

      About the same.

    4. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      S

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

      Sterling

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

      richarlison

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

      Even Stevens

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

    anyone into their snooker on here?

    went to my first ever game live yday - allen v brecel - cracking game

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

      Love snooker. Had a £20 double on Brecel and Day last night for £220. Both odds of 3.5. Another £20 on Ronnie and Lisowski today.

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

        good going that pal, nice!

    2. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      I love playing more than watching, but yes. Lucky you - was a great match!

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

        yep had my reservations given the two players but turned out quite the cracker

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

      yep I enjoy watching but only really when the big tournaments are on. I play pool to a high standard but snooker is far too difficult and demoralising to play!

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

        masters is probably as big as it gets.. lol

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

      Been to Sheffield masters several times. Love it

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

    if kane is out for a while, would you consider another spurs asset (alli, lucas or eriksen) for the upcoming fixtures?

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

      I wouldn't myself..

      no kane, no son.. i'm staying clear of our boys.

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

      Absolutely

    3. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Not for me, they could struggle with no Son or Kane, I think there's better options.

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

      I might be wrong, but with Dembele leaving and Sissoko / Winks looking shagged out, i can see Eriksen being needed further back on the pitch in the coming period, so I'd say Alli & Moura. I'm most interested in Moura

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

        me too, especially with those annoying returns from richarlison.

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

        Yeah. He moved alongside Winks in the second half when Spurs went 4-2-3-1. Lamela, Alli and Son ahead of him in those three attacking midfield positions. Dier's back soon, like, so he'll be an extra body at DM. Alli my preference but for the price, Moura is intruiging.

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

      Lucas be a decent shout as he would most likely take Kane spot up front.

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

      Maybe Alli but no-one else tbh.

      Losing Kane at the same time as Son's leaving is a big blow for them so I'd worry a bit about their creativity.

      Eriksen will have to play deeper and doesn't have the set piece monopoly so I wouldn't want him. None of the other options convince me and I think there are better options in their price brackets anyway.

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

      I think the defence might be the way to go. Can see them grinding out a few 1-0s without Kane and Son.

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

      Possibly Alli or Lamela, but their lack of central midfield options is a concern, and their ability to control games with so many out.

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

      SPurs without Son AND Kane sounds like a pretty bad team.

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

      Fixtures from absolute heaven - I would be very surprised if they struggled even without their best 2 attackers out.

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

      Not interested right now tbh

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

    I'm considering Ederson and Doherty out for Lloris and Digne. Would you do it? I have two FTs and exactly the money i need. No other spurs assets, have richarlison from Eve.

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

      if spurs get to the cup final both players you have chosen wont play gw27

      doherty has good fixtures too in the medium term

    2. F_Ivanovic
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Nope. Dislike making 2 defensive transfers in one week especially when both the incoming and outgoing player are equally likely to get points. Spurs could have a blank same time as City in GW27 so unless you have a playing 2nd GK then that transfer is bad.

      And I just think Doherty to Digne is sideways - Doherty has great upcoming fixtures. (I have both)

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

    Sterling cappers unite!!!

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

      horray

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

      *Trips getting off bus and get slight ankle sprain*

      1. SoShy
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Monday blues

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

          I'm 6 points ahead of cup opponent and he has Sterling & Doherty to play...

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

    spurs has good fixtures and if kane injured surely Llorente will do the business

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

      You poor, silly fool.

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

        Never ever

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

        BAN

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

      Good luck

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

      The only business will be that Spurs might get an extra couple of million when they sell Llorente because Kane is injured.

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

      Should get a chance? Yes
      Will get a chance? No chance
      = no business

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

        look at the injuries spurs have in midfield , don't know why a lot are rubbishing that thought but as we know with FPL , 2 goals this weekend and he becomes essential lol [if Kane is really injured = most likely he is]

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

          I'm pretty confident Kane will miss at least this coming GW.
          But I'd say it's more likely a front three of Lamela, Alli, Moura than Llorente.

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

            if moura is fit then def Moura first but he`s flagged also

  11. Wılly
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Currently own Kane, Camarasa, Kamara.
    Need 2 of these to play each week.
    If Kane is ruled out for a while, which of these options would you choose?

    A. Aguero, Camarasa, Kamara +1.2m
    B. Rashford, Sane, Kamara (-4)
    C. Rashford, Camarasa, Firmino (-4)

    1. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      B. I wouldn't ever play Camarasa or Kamara.

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

      B is best I think.

  12. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    If Kane is out is Alli an option. I remember two seasons ago when Kane was out Alli was the main man.

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

      Not last week, not last month but 2 season ago.
      Not sure how applicable that is.

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      hot topic

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

    Bottomed

    Benching question here.

    Playing:

    Fabi
    Doherty, Digne, TAA
    Pogba Salah
    Rashford Firmino

    Sitting: Speroni, Luiz, Wan

    Who to be 1st on my bench?

    Bilva, Jimenez, Anderson, Dilva

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

      No?

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

      Jim

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

        Thanks Bobby

  14. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    If Kane is out should I go for

    A. Camarasa, Kane to Alli, Rashford
    B. Camarasa, Kane to Eriksen, Rashford
    C. Camarasa, Kane to De Bruyne, Rashford
    D. Camarasa, Kane to Fraser, Aguero
    E. Camarasa, Kane to Fraser, Aubameayng

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

      depends what happens on thursday but perhaps A

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

        whats thursday?

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

      A

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

      i wouldnt bother with spurs after losing kane and son...they will be void of ideas imo

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

        at least for a gw or 2

  15. EMBOLOFAN
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    MUFC fans:

    is it a matter of time before lukaku is starting games again, with rashford wide left?
    in that scenario, is lingard expected to keep his place? or is a rashford-lukaku-martial combination possible?

    cheers

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

      I think he will try Rashford-Lukaku-Martial against Brighton.

      1. George James
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        why would he try or test anything at the moment?

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

        thanks

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

      I think Lingard is the most likely to lose his place if Kaku comes into the starting 11. Offers less than Martial.

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

        thanks, this is what i'm hoping. interested in bringing martial in.

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

      It's Rashford's place to loose @ CF.
      Winger's will change & lukaku will start cup games and may get back to team if Rash flops.
      Given the fixtures it looks highly unlikely.
      Wide left or Central Rash & pogba are safest player's from United imo

    4. Teddy Brewski
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      He'd be bonkers to do that. Rash on fire down the middle. Plenty of rest time

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

        cheers - hope so

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

      Lukaku's role at United now is to come on late in games and provide an out ball/hold the ball up front if they're defending a lead.

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

        i feel it is difficult for a manager without much authority to leave two of the highest earning players in the league (sanchez and lukaku) on the bench if fit

        1. F_Ivanovic
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Jose did that with Pogba. And Sanchez.

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

            jose was not in the same position as OGS

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

              No, Jose was loosing matches, OGS is winning them all.

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

                that doesn't mean a great deal in the context of this topic

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

          What makes you state that OGS doesn't have any autority in the group? He has shown that he has got enough autority to make the players act quite different on the field than an well known authority as Mourinho did earlier this year

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

            that's not what i'm referring to. he's an inexperienced caretaker manager responsible for the happiness of extremely costly/valueable assets

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

              If anything that works in Ole's favour, pick who he wants, and if it upsets Lukaku, or whoever, then what does he care, in a few months they have a new manager anyway.

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

                not really how it works. OGS is auditioning for full time position, without much leverage.

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

                  6 wins from 6, and the style of play, and supporter happiness is way more leverage than Lukaku's feelings.

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

                    it's not lukaku's feelings that matter to the club, but his value as an asset

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

                      If what you're suggesting is that the board will be pressuring Ole to play Lukaku and Sanchez regardless of how it impacts team performance, purely because of the wages they earn, or potential resale of transfer value, then respectfully I think you are wrong.

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

            Yep.

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

        "Lukaku's role at United now is to come on late in games and provide an out ball/*hold the ball up front* if they're defending a lead"

        Lukaku, hold the ball up, hmmmmmm

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

          I know, I know, I even questioned myself writing it...I mean I'm still sure for his goal against Newcastle he was actually trying to control the rebound before shooting!

          But seriously, with his attributes, strength, and power, that would be the best use for him in this team.

          Everytime Ole talks to the media it's all about wanting to play with pace, speed, moving the ball quickly, this style of play is better suited to the guys who are delivering the results now, not the 'target man' route.

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

      Rashford didnt even play up top against Spurs. He played wide.. I dont understand why people think its farfetched that Lukaku could come in as CF with Rashford wide.

      1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Do you think it would be detrimental to Rashford though?

        Or will Lukaku take the defenders focus and allow Rashford more opportunities?

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

        You watched OGS press after the match ??
        It was tactical decision.
        Spurs playing diamond midfield prompted him playing lingard through middle & exploit pace of rash & Tony on the wings

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

        Tactical decision, even Pogba said that they trained whole week playing counter attack long pass on Rashford. Also Pogba mentioned that he is happy playing with Rash. They have great synergy and both the most nailed players in team imo (except DDG ofcourse)

    7. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Wins 6 games in a row playing Pogba, Herrera, Matic, Martial, Rashford and Lingard and they are in danger of being dropped? I don't think so.

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

      No chance. Kaku ain't knocking Rash out of the team.

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

        nobody has suggested this might be the case

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

          Why would OGS push Rash wide when he's doing the biz through the middle? Kaku not gonna replace any of the front three...

  16. George James
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Kane + Kamara >> Kun + Llorente -4?

    1. Teddy Brewski
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Just Kane to Kun if confirmed out for two or more gw's

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

      Only if Kane confirmed out and for more than a week or two. I like be Llorente idea though. No Son to cover Kane

    3. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      no - llorente didnt even get a much time to play even when kane get injured last year if i recall

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

        They played Son in Kane’s place and he is unavailable this time round

        1. Teddy Brewski
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          If Moura is injured long term too then Llorente may be an option. Otherwise stay clear imo

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

      a -4 for Llorente?

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

    Thoughts on Fanderson and Kamara to Rash and 4.5 mid?

    Sideways? 0.2ITB and 2FT

    Ether Guiata
    Digne Robbo Pereira WB Bennett
    Fanderson Pereya Salah Haz Pogs
    Auba Jiménez Kamara

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

      Anderson vs B'mouth but Rashford on fire.

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

        Thanks

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

      i would get rid of pereira until gw27

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

        Was planning on that one next week

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

    What is the latest on Monsieur Daniel Ings? Back soon?

    1. Teddy Brewski
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Due to be back this weekend. Expect him to start on the bench though

    2. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      i want to know this too as im on bringing shane long and play with 3-5-2 formation

      1. Teddy Brewski
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        You're doing what? That will not go well

        1. Alonso The Great Midfielder
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          of course long will be my third striker and just need when someone not play

  19. Bobby_Baggio
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Which do you prefer please?

    A) Rashford + BSilva
    B) Barnes + Sane

    1. Teddy Brewski
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      A but try and find a bit more £ to make BSilva into someone better

      1. Bobby_Baggio
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        It's tricky. Current mid Salah - Haz - Pogba - Anderson - Son. Son being man making way

    2. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      tough but B for me

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

    Just in preperation would you do

    Kane to Auba (Jimenez to Rashford)
    Kane to Hazard (Anderson (or Rich)) to Rashford.

    I am holding but planning 🙂

    I think with Auba and or Hazard beforming badly one (or both will strike back) especially if a price drop to offset to follow

    (even thought about a Firminho double up with Salah (to be different)

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Think Auba will go to 11.3, tempted by him as Kane replacement, he has a few great hm fixtures coming up

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

        Yeah me too. With a decent forward Hazard could explode too!

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

        Funny because I'm looking to take him out with Chels and City on the horizon then bringing back in after City...

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

    Firmino massively under the radar, a relatively quiet season but 4th highest scoring striker.

    1. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      2 liverpool defence plus salah is the way to go

      1. GS456
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Yep

    2. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      It says a lot about the quality of forwards this season in a way - he's 4th but he's behind 9 midfielders, 4 defenders, and even a goalkeeper in scoring.

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

      Problem is his blanks, there are just so many, probably at least half.

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

      With the premium mids performing and Jimenez and Wilson on par with him for much less he's hard to justify

    5. F_Ivanovic
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Magnus brought him in. I don't like him as an option ever since he blanked for me in 3/4 great fixtures earlier in the season (Hud, Car, Ars*, Ful) Also I just think it's an awkward price point anyway - he's not a good captain option and there are cheaper options that are performing nearly as good as or better than.

      *He usually does well vs Arsenal, so I thought it was OK. But ofc he blanks in that one and in the reverse scores a hattrick...

  22. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Bench 1:

    A) Holebas (BUR)
    B) Doherty (LEI)
    C) Jiminez (LEI)
    D) Richarlison (sot)

    1. GS456
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Holebas

    2. F_Ivanovic
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      I have a similar(ish) tough choice but I have Kiko Femenia instead of Holebas so he's on the bench for me atm.

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

      A I guess. Enjoy the bench points.

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

      A

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

    This Kane injury has really knackered my beautifully curated plans. Phil Jones trolling me for the second successive season in FPL like a big useless dingbat.

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

      Isn't it just an extra transfer to get a Kane replacement?

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

        I think thats oversimplification to a certain degree.

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

          Perhaps... but he's right to an extent.

          Kane would have been my cpt against Fulham - and possibly Watford. Trying to differentiate a bit from the Salah cappers.

          My idea was to get Auba by GW24 for a -4 to go alongside Kane, Hazard, Sterling & Pogba.

          I'm still considering that, but moving Kane out turns that -4 into a -8; unless I just do a straight swap from Kane to Auba this week.... but that feels silly when Kun/Rashford have such good potential fixtures.

          Like I say, a bit of a mess...

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

            I basically in the same boat, I'm very close to engaging WC.

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

          If the plans are that good, money isn't a problem 😉

    2. GS456
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      And mine.

      Will likely bench him this week now as already on a -4. Wanted Pogba and Salah in as priority.

      1. F_Ivanovic
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        and this is why you wait till at least Sunday to make transfers...

        1. GS456
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Price rises were going to do me out of the moves I wanted.

          First time I’ve made early moves all season too

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

            Did Son -> Pog yesterday. 1 more FT, which was gonna be Alonso -> dud.

            Now probably gonna be Kane to Kun or Rashford. Or possibly Auba as a longer term move.

          2. F_Ivanovic
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Fair enough. Always the way isn't it when you do something you normally wouldn't do and you end up getting super unlucky!

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

      Yeah changed a lot for me too.

  24. GS456
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Aguero is good for the next 2 but then has arsenal and Chelsea followed by a blank.

    Surely everyone is downgrading and putting the money into midfield.

    Hazard, Salah, Pogba, Richarlison/Anderson and a city/Spurs mid.

    Rashford/Jiminez

    The new template??

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

      You can always sell him by 26/27.

      1. GS456
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Who do we turn to then ha!

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

          Kane could be back. You'll get someone who plays in 27 probably.

          1. GS456
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Certainly changed the game for the next few weeks.

            Exciting

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

      Contradicting yourself here mate playing down Aguero as a dodgy option then recommending a City midfielder instead?

      1. GS456
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        I was struggling to think of anyone else who could go there ha!

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

        Ha.

    3. boc610
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      "But then has Arsenal" you could have just said good for next three

      1. GS456
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        True

    4. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      arsenal not very worrying for city--only chelsea could be a tough opponent for them i think

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

      I’d say aguero is good for the next three. Then you can get Kane back.

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

      Yeah that was my original question. Best to go Hazard in midfield, or get Auba? (with Rashford of course)

      I think there are better options than Kun this time. (city midfielder will do).

      I also am not discounting Wilson if he gets his big money move

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

    50 with sterling(c) to go. green or red arrow at the end of the day?

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

      GREEN.

    2. GS456
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Green

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

      Hopefully red, likely green.

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

        salty chips

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

      cheers

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

      depends how many points he gets, 2-3pts and its likely to be red

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

      im on 46 and currently red, wb to come on for 4pts and hopefull sane will do something tonight turning mine green

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

      Hopefully red.

  26. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Assuming Kane is out, which option would you suggest? have 2ft, 2.7m and a long list of changes i want to make

    Fabianski -- Button
    Digne Holebas Doherty -- Alonso (ars) schindler
    Son Hazard Anderson Pogba Rich
    Jimenez Kane -- Kamara

    A: Son + Kane >> Salah + Rashford +3m...can use that to upgrade Anderson >> Eriken/Mane/Sane/KDB next gw. ideally would like one of auba/kun but not sure how sigh! Also, with this option, benching headache incoming as i will be benching alonso

    B: Alonso + Son + Kane >> TAA + Salah + Aguero (-4)....means no rashford but i get a big hitter in Augero. can look to do anderson/kamara >> puncheon/Rashford (-4) next gw

    1. My Mums Athletic
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      A easy -

  27. merin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Do you see any obvious changes here?
    Patricio Hamer
    Alonso TAA Doherty Dunk
    Salah Hazard Pogba Richarlison Stephens
    Kane Rashford Jimenez
    0 ITB, 1 FT

    Alonso out for Digne maybe?

    1. My Mums Athletic
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Alonso to Robertson?

      Unless Kane out....

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

      That Kane guy.

  28. My Mums Athletic
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Votes please:

    A) Fabianski, Hazard, Deeney
    B) Ethridge, Sterling, Barnes

    I’m leaning B.....

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

      A

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

    Thoughts on what to do? 1FT 1.6ITB

    Patricio - Button
    Alonso - Laporte - Digne - Doherty -AWB
    Salah- Hazard-Pogba- Martial - Hojbjerg
    Rashford-Wilson-Barnes

    Cheers

  30. GS456
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone actually seen this Kane tackle?

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

      All over the news.

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

        Is Kane tackling Brexit too? He's really working for that OBE.