Scout Notes

Why Wan-Bissaka got maximum bonus as Watford bust clean sheet

Watford crashed another clean sheet party in Gameweek 22 as their away form continues to frustrate Fantasy Premier League managers.

However, that did not stop everybody’s favourite Crystal Palace defender from picking up bonus points.

How that happened is the focus of this latest Scout Notes article.

Crystal Palace 1-2 Watford

Goals: Craig Cathcart (£4.5m), Tom Cleverley (£5.0m)

Own Goals: Cathcart

Assists: Jose Holebas (£4.8m)

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£4.5m) was the talk of the Fantasy community on Saturday after he picked up maximum bonus in Crystal Palace’s 2-1 defeat to Watford. The young right-back managed that feat despite not being involved in a goal or keeping a clean sheet. That just goes to show the power of his Fantasy appeal, with more hauls expected from him in future as his style of play is favoured by the Bonus Points System.

Interestingly, it appears it was more than just Wan-Bissaka’s defensive work that earned him additional points against the Hornets. While he was joint-top for tackles, three players were ahead of him for Clearances, Blocks and Interceptions (CBI). Where he seems to have performed best was pass completion, coming joint-second there, and playing more open-play crosses than any other player. It must also be said that Wan-Bissaka was also helped to three bonus by the fact that one of Watford’s goal-scorers had already registered and own-goal, while the other was only on the pitch for 22 minutes.

It was a rare week where the majority of his owners made the conscious effort en masse to use him in their starting line-ups. After all, Crystal Palace came into Saturday’s match with the third-best home defensive record in the division, only Chelsea and Liverpool conceding fewer than them in front of their own fans. However, Watford proved to be the coupon busters away from home once again as they scored twice.

Considering that in the four road matches prior to Gameweek 22 Watford were in the top three for big chances created, perhaps it is not too shocking that the Hornets were able to find a breakthrough. In fact, their opening goal should really have been much sooner than it did, as they hit the post twice in the opening minutes. Instead, it came in the 67th minute, perhaps after some managers had logged in and seen a clean sheet added for Wan-Bissaka and his Palace defensive colleagues.

It was an afternoon of frustration for owners of Eagles goalkeeper Vicente Guaita (£4.2m) as he was substituted with a muscle injury just short of half-time. The Spaniard had picked up plenty of transfer interest in recent weeks having made five consecutive starts between Gameweeks 17 and 21 at a budget price. Those who signed him for Gameweek 22 watched on in dismay as he was forced from the field, now in need of further assessment, as Wayne Hennessey (£4.5m) replaced him. A possible absence for Guaita could mean a slight reduction in Palace’s clean sheet potential. This season with him in goal, the Eagles have conceded a goal every 164.7 minutes, compared to every 59.4 minutes with Hennessey between the sticks.

“We don’t know yet but it’s a muscle injury to his calf and will have to be assessed. It was obviously bad enough that he couldn’t continue. How bad an injury it is we won’t know until he’s had the scan. It’s a definite muscle injury, it wasn’t cramp or a kick.” – Roy Hodgson

It was another match in which Hodgson avoided using his favoured 4-4-2 formation, opting for the 4-3-3 set-up which helped Palace win 2-0 at Molineux in Gameweek 21. Wilfried Zaha (£6.7m), and Andros Townsend (£5.8m), flanking Jordan Ayew (£5.7m), who was making his second start in a row. However, playing a front three did not aid Crystal Palace’s unenviable goal-scoring record at home, which still only stands at six in 11 matches, although Zaha was the match’s top shooter in the peanlty box. The Eagles found the net against Watford courtesy of Abdoulaye Doucouré (£5.9m), whose attempted clearance cannoned into the net off an unwitting Craig Cathcart (£4.5m).

“If you want to win games you need to take the chances that come your way. As far as Watford are concerned they must be feeling quite comfortable in that respect. They had a chance early on which hit the post twice and another chance which was cleared off the line and they had chances to score their two goals. We perhaps weren’t as effective. We also had our chances but we could only score one goal. That’s what football is basically, there aren’t many games this year where I’ve come off the field thinking ‘well we were outplayed there, beaten there, didn’t deserve to win, the opponents were clearly much better than us’.” – Roy Hodgson

With those issues scoring goals, Hodgson admitted post-match his scouting team are always on the lookout for players that can add more firepower to the Palace squad. However, he did explain that he is hoping the recent return of Connor Wickham (£4.9m) and Christian Benteke (£6.3m) can help the situation. The former has been back in the fold since Gameweek 19, although is yet to start, while Benteke made his first appearance since Gameweek 4 coming on as a 78-minute substitute against Watford.

“I’m hoping that the return of Benteke and the return of Connor Wickham might give me a few more options than I’ve had over the last year and a bit.” – Roy Hodgson

As already mentioned, Watford had compared well to the rest of the league for attacking performances away from home recently. The win at Selhurst Park means they have picked up 16 points on their travels this season. While that happens to be the same number they have earned at Vicarage Road, it’s the seventh-best road total in the Premier League, compared to 11th from home matches. The fact that the Hornets are proving one of the better away sides this year might urge caution for Fantasy managers looking to start Spurs, Brighton and Cardiff defensive assets against them between now and Gameweek 27.

José Holebas (£4.8m) was the key Fantasy asset to deliver for Watford as he picked up an assist for Cathcart’s equaliser, still on the corners for the Hornets. It was the Greek’s third attacking return in six matches, also earning him two bonus points. Meanwhile, centre-back Cathcart’s goal was his first since Gameweek 4.

“Cathcart is one of the players with the most minutes in the league,” said Gracia. “I trust him. He always shows a very good level, a good commitment and is a very important player for me. I know he scored an own goal, but after that he was able to score from a corner kick.” – Javi Gracia

Ken Sema (£4.6m) had to replace Will Hughes (£4.9m) in the first half after he took a fierce shot to the face. The Swedish substitute was then replaced in the 68th minute after picking up a booking because Gracia feared he would collect a second and be sent off. It was a bold decision, but one that paid off as it allowed Cleverley to come on and get the winning goal.

“It wasn’t an easy decision but in that moment I thought I had to do it. I am very sorry as I don’t like to do it, but I had to do it. It was tough. In that moment I looked for the way to balance the midfield. With Gerard playing on the right, we needed to be more aggressive in that moment.” – Javi Gracia

Crystal Palace XI (4-3-3): Guaita (Hennessey 45′); van Aanholt, Sakho, Tomkins, Wan-Bissaka; McArthur (Benteke 78′), Milivojevic, Kouyaté; Zaha, Ayew (Schlupp 83′), Townsend.

Watford XI (4-4-2): Foster; Holebas, Cathcart, Mariappa, Kiko Femenía; Pereyra (Masina 90+3′), Capoue, Doucouré, Hughes (Sema 19′ | Cleverley 68′); Deeney, Deulofeu.

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2,178 Comments Post a Comment
  1. TheSteel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Is TAA injured and out for 4 weeks per Fantasy Fix’ tweet?

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

      don't think so

    2. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Please no

    3. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Looks like it.

      Don't listen to Sadio. He's ill informed.

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

        😀 I was joking Virg, people have only been posting non-stop on here about it for the last half-an-hour

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Ah, okay sorry dude! 😀

          Only just logged on!

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

        How are you going to approach captaincy this week chief?

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          I'm tweaking the captain sensible article to look at last 4 home and last 4 away for the teams and players who are the main candidates.

    4. french holiday
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Yeh Trent looked like he was playing with painkillers.

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

      Googled his name and it looks like its true FFS just brung him in last GW

  2. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    How does this sound? Considering it mainly due to the amount of hits others will be taking.

    Alonso + Lingard + Son + Kane > Shaw + Sterling + Salah + Jiminez -8

    1. McSauce
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Could pay off yes. I would take out Alonso transfer if money works, Shaw would need clean sheet plus returns for that to make sense?

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

      Not keen, would rather just do the Son, Kane > Salah, Jimenez move for free. In a week where many will be taking hits, you'll be getting a head start.

  3. LC1
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Okay really need some help guys!

    Took a -8 for this team on Saturday;

    Fabianksi (hamer)
    TAA(!) Digne Shaw Bennett AWB
    Salah Sane Pogba Richarlison Hojbjerg
    Kane(!) Rashford Jimenez.

    1.4 ITB.

    Then got the news about Kane out for up to a month and now TAA out for a month.

    I can either take MORE hits to get rid or just bite the bullet and WC.

    Any advice is much much appreciated!

    Thanks a lot

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

      It's a tough one. I can see why you might - but a majority of your squad would still stay I assume.
      I'm in the same position (took -4) to move on Son and Auba to Salah and Rashford.

    2. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      if you really want to replace Kane and TAA this week, then I would use the wildcard

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

      Wildcard time.

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

    Any chance TAA rises tonight despite being out for a month?

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

      If the flag doesn't go on yes loll

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

        It's on now

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

      lol

  5. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    TAA our for 4 weeks. Confirmed by BT Sports

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      And the loaned out Clyne. Ouch

    2. McSauce
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      No he isn't close on 90% and he will be transferred out from now on not in

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

    McNeil & Kane to Sané & Rashford (-4), leaving cash for Anderson to Pogba/Alli next week?

    Tempted by KDB over Sané. Thoughts?

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

    What, is TAA injured

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

      Not sure - no-one has mentioned it yet.

      1. french holiday
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        your late

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

          My late what? Grandfather?

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

          YOU'RE

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

      IS THIS A JOKE?

    3. daitheboot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Ffs

  8. french holiday
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Looks like Alonso to TAA plans have been cancelled. Maybe he will survive the drop.

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

      haha and i was thinking of doing that my self lol

  9. DR0GBA
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Need help with 2fts..

    Fabianski
    Digne Luiz Kolasinac AWB Diop
    Hazard Salah Pogba Anderson Richarlison
    Kane Ings Kamara

    2FT £0.6m itb

    A) Kane + Ings > Aguero + Rashford
    B) Kane + Anderson/Rich + Kola > Rashford + Sterling + Van Dijk (-4)
    C) Kane + Kola > Aguero + Robertson
    D) Anything else?

    Cheers

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

      Nearly same team has mine I'm going kane ings to Rashford and firmino I think would defo have gone kun but duno if he's gona play

  10. migas2k7
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Hennesey or patricio for the entire season (just a budget 4.5)

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

      Pat. Hennesey won't play the whole season

  11. french holiday
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Milner should easily come for TAA which raises the risk of pens being taken away from Salah!

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

      YEP

    2. el polako
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      I think Klopp wants to keep his main man happy and aslo would like to see him compete for Golden Boot.

      I wouldnt be surprised if Salah stayed on pens beacasue lets be honest Firminio is a better pen taker than chaotic "lets smash it and hope for the best" Salah and he still is behind Mo in pecking order.

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

        Salah has a better penalty conversion rate than Firmino though.

        1. el polako
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Didnt realize this.
          Just from watching how they take their pens I would say that Bobby is the more competent taker.

          1. Ask Yourself
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Klopp says Firmino misses in training a lot too

            1. Ask Yourself
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              He said this after Salah let him have the hat trick

      2. nevins84
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Milner will take pens

  12. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    On new article
    Shame this TAA news. Glad I haven't pulled trigger on my planned move yet. Looks like this is the new plan if Kane is out:

    Kane, Martial, Schindler > Rash, Sterling, Digne (-4) - would give me:

    0.3itb
    Fab
    VVD, Doherty, Digne, Luiz
    Salah (C), Sterling, Haz, Pog
    Rash, Wilson
    (Hamer) (Snod, AWB, AK47)

    Obviously not a bad team but frustrating that it couldn't be even better for the same move....

  13. NUFCAndrew
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Time to play my wildcard?

    Fabianski Hamer

    Robertson TAA Digne Doherty WB

    Salah Hazard Pogba Richarlison Hojbjerg

    Kane Jiminez Ings

    Hamer doesn't pkay, TAA injured, Hazard stinking up my team, Richarlison out of form, Kane & Ings also injured is it time to pull the trigger?

  14. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Luke Shaw as TAA replacement anyone?

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Yep. But VVD if you can afford it

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

      OF COURSE.

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

        Have you wild carded yet Rupert?

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

          IM GOING CRAZY TRYING TO DECIDE, BUT NO, NOT YET.

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

            I'm feeling your pain. This TAA news might swing it...I don't want Wan-Bisska, or Schindler playing this weekend.
            ...easy on the sugar.

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

              Whoops again.
              I swear, it would be so much easier if I just had 1 Ft, but with 2 its confused things.

    3. french holiday
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Robertson if u dont have him else Digne.

  15. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Guess that means Milner and Fabinho will be covering at RB.

  16. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    0FT 1.8 ITB

    Hold and transfer TAA out next week?

    Fabianski
    Robbo Digne Doherty
    Anderson Salah(C) Hazard Pogba Højbjerg
    Auba Jimenez

    Boruc AWB Kamara TAA

  17. french holiday
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Does Salah still have the auto captain appeal with Milner on the pitch ?

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

      Well I would have just switched it Kane but...

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

        Same ha

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

      He's Mr. consistent, penalties or no penalties, he'll find his way to get points.

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

    " A possible absence for Guaita could mean a slight reduction in Palace’s clean sheet potential. This season with him in goal, the Eagles have conceded a goal every 164.7 minutes, compared to every 59.4 minutes with Hennessey between the sticks."

    Stats

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

      he's pretty good, looks like Speroni could be back in now though

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

      What about with Speroni between the sticks 😛 https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/19710371

  19. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone here buy Guaita for gw 22 and just buy TAA yesterday?

    With Kane also sideline...

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

      Yes on Guaita.
      Got TAA a few weeks back.
      Have Kane.
      Disaster.

    2. nevins84
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Bought Gauita on Friday, I have TAA & Kane.. and Wilson just for good measure...

  20. migas2k7
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Best kepper for the whole season up to 4.5?

    1. LC1
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Pat

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

      Fab

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

    Just transferred in TAA ahh

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

      Today?? Terrible luck

  22. andrinho
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Keep
    a) Richarlison (SOU HUD)
    Or
    b) Anderson (BOU WOL)

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

      Both

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

      they should all be lower case* 😉 think I'm keeping both, but Anderson's next 3 fixtures aren't as good as Rich..

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

      Both loll.Too many other priorities

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

      I wanted to get rid of both, now Kane and Taa are out so forced to keep.

  23. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    When horsey goes all capitals, you know it's some serious stuff.

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

      HA!

  24. Runaway
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    I was happy with my team first time after a long while and it did last only 1 day. I was planning to get rid of Alonso and Richarlison for Sane and Bednarek but now I have to deal with TAA and Kane and have no clue where to begin with. Brought TAA for Robbo last week and lost 0.3 on Robbo (he was in since day1). Maybe I should spend this time to other things and my life will be better.

  25. nevins84
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Milner will come in for TAA..
    Any news on Kane?
    I also have Wilson....... Hits this week for me..

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Reports that’s Kane’s out for a month

    2. french holiday
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Kane out for a month it seems..

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

      Prob. Not good for Salah pens.

      No news on Kane yet.

    4. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Reports in news feeds of similar time out to TAA?

  26. SFC Fan 123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Fab Hamer
    TAA VVD AWB Bednarek Digne
    Hazard Salah Pogba Richarlison Camarasa
    Kane Rashford Kamara

    Thinking of doing Kane/TAA -> Aguero /Doherty for a -4
    With a view to doing Fab -> Alisson the week after?

    Or, could do Kane/TAA -> Firmino/Doherty and just leave a good amount in the bank?

    Any views? Thanks!

  27. Mortal.Swinbat
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Is it better, in your experience, to have a strong 11 and then fodder on the bench (Kamara, Camarasa, Bednarek etc)

    Or have a good rotating squad, maybe a rotating 3rd striker and 5th mid, also views on rotating keepers?

    Cheers

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

    Is Kolasinac worth holding or his place under threat with Monreal back? Was going to bench v Chelsea and then play home to Cardiff ?

  29. MTPockets
      5 years, 2 months ago

      When you do Alonso to TAA for a hit early b/c exact money ... and also have Kane ...

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

      Now all we need is kane being fit.

      scenes.

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

        Stir that pot Christina 😀