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. machickenz
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    If Kane is out, which trade should I make out of these? Have 2 FT

    A) Kane + Kamara > Rashford + Firmino
    B) Kane + Camarasa > Rashford + Sane
    C) Kane + Fanderson > Rashford + Sterling
    D) Kane + Taylor > Rashford + Digne

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

      B

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

      D for me.

    3. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      I like A

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

    Need your advise guys

    A) Kane to Rashford - 4
    B) Kane & TAA to Rashford & Robbo - 8
    C) Play AWB for free

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

      A

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

      A

    3. Blame it on Traore
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      I'd do B if you don't have suitable cover at the back. Otherwise, A

    4. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      A

  3. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Just got on...what is the news? TAA injured for a month and Kane out for a few weeks?

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

      Y although nothing confirmed about Kane

      1. Drogba Legend
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Has he had his scan yet?

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

          Dont think so. Just wait for presser...

  4. SuperDan
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Hennessey or Speroni going to start?

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

      Henn probably

    2. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Heard somewhere Hen might be injured too so maybe its good to wait

    3. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Hen

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

      Hennessey has a thigh problem. Think I read somewhere he needs a scan, which is why they've been linked with a move for a new Brazilian keeper. Speroni probably starts the next game IMO.

  5. HAMMERTIME107
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    What about this, help please?
    *
    Etheridge
    Pereira | Shaw | Digne
    Pogba | Nasri | Salah | Lucas Moura
    Aguero | Rashford | Aubameyang

    Speroni | Mcneil | Wan-Bissaka | Bednarek*

    1. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Looks fine save FT for the blank Gws, Id monitor Lucas's injury though

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

    Can't do anything right lately, Every player I bench scores points yet non come in. My first sub has scored 8, 8, 10, 5 in the past 4 weeks. With only my -3 Schindler coming of the bench in GW21. Took Hazard out for his Hauls brought him back as captain for 3 weeks nothing. Missed Salah hauls has part of the Hazard swap. Now made my first early Transfer for months as a -4 to fit Salah back into my team, before the price rise. TAA being part of that -4. Overall rank from about 6k to 35k. It's only a game but man's it messes with your head ha.

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

      I know these feels. I fell from 190 OR to 5k slowly over December... I didnt get any captain points for like 8 weeks despite always picking a big hitter as a captain.

      Just got my first green arrow in about 10 Gwks, keep going brah

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

        Messes with your head man ha. Hazard out for Sane 9,13,15 Vs 2,2,1
        Hazard back in for Salah 12, 2, 11 Vs 3,3,5. Plan was always to bring Salah back against palace. Had to -4 early due to the price rise. Now TAA is out. And yh no Captain points here either. Yet I look at my team and think it's really strong.

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

      Big time pal.

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

    Lads, please do help me out. Here's my team:

    Fab / Guaita
    TAA / Pereira / Doherty / Duffy / AWB
    Salah / Hazard / Sané / Fraser / Camarasa
    Aubameyang / Rashford / Jimenez

    Should I go with
    A. TAA out, Digne in
    B. TAA, Auba out, Robbo, Firmino in (-4)
    C. TAA, Jiménez out, Robbo, bench fodder in (-4)
    D. Something else?

    I'm leaning towards A, but I'd love to hear your thoughts.

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

      A, good team

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

        Very much appreciated!

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

      A

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

        Thanks, Carlton!

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

      A

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

        Cheers, Andy's ponytail!

    4. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

    (A) Auba + Alli
    (B) Firmino + Sterling

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

      A

    2. Blame it on Traore
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      B. Auba's next few fixtures are pretty nasty

    3. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Firmino & Alli, good fixtures

  9. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    A) Start AWB & Richarlison with no subs
    B) Bring in Robertson & Fraser, AWB on bench (-8)

    Don't really fancy the hit but have exact money for the above. Any better options than Fraser? Nasri/Brooks perhaps?

    Cheers

  10. SuperDan
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Pick one)
    A) Digne & Sterling
    B) VVD & Richarlison

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

      A

    2. Blame it on Traore
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      A

  11. simong1
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Fabianski - Button
    Robertson - TAA - Digne - Doherty - AWB
    Salah – Hazard – Richarlison – Deulefeu – Masuaku
    Kane – Wilson – Rashford

    1FT, 0.7 ITB. Thinking of doing Kane & Deulefeu > Jimenez & Sane for a hit this GW.

    Likely followed by Richarlison > Pogba next GW and then find a way to replace TAA after if needed. Good moves or should I prioritise a TAA replacement more?

  12. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Repost.

    Hey guys, best Kane replacement? Already have Rashford and Jimenez.

    Considering Kun or Firmino. Anyone else?

    Cheers

    1. Drogba Legend
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Auba good long term pick

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

      Kun or Auba if it's just a like for like swap, as in not using funds to upgrade elsewhere.

      If it helps, Kun will blank in 27.

    3. Blame it on Traore
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      I don't think so. Aguero probably is the best. Can still do damage with limited minutes

  13. Carlton_Goal
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    So who do Liverpool have left in defence that isn't injured? Was initially thinking TAA to VVD but I already have Robbo and am thinking the double up could be risky with all the injuries

    1. Drogba Legend
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Alisson lol

    2. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Matip is back already
      Lovren back after Palace game
      Gomez a week or two after that

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

        So who plays RB until Gomez is back? Fabinho?

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

      Milner, Matip, VVD and Robertson at the weekend I'd guess. Hopefully Gomez is back soon at just 4.9!

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

        Oh cheers, forgot Milner is decent at RB. That defence looks good enough to me. VVD it is!

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

          Yep I still think a defensive double up is a good idea.

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

            Cheers for the help

  14. HNI
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    So when did TAA get injured? Dint he play entire match vs Brighton?

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

      In warm-up before the game but played through the injury apparently

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

      That’s probably why he’s injured...as had a niggle in warm up and then played through it...

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

      Warm-up. Trod on a ball or something, they strapped him up so could get through the 90 but clearly backfired a bit.

  15. Scratch
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Disaster, used my FT to sell Arnautovic. Now i'm sitting on Kane, TAA and Lovren with quite a weak bench of AWB away to Liverpool, Hojbjerg and Burnley's Taylor.

    It's looking like a -8 week

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

      Considering Kane, Richarlison, Anderson & TAA for Rashford, Sterling, Fraser & Robertson (-8). I've also got Lovren but he may actually not be a terrible pick if he can return soon.

    2. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Ouch. Arnie brace incoming too. You could always bring him back in for Kane.

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

        And back out when he goes to China in a week or two?

  16. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Kane and TAA to Aguero and Robertson for free?

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Already have Auba and rashford

    2. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Looks like the logical moves

    3. Blame it on Traore
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah sound like decent transfers to me if Kane is confirmed out

  17. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Tricky situation here, have 3 starters who probably wont make it this weekend so which option is better?

    GUIATA*
    TAA* - digne - doherty
    salah - hazard - pogba - richa - fanderson
    KANE* - deeney

    subs: speroni - bednarek - wanbisa - kamara

    A) Kane - TAA - Guiata ---> Rashford/Firmino - Robertson - Alisson (-4)

    B) Kane - Guiata ---> Rashford & Alisson (free & start Bednarek)

    C) Kane - TAA ---> Rashford & Robertson (free)

    D) Kane - Fanderson - Guiata --> Rashford - Alli - Alisson (-4 & start Bednarek)

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Probably C. Not much point in taking a hit on a keeper

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

      Go for B. You need a keeper and its easier to not take a hit

    3. King Kun Ta
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      B

  18. HAMMERTIME107
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Lucas Moura definitely worth a shout if Kane not fit?

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      No

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

      Could be a good option but I'm not convinced he'll be fit for the weekend.

    3. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Yes for the short term but he is returning from injury so might not start next game

  19. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Aguero or Sterling?

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

      Kun

    2. Blame it on Traore
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Tricky. Think both will see some rotation. Probably Kun.

    3. King Kun Ta
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Sterling...less rotation

  20. All For One
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Dumb question have used 2 transfers will I take a -4 hit if I was to use my wildcard now?

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      No. If you WC then all hits this week will be cancelled

      1. All For One
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        cool thanks for the quick reply

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

    A) Bilva, Alli, Firmino
    B) Sane, Eriksen, Jiminez

  22. Mayo for Sam
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Best TAA replacement?

    A Shaw
    B Doherty

  23. Srv210
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Any news about Kane?

    1. Ray In Bruges.
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Was spotted on crutches - seems like could be a month.

  24. Daghe Munegu
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Kane + Herrera + TAA to Rashford + Pogba + Robbo for -8 ? Yes or no ?

  25. Holteenderinthesky
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Current Team.
    Alisson, Speroni,
    Doherty, Digne, TAA, Schindler, WB
    Salah, Sane, Pogba, Richarlson, Anderson,
    Auba, Rashford, Jimenez.

    I -4'ed in TAA this weekend as part of bringing Salah back in. Do I just play WB Vs Liverpool or -4 TAA back out?

  26. Yoshioka
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else here never taken a -8 hit?

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

      A -8? I've not even taken a -4 for nearly two seasons! 🙂

  27. Canary_Kid
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    What's the TAA news?

    1. King Kun Ta
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Out for 4 weeks

    2. Srv210
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      That he is out for around 4 weeks

  28. The Head-Ake
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    If I already took a -4 of which TAA in was also a move, do
    I save and play Puncheon or take a -8¿

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

      My current problem. TAA was part of my minus -4 to bring Salah back in.
      Left with a decision to -4 him out. Or play Schindler Vs ManC or WB Vs Liverpool. Feels like I've just chucked 8 points away if I -8 but the replacements coming in have awful games as defenders.

  29. Ray In Bruges.
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Fabianski (Patricio)
    Alonso AWB TAA Digne (Doherty)
    Salah Fraser Hazard Richarlison (Stephens)
    Arnie Auba (Wilson)

    2FT, 1.1ITB

    TAA injury has kind of bamboozled me...is Liverpool defence worth the extra 1.2+?

    I do still have my WC if necessary.

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

    Best Manu defender to have?

    1. King Kun Ta
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Shaw