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. Old Gregg
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    TAA-Son-Kane > Lindelof + Salah + Jimenez (-8)?

    Surplus funds will fund a Richa > Pogba upgrade.

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

    Thoughts on using Kane to Rashford funds to bring in Alisson for a hit?

    I know there will be a lot of responses saying "don't take a hit for a goalkeeper" but it's likely to be worth it over the long-term considering that I have only scraped together 84 points from keepers all season and he's currently sat on 107, and he has an excellent run of games coming up. I was planning to double up on Liverpool defence by bringing Trent in this week but Alisson and Robertson would be a nice alternative.

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      I think it depends who your keeper is for this week.

      Who have you currently got?

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

      Who is your current goalkeeper? Are you planning on a transfer next week? If not just do it then. Barring any penalty saves etc...Say your current keeper gets 2pts and Allison gets 6 you're net score with the -2 is 2pts. If your current keeper gets 6pts then you're still on 2pts but you'd have 6 without the move. If Allison concedes and your current keeper doesn't then it's cost you -4.

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

      I'd did a switch to get Allison to go along Robbo, worked a treat and they will be (probably) the highest scoring players in their respective positions

  3. Champions united
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Bottomed
    Doing kane to rash for a hit
    Playing kola/awb in place of taa
    Later taa to roboo

    Yes or no

  4. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    FPL says TAA is out until 24 Feb but other sources say he'll be out for at least 2 weeks... which GW do we expect him back?

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

      It's literally to early to have any idea about this

    2. Dr Van Nostrand
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      They don't know how it will heal. Expect the worst tho would be daft to keep

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

    Take a hit or play double Wolves def?

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

    Planning on replacing Kane with Jimenez. Will use the spare cash to upgrade Delefeu to Sane.

    Only have 1 FT, better to wait to do Sane move or take a hit? Also have TAA to replace at some point. Thanks!

    1. FPL Bond @ Twitter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Very good..

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

    Do you lot really not have a bench defender that can fill in for TAA this week if needed?

    Kane can be moved to ANY forward in the game

    Ings, Arnie, Wilson probably play, decent fixtures too

    Guaita is a 4.2 keeper, surely you have another playing keeper?

    Moaning about 'bad luck' because you've set your teams up badly 😀

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

      The problem is everyone’s first choice bench defender plays away at Liverpool this week.

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

        The bap king?

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      These injuries are actually solving my benching dilemma this week. With a fully fit squad I was going to be benching Jonny, Ings, Rich.

      Assuming Kane & TAA injures, will just start Jonny & Ings

      Still looks like Rich bing benched unless one of Ings/Wilson don’t start.

      If Ings, Wilson, Kane all don’t start I’m down to 10 men though

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

        Same haha, although think I'm doing Kane -> Rash with one of my FTs

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

      I agree with you for people that have already taken hits/ used their FTs and now contemplating more hits to ship Kane / TAA but for people that haven't moved yet then surely nothing wrong in shipping players that look like they are out for multiple weeks for others that are good long term picks?

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

        Yeah that's fine, it was more aimed at the people moaning about it and saying they are unlucky (I shouldn't have added the it at the end haha). Also aimed at people crying about ings Arnie Wilson when they might play and be good options still

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

      i do have a defender but its bednarek or Wb

      i also have no goalkeeper as guaita WAS my only playing keeper

      you actually think Arnie will play??

      Kane my only real issue then...maybe a -8 for kane and guiata. already swapped auba to rashford on sunday which i obvs regret now

      a lot of lessons learnt this week 🙁

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

        Bednarek isn’t that bad a choice and Arnie should play. Shame about Auba.

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

        play Bednarek, maybe get Speroni (to go with Guaita), then take out Kane

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

    The bad news on Kane 🙁
    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

  9. We ain't got no histor…
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Help me bench one lads

    A. Richardson
    B. Pereyra
    C. Fanderson
    D. Jimenez

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

      Tough call. Richarilson.

  10. GuillermoDickero
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    What would you with this? Thinking a -4 or -8 might be necessary.

    Fab, Button
    TAA* Digne, Doherty, AWB, Bednarek
    Salah, Hazard, Pogba, Fanderson, Richarlison
    Kane* Jiminez, Kamara*

    My -4 would be - Kane + TAA ----> Rashford + Robertson
    My -8 would be - Kane + TAA + Kamara ---> Firmino, Rashford, VVD

    1. S.Agueroooooo
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      -4

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

    Thinking TAA - > Matip. Any objections?

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

    Why has FPL flagged Trent.
    As it stands. It’s literally newspapers rumours.
    Nothing official
    Disap

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

      James Pearce @ Liverpool Echo is usually very strong source for good intel
      https://twitter.com/LivEchoLFC/status/1085151710849495040

  13. CAPTAIN CRESPO
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    A) TAA > Robertson (-4)
    B) TAA > Shaw (-4)
    C) Keep TAA and play 3,5,3

    Would be Digne, Doherty, Pereira this week with AWB sub

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

    A) Kane, Herrera, TAA > Rash, Pogba, Robbo - 8
    B) Kane, Herrera > Rash, Pogba - 4 and play Diop

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

      50-50

    2. The Yorkshire Pirlo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      A for the Robbo-cop

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

    1 FT 0.0 ITB

    A: Play back 3 of Alonso Doherty and Robbo

    B: Alonso>Digne before Alonso goes down again and Digne rises

    Also have AWB and TAA (who is injured for a minimum of 2 weeks)

  16. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Exact money for Kane, Gunnarson -> Rashford, Sane/Mane. Is it meant to be?

    1. FPL Bond @ Twitter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Do it quickly..

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

      well the question is....
      Sane or Mane?

  17. Djura88
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Deulofeu or Redmond?

    Any suggestions?

  18. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    TAA to Stones or Shaw?

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

      Not stones

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

      Id go with Shaw.

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

      Shaw

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

    Repost. 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

  20. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Worth taking a couple of hits? 1 FT, 0 ITB

    Guaita*
    Robbo/Digne/Doherty
    Salah/Hazard/Pogba/Anderson/Richarlison
    Kane*/Jimenez

    Hamer*/Kamara/AWB/TAA*

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

    ooh worst wildcard ever, Taa, kane, arnie, Guaita...maybe arnie was the only one thinking about it i couldve/shouldve avoided

    Someone please talk me out of massive surgery with -16 hits

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

      Hit away my dude

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

      Think of it as a 'mini wild card.'

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

      I would only take hits for players confirmed out if you have already played WC - don't destroy your chances of getting value from your WC when many of those players could play and score well

  22. Oh Maddison
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Please help...
    A: Kane + Diangana -> Rashford + Pogba -4
    B: Kane + Diangana + TAA -> Rashford + Pogba + Robbo -8
    C: Kane + Diangana + Ings -> Rashford + Pogba + Jimenez -8

    Current team:
    Fabi / Foster
    Luiz / TAA / Digne / AWB / Doherty
    Salah / Hazard / FAnderson / Richarlison / Diangana
    Kane / Ings / Wilson

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

      A

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

    If you brought in TAA on a -4 do you take him straight back out with another -4 or play WB away to Liverpool?

    1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Ouch

    2. GREEN IS GOOD
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      play AWB

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

      play AWB

    4. S.Agueroooooo
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      benching a 5m player for 2-4 weeks isn't ideal but also isn't that bad, issue is how many price drops he might get and how strong your cover is whilst he is off.

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

        He will be coming out next week. My defence is where I'm Week. Did Alonso>TAA for a -4 to fund bringing Salah back. Doherty, Digne will play. Then I'm left with either WB away to Liverpool or Schindler at home to Man City. I need the old All out Attack chip as my front 8 have decent games this week.

  24. R.C
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Will Kane fall in price tonight?

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

      Most probably he will

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

      Yep

  25. ceerus
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Liverpool def(Robbo/VVD) or Shaw?

  26. S.Agueroooooo
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Average hits this week 😮

  27. Murder On Zidanesfloor
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    RMWCT (352)

    Fab Hamer
    VVD Luiz Digne AWB Bennett
    Salah Hazard Sane Eriksen Pogba
    Rashford Jimenez Kamara

  28. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    What are your thoughts on Llorente?

    With Kane and Son out, surely he's nailed?

    A nice differential for a few weeks?

  29. GREEN IS GOOD
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    I know that if I transfer Kane out today, he will play this week and get a hatty.

  30. Mr. Sitter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    Is there a club I can join for people who did Alonso > TAA last night and now want to punch themselves in the face?

    1. GREEN IS GOOD
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      oh god

    2. jbenny1107
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      +1. Sucks.

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

      Can I join please? Is it an open membership