Scout Notes

Rashford and Pogba deliver FPL points again as United grind out win

Manchester United’s unbeaten run under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continued on Sunday as they edged past Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba delivered their eighth and 12th attacking returns respectively since the Norwegian manager took charge in Gameweek 18, while David de Gea led the United defence to a third straight clean sheet away from home.

We round up the main Fantasy talking points, key manager quotes and headline injury news from today’s first Premier League match.

Leicester City 0-1 Manchester United

  • Goal: Marcus Rashford (£7.7m)
  • Assist: Paul Pogba (£8.6m)

Owners of Marcus Rashford (£7.7m) and Paul Pogba (£8.6m) were indebted to Leicester City’s now customary slow start as the widely owned pair combined to score the game’s only goal after nine minutes of Manchester United’s meeting with the Foxes on Sunday.

Rashford’s strike from a superb Pogba pass was the fifth goal that the Foxes have conceded in the opening 15 minutes in the last four Gameweeks alone and had been coming – Rashford wasting a glorious headed opportunity from a Luke Shaw (£5.0m) cross on four minutes and then testing Kasper Schmeichel (£5.0m) from a short corner soon after.

Leicester will again be ruing their sluggish start because, as they proved at Anfield in midweek, the Foxes have come to be a real force to be reckoned with when facing “big six” sides.

The Foxes were again possibly deserving of a point against the Red Devils, recording more attempts on goal and shots in the box than their visitors and forcing David de Gea (£5.7m) into six saves.

While this wasn’t quite the siege that United faced at Wembley, there were similarities between this latest victory and their 1-0 success against Spurs in Gameweek 22.

De Gea tipped a Rachid Ghezzal (£5.0m) free-kick round the post and twice denied Jamie Vardy (£8.8m), once from a bicycle kick that he clawed back from the goal-line at the second attempt.

Jonny Evans (£4.8m) also produced an air-kick from a Harry Maguire (£5.4m) knock-down and James Maddison (£6.6m) was denied by a superb Shaw block as Leicester exerted pressure on the United goal, with Solskjaer’s troops not really carving out another clear-cut chance after Rashford’s match-winning strike.

Rashford was again United’s most threatening attacker in a restrained offensive display, being deployed in a more central role and racking up more shots on goal (five) than any other player on show.

Owners of the fit-again Anthony Martial (£7.2m) would have been disappointed to see the French midfielder only among the substitutes but his long-term first-team prospects look brighter after an ineffective showing from Alexis Sanchez (£10.0m) on the Chilean’s first league start since Gameweek 11.

Rashford struggled on the left flank against Burnley on Wednesday, too, so Martial and his owners will be quietly confident of a recall when his side visit Fulham next weekend.

Nevertheless, Solskjaer said of Sanchez’s performance:

I thought he did well but we had to change the game [when he was substituted]. He was sharp when we could get him in. He worked really well defensively. We never created chances for him but he’s coming, he’s improving all the time.

The assist and one barnstorming second-half surge through the Leicester spine aside, this was perhaps as ineffective as Pogba has been since Solskjaer took charge and he occasionally looked sloppy both with and without possession.

His owners will care little, of course, as he has now racked up 76 FPL points in the last eight Gameweeks at an average of 9.5 points per match.

Pogba’s manager unsurprisingly saw the positives in his performance:

I think he can look back on these games and say that he is on his way. Paul is a fantastic midfielder and he can always improve and he’s one of those lads who wants to improve and he wants to see this game and wants to see what he could have done better. He’s playing more or less every minute, so of course, now the recovery in between games will be important for him.

Both Pogba and Rashford required treatment from the United physio during the game but appeared to run off their respective knocks, with Pogba completing the full 90 minutes and Rashford moving freely when substituted in the final quarter of an hour.

Solskjaer confirmed in his post-match press conference that Rashford had only been suffering from a “dead leg” early on but was able to carry on.

Shaw impressed in attack and in defence as United recorded their third clean sheet in the last five Gameweeks: no other Premier League side has as many in 2019.

Solskjaer said of his side’s defensive efforts:

We know we can play better but you can’t play fantasy football every time and today we could have controlled the game more. But when we didn’t, we fought for the next ball, we fought for our mates next to us, we put our heads on the line, we put our bodies on the line and it was a great defensive performance from inside the box I have to say.

There were a couple of bruised noses and knees, and dead legs. They fought for their three points today. I think we deserved it in that respect. In the second half when we could have controlled it more, we could have slowed it down. But we defended really well. Eric [Bailly] and Victor [Lindelof] were fantastic and David [de Gea] again of course.

If you have the foundation of a clean sheet you’ll always be in with a chance to win a game and we’ve got a keeper that saves us, we’ve got a back four that sacrifices everything in the box, a couple of midfielders who made a couple of great blocks, that was absolutely amazing to watch and the attitude has been spot on ever since I came.

Youngster Harvey Barnes (£5.5m), who was brought into the Leicester starting XI for the injured Marc Albrighton (£5.1m) in Claude Puel’s only change, performed admirably on the left flank without reward, with Maddison another to catch the eye in the number ten role.

Ricardo Pereira (£5.3m) will no doubt be a popular buy when Leicester’s fixtures turn for the better in Gameweek 27 but Ben Chilwell (£5.0m) was just as much of an attacking threat from full-back on Sunday, registering more touches in the final third than any other player on show.

Puel said of his side’s display:

A lot of frustration again because we had a poor performance at the beginning of the game. We have had the first good ball and first good recovery but all the time we didn’t take our responsibility to play forward and take the space and put them under pressure.

At the same time, we played laterally or behind but yes, it was poor about our intention, I don’t know why. When we played forward, we gave good support with good attack.

In the second half, it was interesting, better, with a lot of pressure, good impact, good quality in the play with a lot of chances.

I think at the end it’s not a fair result because we deserved a draw, perhaps more.

The Leicester boss also gave an update on Albrighton before kick-off:

It’s bad news with Marc. He had an injury yesterday with his hamstring so he cannot play this game.

Finally, Puel confirmed that new signing Youri Tielemans (£6.0m) may be able to feature next weekend:

He made one training session with us. He knows the team, he knows how we can play.

He has a full week [of training] next week and I hope we can use him in the next game.

Leicester City XI (4-2-3-1): Schmeichel; Ricardo, Maguire, Evans, Chilwell; Ndidi, Mendy (Iheanacho 84′); Barnes, Maddison (Ghezzal 62′), Gray (Okazaki 74′); Vardy. 

Manchester United XI (4-3-3): De Gea; Young, Bailly, Lindelof, Shaw; Herrera, Matic, Pogba; Lingard (Jones 89′), Rashford (Lukaku 77′), Sanchez (Martial 67′).

2,087 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Does Sané start against Everton?

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Most likely

    2. Ëð
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      How would anyone know that? Pep's selection process impossible to read

    3. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Hope so.....who knows

    4. captainjilflex
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Logic would say yes. But you never know with Pep??

      1. BIG TONES
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Pretty much this.

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

      It’s not guarenteed like some on here are saying, but I imagine they’ll go back to a 4-3-3 against Everton which helps. The main issue could be Mendy, if he’s fit enough to start Pep could use Sterling LW.

      1. Kalou
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Hope he doesn't feature at all now.

    6. Bagheri Arce
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I hope he doesn't feature at all now.

      Sané (c) a fail as I'd prefer Salah (whu) v Sané (eve) all day long. And would get AWB off bench

      1. SHOOTER MCGINN
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        This tbh

  2. Ëð
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Sane -> Son a sensible move this week?

    1. Regin
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      already done even before sane benching. want son now.

      1. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        wow, might burn you with injures etc

        1. Regin
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          in training? then cant help it. spurs no fixture till next weekend.

          1. FPL Pillars
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            you own other players right? if one of those also get injured you will change your mind who to transfer out...

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

      It’s not guarenteed like some on here are saying, but I imagine they’ll go back to a 4-3-3 against Everton which helps. The main issue could be Mendy, if he’s fit enough to start Pep could use Sterling LW.

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

        Sorry, that was in reply to GUDJOHNSEN.

  3. Sir Edo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Sane, Jesus, Mahrez up front next game, or maybe too much Pep rotation?

    1. Pras (FPL)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Sane, Jesus, Sterling imo

      1. Sir Edo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Hope so, thinking someone of D.Silva or De Breune will get a rest too..

    2. Regin
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      sane, sterling, aguero.

      ManC are chasing 5 points. He is going to play his strongest team.

      1. @FPLDIARYFPL
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I agree thats his strongest front 3 but he was chasing 5 points before today and Sane didnt start. No way to be sure.

        1. DR0GBA
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          maybe he feels the team he set out today was the best approach to the game, and maybe since he took Sane off at Newcastle whilst they were trailing that he isn't part of his best team?

          1. Baps hunter
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            This something I should have remembered when deciding my captain.

    3. fedolefan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      As the guy says, he's chasing points, the roulette will be restricted to one player or none in attack.

      1. Bagheri Arce
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Let's face it, anything is possible.

        Personally think Sané, Sterling, Jesus but who knows

  4. DandyDon
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Son for Hazard or Sane?

    1. Ëð
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'm considering for Sane

  5. as33
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Is it good to use FH in GW 27, got Hazard, Sane, Danilo, Richarlison missing in that gw?

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

      You can bench 3 of them.

    2. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Sell a couple of those

    3. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      just bench the blankers, do not use FH

    4. TRIPOS TOPPER
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      nope

      save for DGW32, or perhaps one of the large blanks (31,33)

  6. Sting
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    want to bring in Son for Rich

    best defender up to 4.3 so that i can sell Digne?

    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Tomkins/Jonny

    2. lugs
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Targett, very attacking and it could be his place to lose now

    3. SC not pearls before swine
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Jonny

  7. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Finally made some good moves this week
    Martial/Rashford —-> Son/Kun (c) for free

    1. Ross From Friends
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      ok

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Don’t get too excited Ross lolz
        Actually it was more than ok ha

        1. Ross From Friends
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          cool

  8. WVA
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Down 5k in rank with 72 points 🙁 damn you Sane(c)! He better score a hatrick v Everton or not be in the squad!

    1. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Unlikely, but you never know.

    2. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Liar

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        19k to 24k on live fpl, cheers for calling me a liar though

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

          Were you 19K after GW24?

          1. WVA
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Yep, 24k now!?

            1. Ragabolly
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              OR is updated, did livefpl match it?

              1. WVA
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Unfortunately yes, can't believe I've dropped so much with that score :(!

            2. Wild Rover
              • 13 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              No way. You must have dropped today, not on the gw. No chance 72pts got you a red arrow on the gw

              1. Wild Rover
                • 13 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                You must have had a good green arrow yesterday

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

                Ah yes I see what you mean, I've dropped from 19k yesterday! I must have been higher before.

    3. Pia06rc
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Are you sure?

    4. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'm up 23k places from 86k > 63k with a score of 76(-4).

  9. Henning
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Aubameyang and Son in for Agüero and Richarlison?

    1. Kuzser
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Defo

    2. Regin
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      my exact moves for next week.

  10. Kuzser
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Who is the 1st priority to bring, Auba or Son?
    1) hazard, kamara -> Auba, 5.4mid
    2) hazard, digne-> son, kola/taa
    3) hazard, kamara, digne -> Auba, 5.5 mid, kola/taa for -4
    4) hazard, Jimenez, anderson -> Auba, Son, 5.7mid for -4
    5) hazard, kamara, digne, anderson -> Auba, Son, westwood, jonny for -8

  11. DenDanskeDuo
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Haz + Kun --> Son/Mané + Auba? Leaves me with no City or Chelsea.

    1. dee_top
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Only Haz

  12. dee_top
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Earned 92 points with Aguero Salah Robbo to play, still losing H2H.
    Where is the justice?

    1. Ross From Friends
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      ok

  13. BARIO MALOTELLI
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Kdb to son ? Yes or no ?

    1. dee_top
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

  14. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Who is more essential for next week?

    a) Son
    b) Pogba
    c) Auba

    1. BARIO MALOTELLI
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I would rly like auba against huds but dunno to expensive so a or b for me

      1. AzzaroMax99
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I will get 2 of them. Probably B and C, Son could wait a week. But he is already rising in price :/

    2. DR0GBA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Auba against hud

    3. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I think b and c. Spurs still without Kane and dele not the attacking force they can be. Son great pick still.

  15. 11 smelly shirts
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    same here, have 82 points, but my opponent has 108. It's a great fight, just see it like that 🙂

    1. dee_top
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      In our league (20 persons) only my opponent earned more points than me (104)

  16. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Is hazard to son silly??

    1. Alan The Llama
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Depends. Something like fireworks could be dangerous and hurt the little guy.

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      No sensible

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I did it.

  17. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    A) Play Haz (Aub in GW27)
    B) Aub (-4)

    1. dee_top
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      B

      Haz played the worst team in the league this week. Next week he plays the defending champions.

      Big difference.

      Auba plays that generous Huddersfield defence.

  18. Pishpott
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I'm in a dilemna now, was all set for Haz and Aguero to Son and Auba but not so sure after this week. Still worth it or hold?

    1. dee_top
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Kun should stay I think

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      hold for now mate.

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

      What score do you expect in Chelsea Man City?

      1. Pishpott
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Could be a cricket score. Could be a 0-0, I've literally got no idea.

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

          0-0 means go for it. More about what you think Son and Auba score.

    4. Andy Mac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Exactly the same dilemma. Toying with Sane to Son now and may even dump Rash for Auba and keep Kun

    5. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Tricky one. Could be a repeat of the game today. Chelsea did ship 4 to Bournemouth in their last away game.

  19. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Bizarre that Aguero rising so fast and Aubameyang falling as fast on fpl stats and fix given the fixtures

    1. Alan The Llama
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Most people buy and sell due to points scored.

  20. Andy Mac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    94 with 4 to play.

    So wish I’d pulled the TC trigger now....could have been an amazing week! Ups and downs I guess....

    1. Plymouth
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      jesus

      1. Andy Mac
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        No aguero actually! 😉

  21. jaybradlights
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Aguero to Aubameyang or Sterling to Son the more important move for next GW? I'm tempted to do both for a -4...

    1. Regin
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      i am doing the same move except sane to son for a -4

      1. jaybradlights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Fair - City could get a few against Chelsea but good to stay ahead of the curve. Both have great fixtures in GW27, seems a no-brainer

        1. Regin
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          also i want to get rid of alonso who blanks in gw27 for pereira whose fxitures turn, have to take a hit in gw26 or 27.

  22. Viper
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Richarlison -> Son a no brainer, yeah?

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

      If you don't get other injuries, sure.

  23. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I hope sane can respond to the damage aguero & sterling did, gone down 10k places

  24. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Sane or haz to son?

    1. Andy Mac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Can’t decide myself!

      1. Nightf0x
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Primarly it was haz

    2. Effe
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Haz

  25. BARIO MALOTELLI
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    When will son price rise ?

    1. Regin
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      in 5 hours

      1. BARIO MALOTELLI
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        For real ? How much ?

    2. dee_top
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Tonight

    3. Effe
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Tonight

  26. dee_top
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    What rank do you expect to have after this GW?

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

      Expect a red arrow unless Sane scores 10+

      1. Danno - Emre Canada
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Ditto. We have the same front 7 and capt TM, need a lovely Sané brave hmmm. What’s your Hazard plan?

  27. jorgenoj
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Best defender under 5.1?

  28. The Cherry Picker
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    LMS safety score?

      1. CAPTAIN_WALES
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers for letting me know that, because I am number 10 on the list 😀

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

          Very nice.

  29. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Any ideas what to do here?

    Boruc
    VVD | Doherty | Bednarek
    Salah | Sterling | Hazard | Son | Richarlison
    Aguero | Ings*

    Speroni | Bennett | Peltier | Kamara**

    1FT, 0ITB

    I can do Sterling and Ings to Pogba and Rashford.

    Thanks

    1. Effe
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I would bring in Pogba and Rashford as you suggest

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks mate

  30. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Is 77 with 7 still to play any good? 🙁

    1. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Been away all day so don’t know if it’s good or not....

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

      It's good.

      1. Chucky
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks TM 😉