Scout Notes

Selection headache for Hodgson as Batshuayi turns FPL heads

Fantasy Premier League managers will have to monitor the forward situation at Crystal Palace amid recent changes to the side.

There are a host of budget options available but Roy Hodgson has some decisions to make about his formation in the coming weeks.

Their win over Fulham on Saturday is the focus of this latest Scout Notes article.

Crystal Palace 2-0 Fulham

Goals: Luka Milivojevic (£6.2m), Jeffrey Schlupp (£4.4m)

Assists: Michy Batshuayi (£6.5m)

Crystal Palace manager Hodgson has a selection headache on his hands ahead of Gameweek 26, as it is still unclear for Fantasy managers how Michy Batshuayi (£6.5m) fits in at Selhurst Park. The Chelsea striker, who joined the Eagles on loan on transfer deadline day, grabbed himself an assist in his eight-minute debut and certainly showed some promise in his short space of time on the field.

Whether he will be in line to start against West Ham on Saturday remains to be seen though, as Hodgson has serious competition for places in his attacking line now. In Wilfried Zaha‘s (£6.7m) absence, the Palace boss reverted to the 4-4-2 formation he used at the start of the season, having favoured 4-3-3 in recent weeks. A switch back to 4-3-3 would leave just one space for a centre-forward with Zaha and Andros Townsend (£5.9m) likely to take up the wide positions.

Leading from the front against Fulham was an attacking pairing of Christian Benteke (£6.3m) and Jordan Ayew (£5.7m), both of whom played well and earned praise from their manager at the full-time whistle. It was the first start for Benteke since Gameweek 4, as he continues his recovery from a long lay-off. According to Hodgson, the former Aston Villa man still has issues playing the full 90 minutes, although it should be to his credit that there were boos from the home support when he was substituted in the 72nd minute.

“Christian, of course, (did well) coming back from a long layoff. At half-time he was complaining about the onset of cramp, we knew we couldn’t play him for 90 minutes, we knew that we would have to take him off at some time. But the good thing is of course now when you have Batshuayi on the bench and when you have Bakary Sako on the bench you’re not frightened to take him off because you’ve got such a good alternative.” – Roy Hodgson

It was Ayew who Batshuayi came on for in the 82nd minute, but whether he replaces the former Swansea man may also hang in the balance currently. Even though he did not score or assist, Hodgson described Ayew’s performance as his best of the season, having started each of the last five in a row for Palace.

“For Ayew on an all-round performance, it was his best performance. His work rate and efforts in the game at Southampton in midweek was fantastic, today again you see the man has super-human powers in terms of the effort he puts in. Today I thought he succeeded with the ball as well.” – Roy Hodgson

With the nature of Batshuayi’s arrival as a marquee signing at Palace, it is fairly likely that he will start matches very soon. It cannot be ignored that the Belgian international looked fired up as soon as he took to the Selhurst Park pitch, and in just eight minutes on the pitch managed two shots and a one assist. With future Palace team-sheets harder to predict now, questions have been asked to current players about whether the group of forwards can play together.

“Of course we can play together. But now it is up to the manager. Like I say he has got a lot of options, so it is up to him. He is a goal scorer, he is a player who is always going to be dangerous in the box – which is good. We have got a lot of different options, which I think for the manager is going to be a headache for him.” – Christian Benteke

An often overlooked individual at Crystal Palace is second half goalscorer and FPL defender Jeffrey Schlupp (£4.4m), who netted for the second time against Fulham this season. With Zaha out of the team, the former Leicester man was making his first start since Gameweek 20 at left attacking midfield, having featured as a substitute three times between then and the visit of Fulham. No player had more shots in the penalty box at Selhurst Park on Saturday as he continues to prove he has the potential to be a powerful Fantasy asset if he was able to start regularly. In fact, Schlupp actually has goals in two of his last three starts, also netting in the spectacular 3-2 win at Manchester City in Gameweek 18. Unfortunately for him, his area of the pitch is where the most competition for places are with Zaha and Max Meyer (£5.6m) in the mix, as well as any striker pushed out wide.

“I’ve always believed in Jeffrey Schlupp. I believe in him as a left-back, I believe in him as a left-sided player and I believe in him as a left midfield player in a three because he has a lot of qualities and it’s great if you’re going to write something positive about him because it certainly backs up what we feel about him and he’s been a little hard done by. Funnily enough in the area that he plays that’s where the competition has been strongest.” – Roy Hodgson

After surviving a first-half Fulham onslaught, there was a ninth clean sheet of the season for Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£4.6m) and his Crystal Palace defensive colleagues. It was further proof that the Eagles assets in our Fantasy squads should be trusted more often than not when they are playing at home. In their last four league matches at Selhurst Park they have kept three clean sheets and conceded just once, in the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in Gameweek 20.

“I wasn’t surprised that the first-half was a difficult one for us, we didn’t pass the ball anywhere near as well as we’re capable of in the first-half. But we got a break, a piece of good fortune, the cross was a good cross but I didn’t expect Christie to handle it to give us that penalty, but these things to happen in the game of football. Certainly, in the second half, I thought we played much better. I thought our control was better, our passing started to come back to its normal levels. We piled a bit of pressure on them, not least of all from corner kicks which we were taking.” – Roy Hodgson

Unfortunately for Aleksandar Mitrovic (£6.5m) owners, Fulham were unable to attack Palace with the same ruthlessness they did against Brighton midweek. Despite finding such success playing balls into the middle for Mitrović to thrive on in Gameweek 24, Saturday’s trip to Selhurst saw none of that width in attack. The injured André Schürrle (£5.6m) was replaced not by a natural wide player, but by central midfielder Tom Cairney (£4.6m), who clearly was not suited to the role.

“No, no, no, we continued to play and try to do our game but of course we made a few crosses for Mitrovic and we know Mitrovic is very dangerous when you pass the ball well and cross for him. I ask always to make a cross for him but it’s not possible sometimes and we want to go back and pass the ball behind and restart the action when you can finish and cross. If Mitrovic is ready, he can score.” – Claudio Ranieri

There were other tactical changes that seemed to hinder Fulham, as they reverted to a three-man defence with wing-backs pushing on despite the success they had with a back-four for the second half against Brighton. After going 1-0 down to Luka Milivojevic‘s (£6.2m) penalty, Claudio Ranieri was forced to ditch the back-three once again. Luciano Vietto (£5.3m) was introduced for Tim Ream (£4.2m) at half-time as part of the latest reshuffle.

“I played three at the back and we played better than the second half. I changed to try help my players at Brighton, that was good, but today wasn’t and that’s it.” – Claudio Ranieri

It was an afternoon to forget for Cyrus Christie (£4.2m) as he gave away the penalty in the first half and was forced from the pitch with an injury in the second.

“He was injured, I don’t know (the latest). Tomorrow we will check and on Monday we will know better.” – Claudio Ranieri

Crystal Palace XI (4-4-2): Guaita; van Aanholt, Sakho, Tomkins, Wan-Bissaka; Schlupp (Sako 90+1′), Milivojevic, McArthur, Townsend; Benteke (Meyer 72′), Ayew (Batshuayi 82′).

Fulham XI (3-4-3): Rico; Ream (Vietto 45′), Le Marchand, Odoi; Bryan, Seri, Chambers, Christie (Fosu-Mensah 62′); Babel (Ayité 88′), Mitrović, Cairney.

1,072 Comments Post a Comment
  1. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Torn on what to do, hold Firmino or ship for Auba?

    Digne/Firmino > Bednarek/Auba -4

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Just because Auba has the easy fixture does not always mean huge haul.

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

      Might work if you captain Auba. Otherwise not worth a hit

      1. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Would be tempted mate, Liv look out of form

    3. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Ship 100% imo

      Even if you do want to triple on Lpool good to get off Firm for better options

  2. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Flappy

    Doherty, WBA, Kola

    Salah, Pogba C, Son, Sane,

    Jiménez, Rashford, Kun,

    Button, Jota, Pereira, TAA

    GTG or changes needed?

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

      G2G. Kun -> Auba is the only option

  3. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    RP
    A) Kamara -> Jimenez
    B) Kamara -> Lacazette
    C) Kamara + Sane -> Auba + Anderson (-4)
    D) Ings + Richarlison -> Auba + Fraser (-4)

    Salah, Son, Pogba, Sane, Richarlison
    Rashford, Ings, Kamara

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      C or D

    2. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      d

      1. Joggers Nipple
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Maybe Jota over Fraser?

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

          Yeah good option! Thanks

    3. Offs!de
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      D
      But Auba and Jota

  4. De Gea is GOAT
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone else condisdering TC Salah this weekend?

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Not at the min. Will wait to see if aubameyang or kane get a dgw, if not it will be salah v Huddersfield.

    2. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      It was never time to sell him before, and won't be again. Although between captain fails when I have him and hauls after I regrettably did sell him, he continues to be the bane of my season.

    3. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Definitely.
      Scored hattie against them last time and never goes for more than 2 games without haul...so, yes, considering.

    4. De Gea is GOAT
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks guys! When do we find out about other DGWs?

  5. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    What score do we see for Chelsea vs City?

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

      City 2 - Chelsea 1

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

      1 - 2

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

    Just looking ahead, how do these moves sound for -4? Thanks.

    Fab
    Robbo - AWB - Pereira
    Sane - Pogba - Salah - Haz - Anderson
    Jimenez - Rashford

    Bennett - Digne - Kamara

    Haz + Kamara > 4.3m + Auba (-4)

    1. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Can you field 11 in 27?

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

        Yea will have 13 if I get auba

  7. JurgenRodgers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Upgraded (Lol) Anderson to Sane Gw24 ..

    Sane 2 Points
    Anderson 10 Points

    This game

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

      One more game to go.Still hope

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

        Its the hope that kills you lol

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

          Yup. Had a conversation with a mate over using the TC chip this week. I talked him into it. I went Sane. He went Aguero.

          I've never wanted a team to lose as heavily as I do Everton tomorrow night...

  8. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Plan was to take aguero out for aubameyang this week (ft). Would you now give aguero the Chelsea game, or still make the move.

    Will wait to see what happens on Wednesday obviously.

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

      Had the same plan. Will most likely follow trough and captain Auba this week.

      1. Joggers Nipple
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Capt Auba by all means but please dont feel the need to follow through

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

          Sorry, english is not my first language. Did I make a fool out of my self? That sounded right in my head. "Follow through with the plan to switch Kun to Auba and captain him."

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

            You didn't.

          2. Jayv807
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Your English is fine mate

          3. Konstaapeli
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Ok, good to know. Thanks.

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

              You just cannot go through the wall. The main problem was that you forgot to mention "the plan".

              And I also wonder if straight translation "noudattaa suunnitelmaa" / "follow the plan" is correct or perhaps used in US. "I will do as I planned and..." is the way I would phrase it. Anyway, Sergeant, everything OK 😉

  9. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Play Fabianski(cry) over Patricio(NEW) for save points? Playing Doherty.

  10. altan8797
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    time to sell salah once again? Pool not looking very good atm.

  11. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    a) Kun > Auba
    b) Kun + Sane > Auba + Pogmeister -4
    c) Sane > Pogmeister

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      b

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

      Similar state with son instead of pogba.Torn bw b and c.Arsenal away form is poor but it's Huddersfield... tho they could manage only one goal in the reverse fixture

  12. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Moura to Son?

    Keep Moura and do Brooks to Moutinho or Jota?

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Son

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

      Moura to Son

    3. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Brooks should be soon fit. So Moura to Son

  13. Kane Toads
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Is Mane + Salah a better option now than going with (roll of the dice) City mids?

  14. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Bottomed...sorry for the re-post...

    Fabianski
    Robertson-TAA-Doherty-AWB
    Salah(C)-Sane-Pogba
    Aubameyang-Rashford-Jimenez

    Guaita-Richarlison-Pereira-Hojbjerg
    2FT and 0.5ITB

    1-Sane-Richarlison >> Son-Felipe/Gross
    2-Sane > Son
    3-Richarlison > Felipe/Gross
    4-Other

    1. Offs!de
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Sane to Son
      and roll another FT

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

        would you keep Richarlison?

  15. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Hazard/Sane and Kamara to

    Moutinho Anderson and Aubameyang for next few weeks?

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

    Ings + Kamara + Sane -> Auba + Jimenez + Anderson (-8) too much?

  17. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Are people looking at Mane? Salah has been so anonymous the last two gameweeks, would save some money

    1. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Probably wouldn't look for Mane to save money. I'd still simply prefer to have Salah over Mane

  18. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Wanted Pool def but maybe now do only Hazard Sane to Mane Son for free and play 3 of Doh Shaw WB Bednarek Digne?

  19. Offs!de
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Please choose one option-
    a) Agu to Auba and cap him
    b) Sterling to Son and Cap Salah

    1. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I prefer b, but either seem good options

      1. Offs!de
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Agu to Auba
        Sterling to Son for -4?

  20. New Article
  21. DangerFC
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Vvd + ings > kolasinac + Jimenez 4 point hit?

  22. pmieleszko
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    How come TAA price is not dropping after exodus of last few weeks? Shouldn't he be priced 5.0 by now?

  23. jimmyabs1987
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Can someone help me on finally understanding team value and transfer funds.
    I was under impression that when I click on Rashford it says 7.5m on my transfer page but his value is 7.7m now. This means I bought him for 7.5m but he is no able to be bought for 7.7m. When you sell I thought the difference was 50% so I would get 7.6m?
    I would really appreciate a link to an article or post explaining it?
    Thanks

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

      When you sell a player you get 0.1m extra for every 0.2m their price rises. So if you buy a player for 10m, and when you sell he costs 11m, you get 10.5m for him.

      In your case Rashford costs 7.7m right now, your getting 7.5m for that. Which means you either paid 7.3 or 7.4 for him.

      1. jimmyabs1987
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Ah ok so it is 50% or buy Vs sell price but the price displayed is my sell price not what I bought him for. Anyway to find what price they were at when we got them in originally?

  24. jimmyabs1987
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Also Sterling to Mane for -4? Or hold Sterling for Man City and just do for free in GW27?