Scout Notes

Salah back to his best as Liverpool get much-needed clean sheet

Liverpool ruthlessly capitalised on their opportunity to get back to winning ways with a 3-0 drubbing of Bournemouth on Saturday.

After huffing and puffing against Leicester and West Ham, Jurgen Klopp’s men completely dominated the Cherries at Anfield.

They created five big chances to their opponents’ zero and had more than double the number of shots in the penalty box too.

The impact of that result on our Fantasy Premier League squads is the focus of this latest Scout Notes article.

Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth

Goals: Sadio Mané (£9.6m), Georginio Wijnaldum (£5.5m), Mohamed Salah (£13.6m)

Assists: James Milner (£5.6m), Andrew Robertson (£6.8m), Roberto Firmino (£9.3m)

Mohamed Salah (£13.6m) was comfortably the best player in Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth and arguably should have registered more than his eight-point haul. The Egyptian topped the game for total goal attempts, recording more than double any other player at Anfield, also having the most shots in the box and efforts on target too. Furthermore, Salah was second for chances created. Those sorts of numbers will be great news to any Fantasy managers who had been worried by Salah’s recent form, after two consecutive blanks in Gameweeks 24 and 25.

The fact that he did not capitalise on all of his chances and do enough to secure a double-figure haul is, of course, a little frustrating, especially with captaincy rival Paul Pogba (£8.8m) scoring 16 points. However, seeing Salah perform so well in open play for the first time in several weeks provides encouragement for the future, even if it’s a trip to Manchester United up next.

“The performance was brilliant. He was pretty much undefendable. It was an outstanding game; it was just exactly the football he is able to play and what we want him to play. Very, very involved in all the things, not only in the scoring moments, in the build-up situations as well. Sometimes dropping a bit, not really deep but in the half-spaces, staying wide and all that stuff. That’s exactly how he has to play and he did it in an outstanding manner.” – Jurgen Klopp

While Salah was the clear star of the show, Sadio Mané (£9.6m) continues to offer potential as a cheaper alternative. He was the one to open the scoring for Liverpool and has now netted in four consecutive Premier League matches. Coming into the Saturday afternoon encounter, the Senegalese international had been outperforming Salah for shots in the box and efforts on target in the four previous matches, hence the serious interest in his signature of late. That said, Salah was the clear winner statistically against Bournemouth.

“The front three were brilliant all day. Some of their link-up play was impossible to defend: the movement, the understanding, the one-touch play. Probably the only disappointing thing is we didn’t score more. But we’re pleased to get a clean sheet and to get the three points was the main thing, obviously.” – James Milner

Roberto Firmino (£9.3m) also reminded Fantasy managers what he is capable of as he provided the assist for Salah’s only goal of the game. Driving into the penalty box, his perfectly-timed back-heel set up the Egyptian for his cool finish. It was Firmino’s first attacking return since Gameweek 23, although he does still have six in his last eight. Crucially, the Brazilian was level with Mané for shots in the box but was more accurate, while no player created more chances in the match than him. That means Firmino should still be on our radar as a potential attacking double-up with Salah when a Liverpool triple-up looks important in the future Blank Gameweeks.

“I don’t think you’ll find a lot of players who do what Bobby did in that moment. Most of them would try to shoot and get blocked, but he did that little, little pass and then Mo is obviously a pretty cool finisher.” – Jurgen Klopp

As well as a welcome return to the ruthless attacking football for which Liverpool are known, there was also a first clean sheet since Gameweek 22. After three matches without one, the shutout was fairly routinely secured against a Bournemouth side that had scored three times in their seven away matches prior to this one. Andrew Robertson (£6.8m) was the main beneficiary as he was able to combine the clean sheet with a seventh assist of the season and one bonus for a nine-point haul.

Liverpool defensive options should firmly re-establish themselves as important assets moving forward, especially with Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.2m) making his much-awaited return from injury. He featured as a 77th-minute substitute.

“Trent trained twice after four weeks out and it was good that we could bring him [on]. You could see immediately what a fantastic player he is.” – Jurgen Klopp

The entire Liverpool performance was impressive considering some of the problems the squad had in the build-up to the game. Georginio Wijnaldum (£5.5m), the scorer of the second goal, had illness issues in the week, as did James Milner (£5.6m).

“We had difficulties before the West Ham game, with Hendo out, Gini out, Millie was not in the team hotel because he was ill but he played. We didn’t perform that well and people were talking about him. Last night, Gini was not in the team hotel because he had pretty much everything you don’t want to have the night or two nights before a game. That’s the news you get in the morning before the last session of the week. Then, after another couple of hours’ sleep he said he felt really good and he thought he could play. But the doc said he is still infectious, so stay away. So I was only concerned today when he scored a goal and everybody gave him a hug, to be honest!” – Jurgen Klopp

For anyone worried about the adverse effects of the illness within the group, or any injuries, there is now a period of 14 days between now and Liverpool’s next Premier League match. They host Bayern Munich on Tuesday night but their elimination from the FA Cup means they have no fixture next weekend, before returning to action against Manchester United in Gameweek 27 on February 24.

“I think [it will] for everyone. We are having one of those runs in the season where we have got little niggles, little injuries, illnesses and disruption to the team a couple of days before, it has been the last few games really. Hopefully, we can rest up and get everyone back fit. It was good to see Trent back, Hendo was on the bench if needed. That’s good and hopefully, a few more can come back in the next 10 days, refresh and go again.” – James Milner

Bournemouth continue to look decidedly ordinary on the road, compounded by the ongoing absences of Callum Wilson (£6.3m) and David Brooks (£5.0m). They were also hit by a thigh problem for Junior Stanislas (£6.0m) while Charlie Daniels (£4.1m) missed the game through personal reasons.

“We had Callum Wilson, David Brooks, Charlie Daniels, Nathaniel Clyne and Junior Stanislas are huge players for us. Since Christmas, we can add Lewis Cook and Simon Francis to that list, but there’s no other solution, we have to keep fighting. My philosophy is to look at ourselves first and that includes who we have available.” – Eddie Howe

The Cherries were restricted to just 33% possession at Anfield had just two efforts on target all afternoon. They certainly look like a team to largely avoid in the near future with Wolves (home), Arsenal (away) and Manchester City (home) their next three opponents.

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Robertson, van Dijk, Matip, Milner; Keita, Fabinho, Wijnaldum (Alexander-Arnold 77′); Mané (Origi 87′), Firmino (Sturridge 90′), Salah.

Bournemouth XI (4-5-1): Boruc; Rico (Mepham 80′), Aké, S Cook, A Smith; Fraser, Surman, Lerma (Mousset 73′), Gosling, Ibe (Solanke 59′); King.

2,910 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    56 with Doherty, Jiminez + 2 bench points to come.

    7K red arrow but still happy as it cold have been alot worse.

    Did Sane + Sigurdsson -> Pogba + Son with my 2FT this GW, giving me a net gain of 20 points.

    If id have saved id be on 36 points, so have to be somewhat happy

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

      Great job. Not like you could buy City this week due to the blank !

      1. Bruno Bruno!!
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks still a bit annoying to be on a red arrow but my team looks set for GW27

    2. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Hey Anish, good transfers...and I have the same 2 players left

      1. Bruno Bruno!!
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers Yank, had to finally get on the pogba bandwagon, its a shame Im still on a red arrow for the GW despite my smooth transfers

        1. Yank Revolution
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Glad you finally joined the Pog Side!

  2. Ser Davos
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    No. 1 may be rocking Kante and Torreira, but I'm proud of the power ballad of a mid park that's been assembled:

    Salah Sterling Mane Pogba Son

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero?

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

      I'd trade Mane for Aguero all day. But otherwise those 4 are awesome.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        this

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I've got Salah, Sterling, KdB, Pogba, Son. Shame the KdB punt didn't work, but worth a try. Am switching to Jota so I can get Auba or Aguero up top.

  3. TAT
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Alisson
    Robertson - Wan-B - Doherty - Balbuena
    Son - Salah - Pogba
    Rashford - Jiménez - Aubameyang
    (Hamer - Puncheon - Laporte - Richarlison)

    Can't seem to get inside 100k with this team. What do I do? £1.7m itb and one free transfer. Need to make some bold moves at some point.

  4. Totally !rre!evant
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Besides a Liverpool defender (or 2) which other defenders would you want for the run in that also cover the blanks?

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

      I like a Newcastle defender

      Night blank 33 tho

  5. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    people rushing to bring in aguero, rising tonight? what the heck

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

      Takes knee jerking to new levels.

    2. Mo Mané Mo Problems
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Pricing out the GW28 buyers. Haha.

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        it's funny and frustrating at the same time

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

      FPL is about planning for the long term too.

    4. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Plp forgetting him being injury prone

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

      Newport looks good on paper

      1. Nüno Vippan
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        500€ paper

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

      gotta think like a casual.

      Casuals will pop in the game to transfer out players who are injured or got hatties etc

      They don't mind sitting for blanks, after all Aguero will get a double later anyway.

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

      Lessons not learnt from those who rushed to get Auba in early last Sunday?

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

    Aguero nearly 75k transfers in despite blank gameweek...

    Eh?

    1. MTPockets
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah FPL should flag the blankers really

        1. J T
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          No way

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

        They’ll sell him when they realise he doesn’t play

      • Beast Mode
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        LoOooooL !!!

    2. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Must admit i had luck about Sterling. I wanted to rid him to afford Auba. Then Auba was flagged and i went for Laca...

      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah I'm sad about Auba illness. Laca was the better pick and people got lucky

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

      It really sucks when my mini-league rivals are beating you with one city player. Like you outscore them on clean sheets goals and assists from various players in your team and get a 20pt lead on them and then that lead is wiped out singlehandedly by an Aguero captain. So unfair!

      1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I remember the week a few years back when Southampton won 8-0. I had defensive triple up, rivals had Tadic...

      2. Werkself
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        And you've never been on the right side of that situation? It's just part of the game.

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

          so's crying about it when it doesn't work out well

        2. Superflymonk
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah, I have and it worked for 1 gw. but you think the punishment is over after the dgw. Aguero owners have had their fun, right? Then Chelsea just collapse. Worst part is I own Sane.

      3. Beast Mode
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I feel your pain

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

      Harry Maguire worth a punt over Pereira?

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

        He’s my preference from the two

      2. MTPockets
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Doesn't appeal to me at all

          1. Here's Tom with the We…
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I’m torn between the two

        • Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          No. Peirera out attacking stats every other Leicester defender

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

        Top 10k avrage post baps anyone?

        1. MTPockets
            5 years, 1 month ago

            63

          • diesel001
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Around 63 with 2 to go (Doherty and Jimenez) and a Rashford autosub

          • Royal5
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers both!

        2. Hy liverpool
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          A. Mane and kun
          Or
          B. Salah and Vardy/Arnie

        3. Niho992
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Is Laca flagged? When i go in section my team he is not. But when i go to section status and see top 5 players in he is. Wtf

        4. jkdeclan
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Currently I can only field 9 players in GW27. I have 1 free transfer and 1 Sergio Aguero, along with all my chips and the wildcard. Very tempted to free hit instead of spend points. The sensible thing to do or a stupid move with double gameweeks looming?

          1. MTPockets
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Would save it

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

                My thinking is that with 4 players tied up in the Man Utd v Liv game, and a couple of players I don't expect to get much out of, I could do a radical rejig for one week. Definitely a risk, but I reckon there is at least a chance of a fairly substantial points gain. Still a bad idea?

                1. MTPockets
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    Could certainly work this week, but then you won't have FH when everyone else uses theirs for currently unknown future fixtures. Need to weigh-up having 4/5 in one game (like everyone else) and using FH later vs. solo approach to chips and hoping majority are wrong.

                    Personal opinion really

              2. Je suis le chat
                • 10 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Use your transfer and roll with 10 players.

              3. Kiwivillan
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                It's going to be a terrible GW and there will be better FH strategies. Total rookie move to FH 27

            • #FPLBhuna
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              80 with doh and Jim to go

              Happy days!

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

                Very nice. 77 here same 2 left

              2. Kiwivillan
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                84 same 2 plus Pat. ML rival has 97 plus Jimi and no Aguero gah!

                1. #FPLBhuna
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Wow chaps very very nice

                  Well played!

              3. Rust Cohle
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Same plus hopefully some jammy Moutinho points coming on for Rashford. COYW!!!!

            • Tingate
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Alisson
              Robertson - Kolasinac - Doherty - Wan-Bissaka
              Jota - Pogba - Son - Salah
              Rashford - Jiménez

              Hamer - Bednarek - Sterling - Kamara

              1FT - 1.4M ITB

              Roll over free transfer and look to get Aguero in for Rashford somehow?

            • Je suis le chat
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Signal of intent from Pep, smashing Chelsea. Pivotal 8 days for the league. Sleepless nights for the pool, who maybe should focus on Champions League.

              1. Beast Mode
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Hard to say as a Man U fan but I think City will win it this year... And I actually hope Aguero gets player of the season because he's having a blinder and thoroughly deserves it.

                1. Yank Revolution
                  • 12 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  If there's one player I've always liked, despite also being a Man U fan, it's Aguero.

            • soumyeah
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Evolution of emotions
              Shoulda captained Pogba..?
              Shoulda captained Aguero..
              Yes! Captained Sterling!

            • Danstoke82
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Any Newcastle midfielders worth taking a 1 week punt on? Home v Huddersfield seems a tasty fixture.

              Richarlison > ?

              1. Beast Mode
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Ritchie

              2. Kiwivillan
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Not really. Ritchie maybe? Perez classified as striker

            • Arteta
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Once again I'd be better off if I simply forgot to log in on Saturday morning. Had Auba (c), Pogba (vc) and Sterling in my team. Then I took a hit to buy Salah (c) and Laca (vc). Nothing seems to be paying off, no matter what I do. And last 2 weeks really opened my eyes. It's just not worth the effort, stress and my time anymore. I really have to stop worrying about the things I can't control. Casual approach from now on and let's see how it goes.

              Wishing all of you good luck for the rest of the season!

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

                Salah is actually wrecking my season a bit. 8 point ceiling when in my team, 12 point floor when out of my team.

              2. diesel001
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                This is why I like TFF. No captains and chips. Just about choosing good players and being patient.

              3. Hy liverpool
                • 10 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                There are 11 gws still remaining ... Be patient mesut

              4. Twisted Saltergater
                • 14 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                I very nearly did Sané, Sterling and Llorente to Son, Mané and Lacazette (-4). While they all scored, it would've been a worse move than remaining patient.

                I've very slowly learning this lesson. 2 x FT's is so powerful.

              5. Whats the Mata?
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                This!

                8+ red arrows with 11 players.
                A green arrow this week with 10.

            • fedolefan
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Anyone looking at capping Arnie next week? Think I fancy a punt.

            • Mo Mané Mo Problems
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Harry Kane GW28 TC locked.

            • ViperStripes
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Not getting in Kun for the DGWhas been a real killer. So wanted to get him but thought saving a FT would pay off for BGW’s. Darn it.

              This week captained Pogba and Have Sterling and Son, but only a small rank rise predicted from220k ish to 185k ish.

            • andrewe63
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              What's Hudson odoi thinking right now?

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

                Which colour Ferrari should I buy?

              2. diesel001
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                I'm leaving asap

                1. andrewe63
                  • 12 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Sarri should play him. At least he's prepared to have a go.

            • S.Kuqi
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Tempted to keep playing 3-5-2. How does these transfers look?

              Sterling -> Anderson
              Rasford - Auba

              Salah-Mane-Son-Anderson-Pogba
              Auba-Jimenez

              1. Jonny HOW SON?
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                I wouldn't lose Rashford

                1. S.Kuqi
                  • 11 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Hmmm...I could keep him and play 343. Rash probably better option than Anderson

            • Niho992
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Alonso is essential bonus maximus pointimus said. He get -1 point today he never said.

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

                I would not be so hard on Maximus especally with all the crap you spew out on here.

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

                Use your own brain, they said. 🙄

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

                Isn't it -2?

                1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Subbed before 6th. Lucky

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

                  Oh he got hauled off before they conceded the 6th lol

            • J T
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Salah(C) Pogba Sterling Shaw and still a red arrow..

              1. J T
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                And son

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

                Same. Thought I might get back into the top 10k yesterday and now I'm even further away!

            • Bruno Bruno!!
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Any early suggestions for my GW27 Team?

              Fabianski
              VanDijk Kolasinac Doherty
              Anderson Salah Pogba Son
              Jiminez Aubameyang Rashford

              Hamer Pereyra Holebas Danilo

              1. Jonny HOW SON?
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Looking good

            • Modest Bob
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              The rookies are bringing aguero in this week.

            • VanDijksToWatchOutFor
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Aguero haul is a kind of good news for auba owners next week. Silver lining/ clutching at straws.

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

                Saints to park the bus

                Auba 2 point captain

                Son 16 point haul for non Auba owners ?

                Possible right 😉

              2. tambourineman
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                The way my season's going Aguero will outscore Auba even next week, missed pen incoming

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

                  Lol

            • teneighty
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Sane likely dropping 0.2 or 0.3... Was going to use my FT on a Leicester def and get rid of Sane the week after but might have to rethink. Just cant find a midfielder I want to get...

              1. Kiwivillan
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                I sold for Son. Salah Pogba Sterling Son +5m mid. You have all those?