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

    Is Aguero or Sterling the better pick after next week.

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

      Top question top of the page.

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

      Honestly whichever fits more easily into your structure. Whoever replaces the worse player.

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

        Good point. Aguero it is.

      2. JELLYFISH
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        This

    3. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero

      There are plenty of other midfield options and not so many forward options

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

        Kane says Hi.

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

          Let him.

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

        I guess I'll be getting auba (c) for gw27.

        And then swapping him for kin in 28.

        Forget the fact he blanks in 31 ....looks like one or the other is required....

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

          Agree

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

      Depends on minutes played in CC final. imo. For WHU.

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

      Keeping both atm. Why not

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

        Have neither and can't really afford both.

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

    So, anyone going to stop captaining salah now?

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

      I won't be in GW27

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

      Article says he's back to his best

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

        And yet he scored 8 points against Bournemouth at home. If this is his best...

  3. Ziyech on the Bench
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    A) Richarlison => Jota?

    B) Rich => Maddison

    C) Rich => Almiron if he has decent game tomorrow

    D) Save FT play Bednarek lol

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

      Rich > Jota for me

  4. Pierce34
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Looks like Emerson was the Chelsea defender to own this week.

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

      The 5.0m's were.

  5. Louis Van Gaalstones
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Sane not playing got me Luiz' -1, second off my bench. Beautiful

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

      I thought I was bad with bender ak

    2. JELLYFISH
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      That sucks, fortunately I’ve got Camarasas 4pts coming off the bench as second sub

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

    Can someone explain to me why 85k people have brought in Aguero ahead of a blank game week for city? 😆

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

      They're unaware that City are ON A BREAK.

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

        Are there actually that many clueless players around?

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

          I think so. My dad's eyes glaze over when I try to warn him about blanks and doubles. I reckon the majority of players don't know blanks and doubles are approaching til the last minute.

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

          85 000 / 4 000 000 = 2%

          Minimum amount of clueless active thick players confirmed?

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

      They are just carefully planning for his next game in 17 days time
      Not like he could get injured or anything

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

      lol, i was just about to ask the same thing...

  7. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    What are Kun owners doing now? Keeping or is Kun > Auba still on?

    1. Mattymo23
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      That's my dilemma. Really unsure as would be a - 4 to get rid of him and would have to waste a free to get him back.

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

        His value increasing makes another case to keep. Thinking ditching Sané is higher priority for me right now

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

      Keeping. Prefer Laca

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

      did it last week before Auba got flagged but regretting it now...

    4. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I’m shipping out both Kun and Sterling for the BGW.

    5. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Nothing until after the cup games when we'll know more about what's happening with blanks and doubles.

      Was planning on doing Aubameyang in this week then heard he had been ill. Glad about that now. Honestly don't know whether to do it or not now. Aguero's absolutely on fire.

  8. Mattymo23
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Don't know whether to do Aguero for Auba for - 4. Very torn because would want to get Aguero back shortly after.

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

      Not worth it for a hit.

      1. Mattymo23
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Auba could easy get 10+ points and my ML rival has them?

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

      Aguero good GW28 and next 2 games

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

    Any changes you would make to this team for GW 27? Really struggling to compete with casuals without Pogba and Son...

    Hugo
    Jonny AWB Bemba Robbo
    Salah Fanny Gunnarsson 🙂
    Jimmy Rashy Auba(c)

    Button Laporte* Sterling* Richo* 0.4 itb

    A) Richo to 7m mid,which one?
    B) Save
    cheers 😀

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

      Get your Fanny out

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

        😛

    2. Sandy Ravage
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Upgrade your MID & get Pogba by downgrading Aubameyang to Lacazette / Firmino

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

        cheers BBB

  10. KJT123
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Exact funds to do Sane & Kamara to Barnes & Vardy. Sane dropping tonight will price me out.

    Still worth waiting until the deadline?

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

      No. Wait 10 days.

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

      no need to wait.

    3. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      probably do it...Sane will drop more than 0.1 over the next few days

    4. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I don't think being priced out of Vardy is a bad thing 😉

      1. The 5% Team
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        haha

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

      wait

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

      3 strikers and a midfielder?

      1. Pierce34
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Other Barnes probably.

  11. aleksios
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    2 ft 0.2 itb.

    Out:
    a) Digne
    b) Richarlison
    c) Kun

    In:
    a) Perreyra
    b) F.Anderson/Jota
    c) Auba

    Thanks.

    1. KJT123
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      wait 10 days

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

      wait

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

      BC
      BC

  12. Rhinos
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I rarely come on here to brag but I think selling Kun for a hit gives me right 😎

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

      Oh eck...I was so close to doing that move for a hit too!

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

      oh sheet

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

    Sane to F Anderson or Mane?

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

    Is one of sterling or kun essential for gw27 onwards?

    Even tho they blank in 31 or 33??

    Thanks

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

      only one of?

    2. AYLD28
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I have sterling and he’s going nowhere

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

        this

  15. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    So.. did anyone do Kun > Auba? I couldn't imagine living with myself if I did that for a hit

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

      kun to laca so i get a repreive

      1. Greenbackbøøg…
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Was so close to doing that, this game is crazy sometimes

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

      i did 🙁
      Season over for me....

    3. Jack Burton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Not for a hit but for free so not so bad ha ha

    4. runny
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      if i could've done it without a hit i think I would've done it, luckily i'd already made another change!

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

    Chelsea last 3 games 4-0 5-0 6-0

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

      7-0 vs spurs?

  17. AYLD28
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I haven’t had Aguero for this double hatrick but I have had Sterling TC in 25 then for 26.

    Should I be happy?

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

      yes

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

      but only you can answer if you're happy. You do not sound happy.

      1. AYLD28
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks mate, I think I am as Sterling has sort of covered Aguero in a weird way

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

          If you have either great, both you're laughing.

          1. AYLD28
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah most peoples budget only allows one really

    3. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      lol

  18. mgilbert86
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    How nailed is guiata

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

      the more gw goes on without a CS the less nailed becomes but he is 1st pick atm.

  19. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    anyone like me buy Man City players for the doubles and yet to have a return? i got Sane and KDB.

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

      Ouch... that’s painful

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

      kdb is so frustrating, absolute legend of a player yet another blank

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

        yeah has been pretty advanced too

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

          we'll have our day, he got a 20pter in cup

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

      🙁

    4. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      im not sure Bilva has any either without looking

  20. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    No idea what to do with this squad. Three blanks (and two who are out). A hit is incoming for gw27, but is it time to think about WC?

    Fab, Button**
    Robbo, Doherty, Luiz*, AWB, Bednarek
    Salah, Pogba, Son, Hazard*, Siggy*
    Rashford, Jimenez, Kamara**

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

      Luiz, haz and kamara to auba, jwp and Lascelles/pereira (depending on funds)

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yep, Auba is on the radar, for sure. Just trying to figure out how to do it. And how big a hit to take... Never taken a -8 before in my six years in FPL.

  21. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Best Sané replacement to navigate through the next few bgw’s?

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

      On form, Mane.

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

        Man U away next though!

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

          Bench him and Salah?

  22. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Should I give up on Auba and just get Laca as it allows me to get Aguero the week after the blank?

    Would mean:
    Hazard + Ings ➡ Jota + Laca with Firmino ➡ Aguero before GW28

    thoughts..? 😉

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

    Mark Wood smashing the Windies. England are back!

    *until the next collapse

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

      can't win dead rubbers mate. That's what oz used to say when we win a consolation ashes test

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

      Pace in West indies effective - shocker!!

  24. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    85 pts and Jimmy, Doherty to go 😎

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

      jammy...

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

        well done... 😀

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          😛

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

      81 with Jonny Doherty and Jim

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

      84 Pat Doh Jimi

  25. Squib
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Guaita Button
    TAA Lindelof Holebas AWB Bennett
    Hazard Salah Son Pogba Stephens
    Auba Rashford Rondon

    1ft
    0.5 itb
    Holebas got to go now. Who to?
    Any worth a hit?

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

    Haven’t been happier with a footballer catching a cold.

  27. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Aguero is number one on top transfers in

    This is gold

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

      Even better nearly all seems to Auba to Kun.
      Going to be some hits taken before next deadline.

  28. CostaCoffee
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Who to bring in for Richarlison?
    Have 9.1 to spend, don’t own Son but feel like it might be a bit late to invest now as fixtures aren’t fantastic. Looking to wildcard gw 30 so only a short term option is needed.
    Rest of team for next week:
    Etheridge
    Robbo Jonny Doherty AWB
    Salah Pogba Hayden
    Rashford Jimenez Lacazette

    Button Sterling Holebas Richarlison
    (Once I get a Richarlison replacement Hayden will drop to bench)

  29. MGD
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    69 pts.

    Jimenez and Doherty to play.

    Green or red?

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

      Green

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

      😐

  30. mgilbert86
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Why did rashford not play?

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

        These article titles are helpful 🙂

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

      Paris and your man.

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

      official reason was dead leg. Real reason was Fulham so bad we'll settle for Lukaku