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

    Last two gameweeks, do the hard work on the Saturday, lots of 2 and 3 point gains, feeling good. Sunday comes and Aguero and sterling destroy it all and leave me with a nice red arrow.

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

      Tell me about it, 68 this week with 3 to play (wolves) and still a red arrow as no city

      1. Dave Bauer
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Wow, that is harsh. Where are you rank-wise?

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

        Autosub not factored in to your overall points yet

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

      Not having them last week and this has more or less torpedoed my season. I was top 2k for a good stretch of the first few months, dropped below 50k before the dgw and now might be outside 200k. Never had anything that bad!

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Pretty much the same story for me.

      Thankfully they aren’t playing in GW27.

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

      Absolutely 😀
      My ML rival is getting away with Kun © fir last 2 gw's & other players failing for him.
      Hopefully Chelsea-Arsenal team's defensive errors done that.
      It should stop though !!

  2. Dave Bauer
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I absolutely love that Aguero went up last night when he has no game this week, all those gorgeous rage / panic transfers without looking at fixtures will protect my selling value before the deadline. Should only lose 0.1 at most now and I’ll be able to wait until after the cup games and we know more about GW31. Top notch FPL buffoonery.

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

      They could realise their mistake and bulk sell like Auba illness flagged last week

      1. Dave Bauer
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Oh I don’t doubt it, but it’s a bit of protection at least!

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

          Kun still rising today and Aub still dropping

          1. Dave Bauer
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Nice.

  3. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Relegation starting to look a bit clearer now. Assuming Huddersfield are gone, which other two for you?

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

      Fulham then anyone's guess.

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

      It's a mess. Cardiff and Burnley have the momentum right now but lots could change. Fulham gone for sure.

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

      Fulham's pathetic defending will take them down.
      Hudds are gone.
      I want Cardiff to stay up though. They are playing good recently

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

      Fulham and Southampton imo.

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

    Down from 7.2k to 7.4k, with 3 players left (Jiménez, Doherty and Jonny). Really finding it hard to break inside the top 5k. Any advices ?

    Etheridge Button
    Alderweireld TAA Doherty Keane Jonny
    Salah Son Pogba Richarlison Camarasa
    Aguero Rashford Jiménez

    2 FTs £1.9

    A. Richarlison + Keane > Almiron + Pereira
    B. Aguero + Keane > Aubameyang + Pereira
    C. Just one of those moves and save a FT

    Option A. makes me captain Pogba, Salah or Son on GW27, option B. makes me captain Aubameyang on GW27.

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I was in top 1k a couple of months, and it was impossibly tough trying to stay there. jumping on trends is what they nail.
      A. Just not sure about almiron but worth a punt if you think hes straight in

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

        Cheers

  5. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Can’t decide if I want Auba from GW27 or Kun from GW28.

    Can get Auba for GW27 and then Sterling in for Son GW28.

    Can Sterling cover Kun?

    Or would you ignore Auba for GW27 (Cap Son) and just get Kun from GW28 onwards?

    Really confused! Would appreciate your thoughts. 🙂

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

      Arsenal and Man City have plenty of games to help you decide before 27/28.

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yup kind of agree with that. Main decision is to get Auba or not that will probably decide Kun or Sterling for me.

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

      Man City a lot of big matches. Jesus could start against West Ham 3 days after Cup Final

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Honestly Aguero anyways hasn’t done much away from home. It’s the 2 home games in GW28 & 30 which look fruitful.

        Plus I don’t think Pep can drop him in this form.

        1. Majestic Chanka
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Like he couldn’t drop Sané?

          1. Karan14
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I don’t think you can even compare Sergio Aguero to Sane.

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

            This .he could easily play Jesus in one of the matches in UCL congestion

            1. Karan14
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Can’t see Pep benching Kun for home games in the PL.

              Those who assumed that (like myself) lost out on 2 hattys.

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

                No way one would think pep would bench kun vs Chelsea arsenal.Thats the reason I got him.Kun is clear first choice and I was saying that all-along but the point I am making is Jesus will get the odd match like wolves .He is no where near kun but not awful after all

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

      I'm a bit in the same situation. Was planning this Aguero > Auba move prior to BGW27 for weeks but with two hat-tricks in three for Aguero and their prices going opposite directions I'm not sure anymore. Thing is Aubameyang is the best captain pick in GW27 by far.

      Really want Sterling from GW28 onwards but it'll be very difficult to fit him in.

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        The easiest route for me is to get Auba for GW27 and sacrifice Som for Sterling in GW28.

        If I already owned Aguero honestly I would be mindf**ked. Actually still am after his 2 hattys.

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

          Son for Sterling is a huge investment.

          1. Karan14
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Yes it is but I’m left with that much in the bank even after getting Auba and I have no plans of using it. Son has a couple of tough fixtures from GW28 and possibly blank in GW31.

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

              Yes then

              1. Karan14
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Cheers mate!

    4. Dave Bauer
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Could you not afford to get Auba in for 27 and then switch to Aguero for 28? Or is it because you don’t want to have to take a hit?

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I wouldn’t have to take a hit for that. But even Auba has a really good fixture in GW28 (SOU).

        Seems a bit pointless to sell him that week.

        1. Dave Bauer
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Depends on a lot of factors between now and then I guess.

          1. Karan14
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Yup definitely. I guess the main decision is to go for Auba this week or not. I can do it for free and I can’t wait to get rid of Haz.

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

      Same question.
      Kun has killed it in last 2 gw's 😀

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Killed my rank too.

        Auba is probably a differential now for the next 2 weeks.

        I’m tempted to go for Auba + Sterling route and ignore Kun but I’m scared.

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

          Ha ha.
          I can do that too but will have to sacrifice Mane.
          Hopefully FA cup gives some good results 🙂

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

    Points prediction for tonight (to save my week):
    1-Doherty
    2-Jimenez

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

      5 & 8.

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

      6
      2

    3. Dave Bauer
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      2
      7

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

    shouldn't we be using transfers for BGW 31 from now onwards if you want to use the template chip plans?

    There are only 5-6 transfers before GW31. Auba is likely to have a blank GW31, and thus is essentially 2 transfers down the road. Would rather bench Agu for GW27 and transfer him to a non-blanking forward.

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I’ll use FH in GW31.

      Can’t miss out on Auba & City’s points over the next few weeks to fill in crap players for one gw.

      And getting these players now means I’ll be set up well for DGW32.

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

        this got me thinking. right now I have 4 (fab + 3 pool) confirmed playing.

        5 GWs of good captain picks can be more important.

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Yup for me that’s pretty much the plan. Given the FA Cup ties it is very likely that we will 5-6 blanks unless there some upsets.

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

      Anything can happen in the FA cup.
      Better we should wait for the results.
      I'm using FH in gw32.
      Will at least be able to field 8-9 players in gw31 with triple pool already IN i think I can get away with it

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

        Please can you share with us the confirmed matches for GW31?

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

          Bournemouth-Newcastle
          Fulham-Pool
          Burnley-Leister
          WH-Hudds

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

            Thanks mate

    3. Dave Bauer
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Possibly. I’m waiting for all the cup games to see if any of the prem teams go out, that will influence my thinking for sure. No idea what the hell I’ll do if it’s worse case scenario!

  8. juho
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Any chance TorresMagic appears on the Meet the Manager series?

    he has to be in the conversation about GOAT FPL managers

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

      He's Australian. They would need a translator

      1. Fred54
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Says the Kiwi, heh.

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

          😆

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

        As an Asian, I believe I'm up to the task.

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

      This. I’d love to see Ville Ronka there as well.

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

      here's hoping that TM sees this thread

    4. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'd quite like a meet the manager who has failed consistent despite loving fpl and would be able to explain why 🙂
      I'd volunteer myself if I understood why!

    5. Srv210
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      #TM_for_meet_the_manager.

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

    Do we think Aguero can continue this prolific form ??
    TBH Arsenal & Chelsea defending is poor & all the minnows defend for their lives against City so can I get away without Aguero/Sterling ??
    With fixtures congestion for city i think as soon as i get one of them they will be rested & the one I sold (Mane/Auba) will haul 😀

    Please give your opinions 🙂

    Thank you !!

    1. Srv210
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Don't know man...not owning kun or sterling killed my season..just coz I was too stubborn with sane and now I'm out of ideas and honestly don't know how to proceed furthur

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

        You are telling my story 😀
        I'm so afraid with City asset's that I would only get one if other contender gets an injury.
        They are very frustrating to own (to me*)

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I think if you own Auba he is a hold for the two home games.

      City’s fixtures from GW28-30 are really good and I probably want some attacking cover. But right now only Sterling or Aguero look “nailed” and they are massive investments.

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

        Yeah.
        I have Auba. Will look forward to gw 28.
        Hopefully we'll get some more clue about Sterling/kun
        Thank you

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          For me Son to Sterling in GW28 and getting Auba this week for free looks the best option.

          Hopefully they can beat Aguero!

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

            Good luck mate 🙂
            Auba © should be good for us this gw

            1. Karan14
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Yup hopefully a hatty. Can see a lot of sensible Kun owners keeping him this week.

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

                Exactly.
                My ML rival will keep most probably.
                So it's my turn to enjoy some points 🙂

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

                If auba looks sharp in Uel not sure y anyone would keep kun if they can't field a strong 11 for one to maximise rank

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

      He will continue his form at home whilst fit certainly, plan around his home fixtures

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

        Yeah. That's a thing i was considering.
        Swapping between Kun/Auba for home fixtures.
        Thank you. If everything goes to plan in FA cup I'll do that most probably

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

      How should one work around their likely blanks in GW31 and 33?

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

        City should blank both gw's given their team & form.
        Arsenal game depends upon Wolves involvment in fa cup so will be clear after 5th round this week

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

    85 points, Doherty Jiménez to go

    Smug post alert

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

      Great.
      No City for me, 60 with Doherty+Jota to go.

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

        Why would you not have City players? Explain

        😛

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

          I'm not a good manager. 😛
          Especially when it comes to City players.
          When I own them they either blank or benched 😀

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

            😀

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

    Anyone think KDB will be a viable fantasy option for the rest of this season, or will he be more of a differential going forward?

    I guess he's fully fit now, but hasn't given any good returns yet.

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

      No

  12. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Richarlison replacement? 9.3m to spend.

    A) Eriksen
    B) Anderson
    C) Someone else?

    1. The Enlightener
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      U have Pogba already? If so, Eriksen a good shout.

    2. The Enlightener
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Or Son