Scout Notes

Liverpool facing knife-edge Bayern rematch in between Gameweeks 30 and 31

Liverpool and Bayern Munich played out a goalless draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday night.

The second leg of their knockout stage match will take place on Wednesday 13 March, directly in between Liverpool’s Gameweek 30 and 31 fixtures against Burnley and Fulham respectively.

Whether Jurgen Klopp would countenance any squad rotation either before or after the trip to Germany is open to debate, given that the Premier League title race will feasibly be as neck-and-neck in mid-March as it is now.

The Gameweek 30 encounter with Sean Dyche’s side at Anfield would arguably be most at risk of minor tinkering from Klopp, perhaps in the form of “managed minutes” rather than wholesale rotation.

The fact that an international break follows after Gameweek 31, though, at least affords the likes of Mohamed Salahwho won’t be involved in Egypt’s two matches in March – the opportunity of a welcome breather.

Our Scout Notes article below focuses on last night’s match itself.

Liverpool 0-0 Bayern Munich

Liverpool delivered a performance full of endeavour and plenty of respect for the opposition on Tuesday evening – but ultimately a lack of creativity and inability to break down a resolute Bayern side sullied their display against Niko Kovac’s Bavarian giants.

A goalless draw is far from a terrible result, of course – depriving Bayern of an away goal could prove crucial and the reigning Bundesliga champions will likely not be as defensive-minded on home soil in three weeks’ time, potentially affording the Reds more space to exploit on the break.

Kovac’s side were especially stubborn after the interval, with the hosts not registering a single shot in the first 35 minutes of the second half.

A late Sadio Mane (£9.6m) header – one of just two shots on target that Liverpool mustered all night – was the closest the Reds came after half-time, though there were some clearer chances for Klopp’s side and Mane himself before the interval.

The Senegalese midfielder, who has scored in each of the last four Gameweeks in the Premier League, missed the best of Liverpool’s opportunities when screwing a shot wide on the turn from ten yards out and then sending an overhead kick high into the Anfield Road Stand from the edge of Manuel Neuer’s six-yard box.

Mane also fired a shot off-target from the edge of the Bayern area as the Reds enjoyed their best spell of the match, though this was one game in which the premium FPL midfielder’s finishing touch deserted him.

Although lacking a clinical streak on Tuesday night, the fact that Mane had more attempts on goal than Mohamed Salah (£13.6m) and Roberto Firmino (£9.3m) combined is nevertheless an encouraging sign for those who pay heed to underlying attacking statistics – further information on that can be found in this article that we published earlier today.

Firmino actually had a decent match despite his lack of goalscoring opportunities in the centre-forward role, rising from his sick bed (the Brazilian had been a minor doubt for this match due to a virus) to play the first 76 minutes of this encounter and looking more like the excellent link-up player he can be when on song – something he hasn’t been in recent weeks.

Salah, back on the right flank, had two presentable chances in the first half but couldn’t get enough purchase on a superb Jordan Henderson (£5.3m) through-ball and then sent a header wide of Neuer’s left-hand post from a Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.2m) cross.

While the Egyptian posed a threat in the first half, he was generally comfortably dealt with by the Bayern backline and his goalscoring record against the “bigger” sides in 2018/19 might be of concern going into the Gameweek 27 meeting with Manchester United: Salah has one goal in five Champions League matches against PSG, Napoli and Bayern, and one goal in seven Premier League fixtures against fellow “big six” clubs.

Klopp reflected on his side’s attacking efforts:

There was a lot of respect involved in the game and that made life uncomfortable.

But in the first half we still had chances; if Sadio hits the ball a bit better, he strikes twice with a bicycle kick, which is obviously pretty rare. How it always is, a goal would have changed the game. It was like it was. The first half was still absolutely OK, we created. In the second half, nobody created anymore.

Our problem tonight was, on one hand, the quality of the opponent of course, but on the other hand, our last pass was not our friend. We had ten or 12 situations where everything was prepared, everything was on a plate, and then we played a very average last pass or gave it away.

It’s 0-0, the best draw you can get. It will be a tough one again to play at Bayern. If we win 1-0 tonight, what would have changed really? So it’s not perfect but good enough to work with.

Alexander-Arnold made his first start since returning from a knee injury and was prominent at set-piece situations especially, creating more chances than any other player on show.

The England full-back and Andrew Robertson (£6.8m) were curbed somewhat in open play by Bayern’s rigid set-up, however, while Robertson had his hands full with Serge Gnabry at the other end of the pitch.

With Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) suspended and Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez (both £4.9m) sidelined through injury, the makeshift centre-back pairing of Joel Matip (£4.9m) and Fabinho (£5.5m) performed admirably – save for a couple of jittery moments involving Alisson (£6.0m) in the first half – and didn’t allow their visitors a single shot on target. Robert Lewandowski, indeed, had the fewest touches of any player who started the match.

Matip was a (wasteful) threat at the other end and had the joint-highest number of attempts on goal in this contest, the best of his opportunities coming from a Firmino cross just before half-time.

Matip will likely continue alongside van Dijk at Old Trafford on Sunday, as Lovren seems unlikely to recover in time for Gameweek 27.

Klopp said:

It was not mind games but Dejan had no chance for the game today actually, I don’t think he even has a chance for the next game. He will take his time.

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Fabinho, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Henderson, Keita (Milner 76′); Salah, Firmino (Origi 76′), Mane.

696 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Saxe-Gotha
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Omg I need sleep. I have somehow posted on the wrong article twice.

    Building for GW31. Would you:

    A. Play Gunnarsson vs Watford
    B. Ings > Vardy -4
    C. Digne > Pereira -4

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

      Digne Plays GW31 you realise?

      1. Saxe-Gotha
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah, just dawned on me. Again...sleep. So between A & B then.

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

      No hit

  2. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Lascelles or Yedlin?

    1. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Lascelles if you don't need the extra 0.1.

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

        Thanks - the 0.1 could be handy soon

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

    2 FT, what do I do?
    Sane surely has to go - who do you consider as decent alternatives to Anderson (just sold him 2 weeks ago)?
    And what to do with the other FT, I should probably save? Patricio to Schmeichel?

    Fabianski Patricio
    Robertson TAA Doherty Digne WB
    Salah Sane Son Pogba Hojb
    Lacazette Rashford Jimenez

  4. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    They just replaced the ball after a Gayle 6 for the 5th time

  5. F0oTBall GuRu
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Is it possible to navigate GWs 31 32 33 without a FH
    thoughts and suggestions please..

  6. Farke in hell
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I am taking a hit each GW starting this gameweek onwards so that I can have atleast 10 players for GW31. Freehit GW32. Hopefully will endup with a decent side for GW33. Then wildcarding GW34.

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Four forking hits?

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

        Four candles?

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

      I would need 3-4 hits for 10 players for 31. Question is do I need/want that many that week

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

      You realise that a hit per week for four weeks is the same as four hits in one week right? So why not wait until 31 to avoid injury risk etc?

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

        Fork sake. Spoon feeding. Knife pun required.

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

        This unless was a matter of price change priced out

      3. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Because West Ham and Newcastle have great fixtures before 31, maybe?

        So there is appeal in having some of them before 31 as well

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

    Making a plan for GW31, can get this team with free's, but just need to fill in the last space:
    Fab
    Robbo Pereira ?????
    Salah Mane Haz Fraser Richa
    Arnie Higuain

    Have up to 5.1 to spend, ideally want to bring them in to play this week (and to use up a FT) and then be benched until 31 and 33... any ideas?

    1. Art Vandelay
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      One of the Newcastle lads maybe?

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

        Thanks, I'm considering this, I think Lascelles seems to be the best pick, only worry is they might blank in 33

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

      Chilwell if you don’t mind the double up?

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

        I never considered a Leicester double up actually, it might be worth a thought actually, their fixtures are really good, i've always been hesistant to double up defenders though

  8. Art Vandelay
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Is Harvey Barnes of Leicester nailed on enough to take through the blanks? Tempted to ditch Hojbjerg for him this week.

    Cheers

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

      Id say he's relatively nailed

      Nightmare scenario would be a benching on the gameweek you need him

      1. Art Vandelay
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        This is my concern. I suppose there are no guarantees and he sees the best 5th mid for the blanks. Seems sensible to have your 5th mid as someone who plays in the blanks.

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

      I'm going to wait and see because originally was looking at Gray

      1. Art Vandelay
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

        Wait and see seems sensible but could do with the extra body this week.

    3. Mclean as a Whistle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Wait for Brooks, that's what I'll be doing.

      1. Art Vandelay
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Good shout. Another decent option.

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

    At the moment, only four of my players would be playing in BGW31.

    Wondering if I'd be better served using the Free Hit in 31, or will a few signings to take it up to around 8-9 players for BGW31 be enough?

    Free Hit or Bench Boost best in DGW32? So much to consider!

    What are other people's thoughts at the moment?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      still have plenty time to get more players.

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

        True. I guess the prudent way is to add a few gradually, then come to BGW31 with both options available?

        Chances are I’ll be bringing in Boruc and Anderson (Richarlison has to go) this week anyway, so that’s two extra already!

        1. Greek Flair
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Richardson is already playing GW31 so it’s only an extra 1

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

            Oh yeah! I must have already sold him somewhere in my mind.

        2. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          here you go !

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

    Pereira likely to rise tonight?

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

      Been likely to rise last 4-5 days

  11. Blue&White85
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Have Robertson & Salah and wil be getting another in the next few weeks. Best option to see me through to after blanks?

    A. TAA
    B. Mane
    C. Firmino

    Swaying towards A at the moment.

    1. Art Vandelay
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Mane

      (I have Firmino and am thinking of dumping, despite my lack of GW31 players)

      1. Blue&White85
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I’d hold if you’ve got him already. You got 3 Liverpool?

        1. Art Vandelay
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          only 2. Will pick up TAA in a couple of weeks.

          I am really torn on Firmino. He would absolutely be shown the door if hit weren't for the blanks. 😆

    2. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I have Salah TAA Robbo, but I’d prefer Mane instead 2 pool defenders

  12. Art Vandelay
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Need some help folks.

    Planning to FH32 but only have 4 for GW31 and this includes Digne...

    Any thoughts in this week''s tranny? 1FT and 2.3itb

    Foster
    Doherty AWB Rose (Balbuena Digne)
    Salah Son(c) Pogba Hoj (Sterling)
    Rashford Jimi Firmino

    a) Digne > Pereira
    b) Hoj > Barnes (Harvey, the one who can be ignored)
    c) Digne + Hoj > Yedlin + Fanderson (-4)
    d) Dealer's choice.

    Cheers

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

      a

      1. Art Vandelay
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        This was my initial thought, but seems quite boring now. 😀

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

          A, might be boring but looks to be the best option

          1. Art Vandelay
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks

            I think al of the players I am considering bringing in will appear at some point so comes down to trying to make the transfer with the greatest short term impact, which is why I am leaning towards C.

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

      B might be interesting

      1. Art Vandelay
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers. I like what I have seen of Barnes (finishing needs to improve) and it makes sense to have a cheap mid playing in t he blanks.

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

          Goals are coming im sure of it

          1. Art Vandelay
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I watched the Spurs game and I thought he was very direct. Fun player to own.

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

      I really like C

      1. Art Vandelay
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers. I think Fanderson could do well this GW and, although it, costs me a hit I bring in two solid DGW options which I am going to have to do at some point.

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

          Newcastle CS looks ON & Anderson playing Fulham. Low risk imo

          1. Art Vandelay
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks again and this is how I see it.

            It also gives me the chance to "pay" for a hit that I am going to be taking anyway in the coming weeks.

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

              Cheers mate

  13. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I’ve not looked into it too much about the bgw31/33 and dgws so far. I’m starting to think FH31 might suit my team better Or just go into gw31 with very few players as I’ve no WC and just use my transfers for the dgws. I have Aguero and briniging in more city is tempting to build for the dgws. Just keep building towards 32/35?

    1. Art Vandelay
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I was thinking this way, and am still not 100 decided, but the worry with this approach is BGW33.

      I am tempted to see if we get any clarity on DGW32 and, if so, if I can plot my way to a very strong DGW32 team, I might still go with FH31.

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

      31 players in your team should play 33. If you FH 31 what will 33 look like if building for 32/35?

      1. Art Vandelay
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        This is the problem.

        Having said that, this route means you get to use TC and BB in a double (could help pay for a few hits in GW33?). That combined with the being able to go the next few weeks, unfettered by thoughts of the blanks.

        Who knows? 😆

    3. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      My understanding is there will be less blanks in gw33 though so you could still field XI likely or close enough and have the strong dgw players again. I’m only thinking this as I’ve no WC as I mentioned.

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

    This sandwich of DGW in between two BGW's is kind of conforming for me as i have blown the TC on Sane in gw 25.
    Now FH in gw32 & BB in gw35 so not feeling that bad.
    Never getting Sane this season though 😛

  15. 420king
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    So there's a DGW in 38 now. Was that expected?

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

      ??

      1. 420king
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        See Wolves fixtures.

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

          Nahh
          The missing fixture is just put down the list, to be rearranged

          1. 420king
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Ah makes sense, else it would have said 38. Thanks.

    2. 420king
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Or maybe just a mistake on the site?

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

        Its just an unassigned fixture

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

      If you pick anyone with a postponed fixture it will appear at the end of tbe fixture list. It’s just placeholder, but I can see how you might think it was in GW38.

      1. 420king
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah that makes total sense, silly me 🙂 Thanks everyone.

  16. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Play one:

    A) AWB (lei)
    B) JWP (ars)

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      A

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

      B

  17. rjcv177
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Plan is tripp to pereira.

    A) this gw for a hit
    B) next gw for free

    Thkx in adv

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

      B

    4. Art Vandelay
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      B

  18. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Boruc nailed or Begovic could take his place back ?

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

      This gets asked every week. Didn't you ask a week ago? Manager and Begovic had a bust up but manager denies it. Boruc great form. 2 CS 5.25ppg in 4. Even if dropped which don't think he will be for rest of season he costs 4m. I'll be getting for non-playing 4m Button.

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

        Relax kiwi 🙂

  19. Teomi
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Play one:

    A hojbjerg
    B AWB

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

      Palace CS reasonable possibility