Scout Notes

Aubameyang rotation fears eased by nature of Arsenal’s Europa League win

Concerns over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang‘s (£11.1m) rotation threat for Blank Gameweek 27 were allayed by the nature of Arsenal’s Europa League victory on Thursday night.

The Gunners were comfortable 3-0 winners against BATE Borisov at the Emirates Stadium ahead of Southampton’s visit to north London on Sunday afternoon.

Meanwhile, progression to the Europa League last 16 for Chelsea did little to ease the relationship between Maurizio Sarri and the fans.

Some young players made a case for inclusion in the Premier League side while the Blues’ Italian boss experimented with benching Jorginho (£4.7m).

How the two sides got on in their European ties is the focus of this latest Scout Notes article.

Arsenal 3-0 BATE Borisov

Goals: Shkodran Mustafi (£5.4m), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (£5.1m)

Own goals: Zakhar Volkov

Assists: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.1m), Granit Xhaka x2 (£5.2m)

Aubameyang was Arsenal’s strongest goal threat in their routine win over BATE Borisov on Thursday night as he finished the Europa League match with more shots than any other player. In fact, his six efforts on goal was more than the entire of Arsenal’s Belarussian opposition. It was his cross that forced defender Zakhar Volkov to turn the ball into his own net in the fourth minute.

The Gabonese international was forced into a 90-minute outing after Alexandre Lacazette (£9.6m) was sent off in the first leg of the last 32. That had Aubameyang owners worried that a tough second leg would lead to him being fatigued enough to miss out on Southampton’s visit to the Emirates on Sunday.

However, the nature of the game was comfortable for Arsenal. They put on an energetic display in the opening exchanges and raced into a deserved 2-0 lead after 39 minutes. Across the whole match, they managed 22 shots, 15 in the box and eight on target.

“But we also had to take precaution because if they scored they can be back in the match. Our message was if we score, carry on. If we scored two, carry on. Carry on and carry on. We needed two, three or four goals for more precaution in the 90 minutes.” – Unai Emery

That domination will have helped Aubameyang earn something of an ‘effective rest’, where he played the majority of a game but did not need to exert himself to get the result. He seems in a strong position to continue featuring from the beginning in the Premier League, as he played the entirety of the festive programme.

That said, Aubameyang owners should not be too worried if he does not start against Southampton as Emery is fond of making half-time substitutions. The Spaniard has made more than any other Premier League manager this season, often to good effect. In fact, as of last night’s European win, Arsenal substitutes have scored more goals in all competitions than any other top-flight side this season (13). So if Aubameyang does start on the bench in Blank Gameweek 27, he still has a good chance of coming on and getting points. Indeed, his last Premier League benching was away at Fulham in Gameweek 9, in which he came on and scored a brace.

Mesut Özil (£7.9m) earned praise for his performance, lining up in a number 10 role in a 4-2-3-1 formation. No midfielder in the match bettered his passing accuracy of 89%, and there have already been calls for the German to be involved more often in the first team.

“Well. I said to him carry on, be available like today, like the last two weeks for continuing training and to continue helping us. Today I am happy, it was like what we want from him. If he is available like the last two weeks, we are going to play a lot of matches. Maybe sometimes we need him to start, maybe he can be on the bench because we have other players to help us. But his experience like today is good. His quality and capacity and skills in the combinations with some players is good, like Matteo (Guendouzi), with Mkhi(taryan), with (Alex) Iwobi. We need every player and today we played Mesut. It was important and positive.” – Unai Emery

Alex Iwobi (£5.4m) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£6.7m) were handed the wider berths in attacking midfield and also impressed against BATE with three efforts on goal each. The former has been statistically Arsenal’s best midfielder in FPL over the last four Gameweeks and nearly put them 1-0 up early-on with a header.

Also matching those two midfielders for shots on goal was Granit Xhaka (£5.2m), who also emerged with two assists. Despite Arsenal’s dominance in open play, two of their goals came from set pieces, taken by Xhaka. While it was an impressive performance from him, expecting him to follow such a performance up in the Premier League might be a stretch. His pair of assists on Thursday night was the first time he managed that many in a game since the opening match of last season, the 4-3 win over Leicester at the Emirates Stadium.

Emery continues to be impressed by the development being made by young deep midfielder Matteo Guendouzi (£4.4m), although still wants more from him.

“His development is like we want. He has a big ambition, big quality. Sometimes we need more quality with him and sometimes we need for him to be more stronger in midfield. But his development with us is very important and he’s playing with big consistency and I think he is improving a lot. His quality is very impressive for us.” – Unai Emery

Finally, there were further developments in Arsenal’s ongoing troubles with defensive injuries this season. Laurent Koscielny (£5.4m) was forced off as a precaution in the second half, although Emery sounded initially positive. That allowed Sokratis Papastathopoulos (£5.1m) to come on and get the final goal of the game.

“I think it’s (a) precaution. We are going to wait until tomorrow. I hope he is OK for Sunday or the next week. It’s muscular. He started to feel not good. I think it’s not bad, it’s only (a) precaution because there was the possibility if he carried on it can be worse.” – Unai Emery

Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Cech; Monreal, Koscielny (Sokratis 56′), Mustafi, Lichtsteiner; Xhaka, Guendouzi (Torreira 64′); Iwobi, Özil, Mkhitaryan (Suárez 78′); Aubameyang.

Chelsea 3-0 Malmö FF

Goals: Olivier Giroud (£7.7m), Ross Barkley (£5.1m), Callum Hudson-Odoi (£4.2m)

Assists: Willian x2 (£7.2m), Emerson (£5.2m)

Callum Hudson-Odoi (£4.2m) was the Europa League star once again for Chelsea as they beat Malmö FF 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. He was the bright spark for the Blues, exciting the fans even in a dull first half with his skill and trickery. His late goal was deserved after a decent performance and he now has three strikes and three assists in his last six starts for Chelsea in all competitions.

The announcement of his name in the starting XI caused a great cheer from the Chelsea fans before kick-off and many are hoping that his string of consistent performances will afford him more starts in the first team, with the League Cup final and a tough Premier League midweek visit of Spurs midweek.

As was hoped at the start of the season, having a £4.2m midfielder starting regularly for a side like Chelsea in a very advanced position is the stuff of FPL dreams. However, Sarri has, once again, poured cold water on any suggestions that Hudson-Odoi will be a Fantasy asset any time soon, insisting that he is playing more than enough football for someone his age.

“You must understand in the same position we have Pedro, Willian, Hazard, it’s not easy for a young player to play with consistency with these team-mates. I want to remember you that Callum played 14 matches, there isn’t in England another player with 14 matches in the first team. I think we are using him in the right way. The 20 matches in this season will become 30 in the next, then 40 in two years. I think also that the club must decide because if I am the club and want Callum on the pitch with consistency, I must sell another winger or the manager is in trouble.” – Maurizio Sarri

Interestingly, the local press have actually picked fault with Sarri’s comments on Hudson-Odoi’s game-time. They were able to point to two young English players who have been afforded more game-time than the Chelsea man this season. Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon (£6.0m), the same age as Hudson-Odoi, has played 26 matches in all competitions this season, while Manchester City’s 18-year-old Phil Foden (£4.5m) has played in 20.

There was much made ahead of kick-off of the fact that Jorginho, much maligned in recent weeks, was named on the bench. Matteo Kovačić (£5.7m) filled in for the Italian but he himself was put under severe pressure early in the second half. Thay in and of itself does not bode well for Chelsea if even Swedish opposition Malmö were able to figure out the current issues with ‘Sarri-ball’.

Chelsea struggled in particular in the first 30 minutes before finding some rhythm. They dominated possession but produced little, the services of goalkeeper Johan Dahlin not particularly required in the first 45 minutes. In the end, the score-line flattered Chelsea a little. Sarri tried to draw a connection between this and Jorginho’s absence, explaining it as a reason for their disjointedness in the first half. Bad news for anyone hoping the midfielder’s benching was a sign that Sarri might be prepared to change his thinking on Chelsea’s current set-up. The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge was certainly not improved by the result as there were boos from the home support when Jorginho was introduced for Barkley in the 76th minute

“I think in the first 30 minutes we understood why Jorginho is very important for our team. We were in trouble to exit from our half on pressing and with Jorginho it’s easier. I hope that our fans will be able to understand that he is very important.” – Maurizio Sarri

Willian (£7.2m) was a standout player for Chelsea as he grabbed two assists against Malmö. If he can carry that form into the Premier League, having created a high number of chances this season, and start regularly, he could be considered for Chelsea’s involvement in the upcoming Blank Gameweeks.

Aside from that, it was largely the younger players who impressed for Chelsea on Thursday night. Emerson (£5.2m) came in for Marcos Alonso (£6.5m) and won the free-kick that Ross Barkley (£5.1m) converted.

“I think that Hudson-Odoi played very well, but I think also Christensen & Emerson played very well, so I am very happy with these three players. I think that they are ready to play with consistency.” – Maurizio Sarri

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (£5.2m) continues to overcome some issues he has had with his back, playing the last 15 minutes against Malmö.

“We had a lot of problems with Loftus-Cheek in the last few months. He started training only two days ago after a long period of big problems with his back. I think that he can improve a lot, also Callum of course because he is 18 so he can improve a lot.” – Maurizio Sarri

Meanwhile, Sarri admitted that he is still trying to work out where to play Ethan Ampadu (£4.4m). Even since his days at Exeter City, the youngster has been capable of playing a number of positions in defence and midfield. Priced at £4.4m and often involved in the cup competitions, he is definitely one to watch for the future.

“We needed to find the right position on the pitch for Ampadu. We are trying him as a midfielder, centre back, full back, but we need to have a clear idea because from now until the end of the season we must decide, otherwise for him it’s difficult to improve.” – Maurizio Sarri

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Caballero; Emerson, Christensen, Rüdiger, Azpilicueta (Ampadu 79′); Barkley (Jorginho 76′), Kovačić, Kanté (Loftus-Cheek 76′); Willian, Giroud, Hudson-Odoi.

1,400 Comments Post a Comment
  1. dbeck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Play TAA or Robbo?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Robbo just

    2. Royal5
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Rob easily

  2. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Would you guys think Kiko, Aguero, Richarli > Auba, Pereira, Almiron is worth -8?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Maybe just Rich to Almiron and Kiko to Pereira (-4)

      1. Greenbackbøøg…
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        cheers

    2. The 5% Team
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      no...-8 is too much, especially when getting in an unproven player like Almiron

  3. S3
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    SMEs pls advise

    AWB to:
    A)Schar
    B)Pereira
    C)Kola

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Pereira

    2. Jontharon
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      What happened to awb?

      1. S3
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        injured

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Lascelles

      1. S3
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        seems Schar is more goal threatening

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          But two YCs away from a two match suspension

          1. S3
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            true....thanks....u think Lascelles more value than pereira considering price diff?

            1. Miguel Sanchez
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 8 months ago

              Yeah - Leicester in terrible form right now and Newcastle improving defensively. Lascells should pick up some BPS in any CSs they pick up.

  4. Miguel Sanchez
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Final slot in team, play:

    A) TAA (mnu) - also playing Robbo
    B) JWP (ars)

    Cheers and best of luck all.

    1. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I did B, there is a case for both though.

  5. DAVESAVES
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Sane -> F.anderson -4 ??

    1. V-2 Schneiderlin
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      yes but kind of depends on rest of your team. I'm doing transfer out of necessity as have a lot of non-players this week

      1. DAVESAVES
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Fabianski
        Shaw / Doherty / Pereira / Kola
        Salah / Pogba / Son(C)
        Jimenez / Lacazette / Rashford

        Steele AWB Westwood Sane

  6. HamezMace
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Bugger.

    WAN-BISSAKA, KELLY RULED OUT

    Roy Hodgson says Crystal Palace will be without defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Martin Kelly for Saturday’s trip to Leicester.

    He said: “We won’t have Aaron. He’s still recovering from the hamstring problem that he’s being suffering from.

    “We won’t have Martin Kelly, who has picked up a slight muscle strain in the game against Doncaster. We don’t think it’s a long-term injury but he has not recovered from that.”

    1. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Good news for Vardy/Maddison and Chilwell owners

      1. HamezMace
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Bad news for the guy who's username is 'I love BAPS'.

      2. Holmes
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Chilwell might not play either 😉

    2. 1569Tippins
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Noooooo AWB... needed him this week

      1. HamezMace
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Yep, I potentially had 12 this week, now down to 10.

        1. 1569Tippins
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          10 is better than 6 + 2FT’s I suppose!

        2. 1569Tippins
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks for sharing the AWB info though, I appreciate it. May just play FH chip now... wanted to save it but a -12 may turn out to be too steep

          1. HamezMace
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            No worries mate.
            -12, blimey, that's tough!

    3. 7rjngs lollygagger
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Well that solves my benching problem - and so say 1 million others I guess

      1. HamezMace
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        For me, it creates a 'do I take a hit' problem.

  7. SAUCY SALAH
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    The Kaptain is BACK!!

    1. Bunk Moreland
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Kun? But he's playing the cup.

      1. SAUCY SALAH
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Avatar

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Kane to start?

      1. SAUCY SALAH
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I've got a hunch he will

    3. F4L
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      surely wont be risked with Chelsea Arsenal and 2nd leg vs Dortmund on the horizon

  8. Bunk Moreland
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Considering all the injuries to my backline (Kiko F, AWB) and the fact that Laporte is blanking. Also taking into account watford's upcoming fixtures and the fact that Kiko may not be first choice with Janmaat back.

    Is Kiko > Zabaleta (or any defender up to 4,4) worth -4?

    1. Amey
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Same question 😮

    2. jomikijiq
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      if you are building the team for BGW31 than yes imo

      1. jomikijiq
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        but prefer Diop

      2. Bunk Moreland
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I'll FH in 31 but regardless of that west hams fixtures look good.

  9. Amey
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Please select one:

    A. Yedlin
    B. Clyne
    C. Lascells.
    D. Any other defender up to 4.8

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      C

      1. Amey
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Thank you

    2. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      A

      1. Amey
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Thank you

    3. 7rjngs lollygagger
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I’d go B or maybe Burnley as I know you plan FH 32. Newcastle are doubtful for 33 - it’s not a transfer you want to burn.

      Only caveat is whether you have Koka who does have 33

      1. Amey
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah. Agreed mate.
        Will look into it.
        Confusing 😀

  10. Sz21
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Down to the bare bones suddenly.

    1. Rich ->Felipe.
    2. Save the FT- Start Camarasa (doubt) in midfield + Bednarek in defence.
    3. Digne-> Lascelles (better this GW) /TAA.
    4. AWB-> Lascelles.

    Fabianski.
    Pereira, Doherty, Bednarek.
    Pogba, Salah, Son (vc), Camarasa.
    Firmino, Auba (c), Rashford.
    Hamer, AWB, Rich, Digne.
    1ft, 0.9m ITB.

    1. Teddy Brewski
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      1

  11. #FPLBhuna
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    saints presser live link for any nervous danny ings owners like myself

    starting in 2 mins

    https://southamptonfc.com/news/2019-02-22/press-conference-part-one-ralph-hasenhuttl-pre-arsenal-southampton-premier-league-1819

  12. 7rjngs lollygagger
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Really nice piece on Roy H on BBC sport.

  13. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    AWB -gate!

    At least that settled whot to use transfer on this GW. But who to get in:

    a) Yedlin
    b) Rice
    c) Pereira
    d) Maguire

    leaning towards Yedlin at this point, to have some budget next GW-

  14. Professor Abel X
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Any link to the news from the wolves presser?

  15. Ziyech on the Bench
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Any Leicester fan see if Maddison was in training today?

  16. BigBillyBass
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    AWB out with hamstring

  17. pressdpm
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Richarlison > F.Anderson. Sound good?
    1FT and 2.5 spare.

    Fabianski
    Bennett - Robertson - Kolasinac
    Salah - Son - Richarlison - Pogba
    Rashford - Jiminez - Aguero

    Speroni - Wan Bissaka - Digne - Biling

  18. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Which TWO of these would you have from now(gw27) right until gw33? (Fh32)

    A. Arnie
    B. Barnes
    C. Rondon

    1. william prunier
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      None tbh

    2. BigBillyBass
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      C only one I would consider

  19. Sz21
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Nuno Espirito Santo confirms his #Wolves squad have a clean bill of health. Diogo Jota (dead leg) and Matt Doherty (knock) have recovered and will be available for the trip to the Vitality.

    1. FPL DONKEY
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Thank **** for that

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      nice. they need to repay me for that Newcastle game

    3. Amey
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Hell yeah !!

  20. Iggypop
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Playing with now, Wan B would probably concede n get a yellow anyways

  21. Rainer
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Doherty!!!!

  22. Scotty B
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Oh crap didn't see that coming with AWB!!! Get rid for -8 or play Bednarek?

    1. HamezMace
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      ?
      Arsenal are good, but they'll need to score a few for Bednarek to finish on more than -8.

      1. Scotty B
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Well I'm already on -4 and would be getting in Pereira

        1. HamezMace
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          I'd still play Bednarek, rather than take a -4.

        2. F_Ivanovic
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Go for the -8 then long term transfer. could pay off this week.

  23. The EJJ
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    what do we reckon on Snodgrass' starting chance tonight?

    1. ZimZalabim
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I think he starts and lanzini gets about 15-20 off the bench

  24. ZimZalabim
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this ?

    Rash and Rich out for vardy and Barnes for -4

    1. william prunier
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Not good

      1. ZimZalabim
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        what about rich to barnes no hit

        1. william prunier
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Seems logical

    2. SPorting
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I just threw up in my mouth a little

      1. ZimZalabim
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        hahahhaha

    3. F4L
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Rashford out? why

  25. SPorting
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Defensive errors:

    Robbo, Pereira Doherty* AWB* Holebas*

    1. Rainer
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      No * for Doherty at least 🙂

    2. HamezMace
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      The Doc is fine.

    3. Amey
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Take * off Doherty 😉

  26. ct mariner
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Current line-up

    Fab
    Robertson Doherty Bennett
    Salah Son Pogba Fanderson
    Rashford Firmino Jimmy

    Boruc Richy AWB Digne
    1 FT and 1.1 IB

    A. Digne to Kola for free
    B. Digne/Firmino to Kola/Laca for -4

    thinking of doing A

  27. Winners900
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    So Aguero-> Auba (C)

    Is pretty standard this week?

    Cheers

    1. Rainer
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      If you don’t want Kun back next GW.

      1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        this is true too

    2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      nah non-owners would advice u not to do that loll.I am doing it but not sure if its popular

  28. JasonG123
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Trade Digne or AWB to Pereira?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Digne

    2. F_Ivanovic
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      AWB if playing FH32 strat. Blanks in 31 and some chance he blanks in 33 too. Digne plays both albeit tough fixtures.

  29. cuppatea78
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Who to play?
    A) Alisson
    B) Guaita

  30. pressdpm
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Is Kola sitting out the Europa game a good thing for his minutes this week?