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. Queens of the South Age
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Hi guys. With a defensive lineup of only Lindelof, Doherty to play this week who do you think is best to transfer out of these lot? Only have the one FT.

    Digne (5m)
    Holebas (4.9m)
    AWB (4.3m)

    Selling price in the brackets and only have 0.1m in the bank. Was thinking maybe Holebas > Lascelles or Schar.

  2. Reckoner.
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    If I was to sell all my team and try get the same 15 back I would be 1 whole Jan Bednarek short of being able to do it! (4.0m)

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

    who do you prefer

    a) arnie
    b) anderson

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

      C) Almiron

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

        I wouldnt bring Newcastle MID/ATT if they re only team who plays this week.

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

      in all honesty B is the safer pick

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

      A could be great diferential.

      I preffer A but he is injury prone so....

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

      That's tough, I'd go for Anderson purely because of Arnie's injury problems this season, he's so unreliable.

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

    Any news on Jota?

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

      he is okay

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

        Cheers, really need him and Doh to start.

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

          doherty is also confirmed as being okay

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

    anyone think this 17 day break might revitalize Everton assets?

    Gotta make a decision on Digne and Rich. Pretty sure Digne is going for Perreira but option of either upgrading Gunnar to Barnes or Rich to FAnderson (who has also had a nice break)

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      honestly can't see it

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

      I think Silva will get sacked before there's a turnaround.

    3. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      rich to ander

    4. DJfunkymonk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'm holding onto Rich and will play him against Cardiff next week. Planning on ditching him after (even though he plays 31) as Everton's run of fixtures is tough.

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

      Nope. Love me some Felipe

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

      I think there is something wrong with WHU and Arnie. Maybe something psychological after Chinagate. After this they have M City, so FA shoud be benched then.

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

      ok. thanks all

  6. Jealous Viper
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Bench one.
    TAA
    Lowe
    Niasse

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

    Wan Bissaka to Lascelles for -4?

    What is the extent of the injury?

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      hammer so prob few weeks min

    2. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      What I'm thinking about. Won't Newcastle possibly blank in 33 though?

      1. Old Gregg
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        yes I would do this transfer if 100% guaranteed in 33. It depends if Watford beat palace in the FA Cup.

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

    Wb to

    A. Clayne
    B. Lejuene

  9. Bucket Man
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Stumped now. Had planned Martial to Anderson 1FT 1.3ITB, now down to 10. What to do? Don’t really see where a hit could pay off anyway.
    Fabianski
    VVD, Doherty, AWB*, Bednarek
    Salah, Son, Martial*
    Auba, Rashford, Jiminez
    Button, Siggy*, Digne*, Obiang

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

    I need a West Ham defender. Can bench next week.

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

      Diop

    2. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Rice

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Rice OOP factor - set piece threat also

  11. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Worth a hit when down to 10 and no bench?

    1. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      It’ll only cost you 2 points - why not?

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

      Could work out but it´s not without it´s risk.

      I´m thinking of getting a Newcastle defender for a hit.

      If they keep a clean sheet I would gain 1 or 2 if there´s no clean sheet but could backfire if the concede.

      1. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Bench AWB

        Rich - Anderson
        Long - Arnie

    3. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      It is if it's a transfer you would have done anyway maybe not if it's a one week punt though

    4. DJfunkymonk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Yes. Especially if it helps out with your 31/33 strategy.

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

    Repost.. botommed. Sorry.

    Ok fellas, advice time !!
    Should i take a hit??

    I dont have GK so i will bring Boruc instead Hamer.

    But should i bring Schaar instead AWB for a hit or to play Guendouzi?

    And if Doherty miss game my second substitiuon would be Bednarek

    What to do? I have Sterling too...

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

    If I bring in arnie, anderson and son I need to bench one of the following, which would you bench:

    a) pogba
    b) rashford
    c) jiminez
    d) mane
    e) salah

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

      one off rashford or mane

    2. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      mane for me

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

      D)

      Nice problem to have this weekend though.

  14. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Right, narrowed down my choices to 3 options. 1ft and 1m but planning to take a 8 point hit 😯 to get an XI out.

    Fabianski -- Button
    Doherty • Schindler • Holebas -- Alonso Digne
    Salah • Pogba • Son -- Rich Sterling
    Rashford • Jimenez -- Kamara

    A: Holebas + Rich + Kamara >> Yedlin/Clyne + H.Barnes + Arnie
    B: Holebas + Alonso + Kamara >> Yedlin/Clyne + Maguire + Arnie
    C: Holebas + Alonso + Rich >> Pereira + Maguire + Fanderson

    Tempted by B as i have been stuck in a 3-5-2 for ages and this moves me to a 433 but on the downside, it gives me a strong front 8 so more money tied up if i want the likes of higuain/mane/hazard down the line.

  15. fantasygurumd
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Hi folks. GTG?

    Etheridge
    Robertson TAA Doherty Pereira
    Salah Pogba FAnderson (V) Son(C)
    Jimenez Rondon

    Patricio AWB Richarlison Aguero 1.2 ITB

    Worried about potential injuries but don't want to take a hit. If I do it would be:
    1- Richarlison to Fraser or Mihki
    2- AWB to Laschelles or Schar

    Thanks

  16. konrad.sygula95
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Hi guys
    What would you do ?
    A) Save the transfer
    B) Sane to Son
    C) Digne to Pereira
    D) Something else?

    Fabianski
    Awb/Jonny/Robertson
    Salah/Pogba/F. Anderson/Hayden
    Rashford/Jimenez/Lacazette

    subs: Hamer/Sane/Laporte/Digne
    1ft 0.4itb

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

    What's the goss ? Doherty fit ? Thanks

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

    Any chance Sterling could be benched in cup game ?? That would be great..

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

      Always a chance.

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

        He would be great C option in gw 28 then

  19. bjarnia87
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Hei guys,
    Let's say, if you would use FH for gameweek 31 how would your team look like?

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

      Fabianski
      Robbo, Pereira, Clyne
      Salah, Hazard, Mane, Felipe
      Higuain, Vardy, Wilson

      1. bjarnia87
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thanx not bad

  20. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone able to sort this shower of **** out? Free hit?

    Fabianski
    Kolasinac • Doherty* • AWB** • Bednarek
    Mané • Salah • Son • Martial* • Rich**
    Rashford
    (Button** / Aguero** / Digne** / Kamara**)

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

      Please say you have two free transfers...

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

      Doherty plays. AWB to Pereira/Chilwell, downgrade either Rich or Martial and take bgw/dgw hits now, not later. It isn't as bad in long term as it looks now.

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

    Ings + Richarlison --> Arnie + Harvey Barnes (-4)?

  22. JasonG123
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Which move?
    (A) AWB to Pereira
    (B) Kamara to Barnes

    1. Darth Vardez
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      A now, B next week or in 31

  23. Fortune
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    play billing, or do -4 for someone 6.6m below?
    also, who?
    jota
    moutinho
    paterson
    camarasa
    barnes

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

      no bench cover available, all injured and blanks

  24. panda07
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Which striker would you choose?
    A) Arnie
    B) Barnes

  25. Big Col
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    With Balbuena, Brooks & now AWB out and with Aguero & Richarlison with no game and Free transfer used to get Digne out, what would you do?

    A) Play with 9
    B) -4 to play with 10
    C) -8 to play with 11

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

      B

  26. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Chances of Billing playing this weekend?

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

    When is Baines due back? Didn’t he displace Digne and got injured?

  28. JasonG123
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    How long is the minimum for a hamstring injury?

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

      Depends if it is an actual hamstring strain or just a twinge. If it's an actual injury it's usually 2 weeks minimum. If it is a twinge it can be a day-by-day thing.

      You may remember Costa had an issue with his hamstring and was flagged incessantly but played nevertheless. He never actually had a tear or strain, just a weakness. If it's that then AWB could be back next game. If not then he likely misses GW28/9 too.

      1. JasonG123
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks for the info.

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

    How to proceed?

    a) play Bednarek (ARS), no bench
    b) transfer AWB -> Pereira

    Fab
    Robbo AWB* Doherty
    Salah Pogba Son Jota
    Jimenez Rash Auba(c)

    Hamer* Bednarek Digne* Masuaku

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

      1ft 3.4itb

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

      B

  30. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Any defender for 5.6 or less worth a hit this week for Wan Bissaka?

    1. bjarnia87
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Nice name,.. Flottur.
      Pereira for me