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. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    For people asking about Doh.

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

      Thank you

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

    Who to Captain? (70 points behind leader who is captaining Son and have Salah)

    A) Salah
    B) Antonio
    C) Rondon

    Cheers

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

      To be honest I don't like any, but Rondon

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

      A

    3. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Salah 2 pointer incoming.

  3. mrmrscott
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Firmino > Aubameyang for -4?

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

    Thoughts on what to do this week? 1FT 1.1 ITB
    FH32 WC34 BB35

    Patricio | Button
    Robertson | Laporte I Digne I Doherty I *AWB
    Salah | Pogba | Son I Sane I Hojberg
    Rashford I Jiminez I Barnes

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

      AWB to a Leicester defender seems the obvious one. Nice team 🙂

      1. melvinmbabazi
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

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

    Damn, I'm relying on Success for 11 players this week.

    AWB -> 4.3 defender for a -4? Which means Tomkins, Schindler, Diop or Smith are the options.

    Other subs are Sterling and Aguero, don't want to drop either of them.

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

    Just trying to field 11 here.
    Each is a hit. Worth it?

    1) Kamara > Rondon
    2) Hazard > Mane
    3) Luiz > Kola
    4) AWB > Pereira
    5) Hold at 10 players

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

      A - rid your hands of Kamara.

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

    Any good 4.8 mids who Plays in GW31?

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

      Not really - plenty of mediocre ones!

      1. glufs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Who is the best mediocre one

        1. Eleven Hag
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Get someone from huddlesfield

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

          Westwood

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

          😀 You're in Camarasa/Billing/Hojbjerg/Hayden territory at that price.

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

          I'd go McNeil.

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

          Noble is on pens
          McNeil has returned well

        6. thischarmingman
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          And who is the mediocerest

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

    Percentage of Kola starting? Cheers

  9. Iain Dowies Love Child
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Lost on previous pages - really need help!!

    So, I could have Laca for a -4 or Auba for a -8.
    Auba would mean no hit GW 28 to bring Kun back in.
    If I went Laca then I'd have to -4 in GW 28.

    A) Laca (-4 and -4 GW28)
    B) Auba (-8 and no hit GW28)

    HELP!!!!

    1. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Honestly, if it requires hitting, I'd just keep Aguero.

      Getting Auba for Aguero for free is debatable enough

    2. E25
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Doesnt seem worth it

    3. Iain Dowies Love Child
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I don't actually have Aguero - I want/need him for GW28 so I guess my question is what is the best way to get him? -8 over 1 GW or 2GWs?

  10. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Which?

    A) 1 transfer ederson out, 11 players, bednarek start
    B) lovren/awb to yedlin/periera, 10 players, bednarek benched
    C) -4 ederson lovren out, 11 players, bednarek benched

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

    Nice to have Three Gameweeks in next 7 days - after what seems a massive break - always seems to be feast or famine with FPL

    I'll take the feast scenario any day 🙂

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      2 weeks no transfers and ina weeks time 3!

      Time for big decisions!

  12. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Anything of value out of Rafa’s presser?

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

    What are people's views on Gray from Leicester? Looking for a cheap playing mid for this week with good fixtures

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

      i am tempted to get for siggy. may not be nailed to start is my only worry

  14. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone know a Cardiff City team news source who might post early info? Could really do with knowing if Camarasa will start. Ideally around 6.40pm tonight!

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

      I'd like to know the same lol

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

      He’ll start and blank - he only starts and scores or gets flagged when in the bench

  15. Teror
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Any suggestions what to do with this team? 2FT, 1.2 ITB.

    Fab
    Robbo - TAA - Doherty
    Salah - Son - Haz - Rich - Pog
    Jimi - Rash

    (Boruc - AWB - Lindelof - Kamara)

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

      Lindlof > Leicester defender. .
      Rich >FAnderson seems popular

      If FH in 32

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

    Which WHU defender to get in for AWB?

    Diop?
    Ogbonna?

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

      Rice is down as a defender but he's nailed in midfield.

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Diop, nailed. Ogbonna only playing whilst Balbuena out injured and he is now fit.

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

      Rice over both surely

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

      Rice

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

      Rice then Diop - do not pick Ogbonna. He'll hopefully be dropped soon.
      Balbuena will be back if you can hang on until after MCI and is a great price now.

  17. jia you
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Is it too early to l*l at AWB out for hit to field XI madmen?

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

      I'm doing it because in preparation for GW31 as it will just be bringing my hit forward and I will be able to field 11 this week

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        sensible

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

        *I'm doing it in preparation

    2. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'm in a weird position here I have 2FTs and considering keeping AWB to field a maximum of 10 while spending onle 1FT on Hamer > Boruc despite already having Patricio playing.

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

        Patricio makes me feel like transferring a keeper on a weekly basis.

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

          Haha I know the feeling. Owned him and a 4.0 all season so at least I can tell myself it's not terrible value

  18. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    AWB hurting FPL players this GW.

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

    Best Newcastle defender?

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

      Lascelles

  20. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Captain..?
    A. Son
    B. FAnderson

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

      I´m going B. Much more of a risk though. My logic is that he´s due a goal.

    2. BATISTUTA ®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Son in form any day

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

    Fab

    Bednarek-Doherty-TAA
    Punch-Salah-Jota-Son
    Auba-jimenez-Rash

    Steele-wan bis-sterling-luiz

    1FT 0.4 ITB.
    I Would then bench punch.

    a) Wan bis > Lascellas (not guaranteed for gw 33)
    b)Wan bis > Rice
    c) Wan bis > Clyne
    d) just play Punch

  22. Yoshioka
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Is captaining Fanderson with his poor underlying stats too reckless? My other options are the familiar Liverpool v United names, plus I'm falling slightly behind in my ML.

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

      I've bought him in, but captaining maybe a step too far? Still on Pogba

      1. bench boost for every gamew…
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        i would be tempted to say captaining Pogba is a step too far but that´s just me

  23. Barca_Rover
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Really afraid to bring in Fanderson in my team .. but that frees up good money for transfers next week. Anyone sees better options for Fanderson who is not named Maddison ?

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

    G2G?

    Fab

    Robbo Lascelles Doherty Schindler

    Son Salah Pogba

    Auba(C) Jiminez Rashford

    Subs: Guaita, Schindler Richarlison Laporte

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      You have Schindler twice

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

    Good idea to sell Siggy instead of Martial. Chance Martial may get some minutes so I may field an 11, otherwise I’m down to 10.

  26. Aubaaaaa
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Rashford or Barnes -4?

  27. MMN
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    0 FT 6.7m ITB. Was planning Kamara > Auba/Laca (C) for a -4 but with Lovren and Kiko ruled out, it looks like another hit might be necessary to ship Lingard who will certainly miss one or perhaps both of the next two games. Any thoughts?

    Guaita
    Kola, Doherty, Pereira
    Salah, Pogba, Son, Lingard
    Jimi, Rashford, Kamara

    Button, Kiko, Rich, Lovren

  28. A19
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    "PEP on Leroy Sane: "He is the best in the world playing out wide. I’d prefer to use him where he is strongest, he's an incredible player. I'm not saying he cant [play in middle] but at the moment we have better players to do that job." @BenDinnery

    Was planning to do Sané -> Anderson now and Haz -> Sterling 28 but might do Haz -> Anderson now and see how City line-up against Chelsea

    1. Delph & Safety
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I might hold him too.

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

    does -4 and arnie outscore any of the below:

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

  30. Fantasy Gold
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I’m doing these moves for -12 to get 11 out. Screw it.

    Ederson, AWB, Siggy, Ings > Fabianski, Pereira, Fraser, Arnie(c).

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

      i love the maverick in you

      good luck

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thank you sir