Scout Notes

Chelsea attackers disappoint ahead of Blank Gameweek 31

Chelsea options put on a largely unconvincing performance in their audition for Blank Gameweek 31 investment.

Despite dominating the shot count against Wolves on Sunday afternoon, they were forced to rescue a late point in dramatic fashion.

With the Blues travelling to Everton next weekend, Fantasy managers will be keen to invest but it’s hard to pick out any options offering acceptable form.

We’ve assessed their best options and how they got on against Wolves in Gameweek 30…

Chelsea 1-1 Wolves

Goals: Eden Hazard (£10.9m) | Raúl Jiménez (£6.8m)

Assists: Willian (£7.1m) | Diogo Jota (£6.1m)

Eden Hazard‘s (£10.9m) dramatic equalising goal was his first scored against a team outside the Premier League relegation zone since Gameweek 19. That is the sort of concerning form the Belgian is in ahead of Blank Gameweek 31, for which he has already been signed by 50,000+ managers. While Hazard was the saviour for Chelsea, his performance against Wolves did not especially inspire confidence in him for Sunday’s trip to Everton.

No player had more touches inside the penalty box at Stamford Bridge in Gameweek 30 than Hazard, but he did not register a single shot there. In fact, his late equaliser was his only effort of the match. Furthermore, two of his colleagues created more chances than him, although none of his colleagues has played as many key passes in the last four Gameweeks. Crucially, all his toils against Wolves made for an expected goals (xG) score of just 0.02.

“Hazard is a great player who can solve the situation in any moment, but during the match, he was like the other players. He needs more movement without the ball, not only when he has the ball at his feet. But this is the same for all the players today, especially the offensive players.” – Maurizio Sarri

Gonzalo Higuaín (£9.6m) continues to frustrate those who jumped on his bandwagon as soon as he arrived in the country. As per usual, the Argentinian racked up the shots against Wolves, registering more than double of any other player on the Stamford Bridge pitch, but quality chances were at a premium. Four of his six efforts were inside the box but just two were on target, but most importantly his xG score for being the game’s top shooter was just 0.34.

Over the last four Gameweeks, just four of Higuaín’s 15 efforts have been accurate, suggesting he still has some work to do. So far, he has only scored against Huddersfield and Fulham, the two worst sides in the division, and will be hoping that Everton can be as obliging in Gameweek 31. Much like Hazard, he goes into the depleted round of fixtures offering a little discouragement for those interested in him.

Despite playing 90 minutes against Dynamo Kyiv, and Willian (£7.1m) getting some rest in the final quarter of that match, Pedro (£6.3m) kept his place against Wolves. He was by far the most influential player on the pitch in the Europa League but was unable to recreate that on Sunday afternoon. Like Hazard, he had just one shot which was taken from outside of the penalty box.

With Chelsea chasing the game from the 56th minute, Maurizio Sarri was forced into some changes in the second half. Matteo Kovačić (£5.7m) had been largely anonymous during his time on the pitch and was replaced by Ruben Loftus-Cheek (£5.2m) for the final 35 minutes of the match. The England international made a decent impact with his drive from midfield and added some goal threat too. Despite his limited pitch-time, only Higuaín finished the afternoon with more shots in the box than Loftus-Cheek, who also created the same number of chances as Hazard did at Stamford Bridge.

The consistency Loftus-Cheek has shown in his rare appearances for Chelsea this season should probably see him start in Blank Gameweek 31, especially with Kovačić and Ross Barkley (£5.1m) offering little in recent weeks. We will have to see how heavily he is involved in Thursday’s Europa League trip to Ukraine first though. Callum Hudson-Odoi (£4.2m) was also added to the fray at Pedro’s expense but was unable to contribute as much as Loftus-Cheek.

“We started (the substitutions) with Loftus-Cheek because, in my opinion, we needed more physical impact in the opposition box. Then Odoi because it was impossible to change our match in that moment of the match, so it was really very important to have a player very able in one against one. Then, in the end, we changed for the first time in the season the system, and played 4-2-3-1 for the last 20 minutes. But it’s not easy, of course, because the problem wasn’t the system, but our way of playing. We need to move the ball faster. We cannot play five or six touches in that situation. It’s very difficult to score if you do.” – Maurizio Sarri

Probably to the encouragement of some, Sarri’s favouring of Jorginho (£4.7m) continued to wane against Wolves. The Italian was substituted around the 70-minute mark for the second Premier League match in a row. According to the manager, this was not because he was necessarily playing poorly but because of the movement of those around Jorginho not helping him play his game. It must be said that the former Napoli midfielder changed some of the perception around him with his performance against Wolves. He has been criticised for playing too many sideways passes this season but was often looking for direct forward balls to Higuaín and Pedro in Gameweek 30, who squandered the opportunities that fell their way. Jorginho was still too slow in the way he distributed the ball but this was a display from Chelsea that demonstrated that he is not the only one to blame for their problems in possession in 2018/19.

“Jorginho, if the other players don’t move without the ball, is in trouble. He is really very able to play at one touch, but if you want to play one touch you need movements from the other players. Then, in the last 20 minutes, Jorginho is not suitable for 4-2-3-1. So it was only a consequence of the change of system, not the performance. I know him very well. He can go in trouble if all the rest of the team are not moving.” – Maurizio Sarri

David Luiz (£5.9m) was back in the side after being benched for Gameweek 29, but it was another match that suggested defence is the wrong area to cover for Chelsea in the Blank Gameweeks. Wolves had just one shot inside the penalty box all afternoon and it found the back of the net. Having failed to keep a clean sheet even against out-of-form Fulham, there has not been much to inspire confidence in Chelsea’s back-line from a Fantasy perspective of late.

Marcos Alonso‘s (£6.4m) stock continues to fall after he was omitted from the matchday squad for the second Premier League match in a row. That is the first time that the Spaniard has missed back-to-back Gameweeks all season, as it appears clear that he has slipped down the pecking order. Sarri has previously explained that when Alonso is not chosen for the starting XI, it makes sense not to include him among the substitutes as left-back is not a position he wants to cover on the bench. Emerson Palmieri (£5.2m) made his second consecutive Premier League start against Wolves and looks very much to be competing for the left-back slot now.

The explanation for Hazard, Higuaín and their colleagues’ struggles in Gameweek 30 may have actually had more to do with Wolves than with Chelsea. The newly-promoted side have been especially impressive when they have played top-six sides this season, beating Spurs and Chelsea earlier in the campaign, and holding both Manchester clubs to draws, and now Sarri’s men on their own patch.

Particularly fond of the big sides is striker Raúl Jiménez (£6.8m) who scored Wolves’ goal at Stamford Bridge. That was his the seventh he has been involved in from nine appearances against top-six opposition this season, scoring four strikes of his own and assisting another three. For all of Chelsea’s efforts on goal, no player managed a higher xG score in the match than Jiménez, converting what proved to be the most clear-cut chance of the afternoon, although it was still an excellent finish to get it past Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5.4m).

“It’s different now. They (Jota and Jimenez) have less support, less players in the movement, but Diogo and Raul were able to do a fantastic combination and score a very beautiful goal.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

Despite claims to the contrary by Sarri, Wolves’ defence was very well organised at Stamford Bridge, led by captain Conor Coady (£4.5m), with Willy Boly (£4.6m). This has been a recurring theme of their matches against top-six sides this season, which may hold some hope for those invested in Chelsea attacking options for Blank Gameweek 31. Considering that only Fulham have conceded more shots in the box in the last four home matches as Everton, the Blues are likely to face a more obliging defence next weekend compared to Gameweek 30.

“What I see every day (from Conor Coady) is a fantastic player – a fantastic player and a captain. First-half we were well organised, not allowing many things to Chelsea, who are a very good team and had possession of the ball, but we were closing the gaps and staying compact. We tried to take our chances when we got them.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Kepa; Emerson, D Luiz, Rüdiger, Azpilicueta; Kovačić (Loftus-Cheek 56′), Jorginho (Willian 72′), Kanté; Hazard, Higuaín, Pedro (Hudson-Odoi 61′).

Wolverhampton Wanderers XI (3-5-2): Patrício; Boly, Coady, Saïss; Jonny, Joao Moutinho, Neves, Dendoncker, Doherty; Jota (Gibbs-White 82′), Jiménez (Traoré 89′).

823 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FlashG
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 17 days ago

    Fielding 10 using my FT. Will FH in 32 - is it worth a -4 hit for Richarlison to:

    A) Fraser (have Brooks and Wilson)
    B) Maddison
    C) Anderson
    D) Don’t take -4 hit and keep Rich

    Not convinced with Everton’s 31/33 fixtures albeit at home.

    1. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      no, bring in 11th player for free before gw33

      1. FlashG
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 17 days ago

        Sorry forgot to say have a Southampton defender who will play in 33 so got 11 mate

        1. EMBOLOFAN
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 17 days ago

          congrats on getting 11! wouldn't be taking any hits

    2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      Ricahrlison to Gudmunsson or Westwood another option

      1. FlashG
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 17 days ago

        Cheers

    3. Free Hat
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      Maybe better transfering out a non player? I wouldnt lose rich, eventhough he plays like ****

      1. FlashG
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 17 days ago

        Been wanting to get rid for ages! But yes suppose makes sense. Cheers

    4. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      I wouldn’t lose a player with a fixture who just scored for a hit no.

  2. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 17 days ago

    IB beckons next week. A lot o time to play with WC and FH during the break.

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      Take some tablets and eat plenty of potato.

  3. TLF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 17 days ago

    Vardy non owners bringing him in for GW31 ? I'm not convinced he'll get much away to Burnley, could be wrong of course.

    1. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      Not sure he is worth a hit this GW, but in GW 33 he plays Huddersfield...

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      Hmm not sure. I got him two weeks ago, which was a good time to do it.

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      I’m debating going without and getting Wilson to go with Fraser instead. I have Maddison already

  4. Mysterion
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 17 days ago

    TAA in contention to face Bayern

    https://t.co/LjBKY13h2N

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      Phew

    2. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      Boo - we want him for the weekend.

      1. Mysterion
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 17 days ago

        Hopefully both!

        1. Numb
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 17 days ago

          Think it’s one or the other tbh

          1. Old Man
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 17 days ago

            That's what I fear

          2. Mysterion
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 17 days ago

            Could be but as long as he doesn't aggravate the knock tomorrow I still think he starts Fulham, three days rest should be sufficient... Milner's fitness is another factor too

          3. Mysterion
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 17 days ago

            And those quotes are from yesterday, looks like he was in full training today
            https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/341418-liverpool-training-photos-bayern-munich-champions-league

          4. circusmonkey
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 17 days ago

            Hi Matthew, I'll have 11 only for this week and if no injuries, 12 for week 33. Do you think another hit just to cover things like TAA not playing?
            If a hit, would you try to keep Pogba and Rashford (so just hit with who I was going to transfer out in week 33)? (FH32)

    3. Dannywaz
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      He'll play bayern miss fulham

      1. EMBOLOFAN
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 17 days ago

        doubt it

  5. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 17 days ago

    Just wondering if anyone has seen this fella on youtube DayveyFPL ?

    Gives great solid advice on his own - no fanfare - no humming and hawing.
    Just solid stuff.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPjP1juZNLI

    He also happends to be having an fpl season of a lifetime.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPjP1juZNLI

  6. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 17 days ago

    Which one?

    1. Jim to Wilson -4
    2. Pogba to Fraser -4
    3. 1/2 + Doh to Azpi/Ake -8

    Will FH 32, have Brooks already, no Chelsea or Cherries def and 9 playing in 31&33 now

  7. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 17 days ago

    What have been your main mistakes this season? I’ve had a few genuine game changers.
    - The week I decided not to get in Hazard for a hit and captain and he got 21.
    - Price rises pressuring me in to wild carding a week early and getting rid of Salah “that” week.
    - Not doing Sterling to Pogba when he began to vastly improve.
    - Making my first early transfer of this season and going Aguero to Auba, Auba didn’t play for the next couple and Aguero got a hat trick.

    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      I don't think readers would appreciate a whole page consisting of 1 post - suffice it to say that I have made every mistake possible. Dreadful year.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 17 days ago

        Oh poor you. Feel free to vent though.

        1. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 17 days ago

          It's just a lack of doing sensible things and failing to do my homework. Best ever start but never capitalised on it. Hazard has been the prefect troll for me - always had him when he was on a blank run .... and vice versa.

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 17 days ago

            Yeah I had a fantastic start. Nearly a total of 200 in first two gws.

    2. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      but you dont have a crystal ball!

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 17 days ago

        It was going against my gut and not making the aggressive moves I’d normally make.
        Crystal ball would have been getting in Sterling last week, but I didnt mention that.

    3. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      Early in the season getting on leicester players too early and then selling them pereira. He was not starting then cemented a place.
      Vardy started playing well after I got rid - got him back recently though.
      Not getting wolves players early on,
      Worse mistake by far TC sterling v bournmouth - was either that gameweek or this gameweek I was going to do TC.

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 17 days ago

        Oh the other one was Salah out sterling in just before christmas.
        Sterling went on a dip fpl wise. Salah got a hat-trick

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 17 days ago

          Made the exact same move. Sterling would have been too expensive if I had wild carded the following week so sold Salah for him. Disaster.

          1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 17 days ago

            I did the same again a few gameweeks ago but it is working better so far. Hopefully Salah won't get a hattrick again!

    4. Superbadhine
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      Terrible transfers:

      Alonso in week before last

      Jim out this week

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 17 days ago

        Why did you get rid? Everyone who asked me about him I told to play. He’s amazing and Chelsea are not good at the back under Sarri.

        1. EMBOLOFAN
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 17 days ago

          i told people to sell him or bench him tbf hahaha

        2. Superbadhine
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 17 days ago

          Secondary fail:

          I mistyped subbing Jim. He is my day one, ain't going nowhere Sun nor shine.

          My biggest season defining stupidness was refusing to get Salah back after sending him on his merries back in GW14

          Granted of late he has helped me out. Unlike Sterling the little trolly git, kept the faith with him so long then he starts beasting it.

    5. el polako
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      TC'ing Sane for the whole 3 points.
      Holding up to Salah in recent weeks whilst other in my ML reaped rewards of spreading cash and having Mane & Aguero/Sterling combo.

      Very poor captain choices since December.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 17 days ago

        Ouch. Feel that one too.

    6. Free Hat
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      _ got rid of Salah for sterling through christmas period
      _ got rid of hazard for sane (c) during dgw
      _ kept faith in auba instead of taking him out for aguero

      Great start. Rough dgw...

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 17 days ago

        Did all of these.

    7. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      i accidentally captained salah instead of aguero near the start and aguero got a hatty

      would prob be top 500 if i got that right

      1. EMBOLOFAN
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 17 days ago

        and by accidentally i mean i didnt press confirm team or whatever when i did it, and didnt realise until afterwards

    8. Andy'81
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      My own stupidity I suppose

      I'm crap at picking defensive players so I was late to the Docherty and Liverpool coverage.
      Coleman over Digne
      Holding Alonso/Richarlison for far too long.
      I've capped defenders
      Not giving Aguero the (c) for the DGW

      Nothing really major when you look at them by themselves in all honesty but over the course of the season they all add up.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 17 days ago

        My defence has been shocking all season.

  8. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 17 days ago

    Transfer out 2:

    A) Pogba
    B) Rashford
    C) Felipe
    D) Trippier

    1. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      whoever you want mate

      1. Slitherene
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 17 days ago

        We all know it's his decision to make. Still, a little help is always appreciated.

        B & D

    2. Superbadhine
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      BC

  9. FPL Pillars
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 17 days ago

    Hey guys,

    Sorry this is a repost but added options I am considering.

    Currently got 10 and 1FT 0.2ITB

    Fab
    TAA Diop Digne Azpilicueta
    Hazard Salah Mane Brooks
    Barnes

    Playing Subs: Boruc
    Non playing S.Cook Jim Aguero

    Having already 3 Bournemouth makes getting Wilson needs one hit.
    Will FH in 32

    A) Aguero > Higuaín
    B) Aguero > Vardy
    C) Jim & Cook > Wilson & Schlinder (-4)
    D) Aguero, Jim & Cook > Higuaín, Vardy & Valery (-8)
    E) Aguero, Jim & Cook > Wilson, Vardy & Chelsea Def (Probably Luiz) (-8)
    F) Other?

    Cheers

    1. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      definitely B
      can upgrade schindler to luiz before 33 for free

  10. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 17 days ago

    Hi all! Does anyone play Fantasy F1? Is there any site with useful information?(Fantasy F1 Scout...?)

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      Fantasy F1??

      1. Sgt Frank Drebin
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 17 days ago

        Yup. Looks quite interesting.

    2. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      tc räikkönen this week?

  11. Not again Shirley
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 17 days ago

    If there was ever a week to take a risk on Arnie this must be it. They have just been humbled by poor Cardiff team so looks like he will play plus play worst team in the league at home. Risk deffo but if starts could be very good shout.

    1. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      no thank you sir

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      No thanks

  12. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 17 days ago

    Odds of these players starting gw31

    A) Alonso
    B) Anderson
    C) Arny
    D) Lascelles

    1. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      50%
      80%
      40%
      dunno

  13. Aguerrrooooooo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 17 days ago

    Aguero/Pogba and Doherty out for Vardy,Hazard and Macguire before free hit next week. means I have 11 players out but its for a -8?

    1. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      would take as many hits as you need to get 10 and then bring a defender for free (maguire in your case) before gw33

  14. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 17 days ago

    Currently With 9 players for 31 and 1 FT

    Planning on a FH in 32 and WC in 34, would you

    Son --> Fraser
    Shaw --> D.Luiz

    for -4 to cover 31 and 33 ?

    1. Aguerrrooooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      looks good yes

    2. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      no i'd just do son>fraser and get luiz in for free before gw33 (WHU)

      1. EMBOLOFAN
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 17 days ago

        actually maybe i'd take a hit for luiz...it's close

  15. West Hammered
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 17 days ago

    Current team for 31, any def worth a -4 to field 11?
    Alisson
    Chilwell Digne
    Salah Mane Hazard Mcneil
    Vardy Wilson Arnie
    Blanks: Button, Bednarek, PVA, Doherty, Deulofeu.

    3.8 ITB

    1. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      arguably fraser/brooks/luiz/maddison would be worth a hit but its probably pretty close

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      Bednarek to Azpi ??
      Bednarek blanks this gw & plays Pool in gw 33. So it's a upgrade for sure.

  16. NecuratuL
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 17 days ago

    king or wilson ??i have king already is it worth -4 for wilson??

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 17 days ago

      nah get fraser instead

  17. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 17 days ago

    Doherty to Rice or Azpi worth a hit? 2 or 6 points most likely outcome or some miracle. Break even on average. More fun also to play with 11 not 10. So...go for it...?

  18. El_Gigante
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 17 days ago

    Got 9 players now for BGW31, looking to bring in two players for a -4.
    Son > Fraser, S Cook > Azpi best moves?

    1ft, £4.6itb

    Fab
    Pereira TAA
    Salah Mane Billing
    Barnes Rondon Vardy

    Pat, S Cook, Doherty, WB, Son, Pogba not playing.

  19. Yoshioka
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 17 days ago

    I’ve seen lots of -8s and a fair few taking -12 hits, but is anyone going any further than that?

  20. BlzE_94
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 17 days ago

    Robertson or TAA?