Scout Notes

Clues to Blank Gameweek 31 Chelsea line-up in Ukraine

Fantasy Premier League managers were given clues to Chelsea’s next starting line-up in their latest Europa League win.

The Blues are in action at Everton on Sunday as the final game of Blank Gameweek 31, just three days after comfortably winning 5-0 against Dynamo Kyiv.

That means we can be fairly confident which players will start at Goodison Park after a brief analysis of the Chelsea side that was utilised in Ukraine.

We are reticent to read too much into the result itself though, as assessing anything more than the line-ups would tell us very little given the result and the manner of it.

Meanwhile, Arsenal continue to show what they are capable of at the Emirates Stadium as they came through another high-pressure match there, and extended their winning run at home to six in all competitions.

Europa League quarter-final draw:

  • Arsenal v Napoli
  • Slavia Prague v Chelsea

Dynamo Kyiv 0-5 Chelsea

Goals: Olivier Giroud x3 (£7.7m), Marcos Alonso (£6.4m), Callum Hudson-Odoi (£4.2m)

Assists: Ruben Loftus-Cheek (£5.2m), Alonso, Hudson-Odoi, Willian (£7.1m)

Fantasy managers are now clear to sign Eden Hazard (£10.9m) after he was, as expected, given the night off on Thursday. The Belgian was an unused substitute as Chelsea convincingly swept Dynamo Kyiv aside, dominating the game from early on and scoring in the first five minutes. A popular target for Blank Gameweek 31, for those playing the Free Hit chip or not, confirmation that Hazard is still fresh for the weekend should now trigger more purchases for him.

Olivier Giroud (£7.7m) laid down another statement of intent in the Europa League as he scored a hat-trick and added an assist in a total demolition job against Kyiv. The forward has now scored nine goals in as many continental matches this season and continues to prove what an excellent link-up man he is for exciting wide players. Gonzalo Higuaín‘s (£9.6m) illness this week might have some thinking that Giroud could be involved against Everton but given he played 90 minutes in Ukraine and has not started a Premier League match since Gameweek 20, it seems unlikely that he will be in the first XI. More likely, he could be used as a substitute as it seems probable that Higuaín will be over his illness in time. At the very least, the Frenchman is proving he is capable of stepping in if need be.

“(Giroud was) Very, very good. But, in the last period, every time he has been on the pitch, he was able to play really very well. He’s scored nine goals in this competition. As you know very well, Olivier for us is a very important player. I’m really very happy for him, and am really very happy with him.” – Maurizio Sarri

74 minutes for Willian (£7.1m) against Kyiv, plus a benching in Gameweek 30 mean that the Brazilian is unlikely to start at Goodison Park. That makes him much less of an option for those planning to play the Free Hit and save some money on a Chelsea attacker this week, despite his recent underlying statistics looking quite favourable. Pedro (£6.3m) featured only as a 74th-minute substitute in Ukraine so it looks as if the Spaniard will join Higuaín if fit, and Hazard in the front three on Sunday and could be the alternative to go for.

It is now clear as it can get that Marcos Alonso (£6.4m) has lost his place in the first-team to Emerson Palmieri (£5.2m). The Spaniard played the full 90 minutes against Kyiv having missed the last two Premier League matches, while his Italian counterpart was given the night off. Despite slipping down the pecking order, it was actually a textbook attacking performance from Alonso. He was an exciting outlet down Chelsea’s left flank and his cross into the box for Giroud’s second goal was expertly weighted. Furthermore, he got on the scoresheet himself after showing us he can still take up centre-forward positions at various stages during matches. However, we must remember the quality of opposition as Kyiv were once again far too easy to open up at the back, conceding eight goals in total across both legs.

Elsewhere in defence, rests for David Luiz (£5.9m) and Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.3m) should see them come back into the side for Blank Gameweek 31 as Andreas Christensen (£5.0m) and Davide Zappacosta (£5.0m) took their places. The latter limped off and is now considered a doubt for the trip to Everton. Meanwhile, Antonio Rüdiger (£5.9m) played the whole match in Ukraine but should keep his place as his rest came in the first leg, where he was an unused substitute.

Any hopes of Chelsea’s young midfielders Ruben Loftus-Cheek (£5.2m) and Callum Hudson-Odoi (£4.2m) starting in Blank Gameweek 31 were dashed by their 90-minute outings on Thursday night. However, at least they have made some progress up the Blues’ pecking order in the mind of Maurizio Sarri. Loftus-Cheek’s three appearances outside the Premier League prior to the trip to Kyiv were from the substitutes bench. This was his first start since January and the first time he completed a match since before Christmas. As expected, Loftus-Cheek showed the drive in possession that Chelsea have sorely missed from their midfield this season. Meanwhile, Hudson-Odoi was making his second start from a possible three in the Europa League. Between the two players, they registered a goal and two assists as they look to push on and threaten to break into the first team.

The central midfield trio to start at Everton looks likely to feature usual suspects Jorginho (£4.6m), who played just 25 minutes in Ukraine, N’Golo Kanté (£5.0m), who registered 65 minutes and former Toffees man Ross Barkley (£5.1m), who was an unused substitute. Matteo Kovačić (£5.7m) played the full 90 so will likely feature only from the bench at Goodison Park.

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Kepa; Alonso, Christensen, Rüdiger, Zappacosta (Azpilicueta 69′); Loftus-Cheek, Kovačić, Kanté (Jorginho 65′); Willian (Pedro 74′), Giroud, Hudson-Odoi.

Arsenal 3-0 Rennes

Goals: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang x2 (£10.8m), Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£4.4m)

Assists: Aaron Ramsey (£7.1m), Aubameyang, Sead Kolasinac (£5.0m)

Fantasy managers should continue to take note of Arsenal’s increasing confidence in big fixtures at home. For the second time in the space of a week, the Gunners came through a pressure match in front of their own fans largely unscathed and with an impressive result. A 3-0 win over Rennes, after losing the first leg 3-1, put them into the quarter-finals of the Europa League just days after seeing off in-form Manchester United and condemning them to a first league defeat since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer arrived as caretaker manager.

With Alexandre Lacazette‘s (£9.4m) three-match Europa League ban reduced to two shortly before Thursday’s second-leg, that meant that he was able to start alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.8m) for the second match in a row. Now that Unai Emery has been able to pair the two up once again, it has helped transform Arsenal’s fortunes in these big games. Scoring relatively early in each one has been a huge factor to help them emerge from both matches with an aggregate score of 5-0.

“It’s given us big confidence, Sunday against Manchester United and today the same after this comeback. Our reaction is very good and playing under pressure is good. Growing up under pressure, like a team, feeling difficult moments and giving us our best performance in this moment. For us, today and Sunday we were competitive. I think it’s good confidence for us to feel that. After(wards), I am very demanding myself and I want to take better control with the ball and with possession. Against United and today, we lost the ball a bit and control of the match with the ball.” – Unai Emery

Aubameyang is now a suspension tightrope in the Europa League after he was booked for donning a Black Panther mask in celebrating his second goal. One more yellow card in this tournament would see the forward suspended for one match, which would be a huge blow to the Gunners’ chances of going all the way in the Europa League. However, it could be good news for Fantasy managers looking at Arsenal’s fixtures between Gameweek 34 and the end of the season, as having him as more of a confirmed starter for Watford (away), Crystal Palace (home), Leicester (away), Brighton (home) and Burnley (away).

After coming back from suspension earlier than expected, Lacazette received a booking in the 31st minute which could have been red in the eyes of some. Asked if he substituted him in the 70th minute for fear of losing him again, Emery explained he simply wanted to rotate his players.

“We decided one plan for 90 minutes because we knew we needed 90 minutes and maybe more because at 3-0 if they scored we were going to play extra-time. Iwobi and Mkhi deserved to play. When they supported us for the 30 minutes they helped us a lot. The 10 minutes after the changes, their impact was good with the goal and creating two chances. I think we need every player. Today the first XI was important, but also the players who came on during the match.” – Unai Emery

After performing very well against Manchester United, it was another excellent performance for Sead Kolašinac (£5.0m) on Thursday night. His advanced runs helped him register an assist for Aubameyang’s second goal and furthered his case to make the left-back spot his own, amid rumours that Arsenal are looking for a new signing in that position over the summer.

Aaron Ramsey (£7.1m) was a key individual once again, proving that he will be a big loss from next season onwards. In the last three matches in all competitions he now has two assists.

With no fixture in the FA Cup or Premier League this weekend, Arsenal are now not back in action until April 1, when they host Newcastle in Gameweek 32.

Arsenal XI (3-4-1-2): Cech; Monreal, Koscielny, Mustafi; Kolašinac, Xhaka, Ramsey (Torreira 87′), Maitland-Niles; Özil (Mkhitaryan 70′); Lacazette (Iwobi 70′), Aubameyang.

802 Comments Post a Comment
  1. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    any logic on getting Alonso on Free Hit with a decent first sub? funds aren't an issue at all

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Why would you ? Just get azpi or luiz

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        I can still get Azpi or Luiz..

    2. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Murphy's law is an adage or epigram that is typically stated as: "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong".

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Well it’s a clear either or with Emerson as neither ever makes the bench so it’s not wholly daft. If you’re after a differential I’d consider Rudiger - set piece threat against Everton

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        yeah good point about Everton set-pieces

    4. boredjames
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      He would come on for1 pointer on 88mins. Not worth the risk

      1. Slitherene
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        He has never come off the bench this season, for Chelsea.

  2. SPorting
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    I bought Higuain in but already lost confidence in him.

    Keep or do Son + Higuain -> Haz + Wilson

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      I like the Haz and Wilson option better tbh

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Wouldn't use a transfer on someone who has a game. I'm personally keeping Higuain, but then again I also have Hazard. Did Pogba and Auba to Hazard and Higuain for free last GW and sticking by it. Shouldv'e got Vardy but hey that's life.

  3. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    On a - 4 currently.
    Have a backline of Fabianski, TAA, Luiz, Pereira & Lascelles.
    But Lascelles is out for 31 & might not have a fixture in 33.
    And since I'll FH 32, WC 34 - Does it make sense to take another hit to get in a def for 4.9? If yes, then who to get in?

  4. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Charlie Daniels an option for GW31 and GW33?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Not sure if the other LB is injured? Still not sure in any case mate.

  5. Bumbaclot
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Bottom of previous.

    Looking for advice. I have 5 players available at the moment and 2FT’s. Should I take a -4 and have 8 or should I just FH? No wildcard left either.

    Thanks!

    1. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      I guess it depends how well your team is set up for the doubles. A -8 to field 9 then 10 in 31 and 33 won't hurt too badly though. Lots of hits being taken this week.

  6. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Gamble on Aguero out for Arnie? Will only cost me 0.1 more to get him back on FH next GW

  7. Boris Bodega
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Season's over for me anyway, so sod it - I am triple captaining Salah this weekend.

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      nice id number tho 🙂

    2. Hands Guber
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      If your season is over you should be TC someone like Wilson or Brooks for the craic!

  8. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    FH 32 and WC 34, got 3.7 ITB and already took a -4pts hit. Another hit to get Bamba out of my team, for?

    Fab
    Robbo TAA pereira
    Salah Haz Brooks
    Rondon Wilson

    Stek, Pogba, Jota, Doherty, jim, Bamba

    a. Rice
    b. Luiz
    c. Azpi
    d. Ake
    e. Any other ideas?

  9. Afghanistanislas
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Which would you rather have for GW31/33:

    A)
    GW31: Tielemans (bur)
    GW33: Tielemans (hud), Lascelles (CPL)

    B)
    GW31: Clyne (NEW)
    GW33: Clyne (BUR), Deulofeu (FUL)

    1. Afghanistanislas
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Tielemans could also be Brooks/H Barnes

  10. jaywills
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Desperate need of some help. Not sure whether to FH or not - what do you think I should do:
    Current Team: TAA, Robertson, Salah, Anderson, King (5)
    I have 2 FT left
    Players not playing: Son, Sterling, Jiminez, Doherty, Ederson, AWB, Rashford

    Options:
    1. Use 2 FT and take 1 (-4), 2 (-8) hits to field 8/9 players - then FH in GW32,
    Or, 2. FH for Gw31 and now?

    Thanks!

    1. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      1

      1. jaywills
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Thanks boris,
        Whow would you get in/transfer out?

  11. Hands Guber
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Had a look at how Liverpool perform after CL games and was stunned by the fact that they've been super jammy with how the CL fixtures and PL fixtures dove-tailed perfectly to give them a home game after EVERY CL group game. So, unfortunately, nothing to indicate how they travel to London this weekend but it was interesting to look at nonetheless.

    Liverpool 3 Southampton 0 (22/9)
    Liverpool 0 Man City 0 (7/10)
    Liverpool 4 Cardiff City 1 (27/10)
    Liverpool 2 Fulham 0 (11/11)
    Liverpool 1 Everton 0 (2/12)
    Liverpool 3 Man United 1 (16/12)
    Man United 0 Liverpool 0 (24/2)
    Fulham v Liverpool (17/3) ???????

    So, first thing to note is how jammy Liverpool have been to have a home fixture after every single one of their CL group games - so not that helpful to predict how they travel and recover to be honest.

    1. Hands Guber
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      That's not interesting and to be honest completely pointless, Hands.

      1. Hands Guber
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        I know, I just put a bit of time into typing it out so said I'd share anyway, have a heart.

        1. Hands Guber
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          Reported.

          1. Hands Guber
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 14 days ago

            Why?

            1. Hands Guber
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 14 days ago

              Because it's not a 'Which one should I do?' post and it's 'Which one should I do O'Clock' on here.

              1. Hands Guber
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 14 days ago

                Oh, sorry. Which one should I do? TC/FH/GG/FS/FO this week?

                1. Hands Guber
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 14 days ago

                  FO

    2. Pras (FPL)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      This has escalated quickly!

      Honestly it is hard to make anything of the data. Thanks for doing it nonetheless.

    3. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Would be interesting to see who has started and who has had reduced minutes when fit.

  12. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Best for BGW31 and BGW33? (FH32):

    A) Wilson, Fraser, Azpi
    B) Vardy, Brooks, Azpi
    C) Vardy, Fraser, Ake
    D) Wilson, Maddison, Azpi
    E) Something else?

    (Already have 3 Liverpool, Hazard, Higuain, King)

    Cheers

    1. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      A for me. Although Vardy is the one player that really scares me not to own, I've just picked Wilson over him and have like 7mil left in bank.

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Thanks. You not concerned with Fraser being a doubt?

        1. Eddie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 14 days ago

          Not really. Howe seems to suggest he'll be fine. If Fraser is out there is still enough creativity and attacking threat for Wilson to do well on.

          Am scared that Leicester have turned a corner though. Really hoping they flop horribly.

  13. Smokey_Lowkey
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Which combo:

    A. Maddison & Vardy
    B. Maddison & Wilson
    C. Fraser & Vardy
    D. Fraser & Wilson

    Thanks!

  14. boredjames
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Free hitters- are you looking to triple cap next game week? if so who?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      No fh but id pick sterling or aguero .

      1. boredjames
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Sterling for me

  15. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Its just Utd and Wolves with a double in 32 is it? No other teams to be added?

    1. boredjames
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      I think man city if they beat swansea?

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Oh really? Okay cheers

    2. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      All depends on FA Cup results.

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Who else could be added?

    3. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Loads to be added bubz I think .

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Im very out of the loop at the mo

    4. Bojaninho
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      will know more monday after fa cup games

    5. WVA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Could be united wolves city Chelsea Spurs Brighton palace etc

  16. George James
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    On -8 with only 8 playing.

    I’m worried

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      yeah, I'm on -4 with 8 playing...keeping like it is, as I won't be FH32. Damage control hopefully this GW

  17. pol
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Pogba + Rashford > Hazard + willson for -8 yay or nay?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Hazard a doubt so no

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Ignore me....

      2. Bojaninho
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        doubt from what...?

      3. Eddie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Who is doubting?

      4. TLF
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        Hazard a doubt ?

  18. BennyM90
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Still have Jiminez, Doherty, Pogba, AWB and Kola. 1.5 ITB. Who do I bring in? I'll be FH 32 and Wildcard 34. Note I have about 1.5 mil tied up in Wolves and United assets

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Well really depends of rest of your team

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Sell Doherty for starters

    3. BennyM90
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      My team is:
      Fab, Hamer
      Robbo, luiz, Kola, AWB, Doherty
      Mane, Salah, Pogba, Felipe, Maddison
      Jiminez, Higuain & Rondon

  19. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    FH 32, WC 34
    Fabianski
    TAA, Lascelles, Luiz, Pereira

    Which one for a hit, to field 11 for 31?

    A) Lascelles - > Daniels
    B) Lascelles - > Tarkowski
    C) Lascelles - > Evans
    D) Camarasa - > Hayden/McNeil

    1. Liber
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Don't like any of them.

  20. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Which combo will score more GW31 & 33?

    A) Mane & Kepa & Fraser (8 players) (-4)

    Or

    B) Wilson & Allison & Fraser & Maddison (9 players) (-4)

    Or

    C) Mane & Boruc & Brooks & Rondon (9 players) (-8

  21. arkom
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Boruc
    Robertson / Pereira / Azpi
    Salah / Mane / Richarlison / Brooks
    Barnes

    (Lloris) Doherty / AWB / Pogba / Jimenez / Aguero

    0 FT
    0,0 £ ITB

    A) Aguero & Pogba --> Vardy & Hazard (-8)
    B) Save
    C) Other?

    1. Liber
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      -8 if FH next week.

  22. Weilong7
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    2FT 1.5 ITB
    which of the below?

    1) Son for Maddison/Fraser?
    2) Lascelles for Rice?
    3) Button for Fabianski/Boruc?

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      1 with Maddi

  23. GonDoe
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Who has more chances of playing: Giroud, Sturridge or Mousset?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Don't think I even want to ask why you're wondering o_o

  24. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    is picking Antonio over Vardy a stupid idea?

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      I wouldn't do it

    2. Liber
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Yeah.

  25. WVA
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Much happier with Wilson in the side, feel ready now but am I G2G?

    Boruc
    TAA Pereira Keane
    Salah Hazard Mane(c) Westwood
    Vardy Wilson Rondon
    Ryan Pogba Kola Jonny

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Looks good!

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Ha

      Went the other way and got Fraser to keep Jim. Pretty ordinary Sv and decided I needed the 0.7 to field the fh32 team I’d prefer. And well it’s Arnie I fear and not Wilson

      Good luck

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 14 days ago

        That Fraser flag swung it for me, only have 11 and can't afford any doubts! Good luck to you too.

    3. Liber
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Salah c

  26. Liber
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Captain Arnie?

  27. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 14 days ago

    Quick update on lads for this week from conferences please?

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      Doesn't matter. Just read earlier hot topic 🙂

    2. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 14 days ago

      The Scout Tweets have been posted 🙂

  28. Mambino
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 13 days ago

    What's all this Mane balls then?