Scout Notes

Why King outscored Wilson in Blank Gameweek 31 draw

Fantasy Premier League managers who invested in the popular Bournemouth options were left disappointed in Blank Gameweek 31

As can so often be the case in a depleted round of fixtures, the usual suspects were outshone by differential options at the Vitality Stadium.

In this article, we assess how that happened and whether or not managers need to look at making changes for the next Blank Gameweek in 33.

Meanwhile, there was some reward for those who considered attacking options at Newcastle.

Bournemouth 2-2 Newcastle United

Goals: Joshua King x2 (£6.5m) | Salomón Rondón (£5.9m), Matt Ritchie (£5.8m)

Assists: Nathan Aké (£5.1m), Dominic Solanke (£4.7m) | Miguel Almirón (£6.0m), DeAndre Yedlin (£4.5m)

Despite being the most-signed player for Blank Gameweek 31, Callum Wilson (£6.5m) scored just two points against Newcastle. However, it was not for lack of trying and the Bournemouth forward still looks worth holding for the Cherries’ involvement in the next Blank Gameweek, which takes place after the next one.

On Saturday afternoon, no player had more shots in the box at the Vitality Stadium than Wilson who came within inches of scoring for the second match in a row since returning from injury. The forward’s looping header in the second-half was cleared off the line by Paul Dummett (£4.4m), confirming just how unfortunate he was not to record any attacking returns.

How close Wilson came to scoring against Newcastle on Saturday

Wilson’s blank was made harder to swallow by the fact that Joshua King (£6.5m) came out of Saturday’s match with a 13-point haul. It was a performance that reminded Fantasy managers of a key advantage the Norwegian international has over his English counter-part: penalties. At the start of the season, Wilson had tried to be a part of the spot-kick pecking order but missing one all the way back in Gameweek 1 saw King consolidate his grip on penalties. That meant it was him to dispatch a second-half equaliser when Nathan Aké (£5.1m) had been fouled in the box by Federico Fernandez (£4.4m).

Ryan Fraser (£6.2m) can consider himself unfortunate not to have been involved in any of goals against Newcastle. Having come through any slight fitness doubts he started and played the entire game and registered the highest number of touches inside the penalty box of any Bournemouth player at the Vitality Stadium. Furthermore, nobody created as many chances as the Scottish international, both statistics boding well for those holding him for Bournemouth’s Blank Gameweek 33 match against Burnley.

Crucially, Fraser probably should have been put through on goal in the second half and given the chance to net an easy chance. In the 80th minute, substitute Dominic Solanke (£4.7m) had the option to spread the ball out to Fraser in yards of space on the left, who would have had plenty of time to line up a shot. Taking too long to make a decision, the former Liverpool man ended up offloading to King in the end, who stabbed home a second goal of the afternoon.

For the first time since Gameweek 23, David Brooks (£5.1m) completed 90 minutes. Having played predominantly on the wing this season, he was required in a central role against Newcastle after an injury to Andrew Surman (£4.6m). He missed the game with a calf injury picked up in training, which threatens to see him ruled out for the rest of the season.

“He pulled a calf in training which was a real blow for us because it was an innocuous-looking thing that happened. He just planted his leg backwards and pulled his calf. The rest of the season could be in doubt for him.” – Eddie Howe

In light of Surman’s injury, we could see Brooks used in central midfield quite a lot between now and Gameweek 38. That may also unlock the potential of Jordon Ibe (£5.0m) who was able to start on the right wing with Junior Stanislas (£6.0m) also injured and Brooks committed elsewhere.

As expected, Nathaniel Clyne (£4.4m) came in for the injured Adam Smith (£4.3m) to play at right-back. Anyone chasing budget options in the Bournemouth defence should look to the former Southampton man as the injuries in his position, Simon Francis (£4.3m) also sidelined, have completely eliminated any competition for his place.

However, owners of Bournemouth defensive options, like cheap goalkeeper Artur Boruc (£4.1m) were left disappointed by the two goals conceded by the Cherries. Despite showing some promise at the back, most notably in their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in Gameweek 29, Eddie Howe’s men are now without a clean sheet at home since Gameweek 24, when they secured a second on the bounce after keeping one against West Ham in Gameweek 23.

Newcastle recorded more goal attempts, more shots in the box and more efforts on target than Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. Facing his former side, Matt Ritchie (£5.8m) was the Magpies most dangerous player, shooting twice in the 18-yard-box and scoring a dramatic late equaliser.

“It’s bizarre how football can find these stories. The ball fell to him and he was probably the one player on the pitch we didn’t want the ball to fall to on his left foot because we know he can strike the ball from distance. He hit it well into the top corner and that’s what makes the game so special.” – Eddie Howe

Crucially, key Blank Gameweek 31 target Salomón Rondón (£5.9m) continued his run of form by opening the scoring in first-half stoppage time. Renowned more for his shots inside the box and chance creation in recent weeks, the Venezuelan reminded us just how much Fantasy appeal he has in his locker, which also includes direct free-kicks. After Miguel Almirón’s (£6.0m) mazy run, which saw him fouled, Rondón directed the dead-ball into Boruc’s net to score his third goal in five matches.

The West Bromwich Albion loanee’s value for the upcoming schedule was also increased by developments in the FA Cup on Saturday. Crystal Palace’s exit at the hands of Watford confirmed that their trip to St James’ Park in Blank Gameweek 33 would go ahead, and ensuring another favourable fixture for Rondón and his colleagues in a depleted round of fixtures.

Newcastle’s defence was always expected to concede against Bournemouth as they travelled there without Fabian Schär (£4.7m), who was suspended, and the injured Jamaal Lascelles (£4.7m). The Swiss international still has one more match to serve on his two-match ban, but Lascelles could be in line for a return in Gameweek 32 after the international break.

With Sean Longstaff (£4.5m) a long-term absentee, there was also a first start in midfield for Mohamed Diamé (£4.8m) since Gameweek 20. Despite returning from injuries recently, and featuring in Gameweek 30, Ki Sung-yeung (£4.7m) remained on the bench while Jonjo Shelvey (£5.3m) featured only as an 83rd-minute substitute.

Bournemouth XI (4-4-2): Boruc; Daniels, Aké, Mepham, Clyne; Fraser, Lerma, Brooks, Ibe (Solanke 75′); King, Wilson.

Newcastle United XI (5-4-1): Dúbravka; Ritchie, Dummett, Fernandez, Lejeune, Yedlin; Almirón (Muto 82′), Hayden, Diamé (Shelvey 83′), Pérez (Atsu 72′); Rondón.

1,270 Comments Post a Comment
  1. F4L
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Mane vs TFM and Chambers. well done on the brace Sadio owners

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Mitro the Night King scoring today? 😮

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        he'll be left out in the cold again with the lack of service he gets

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      😉

  2. FPL Mentor
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Potential FH Team

    McCarthy
    Azpi Luiz Doherty
    Sterling Hazard Pogba B.Silva
    Aguero Rashford Jimènez

    Hamer / Bednarek / Puncheon / Peltier

    0.1 ITB

    Thoughts on Draft #2?

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      McCarthy hasn't started the last 4 matches

      Not afraid of Wolves giving priority to FA cup semi finals?

      1. FPL Mentor
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Didnt even think of that for Wolves. Bummer. Had Doherty and Jimi all season so valued tied up. Hmm decisions.

      2. FPL Mentor
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Need a keeper for 4.5 mil.

        Gunn, Foster, Ryan? Anyone else?

        1. The 5% Team
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          all decent options yes...might even go for Guaita (Hudd/Spurs), as Spurs don't look in too good a form

          1. Van der Faart
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 12 days ago

            Spurs will be at home in their new stadium. And quite frankly should have smashed Saints by about 4 or 5 by half time

            1. The 5% Team
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 12 days ago

              fair enough...Gunn and Foster probably better options

            2. FPL Mentor
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 12 days ago

              Thanks guys..

              This looks a bit better i think..

              Kepa
              Luiz Doherty AWB
              Sterling Hazard Pogba D.Silva
              Aguero Rashford Jimènez

              Hamer / Bednarek / Romelu / Simpson

              0.0 ITB

              What u reckon.

    2. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      7/10

  3. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Guess I cant troll Mane owners today, well done Mane owners you deserve this

    1. Bees4Lyf
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      You’re to kind, I’m trolling until he scores a brace and I cry myself to sleep

      1. 'Broadsword Calling Da…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        yeah, i'm with you, although, if Salah outscores we'll all be happy. If I could still take Mane as (C), I would change back to him from Salah. Were the photos real anyone know, was he really not at training the other day?

  4. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Sorry all but my 2 nearest ML rivals don't have Mane and I do. So he will blank. Just letting you all know. My bad,

  5. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Breaking news: Salah, Mane, Robbo and Trent all start! Pretty reliable source, guy who works with the club told me.

    1. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Is it the same guys who runs the LFC twitter page

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Did they put a man on the moon?

      1. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Some say they did, some say its a hoax. Im not an authority on the matter so I advice you to do your own research.

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Pool team is in the side bar of this website.

      1. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Nice to see them update quickly when reliable posters break the news

  6. RashFraud
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Jota or Deulofeu on FH?

    1. RashFraud
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Already have jimmy and Doherty fwiw

    2. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Deulofeu then

    3. OneDennisBergkamp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Jota because of DGW

      1. The 5% Team
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Watford has double as well, only not yet confirmed

    4. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Deulofeu

    5. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Do we know gw32 is a good FH week yet?

    6. Sting in the Tail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Neither as both will be rested for the FA Cup semi in the second game

  7. Amey
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Robbo + Mane owners, we'll enjoy this match. That Right side of defense of Fulham is shambles.

    Salah © for everyone so doesn't matter 😉

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I don't even own Salah

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Really ??
        Stay away from this Sir.
        Fulham won't help your cause 🙂

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          Happy with TAA, VVD and Mane

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 12 days ago

            © ??

            1. Wild Rover
              • 13 Years
              5 years, 12 days ago

              Hazard

              1. Amey
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 12 days ago

                😮
                Bold
                Good Luck mate.

      2. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Snap, wild rover. Not sure it even feels brave anymore.

    2. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Is the left that much better?

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Ha ha

    3. Vobinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I had a feeling Robbo, Mane, Salah (c) was quite a popular choice

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Mane © was my pick, but training pictures Saga got to me

        1. Vobinho
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          I did the -8 to get Salah (c) but also have Mane and Robbo. This could be a bloodbath..

    4. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Can't wait!

  8. moment
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Can’t escape the feeling we’re all going to get shafted by squad rotation next week.

    1. Tev
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      This
      City have f*cked me all season and next week will be the same

  9. GAMBIT
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Knew it was risky, but kinda glad I stuck with my Mane TC

  10. Farke in hell
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Juventus finally beaten!! No invincible season for them.

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      No Ronaldo?

      1. The 5% Team
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        no Ronaldo in squad, no win

    2. Mysterion
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Nice... they'll only win by 15 points instead of 18 then

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Lol

  11. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Any chance salah moves to madrid or Barca in the summer ?

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Hes been lining up the move for the last year or so. Same with Haz

    2. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      No

    3. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Liverpool won't sell Salah this summer plus I think when Barca signed Coutinho Liverpool put in a clause that Barca had to pay a extra €50m on top of any transfer fee if they tried to sign another pool player before 2020

  12. barracuda
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Fellas, can only bring one, no WC left:

    A- Jimmy
    B- Rashford

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      A

  13. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Would love Mane to get in the points...a few assists for Salah goals!

    1. Dannyb
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I genuinely hope it's 0-0

      1. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        How come?

      2. andrewe63
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        will you lay me 10/1 its not 0-0?

  14. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    “mAnE dIDnT TrAIn”

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Cho chooo

    2. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      FACTS

    3. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Ahahaha

    4. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Blame Virg

  15. Zladan
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    FH32 thoughts?

    Ederson
    Azpilicueta Lindelöf Valery
    Hazard Sterling Pogba JWP
    Agüero Higuaín Rashford

    1. HD7
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I like it

      1. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Thanks. I also have £0.7m itb to upgrade the absolute fodders to give me something if a starter misses both games for whatever reason

    2. TAArt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Nice

    3. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      9/10

    4. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Prefer Delu over JWP and not too sure on Hig yet but rest looks good

      1. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        If Spurs get the double, it will likely become:

        Out: Higuain + Rashford
        In: Kane + Deeney

  16. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    If liverpool loose salah in the summer its game over for them lol

    1. Rostah
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Ya they've really tanked since losing Coutinho. Don't see how they could possibly survive losing a great players.

      1. Supersonic Marv'
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        And Suarez. And Gerrard. Don't forget Dalglish.

      2. Bruno Bruno!!
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Why wouldnt barca or Madrid want Salah or Mane. Plus they are much bigger clubs than liverpool

        1. Rostah
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          Of course big clubs would be interested in them. The point being they'll survive, as they've done before. I'm a MUN fan but can't but begrudgely admire what they've achieved.

        2. MrZ
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          I think mane is wanted by bayern. If they can sell salah for big money that's good for them, coz of how many chances missed by him.

          1. RoysCallerAnne
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 12 days ago

            Jesus wept

    2. andrewe63
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      You need to lose one of the O's in Loose by the way.

      1. Supersonic Marv'
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        I think you're flogging a dead horse with this one mate.

      2. Dannyb
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        This, it absolutely amazes me the amount of people who spell lose that way. It's infuriating tbh.

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          get over it looser

        2. Supersonic Marv'
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          If I have to read 'should of' one more time I think I'll crack.

          1. RoysCallerAnne
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 12 days ago

            Weary instead of wary is another one.

            1. Supersonic Marv'
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 12 days ago

              Cant say I've seen much of that one thankfully.

          2. Pierce34
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 12 days ago

            Here here 😉

            1. Mysterion
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 12 days ago

              Where where 😉

  17. The Ejiptian King
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    I blame Auba for this.

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Sane

  18. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    What's the overall % of Mane/Salah double up any one know.

    1. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Think I read 47% in top 10k

  19. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Didnt even know its St.Patricks day

  20. Bubbles1985
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Who has activated and used FH already for this GW??
    I'm tempted to starting my transfers already...!!

    1. pjanns
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      i did

    2. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Just waiting for the Brighton game to finish but 99% sure it won't change my decision.

  21. Reedy
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Oh, how insightful! So the solution offered to the question posed in the click-baity title amounts to this: 'penalties'.

    1. Les Bleus
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Click bait? Huh? Lol

      1. Reedy
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        I can't be the only one that rolled my eyes and said 'go on then, why did King outscore Wilson...'

        1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          Yeah, I knew better when I clicked on it hoping for some penetrating tactical analysis. It all adds up to this: "Fraser and Wilson were unlucky and King is on pens"

          FFS.

    2. BIGREDDOG
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Have a day off

    3. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Bore off

    4. Mysterion
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      SEO optimisation for people who type the title's exact words into Google

      1. Reedy
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        At least there's a reason for the wording then. But they could deliver better on the promise of an explanation.

        1. Mysterion
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          All about the clicks!

  22. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    I didn't want to post before deadline (or lineups) but someone on twitter the other day said Mane was spotted moving house on the missed training day..wonder if that turns out to be true..twitter saves the day again

    1. HNI
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Liverpool selling him to everton so yes

  23. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Lets go Salah(C) Mane TAA and Mitrovic!

  24. BIGREDDOG
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Fulham to win today 2-1

    1. Iceball
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Mitro brace coming up

  25. Lukakuna
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Does anyone know the EO for Salah or Mané?

    1. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      FPL discovery

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      It's 140% for Salah in the top 10k

      1. Lukakuna
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Cheers, discovery said 163 for Salah and 75 for Mane in top 10K

  26. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    FH32. To fill the gaps, A or B?
    A) Luiz + Jimenez
    B) Rashford + 4.6

    Guaita
    Laporte XXX Valery
    Sterling Hazard Pogba Son
    Kane Agüero XXX

  27. Marty McFly
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Template FH team for GW32:

    Ederson
    DLuiz - AWB
    Sterling - Hazard - Pogba
    Aguero - Higuain

    Plus 3 of...
    Doherty/Shaw/Duffy/Holebas
    Jota/Deulofeu/JWP/Milivojevic
    Rashford/Jimmy/Deeney/Zaha/Murray

  28. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Mane(C) Salah Robbo crew. Where you at?

  29. FlockofSeagulls
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    I've done the calculations, and if Salah scores 7 goals and chips in with 8 assists and 9 bonus points I'm a strong chance still to win this thing. 😉

    1. Bees4Lyf
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Good luck mate! xD

      1. FlockofSeagulls
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        You too buddy. 😉

  30. Tev
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Mané ownership does seem to have made double ‘Pool defence a differential where otherwise it may not have been. Really need a cleanie today.