Scout Notes

Aguero role in FA Cup win boosts Gameweek 32 appeal

Manchester City had to rely on their heavy hitters and an element of fortune to secure a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Pep Guardiola’s men were forced to come from behind against Championship opposition Swansea City on Saturday afternoon.

We already discussed the impact this had on the Blank and Double Gameweek situation over the weekend.

This Scout Notes article focusses instead on the match itself and how Manchester City’s assets performed.

Swansea City 2-3 Manchester City

Goals: Bernardo Silva (£7.5m), Sergio Aguero (£11.8m)

Assists: Aguero x2, B Silva

Sergio Aguero (£11.8m) demonstrated just how important he will be in the upcoming Double Gameweeks as he inspired Manchester City’s comeback at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday evening. Gabriel Jesus (£9.9m) started the match but with Swansea 2-0 up, Guardiola brought Aguero on, in the place of Riyad Mahrez (£8.2m) to play alongside him. Despite playing just 26 minutes in south Wales, the Argentinian came away with a hand in all three goals and had the joint-highest number of shots in the match.

It was his pass out to the left which set up Bernardo Silva (£7.5m) for the first goal, and he unofficially should be credited with the assist for Kristoffer Nordfeldt’s own-goal. It was admittedly a penalty miss from Aguero, the ball striking the post before going into the net off the back of the Swansea goalkeeper’s leg.

Aguero scored the winning goal too, although it was under contentious circumstances as he was offside when he headed into the net at the front post. Either way, Manchester City’s star man proved that he can even deliver attacking returns, goals and assists, when featuring in the closing stages of a game, which should alleviate any fears over whether he’ll start both matches in upcoming Double Gameweeks.

With Manchester City likely to enjoy one as early as Gameweek 32, Fantasy managers will be on the hunt for options that do stand a chance of starting both matches. Bernardo Silva would fall into that category anyway with Kevin de Bruyne (£9.7m) still sidelined with a hamstring injury. But the Portuguese international demonstrated on Saturday afternoon that he could be more than just a secure starter in a Double Gameweek. It was his goal that started Manchester City’s comeback and he provided the assist for Aguero’s winner. Furthermore, Bernardo also finished the match joint-top for goal attempts, alongside his Argentinian team-mate.

“Yes, very important It was a very difficult game, especially to arrive at half-time losing 2-0, it’s always difficult playing away, against a team that made it very difficult for us, and in the end we’re very happy with the comeback and with the win.” – Bernardo Silva

Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling (£11.5m) also played a key part in the result. He was another important player who was initially given the night off but was called into action in the place of Leroy Sané (£9.3m) just before the hour-mark. It was Sterling who won the penalty although images suggested that Cameron Carter-Vickers actually got the ball and did not foul him.

Guardiola was keen to defend Mahrez though, even though he was the one who was brought off when the Manchester City team needed tweaking. The fact he started this match, and did not complete it, does indicate that, like Sané, he is still in the second string XI for now. However, with all the fixtures coming up for the Citizens, Guardiola believes he is in good enough form to be utilised relatively often. With that in mind, Mahrez will probably start at least one Double Gameweek match this season.

“I have the feeling – I know we will be judged because we were losing 2-0 – but I had the feeling that he played good, so he is playing good. I am not a guy who even that…you know that we are here together two or three seasons here when we drop points or lose points, points at someone? Never so always very demanding. He is training hard and play as much good as possible. That is the only way. Everyone is going to play, we need ten minutes or 15 minutes as good as possible, and it’s not about that. I think that we are here so far because of everybody, not just for 11 or 12 players, it’s about everyone who makes their own contribution and it was massive.” – Pep Guardiola

We should take some time to consider Manchester City’s defence as they were undone twice against Championship opposition. That was made all the more worrying by the fact that Guardiola selected as close to his first choice back-four as was possible. Fabian Delph (£5.3m) started at left-back with Kyle Walker (£6.4m) on the right, Aymeric Laporte (£5.9m) and Nicolas Otamendi (£6.0m) in the middle. Given who is and is not available for Manchester City right now, it is hard to see Guardiola making too many changes to the defence in upcoming Premier League matches. Those looking to this end of the pitch in the Double Gameweeks will have to hope this trip to Swansea was just a blip, especially considering it’s four clean sheets in five for the Citizens in the league.

The international break has already handed Manchester City something of a boost as three players have already withdrawn from their respective country’s squads. Fabian Delph (£5.3m) was revealed to have an injury after being replaced by Oleksandr Zinchenko (£4.7m) at Swansea, while John Stones (£5.2m) missed the FA Cup match altogether – so the two are no longer involved with England. Otamendi has also pulled out of the Argentina squad with an ankle problem. The three players are a key part of Manchester City’s strength in depth as they chase the quadruple, so some time for them to recover is important for their chances in the Premier League.

April looks particularly busy for Manchester City with their Gameweek 33 match against Cardiff will now have to be played in a midweek slot, because of the FA Cup semi-final and they are still involved in the Champions League. Once the Double Gameweeks are confirmed for them, we will have to carefully monitor their squad to see how rotation is affected by their scehdule.

“Pray to come back fit. That is what I want. They have to go there play with their national team, enjoy, help their own national teams but hopefully, they will come back fit like they are nowYeah, the people who don’t have the international team have a week off. They have to train, they will have a programme to train every day a little bit, and after you have one week to prepare for Fulham and the next games. The fixtures we have in April, that is why we need everybody.” – Pep Guardiola

Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Delph (Zinchenko 57′), Laporte, Otamendi, Walker; D Silva, Gündogan, B Silva; Sané (Sterling 57′), Jesus, Mahrez (Aguero 64′).

604 Comments Post a Comment
  1. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 11 days ago

    Problem I imagine for FH31 and WC33 boys

  2. KingOllie
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 days ago

    Wildcarding in 34 is ideal now. Can get brighton players in for free.

    Looking forward to tripling up on arsenal.

    Kolasinac + Laca + Auba

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      yeah... Brighton, Watford and Arsenal players for WC34

      1. KingOllie
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 days ago

        Brighton: BOU + CAR

        Glen Murray (C) Confirmed

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 11 days ago

          Can't WC and TC in GW34.

        2. Garlana
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 11 days ago

          Can his old legs take two games in a week?

          1. The 5% Team
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 11 days ago

            haha...and the next GW another double fixture 🙂

          2. KingOllie
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 11 days ago

            Probably not, it may be time for Knockaert!

        3. The 5% Team
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 11 days ago

          Kane (c) vs Huddersfield still a good alternative though

  3. Azathoth
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 11 days ago

    What about this "poor man's" FH team
    Foster
    Laporte - AWB - Boly
    Sterling - Mane - Pogba - Deulofeu
    Kane - Kun - Deeney

    Thanx

    1. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      triple watford aint ideal

      1. Azathoth
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 11 days ago

        i know but with the money i have that's what i can get.

      2. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 11 days ago

        could be for DGW35.

    2. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      Personally don't like it.

  4. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 11 days ago

    With most playing their FH or getting rid of Salah, you just know Mohandas will bag a brace next GW.

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      Pool and Wolves players could be great differentials for non FH'ers this GW.

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 11 days ago

        This.

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      There was a mini DGW last season during December i think.
      I used a WC and loaded up on DGW players.
      It was a disaster as my original team outscored my WC team.

      I fear it could happen again this time.

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 11 days ago

        Worried about selling Jimenez

  5. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 11 days ago

    Is anybody who was going to FH this GW, going to switch to WC GW32, FH GW33, TC GW34, BB GW36 ?

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      No as i have 12 GW33 players currently.

    2. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      No I'm very happy FH in dgw32 and have 12 decent players for gw33 and will have 13 with my free transfer. Ill be WC in gw34 to get some Arsenal + Brighton assets in for the final run in.

  6. jtreble
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 days ago

    Well done Ben Crellin.

  7. Eytexi
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 11 days ago

    So definetly no JWP DGW - who are people getting instead?

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      If as a playing first bench spot - Stephens looks a great shout imo
      If he was a 4th mid to start then I'd personally look to bring in Mili and downgrade in defence if possible

      1. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 11 days ago

        As 5th mid in a 3-5-2: already got Mili.

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 11 days ago

          Ok so Stephens or take a punt on a Wolves’ mid (Mout/ Neves)?

          1. Eytexi
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 11 days ago

            Considering they seem the only options it's looking like im gonna have to switch to 442 and get a United defender even though i dont back them..

            1. Don Kloppeone
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 11 days ago

              Who are your back 3 atm?

              Assume you have Schlup and are going Zaha/ Bats with Mili so can’t double up with AWB?

              What about doubling up on CHE defence if you really don’t like the Lindelöf pick?

              1. Eytexi
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 11 days ago

                Luiz, Laporte, Schlupp.

                Going for Mili but only 2 upfront (Aguero & Lukaku), so could double up on Palace but not sure that's the safest bet.

                Already double Chelsea defence.

                I guess if i dislike every option im going to struggle haha. Annoying because im so happy with the rest of my free hit.

                1. Don Kloppeone
                  • 6 Years
                  5 years, 11 days ago

                  Lol I know what you mean though.

                  Would you consider Bilva? I realised if downgraded my keeper to Ryan I could afford to upgrade Mili to Bilva and play a nice 4-4-2

                  1. Eytexi
                    • 5 Years
                    5 years, 11 days ago

                    That would allow me to upgrade Mili to Bilva, but still leaves me an unfilled spot and less money to spent on it, haha.

                    1. Don Kloppeone
                      • 6 Years
                      5 years, 11 days ago

                      Yes but then you have the option of either a nice 4-4-2 with a CHE def double or a MUN def or just punt on Stephens in a 3-52?

                      1. Eytexi
                        • 5 Years
                        5 years, 11 days ago

                        Yeah - it's either that or i try to stretch for Deulofeu regardless of rotation fears.

                      2. Eytexi
                        • 5 Years
                        5 years, 11 days ago

                        Thanks mate 🙂

                      3. Don Kloppeone
                        • 6 Years
                        5 years, 11 days ago

                        I def get the appeal based on his recent form but do wonder how well he’d do at Old Trafford.

  8. KingOllie
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 days ago

    What combo do you prefer?

    a) Lukaku + Luiz
    b) Kane + AWB

  9. GREEN IS GOOD
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 days ago

    IF MONEY NO OPTION

    And excluding Man City...

    What are the best 3 defenders for DGW32?

    1. GREEN IS GOOD
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      *money no object

    2. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      Azp/ smalling/ and maybe a palace defender..

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      I like PvA.

      Perhaps slightly less likely for attacking return than Schlupp but 100% tied on.

  10. Jay_
      5 years, 11 days ago

      Saints, Brighton and Watford make the BB35 very doable whilst still maintaining a very good team. Ryan, Foster, Duffy, Valery, Holebas, JWP with the big guns looks good.

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 11 days ago

        Tinkering with this right now, and same players

    • Old Gregg
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      Which FH Team please.

      not overly happy with the Mcarthur pic (0.4) itb
      a)
      Ederson
      Dunk-Schlupp-Luiz-Lindlelof
      Sterling-Haz-Pog-McAthur
      Kane-Aguero

      b)
      Ederson
      Duffy-Schlupp-Luiz
      Sterling-Haz-Pog-Son
      Aguero-Zaha-Rash

      1. Shineonme
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 days ago

        B) for me.

        1. Old Gregg
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 11 days ago

          thanks. Think you're right.

      2. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 11 days ago

        Same dilemma almost - I’m going with something close to B

        But Kepa Laporte instead of Edeson Luiz - just because there’s at least some risk of Luiz rotation.

        1. Old Gregg
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 11 days ago

          Thanks. I haven't got the value for kane.
          I got Luiz at 5.6. That's basically the reason why I've gone that route.

    • shearer9
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      Which Palace defensive option is best? Thinking Schlupp and PVA will tear Hudds up.

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 11 days ago

        PvA and AWB

        There must be some risk of Schlupp rotation with Kouyate McArthur and Meyer also in the mix in central mid.

    • acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      Can some one please post Ben's excel sheet for dgw?
      From the dates announced any DGW for any team outside GW 32 34 or 35?
      Cheers..

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 11 days ago

        Those are the only doubles

    • Garlana
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      Starting 11 Close to the template Atm?

      Kepa
      Azpi, schlupp, laporte
      Sterling, pogba, hazard, Milli
      Kun, rashford, Jimi

    • Green Jumper
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      I'll probably do Anderson > Bernardo Silva and a Bench Boost to give me 8 Doubles:
      Ederson, Fabianski
      TAA, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Doherty, AWB
      B Silva, Pogba (vc), Kante, Brooks, Mane
      Rashford, Aguero (c), Firmino

    • It's his Job.
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      Looking at what to do with this team for GW32 no FT

      Fabs
      Robbo Cathcart# Doherty#
      Mane Pogba# Hazard# Anderson
      Jiminez# Aguero# Rashford#
      #DGW
      Subs Button/Kolasinac/Digne/Almiron
      0.8itb

    • how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      Its hard to fit kane in, but really want him.

      Is having to play kante in a FH team I sign I've gone wrong?

      1. XabiAlonso
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 days ago

        Hell probably bang one in

      2. Rotation's Alter Ego
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 11 days ago

        Struggling to see many teams that look good with Kane in it.

        Kante would be a horrible waste of a slot on such a (in theory) nice week. Just don't have the same level of faith in Kane others do apparently