Scout Notes

Clues to Arsenal and Chelsea line-ups following Europa League wins for both

As per usual, there were clues to upcoming Premier League line-ups in the latest Europa League action.

Arsenal and Chelsea both recorded positive results in the first legs of their quarter-finals, increasing their chances of remaining in the competition.

The longer the two clubs stay in the Europa League, the more they will be forced to rotate players between their continental and domestic commitments.

That said, it does make it slightly easier to predict their starting line-ups for Double Gameweek 34 on this occasion.

Arsenal 2-0 Napoli

Goals: Aaron Ramsey (£7.1m)

Own Goals: Kalidou Koulibaly

Assists: Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£4.4m), Lucas Torreira (£4.7m)

Alexandre Lacazette (£9.4m) looks the most likely Arsenal striker to start against Watford on Monday night after Thursday night’s Europa League action. After featuring from the beginning of the Gunners’ last four Premier League matches, he was substituted after 67 minutes against Napoli, with Unai Emery’s men 2-0 the good.

Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) played the entire 90 minutes and looks set to be named on the bench once again. The Gabonese forward has been used as a substitute in three of the last four Premier League matches. Obviously, Arsenal don’t play in Double Gameweek 34 until Monday night, when they travel to Watford, so he could still be used but Emery is likely to want to preserve him for the second leg. That takes place next Thursday, just three days after Arsenal’s involvement in Monday night football.

What shape Arsenal opt to use at Vicarage Road remains to be seen after Emery tinkered with his 3-4-2-1 formation at Everton in Blank Gameweek 33. That had an impact on Sead Kolasinac (£5.0m) as he was taken off to facilitate a switch to a back-four, but he managed to play the whole game against Napoli. Emery went for a similar system, keeping a three-man defence and four-man midfield with wing-backs on the flanks.

Where he tweaked things from the defeat to Everton was playing two strikers and one central attacking midfield, rather than a solitary forward supported by two number 10s. That saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£6.8m) benched for Aubameyang to come in, although he did feature as a second-half substitute for Mesut Özil (£7.9m) who had kept his place.

Aaron Ramsey (£7.1m) came into the side and was one of the standout performers, scoring the opening goal. However, his inclusion is just further proof that Arsenal’s attack is a rotating minefield for Fantasy managers. The Welshman is consistently one of the Gunners’ best performers when he is on the pitch but has started just five of the last 10 in the Premier League.

“(Ramsey was) Awesome. Awesome. His performance in this moment for us, he wants to do something important with us, to help us. He feels a lot for Arsenal. When he is with our supporters he gives us more than all he can to do the best performance, not individually, but in the collective.” – Unai Emery

The victory for Arsenal saw them make it eight wins in a row at home in all competitions. It is their longest run in that respect since October 2017 and proves just what they can offer Fantasy managers when playing at the Emirates Stadium. However, between now and the end of the season the Gunners have just two more fixtures there, the Double Gameweek 34 meeting with Crystal Palace and Brighton’s visit to north London in Gameweek 37.

By contrast, four of Arsenal’s remaining fixtures are away from home, against Watford, Wolves, Leicester and Burnley. The Gunners have lost seven of their last 11 on the road in all competitions, winning just two. Even Emery admitted after beating Napoli that a trip to Vicarage Road would prove difficult on account of Arsenal being away from the Emirates.

“Watford, Monday, will be a very difficult match away to a good team who will feel stronger at home with their supporters. The same against Napoli next week. We need to be competitive and strong to try to do the same situations we are doing at home. Sometimes away we lose the spirit we have at home. This is our challenge to find success, we need to be consistent like we are at home.” – Unai Emery

Arsenal XI (3-4-1-2): Cech; Monreal, Koscielny, Sokratis; Kolasinac, Ramsey, Torreira (Elneny 77′), Maitland-Niles; Özil (Mkhitaryan 67′); Aubameyang, Lacazette (Iwobi 67′).

Slavia Prague 0-1 Chelsea

Goals: Marcos Alonso (£6.3m)

Assists: Willian (£7.1m)

Eden Hazard (£11.1m) continues to be used only sparingly for Chelsea in the Europa League as they toiled to a 1-0 win in Prague. The Belgian did not start the match but was introduced for Pedro (£6.3m) on the hour mark. Maurizio Sarri admitted that he did not actually want to use Hazard and wouldn’t have done if his side were winning at half-time.

“No, at the beginning of the match I wanted him on the bench because I thought that, probably, the match was really very difficult. Probably I’d need to use him. Of course, if at the end of the first half we were 1-0, I wouldn’t have used him.” – Maurizio Sarri

It will be interesting to see when the Chelsea manager will start to put more first-team players into his continental line-ups as the seven changes he made from Blank Gameweek 33 caused Chelsea to look sloppy in possession from the get-go.

“We knew very well that, to play here, is really very difficult. The opponents are really very physical, very aggressive. And so we knew very well that we had to face difficulties during the match.” – Maurizio Sarri

Once again, Willian (£7.1m) showed promise in the Europa League, although he continues to disappoint in the Premier League. He hit the cross-bar against Prague and provided the assist for Marcos Alonso‘s (£6.3m) late winner.

The left-back has been showing some attacking promise once again in recent weeks but has not started in the Premier League since the first match of Double Gameweek 32. With Emerson Palmieri (£5.2m) not involved against Prague, it is possible that Alonso could be on the bench against Liverpool.

Callum Hudson-Odoi (£4.2m) was not in the match squad for Chelsea on Thursday night, causing some to believe that he will get another Premier League start at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. However, Sarri insisted that he does not yet know if he will play, explaining that the youngster needed rest.

“Oh, I don’t know. But in my opinion, he needed to rest. And so, in this match, he was out. Emerson was also out. But of course he is in my mind for the next match, but I have to see the last two training (sessions).” – Maurizio Sarri

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Kepa; Alonso, Christensen, Rüdiger, Azpilicueta; Barkley (Loftus-Cheek 75′), Jorginho, Kovacic (Kanté 59′); Willian, Giroud, Pedro (Hazard 59′).

2,428 Comments Post a Comment
  1. KINGS
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Bench JWP or Jiminez?

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      This can’t be a serious question surely

    2. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      James. But it's closer than you think.

      I reckon Saints will get something from this game

      1. KINGS
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Wolves could be deflated after the FA Cup loss

    3. aborg
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I would play both to be honest

  2. Beatle
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    A) Lloris & Jota
    B) Patricio & Ramsey

    1. La Vida Latte
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A

    2. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      B man. very differential

    3. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A for days

  3. TaiwanHC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Aguero or Sterling?

    1. KINGS
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Sterling

    2. La Vida Latte
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Aguero

    3. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Aguero. I can't see Pep using Jesus any more than he has to in such a tight run in.

  4. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Is Kun worth it at 11.7M if we dont captain him GW34-35?

    1. Pooodle
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Yes

    2. KINGS
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Good point

  5. Honeyman07 42
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Llorente play 75+ in 3/4 games last time Kane was injured
    Surely that is worth something, especially with such a poor team this week?

    1. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Sure, it's worth something - the problem with Llorente is that he takes up a valuable TOT slot.

      1. Pooodle
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        And if/when he gets rotated or dropped he’s a tough price point to move out.

        1. Honeyman07 42
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          yeah that is an issue

    2. Atwood
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I want him but not sure he starts

  6. rudeshipyard
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Pick 2:

    Salah
    KDB
    Mane
    Son
    Firmino

    1. umerlfc
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Mane & Son

    2. KINGS
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      KDB Son

    3. gauzah
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Son and Salah

  7. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Guess I’ll just captain Duffy... even though he will most likely get 3 points

    1. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      The optimist in me is picturing 2 Cs, a goal and 4 bps.. But yeah.. Mostly it'll just be 3-4 points. Captaining him too

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        I think 2 clean sheets is massively unlikely. I do think he could bag a goal though

    2. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Don't do it then because that's only 6 points.

      Sonny will haul this weekend

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Not sure if Son will start

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          He will. He always does when Kane's leg falls off.

        2. Sargasso C
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Son is starting. He got a good rest in before the FA cup. They can't afford to rest him

    3. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I can definitely see Bournemouth scoring

  8. mad_beer ✅
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    So Pep wasn't very helpful now was he?

  9. TSILIKAFENEIAKOS
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    need to find 0.4 to fund Vardy -> Lacazette on my WC ?

    A. Get Valery or Bednarek
    vs
    B. Robertson -> TAA ? This will mean stick with TAA as too much value to lose on Robbo

    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      TAA & Robbo are basically the same. TAA much better value. Do it

      1. Hulk Smash
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        They are really not the same though. Robbo is absolutely nailed, Trent isn't. Trent has explosive attacking potential, Robbo doesn't. Choose accordingly.

    2. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Keep Robbo

    3. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Keep Vardy

  10. Pooodle
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Best combo on WC?

    A) Sterling, JWP, Jonny

    B) KDB, Doucoure/Deulofeu, Doherty

    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A for me.

      although folk on here saying KDB more likely to play this weekend over Sterling.

      But I assume that's just talk

      1. Pooodle
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah I think it’s just based on KDB benching this week but there’s a lot more of the season left than just one week.

        Sterling was pretty much the first name on my WC to be honest but reckon I should stick with him rather than a late change to KDB who has struggled all year.

  11. Amey
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Really not sure about © this gw.
    So I've decided to use © poll.

    Son ©
    Eriksen V©

    GL to all !!!

    1. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Who do you think is on pens for TOT now?

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Trippier took last & missed.
        So it's Eriksen

        1. jtreble
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Agree, my guess as well. With Eriksen on both pens and set pieces perhaps you should consider Eriksen (C).

    2. Juhlers
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Duffy!

    3. rudeshipyard
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Eriksen

  12. Juhlers
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    I'm concerned with Kun, not only is he prone to rotation (being a MCI player) and quite expensive, he also fills up a valuable spot in the team, as I am currently skipping Rash/Luka/Laca (assuming I will have Jimmy and Deeney)

    Would it be bonkers to go MCI-less in the front, and then just grab Laporte and take it on the chin - what are your thoughts on this?

    1. Pooodle
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      It’s definitely bonkers unless you think whichever of your other strikers you choose to replace him will outscore him.

      1. Juhlers
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        I don't quite follow what you mean mate..

        My point is; If Kun starts, he is likely to get points, but the danger of him not starting is exaggerated by those factors I mention above: His price and That he makes it very hard to cover ManU/Ars attackers.

        1. Pooodle
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          If you think Aguero scores more than your other options even with this rotation risk then get him in.

          If you think he’s going to be dropped enough that he won’t outscore the other options then don’t get him.

          1. Juhlers
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            That is very helpful, so I should just get the players I think will score the most?

            Wow, such enlightening, much amaze

            1. Pooodle
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 11 months ago

              Don’t ask for help if you’re going to be an arse about it.

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Keep him

      1. Juhlers
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Why

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Golden boot carrot
          City's main striker
          Phenomenal against top teams

          1. Juhlers
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            Good points, I just fear that the other competitions will interfere too much with rotation..

    3. Sargasso C
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      When Kun was not injured tell me when he was rotated accept for FA cup. Actually you know what go without him and watch the rest of us celebrating

      1. Juhlers
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        It almost seem like people are offended by a question about going without him ^_^

        Sorry if I stepped on anyone's toes.

  13. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    KDB and spread the funds in a better way
    or
    Sterling but some cuts are needed
    ?

    1. puhd
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      KDB

  14. Pierce34
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Neil Warnock is low-key a troll btw, a bit like Howe - wouldn't surprise me if Camarasa was among the "one or two knocks".

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      😀

  15. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Who should I fill the final 2 spots with?

    Ryan
    Robertson Laporte Duffy Yoshida Valery
    Eriksen KdB Son Jota XXX
    Lukaku Jiminez XXX

    A) Sterling + Deeney
    B) Deulofeu + Aguero

  16. Tempestic
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Lukaku likely to start this gw?

    1. Pooodle
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Yes

  17. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Guys what do you think?

    Am I G2G for this week? Any other ideas of captain choice?

    Ederson

    Van Dijk - Pereira - Doherty

    Pogba - Sterling - Mane - Tielemans

    Lacazette (c) - Vardy - Jiminez

    Patricio / Luiz / Iwobi / AWB

    1. Pooodle
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I wouldn’t captain Lacazette. Vardy and Sterling are better options.

    2. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      not g2g

      lacking lot of spurs

  18. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    No love for Laca?

    1. Bird Raymond
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      See my post below!

  19. zLaTaN@uNiTeD
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone got any information on arsenal presser?

  20. nadman89
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    who would be the arsenal defender to get for the double gw , koscielny? or monreal? or none?

    1. Pooodle
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Leno?

      1. nadman89
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        nah have patricio and ryan gonna bb

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Leno rotates nicely with Ryan

    3. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      no one

    4. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Kola if any

  21. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Are either of these worth considering now that Bilva "could" be back?

    A) Jota, Laporte > Bilva, Dunk
    B) Jota, Robbo > Bilva, TAA

    Have Duffy, Kun and Laporte currently from BHA and MCI

    1. Pooodle
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      No

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Good!

        Haven't changed my team since Kane injury news broke but being on here sways you all over the place!

        1. Pooodle
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Yeah it really does and not always for the best

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Stay clear.
      Bilva is chasing points imho

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        More checking I’m still ok. This place kills you on deadline day!

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Ha ha
          It does 😉

    3. Kuzser
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      how about JWP Lloris Robbo ->Bilva Ryan TAA?

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks. It could obv work but I think I’ll steer clear. Not worth the upheaval

  22. Bird Raymond
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Anybody not going with Kun?! I've been set on this for a few days now, and reassuringly it leave nothing in the bank. Getting a bit worried seeing all these Kun teams now though!

    Foster Lloris
    Robbo Laporte Duffy Doherty Bednarek
    Sterling Mane Son Erikson Jota
    Laca Jim Deeney

    I like how it spreads the money to give a really strong bench boost team with no jokers like Romeu or Hojberg, but the pay off is Laca instead of Kun so not sure.

    1. nadman89
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      no kun for me for this week , id rather have vardy and switch him to kun next week

    2. nadman89
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      lloris to ryan will give you the extra money though

    3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I’m going with Laca, Kun and Jimmy (I think)

    4. Juhlers
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I just wrote something very similar..

      I think the risk of Kun not playing (due to City rotation) is potentially very costly, especially when we are on a WC and ahead of a double, he blocks the spot for a Lukaku or a Lacazette, as well as being more expensive than either of those..

      1. Bird Raymond
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Such a big price difference between Laca and Kun too. The extra money allows you to upgade a couple of players you're only picking because they have a double to players that you'd be happy with in any week, e.g. it allows me Doherty and Jota over Valery and JWP.

  23. ㅤRising
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    How much is JWP better then Hojbjerg? He has set pieces but his XA is lower than Hojbjerg, and he is the biggest overachiever in XG. Home form is good for JWP but gw 35 both away. From what Ive seen JWP further forward at home, but away in similair positions. Toughts ???

  24. dee_top
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Start two this GW:
    A) Jota v Sou Away
    B) JWP v Wol Home
    C) Valery v Wol Home
    D) Robertson v Che Home
    E) Laporte v Cry Away

    1. ㅤRising
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      E D

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      B and E

    3. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      D E

  25. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Bench one
    A) Ward Prowse
    B) Deeney
    C) Jota

    1. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A

  26. PompeyUpNorth!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    A Doherty and Kolasinic?
    Or
    B Jonny and Trippier?
    Cheers!

  27. jake0910
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    which is the better pairing?

    a. Aguero & Erikson
    B. Laca & Sterling

    1. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A

    2. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A

  28. afsr
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Bottomed:

    Current defence is TAA, DLuiz, Pereira, Daniels (inj.), Simpson (fodder)

    Already on a -4, should i get Dunk or Duffy for another -4?

  29. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Quite tempted by a one week punt on a mid price type (Martial or Siggy) before Bilva after this week. Hmm...

    1. Hana
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I’m thinking of Moura punt

  30. Iain Dowies Love Child
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Thanks All Out Of Mounie - anyone else with feedback on the below WC?

    Lloris / Ryan
    TTA / Doherty / Duffy / Dunk / Laporte
    Sterling / Son / Mane / Jota / Hojberg
    Kun / Deeney / Jimi

    Nervous not having Eriksen but don't want to downgrade Sterling - guess I could swap Mane out but is it a waste as I want him back after the doubles?