Scout Notes

Abject Brighton set to boost Wolves and Spurs assets

Brighton ensured that Double Gameweek 34 will live long in the memory as one of the worst in Fantasy Premier League history.

Across their two home games, for which they were heavily backed defensively, they conceded seven goals and did not net a single one of their own.

Owners of their players may already be considering moving them on, especially with the Bench Boost set for extensive use in Double Gameweek 35.

We haven’t got a great deal to say about this match, as Brighton’s performance both on Tuesday and in recent weeks tells us only one thing…

Brighton 0-2 Cardiff

Goals: Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (£4.8m), Sean Morrison (£4.7m)

Assists: Junior Hoilett (£5.0m), Victor Camarasa (£4.5m)

Another dismal performance for Brighton on Tuesday night has all but written off their use to Fantasy managers for the 2018/19 season, as they are pulled perilously closer to the relegation zone. The Seagulls were backed so heavily in Double Gameweek 34 because of their home form, even in spite of dreadful results away from the Amex Stadium. However, they failed to deliver even against favourable opponents. With trips to Wolves and Tottenham coming up in Double Gameweek 35, and Arsenal and Manchester City awaiting them in the final two matches of the season, managers are already considering shipping their Seagulls out, with good reason.

Shane Duffy (£4.8m) was the chief disappointment as he managed just one point across two fixtures. Once again, Brighton were found wanting defensively, this time conceding twice to a side that had not scored away from home in the Premier League since February. In fact, it was the first time all season that Cardiff had enjoyed a lead at half-time. In the end, it proved to be the Bluebirds first away top-flight win by two clear goals since 1956. In both matches of Double Gameweek 34, there have been unexpected new levels of low for Brighton to reach.

In all fairness, there was not much Mat Ryan (£4.4m) could have done about Nathaniel Mendez-Laing‘s (£4.8m) opening goal. Receiving the ball from Junior Hoilett (£5.0m), he curled an effort from distance into the top corner, very much like the Canadian who assisted him did twice already this season. However, Sean Morrison‘s (£4.7m) second-half header, that removed another point from Brighton defenders, could have been easily avoided with better organisation.

That seems to have been their downfall in recent weeks, especially in home matches. In their first season and three-quarters in the Premier League, they lost just once at the Amex to a side outside the top six. Since Gameweek 26, they have been easily overturned by Burnley, Southampton, Bournemouth and now, even Cardiff.

While Brighton’s defence has been exceptionally poor, their attack has been even worse in recent weeks. The Seagulls have not scored in any of their last four matches, and are bottom of the league for every relevant attacking underlying statistic. In that time the Seagulls rank 20th for number of shots in the box, shots on target, accuracy, number of big chances and goal conversion rate. Furthermore, they are the first top-flight side to lose five matches on the bounce without scoring in all competitions since Aston Villa in October 2014.

Despite reverting to the tried and tested 4-4-1-1 formation for the first time in some weeks against Cardiff, Chris Hughton’s side really did offer very little on Tuesday night. Glenn Murray (£6.4m) came in for Florin Andone (£5.0m), while Pascal Groß (£6.7m) made his first start since Gameweek 28 in the number 10 role. Neither player managed a shot on target.

The only player who offered much was the returning Solly March (£4.7m), deployed on the right wing in his first start since Gameweek 28. No Brighton player shot more often in the box than him, while he was top for chances created too.

Crucially, the fact that the Seagulls are so blunt in their attacks right now bodes well for those backing Wolves and Spurs defensive assets in Double Gameweek 35.

Meanwhile, Cardiff players proved us many wrong by securing two places in the Double Gameweek 34 Dream Team. Morrison’s clean sheet and goal earned him a total of 16 points across his two matches, while Victor Camarasa (£4.5m) managed seven points after assisting the centre-back’s headed strike.

Whether either can seriously command Fantasy appeal between now and the end of the season remains to be seen though. Camarasa will naturally receive more attention given his price and how well he fits into midfield structures, while Morrison’s goal was just his first of the season. It’s a home match with Liverpool up next, with Crystal Palace and Manchester United still to come. Maybe their next best opportunity for points will be the Gameweek 36 trip to Fulham.

The desire to stay in the Premier League was evident in Cardiff’s play on Tuesday night and it was clear that they were considerably more focussed in their hopes to stay up than Brighton were. That could be the deciding factor in the Bluebirds’ upcoming performances as we reach that stage of the season where aims and objectives, or lack of them, for teams start to play a part in our Fantasy decisions.

There were a number of injury considerations for Neil Warnock to clear up after the game. Harry Arter (£4.9m) missed out on the game entirely after, strangely, picking up a problem when coming off the pitch against Burnley. Meanwhile, Aron Gunnarsson (£4.4m) had to come off in the second half at Brighton with a back spasm.

“He just nicked his calf, believe it or not, running off when he was substituted. There are some silly injuries out there. I couldn’t risk him tonight.” – Neil Warnock

“Yeah we didn’t want to risk him any more. He’s got a spasm in his back. He’ll be alright. He just needs it. I was glad when he came off. Bacuna was like Pogba when he came on.” – Neil Warnock

Brighton and Hove Albion XI (4-4-1-1): Ryan; Bernardo, Dunk, Duffy, Bruno; March, Pröpper, Stephens, Jahanbakhsh (Izquierdo 69′); Groß (Andone 54′); Murray.

Cardiff City XI (4-2-3-1): Etheridge; Bennett, Ecuele Manga, Morrison, Peltier; Ralls, Gunnarsson (Bacuna 55′); Hoilett, Camarasa, Mendez-Laing (Harris 80′); Niasse (Zohoré 84′).

843 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Reckoner.
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Need help please, 10m to fill the last two spots, am Bench Boosting this week:

    Foster | Ryan
    Robertson | Valery | Bednerak | Bennett | *****
    Salah | Sterling | Son | Ward-Prowse | *****
    Aguero | Lacazette | Jimenez

    Toyed with Kiko & Deulofeu even thought about Iwobi as a punt but not really sure what to do.

    1. Fantasy Premington
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Hughes+Doherty?

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

        0.2 short of that but Doherty could be a good shout. Thanks

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

      Boly & Henderson or is that too out there?

      Gundogan worth thinking about?

      1. Fantasy Premington
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        I actually think Boly and Hendo could be a decent shout

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

        Boly & Hendo would be nice.
        Hendo playing in advanced role so can be a cheap route into Pool attack

      3. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Don't get Hendo nor Iwobi. The chances of those 2 dissapointing you are massive.

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

        Thanks both, not sure I'll find a better pair for 10m. Hendo a bit of a punt but will be a massive differential in my mini league if he returns.

        1. Rhodes your boat
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Duffy?

  2. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Best Option:

    1. BB = Foster Duffy Dunk Romeu (could use 1FT to improve,maybe WAT def)
    2. TC = Jimenez or Kun

    Thanks

  3. Fantasy Premington
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Lloris Foster
    Robbo Laporte Doherty Valery Duffy
    Salah Sterling Son JWP Hughes
    Aguero Jimmy Deeney

    Thoughts?

    A) Duffy+Deeney -> Bednarek+Wilson (-4)
    B) Duffy+Deeney -> TAA+Llorente/Long (-4)
    C) Deeney -> Gray
    D) other shouts?

  4. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    So using BB on Dunk and Duffy will add about 2 points to my total score.

    1. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Don't be so optimistic, both could easily score an own goal or get a red card

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      With people on here selling you just know they will haul 🙂

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

        Hopefully that's Duffy as I'm keeping him (atm)

  5. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Any serious Triple captain contenders this week?

    I had planned for using this week, probably on an Arsenal striker, but I have gone off that idea totally now as I just know the one I go for will get 60 minutes start and 20mins of the bench in the other...... or worse!

  6. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    It will be great to see Brighton relegated ... such a nothing team 🙂

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

      I said this when we missed out on Chelsea dgw & TC hazard in gw 25 due to them.
      I TC Sane then.

      Never Forget !!

      Brighton for the relegation !!

      Cardiff survival due to their difficult season. (Injury & other unfortunate circumstances wise)

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

      FA Cup Semifinalists, and a great passion. Wishing relegation on anyone is terrible

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Someone has to go down and I just can’t buy into Brighton as a genuine football club ... I don’t see PL football as the most important thing of their fans life ... they come over as ‘oh well, that is how it goes’ .... it’s all a bit plastic really 🙂

  7. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Is Camarasa(liv) > Hojbjerg(new,wat) worth a hit?

    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      not sure for hojberg - but can you upgrade to word prowse?

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

        Plan is to make Deeney to Wilson so wont have funds.
        Can get Ings/Long and Deu/Redmond than.

  8. Puyol Pants Up
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Bottomed:

    What do people think of MItrovic as a cheeky pick?

    Great fixtures to finish off the season (bou, CAR, wol, NEW) - [Plan to bench him for wol]

    16 shots in the last 2 games (yes 16!), playing very selfishly and is desperate to score. Nailed on for 90 minutes every game, looking to impress other clubs as he is likely to leave fulham. Hit the post and forced a few good saves from Pickford last GW

    Bournemouth have conceded 5 goals in their last 2 home games, (3 against Burnley, 2 against Newcastle)

    Compared to Wilson:
    He does have Fulham at home this week, but (sou, TOT, cry) to finish the season? I can see 3 blanks from 3.
    Wilson also has 16 shots in 11 games, compared to Mitrovic's 16 shots in 2 games..

    Thoughts?

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

      2 goals in the last 14 games and playing for a terrible side, I'll pass

      1. Puyol Pants Up
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        A terrible side who just beat Everton 2-0

        We've seen in the past that sides who have already been relegated start to play well - decent fixtures too. And he has the motivation to do well.

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

          as good as gray, ings and other cheap picks I guess

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

            they rarely score goals away though

          2. Puyol Pants Up
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            Gray has never played with Deulofeu.

            Ing's literally can't play 2 games within a few days as stated by the manager..

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

      Very good shout imo.

  9. Robson-Canoe
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Bottomed.
    What's the consensus on the Bournemouth GK roulette?
    Does Boruc have his place back?

    1. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I think so, kept a cleansheet against Brighton.

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      No one knows, I wouldn’t own either as my first choice or BB keeper

  10. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    on BB

    duffy to?

    1 - catchcart/holebas
    2 - kola/monreal (alreday have leno)
    3 - vertongen/trippier
    4 - save transfer

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

      3

  11. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    I went on a Yellow Vest protest yesterday and ended up getting a job on a building site.

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

      go back to the joke centre

  12. In a Rush
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    I really can’t decide what to do with bloody Deeney.
    A.Straight swap to Ings or gray
    B. Martial to redmond and Deeney to Rashford
    Any thoughts welcome cheers

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

      B

      1. In a Rush
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers it does seem like the better option, otherwise I’m left with gray or Ings at least redmond may be useful for the run in

  13. Cabellafan
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    For Deeney and Duffy?
    A) Long + Laporte
    B) Wilson + Yoshi

  14. Puncheon Guly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Got a slot for a cheapo mid this week. Sissoko an option?

    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      god no.

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

      Hudson-Odoi v Burnley

      1. Puncheon Guly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Interesting. will see how much he plays tomorrow

    3. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Redmond/JWP?

      1. Puncheon Guly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        JWP an option. Redmond must be a trap!

  15. Tsssst
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Who's the go to nailed to start cheap Watford defender?

    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      After extensive research, I'm going for Janmaat.

      1. Puyol Pants Up
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Reasoning?

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Last ten games has played 90mins in all bar two preceding the Arse game when he still got significant minutes.

          He has threat too on occasion.

      2. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Kiko?

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Not sold on him.

  16. Zenith UK
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    BB Activated.

    Thoughts please?

    Leno, Boruc
    Laporte, Kola, Valery, Robbo, AWB
    Sterling, Eriksen, Mane, Redmond, Jota
    Aguero, Jimenez, Wilson

  17. cescpistols111
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Need help please, 4.9m to fill the last spot, am Bench Boosting this week. Need a defender for the run-in.

    Foster | Ryan
    TAA | Valery | Kolasinac | Bennett | *****
    Hazard | Mane | Son | Fraser | Deulofeu
    Aguero | Lacazette | Jimenez

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

    Has everyone decided on their route to 3rd pool player yet? (gw36)
    I'm deciding between...
    A. Erik and Kun to Salah and Rashford (will tc Salah).
    B. Just upgrading Kola to TAA (one less move, tc mane).

    Any thoughts?

  19. Leeds-Utd
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    I don't have bench boost so who are the "must have" Double week players
    Assuming that I will keep 2 Liverpool players.
    Thanks

    1. Von Lipwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Beware the DGW

  20. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    No Spurs or City cover.

    A) Maddison > Jota or Moura
    B) Vardy > Jimenez
    C) Maddison + Vardy > De Bryune + Jimenez with -4 hit

    Cheers

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

      B imo, could even go for A though with Lucas.

      Don’t think de Bruyne is worth it

  21. Greek Flair
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    So Deeney-Benchboosters

    Who are we going for?

    The thought of Ings or Grey doesn’t do much to excite me

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Unfortunately I have only 5.9m to spend so Gray & Ings are my only options.

    2. Azathoth
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Wilson

      1. Greek Flair
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Wilson would cost me a -4, worth it?

    3. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I fear Ings is not yet fit enough. Grey is not a reliable pick but I think he'll start both games which is probably enough for me to risk it.

    4. In a Rush
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I’m in the same boat with 0itb as I posted above leaning towards
      Martial ➡️ Redmond
      Deeney ➡️ Rashford
      But really unsure ideally don’t want to take the hit, so maybe a straight swap to gray

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

        I like that

      2. Greek Flair
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        rashford should pay that back especially with his 37&38 fixtures and now out of the champions league so no rotation

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

      For straight moves, Gray and Ings. But i want a Brighton out combo, so Llorente or even Long allows a good defender.

      1. Greek Flair
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        does long actually play every game though? I though it was Ings and Redmond up top?

  22. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Would you sell one of alisson, taa, robbo to get salah(C) for gw36 ?

    1. Fantasy Premington
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      yes

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        I should sell eriksen too. Still yes?

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Nope

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Then I don't have a good C for gw 36

  23. Fantasy Premington
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts?

    A) Duffy+Deeney -> Bednarek+Wilson (-4)
    B) Duffy+Deeney -> TAA+Long (-4)
    C) Duffy+Deeney -> TAA+Llorente (-4)
    D) Deeney -> Gray
    E) other shouts?

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

      A personally. Big haul against Fulham incoming

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A looks good

      Deeney to Success and Duffy to premium defender is also an option

  24. Tsssst
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Speroni > Foster
    Hazard > Sterling
    Vardy > Jiminez

    worth a -8 ?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Don't lose Hazard this week

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

        im trying mate, i just want sterling...

  25. De Gea is GOAT
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Looking for a "differential" cap this week. Pretty sure ML rivals will go for either Mane or Jimi. Any help would be much appreciated:
    Mane
    Jimi
    Jota
    Son
    Eriksen
    Sterling
    TAA

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Likely going Jimi or Hazard myself but Sterling is tempting me as he could be the ultimate differential captain with his form and explosive potential (despite the toughish fix on paper)

      1. De Gea is GOAT
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        I hear ya Jia! Raz is just unstoppable atm!

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

    Boruc (FUL) to Foster, (hud, SOU) for a fit worth it? Other keeper is Guaita (ars).

  27. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    For the run in which Spurs option is better:

    A) Lloris (for Fabianski)
    B) Lucas Moura (for Brooks who has Fulham this week)

  28. Evasivo
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Finish my front line... Aguero Jimenez & ???

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

      Wilson?

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Firmino

    3. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      + Vardy is my line. If you can afford Laca I would look him

      1. Robson-Canoe
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Really? I own him and want to get rid.

        1. Evasivo
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Laca or Vardy?

          1. Robson-Canoe
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            Laca

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

        I have Vardy currently, but want to lose him for a DGW player

    4. Evasivo
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I'd like Laca or Auba but rotation of both is too annoying

  29. Deece
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Current team for this week. 1ft and nothing in bank. * = DGW

    Lloris*
    Robbo TAA Bednarek*
    Son* Haz Sterling* Fraser
    Aguero* Wilson Rondon

    Boruc FAnderson Bennett* Chilwell

    Will Triple captain Sterling or Aguero.

    A) Start Rondon (SOT)
    B) Rondon -> Long*
    C) Start Fanderon (LEI)
    D) Fanderson -> Moura*

  30. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Hi, who is better options this week?
    A. Vardy vs whu
    B. Firmino vs car
    Thanks 🙂

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Would prefer B slightly but dont feel there is enough in it to make the swap, could go either way! Especially now with Cardiff having a realistic shot at staying up.

    2. In a Rush
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      B