Scout Notes

Key Gameweek 35 assets on form in seven-goal thriller at the Etihad

Three Premier League teams were in UEFA Champions League action on Wednesday evening, with two of them producing one of the most memorable matches of recent times.

Manchester City defeated Tottenham Hotspur 4-3 on the night but exited the competition on away goals, dashing any hopes of a quadruple for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The two sides have to do it all again at the Etihad on Saturday lunchtime in Double Gameweek 35.

Liverpool cruised through to the semi-finals with a 6-1 aggregate win over Porto, meanwhile, with several of their most-popular Fantasy Premier League assets among the goals – we’ll discuss their latest victory in our second set of Scout Notes later.

Both Liverpool and Spurs will now be in Champions League semi-final action either side of Gameweek 37.

We try to make sense of a pulsating night of European football and examine the fallout from a Fantasy perspective.

Manchester City 4-3 Tottenham Hotspur

  • Goals: Raheem Sterling (£11.5m) x2, Bernardo Silva (£7.6m), Sergio Aguero (£11.7m) | Son Heung-min (£8.8m) x2, Fernando Llorente (£5.1m)
  • Assists: Kevin De Bruyne (£9.7m) x3, Sergio Aguero | Christian Eriksen (£9.3m), Kieran Trippier (£6.0m)

Where to start with a game as enthralling and as frenzied as this?

From a Fantasy manager’s point of view, Wednesday’s seven-goal thriller at the Etihad would have been simultaneously encouraging from a form perspective while also dispiriting knowing that there may be repercussions in the Premier League on Saturday.

Several well-owned FPL assets were given full 90-minute run-outs less than 72 hours before the ‘rematch’ in Manchester and the mental and physical toll the tie may have taken on some of these players will only be known once they take to the field at the Etihad again this weekend.

Rotation may also be a concern but with a title defence on the line for City, it seems unlikely there will be wholesale changes from Guardiola.

The reigning league champions’ head coach said after full-time:

We have to stand up, we have to react. Of course, it’s close time, the same [opposing] team. But don’t think too much right now, try to sleep as much as possible, tomorrow recovery and then the day before the game we are going to prepare.

We fought a lot, nine, ten months for the Premier League. Still we are there, it’s in our hands. It’s tough, of course, but we have to do it.

Whether Mauricio Pochettino views Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off in quite the same esteem remains to be seen, although Spurs still have much to do to seal a Champions League qualification place in 2019/20 (winning the tournament this season, of course, will do just that).

There were stand-out performances from FPL midfielders on both sides.

Kevin De Bruyne (£9.7m) has been increasingly influential in recent weeks and last night’s display was more fuel to the argument that he is very nearly – if not already – back to his best.

The Belgian’s characteristic driving runs from deep propelled City forward and he was rewarded for a game-high total of four key passes with a hat-trick of assists.

De Bruyne’s surge through the Spurs midfield led to Raheem Sterling (£11.5m)’s superb, curled opener, before the Belgium international teed up Sterling for City’s third goal with an excellent low cross across the six-yard box.

The former Chelsea and Wolfsburg midfielder then completed his treble with another run and lay-off to Sergio Aguero (£11.7m), whose finish evoked memories of his title-winning goal against QPR in 2011/12.

De Bruyne also had three shots of his own, the best of which was a trademark angled drive that Hugo Lloris (£5.4m) did well to punch away.

There is not a great deal left to say about Sterling, who followed up his brace at Palace with another on Wednesday and he would have registered a hat-trick had his stoppage-time goal not been ruled out for offside after VAR intervention.

The England winger lined up on the left flank in this encounter and gave Kieran Trippier (£6.0m) a torrid evening – something that both managers will no doubt pay attention to ahead of the rematch on Saturday.

While Bernardo Silva (£7.6m) caused problems for Danny Rose (£5.8m) on the other wing and indeed scored City’s heavily deflected second goal, there is no doubt that Trippier is Spurs’ weakest link from a defensive perspective and whoever gets the nod on the left flank for City this weekend could prosper. Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.2m) may, of course, come into the side as he did in Gameweek 34 but the rookie full-back is untested at the very highest level and his inclusion in itself would encourage owners of Sterling or perhaps Leroy Sane (£9.3m).

Sterling has now completed 90 minutes in each of City’s previous four matches dating back to the FA Cup semi-final win over Brighton just under two weeks ago and is the only attacking asset in Guardiola’s squad to do so.

Whether the City boss would even consider a rest for his in-form wide-man at this point of the season remains open to debate.

Aguero was perhaps not quite as central to proceedings as De Bruyne and Sterling but was far from peripheral and his FPL owners would gratefully receive a similar goal-and-assist haul this weekend.

The Argentinean striker would have banked the assist for Sterling’s disallowed goal in injury time, too, had it stood.

While De Bruyne is rediscovering his best form, David Silva (£8.5m) is seemingly well below his and last night’s display was another average one from the veteran Spaniard.

Aymeric Laporte (£6.1m) turned in an uncharacteristically error-prone performance, meanwhile, gifting Spurs their first two goals with some sloppy touches.

Son Heung-min (£8.8m) capitalised on both occasions, first turning the ball underneath Ederson (£5.6m) after it ran kindly into his path and then curling a fine second past the Brazilian after being teed up by Christian Eriksen (£9.3m).

No player had more attempts on goal in this match than Son, who also whistled an effort narrowly wide of Ederson’s left-hand post just before half-time.

Pochettino said of the impressive Korean:

Fantastic performance, scoring twice here and in the Champions League to show his quality. I am so happy with him. He was unbelievable.

Son had initially lined up for this match alongside Lucas Moura (£6.8m) in a 4-4-2 diamond, with Eriksen playing behind the strike pair.

A 41st-minute injury to Moussa Sissoko (£4.9m) led to a change of shape, however, with Fernando Llorente (£5.1m) brought on up top, Moura playing just off the Spanish striker, and Son and Eriksen redeployed out wide.

Pochettino was asked about Sissoko’s condition after the game and replied:

I don’t know, we need to check tomorrow. Maybe his groin but we will see.

Sissoko’s injury also led to the fit-again Dele Alli (£8.8m) dropping back alongside Victor Wanyama (£4.9m) in a 4-2-3-1, further highlighting Alli’s reduction in Fantasy appeal as his evolution into a more deep-lying midfielder continues.

The former MK Dons prospect didn’t register a single shot and made only one key pass.

Eriksen’s underlying numbers were better, although again his shots (of which there were four) mostly came from distance.

The Danish international is a bit like Silva in that his form has dipped in 2018/19 but he is consistently delivering returns of late and he banked another assist for Son’s second goal.

While the Korean’s participation at the Etihad on Saturday (along with many other FPL assets) must be in some doubt due to fatigue, there is better news for his owners in the medium-term – Son’s booking for a foul on De Bruyne means he will miss the semi-final first leg against Ajax through suspension, surely increasing his chances of a start in Gameweek 36 and perhaps 37.

Given that he only featured as a substitute on Wednesday, Llorente may get a look-in on Saturday and beyond.

The former Swansea striker bundled in Trippier’s corner for Spurs’ decisive third goal and is another who may benefit from Premier League starts around the Champions League semi-finals in Gameweeks 36 to 38.

On top of Sissoko’s injury, Erik Lamela (£5.9m) didn’t feature in the match-day squad despite travelling with his teammates.

Reports suggest the Argentinean midfielder may have suffered a recurrence of his hamstring injury in the warm-up, although this has not yet been confirmed the club.

Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Kompany, Laporte, Mendy (Sane 83′); De Bruyne, Gundogan, Silva (Fernandinho 63′), Sterling, Aguero, Bernardo Silva.

Tottenham Hotspur XI (4-4-2 diamond): Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose (Sanchez 90′); Sissoko (Llorente 41′), Wanyama, Alli, Eriksen; Lucas Moura (Davies 82′), Son.

637 Comments Post a Comment
  1. robert1116336
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Originally thinking of Vardy to Firmino this week. Then Erikson to sterling next week.

    Any thoughts if Erikson to sterling needs to be this week?

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      He is on fire, can you risk missing another haul?

      Doing similar moves myself.

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      It’s a better move than the former

  2. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Best 4.3m defender to bring in to this BB?

    A) Kiko
    B) Mariappa
    C) Yoshida
    D) Valery
    E) Someone else

    Foster, Ryan
    TAA, Doherty, Duffy, Dunk, xxx
    Mane, Sterling, Son, Eriksen, Jota
    Aguero, Jimenez, Ings

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

      D

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Valery confirmed fit.

    3. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A

      1. Feed tha Sheep
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Sorry D I mean

  3. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    A or B?

    Lloris - Foster
    Laporte - Trent - Duffy#
    Salah - Eriksen# - Son - Jota
    Aguero - Jimenez - Vardy#

    Foster - Deulofeu - Doherty - Valery

    BB 35 still.

    A, Erik & Vardy > Sterling & Llorente/Wilson -4

    B, Duffy, Erik & Vardy > KDB, Firmino & Bednarek -8

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

      A with Llorente

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

    All right time to take a risk?

    Current squad

    Foster, Lloris
    Doherty, Valery, Duffy, TAA, Kolasinac
    Son, Salah, Eriksen, Deulofeu, Camarasa
    Vardy, Kun, Jimenez

    A) Eriksen -> Sane
    B) Eriksen, Vardy -> Sterling, Llorente
    C) Eriksen, Vardy, Camarasa -> Sterling, Moura, Long -8

    I'm thinking about C. Long would only play this GW and risks sometimes do payoff.

    advice?

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      B looks promising

  5. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    - West Ham have conceded 10 in their last 4. Including 3 at home to Huddersfield.
    - Leicester have the motivation of Europa League
    - WKD blue sales through the roof.

    Can't bring myself to bench / sell Vardy. Anyone keeping him for one more week?

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

      Possibly two - he’s a top 6 specialist after all

    2. theodosios
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Keep him just for this gameweek...After that, there are a lot of better options..

    3. Homer21
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Was all over transferring him out for Laca but seriously considering holding for one more match, have more serious issues elsewhere!!

  6. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    BB this week and 0.9 ITB any ideas what to do? I was Thinking Cam> Redmond or maybe upgrade Duffy? But really want Salah/Mane and sterling (even from next week)

    Ederson Ryan
    Robertson Duffy Valery Doherty Vertonghon
    KDB Eriksen Son Doucoure Camarasa
    Agureo Vardy Jimi

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

    Best striker 6.5 or under? Will be BBing this week

    1. theodosios
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Gray

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Llorente's worth a punt imo

    3. Bubbles1985
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I think I am going Gray - forced by Deeney!

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

    Llorente, Gray or Ings?

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      One of the first two for me. Thinking Llorente but unsure

  9. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Sorry got kicked out before.

    Thinking Deeney >> Llorente here? And then possibly Duffy >> Monreal for a -4. Why you think? Will BB.

    Foster. Ryan
    Doherty. TAA. Laporte. Duffy. Bednarek
    Eriksen. Son. Mané. Sterling. Højbjerg
    Deeney. Agüero. Jiménez

    1. MTPockets
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Looks fine if Llorente gets the minutes. Wouldn't bother with the hit

    2. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      If the rest of the players in your ML have Salah, then the chances are they will probably TC him against Huddersfield. So to play it safe you'll probably have to do the same, or do you disagree?

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Agree

      2. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Shield

      3. MTPockets
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Don't think I'll be getting Salah back

        • grumpyman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Nah, play your own game and TC who you think will get the most points. Mane looks sharper atm so this could be a great chance to get one up on your rivals.

      4. simong1
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Lloris – Foster
        TAA – Laporte – Doherty – Duffy – Valery
        KDB – Son – Eriksen – Jota – Siggurdson
        Aguero – Jimenez – Deeney

        1FT, 2.6 ITB, BB35, Current transfer plans for the next few wks is as below. Look good? Or would it be better to skip the Wilson transfer and go straight to Rashford?

        Pre GW35: Deeney > Wilson
        Pre GW36: Eriksen > Mane
        Pre GW37: Wilson > Rashford

      5. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Best 5.5 defender? Thinking Monreal or Kosh.

        Although a Kosh red on the last day of the season 2 years ago cost me a top 100 finish so that still hurts haha 🙂

      6. amplifiedAnt
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Lloris, Foster
        Robertson, Doherty, Duffy, Dunk, Valery
        Mané, De Bruyne, Eriksen, Son, Jota
        Aguero, Jimenez, Deeney

        0.2 ITB, aiming to BB. No ideal solution tbh.

        A. Deeney > Gray/Ings/Rondon
        B. Deeney + Duffy > Wilson + Yoshida (-4)
        B. Deeney + Dunk > Long + TAA (-4)

        1. g40steve
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          B for me

      7. Plagued by indecision
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Well plumping for Salah/KDB over Mane/Sterling has thus far not quite paid off. Hope it does this week because I can’t afford to switch now.

        Need rid of one of my Brighton defenders and Deeney. Who should I get? Just 0.1m itb. Bench boost active.

        Foster / Gunn
        Valery / Laporte / Duffy / Doherty / Dunk
        Salah / KDB / JWP / Son / Doucoure
        Jimenez / Aguero / Deeney*

        Just can’t find anything reasonable in that price range.

      8. Klein
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Repost
        Hey guys
        Is salah + erik + vardy to sterling + kdb + firminho worth it in next 2 weeks? Really hard to fir sterling without taking out salah. Also have mane vvd and son if that matters

      9. The Left Duke #3
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        This Troy Deeney Red Card is really a painus is my anus.

        Really don't want anyone around that price range or don't want to be stuck with Double BH DF.

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

          Keep Deeney and BB later? I'm just getting Ings for him, but not expecting much.

          1. The Left Duke #3
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            Only 3 GWs left after this and only 36 looks good to BB but Deeney would be suspended for that too as it currently stands. Surely the DGW is the best time to BB as your bench have 8 games between them to get as many points possible.

      10. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Lloris - Foster
        Laporte - Trent - Duffy
        Salah - Sterling - Son - Jota
        Aguero - Jimenez - Wilson

        Foster - Deulofeu - Doherty - Valery

        BB 35.

        GTG?