Scout Notes

Set-piece improvements at Liverpool benefit Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool’s latest victory – their sixth Premier League win in a row – was a mixed bag for Fantasy managers.

Both goalscorers were midfield differentials owned by 2.5% of FPL managers or fewer but there was a 19th clean sheet of the season for the Reds’ defence and assists for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah.

Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, however, both drew blanks in South Wales.

Our analysis of the Sunday tea-time game at the Cardiff City Stadium continues below.

Cardiff City 0-2 Liverpool

  • Goals: Georginio Wijnaldum (£5.5m), James Milner (£5.6m)
  • Assists: Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.6m), Mohamed Salah (£13.2m)

Jurgen Klopp hailed the importance of set-pieces after Liverpool saw off Cardiff City on Sunday without scoring from open play.

Georginio Wijnaldum (£5.5m) smashed in a well-worked corner delivered by Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.6m) to put the Reds 1-0 up before substitute James Milner (£5.6m) capped off the victory from 12 yards following a foul by Sean Morrison (£4.8m) on Mohamed Salah (£13.2m).

Liverpool have scored more goals from set plays (20) than any other Premier League side in 2018/19, with 13 of the assists coming directly from corners.

As well as being a budget-friendly route into the Liverpool backline, Alexander-Arnold has the added appeal of being one of the Reds’ two chief set-piece takers.

Milner actually trumps the England right-back for corners taken this season (90 to 67) but Alexander-Arnold has a higher success rate and Milner’s squad player status (he has started in just one of his side’s last seven Premier League games) has been to the benefit of the Liverpool full-back.

No FPL asset has taken more corners or successful corners than Alexander-Arnold since his return from injury in Gameweek 28.

Speaking after the game, Klopp said:

We put a lot of effort into set-pieces. We were not bad, first half. We knew that Cardiff are outstandingly strong at offensive set-pieces but from time to time they have some problems with defensive set-pieces. The boys obviously found out [how to work the corner].

If you make all of these runs and you’re on the pitch, no camera angle is as good as your own view, so they decided to play that flat ball and Gini could make the run. With all the blocks, it was man-marking and if three players are man-marked and then you bring a fourth or a fifth one, then he is free. Obviously, Gini was free during that moment, but still, you have to hit the ball like this. A brilliant goal, I loved it.

Speaking of his side’s improvement at dead-ball situations (the Reds scored only 11 goals from free-kicks and corners in 2017/18), Klopp added:

We had to improve on it, we didn’t really score a lot of goals in the past from this. A big compliment to all the boys involved in that – the analysts, Pete Krawietz put a lot of work into that but in the end, the boys have to do it.

We have two or three routines around set-pieces, then it’s about trying all of them and figuring out what caused them the most problems, then you try that one again.

If you are not happy with all of the things on the day then we have to try something different. That’s difficult on the pitch to decide because you need too many players being involved, it’s like taking a proper time out and saying, ‘now we do it like this’. But at half-time, it is possible, so they did it.

What may be a deterrent for those Fantasy managers thinking of bringing in Alexander-Arnold for the season run-in is the return to fitness of Joe Gomez (£4.8m), who got more minutes under his belt when replacing the Liverpool right-back in the closing stages of Sunday’s game.

With a Premier League title on the line, of course, there is no guarantee that Klopp will make a change at full-back (or centre-half) in any of the final three league fixtures of 2018/19.

The Liverpool boss indeed said in his post-match press conference that the Champions League semi-final, first leg against Barcelona, which takes place five days after the Gameweek 36 clash with Huddersfield, is not in his thoughts.

Klopp said:

Our next game is against Huddersfield, which will be difficult again for different reasons. I know already that if I say, ‘it will be really tough’ then people look at me and say ‘what are you talking about? Do you think about Barcelona already?’ or some b******t like that. We will be completely focused on Huddersfield but until then, we have to train, recover, rest.

There was no certainly no complacency against Cardiff, who came into this match having lost all ten of their previous league meetings with “big six” sides in 2018/19.

The Reds’ away victory was similar in nature to the ones over Southampton and Fulham, with their limited opponents offering stubborn resistance before finally being broken down in the second half.

While Liverpool were not at their fluent best, there were chances aplenty for Salah, Sadio Mane (£10.0m) and Roberto Firmino (£9.3m).

The Reds’ front three had ten shots between them, with Firmino blazing over an excellent chance when one on one with Neil Etheridge (£4.6m) before the Philippines international denied Salah with a reaction stop just after half an hour.

Mane then diverted an Alexander-Arnold cross over from the edge of the six-yard box and rippled the roof of net after the break, before Salah – who spurned a couple of breakaway situations similar to the one he scored from at Southampton – drew a superb save out of Etheridge following a neat one-two with Firmino.

This was the first league match since the Merseyside derby in Gameweek 29 in which none of Liverpool’s front three had found the back of the net but there was still plenty to encourage owners ahead of that much-anticipated meeting with relegated Huddersfield this Friday.

Mane, indeed, carved out four opportunities for his team-mates, including the aforementioned gilt-edged chance that Firmino spurned from close range and a presentable opening that Jordan Henderson (£5.3m) ballooned over late in the game.

Henderson was again playing in a more advanced role in the middle of the park, with Wijnaldum as the defensive anchor in the midfield three.

Fabinho (£5.5m) was brought on for Naby Keita (£7.1m) on the 70-minute mark but lasted all of three minutes, with the Brazilian forced off following a clash of heads.

Klopp said of his midfielder’s condition:

It was very unlucky. Fabinho is OK but he had a bit of shaky legs and that’s of course not a good sign in the moment.

It’s a 100 per cent ‘yes’ or go off; if it’s 95 per cent in that game in that position, we cannot make that decision [to stay on]. It’s all good.

Fabinho’s swift exit meant that Milner took to the pitch in his stead and, for the second time in five Gameweeks, the former Manchester City midfielder’s on-field presence meant that Salah had to cede spot-kick duties to the undisputed number one penalty taker at the club.

We say “undisputed” but Salah did initially try to claim responsibility for the spot-kick and was visibly disappointed when Milner wrestled the ball from his grasp.

Virgil van Dijk (£6.6m) banked a bonus point to go with his clean sheet but the Bluebirds sporadically caused their visitors some problems and had their chances.

Junior Hoilett‘s (£5.0m) miscontrol allowed Andrew Robertson (£6.8m) the time to block the Canadian’s goalbound shot before Oumar Niasse (£5.0m) forced a save out of Alisson with a hooked effort from a corner.

Cardiff’s best opportunity came after the break, however, when Morrison mistimed his header with the goal gaping.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (£4.8m) was again impressive down the left flank, meanwhile, causing Alexander-Arnold plenty of problems in the first half.

Warnock praised his spirited side after full-time, saying:

The lads did really well. We wanted to give Liverpool a game and attack them when we could. We didn’t want to just sit back and have a boring 0-0, but they’re just a good side and there’s not a weakness in their team or on their bench.

I did feel that we could get something, but one bit of slack marking from a corner demonstrated the quality that they’ve got and I thought it was a soft penalty.

We’re still fighting and I’m really proud of them because I couldn’t fault one. They really gave their best and when you’re coming up against such quality, it’s great to give them a game and give the fans exciting moments because we knew we were going to be under the cosh for large parts it.

Harry Arter (£4.9m) missed out with a calf problem while Joe Ralls (£4.6m) limped off injured in the second half.

Warnock said of Ralls’ condition:

That, I don’t know. I’ve not had a chance with all the commitments that you media guys have. I haven’t been in the physio room yet. It looked like a hamstring [injury] to me, he stopped short, didn’t he? I honestly don’t know yet.

Cardiff City XI (4-1-4-1): Etheridge; Peltier, Morrison, Manga, Bennett; Gunnarsson; Hoilett (Murphy 83′), Camarasa, Ralls (Bacuna 78′), Mendez-Laing; Niasse (Zohore 66′).

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): AlissonAlexander-Arnold (Gomez 85′), Matip, van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Wijnaldum, Keita (Fabinho 71′, Milner 75′); Salah, Firmino, Mane.

682 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Business Cat
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    If I had it (I don't), I'd be tempted to use it on the last day.

    I've had some crazy last-day gains before, beaten ML rivals. The last GW is traditionally full of random goal-fests.

    Captained a Vardy brace away at Spurs last year, captained a Giroud hatrick for Arsenal 4-5 years ago when hardly anyone else did 😎

    1. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      ...reply fail 🙁

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

      (Que?)

      1. Business Cat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Was replying to a "when should I use TC?" post

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

          Thought you were talking about you're litter box.

          1. Business Cat
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            Olivier Giroud would feel right at home in a litter box these days...

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

              😀

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

      It's a TC question reply i guess 🙂

    4. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Tricky part is spotting where the goals will come in 38. Which of the fixtures do you fancy? I can see both title decider games being cagey.

      1. Business Cat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Spurs Everton looks the prime candidate

        LEI CHE
        WAT WHM
        FUL NEW
        CPL BOU

        ...could also go nuts

        1. ItOnlyTook9Years
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Son v Eve is what I'm eyeing up. Depends a bit on their CL progress

    5. mookie
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      That would mean doing something different. I think you're in the wrong place.

      1. Business Cat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Wasted my TC on Harold against Cardiff right at the beginning of tge season...no fun for me this year

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

    Who'd you © from:

    A. Taa
    B. Robbo
    C. Firmino
    D. Son
    E. Kun
    F. Raz

    Currently on Raz ©.
    Thank you 🙂

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Son or raz

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

        Cheers mate 🙂

    2. Top 210 Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      If Raz starts against us then he likley rested vs. Bur

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

        Yeah. I'm also circumspect.
        But with title on the line, I'd be surprised if Raz doesn't start Burnley.

        Thank you mate 🙂

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

      D for me.

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

        Thank you mate 🙂

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

      I'd say Liverpool...but no Mane/Salah would make me nervous

      I'd go Sterling of those

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

        That's what I've chosen on WC 😕
        Hopefully get away. Thank you !

    5. fenixri
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Son

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

        Son start almost guaranteed with CL suspension. Agreed

        Thank you 🙂

    6. All For One
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      D or E

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

        Thank you 🙂
        Kun away is slightly underwhelming isn't he. Like Son.

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

      Bobby or Son and pray

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

        Well it was calculated risk on WC to get Bobby & Taa+Robbo.
        He should have scored yesterday tbh. Good stats but nothing to show for it 😮

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

      Firmino. It will be medieval and no Liverpud is asking for trouble.

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

        This gw was always the difficult part of the plan 😀

        Thank you. Bobby for you then.

    9. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      C D

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

        Thank you 🙂

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

    Play Ryan or Foster in gw36?

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Foster plus Brighton defender if you have one to spread the risk.

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

      Ryan

    3. Merlinsnose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Ryan

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

      Foster

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

      Ryan

  4. el polako
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Just wrote a completely acceptable post about Wayne Hennessey and his ignorance - yet it hasnt been published.

    PC brigade on here is way OTT...

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

      That's a bummer. Hope you saved it at least!

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      They dont actually review blocked posts. Dont swear

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Didnt swear.

      2. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah, this is mostly correct. I review or look at auto-blocked posts but only after they've been blocked. So if terrible content is posted but auto-blocked, users can still can bans.

        Not that yours was El Polako, as I explain below 🙂

    3. Richd
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      They block many words.

      The N word is blocked. As in the German Political Party.

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        It shouldnt be blocked, world shouldnt forget and imbeciles like Wayne Hennessey should get basic historical education.

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

          My opinion is he knows about it. He’s playing ignorant and making himself look an even bigger fool.

    4. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      As Ginkapo and Flapjack correctly say, it's certain words that get auto-blocked.

      The word that stopped it from being posted is banned because, unfortunately, most posts that contain it are abusive or contain hate speech. Although I agree that the world shouldn't forget history, FFS isn't the forum to talk about it.

      I'm always tweaking the banned words list but on this one, as it has been used frivolously and as an insult, and has been used too much to facilitate conversations we won't have on site, I'm pretty set against taking it off the banned list.

      The final decisions on which words get added rests with me so if you want to talk further about it feel free to email me! geoff@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Fair enough, thank you for finding time to explain it in detail.

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

    Play Lloris or Foster ? Wolves has only scored 3 goals in the last 5 away games so thinking Foster

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

      Lloris.
      I'm expecting a high scoring Watford wolves match.

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

        +1

    2. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Lloris. Watford don’t do cs.

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

      cheers

  6. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    How’s this look for next GW:

    Foster
    Bednarek Trent VVD
    (S)alah Sterling Eriksen Son siggy
    Wilson Jiménez

    Rondon pereira Bennett

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

      Beautiful 🙂

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks, still likely to be a complete flop

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

          😀

    2. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Would be tempted to play Bennett over Bednarek.

      Bennett certainly needs boosting up the bench order.

      Looking good other than that 😎

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Wolves away to Watford

        Southampton home to Bournemouth

        Is why I went for Bednarek but I agree he could move up the bench order

        1. Business Cat
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Flip a coin with Bournemouth.

          They might do nothing (like this week), or put 4-5 goals past you (like last week)

  7. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Hazard show tonight!

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Hoping for no show myself.

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Nooooo

  8. bigbudgie
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    When I wake up on Wednesday morning I want to open that app and see

    Tottenham 3 - 0 Brighton

    Then I want to press on to the match and see Llorente's name next to at least 2 of those beautiful footballs

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      As long as Son or Trippier have been involved in those 2 plus one more that's acceptable

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

      I will pray for you if those two goals are assisted by Son & 1st goal is scored by Son with no assist 😛

    3. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Son hat trick and I’ll be happy

  9. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Downgrade Trippier to who? Or just roll the FT this week and reasses?

    Foster
    TAA VVD Laporte
    Mane Son Sterling Jota
    Jimi Wilson Vardy

    Ryan Boly JWP Trippier*

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Anyone?

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

      You already have three good defenders to play. I'd leave it.

      1. Van der Faart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks

  10. HollywoodXI
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Considering Eriksen and Gray out for Deulofeu and Firminho for this week (4 point hit). I have a feeling that Eriksen will be rested for the CL semi final and I much prefer Deulofeu to Gray for Watford coverage. Good plan?

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Eriksen is one of the fittest players at Spurs. He rarely ever sits out games.

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

        True but Poch will surely want to wrap him in cotton wool before the CL game? He’s the only player who hasn’t been rested in the Spurs frontline no?

        1. Van der Faart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Ye but if you look at the season as a whole he plays if he's available. He's missed 4 PL games all season and his minutes were only managed when he was returning from injury he got on international duty. I think a lot could depend on results mid week

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

            Interesting. I’m assuming you’re a Spurs fan so I’ll definitely take this on board. I have TAA and Mane already but want a third Liverpool player for the Hudds game (can’t afford Salah without ripping my team up).

            1. Van der Faart
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 11 months ago

              I am. Can you afford VVD or Robbo?

              1. Peter Ouch
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 11 months ago

                Have eriksen as well, what you say makes me more confident not to sell him

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

                Not without taking a hit unfortunately.

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

    I have TAA and Mane as my Pool assets. To get a third it requires a hit and/or dropping a player i really like.

    Unless we get a major injury I’m going to be different with only two pool and by rolling a FT instead of a hit ! Who’s with me ?

    1. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      In the same position.

      I'm actually looking at Trippier to Matip for the defensive double-up (can't afford Robertson or VVD without a hit)

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

        Trippier v Whm seems nice if he plays of course !

        I suppose there’s also options like Henderson. But they seem such random guys to get

        For all we know pool win 2-1 and spurs win 6-0 ha

        1. Business Cat
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Trippier hasn't kicked a ball since I bought him in on WC

          I can quite see Trippier playing the CL games and Walker-Peters being given the PL games.

          Trippier has to go! 🙂

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

            Matip could be under risk from Gomez (same as TAA). I’m hoping not, but it’s possible ! It’s really tough this final three weeks. I think a lot of moves can backfire and we feel like we have to go for it

            1. Business Cat
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 11 months ago

              I've got two cheap SOU defenders on the bench, they have decent enough fixtures, so I'm not too worried.

              The 1.1m freed up by Trippier to Matip also allows a GK upgrade the week after...Foster and Ryan have bad fixtures for the last two GWs. Was eye-ing up DDG...but maybe not now. Could get Lloris as a result of dropping Tripps

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

      I also have TAA and Mane but I’m potentially taking a different tack by transferring out Eriksen and Gray to Deulofeu and Firminho. Unsure on this move though as just received some useful feedback about Eriksen’s lack of rotation meaning he will likely start their match against West Ham (I thought he might be rested).

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

        This would be basically my only real route as well. Eriksen down to someone and then Llorente up to Firmino. Just not sure I like that for a hit!

        1. Business Cat
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Firmino is the one player I wouldn't go for...Origi likely to be given a game, he's at rotation risk

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

          Same but I much prefer Deulofeu to Gray for Watford and Firminho over Eriksen could be genius if Eriksen is benched. My ML rival has Salah and I’m 36 points ahead of him so I’m trying to cover Liverpool basically.

      2. Whats the Huth
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Erkisen isn’t explosive though.

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

      I'll only have two. One way is to use 1 FT (Eriksen > Mane). But I'll probably use 2 FT to turn Vardy into Mane.

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

      I'm also Rolling the FT. Have Taa Robbo Firmino.

  12. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Manchester United have gone 11 consecutive matches without a clean sheet in all competitions for the first time since December 1998
    .
    They have conceded 48 Premier League goals this campaign, their most in a single season in the competition and more than any league campaign since 1978-79, when they let in 63.

    This was Everton's biggest win over Manchester United in any competition since a 5-0 victory in October 1984, and the Reds' biggest loss in the Premier League since a 4-0 defeat by Chelsea in October 2016.

    It was a fifth consecutive away defeat across all competitions for United, their longest such run since March 1981, when they lost five in a row under Dave Sexton.

    They have also lost three successive Premier League away games for the first time since a run between December 1995 and January 1996.

    A minor blip then 😉

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      No need to put it all down in writing

      Why we couldn’t wait till the end of the season to choose our appointment, and that’s not to say that ogs shouldn’t be the manager just that the players seemed to be playing to have him appointed now he is it’s like they’ve given up on the season

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

        Shows what a bunch of entitled show pony's Utd are...

        Ogs being permanently appointed should mean they stop running or trying.

        1. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Absolutely

          Additionally the absence of Herrera shouldn’t be underestimated

    2. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Would you get in Pogba and Rashford for the final run in? Fixtures looks ace

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

        Rash is an option, but never Pogba. I have a feeling that Pog will be benched, he received public humiliation from Man united legends and Ole himself hinted he was the reason United are failing along with some other player. But Rash is an option

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

      Poor manager and poor players tied up on long contracts with high wages that nobody else wants. Will also struggle to attract top players not being in the CL. Plus VAR so their dodgy pens and ref bias wont happen from next year.

    4. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      baby faced assassin is right

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

      Injuries and suspensions have been an issue IMO. Utd have two groups of players - one set which are quick and mobile (Lingard, Rashford, Herrera, Martial, Pogba) and another set who are slow and strong (Matic, Lukaku, Mata etc.).

      The two don't mix. If you are going to put the slow players in the squad then you need to change formation (probably 3-5-2). If you are going will the quick players then you play 4-3-3.

    6. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Their depth in central midfield isn’t great. Not sure why the expectation to beat better teams is there.

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

    Is Kdb/Eriksen to Salah/Mane worth -4?

    Also have Sterling, Aguero and Son

    1. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Salah or none imo

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

        Thinking of going for both Salah and mane

        1. Whats the Huth
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Oush
          Then yeah. It’s worth it

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

      Yep.

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

      Yes, how many Spurs/Pool

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

        TAA and Son/Lloris

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

          So 3 Pool and 2 Spurs after that move

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

      Yes

  14. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Eriksen to mane for free and TC????

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

      Yes

  15. Whats the Huth
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    On WC. Would you go for...

    A/ Mili and Gunn
    B/ Redmond and Lorris/Kepa

    My rival has two Chelsea defenders And Mili in his team.
    Should I try and block clean sheet with Kepa or go with Mili

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

      B with Lloris

      1. Whats the Huth
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Even though my rival has double Chelsea defenders?

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

          Attack him and chance that Spurs gets more cs 🙂

          1. Whats the Huth
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            Smart. Cheers

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

      A should do good till the end of the season imo

      1. Whats the Huth
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Appreciate your thoughts on WC team posted below please. Keep in mind I can do Gunn and Mili instead?
        🙂

  16. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    A) Vardy to Firm (play jota)
    B) KDB Vardy to Salah Zaha (-4)

    B) allows Salah(TC) but cannot get Sterling in wk after

  17. Gringo Kid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Would you change something here

    Lloris/Gunn
    Laporte/Robbo/Duffy(Dunk, Doherty)
    Eriksen/Mane(c)/Son/Deulofeu(Jota)
    Jimenez/Firmino(vc)/Aguero

    1. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Possibly a Brighton defender out. To Boly or others?

  18. Whats the Huth
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Keen to hear your thoughts on this wildcard team. Cheers.
    Bb in GW37 and TC in GW38

    Lloris. Guaita.
    TAA. Robertson. Laporte. Valery. Bennett.
    Salah. Sterling. Son. Pogba. Redmond.
    Rashford. Jiménez. Llorente.
    0 ITB

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

      Looks like a lot of money and no FPL quality.

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

    Which Pool player to add?

    Lloris
    Laporte - Trent - Doherty
    Salah C - Sterling - Son - Deulofeu - Jota
    Aguero - Jimenez

    Foster - Wilson - Duffy - Valery

    .2 itb

    1. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Robo or mane imo

    2. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Mane or VVD

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

      Any changes further forward needed?
      Just gained lead in ML, could do with taking a few risks to keep there?

      1. Whats the Huth
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Rashford?
        Big of a gamble

  20. BENOIT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Best option?

    A) Lacazette -------> Firmino (TC Mane)

    B) Laca & Eriksen ----> 6.2 striker & Salah (TC) -4

    1. Gringo Kid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A

  21. All For One
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    How does this look for GW 36?

    Lloris
    TAA, Robbo, Valery
    (TC)Mane Son, Eriksen, Deulofeu
    Aguero. Jimenez, Wilson

    Foster, JWP, Doherty, Duffy

    Gtg?

    1. All For One
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Kolasinac also on the bench

    2. All For One
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Lloris
      TAA, Robbo, Valery
      (TC)Mane, Son, Eriksen, Deulofeu
      Aguero. Jimenez, Wilson

      Foster, JWP, Doherty, Kolasinac

  22. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Next year

    salah 12mil
    Sterling 12mil
    Mane 11mil
    ?

    Kdb could be a bargain

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Amazing how at the start of the season no one would touch sterling at 11m because he couldn't repeat it, now next season he could be the same price as Salah.

  23. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    no players tonight.....fingers crossed for a hazard blank

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

      A no show would be beautiful

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Chuck in an api of, Luiz sending off and I'm with you?

    2. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      More likely a haz haul since I switched my cap from him to son

    3. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Burnley win will be great

  24. Sotamendi84
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    A) Eriksen and laca to salah and llorente (bench fodder)
    B) laca to firmino?

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

      My exact dilemma, as above

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

      A

  25. the vanisher
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    i have Salah,

    get in:

    A. Firmino (free)
    B. Mane (-4)

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A

    2. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Mane

    3. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Who do you take out though. Most seem to involve city or spurs.

      1. the vanisher
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        lacazette (and a fodder)

  26. jomikijiq
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Pick 1 gk and 3 defenders for this week

    Foster, Ryan
    Laporte, Duffy, Dunk, Jonny, Bednarek

    1. the vanisher
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      ryan
      laporte jonny bednarek

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

    Foster - Lloris
    TAA - Laporte - Doherty - Duffy - Valery
    Son - Eriksen - KDB - Jota - Redmond
    Aguero - Jimenez - Rashford

    A or B?

    A) KDB > Mane (or Sterling?)
    B) KDB & Eriksen > Mane & Sterling (-4)

  28. All For One
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    A Mane

  29. Liverpool strategy
    Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    First, a reminder to everyone to upvote comments you think are useful and to flag comments you think should be Hot Topics!

    Second, Liverpool assets.

    With only HUD, new, WOL now to close the season and the title race still close, they will obviously be going for it in their final 3 games.

    From the above article:
    'Liverpool have scored more goals from set plays (20) than any other Premier League side in 2018/19, with 13 of the assists coming directly from corners.'
    'No FPL asset has taken more corners or successful corners than Alexander-Arnold since his return from injury in Gameweek 28.'

    For me, TAA is a strong option, despite the threat of Gomez. I took a -8 to get out Dunk and Duffy and bring in TAA and Robertson for GW35 - it hasn't paid off yet, as I'm down 3 with Duffy and Dunk to play, but I'm very happy to have them in place.

    But with Mane, Salah, and Firmino are all options, as well as VVD and Alisson, there are many ways to go.

    How will you approach the final fixtures for Liverpool? How many players will you be looking at? Are you looking at attack or defence, or both? Why do you favour that approach?

    1. the vanisher
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      i'm going with Robbo, Salah and one of Firmino/Mane

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Why not TAA? Why Salah over Firmino/Mane?

        1. the vanisher
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          I already have Robbo and Salah so no point of switching out, who in any case I believe are solid choices.
          I'm also planning to TC Salah this week.
          The question is who will be the 3rd pick, leaning towards Firmino, other choices are Mane/TAA, although i prefer to boost the attack rather than the defence.

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

      I've already got Robertson and Mane and I'm looking at getting a third in this gw, my options are either Lacazette with a straight swap to Firmino or with the KDB injury, Lacazette KDB > Rashford Salah. I'm favouring an attacker for the last slot because its Huddersfield... Also think TAA may get a rest against them, not sure though, would like to see Gomez come back into the first team vs hudders, just depends whether its at RB or CB.

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        I think TAA might as well but the price made him worth it for me.

        I'll be waiting on the KDB injury too

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

      I have no Liverpool players at the moment but I'm currently looking at either Mane and Firmino (which Hopcroft recommend on the scoutcast) or TAA and Mane for a -4.

      Henderson could be a nice 3 gameweek punt in his new more advanced role, too.

      I do worry about Liverpool being more nervy in the remaining games and not going for goals, but on the flipside they may need to go all out for goals if a team scores against them or if they try to chase down City's goal difference - particularly this Friday night.

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Nicely said on that last bit about going for goals. They've looked shaky in defence for a bit but I don't know how these games will play out. I can see Newcastle away and Wolves at home both being 3-2 games really.

        For me, TAA is theoretically attacking enough that, for his price, I'm happy with him.

    4. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I’ve ‘carried’ 3 x Liverpool players through DGW’s 34 and 35, and frankly their defence has covered my DGW failed punts.

      BB of Ryan, Salah, VVD and TAA has returned 33 points so far. All set for Huddersfield too.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Before the Cardiff game, I’d have preferred Salah & Mané plus a defender, but given the stage of the season and Klopp closing out games with Henderson and Milner, it’s looking like double defence is the way to go.

      2. Mo Mané Mo Problems
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Lol.

        So you are telling me if you didn’t have your bench boost chip and had to bench 3 players it would have been Salah, TAA, VVD over JWP, Valery and Duffy? Good one!

        This is why people overstate the effectiveness of the BB chip, because they lie to themselves.

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          In any other GW, I'd be benching JWP, Duffy and Valery but you wouldn't in a DGW - the BB allows you to have those players and bench the single GW ones.

          I find it funny that you find this funny when so many people on their WC sold their Liverpool players in order to get DGW'ers. They didn't even want triple Liverpool on the bench. So yes, if they're not good enough for other people's bench and they are for mine, I'm happy to claim the points, thank you.

          1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            Yeah they had Duffy/Dunk, Valery and Jota/JWP on their benches.

            I just don’t think with a gun to your head you are going to play Valery over TAA/VVD, and JWP over Salah. Even if you personally think they were going to score more points, an independent measure (RMT tool) had TAA/VVD with higher point projection than Duffy and Valery.

            It’s not about claiming points, it’s about measuring the effectiveness of your BB.

            1. Twisted Saltergater
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 11 months ago

              I see what you're saying, but you also shouldn't measure the success (or otherwise) of a BB by the total score of your 3 cheapest players and GK. We make decisions every week on who to bench - it isn't always the cheapest or you wouldn't ever have received AWB's points, for example.

    5. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Sold Robertson, kept TAA and Salah. Very tempted by Mane this week.

    6. Buenas ArTetas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I'm leaning towards getting rid of Doherty and KDB for Sterling and Robbo (-4) giving me a Liverpool trio of TAA, Robbo and Mane.

      How confident should I be in Mane (TC)

      Alternatively I can go without Sterling and just go KDB to Salah

      1. ‘Tis the Season
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        I'm stuck between choosing TAA, SALAH & BSilva or TAA, MANE & Sterling for -8.
        Current team is
        Fos ROBBO Trip (TAA) Doh Valery Duffy
        Doucoure Jota KDB (BSilva/Sterling) Son Eriksen (SALAH/MANE)
        Jimmy Kun Ings
        Help, tough tough call.

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

      I have Salah and 90% I will tripple captain him. I also have Trippier and Laporte in defence, and I think one of them will have to go, I guess it has to Trippier and I will bring TAA in. I cant fit Mane as it will take many hits.
      I am not convinced with Firmino, he is playing too deep, just doesnt haul.
      Also, I would not want to triple up on Liverpool, as I believe Newcastle are definitely taking points from Liverpool. Wolves game is also not an easy one. Games should be tight. For me Salah is the main man

    8. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Already have Mane and TAA.
      I can't fit Salah in so my 3. Liverpool asset will be Firmino, because there will be goals in Huddersfield match

    9. mookie
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Will definitely get one attacker. No clear choice from the attacking trio for me. It all depends on how my current players perform in the remaining games. Also waiting for news on Trippier.

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

      It's mane(C) for free
      Or salah(C) for a hit
      Don't know what to do

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

      Before wildcard I had TAA, VVD and salah. I switched to VVD, Mane and Firmino as Liverpool kept conceding (against Burnley/Southampton) and wanted to cover 2x of the front three.

      Now I feel VVD/TAA/Salah was the way to go. They will look to get ahead and kill off games now, and TAA/Salah look always involved.

      I also fancy VVD to score a big goal(s) for them before season end.

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

      I've gone for:
      Taa Robbo Firmino.
      Don't trust Salah/Mane.
      Double Defense has served me well in last two gw's. Long may it last 🙂

    13. Bambi
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      depends on whether I want to do Sterling --> Mane only to do the reverse move the week later. not too sure.

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

        Already have mane and robbo.

        I'll need to replace kdb so currently willing to take a hit and bring in salah and triple captain him v hudds.

    14. tmduc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      GW36: Should I take -4 hit for:
      Gray -> Firmino
      &
      Son or Eriksen->Bilva

      ???

      More rotation risk with Spurs & I only need 1 Spurs mid.

    15. Merlinsnose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Roberson, TAA and Mané for me.

      Obviously threat from Mané and captain option, assured start and clean sheets from Roberson and the clean sheet and assist likelyhood from TAA.

      I understand the risk of rotation for TAA, but the likely few assists and likely 60 mins in each game makes it worth it.

    16. Rohirrims
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Already own TAA and Mane and looking to bring in a 3rd this week. Think may end up having Laporte and Firmino to complete the triple up on the top 2.

    17. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I've got double Liverpool defence in TAA and Robbo as well as Salah. Paid off nicely yesterday. Very few defensive options appealed to me for the season run in so just playing the 2 Liverpool lads each week solves that problem while rotating my 3rd defender between Duffy, Kolasinac and Yoshida depending on fixture.

      I went for Salah over Mane or Firmino as I still believe he's the most explosive and more likely to be involved in any potential attacking returns. It hasn't really paid off yet but I'm hoping he gets a decent haul in one of the next few games. The double up with Mane and Salah was something I considered but felt there was more value in the TAA and Robbo double up in defence.

    18. HollywoodXI
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I currently have TAA and Mane (held them on my WC thankfully). I’m definitely transferring in another Liverpool player this week but it’ll cost me 4 points no matter what I do given my team structure. I want Salah but I’d have to take an 8 point hit to get him. I’m like warm on Firminho but think that’s who I’ll end up with as I want an extra attacker.

    19. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Have had Robbo all season but I kinda regret not going Robbo > TAA on gw34 WC. Also have Firmino and will consider moving one of Son/Eriksen to Mane
      If ever Trent is going to get a rest in PL it’s this weekend otherwise it won’t happen.

    20. MASTER ROSHI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Already on robbo and salah, likely to do eriksen + Wilson > Mane + Llorente or Deulo + Firmino, both are quite risky though so I need to persuade myself to get rid of eriksen and wilson

    21. FP Elephant
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      What’s the risk of Salah or Mane resting against Huddersfield with Barca first leg coming up?

      Planning to bring in either Mané or Salah (-4) and TC them.

    22. lugs
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      i already had Mane & TAA, took a -8 this week to get Sterling in along with Robbo + Success, with Kaku Siggy & Evans getting the boot, it backfired a bit with Siggy but Sterling still has a chance to beat him (also played Success over Brooks which i'm quite happy didn't backfire bigtime lol )

      as for Robbo i just took one look at Pool's fixtures including the Cardiff game and thought their defense is the way to go since the opposition is not very attacking, and i think they will be happy to win them all 1-0, just as long as they do win

    23. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I kept Robbo & Trent on my WC and have no regrets, they are basically Pool defenders and attackers rolled into one. Way my team is structured I'm unlikely to go for Salah as it means ditching Sterling who could do well at Burnley. Although he's looking lively again I don't think Salah warrants the price tag over the likes of Mane/Firmino who on their day can match or outscore him plus not a huge disparity in terms of underlying attacking stats currently either. I'm probably going to bring in VVD for the defensive triple up but more likely sell Eriksen for Mane.

  30. shearer9
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    A. Boly -> TAA
    B. Eriksen -> Mane

    Obviously will wait until all games this week have been played. Cheers.

    1. shearer9
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Already have Rob and Firm

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Mane all day long

      I'd be worried if i didn't have one of Salah and mane