Scout Notes

Southampton assets have it all to do as Almirón impact on Pérez continues

Southampton options have it all to do in their second Double Gameweek 35 match after losing 3-1 at Newcastle on Saturday.

In the last week or so, there was a rush to purchase Saints players given their budget-friendly prices, but also because they top the Fantasy Football Scout season ticker for appealing fixtures between now and the end of the season.

No team has a kinder combination of matches in the last three Gameweeks than Southampton, who host Bournemouth and Huddersfield either side of a Gameweek 37 trip to West Ham.

However, it was a disappointing performance for Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men at St James’ Park, which might cast doubt on their Fantasy credentials for the home stretch.

Newcastle United 3-1 Southampton

Goals: Ayoze Pérez x3 (£6.1m) | Mario Lemina (£4.7m)

Assists: Isaac Hayden (£4.3m), Salomón Rondón (£5.9m), Matt Ritchie (£5.8m) | Stuart Armstrong (£5.1m)

Maya Yoshida (£4.1m) was by far Southampton’s most threatening player in their 3-1 defeat to Newcastle on Saturday afternoon. He had three efforts in the box, more than any of his colleagues, and arguably could have had a hat-trick with some improved accuracy.

However, it was telling that the player who offered the most goal threat was a centre-back, as the Saints weren’t able to live up to their billing in the first match of Double Gameweek 35.

Statistically, it was a mixed afternoon for Nathan Redmond (£5.3m) who did not register a single shot in the box or one on target either – although he was top for chances created. That came just a week after he scored a brace in the Gameweek 34 win over Wolves. It was further evidence of Redmond’s inability to produce as well on the road as he does at St. Mary’s. In his last four at home, he has averaged 1.5 shots in the box, but just 0.8 in his last four away.

It is possible that Southampton’s problems on Saturday afternoon stemmed from how they were set up in the first half. Hasenhüttl deployed his troops in a 3-4-2-1 formation but was missing the personnel to make that system function. Center-back Jannik Vestergaard (£4.6m) missed out through injury which meant Yoshida played alongside Jan Bednarek (£4.0m) and Jack Stephens (£4.2m) in a back-three. The latter especially struggled and was replaced at half-time.

“It will be difficult I think for Jannik (to play against Watford). He had big pains in the training session on Friday and stopped in the training session. With Yan, he had a high temperature in the night so we drove him home and we will have a look. There is not a lot of time between the games so we will have a look.” – Ralph Hasenhüttl

Meanwhile, an illness for Jan Valery (£4.1m) saw him miss the game, which was of huge frustration to Fantasy managers given he was the key man outside of Redmond. That caused further issues for Southampton as James Ward-Prowse (£5.1m) was forced to play a right wing-back role he was clearly not comfortable with. He could have been sent off for a clinical body check on a countering Miguel Almirón (£6.0m) in the first half, and it was his missed slide tackle that allowed Salomón Rondón (£5.9m) the space to cross for Ayoze Pérez‘s (£6.1m) second goal.

“(Asked his opinion on Ward-Prowse’s yellow card): I don’t know. I saw another player following and so maybe he was the last guy but it was in their half and there was a long way to go and on the same high was another player from us. I haven’t seen it once again but we should respect the decision the referee took in this moment. He made a good game this referee and this was not the reason we lost.” – Ralph Hasenhüttl

Southampton found more success when they reverted to a back-four in the second half, and were helped by the return of Mario Lemina (£4.7m) in central midfield. He came on at half-time for the struggling Stephens for his first appearance of 2019 after sustaining an abdominal injury which needed surgery to resolve. Offensively, Lemina matched Redmond for number of shots, but had one more on target than him – and effort that found its way into the net for Southampton’s only goal of the game. It was the Gabonese international’s first since February 2018.

“For him, it was an important thing to see that he has no pain anymore and immediately showed he is a player that can help you. It was a very good goal and also the other things he had with the ball and without the ball were very good. For me, he was the most positive thing.” – Ralph Hasenhüttl

Those in possession of Southampton players probably cannot be completely sure they will play against Watford. Hasenhüttl did hint that there would be rotation for their second Double Gameweek match, citing the fact that he has several options when it comes to shape.

“As always I think we know that we are flexible when changing shapes. We showed at Newcastle again that we can immediately change the shape and get more comfortable.” – Ralph Hasenhüttl

The man who wrote the headlines on this game was Newcastle forward Pérez, who took his goal tally for the season 10 with an impressive hat-trick. It took his total of attacking returns in the last three home matches to six, from five goals and one assist.

“His contribution for the team in defence is quite important because we are talking about a very offensive player. Obviously last season, he scored goals and did well at the end of the season, and this year, it seems that is the same. I am really pleased for him because he knows that he has to be more consistent. If he scores three goals sometimes, I will be happy with that.” – Rafa Benitez

However, whether the Spaniard can seriously offer Fantasy potential between now and the end of the season remains to be seen. Only one of his league goals this season have come away from home, and of Newcastle’s final three matches of the season, only one is at home and it’s against Liverpool.

Furthermore, part of the reason for Pérez’s recent resurgence into a goal-scoring force for Newcastle has been the arrival of Almirón. The Paraguyan attacking midfielder has added an extra dimension to the Magpies’ attacking capabilities and freed up Pérez to take a more important role for the side. That certainly bodes well for next season, but for now it is hard to see Pérez hitting the heights of Saturday again with Almirón possibly out for the rest of the campaign with a hamstring injury.

“To be fair, it’s because the way that we play now, Miguel Almiron with the pace, Rondon holding the ball with him and the wing-backs, they are giving us different options and he’s finding more space between the lines and also behind the defenders. There are a lot of things together, and he is doing well because he understands what he has to do. We have other players and maybe they can try their best now.” – Rafa Benitez

“It is his (Almirón) first injury of this type. “He was doing well and the fans love him. He was working very hard, and it is not easy for a player who was doing well in another country, at a massive club in front of 52,000 fans, to then get injured and maybe have to be out for the rest of the season.” – Rafa Benitez

Newcastle United XI (5-4-1): Dubravka; Ritchie, Dummett, Lascelles, Schär (Fernandez 69′), Manquillo; Almirón (Atsu 64′), Hayden (Diamé 78′), Ki, Pérez; Rondón.

Southampton XI (3-4-2-1): Gunn; Bednarek, Yoshida, Stephens (Lemina 45′); Bertrand, Højbjerg, Romeu, Ward-Prowse; Redmond, Sims (Armstrong 45′); Ings (Long 76′).

316 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    I may get Salah and C him however it would involve getting rid of Son and Vardy for a hit - recon it’s not worth it?
    Would you do Vardy to Firmino or try to fit another Pool def?
    Have TAA and Mane already.

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

      Getting rid of Son for a hit before West Ham at Home with no Champions league concern? Nah. Must be another way.

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

      I'm in similar boat. Can get Robbo or VVD for free or Salah for a hit. Feel Robbo is sensible, but I'm scared of what Salah could do.

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

      Tough one. Vardy fine but not Son. Any other way? You got TC? I have and want Salah to use it on but also finding it so hard to drop someone

  2. chaser123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Is this a crazy -4?

    Vardy + Lucas + De Bruyne >> Sterling + Firmino + Camarasa

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

      I'd love to have two frees right now. Looks fine.

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

      Looks good

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

    Would you save FT and TC here? 1FT, 0itb

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

    1. United10
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      yes

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

        Who would you TC bro? Thinking Sterling or Kun 37/38?

        1. United10
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          probably going to TC Mane now

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

      Save FT.
      TC Mane?

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

        That’s an option mate. Really tough to call, what you thinking?

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

    Early thoughts, would you do Doucure (WOL) to Bilva (but) for a hit?

    Or

    Laca (lei) to Aguero (but) for a hit?

  5. United10
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    TC Mane in GW 36?

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

      Sure

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

      I think it's a good shout..
      City v Brighton good option too

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

        If city just need a win surely they will tighten up after 2-0

  6. acidicleo
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    1FT
    Eriksen to Salah

    Yes or no??

    Current team
    Ryan foster
    Sterling son mane Eriksen Jota
    Kun Jimenez Long

    Also bench- Long and ??

    1. Ruud000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Depends who you have in defence...

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

      Def- TAA Doherty Duffy Valery Kola

  7. Chenku╰☆╮
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    First!

    1. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Epic post this.. Needs Hulking 😀

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

      Best top coment ever

      1. Chenku╰☆╮
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        It is all thanks to the DGW fever.

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

    Start 1 out of each of these:

    A) Doherty (wat)
    B) Valery (BOU)

    1) Ings (BOU)
    2) Jota (wat) (Starting Jimenez)

    Cheers! 🙂

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

      B2

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

      A1

    3. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A2

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

      B2

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

      Tough. Ings looked horrible agajnst us but Jota is more of a home boy perhaps? B1 at a push just for the home part

    6. Party time
        4 years, 11 months ago

        B2

    7. HD7
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Gw 36: 1 FT, 1.3 ITB

      Eriksen to Mane and Captain him?

      Lloris
      Laporte Duffy Robbo Valery
      Sterling Eriksen* Son Redmond
      Jimenez Aguero

      Subs: Foster, Jota, Doherty, Gray

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

      Hi all. Two quick questions.

      A. Kdb & Eriksen - > Salah & Lucas Moura (-4). Yay or Nay?

      B. Is it worth bringing in Salah even if I end up captaining Mane?

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

        B yes. But why would you captain mane over salah

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

          More recent goal threat

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

        No, I'd only spend the points if you're going to captain them.

      3. MTPockets
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Who you would otherwise get for KDB for free?

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

            Who have you got?

            1. MTPockets
                4 years, 11 months ago

                Me? I'll just Mane in

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

            I am in same dilemma
            I may cap mane anyway as seem to have more goal threat recently and as my ML rivals likely to cap him..
            Still I think I will get Salah for the run in..

        • acidicleo
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          I would do..
          Play Jota over Duffy?

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

            I'm going Duffy I think

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

            Sorry reply fail

        • zotter
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Ryan
          Duffy. Doherty. Robertson
          Kdb. Son. Mane. Sterling
          Wilson. Jiminez. Aguero

          Gunn. Jwp. Valery. Cathcart

          Zero itb
          A. Save Ft
          B. Kdb to Eriksen
          C. Kdb to Bilva
          D. Kdb aguero to salah zaha -4 and TC salah

          Not sure if would tc mane

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

            Be tempted to save and play jwp. Not worth taking a hit for sure

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

          A or B?
          A. Firmino vs HUD
          B. Vardy vs ARS + 4 pts

          Cheers 🙂

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

            A

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

              A considering the fixtures in 37 and 38 too

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

            B

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

            B easy due to the 4 points and arsenal defence

          4. Party time
              4 years, 11 months ago

              Easy. Very Easy. B!!! Join the party buddy

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

            B but it’s close

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

            So and this is very much coz it feels my season is over, thinking to next season already

            How much do we think some of the big guns are going to cost:

            Salah (a drop in price? Maybe 12)
            Mane 11.5?
            Kdb (maybe 9.5)
            Sterling (12 also)
            Kun
            Kane prob 12

            What you think?

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

              Salah maybe 12.5
              Mane 11.0
              Kdb 10.0
              Sterling 12.5
              Kun 11.5
              Kane 11.5

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

                I think if sterling surpasses Salahs total points or they all come in close we’ll see the prices set in line

            2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 11 months ago

              Salah 12.5 whether mid or fwd
              Mane 10.5
              KDB 9.5
              Sterling 12.0
              Aguero 12.0
              Kane 11.5

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

                Can’t see Aguero matching sterling’s points or breaching the 200 mark so doubt he’ll go above 11.5

                A good couple of games for mane and he could match salah this year and will get priced accordingly as will sterling

                Those pool defenders are going to be bank breakers

          7. Nomar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            I think Southampton already have enough points already.

          8. Samwise
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            Come on Leeds! the Man City/ Barcelona of the Championship!!!! The premier league need you!

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

              no!!!!!!!!!!

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

                What did you do Sam!

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

                  They only went and scored!

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

                    I know, throwing it away

          9. Snooze ya lose
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            Have I missed the boat on deulofeu? Been wanting to get him for a while

          10. Cojones of Destiny
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            thoughts on this move :
            kdb + pereira-> bilva + laporte

          11. as33
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            What to do with KDB? is he defo out?

            1. El Matador
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 11 months ago

              I would wait until we here more from Pep. Currently he has only been ruled out of the derby.

          12. Party time
              4 years, 11 months ago

              Let's go Hazard & Marinho. Haul like stars. Give your owners the green arrows!

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

                I’ll just take Hazard starting. Will worry about “hauling” after that.

                1. Party time
                    4 years, 11 months ago

                    I can confirm to you that he starts 🙂 No need to worry about him starting. All I want now is that Eden Hazard masterpiece that we deserve

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

                      Oh, well, if you confirm it, then wonderful!

                      Think I’ll get my hopes up once I see the official teamsheets thanks

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

                  GL 🙂

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

                Best TC pick here? Preference is a home player.

                1. Son (36 WHU)
                2. Mane (36 HUD)
                3. Sterling (37 LEI)
                4. Kun (37 LEI)
                5. Son (38 EVE)
                6. Rashford (38 CAR)

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

                  Probably 2 followed by 1.

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

                  I’m leaning towards 3 or 4. Letting City recharge their batteries for the final barrage of goals.

                3. Sandy Ravage
                  • 8 Years
                  4 years, 11 months ago

                  3, 5, 2, 4, 1, 6

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

                    Good order. Possibly what I’m thinking. Lei aren’t great at the back

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

                    2 is tempting also

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

                  3/4

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

                    You got your chip left mate? Where you going?

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

                      Nope.
                      Used on Sane in gw 25 😀
                      Complete disaster !!

                5. Party time
                    4 years, 11 months ago

                    2 & 4. Sir Raffa

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

                      Cheers boss. Think 2/3/4 are probably my best bets

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

                  Thoughts please:
                  A) Trippier to Trent
                  B) Vardy to Firmino
                  C) A + B for a hit
                  D) something else

                  Lloris / Foster
                  Laporte- Trippier- Duffy- Kola - Bennet
                  Salah- JWP- Moura- Doucoure - Jota
                  Vardy- Aguero- Jimi

                  1 ft
                  0.3 ITB

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

                    I think Trent will rotate and miss the Newcastle game.

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

                      Ahh, interesting. Any other -6.3m defenders worth a pick

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

                    Or could do Robo but need to trade Vardy for someone up to 8.5

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

                  Worth a -4 ?

                  Sterling & Doherty >>> Salah (c) & TAA

                  I have Mane and Aguero.

                  Thanks guys.

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

                    Why not just sterling to salah

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

                      Both my main rivals have TAA and i'd be afraid they would captain him... what if TAA hauls ?

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

                        They would captain Trent ?!?!

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

                          both are chasing and "might" try something different to gain ground...

                      2. Eze Really?
                        • 9 Years
                        4 years, 11 months ago

                        They won't do that and will hope you make sill moves to cover them

                    2. Eze Really?
                      • 9 Years
                      4 years, 11 months ago

                      Why not Doherty to TAA?

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

                        going without salah could back fire big time

                8. Eze Really?
                  • 9 Years
                  4 years, 11 months ago

                  An outside chance this week my ML rival will have more points on the bench than on the park.
                  And!!!!!!!!!!!!!! he decided not to BB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                9. zotter
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 11 months ago

                  Sterling kdb to bilva salah for -4 in order to TC salah ?

                  1. Eze Really?
                    • 9 Years
                    4 years, 11 months ago

                    Kdb you had to do so yes

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

                    Kdb to Mane possible ?

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

                      Already have mane

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

                        Cool
                        I won't do those transfers.

                10. DA Minnion (Former great)
                  • 11 Years
                  4 years, 11 months ago

                  Leeds bottling all over the place.

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

                  Kompany or Stones worth a punt for the last 3 games?

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

                  Just under 3 hours until Hazard completes his hat trick

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

                    GL 🙂

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

                      If he doesn't start after all of this I'm jumping off a cliff tonight

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

                        Seems drastic. I’ll hold you to it, but you can just delete your FPL and FFS accounts instead. Most people would probably rather take the cliff option.

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

                          How do I delete my fpl team?

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

                        Lol
                        He will.
                        Hattrick looks too much to ask though.
                        2 goals & 15 pointer 😉

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

                    Hat trick of blanks when I need him most

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

                      This time I actually moved my cap off him so maybe he will haul

                  3. Party time
                      4 years, 11 months ago

                      Oh yes! 2 goals 2 assists 3 baps will do

                  4. HD7
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 11 months ago

                    Gw 36: 1 FT, 1.3 ITB

                    Eriksen to Mane and Captain him?

                    Lloris
                    Laporte Duffy Robbo Valery
                    Sterling Mane Son Redmond
                    Jimenez Aguero

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

                      Yep