Scout Notes

Lacazette and Aubameyang return points again despite Arsenal defeat

Arsenal’s ten-match winning league run at the Emirates came to an end on Sunday as Crystal Palace produced another fine away display to mathematically confirm their Premier League safety.

There was little joy for Fantasy managers investing in either defence but the points flowed for the most-popular midfielders and forwards on show.

We also take a brief look at Fulham’s second successive Premier League victory in the Scout Notes below.

Arsenal 2-3 Crystal Palace

  • Goals: Mesut Ozil (£7.9m), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) | Christian Benteke (£6.3m), Wilfried Zaha (£6.8m), James McArthur (£4.8m)
  • Assists: Alexandre Lacazette (£9.4m) | Luka Milivojevic (£6.4m), Christian Benteke, Scott Dann (£4.4m)

In a Double Gameweek in which many premium Fantasy Premier League assets have (so far) either blanked or delivered modest returns, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) and Alexandre Lacazette (£9.4m) did what they have consistently done all season and registered attacking points for their owners.

Aubameyang’s goal and bonus point mean he is now the joint-highest-scoring FPL forward of 2018/19, while Lacazette’s assist for Mesut Ozil‘s (£7.9m) equaliser kept up the Frenchman’s remarkable record on home soil: the Arsenal striker has banked an attacking return in each of his last nine appearances at the Emirates.

Aubameyang’s achievement is all the more remarkable given the downsides associated with him as a Fantasy asset.

Be it through illness, injury or rotation, Sunday’s 90-minute showing was only Aubameyang’s fourth start in Arsenal’s last nine league fixtures.

With Unai Emery fond of changing formation from match to match and indeed during games, we never can be sure where the Gabon international will be lining up.

Aubameyang started off yesterday’s match alongside Lacazette in a 3-4-1-2 but with the Gunners trailing at the interval, Emery made two substitutions and altered his team’s shape.

Off went Carl Jenkinson (£4.5m) and Konstantinos Mavropanos (£4.7m) to be replaced by Alex Iwobi (£5.4m) and Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£4.4m), with Emery reverting to a 4-2-3-1.

That meant Aubameyang was pushed out to the right flank on the opposite wing to Iwobi, with Ozil playing behind Lacazette in “the hole”.

Emery explained his half-time changes after the game, saying:

In the first half, we continued with the three central defenders because I think we can be more consistent with that.

In the second half, we changed to play with two and we can take more possibilities in the attacking third, in the build-up, but defensively we gave them more space to take the transitions.

Their goals are from set pieces and one second action, but also we know that we can be taking more risks in the second half. But when the score is like that in the first half and we are losing 1-0, I think we need to do that.

In truth, Aubameyang did little of note outside of his goal – but how often have we said that this season?

The Gabonese striker had only one penalty box touch/attempt (his goal) all game, with even defender Shkodran Mustafi (£5.4m) having more touches in the opposition half.

As he proved last season, though, Aubameyang is among the most clinical forwards in the top flight.

Of strikers with more than 1,000 minutes to their name this season, the former Borussia Dortmund has the second-best goal conversion rate in the Premier League. Aubameyang was top for that statistic in 2017/18.

Lacazette was more involved than his fellow striker, registering nine penalty box touches and three shots, but two of his efforts were blocked and the other was off-target.

The Frenchman has started 12 of Arsenal’s last 14 Premier League games and, on paper, would seem a safer bet than Aubameyang to feature in Emery’s league line-ups.

In reality, no-one knows what the Arsenal manager will do in the Gunners’ second Gameweek 35 fixture and beyond.

Lacazette’s recent benching at Vicarage Road and Arsenal’s ongoing Europa League campaign makes second-guessing his involvement (or anyone else’s) nigh-on impossible, one of the main reasons why a large proportion of Fantasy managers have shied away from the Gunners’ two strikers – despite their consistent returns.

Emery explained his latest round of rotation and suggested changes will continue to occur for the rest of 2018/19, saying:

We changed because we are going to play a lot of matches. We have had some injuries, like with Aaron Ramsey, and we need to protect the players. For example, Xhaka asked to change in the second half against Napoli and today could’ve played, but with some risk.

We need to protect our players and to us other players. We are playing with a lot of players and they give us the performance, we lost today but we could also have lost with other players on the pitch.

Arsenal’s away form is also a bit of an issue, with Lacazette recording only one goal and one assist in his last six league appearances on the road. Aubameyang also has just one goal in his last half-dozen showings away from home.

With the Gunners on their travels in three of their remaining four fixtures, there would be understandable concern about not just minutes but FPL points in the season run-in.

Ozil is a prime example of Arsenal’s home-and-away schizophrenia.

The German’s goal was his eighth FPL return of 2018/19 but seven of them have come at the Emirates. Ozil, indeed, has only started one away league game this calendar year.

Ozil’s inclusion with Aubameyang and Lacazette on Sunday was perhaps one of the reasons why Arsenal’s defence was left so badly exposed, although the midfield shield of Mohamed Elneny (£4.2m) and Matteo Guendouzi (£4.4m) did little to stem the Palace attacks.

Mustafi lost Christian Benteke (£6.3m) and Wilfried Zaha (£6.9m) all too easily for Palace’s opening two goals, while James McArthur (£4.8m) was left unmarked to nod in Scott Dann’s (£4.4m) flick-on for the Eagles’ third.

Martin Kelly (£3.9m) had earlier blazed over following another Dann header, while Benteke skied a presentable chance high into the crowd and Bernd Leno (£4.9m) had to twice deny Cheikhou Kouyate (£4.7m) in the space of a second as Arsenal’s defence wilted.

That fragility at the back would potentially bode well for owners of Wolves assets ahead of the two clubs’ meeting on Wednesday, although Emery will at least have Sokratis (£5.1m) back from suspension and – fitness-depending – could well be able to call upon the services of Granit Xhaka (£5.2m) and Lucas Torreira (£4.7m) to add steel to the midfield.

Emery talked about his team’s defending after full-time, saying:

First, it’s because they have very good players. Second, it’s because today in the set pieces, we didn’t work and we weren’t strong like we were in the rest of the season. The first goal came from a free-kick, the third from a corner.

Today we struggled more than we wanted in these two situations and really the result can come, this result, through it.

Emery was also asked about Mustafi’s performance and replied:

In all the season I think he is being consistent. We speak about every match.

We can speak about players individually, but sometimes they can play very well, sometimes cannot play well. But I prefer to speak about the consistency in the season.

I think we are, every player, helping and every player is playing with a big performance and today also, when you can defend against a player like Benteke or Zaha, you can suffer more than maybe in other situations.

But if today we were better in the set pieces, maybe we could have won this match.

For all of Arsenal’s deficiencies, Roy Hodgson was right to point out how impressive his side had been.

Strike duo Zaha and Benteke terrorised the home defence, while the two banks of four in front of Vicente Guaita (£4.2m) limited Arsenal to just two “big chances”.

Hodgson said:

It was a very satisfying performance. Even a draw’s a result but to come and get a victory you have to give a really good performance. Your defending is going to have to be top-notch right through until the 95-96th minute and then you’ve got to make certain that when you do get the ball, you’ve got to hope that your two front players do what our two did today.

I thought they were really, really good and I thought we were good value for our three goals because we carried that threat I thought with the two front players. The midfield four and the back four were excellent at staying compact, staying narrow and we were able to reduce the clear-cut chances they were able to create.

Benteke, making his second successive start ahead of loanee Michy Batshuayi (£6.3m), surely cemented his place in the Palace team for Gameweek 36 by registering his first two attacking returns of 2018/19, with the Belgian striker also providing the assist for Zaha’s goal.

Hodgson said of Benteke’s display:

I think he’s more than just a goalscorer, his all-round performance today was fantastic. If he had played that way and someone else had scored the goal I wouldn’t be saying we should berate him in any way for not scoring.

It is good [that he scored], I agree. Front players need goals and of course, I’m sure it is a weight off his mind but the biggest weight off his mind must be that in tandem with Wilf today, he gave such a good performance.

Not only going forward, he did a good job defensively – both did – and our compact, narrow shape was also largely or certainly in part due to the fact that they dropped in so well and made it difficult for the Arsenal midfield players to get on the ball.

Luka Milivojevic (£6.4m) banked his fifth attacking return in six Gameweeks with an assist for Benteke’s goal, while McArthur is now the highest-scoring budget FPL midfielder under £5.0m after his own strike.

While Palace’s attacking assets caught the eye, they next face an Everton side with six clean sheets in their last eight Premier League games.

The Eagles are also back at Selhurst Park, where they have scored less than half the number of goals they have netted away from home.

Joel Ward (£4.3m) came into the Palace side at the expense of the benched Patrick van Aanholt (£5.5m), while Dann – a Fantasy favourite of yesteryear – caught the eye at set plays.

The veteran centre-half had three attempts on goal from dead-ball situations, with two of his efforts inadvertently leading to big chances (one converted by McArthur) and the other drawing a save from Leno.

Arsenal XI (3-4-1-2): Leno; Mustafi, Koscielny, Mavropanos (Iwobi 46′); Jenkinson (Maitland-Niles 46′), Guendouzi, Elneny (Torreira 68′), Kolasinac; Ozil; Aubameyang, Lacazette.

Crystal Palace XI (4-4-2): Guaita; Wan-Bissaka, Kelly, Dann, Ward; McArthur, Kouyate, Milivojevic, Meyer (Townsend 80′); Benteke (Ayew 78′), Zaha.

Bournemouth 0-1 Fulham

  • Goal: Aleksandar Mitrovic (£6.3m)
  • Assist: None

A week after their surprise 2-0 win over in-form Everton, Fulham produced another coupon-busting and Gameweek-ruining display at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

Callum Wilson (£6.7m) was the only “single Gameweeker” who was bought by more than 100,000 FPL managers ahead of Saturday’s deadline, while Ryan Fraser (£6.3m) was the subject of exactly 75,000 transfers in following his own double-digit haul at Brighton.

Both players were to blank on the south coast but how the pair emerged from this game without at least one attacking return each was a head-scratcher.

So often Bournemouth’s arch-creator, Fraser had more shots (seven) than any other player on show at the Vitality on Saturday.

Diego Rico (£4.4m) produced a superb save to repel Fraser’s 16th-minute effort before again denying the Scotland international when he was clean through on goal in the second – the diminutive winger firing the rebound wide.

Fraser also produced a teasing low cross that Joshua King (£6.5m) should have converted in the 14th minute.

Wilson, meanwhile, saw a header saved by Rico from point-blank range and was denied again by the uncharacteristically solid Fulham goalkeeper when firing low from 12 yards out.

We wrote in last week’s Scout Notes about the unpredictability of results at this time of the season especially and it was, quite simply, just one of those days where nothing went right for Bournemouth’s attacking assets. Two-point returns could have been double-digit hauls on another day, as Eddie Howe said after the game:

It was hugely frustrating, especially after last week when we were so good. We started the first half really well and I thought it was going to be a really good day for us.

We were sharp with the ball and created opportunities. With the amount of presentable chances we created, the fact we didn’t score after being so clinical last week is a difficult one to work out.

The Cherries weren’t helped by some bad luck, with three players succumbing to injury at right-back either before or during the game.

Nathaniel Clyne (£4.4m) didn’t make the match-day squad, while Adam Smith (£4.3m) pulled up in the warm-up and makeshift full-back Junior Stanislas (£6.0m) was substituted after just 22 minutes.

Howe said:

When you lose a player of Adam Smith’s quality before the game, it’s going to be difficult for the team.

Doubly so to lose Junior Stanislas, as well. He’s not necessarily a natural right-back but he’s played the position and done it very well. He uses the ball superbly and has the athletic ability to go box-to-box.

Upon his injury, we were then left with four centre-backs across our back-line, which is something we would never normally do.

Those injuries were difficult for us to overcome and we never fully got our rhythm back in the match. We just hope the injuries aren’t serious.

Nathaniel Clyne has been carrying a hamstring injury for a couple of weeks which is why he missed the game.

Nathan Ake (£5.1m) was again deployed at left-back, while Chris Mepham (£4.5m) moved over the right-back after the withdrawal of Stanislas.

Fulham’s mini-revival continued under Scott Parker and, while Bournemouth had plenty of opportunities, the Cottagers too carved out a lot of chances.

Aleksandar Mitrovic (£6.3m) scored from the spot after being felled himself but he should have put Fulham 1-0 up when blazing wildly over the bar from the edge of the six-yard box.

Ryan Sessegnon (£6.0m) fired straight at Artur Boruc (£4.1m) from ten yards out, while Ryan Babel (£5.5m) nodded a Calum Chambers (£4.2m) cross over from close range.

Mitrovic will grab the headlines but he was again profligate from open play: the Serbian has scored on only four occasions in the last 22 Gameweeks, despite taking 76 shots (57 from inside the box) in that time – no FPL forward has registered more of either.

While there will be little interest in Fulham assets in the season run-in, Babel is a budget differential to consider for the remaining three Gameweeks (the Cottagers’ last three matches are against Cardiff, Wolves and Newcastle).

Since his Fulham debut in Gameweek 23, no FPL midfielder has had as many big chances as Babel.

The Dutchman was presented with another gilt-edged chance on Saturday, while no player on show at the Vitality made more key passes.

Parker said of his team’s display after full-time:

It was a fine performance after having to weather the storm a little bit against a very good Bournemouth side, certainly at home, we knew they would come out fighting, we knew it would be a quick start from them and we were under it a little bit, certainly first-half.

But I felt once we got through that we put our mark on the game really and second-half we really controlled the game and played some lovely bits, then we got our noses in front and saw the game out which was pleasing. 

Tom Cairney (£4.6m) missed out at the weekend as his partner was giving birth.

Bournemouth XI (4-4-2): Boruc; Stanislas (Simpson 23′), Mepham (Mousset 76′), S Cook, Ake; Brooks, Gosling, Lerma, Fraser; King (Solanke 61′), Wilson.

Fulham XI (4-2-3-1): Rico; Odoi, Le Marchand, Ream, Bryan; Chambers, Anguissa; Sessegnon, Seri (Christie 79′), Babel (Ayite 85′); Mitrovic.

1,160 Comments Post a Comment
  1. umerlfc
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    These 2 nights are probably going to decide seasons for many
    For me a Son(c) mega haul will keep me in chase against my rival otherwise it's probably all over

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

      Yep. Expecting nothing after how the last 2 GWs have gone for me though. Sinking like a stone currently.

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

        Yes. This is probably the last draw. This season has been absolutely terrible for me

    2. Win'dian
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Tonight, my friend, I pray for a huge success of your captain. May he get a hatty, all assisted by Moura.

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

        C'mom sonny boy!

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

      I’ve just written similar...I need the opposite if you though lol

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

        Lol then I can only hope that the opposite of what you want happens :p

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

      Son(c). Ballsy choice.

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

      The first set of games showed how much of a lottery it is at times .... but it is only half time for many 🙂

    6. scubasmithy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I have Jimenez and have absolutely no expectations of any returns, had duffy last week - Captaincy is about rolling the dice, I consistently get it wrong.

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

        I had expectations for him against Brighton. It's just hope I have now.

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

        If it makes you feel any better
        I rage transferred out Duffy and Ryan for hits for Leno and Masina..

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

    Big night in terms of my ML. I’m 36 points clear but rival has Son TC in play (I also have him but not as captain). Anything more than 15 points and I’ve pretty much lost my lead. I’ve played my BB and have 13 players to play versus his 9. Fingers crossed this plays out in my favour!

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Should be fine. TC really isn't all that.

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

        I hope you’re right!

    2. Win'dian
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Alright, let's close it on 15 pointer then,
      A son captainer

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

        I’ll give you a 7 pointer - ok? Lol

        1. Win'dian
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Going by my captain picks lately, I'll take that anytime my friend

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

          I'll take 7pts please

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

    Ryan,
    Valery, Robertson, Duffy
    Sterling, Hazard, KDB, Son, Doucoure
    Wilson, Vardy

    Kepa, Llorente, Jonny, Holebas (1.5itb)

    a) KDB & Vardy > Salah & Zaha (-4)
    b) KDB & Wilson > Salah & Quaner (-4)

    I definitely want Salah this week as nobody above me in my ML has him. I also don't want to lose Hazard because nobody in the top 10 has him either. So basically the only realistic options to fund Salah are Wilson & Vardy. Two players I'm not keen on selling tbh but I still think it's the right move. Thoughts?

    1. Win'dian
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Amongst these I'd prefer A.
      Not sold on keeping Hazard though.

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

        Neither am I tbh but I think he's a solid differential to have. I know that's not a good reason to keep him but I'd rather risk trying to win my ML, than focus on OR.

        1. Win'dian
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Got it. Gtg then and all the best!

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

      I’d hold Vardy and forget Mo. Really unsure of his minutes and returns this week.

  4. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    I’m so jealous of you all with your captains left.

    1. Win'dian
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Half of mine is gone for nothing

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

      Who did you (c)?

    3. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Switched to KDB from Deul 1 hr before deadline... I feel ya'

  5. Our Tiny Windows
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    So, I’m ranked 275k at the moment and my goal is beat last years finish of 200k. I have all three chips left to play. Do you think it’s possible to climb 80k places in three weeks?

    1. Win'dian
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Yep, more possibility than ending up with a chip left to play by mistake.

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

      Easy, but dont forget to use your chips

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

        In fact you should make top 100 k at least with 3 chips left

        1. Our Tiny Windows
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Ooh that’d be nice. The plan is triple captain against Huddersfield, bench boost after that and then wildcard on the final week depending on who’s fighting for a position the most.

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

      Why do you still have all 3 chips?

      1. Our Tiny Windows
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Hasn’t felt I’ve needed them so far. Always had playable 11. Plus it’s exciting to go out with such a bang.

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

          Hmmm BB has given me a massive rank increase this week.

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

            My arrow is red despite playing BB. Must be something wrong with the site...

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

          I like your style. Wish I had the patience to do that.

          I used my free hit on boxing day based on a hunch. Scored 105 points and netted something like 52 points over my original team. Good times.

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

          This is why you are 300k?
          Three chips with three games left, good luck!

    4. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah you can definitely do it

    5. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I've gone from 245k to 170k this week with 10 left to play so you can easily do it.

    6. scubasmithy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      You probably would have been better off using some of those chips earlier, but certainly top 200k is more than doable.

      What chips are you holding?

      1. Our Tiny Windows
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Free hit, BB and Triple

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

    Unnecessary detective work:

    If these pictures are taken today as the programme photo suggests, then hugo is fit....

    https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1120731553674473473?s=19

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

      I hope he plays as otherwise that’s a slot wasted on my BB. I’m also sweating on Valery.

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

        Same here

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

      Think you are reading too much into it. All of the players will have their shirts out even if they are not in the squad. But I think it is more likely than not than Lloris is fit given Poch's comments.

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

        Possibly, although only 2 gk tops I can see.

        I'm bored on a train, so you are probably right.

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

      Damn, not on Bb Ryan on the bench

  7. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Need to bring in third Liverpool asset!

    Leno
    Robbo TAA Valery
    Sterling KDB* Eriksen Son
    Agüero Lacazette Jimenez

    (Jota Kolasinac Bednarek Ryan) 1ft 0.1itb

    A) KDB + Ryan -> Mane + Fodder (-4)
    B) KDB + Kola -> Mane + Boly or sub 4.8 (-4)
    C) Lacazette -> Firmino, bench KDB, play Jota (what to do next week?)
    D) Something else

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

      A

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks mate

    2. Win'dian
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Can you just do kdb + kola to mane & 4.7?

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Yes, that is option B

        1. Win'dian
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Oops, here it is then. Would rather prefer a watford defender

          1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            Cheers pal

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

      D Laca to Ings KDB to Salah

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        If Ings weren't made of glass this would be great. Will consider it though. Thanks!

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

          Risk and reward but yeah depends on whether you are chasing or holding

          1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            Holding. One of rivals have both Salah and Mane, other one have none of them.
            Like your idea better the more I think about it

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

    Aguero & Jota to Salah(TC) & Quaner worth (-4)?

    Will have to start Ings for the next 3 gameweeks.

    Have Mane & Robbo.

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

      Ings won't last 3 weeks.

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Fine to play Ings as long as he is fit. But he usually is not, so I don't know. What if he gets injured next game? Getting rid of Aguero for a hit doesn't sound great.

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

        No time for dithering with 3 games to go. My gut says he lasts and if so he hauls

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

      I like

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

    Chances of Lucas starting tonight? Don't have Son so may need to take a trip to DFS....

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

      I think Llorente starts in Moura's place tbh. Brighton are easy opposition so perfect for Llorente. But reckon it is between 25% and 50% that Moura starts.

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

        Cheers, sofa time!

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

        I would say 75% he starts and off on 65. Spurs need to put some distance between them and the pack

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

        I thought it would be perfect for Son and Moura agaisnt the big lumbering Brighton defence. Bournemouth ripped them to shreds with their pace. That is why I overlooked Llorente to replace Deeney last week as i thought Llorente would play against City and benched against Brighton. Compounded by the fact that Wilson trolled me yet again this season, I can see a Llorente brace coming tonight.

        Lucas is the one I'm unsure of, and i wouldn't be completely surprised if Eriksen was benched too.

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

          I read it as the complete reverse, the smaller quicker guys against City and a weaker team of wing backs with Llorente against the easier opposition in Brighton ...

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

            It was all up in the air due to the exertions of the midweek Champions League game. Spurs did have some great chances at City due to their speed but they also got penned in a lot with no outlet as it just kept coming back, so it was a difficult one to call.

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

              We have to make judgements but we really didn’t know 🙂

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

      The trouble with dfs is, it takes them about 6-8 weeks to make the damn things...
      Maybe just head there and hide for the duration of the game!

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

        You need the DFS delivery lorry or the building, not just a sofa 😉

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

    I live near Valery and I can see him across the water. Not sure if this is a good sign so close to kick off.

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

      May be he forgot about the mid week match..can you please remind him so he can take a jet and reach can reach st Mary's..

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

      When you see him in the neighbourhood, do you just turn around and say “why don’t you come on over, Valery?”

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

      He certainly will make a fool out of me.

  11. Torres76
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Got TAA, Robbo and Mane. Worried about a Salah Hatty vs Huddersfield this weekend.

    Best three from the Reds?
    1. TAA
    2. Robertson Carlos
    3. Mane
    4. Salah
    5. Firmino

    Answers please lads

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

      I'd argue on current form:

      1) VVD
      2) TAA
      3) Mane
      4) Salah
      5) Robbo
      6) Firminio

      In terms of what could happen against Huddersfield:

      1) Salah
      2) Mane
      3) Firminio
      4) TAA
      5) VVD
      6) Robbo

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

        I would say the defenders will definitely get a sheet. Salah could smash it.

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

          There will be one big defender score probably. Clean sheet seems highly likely and there will likely be a goal or assist in there.

      2. Torres76
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        If City draw or lose vs United surely they will try and hammer Huddersfield on Friday.

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

          that's what I'm thinking.If city draw Anfield will be absolutely rocking. Friday night game, great atmosphere. Huddersfield...

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

            If city lose then Liverpool goal difference more likely to come into play with a potential draw

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      They are all able to score high, relax.

  12. TAArt
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    GW36 team -
    Ryan
    Kola / Duffy / Robbo
    Salah (TC) / Mane / Deulofeu / Sterling
    Aguero / Jiminez / Wilson

    Pat / JWP / AWB / Bednarek

    1) Is my bench correct? I tend to back a defender that might get points for either clean sheet or attacking returns.
    2) Would you TC Mane or Salah? ML leader doesn't have Salah but has Mane so will no doubt Captain him (he has no TC left), I figure if I TC Mane I'm protecting myself more in the event Salah blanks and he's captained Mane. If Salah went mad I'd still gain a lot of ground by increasing the points on Mane and still benefiting from Salah's points.There's about 25 point gap currently, could obviously overtake him too if Salah went mad...

    Cheers!

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

    Kdb plus Aguero to salah plus zaha for -4

    TC salah

    Also have Mane and Sterling

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

      Decent moves if you are desperate for Salah

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

        I am. But should I be ?!

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

          you would have serious FOMO.

          There's a part of me that thinks it's mental that nobody is talking about TC on Sterling given the form he's in and the number of big hauls he's had this year. More likely to get you a monster score on current form.

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

            all hinges on the United City result though I think

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

              As in if city don’t win more likely salah haul ?

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

                I think so

  14. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on the following for a hit?

    Have not city attackers if that helps

    Jota + KDB -> Ward-Prowse + Sterling (-4)

    Any thoughts

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

      Yes

    2. Ohh1454
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Probably pays off Southampton have good fixtures aswell

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

      Yes looks good on paper as -4’s go

  15. Salah’s Sonnet
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Mane to haul Friday and everyone with the “why didn’t i just settle with Mane i stead if Salah”

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      instead*

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

      Agree. Mane has looked more dangerous than Salah IMO. Yes, Salah scored a great long shot, but that does not happen every week. Mane keeps getting good chances in the box, albeit he is fluffing them. But if it is one of those random days when everything goes his way then a high percentage of those chances might find the net for him.

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

        Tbh I think Liverpool will win 4 or 5 with a good spread of points

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          This could also happen, evenly spread. Just don’t see a clear cut reason why people are trying to squeeze Salah in if they already have Mane.

      2. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah this is how i’m picturing things as well, always near to goal whereas Salah isn’t as much, hopefully he’s in for a great goal scoring day 🙂

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

        Yep but in a 1 off either, both or neither to haul

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

      Could also be a 0-0

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        I’d actually be really happy with that

    4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Would really like to have both of them because of this. Currently have none 😀

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

      It’s quite hard to get Salah back if the cash has been distributed, I think I will bring in Firmino ...

  16. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    These moves make sense ?
    Kdb + Deeney > Redmond + Firmino(C)

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

      Not sure would captain firmino. Can’t you get Mane and someone instead

      1. Ohh1454
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Yes but chasing and need a differential

  17. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Is valery going to start??

    1. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      stop making a fool out of me

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

      I reckon yes. But harsh for those on BB if he doesn't.

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

        Not really most got a double Brighton gift of note

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

      Hope not, but ?

    4. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Is boomerang’s post above one of those Amy Winehouse jokes? I don’t know I’m out of the loop here

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

        There's something about looking across the water in the song

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

      Who?

  18. abaalan
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    How is it looking? Bench ok? 0.2 itb, 1ft (going to save)

    Ryan
    Trippier, Robertson, Doherty
    Mane (TC), son, sterling, eriksen, Redmond
    Jiminez, aguero

    Bench is currently foster, ings, Duffy, Bednarek

  19. pol
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    which 2 would you start next week?

    A- Duffy (NEW)
    B- Yoshida (BOU)
    C- Bednarek (BOU)
    D- Doherty (wat)
    E- Take -8 and bring in TAA (HUD)

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

      AD

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

      BD

  20. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    I just checked the Watchlist

    DDG form = A

    Not sure about that

    1. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      It’s short for Ass

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

      A for Awful

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

      Ha no who watches the games and looks at the stats?!

    4. Supersonic Marv'
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A for Abominable.

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

      A for AWOL

  21. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Lloris Eriksen and llorente to be benched tonight

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

      The way this gw is going

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

      Nah Spurs need the 3 points and Brighton also need the points

  22. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Present team below. Best move from? All for -4. TC to play.

    A Aguero to Rashford and Eriksen to Salah
    B Gray to Firmino and Eriksen to Deulofeu or
    C Eriksen to BIlva and Valery to TAA or Duffy to VVD

    Loris
    Doherty Duffy Robertson
    Sterling Mané Son Eriksen Jota
    Aguero Jimenez

    Foster Gray Yoshida Valery

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

      None of the above.

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

        OK- How about Gray to Long and Valery to TAA?

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

      Tough choices, you're on your own, go gut and gl

    3. FPL_Gyarados
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      B

    4. donkey73
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      None of the above. Only options I'd consider selling are Grey,Jota, Doherty and Duffy.
      Only player worth buying is TAA or VVD.
      Salah overpriced. That should simplify it

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

    Pictures floating around on Twitter showing Lloris walking to changing rooms with the rest of the squad. Fingers crossed he plays.

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

      Hope he gives a good pep talk to gazzaniga.

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

    Really need Trippier to start tonight!

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

      Im sure he will

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

      Think he should

      He was just rested

  25. George James
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Mate of mine works at Watford ground says success starting Gray benched.

    Just saying.

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

      There's 2 points less for me then

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

      He has a good record off the bench

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

      This is absolute rubbish. You do not have a mate.

    4. Bring the Cavalry
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Tell your mate he’s a di**

    5. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      My mate Elton John says ballax

    6. Brehmeren
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      You friend is lying. Just saying.

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

    I’m toying with the idea of downgrading Aguero to someone so I can upgrade martial to mane already have Salah. The way things are going though feel it could massively backfire dropping Aguero.

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

      * reply fail to Dunas dog

    2. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I don't mind not having Kun for Burnley away but I really want him for Leicester at home.

  27. Collie01
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    How many players do ye have left to play this GW?

    1. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Good ones or complete trash?

    2. Pras (FPL)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      6 today, 6 tomorrow

    3. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      13 on paper whether they start is a different story

  28. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    who is ready to dissapointed by the team news tonight, its inevitable

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

      Yeah - it’s the shock benchings that are always the killer.

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

      I’m so ready

    3. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Ye can't wait
      😆

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

      ( )/

  29. The Ejiptian King
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    I sure do hope that my players play!

  30. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    cant wait for all the chaos that unfolds once the team news is out, got my popcorn at the ready