Scout Notes

Eriksen the star as Brighton defence nearly get job done

Spurs continued their impressive record at New White Hart Lane on Tuesday night with a dramatic 1-0 win over Brighton.

They laboured to the result which taught us plenty about their players’ credentials for the rest of the season.

The same can be said of Brighton who have responded well to recent calamitous results, potentially proving useful for at least one more Gameweek…

Spurs 1-0 Brighton

Goals: Christian Eriksen (£9.3m)

Assists: Dele Alli (£8.8m)

Christian Eriksen (£9.3m) outperformed Son Heung-min (£8.8m) again in Double Gameweek 35 as he scored the winning strike for Spurs on Tuesday night. The Danish international has now been involved in five goals in as many Premier League outings, while his South Korean colleague has now three times in that run of matches.

If anyone was going to bust through Brighton’s determined defence, Eriksen looked the most likely for most of the game. His total of seven efforts on goal was by far the highest of any player on the pitch, although none of them was taken from inside the box. Top for that particularly statistic Dele Alli (£8.8m) but clear cut chances came at a premium, with no Spurs attacker achieving a higher expected goals score (xG) than 0.39.

Despite dominating possession, with a 78.2% share, and registering a huge total of 29 shots, Spurs were unable to fashion a single big chance in the game. Eriksen’s winning goal was such an incredible individual effort from range that it certainly did not count as a clear opportunity, such is the quality of the player himself.

“I think it’s about quality. He has an amazing quality, he can shoot from outside of the box and have unbelievable shots with his left and right foot. Of course, it’s about mentality too but in the end, if you don’t have the quality, then you can shoot ten times without the keeper for sure you’re not going to score but with Christian, he can shoot and score.” – Mauricio Pochettino

Mat Ryan and his Brighton defence played well and were disappointed to lose their clean sheet so late in the game

While the story of the game will be headlined with Eriksen’s brilliance, a key factor was the impressive defensive job conducted by Brighton. The Seagulls have responded to their disastrous defeats to Bournemouth and Cardiff with two measured and organised containment jobs. Brighton did a fantastic job of limiting the space for their illustrious hosts to operate in, hence how they shot so often but were lacking clear cut opportunities. It was a night where a finish from distance was going to be the only way through. Lewis Dunk (£4.4m) especially excelled at Spurs as he registered a huge Clearances, Blocks and Interceptions (CBI) score of 16. Meanwhile, for the second match in a row, Mat Ryan (£4.4m) made enough saves to earn an additional point. It was the first time he had done that in back-to-back fixtures since Gameweek 10.

“I thought the centre-halves were both excellent. I can’t fault their attitude for the game. We’re going through a difficult period and we needed a response from the lads and we got that. (Asked if the game plan worked): I think so. They, of course, had chances, they’re not gonna go through 90 minutes without having them, but when it comes to clear chances I thought they were minimal. I thought we defended really well. I genuinely felt we would hold out.” – Chris Hughton

Earlier this week we suggested that Brighton’s defensive display at Wolves could see their owners could look to start them against Newcastle. We saw very little at Spurs on Tuesday evening to put us off options such as Ryan, Dunk and Shane Duffy (£4.8m) for Gameweek 36.

Concerns that Brighton will play a more open game at home to the Magpies after sitting tight and compact away at Wolves and Spurs are understandable, but Chris Hughton appears quite aware of his side’s limitations at this point. After all, they are now 10.5 hours without a goal in all competitions. In both of their Double Gameweek 35 matches, they have found it hard to trouble their opponents but acknowledging that could be the key to their survival. Knowing how hard it will be to force attacking returns out of a goal-shy team, it is possible that Hughton may set up conservatively again when Newcastle come to the Amex Stadium.

“We’ve found it difficult to score goals. We’ve never been big goalscorers anyway. It’s harder to get up the pitch against them because you have to face waves and waves of quality players. It’s difficult because they press well.” – Chris Hughton

Brighton’s struggles offensively were good news for those who were invested in the Spurs defence. There were welcome returns for Hugo Lloris (£5.4m) and Kieran Trippier (£6.0m), both of whom were absent for Saturday’s trip to Manchester City. The goalkeeper missed out with a minor injury, which he overcame in time to play Brighton, while Trippier was simply back in the side following a rest.

Brighton also rotated too, as Hughton continues to tweak his attack from game-to-game. Florin Andone (£5.0m) came in for Glenn Murray (£6.3m), which has become quite customary for away games in recent months, while Alireza Jahanbakhsh (£6.7m) and Jurgen Locadia (£5.3m) replaced Jose Izquierdo (£5.9m) and Solly March (£4.7m).

“Some of it was forced upon us, but most of it was about having that little bit of freshness. When you are on the back of a difficult game at Wolves with the quality that they’ve got, it can take a fair amount out of the team mentally and it was the same today. The changing room at the moment is a very down changing room because of the manner of the defeat.” – Chris Hughton

There was a surprise appearance from forgotten man Vincent Janssen

Finally, there was a collector’s item on Tuesday as forgotten man Vincent Janssen (£4.5m) made his first appearance in a Spurs shirt since August 2017. The striker came on for the last 10 minutes and did not look too out of place. Mauricio Pochettino was full of praise for him upon his return, clearly very pleased that he could call on him during a time of injuries for Spurs.

“I think I told you and no one can be surprised. In January when we decided to involve him again in the squad again, he was a player that had the same possibility as the others. Today with a lot of problems with a lot of offensive players like Harry Kane or Lamela I think we needed Vincent. In the last few months he was injured, he has recovered from injury. And now he is like from January, he is part of the team. We are going to decide if he is available, sometimes to use, sometimes to not like another player. I don’t know why it is going to surprise people, what I told you four or five months ago, that is the reality that happened today. I am not a liar, I am not a person that needs to lie to you or my fans. He is part of the team and I am going to decide whether to use or not. But today we needed him and he was on the bench like he was against Manchester City. But he cannot be on the list in the Champions League.” – Mauricio Pochettino

Tottenham Hotspur XI (4-3-3): Lloris; Rose, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Trippier; Alli, Wanyama (Davies 82′), Eriksen; Son (Foyth 90′), Llorente, Moura (Janssen 80′).

Brighton and Hove Albion XI (4-3-3): Ryan; Bernardo, Dunk, Duffy, Montoya; Bissouma (Kayal 86′), D Stephens, Groß; Locadia, Andone (Murray 64′), Jahanbakhsh (March 73′).

695 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Gambler.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Praying that Utd are fired up by Peps blatant disregard for them and their stadium.

    1-1 with Kun and a Larporte OG please

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

    Play Redmon (BOU) or Jota (wat)? Already playing Jimenez

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

      Jota for me, been unlucky not scoring recently

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

      Jota. Wolves will want revenge.

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

      Close call. Think it depends if you’re a gambler.

      I’m on Jota and Jim with Redmond benched right now. I don’t see Watford keeping a cs and one of the two seems likely to return and I’m gambling on a double. Could be big. Could!

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

      Jota

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

    Would you keep Redmond or sell for Camarasa for rhe last gameweeks?

    1. enrico.palazzo
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Keep

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

      Keep

    3. Live Lad
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I'm getting Camarasa but to raise cash and to use him in one or two games.
      Keep in your case.

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

      Thanks all

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

    Looking to ship Vardy and KDB, should I:

    A) Wilson, Sterling
    B) Zaha, Sterling
    C) Firmino, B. Silva
    D) Robbo, Vardy, KDB > Matip, Firmino, Hazard (-4)

    1. Patrick Bateman
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I like B

      1. enrico.palazzo
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Agreed

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

          Yeah its the way I'm leaning at the moment. Bit annoying having an empty Liverpool spot but with three GW's left I'm not sure a -4 is worth it

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

      B or C. Probably B

    3. La vida FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      In the same boat... I like B.

      Largely depends on your Liverpool coverage and if you have TC available. If so, Salah might be the way and downgrade Vardy to Perez or other £6m~ forward

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

        No TC available...sadly active this week on Jimenez so many prayers are being said currently. I have Mane so I'm fine (as you can be) going without Salah

  5. FPL Pillars
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    I can get Salah in for free but it would mean removing Sterling, eep. Probably will hold off... see how tonight goes at any rate and pressers.

    1. Patrick Bateman
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Same as my situation below mate. Yeah guess that's all we can do...

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

      I wouldn't get rid of Sterling, find another way

    3. enrico.palazzo
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Nope

  6. Patrick Bateman
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Lloris,
    Duffy, Robertson, Masina
    Mane (C), Sterling, Erikson, Son
    Aguero Jiminez, Long
    (Foster, JWP, Dunk, Valery)
    2.2itb 1FT

    a) Dunk > VVD
    b) Sterling > Salah (TC)
    c) Something else i.e TC Aguero GW37

    1. enrico.palazzo
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A

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

      With Mane in the team I wouldn't be losing for Sterling for Salah. A for me

  7. RUUD!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    How did Spurs look last night? Doing De Bruyne to either Eriksen or Lucas (have Son) my rival has Eriksen. Will one or both be rested before Ajax first leg?

    1. enrico.palazzo
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Shocking

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

      Horrid

  8. enrico.palazzo
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    For free TF and C

    Eriksen > Mane (C)
    Or
    Laca > Firmino (C)

    TIA

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

      Bottom one for me

      1. enrico.palazzo
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks sir

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

    Agüero+Eriksen >> Rashford+Salah[TC] for a -4??

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

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

      think that's ludicrous personally

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

        Hmm. I think for free I’d be close to doing it though. Rashford is great for 37 and 38 and Salah is great for TC this week

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

          Just TC Mane instead, bring in TAA for 3rd Liverpool spot

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

            I have TAA mate

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

        Why? I am strongly considering it so would love to hear the other side of the argument

    2. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      nah..sacrifice Aguero and a hit? Not for me

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

      Shouldn’t you be dealing with Deeney first?

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

        B@LLS, Deeney is Gray hahaha

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

      I own Aguero and Eriksen and wouldn't even consider them moves.

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

      I would just replace Deeney.

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

        Deeney is Gray sorry

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

          Very similar team to mine, would just save.

  10. La vida FPL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Was there a scoutcast last night? If not, any idea when it will be?

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

    Come on City!

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

      Think Roy Keane is in the studio tonight, should be fun.

  12. marco_atk85
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    with no liverpool player at the moment, pick one

    a) hazard > Salah
    b) hazard > Mane
    c) jimenez > Firmino

  13. Delta Varane'iant
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Thinking of shifting one or more out of eriksen, Son and gray for next week to get some more Liverpool cover. Got exact cash to do son (or eriksen) to mane. Any thoughts on taking a - 4 for firminho and a 7.2 mid? Bit of a differential. Almost tempted to TC TAA next week.

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

      After all Gray has done for you this week you are going to bin him? Scandalous

      1. Delta Varane'iant
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Hasn't done THAT much. Got him in early instead of deulofeu.. He only got lucky last night. Would have put away at least a couple

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

      Would do Eriksen to Mane and (C).

  14. boc610
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    One thing im banking on later is rashford trying to impress pep.

  15. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    City United score prediction? Thinking 2-2 with martial and foden braces.

    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      2-1 city. Aguero, Sterling and Pogba to score

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

      United 1 - 5 City

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

      Non sterling owner detected

      1 - 4

      Martial, Sterling x 3, Aguero

      1. boc610
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Theres pool fans on here like me who own these players and want them to fail.its not about fantasy football for me.

      2. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Would love a hatrick from Stirling

        1. the dom 1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          But a Man U win pls

    4. boc610
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      1- 0 united, Alexis with the winner

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

      1-2
      Rashford, Gundogan, Laporte

    6. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      won't be many goals

      can see it being 1 nil to city with a david silva goal... 🙁

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

      0-0 or 2-3

    8. Live Lad
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      United 3-0 City

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

      Lol
      Love to see so many people want United to win 🙂
      I want a high scoring United victory.

    10. Bunk Moreland
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      0-2

    11. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      United 1-1 City

      Pogba pen / Sterling

    12. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      3-2 United

    13. Steiger
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      2-1 United

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

        Put £20 on United to win at 13/2 as well 🙂

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

    Who do you think will get more points this week?

    A) Eriksen
    B) Mane -4

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

      Tie

  17. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Would you start Mili (EVE) ahead of either Deulofeu (WOL) or Jota (wat)?

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

      Yes

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

    So I need to pick 1 keeper, and 1 defender from these 5.
    Ryan and Gunn
    Duffy, Dunk, Valery.

    I usually hedge my bets so I was going with Ryan and Valery (save points and attacking threat) - but I'm concerned about Valery now, should I go Gunn and Duffy instead, or is the consensus that Valery will return to starting full back?

    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Gunn and Duffy

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

    My bench boost story:
    Lloris (6) + Doucoure (6) + Cathcart (3) + Valery (1) = 16 points
    Could have been worse, I suppose.

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

      It's not great is it, but as you say, it could have been worse. I had Ryan (12), but then bombed with Llorente and Cathcart (both 3) and Valery (1).

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

        Well, it increases my mini-league lead a little. But DGW35 bench boost has not been a title clincher.

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

      Very similar story.

      But actually more disappointing than awful. I haven’t had more points on the bench often this season. It’s the Valery over Bednarek choice that really grates.

  20. Alexis Nonsense
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    What to do?

    Play: A) Jota B) Gray (Will play Jimenez)

    Play: A) Duffy B) Valery C) Boly

    Thanks

  21. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    I imagine there are going to be some very good bench boost scores around

    25 here, but those with deulo/trent I imagine there are some with 40+

    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      22 here

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

      Ryan, Duffy, Dunk, Deulofeu = 45 points. Must be a few of them around

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

        Ryan, Duffy, Dunk, Camarasa (after 178 minutes was stuff of legend)

    3. Live Lad
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      22 with Jonny to go.

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

      26
      Foster Deulofeu Yoshida Valery

    5. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Ryan 12, Duffy 8, Bednarek 2, King 2

      24 - happy with that.

    6. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Also 25, more than happy with that.

    7. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      21 with jota Doherty to play

  22. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    What’s all the Vardy owners doing?

    Keeping or Selling?

    1. boc610
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Keeping.

      Reason: Mustafi

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        So am I

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

      Being sad cause I sold him last GW

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Who for?

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

          Long

          Did Eriksen, Camarasa, Vardy -> Sterling, Moura, Long (-8)

          Having a good gameweek but kinda stupid I didn't dare to keep him

          1. the dom 1
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            I did Eriksen > Stirling. But decided to Keep Vardy wining paid off as he was going to be Wilson

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

      Keeping.

      He’s a top 6 specialist and bang in form.

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Good call.

    4. Offs!de
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      keeping

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

    Play...
    A. Gunn
    B. Ryan

    And 2 from...
    1. Jota
    2. Valery
    3. Doherty
    4. Llorente (have Eriksen and Son)
    5. Cathcart

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

      One of the second list must be a defender, sorry.

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

      Has Lolrente really fallen that far in your estimations

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

        Yes 🙂

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

          Well, he's first bench right now with Jota edging him out.

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

    Good to go for next week?

    Lloris
    Laporte – Duffy – TAA
    Mane (c) – Son – Eriksen – Jota
    Jimenez – Aguero – Rashford

    Foster – Redmond – Doherty – Valery

  25. boc610
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    If united do get a result redcafe will be comedy gold for pool fans .

  26. Live Lad
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    TC Salah or Mane.
    Don't have Salah yet. Need a (-4).

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

    Typical, rain and thunder for the derby 🙁

  28. El-Kloppico
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Comon Laca(c).