Scout Notes

The Huddersfield Effect boosts Liverpool assets in big Anfield win

Liverpool assets did exactly what we thought they would do against Huddersfield, and it made for a hugely satisfying start to Gameweek 36.

The Reds swept Huddersfield aside comfortably with a big 5-0 win, which featured double-figure hauls for many of our favourite Fantasy options.

We’ve taken a look at what the result means for them in the closing Gameweeks of the campaign.

Liverpool 5-0 Huddersfield Town

Goals: Naby Keita (£7.1m), Sadio Mané x2 (£10.1m), Mohamed Salah x2 (£13.2m)

Assists: Salah, Andrew Robertson x2 (£6.8m), Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.6m), Jordan Henderson (£5.3m)

Mohamed Salah (£13.2m) was a huge difference maker for many Fantasy managers on Friday night as he recorded a 19-point Gameweek score against Huddersfield Town. The Egyptian now has attacking returns in each of his last five matches, although his double-figure haul on Friday night was the first since Gameweek 23.

It is certainly likely that his big score in Gameweek 36 was due to the opposition. After all, the Terriers ranked bottom of the league for shots conceded in the box in the four away matches prior to this one. That made for some rather inflated statistics for Salah and company.

In the four home matches prior to the 5-0 win over Huddersfield, the Egyptian was averaging 4.75 shots per game, 2.75 in the box and 1.75 on target. On Friday night, Salah registered eight goal attempts, five of which were in the box and three were on target.

However, Salah’s recent resurgence is not entirely based on the quality of opposition he has faced. Gameweek 36 was the fourth consecutive league match that Jordan Henderson (£5.3m) was deployed in a more advanced role in central midfield. We had already noticed that the support of the England international was having a positive effect on Salah’s attacking potential in the last three matches, so it was pleasing to see the Egyptian steal the show against Huddersfield.

Furthermore, Henderson’s own Fantasy potential continues to be of note, as he got himself another assist. That means the central midfielder has four attacking returns to his name in the four matches since moving to a new role. With Fantasy managers looking for differential options in the closing Gameweeks of the season, a Liverpool attacker that can offer points potential at just £5.3m looks like a great opportunity for some.

He may not have hit the same heights as Salah but Sadio Mané (£10.1m) was still able to reward more than half of the top 10k with 13 points for their captaincy. It was certainly a smart decision to put the armband on him given that he was top of the league for big chances and expected goals (xG) in the four home matches prior to this one. Furthermore, he had 10 goals in his previous 10 home league matches. Mané was admittedly another player who hugely benefitted from the poor showing from Huddersfield’s defence. In the last four home matches before Gameweek 36, the Senegalese international registered an average of 3.5 shots per game, 2.75 in the box and 1.5 on target. Against Huddersfield, he had four shots, four in the box and two on target, certainly an improvement although not as big a jump as Salah’s.

“Sadio always had ability, but his mindset was more a creator, a door-opener than someone who runs through the door himself. I’m not sure somebody has jumped that high since Air Jordan!” – Jurgen Klopp

Ultimately, Mané was unfortunate not to come away with more goals on Friday night. He struck the post with a header in the second half which could have completed his hat-trick. Missing this big chance was one of the factors in him not getting any bonus points despite scoring twice.

Furthermore, Mané somewhat suffered from a slightly selfish attitude of Salah and Daniel Sturridge (£5.6m). There were a number of moments in the match when either of his forward colleagues could have played him in but opted instead to take on a speculative shot on goal. Some Fantasy managers were bemoaning the fact that Roberto Firmino (£9.3m) was not on the pitch, typically more willing to set up his colleagues when in attacking positions. Although, ironically, the last time he missed a league match at Anfield, Liverpool recorded a 5-0 win, back in Gameweek 28.

The Brazilian had looked all set to be involved in Gameweek 36 having not been mentioned by Jurgen Klopp in his press conference on Thursday. However, since that media commitment, Firmino picked up a slight muscle problem that was considered serious enough to keep him out of the Huddersfield match. Klopp insisted he would probably be ready for the Barcelona match so it doesn’t sound too serious.

“Actually, yesterday after training he mentioned a little muscle issue. We assess it obviously. It’s not a big thing but was enough to leave him out today, that’s all. He might be ready for Wednesday, it’s rather likely.” – Jurgen Klopp

Thankfully, Liverpool’s defence also followed the script for the evening as they kept their 20th clean sheet of the season in the match where they were most likely to record one. Crucially, there were also attacking returns that Fantasy managers had hoped for as Andrew Robertson (£6.8m) got his 11th and 12th assist of the season to become the first ever defender in FPL history to score more than 200 points in one campaign. Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.6m) also got an assist.

There was some good news for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (£6.4m) who made his first appearance since a serious injury last season. He is still in the early stages on the road back to full fitness, so is certainly not a legitimate Fantasy option yet, but could be next season. Obviously, central midfield is a bit of a rotation minefield under Klopp, but there were encouraging signs from Oxlade-Chamberlain, who nearly scored just minutes after coming on as a substitute.

“We tried to be careful with him after such a long time. Now he’s ready, and that’s really cool. It would have been goal of the season if he could have scored.” – Jurgen Klopp

“He worked so hard to get back to where he is now & when he came on he looked as if he had never been away. He has been sharp in training and I wish that chance went in for him, but we are all delighted to have him back because he’s an important player.” – Jordan Henderson

Huddersfield’s ability to boost Fantasy assets they face is now starting to become a worrying trend for the Terriers, who are now mathematically rooted to the foot of the Premier League table for the rest of the campaign. How obliging they are could bode well for Manchester United and Southampton assets in Gameweek 37 and 38.

However, backing those sides’ defences could cause some disappointment, as Karlan Grant (£5.0m) continues to prove a nuisance. He was the one who knocked out Watford’s clean sheet in stoppage time in Double Gameweek 35, and he came close to busted Liverpool’s on Friday night. The 5-0 scoreline was certainly a fair reflection of the game but Huddersfield did ask one or two questions of the Reds’ defence in the first half. With his pace and drive on the ball, Grant came close to an unlikely goal but was just short of a final touch on the ball.

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Robertson, van Dijk, Lovren, Alexander-Arnold (Gomez 88′); Keita, Wijnaldum (Shaqiri 73′), Henderson; Mané, Sturridge (Oxlade-Chamberlain 73′), Salah.

Huddersfield Town XI (4-1-4-1): Lössl; Durm, Kongolo, Schindler, T Smith; Stanković (Pritchard 81′); Grant, J Bacuna, Hogg, Mbenza (Kachunga 87′); Mounié (Löwe 65′).

902 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Ejiptian King
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    After the price drops last night, I can now do Eriksen and Wilson > Pogba and Rashford for free, Pogba wasn't in my plan at all though but Hudds are sooooo bad.

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

      Could be a good shout. Eriksen does have Bournemouth, but it could end up being his rest game. (Still unlikely.)

      Going to have to watch how United play in the Chelsea game.

      I'm tempted by Rashford but they've just been SO bad.

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

        (Manchester United, that is.)

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

        If Hudds are gonna beat anyone...

    2. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Are you not worried Pogba might be dropped altogether for last 2 games or will Ole do his best to keep him in his good books?

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

        Not really, he's been terrible and I hope he's sold but I think he plays every minute, it helps him that our alternatives are also awful.

        1. Balls of Steel
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Fair point, United don't have alternatives in their squad to replace Pogba so I guess it's a high percentage he plays all of last 3 league games.

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

        Man U get a lot of penalties to bail them out. Only chance of getting into top 4 is to dive around so I’d get Pogba if I were you.

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

      Looking at Mane & Rondon > Pogba & Rashford ... those CL fixtures 2nd leg fixtures worry me

      1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        You plan to sold Mane? Why?

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

          Have Salah too ... it's either Mane or Son that gets sold for Pogba. Selling Mane allows me to get Rashford too

          Barca on Tuesday, so Newcastle away on Saturday evening doesn't inspire me

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

            I don't think Klopp can afford to rotate, they want to win the Prem more than the CL and that isn't an easy fixture.

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

              Yeah if Klopp was planning on rotating at all it would have been against Huddersfield surely. If he decides to rest any of them against Newcastle after giving them both 90 minutes against Huddersfield he is without doubt a bufoon.

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

      I kept Martial for those last two fixtures.

      Hopefully he starts them. Huddersfield really are shocking. After the infamous Derby side of 2007 this must be the worst Prem team ever.

      We were all kinds of bad in 2015 but Hudds are worse than we were, which is hard to fathom.

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

        I watched them against Liverpool in the reverse fixture and they actually kept even steps with them. Talk about going downhill till todays form.

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

    Llorente and Vert here, sick. At least Vert is not in the squad, so no 1 point appearance fear.

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

      Vert here. Got Ings coming on for him as I've Valery on for Firmino already.

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

    Anyone else don’t care what happens today cos they’re still beaming from ear to ear after TC’ ing Salah yesterday?

    Man, this feels good!

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

      What about when Eriksen scores 10 goals today - what then?

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

        I have him too.

    2. fusen
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I need as many of my other players to do well even with 84 points from last night.

      You can still get burnt if someone you don't have gets a haul

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

        Casual brag there

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

          It was more to show the extent of my point. Every single point counts even if you're doing well already 😛

    3. 1zverGGadeM
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      O/

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

      20 points from Son would be the cherry on the top - that would be 100 points before 3.00 kick offs

    5. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Not so stressed about fpl due to yesterday but want my other players to do well to hit +150 second time ever.

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

        Ambitious

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

        Obviously, yes.

        But I can enjoy watching these games now and not being so stressed out about it.

        1. S.Kuqi
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Exactly. Like I said. Not so stressed about fpl atm

    6. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I wish but I've got Lloris and Son v ml rival with no spurs asset, a clean sheet and a goal would claw back an 11 point deficit I'm on thanks to his Salah ownership.

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

    No Firmino and now no Vertonghen. Someone really doesn't want me to win my minileague.

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

      You're probably the only one who does want you to win it to be honest...

      1. Cilly Bonnolly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Nah my missus does too. She's got my winnings spent already.

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

      Rough

  5. @FPLDIARYFPL
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Trippier not looking like a great pick from a few gw ago. Hopefully stays on bench and JWP gets some points!

    1. @FPLDIARYFPL
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Oh wait ... xD

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

        Oh wait what?

    2. 1zverGGadeM
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Or Long.. 😀

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

    Hope some Eriksen points!

  7. Art Vandelay
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    No Tripps is good news for Eriksen in terms of set pieces.

    Smash it lad!

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

      Odds on him beating first man (from literally any set piece) 2/1

      1. Art Vandelay
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        True. He's still disappointed after Ryan Gosling got the gig in the Neil Armstrong biopic.

  8. Football Heaven
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone know what Mark's FPL ID is? Thanks?

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      4668

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

        damn that rank history extraordinary

  9. Balls of Steel
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Score predictions Spurs v Westham?

    I'll say 3-1 Spurs

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

      A disappointing 1-1. Dele and Antonio with the goals.

    2. 1zverGGadeM
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      4 0

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

        Do you want scorers too?

        1. Balls of Steel
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 11 months ago

          Ya sure go on while you're at it cheers 🙂

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

            Really high percentage lately on Spurs scorers here just...

            Moura
            Eriksen
            Son with a brace

  10. Weilong7
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    how do you guys think city will react against burnley after pool cut the goal difference to 3?
    1-0 wins for rest of fixtures or try to make the GD margin wider just in case?

    1. Jafoole_88
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      They'll tear Burnley a new a-hole

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

      think they will drop points against burnley. 1-1 is my prediction or 2-2

  11. @FPLDIARYFPL
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Love that 1230 games on Sky One. For us cheap ppl who dont pay for sky/bt sports.

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

      Is Sky One free...?

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        No you need sky subscription still just not spirts package. All of it is a rip of tho really

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

          Not if you card share

          1. Ask Yourself
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            What this

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

          Agreed. I have BT Sport but it’s pretty awful for prem in all honesty, Newcastle v Southampton last week, Brighton v Newcastle this week, I mean ffs...

          1. Ask Yourself
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 11 months ago

            Yeah good for Europe tho at least

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

              Yeah, CL has been amazing this year too

    2. 1zverGGadeM
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      How much you pay in UK per month to watch all Live TV games in PL?

      Just curious

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

        Excluding Saturday games at 15:00..

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

      It's not every week is it? Thought it was games with lesser interest.

    4. Captain Warlock
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      It’s not on today just pre match talk

  12. Taking the Mkhitaryan
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    So many spelling mistakes and grammatical errors in the FFS articles nowadays. Increased quantity but vastly less quality

    1. Art Vandelay
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Very true.

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      David Monday 😀

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

      Just not the same without Mark. Miss the Pre-Amble, and Granville on the Scoutcast with Mark.

      1. Art Vandelay
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Halcyon days, mate.

      2. Hybrid.power
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        I do indeed miss the preamble.

      3. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Agree with the Mark Granville dynamic it was fun listening to them swind each other up.
        The current crop are all 'nicey, nice' to each other.

        As for Mark's preamble: - I will be honest it was one of the worst articles on the site.
        Just Mark pontificating about his team off the top of his head and trying to reach a vague conclusion on his hypotheses.

    4. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      A lot of them seem to be articles for the sake of it to keep generating output, interest, and therefore views on the site.
      The site is a strong brand now and has to keep the views and output going.
      Like many brands regardless of the quality some people will lap up every bit of it as they want to be associated with the brand.
      So become a member becomes a 'status symbol'.
      Being called 'a valued member of the community' on the scout-cast etc means that you are in the FFS clique etc.

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

        I agree. Ever since they linked up with the Premier League this site has changed quite a lot.

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

        Yes, and this applies to all websites. Quality is down the pan. Short nothingnesses and social-friendly crap are king

  13. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    No Trippier, No Firmino all that worry about bench order was pointless!

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

    Benched Moura for Deulofeu, really feel bad about it now.

    1. Art Vandelay
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Both decent options mate. You could be celebrating the decision later.

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

    Of course Trippier is dropped again. Ffs

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

    Is it too much to ask for 20pts from.Eriksen + Son + Lloris?

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

      Let it be

  17. 1zverGGadeM
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Chances for Trippy to come in lately at the game?

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

      I own him so very likely

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

      I think small. Can see Llorente, Janssen and Skipp/Wanyama coming in

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

        Really hope for this
        I've got Long as first sub lol

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

    Fully expecting a 1 point cameo from Trippier! Urgh

  19. KINGVIZO
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    All in favour of rule change??

    - 1 player max per team - this would be mine - would make the pool of players used far more than currently imho....

    Would would be your rule change and why??

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

      nope

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

        no more chips, just WC

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

        Yes agreed 1 is drastic but I think would really make this game more interesting and would factor in whether defenders from good teams are better than attackers due to extreme price differences...

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

      I was thinking along same lines for a while and I thought two. But maybe, yeah, one is even more radical.

      I also thought of this discussion but never bothered, should be a really hot topic

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

      Nope

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

      1 is too few. Would consider 2 maybe

    5. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I would get rid of the chips except the captain chip. BB TC leads to way too many variables.
      Also they should bring in proper positions in fpl right back/left back etc.
      There would be defensive midfield positions to be filled then. So the likes of Xhaka/Henderson won't be ignored.

      Currently it is too easy just to pick attacking midfielders

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

      If it was one max from each team, I think you'd find everyone's teams being even more alike.

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

      give players who come off the bench (in real life) double the points if they assist/score. Makes 'being nailed' a bit less important.

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

        interesting idea..

        What do people think to Bonus changes - e.g 5pts for top bonus points and nothing for others?

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

    Anyone else feel Poch rotates too much?
    Especially compared to so other teams in similar positions etc.

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

      Er... how?

      Only fullbacks. The man hardly has a squad!

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

      He rotates his fullbacks too much, everyone would have one fullback if they were nailed as Robbo

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

      aurier injury has caused this wouldn’t happen otherwise. Trippier integral to Spurs

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

    Yesterday's game reminded me of FPL 2013/14, the good old days with Sturrigde, Suarez and Gerrard.

    I remember owning both Suarez and Sturridge, what a fruitful combination, and it was a differential to own both at the time.

    Oh if we only had the TC chip then...

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

      Oh, and Sterling below 6m

  22. Mr Arsenal
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Spurs will do a Leicester and win the C1.

    They play such amazing football, it’s a joy to watch.

  23. Alnair
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Does Moura have something against Son or something? Why does he never pass to him?

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

    84 with sterling and Laporte to play. Not too bad with TC still to use
    Got a bit blessed with Firmino/Yoshida being auto replaced with Wilson/Hojbjerg but also sold Jota (instead of Eriksen) to fund Mane