Scout Notes

Salah injury latest after Newcastle outing cut short

Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool

Goals: Christian Atsu (£5.1m), Salomón Rondón (£5.9m) | Virgil van Dijk (£6.7m), Mohamed Salah (£13.3m), Divock Origi (£5.0m)

Assists: Rondón, Javier Manquillo (£4.3m) | Trent Alexander-Arnold x2 (£5.7m), Xherdan Shaqiri (£6.8m)

Mohamed Salah (£13.3m) owners are now faced with a week of uncertainty as he was taken off with a head injury in Liverpool’s win over Newcastle. After making it six consecutive Gameweeks with attacking returns, the Egyptian was floored in a collision with goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka (£5.0m) and his awkward landing exacerbated the problem. He was down receiving treatment for some time before being taken off the pitch on a stretcher.

Thankfully, there will be regular updates on Salah this week as Liverpool prepare for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final with Barcelona. The corresponding press conference will likely take place on Monday given that the match is scheduled for Tuesday night. Furthermore, we should know more about Salah’s situation after the game depending on the role he plays against Barcelona.

“What I heard, he got the hip of the goalie on his head. He was then on the ground and the doc had to make a decision ‘on the pitch or off the pitch’, and the decision was off the pitch. We accept that of course. When he came in he was sitting in the dressing room watching the game on television. So he was then fine, but of course, we have to wait. He got a proper knock, obviously, in that situation.” – Jurgen Klopp

Whether Salah can be fit for the final day of the season visit of Wolves could prove pivotal for Fantasy managers. He was Liverpool’s primary goal threat against Newcastle, registering more shots and more efforts in the box than any of his colleagues. His deft first-half finish extended his lead at the top of the Golden Boot charts and means he has five goals in as many Premier League outings.

By contrast, Sadio Mané (£10.2m) was largely anonymous, as has often been the case in away matches this season. He had just one shot on goal all evening and was unable to be the chief beneficiary of Newcastle’s vulnerability in the air, despite registering more headed attempts than any other midfielder this season.

Despite winning the game in dramatic fashion, Liverpool were not quite at their ruthless best, actually emerging from the trip to Newcastle with a lower expected goals (xG) score than their hosts. That may have been down to Roberto Firmino‘s (£9.3m) latest absence. After missing Gameweek 36 and then only playing a small part in the defeat to Barcelona, the Brazilian could not overcome the muscle injury he has been dealing with of late. Klopp has already ruled him out of midweek Champions League action and must wait and see if he can feature against Wolves on Sunday.

“(Firmino) will not be ready for Tuesday and the rest we will see.” – Jurgen Klopp

Part of what caused Liverpool problems in Firmino’s absence has been the role Daniel Sturridge (£5.6m) has played in the last two matches. He started up front in both Gameweek 36 and 37, but in neither match did he get close to replicating what Firmino brings to the team. The Brazilian has been an excellent link-up man for Liverpool this season, while Sturridge has proved to be more of a one-dimensional forward, largely looking to shoot on sight. Despite his selfish tendencies in front of goal, seven players have registered a higher expected goal involvement (xGI) score in the last two matches than the Englishman, even Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (£6.4m).

It will be interesting to see who is given the nod to start up front against Wolves if it looks like Firmino cannot play. With Sturridge not particularly impressing, Divock Origi (£5.0m) might fancy his chances after he got the all-important late winning goal for Liverpool. The last time he started at home in the league he featured on the left of the front three, allowing Mané to play through the middle, and got himself a goal too. However, that was, admittedly, against Watford, who have been much worse against top six sides this year than Wolves.

Xherdan Shaqiri (£6.8m) may also be in contention given his role in the team earlier this season, and an assist for the winner at Newcastle. When Salah was being played as the centre-forward in the 4-2-3-1 system, Shaqiri occupied the right attacking-midfield position and could play there again if Klopp opts to change formation for the final day of the campaign.

“We have fresh players on the bench, try to have an impact – and they had [an impact]. It was a wonderful free-kick from Shaq and sensational header from Divock and we win the game. We are now qualified for the league final, which is brilliant. So crucial. What can I say? It is just brilliant, it is like a fairy tale. You can say whatever you want about me – they don’t play often enough, Shaqiri not often enough. I make this decision. It is great that they do it, I love it. That was really a big moment.” – Jurgen Klopp

It was a mixed evening for Liverpool defensive assets as their fortunes were decided on their attacking capabilities rather than clean sheet potential. As previously mentioned, Newcastle certainly deserved their goals based on the quality of their chances, which will be of some concern ahead of a clash with top-six specialists Wolves on the final day.

“Credit to Newcastle, that was, wow… any people who doubt or whatever that teams don’t play for anything anymore, or maybe are halfway on the beach already, they were really the opposite. Is there any history between Newcastle and Liverpool that I don’t know about? The atmosphere was like there was something that happened in the past. The boys, again, were ready to face it, ready to deal with it and that’s brilliant.” – Jurgen Klopp

It was the Magpies’ weaknesses that dictated which of the Liverpool defenders were able to pull in offensive returns. They have been particularly vulnerable to players with aerial threat and set pieces this season, which is why Virgil van Dijk (£6.7m) was able to convert perhaps the easiest header of his career into the net, completely unmarked, in the 13th minute.

Also benefitting hugely in this department was Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) who took the corner for that opener. His ability to cross the ball in early from wide areas helped him to his second assist of the night when Salah converted his 28th-minute chance.

His pair of assists on Saturday night helped make Premier League history, in fact. The England international has now provided 11 of them this season, and is just one short of colleague Andrew Robertson (£6.8m). Crucially, those who have opted to own both of the two full-backs have been handsomely rewarded this season, as they have arguably been the most effective defensive double-up in FPL history. The efforts of Alexander-Arnold and Robertson mean that it is the first time in Premier League history that two defenders from the same club have produced more than 10 assists in a campaign.

“The first goal, Pete Krawietz and Greg and James, our analysts, what they do around set-pieces is unbelievable. It is really nice to see. Having Virgil van Dijk completely free in the box is pretty rare, it was a wonderful routine.” – Jurgen Klopp

However, it must be said that Alexander-Arnold was hugely fortunate to last longer than 20 minutes at Newcastle. He was the last bastion of defence for one of Newcastle’s first-half counter-attacks, blocking Salomón Rondón‘s (£5.9m) shot with his elbow, before it was converted by Christian Atsu (£5.1m). Had Liverpool been able to clear their lines, it is likely that they would have conceded a penalty for the handball and Alexander-Arnold would have been sent off.

In scoring twice, Newcastle demonstrated that their offensive potential is not necessarily dependent on Miguel Almirón (£6.0m). The Paraguayan international transformed the pace of their attack since signing in January, and also brought out the best in Ayoze Pérez (£6.1m) in recent weeks. It had been thought that going up against Liverpool without Almirón might see the Magpies offer little in the way of goal threat, but they asked Liverpool plenty of questions.

Rondón, in particular, was a constant menace, not only with his characteristic running and pressing off the ball but with his efforts on goal too. No player on the pitch had more shots in the box, either total or inside the box, than the Venezuelan international, suggesting he could act as an effective differential signing for the Gameweek 38 trip to relegated Fulham.

Newcastle United XI (5-4-1): Dúbravka; Ritchie, Dummett, Lascelles, Schär (Muto 90+1′), Manquillo; Atsu, Ki, Hayden, A Pérez; Rondón.

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Robertson, van Dijk, Lovren (Milner 66′), Alexander-Arnold; Wijnaldum (Shaqiri 66′), Fabinho, Henderson; Mané, Sturridge, Salah (Origi 73′).

960 Comments Post a Comment
  1. KUN_DE_BRU_YNE
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Is pogba a good replacement of son despite utd no result(but some sign)against Huddersfield ??

    1. JustPark
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Would avoid like plague.

      1. Hart-ake
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah, my issue is that if you already have Mane, Salah and Sterling, it's hard to find a solid one week option to replace Son with.

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          They're out there if you ignore price tags and forget reputation.

          Pogba and Son are a tidy match in that respect with both averaging around 3 points per game since 27.

        2. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Siggy?

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I think Manu assets are don’t buy and don’t sell. I wouldn’t be surprised if Ole fields youngsters on last game tbh

      1. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        this
        Chong and Greenwood

    3. Dannywaz
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      He is yes a very good player

  2. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    I'm on a roll here.

    Only QPR in 2012/3 and Huddersfield have scored fewer home goals than Palace's 14 this season.

    Add in that Zaha has scored once at home all season (previous page) but has managed 9 away goals.

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      * Only found home away records stretching back to 2012/3

    2. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Who HAS scored their home goals then?

      1. Mysterion
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Probably Mili

      2. Burger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Mili

    3. Mysterion
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Travers (c)

    4. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Wolves scored 13 in 09/10
      Derby scored 12 in 07/08
      Man City scored 10 in 06/07 😆

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Ty

        Man City that year gulp - no goals at home after New Year's day according to Wikipedia. I'd slightly forgotten how terrible they were around then.

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Beating Everton 2-1. Would have been easy in FPL then.

  3. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Jumped on top of cash league by a point, phew!

    Rival: Aguero(c) Walker
    Me: Aguero Sterling

    Will Raheem sort me out?

    1. rhysmd
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      My situation:
      Rival: Kun (c) Sterling
      Me: Kun (c) Laporte

      Hoping Sterling will blank (sorry) but I can see a very open game with the way Leicester play. Will be fairly close imo

  4. rhysmd
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Guatia (Patrício)
    Robertson TAA Laporte (Cathcart Jonny)
    Son* Pogba Mane Doucoure (McNeil)
    Laca Kun Rashford
    2FT 0.8 itb
    Chasing 7points in a mini league and he has the free hit to play. Son to who with a bit of differential?
    Also thinking of losing Pogba/Rash... thoughts?

    1. spaych
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      redmond, fraser, milivojevic

  5. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    5.01mil GW rank now.

    The worst in this season so far. 🙁

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      If only the GW was over.

      1. NATSTER
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Just two of Kün and Sterling to go, but I hope City to drop points.

        2 - 2 with a brace of goals and assists from the pair would be great.

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Including a captain........

  6. bigbudgie
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Which do you prefer for 38. Have Salah, Mane, Aguero, Laporte

    A) Bilva
    B) Sane
    C) Sterling -4

    1. Crazygopher
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      A

    2. KUN_DE_BRU_YNE
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      A from those but not that much confident in it

      1. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        y so?

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      A

  7. KUN_DE_BRU_YNE
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    I think wood is great punt against leaky arsenal,I have to choose one transfer now:
    A)jiminez > wood
    Or,
    B)son > pogba/BILVA

    M benching either son or jiminez so 1FT enough for me.

    1. Klein
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Kinda makes sense. Ans really are leaky. Bilva is great but others take more shots for them. Jiminez to wood looks juicy

    2. benbro
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Can’t imagine Arsenal will be on any better form against Burnley. Especially after being embarrassed in last home game by all their fans leaving before the celebratory lap. Being at Burnley makes it all the more likely they will collapse.

    3. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Wood and Barnes both are

  8. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Lloris - Foster
    Robertson-Laporte-Doherty-Shaw-Valery
    Salah-Son-Pogba-Jota-JWP
    Aguero-Jim-Gray

    for -4:
    1-Son-Salah > Sterling-Mane
    2-Son-Gray > Bilva/ Zaha-Rashford
    3-Other

    1. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      0.5ITB

  9. SMOOTH
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    whats up with rashfords flag

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

      refresh?

  10. Kiwivillan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Who to TC next week? Cash ML is in the bag

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      All week to pick someone 😛

      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Such a relief. Doubled my 43pt margin with Aguero+Sterling differentials to come. Rival on 12 from 8C 😆

  11. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Lloris
    Robbo - Shaw - Valery
    Sterling - Mane - Eriksen - Son!!
    Aguero - Ings - Jimenez

    (Ryan / Jota / Bednarek / Doherty)
    2FT & 0.2m

    A) Son & Jimenez to B.Silva & Zaha/Mitro/Rondon
    B) Son & Doherty to B.Silva & TAA (442)
    C) Son & Jimenez to Vardy & Fraser/6.7m
    D) Anything else?

    Appreciate your thoughts! 🙂

    1. Boberella
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Like C with Fraser out of those.

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Yup I think both those games could be high scoring.

    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Son + Jim->Long + Hazard

      Keep eyes on Ings...he was subbed halftime I think

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Maybe push the boat out and get Wilson as well...not sure if funds permit it...

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Deeney could also be gold vs WH

        2. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          That price bracket is only accessible if I dont spend more than what Son costs.

      2. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Can't get Long because of 3 Soton already. Will have to go for someone like Crouch/Quaner.

        Yup I saw that early sub could start Jota over him.

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          aah, cool. South look like they are on beach now. Pity.

          What about a double Eriksen+Son out?

          Then you can get Hazard?

          1. Karan14
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            Yup I could do that but then I would have to start 2 out of Jota, Jim & Ings.

            1. Christina.
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 10 months ago

              Wolves great record vs top teams and I reckon they will make life very difficult for Livp, especially if Salah is not up to scratch.

    3. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      How about Pogba and Zaha?

  12. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Would be a pity if we lose a seasoned campaigner like Hazard in FPL next year.

    Would make things too easy to balance the books.

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      People been saying this for seasons about other players

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        true, but there has always been someone to pick at certain parts of the season from the big teams...

        Hazard, Sterling or Kun, Salah, Bobby F or Mane, Pogba or Lukaku, Lacazette or Aubua.

        Would be sad if Chelsea drop of the list. When Suarez left Salah arrived...etc...Chelsea used to have Drogba and Lampard.

        1. Numbuster
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          you have Pulisic in next season

  13. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    I've got a new favourite league table. Which team leads the league in scoring in both halves in away games? I

    (t's not City - though they might draw level today.)

    1. wernerhedgehog
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Palace?

    2. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      City don't play away today though?

    3. benbro
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Watford?

  14. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Any early advice for this team? 1 ft, 0 itb. Thanks

    foster
    vvd trippier Doherty
    salah hazard sterling martial jota
    Zaha long

    ryan gray cathcart duffy

    1. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Depends on the Salah situation, FT to Mané could be the obvious move.

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

        Cheers, if he's fine guess I should replace martial? Any suggestions for who?

        1. Robson-Canoe
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Townsend, Babel, Lucas Moura.. I'd go for Lucas probably.

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

            Cheers tony

      2. Boberella
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Fraser maybe?

  15. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    what should I do with this lot, currently chasing 60 and 30 pts in my ML..

    1 FT

    Ryan Foster
    Robbo Laporte Doherty Duffy bednarek
    Mane Hazard Sterling Redmond Masuaku
    Jim Kun Gray

    1. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Doesn't look like it needs any changing. Could go for an Arnautovic punt for either Jim/Gray if you can afford

  16. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Lucas Moura anyone?

    1. benbro
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Rather look at Leicester: Tielemans or Maddison?

      1. teneighty
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        You reckon Chelsea will put the reserves out?

  17. el polako
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Need atleast 28 points from Sterling(c), Kun and Bernardo Silva.
    Doable innit fams ?

    1. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Anything between 8 and 60 points is possible.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      easy-peasy

  18. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Current setup:

    Lloris
    Valery Laporte Matip Doherty
    Sterling Mane Deulofeu
    Aguero Jimenez Rashford

    Foster Yoshida Romeu Son

    1FT, 1.8 ITB

    Best option for GW38:

    1. Doherty >> TAA (and play instead of Son)
    2. Son >> Pogba (or others)
    3. Both (-4)

    Thanks

  19. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Stop bothering with Spurs assets. They are toast.

  20. hogree
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Would you do Jimenez to Zaha for a hit?

  21. Mo Mané Mo Problems
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Just realised I’d absolutely love a scoreboard failure for tonight’s game.

    But I guess it would be shifted midweek rather than postponed beyond GW38. Are there any concerts on at the Etihad midweek?