Scout Notes

Hazard stars in Chelsea win but poses Gameweek 38 dilemma

Chelsea 3-0 Watford

Goals: Ruben Loftus-Cheek (£5.2m), David Luiz (£5.8m), Gonzalo Higuaín (£9.0m)

Assists: Eden Hazard x2 (£10.9m), Pedro (£6.2m)

Bonus: D Luiz x3, Hazard x2, Loftus-Cheek x1

Eden Hazard (£10.9m) duly delivered on his Gameweek 37 promise as he was comfortably the best player at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon. Providing two assists and securing two bonus, the Belgian emerged with an 11-point haul to help those using him as a differential on the top 10k. He had effective ownership in that bracket of just 22.06% for Gameweek 37 in a week where the average score without a chip in the top 10k currently stands at just 30.98.

For that reason, those in possession of Hazard might have hoped for a little more considering how well he played against Watford. No Fantasy asset managed more shots in the box or created more chances than him, most of which came in the second half. Chelsea started the game quite poorly as Watford set up with a high-press, so had the Blues played the first half as they did the second it is possible that Hazard might have scored too.

“I think that, in the first half, we were in trouble because we were tired: physically and mentally. Then, in the second half, they lowered their intensity so we were in control of the match. We were lucky, of course, because we scored after two minutes. After the first goal, probably we improved mentally and we were able to play very well for 30-35 minutes. In the first half, we were tired and in trouble, I think tired more mentally than physically. But it’s not easy to play after 60 hours. In the past, after a match away in the Europa League, we won only one match.” – Maurizio Sarri

Furthermore, Hazard’s owners find themselves in something of a quandary ahead of Gameweek 38. His recent success has been almost exclusively in front of his own supporters, and not been replicated on the road. Despite four double-figure hauls in his last five home league matches, the Belgian has eight blanks in his last nine away. In fact, the last time he found the net on his travels in the Premier League was at Watford in Gameweek 19. With Leicester also proving quite effective in defence since Brendan Rodgers took over, it does seem somewhat unlikely that Hazard will be able to sign off his FPL season in a similar fashion to Gameweek 37.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is looking like a decent FPL prospect for next season

Once again, Ruben Loftus-Cheek (£5.2m) showed his potential to be a serious asset worth considering in 2019/20 with another fine performance. He did not start the match as Maurizio Sarri continues to manage his minutes due to an ongoing back problem but he Chelsea were much better for his introduction. As ever, it was Loftus-Cheek’s drive from central midfield that got Chelsea going and in the end, only Hazard completed more successful take-ons than him at Stamford Bridge.

Crucially, despite limited game-time this year, the England international has managed to record the same minutes per touch (1.1) as Hazard and his minutes per pass received of 1.7 is just shy of his colleague’s 1.6. Also in the last four home matches, Loftus-Cheek has averaged more big chances and higher expected goals (xG) than Hazard.

Chelsea’s chances of success both in the Europa League and on the final day of the Premier League may very well depend on what progress N’Golo Kanté (£4.9m) can make this week. He was forced off in the 10th minute with a hamstring injury and Sarri currently does not know the severity. It does seem likely that the Frenchman will miss the next two matches, even if he can recover, as the Chelsea manager seemed to regret not resting him for the Watford game.

“I don’t know. The problem is with his hamstring. But I think that I made a mistake because, probably, today he had to rest. Sometimes it’s very difficult to put on the bench a player so important like Hazard, like Kante, but you have to do it. Otherwise, you risk, and I have to say that I made a mistake. I don’t know (the severity). We have to wait until tomorrow morning, I think, but I think it’s very difficult to recover him for the next two matches. But we want to play in the final, so he’s lucky. We have to try and recover him for the final in case (we get there).” – Maurizio Sarri

David Luiz added Chelsea’s second goal, just minutes after they had opened the scoring

Meanwhile, David Luiz (£5.8m) rewarded his 11.6% ownership with an impressive 15-point haul. Not only did he keep a clean sheet and score the second goal of the game, but he also secured three bonus in the process. He did come off in the 89th minute but that was not connected with an injury at all. As it was the last home league game of the season, and the result was secure, Sarri took the opportunity to allow Gary Cahill (£5.0m) the chance to come on for a final appearance at Stamford Bridge ahead of a probable departure this summer.

“Today was his last match for Chelsea, so it was important for him to be on the pitch, only for a few minutes but I still think it was really very important for the fans and for him. Here, Gary won everything. And so I think he had to say goodbye to the stadium, to the fans, to the club.” – Maurizio Sarri

Watford actually began this encounter as the better side. Their high press limited Chelsea’s attack most effectively, with the Blues not managing a single shot above 0.5 xG until the second half. However, the Hornets were unable to sustain their pressure beyond the break and were ultimately undone by their biggest weakness this season: set pieces.

“It felt like we played very well in the first half and a bit of a lack of concentration killed the game for us. It’s a lesson learned for this season, we have to be very ruthless in both boxes.” – Nathaniel Chalobah

“I think the result was very, very tough for us,” said Gracia. “In my opinion, we didn’t deserve that result. We had some good moments in the first half, a good performance, creating chances, dominating the game, recovering the ball with a good attitude and playing in the opposition half. We didn’t take our chances, we didn’t confirm [our superiority]. We have to be more clinical in that situation and be more aggressive in both boxes. It is difficult as I am happy with the performance but I am not happy losing 3-0.” – Javi Gracia

Gerard Deulofeu (£5.7m) continues to prove a more effective threat in away matches than he does at home. He may have failed to find the net at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon but he had more efforts on goal than any other player, although none were on target.

The Spaniard was reunited with strike-partner Troy Deeney (£5.8m) up front, who was back after his three-match suspension. With the FA Cup final later this month looming large, Javi Gracia opted to preserve the pair by bringing Isaac Success (£4.5m) and Andre Gray (£5.9m) on for them in the 83rd minute.

The two substitutes were involved in an unfortunate turn of events for Watford in the closing stages. Success headed the ball towards Chelsea’s goal following a ball in from a set piece, but it inadvertently hit Gray, who was standing in an offside position, before going in the net and being disallowed.

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Kepa; Alonso, D Luiz (Cahill 89′), Christensen, Azpilicueta; Kovačić, Jorginho, Kanté (Loftus-Cheek 10′); Hazard, Higuaín (Giroud 79′), Pedro.

Watford XI (4-4-2): Foster; Holebas, Cathcart, Mariappa, Kiko Femenía; Pereyra, Doucouré, Chalobah (Cleverley 67′), Hughes; Deeney (A Gray 83′), Deulofeu (Success 83′).

426 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kuzser
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    What is the best move for next week guys? 1FT, 1.6itb
    ML leader's differential is Sterling vs mine Salah. 

    1) Son Jimenez-> sterling long for-4 and bench jota
    2) doherty-> laporte and play either jota or Jimmi
    3) son-> bilva /pogba/ mili and play either jota or jimmi
    4) jimenez-> Zaha and play jota

    Foster (Ryan)
    Taa Shaw Valery
    Jota mane Salah Redmond 
    Jimenez Wilson Aguero
    Subs: Son doherty duffy

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

      1

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

      Jota and or Jiminez can score against Liverpool

  2. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Hey Fantasy Gold, why havent you deposited the cash in my account yet?

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      😉

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

    If the deadlock is not broken in first half, it's going to be a nervy match for City 😮
    Leicester in awesome form atm

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

      Yep not sure what to expect

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

        Raz hattrick is my expectations 🙂
        Straight as .... !!

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

          One of*

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

          I’ll take a brace if one of them comes from a kun missed penalty rebound 😉

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

            Amen

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

          Please...... not, Kun cpt no Raz sweating..

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

            😮

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

      Fear not, I don’t see this being nervy so much as frantic. Way more entertaining.

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

        I had a long day. Traveling 😕
        Hopefully it will be an entertaining game

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

          Where were you going? Will it be worth it?
          Yeah I hope so. I’ll take 4-2

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

            I was talking about my day & need this to be a good match for relaxing home 🙂

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

              Got it.

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      What if Vardy scored first at 60th min?

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

        Will be watching on mobile. Late night. Battery low already 😀
        If this happens I'd charge my phone & watch all the match.
        Would be great watching Pep team chasing a match

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

    What would you do here?

    A) Doherty & Son -> Laporte & Moura
    B) Doherty & Son -> Valery & Sane
    C) Son & Jimenez -> Bilva & Rashford
    D) Son & Jimenez -> Pogba & Zaha

    Foster
    Trent, Virgil, Doherty
    Sterling, Mane, Son, Redmond
    Aguero, Jimenez, Wilson

    Ryan, Jota, Duffy, Dunk
    Bank 0.0m, 2FTs

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

      A But Laporte and Babel 🙂

  5. Collie01
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Anybody know Sterling and Agueros EO for tonight? Thanks

    1. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      In the top 10k

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Think Sterling 89% and Aguero above 100%

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

      Raz 89
      Kun 137
      Combined 50.89 % players own both

      1. Collie01
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks both

      2. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        🙂

  6. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Has anyone seen the City team bus? Wanna know if Aguero was on it.

  7. Vlad Tepes
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Come on Raz save me in my ML, I gambled and saved my TC chip for this week instead of using it last GW on Mane. Hope it pays off

  8. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone saving there FT next week?

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      *Their

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

      Sure to be some saving TCS and bbs too

    3. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I’m sure MANY million will. (Ghost teams)

    4. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Missing Deadline could be possible 😀

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

    Help a brother out lads.
    What would you do?

    Patricio Ryan
    TAA Perreira AWB Duffy Bennett
    Mane Son Pogba Sterling Redmond
    Aguero Jiminez Arnautovic

    1FT
    0 ITB

    Trying to cling on to last cash prize place in a mini league.

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

      Well set, punt Son to Babel

  10. FPL Pillars
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Vardy is being scouted for tonight. Terrific form, can he do it on the big stage tonight?

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

      He can, he’s done it before

      1. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Yes indeed, tough one to call a score on. Personally I hope he puts on a good performance but blanks as I have Laporte.

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

      Yep, hope not with Laporte

  11. balint84
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    babel or tieleman

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

      The Tower

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

      I believe in Babylon..

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Babbel

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

          Babelula baby

  12. Waylander
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Kun cappers form up on me!

    1. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Pardon?

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

        Haha, just getting some hype going. Need a big haul to regain my Mini-League lead.

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

      Here fella

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

      Form a circle ?

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

        Let's go, Kun!

    4. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Too many dead teams !!
      Can you take them all 😉

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

        😆

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

        All are welcome to join the party!

  13. Pras (FPL)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Son + Jimenez -> Salah + Long look ok?

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

      Yep , Cpt Salah then

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Will Salah be 100%?

        1. Pras (FPL)
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Yes - he can’t play Barca since it is not allowed for 7 days after a concussion. But Sunday is ok.

      2. Pras (FPL)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        It’s for free so don’t really need to.. if City win tonight then it will be Kun/Sterling. If not, then Salah

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

          Salah still wants golden boot, wont let up

          1. Pras (FPL)
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            Wolves better than Brighton though

  14. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Will Sterling, Aguero and Laporte start?

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

      Yes
      Unless someone is Injured of course 🙂

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      9 minutes......

    3. theplayer
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Point in asking now when you can find out the lineup at 7?

  15. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Aguero TC but come on Leicester !!

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

      Nice grav

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

        Elitist

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

          :mrgreen:

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

            🙂

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Ummm...

    3. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      That's the spirit. My mini league could come down to Kun scoring for me, but I'd love to see City crumble at the death.

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

    No Mata 😮

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

    2 mins to go

    Keep your hands in the vehicle at all times and no hands below the waist.

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

      mctominay my first sub so for once in my life hoping one of my city players doesnt start

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        He cannot replace your City defender, can he? 😉

  18. EMBOLOFAN
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    hope kompa starts vs vardy 😀

    1. Pras (FPL)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Pep must really hate Sane a lot for him not to move Bilva in mid.

      1. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        More a case of him loving Bilva

  19. EMBOLOFAN
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    XI | Ederson, Walker, Kompany (C), Laporte, Zinchenko, Gundogan, Silva, Foden, Sterling, Bernardo, Aguero

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

      pep hates sane lol

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Foden!

  20. Richd
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    XI | Ederson, Walker, Kompany (C), Laporte, Zinchenko, Gundogan, Silva, Foden, Sterling, Bernardo, Aguero

    Subs | Muric, Danilo, Stones, Sané, Mahrez, Otamendi, Jesus

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      All my babies are starting

      1. Pras (FPL)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Yes all 4 of em - fly like the eagle!

  21. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Best use of my FT ? 0.7m it’s.

    Lloris
    TAA,Valery,Yoshida
    Salah, Hazard,Redmond,Jota,Sigurdsson
    Aguero,Lacazette

    Foster,Jimenez,Duffy,Doherty

    Can’t transfer in Rice,Mane,Sterling,Bilva,Luiz as their in my rivals team and will probably be behind after tonight.

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Jota to Moura for a gamble

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks, yeh he could be an option.

  22. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Let's go Raheem

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

      This

  23. El Matador
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    A Vardy party with an invite for Sterling would be pretty sweet.

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Invite for Aguero and you got a deal!

  24. Sim Simma
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    ⚽ Team News 📰
    MCI: Ederson, Zinchenko, Laporte, Kompany, Walker, Foden, David Silva, Gündogan, Sterling, Agüero, Bernardo Silva
    Subs: Muric, Otamendi, Stones, Danilo, Jesus, Sané, Mahrez

    LEI: Schmeichel, Chilwell, Maguire, Pereira, Evans, Maddison, Choudhury, Albrighton, Ndidi, Tielemans, Vardy
    Subs: Ward, Morgan, Fuchs, Mendy, Barnes, Gray, Iheanacho

  25. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Let's go captain Aguero

    1. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      But also city to drop points would be nice

    2. All For One
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Let's go!

  26. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Sterling triple captain 😎

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

      How's your season going former LMS winner?

      1. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Not bad, but not that great. Hasn't been able to commit as much as I'd wish to but all fine. 🙂 Hopefully could get closer to top 10k and some ML success in the end after sailing between 15k-30k almost the whole season 😀

        What about you TM, satisfied with your season?

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

          Been a disaster from GW25 onwards until the WC.
          Last 2 GWs have been a bit ugly too.

  27. Richd
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    The city team is easier to know than the Pool one lately

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

    Mendy injured again?

  29. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    I am still royally pissed I chickened out of Son > Bilva this week 🙁

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

      It made more sense to keep Son tbf.