Scout Notes

Aguero and Sterling blank as City defenders rack up more FPL points

Manchester City are on course to defend their Premier League title after a nail-biting 1-0 win over in-form Leicester City on Monday evening.

The reigning champions will secure back-to-back titles so long as they match or better Liverpool’s result in Gameweek 38.

Once more it was the Citizens’ defenders who rewarded their Fantasy owners, with Pep Guardiola’s side recording their third narrow 1-0 win in as many Gameweeks.

Points hauls eluded their attacking assets again, however, as we discuss in our final Scout Notes article of Gameweek 37 below.

Manchester City 1-0 Leicester City

  • Goal: Vincent Kompany (£5.2m)
  • Assist: Aymeric Laporte (£6.3m)
  • Bonus: Aymeric Laporte – 3, Vincent Kompany – 2, Kyle Walker (£6.4m) – 1

These have been a nervy few weeks for Manchester City fans and a relatively low-scoring fortnight for those who own the reigning champions’ attacking assets.

One-nil wins over Spurs and Burnley plus a 2-0 success in the Manchester derby were followed by Monday night’s narrow victory over Leicester.

There were tense, goalless first halves in the wins over Burnley and United before second-half pressure finally told and a similar story unfolded at Eastlands last night.

As was the case at Turf Moor and at Old Trafford in the preceding two Gameweeks, a twitchy City support watched on nervously in the opening 45 minutes as Leicester frustrated their hosts and presented Pep Guardiola’s side with few clear-cut opportunities.

Phil Foden (£4.5m) and David Silva (£8.5m) both couldn’t convert volleyed half-chances, while Sergio Aguero (£11.9m) saw a header strike the woodwork and then clawed off the line by Kasper Schmeichel (£5.0m) in the 31st minute.

Sergio Aguero’s 31st header was kept out by Kasper Schmeichel after striking the woodwork

What made the evening all the more nerve-racking was that Leicester offered more of an attacking threat than City’s previous three opponents had done in Gameweeks 35 and 36.

Exuding confidence in possession, dangerous on the break and fairly comfortable at the back, Leicester demonstrated all the hallmarks of a team that had won five of their previous seven league games.

Three Leicester shots were blocked in the Manchester City box in quick succession before Youri Tielemans (£6.0m) fired straight at Ederson (£5.7m), with the Foxes going into half-time having restricted Guardiola’s side to only two efforts from inside their area.

Manchester City’s shot map v Leicester. Over two-thirds (13 of the 19 in total) were efforts from the edge of the box or further out.

Leicester’s early bright start gave way to a more backs-to-the-wall display as the game wore on but it was a mark of how much the Citizens had been frustrated in front of goal that Vincent Kompany‘s (£5.2m) match-winner came somewhat out of the blue – the veteran centre-half collecting an Aymeric Laporte (£6.3m) pass and firing a 30-yard thunderbolt past Schmeichel into the top corner.

Kompany, Laporte and right-back Kyle Walker (£6.4m) completed a defensive clean sweep of the bonus points on a night when City’s attacking assets once again underwhelmed.

Aguero and Raheem Sterling (£11.7m) have only one goal and two assists between them in City’s last four matches and this was another match in which a deep-lying defence, coupled with a lack of free-flowing football in a high-stakes game, served to frustrate their owners.

Having hit the bar in the first half, Aguero drew an excellent save out of Schmeichel on 68 minutes with a shot from eight yards: the fine margins that were on his side in Gameweek 36 now going against him on Monday evening.

This was another mediocre performance from Sterling from a Fantasy perspective, with his goal threat largely restricted to a two-minute spell – the England winger looping a header over from close range just after half-time then dragging a shot wide shortly afterwards.

Thirteen penalty box touches for Sterling – the second-highest number of any FPL midfielder in Gameweek 37 – shouldn’t disguise the fact that neither he nor Aguero got much change out of the Leicester defence en route to their blanks.

Laporte is now averaging more points per match (6.79) than Sterling (6.69) and Aguero (6.49) in 2019.

Bernardo Silva (£7.7m), initially deployed on the right wing before Leroy Sane‘s (£9.3m) introduction for Foden saw the Portugal international move back into central midfield, was perhaps the pick of City’s attack-minded assets, with his jinks into the Leicester box causing rare moments of mild panic.

Bernardo registered more shots than anyone on show but, it has to be said, didn’t particularly look like scoring from any of them.

The final-day match against Brighton is, arguably, City’s easiest fixture since Double Gameweek 32 and could potentially represent a more lucrative afternoon for owners of Messrs Sterling, Aguero and co.

The Seagulls have rarely been thrashed by the “big six” this season, however, and given the inevitable pressure that will weigh on the shoulders of City’s starting XI at the Amex, it wouldn’t be a huge shock to see a similarly close-run game unfold.

Guardiola was asked if three 1-0 wins in a fortnight had proved mentally draining for his side and replied:

It was an incredible performance. Incredible. I am so sorry but it was so good.

The problem is the way we played. We won 1-0 in Burnley but we didn’t concede one corner, we didn’t concede one shot on target. We controlled the games. We are a much better team than the opponents.

What we have to do when you play a game is try to be better than the opponents, we were better than the opponents the last two or three months. Win or lose, we will see.

Sometimes you need a goal from Vinnie like today. Sometimes in [off] the post. Sometimes the penalties not given again. Two times in a row, no penalty given, so 2-0 for the opponents.

It was outstanding the way we played in the second half, especially the character and the personality. Knowing how difficult it is to handle the emotions to play. Knowing if you don’t win you cannot be champions.

This was Kompany’s third straight league start and, given his recent performances, his goal on Monday and the comments made by Guardiola about his centre-half preferences against teams who play a lot of high balls, the long-serving club captain – who represents a cut-price route into a defence that has kept 12 clean sheets in 16 league matches – could very well get the nod again on the south coast.

Asked about Kompany’s goal and qualities, Guardiola said:

I said ‘no shoot, Vinny, no shoot’. He was smart to not follow my thoughts. Incredible goal.

Sometimes he’s injured but when he is fit, he is an incredible central defender. He is a real defender, he’s a personality and a leader many times. I’m happy for him, for the club and everybody.

Owners of Leicester assets will, of course, be disappointed with the blanks that were returned but there was encouragement to take into the Gameweek 38 clash against a Chelsea side without an away league clean sheet in 2019.

On top of Leicester’s early flurry of blocked shots, James Maddison (£6.6m) curled an effort narrowly wide of Ederson‘s (£5.7m) post on 62 minutes before unmarked substitute Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.7m) wasted a golden opportunity to equalise close to full-time when screwing badly off-target from the edge of the Sky Blues’ box.

Jamie Vardy (£9.0m) barely got a sniff (no shots, one penalty box touch) but an easier test awaits next Sunday and his mere presence at the Etihad was perhaps one of the reasons why Manchester City looked so tentative in possession for much of the match, concerned as they were about the prospect of being hit on the counter by the Foxes and their in-form striker.

Brendan Rodgers said of his side’s display:

I was very pleased with a lot of aspects of the game. I felt we deserved more from the game. It was an incredible strike to win it.

I’m very proud of the team and it bodes well for the future in terms of the personality we played with, particularly in the first half. How we built the game, finding positions to play forward, it was very good.

Start of the second half, that’s the area we need to be better in. Because we didn’t build the game up so well and you get a bit of relief for a second and then it comes back at you.

So that’s the bit that we’ll analyse. Those are the things that we’re working on in these early stages.

But I think we showed we’ve got that personality to come and play how we want to play and against a brilliant team, arguably the best team in Europe for me, to come and show and play with that quality.

As well as showing glimpses of their attacking threat (only Liverpool have scored more goals than the Foxes since Rodgers’ arrival), Leicester were again solid at the back, with Harry Maguire (£5.4m) and Jonny Evans (£4.8m) impressing and defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi (£4.9m) providing an effective shield in front of them.

Sterling’s close-range header was the only Manchester City opportunity that Opta deemed a “big chance”.

Those Fantasy managers who are considering holding on to Eden Hazard (£10.9m) for Gameweek 38 might be slightly deterred by the fact that Liverpool and Manchester City are the only two clubs to have allowed fewer of these big chances than Leicester since Rodgers first took charge.

Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Kompany, Laporte, Zinchenko; Silva (Stones 90′), Gundogan, Foden (Sane 56′); Bernardo Silva, Aguero (Jesus 86′), Sterling.

Leicester City XI (4-1-4-1): Schmeichel; Ricardo, Evans, Maguire, Chilwell; Ndidi; Albrighton (Gray 85′), Tielemans (Barnes 75′), Choudhury, Maddison (Iheanacho 80′); Vardy.

921 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Really wasn't expecting to be at 120k after last night. Dropped around 15k due to being punished by city defence.
    How big do I need to go to get into the top 100k (awful season)? Have 2ft
    A. Doherty and Son to Kompany and Pogba
    B. (as above) to Laporte and Fraser or Mili.
    C. Son and Jimenez to Bilva/Pogba and Wilson/Arnie/Rashford/Zaha.
    D. Go big and take a hit. Son, Doherty and Jimenez to say Laporte, Fraser and Arnie/Zaha (-4).

    Gunn
    Robbo TAA Valery (Cathcart, Doherty)
    Mane Sterling Jota Son* Eriksen
    Aguero Jimenez (Llorente)

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

      I'll like C. I'm looking at Wilson personally. He has great stats and I think he will be overlooked because of options like Zaha and Rashord. My only worry is that Bournemouth couldn't break down a 9 man Spurs.

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        I like Wilson too - more so than Zaha I think. Him or Arnie if I go that route. My concern is Bilva actually - I've been screwed by having a double city attack and no defence. Will adding a third help or not?

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

          Can you afford Pogba and Wilson? I don't like triple city attack.

          1. Fpl Richie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            I can yes, just.

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I would be taking a -4.

      Son, Eriksen and Jota -> Salah (C), Bernardo and Redmond/Babel possible?

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Triple pool already (double defence). I do like it though.

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

          Hazard instead?

          1. Fpl Richie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            Could do yes. As you can see, got myself in a pickle (from gw3 onwards 🙂 ).

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

    Dunk and son -> redmond + laporte (1.5 still itb)?

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

      Those moves look good. Think I'll have 3m in the bank after I make my transfers.

  3. Seaway
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    1) Pobga or Redmond
    2) Zaha or Wilson

    I'm leaning towards Zaha and Redmond atm. Thoughts appreciated.

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

      Redmond+Zaha

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

      2

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

    26 pts lead in ml does my team look better than my rivals?
    His defence seems weaker than mine, he also has TC

    My team

    Lloris
    Taa. Robbo, Valery, Kolasinac
    Eriksen, Redmond, Mane, Jwp
    Wilson (C) Aguero

    Foster. Jota, Jimenez, Doherty

    Rival’s team

    Alisson
    Digne Jonny, Robbo
    Moura, Antonio, Sterling, Pogba
    Zaha, Auba, Wilson

    Guaita, Redmond, Boly, Wan B

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

      His TC could hurt you. I think from his options, he is likely triple captain Sterling. It's going to be close. Perhaps you should captain one of your big boys. Maybe Aguero, seeing as he doesn't have him. And if Sterling TC does well, then Aguero will probably get some points to counter that too.

      Good luck.

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

        Thanks man will captain Aguero, yeh he will mostly likely tc Sterling. He hasn't been scoring much lately hopefully he blanks again lol.

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

          Yeah, his numbers are down from last season but somehow he won Football Writers Player Of The Year. I would captain Aguero or Mane in your shoes, definitely not Wilson.

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

            cool yeh Wilson is a hit or miss

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

      Teams are close. I'd be worried If I were you. He has two explosive TC options in Pogba and Sterling which you don't have. Maybe try to bring one of the in block them.

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

        Yeh it's close could go either way. Sterling is off form Aguero looked dangerous against Leicester 2 great saves to deny him, I would have to take a -4 hit to bring in Pogba don't think it's worth it the way Man Utd are playing.

    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      His defence is better, but he has two underperforming mids that he’s going to likely gamble the TC chip on.

      You have a potentially good differential in JWP, but the last day of the season is a bit of a lottery. I’d rather have a 28 point lead going into the final GW of the season than a ‘potentially better team on paper.

      Maybe just counter him by getting Pogba for Eriksen, that way even if he triple captains Sterling at least you neutralise any damage Pogba can do on top of that.

      Or, if it was me, Id take a hit and buy Raz, assume he’s going to TC Sterling and put your armband on him.

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

        Great points you've made, thank you

  5. Live Scoutcast 9:30pm Tuesday - leave your questions here
    DavidMunday815
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    The Scoutcast is at 9:30pm tonight. Let us know what you'd like us to discuss for Gameweek 38...

    Who is the key player?

    Which team should we look at?

    What is the main Fantasy talking point?

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

      Best differential (C)?

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

      End game, captains and differentials.
      Man Utd and Southampton, fixture over form?
      How is Joe?

    3. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Differentials for GW38.
      Son replacements.
      Update on Joe?

    4. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      What is your advice for those of us in no-man's land and outside of a good rank?
      Differential captain? Go for broke, and take a hit to get an extra differential?

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

      Is anyone even worth captaining other than Salah? Liverpool the only ones going for it and will need goals to beat wolves. City will edge ahead then play keep ball like they have been the last few weeks, nothing ruthless about them anymore

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

      GW38 is never about defenders but are City & Pool defenders an exception this week?
      Would you transfer them in over attackers who have nothing to play for?

      Also for those of us who don't have triple City or Pool would you advise transferring them in this week?
      The only 2 teams left with something to play for.

    7. President Giggs
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Who to get in and Triple (C) this week? One final punt to try and squeeze into the top 10k (from ~15k)

    8. Mr Arsenal
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Strategies to make up ground in our MLs :
      - Doubling up (Pogba/Rashford; Fraser/Wilson; Salah/Mane) to optimise hauls?
      - Investing in scoring defenders rather than mid/striker given the point differentials (basically 15pts if goal + CS...)
      - Getting rid of highly owned assets and gambling on differentials (Aguero to Ings...:-))

      Others..?

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

      Will Dalah be fit to start ?
      How to close a small 20 point gap ?
      As the last day of the season seems to be renowned for loads of goals, should our transfers be focussed on strikers and attacking midfield players.
      Finally, is it worth taking a hit or two to try and close that gap /

    10. Tsssst
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Who is the key player?
      Fraser
      Redmond
      JWP

      Which team should we look at?
      Southampton who play Huddersfield, at home or United again at Home to Cardiff.

      What is the main Fantasy talking point?
      Money leagues:
      Whether to use a differential captaincy to claw back points on leaders in money leagues which is high risk as you may have people trying to catch you, or play it safe and hope other differentials in your team get you over the line

    11. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Most importantly is there any update on Joe?

      Best Son and Gray replacements with 2 free transfers as “high risk but potentially high reward” punts to get up rankings ?

    12. rojojojo
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Is it silly to take a -4 in gw 38? For those with wolves assets and son, many might be considering this. But replacements would have to outscore jimenez or jota by 4 and with only 1 week to play is that ever worth the risk?

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

      The main talking point, given that about 80% of people on here owned him, must be Son replacement.

      After that, it’s probably who to play out of the Wolves guys or whether to replace them (probably for a hit given Son!)

    14. Pointless
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Do the Scouts have any thoughts about new rules or chips for next season? I'd like a Final Roll of the Dice chip for the final gameweek, allowing one free transfer in each position... I could do with it right now!

    15. AllGonePozzo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Son replacements.
      United best avoided?
      Differential captain (Vardy?)
      Update on Joe

    16. FP Elephant
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Player #1 - How is Joe
      Player #2 - Son - who is the best replacement midfielder at his price or less (e.g., Pogba, Fraser, Siggurdson, Maddison/Tielemans, Deulofeu, would say Bernardo but I'm maxed out with 3 City players)

      Team - United - do we trust them to play any better against Cardiff at home? Rashford or Pogba worth bringing in or will OGS play new guys?

      Talking point - final week rotation of regular starters. How much does it really happen for teams that aren't in a race for anything? Would love for you to go down the list of the Top 20 most owned players and say if you think they'll start GW 38 or not (obviously City/Pool will, but especially curious about the likes of ManU, Chelsea players).

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

        To take a hit or not? I’m looking at Son and Jimenez to Rashford and Redmond to fit in a united attacker

  6. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Foster
    Laporte TAA Yoshida
    Son Hazard Jota Salah
    Jimenez Aguero Wilson

    Lloris Doherty Dunk Holland

    1FT. How is Son + Jimenez -> Redmond + Vardy/Zaha (-4)?

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I have a similair team and how bout Son to Pogba and Jota to Redmond?

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Not sold on Pogba. Did not impress against the weakest side in the league.

  7. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Zaha has one league goal this season at home. That is crazy.

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      A lot of mentions here for Zaha and not Mili - any reason?

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

    Drop Selling Son and play Højbjerg?

    Would allow me to get a new forward for Jimenez instead.

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Yep

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

      I think that sounds like a plan

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

      Depends who it is...

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

        Could be Wilson, Rondon, Zaha, Rashford, Mitrovic etc, limit 7.3 mill.

        1. No Kane No Gain
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Bsilva not interesting you?!

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

            That's the one I thought of originally for Son

  9. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    zaha or pogba?

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

      Is neither an option? If you had a gun to my forehead then I would say...

      shoot me.

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        What players tempt you this week Berb? I could use your forehead on my dilemma at the top of the page 🙂

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

          I've replied 🙂

          1. Fpl Richie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            If I could only take that advice!

      2. #FPLBhuna
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        why neither?

        moreover, who would you go for then? got a 2nd FT to use up and currently lining up like this with 2.3m ITB

        foster
        robbo - trent - laporte - valery
        sterling - mane - eriksen - mili
        aguero - jiminez

        ryan - ings - yoshida - jota

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

          To be honest, I'm just in an arsey mood.

          Jimmy and Eriksen to Hazard and Long?

  10. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    You guys keeping Jimmy ? Thanks

    1. SPorting
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah

  11. Bobadoba
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Hazard out for Salah?

    Think Hazard will struggle away against Leicester personally.

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

      Only If it’s for free. If hit then need to (c) salah.

      I don’t expect a huge hazard haul but he’s a class player so as dangerous in any match. People forgot this, he is on pens as well, set plays from corners.

  12. Manumana
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Lloris
    Bednarek Kola TAA
    Salah Mane Sterling C. Fraser Jota
    Laca Long

    Heaton Jimenez AWB Duffy

    1FT. 0.4ITB

    A. Kola - Kompany
    B. Jota - Redmond
    C. Jimenez - Wilson/Rondon
    D. Salah - Hazard
    E. Your idea

    Thx a lot guys

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      C

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

        If C then ud bench Jota then ? Thx

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Yes

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

      That defence...I'd go A. But if you aren't protecting, I'd do B or C in addition.

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

        Yes defence is/has been awful. Thx

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

      sell bednarek and save

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

        U must be in my mini league

  13. Daghe Munegu
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Play Jota or Jimenez ?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Mmh Jimmy on pens so i'd pick him

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

        Not entirely true, he shares them with Neves

    2. Skogen89
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Jimi

  14. Skogen89
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Ive got a 6 point lead in ml.. And have 1 ft.

    Not sure what to do with this team:

    Lloris
    Laporte, kolasinac, doherty, valery, dunk
    Sterling, hazard, mane, son, jwp
    Aguero, jiminez, long

    0.1 mitb

    A) kola and son - - > Robertson, and babel/mili (-4)
    B) son-> mili
    C) son->babel
    D)son and jiminez - > Wilson and pogba
    E) others?

  15. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Son, Jimenez > Sterling, Mitrovic with 2FT ?

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

      Looks good to me.

      Can you only stretch to Mitro?
      Wilson or Zaha not possible?

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

    How many hits have you taken his season?

    In previous seasons I took a lot but benefited from a more patient approach this season. I’ve taken 6 in total. Probably no hit this week either.

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

      19.

      This season I tracked the scores of players I've moved on vs the ones I've brought in in a spreadsheet, and worked out the points impact. Overall I am 25 points up overall, which is a little better than usual.

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

        As long as you’re up overall mate, though some of those would have paid off more then others and some wouldn’t have paid off at all. Are you going to stick to a similar style next season?

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

          Yes I think so. Most of the hits are first half of the season to build team value, which really helps around wildcard time. I know that most top players take only a few and so I'm always looking to try and take less, however it's just not my personality or style - this season it has worked well for me. It doesn't always though!

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

      5 in total.
      Hasn't paid off, think I'll take more next season.

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

      17. I'm aggressive TV builder relative to my ML and 1st 2nd 1st last 3 seasons so works for what I want

    4. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      58 transfers so I'm assuming 29 hits (116 points in hits)

    5. Vobinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Total Transfers : 61
      Total Points Hits : 112
      Total Auto Subs : 19
      Total Auto Subs points : 29
      Total immediate points gained from transfers : 237

      Does that mean I've gained 125 points from taking hits? (237-112)

      I suppose that's only a short term view, depending on how the two players in question keep performing over the next weeks.

      Interesting, as I was sure a patient approach would have been better for me this year.

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

      2 hits all season

    7. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      6 hits in total.. none this week, sitting just inside top7k, am generally adverse to taking hits.
      2 of these hits were in 1 week as well! moved to get TAA early, then when he was supposed to be out for 4 weeks, moved him out again.. was a low point!!

    8. lucky luciano
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Total transfers: 54
      Hits: 21 (-84 points)
      Overall rank: 2260

      My third season, never been so high

      TV very important and got to adjust if needed, instead of doing nothing

  17. Gameweek 37 Rough with the Smooth
    Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Gameweek 37 Rough with the Smooth

    How did your GW go? Did your transfers pay off? Did a hit turn out badly? How did your bench perform?

    Feel free to post your tales of joy and woe from Gameweek 37 here:

    1. tricky80
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Unquestionably bad for my rival... TC Son, Aké benched.

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

      Smooth; I brought Jonny in this week (for Duffy, and started him over Valery) - he was one of only three players to get any sort of return for me.

      Rough; everything else, especially TC Aguero.

    3. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Smooth: Mane > Hazard (c), plus Doherty's late resurgence continues

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

      Doherty (12) the only player who returned points in my team.

      31 points in total fell from 4k to 7k.

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

      68 points total. Green arrow to 104OR. Transferred out Eriksen for Hazard and stuck TC on him which paid off. Laporte and Trent propping up the team. Disappointing returns elsewhere. Lloris losing his CS late on, Son RC. 2FT going into 38.

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

        Amazing. My quest for top 1k goes again next season

    6. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Rough as a badgers arse.
      Kun (c), no city defence, Son red, Kept Eriksen whilst ML rivals enjoyed Hazard hauls. Dropped 14k. Double wolves attack.

      TAA and Doherty were the bright sparks in the darkness.

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

      Brilliant. 2FT Eriksen+Trippier to Hazard+Keane 0itb and C on Hazard my 2nd highest scorer after Doherty. 43pt cash ML lead now 77pts and still have TC

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

        No rough

    8. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Good. My 3 defenders were Laporte, Doherty and TAA

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

      Smooth: Son > Hazard worked a dream. Laporte and Doherty delivered. Extended my ML lead to 56 and will be winning my cash league for the first time.

      Rough: (c) Aguero blank means I just missed the top 10k by 280 places.

    10. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Smooth: Risky transfer Mane > Hazard(c) to catch my ML rival
      Rough: Non-Laporte owner STILL!

    11. dicky2014
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Transfer was Eriksen OUT, Hazard IN

      Rough – 9 out of 11 players blanking apart from some save points from Ryan

      Smooth – Hazard (c) saving my game week with Laporte

      47 points and a green arrow after 9 players blanked. I will take that.

    12. ivanthemerciless
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Smooth: Brought in Haz (c) for Mane,68 points and a rise from 16k to 9k.

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

        same move here. nice!

    13. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Forgot to make a transfer and haven’t checked rank. I just can’t.

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

        your still in the top 50K if that helps 😆

      2. RedLightning
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        You dropped from 28k to 41k but you do now have 2 free transfers.

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

      I took -8 hits replacing Duffy, Eriksen and Firmino with Digne, Hazard and Zaha, great! Not captaining Hazard was my mistake, so get little arrow (drops 300 places) due to other lads in the team blanked.

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

      Smooth: vvd, doherty and got TAA this week
      Rough: jammy lapote assist, rondon on bench, had to choose between sterling and hazard. Yup

    16. Vobinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Smooth - Haz (c) got me 22 points.

      Rough - Haz got me 22 points out of 42 (-4)

    17. Mr. Funny Name
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Roughest week ever, Son and Kelly in the team, highest scorer was Ryan(4), at least I captained my second highest scorer, Sterling.

      20 points

      Healthy mini league lead of 40-50 points down to 7

    18. shirtless
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Rough! 5m GW rank and dipped to 21k from 16k..

      Rough; Aguero(c), Son, six 1-2 pointers.

      Smooth; Doherty, Salah and Ryan only players returning anything. Only good thing the transfers I considered all failed - Pogba, Gunn, Guaita, Long. So at least I have 2 FT's this week to deal with Son and Salah.

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

        I hardly think a 5k drop for a 5 million rank is rough in any way shape or form!

    19. Villaweeal
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Smooth: Got over the line in the Last Man Standing!
      I just wanted to thank everyone for the messages of congratulations and say, I'm sure on behalf of all the entrants, a big thanks to TM for organising. A really enjoyable format with the LMS live rank being a great feature.

      Glad it finished in GW 37 so all eggs can be put in the Hoof Hearted 18/19 mini league basket this weekend!!

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

        Must be big prize money?

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

        Congrats buddy. Nice achievement.

    20. SouthCoastSaint
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Brought in Hazard and captained him

      Son

      Up to 161k in my worst ever season but had a few good weeks of recovery (TC Salah for 57). Hoping for 120k maybe if I pick a good differential captain

    21. Dr. Mantis Toboggan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Erik, Son, KDB -> Haz(C), Sterling, Redmond with 2FTs has already paid off quite nicely, with nice fixtures for Sterling and Redmond next week. TAA, Laporte, Bennett doing the biz at the back.

      Finally seeing some progress after a hard slog since GW25, just outside top 20k.

    22. torshov_bulls
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Smooth: Son to Hazard (C)
      Rough: Triple City-offensive, and once again have rank pummeled by not having City-defense

    23. Celt Abroad
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      With amazingly bad timing, worst gameweek of the season with 31 points, prioritizing Liverpool and man city attackers over defenders has killed me. Knocked out of two cup semi finals.

    24. asquishypotato
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Smooth, transferred in Hazard (C) TAA and Bench fodder for Vert and KDB (injuries) and JWP.

      Rough however, my score total was 51, 32 of those were those transfers.

      Boly was the night only other scorer in my team.

    25. Mingo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Mane -> Hazard (C) worked a dream. TAA & Doherty doing the business

      Son, Eriksen and Siggy really stinking up my midfield. With the later two playing each other I'm weighting up Son + one of them for a -4 or just Son to a 10.6 max punt.

    26. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Well, Laporte and Captain Aguero more than doubled my score for the week, on my way to my worst GW rank of the season (5.8m!) That’s pretty rough.

      1. the Penman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Like, Laporte by himself scored more than all the other players on the pitch for me to that point. Autosubs gave me an extra 5, but that was it.

        Rough as.

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

      Smooth, brought in Laporte and Ederson in GW34 wildcard instead of Sterling and Aguero in a calculated risk. Didn't play them in 34 as was planning for GW35 onwards and have 63 points Vs 32 for Aguero and Sterling since then. Caught up 34 points on ML leader (who also played TC chip in this time) to go into the final week 11 points behind and a fair chance of the win.

    28. tambourineman
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Rough - TCed Sterling in GW37 for a second consecutive season and got the same result - 3pts. Red arrow in TC gameweek for third season running, lets hope they do away with that chip next season.

      Smooth - Sterling didn't get the phantom yellow card, it really was that bad this week with Laporte and Ryan my only players to get returns of 4+

    29. uwepleban
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Brought in Hazard and used TC on him. With Doherty, Laporte, Fabianski and Fraser returns I ended up with 84 (-4) points. Cut my rank in half to 16k.

    30. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Smooth: Hazard (C), Doherty, TAA, from 8.5K to 6K,from 6 points back to 4 points ahead in ML.
      Rough: Son (he was my differential to ML leader), Trippier last minute goal.

    31. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Scored a decent 63pts, but had Rondon with 11pts on the bench. Thought initially that pool would keep it tight at the back.

    32. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Rough: GW dtarted out pretty badly, with seven points only from eight players on Saturday , including -2 points from Son, and while neveryone else enjoyed TAA + Salah returns, Mané and Robertson did nothing. Really felt tripling up on Spurs in DGW had derailed my season run-in.

      Smooth: The FPL roller-coaster swung my mood as Hazard(c) paid off. Luckily Rash and Pogba who everyone but me had also blanked. Then my prayers were heard for City - Leicester, as Agüero and Sterling blanked and Laporte hauled. Only fly in the ointment as a Liverpool fan, would've wished for a late Leicester goal though.

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

      Very Smooth this week.( At last)

      Removed Son -2 + Mane 2 >> Siggy 3 + Hazard (c)11x2 for -4.

      I would have captained Aguero 2 if I hadnt brought Hazard in.
      A 19 point gain and no Son transfer to worry about this week.
      A rise in OR from 84k > 66k with a weekly score of 66 -4.

    34. Vatroslav
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Rough: Fraser out for Moura, captained Moura by mistake when changing starting 11 order.

      Smooth: My other captain choices (Sterling & Kun) also blanked, and my 3 defenders got more points than the rest of the team combined.

    35. AK ⭐
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      A smoothie in a sea of roughs. Here goes.

      Transferred out Eriksen, Son and Gray for Rashford, Redmond and Hazard. Capped Hazard too and when most other captains failed, he delivered. Lucked out with Spurs failing at Bournemouth, especially with Son.

      Team is looking good for 38 too with Rashford and Redmond playing relegated sides.

    36. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Super smooth:
      Haz and Digne in for Salah and Duffy - hit pays off big time
      Captained Haz
      Played 4 at the back and they came in with 12,12,12,10
      77 points (-4), 10th green on spin, climb from 241k to 18k in that period.
      Got to top of ML with 30 point lead.

      ...but still not satisfied like most FPL managers,

    37. Thiga
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Son (C) set the tone for the gameweek 😆
      Gunn, PVA and Firmino no shows added salt to the wound. And I brought in PVA for a hit mind you. Literally everyone in my team blanked except for Ryan with a couple of save points off the bench. Lowest score ever with 16(-4)

    38. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Smooth: Eriksen (2) > Siggy (3)

    39. AllGonePozzo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Smooth: Laporte and Doherty. 24
      Rough: Son and Aguero(c). Nobody scored more than 3. 17.
      Net 41 so not much ground lost.

  18. Wılly
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Lloris
    VVD Laporte TAA Valery?
    Sterling Pogba Mane Son*
    Aguero Long?

    Foster Jimenez* Jota Dunk

    1. Play Long and Valery against Huddersfield (H)?
    2. Which 9.3m Midfielder or 7.6m Striker to bring in?

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

    Super Smooth. 72 points.

    transferred out Son and Lascelles and brought in Laporte and B Silva for a hit.

    To top it off, due to chasing a mini league rival to take the last spot of my mini-leagues "eat free at the end of season dinner", a 40 point gap was reduced to 7 thanks to Laporte captaincy and Trent Alexander Arnold coming off the bench for Van Aanholt. Result!

  20. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Did Bilva go enough to be our Son replacement, or as I have no city defence, would my third city spot best go to a defender?

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

      If I didn't already have three City players, I'd have already done Son to B.Silva. He looks the best player in that team currently.

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Over the defence?
        Have 2ft

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

          I don't see a better Son replacement.

          I own Aguero and Sterling...ML rival has B.Silva.

          Last night I was the one watching nervously.

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

      He's due a haul imo.

      Creating alot of chance and shooting alot also. Although not many big chances.

  21. pjanns
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Who would you prefer for GW 38? - Pick 2.

    A. Redmond
    B. Pogba
    C. Arnie
    D. Zaha
    E. B. Silva

    Thanks!

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

      A and D

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

      c+d

  22. OldBenKenobi
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Defending a 10 point lead and my rival's main threats are Laporte and Mane
    Any advice on what to do?

    My Team:
    Foster
    Trippier TAA Valery
    Sterling Hazard Son* Jota JWP
    Aguero Gray

    Ryan Jimenez Doherty Duffy
    1FT 0.5ITB

    His Team:
    Iloris
    Laporte Robbo Shaw Valery Dunk
    Sterling Mane Pogba Son* JWP
    Aguero Jimenez Gray

    1FT 0.4 ITB

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

      Son to Pogba (significant threat, hit the post twice and now vs CAR)

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

        Also Trippier to Laporte for -4?

  23. That Fantasy Guy
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Hi all,

    15 points ahead in my mini league and 2 FT

    This is my squad
    Foster
    Trippier - Doherty - TAA
    Redmond - Son - Salah - Fraser - Deulofeu
    Aguero - Jimenez
    Ryan - Valery - Lacazette - Duffy

    Im thinking Son and Lacazette out which gives me a 18 budget to either get sterling/Rondon or Mane/wilson or Zaha

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

      both of those are great options.

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

        Thanks

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Sterling Rondon looks super tasty

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

        Cheers

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

    What should I do with this mess?
    Martial and Son out? To who?

    Lloris
    Robertson VVD Laporte
    Sterling Mane Son Martial JWP
    Kun Jimenez

    Ryan Llorente Valery Duffy

    2ft £0.6m itb

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

      can you afford Redmond and Hazard?

  25. quayle99
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Patricio
    VDijk Doherty TAA Valery
    Sterling(c) Deulofeu LMoura Mane
    Aguero Jiminez

    Boroc, Tielemans , DLuiz, Ings

    1 last FT 1.2 in the bank.

    I'm thinking Patricio > Ederson (have exact funds)
    Sound good or any other ideas? ta!

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

    play
    A) Guaita
    B) Allison

  27. SPorting
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Son + Llorente -> Fraser + Zaha (bench Jota)

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

      I like it

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Good moves. I’m frustratingly 0.1 off Fraser otherwise I think I’d be getting him for Jota.

      Trying to decide between switching out Jota or Jimi. Any advice for mine below?

  28. Fnug
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Gained 23 points on my ML rival this GW. Only 9 points behind now.

    My team, differentials in CAPS:

    Lloris
    TAA | DOHERTY | Valery
    HAZARD | STERLING | REDMOND | SIGGY
    Kun | Jimenez

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

      Wowsters, post fail 😀

  29. Openboxman
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Grey > Rondon? FT

    Not seen many people mention him, he seemed very good against liverpool and could be a game changer against Fulham.

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Yep he is top of my list if I decide to lose Jimi. Looks a great punt

  30. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Morning!

    I have two main options I think for my 1FT:

    A) Jimi > Rondon (ful) or Zaha (BOU) and bench Jota
    B) Jota > Babel (NEW) and bench Jimi

    Lloris
    Robbo, Laporte, Valery
    Salah (C), Sterling, Mili, JWP, Jota*
    Aguero, Wilson, Jimi*
    (Foster) (****, Doherty, Yoshida)

    What do you think? Want to push for OR gains. Currently at 36k. Would be good to now finish in top 30k.

    Cheers

    1. SPorting
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I wouldn't sell Jimmy. Not after the season he's having.

      Babel could be a great shout though.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers mate. Dropping Jota is easier as less of a benching headache.

        The thing is Jota def seems to be in the better form and has more assist and involvement potential