Scout Notes

Chelsea’s Europa League exploits hand advantage to Vardy and Leicester

Wins for Chelsea and Arsenal on Thursday ensured that four Premier League clubs will have major European finals at the back of their minds in Gameweek 38.

We have examined the two matches to see if their exertions in the semi-finals of the Europa League and further commitments could potentially hand advantages to Leicester and Burnley respectively.

Also, the post-match press conferences for both clubs acted as the media commitments for those Gameweek 38 matches, so we have also included any pertinent information from those.

Chelsea 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt (2-2 on aggregate, Chelsea win on penalties)

Goals: Ruben Loftus-Cheek (£5.2m)

Assists: Eden Hazard (£11.0m)

Owners of Jamie Vardy (£9.0m) will be pleased both by the fact that Chelsea were forced all the way to extra-time and penalties on Thursday night, as well as Maurizio Sarri’s comments after the game. After the physical exertion of 120 minutes and the emotion of the occasion, it is clear the Blues will not be as ready for Sunday as Brendan Rodgers’ fresh and rested Leicester side. Sarri himself admitted that his side was very tired will not have been able to recover 100% by the start of Gameweek 38. He also hinted that there could be rests for some key players, which would further play into the Foxes’ hands.

“We were not able to score the second goal in the first half and were in trouble in the first part of the second half. We did better after that and, in extra-time, we were really very tired. Also, the opponents were very tired. I think it was a wonderful match.” – Maurizio Sarri

“It’s not easy for an English team to arrive in the last month in a very good condition, physically, because here we play more than in the other countries. We played the match No61 today. In Italy you can play 50/52 matches, but it’s a big difference. 10 matches of difference is a big difference. Two and a half months without training, so a big difference.” – Maurizio Sarri

“For sure, it will be very difficult for Sunday, I think. But we need to consider that our best match, in my opinion, was here in Stamford Bridge against Tottenham, three days after 120 minutes in the cup final against Manchester City. Of course, now it’s more difficult, I think. We played 61 matches, so it’s very difficult. We need to rest, of course. It will be a very difficult match, physically but also mentally. Especially mentally. Physically we can recover. No 100%, but we can recover.” – Maurizio Sarri

It was fitting that Eden Hazard (£11.0m) scored the winning penalty for Chelsea with what could prove to be his final touch for the club at Stamford Bridge. Once again, he was involved in attacking returns in open play providing the assist for Ruben Loftus-Cheek‘s (£5.2m) first-half goal. However, we should remember, as we highlighted recently, that Belgian is without a goal on his travels in the Premier League. Let’s not also forget that he could be one of the players Sarri manages the minutes of considering the top-four is already secured for Chelsea and there is the Europa League final to look forward to.

Despite Loftus-Cheek’s impressive displays of late, following two goals and two assists in his last four domestic home matches with another Stamford Bridge strike on Thursday, he may not play a part in Gameweek 38. He was removed from the field in the closing stages of normal time with a muscle injury and unfortunately, Sarri did not provide much of an update after the game.

There was also a further boost for those looking at Vardy for Gameweek 38 as Andreas Christensen (£5.0m) was forced off in the 74th minute. With Antonio Rüdiger (£5.9m) ruled out for the rest of the season, Sarri will have limited options at centre-back and may have to make changes when he takes his Chelsea side to Leicester. Gary Cahill (£5.0m) could come in for one last start, although the solution Sarri used on Thursday night was the bring Davide Zappacosta (£5.0m) at right-back and slide Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.4m) into the centre-back role.

“We lost [Andreas] Christensen, we lost [Ruben] Loftus-Cheek. We started the match with three injuries, two injuries during the match. Not a serious problem [with Loftus-Cheek], he had the usual cramp after 75 minutes.” – Maurizio Sarri

It is worth saying though that Chelsea still defended admirably even after being forced into changes. Sarri admitted that he wanted to play a tighter game in the closing stages as he was confident his team would not get the next goal and did not want to leave Chelsea exposed to a good counter-attacking team by trying to push for it. With his team tired from Thursday night, the Italian could set up in a similar fashion given Leicester’s strengths on the counter. That period featured some impressive goal-line clearances from substitute Zappacosta and David Luiz (£5.8m).

“It was clear we were not able to score the second goal in the first half, the match was difficult. Also because, if you are not very, very compact on the pitch, they are dangerous. In an open match, they become really very dangerous. Or you are able to take control of the match for 90 minutes, to stay high and play in the opposing half, otherwise they are very, very dangerous.” – Maurizio Sarri

Perhaps the only other concern for Vardy owners, even if he does have a formidable record at home of late, will be penalties. The Englishman has missed only one spot-kick this season but on Sunday will be facing a man who got plenty of practice under pressure on Thursday in Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5.4m). The Chelsea goalkeeper was one of the heroes of the shoot-out as he saved two of Frankfurts’ penalties, from Martin Hinteregger and Goncalo Paciencia.

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Kepa; Emerson, D Luiz, Christensen (Zappacosta 74′), Azpilicueta; Loftus-Cheek (Barkley 86′), Jorginho, Kovacic; Hazard, Giroud (Higuaín 96′), Willian (Pedro 62′).

Valencia 2-4 Arsenal (3-7 on aggregate)

Goals: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang x3 (£10.8m), Alexandre Lacazette (£9.4m)

Assists: Lacazette, Lucas Torreira (£4.7m), Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£4.4m), Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£6.6m)

Predicting Unai Emery’s team for the Gameweek 38 trip to Burnley should prove to be harder than ever after their Europa League exploits on Thursday night. Despite travelling to Valencia with a 3-1 aggregate lead, Unai Emery deployed the strongest team possible, including a front-pairing of both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.8m) and Alexandre Lacazette (£9.4m).

The two have started the last two league games in a row alongside each other, despite Emery balancing domestic competitions with the Europa League so in that sense, both of them could line-up at Turf Moor on Sunday. However, with top four an extremely unlikely target for Arsenal now, winning the Europa League is the only realistic route into the Champions League for 2019/20, as well as a real possibility to win a trophy. For that reason, it would not be too surprising if several key players were rested or had their minutes managed in a game which is effectively a dead rubber. The Europa League final is admittedly 19 days away but given the short turnaround between the trips to Spain and Lancashire, Emery may want to avoid any unnecessary injuries as a result of over-exertion.

“We have two possibilities to qualify. One we lost. The second is the Europa League here. Our objective is to go to the Champions League but also it is one title. I think matches like today with this atmosphere are amazing. Every player, every club wants to play in it.” – Unai Emery

“We lost the chance to be in the top four on Sunday. We know it was going to be difficult but we took the possibility. We were strong in our minds to prepare, in our focus and to work hard. We can be proud of the players. our supporters here today with us. It’s not finished yet. It’s one step more to play the final. We are happy but also it’s continuing to be difficult to win.” – Unai Emery

Despite producing some fairly abject performances on the road in the Premier League this season, Arsenal may take heart for 2019/20 from securing this result at the home of Valencia. On Thursday night, the Spanish side lost for only the second time in 22 matches in front of their own supports (won 15, drawn five) and conceded four goals there for the first and only time this season. Replicating displays like this one would certainly help Arsenal improve on their away record during this Premier League campaign, which has so far seen more defeats than wins and a negative goal difference.

“Not one team has scored four against Valencia and only one time Atletico Madrid scored three goals and we did that last week. Valencia are a very good team. A very difficult team and we showed in these moments we can do that.” – Unai Emery

Part of Arsenal’s control of the fixture stemmed from one of the best link-ups between Aubameyang and Lacazette all season. The Gabonese international netted a hat-trick, while the Frenchman got a goal of his own as well as an assist. It is nights like this that suggest that the two strikers are now displaying an understanding that warrants starting both of them regularly in the Premier League in 2019/20.

“Yes, they are very good strikers. I am proud of them, how they work defensively. We need big players today. When their commitment is like today, defensively also working to help us it’s amazing. And after their attacking moments was coming. I think all our players did perfect.” – Unai Emery

“We have talked a lot about our relationship and it is a pleasure to play with him, above all when you win games like this.” – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Arsenal conceded twice but to some extent there was no shame in the goals they allowed. It should come as no surprise that Kevin Gameiro got them both as he has been in incredible form at the Mestalla Stadium in the Europa League this season, finishing the campaign with 11 goals in 12 starts there in that competition.

After letting in the second, Arsenal began to control the game and manage their hosts with the maturity that we have seen with increasing regularity in European competitions under Emery this season. Right wing-back Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£4.4m), who also got an assist for one of Aubameyang’s goals, had Goncalo Guedes under wraps for most of the evening before the Portuguese winger was eventually substituted. In the end, Valencia had double the shots that Arsenal did but fewer on target.

Arsenal XI (3-4-1-2): Cech; Monreal, Koscielny, Sokratis; Kolasinac (Mustafi 71′), Xhaka, Torreira (Guendouzi 80′), Maitland-Niles; Özil (Mkhitaryan 62′); Lacazette, Aubameyang.

1,164 Comments Post a Comment
  1. thunder_mike
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Not a great season, so just looking for a fun transfer the game week.
    A) Son > Redmond
    B) Llorente > Origi
    C) Llorente > Zaha
    D) Son + Llorente > Redmond + Vardy (-4)

    1. Miles105
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      D then Whack captain on one of them

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

    Tielemans, Redmond or Fraser?

    1. Miles105
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      My exact connundrum + Maddison tho

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

      Redmond for me but any could haul

      1. Miles105
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Redmond defo least risk

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

      Redmond for me

  3. smix
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Rico
    Shaw Valery TAA
    Mane Sterling (TC) Deulo Redmond Fraser
    Aguero Rashford
    Foster Jimi Jonny Duffy

    GTG?

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

    Who scores more:
    A) Rash + Redmond
    B) Rash + Moura
    C) Long + 11.0

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

      A

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

      C

  5. konrad.sygula95
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Hi guys
    Currently I have 2 FT and 1.8 itb
    Which option would you choose? (assuming Robbo will be fit to play)

    A) B.Silva & Son to Sterling & Fraser
    B) Son & Jimenez to Hazard & Rondon
    C) Son & Jota to Pogba & Fraser
    D) Something else?

    Foster/Ryan
    Robbo/Laporte/Shaw/Bednarek/Jonny
    Mane/B.Silva/Son/Jota/Hojberg
    Aguero/Vardy/Jimenez

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

    Leading mini league by 7pts and 11pts from nearest challengers. They each have Aguero + 1 city (Sterling and Laporte). I only have Aguero.

    Seriously considering the following:

    Hazard + Doherty > Sterling + Kompany (-4)

    Should I just do Doherty > Kompany? Not enough itb to only do Haz > Sterling for free.

    Will be doubly tempted if I can see they've taken a hit too.

  7. pol
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Chasing with 5 points behind leader who has pogba and I have rashford

    A- Son + Jimenez > Fraser + Vardy (-4)
    B- Son + Jimenez > Pogba + Zaha (-4)

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

    Awesome efforts mate. Thanks

  9. Stevie B
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Play Jota or Eriksen?

    Thank you!

    1. Miles105
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Defo Eriksen

  10. smix
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    TC Redmond is crazy or plain genius ?

    1. Miles105
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Bit of both

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

      I don't get the love for Redmond

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

        Hud

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

    buy Babel or Pogba? Who will get more points?

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

      Pogba higher ceiling but form is bad

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

    Is Salah a good triple C? I am worried about this not 100% positive injury news

    1. Miles105
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Think he’s best option this week for TC

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

      Yes, wait for last minute news before you decide

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

      Yes , set now

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

        I await the Juhuuuuu

    4. Tev
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Trying to decide between Salah/ Sterling/ Aguero.
      Think City have the easier game, and if they score early it could easily turn into a demolition title party, like 5+. Big if, though, especially considering their rather laboured efforts of late. Even then there’s the Kun v Raz debate.
      Liverpool are formidable at home but the combination of the yellow flag and Wolves’ stubbornness vs the big boys puts me off somewhat.

  13. MMN
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Origi a good option for this week or a better striker out there? Wilson and Kun the other two ...

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

      Kun

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

        Sorry I meant Wilson and Kun the other two I own!

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

          Haha, sorry mate- thought it was a bit odd. Zaha looks a good pick, toss up between him and Origi I think.

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

    3 points ahead my Ml rival who has Mane/Sterling/TAA and I dont

    I also have Son/Haz/Laca/Doh/Jota/Doh to get rid of..

    best move?

  15. Roysgotnoboys
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    ML money rival is 27 points with TC to play and think he'll throw it on Salah... I could take a -4 to buy him but surely better off getting Pogba and Zaha for free?

    1. Ritchies Magic Hat
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah you’d need differentials to catch him!

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

    Pogba (C) anyone? Can see 1-0 both ManC and Liv

    1. Gringo Kid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      me

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

    David has needed a new microphone for months. Sounds like a 747 taking off in his back garden.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      And his wifi connection looking at too.

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

        Could do with a haircut also whilst we are at it.

  18. konrad.sygula95
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    B.Silva & Son to Fraser & Sterling yes or no ?
    I have 2 FT and 1.8 itb

    Foster/Ryan
    Robbo/Laporte/Shaw/Bednarek/Jonny
    Mane/B.Silva/Son/Jota/Hojberg
    Aguero/Vardy/Jimenez

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

      Wouldn't lose Bilva. Just Son to Fraser/Redmond/Delefeuo/Moura/Pogba and ship out one of Jota or Jiminez.

  19. Pedaso Pirates
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    I'm chasing a 20 point gulf with the leader in my mini league.

    Need to replace Son. Two options under review:

    1. Son and Hazard to Sterling and Moura.
    2. Son and Jimenez to Vardy and Moura.

    Thoughts please?

    1. Ritchies Magic Hat
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I think Vardy could do well this week. Maybe Moura will have his minutes managed after the CL - any other mids under consideration?

      1. Pedaso Pirates
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Only Redmond but don't feel confident about him. Reckon Moura has earned his start especially with Son out. Poch will want to finish with a win and get 3rd maybe. Open to ideas though.

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

      Look for differentials that they def won't have and with high ceilings.

      Wouldn't sell Hazard if they don't have him, or buy players they have already.

      Redmond, Rashford, Deulofeu, Arnie, Wilson, Fraser all potential for big hauls

      1. Pedaso Pirates
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        He has 3 Wolves players. Aguero and Sterling. Mane, Rashford, Son.

        I have Salah, Pogba, Rashford, Hazard.

        If City let rip I am in trouble - Sterling would be insurance and I fear Hazard will be rested.

        Moura and Vardy are potential differentials.

  20. Ritchies Magic Hat
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Jimi to Wilson worth a hit (to block rival)?

  21. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Who trusts Klopp over Robertson?

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

      Me.

      1. Ritchies Magic Hat
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        It’s only pain

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

          “It’s only pain. But with Robbo it was real pain, oh my gosh “

    2. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      He’s not said anything conclusive though. Plus he said the same about taa before he missed 3 games

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

      I’d say have someone you’re comfortable with on the bench!

      I reckon he starts but rested early if game under control.

  22. CONNERS
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Who would you play this week?

    a) Jota (Liv Away)
    b) Pereira (Che Home)
    c) Barnes (Ars Home)

    Thanks

    1. Ritchies Magic Hat
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Probably Barnes as Arse is leaky

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

      Lol - had a schoolboy chuckle at that one.

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

      Barnes I reckon

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

      Thanks for the replies- Yes got Barnes in at the moment but Pereira is tempting me. Expect Chelsea will be running on empty after mid-week game.

  23. LaLaLand
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Zaha or Wilson?

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

      Wilson

  24. Simmoo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Anything on Son ban appeal?

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

      Rejected

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

        As expected

  25. Pat Bonner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Any word on Holebas fitness? Might be a nice punt

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

      Didn’t realise there was a problem in the first place, may play Masina in this case...

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

        Think he’s missed last few? Need to check!

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

          Sorry my bad, he’s played last 2

  26. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Richarlison's career path - Signs for Spurs where he underperforms and struggles to get in the team. Is offloaded to AC Milan where he underperforms and struggles to get in the team. Will be playing in Brazil or Turkey by 2023

  27. Poseidon.
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Welcome to Utd James Daniel! Hopefully the 1st of many signings for us this summer

    This lad is going to be quality in FPL too btw - got the lot.

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

      Yeah , will be ruined though. There's a virus running through United. No antibiotic available

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

      And, loved the banter Meatpie

  28. Steve Stiffler
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    1) Start Lloris(Everton at home) or Foster(West Ham at home)?

    2) Start Gray(West Ham at home) or Hojbjerg(Huddersfield at home)?

    3) Captain Aguero or Sterling?

    Thanks!

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

      L
      H
      A

      1. Steve Stiffler
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers man

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

      Lloris (same as moi)
      Højbjerg
      Aguero

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

    BSilva v Fraser to replace Son in a straight swap - make your cases.

    Leaning BSilva - should be nailed, Brighton suck, City looking to secure league? V Fraser while on better form playing against AWB away at Selhurst Park, w nothing really to play for...

    If it makes any difference I have Aguero and Laporte too, but only Kelly (bench) from the CRYBOU game

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

      Hey, Bernardo Silva here, you should pick me.

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

    Folks - captain Mane over Aguero isn’t THAT daft right?

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

      Nope. I fancy Liverpool to get more goals.

      But I’m also biased and can’t see past Salah trying to bring the title home!