Scout Notes

Jota and Jiménez impress as Cutrone makes Wolves debut

Pyunik 0-4 Wolves

Goals: Matt Doherty (£6.0m), Raúl Jiménez x2 (£7.5m), Ruben Neves penalty (£5.5m)

Assists: Diogo Jota x3 (£6.5m), Patrick Cutrone (£6.0m)

Forwards in form

Diogo Jota (£6.5m) and Raúl Jiménez (£7.5m) sent an ominous message to the Fantasy Premier League managers not considering them on Thursday night.

The two forwards ran the show as Wolves emerged 4-0 victors from a Europa League third qualifying round first leg against Pyunik in Armenia.

Jiménez scored twice, taking his goal tally in the last eight days to four, while Jota provided three assists.

The latter has been Wolves’ standout player in pre-season, really picking up from where he left off at the end of 2018/19.

Across the five matches, three of which have been competitive, Jota has scored twice and provided a total of five assists.

If the Portuguese international can replicate his form from December to May of 2018/19, as well as his pre-season displays, then he could prove fantastic value as a £6.5m forward in 2019/20, especially given the dearth of choices in that price bracket.

Jota (centre) got three assists on Thursday night

Against Pyunik, Jota was at the heart of so much of Wolves’ attacking play and he already looks sharp, fit and ready for the new campaign.

For the first goal, he held the ball up well and slid a perfectly weighted through-pass to the overlapping Matt Doherty (£6.0m), who bore down on goal to slot home.

For the second, Jota was played through by Rúben Vinagre (£4.5m) and squared to Jiménez to finish.

It was a similar situation for the third goal. This time Jota gobbled up a loose ball in midfield and straight away played Jiménez in to fire home.

He probably could have scored himself, but he missed a first-half chance when played through into the box by Joao Moutinho (£5.5m).

Jota created plenty more chances in the game too, crossing for Leander Dendoncker (£4.5m) in the second half, who was denied by a strong tackle.

Cutrone impact

Patrick Cutrone (£6.0m) made his competitive debut for Wolves on Thursday night as we got the first clues as to his role in the side.

He featured as a substitute for Jota in the 63rd minute and won a penalty late in the game.

Nuno explained post-match that it will take time to integrate the Italian into the side, which probably bodes well for Jota and Jiménez’s minutes in the Premier League.

The fact that Wolves won 4-0 takes the pressure of the second leg as well which might see Cutrone start that to allow the first-choice forwards some rest for Gameweek 2.

“He’s integrating, but it takes time. Every new player who comes to our team needs time. We have to keep on going with him. His adaptation into the squad has been great, he has been received well into the group and it’s important that he continues to improve and get inside the dynamics of the team. But more important is the way he believes in the terms of discipline and ambitions; he’s going along with that so I’m happy.” – Patrick Cutrone

It is worth adding that Cutrone was going to take the penalty he won but Rúben Neves (£5.5m) pulled rank to assume responsibility for it.

By our calculations, that means Jiménez is due to take the next penalty if Wolves are continuing their rotating responsibility.

He took Wolves last penalty of 2018/19, scored in February, which meant Neves was next in line, although Jiménez had gone off by the time Cutrone won the spot kick.

Either way, the midfielder having taken his turn likely puts Jiménez top of the pecking order for the first penalty of Wolves’ Premier League campaign.

Put a Donck on it

Dendoncker (middle) looks the best £4.5m midfielder for the start of the new season

Dendoncker has quickly become the people’s choice for the fifth midfielder ahead of the new season.

The Belgian is just one of a handful of £4.5m options in his position who look likely to start matches regularly.

Crucially, of those players, he is certainly the most likely to be involved in attacking returns.

Just as we saw last season, Dendoncker was handed something of a free role against Pyunik, making runs into the penalty box and popping up as an option there quite often.

That bodes well for those who will be relying on him as their midfield substitute in the early part of the 2019/20 season.

Doherty’s back

Those who had written off Doherty as a viable candidate for their squads might have felt a niggling feeling at the back of their minds as he put Wolves in front after half an hour.

In his first game back following an injury, he played an hour in his right wing-back berth, scoring after a trademark attacking run.

Adama Traoré (£5.0m) has been playing on the right side of Wolves five-man midfield during the summer in Doherty’s absence but was unable to travel to Armenia because he reportedly could not find his passport.

“Traore had a problem with his passport, so he couldn’t travel. He didn’t know and it was impossible for him to travel with his ID card outside the European Union, so he didn’t travel with us. He’ll join us for the next game.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

There were suggestions that Doherty only played in this match because of Traoré’s absence but that seems unlikely.

Had the Irish international not been ready to return, Nuno could have deployed Vinagre on the right and started Jonny (£5.5m).

Instead, it was Vinagre on the left, Doherty on the right and Jonny on the bench, until the latter two swapped over around the hour mark.

Nuno was probably hoping to give Doherty an hour of football to potentially prepare him for a start against Leicester on Sunday.

Tight turnaround

Wolves have had a busy pre-season but have looked sharp in all their matches

There has been some concern from Fantasy managers, this one included, about how Wolves would cope making a 6,000-mile round-trip between Thursday and Sunday.

This has caused many of us to expect points from Leicester players this weekend.

However, those connected with Wolves seem defiant that the long journey won’t knock them off their stride.

Conor Coady (£5.0m) confirmed after the game that the Wolves squad was straight on the plane as soon as they were finished at the stadium in Pyunik and were due back in England at 2 am local time.

Furthermore, the local press seem confident that Nuno’s pedigree for managing the recovery of his players over the last 12 months should put them in a good position to still give a good account of themselves at the King Power Stadium.

“I back them to be ready for Sunday and I back them to get over this journey because of the science behind it and the details and methods they implement to injury-prevention and recovery. It’s second to none, it’s got to be the best in the league, certainly judging on their injury record from last season.” – Tim Spiers, Express and Star

Defence in shape

In the early stage of the game, the Armenian side posed more of a threat than perhaps most would have expected. They attacked their visitors and were backed by an enthusiastic crowd.

Wolves kept a good shape in these moments and stood up to the hosts when they were on the front foot.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game, and they started the game very strong, created us a lot of problems, but it’s a good team with good players, and that was the time for us to be organised, be patient and stay in shape. After that, we managed well and started moving the ball and trying to create gaps and spaces, but it’s not over. We still have one game to go, but it’s a good team.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

However, whether that indicates they will give Leicester a tough time on Sunday remains to be seen.

The Foxes will be a massive step up in quality from Pyunik and will have the advantage of more preparation for the game than Wolves.

Wolverhampton Wanderers XI (3-5-2): Patrício; Bennett, Boly, Coady; Vinagre, Dendoncker, Saïss, Moutinho, Doherty (Jonny 63′); Jota (Cutrone 63′), Jiménez (Neves 71′).

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2,105 Comments Post a Comment
  1. gooner_112233445566
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) Fraser, rashford, auba, jota

    B) Fraser, martial, auba, Jimenez

    C) sterling, martial, king, Jimenez

    Already got kdb in any combination

    1. James VARdy
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I actually quite like A but the fact C has Sterling is a big positive for me

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

    Digne or Jota?

    1. boc610
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      digne

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

      Digne

    3. DMP
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Booth.

    4. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I don't like the Jota pick.

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        He'll be fine the first 2-3 weeks before Cutrone start making impact

  3. jamiet
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Best 4.5 Defender ???

    Not sure i trust brighton so dunk is out the question

    Thinking Fredricks for west ham but who knows

    1. teddypicker
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Söyüncü

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

      Fredericks injury prone and in a porous defence

  4. TAT
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Can't decide between Pope and Heaton. Who would you go for?

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

      Heaton nailed. Solid CB pairing

      1. TAT
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Pope isn't nailed, you think?

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

          I think so but Heaton is absolutely nailed

          1. TAT
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            That's definitely an advantage with picking Heaton.

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

          I'm rotating both

          1. TAT
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I'm considering that, since I have 0.5 left itb. On the other hand I'm tempted by keeping that 0.5 for upgrades.

          2. claretdownunder
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I have both - rotation looks excellent

            1. Shineonme
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              You know when you rotate what will happen don't you ? Your benched keeper will outscore the one in the team. Always happens. That's why I'll just be sticking to one goalkeeper.

  5. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Is there logic in starting with KDB over Sterling and spending the extra funds elsewhere if you intend on captaining Salah for the first 3 GW's?

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

      I'm doing this but afraid

    2. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      There is logic in that, yes.

      I'm just too scared though

    3. Jimmy Boy
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      There's good arguments for both sides. Obviously having both KDB and Sterling would be ideal but it's so hard to pull off. I've experimented with KDB-over-Sterling drafts but can't keep them for long because have been stung by Raz before

    4. Sacked in the Morning
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Its my logic! With Kane...

    5. James VARdy
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      If you were using it to fund a different premium like Kane or Auba you could justify it.

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

      Looking at it to accommosate Kan , with a view of GW3 capraincy. Might even do the Kane-Auba-KAe hokey cokey

  6. Defochibe
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Rate my team:

    Pope
    Zinchenko VVD Roberton
    Fraser KDB Perez Salah
    King Jota Kane

    Sub by order: Button Dendonker Lundstram Rico

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

      HUGE chance Rico and Lundstram not in 11

      1. Defochibe
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Any suggestion kiwi? Cant find decent 4.5 and 4.0 players

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

          Any Villa is decent defender Lowton Burnley Cathcart Dunk heaps available

    2. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Like your team, just don't fancy Jota at all.

  7. Jimmy Boy
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) Robertson and 4.5m rotating pair
    B) VVD and 5.5m DF (AWB, Maguire, Zinchy?)

    1. James VARdy
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B and AWB probably

  8. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Bottomed.. Any other 4.5m midfielders besides Dendonker?

    1. lugs
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Drinkwater

    2. GE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Hayden but Docker better

    3. Azathoth
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Romeu,Hayden,DrinkWater....

  9. GE
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    What to improve? 🙂

    Pope
    Robbie/VVD/Digne/Zink
    Salah/Sterling/KDB/Perez
    King/Jota

    Bench: Button, Dendoncker, Wickham, Kelly

    1. Fnug
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      The logo in your avatar

      1. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Same could be said for you

        1. Fnug
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          True, but then i didn't ask

          1. Jam0sh
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            True, you don't need to but still that could be said for you : -D

    2. boc610
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      i dont think you need both sterling and KDB

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Kdb and sterling will be a killer pair I reckon, they are right up there

        1. boc610
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          i think its overkill , id rather a premium striker and fraser\perez

          1. boc610
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            or siggy

      2. GE
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Siggy better?

  10. Fnug
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) Stones, Barkley, Wilson
    B) A. Smith, Hayden, Auba

    The rest are the usual suspects in a 4-5-1 / 5-4-1

    1. The_Fish
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A but not a fan of Stones

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

    Digne/Montoya or Wan B/Zouma ? Thanks

    1. The_Fish
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    2. Bob.
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

  12. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Good enough??

    Pope/Button
    TAA/Digne/AWB/Rico/Lund
    Salah/Sterling/Martial/Moura/Perez
    Wilson/Jota/Green

    Moura can be out with 2FTs after 2GW if needed and could then switch to 343

  13. There's Always One!
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Is Jimenez fixture proof?

    1. The_Fish
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Yes, but issues with Europa League

  14. nolard
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A: Pogba and Jiminez
    B: KDB and Jota

    ?

    1. There's Always One!
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      At the min B

      1. nolard
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks. That's what I am on currently.

  15. Clueless_91
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    4 5 1
    Ederson Button
    Robertson KWP VVD Montoya Rico
    Bilva Salah Sterling Martial Moura
    Jota Greenwood Wickham

    1. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I would downgrade Bikva to give you a backup striker. There could be the odd game where Jota doesn't start.

  16. Moose™
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    RMT please..

    Pope Button

    TAA Robertson Digne Dunk Kelly

    Salah Sterling Perez Robinson Dendoncker

    Kane King Greenwood

    1. TAA & Robbo double up too much?

    2. Playing Dunk & Robinson everyweek is a bit risky?

    1. Helia
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A sacrifice you got to make with those three big papi’s in your squad. Not for me but goodluck. I think you should be downgrading one of Liverpool defence to upgrade kelly to another playing defender to rotate with dunk, or find a pair that rotate well

      1. Helia
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        By downgrade Liverpool I mean to vvd

      2. Moose™
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Tweak a bit.

        Pope

        VVD Zinc Coleman Kiko

        Salah(c) Sterling Martial Perez

        Kane (vc) King

        Sub: Button Dendoncker Greenwood Dunk

        Better?

    2. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I agree with the second statement

  17. Helia
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    So I’ve currently got Abraham in my team. Why? I don’t know... but it feels good. He is more nailed than Barkley imo, since mount is qualitay. Have not seen a single person on Tammy, but plenty on barkley. Is that cos people actually think giroud will start or is it because there are better fwd options?

    1. Fantasynørden
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Tammy will probably be Chelseas main man up front, but more nailed than Barkley? naah, don't think so. Batshuayi, Giroud and Abraham are all going to fight for that spot.

      1. Helia
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Have you seen mount play before? I think Barkley gets the not v Man U, but gw2 it’s mount I bet.

        1. Stu-dog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Problem is that there’s uncertainty up front and in midfield. I think folks are holding off on making a decision until they’ve seen Chelsea play a couple of times.

          There’s definitely great value if someone becomes a regular starter but we don’t know who yet. That’s why I’ve gone for other options for the moment...

  18. Fantasynørden
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    MY LAST PRE-SEASON DILEMMA:

    A) Sigurdsson and King

    or

    B) Fraser and Jota

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

      A

    2. nolard
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    3. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      b

  19. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) Wilson and Jota

    or

    B) Vardy and King

    1. James VARdy
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B for me. 2 penalty takers.

  20. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Is anybody considering starting Dendoncker ? He could be a great enabler.

    1. Moose™
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      1st sub atm

    2. teddypicker
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A lot of people are. But he is a classic 2 pointer, will get more assists this season but not many

      1. Helia
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        His worth more than 4.0. I think he will score more than most 5.5 mids. But yeah, won’t be nothing amazing

        1. Helia
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          4.5*

  21. Ji-Sung Park
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) Laporte, Lanzini and Robbo
    B) Zinchenko, Sigurdsson and VvD

  22. Gaffa914
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on this ?
    Pope/ Heaton
    Robertson Trent Kiko (Fredricks)(Lundstram)
    Salah Sterling Lucas Barkley Ayoze
    Jota Wilson (Xande Silva)

  23. L9
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    sheffield fans is callum robinson the real deal?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Think Paterson for Cardiff last season. Can't do too much wrong for 5.5, but no way would I have him playing every week with no bench.

  24. chelseabrad
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    How am I looking? Haven't changed my team since my first draft weeks ago but I think it's still looking good What do you think?

    Heaton (Button)
    VVD TAA Digne Laporte (Lundstram)
    Salah (c) KDB Siggy B.Silva (Donck)
    Wilson Jota (Greenwood)

  25. Unconstitutional
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Coleman or Zinchenko?

    KWP or Zouma?

    1. GOONER
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Coleman

  26. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Oh no, Rico bench it seems...

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

      Seems likely outcome

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

      How do you know that TD?

      1. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Howe comments on Daniels..

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

      Rico battling Stacey RB plus Smith and Daniels. People with Rico Lundstram gonna be wrecked

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

    If Rico starts I miss out on 0.5m to use on upgrade and have Dunk. If Rico doesn't start I have Dunk and no transfer concern

    1. teddypicker
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Rico likely to start but risky once Daniels is fit. Depends if you need the sub option or save 0.5 for somewhere else

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

          Plus Stacey RB and Smith

  28. Villa Velour
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Is it stupid to start with Pope with plan to transfer him out for Heaton after GW1?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I would say so - planned transfers rarely work - there is always another fish to fry

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

      Start with both keep all season

      1. Villa Velour
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Can't squeeze that extra £0.5m from somewhere.

    3. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Yes

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

      yes

  29. diabydoesgallas
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Would appreciate an opinion on my GW1 team - I normally take my fpl pretty seriously but I’ve been out of the loop this summer and not sure if there’s an obvious improvement i’m missing. Cheers fellas (and fellettes)!

    Ryan
    Robertson/Boly/Cathcart
    Salah(c)/KDB/Richarlison/Perez
    Haller/King/Kane

    4.0/Dunk/Diop/Dendoncker

  30. Visionaries
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    RMT please, feel Firmino is great value

    Pope, (Heaton)
    AWB, Robbo, Zouma, (Rico, Lund)
    Salah, Sterling, Fraser, Martial, Mcginn
    King, Firmino, (Greenwood)