Scout Notes

Watford inadequacies help Brighton to Gameweek 1 win

Watford 0-3 Brighton

Goals: Florin Andone (£5.0m), Neal Maupay (£6.0m)

Own Goals: Abdoulaye Doucouré (£6.0m)

Assists: Pascal Groß (£6.5m), Davy Pröpper (£5.0m), Lewis Dunk (£4.5m)

Bonus Points: Dunk, Mat Ryan x2 (£4.5m), Andone x1, Maupay x1

Brighton made the perfect start to life under Graham Potter as they humbled Watford 3-0 on their own patch.

The Seagulls had been something of an unknown quantity coming into the 2019/20 season but were comfortable winners at Vicarage Road.

The nature of the result has triggered interest in Brighton assets for Gameweek 2 as West Ham come to the Amex Stadium, but it might be sensible to watch them one more week before deeming Potter’s arrival in Sussex a complete success.

As much his new-look side was in good shape, they faced a Watford outfit that did not look ready for the new season at all. We were aided in our assessment of Javi Gracia’s side by Watford fan and FFScout user James Moseley this weekend.

The Hornets did not offer much going forward and displayed little to no intensity for much of the game.

Troy Deeney (£6.5m), deployed as the target man to Andre Gray (£6.0m) running behind in a front two, did not do a particularly good job of holding the ball up, and much of Watford’s approach play was nothing more than sideways passes.

Gerard Deulofeu did not have his best game for Watford on Saturday

For some reason, Gerard Deulofeu (£6.5m), reclassified as a forward in FPL for 2019/20 was stationed on the left-wing of midfield in the 4-2-2 formation, which caused no end of problems for Watford.

The Spaniard refused to track back and left Jose Holebas (£5.0m) exposed to a Brighton double-up on more than one occasion.

As expected, Potter had gone with the wing-back system for Brighton, so both Pascal Groß (£6.5m) and Martín Montoya (£4.5m) found it too easy to get the better of the Greek.

It was from this side of the pitch that the opening goal originated. Groß was unmarked on the right, allowing him the space to play a ball across the penalty box forcing the own goal off an unfortunate Abdoulaye Doucouré (£6.0m).

The move itself had started as Craig Dawson (£5.0m), making his Premier League debut for Watford, had given the ball away cheaply.

Eventually, Deulofeu’s inability to fulfil his role, either offensively or defensively led to Javi Gracia replacing him for tactical reasons, Roberto Pereyra (£6.0m) coming on at half time.

Groß was the unexpected inclusion in Potter’s team selection on Saturday

Watford still had issues down their left though, as Pereyra offered little support to Holebas. Groß and Montoya combined well again freeing Davy Pröpper (£5.0m) to cross for Florin Andone (£5.0m) to score at the near post.

The third goal was also far too easy for Brighton to score. Substitute Neal Maupay (£6.0m) beat the offside trap as Lewis Dunk (£4.5m) was able to slide a ball through all the way from his centre-back position.

The former Brentford forward only had to round Ben Foster (£5.0m) to slot home his first-ever Premier League goal.

While the focus may well be on Brighton’s players after this match, the most concrete Fantasy takeaway for Gameweek 2 will be in connection with Everton.

Watford’s poor performance bodes very well for anyone in possession of Toffees assets ahead of Watford’s trip to Goodison Park in Gameweek 2.

“Many things [went wrong], not only one. We need to improve and maybe this is a good wake-up call for the rest of the season. The best news is that it’s the first game and we have a lot of time to improve. Today there were no excuses. They played better than us, they deserve the three points and they got the result they deserved.” – Javi Gracia

While Brighton’s win was as much about how poor Watford were, there was still plenty we could learn about their appeal for the 2019/20 campaign.

Leandro Trossard missed out on Gameweek 1 action as Potter did not want him to make his Premier League debut away from home

Firstly, Fantasy managers were given an earlier than was expected taste of ‘Potter Roulette’ when the team news filtered through.

Despite playing in both of the last two matches of pre-season in an unchanged line-up, new signing Leandro Trossard (£6.0m) was left on the Brighton bench.

He was replaced in the starting line-up by Groß, disappointing those who had opted for the midfielder for Gameweek 1.

Potter admitted after the match that Trossard had been unlucky not to start the match, the manager revealing he had opted to include more Premier League experience in his starting line-up given opening weekend took them on their travels.

“Leo was unlucky not to start. We went for Pascal’s experience on the opening day and an away fixture in the Premier League.” – Graham Potter

For this reason, those in possession of Trossard are probably best advised to hold on to him for the Gameweek 2 visit of West Ham. Potter clearly wants to use him this season given how extensively he was involved in pre-season and a home match against the Hammers is probably an easier environment for him to make his Premier League debut in.

It was this thinking that explained why fellow recruits, Aaron Mooy (£5.0m), Adam Webster (£4.5m) and Maupay were also on the bench, although, of course, the latter came on to get a top-flight goal on his debut.

“The other three only just arrived this week. I don’t think it would have been fair for them or the group to throw them into this testing environment. They are here for the long term, all of those guys. The key is to use them at the right time and not just throw them in.” – Graham Potter

Outside of that, Brighton were lined up much as we expected, Groß the only change from the last friendly of the summer.

Glenn Murray (£6.0m) was played through the middle and found himself caught in a battle with the centre-backs most of the afternoon. According to our man in the stands, he largely got the better of Craig Cathcart (£4.5m), although it must be said that the seasoned veteran now faces stiff competition for his place in Maupay and Andone.

Goals from Andone (centre) and Maupay have reminded managers that there is plenty of competition for places in the Brighton front-line

The latter came on for Jurgen Locadia (£5.5m) who looked bright in the early stages but faded in the second half, before coming off in the 64th minute.

In defence, Shane Duffy (£5.0m) and Dunk were joined by Dan Burn (£4.5m), who impressed during pre-season.

These three assets were backed up by Mat Ryan (£4.5m) in goal who made three saves and took two bonus points on the afternoon.

However, our man in the stands did reveal that Ryan was not especially troubled by Watford. Much of their attacking play suited the strengths of the Seagulls centre-backs, with long balls over the top very easy for Dunk, Duffy and Burn to head away.

As already mentioned, while it is a good start for Brighton’s assets, the visit of West Ham next week might present more of a test for them.

For that reason, jumping in on one of the Seagulls’ options might be a bit too soon considering that even their manager thinks there was room for improvement in the trip to Watford.

“Of course we are very happy with the result and the performance. I thought all the players were fantastic. They tried their best to do what we asked them to do. We weren’t perfect, of course. I would not expect that. But it probably rewarded what we have done as a collective unit for the last few weeks.” – Graham Potter

Members Analysis

Watford XI (4-2-2-2): Foster; Holebas, Cathcart, Dawson, Femenía; Capoue, Doucouré; Deulofeu (Pereyra 46′), Hughes; Deeney, A Gray (Success 75′).

Brighton and Hove Albion XI (3-4-3): Ryan; Burn, Dunk, Duffy; March (Bernardo 90+2′), D Stephens, Pröpper, Montoya; Locadia (Andone 64′), Murray (Maupay 64′), Groß.

Lessons learned from Gameweek 1

626 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Simon69
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Any advice on how to use my FT or better to hold? 0.0 ITB

    Pope

    Robertson, TAA, Digne, Vertonghen

    Salah, Sterling, Lucas Moura, Perez

    Wilson, King

    Subs: Button, Greenwood, Leitner, Lundstram

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      It’s completely up to you

      Moura for me was a 1 week punt - don’t fancy spurs against city or who might make the teamsheet come GW3

  2. Tcheco
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Would you do Ryan to Adrian considering the following?

    - The plan was always to save the FT & make 2 next week
    - Ryan has 3 good home games in the next 4
    - No pressing issues squad-wise
    - TAA only Liverpool defender & one more pool slot open
    - Adrian is a 4.5 pool defender!

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'd save the transfer.

    2. MTPockets
        4 years, 7 months ago

        No but if that's your only pressing issue then why not.
        Will cost another transfer though soon enough

      • Mr Bird
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Think of it as two transfers because Alisson could be back any week and TAA, VVD and Robertson still offer better value imo... Adrian won’t command the back line half as well so i’d prioritise attacking points while Alisson is out

      • Tcheco
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Thank you. Think I'll hold & enjoy my 2 FT next week

      • g40steve
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I don’t trust Klopp, remember Trents injury last year all the positive comments but still no show.

    3. sirmorbach
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Heaton
      TAA, VVD, Laporte, Coleman
      Salah, Sterling, Fraser, Robinson
      Vardy, Adams

      0.5 itb

      Save the free transfer, right?

    4. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Would this be a bad plan and Kane isn't really that worth it? For gwk3 but still like to plan.

      TAA to 4.5m and Wilson to Kane?

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Prob be injured by then

      2. Mr Bird
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        No... TAA will outscore Kane this season

    5. jayzico
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Whos best 5m mid?

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Dendo 4.5

      2. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Billy.

      3. Tcheco
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Kante for a guaranteed 2 points if you must spend 5.0
        Donkey (f*** VAR) + 0.5 itb what's not to love

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

        Dendoncker, Hayden, monitor Drinkwater. Cantwell from Norwich played well according to reports / posts in here

    6. John3.16
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Right chaps. Four issues if you’d be so kind to discuss:

      1) KWP - know Jan was missing but spurs just don’t look like keeping cleanies, and don’t see attacking returns on the horizon. Stick or twist?

      2) Triple pool D - cleanies again aren’t going to be bankers like last season but do the attacking returns justify keeping. TAA / VVD / Gomez. Do I get rid of one?

      3) Richarlison - generally gets off to a flyer but Everton just didn’t seem like they were clicking, one game might be too soon to make a call. Just bring Martial in?

      4) Delu - Watford looked shocking. Not sure why was forced to play wide. Clearly no interest in playing there. Whipped off at half time for essentially dissent.

      1. MTPockets
          4 years, 7 months ago

          No idea
          I wouldn't have 3 but too early to make season claims
          Ditto
          Happened a lot last season as well. He's a binary pick

        • g40steve
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Check heat map plays as mid
          Clean sheets a bonus attacking threat
          Possibly
          No idea

        • Mr Bird
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Of the four, getting rid of Delu should take priority... the other three are wait and see

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

        Barkley & trossard did bad should I wildcard?

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          No lol

        2. Drip Doctor
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I think wait and see what happens with Barkley midweek in the Super Cup.

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

          But I only got 87 Pts I’m behind already

          1. Dynamic Duos
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            O dear muahaha

          2. Tcheco
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Lol

        4. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Trossard is nailed on for home debut

          Barkley could come good

        5. Im Not Marshal Foch
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I'm just wondering whether to swap either of them for Martial FT

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

          Get the net ready! You've hooked a few here.

      3. Netters2018
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Guys what shall i do roll transfer over?

        Pope
        VVD, Gomez, Zinch, Kelly
        Sterling, Salah, Fraser, Perez
        King, Kane

        Bench Hayden, KWP, Greenwood

        Any suggestions be much appreciated

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

          Roll. If you really want to use FT then KWP to 4.5 def and play him in place of Kelly.

          1. Netters2018
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I was thinking of doing that but couldnt think who would be a good long term move maybe west ham defender or sheff utd?

      4. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Anyone got a link.

      5. MikeS
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Anyone having issues administering their leagues? I can't change the name on mine or stop new entrants?

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

          There is an issue with stopping entrants.. Really annoying for big money leagues.

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

            I managed to stop entrants by just regenerating the code, but still can't change the name of the league (it was a pay to enter league so has payment deadline as the name which has now elapsed!)

      6. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Will Rashy double rise by Gw2.

        1. The 5% Team
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          no

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

        Lads, I didn’t see the united Chelsea game, but just wanted to know. Rashford or Martial and why?

      8. Aztec Kamara
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Rashford definitely. Looked sharp and at it. Also scored a good pen. Martial in contrast was quite sluggish and off the pace - managed to bundle his goal over the line though. I’m looking at ways to get Rashford in, not considering Martial yet.

        1. Aztec Kamara
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Fail.

        2. Gerd Mueller’s thighs
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          couldn't agree more on Martial's "sluggish" play. His one advantage is a middie who plays like a forward.

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

            Thanks bud.

      9. 18mark11
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Anyone know my Maupay isn't showing on the stats in members area?