Scout Notes

Trossard displays goal threat in impressive Brighton debut

Brighton 1-1 West Ham

Goals: Leandro Trossard (£6.0m) | Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez (£6.0m)

Assists: Manuel Lanzini (£6.5m)

Bonus Points: Lanzini x3, Chicharito x2, Lewis Dunk (£4.5m), Pascal Groß (£6.5m)

Leandro Trossard (£6.0m) was the standout performer for Brighton as they drew 1-1 with West Ham on Saturday.

The Belgian midfielder rewarded patience shown in him by owners who disappointed by his no-show in Gameweek 1 with a debut goal.

Manager Graham Potter had opted not to throw him, or any new signings, into a starting role away at Watford, but had no issues doing so at home to West Ham.

As we saw in pre-season, Trossard was deployed on the left side of striker Glenn Murray (£6.0m) in a 3-4-3 formation, Jurgen Locadia (£5.5m) dropping to the bench and Pascal Groß (£6.5m) occupying the left-wing slot.

Accordingly, he emerged from Saturday’s match with seven points and looks highly unlikely to lose his place for the Gameweek 3 visit of Southampton to the Amex Stadium.

“He had a really good season. They were champions over there and he is a hungry guy who wants to take that next step. From the Belgian League to the Premier League is, of course, a step, but he has got that quality as you can see. Our job is to help him make that transition. Of course, it is nice for us to attract these guys.” – Graham Potter

Trossard carried the most goal threat of any Brighton player against West Ham

We had expected Trossard to mainly offer creative potential this season but, based on this performance, the former Genk man is more about the goal threat than anything else.

No Brighton player looked more dangerous going forward than Trossard, who could have scored a hat-trick in different circumstances.

He had a first-half goal ruled out for offside by the Video Assistant Referee and screwed one chance over the bar before getting his hands on some FPL attacking points.

A high ball was lofted up to Murray who did well to hold it up before being tackled. Trossard picked up the scraps and found himself the space to shoot from the edge of the box, rifling into the bottom corner of Lukasz Fabianski‘s (£5.0m) net.

It must be said that Trossard did well to continue asking questions of West Ham’s defence after the emotional rollercoaster of his disallowed first-half goal.

Centre-back Dan Burn (£4.5m) crossed the ball back across the box in the second phase of a free-kick, for Trossard to drill a volley into the back of the net.

However, it was not until after Brighton had celebrated the incredible finish that referee Anthony Taylor disallowed it for an offside call against Burn, spotted by VAR.

The introduction of this technology into the Premier League has somewhat altered the ebb and flow of matches, with it being easy for disappointment to creep in having celebrated a goal.

However, Potter credited Trossard after the game with having the determination to not let that bother him.

“It (VAR disallowing goals) changes the atmosphere in the stadium a little bit. It goes from euphoria to almost disappointment but that is something we all have to deal with. I thought the players did it really well.” – Graham Potter

“It’s disappointing especially if you score a nice goal like that but you have to keep on going because it is a football game and you know that VAR is there. If you don’t stand up and it goes to your head, it’s not easy to keep on going so that is what you need to do.” – Leandro Trossard

Despite Trossard taking some set pieces in pre-season, it looks as if Groß is the main man for these once again this season.

However, the German midfielder continues to have his minutes managed, replaced by Neal Maupay (£6.0m) in the 67th minute and with Trossard offering more goal threat for £0.5m cheaper, he certainly seems the better option.

With Groß off the pitch for some of the second half, Solly March (£5.0m) and Aaron Mooy (£5.0m) also had a hand in corners and free-kicks.

For the second match in a row, Murray led the Brighton attack with Maupay only coming on as a second-half substitute.

However, Murray is still yet to complete 90 minutes this season. After managing 63 against Watford, he was replaced by Florin Andone (£5.0m) in the 73rd minute on Saturday.

Dan Burn has become an important part of Brighton’s back-three

Brighton appear to have a new set-piece target this season in centre-back Burn.

The 27-year-old carried plenty of threat from dead-ball situations, heading over from an early Groß free-kick and also providing the assist for Trossard’s disallowed goal.

However, placing trust in Brighton defence at this early stage under Potter’s management might be hard to justify.

Yes, the Seagulls kept a clean sheet away at Watford in Gameweek 1, but it was widely reported that the Hornets were dreadful and they did not create a single big chance for Brighton to deal with.

West Ham did not offer too much going forward either but still managed to break through and find the back of the net at the Amex Stadium.

Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez and Manuel Lanzini celebrate a goal for West Ham

In the second half, all it took was a well-timed Manuel Lanzini (£6.5m) pass from midfield to unleash Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez (£6.0m), who had beaten the offside trap.

The Mexcian forward only had to slot the ball underneath Mat Ryan (£4.5m) to hand West Ham a, probably, undeserved lead in the 61st minute.

“We know that Hernandez is a box player. When he has the option he normally scores.” – Manuel Pellegrini

At Brighton, West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini made five changes to the side that was thrashed 5-0 by Manchester City in Gameweek 1.

Two of these were forced as both Felipe Anderson (£7.0m) and Sébastien Haller (£7.5m) missed out with injuries, although Pellegrini is positive about whether or not they will return for the Gameweek 3 trip to Watford.

“I hope that both of them will be back next week. Sebastien Haller and Felipe Anderson.” – Manuel Pellegrini

Chicharito came in for Haller, while Pablo Fornals (£6.5m) was handed his first West Ham start in the place of Anderson. As we suggested as a possibility in our pre-season Scout Report, the Spaniard struggled to compete with his new colleagues for creativity.

Meanwhile, Arthur Masuaku (£4.5m) took Aaron Creswell‘s (£5.0m) place at left-back and performed admirably, registering five tackles, two clearances, one interception and winning the ball back for West Ham’s goal.

Elsewhere Fabian Balbuena (£4.5m), an ever-present when fit last season, was dropped to the bench to allow Angelo Ogbonna (£4.5m) to start alongside Issa Diop (£4.5m).

West Ham’s defence is still an unreliable source of investment for Fantasy managers

The final change saw Robert Snodgrass (£5.5m) come in for Michail Antonio (£7.0m) as West Ham’s attacking midfield remains rather unsettled at this early stage of the season.

“We also have a lot of new players that arrived, players that are coming back from a long injury so I think it was useful not to lose a second game in a row. Maybe the first game we need to fix all the new players in their correct position.” – Manuel Pellegrini

Jack Wilshere (£5.0m) came in for some criticism from the local press for a poor display at Brighton.

The former Arsenal midfielder reportedly left Declan Rice (£5.0m) exposed at multiple points before being replaced by Antonio at half-time, although it seems his withdrawal was somewhat influenced by his fitness.

“Jack is like Carlos Sanchez, [Andriy] Yarmolenko and Manuel Lanzini – who played a lot of games in the last part of last season – he needs time, of course. He hasn’t played 90 minutes in a long time, so in every game and every minute he has he will be improving.”

The Eye Test

Ian Davey: “I’m not quite sure how Brighton didn’t win that match.

“Trossard is a STAR in the making.

“He had a goal ruled out by VAR and missed a big chance before finally scoring.

“It turns out he’s not on set pieces but was our main goal threat.

“There’s no chance he doesn’t start next week.

“Our defence still isn’t great and there are probably better £4.5 options out there, even if Montoya is playing at right wing-back.

“Despite getting into some good positions, he lacked quality in the final third which doesn’t scream FPL returns.

“March at left wing-back is also a no-go, in my opinion, given he is a midfielder in the game.

“I’d also avoid our forwards for now. Murray didn’t do much and doesn’t look like he can play for more than 70 minutes. 

“That said, Brighton are, on the whole, much more attacking than they were under Hughton.”

Members Analysis

Brighton and Hove Albion XI (3-4-3): Ryan; Burn, Dunk, Duffy; March, D Stephens, Pröpper, Montoya; Trossard (Mooy 85′), Murray (Andone 74′), Groß (Maupay 67′).

West Ham United XI (4-1-4-1): Fabianski; Masuaku, Ogbonna, Diop, Fredericks; Rice; Fornals (Yarmolenko 77′), Lanzini, Wilshere (Antonio 45′), Snodgrass; Chicharito (C Sánchez 83′).

Lessons learned from Gameweek 2

3,571 Comments Post a Comment
  1. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    For those contemplating wildcard, just remember that Mark Sutherns played the chip prior to GW3 last season to get in Aguero. The rest is history and his record speaks for itself.

    There is no correct time, or incorrect time to play the chip. Early deployment of the WC can be viewed as impatient and trigger happy, however, if you need a few key players it can be a great tool to hop on those bandwagons and not only farm value but also to protect against value drops.

    Conversely, waiting until the international break can be a good strategy often recommended by the more seasoned players. True it gives more data and 2 weeks to tinker, however, we have seen over the past few seasons that the market is much slower now during that timeframe than yesteryear.

    Both strategies can be prosperous and the choice is purely yours and team dependant. Don’t take what others say as gospel

    1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Reyt trying to convince yourself 😆

      If you need to WC then do it. Most people are only wildcarding to bring Kane in for Newcastle when you break it down as KDB can be brought in for a hit. I'm contemplating just because I got potentially 4 or 5 players who may not start but i spent a long time pickin a team so im trying ro trust my instinct and stick with it. GW 2 is stupidly early has players havent even hit full fitness yet .
      You can't compare to Sutherns last year. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a captain pull an hatrick out his arse to bring them back to life. Pointless comparison

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I don't really think history is relevant here. In the past, the international break coincided with the close of the transfer window; hence, it was important to delay. Since last year, we have stability in that department, and this year no World Cup or Euro Champ to affect us. And as Pumpkin says, one guy getting lucky one time is not an adequate sample.

        However, what both of you are really saying is that there is no right or wrong time per se; it depends on one's individual squad. Amen to that.

      2. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I don’t know what you’re saying here? He missed Aguero’s hat-trick and WC’d as a consequence.. I’m not condoning an early WC or late WC.. geez

  2. Viprin
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    It's been awhile since having Aguero is considered a punt

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

    Good morning,

    Who scores more over the season?

    1) Salah
    2) KDB

    1. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Salah. Bit kdb is a bargain and demonstrates that by you even asking the question.

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

        If KDB can remotely match Salah, then it's better to have him over Salah for the rest of the season. Having them both + Sterling and a Spurs option is impossible.

    2. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      1

  4. Tommyg
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Loved the eye test part of this article. Brilliant. Well done lads.

  5. troller
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Kdb/pukki or sterling/cantwell who will score more in the long run

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

    Since Salah joined Liv,they have won Ars @ Anfielf 4-0 and 5-1 with Mo scoring 1 goal each time.

    Kane has scored only 2 goals vs New,1 at WHL and the other @ SJP.

    1. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I find these kind of stats useless tbh

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

      Newcastle haven't started well this season, I expect a big score at WHL. Meanwhile Arsenal are an improved team this season, expect a tougher match at Anfield than previous seasons.

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

      Something happening a year before is hardly gonna mean much. Ars have been defending slightly better and newcastle are completely different to last year. And liverpool are playing worse than before.

    4. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Pretty irrelevant . Newcastle are an entirely different heap of crap under Bruce.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        It's kinda funny how quickly they're turning out to be exactly how we all thought they'd turn out to be.

        1. George Sillett
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Steve Bruce factor and a poor squad.

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

    Firmino loves scoring against Arsenal, is he a viable option to Salah or even Mane? Long term

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

      nope

    2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      If he's back to the firminio of before last season then id say yes but wait and see

  8. bigbudgie
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Best 4.5 defender to start every week?

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

      Dunk, Soyuncu, and Diop among others.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        This.

        In best team: Soyabean
        Best run of fixtures: Diop, Fredericks
        In the best form: Dunk, Montoya.

    2. POGBA & COKE
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Lundstram.

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

    In a WC: Son or Martial? (No Kane & Rash) and Ceballos or Mount (no other ARS or CHE players).

    Rest of the team: Zynchenko, AWB, KDB, Sterling, Salah, Jota, Pucky, Barnes

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

      Martial & Mount

  10. milanista10
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) Martial & Barnes
    B) Ceballos & Rashford

    Would you prefer A or B?

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

      A

  11. In a Rush
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Can someone please make me feel better about my -8!?

    I did, Robertson Perez Haller wilson ➡️ Awb Ceballos Pukki Kane.

    Usually play it cool and don’t take many hits.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Hits only pay off long term. you prolly would recoup them all next week, so you're pinning your hopes on those 4 doing well over a period of weeks. That means regular starts for Ceballos (over Ozil) and Pukki to keep firing. Of the ones you've let go, you might miss Robbo if Pool get their act together; I don't think you'll miss the other 3.

    2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      If ever there is a worthy -8 then that is it

  12. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A. KDB + Dunk + Lowton

    Or.

    B. Lanzini + Laporte + Alderweiereld

    1. POGBA & COKE
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

  13. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Is this move worth it?

    Perez + Fraser + Wilson >>> Ceballos + KDB/Son + Pukki for -4

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Hmm. You're losing 3 nailed players who've made a slow start.
      You're bringing in one certain star (one of Kev or Son), one uncertain to start regularly and one who might run out of gas after peaking early.

  14. George Sillett
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Perez to Mount for a -4 anyone ?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I can see the merit, form-wise and fixture-wise. We were waiting to see who of Barkley and Mount were likely to be nailed, and now we know.

    2. POGBA & COKE
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'm considering the same move but using my FT. If Arsenal had better fixtures I would've picked Ceballos over Mount but Chelsea's fixtures are better and they will get their act together eventually.

  15. Footery
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) Milivojevic, firmino, Deulofeu
    B) KDB, King, Barnes (-4)

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

      King no way

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

        Fair, just not sure if I want to get on the Pukki hype. Can’t see him keeping this up

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

          King scored from a stupid goalie error penalty 45 secs in and was anonymous after

  16. mowgli26
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Best replacement for Robbo? AWB, Coleman, Zinch, Mina??

  17. FC_Dzbany
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Hi Guys,

    Kane or Sterling for captain this week?

    Cheers!

    1. mowgli26
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Kane

  18. troller
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Sterling/cantwell or kdb/pukki who is the better pair

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

    Best midfielder for 7.5 or under?

  20. EWH2020
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on my WC team?

    Pope (Button)
    AWB, Digne, Dunk (Lundstram, Kelly)
    Mane, KDB, Sterling, Martial (Cantwell)
    Pukki, Kane (Greenwood)

  21. heptonstall
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Trossard or Ceballos in draft league? Leaning Ceballos.