Scout Notes

Wolves busy schedule to be prolonged by Europa League group stages

Wolves 2-1 Torino

Goals: Raùl Jiménez (£7.4m), Leander Dendoncker (£4.5m)

Assists: Adama Traoré (£5.0m), Diogo Jota (£6.4m)

Raúl Jiménez (£7.4m) continued his excellent start to the 2019/20 season by scoring a crucial goal for Wolves in their 2-1 win over Torino on Thursday night.

The Mexican forward has now found the net six times in as many qualifiers for the Europa League, a truly incredible feat considering that he returned to the Wolves training camp later than his colleagues this summer after winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup with his country.

That said, just one of his seven goals in nine matches in all competitions this campaign have come in the Premier League, as midweek European exploits have been leaving Jiménez and his team-mates a little laboured in their Sunday afternoon FPL outings.

While Wolves fans will be ecstatic to see their side qualify for the Europa League group stages for the first time since 1981, Fantasy managers with half an eye on their assets may be less keen.

As the qualifying rounds have grown tougher with each new opponent, manager Nuno Espirito Santo has been forced to use more and more of his first-team players for extensive periods on Thursday nights.

Raúl Jiménez has been in excellent form in the Europa League this season

Now that Wolves have qualified for the group stages, this trend is likely to continue. Heading into Gameweek 4, their preparation for a Sunday trip to Everton could only start on Friday afternoon according to the manager, while their hosts have been able to do so since Thursday morning.

“It’s so hard, travelling to play different teams. We played on an artificial pitch, it was tough against Crusaders, then Pyunik was tough. Here at Molineux was fantastic, it’s been a long time where we’ve performed so good at home.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

“For me and the boys, in the afternoon we’ll prepare for the next game. Game by game always. Improve during the competition, this is what we want, use the game as a tool for us to grow as a team.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

Both Jiménez and strike-partner Diogo Jota (£6.4m) were on the pitch for at least 81 minutes against Torino, the former coming off only in stoppage time, after the latter was replaced by Patrick Cutrone (£5.9m) just before.

Diogo Jota has been excellent in the Europa League but has struggled domestically

Jota has been a curious prospect so far this season, proving to be one of the hardest working and most dazzling players for Wolves on their European nights but has largely failed to impress in the Premier League.

Still without a shot on target in a domestic match, the Portuguese international was back to his industrious self against Torino, once again involved in the goals. It was his shot in the 58th minute which forced a save out of goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu and led to Leander Dendoncker (£4.5m) scoring the rebound.

The Belgian midfielder was one of four changes that Nuno made to the Wolves side that drew with Burnley on Sunday. Having been an ever-present in the Premier League up until that point, Dendoncker was replaced by Morgan Gibbs-White (£5.0m) against Burnley, but was back in the side on Thursday night and played 90 minutes.

Leander Dendoncker (left) scored against Torino but was benched against Burnley in Gameweek 4

The length of that outing, in a tough match-up against Serie A opposition might concern some of Dendoncker’s 14.2% ownership of another benching against Everton in Gameweek 4, especially considering that Gibbs-White did not register a single minute midweek.

We can be fairly confident that Jiménez and Jota will start once again on Sunday afternoon given they were substituted on Thursday, admittedly later than their owners would have liked.

“The boys have been amazing. Coady played all the minutes, Boly played all the minutes, it’s fantastic. You see on the pitch, the reaction is fantastic, the people that come in give everything they have.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

Almost certain to feature from the beginning at Goodison Park are Matt Doherty (£6.0m) and Ryan Bennett (£5.0m) who did not feature against Torino, while Rúben Neves (£5.5m) played only the last five minutes. Jesus Vallejo (£4.9m) came in at centre-back, while Romain Saïss (£4.4m) was used in central midfield once again.

Vallejo did not have the best game in defence, giving the ball away a few times and struggling to contain striker Andrea Belotti, who scored in the 57th minute. The player certainly has potential but it seems clear that Bennett’s place in the back-three is not yet at threat from the summer signing.

Adama Traoré continues to be one of Wolves’ best players in Europe this season

Doherty was, as per usual for these matches, replaced in the starting line-up by Adama Traoré (£5.0m), who continues to be one of Wolves’ best players in the Europa League.

Nuno’s men started this latest match off by sitting deep, allowing Torino to have possession, venturing forward only on the counter-attack. An outlet for this was, not surprisingly, Traoré, whose pace continues to ask problems in the Europa League. It was the wing-back who unlocked the Torino defence in the first-half, providing the cross for Jiménez after a trademark run up the touchline.

As we have mentioned many times in these articles over the summer, Traoré has undergone a transformation over the last few months. Last season, his style of play was underpinned only by his frightening pace but there was very little end-product. However this Europa League campaign has demonstrated that the player has become a lot more focussed in the final third and has been regularly involved in attacking returns. That is something to consider if Doherty is to get another injury, although of course, Traoré is a midfielder in FPL rather than a defender.

“It was important. The way he took the team up, the way he created, the way he unbalanced the opponents. He can do this and he can do other things, he has to improve a lot, but today he was stable in defence, covered the centre back, won balls in the area. We’re building a player and taking the best out of him.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

Wolverhampton Wanderers XI (3-5-2): Patrício; Boly, Coady, Vallejo; Jonny, Moutinho (Neves 90′), Saïss, Dendoncker, Traoré; Jota (Cutrone 81′), Jiménez (Neto 90+2′).

Lessons learned from Gameweek 3

942 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Bartowski
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Would you play Kelly (home to Villa) or Dedonkey Kong (away to Everton)? Ta.

    1. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Jelly

      1. Bucket Man
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Jelly sorry 🙂

        1. Bucket Man
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          You get what I mean

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

            You are Jelly of him having Kelly?

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

              Not sure of Donker's minutes after playing 90 on Thursday evening. So, Kelly.

            2. Bucket Man
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              He’d be useful this week haha

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

    I’ve heard lots of KWP rumours. Any official club announcement yet?

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

      What are the rumors?

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

      Evening standard yesterday was saying he was losing his fitness battle but nothing official.

      https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham/tottenham-face-defensive-headache-for-arsenal-trip-as-injuries-mount-up-a4223961.html

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

        Thanks.

    3. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Am I the only one who sees KWP and thinks Kevin Wince-Proateng?

  3. ElliotJHP
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Who'd you rather have as your fifth mid over the course of the season for draft?

    McGinn or Trossard

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

      Or Dwight Mcneill perhaps

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

      McGinn - though I think Trossard will score more I think McGinn will tick over steadily

  4. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Bottomed

    Thoughts please. Am I good to go? Bench order (yea I hate the fact I have Robinson).

    -4 for Martial -> Mount or Cantwell is an option I guess

    Ryan (Button)
    VVD, Digne, AWB, Söyüncü
    Salah, Sterling, KDB
    Pukki, Jota, Greenwood

    Button l Robinson, Lundstram, Martial

    How bad of a week am I in for?!

    1. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'm starting Greenwood too, good luck mate.

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

        How bad is my team for this week do you think?!

        All my defenders have high clean sheet probability which is about the only positive thing I can say about it 🙁

        1. The Ejiptian King
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Better than mine but not great although I'm not sure getting rid of Martial is worth it if it's one game. Jota is so due a return it hurts.

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

            I kind of hate my team but at the same time I only really have 3 ‘bad spot’ in the first 11 (Jota, Söyüncü and Greenwood) and that would be 2 if martial wasn’t injured so maybe it’s fine.....

            1. The Ejiptian King
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Also Jota is a great player and will come good.

    2. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      You're looking much better than I am mate - still contemplating a wildcard though.

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

        Thanks - got to remember that all these people with ‘great’ teams have wildcarded already so we will have an edge later (hopefully a big one!)

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

          😉

  5. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    a. Pope and Heaton, VVD
    b. Pope and Button, TAA

    ???

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

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

    Gomes - b.Silva - Wilson >

    A) Lundstrum - KdB - Pukki
    B) Lundstrum - Mane - Wesley
    C) Lundstrm - Cantwell - Aguero

  7. fuzzymike
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Coleman worth a punt?? Been quiet so far.

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

      Prefer Digne or Mina

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

      Sidebe could take his place. Keane is same price and Mina 0.1 more.

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

        This

    3. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      He'll get a hual eventually but maybe not this weekend

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

    Anyone else looking to play Greenwood this weekend?

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

      Many, if you read at all

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

        Sorry mate. Just logged on. Jeez

        1. Longlatini
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Bit Anti_Social wasn’t it?

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

      I don't think Solskjær will start with him... So he stays on my bench.

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

      I am playing him

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

        You feel he will start?

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

          Unclear, maybe 60/40. For me, my normal 1st sub is Donkers but he'll be tired after Thursday, so I'm punting on Greenwood. You need to consider you're other bench options.

  9. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    current forward line is Pukki Abraham Haller

    Worth getting in Barnes for Abraham now or after the Liverpool game?

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

      wait for sure

    2. Sarri-ball
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      dont sell abraham before 2morow much better fixture than barnes

    3. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Hold for the love of God

  10. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Which is better?

    A- Robertson + Kelly.
    B- VVD + Söyüncü

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

  11. Atters
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Which 2 do I start?
    A) Zouma
    B) Soyuncu
    C) Greenwood

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

      B and one of A or C

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

      tough one.

      B and A

    3. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      AB

  12. TheSteel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Decide im holding on to King. Could easily outscore Haller (who i considered transferring in) and its nice to have 2FT for international break.

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

      Haller far superior to King

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

    On a WC:

    A) VVD + Mount
    B) TAA + McGinn

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

      B

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

      b

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

      Short term B, but I think they are matched well frankly

      1. tm370
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        A

  14. rodragon
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    1.Wilson to Aguero(bench martial and play Kelly) (-4)
    2.Martial to kdb(-4)
    3.Wilson+Martial to pukki+sterling(-8)
    4.Wildcard

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

      2

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

        Thanks!

    2. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      4: Wildcard

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

        Thanks!

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

      Definitely 2

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

      Just 1

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

    Start Rico or Greenwood???

    1. soup natsi
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      greenwood who

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

        Mason, the United bloke

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

    Is Kun, KDB, Sterling overkill?

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

      It will be for the Brighton defence. Looks great with the upcoming fixtures.

    2. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      No. Not like City will blank very often and those are the main men.

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

      No Salah or Mane ?

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

      Would like to have them all

      1. as33
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I have the all on my WC 🙂 but defence is crap

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

    In the medium term, what is preferable?
    A) (Keeping) Martial and rotating Cantwell and Lundstram (which is quite effective).
    B) Selling Martial. Mount and an upgrade for Dendoncker (Ceballos) or Greenwood (cheap striker, like Wood).

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

      I'm keeping. Think I want the United striker at his price. Probably only one week ...

  18. FC Bazalona
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Felipe Anderson or Lanzini ???
    thanks guys

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

      Lan!!

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

      Felipe

    3. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'm on Lanzini but Fanderson's form is improving and once he finds the net he usually goes on a good run.

  19. TripleHHH
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Right I’m fixed in my WC team nownow but final decision is whether to stick with dunk and greenwood (bench) with mount starting and .2 ITB, or, change to greenwood and rico with Barnes starting .2 ITB

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

      Would be .1 ITB with second option

  20. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) Mina + Pieters
    B) Boly + Zouma

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

      1. Von Lipwig
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        cheers

  21. JamieC180
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Afternoon lads.

    Pope (Button)
    AWB - Zinchenko - Robertson - Kelly (Lundstrum)
    Salah - Sterling - KDB - Martial (Dendonck)
    Wilson - Jota (Greenwood)
    1FT

    This week I'm planning on doing:
    Wilson --> Pukki
    Then next week:
    Jota --> Haller / Jiminez

    Thoughts?

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

      Martial is injured so u need to pick a sub

      Transfers seem ok but wouldn’t seem worth switching Jota to Jiménez imo

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

    On Wildcard, last decision.

    A) TAA/ Robbo and Kelly
    Or
    B) VVD and Mings

    1. BOATIES FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      a

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

        Thanks

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

    Ok, Last call for alcohol. Gtg?

    Ryan
    TAA VVD Zinchenko Kelly
    Salah Sterling(C) Mount
    Vardy Pukki Greenwood

    Button Dendoncker Smith Martial*

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

    Made no transfers yet this season.

    Two free Gw4 if Kane fails to deliver.

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

      Ok 🙂

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

      Only Wc tranny’s to date.

    3. tm370
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      What's your team? No transfers seems a bit mad...

      1. tm370
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Argh, a Wc changes things

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

        Salah
        Sterling
        Kane
        Auba
        Pukki

        Rest make up the numbers.

    4. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Try to go the whole season without making any transfers... Although if you do make a transfer this week you still have two for after the ITB!

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

        Did this last season, went terribly.

  25. bamirich
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A. Keep Martial and Kane

    B. Switch to KDB and Rashford (for -4)

    ?

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

      Could wait till next Gw save you a hit.

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

      Keep Kane for Arsenal. Were it not for city's fixture, he'd be a top captain pic

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

    Brighton hooooooold

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

      Its gonna be 6-0 with 15 saves from Ryan

  27. FCRS BGD
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Guys
    Who would you rather own in FPL draft?
    1. Deulofeu
    2. Maupay
    Thanks

  28. tm370
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Wild card team complete, thoughts?

    Pope,
    Digne, Maguire, Soyuncu,
    Salah, Sterling, Mount, Ceballos,
    Aguero, Pukki, Haller.

    Bench: Cantwell, Lundstram, Kelly. Only 0.2 in the bank.

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

      I’d have AWB over maguire

      1. tm370
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I've been considering this, but I fancy Maguire to be involved in a few more attacking returns.

  29. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    "If you can keep your head when all about you
    Are losing theirs..."

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

      ...then you aren’t an FPL manager?

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

    Artur Boruc was expected to make the Bournemouth bench tomorrow but is now expected to be dropped due to an unsanctioned visit to Ibrox with the Legia Warsaw fans.

    So yeah, there's that.