Scout Notes

Aubameyang benefits in Lacazette’s absence as Watford assets impress

An entertaining 2-2 draw at Vicarage Road is the focus of our latest Scout Notes article, as we run the rule over Manchester City’s Gameweek 6 opponents and assess Arsenal’s latest away-day display.

Watford 2-2 Arsenal

  • Goals: Tom Cleverley (£4.9m), Roberto Pereyra (£5.8m) | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) x2
  • Assists: Gerard Deulofeu (£6.2m) | Sead Kolasinac (£5.4m), Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£5.1m)
  • Bonus: Aubameyang x3, Deulofeu, Cleverley x2

There have been, to varying degrees, significant changes at Watford and Arsenal since we last wrote about these two clubs in a Scout Notes article.

The struggling Hornets dispensed with the services of Javi Gracia during the international break and reappointed former boss Quique Sanchez Flores, who returned to Vicarage Road after a three-year absence.

While perhaps not quite as seismic, Friday afternoon brought the news that Arsenal will be without Alexandre Lacazette (£9.4m) until October, an injury blow that has implications for the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) and Nicolas Pepe (£9.4m) as Fantasy assets – something we will discuss further down this article.


Sunday was our first look at Watford in the second Flores era and the impressions were fairly positive, even if the Spaniard’s pragmatic reputation and defence-first policy have so far done little to stem the flow of goals being conceded.

Miracles can’t be expected after one week, of course, and there’ll be many Fantasy managers hoping that the Hornets are still penetrable when they head north to the Etihad next weekend.

Flores lined his troops up in a 4-2-3-1 for this game, with Kiko Femenia (£4.4m) and Jose Holebas (£4.8m) as his two full-backs.

Watford looked particularly vulnerable in the wide areas during the last 25 minutes of the first half and it was no coincidence that both of Arsenal’s goals during this period were assisted by the Gunners’ overlapping full-backs, with Sead Kolasinac (£5.4m) and Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£5.1m) supplying the passes that Aubameyang converted.

Pepe had earlier fired a warning shot narrowly wide of Ben Foster‘s (£4.9m) goal when cutting in off the right flank and Aubameyang was inches away from turning in Mesut Ozil‘s (£7.3m) low pass from the same wing.

What makes it difficult to appraise Watford’s defensive credentials going into Gameweek 6 is that: a) they shaded possession for much of the game and that: b) Arsenal’s brief threat mostly came on the counter-attack – neither scenario being likely when the Hornets take on Pep Guardiola’s side next Saturday.

No Premier League side allowed fewer shots than Watford in Gameweek 5 and in truth their backline had a quiet second 45 minutes as the two-goal deficit elicited a second-half siege from the hosts.

Flores said after full-time:

We had to care about the defence this week and we didn’t prepare to have 31 attempts at goal. It just happened. We just kept switching the play in the second half and this is how it happened. Sometimes this is possible.

While lone striker Andre Gray (£5.9m) and wide-right midfielder Will Hughes (£5.5m) struggled to make much of an impression in the 4-2-3-1 and were ultimately hooked early in the second half, two Watford attackers who caught the eye were Gerard Deulofeu (£6.2m) and Tom Cleverley (£4.9m).

Deulofeu being stationed on the left flank may be off-putting to some Fantasy managers given that he is an FPL forward but he was Watford’s biggest threat all afternoon, causing Maitland-Niles lots of problems and repeatedly cutting inside to fire off shots – a couple of which flashed narrowly wide of Bernd Leno‘s (£5.0m) goal.

While his assist for Cleverley’s strike was a fortuitous one – the former Everton and Barcelona man intercepting a farcical pass out from Sokratis (£5.0m) – Deulofeu deserved his first attacking return of the season and it will be interesting to monitor his displays for when Watford’s fixtures really ease up in Gameweek 10.

Cleverley is not a name we Fantasy managers have considered for a long, long time (if ever) but his performance on Sunday was eye-catching, particularly as he was stationed in an advanced number ten role and given that he is now available for less than £5.0m.

This isn’t merely a kneejerk response to him scoring a goal – the all-action, high-pressing Cleverley was a threat all afternoon, forcing Leno into an early save and having as many shots as the entire Arsenal team managed combined.

Todd Cantwell (£4.8m) remains the stand-out sub-£5.0m midfield option but having another attacking midfielder available in this price bracket would be a welcome prospect for those of us trying to scrimp in midfield; time will tell if Cleverley can replicate this display and indeed become a regular starter in his new manager’s team.

Flores has plenty of attack-minded options available to him, of course, and it was interesting to note that FPL midfielder Ismaila Sarr (£6.4m) was thrown on up front in the second half, with Roberto Pereyra (£5.8m) replacing Hughes on the right.

Troy Deeney (£6.3m) – scorer of 13 goals in Flores’ previous spell in charge – will surely have a big part to play when he returns in November but there was no sign of Danny Welbeck (£6.0m) in the matchday squad, with his absence so far unexplained.

In Deeney’s absence, it was Pereyra who stepped up from 12 yards to draw the scores level at 2-2 after David Luiz (£5.9m) had chopped the Argentina international to the floor.

After keeping a rare away clean sheet in Gameweek 1, Arsenal’s defence has reverted to type and is now looking as unappealing as ever from a Fantasy perspective.

Watford had 31 shots against Unai Emery’s side, the most the Gunners have allowed in a single game since Opta began collecting this data 16 years ago.

The north London outfit have now allowed more attempts on goal than any other Premier League club in 2019/20.

The blows were self-inflicted, too, with Luiz needlessly giving away a penalty and Sokratis gifting Watford possession in the Arsenal area to hand the Hornets a route back into the game.

These weren’t isolated incidents, with Matteo Guendouzi (£4.6m) twice very nearly costing his team goals with individual errors and Emery’s insistence on his side playing out from the back looking like Watford’s best chance of scoring.

When asked about the tactic, Emery said after full-time:

Yes, but after their goal, we tried once more and we broke their lines and we get into the attacking third with space. We didn’t achieve good chances in less moments we did that, but we need to repeat and we need also to have the capacity and to improve with being able to break when the teams want to press us like today.

For those with Aston Villa, Manchester United and Bournemouth attacking assets, there were plenty of encouraging signs ahead of their encounters with the Gunners over the coming three weeks.

There wasn’t much to crow about further forward but this was one of Ozil’s better away displays (faint praise), with the German – occupying the number ten role in a 4-4-2 diamond – ‘assisting the assister’ for Arsenal’s second goal having almost supplied a goal for Aubameyang shortly beforehand.

This wasn’t really a game to judge Dani Ceballos (£5.7m), given Arsenal’s loss of control in the second half.

The on-loan midfielder will perhaps come into his own when the Gunners boss possession (as they did in Gameweek 2 and as they will expect to do in many of their upcoming fixtures) but, after playing a key role in the opening goal and showing glimpses of promises in the first half, the Spaniard was a bystander and eventually replaced on the hour-mark.

Asked why he had substituted Ceballos, Emery replied:

But today it was very, very hot. We needed in the second half, some fresh players. We were struggling second half and I was thinking how we can improve with three players, fresh players, for give us more energy and give us also more capacity to be strong physically and tactically and also technically.

Pepe again failed to convince as a price-point rival to Kevin De Bruyne (£9.8m) and Son Heung-min (£9.5m) although he had little opportunity to impress after the break and it is still too early to fully appraise his long-term merits as a premium midfielder.

Aubameyang, however, again proved how lethal he can be with precious little service and indeed how more dangerous he is when deployed centrally rather than out wide, as will presumably now be the case for the next month with Lacazette sidelined.

The Gabon international’s goals came from his only two proper chances of the afternoon and his impressive conversion rate is one of his many redeeming qualities going into Arsenal’s favourable run of fixtures from Gameweeks 6-16.

No FPL forward scored as many goals against non-big six sides as Aubameyang in 2018/19, while the Gabonese striker now has 12 goals to his name in his last dozen Premier League starts against all opposition.

Members’ Analysis


Watford XI (4-2-3-1): Foster; Femenia, Dawson, Kabasele, Holebas (Janmaat 78′); Doucoure, Capoue; Hughes (Pereyra 63′), Cleverley, Deulofeu; Gray (Sarr 54′).

Arsenal XI (4-1-2-1-2): Leno; Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Luiz, Kolasinac; Xhaka; Ceballos (Willock 60′), Guendouzi (Torreira 67′); Ozil (Nelson 71′); Pepe, Aubameyang.


All prices given were correct at the time of writing (Sunday night).

1,490 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Knowing that most seasons my early/ghost team tends to beat the reactionary WC/hit teams I make isn't helping 🙂

    1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Its actually good to know for me. I guess there are plenty of ghost/dead teams above me currently who I will eventually overtake.

  2. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Hows this for a WC? Too risky picks at the back?

    Pope Button
    TAA Mendy Aurier Lundstram Lowton
    Son KDB Salah Mount Cantwell
    Abraham Pukki Wilson

    1. subhojit123
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Mendy hasn't been yet on the bench I guess. Downgrade him.

      1. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Taking a risk with Mendy. Will monitor midweek game first though.

      2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Too early for mendy. Maybe get a placeholder for 1 or 2 GWs

        1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          He might start but for that price I don't think the risk is worth it yet

        2. ZeBestee
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Cheers.

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      She's a beauty. My concern is that something goes awry with Mendy and then you have KDB alone as city cover. If you can fix with -4 in a few weeks, then go for it.

      1. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks, Mendy will play games am certain of that. The only issue is the fitness. If he keeps fit can't see any reason Pep would not involve him, and fast.

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Really nice

      Mendy is obvs the big call. Given fixtures there’s room to argue for Sterling over Mo. Uncertain start perhaps this week but tight call otherwise. (Don’t buy into coverage of teams - it’s just a question of who scores more over next 5 or so).

      1. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks mate. Mo is consistent enough for my liking, Sterling the mroe explosive option. I think KDB will be consistent throughout the season thus choosing him over Sterling. Cheers.

  3. subhojit123
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Hey guys.. How does this look for a WC? Any suggestions... ?
    Pope button
    TAA Lowton Seiss Rico kelly
    Mane Sterling KDB Son 4.4
    Abraham Barnes Pukki

  4. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    WC this team or have patience? I have 2FTs, but rank is getting a battering. 0.3 itb. Suggestions much appreciated!

    Heaton, Button
    VVD, Digne, Diop, Montoya, Rico
    KDB, Sterling, Mount, Lanzini, Dilva
    Rashford, Kane, Greenwood

    1. subhojit123
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Kane, dilva - Wilson, son
      Is what I would suggest

      1. sunzip14
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Nice suggestion. Thank you. So, just give up on Kane already?

        1. Ze_Austin
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          1.5 years late, but not too late

  5. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Which combo (starting most GWs)

    A) Tomori Sterling Cantwell
    B) Otamendi KDB Mount

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

  6. checkit_j
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    2 FT - 0.7ITB

    WHO DO I UPGRADE/DOWNGRADE?

    Pope
    VVD -Digne -AWB -Walker
    Sterling -KDB -Salah -Mount
    Pukki -King

    Button - Greenwood - Dend - Rico

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'd consider removing Wan-Bissaka and King, then looking at a 4.5 defender and one of Abraham, Haller or possibly Wilson.

      1. checkit_j
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks for replying.

        King played well and has Southampton next ?

        AWB a risk, as United are loose at the back?

        If I swap Salah for Mane, I gain some money.

        1. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          King worries me, 1 shot vs Everton, tho to be fair he did create a few chances. I just think with two free transfers its an ideal time to upgrade.

          Wan-Bissaka, United looking better defensively, but West Ham, Arsenal, Liverpool in the next four hence I suggested downgrading.

          1. checkit_j
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Good observation.

            Last week I was keen to get rid of AWB and King, so i saved the FT.

            Both of them got good points so now I am reluctant.

            Abraham over Barnes?

            1. avfc82
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              If it's a long term move, Abraham over Barnes, tho the latter obviously has a better fixture this week.

  7. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    I know many on here aren't a fan of City defence on wildcard which is fair enough. However if you had to choose one, who would it be?

    1. subhojit123
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Ota

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Otamendi

    3. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Otamendi

      ...and I'm a pained Ota owner, but he really is still the most nailed 🙁

    4. Maddi Son
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers all.

    5. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Walker.

      Doesn't play internationals (AWB, Trippier and TAA ahead of him) and can play at both RB and CB.

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Forgetting about Cancelo?

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Nope. Walker is ahead of Cancelo in the pecking order. Arguably, after Otamendi's showing, Walker is ahead of Otamendi in the pecking order at CB.

          1. Pukki Blinders
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Don't see Walker starting at CB anytime soon, Fernaninho more likely imo. One bad game for Ota won't cause him to lose his place that quickly either.

        2. FPL.team
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Cancelo has been in the squad all season and not taken any minutes of Walker yet, why do you think it's suddenly going to start happening now?

          1. Pukki Blinders
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Maybe because he just signed at Pep is getting him accustomed to City's style before he eases him into the starting team...

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

              I don't like maybes. When he starts starting consistently over Walker then I'll be convinced.

    6. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Otamendi. If he plays well it is City CS and also he could score from corners. However, even if you choose Mendy or Walker, he could screw their CS points.

    7. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I wouldn't get him though (owner)

    8. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Prob Otamendi, but I'd monitor the Shakhtar game very closely. Another costly error and it could be risky for him.

    9. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Despite the poor game Ota had two nice headers on goal.

  8. Manumana
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Hope to get your advice on this WC team

    VVD Digne Rico Lundstram Kelly
    Salah Sterling KDB Mount Cantwell
    C.Wilson Abraham Pukki

    🙂

    1. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      We have 6 of the 8 attackers common 😮

      1. Manumana
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Nice one. Wot do u think of that back 5 ? Or the 3 rotating cheapies? Thx

        1. The Overthinker
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Really weak.
          I would downgrade vvd

    2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Looks like alot of non-WC teams is all I have to say.

      Not interested in Son, Auba, Mane, TAA?

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Looks really good.
      Maybe think of freeing up 1m with Salah to Mane and use that to get TAA and a 4.5m def.

  9. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    This wc team? Any good?

    Pope button
    Lowton Keane soyunchu dummet mings
    Kdb sterling son mount cantwell
    Pukki Aubameyang Abraham

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Its great but would like TAA in there.

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Can't have em all

    2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Looks painful without 1 of the 2 most deadly attackers at the top of their powers

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Can't have em all

        1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Explain Keane Pick?

          1. The Overthinker
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Keane could be anyone of the following

            Alder, amn, awb, Otamendi.

            That spot isn't fixed

      2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Easy Sterling, Keane, 4.5def > Mane, TAA, 4.0def here imo, downgrade another 4.5 Def to Lund if required

        1. The Overthinker
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Sterling ain't going anywhere.
          City are better team than Liverpool. If i remove sterling, i end up with no city attack

          I can't think about going without any players of most attacking team.

          1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            I didn't have the below info mate

            1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              But Mane + TAA comfortably outscore Sterling + Keane

              1. The Overthinker
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                You can't be this sure about it.

                How about sterling + OTA . Or Sterling + alder.

                I get what you are trying to say .

                But going without pool feels much easier than going without city !!

    3. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      After giving it a thought, I don't want to go with Abraham and kdb as it'll be templaty .

      I would.rather have Vardy and Richarlison.

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Could be a devastating mistake

        1. The Overthinker
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          It Could also be a masterstroke.

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

    Best defender up to 4.6mil for the next few weeks?

    Any other options besides Soyuncu or Ward? Is Tomori nailed?

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I've taken a punt on tomori over soyuncu.....very risky tho

      1. Our Man Charlie
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        thinking same , like the look of Tomori good fixtures too

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

    My Malaysian colleague has just told me Pukki in his language (minus one K, same pronounciation) is the C word. Their commentators have to use his first name. Think of that next time you see Pukki Party.

    1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      My Filipino colleague told me the same

  12. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Pope
    TAA - Digne - AWB
    Mane - Sterling - KDB - Mount - Cantwell
    Pukki - Barnes

    (Button - VVD - Lundstarm - Wickham)
    1.0m & 1ft

    Thoughts on this?

    A) VVD to 4.5m def (Wickham to Tammy next week)

    B) VVD & Wickham to Rico & Wilson (-4)
    (Next week AWB to Soyuncu and Barnes to Tammy for another hit)

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      You still have WC just out of interest?

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Nope I dont.

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Definitely A - great squad

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers mate!

        Any recommendations on 4.5 defenders?

    3. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      hold imo. VVD will outscore the 4.5defs
      Use 2fts next week

      1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Match if not outscore

      2. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Actually this would be fine too

      3. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I need the free up the money to get a 3rd striker.
        Pool have Sheffield next week this is probably the week to get rid of double Pool def.
        Selling him next week would be a even bigger headache.

        1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Not if you just decide to stick to your plan of getting rid and remember why it makes sense.

  13. Roy Rovers
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    If you still have your WC when do you think you will use it?

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Next week or gw14ish

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        What's your reasoning for next week btw? It crossed my mind

        1. JT11fc
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          A better picture of rotation plus fixture changes plus having a chance to see if pepe and son fire, and more info for which mid priced strikers to go for

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I do. I'm luring near to the trap door though. But I usually have a few flags before I get to that point. It's very pre-emptive here this time round

    3. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      At this rate, probably GW19

      Except if I get hit by a rash of injuries

      Finding it difficult to find any moves in my squad that would ever need more than -8. Even with shifting templates

      1. Roy Rovers
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        This ^…

    4. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Not for a while unless I get a load of injuries. Appears to be a fixture shift in GW14 for some of my current players (get rubbish for EVE , BOU & BHA) and they get really good for LIV, CHE, LEI, ARS, WOL etc.

  14. Manumana
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Any idea when Kelly is due back ? And will he regain his place ? Thx a lot

    1. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      1. No idea
      2. He's in this pecking order: Sakho (fit) + Tomkins (training) > Cahill > Kelly

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Might be ahead of Cahill actually

        1. Manumana
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks

  15. FC Bazalona
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Salah and Barnes to Son and Auba
    Got exact money to transfer what’s people’s thoughts thanks

  16. Reckoner.
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Made a last minute change on my WC last week of Guilbert & Abraham > Otamendi & Abraham ffs!

    Do I just suck it up and do the reverse for a -4 before I'm out priced of the moves?

    1. Reckoner.
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Oops, > Otamendi & Jota

    2. Dacra
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Abraham back to Abraham?

  17. JT11fc
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Good to hold here? Hopefully gonna be a stressless week after WCing last week

    Pope
    Digne Trent Ota
    KDB Mount Rich Hayden
    Kun Auba Vardy

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Button Cantwell Soy Lundy
      on the bench

  18. LC1
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Morning guys.

    Hope everyone had a good weekend.

    Would you wildcard this bunch;

    Pope Button
    TAA VVD Digne Dunk Rico
    Salah Sterling McGinn Mount Dendo
    Kane Pukki Wickham.

    2 FTs so could just do Kane & VVD to Aguero and 5.6 def.

    Any advice is much appreciated!

    Cheers

  19. P-P-Pick up a Premium!
    Rotation's Alter Ego
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Aguero. Aubameyang. Salah. Sterling. Son. KDB. Mane. We’re certainly not short for premium players who have found themselves a bit of form of late and efforts to pick the correct one has felt a bit futile for many, be it for team selection or captaincy.

    The masses initially supported Salah, Sterling and De Bruyne but with other options available is it time to deviate? According to the season ticker, even if you look medium term (say 5 games) or long term (10 games), Liverpool have the hardest fixtures of the top 6 teams but come into this run as the only team not to have dropped points. Arsenal, in contrast, are entering a wonderful run of blue / green that carries them to December.

    Is it time to take the plunge and turn our backs on Salah or Sterling?
    Which premiums should we be looking at?

    Getting the right premium could be a common theme this season with so many available plus the likes of Kane and Pepe lurking.

    What will your tactics be to get the most from your premiums this season? Complete patience, aggressive transfers or something in between?

    1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Getting the (c) choice right will do for now

      1. Aimar
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Very tough really but i think Auba is some how essential this peroid special when laca is out sobhe is playing in the center

        Salah in fire nver sold salah as KDB could cover raheem but nonone could cover salah IMO

        1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          I have mane and he has outscored Salah in 3/5 games this season

          1. Aimar
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Yea thats right but mane not that cheap or that bargain he is also expensive but KDB is a well spent 9,5

      2. Toby Lerone
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Sterling killed me last two weeks

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Sterling Salah KDB and patience.

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

        Yep. So far nothing has caused me to want to jump ship from these three, and getting a fourth affects the squad balance far too much

    3. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Not reacting quickly enough to the potential of Son when he started finding form last Christmas killed my season. In form he can be the most devastating player in the league. I'm not making that mistake again this year!

      1. Rotation's Alter Ego
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah he hurt me a ton as well last season, but struggling to find a way to fit him in without some major reshuffling, or dropping one of KDB, Salah and Sterling. Some good fixtures coming too.

        Good luck with him! 🙂

        1. Make Arrows Green Again
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks! Yeah I had to wildcard, but I got another couple of gems like Abraham as part of the bargain, so it's not all bad.

      2. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        This ^

    4. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Aggressive transfers.

      Dropped all my city players

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        *Liverpool

        1. Rotation's Alter Ego
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Was very tempted to play my WC and do the same last night, but decided against it. Salah has that OR killing potential but moving off him at the right time can do absolute wonders. Don't think it's necessarily that bad a plan!

          1. The Overthinker
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Yes definitely. And I know there will be weeks where he will punish me hard,but then when I look at the combination ; ATM i have Salah and Ayew vs Vardy and son, that's where it becomes a good move .

    5. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Having the right ones at the right times and as already said captaining the right one. Fixtures are most important for our premiums it seems this season. On Auba and salah atm will become Auba and Sterling GW9 when I want to start captaining a city player. For now very happy captaining the two I have

    6. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I would go with Auba, Sterling and KDB tbh.

      Salah and Mane are better players than Auba. But the difficulty of Liverpool's fixtures mean a downgrade for Salah and Mane whereas Auba gets an upgrade.

      Sterling, Aguero and KDB are as good as Salah and Mane but have better fixtures so they get the upgrade. However, Aguero gets no CS points and one point less for a goal. Plus there are cheap alternatives for Aguero (Pukki, Haller, Abraham, Wilson etc.)

      Son is not as good as KDB, Sterling, Aguero, Mane or Salah, but similar to Auba. Plus he has tougher fixtures than the Man City trio.

      I recommend reading the below to consider how to value fixtures:

      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2019/09/14/mane-brace-brings-salah-value-into-question-once-again/?hc_page=11&hc_sort_by=comment_date#hc_comment_20841183

      1. Rotation's Alter Ego
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah think if I had to call it now I'd list the same 3 though the threat of rotation in City would be a caveat you'd have to consider unlike, say, for Salah. Really good CA there - I heavily favour fixtures in lower priced players but form becomes a major consideration when looking at the more expensive ones. The idea of fixtures acting in a multiplier is a great way to think about it!

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

        The TDLR of that article was: Fixtures matter, but not so much to fundamentally change good/bad picks. Think of them as a multiplier to expected returns in general. Avoid games against Liverpool/Man City

        Yet still if you look at last week, it was a Pukki party 🙂

    7. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'm in between now

      Salah + Sterling + KDB

      KDB could become Son in GW7 if need be... And that would be all

    8. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Salah sterling to stay and Son to come in for KDB next week..

    9. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Ive gone for Auba KDB and Kun on WC as im not sure id cap salah for a while.
      Easy swaps for Auba/Kun to Salah/Sterling

    10. vibhormbic91
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      My model recommends Auba and Sterling over the medium term.

    11. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Liverpool and City are fixture proof unlike the likes of Arsenal and Spurs. More than ever this year because Chelsea are worse than last season, United look worse, Arsenal defence as rubbish as ever. Spurs didn't start well either. The only hard fixtures for them are each other. Arsenal and Spurs will struggle against the occasional bus like Newcastle and Burnley while Liverpool put three past both of them.

      I may try to fit in Son at best because he's at an affordable price and a fantastic player. Kane is playing as a midfielder and Pepe has looked worth 8m at best.

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

        This.

    12. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      This discussion is turning into you can either have Salah OR ditch him and have 2 other premiums instead with the money saved.

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        We have had one disappointing week of coty culminating in poor kdb and sterling output.

        I'm sticking with them plus salah.

        I'd like to ignore auba and go with the cheaper strikers. . . .

    13. BATISTUTA ®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Good post indeed ! As if you read my mind, dropped Sterling and VVD... got Son and Aurier and now looking to upgrade Haller or Greenwood to a premium striker for a hit.
      I think Kane would be a good punt as spurs start getting form. We have to wait and see who Pep starts in the CL ,Arsenal’s only good option is Auba but he can play OOP once Laca is back ... lots to think about this week.
      Cheers !

    14. The Rumour Mill
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I think Son could be a wise pick as he provides a good Captaincy option in weeks 7 and 9 at home to Southampton and Watford respectively when City and Liverpool both have tricky away fixtures in both weeks.

      Liverpool do have it tougher on the ticker but I completely disagree with the ticker when it comes to this weekend's Chelsea fixture. I mean just look at Chelsea's defence, its an abject shambles and conceding at a rate of over 2 goals a game. Furthermore, they are a level above as a team compared to everyone else bar City. And have just been handed a 5 point lead, so I would imagine the league is the priority for now until at least February. this should limit rotation of their assets. Finally, Firmino is in the best form of his career, which is great not only for his own points potential, but that of all the other assets also. His competition in Origi just removed himself from the equation too.

      I don't think you can go far wrong with Salah, Sterling, KDB, or Mane. Son I think should be ok if Spurs have sorted themselves out, not entirely convinced they have yet though. 4 goals from an xG of 1.03 seems pretty lucky to me. Auba and Aguero will be completely fine as assets for now, but the problem they have is the competition from cheaper forwards, which means their value over replacement player in their slot is lower than for the premium mids, where there seems little competition at present from the 6-8m mid range (apart from Mount, perhaps).

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

        “... Auba and Aguero will be completely fine as assets for now, but the problem they have is the competition from cheaper forwards, which means their value over replacement player in their slot is lower than for the premium mids, where there seems little competition at present from the 6-8m mid range (apart from Mount, perhaps) ...”. Exactly.

    15. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I sold Sterling and Kane for Salah and Aguero going into GW5. Happy with those 2 plus KdB and Firmino to keep balance elsewhere.

    16. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'm on wildcard and having the pick of the bunch is proving tricky!

      Aguero/ Sterling
      Salah
      KDB
      and maybe Son is the choice I'm going for at the moment.

      No space for arsenal guys or Kane

    17. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Points create quality, not price. I had Kane in the beginning. He certainly is premium option. Yet after first gw I was proud and had guts to say here that I upgraded him to Pukki 🙂

      Yes, perhaps it was said partly "tongue in cheek" and funds were needed. I am still proud of that prediction though.

      Son will overscore Kane imo, KdB will not haul every week, but is a must have. As long as Laca is out, Auba is a good option. Sterling has been mainly unlucky, but also too wide like Salah. Since Sterling has better fixtures than Salah, it is Salah who has to go.

    18. Warblers
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Sterling is not, apparently, the same player when Kun plays, which make the Pep roulette even more problematic. If I had the nerve, I'd forgo the City/Pool heavies and build a deep team of mid-priced high performers--but I don't.

    19. Let-me-tiger-you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Very tempted to take some hits and ending with Salah,KDB, Son and Kun as my premium assets.

      Pope
      TAA-Digne-4.5-4.5-4.0
      Salah-KDB-Son-Mount-Cantwell
      Kun-Pukki-4.5

      Thoughts?

    20. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Salah Sterling KDB Son is pretty doable tbf

      Partner them with Cantwell, two of those lethal cheap strikers (Pukki, Tammy, Haller)

      And still have a big wedge of money for two premium defenders

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Aguero over Sterling, and partner with Mount and Cantwell.

      2. HNI
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        If you want that mid + Pukki Abra + 2 premium (example TAA + Digne), remaining 3 defenders will have to be 4mn odd or so one of which will have to play every gw unless team value is above 104mn which is unlikely for most right now

    21. HNI
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Dint Salah score last match as well? Atleast kneejerk when a player blanks to seem less foolish move. Liv and Mancity are class apart again this season from rest. I dont see Arsenal getting in top 4 forget winning league as inconsistent. Tot, Son is worth risk due to parallel lower price with KDB.

    22. Neeskens Under Matip
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I've been with four since the start, Auba, Kane, Sterling and Salah.

      That bit's easy, it's the rest of the team that's hard!

  20. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Those not on WC, are you planning to sell low premium defenders like Digne or Zinchenko after the nice games this week?

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Why sell Digne with those fixtures?

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Everton looking leaky basically and he's a cash cow. I'm not saying I will - but I have these two and TAA (who will go nowhere)

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      No chance of selling Digne, stocking with my 3 premiums..

  21. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    How does this WC look?

    Pope (Button)
    Van Dijk, Digne, Tomori (Lowton, Lundstram)
    Salah, Sterling, Son, Mount (Hayden)
    Abraham, Pukki, Barnes

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

      Like it. Tomori could be golden, could be awful

  22. rodragon
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Pickford button
    Taa awb digne Kelly Lundstram
    Salah Cantwell Dendonker Tielemans David silva
    Aguero Vardy Jota
    Play wildcard? Or any transfer suggestion?
    Thanks in advance.. ..
    I was thinking jota and tielemans to pukki and lamela/cebellos....

    1. Aimar
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Wc and get KDB

  23. Aimar
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Current team
    Ryan
    Digne Robbo van anholt
    Salah KDB sterling mount ceballos
    Pukki jota
    Subs lunds kelly GWood button

    A) Just jota to barnes or abraham

    Or B) WC

    Pope. Button

    Digne bellerin robbo lunds rico

    Salah son KDB mount Cantwell

    Auba pukki GWood

    Digne to mendy when returns

  24. sdsouza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Prior to GW1 it was considered to essentially have Salah, Sterling and 2 Liverpool defenders. Now at end of GW5, who are the template essentials?

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

      Read HT.

  25. Annie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Currently sitting on 2FT, after much jiggery pokery went into this week with Salah and Mane. Feel it's time to move one on now.

    Who should I ditch, disregarding the price difference:
    1) Mane
    2) Salah

    Rate the following players I don't own:

    A) Son
    B) TAA
    C) Mount
    D) Abraham
    E) Aub

    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      2

      E, D, A, B, C

    2. JohnBlack
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      2
      BEADC

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      1 adebc

    4. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      1

      AEBDC

  26. Jullepuu
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Any suggestions? I have 0.5 in the bank and 2 free transfers.

    Pope - Button

    AWB - TAA - Digne - Zinchenko - Lundstram

    Mane - Sterling - McGinn - Mount - Cantwell

    Pukki - Aguero - Wickham

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Aguero and Digne to Auba and Kelly/ Rico. Wickham upgrade the week after

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Why would he take out Aguero before Watford at home?

        1. My heart goes Salalalalah
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          He can do whatever he feels like mate

          1. avfc82
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Sure he can, but you suggested taking out Aguero before Watford at home, and I simply asked why - you must have a reason?

            1. My heart goes Salalalalah
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              I think Auba and Tammy/whoever he can afford, is better than Kun and Greenwood on bench every week

              1. avfc82
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                I see where you're coming from, but Aguero out before Watford, not convinced thats the right move, especially if Jesus gets the start vs Shakhtar.

    2. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      If you downgraded AWB to a 4.5, and also removed McGinn - how much would you have for a new midfielder?

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I would have 7.1 mil. Today's game has a pretty big impact on my transfer plans. I need to monitor McGinn but I also want to look at Masuaku, Haller, Lanzini, Yarmolenko and maybe even Wesley or Mings.

        1. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Sound sensible, could even look at someone like Maddison with his nice GW7 fixture.

  27. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    I think I will bid farewell to Kane and welcome Auba in my team on Friday

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Your heart goes auba auba auba!

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Hahaha don't look at my team link. Don't even have Salah now

  28. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Haller and Sterling to Auba and Son? (Have KDB)

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Sterling is the top pick this week, IMO, so its a no from me.

  29. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Which player do you want that has tempted you to (even if you haven't) pushed the WC button?
    I haven't, but I think Son scares me most.

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Son. Already planning a downgrade this week to get him for a hit next week.

    2. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      No need to WC - KDB to Son

  30. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Which of these moves do you prefer? Thanks :

    A - Vardy & McGinn > Abraham & Son
    B - Vardy & van Dijk (have TAA also) > Aubameyang & Otamendi

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I prefer A, but sure you wanna remove Vardy with Newcastle coming up? He looks like a good captaincy call that week.

      1. Krafty Werks
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        True, i'll think on it, thanks.