Scout Notes

De Bruyne outshines Aguero as Sterling suffers first benching

Manchester City 8-0 Watford

Goals: Bernardo Silva (£7.8m) x 3, Nicolas Otamendi (£5.4m), Sergio Aguero (£12.2m), Kevin de Bruyne (£9.8m), Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m), David Silva (£7.5m)

Assists: De Bruyne x 2, Mahrez x 2, Otamendi, Aguero, D Silva

Bonus Points: De Bruyne x 3, B.Silva x 2, Mahrez x 2

Manchester City demolished Watford 8-0 at the Etihad to bounce back in emphatic fashion from their shock defeat to Norwich City last weekend.

Amid all the discussion about Sergio Aguero (£12.2m) and Raheem Sterling (£12.2m) pre-match, it was Kevin de Bruyne (£9.8m) who cleaned up and proved to be the key FPL star.

That was set against a backdrop of Sterling’s first benching of the season, as Pep Guardiola opted to rest the most captained player of Gameweek 6 and broadcast to the world that the Roulette wheel is now in full spin.

Sterling spent the whole game on the bench, opening up the door to some fortuitous vice-captaincy scores

While last week it was de Bruyne who was dropped for the trip to Norwich, this time the Belgian put on an attacking masterclass in scoring one goal and registering two assists to collect three bonus points against Watford.

It was a timely reminder to those in possession of the absent Sterling, who did not come off the bench at all, that once Guardiola has rested his key personnel, they are always likely to do well the next time and should probably be retained.

The 36% owned de Bruyne put on an exquisite performance, yet the player who excelled for the Citizens was Bernardo Silva (£7.8m). The Portuguese midfielder scored a hat-trick to reward the near 12% of managers who had kept their faith in the attacking asset. Not a key asset in terms of captaincy for Gameweek 6, but certainly a powerful differential.

De Bruyne was in excellent form for Manchester City on Saturday

Bernardo had registered just two attacking returns this season prior to the fixture against Watford, but an explosive and clinical attacking display saw him take home the match ball despite a number glorious chances for his team-mate Aguero, who arguably should have had his hands on it too.

The Argentinian’s performance was certainly bittersweet for his owners as, despite scoring and assisting for a nine-point score, the Argentine could have matched his counterpart Silva’s hat-trick at the very least. 

A number of golden opportunities fell at the feet of Aguero, but the striker was unable to add to his initial strike, despite the exceptional team performance that he unquestionably contributed to throughout the 8-0 demolition.

Aguero arguably should have scored more than nine points but continued to deliver reliable returns

Either way, Aguero retained his record of scoring in every Premier League game so far this season, and despite a number of his team-mates putting in exceptional attacking displays, it is difficult to look past Aguero as being City’s primary source of goals in 2019/20. 

Whilst previous seasons have seen City’s starting striker berth be alternated between Gabriel Jesus (£9.5m) and Aguero, Guardiola has seemingly put his faith in the Argentine as being the club’s first-choice striker. A midweek match against Preston should allow him to be rested ahead of a Gameweek 7 trip to Everton too, which is encouraging.

There can be no doubting that Aguero is not immune to potentially being rotated by Guardiola, yet for now, those managers without the striker may be asking themself if they should move for him.

Both Silvas racked up the points against a dreadful Watford side

Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m) also sent a timely reminder of his explosive potential with a goal and two assists to record a 14-point score at the Etihad. Starting the game in place of Sterling, Mahrez tore through the Watford defence in an impressive attacking display, with a number of deft touches and mazy runs troubling the Hornet’s backline throughout the fixture.

David Silva (£7.5m) also delivered a typically reliable attacking performance with a goal and an assist in the rout, but whilst City’s attacking assets were mesmeric at the Etihad, there are some real questions emerging for managers in the Champions back-line. 

Mendy’s return to the starting line-up, while short-lived hints at left-back rotation moving forward

Given the long-term injury that defender Aymeric Laporte (£6.3m) suffered in the game against Brighton, managers in ownership of the French centre-back were faced with a dilemma was to who could replace the defender in their squads. Those managers who opted for Nicolas Otamendi (£5.4m) were handsomely rewarded by the Argentinian centre-back with a mammoth 15-point haul, including a goal, an assist and a clean-sheet. 

Yet Otamendi’s eye-catching performance was not the only point of note from City’s defence, with Benjamin Mendy (£5.9m) starting in place of Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.6m). Despite starting the first-half in impressive fashion, regularly bombing forwards on the left-flank, Mendy was taken off measure by Guardiola at half-time. 

Despite initial concern that Mendy’s substitution was injury-based, Guardiola allayed any concern that the Frenchman could be back on the treatment table, whilst also praising his replacement, Angeliño.

“He [Benjamin Mendy] is well but after two years playing only a few minutes, it [45 minutes] was enough. Angelino is an incredible nice guy, and is training well – he deserved to play. I saw many good things in him.” – Pep Guardiola

Otamendi now looks the ideal candidate to invest in the Manchester City defence

With the ongoing absence of Laporte, Fantasy managers will be looking to retain a form of defensive coverage from City, and whilst the scoreline of Saturday’s victory will naturally mean interest gravitates towards the Citizens’ attacking assets, there is an interesting narrative developing at the heart of City’s defence. 

Zinchenko appears to have lost his security of starts with Mendy’s return and whilst the enigmatic Frenchman has often rewarded managers with attacking returns in the past, it seems unlikely that he will start every week either. Instead, we might see Guardiola picking and choosing between his three left-backs

Therefore, a serious case presents itself for the reliable starter at centre-back Otamendi, who can similarly offer attacking output, but without the consistent concerns with regards to his fitness. 

For Watford, this was an unfortunate result but Quique Sanches Flores’ side came out of the traps exceptionally poorly and were unable to come back from their dismal start. 

Early-season interest in the likes of Gerard Deulofeu (£6.2m) has understandably simmered, whilst Saturday’s showing was also reliable advert as to just how unreliable Watford’s defence are from the perspective of solidity and clean-sheets. 

Given the Hornets’ poor start to the Premier League season that saw Javi Gracia lose his job after four games, it is difficult to even consider any Watford players as viable assets at such a volatile time for the club, and after today’s performance it is unlikely that managers are likely to be considering investing in their assets anytime soon. 

Members Analysis

View the match in full detail in the Members Area

MEMBERS AREA HOME PAGE

Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker (Cancelo 54′) Otamendi (Garcia 63′) Fernandinho, Mendy (Angelion 45′); De Bruyne, Rodri, Silva; Mahrez, Aguero, Bernardo Silva.

Watford XI (4-4-1-1): Foster; Mariappa, Holebas, Femenia, Dawson; Foulquier (Pererya 33′) Capoue, Cleverley; Doucoure, Hughes (Sarr 59′) Deulofeu (A Gray 77′).

Lessons learned from Gameweek 6:

2,087 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Daddy Kev
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    2 FT and £3.4 ITB but struggling to make a change. Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

    Pope
    Digne • Zinchenko • Wan-Bissaka
    Sterling • Mané • De Bruyne • Mount • Ceballos
    Abraham • Pukki
    (Button • Lundstram • Kelly • Wickham)

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Zinchenko to Trent?

    2. Kiwi Don
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Zinchenko to Otamendi and Wickham to Wilson or Haller

    3. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Zinchenko, AWB, Ceballos -> Söyüncü, Tomori, Son.

      1. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Prevents him to get CHO when he is back. So wouldnt advise that. I will want CHO along with Mount and Abraham. All amazing value

  2. Stormbringer22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    On a WC, would you rather have:

    A) TAA + Maddison
    B) Lowton + Son (Have Pope)

    Thanks

    1. Kiwi Don
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

      A

    3. Jolly Good
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

  3. boc610
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    M Kelly to start ?

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

      If I were Hodgson, I would. Go back to what was working defensively. But who knows?

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

    https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/crystal-palace-vs-wolves-premier-league-2019-prediction-tickets-live-stream-tv-team-news-preview-a4243151.html

    Kelly will not play today, right? My english is not the top level so I want to be sure.. 😀 If Kelly don't play Lunds comes in to the pitch!

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Thats a prediction, not the team sheet

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

    I have used 2 free transfer and taken a hit allready. What could go wrong?

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      You could get hacked

  6. Ambrosiana Inter
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    BBC says greenwood is pushing for a start of today

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Confirmation that he hasn't travelled then

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

      But MEN says he has not travelled.

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Maybe already in London

    3. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Isn't he pushing for a start every week?

    4. Ambrosiana Inter
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Dunno , they also say Lanzini faces a late test...not sure how io to date their infos are if Lanzini confirmed out and green really hasn’t travelled ..we ll see

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

    What percentage that Mount plays at least a few mins this afternoon?

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

      20%

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

      How long is a piece of string?

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

        Also Mark Suthers has Lunstram coming off the bench if he gets 0 mins. Feels inevitable that he won't play.

        1. Pieterke30
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Indeed. That guy is extremely lucky

        2. aborg
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Hehe I know what you mean

        3. aborg
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          and I’m hoping he will play because my rival will bring Lundstram from the bench if Mount won’t feature at all.

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

      i think he might start
      or min will play 25 or 30 mins

    4. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Not sure if he will start but he might feature at 60/75?

      Who knows. He shouldn't be risked if they're doing ok imo

    5. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      75

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

    A Vardy
    or
    B Abraham
    Whos best for upcoming fixture runs?

    1. Ambrosiana Inter
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

        Cheers

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

    guys what to do now to prevent my account due to the unbearable hacking everywhere ?

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Have a decent password and don't give out your passwords even if there is a 3rd party site that assures you it is ok.

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

        Do u think that all the people who were hacked didn't have a decent passwords?

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          no, they used 3rd party apps probably

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

            sorry what do u mean by third part apps?
            as i'm not good in this and don't know well about what are you talking

            1. have you seen cyan
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              apps you use for your fantasy team that arent the official app. Any app that requires your fantasy log in details basically

        2. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          No idea. Could be either. Either way it's good practice to have a complex password and not give anyone your password no matter how secure they ensure you their site is.

          They definitely weren't 'hacked' though.

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

            ok mate thanks 🙂

          2. Supersonic Marv'
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Not hacked? What are you implying?

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

      Be rubbish at the game and no one will bother. Has worked for me so far.

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

        LoL

    3. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Hacking? Where's this been said?

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I can't be bothered to get it but there's a hot topic about it.

  10. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Anderson to haul today, I'm a big fan.

    C'mon Fanderson! 🙂

  11. sovietrockettes
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    What is the consensus for GW 7-12 for Liverpool? How many Liverpool players are you keeping for the relatively tough run? Is Mane sufficient cover for Salah? Is TAA essential?

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      TAA and Salah

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

      Just Trent for me

    3. Pinturicchio10
        4 years, 6 months ago

        2

      • Taking the Mkhitaryan
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        For city and pool, only playing each other is classed as a hard game
        They are streets ahead

      • Dr. Agabuse
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        it has to be zero or just Mane
        If pepe scores and plays well today
        Pepe Son KDB would be a cool 9,5 mid thing with those juicy fixtures leaving still money so much moneyyyy

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

      Score predictions for today?

      Crystal Palace 2-1 Wolves
      West Ham 2-2 Man Utd
      Arsenal 3-1 Aston Villa
      Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool

      1. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Palace Wolves 0 1 (Dendoncker goal)

        WHM v Utd 2-1

        Arsenal v Villa 3-1

        Chelsea v Pool 0-3

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

        2-0
        1-1
        2-0
        2-3

      3. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        1-1
        3-1
        3-1
        0-4

      4. Pinturicchio10
          4 years, 6 months ago

          1-0
          1-2
          2-0
          0-4

        • Dr. Agabuse
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          i believe that chelsea will take smth from this and i hope that you all are right with West Ham being in good form at home and most importantly Arsenal 3 would be nice

      5. Ace Ventura
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Pope / Button
        TAA / Digne / Pieters / Lundstrum / Kelly
        James / Salah /Sterling / KBD / Cantwell
        Pukki/ Haller / Barnes

        Thinking Dignes time is up. Was also wanting to keep Barnes as fixture run was decent, but after 2 blanks Tammy’s fixture run is looking more tasty.

        Worth a 4 pointer…

        Digne + James + Barnes -> Söyüncü + Mount+ Tammy

        1. Ace Ventura
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Or just ...

          Digne + Barnes -> Söyüncü + Tammy

          Leave James for a few GW's and see how Mount gets on.

      6. Ambrosiana Inter
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Again from bbc
        Why not play Greenwood?
        West Ham v Man Utd (14:00 BST)

        Kevin Nolan
        Former West Ham captain on BBC Radio 5 Live
        Mason Greenwood will be sky-high in confidence. Man Utd are talking about having a real go at West Ham and if Daniel James is injured then why not give him a start?

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          You think Kevin Nolan checks to see if he travelled?

          1. Ambrosiana Inter
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Lol , but surely they d know if he wasn’t even in the squad?
            Why post stuff like this if it s all wrong

          2. The Ejiptian King
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            You saying he's a casual?

        2. fr3d
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          BBC don't know that Greenwood isn't in the squad today

          1. Big boy Bowen
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            The bigger question is, why wouldn't he be in the squad?

            1. fr3d
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Played 90 Thursday night and will probably play 90 again in the League cup mid week

              1. Big boy Bowen
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                OK, guy has barely played anyway though

      7. Jolly Good
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        2FT and can’t think of a move to make... don’t remember of being in this situation before

        Have a sequence of 3 transfers to make for -4 but debatable if they are worth it
        Sterling, Digne, 4.5 mid -> D Silva, Son, Emerson

      8. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Is this the day that Pepe explodes? I friggin hope so!

        1. fr3d
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Pepebeck needs more time

        2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Maybe a slight Pop!

        3. Homer21
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Me too, put the armband on him as well 🙂

          1. jia you
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Brave, hope he gets DDs for you!

            1. Homer21
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Me too 😉

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

        Would you have:

        A) Madison, Mount, Salah, KDB

        B) Mane, KDB, Son, Cantwell

        1. Homer21
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Edging towards A

        2. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          A

      10. Homer21
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Coleman > Tomori? Surely there's a couple of clean sheets for Chelsea in the next six games?

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Can you be sure he will be in the lineups though?

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

          Who is Tomori’s competition for the start?

          1. Jolly Good
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Emerson?

            1. Homer21
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              I think so, if he plays well he might get a sustained run

          2. Wild Rover
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Zouma

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

        Kelly no show to get Rico off the bench along with Lundstram would be lovely

      12. Joey Barton and Friends
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Hopefully Dendocker is a no show today to get Lundy points off my bench

      13. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Who's the one player you don't have today but wish you did? Aubameyang for me

        1. All de Gea no iDier
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Auba is the one I fear the most. But Abraham could also hurt me in my points and others.

        2. Pinturicchio10
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Firmino

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

            There is a few!

            Auba Salah Mane Abraham

            Auba I fear the most as my h2h has him as vc for Sterling so he’ll no doubt bang a few in

          • Tomerick
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Same

        3. All de Gea no iDier
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Dear Mr. Lampard, If you cannot guarantee that Mount will score at least 12 points could you please leave him out of your squad? In fact, even if he is able to score 12 points that would impact on my 2 Liverpool defenders so please leave him out anyway.

          Many thanks.

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

            Hahhhahaha the same! Clean sheet for Pool!

          2. MTPockets
              4 years, 6 months ago

              To be Frank, what a benchw@nker

          3. Ambrosiana Inter
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            9 mins till line ups right?

            1. Salah’s Sonnet
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Precise

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

            fingers crossed
            really need kelly to be out of squadto get lundstram points

            1. DA Minnion (Former great)
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Same . Not overly confident though.

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

                me too
                i think he will be minimum on the bench and enter in the 80 min

          5. The Red Devil
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Who'd you have on WC
            Richarlison
            Or
            Maddison
            No other Everton or Leicester player

            1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Maddison
              Season keeper and badly overlooked

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

                Any insights into why he blanked v wolves & Bournemouth in the home games - does he excel away/tougher home games

          6. Henning
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            No Greenwood or Mount and Lundstrams points is Line

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

              Is mine

            2. All de Gea no iDier
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Who puts Greenwood before Lundtram?

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

            Ok.. greenwood and Mount please not play.. I need lundstram and Rico points thank you

          8. Pep Roulette
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Thoughts on having TAA, Otamendi, Rico, Lundstram, Hanley as your defence?

            1. Wild Rover
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Fine if you only play 3 at the back.

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

              I’ve that but Digne instead of Hanley

          9. Big boy Bowen
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            3 mind til autosub bench wankery

            1. Big boy Bowen
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              *mins

            2. Ambrosiana Inter
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Lol

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

            Lots of people hoping for no Kelly today

            1. Ambrosiana Inter
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Lanzini here

            2. Eleven Hag
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Me