Scout Notes

Guardiola explains why Aguero was benched as City rotation continues

Manchester City maintained the five-point gap between themselves and Liverpool with a 3-1 win over Everton.

We round up the main Fantasy talking points from the Saturday evening kick-off at Goodison Park in our Scout Notes below.

Everton 1-3 Manchester City

  • Goals: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.8m) | Gabriel Jesus (£9.5m), Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m), Raheem Sterling (£12.1m)
  • Assists: Seamus Coleman (£5.4m) | Kevin De Bruyne (£10.0m) x2, Sergio Aguero (£12.2m)
  • Bonus: Mahrez x3, Coleman x2, De Bruyne x1

The notion that Sergio Aguero (£12.2m) is the ‘safest’ route into Pep Guardiola’s ever-changing attack was weakened somewhat on Saturday as the Argentinian striker dropped to the bench for the first time in the league since Gameweek 1.

Last season, Aguero was about as nailed an option as possible during the autumn months.

With the premium forward only starting two of City’s six UEFA Champions League group games and sitting out his side’s first two EFL Cup ties, Aguero was a reliable option for Fantasy managers, starting every single league match from Gameweeks 1 to 13 – only a groin injury halting that run in December.

His benching on the opening weekend of 2019/20 wasn’t a great shock given his late return from the Copa America but this latest demotion from the starting XI was more of a surprise, especially considering that Gabriel Jesus (£9.5m) was given a 90-minute run-out at Deepdale on Tuesday.

Jesus was handed only his second league start of the season on Merseyside, however, with Aguero’s owners having to make do with a 25-minute substitute’s appearance and an assist for Raheem Sterling‘s (£12.1m) game-clinching strike.

David Silva (£7.6m) and Bernardo Silva (£7.9m), both of whom had started City’s last two competitive matches, also dropped to the bench for this encounter.

Guardiola explained his decisions in a broadcast interview after full-time and sounded some ominous comments about changing his team “every single game” going forward.

The City boss said:

I want to make everyone involved. Of course, Sergio can play and David can play but the last game in the Champions League, they didn’t play; I want to let them play in the Champions League, we play on Tuesday. So, I want them to play everybody.

For me, it’s tough. Some players don’t play regularly. I’m going to move the team every single game to be part of that. I know everybody wants to play, I understand completely, but it’s the only way to maintain the level for 11 months.

There was one final twist to the Aguero benching, however.

In quotes released from the embargoed section of Guardiola’s press conference on Sunday evening, the City boss offered a slightly different take on proceedings:

In Champions League, the first game, David and Sergio didn’t play and I will let them play the second game.

Yesterday, Sergio felt something a little bit in the leg. I said, ‘OK, to start the game I prefer Gabriel’. In the last minutes, sharp, go Sergio. He came in and makes two actions to shoot. The third goal came from him.

The reality is, we Fantasy managers are going to have to endure the occasional spot of rotation in order to tap into City’s blistering attack.

Sterling, Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne (£10.0m) and Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m) have seven benchings between them this season but all four players sit in the top ten FPL points-scorers of 2019/20 as of Sunday, so the risk is evidently worth the reward.

When Guardiola has in-form players like Mahrez at his disposal, of course, rotation is easier to implement from his point of view.

The Algerian winger was one of the game’s stand-out players, registering more efforts on goal and key passes than any of his teammates.

The former Leicester wide-man scored his side’s decisive second goal, curling in a free-kick after De Bruyne had been chopped down – although Jordan Pickford (£5.5m) should have done better with the effort.

There ought to have been other attacking returns for the Algeria international, with Ilkay Gundogan (£5.2m) and Sterling wasting glorious opportunities that he carved out.

Mahrez is one of the names that Sterling’s Fantasy owners have to be worried about and, in contrast to his teammate on the opposite flank, the England international had something of a stinker.

The premium midfielder was particularly out of sorts after the break, first wasting that aforementioned Mahrez assist when firing wide, totally unmarked, from 12 yards.

Sterling then failed to control a Kyle Walker (£6.0m) cross with the goal at his mercy and wasted possession on another couple of occasions when City were breaking at speed and in numbers.

The great thing is from an owners’ perspective is that, even on an off-day, Sterling can still deliver points.

The former Liverpool winger broke a three-game duck by following up Aguero’s saved effort in the 83rd minute to round off the scoring and the fact that he was getting into dangerous central positions was very much a positive to take from this second-half display, particularly after the concerns over his touchline-hugging role at Norwich and indeed in the opening exchanges at Goodison Park.

De Bruyne has delivered an attacking return in every league game he has started this season and he registered his eighth and ninth assists of the campaign here, first producing a sensational cross for Jesus to nod in and then being fouled for the free-kick that Mahrez despatched.

While he was not the completely dominant force he had been against Watford, there were still moments of genius from the Belgian playmaker and his pair of assists means that he is now the leading FPL points-scorer in 2019/20.

De Bruyne averages exactly nine points per match at present.

The Belgium international was withdrawn in the 79th minute on Merseyside and there were rumours of a possible injury to the in-form midfielder, although little else substantive has followed in the ensuing 24 hours.

The Athletic’s Sam Lee reported the following on Saturday evening:

Reflecting on the game overall, Guardiola said:

Absolutely outstanding. At Goodison Park it’s always difficult, this stadium. We started incredibly well, as usual, we created chances and scored a goal.

After that we had a lot of problems to control our left side with Sugirdsson because in that area they had one more player there. We had a lot of problems.

In the second half, except set-pieces, conceding free-kicks and some long balls we played again good. I had the feeling we had clear chances but not many for the last control, we arrive in positions with Sterling or Riyad and the control could be better.

Ederson made two incredible saves at 2-1.

As Guardiola alluded to there, it wasn’t all plain sailing for City.

The defensive insecurity that was punished by Norwich in Gameweek 5 was again in evidence at Goodison Park, with makeshift stopper Fernandinho (£5.2m) at fault for the hosts’ strike.

That wasn’t an isolated moment of weakness at the back, with Ederson called on to make smart stops from Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.8m) and Yerry Mina (£5.5m) late in the game.

Gylfi Sigurdsson (£7.6m) also found himself clean through on goal but couldn’t control a lofted pass.

Guardiola said of Fernandinho and his defence:

We don’t have any other options, he’s going to play in that position, except if injured. The best defenders in the world make these kind of actions. With the ball, Fernandinho was outstanding today.

That is what it is, we have to go with these two guys and after, young players. We’ll see what happens next Tuesday if they are fit and recovered for the Champions League game and hopefully John [Stones] will come back from the international break, can be fit to help us, to have more players in that position.

It’s worth saying that no side has kept more Premier League clean sheets than City this season and they will continue to record shut-outs even with a centre-half pairing of Otamendi and Fernandinho, as they did against Watford and Shakhtar.

Their aggressive pressing from the front and the fact that they hog the ball for long periods of the game are defensive assets in themselves, although any team willing to have a go at the reigning champions may find more joy than they would have with Aymeric Laporte (£6.3m) in the side, based on the evidence of the last few weeks.

Everton certainly gave a positive account of themselves and were more convincing from an attacking perspective than they had been in Gameweek 6 – although breaking down the ‘smaller’, more defensive-minded clubs (Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Sheffield United) has been their problem this season.

Reflecting on the game, Marco Silva said:

Manchester City were better than us until the first goal but we showed a reaction and the desire to challenge them to try to get a different result.

The reaction was really good, we equalised and the game was more balanced. Our players showed that desire to react and challenge them.

Then the second half was better. We spoke at half-time about being more aggressive in our organisation and in the challenge.

The reaction after City scored the free-kick was very good again and we had two big chances.

We have to keep the attitude and desire we showed in the second half. In this way, we will score and get results in the next games. From good results confidence will come and everything will be different.

A first goal of 2019/20 for Mina surely can’t be too far away, with the Colombia international a constant threat from set plays.

Having Mina and Michael Keane (£5.5m) to aim at is good news for Lucas Digne (£6.1m) and, although his delivery was below-par at times, the left-back still could have emerged from this game with an assist when Mina forced Ederson into a fine save from his corner.

The impressive Seamus Coleman (£5.4m) did get an attacking return, with his goalbound effort being turned in on the goalline by Calvert-Lewin.

While there were glimmers of hope from an attacking perspective, Everton have conceded at least two goals per game in each of their last five league matches – only Watford have shipped more in that time.

Digne remains the same attacking threat as he always did but the Toffees do look less than solid at the back, with Idrissa Gueye‘s departure and an injury to Jean-Philippe Gbamin (£4.9m) perhaps leaving them more exposed than they were at the back-end of 2018/19.

Members Analysis

Everton (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Mina, Digne; Delph, Schneiderlin (Davies 81′); Walcott (Iwobi 7′, Kean 74′), Sigurdsson, Richarlison; Calvert-Lewin.

Man City (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Otamendi, Fernandinho, Zinchenko; De Bruyne (Bernardo 80′), Gundogan, Rodrigo; Mahrez, Jesus (Aguero 65′), Sterling (D Silva 86′).

Lessons Learned from Gameweek 7

1,463 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Slam
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Haller -> Pukki or save?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Save

    2. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Save for me!! Haller 3 home games in next 4! I’m looking to do Pukki to Haller for the two home games back to back in 10/11

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

      Save

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

    he will score at home and not away but still worth it, get a good bench

  3. Hy liverpool
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Who is your captain for next week all ?

    1. fgdu
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      pukki

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

      Sterling

    3. COYS Down Under
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Sterling

    4. Yossi
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      it depends

      1. Hy liverpool
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        On man City players minutes in CL ?

        1. Yossi
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          yeah, will prob go sterling tho

    5. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      KDB atm for me!

      1. In a Rush
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I’ve just been looking at mine, going to put it on Pukki

        1. Hy liverpool
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          A very good option this week.
          Scored in all games at home (5 goals and 2 assists)

          1. In a Rush
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Yes exactly, I’ve been failing with Salah and sterling, Pukki has home for so that’s it!

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

      Aguero/Sterling

    7. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Auba (assuming I bring him in, I will wait till Arsenal have played tomorrow before pulling the trigger).

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

      KdB is my bus captain.

    9. European Bob
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Aubameyang

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

      KDB looks like the obvious captain but KANE!

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

    Pope
    Robbo | Ota | Lund
    Sterling | Dilva | Maddie | Mount
    Auba | Vardy | Abraham

    Button, Kelly | Soy | Stephens

    Looking to bring KDB in for Dilva.
    Maddie + Dilva -> McGinn/Cantwell + KDB (-4)?

    1FT and 1.4iTB

    Any advice appreciated. I'm doing horribly at the moment

    1. fgdu
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      yeah looks good

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

        Thanks!

    2. Yossi
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      looks good to me, mcginn over cantwell

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

        Appreciate it!

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

      Welcome to the weekly Pep roulette, where the worst attacker to sell is the one who just got rested. Punishment is swift and precise

      Roll FT. Get KDB in GW9 without losing Madders (what did he do wrong?)

      1. fgdu
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        yeah you are right, keeping hold of Dilva makes good sense. Still should get KDB though

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

        Nothing really. I like him as a player (even saved my GW last week)

        Just that I couldn't see any move that would free up some funds to upgrade to KdB.

      3. COYS Down Under
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        This. Chasing last weeks points is bad, doubly so with City players.

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

          KDB is being consistent though. Any other moves to get him in you reckon?

  5. sergioaguero67
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Best mid fielder in the 5.5 bracket?

    Jorginho or ElGhazi
    Or any other?

    I already have Cantwell

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Find those 0.2 for mcginn imo.. Jorginho if you have to.

  6. Cahill17
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    I didn't watch the West ham game. how did Haller look when Lanzini come on?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      West ham are playing great football with and without lanzini tbh... Yarmolenko looked very dangerous.

  7. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    How did Mount look against Brighton?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Like a headless chicken

    2. Onana Whatsmyname
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Lively - he will score very well for his price

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

    Considering wildcard in international break..... if you could only realistically get one of these 2, who would you get?

    A....auba

    B...vardy

    Thanks

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Jamieeee

    2. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      If you're on a wildcard it's your chance to get both. Who's better?

      1. Onana Whatsmyname
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Fair point this

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

          Yes but I'll also want son kdband sterling ..

          So it's likely only 1 of vardy or Auba

          1. GoonSquad
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Auba

  9. Slam
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone tempted to off Salah after this week?
    (mun, TOT, avl, MCI, cry)

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

      I'm tempted to off him this week

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

        LEI(H) is the perfect fixture for Pool

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

          Why? They've got CL while Leicester will be fresh. Also, Salah has looked poor the last two weeks.

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

            Because Leicester would attack Pool

            That's the kind of opponent Klopp likes

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

              Bingo

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      i am and getting Sterling in.

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        but this week

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Might buy him this week or next.

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

        Those are juicy fixtures for the most expensive asset in the game tbf

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

        Yes....either by playing wildcard....

        Or something like salah and pukki to son and vardy

        And then wildcard salah in when fixtures improve

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

      Yes. Salah's record vs top 6 is awful.

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

      I sold him this GW for Son. High risk high reward, I have WC to get Salah back as required though.

    6. COYS Down Under
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I have Mané and he’s definitely out for me this week. Pool aren’t exactly smashing anybody let alone difficult teams so from an FPL perspective it’s not hard to go without for a time.

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

        Oh no! Mane out @ home to Leicester! Condolences

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

    https://www.transfermarkt.com/jamie-vardy/leistungsdaten/spieler/197838/plus/0?saison=2018

    Reposting as it seems I have to bring last season's data to explain my point

    SINCE RODGERS TOOK OVER, Vardy has been quite predictable for the captaincy in FPL. Capable of scoring in any game, but getting hauls worthy of the armband in the easiest fixtures on paper - the kind you'd cap Kane/Auba for. It's not just this season. For someone who's known to score randomly, this is a change in trends worth noting... Right?

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

      Blanked a few times though hasn’t he?

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

        ...as has every other captaincy candidate in easy fixtures

        I'm referring to the change in trend from his usual randomness and one-goal only returns to hauls worthy of captaincy in many easy matches on paper against lowly placed teams

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      i (c) him this week, did you?

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

        I don't own him, and Wilson's everlasting form (exaggeration, please) might lock me out of him for a while. Just noting a trend I noticed last season (with Rodgers) that he's somehow carried over to the new one

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          just buy him, you know you want to

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

            Doubt I will before GW13. Wilson + Pukki + Tammy and other price points are locked in

            I type comments noticing trends differently from how I type comments about my team

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

      I think you already got Vardy in and looking for reassurance?

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        i just (c) gwk7, so of cause i have him, doh!

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

          not you

          1. Dynamic Duos
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            sorry, i just realised, doh!

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

        I don't own Vardy, and I wouldn't cap him against Burnley (not an easy fixture for him) so I might stay away until GW13. My comment is on the player as an FPL captaincy candidate who's been flying under the radar as a predictable candidate (different from just owning) since Rodgers took over

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

          yea

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

      Is it really this difficult to have a conversation about a player without being accused of owning/buying/selling him?

      It's a trend I noticed since Rodgers took over and I thought we could discuss the trend itself...

      *sighs*

  11. Ozzy smith
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Have the exact funds to wildcard from top to bottom. Sitting at 200k after 4 consecutive red arrows. Any thoughts?

    Heaton
    TAA Otamendi Soyuncu
    Salah Sterling KDB Mount
    Barnes Pukki Abraham
    (Button Dendonker Lundstram Lowton)

    Pope
    TAA Pereira Diop
    KDB Mahrez Yarmolenko Mount
    Aguero Aubameyang Abraham
    (Button Cantwell Lundstram Lowton)

    1. COYS Down Under
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Like it, close to what I’d do if wild carding now.

    2. Onana Whatsmyname
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      That is a very tempting WC team

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

      You still want Aguero? Tomori also would be a priority for me over Diop.

      1. Ozzy smith
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        It's the 3 home games in their next 4. Likely ill downgrade after to fund mane/salah.

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

      not keen on that midfield at all bud and 200k is nothing.

  12. MGMT
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Digne owners, keeping or switching to Otamendi?

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

      Why Otamendi. City are a defensive abomination

    2. Better luck next year
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Switching to 4.5-4.7 asset. Lots to choose from it seems.

      1. MGMT
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Who?

        1. Better luck next year
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Tomori probably.

          1. Better luck next year
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Got Ota already..

  13. palace ash
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    A) McGinn
    B) Yarmolenko

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

      B but just because of fixtures tbh, McGinn could do better (doubt it tho)

  14. Nicoson
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Not caught up, was there a reason for Son early sub?

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

      10 men

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

        Thanks

  15. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Salah & Barnes >> Mount & Kane (-4)?

    I'd probably captain Kane for the next two. (BHA + WAT!) Could alternatively be Aubameyang, but really feeling Kane for some reason.

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      you have Sterling?

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

        Yeah, I do.

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          it is a no from me , stick

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

            Why was having Sterling a determinant?

            1. Dynamic Duos
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              i would said just do Salah to Sterling

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

                Fair enough.

    2. Better luck next year
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Dont remove Salah before a home game against attack opposition. Leicester is the perfect opponent for Salah magic.. Next GW you could get rid..

      1. Better luck next year
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Attacking*

  16. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Sterling still getting sold wow, 12m would be great price for him.

  17. Pacer.
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Aguero was clearly benched because of his disgraceful haircut. In the paraphrased words of Hank Hill there's only two legitimate haircuts, buzz-cut and short back and sides.

    Aguero looks like a human carwash

  18. Conor Salmon for life
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Kyle Walker-Peters likely to fill in for Aurier for coming weeks?

    1. Digital-Real
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      not sure if he would get the league or champions league games

    2. Surfeit of Lampteys
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Aurier only misses Brighton away.

  19. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    will Hanley get back in the Norwich defence?

  20. Better luck next year
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Yarmolenko good option for next 5 GWs? Three juicy home fixtures, could play him away to Everton as well if needed..

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

      Looks good, especially 3 home in next 4.

      1. Better luck next year
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Agreed, Thinking Digne/Cantwell -> Tomori/Yarmo.

        Got some spare cash so Ill probably wait until just before deadline with these swaps.

    2. COYS Down Under
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I’m thinking Mane to Yarmolenko at the moment.

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

        wow im not alone

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

          after this week

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

      Yup

  21. EMBOLOFAN
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    what does xM stand for in RMT section? every player has a value, you can see it by hovering over their projected points

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      expected minutes?

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

        i think you're right, didn't think to check different positions. keepers have much higher numbers

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          yeah seems probable then

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

            thanks

  22. FPLMarc
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Pope, Button
    TAA, Otamendi, Lundstram, Rico, Foulquier
    Salah, KDB, Mount, Cantwell, Hayden
    Aguero, Abraham, Pukki

    ....in a way, I'm happy with my newly-Wildcarded team. But I'm rooted at 300k and already think it'll be very difficult to reach 50k.

    There's a few proven FPL stars who somehow have low ownership - Vardy, Son, Martial. They'll shoot me up. How should I get them in? I'm almost ready to ditch Pukki.

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

      whoever blanks next week out of Pukki/Tammy move on for someone new? Wilson, King, Vardy.
      Why do you want Martial? No one wants Martial, get Maddison after Pool

      1. FPLMarc
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Think everyone has forgotten how good an option Martial was pre-injury. OOP and with great games from GW10.

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

          you think Martial will be better pick than Maddison? I dont think so personally

  23. palace ash
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Current team:

    Heaton, McGovern
    TAA, Digne, Aurier, Lundstram, Heaton
    Salah, Sterling, KdB, Mount, Dendonker
    Abraham, Pukki, Barnes,

    Possible WC team:

    Pope, McGovern
    TAA, Otamendi, Söyüncü, Lundstram, Rico
    Sterling, KdB, Mount, Yarmolenko, Cantwell
    Aubameyang, Abraham, Pukki

    0.1 ITB and Yarmolenko rising tonight. Others likely to rise during the week.

    A) WC
    B) Hold for International break and make 1FT

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      no Son or Vardy?

      1. palace ash
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        See below

  24. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    SAVE FT:

    Ryan
    VanDijk Otamendi TAA
    Salah Mount Sterling KDB Cantwell
    Abraham Pukki

    Button Lundstram Kelly Greenwood

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

      Until Thursday, yeah.

  25. palace ash
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Repost. Multiple errors above.

    Current team:

    Heaton, McGovern
    TAA, Digne, Aurier, Lundstram, Hanley
    Salah, Sterling, KdB, Mount, Dendonker
    Abraham, Pukki, Barnes,

    Possible WC team:

    Pope, McGovern
    TAA, Otamendi, Söyüncü, Lundstram, Rico
    Sterling, KdB, Mount, Yarmolenko, Cantwell
    Aubameyang, Vardy, Abraham

    0.1 ITB and Yarmolenko rising tonight. Others likely to rise during the week.

    A) WC
    B) Hold for International break and make 1FT

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      imho B

      1. palace ash
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks. Who would you downgrade if there were price rises then?

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Yarma to McGinn?

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

      this was my team this week bar yarmolenko Mc Ginn and Digne Otamendi Heaton Pope Lundstram Fredericks

  26. Am sorry to say again it�…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Who tf is everyone captaining next week?

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

      Lundstram

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Sterling

    3. fgdu
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      pukki party (c)

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        that party ran out of booze weeks ago.

        1. fgdu
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          the party only happens on home games i heard

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

            no more Pukkis parties I dont think 🙁

            1. fgdu
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              i will get the last laugh mwahahaha

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

      Kane

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

      Sterling

  27. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Sterling going to drop in price tonight?

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

      He might.

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

      Again?

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

    I'm really feeling Salah out after next week.

    Last season vs top 6, he had just 2 goals and 2 assists in 10 games. That's awful. Especially bad away from home as well. Coupled with being out of form, I really like the idea of Salah out GW 9-12. Then bring him back in GW 13 after City.

    With that money you can get Vardy, you can get Aubameyang, you can get a bunch of players with great fixtures and better form. It also gives you a leg up against the template over a select time frame where you're playing the odds.

    If you had done the same last season for a similar stretch of tot, SOU, che, MCY, you'd have only given up 2,8,2,3 in points. 9-12 this season is mun, TOT, avl, MCI. I think a very similar return is very likely with only Villa looking like a juicy fixture.

    This is the move people. Especially if you still have wildcard.

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      he is playing a top 6 team this weekend

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

        Yeah... Feasibly, you remove Salah this week. But I only have one transfer so will hold this week, especially since it's a home game, and then act next week so I can use the Salah funds immediately.

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

      Would you drop him this week? It's something I'm considering, but people keep advising against it.

      I'm also tempted by Kane, Son, Vardy, Mount etc & I'm not going to captain Salah.

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

        Do you have 2FTs? If you do, then seriously consider it. If not, I wouldn't. Because you're not using the funds to improve your team immediately.

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

          Sadly just the one FT.

          Kane vs. BHA & WAT is really tempting; sick of missing out on Mount; Barnes isn't doing the business.

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

            Note - I'd be taking a -4, not just shipping Salah alone.

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

        I try not to be influenced by other peoples advice, every manager is different and many are influenced too heavily by FOMO, yes Salah could do well we all know that but this game is also about taking some chances here and there and having some fun. Trust your gut.

    3. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      im getting Sterling in this week.

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

      I hear you, I think it's worth a punt going without, for a while at least. I sold Salah & Greenwood for Son & Tammy this GW. Also means I get to keep my other premium options; Sterling, KDB, Auba & Trent.

    5. MTPockets
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I'm probably selling this week (conditional on midweek). Would wait until gw9 but can find better combinations than Salah+Ayew now and Ayew has to go.

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

        maybe you have a plan to get him back, not scratching your ass in 4 weeks trying to find 3 mill

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

          I still have wildcard. And it allows me to pick up Firmino as well after that rough run of fixtures for an offensive double up.

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

            might do Mane>Mahrez, its tempting if Mane blanks this week but I dont see that happening and Mahrez is such a risky pick if im honest. I only have KDB

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

              I like Mahrez. If he starts vs WOL I'll pick him up I think.

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

                massive returns, just worried if he either gets a double benching or a benching and a blank then you start questioning him. Just have to risk it and have patience I think, but seems like if he plays he probably getting something

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

                You not bothered about lack of City defence (i.e Otamendi) if you triple up in the midfield ?

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

                  I love my defense. I don't think I'm gonna touch it.

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

                    Yeah its looking good, I also own Trent, Lundy and Soyuncu. Reason I asked is I also own Zinch so am thinking about suitable replacements. Otamendi seems like the obvious move although a cheaper option such as Rico or Tomori would enable an upgrade elsewhere. I'll do some thinking this week. Good luck with your Salah move.

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

        Agree- planning to get Aubameyang and Vardy over Salah until week 13 and may then WC back

      • Cok3y5murf
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I'm surprised by that stat because I sold him during a similar fixture shift last season and he went nuts. Scored 24 points in 2 weeks. It was right after that hattrick at Bournemouth.

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

          I sold him after that match too, he kept getting pens each week I believe but wasn't scoring much from open play at the time.

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

            Okay, that's good then. And annoying. The way he looked vs Bournemouth then and the way he's playing right now are very different though. Besides, I'm considering selling for Sterling who has very favorable fixtures.

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

          I also missed the Bournemouth hat-trick. But it wasn't the right sort of fixture shift in hindsight. Salah's worst run is against top 6 sides. He only scored in two games last season. Arsenal at home (which is just a plum fixture apparently and he also delivered this year too) and Chelsea also at home. Every other fixture vs top 6 and he blanked. Every single one.

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

            Wasn't it a top 6 fixture shift? I remember it being one. There was a Newcastle game in the middle of the bunch, but other than that, I think top 6?

      • Ze_Austin
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Man U is a tough defence that would park the bus and try to hit on the counter. They don't have midfield cover so can be exposed the few times they do go forward, which plays into Salah's counterattacking strengths. Could be a goal/assist. Could be a blank. Hard to predict a haul in that

        Spurs... Err... Anything can happen. Could be a goal fest of could be like the UCL final. Also hard to predict a haul in that, as Poch has a parked bus game in him

        Villa... Likely haul, if we're being honest

        City... Strange one here. City might boss possession as they know they can't attempt to defend. Klopp might be happy to counter on this one, and take advantage of defensive errors in that City backline with the high press, rather than a controlled game. Super hard to predict this, as it could be a blank, an early sub, just an assist, a penalty, or a haul for Salah

        1/4 means you can sell if you plan to buy back in GW13. I'm not making the move because there's nothing to improve with the funds, but I do see why others are doing that

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

          Nothing to improve? There's loads to do.

          It's not about improving who you have, it's about picking who you think will score the most. Aubameyang and Vardy for starters are surely gonna haul in this period. They're pricy and awkward to fit in unless you downgrade a big hitter or two.

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

            ...but I won't sell them to get Salah back. Shifting Salah temporarily won't work for me

            As I said, nothing to improve in my team with the funds. I'd be "improving" Mount, KDB, Wilson, Pukki or Tammy... All of whom have stats, fixtures, nailedness and already high scores that they can sustain. Most moves I could make would be to get more expensive players who might get the same (or fewer) points

            It's over-management for my team and I can afford to keep Salah and Sterling all season except for injuries or if they fall out of favour

            As I said, I do see why others are doing that. My TV is at 103.7, I have most price points just where I want them already, hence my team is not the best example of where most people need funds

      • Flaming Flamingo
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I dropped Salah on WC a few weeks back, but I'm not sure I'd do so if I owned him now. I don't feel comfortable with the idea of using two transfers to move him in and out in quite a short timeframe. Although, as you point out, on a wildcard this would be a whole lot more tempting I think.

      • EMBOLOFAN
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        "top 6" is a bit of a misnomer. playing away at city and playing at home to arsenal are not two things that you need to group together.

    6. Scout15
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      What would you rather do?

      A) Matip -> Tomori (own Robertson)
      B) Save FT

      1. MTPockets
          4 years, 6 months ago

          b

        • fgdu
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          buy back matip gw13

      2. fish&chips
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Any changes required here or save FT? Looks like Montoya might drop but ok fixtures coming up so don't think he's worth wasting a transfer on.

        Pope (Stekelenberg)
        TAA, Robbo, Mings, Lowton, Montoya
        Sterling, Son, KDB, Cantwell, McGinn
        Cilson, Abraham, Pukki

        1 FT 0.3 ITB