Scout Notes

Another blank for Pukki as Villa expose Norwich’s leaky defence

Norwich City 1-5 Aston Villa

Goals: Josip Drmic (£5.4m) | Wesley (£6.0m) x2, Jack Grealish (£5.9m), Conor Hourihane (£5.7m), Douglas Luiz (£4.5m)
Assists: None | Anwar El Ghazi (£5.5m) x2, Hourihane, Matt Targett (£4.4m) Wesley
Bonus Points: Wesley x3, Michael McGovern (£4.0m) x2, Hourihane x1

Norwich City’s thrill-a-minute return to the Premier League continued on Saturday with a 5-1 battering at home by fellow promoted side Aston Villa.

The commitment of Daniel Farke’s team to attacking football is refreshing, exhilarating and, increasingly, self-defeating. Since Gameweek 5’s famous 3-2 win over Manchester City, the Canaries have lost three straight games by an aggregate score of 1-9.

Their well-documented injury woes – just the nine regulars unavailable against Villa – goes some way to explaining all of that, but an inability to defend on even the most basic level is starting to look like a terminal issue.

It was certainly exploited by the visitors, with striker Wesley (£6.0m) enjoying by far his best display since his summer move to the Midlands. He opened the scoring when he controlled Anwar El Ghazi‘s (£5.5m) cross and turned and fired past Norwich keeper Michael McGovern (£4.0m), before he doubled the lead with a tap-in from Conor Hourihane‘s (£5.7m) low ball from the left.

That made it four goals in eight starts for the Brazilian – not exactly a bad return for a forward who some Villa fans were criticising after last week’s 2-2 draw with Burnley.

He added an assist for the fifth goal when Douglas Luiz (£4.5m) curled home from distance to bring in 14 points, including maximum bonus, for his 2.0% Fantasy Premier League (FPL) ownership.

The only downer on his day came when he had a first-half penalty, and the rebound, saved by McGovern – a blip which cost that ownership a further six points.

Despite all that, there is no indication of an FPL rush to bring in Wesley just yet, probably because a) it was only Norwich, b) the international break is upon us and c) Villa’s upcoming schedule is far from appealing.

Dean Smith’s side host Brighton in Gameweek 9 before embarking on a punishing six-match run involving two trips to Manchester, one to Chelsea and a home fixture against Liverpool.

However uninspired Manchester United, or generous at the back Chelsea, might be, no side will be anywhere near as accommodating as Norwich at present.

The Canaries allowed their visitors 22 shots, of which 12 were on target; Villa’s midfield ran riot as a result.

Jack Grealish (£5.9m) made it 3-0 when he combined sweetly with El Ghazi, and the tireless Hourihane then capped a fine individual performance with his first goal of the season, set up by the equally industrious Matt Targett (£4.4m).

But while Wesley stole all the headlines, it was El Ghazi who was arguably the star of the show.

The Holland international now has two goals and three assists from his last five games and he was joint-top for chances created at Carrow Road. With just 0.8% ownership, he could be a major differential, particularly when Villa’s schedule eases dramatically from Gameweek 17 onwards.

One player proving way more popular than El Ghazi is the 11.7%-owned John McGinn (£5.8m), who came into the match with back-to-back goals and 214,000+ new owners to his name.

His blank was a bitter blow, as was the late consolation goal handed to Norwich when Tyrone Mings‘ (£4.6m) ill-judged back pass to Tom Heaton (£4.5m) allowed substitute Josip Drmic (£5.4m) to charge down the keeper’s attempted clearance and roll the ball into the empty net. That denied Villa a third clean sheet of the season – and a first away from home – but manager Smith was happy to dwell on events further up the pitch:

They were really good goals, our tactical discipline was really good today. Our performances have been there. That result today is probably what we’ve deserved in the last few weeks. – Dean Smith

And he was keen to praise Wesley:

He’s a young player, he’s only 22, he’s been in Belgium for a year or two and then Slovakia before that. So it’s a new culture, a new team a new group of players, and a big price tag. But he handles it well and I saw a big response from him this week. – Dean Smith.

Wesley’s Norwich counterpart, the 43.5%-owned Teemu Pukki (£7.2m), could only dream of receiving such praise.

After three double-digit returns from his first five matches, the Finn has now blanked for three straight Gameweeks.

Norwich attacked throughout on Saturday – the top four players for penalty area touches all came from the home side, with Pukki among them.

But the Finland international managed just two shots, neither of which were on target, and has had just seven attempts across his current barren spell.

It is no surprise, therefore, that he is currently Gameweek 9’s most-sold player, even with a trip to a Bournemouth side without a clean sheet to come next.

The Canaries’ other popular asset, the 25.7%-owned Todd Cantwell (£4.9m), survived an injury scare to start against Villa, but he also blanked for a third Gameweek running.

He did at least out-shoot Pukki and he was also joint-top with Emiliano Buendia (£6.0m) for chances created among the home players. And the third-most-owned Norwich player in FPL? That would be goalkeeper McGovern (5.6%).

The 380,000+ Fantasy geniuses who have the Canaries’ third-choice stopper in their squads would have walked away with nine points yesterday courtesy of his penalty heroics, six other saves and two bonus points.

But that was if – and it’s a big if – he wasn’t languishing on their benches in all his £4.0m glory.

Glory was certainly far from Farke’s mind post-match:

We have to accept this loss. We made too many mistakes. We created maybe more than they did in the first half, but the mistakes and the goals we were conceded were not good enough. We had so many on the pitch playing with pain killers and they have not been able to train properly this week. So really we are not prepared as we need to be. Then in addition, one or two crucial players do not have their best day. – Daniel Farke

In truth, only McGovern had his best day against Villa, and even he looked nervy before his spot-kick save.

As for the rest of the players, the international break looks to have come at just the right time, allowing them to escape overseas, take a break or recover from injury – whatever is needed to reverse a slide that is looking unstoppable at the moment.

How many Fantasy managers keep faith in the likes of Pukki and Cantwell before November’s final break of the year is unclear. Their fixtures are okay – Bournemouth and Brighton away, Man United and Watford at Carrow Road – but their form is anything but.

Members Analysis

Norwich (4-2-3-1): McGovern; Aarons, Amadou, Godfrey, Lewis; Leitner, McLean; Buendia, Stiepermann (Roberts 76′), Cantwell (Srbeny 80′); Pukki (Drmic 84′).

Aston Villa (4-3-3): Heaton; Guilbert, Engels (Konsa 75′), Mings, Targett; McGinn, Nakamba, Hourihane (Douglas Luiz 78′); El Ghazi (Trezeguet 64′), Wesley, Grealish.

Lessons learned from Gameweek 8

3,153 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Morning all!

    Is this a crazy idea: Son Cantwell Pukki to Maddison Mount Wilson -8 ?

    Would going Wilson over Vardy be a mistake?

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      No, Wilson has better stats, just doesn't have the pens and fixtures like Vardy

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

        Next two are better for Wilson imho

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Crazy

    3. Majestic Chanka
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Crazy not too, as long as you give them all 4 games before shipping.

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

    What do you think about WC team below? Any changes needed?

    Ryan
    TAA Pereira Tomori
    Mane KDB Maddison Mount
    Auba Abraham C.Wilson

    Subs: Button Lundstram Rico Dendoncker

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Mane to Salah and Wilson to Vardy i reckon.

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

        Mane to salah?? LOL

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

          you are at it again mate, In a few days again you'll change your mind and be like oh "I was stubborn but I am open minded."

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

        Are you serious?

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

          He suggested you 2 upgrades without suggesting a downgrade to find the funds. Do you think he is serious?

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

            I bet your question is a bit rhetorical too, as mine 😉

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

              indeed indeed

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I like it, solid all round

    3. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Like it. Just upgrade the keepers

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

        Ryan is a beast!

  3. hshepherd
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Hey all, which option would you choose from below? I'm planning to make these transfers over the next 2-3 weeks if all goes to plan. 1FT currently available.

    A) Salah, Pukki, Digne >>> Mahrez, Vardy, TAA
    B) Salah, Pukki, Digne, Tomori >>> Maddison, Vardy, TAA, Robbo
    C) Salah, Pukki, Digne >>> Maddison, Auba, TAA

    I'll probably be tempted to swap out Pukki and Salah after the IB in case of any injuries. Plan to bring in TAA and maybe Robbo in a few weeks when Liverpool fixtures are easier.
    Open to any suggestions! Thanks all:)

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

      My current squad is:
      Pope, Button
      Tomori, Rico, Soy, Digne, Lundstram
      Sterling, Mount, Salah, KDB, Cantwell
      CWilson, Pukki, Tammy

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      C looks nice

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

        Thanks mate

  4. FPL FREAK
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Pope. Button.
    TAA. Aurier. Engels. Lundstram. Rico.
    Salah. Sterling. Mount. Cantwell. Dendocker.
    Aguero. Abraham. Pukki.

    0.3 in bnk.

    Thinking of doing: Salah + Pukki > 8.7 mid + Aubameyang

    Good move...?? Good points getting mid for/ under 8.7...??

    1. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      No . Leaves your midfield very light and the defence needs some work too.

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        This, too top heavy. Start by fixing your back line before looking up forward

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      No 8.7m better option than Salah.

      Keeping Sterling when he is trolling big time yet get rid of Salah who is outscoring him lol.

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Simmer down . You're getting a bit big for your boots.

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Sterling is trolling. Fact.

          1. George Sillett
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 5 months ago

            Every player has spells like this but eventually hit their straps again. Sterling will be no different and then people will be ripping up their squads to get him back. Fact.

            1. FOO FIGHTER
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 5 months ago

              Nah, KDB better City option.

            2. FOO FIGHTER
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 5 months ago

              Same with Salah, ain't it?

              1. George Sillett
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 5 months ago

                At some point Salah will start hitting the returns again. I do believe that Mane can match his output though. Ultimately I think Sterling will score higher than Kev but that's just my opinion which maybe wrong.

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

            He's still the 4th highest scoring Mid...just 7 points behind your precious Salah. And that can change in 1GW.

            1. FOO FIGHTER
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 5 months ago

              Sure but KDB also ahead of Sterling.

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

      Nah just Salah, pukki > Mane, Wilson

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Salah will outscore Mane come end season like he has every season.

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

          Compare their scores Gw by Gw this season when both have started. 6 games, Mane leading 53-46

          Mane has taken his game to the next level.

          1. FOO FIGHTER
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 5 months ago

            Mane is a fantastic player. If Salah had to be out for a lengthy spell then I would go for Mane.

            Salah on penalties plus freekicks/set pieces.

            If you have Salah then keep. Salah to Mane is proper sideways.

            1. Christina.
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 5 months ago

              lol

              1. FOO FIGHTER
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 5 months ago

                Ha ha. Why you not fond of Salah?

                1. Christina.
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 5 months ago

                  Its liberating not owning him. Did it last season and after selling in wk 2 this year I have not looked back.

                  Love owning and watching Mane.

                  He is brilliant.

                  1. FOO FIGHTER
                    • 4 Years
                    4 years, 5 months ago

                    I agree, I am a Pool fan. Mane and Salah are both demons.

                    Guess it comes down whether you need that 0.9m to help out elsewhere in your squad.

                    Salah has outscored Mane in every FPL season.

                    1. Christina.
                      • 14 Years
                      4 years, 5 months ago

                      of course I agree. I just dont agree that what is valid for Salah is not valid for say Sterling over KdB.

            2. Party time
                4 years, 5 months ago

                So good to see all these stats & arguments knowing fully well I've got both in the team

              • The 12th Man
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 5 months ago

                Salah snot worth his price.

                Not until he starts converting consistently. Probably Out for KDB here.

                1. FOO FIGHTER
                  • 4 Years
                  4 years, 5 months ago

                  Which 12m mid has been consistent?

                  That makes Sterling a waste at over 12m.

                  1. Christina.
                    • 14 Years
                    4 years, 5 months ago

                    You dont have to own any one of Sterling or Salah.

                    I dont.

                    Might even sell Kun this week if KdB is fit.

                    1. FOO FIGHTER
                      • 4 Years
                      4 years, 5 months ago

                      I sold Kun too. Now only have KDB as well. Not getting rid of Mo though.

                  2. The 12th Man
                    • 10 Years
                    4 years, 5 months ago

                    There’s an argument to dump him as well.
                    20 points GW1 .
                    28 in the next 7.

                    Especially with KDB and Mane around offering a consistent supply of points. Probably a better captain option too until Salah,Sterling regain their form.

    4. fc_skrald
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I have the exact money to do Digne + Hayden -> Kelly + Mount.

      I still have my wildcard - so should I just make the move now and then acrivate the wildcard later if needed? If I go for a 3.9 million defender instead af Kelly I can tolerate a further price change of 0.2 milluon. What would you do?

      Heaton
      TAA, Lundstram, Tomori
      Salah, Sterling, KDB, Hayden
      Pukki, Abraham, Wilson

      McGovern, Cantwell, Rico, Hayden

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Make the transfer then WC if needed and regarding Kelly only bring him in if you plan to start him one week or have him incase he comes off the bench no point having him and not planning to start him when you can do the same with a 3.9 defender imo

    5. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      So many going without Salah and Sterling on WC.. going to end in tears and red arrows

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

        Heard it about Sterling for 4 GWs now ?

        1. Free Hat
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          This. Being too stubborn can also hurt.
          (and Im a Sterling+Salah owner)

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

        Salah > Mane is a very solid switch imo.

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

          I did it in GW2 and am reaping the rewards.
          Wouldnt wanna go without a pool mid at all though

        2. Thomas Magnum
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          This and Sterling should come good again when KDB is back which will hopefully be sooner rather then later

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

      Which Leicester option

      A) Maddison
      B) Vardy

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        A but feel like B will be the more popular pick

      2. Free Hat
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Coin toss really. Whos to know which one will do better. Both good imo.

    7. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Any ideas on what do do with this lot?
      Pope Mcgovern
      TAA Robbo Ota Dunk Lund
      Salah Sterling Mount Guend
      Kane King Wickham
      0.2ITB 1FT WC available

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Kane king
        Abraham vardy

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

        Use Kane to help you get two from

        Abraham
        Wilson
        Vardy

      3. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks all

    8. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Who to Captain out of these? Hmmm

      A) Salah vs manu A
      B) Auba vs SHU A
      C) Abraham vs new H

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        A then C imo, Sheffield have proven to be pretty solid defensively

        1. Emiliano Sala
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Thanks

      2. Free Hat
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Atm tammy. But the next best would be Salah.

    9. Igor-Stimac
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Pukki to Wilson or Cantwell to Mcginn?

    10. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Flying from Donny Airport this morning, didn't realise how small it was

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Very handy for us Sheffielders,. Where you off to ?

        1. Tsparkes10
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Altinkum for a week, all inclusive so should be fun, used the wc but probs should've had a break from it all haha. Will try catch price rises but 2 hours ahead

          1. George Sillett
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 5 months ago

            Forget FPL . Enjoy the AI bun fight. We have been back a week from GC AI .

            1. Tsparkes10
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 5 months ago

              Niceee, start work after this so a nice little break before the grind haha

    11. Up the tics
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Pope
      Vvd - Taa - Otamendi - Kelly - Lundstram
      Kdb - Sterling - Mane - Mcginn - Mount
      Pukki - Tammy - 4.5

      1.2m ITB and 2FTs, not sure what to do other than downgrade vvd? Thoughts?

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Pukki to Wilson would tempt me, or VVD to Perreira?

    12. dee_top
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Is it a good plan to have Vardy on WC rather than Auba, in order to change him to Auba after GW9

      Vardy vs Burnley At home GW9
      Auba vs Cry at home GW10

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

      Advised everyone not to captain Salah last week cause we are solid. Going to say the same for Aubameyang owners. You have been warned 🙂

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Many were capping Kun and Sterling. See how that ended.

    14. eazy
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Auba or Wilson on wc?

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

        Wilson for me

      2. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Auba but you can have a much better front 3 if you go Wilson.

    15. Joyce1998
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Pick one to play
      A- ota
      B- lund
      C- Cantwell
      Team is
      Pope
      Taa, digne, soy
      Salah, sterling, kdb, mount
      Pukki, Tammy

    16. Atimis
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Thinking about Son Cantwell Pukki to Maddison Mount Wilson -8?
      Have 1FT, 0.9ITB and really want Mount + one of Wilson/Vardy in my team.

      Pope
      TAA/Ota/Tomori/Soy
      Mane/KDB/Son
      Auba/Abraham/Pukki

      Button/Cantwell/Lund/Hayden

    17. LM00091
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      GW9
      (3-4-3)
      Ryan / (Button)
      Pereira, TAA, Otamendi (Kelly, Lundstram)
      McGinn, Salah, KDB, Mount (Cantwell)
      Aguero, Pukki, Abraham(c)

      1 FT and 0.6 in the Bank...not sure what to do to improve the team

      A) Lundstram > Tomori
      B) Pukki > King or Haller
      C) Save the FT

    18. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      KDB and Salah to Mongstaff and Songstaff for a hit?

    19. fgdu
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Bench 1 out of TAA Aurier Ota Rico McGinn