Scout Notes

Lundstram continues to make FPL history with latest haul

Sheffield United 3-0 Burnley

Goals: John Lundstram x2 (£4.8m), John Fleck (£4.8m)

Assists: Lys Mousset x3 (£4.9m)

Bonus Points: Lundstram x3, Mousset x2, Fleck x1

On Saturday afternoon, Fantasy Premier League managers were singing along with Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl: “There goes my hero, watch him as he goes.”

Sheffield United’s 3-0 win over will now go down in Fantasy folklore for the day that Sir John of the House Lundstram (£4.8m), first of his name (and almost certainly the very last), racked up a massive 21-point score.

The FPL defender had already cemented as the legend of 2019/20 before Gameweek 11, but two goals, a clean sheet and maximum bonus promoted Lundstram into the pantheon of Fantasy gods.

It seems somewhat fitting that this historic match took place almost ten years to the day after then penalty-taking Burnley defender Graham Alexander famously registered the same score against Hull.

Not to take anything away from the Clarets’ former captain but Lundstram has shown time and time again this season that he is completely different gravy.

Lundstram will surely go down in FPL history as one of the greatest budget defenders of all time

The Blades’ number seven is truly unlike anything we’ve ever seen in FPL history. A £4.0m (originally) defender who starts every game in central midfield and carries both creativity and goal threat from open play regularly.

His third and fourth attacking returns of the campaign took Lundstram’s 2019/20 total to 68 points, consolidating his position as the top-scoring defender, 14 clear of Ricardo Pereira (£6.3m).

Only four players in other positions have a current score higher than the Sheffield United man, which means he is by far the best value asset of the season.

Lundstram’s score in that department is 14.5 points per million spent, Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale (£4.6m) in second place on 10.7.

The former Oxford United man is always capable of registering points from several different avenues, but against Burnley, it was his goal threat that came to the fore.

Lundstram was Sheffield United’s chief goal threat on Saturday afternoon

Lundstram often looked like Sheffield United’s most-likely scoring option able to provide the extra man in the penalty box, with the Blades’ five-man midfield too much to handle for Burnley’s four-man system.

He opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a late arrival into the box, akin to Frank Lampard goals of old.

Centre-forward David McGoldrick (£5.4m) drifted left and crossed into the box, where Lys Mousset (£4.9m) flicked it into the path of the onrushing Lundstram, who slotted home cooly.

His presence as the extra man paid dividends just before half-time too.

Enda Stevens (£5.1m) played in one of his trademark early crosses, which Mousset flicked on once again, Lundstram this time sliding in at the back post to crash home a second goal.

Lundstram was on hand to provide the extra man in midfield against Burnley

“The system suits him. It’s a slightly different shape. John (Fleck) and Oliver Norwood were the two best players in the division last year for me when we had two sitting midfielders. But we always knew what John was about. We always knew his qualities, the same as (Paul Coutts) before him. He’s raised his game over the summer, as we all knew we would have to do.” – Chris Wilder

Lundstram has now started as many matches in 2019/20 as he did in the entirety of Sheffield United’s promotion-winning campaign and looks very locked into the starting eleven each week.

Even outside of Fantasy, his rise to prominence in Chris Wilder’s team is truly incredible. The manager wanted more of a box-to-box player for Premier League matches, compared to Championship encounters, and rather than find that man elsewhere, he handed a chance to someone already at Bramall Lane.

Lundstram has managed to keep summer signings Muhamed Bešić (£4.5m) and Ben Osborn (£4.7m) out of the side, although Wilder did say after the match they are putting pressure on the starting line-up.

“There are good players who aren’t playing now. Mo (Besic) and Ben (Osborn) are really pushing Flecky and John. That’s what we’re all about. Obviously, when he scores two in the Premier League, there are going to be headlines about him.” – Chris Wilder

Mousset has shown some excellent FPL promise in recent weeks

As much as we’d love to continue waxing lyrical about Lundstram, we should also highlight the potential presented by centre-forward Mousset.

The former Bournemouth man registered three assists against Burnley and now has five attacking returns in his last five appearances.

After setting up Lundstram for his brace, Mousset played a through-ball to John Fleck (£4.8m) as he ran through the middle of Burnley’s defence. His fantastic rifled effort from the edge of the box went across Nick Pope (£4.7m) and into the bottom corner.

While a question remains about Mousset’s role in the team, there is no doubt that he can provide something for Fantasy managers after his recent run of form.

He has scored at home against top-six opposition in Arsenal, registered away from home at West Ham and set up all three goals against a Burnley side that is typically hard to break down.

Wilder has been a fan of changing his starting strikers around the hour-mark this season

However, the fact that he is yet to play 90 minutes in the league this season might be a slight concern.

Wilder seemed to indicate in the last two weeks that he is waiting for him to build-up to full match fitness.

That is why in each of his last two starts, Mousset has played 55 and 64 minutes respectively, while featuring from the bench at the London Stadium in Gameweek 10.

We should also continue to praise Sheffield United’s impressive defensive form this season.

The Blades have still only conceded eight goals since returning to the top-flight, the joint-best, level with Leicester (eight) and one better than Liverpool (nine).

Henderson is now the joint-top for points among FPL goalkeepers this season (48)

Shutting out Burnley in Gameweek 11 led to a fifth clean sheet of the campaign for Dean Henderson (£4.7m) and his defensive colleagues, the joint-highest, level with Manchester City.

While a Gameweek 12 trip to Spurs might be a cause to bench defensive assets, even Lundstram (blasphemy!), there is a huge stretch of appealing matches after that which should probably warrant considering a defensive double-up.

Manchester United, somewhat short of goals right now, come to Bramall Lane in Gameweek 13 before the Blades go to Wolves the following week.

Then it’s Newcastle (home), Norwich (away), Aston Villa (home), Brighton (away) and Watford (home).

Egan (right) had to come off injured against Burnley

The only slight concern over Sheffield United’s defence short-term is the fitness of John Egan (£4.5m), the anchor of Wilder’s three-man back-line, who was forced off after 79 minutes on Saturday.

However, there doesn’t seem to be too much to worry about at this stage.

“He’s okay. I’ve just had a little peek to see how he is. He just didn’t feel too well.” – Chris Wilder

Meanwhile, this defeat was certainly an uncharacteristic one for Burnley, who looked a shadow of themselves in the first half, especially at the back.

Manager Sean Dyche labelled the opening period as one of the worst performances by his side since last season.

“They started better than us, more aggressive in their manner, their body language, on the front foot, more energy, more commitment to the cause, and that remained throughout the first half. We made mistakes, they capitalised on it, and we don’t want that to become a habit after last week. It was as poor a showing we’ve had since early last season, first half.” – Sean Dyche

Tarkowski and his Burnley defensive colleagues did not play well at Bramall Lane

At half-time, Dyche removed Erik Pieters (£4.7m), who had arguably been the man at fault for both of Lundstram’s goals, replacing the left-back with Charlie Taylor (£4.2m). The manager also mentioned that he probably could have taken any of the defenders off, he was that unimpressed.

“I could have changed anyone in the back four, I could have changed numerous people. It’s certainly not down to one change, nothing of the sort. You also sometimes want to give the players a chance to respond, and there was a response, a modicum of pride comes back.” – Sean Dyche

That first half will concern owners of Burnley defensive assets no doubt, as they have now conceded seven times in the last two Gameweeks.

However, they have generally been much more reliable for clean sheets at Turf Moor this season.

In five home matches, the Clarets remain joint-top for three shut-outs and are yet to concede a goal at Turf Moor to a team outside of the so-called top-six.

Furthermore, three of the next four to travel to Lancashire are West Ham, Crystal Palace and Newcastle.

Rodriguez (right) continues to start up-front in Wood’s absence

Offensively, Burnley did not offer much either, with Chris Wood (£6.2m) still out of the side with a hamstring injury.

Ashley Barnes (£6.3m) and Jay Rodriguez (£5.7m), the former not getting a chance into the second half, which he, on the turn, blazed over the bar from close range.

Sheffield United XI (3-5-2): D Henderson; O’Connell, Egan (Jagielka 79′), Basham; Stevens, Fleck, Norwood, Lundstram, Baldock; Mousset (Sharp 65′), McGoldrick (McBurnie 75′).

Burnley XI (4-4-2): Pope; Pieters (C Taylor 46′), Mee, Tarkowski, Lowton; McNeil (Brady 59′), Cork, Westwood, Hendrick; Rodriguez (Vydra 78′), A Barnes.

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Lessons learned from Gameweek 11

750 Comments Post a Comment
  1. LordEllison
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    1 FT and 0.3 ITB, feel like I need to WC abit lost

    Pope Button
    TAA Pereira Otamendi Tomori Lundstram
    Salah Sterling KDB Martial Dendoncker
    Maupay Pukki Greenwood

    1. HVT
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      WC

    2. Pengen
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      That forward line is horrendous

    3. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Not that bad at all! You can sort with -4 or -8 maximum

      Defense is fine - obviously Ota has to go but not an urgency for -4 : you have 4 playing defenders with great fixtures!

      Mid needs 2-3 transfers and Fwd 1-2

    4. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I'd consider Wildcarding mate. Theres 4/5 i'd look at upgrading in that squad personally.

  2. HVT
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Robbo or Soy?

    (Have TAA)

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

      Robbo anyday

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

        Except maybe for yesterday 😛

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

      Both

  3. ppv
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Just do Silva to grealish

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

    Bottomed

    Which midfielder do you think will score the highest in the next 2GWs ??? (Other than Salah Mane KDB)

    Need a replacement for Son and I'll WC after 2 GWs

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      id punt on richarlison

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

        Very interesting indeed. Could be a great punt.

    2. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Richa could be a nice differential for next 2 GWs but then you have to ditch him with that awful run of fixtures

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

        2 votes for Rich now!

    3. HVT
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Leicester don’t look like they are going away anytime soon.
      I’d start with the foxes.

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

        Maddison is a great choice but considering its just a 2 week punt, I'd want someone more explosive than consistent

        1. Angin out the Begović
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Im thinking any Lec Mid has the potential to be explosive over the next 5 GWs

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

      Rich is a punt I'm considering for two as well.

  5. Jullepuu
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Hayden or Dendo?

    Is there any difference really?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      id go hayden

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

      Dendo. Nothing in it. Just like Wolves more than Magpies

    3. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Better get a cheap playing defender !

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

        Will occupy my bench. Need to downgrade Cantwell so I can squeeze Robbo in

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

    Would you consider this bench too weak for a 433?

    4.0 / Rico / Dendoncker / 4.3*

    *4.4 if Robertson doesn’t rise

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

      2 active players. That's all I'd want

      1. davies
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Even with Aguero?

    2. Jullepuu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      3.6 not great not terrible

  7. Kaiser123
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Thinking of Sterling, Cancelo and Cantwell to Robbo, Maddison and Martial. Feels a stronger output!

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

      Maybe someone else than Martial?

  8. Omartehpwner
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    I have no idea what to do with this team. ideally I want to remove Pukki but no idea how best to do that

    Pope
    AAT, Tomori, Chilwell
    Mount, KDB, mane, James
    Pukki, Abraham, Vardy

    Heaton, Lundstam, Rico, McGinn
    3m in Bank and 1 FT

    (yes I did have Lundstam ont he bench 🙁 )

    Ideally whats the best strategy? Get rid of James and Pukki take a 4 point hit and shuffle that around? But put in who?

    Or get rid of McGinn and shore up some cash for a big hitter striker?

    Any help welcomed, My dad is catching up with my points tally...cant let him win

  9. Monkey Hanger
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Can you do James and Pukki to Connolly and Mane, and play 3-5-2?

    1. Monkey Hanger
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Reply fail, for Omar.

      1. Monkey Hanger
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Should read Salah not Mane. 🙂

  10. E25
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Getting Vardy + a Leicester mid in this week... Have plenty of cash as downgrading Sterling. Who would you pick?

    A) Tielemans
    B) Maddison

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

  11. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone who, Yes unbelievably, still has Pukki, are you going to give him the chance to repay our misplaced loyalty in him under the Friday Night Lights?

    Or have you had enough and are getting rid this week?

  12. LE CHARO
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    What do you think is best after the international break (assuming Salah is definitively healed)?

    A) Play Robbo, Jimenez and 2 among Lundstram, Soyuncu, Maddison and McGinn.
    Bench the other 2 alongside Rico.

    B) Play Lundstram, Soyuncu, Salah and McGinn.
    Bench Rico, 4.9m forward and Diop.

    Leaning towards A since I already have Mané and I trust him more with the armband than Salah, but I don't like the fact it will inevitably leave points on the bench on a regular basis.

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B, from how I read your post.

      1. LE CHARO
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks for the reply.

        A seems the more attractive option at the moment, but leaving 2 good options on the bench every week looks sub-optimal.

  13. Malkmus
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    A'noon. Which is the best team?:

    A - 352:
    Pope (Button)
    Robbo - Lundy - Chilwell - (Rico - JANMAT)
    Sterling - KDB - Mane - Tielemans GREALISH
    Tammy - Vardy (Wickham)

    B - 442 (+1.2m) - Where to spend it?:
    Pope (Button)
    Robbo - Lundy - Chilwell - TOMORI - (Rico)
    Sterling - KDB - Mane - Tielemans ( DENDONKER)
    Tammy - Vardy (Wickham)

    Ta !