Scout Notes

Injury worry for Aguero’s owners as Sterling is frustrated by VAR call

Manchester City 2-1 Chelsea

  • Goals: Kevin De Bruyne (£10.2m), Riyad Mahrez (£8.3m) | N’Golo Kante (£5.0m)
  • Assists: Rodrigo (£5.4m) | Mateo Kovacic (£5.3m)
  • Bonus: Mahrez x3 Kovacic x2 Kante x1

Fantasy and reality declined to intertwine as Manchester City came from behind to defeat Chelsea.

Goals from Kevin De Bruyne (£10.2m) and Riyad Mahrez (£8.3m) kept City’s title defence the right side of possible, but the match was close to disastrous for most Fantasy managers.

Of the ten players on show with significant Fantasy Premier League (FPL) ownership figures, only De Bruyne (39.8%) delivered, although VAR was at its fractional worst when deciding a late Raheem Sterling (£12.0m) goal was offside.

That denied 33.4% of managers a first return from the England winger since Gameweek 10, but the 20% with Sergio Aguero (£11.9m) in their teams had it even worse.

The striker blanked for the fourth time in his last five games and then limped off after 76 minutes.

Coach Pep Guardiola was less than optimistic with his initial assessment of the injury, saying:

It doesn’t look good for Aguero. It’s muscular. The doctor said we will see tomorrow. I’ve no idea how long he will be out.

Rodrigo (£5.4m) and David Silva (£7.6m) also had to be replaced on Saturday, although Guardiola was considerably less worried about the pair and said:

For Rodri and Silva it is more tiredness and cramps. Rodri was out for a month and games like today are so demanding, but with determination and suffering in certain moments, we did it.

Aguero has lost more than half a million managers over the last six Gameweeks and is already the second-most-sold player ahead of next weekend’s trip to Newcastle United.

The injury problem aside, things could – and really should – have been rather different for the Argentinian on Saturday. He was gifted a superb chance when Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5.5m) passed the ball straight to him, but he could only hit the bar with the goal at his mercy.

It was the finish of a man way below his best; a man who scored eight goals in the first six Gameweeks of the season and has managed just the one since.

Small wonder that his ownership is on the wane, with Sterling’s similarly affected.

To call the midfielder ineffectual against Chelsea is almost too kind. He created no chances and his only shot of the game was then wiped off by VAR.

Yes, the offside decision was marginal. And yes, although it was technically the correct one, it was another example of VAR sucking the soul out of the game one measly millimetre at a time. But the goal, had it stood, would have been harsh on Chelsea and decidedly flattering for the otherwise anonymous Sterling.

He’s now blanked for three straight matches and with a triple header of Manchester United, Arsenal and Leicester City to come from Gameweeks 16 to 18, it’s no surprise that he’s currently the only player suffering more sales than Aguero.

City’s win was down to the industry of De Bruyne and the consistent threat of Mahrez.

The Belgian equalised when his shot deflected in off Kurt Zouma (£4.7m), a stroke of luck that turned a match that had been previously bossed by the visitors.

Mahrez’s winner capped a strong comeback by Guardiola’s men, the Algerian taking Rodrigo‘s (£5.4m) regulation pass out wide and weaving back inside before finding the bottom corner with his trusted left foot.

It was a goal enjoyed by only 3.5% of managers; a figure unlikely to shoot up any time soon unless the midfielder is given an extended run in the side. He’s started only six games this season and Saturday’s was his first since Gameweek 8, a fact almost certainly down to the one-match ban being served by Bernardo Silva (£7.9m).

Frank Lampard’s side allowed City just 46.74% of the ball – the lowest figure experienced by a Guardiola side in his 381 matches as a coach – and it was done thanks to a midfield three of Jorginho (£5.1m), N’Golo Kante (£5.0m) and Mateo Kovacic (£5.3m).

The selections meant a first match on the bench for the 32%-owned Mason Mount (£6.8m), but Lampard’s switch was more than justified when the latter pair combined for the opening goal.

Mount rightly caught the eye with his four goals and two assists from 12 straight starts this season, although his output had slowed to just one assist from the previous four Gameweeks heading into Saturday’s clash.

Kante, however, continues to surprise as an attacking force. He made consistent runs forward against City and was rewarded with a third goal of the campaign.

And before anyone shrugs and points out that Mount has 59 points to Kante’s 28, injuries have meant the Frenchman has only started five matches this season, and yet he’s scored in three of them.

Having played just 467 minutes so far – Mount has managed 1,054 – it seems inconceivable that Kante won’t now be given an extended run in the side if he can stay fit. His defensive attributes are world-renowned, but an attacking flair first unearthed by the much-maligned Maurizio Sarri could make him a bargain with one (or both) of Jorginho and Kovacic to hold the fort when he bursts forward.

Chelsea certainly have the fixtures to justify such a punt, with trips to Spurs and Arsenal the major tests to come over the next ten Gameweeks.

That should mean Tammy Abraham (£8.0m) keeps – or even extends – his game-leading 50.6% ownership in FPL despite a muted display at The Etihad which involved only two shots, neither of which were on target, and a mere two touches in the penalty area.

Similarly, Christian Pulisic (£7.4m) was lively enough to suggest his blank against City could well be the exception rather than the rule.

Of more concern to Fantasy managers will be the defensive shortcomings of both sides.

With Aymeric Laporte (£6.3m) still a way off a return from his knee injury, City’s defence continues to be a fragile beast, which is bad news for the 15.7% with Ederson (£6.0m) in their teams.

At least he played on Saturday. The 13% invested in Kyle Walker (£5.8m) saw their man benched, a move which didn’t stop City conceding for the third straight match.

Chelsea’s backline is considerably more generous, keeping just three clean sheets all season, although the 8.4%-owned Fikayo Tomori (£4.9m) was a post’s width away from a second goal of the campaign that would have offset his lack of consistent defensive returns.

Should Lampard decide that his new-look midfield three is the key to both control of possession and increased stability at the back, Mount could be the major casualty. Next weekend’s team sheet for the visit of West Ham United will tell us more.

Explaining his decision to bench Mount ahead of kick-off, Lampard said:

It’s nice problem to have. Mason has been so good for us. There will be areas of rotation.

What seems clear for now is that their display, albeit a losing one, at The Etihad and their fine fixtures to come mean Chelsea’s assets should remain attractive for a long while yet.

The same cannot be said for City’s stars.

The side has a brittle feel to it this season and although their game management against Chelsea was impressive enough, seeing out a match ticks few Fantasy boxes when clean sheet points are no longer at stake.

And the form and fitness of some of their key attacking personnel, when combined with the inevitable downside that is Pep Roulette, could make continued investment a costly affair.

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2,295 Comments Post a Comment
  1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Next weeks captain will be a difficult one...

    A) Vardy (EVE)
    B) Tammy (WHU)
    C) Rash (AVL)
    D) Son (BOU)
    E) Pulisic (WHU)
    F) KdB (new)
    G) Mané (BHA)

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

      Tammy for me, hoping he doesn't play 90 mid week though

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

      Just like the weeks the come I reckon

    3. BrutalLogiC
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Auba, the last stand

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

      Mane for me

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

      I will stick with Vardy. Everton are shambolic.

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

      I have A, B, C, F and G, and I'd discount KDB as he's away from home and would be hard to justify him over the others all at home. Most maverick move ever, I dare ya!

      At the moment on G. Owning C is good enough for me rn. A and B seriously tempting too.

  2. Azzastaan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Sterling Robertson Wickham
    To
    Son Aurier Abraham

    Good move? Takes a -4 also

  3. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Baffling to see that Wolves in the 5th place have won only 4 of the 13 matches in the league.

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

      It's an indication of the lack of depth of the League when excluding those teams currently in the top 4. I do expect Spurs to join that quartet although maybe at a respectful distance.

      1. CloudSky
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah, which is interesting, considering all the other leagues (bar the French) have teams really close together. There's a bigger difference between Pool and Wolves at 5th than there is between Barca and the relegation zone in Spain.

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

          True . And certainly in recent history La Liga has had a breakaway 3 who finished well in front of the remainder. Chelsea are the interesting one for me. A young squad who are improving together . The transfer ban has been a help in this regard and with the addition of a couple of quality defenders they could actually challenge Man C & Liverpool in my opinion.

          1. CloudSky
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            I think the team still lacks an out and out superstar that can make the difference when it's needed. Sure they are fun to watch, but consistency wins the league and I don't think this team can get there, even with a serious defensive overhaul. I like that they finally found a working mid trio (even though I still have doubts about Kova) but they need a William replacement as I don't think Pulisic is consistent (or even good enough) to put the team on his back. Jury is still out on Tammy if he can play like a nr1 nr. 9 every week. They are fun though and I'm really intrigued by the project.

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

        Or precisely the opposite.

        1. BrutalLogiC
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Yes this, mucho depth

  4. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Who scores more over the next 4-5 weeks?
    A - KDB
    B - Son.

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

      A

    2. Wally banter
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      son

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

      Son

    4. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Son

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

      Son

  5. merin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Do you see any obvious transfers here?

    Pope McGovern
    TAA Tomori Soyuncu Lundstram Rico
    Mané KDB Mount Maddison Guendouzi
    Auba Vardy Abraham

    2 FT, 0 ITB

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

      I’m moving Auba, too much is too much

    2. LordRougeGrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Obvious move is to ditch Aubameyang; great fixtures but Lacazette splitting his output. Go for Rashford or Jiménez and then switch Mount for someone (Pulisic)

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

    If I keep KDB and assuming I want Son in, will have 2 spots in my attack.

    Which 2 from these would you choose:
    1) Jim
    2) Maddy
    3)Pulisic

    Currently thinking 2 and 3 due to great fixtures?

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

      Madison is 7.5M, Tielemans offers similar output at a better price and imho offers a high points ceiling too. Pulisic offers a similarly high threshold too, which is important in team positions where you intend to rotate regularly to catch fixtures.

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

        Just have Pulisic and Maddison already in my team

      2. Majestic Chanka
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I could disagree more, Tielemans is max 2 returns and then need near 100% conversion to get that. He just doesn’t have the stats to have a high ceiling.

        Maddo on set pieces and with that chance creation means a brace or goal + two assists are a possibility.

        I’d put the ceilings at 12 for Tielemans and 17 for Maddison

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

      2 and 3

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

      1,3

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

    Can’t seem to shift Pukki (Other fires to put out)

    Now even thinking of holding for next 3, ARS sou SHU

    Hoping Sats result give team confidence

    1. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      pukki party has ended ages ago. dont be so stubborn and just get rid for likes of Jimenez Ings Wood Mousset etc

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

        Plan was to get Jiminez Gw15

        But it gives me a massive bench headache

  8. Azzastaan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Pope
    Lund soy taa robo
    Sterling kdb mane mount james
    Vardy

    G2g?

    1. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      g2g

  9. andres
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Pope
    TAA Soy Lund
    Mane KDB son tielemans
    Abraham Vardy jimenez

    Pieters, Cantwell, Kelly 1.6 ITB 1FT

    A pieters => 6.1
    B tielemans => madds/ pulisic

    1. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        with Pulisic

  10. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Morning all.

    Play Mount(WHU) or Lundstram (wol)? Thanks.

    1. Wally banter
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Mount

    2. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Mount

    3. BrutalLogiC
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Lund for me

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

      Mount for sure

  11. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Which option do you prefer from below ?

    A) Maddison + Jimenez

    B) Son + Danny Ings

    1. andres
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Ings is tempting i must admit.

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        yh he's good thats not an answer btw. which option do you prefer ?

        1. andres
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          I have A so I am a bit biased.

          That said I believe the best is A plus Son.
          Think that ings may struggle with 3 games in 7 days

  12. Whats the Huth
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Sterling captain looks a great option this week.

    1. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah Right He was great captaincy option in 8 of last 10 gws as well but blanked in all of them

      (BHA nor WAT eve WOL cpl AVL SOT)

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

      Every week

    3. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      uhm, ok...lol

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

      was always

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

      Jesus is the main man now.

  13. FirMinaMiMo
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Morning lads! 🙂

    Heaton 4.0*
    Soy lund aurier kelly* rico*
    Son kdb mane #### d.luiz*
    Vardy rash tammy

    Pulisic or maddison????

    Any opinions lads!

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

    here is a WC team to copy

    Henderson
    TAA Soy Lundt
    Mane KdB Son Maddi/Pulli
    Vardy Jimenez Tammy

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

      Bench ?

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

      A Sheffield United defensive double up?
      I'd prefer Robbo over TAA.
      Son might not play all matches, hoping there's a decent bench.
      The team might need a WC again, in GW 18.

    3. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      beautiful 😉

    4. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Lacking sterling

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

      Debating myself which one from Maddy Puli and Jim should be chopped, don’t have enough space in the team!

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

      This is my team, but I have Chiwell instead of Soy so mines a bit better

  15. Squeakybum99
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Bottled captaincy, ended up with 59 instead of 69. At least such mishaps didn't happen in private life. So now help me out guys

    1. Get Son for Mount(-4) (means no TAA)
    2. Get TAA to triple up Pool (Mane and Robbo the other existing) using 2 FTs

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

      I have just done 2

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

        Keane > Keane

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

    Would you do Wilson to Abraham for -4?

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

      Yes he cud go big vs hammers

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

        Thanks mate

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

      U should have done that 6 or 7 gws ago

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

        Always had something urgent to deal with 🙂

  17. Azzastaan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    More points from

    Sterling Robertson
    Or
    Aurier Son Abraham

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

      2nd option easily.

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

      Yours second choice!

    3. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      One option has two players.
      The other has three.
      The one with three players will accumulate more points

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

      Unfair comparison

  18. Regin
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Bench one
    A. Mount
    B. Tomori
    C. Lundstram

    I am leaning a coz don't know if he'll start. Planning to sell him after next gw and save a transfer now.

  19. New Article
  20. Carlos3
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Hey..

    Is it possible to see the full participant number, for the global leagues?

    I'm 161 in Denmark and 34.757 in Overall - I guess it's quite OK, but would be like to know full participant number..

  21. Teror
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Perez or Ings on wildcard? This would decide whether I go 352 or 343