Scout Notes

Liverpool defence still suspect but attacking returns continue to flow

LIVERPOOL 2-1 BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION

  • Goals: Virgil van Dijk (£6.4m) x2 | Lewis Dunk (£4.6m)
  • Assists: Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.2m) x2 | Leandro Trossard (£5.8m)
  • Red cards: Alisson (£6.0m)
  • Bonus: van Dijk x3, Alexander-Arnold x2, Dunk x1

Two early headers from Virgil van Dijk (£6.4m) were all Liverpool needed to extend their lead atop the Premier League to 11 points, both set up by Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.2m) crosses from dead-ball situations.

However, the Anfield crowd had to drag their team over the line thanks to a red card for goalkeeper Alisson (£6.0m) that led to Lewis Dunk’s (£4.6m) consolation goal for Brighton and Hove Albion.

For all the attacking flair and assist potential of full-backs Alexander Arnold and Andrew Robertson (£7.0m), it’s van Dijk who scores most of all three. Last season his four goals comfortably exceeded their combined one, whilst today’s brace adds to his opening-day strike against Norwich.

The 6ft 4in centre-back found himself in enough space to head home a fairly central Alexander-Arnold free-kick after 18 minutes, rising above Adam Webster (£4.4m) to loop over Matthew Ryan (£4.7m). Then, six minutes later, the same combination made it 2-0 from a corner.

In the first half, Jurgen Klopp’s side were easy on the eye, playing with the verve and confidence of a team that knew they were about to go 11 points clear of Man City, after the champions could only draw 2-2 at Newcastle at lunchtime.

The Liverpool boss said of his side’s display:

We would have loved if we would have finished one more, two more, more often and it looks much more comfortable, but that’s our situation. I don’t want to change it, it’s like it is. There will be days when we will score from situations like that and will probably not use our set-pieces, that’s how it is. But you have to score goals and we did that often enough to win the game and that’s good.

Mohamed Salah (£12.2m) and Sadio Mane (£12.2m) had a fruitless afternoon but it wasn’t for a lack of trying in the latter’s case.

Ryan’s fine save from a Roberto Firmino (£9.4m) shot in the 16th minute denied the Senegalese winger an assist, while the in-form premium midfielder could have been on the scoresheet himself soon after when being thwarted by the busy Australian.

Mane also found himself in space around the penalty spot on the hour-mark but couldn’t get good contact and the chance went begging.

Salah returned to the line-up after his Gameweek 13 benching but made very little impact apart from hitting the side-netting in the 12th minute. He was replaced by Adam Lallana (£5.8m) in the 69th minute, although the Egyptian preserved a clean sheet point to get the last laugh over Mane owners.

While Salah’s recent struggles with an ankle injury are off-putting, he and Mane remain enticing options for the next three Gameweeks and – if it wasn’t for the Club World Cup postponing their Gameweek 18 fixture – there would even be an argument for owning both against Everton (h), Bournemouth (a) and Watford (h).

The absence of Fabinho (£5.5m), meanwhile, saw Jordan Henderson (£5.4m) resume the ‘number six’ role that he had occupied before his recent reinvention as a right-sided central midfielder.

Klopp said:

We had to replace Fabinho today which is a tough one because it’s like we were really used to these things without really thinking about it. Hendo played a sensational game in that position together with Gini and Ox. It was a really good performance but we had to work really hard. And what I liked most, that the boys were ready to do that.

Liverpool looked set to finally keep their first clean sheet in seven games and only their third of the season. The second half had been a dull affair, with the Reds conserving their energy knowing that they have ten games to come in a gruelling December.

Whilst the streak of 18 home games where either Salah, Mane or Firmino had scored was about to end, at least they were cruising to a relaxing victory.

Then goalkeeper Alisson was sent off for a deliberate handball outside of his area and everything quickly changed. A long Brighton ball over the home defence set free Leandro Trossard (£5.8m), who poked the ball up onto the advancing stopper’s hands for a straight red card.

On came Adrian (£4.2m) for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (£6.2m) and the reserve Liverpool custodian was instantly picking the ball out of the net after Dunk – once getting the nod to take the kick early – casually passed the resulting free-kick into the corner.

Klopp said of Alisson’s dismissal:

Of course, life became more complicated with the red card and the change we had to make. We had to bring on a frozen goalkeeper pretty much! Everybody sitting here is probably not really warm yet, but imagine you go there in shorts, a really thin shirt and some gloves which are not made for keeping you warm.

Some people let the free-kick happen like that and then you look a little bit silly in that moment, but that’s what you have to accept.

We kept on fighting and Adrian especially helped us a lot with two really, really good saves and crosses he caught and stuff like this.

Suddenly things got nervy for the home side when former Huddersfield midfielder Aaron Mooy (£4.8m) forced Adrian into a low stop. Two minutes later, the substitute spilled a comfortable save right at the feet of substitute Neal Maupay (£5.9m). The Reds held on to make it 13 wins from 14 league matches but those looking for reassurance that Klopp’s troops are tightening up at the back wouldn’t have been given any indication of that on Saturday.

Alisson will be suspended for Wednesday’s Merseyside derby with Everton, although Liverpool’s only two clean sheets of the season did come under his deputy’s watch.

Truth be told, there were still some hairy moments for Liverpool’s defence even before the red card. Alisson made a good save from Davy Propper (£4.9m) in the first half, shortly followed by a Dunk sitter where the centre-back scuffed a shot wide with his knee.

Dunk then narrowly headed wide a Pascal Gross (£6.4m) corner in the 54th minute, before a Martin Montoya (£4.5m) cross was superbly controlled and shot by Aaron Connolly (£4.7m) eight minutes later.

The goalscorer made some crucial contributions at the other end, firstly blocking an Oxlade-Chamberlain effort after a superb run and pull-back from Robertson. Just before the Alisson incident, Dunk got in the way of a shot that followed Alexander-Arnold’s burst into the box.

Graham Potter said of the Seagulls’ efforts:

We put a lot into the game and played with a lot of courage. We weren’t quite as aggressive as we needed to be in the first 20 minutes, so that’s a learning point for us, but we have a really good account of ourselves against a top team.

Potter again went with a four-man backline this weekend and opted for 19-year-old Connolly over Maupay up front, despite the latter’s 19 goal attempts only being bettered by Raul Jimenez (£7.6m) over the last six Gameweeks. As promising as those numbers sound ahead of a run of fixtures against Wolves (h), Crystal Palace (a) and Sheffield United (h), only one of those 19 shots resulted in a goal.

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Wijnaldum, Oxlade-Chamberlain (Adrian 78’); Salah (Lallana 69’), Firmino (Origi 76’), Mane.

Brighton and Hove Albion XI (4-5-1): Ryan; Montoya (Alzate 69’), Webster, Dunk, Burn; Gross, Bissouma (Trossard 69’), Stephens, Propper, Mooy; Connolly (Maupay 76’).

MEMBERS ANALYSIS

FPLMarc Newcastle fan that spends far too much time thinking about FPL.

3,212 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Detweiler
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    2FT. Sterling and Martial to KDB and Son? Worth it or too sideways?

    1. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Good imo

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I would personally

  2. n14mul
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Morning,

    Mount to Dele a good idea? Or leave it till.the weekend as they are at old Trafford midweek?

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Do it, Utd not exactly solid at the back and mount off the boil.

    2. KINGS
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      ManU conceded 5 goals last two games, against newly promoted teams

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Not that easy.
        They Defend tight against big clubs. Different ball game all together

  3. knight_king2
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Is there any press conferences today?

  4. maratus
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    BOTTOMED, Morning lads!
    Could use some advice here.

    Gazzaniga (Button)
    TAA Robertson Soy (Janmaat, Rico)
    Son Maddison KDB Mount
    Tammy Vardy Rashford

    1.4 ITB
    Im thinking, that i could replace Gazzaniga this GW, to maybe Guaita or someone else.
    Deal Mount next GW and get rid of Maddison before Gw18 against City.
    Tammy injured kind of makes decisions harder. Any ideas?

    1. maratus
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      5th mid is Cantwell

    2. rodragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Wait for Lampards presser and then see what to do about Tammy.. .. If he is out maybe you can move him to jiminez else remove gazzaniga to Ryan/guaita/henderson

      1. maratus
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks! That is what i actually decided to do. No worries for goalkeeper price changes anyway, so its safe to wait anyway.

        1. rodragon
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Awesome!

  5. rocky7st
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Tielemans to Alii
    Or Salah to KDB? I have Silva to partly cover Man City

  6. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Best move this week...
    A. Martial to Alli
    B. Pope to Henderson
    C. Both for - 4 worthwhile given long term benefit
    Only if Abraham is returning.

    1. maratus
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I would get rid of Martial for sure. Dunno about Alli tho.

  7. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Fell 500K places this GW only.

    What to do with this lot? 1FT, 1.8 itb

    Gazza
    Mendy Lundstram Tomori
    Mane' Cantwell MARTIAL KDB
    Kane Jiminez Vardy(c)

    subs: McGovern MENDY Rico Saka

    1. C'mon the Fylde
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Martial for Alli

  8. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    What do you think about it??

    This week: Pope to Henderson,
    next week: Jim Madd to Mousset Son.

    This means keeping Auba and KDB also.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Don't lose a reliable points scorer like Jimenez. Would do the Henderson move.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Agree

      2. Atimis
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Need Spurs mid somehow

  9. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I ve kept Tammy but do we have any idea of when he will be back? What to do with my team?

    2 FT 2.7 ITB

    Heaton Button
    TAA Rico Lunds Chilwell Dunk
    Mane KDB McGin Son Dedonck
    Tammy Vardy Greenwood

  10. Amey
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I saw a video clip of Pep press after the game.
    He literally said he may throw the PL title aspirations away now that pool is so far ahead & relentlessly getting result after result.

    Only KDB from City is a great ploy IMO.

    Am i right or i saw an old video on FB ??

    1. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      As they did last year, City have the talent and depth to go on and win 14 games in a row. They will eventually click and find form

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          4 years, 3 months ago

          I really disagree, no laporte is massive, no Sane is massive, and Aguero missing is massive too. The gap to Liverpool will only get bigger

          1. Klaren
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Laporte only played in 10 games 2 seasons ago in their 100 points season.

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              They had Fernandinho in CDM
              They had fit first choice CB pairing.

              And teams weren't looking at them as easy opponents to score against as they do now.

              1. Klaren
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Yes but the first choice CB pairing was Otamendi and Stones and they still have them. That's why I think it's more of a matter of form than squad options. And form can change.

                1. Amey
                  • 5 Years
                  4 years, 3 months ago

                  What about ageing effect ??
                  Otamendi, Fernandinho all are very slow to mop up lose balls when high press goes wrong.

                  I'm not debating against City, but just think it would be very difficult this season

        • Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          I kinda disagree mate.
          KDB/Dilva only creative sparks in the team.

          Defense sh.t

          I don't see a 14 match run unless Otamendi turns VVD 😉

          1. Klaren
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            It's hard to understand why he never uses B. Silva in the midfield this season. He played there majority of last season and did really well to fill the gap from KDB but I don't think he played a single game in that position this year, even when KDB didn't start.

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Maybe he wants him as back up for wingers. No other available with Sane out. Mahrej Raz only wingers.
              Whereas Midfield has KDB Gunda Dilva Foden as possible choices

      2. Party time
          4 years, 3 months ago

          😆 I saw the post match tunnel box presser. He looked detached, scared, all in all depressed & completely lost.

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Ha ha

        • HNI
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Never overestimate Liv, last season they dropped 7pts in later stages, before that something similar when Gerrard handed title to Mancity. I would also not underestimate what Lei did yday and with that last gasp winner, I feel they can go in to win it

          1. HNI
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Gerrard slip*e

          2. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            You know who I'm supporting to win.
            Not City, Not Pool
            Leicester would be poetic with BR in charge

          3. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            That Leicester winner was special. Sign of champions as they say

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

        Mount dilemma

        1. Keep and try to stay optimistic
        2. Sell for £6.7 midfielder - Zaha, Tielemans
        3. Take a hit for Pulisic, Maddison and downgrade one of my big hitters
        4. Get rid of Saka and invest in two nailed midfielders e.g. Grealish, Neves to prepare for the festive period

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          4 looks good option to me

        2. Jontharon
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          1 or 4, still a good player.

        3. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Not 3, I reckon Pulisic might get rested midweek

        4. Party time
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Zaha

            1. Party time
                4 years, 3 months ago

                *Sorry, I meant keep & stay optimistic 😉 Since you've got a decent OR

            2. HNI
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Grelish is injury prone as gets injured a lot. I will prefer Zaha or mcginn if you want nailed ones

              1. HNI
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                as gets fouled a lot* Its reduces his baps chances

          • Wild Rover
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Start Mount or Mousset?

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Mousset

              1. Wild Rover
                • 13 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Ta

          • Hochoki
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            what to do with this team with 1FT and 0.6ITB??

            a. pope/roberto to henderson/gazzaniga
            b. mount to mcginn/jwp
            c. tammy to jimenez
            d. save

            Pope
            TAA Robertson Chilwell Soyuncu Lundstram
            Mane KDB
            Vardy(c) Tammy Ings

            Roberto Martial Mount Cantwell

            1. HNI
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Same doubt, probably Pope to Henderson. I am waiting for Mctominay news because if he is out then Spurs will thrash Manutd and I may do Mount to Alli

              1. Klaren
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Apparently Ole said "Hopefully, we can see one of them on the pitch." on Pogba and Mctominay. I doubt we'll hear more before the deadline.

          • Rinseboy
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Ok to save this week?

            Pope
            TAA Robbo Lunds Soy
            Son Mane Pullisic Maddison
            Vardy Jimi
            Cantwell Tammy Rico

            1. HNI
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Did u play Cantwell.or.benched vs Ars? He was.my first on bench again

          • HNI
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Is Son worth the extra 1mn over Alli? I know.last match Alli was good but will he be nailed.for.hrctic schedule.or.transfer out waiting ro happen?

            1. HNI
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              hectic* or*

              1. HNI
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                to*

            2. Amey
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              I think Son is worth it.
              Alli is a good bet too

              Maybe we'll be doubling them up when their fixtures turn Nicely after gw 19

              1. HNI
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Problem.is Mourinho. Once his early charm.is gone all their players will suffer.I would rather trust Lei and Chelsea more than Spurs Manutd. Alli + Rashford, rest 3 lei, 2 chelsea and maybe punts on Pva and zaha/grelish

                1. Amey
                  • 5 Years
                  4 years, 3 months ago

                  That is true

                2. Klaren
                  • 6 Years
                  4 years, 3 months ago

                  Other than United it takes about 2 seasons for his early charm to be gone though.

          • DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Who should I get in place of Martial? Have 7.7 to spend. Attack is:

            Mane KDB Martial Hayden Dendoncker

            Aruba Vardy Tammy

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Pulisic is standout pick
              Long term

            2. _Gunner
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              have the same dilemma

              Options: Alli, Pulisic and Zaha. Can't decide

            3. andres
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Pulisic

          • andres
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Pope to Guaita? Anything better? I feel i need pulisic but not sure how to get him

            Pope
            TAA Soy Lund
            Mane KDB Son Tielemans
            Rash Vardy Jimenez

            Kelly, cantwell, Pieters 0.7 ITB 1FT.

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

              Downgrade pieters

          • C'mon the Fylde
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            I had a few drinks yesterday and brought in Alli and Son in for Martial and KDB, although for free...
            D'oh!!!!
            I'm hoping Son brings in more points that KDB, long term, now.

            Pope
            TAA Lundstram Robertson Soyuncu
            Mane Alli Pulisic Son Maddison
            Vardy

            Button Rico Connolly Abraham

            1. Stockport Hatter
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              That's not too bad pal.

            2. tc93
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Hold

          • Warby84
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            I know Kane will score goals but I was could not believe how far behind play he was when the ball hit the back of the net in 2 occasions, at least 25yrds away at least.. Little bit worrying but maybe worth the patience??

          • Akshatjazz
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Hi guys !
            Need a little help here.

            Should I replace fleck > zaha has my 5th MF option since already have kbd,mane,Maddy,pulisic

            And thinking to replace tammy > ings with in the bank with 0.4m left by taking a (-4 hit) ???

            1. tc93
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Both moves sound good

            2. tc93
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              But I’d have mousset over ings

              1. Akshatjazz
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Why is that ?? Any suggestion ??

          • tc93
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Need some help... such a hard choice! Which one to go for?? 2 FTs

            1) Mount +Abraham —> son+greenwood (I’ll switch to a 442)
            2) Abraham + mount —> mousset + pulisic
            3) Abraham + Mount —> Mousset + Ali

            Rest of Team:
            Pope
            Soy / TAA / Robbo (Rico, Lund)
            Maddison / KDB / Mount* / Mane (Cantwell)
            Abraham* / Vardy / Jimi

            1. Akshatjazz
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              2nd is the better choice

          • Akshatjazz
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            what to do with this team with 1FT and 0.9mITB??

            a. Fleck > zaha
            b. Tammy > ings/mousset
            c. Both a&b
            d. save

            Henderson
            Robertson Soyunca Lundstram
            Mane KDB pulisic maddison
            Vardy(c) Jimenez Tammy*

            Pope tomori Ake fleck*

          • juho
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Would you give up Sterling or KdB for Alli?

            Thank you.

          • Muscout
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Pope
            TAA, Digne, Tomori, Lundstram
            Mane, KDB, Mount
            Kane, Vardy, Jimenez

            Button, Cantwell, Guendouzi, Rico

            Would you WC? Really want to fit in Alli, Jesus, miss out by 0.2! Get rid of Digne etc

            Stick or pull the trigger?