Scout Notes

Why appealing home fixtures are becoming a problem for Abraham

Chelsea assets continue to frustrate Fantasy Premier League managers as they recorded yet another awful home result in Gameweek 19.

They were undone by basement boys Southampton on an afternoon when many a captain armband was placed on Blues options.

Meanwhile, we got our first chance to see Arsenal under new manager Mikel Arteta.

We’ve got some analysis on both matches in this latest Scout Notes article.

Chelsea 0-2 Southampton

Goals: Michael Obafemi (£4.9m), Nathan Redmond (£6.2m)

Assists: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (£4.8m)

Bonus Points: Cédric Soares x3 (£4.8m), Jan Bednarek x2 (£4.4m), Obafemi x2

Tammy Abraham‘s (£7.9m) stock continues to fall as he recorded yet another blank in a disappointing result for Chelsea on Boxing Day.

Despite naming a strong line-up, Frank Lampard saw his side lose 2-0 at home to a Southampton outfit that started the match without in-form goalscorer Danny Ings (£6.5m).

It was the third time in four Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge that Chelsea have lost to a relegation-threatened club without scoring – which has gone a long way to causing trust issues when it comes to captaining their players.

Furthermore, with so many so-called smaller clubs coming to Chelsea and registering positive results, it appears that Stamford Bridge is losing fear for the sides that Lampard’s men should be beating. Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhüttl explained his players were motivated by that and it suggests that this sort of problem could potentially create a vicious cycle at home.

“When you see that two teams win here then why shouldn’t you also? This is more of losing the fear, don’t be afraid. Come here, be brave. I spoke before about how we want to win here.” – Ralph Hasenhüttl

Despite doing so well against Spurs in Gameweek 18, Chelsea barely got any kind of rhythm going against Southampton on Boxing Day, not managing a single shot on target until the stroke of half-time.

Mason Mount (£6.5m), who was named on the bench alongside Christian Pulisic (£7.2m), replaced Kurt Zouma (£4.7m) at half-time, triggering a switch from the 3-4-3 formation to a 4-2-3-1.

There was something of an impact as Abraham soon after had the chance to lash an effort into the side-netting, his only shot of the match, and even after that, Chelsea were still woeful going forward.

“Mason has been feeling rough the last few days. It brightened it a bit [when he came on at half-time] but not enough. We controlled the game but we are not getting anything in the box. It’s a testing period but we have to deal with that.” – Frank Lampard

It means that Abraham has now blanked in six of his last seven Premier League outings. It will be interesting to see how his ownership suffers over the coming days as Chelsea still have relatively favourable fixtures to come, including trips to Arsenal and Brighton.

While there was a second start in a row for Fikayo Tomori (£4.8m) in a back-three, there was no repeat of the impressive defensive display witness at Spurs in Gameweek 18.

Tomori himself and Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5.5m) produced important second-half blocks but could not record back-to-back clean sheets.

The fact that Michael Obafemi (£4.9m) and Nathan Redmond (£6.2m), two players with fairly sketchy scoring histories, were able to find the net adds insult to injury in many respects – as the more ruthless Ings featured for only 21 second-half minutes and one-pointed his 14.5% ownership.

With plenty of options at Lampard’s disposal, the Gameweek 20 trip to Arsenal could well see some rotation for Chelsea.

Given recent displays, it must be said that Abraham is at risk of being replaced by Michy Batshuayi (£6.6m).

However, Mount and Pulisic can probably feel more confident of a start at the Emirates Stadium having both featured only as substitutes in Gameweek 19.

Furthermore, Ings’ absence from the majority of this match, while frustrating, should significantly boost his chances of starting Southampton’s hosting of Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Callum Hudson-Odoi (£5.4m) came in for his first start since Gameweek 9 but was panned by the local press. Despite such a poor performance, Lampard lent his backing to the player after the full-time whistle.

“I thought (Hudson-Odoi) put a lot of effort in today, he was trying things, making runs, not quite coming off for him in the first half. He’s come off the back of a big injury and this is certainly a period where we have to stick with him. He’s very young. A lot of talk last year about contract and would he or wouldn’t he and now he has and he’s in a period now where he has to get his head down and work and he knows that – to show what he can be for this club. It’s down to him now. I showed faith in him playing today and I will continue to do that. But we also have to go with him a little bit. And I’ve sat here and I’ve probably been relatively harsh on Callum a couple of times and I don’t think now is the moment to do that because I think today I saw an effort and a desire, I’ve seen it in training these last couple of weeks.” – Frank Lampard

Chelsea XI (3-4-3): Kepa; Tomori, Zouma (Mount 46′), Rüdiger; Emerson, Jorginho, Kanté, Azpilicueta; Willian (Pedro 84′), Abraham, Hudson-Odoi (Pulisic 67′).

Southampton XI (4-4-2): McCarthy; Bertrand, Bednarek, J Stephens, Cédric; Redmond, Højbjerg, Ward-Prowse, Armstrong (Romeu 86′); Adams (Boufal 80′), Obafemi (Ings 69′).

Bournemouth 1-1 Arsenal

Goals: Dan Gosling (£4.9m) | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.8m)

Assists: Jack Stacey (£4.3m) | Reiss Nelson (£5.3m)

Bonus Points: Stacey x3, Aubameyang x2, Gosling x1

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.8m) scored the first goal of Arteta’s reign as Arsenal manager as he continued his recent impressive form away from home.

In the Gunners’ last four matches away from the Emirates Stadium, Aubameyang has now registered a total of five attacking returns.

The centre-forward did not offer a huge amount in the first half but sprung to life in the second period. 

As predicted, he was deployed on the left flank of an attacking midfield trio behind Alexandre Lacazette (£9.3m), his wide station helping him remain unmarked by marauding full-back Jack Stacey (£4.3m).

Aubameyang caused plenty of problems when running at the Bournemouth defence and his persistence led to ending up in the right place at the right time to turn in the rebound from Reiss Nelson‘s (£5.3m) shot.

Back in the team for a first start since Gameweek 15, Lacazette showed some threat early on but faded as the game went on and he started missing easy passes.

Of particular note for Arsenal was an impressive performance from Mesut Özil (£7.2m), who earned praise both from the local press and his new manager.

He was deployed in the number 10 role of the 4-2-3-1 formation and was arguably unfortunate not to leave Bournemouth with a couple of assists to his name.

He set up Lacazette for a decent chance but the Frenchman couldn’t get the ball under control while Aubameyang spurned another chance created by Özil.

“Özil’s attitude since I’ve joined has been incredible. We believed he could be the key and he responded and he could have created two or three goals.” – Mikel Arteta

However, there is still not much improvement to Arsenal’s defence as, once again, injuries elsewhere in the squad forced them into starting Bukayo Saka (£4.5m) and Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£4.6m) at left-back and right-back respectively.

As players who have mostly played in midfield, they offered a little extra going forward but remain assets to be exploited.

Bournemouth’s opening goal came after Aubameyang’s pass to Saka did not find its target, leaving room behind to run in.

The Cherries’ attack has stuttered in recent months but they got some joy down Stacey’s flank as his cross was swept in by Dan Gosling (£4.9m) at the near-post.

Callum Wilson (£7.4m) was back in the starting XI for the Boxing Day clash but has now gone 12 successive Gameweeks without any attacing returns.

A suspension for left-back Diego Rico (£4.3m), as well as long-term injuries to Lloyd Kelly (£4.4m) and Charlie Daniels (£4.3m), did not put Howe off deploying a 4-4-2 formation once again.

Rather than switch to a wing-back system, he brought budget defender Jack Simpson (£3.9m), who usually plays centre-back, into the side to operate as make-shift left-back.

Fantasy managers should probably not expect Simpson to stick around in the first-team for too long as Rico will be available for the Gameweek 20 trip to Brighton, likely starting the game having technically had a rest on Boxing Day.

Finally, Bournemouth’s defensive potential has arguably increased somewhat by a surprise return to fitness of Steve Cook (£5.0m), who came in for the injured Simon Francis (£4.4m) and lasted 90 minutes.

Bournemouth XI (4-4-2): Ramsdale; Simpson, Mepham, S Cook, Stacey; Fraser, Gosling (Billing 70′), Lerma, L Cook; J King (H Wilson 66′), C Wilson.

Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Saka, D Luiz, Sokratis (Mustafi 77′), Maitland-Niles; Xhaka, Torreira; Aubameyang, Özil (Willock 75′), Nelson (Pépé 82′); Lacazette.

3,484 Comments Post a Comment
  1. kennethrhcp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    what's the average?

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      around 37 overall 42 top 10K

      1. kennethrhcp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        thanks!

  2. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Wildcarded this week and have following for GW20:

    Guaita
    Soyuncu Holgate Kiko
    Salah KDB Alli Grealish
    Tammy Kane Vardy

    Button Rico Lundstram Cantwell

    Is the following worth a -4:

    Kiko > Trent
    Tammy > Ayew

    Opinions appreciated

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      no

  3. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Leaning towards A. Concerned with possible rests for mane and vardy

    a. willems > evans
    b. connolly > DCL or Maupay or greenwood
    c. something else

    2ft 1.6itb
    ryan
    lundy dunk TAA
    maddi KDB alli grealish mane
    rash vardy

    Pope rico willem* connolly*

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

    Can KDB (C) beat Jimenez + 14 points?

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      yes... but I wouldnt back him to

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      it's possible but I doubt it

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

      Easy bro 🙂

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

      Head to head I would say

  5. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Will there be a full set of presses tomorrow for team news?

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      doubt it

    2. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Hope so, but not likely.

    3. Garfield1001
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Why wouldn’t there’s be?

  6. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Are there press conferences tomorrow?

  7. Eytexi
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Sell any of Richarlison, Zaha or Abraham? Or hold another week?

    1. El Matador
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I am selling Richarlison for TAA GW21 via 2 transfers.

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

        already got TAA, but rich is definitely expendable if i need funds in upcoming weeks. Not sure if i should be selling until then though. Cheers mate.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      get rid of zaha, keep rich and tammy for now

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

        Any suggestions on replacements? Nothing ITB.

  8. El Matador
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Wise to double up with TAA and Robbo from GW21 onwards?

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      alot did it for a good few weeks already... could work great

    2. The Hoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yep, could even do it now. They’re so good fixtures don’t really matter.

      What would you do in my position (below)?

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      yes, robbo and TAA will probably get more points than any mid in the same price range

  9. The Hoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    What would you do with the below? Feel it needs some Liverpool coverage as if Salah/Mane start scoring (and they will be capped by lots of players) my rank will plummet. Would love to get Harry Wilson or Martial in but not sure I can do that and get Liverpool players

    A. Mount/Tammy -> Salah/Ayew
    B. Mount/Tammy -> Salah/Greenwood
    C. Mount/Tammy -> Martial/C Wilson
    D. Something else

    Henderson /Gazza
    Rico/Lund/TAA/Kelly/Soy
    KdB/Mount/Maddison/Alli/Dendo
    Rashford/Vardy/Tammy

    3.4 ITB, 2 FT

    Mount/Tammy have very nearly scored/assisted so many times, but now their fixtures are turning not sure it’s worth sticking with them

    (Bottomed)

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

    2. Kane Train
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

  10. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Which option?,

    A) Williams > Aurier
    B) Hayden > Grealish
    C) Pope > Ramsdale
    D) Pope > Gazzaniga

    Pope
    TAA / Soyuncu / Lundstram
    Salah / Alli / KDB / Martial
    Mousett / Vardy / Rashford

    Bench: Button , Williams, Hayden, Rico

    1. The Hoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Not A... maybe C as you will have to bench one of grealish or mousett

      What would you do in my position (above)?

      1. Kane Train
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I would bench Mousett 100%

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B and play 352 bench mousset

      1. Kane Train
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        You would rather Grealish over Aurier?

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          yes higher points ceiling as I don't see spurs getting any CS any time soon.

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

      B and bench Mousset

  11. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Which combo in WC?

    A) Maupay & Ryan

    B) Ings & McCarthy

    1. Nightf0x
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

  12. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    102.9 funds create me a WC

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

      Are you under the age of 25, American or both?

      1. kennethrhcp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        do tell why you ask

  13. Wensink
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Had just 2 points coming off my bench today (Ramsdale for Martin) yet my rank went up 1100 after autosubs. What is on the bench for managers in top 10K?!

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      what's that site called again?

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

        LiveFPL.net

        1. kennethrhcp
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          cheers

  14. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who would you say is priority to go out?

    One or even two players?

    A) Pope
    B) Guilbert
    C) Dendo
    D) Mousset

    2.5 itb, 2 ft

    1. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      D and roll the other transfer i reckon

  15. Joe_Carman
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    tammy and ings out, auba and greenwood in (cost of 1)

    what dya reckon peeps?

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Oh hell no

    2. michaelington
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Knee jerk. Tammy plays awful Arsenal next, I am personally giving him one last shot.
      Ings, I wouldn’t get greenwood. Is he nailed? Surely be rotated with James. Better options out there. Plus it’s Man Utd.

      1. iL PiStOlErO
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        This this and this.

    3. TokyoRed 東京赤
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Not at all

  16. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Is alli injured?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Why do you ask?

      1. Nightf0x
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        WC active so what to do with him

    2. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No, he is allright. Why you ask?

      1. Nightf0x
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        WC active, so what to do with him

        1. iL PiStOlErO
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Keep if you have, if not you can bring him in

          1. Nightf0x
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Have him but at the end of the game he looked like he got injured

            1. dunas_dog
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Cramp

  17. CroatianHammer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Some smooth to go with the rough of my first sub basically outscoring everyone else...

    ... my XV might rise 0.3 tonight 😀

    small (and I mean very small) mercies

  18. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Fplstats showing grealish n Salah to rise tonight? Reckon that's right? Not been following prices much this ssn

  19. Alli
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Any ideas?

    Ryan - Button
    Lundstram - Kelly - Aurier - Söyüncü - Dunk
    KDB - Mané - Salah - Grealish - Cantwell
    Vardy - Tammy - Ings

  20. Runaway
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Last WC decision:

    A) Martial + Maddison
    B) Alli + Grealish + 0.5 ITB
    C) Martial + Grealish + 1.6 ITB

    Rest of the team:
    Ryan Button
    TAA Soyuncu Lundstram Kelly Rico
    Salah Mane KDB Xxxx Xxxx
    Vardy Maupay Greenwood

    1. sminkypinky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

      Martial+Grealish+Ayew+Robertson and play 4-5-1
      Ditch Rico+Maupay would be tempting to me.

      1. Runaway
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        that would make 4 Liv players, I prefer Salah-Mane double up rather than the TAA-Robbo one

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

          Fair enough 🙂

  21. joelsprylar
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who is on you're watchlist right now?

    Ayew- I think he is a very good player even if he didn't get any returns until now. What a goal he scored today tho. 5.0 and is nailed seems to be a good 3:th forward. Think i am gonna put him in and stash the cash.

    Sibede- Plays as a left winger and looked really sharp.

    Greenwood- Nice way to save cash and go 4-5-1.

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

      Sibede right winger i ment.

  22. bigbudgie
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Morning all
    Simple dilemma here. Help me out?

    Ryan
    Taa soy rico kelly lund
    Kab Alli maddison mount dendonker
    Vardy tammy rashford

    A) Alli to Salah for free
    B) maddison/tammy to Salah and up to 6.5 striker. Mapauy, king, ings, jota, ayew. Who? For - 4

    1. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      i'd want to hold madds and alli for now, mount would be my priority, maybe over a couple of weeks downgrade rash and tammy to the likes of maupay/ings and use the funds to upgrade mount

  23. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Any thoughts on this bunch?

    Foster (4.0)
    Digne Sidibe Stacey Rico Kelly
    Salah Mane KDB Alli Cantwell
    Vardy Ings Maupay

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Why the double ups in defence? Would personally get one from each team. Also Ayew or Greenwood instead of Maupay imo

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        just nice value/fixtures I think - yeah was going to Greenwood but not so sure now

  24. abaalan
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Salah or Sterling next 5 or 6?
    Also have kdb.

  25. Fantasy Premington
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Foster or Ramsdale?

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I went for Foster - Good form, fixtures and already have Rico

  26. michaelington
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone else benching Lord Lundstram against City? I’m scared already.

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Who would you play instead of him?

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A lot I think
      To be fair he was very poor today

    3. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Of course, he is a £4m enabler who gets the odd game when he has a good fixture.

  27. Steirish
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    No point jumping on the Taa ship it's already sailed with the beautiful passengers:)

    1. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      i'm swimming after it lol

  28. KLOPPTOMANIA
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Need some sympathy. Had TAA since day one and just wildcarded him out for Aurier as part of a reshuffle 🙁

    Surgery to get him back in?

    Guaita/Button
    Aurier Lundstram Kelly Evans Rico
    Salah Alli KdB Cantwell Fleck
    Kane Vardy Abraham

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Might as well go without now that you've done it. Wont get a haul like this for a while imo

  29. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Any chance of Jimi or/and Mahrez being rested tomorrow?

    Rival in Cup has Jimi (c) and Mahrez and they can’t score more than 5 points altogether.

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

      Jimenez? No.
      Mahrez. Maybe. Likely cameo if not.

  30. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Which cheap striker is a better punt?

    A) King

    B) Maupay

    1. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

    3. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      b