Scout Notes

Everton’s budget FPL assets underline appeal but tricky fixtures lie in wait

West Ham United 1-1 Everton

  • Goals: Issa Diop (£4.4m) | Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.9m)
  • Assists: Robert Snodgrass (£5.2m) | Mason Holgate (£4.5m)
  • Bonus: Holgate x3, Calvert-Lewin x2, Mark Noble (£5.0m) x1

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.9m) rewarded his growing army of Fantasy fans with another goal in an evenly-matched encounter at the London Stadium.

The Everton striker has seen his ownership rise from 62,000 to over half a million since Gameweek 16, and he responded with his sixth strike of that run.

Chances to cash in on his form and budget price are receding, however.

The Toffees’ short-term schedule is solid enough (NEW, wat, CRY) but turns ugly after that, with Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Leicester and Spurs to play over seven brutal Gameweeks.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side fell behind when Issa Diop (£4.4m) glanced home a Robert Snodgrass (£5.2m) free-kick. It was only the defender’s second-ever league goal for the Hammers, while the Scot’s delivery confirmed he is a man in form, with a goal and two assists from his last three starts.

The lead lasted just four minutes, Calvert-Lewin athletically heading in from Mason Holgate’s (£4.5m) flick-on, and chances then came and went for both sides.

Hammers striker Sebastien Haller (£7.0m) had the best opportunity for the home side, only to shoot straight at Jordan Pickford (£5.3m) from close range, while Theo Walcott (£6.2m), Calvert-Lewin and Tom Davies (£5.3m) threatened, but couldn’t convert, at the other end.

Maximum bonus points went to Holgate, who has now produced returns in four of his last six starts. His price, and 1.8% ownership, mark him out as a budget differential, but that horrible upcoming fixture list is likely to put off all but the bravest of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers.

West Ham’s assets are equally vexing, despite Gameweek 24’s double helping of matches.

Those two games are away at Leicester and home to Liverpool, and while a Gameweek 25 visit from Brighton looks appealing, the fixtures that follow are anything but: mci, liv, SOU, ars, WOL, tot, CHE.

David Moyes has brought some much-needed stability to a talented, if flaky, set of players, but one win, a draw and a defeat from his three-match tenure is hardly the classic ‘form over fixtures’ justification for investment in their assets.

Snodgrass could be the exception, having registered an attacking return in each of his last three starts.

At least rotation might not be an issue, if Moyes’ post-match comments are to be believed:

We’re a bit short on the bench at the moment, we’ve just not got loads of changes we can make just now, but I’d rather have people here who we know and who we know are going to be reliable, rather than trying people who we don’t exactly know what we’re going to get from them.

Even so, the Fantasy jury will probably remain out on West Ham’s stars, as it should do for assets from both sides until their respective fixtures ease towards the end of the season.

As for those managers already invested in the 11%-owned Richarlison (£8.1m), a return to action in the midweek match at home to Newcastle looks on the cards.

The Brazilian missed Saturday’s encounter, with Ancelotti relatively optimistic that the issue is a minor one:

His problem is on his knee, he had a little twist, but nothing special. I hope he will be available on Tuesday.

West Ham United XI (4-2-3-1): Randolph; Zabaleta, Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Rice, Noble; Snodgrass, Fornals (Masuaku 60′), Lanzini (Ajeti 84′); Haller.

Everton XI (4-4-2): Pickford; Coleman, Mina, Holgate, Digne; Walcott (Sidibe 57′), Davies, Delph, Bernard (Gordon 46′); Calvert-Lewin, Kean (Niasse 74′).

Members Analysis

Newcastle United 1-0 Chelsea

  • Goals: Isaac Hayden (£4.3m)
  • Assists: Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.4m)
  • Bonus: Federico Fernandez (£4.4m) x3 Reece James (£5.0m) x2 Martin Dubravka (£5.0m) x1

Newcastle’s last-gasp win over Chelsea wasn’t exactly daylight robbery, but only due to the fact that the match had an early evening kick-off.

The winning goal from Isaac Hayden (£4.3m) came in the darkest depths of the 94th minute following the Magpies’ one and only corner as Frank Lampard’s side dominated possession (69.7%) and attempts (19 v 7) but failed to turn any of that into goals.

The Blues also failed to trouble home keeper Martin Dubravka (£5.0m) unduly, with just three of those 19 shots forcing him into a save.

Chief culprit was Chelsea’s most popular FPL player Tammy Abraham (£7.9m).

The 34.5%-owned striker saw the whites of Dubravka’s eyes on a couple of occasions, being unable to finish when rounding the Magpies’ shot-stopper and then seeing an apologetic effort hooked clear from inside the six-yard box as it slowly bobbled goalwards.

Lampard was at pains to deflect blame away from his profligate striker, though, saying:

We can’t absolutely rely on Tammy Abraham. We have to have goals from across the front line if we want to bridge the gap upwards. Tammy has been fantastic this season – it didn’t quite come off for him today, but that’s football.

At the other end, the goal machine (of the past few days at least), Joelinton (£5.5m), hit the bar with a header, but Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5.5m) had precious little else to do until he failed to keep out Hayden’s decisive header from Allan Saint-Maximin‘s (£5.4m) pinpoint cross.

The victory came at yet more cost, injury-wise, for Steve Bruce’s side, however.

Their latest victim was Jetro Willems (£4.6m), who had to be stretchered off with a knee problem after just 11 minutes.

The manager was less than optimistic about the defender post-match:

It looks a horrendous injury for Jetro, which is a big blow to us. We fear it’s his cruciate. We’re due a bit of luck. I’ve never known anything quite like it over the last few weeks, so we’re due.

Willems was replaced by Matt Ritchie (£5.3m), who is only just back from a long-term knee injury himself, while four defenders – and five other squad members – are now out for the foreseeable future.

Newcastle remain a tricky team to exploit, Fantasy-wise.

The six clean sheets they’ve kept puts them joint-seventh, but only five teams have conceded more than the 34 goals they’ve shipped and the 22 they’ve scored is only two more than the league’s most toothless sides, Bournemouth and Watford.

Dubravka, with 89 points, is easily the team’s most productive player, and his 91 saves is a league-leading figure.

Other than that, too many players are scoring too few points too inconsistently to promote investment, which is a shame when Newcastle have an excellent schedule all the way through to Gameweek 34.

As for Chelsea, Lampard’s reliance on youth is, perhaps, starting to bite him.

They’ve experienced two defeats in their last three home matches and have had a curious stretch of away games in which they’ve won at Arsenal and Spurs, but only drawn at Brighton and now lost to Newcastle.

Their immediate schedule involves three home matches in the next four games, but those will be against Arsenal, Manchester United and Spurs, with their one road trip taking them to Leicester.

That is unlikely to inspire purchases of their key players, at least until Gameweek 28, when their fixtures improve immeasurably for the rest of the season.

Newcastle United XI (5-4-1): Dubravka; Krafth (S Longstaff 71′), Fernandez, Lascelles, Clark, Willems (Ritchie 12′); Almiron, Hayden, Shelvey (M Longstaff 84′), Saint-Maximin; Joelinton.

Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Kepa; James (Emerson 75′), Rudiger, Christensen, Azpilicueta; Kante, Jorginho; Hudson-Odoi, Mount (Barkley 67′), Willian; Abraham (Batshuayi 80′).

Members Analysis

2,847 Comments Post a Comment
  1. House Frey Wedding Planner
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Alli for Grealish or Martial?

    And TC on Salah or TAA?

    Thanks

    1. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mo

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

      I might put the C on TAA. Imagine two cs and some assists 🙂

      1. acidicleo
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        both away matches with one being wolves..i think wolves will score..

    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Sounds weird but Trent has the highest ceiling, I'm going for him

      1. Woy_is_back
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, could backfire bigtime though

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

    Bottomed

    Suggestions?

    Guaita
    TAA James Aurier
    KDB Salah Grealish Rich
    Ings Jimmy Vardy

    Governor Rico Lundy Donkey

    2 free trannys, 2.9 itb

    Mane, Firmino, Robbo or VVD, that is the question

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Who goes in each position?

      1. Woy_is_back
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        James and Rich might not even play so probably one of them and probably Jimmy up top

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Guess the no show should decide it for you. Can always rearrange after.

          1. Woy_is_back
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah, hopefully get some news about Rich/James before deadline

    2. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mane

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

    Please chose one:

    A) Lascelles
    B) Fernandez
    C) Holgate
    D) WIlliams

    TIA

    1. sthelenslad92
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      C

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

      A) Nailed and best fixtures. Holgate is a trap. Horrible fixtures coming.

      1. acidicleo
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        yes next 3 good but after that.......but OOP is tempting atleast for those 3 fixtures and may earn TV too..

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

      C

  4. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Pope
    TAA - Aurier - Soy
    KDB - Moura - Cantwell - Mane (C)
    Vardy - Kun - DCL

    Button - Rico - Traore - Lundy

    A) Vardy > Firm
    B) Kun + Moura > Ings and Salah (-4)

    1. ooooo
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

      1. Drogba Legend
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

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

    McCarthy
    Trent Soy Lund
    Salah Mane KDB Traore
    Jiminez Vardy Ings

    Button Rico Dendonker Kelly

    Jiminez to DCL? Can do Traore back to Grealish next week 0.6itb and 1Ft

  6. nolard
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Got 66 points even with KDB as capt.
    Happy about that.
    I think 4 of my players also got the 3 bonus points. Ace that.

  7. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I need to move on Rico. Best 5.0 or under defender (exc. Holgate)?

    1. Babelcopter
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Lascelles

  8. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Ryan (rams)
    Sidibe soy taa (lund simpson)
    Kdb mane mads martial (traore)
    Vardy dcl maupay

    Which ?
    A) mads rams -4 to salah buton/4.0 gk
    B) mads martial -4 to salah 7.5mid.
    C) mads dcl/maupay -4 to firmino 8.5 mid.
    D) dcl/maupay mads martial -8 to firmino son 6.3 mid.
    E) sidibe madds -4 to robo son

    (mids - grealish/docuore/fleck/moura/tross)

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Captain Mane/TAA?

      1. Nightf0x
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        yes

  9. jjandellis
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Grealish or Doucoure for next 3 - 4 weeks?

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

      Grealish is in great form so would go with him. When Villa scores, he is very likely to be involved.

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

    A) Aguero to Firmino
    B) Aguero & Cantwell to Greenwood & Mane (-4)
    C) Aguero & Kelly to Robertson & max 9.3 striker (-4)

    Currently at top 5k so trying to protect rank rather than catch up.

    Would apprecite any input on this. Thanks!

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      BCA for rank protection.

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

        Thanks. Original plan was to get Firmino but last few GWs went better than expected so will probably go with the safer option Mane despite the -4.

    2. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Got to be B

    3. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Why would your current rank have any bearing on who is likely to score the most points going forward?

      I think getting rid of Aguero is a bad idea.

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

        I think it's relevant because if you are trying to catch up, you might want to aim for differential options with lower ownership while if you are trying to defend rank, you'd want the higher ownership players. If I was trying to go up in ranks, I wouldn't go for Mane for a -4 for example.

        Yes you want the highest scoring player but because you don't actually know who'll score higher, you can go for an option with lower probability of high score but higher potential upside or vice versa.

        1. Snevitz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          You go for the highest expected value, the player who is the most +ev.

          Literally the only thing you should worry about is how to score the most points. I had a terrible start but I've slowly been climbing the ranks without picking anyone out of the ordinary.

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

            In essence yes, but the expected value doesn't take into account the variability, i.e. the risk factor. It's not a big deal normally and not worth taking into account in most cases for fpl but the issue here is the Mane's and other Liverpool assets' extremely high ownership this GW. Hence why I'm considering placing an additional emphasis on risk and not purely consider the expected value.

            Thanks for the input though, appreciate it!

  11. UpTheCherries
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Rashford to....

    A DCL
    B Jimenez
    C Maupay
    D Greenwood
    E Aguero (-4) lose Vardy

    1. ooooo
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      I think A is the best short term option but might depend on how long you want to keep.

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Vardy needs to payback first before leaving the team

    4. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B long term.

    5. jjandellis
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Thoughts on Martinelli as alternative to Greenwood?

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

        Hard to see him get regular starts when Aubameyang comes back from suspension.

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

    Jamal lascelles for 4.2 million looks like a good enabler to switch to

    1. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      For sure.

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

      Yes

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

      Yep. My 4th

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

      Good find! Newcastle have some decent fixtures coming up. Looks like an ideal Rico replacement

    5. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      someone suggested waiting a week or so as he is only just back from a long absence

  13. HashAttack
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Proud of my baby

    McCarthy
    TAA, Sidibe, Williams
    Salah, Son, Maddison, Martial
    Aguero, Firmino(C), Ings

    Hendo, Cantwell, Dunk, Lundstam

    1. UpTheCherries
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      No KDB? 🙁

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

      Otherwise looks lovely 🙂

      1. HashAttack
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        it was a simple case of who scores more over the next few weeks, Salah or KDB ... he'll be back at some point

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Firm TC?

      1. HashAttack
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Single captain - TC for late season Aguero

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

          TC Aguero in the potential Man City triple gameweek could be incredible

          1. tisza
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            What's this??

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

            Would be nearly impossible for him to not get rotated and play in all games in a triple gameweek though.

  14. Pickle juice
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Which one :

    (A) firminio and any 8.3 mid (martial/richarlson/grealish/moura)

    Or

    (B) salah and greenwood

  15. Cilly Bonnolly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Rico to Robertson done. Have Robertson, TAA and Salah for ther double. Been using the comparison tool on them, comparing all away games, and I have to say TAA looks like the best captain shout to me. Not sure if I'm brave enough to put the triple capatain on a defender though. That might be a bridge too far.

    1. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      My spelling (actually typing) is atrocious tonight.

  16. woodles
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    If you go Liverpool double midfield next gameweek, would you want them to concede? I’m guessing with all the people doubling up at the back it would hurt the rank just owning one? And the Liverpool defenders always seem to clean up the bonus points unless an attacker gets 2+ returns

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      1 defender gives you no boost

    2. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      ofcourse yes...TAA attacking returns without CS would be nice..:)

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Concede for sure.

    4. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      With just TAA and not captaining him, I would want both games to be 1-x - ideally VVD and Roberstson own goals

      1. HashAttack
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        also takes -6 away from any Salah / Mane TCs

  17. T.Henry14
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Awful GW, 35 points.
    First time red arrows until GW9.

    1 ft and 0.7 itb

    Ryan
    TAA, Soyuncu, Rico
    Salah, KDB, Martial, Richarlison?
    Vardy, Firmino, Ings

    (McGovern - Kelly, Lundstram, Cantwell)

    A) Save transfer
    B) Rico ---> Cedric Soares
    C) Richarlison if he is injured

  18. jjandellis
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Alderwereld & Maddison > VVD & Grealish worth a 4 point hit?

  19. Carlton_Goal
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Have 2FTs, would it be worth bringing in a West Ham mid for the double? Would mean I'd have to bench one of Grealish or Jiminez to play them though so not so sure

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      No

    2. sthelenslad92
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Avoid west ham players

  20. sthelenslad92
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    A) Salah & DCL
    B) Maddison/Martial & Firmino

    1. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      A

  21. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Jiminez to DCL?

    1. Carlton_Goal
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not unless you need the money for another move

      1. ooooo
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Could use it to fund Traore to Grealish

        1. acidicleo
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          no..traore = grealish ... jimmy >> dcl..

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

    Pick one to bench out of these:

    Grealish (vs. Wat)
    DCL (vs. New)
    Snodgrass (vs. Liv + Lei)

    Just working out if Snoddy is worth going to as part of my move to get Salah or just going for a longer-term 5th mid e.g. Fleck

    1. Carlton_Goal
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Facing a similar dilemma about whether to bring in Snoddgrass as a 5th mid for a punt this week but would mean benching Grealish or Jimenez so not sure either

  23. dshv
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hello everyone, need some help.

    Ryan
    Baldock lund rico kelly soy
    Mane kdb salah martial dendo
    Ings vardy jimenez

    What can i change that what i thinks is
    Jimmy and any defender for DCL and VIRGIL ?

    Any opinions please

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

    How did Firminio look today? Dangerous?

    1. nolard
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      good
      I brought him in for Rashford.

  25. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Which combo:

    1) TAA, Mane, VVD (1FT-Tomori)
    2) TAA, Mane, Firm (1FT - Jiminez or Tammy)
    3) TAA, Mane , Salah (2FT Vardy and Maddison, Ings/DCL and Maddison or - 4 Tammy, Jimenez, Maddison to Ings, DCL and Salah).

    Henderson
    TAA, Soy, Kelly, Lord, Tomori
    Cantwell, Mane, KDB, Mads, Traore
    Jimenez, Vardy, Abraham

    2FT, 2.8 itb

  26. Eastman
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Rash to Jiminez best move? Have Vardy and Ings

    1. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

  27. lordkippe
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    A : Firmino & Son -4
    B : Mane & El Ghazi - 4
    C : Robbo & El Ghazi free
    D : Firmino & El Ghazi free

  28. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Do we expect Cantwell to be benched midweek?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Possible for sure.

  29. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best defender under 4.9?
    How nailed is Tanganga? Who is he competing with?

    1. Carlton_Goal
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Holgate or a Watford defender. Don't know about the Tanganga situation

    2. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      competing with formation i guess... 2 atb or 3 atb...anywya less chance of attacking returns for him..

  30. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Pope
    TAA Gomez Dunk
    Salah KDB Martial Moura
    Vardy Ings Abraham

    Button Lundstarm Kelly Guendouzi

    WC to

    Pope
    Dunk Holgate Kelly
    Mane Salah Martial Grealish
    Firmino Kun Ings

    Button Fleck Lundstarm Tanganga

    Cheers