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

    Is it a bad idea to bring in Mahrez this week?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      In isolation no - form player

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

      No

    3. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Guaranteed as any City player to start and in great form

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        How is he guaranteed to start?!?! KDB is the only ever present in that midfield.

        1. Balls of Steel
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Logical enough... He was benched against Palace, so therefore certain to start against Sheffield!!!

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

      Fine if you have 3 Liverpool and a reasonable bench.

    5. stamboy
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Lol I'm looking to get rid

  2. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Looking to move around Soyuncu and one of Rico/Kelly. Any ideas?

    2 FT, 0.2 ITB

    Henderson
    TAA, Soyuncu, Kelly
    Salah, Mane, KDB, Grealish
    Vardy, Jimenez, DCL

    McGovern, Cantwell, Lundstram, Rico

    1. BROOKLYN GOONER
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Would ship Rico for Jack Stephens, if you can afford—Soton have a nice run coming up. Ndidi may be back soon, so maybe Soy’s fortunes improve. And Kelly’s fixtures look good—maybe roll an FT?

      1. The Yorkshire Pirlo
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah Stephens is a good shout, can just afford cheers. I might just do that

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

    Bottomed
    2 Questions:

    A) Thoughts on Neto for wolves at 5.0 mid? Alternative to Traoré?

    B) Best Defender for the next 3 only(will play all 3 GWs) ? Under 4.9mil

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

    A poor 31 points this week, team a bit of a mess too, got some thinking to do:

    2 frees, 2.3 itb.

    Ryan, Henderson
    Lundy, Trent, Soy, Montoya, Hanley
    Sarr*, Rich*, Salah, KDB, D.Luiz
    Vardy, Ings, Tammy

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Sarr Rich to Mane Noble would tempt me for the double

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

        I couldn't afford that if I wanted to, million short but thanks for the suggestion.

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

      -4 gets you a Pool defender and 2 mids.

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

        Evening TM, yeah, I'm probably looking at a hit tbh, unless Rich is given the all clear. I'm leaning towards Mane as opposed to double defence though to be honest, how have you tripled up ?

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

          2 mids

  5. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Screw it. No Salah for me. Rico to Robbo for free, TC Mane with Trent Robbo double.

    Nervous now

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Means Jimenez and Maddison both stay too...

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

        Jimmy vs 2 Pool defs. What do you want apart from both defenders subbing off and a Jimmy hatty?

        1. Top Lad Dakes.
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Attacking returns from both and a Jimmy goal would be fine

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

            and the chances of that are?

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

      I did the same transfer and have the same three.

      Just not sure on the TC yet

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

    maddison out
    a.Grealish
    b. Doucoure

    1ft 0.5itb
    Ryan
    Evans TAA lundstram
    maddison KDB mane salah traore
    vardy ings

    pope dunk connolly rico

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      You sure before West Ham at home mate? I’m debating similar.

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

        Aye got fed up with maddison. Grealish is on form and currently doing better than him when playing in a team that is "worse" than LEI

  7. Nubi
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Ramsdale / Mcgovern

    TAA-Lund-Kelly-Holgate-Kiko

    Salah-KDB-Martial-Grealish-Dendo

    Aguero-Vardy-Ings

    Contemplate to take out Kiko/Kelly to Robertson and Martial to Fleck for -4, i don`t see other way to bring third liverpool player without taking out Aguero/Vardy which im not willing, bought Vardy on 8.9, thoughts..

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Good moves

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

    Is this ok as a Salah-Mane squad?

    Ryan - Button
    TAA - Lundstram - Holgate - Cathcart - Lascelles
    Salah - Mane - KDB - Grealish - Fleck
    Vardy - Ings - DCL

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Bang on

    2. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Very nice

  9. Mattymo23
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on KDB to Son?

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Nah

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

      Kdb season keeper for me

  10. More Cowbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hi all, if not this week when else would be a good candidate GW for the TC chip? Is there any possible alternative scenario people are looking at?

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Possible Vardy DGW if he gets his crap together

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

        Cheers, when would that be? And does it depend Leicester getting through the cup or something? Ta

        1. Top Lad Dakes.
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          It does yep, but not sure when

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

      The league leaders, who are in amazing form, have two games. What more do you want?

  11. Hits from the Bong
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Maddison to Grealish this week, Vardy to Kun next week?

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

      Yes great moves

  12. Mattymo23
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Still in shock I got 87 points. Had a shocker of a season as well

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Wow nice

    2. FPL_Gyarados
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Well done 🙂

  13. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best Tammy replacement?

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

      I bought in Greenwood for him.

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Ings

  14. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    LEI at home to WHAM
    I haven't followed the Hammers lately
    Do you see this match as a get well card for Vardy?

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I think it will be a tough game for both, 1-1 maybe.

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I’m struggling to sell Madderz before it

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Likewise ; Moura’s tempting me for a one week punt.

  15. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy+Tammy to Aguero+DCL for -4?

  16. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    G2G?

    McCarthy
    TAA Soy Webster
    Mane(TC) Salah Maddison KDB
    DCL Vardy Greenwood

    1st sub Kelly

  17. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Abraham + Maddison OUT

    DCL + Son IN (-4)

    Thoughts?

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

    Do we reckon Greenwood will start vs BUR?

    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

      1. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I would assume

        DDG
        AWB Bailly Maguire Williams
        Fred Matic
        Greenwood Mata James
        Martial

  19. LSK
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Am I gtg this week? Or should Greenwood come in?
    McCarthy
    TAA, Digne, Dunk, Soyuncu
    Salah (TC), Mane, Grealish, KDB
    Vardy, Jimenez

    Greenwood, Cantwell, Lundstram

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

      G2G

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

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

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

    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

  21. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Who's your TC?

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mane

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

      Salah

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

      Trent
      (but last minute switch to salah im afraid)

    4. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Sadio

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

      Salah. Penalties swing it. I reckon they'll get at least one.

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

      Mane

  22. vityovics
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    How bad was Williams today?
    Is he nailed?

    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      He was fine but Shaw did well.

      Not nailed but probably plays regularly

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

        Maybe against Burnley?
        Cheers

        1. Bushwhacker
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          I’d pick him over Shaw against Burnley ... other games maybe not.

  23. Fit_to_drop
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    4.2 to spend on a defender who is likely to be in first 11

    Mariappa
    Williams
    Lascelles

    1. stamboy
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Lascelles

  24. Puncheon Guly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy party over? Aguero looking hella tempting despite the fixtures...

  25. stamboy
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Mahrez to Son for -4 ?

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

      no

    2. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      No way

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

      No. Mahrez should start next match, and Spurs look dysfunctional.

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

      Mahrez should play next game. Keep imo.

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

    Help...repost

    Which one :

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

    Or

    (B) salah and greenwood

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

      A for me

      Just hoping Salah doesn’t punish me

  27. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    we reckon mahrez starts next match ??

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

      They drew and he's fresh.

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      85%

  28. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Figured I’d try out a different way of asking up there^ didn’t actually go for the double up yet.

    I have instead just pulled the trigger on Maddison Jimenez to Salah DCL (-4). Risk in progress. Cheers TM

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

      You haven't made the transfers 😛

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Just did

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

          Would have sold Rico.

  29. BigBillyBass
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    How does this look for Tues? Any changes?

    Ryan (Pope)
    TAA Soy Kelly
    Salah(TC) Mane(v) KDB Grealish
    Vardy Ings DCL

    Bench: Traore Rico Lund

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

      Gtg. Hope your midfield kills it.

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

        Cheers

  30. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I basically have like 5mil im not using, 3.8 in the bank and the rest tied up in subs. Nice safety net, I can do anything 😀