Scout Notes

Deeney continues fine FPL form as Villa and Cherries record much-needed wins

Aston Villa 2-1 Watford

  • Goals: Douglas Luiz (£4.4m), Tyrone Mings (£4.5m) | Troy Deeney (£6.2m)
  • Assists: Matt Targett (£4.4m), Ezri Konsa (£4.3m) | Gerard Deulofeu (£6.1m)
  • Bonus: Deeney x3, Mings x2, Konsa, Luiz x1

A late, and lucky, goal from Tyrone Mings (£4.5m) took Aston Villa out of the bottom three as Watford replaced them in the relegation zone.

Ezri Konsa‘s (£4.3m) shot hit his fellow centre-half as he lay on the ground, with the deflection taking the ball past helpless Hornets keeper Ben Foster (£4.9m).

Villa boss Dean Smith cared little for how the ball ended up in the back of the net:

I’m not sure what part of his anatomy it came off, but he’s certainly claiming it. As an ex-centre-half I’d have claimed it as well, so unlucky Ezri.

And, in truth, the goal was a fair reflection of Villa’s attacking intent – the home side had twice the attempts of Watford, more than double the number of shots on target and created a chance every six minutes to the Hornets’ 12.

There was, however, a strong case for Mings not even being on the pitch by then. Booked in the first half, the defender escaped a second caution for a handball in the second.

The player himself admitted he was expecting the worst, while Watford manager Nigel Pearson reacted to the decision with almost heroic levels of tongue-biting:

Everyone has an opinion on whether Mings should have been sent off – it doesn’t matter what I think. You could see how incensed our players were, but we’re in the hands of the officials to get these decisions right on the field. It’s happened and we can’t change it.

What could have changed matters was more clinical finishing by the visitors, who had much the better of the first half.

S

Troy Deeney (£6.2m) opened the scoring when he headed home Gerard Deulofeu‘s (£6.1m) cross for his third haul in five Gameweeks – and he would have had a fourth had he not missed a penalty last time out.

The Watford skipper was then denied by a fine save from Villa keeper Pepe Reina (£4.5m) and Deulofeu also missed a good chance when one-on-one with the Spaniard.

Dean Smith’s side were a different proposition after the break.

Konsa, Kortney Hause (£4.4m), Trezeguet (£5.2m) and Matt Targett (£4.4m) all fluffed decent chances before the latter’s shot was saved by Foster and substitute Douglas Luiz (£4.4m) equalised from the rebound.

Villa piled on the pressure as they went for the winner, which came in the fifth minute of time added on.

The defeat halted Watford’s unbeaten run at six matches and might well dampen Fantasy enthusiasm in their key players ahead of a tricky schedule over the next six Gameweeks.

A visit from Everton and a trip to Brighton are promising enough, but they’ll have to travel to Manchester United and entertain both Liverpool and Leicester after that.

How they react to this setback will be of major interest to Fantasy managers as the side still have defensive solidity – four clean sheets from the last seven matches – and in-form attackers to recommend them.

Villa, meanwhile, are showing plenty of appetite for their relegation fight, with three wins and a draw over the last six games.

They’ll certainly need it over the next six as they’ll be facing Spurs, Leicester and Chelsea as well as travelling to both Bournemouth and Southampton and entertaining away-day specialists Sheffield United.

The team’s most popular, and productive, player, Jack Grealish (£6.6m), was relatively quiet against Watford, although he did lead the way for chances created and remains the best bet for consistent returns.

New striker Mbwana Samatta was not signed in time to make his debut on Tuesday, but his arrival should finally end midfielder Anwar El Ghazi’s (£5.5m) brief stint up front, meaning other possible points outlets are likely to come from the back.

Targett, now fully fit after a hamstring issue, boosted his credentials with a third assist of the season and Smith made one post-match comment that could tempt investment in either of the side’s full-backs:

We’re still working on a system that we’re getting used to and tactically the players are getting better. We just need a bit more ambition in the final third and what I mean by that is if Matt Targett’s crossing, I want Freddy Guilbert arriving at the far post.

Aston Villa XI (3-4-3): Reina, Konsa, Mings, Hause, Guilbert, Drinkwater (Luiz 56′), Nakamba, Targett, Trézéguet (Vassilev 77′), El Ghazi, Grealish.

Watford XI (4-2-3-1): Foster, Mariappa, Dawson, Cathcart, Masina, Chalobah (Pussetto 75′), Capoue, Pereyra (Gray 81′), Doucouré, Deulofeu (Kabasele 90′), Deeney.

Members Analysis

Bournemouth 3-1 Brighton

  • Goals: Harry Wilson (£5.8m), Pascal Gross (£6.3m) own goal, Callum Wilson (£7.4m) | Aaron Mooy (£4.8m)
  • Assists: Dominic Solanke (£5.2m) x2, Diego Rico (£4.3m) | None
  • Bonus: Mooy x3, C. Wilson, H. Wilson x2

Bournemouth won for only the second time since Gameweek 11 thanks to a rediscovered ruthlessness in front of goal and a superb performance from keeper Aaron Ramsdale (£4.7m).

The Cherries scored twice from just three shots on target, with their other goal coming when Diego Rico‘s (£4.3m) corner was flicked into his own net by Brighton midfielder Pascal Gross (£6.3m).

The contrast with the fortunes of the visitors could not have been more pronounced. The Seagulls had 21 attempts to Bournemouth’s 11 and saw seven of their eight shots on target saved by Ramsdale.

Despite his heroics, and two save points, the young English keeper earned no bonus points, with extras instead being handed out to the game’s goalscorers.

Ramsdale pulled off what proved to be a vital save from a Neil Maupay (£5.9m) effort and it had a galvanising effect on the home side, who then visibly grew in confidence and threat before Harry Wilson (£5.8m) opened the scoring from a Dominic Solanke (£5.2m) assist.

Coach Eddie Howe was in no doubt as to the importance of the strike:

Once we scored the first goal, I don’t think we really looked back between then and half-time. For me, it rubber-stamped again that this is just a confidence issue for the group. It’s not a technical issue, it’s not the fact that the team isn’t good enough.

The Cherries were clearly good enough to be two to the good before the end of the first half courtesy of Gross’s unfortunate intervention.

Callum Wilson (£7.4m) then sealed the win after the interval with his first goal since Gameweek 7 as he took Solanke’s pass, rounded Mathew Ryan (£4.9m) and finished with an authority so long absent from his game over the last few months.

The striker has cultivated a reputation of being something of a Fantasy troll, and the team as a whole has previous for such things, which should keep this much-needed win in perspective.

Bournemouth have a patchy medium-term schedule as the next eight Gameweeks involve a mix of relegation dogfights and clashes with the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Wolves.

That should temper interest in their assets, particularly as Ramsdale can’t keep bailing them out and not every opponent will be as wasteful as Brighton.

Maupay’s night summed up the Seagulls’ experience.

The 2.6%-owned striker hasn’t scored for seven matches, but boy did he have opportunities at the Vitality Stadium.

He had a match-leading eight attempts – double the total of anyone else – and contrived to spurn two big chances along the way.

Brighton players filled six of the top seven places for attempts on goal, with goalscorer Aaron Mooy (£4.8m) converting one of the four he was handed to make it two goals from his last four starts. The midfielder also led the way for chances created, which helped secure him the maximum bonus point award.

Boss Graham Potter was left to rue his side’s lack of a killer instinct:

The first 30 minutes was really good, to a point where the crowd were about to turn on the home team because we were that much in control. Their keeper made a few saves but if you don’t defend your box or get that bit of luck the scoreline goes against you.

Brighton have, on the face of it, enough decent upcoming fixtures to turn things around – and possibly attract Fantasy investment.

But trips to West Ham, Sheffield United and Wolves and home matches with Watford and Crystal Palace are actually not that straightforward, and their schedule turns ugly after that.

Potter’s tendency to rotate on a regular basis also leaves FPL bosses on tenterhooks as to when the next benching will occur, with the in-form Leandro Trossard (£5.8m) having to make do with a 30-minute cameo as a substitute last night.

Add in the fact that they’ve won just once in nine league games and have kept only one clean sheet since Gameweek 11 and Fantasy managers will be forgiven for looking anywhere else but Brighton.

Bournemouth XI (4-4-2): Ramsdale, Smith, Francis, Ake, Rico, Harry Wilson (Lewis Cook 89′), Lerma, Billing, Fraser, Solanke (Gosling 85′), Callum Wilson.

Brighton and Hove Albion XI (4-2-3-1): Ryan, Alzate, Webster, Dunk, Bernardo (March 60′), Stephens, Propper, Jahanbakhsh (Connolly 60′), Mooy, Gross (Trossard 60′), Maupay.

Members Analysis

498 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Just noticed that none of my direct rivals own Salah, let alone Salah TC. They’ve gone for a mane and TAA. This could be huge!

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Make or break gw 🙂

    2. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      same mate. only person in the top 5 in my ML to own Salah, let alone TC.

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

      No-one in my cash ML has TC Mane, but plenty TC Salah.

      I'm on TC Trent. As I'm leading, I'd like to switch to Salah.

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

      It's the complete opposite in my work mini league.

      Top 13 teams, 12 TCs, 8 on Salah. My Mane (TC) is actually a relevant and powerful differential among them.

    5. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      His EO is the highest by a distance so you ML’s don’t reflect the game as whole. Flat track bully 😉

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

        Similar story in ours, only three of us (towards the top) have TC'd Salah, most have gone with Mane and brought in Alisson.

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

      Bookies will be happy with the cover bets going on. Just make sure you cover assists

    7. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Or Not, as all of them will score more or less the same...

  2. jayzico
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Yo dudes.
    1 FT.

    Should I lose the lord finally?

    Henderson
    TAA, Lord, Tanganga, Dunk, Kelly
    Mane, Salah, KdB, Grealish, Cantwell
    Kun, Ings, DCL

    Also, forgot to play bloody TC last night. When is there another DGW?

    Cheers guys

    1. jayzico
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Apologies,Kelly is Rico

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

      Hold.

      1. jayzico
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        OK

    3. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Hoping he was just rested, they have a run of fantastic fixtures coming up

  3. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    9 from 5 after yesterday.

    Maddison Vardy Martial TAA (C) Robertson & VanDijk left.

    Can my GW be saved

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

      you're toast if Mane + Salah haul.

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Don't think so.

    3. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Wow, I hope you get your CS.

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

      After a shocking last week (31 all out), finally off to a decent start.

      24 from 4 with TAA, Soyuncu, Maddison, Salah (TC), Mane, Vardy still to come.

      But lets be honest, its all about the two Liverpool matches this week. If one player explodes and another blanks,,,,,,

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

        oh and Brandon Williams / Rico

  4. Pep Pig
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I'm definitely looking at Matt Targett. The attacking display again caught the eye. I just don't see them keeping many clean sheets but at under 4.5m they can't be expected and he should get more attacking returns I'm sure of that

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

      I own Targett and Im thinking about selling for Stephens. First on my bench this gw..

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

      Don't go there. I tried it for the festive period when he had good fixtures and it has been hell.

  5. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Average number of players in tonights games?

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      11 a side as usual

      1. Spike ⚽️
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

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

      I have 5 tonight and 4 tomorrow.

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Blimey, I only have one tonight and I hope he doesn’t play!

    3. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      4

    4. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      5 for me and I think tonight will be more important for OR than tomorrow... Probably a boring 1 goal each for Salah and Mane and CS tomorrow for no OR movement. While today a lot of differentials are at work.

    5. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      4 tonight 3 tomor (one of 3 is tc)

    6. scubasmithy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      4 last night, 4 tonight then my pool triple up (TAA, Mane & TC Salah) kicks in

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

        Tonight 3 tmrow 4

    7. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      4 tonight 3 tomorrow

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

      hopefully 4 in Williams plays

      Maddi, Son and Martial ... hoping for big points from all three

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

        got Williams also - hoping he starts or doesn't feature as I have rico first sub with 5

  6. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    1FT 1.6ITB

    Want to strengthen defense. Who to go out: Soy, Kelly, Rico?

    Henderson
    TAA Kelly Lundstram Rico
    KdB Maddison Mane Traore
    Vardy Firmino

    McCarthy Cantwell Ings Soy

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Kelly first. SHU triple up?

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Triple up a bit too much. Maybe Soton defender.

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

      Soyu or Kelly. Depends on who you are thinking of getting in and how much in bank.

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

    Pray for a Greenwood start tonight! Come on Ole

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure about a start, but could well get as much as 10 mins.

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

        Likely to start imo.

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

    My TAA, Mané and Salah (TC) combo will get me how many points?

    My prediction is:

    TAA 16
    Mané 13
    Salah 6X3

    Which would mean 47 points.

    That would be very deflating.

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

      TAA 300
      Mane 1
      Salah 2

      Robbo 15

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I'd take this one.

    2. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      You have TC's Salah, but think TAA and Mane are going to score more !

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

      If you predicted that why TC Salah?

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

        Followed my heart but not my head and gut.

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

        Evidently a worrying prediction after the fact, anticipating his future regret

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

          I went with Salah TC, and fully confident he will score big

    4. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mane might not even start.

      Source: ever reliable Whoscored.com

    5. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mane might not even start.

      Source: ever reliable Whoscored.com

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

        “... Source: ever reliable Whoscored.com ...”. Ha ha. Good one. 🙂

  9. RUUD!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is it a good time to WC this bunch? The players I'd be looking to change have the *

    Henderson Norris
    Soyuncu* VVD TAA Stephens Kelly*
    Salah KDB Maddison* Dendoncker* Dreher*
    Rashford* Vardy Abraham*

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Probably get a bigger points boost overall if you hold on until blanks/doubles, but if you are bored or miles off any of your targets for the season then why not?

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

      Yeah, might hold off on Maddison, but enough there to justify WC

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

    How ironic that after I eventually got two Pool defenders for GW24 (albeit long-term) that my ML leader TCs TAA. I now want Pool to concede lol. I have Salah TC.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Sorry Joe, but I'm afraid that must not happen.

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

      Expect Cs and Robbo/VVD to score/assist Salah

  11. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Mings goal Lucky?! That was one of the finest pieces of technical finishing Ive seen. If it were Kane he would be lauded for his creativity in front of goal.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Surprised Harry didn't try to claim it.

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

        😆

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

      Mings had his feet in the air to connect with someone’s head, luckily touched the ball!

  12. jtreble
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What’s the biggest FPL cash league first place prize you’re aware of? Curious.

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

      Around 8k

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

    Mc carthy
    Lund gomez soy
    Salah(c) son kdb mane traore
    Vardy ings

    15 from 4 ...moving on slightly 🙂

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      !st world problems.13 here.

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

        How many still to play ??

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Kelly's 1 off the bench, then 4 tonight and 3 Liverpool.

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

            GL ! 🙂

            1. Fulchester's New Centr…
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              Cheers Robertakumi
              You too.

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

                Btw thinking to switch this name haha!!!

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

      Seriously expecting a son haul than pool players ...think so 🙂 will happen!

  14. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is Mane limping at 13:08? Also gets asked if he’s okay...

    Maybe WhoScored are onto something!

    https://youtu.be/rf9Zc9BErIs

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Wow Rainer, you really are doing a lot of research.
      Looks more like a turtle's head to me though.

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

        😆

        A mix of turtle head & flip flop walk, hopefully.

    2. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Does not look good at all. Only got him in this week too

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

      These footballers are forces of nature, limp all the time and play on painkillers. I wouldnt be too worried

    4. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Wow... Absolutely fuming as a Mane TCer. Where was this News in the FFS Scout Squad? this is what we pay for?

    5. Party time
        4 years, 2 months ago

        He trained yesterday. Whoscored probably tc'd wijnaldum

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

          Genius from them if so.

          1. Party time
              4 years, 2 months ago

              Lmao 😆

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

            Matey hwz yur gw runnin??! 🙂

            1. Party time
                4 years, 2 months ago

                It has only began 😆 10 from 3 with 8 to go
                (Mané,Mo,Trent, Maddison,Vardy,Martial,Williams & Jimmy)

                Mané Triple Captain 🙂

                How's your gameweek going?

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

                  15 from 4 🙂
                  Skipped TC 🙂 (yet alot to come lemmie check pool's steadyness!)

                  1. Party time
                      4 years, 2 months ago

                      Nice, I couldn't look past this oppurtunity. It feels like the right one to me although you are definitely right, there are still alot of great fixtures ahead, the TC chip is a bit over rated so why not...

                      Good luck for the gameweek buddy

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

                        Yh even i may fail at mah TC's haha!! GL in advance!

                        ~moooo~ gooo maneee! Hehe!

                        1. Party time
                            4 years, 2 months ago

                            🙂 Thanks buddy

              • FirMinaMiMo
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                If so then all TC's will walk alone haha!

              • jtreble
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                WhoScored Is a guy who works in his mom’s basement. 🙂

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

              Both Tammy and Vardy have tough next 3 so Which of these look the best punts?

              1) Tammy + Vardy >>> Aguero + DCL (-4)
              2) Tammy + Vardy >>> Aguero + Deeney (-4)
              3) Tammy to Wilson (AVL shu bur)

              Really tempted by 2 as Deeney has better chance creation and penalties as well

              1. Fulchester's New Centr…
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                Both Ev and Wat fixtures turning soon and Kun train maybe already left town. Auba + 1?

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

                  Actually was looking short term anyway as have no other issues in team, maybe Cantwell to Fleck....Any idea on Tammy injury issue? SHould go for 3 then? As Auba still one game more suspension

                  1. Fulchester's New Centr…
                    • 6 Years
                    4 years, 2 months ago

                    ‘He had ice on his ankle, but we don’t know yet,’ said Lampard. ‘I hope he’s not (out for several weeks), but then if he is then yes, we do have the players to cope.

                    Doesn't look promising.

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

                      Lampard has already acknowledged that effectively he has no faith In Abraham’s finishing and if you watch Chelsea games you will know why. If they get Cavani in then I think that’s Abraham done as an FPL option this year.

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

                        Is this a real prospect? Cavani would score a monstrous amount of goals for Chelsea

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

                          He had handed in a transfer request I believe and clearly Chelsea need a striker as per franks comments.

                          Supposedly Cavani wants to go to athletico but no doubt it’ll come down to money.

                          I wouldn’t say it’s likely but definitely possible

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

                I'm expecting both MCI and LEI to have a blank gw28

            3. Bury94
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              Come on then Klopp, give us your worst

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

              Just to confirm, is Auba available for next BUR A?

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

                Because there is no flag anymore

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

                As long as Bournemouth/Arsenal in the FAC doesn’t get postponed.

              3. Fulchester's New Centr…
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                He's G2G as far as I understand it

              4. The Polymath
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                Yes

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

              Milner, Keita & Shaq still not training.

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

                Dead legs 🙂 will return after a while

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

                Bad news for Ox owners

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

                  Suits for takumi to get in! 🙂

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

                  Fabinho their main worry.

            6. goriuanx
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              "Dejan trained since Monday"
              "Milly is not in team training, Naby is not in team training, Shaq is not in team training. All soon back"

              Looks like everyone else is fine

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

                Salah pens confirmed

                1. goriuanx
                  • 13 Years
                  4 years, 2 months ago

                  What if he's the one getting fouled and can't take it? 😉

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

                    Answer is bobby 🙂

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

                    Assist confirmed though been too many missed pens lately!

                2. Fulchester's New Centr…
                  • 6 Years
                  4 years, 2 months ago

                  More concerned about Dejan giving them away at the other end

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

                    A distant 4th choice now.

                3. Camino Aleatorio
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 5 Years
                  4 years, 2 months ago

                  The longer you own Mane the more you can’t stand Salah

                  From the weirdo Hairdo to the odd ball celebrations. There is nothing to like about Mane’s parasitical buddy

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

              1FT - 0.6itb.

              McCarthy - Fab
              Holgate - TAA - Soy - Webster - Lundstram
              Salah - Mane - KdB - Trossard - Cantwell
              Ings - Vardy - Abraham

              No idea who to move Abraham on for

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

                Anyone - his finishing ability is as bad as Maupay

              2. Fulchester's New Centr…
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                Jimi

            8. TheDragon
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              Any danger of Maupay ever converting his xG into goals?

              xG of 1.5 yesterday - no points, yet alternative option DCL one shot on target and a goal.

              The joys of FPL....

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

                Shows how good expected stats are 😉

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

                  I do sometimes wonder if they aren’t that helpful.

                  What is a ‘big chance’ surely that depends on the ability of a striker.

                  Presumably if Aguero and Maupay had the same chance they would have the same xG out of it? But that’s nonsense as in reality Aguero will score it much more often than Maupay hence should have higher xG for the same chances

                  Anyone care to shed more light on how xG is calculated / if I’m wrong?

                  1. The Ejiptian King
                    • 5 Years
                    4 years, 2 months ago

                    I think that's how it works, hence why clinical strikers that don't have a lot of attempts are 'stat busters'.

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

                    I have been trying to find a proper explanation for it since its so popular for some reason, not convinced by any.

                    It just feels like a numerical form of hindsight. If its less goals than expected goals, either underperforming or unlucky. Then what?

                    Its pretty much same as looking at SoT and interpreting in similar way.

                    It probably helps in showing quality of chances/shots which we cant understand from looking at SoT numbers, but thats about it.

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

                      Unless the ball is already in the goal I’m not sure any chance Maupay gets can be called a big chance’ for xG purposes given his probability of scoring it

                  3. Cok3y5murf
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 2 months ago

                    The likelihood of an average player to score from a shot from a certain angle and distance. Doesn't take into account the quality of the player, so Aguero and Maupay would have the same xG from the same chance. If they score under their xG, it means they were below average or really unlucky (usually the former). If they score above it, it means they were above average (which happens regularly with world-class finishers) or really lucky.

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

                      Surely the keeper is the most influential player on the results - goal or no goal

                      1. Cok3y5murf
                        • 7 Years
                        4 years, 2 months ago

                        Wouldn't say the most influential, but that's another factor that xG doesn't take into account - the quality of the keeper. For example, the screamer from outside the box that Aguero scored vs Villa would've had low xG, but due to his quality, it resulted in a goal and no keeper would've saved it.

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

                          I mean... I’m pretty sure any other premier league keeper would have saved it - that keeper got 2 very weak hands to it - but we digress!

                          1. Cok3y5murf
                            • 7 Years
                            4 years, 2 months ago

                            Perhaps, but you get my point. Consider one of KDB's countless screamers then.

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

                      If thats true then xG has serious limitations (and most on here do not factor in these limitations in their decision making)

                      So a rubbish player with an xG of 20 per game will still blank as they are terrible at shooting

                      Hence selecting players based purely on xG is also misleading.....

                      ..... does this mean Jonty’s goals imminent table is also a lie?!?!

                      It’s quite literally meant to be ‘expected goals’ and it isn’t!

                      1. The Ejiptian King
                        • 5 Years
                        4 years, 2 months ago

                        Time to start considering players stats from Football Manager to go with their xG, only half joking.

                      2. Cok3y5murf
                        • 7 Years
                        4 years, 2 months ago

                        I look at it knowing its limitations. No, you shouldn't pick players purely based on xG. McBurnie, for instance, missed an absolute sitter vs Liverpool recently. High xG, no goal as he's not quality.

                        xG is still better than stats like shots in the box though because shots in the box don't indicate quality of shots whereas that's exactly what xG does. A player shooting from a bad angle which will always be saved registers as a shot in the box.

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

                      Yep, this is exactly how xG works.

              2. Fulchester's New Centr…
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                He's due

              3. Fpl Richie
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                I'm cornered into keeping - it's like playing with 10 men right now

              4. The Ejiptian King
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                Ancelotti's comments on DCL are what made me get him in.

              5. The Rumour Mill
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                Its just ridiculously unlucky. I own him too and couldn't believe how he didn't score. I had the same experience with Abraham at Newcastle just 4 days ago aswell. Its very frustrating when good fantasy management doesn't pay off. Just have to accept it, move on and trust that your luck will improve (even if its next season before it does!)

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

                  But is it....or is he just terrible at shooting and this what looks like ‘bad luck’ based on theoretical xG for the average premier league player is in fact just the fact he is abysmal so he could have all
                  the chances in the world and not score

                  I say this as someone who currently owns him and brought him in purely due to stats (and the fixtures)

                  1. The Rumour Mill
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 2 months ago

                    I think there's an argument to be had for applying weighting factors for certain players when comparing them, historical conversion rates and such like. I'm not sure how readily available that info is.

                    I don't think he's terrible. He's scored 7 goals this season for Brighton from an xG of 10, and most of that underperformance came last night. He's in and around the numbers you would expect from an average striker in the league. Interestingly firmino has only scored 7 from an Xg of 10 and people don't think he's terrible. I'm sure he will revert to the mean too (probably in this DGW as I don't own him and millions have conveniently switched to him from Rashford!)

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

                      Thanks - great thoughts 🙂 I’m probably being too harsh on poor Maupay but can’t believe he didn’t get at least 1 yesterday!

                      I too had Abraham for the Newcastle game and swapped him to Maupay this week. Out of the frying pan.....

                      1. The Rumour Mill
                        • 7 Years
                        4 years, 2 months ago

                        Oh man that's unlucky. There's been a few like that this season, Pukki swung from elite finishing to below average after about 8 gamweeks for example.

                        Its a fair point you raise though on player characteristics. I think Ings, Vardy, Aubameyang are all regarded as above average finishers and are unsurprisingly outperforming their xG this season. I'm not sure whats available in the members area but if they've got a stat for career finishing rate as a percentage for each striker that would be a useful weighting factor to apply to points prediction models and such like. Its certainly made me think about it more anyway.

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

                He has had terrific stats all season.. just seems like one of those players who will always underperform

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

                  So he is just rubbish at football essentially?

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

                Thanks to everyone who has inputted. My conclusions / take always:

                1. Buy good players who have good xG
                2. Don’t buy ‘bad’ players regardless of xG
                3. My lack of fully understanding of xG has led me to buy Maupay who despite his xG is a terrible pick as his shooting is awful

                I’ll win FPL next season!

            9. Fpl Richie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              Just interested in canvassing opinion..
              Why has Matt Ryan become such a disaster pick?
              It seemed a good idea when Pope's fixtures turned but I'm considering selling as soon as I can - which seems ridiculous but necessary 🙂

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

                Because they concede (usually exactly 1 goal) every game.

                Last nights result was just ridiculous - Classic elite level FPL trolling....

                ....I look forward to those who started Rico telling me it was obvious he would get an attacking return and that Bournemouth would score easily and Brighton would struggle to score. 🙂

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

                They have only kept one clean sheet since GW12. Don't know when you got him or what your reasons were at the time, but for many it will have been a case of fixtures over form

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

                  At that that time he was top of the keepers for points - it was for the fixtures yup

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

                Has always been a meh pick, not sure why he was so popular.

                His high points total was just because of first few weeks performance.

                Got him when Fabianski got injured for the first time and all he got was 2-3pts...

                They way they play, CSs will be rare.

              4. Fulchester's New Centr…
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                Distracted by events in Oz.
                Relaxed when Button went down to 3.9?
                BHA were never keeping CS anyway, even when he was scoring well.

              5. Fpl Richie
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                OK, a round bashing there. But you would think he'd be getting saves etc. Odd.
                Is it worth a hit to lose him? Stack of other fires but he's definitely one.

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

                  Unless you see a penalty save soon, some pain can be easily covered up with a clean sheet elsewhere.

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

                    I wouldn't be in such a rush to get rid that I'd take a hit.

                    On the decision-making process, it takes 12 saves to cover a clean sheet (*possibly less if the saves lead to BPs). If a keeper is keeping clean sheets as rarely as Ryan, you're asking him to make a bucket load of saves to cover a keeper who is recording shutouts every 3 games, say.

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

                      Obviously, hindsight is lovely!

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

                  Don't think it's necessary for a hit. Try to do it for free when you have the chance.

              6. Will Kane
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                My intention was to pick Ryan as a set-and-forget for the whole season to see how it worked out. In the early part of the season he was quite regularly picking up save points and bonus points even when conceding, but now those have dried up he very rarely gets more than a 3 pointer. That said, he's still only 14 points behind the top scoring keeper and if he was able to get a penalty save like Hendo and Pope he'd be right in the mix. All that said, I'm going to switch him for Henderson if no other fires to put out this week.

              7. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
                • 13 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                My advice is to pick a goalkeeper and stick with him

                The ceiling for goalkeepers is lower than any other position. As long as you have one keeper who plays then stick

                Clean sheets are difficult to predict, penalty saves are unpredictable. A keeper may have bad fixtures but walk away with a decent score due to saves even with no clean sheet.

                As long as your keeper starts and is in a team where he will make saves just set and forget and dont waste valuable transfers

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

                  Arguably the most sensible thing you have ever said on here.

                  By seasons end the chances are that the top scoring keeper will only be about 20-25 points better off than the majority of keepers. That's not even 1 point a game better off.

                  Someone did an article on it last season, I think. It's such a small difference that it's not worth messing about over.

                  Just fire and forget.

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

                    You obviously don’t own Ryan 😉

                    But seriously , very good points. That’s why I have Ryan & Button - the guaranteed season long set and forget

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

                      Au contraire.

                      I own Ryan and Button and for the same reason that you do.

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

                I made the same switch for Burnley's fixtures. Definitely expected more from Ryan in terms of save points, if not CSs.

                Ryan ➡ Dubravka for me this GW.

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

              Last Man Standing Update (847 teams)

              Current safety score = 10
              Top score = 37
              LMS average = 16.82 (-0.95) = 15.87
              Captains played = 0.94%
              Players played = 4.71/12.75

              LMS EOs 10 or more left

              Vardy 95 Soy 64 Mad 26
              Martial 28 Williams 12 Greenwood 10
              Pope 11
              Salah 186 Mane 130 TAA 107 Robbo 17 Firmino 14

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

                Are you still in?

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

                  Nah.

            11. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              Early thoughts on what to do next week?
              Ryan (Button)
              TAA Sidibe Lundstram (Soy)(Williams)
              Maddison Mane Salah KDB Cantwell
              Ings Vardy (Greenwood)

              2FT's, 0.2 itb

              1. Fuddled FC
                • 12 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                Consider losing Soy

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

                Ryan out might work.

            12. Fuddled FC
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              Who are the 2 best defence options from SU now
              Naildness being important

              a) Lund (still)
              b) Baldock
              c) Stevens
              d) O'connell
              e) Egan

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

                A and C

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

              So is Lundstram a huge rotation risk now?

              1. Fuddled FC
                • 12 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                Well he is certainly more of a rotation risk imo

              2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
                • 13 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                Wait and see

                A bit more worrying now

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

                Besic lurking...

            14. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              I hate having money ITB (in fpl terms obviously). Would you upgrade with 1FT and 2million?

              Ryan
              TAA Digne Soy
              Mane KDB Martial Grealish
              Vardy Jiminez Firmino

              Button Cantwell Rico Kabasele

              1. Debauchy
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                Nah , points come from all price points.As long as you have the Captains you want gtg

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

              Arguably the most sensible thing you have ever said on here.

              By seasons end the chances are that the top scoring keeper will only be about 20-25 points better off than the majority of keepers. That's not even 1 point a game better off.

              Someone did an article on it last season, I think. It's such a small difference that it's not worth messing about over.

            16. KingOllie
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              Iv only just bought the disaster that is Maupay, but would:

              Chilwell + Maupay -> Stephens + Jiminez for free be good use of 2 FTs?

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

                Yes - see above for Maupay discussion - feel free to join in with the rage!

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

                I'd keep Maupay one more game

              3. Debauchy
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                I jumped on Maupay earlier in the season. Never again , he's a poor finisher . Yes get rid

            17. The Pesci challenge
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              To the Newcastle fans. Who are you playing at cb week in week out, I see schar, Fernandez and lascelles all getting game time but I would like to know who would be best?