Scout Notes

Abraham returns in Chelsea draw but leaves FPL owners with injury concern

CHELSEA 2-2 ARSENAL

  • Goals: Jorginho (£4.9m), Cesar Azpilicueta (£5.8m)| Gabriel Martinelli (£4.5m), Hector Bellerin (£5.4m)
  • Assists: Tammy Abraham (£7.8m), Callum Hudson-Odoi (£5.3m) | Shkodran Mustafi (£5.1m), Lucas Torreira (£4.7m)
  • Bonus Points: Jorginho x3, Martinelli x2, Bellerin x1, Mustafi x1

Despite taking just two shots at Stamford Bridge during Double Gameweek 24, a 10-man Arsenal managed to leave with a point after equalising twice.

A red card for David Luiz (£5.7m) after 27 minutes for a foul on Tammy Abraham (£7.8m) allowed Jorginho (£4.9m) to open the scoring from the penalty spot.

To get sent off the way he did was a shame for him, but he was proud of the team. – Mikel Arteta

Despite having the extra man, Chelsea failed to increase their advantage or dominate the game for the final 20 minutes of the first half.

CHEARS scout notes 6
Hector Bellerin makes it 2-2 late on at Stamford Bridge

While Frank Lampard’s men did take control after the interval, they were sucker-punched on 63 minutes as Arsenal levelled with their first shot of the evening.

Shkodran Mustafi‘s (£5.1m) header clear from a Chelsea corner found Gabriel Martinelli (£4.5m), who ran the length of the pitch before coolly slotting past Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5.5m) for a second consecutive league goal.

The young Arsenal forward will be a tempting option for many FPL bosses looking to free up funds for other moves, though there remains the possibility that he could imminently depart for international duty.

Martinelli was close to being sacrificed by Mikel Arteta after Luiz’s dismissal, though the manager made a fortunate u-turn on the decision. He explained:

With Martinelli I changed my mind because I didn’t want to send that message to the team. I asked them to be accountable.

The home side then looked to have locked up three points after Callum Hudson-Odoi (£5.3m) – who impressed in his role on the Chelsea right – found Cesar Azpilicueta (£5.8m) in the box after a short-corner routine.

CHEARS scout notes 3
Gabriel Martinelli gets the Gunners’ first equaliser

Played onside by Granit Xhaka (£5.1m), the Spanish full-back’s effort beat Bernd Leno (£5.0m) as Chelsea retook the lead after 84 minutes.

That corner was won by Abraham, who ended up hitting the hoardings after contesting the ball with Arsenal substitute Rob Holding (£4.5m).

The collision left the Chelsea striker a passenger for the final minutes of the game, with Lampard giving a brief injury update post-match.

(Abraham) had ice on his ankle but we don’t know (what the injury is) yet.

Question if he has the resources at his disposal to deal with Abraham’s possible absence, Lampard delivered a frank response:

Yeah, I do.

With the Blues seemingly set for three points, Azpilicueta’s countryman Hector Bellerin (£5.4m) marked his return from a long-term injury with a superb left-footed strike in the 88th minute to earn Arteta’s men a point.

The Arsenal boss said after the game:

I am proud. I said to them I believe they can get back in the game and I’m very pleased. Tonight is going to be a great experience for them as in football anything can happen.

Meanwhile, Chelsea chief Lampard was less than impressed with the result amid Chelsea’s ongoing home struggles:

You think you have done enough, you would hope so. We got a detail wrong and the second goal was soft. It was too soft. We have to be real about it. They have had two shots and two goals.

We know the problems at home and they defended their box well. It is the story of creating a lot [but] not unbelievable chances. We need to take them again.

We are looking at it but a lot of the results have looked the same. I don’t like too many stats in expected goals but we [are] bottom of the league in taking them.

While it was 11 versus 11 in the opening half, Callum Hudson-Odoi (£5.3m) was the standout player from an FPL point-of-view.

CHEARS scout notes 2
Callum Hudson-Odoi gave Bukayo Saka a torrid time

The midfielder played from the right of Chelsea’s attacking trio, with Willian (£7.2m) flanking Abraham from the left.

Hudson-Odoi made life very difficult for Arsenal’s makeshift left-back Bukayo Saka (£4.5m midfielder), as the Chelsea winger attempted four crosses in the opening 15 minutes. He also hit the top of Leno’s crossbar with an effort somewhere between a shot and a cross.

The £5.3m man only trailed left-back Emerson (£5.5m) for crosses, while he was just behind Jorginho for ‘expected assists’ (xA) among all assets.

Hudson-Odoi did eventually pick up an attacking return for Azpilicueta’s strike though with Abraham potentially sidelined and a tough-looking immediate schedule [Leicester (a), Man Utd (H), Spurs (H)], the budget midfielder may be one for the watchlist at present.

Lampard also hinted that Christian Pulisic (£6.9m) will be back in the frame for a wing role on his expected return from injury in Gameweek 26 or 27.

He is getting better and today could have helped the team (if he had been fit).

Chelsea’s spot-kick specialist Jorginho admitted the draw against 10 men was tough to take:

We feel like we lost the game. We had the game in our hands, then in the last second conceded a goal when we shouldn’t. It’s hard. We need to move forward. I don’t think it’s confidence, because we played well and were controlling the game.

Something about concentration maybe. In these kind of games, you lose in moments. We made mistakes. That is it. These big games are like these. You can win and lose the game in the details.

Chelsea (4-3-3): Kepa; Emerson, Christensen, Rüdiger, Azpilicueta; Kovacic (Barkley 66′), Kanté (Mount 69′), Jorginho; Willian (Batshuayi 79′), Abraham, Hudson-Odoi.

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Leno; Saka, Luiz, Mustafi, Bellerín; Torreira, Xhaka; Martinelli (Willock 90+1′), Özil (Guendouzi 57′), Pépé (Holding 80′); Lacazette.

MEMBERS ANALYSIS

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1,448 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Neo-Viper
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy to who?

    1. Neo-Viper
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Have the exact cash.
      9.6

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

      DCL, Deeney, Jimenez or make way for Kun/Auba

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

    Definitely think Perez is a good option if Vardy is out for a little bit.

    Thinking of a freshen up. Thoughts?

    Fabianski, Hanley, Neto, Vardy > Henderson, Ritchie, Perez, Ings (-8)

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

    Its tough supporting Man United jeez

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

    Time to find a new hobby.

  5. Egg noodle
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Of course goddamn Nicholas Pope scores 22 points in 2 games after I sell him.

    1. Better luck next year
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Same here mate, thats fantasy for you!

      1. Egg noodle
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Who did you get instead? I got Ryan and he seems to have given up on life.

        1. Better luck next year
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Ryan here as well...

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

      Goddamn troll

    3. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      'Twas jammy (and lazy) to hold fire, but I'll take it.

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Not like so many keepers were doing so great. I have him on bench and Martin playing. Hopefully Randolph stays fit for all of Pool game!

        1. Drexl Spivey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          This is it. Just never seems worth dumping a transfer on a keeper.

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

      Same here! And the replacement McCarthy got 7

    5. Legendary!
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Same.Annoying as f**k

  6. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51115605

    Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers, speaking to BBC Sport: "I thought we were very good. We played with that authority in the game and personality that the team has played with all season. Tempo was good, pressed well."

    On Jamie Vardy's injury: "It is not his hamstring which is good. Hopefully over the next couple of days it will ease off and he will be fit. Jamie is a real talisman for the team but if we are going to have success it is about the team.

    "He hasn't played for us in a number of games and the team has still played well but of course we want him fit and well. He is such a good player and we hope it is not too serious

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

      Cheers.

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

      Will know more in the coming days, "hope it is not too serious" isn't enough.

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

        "Hopefully over the next couple of days it will ease off and he will be fit. "

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

        Isn't enough? Rodgers isn't a chartered physiotherapist and the next gameweek is >9 days away. Even if he was it's too early to say. Wait and see how he is before making changes. Hasty sales has bitten a few this season.

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

          We'll also know the BGW28 fixtures & how the FAC 5th round is looking...

          If there's every a week to hold firm, it's this.

          1. Legendary!
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            tell the kneekerjkers

    3. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      "...but if we are going to have success it is about the team." That statement shows a substantial probability that Vardy will be out for a while. Rodgers is preparing for life without the striker.

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Could be. Plus Vardy's goalstreak has cooled off and Aguero, Aubameyang, Jiminez and a few other strikers look like good picks. So if you're considering selling Vardy anyway do it now before his price drops. But there are still PL and FA Cup games in between now and GW25 to throw a spanner in the works.

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

    Tammy & Vardy > Jimmy & Auba for -4?

    Gives me

    Hendo
    TAA - Rico - Sidibe
    Doucoure - mane - salah - Zaha - Richarlson
    Jimmy - Auba

    Button - Tangana - lord lund - Ings

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

    Has anyone seen Vardy after he got injured, went down etc?? If so how did it actually look? Serious? Potential medium to long term?? Thanks

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

      Hamstring

    2. Lfcni1986
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Confirmed glute by Rodgers no hamstring

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

        Is that much better?

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

          Yes

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

          Putting him on a glute n free diet.....

      2. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        So he said. My bad. Looked like hammy though.

  9. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Robertson, Cathcart and Richalrison or

    Laporte, VVD and Doucoure

  10. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Rio.... what a difference a year makes 😎

    1. Legendary!
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      LOL!

  11. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy > Aguero anyone?

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

      Did this last night

  12. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I have Vardy with his friggin yellow flag. Grealish to Perez yay or nay?

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

    Can someone please link the spreadsheet for the BGW

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

    If Salah blanks i am sooooooooooooooooooo fooked.

  15. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Pope is the man

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

      And also a troll

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

        4.5m keepers can't really troll you.

      2. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Shouldn't of sold, don't waste transfers on keepers

  16. Teahupo'o
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Looking to shake things up. Best moves?

    Pope
    TAA Lundstram Rico
    Mane Salah KDB Mahrez Cantwell
    Vardy DCL

    (Button, Ings Williams Tanganga)
    1FT 0.7ITB

    A) DCL Vardy ➡ Kun Martinelli -4
    B) Cantwell Vardy ➡ Auba Hayden -4
    C) KDB DCL Vardy ➡ Hayden Kun Auba -8

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

      B

      1. Teahupo'o
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks

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

    Completely bamboozled after reading those Rodgers comments. I'd all but sold Soy and Vardy already...

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

    Told you guys Williams would play, it's ok, thank me later.

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I would hide if I was you

      There’s a mob out looking for you

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

      Man U wont play Burnley every week

  19. Party time
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Every gameweek there is always a lesson to be learnt. When will it stop?! Heck!

    • jonnybhoy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      So with Vardy expected to be fit for the next game are you keeping or selling? If selling are you going Auba or Aguero?

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

        I might sell anyway frankly - fancy Auba in

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

          Thinking this too

        2. pablo discobar
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          I'll be doing thid

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

          this

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

        Let the dust settle, Rodgers said it wasn’t serious. A long time till next gw

      3. EL tridente
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Most likely sell. Leicester next 3 fixtures is pretty tough

    • Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      OGS clueless?

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

        Clearly.

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

        Bit harsh on clueless people.

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

      Ff is a funny old game. No one wants pope, rubbish keeper in a rubbish team. Couple of weeks later, second highest scoring keeper.

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        That’s FPL for you

        It consistently defies logic

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

        Keeper has been a disaster for many this season.

    • Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      4 points between 5th and 14th

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

        Most competitive league in the world...

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

          A lot of poor teams in the league this season

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

        Makes it all the more remarkable how Pool have won all but one game. So many teams on similar level and then Liverpool miles ahead

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

          So many poor teams. Chelsea, united and spurs would have had no chance of a top 4 in most other seasons if they'd been this bad. Even arsenal could make it.

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

      Tonight bodes well for pool vs West ham. Yum!

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah hopefully Salah and Mane fill thier boots

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

        Liverpool probably lose both games by a single goal the way this GW is shaping up.

    • Better luck next year
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Lesson learned. Never switch GK unless using WC or replacing cause of injury.

      1. Party time
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Lesson Learned. We are all Casuals

        • GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Or unless it's for a better keeper in a similar price range.

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

        Vardy martial -4 to

        A) auba or kun
        B) grealish or fleck (fleck itb upgrade maupay simpson later)

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

          Wondering the same Vardy+Martial > Aguero+Fleck

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

        Why did Loris play? I thought he broked his arm

        1. Syd.
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Arms do heal

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

          He did.

        3. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Still broken. Mourinho confirmed Lloris is not human but played him anyway. VAR investigation pending.

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

        So many fires to put out....
        What are Martial owners doing?

        1. Syd.
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          I’m just laughing at him

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

          WC activated.

          No Martial

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

          Keeping - don't ask why

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

        wonderful GW! I got a massive 16 pts. With Mane (C), salah & robbo to go. How has everyone done?

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

          21 pts with Salah (TC), TAA and Mané left

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

          Can't complain already 6pts more than last gameweek!

      6. Skalla
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        What is everyone doing with Jones that shoulder injury could be a problem?

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

          Hahahahahahahahah

          Nobody owns Jones

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

          Getting in DDG to cover the Utd defence