Scout Notes

The Vardy injury latest as West Ham are thumped in Double Gameweek 24 opener

Leicester City 4-1 West Ham United

  • Goals: Harvey Barnes (£5.9m), Ricardo Pereira (£6.3m), Ayoze Perez (£6.1m) x2 | Mark Noble (£5.0m)
  • Assists: Pereira, Barnes, Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.7m) x2 | Sebastien Haller (£7.0m)
  • Bonus: Perez x3, Barnes x2, Pereira x1

Jamie Vardy‘s (£10.0m) annus horribilis (no pun intended) continued at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday evening, as the well-owned Fantasy Premier League forward was forced off with a gluteal injury after just 41 minutes of Leicester City’s 4-1 win over West Ham United.

Having ended 2019 on paternity leave, Vardy missed out on the New Year’s Day win at Newcastle United because of a calf problem and then banked his one attacking return of this calendar year (an assist) in the defeat to Southampton.

A missed penalty at Burnley on Sunday preceded his first ‘one-pointer’ of the season, with Vardy now without a goal since the Gameweek 18 defeat to Manchester City.

The Leicester striker had pulled up after dutifully carrying out some defensive work for his side and, after an unsuccessful attempt to run his injury off, made way for Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.7m) just before the break.

Many of us might have feared a hamstring injury and a possible lengthy spell on the sidelines à la Harry Kane (£10.8m) but there were some encouraging comments from Brendan Rodgers after full-time, with Foxes’ head coach saying in a television interview:

It’s not his hamstring, which is good. When he kicked the ball he felt a sharpness in his glute, so hopefully over the next couple of days that will ease off and he’ll be available and fit. But I’ll speak to the medical team in the morning.

Rodgers made similar noises in his post-match press conference, stressing that he didn’t yet have a timeframe on Vardy’s return.

The good news from a Fantasy manager’s perspective is that Leicester are in FA Cup and Carabao Cup action before they take on Chelsea in Gameweek 25, so we are likely to be provided with plenty of updates from Rodgers as he faces the media on multiple occasions over the next eight days or so.

Two possible beneficiaries of a Vardy absence both banked attacking returns with their teammate off the field.

Iheanacho provided the assists for both of Ayoze Perez‘s (£6.1m) goals, and it is the Nigerian who has been fielded as a centre-forward whenever Vardy hasn’t been around this season.

Perez has also shone when Vardy has been sidelined, with the former Newcastle man racking up three double-digit hauls in Gameweeks 20, 21 and 24 – all games in which Leicester’s number nine has either missed or departed early from:

In Gameweeks 20 and 21, Perez had been fielded as a number ten in a 4-2-3-1 and as a striker in a 3-5-2 respectively.

He looked far better when playing centrally in those two games than he has done when stationed on the right and it was no surprise that he amassed 23 points in the process.

Perez was back on the right of a 4-2-3-1 for this encounter but looked threatening when cutting inside and it was interesting to note that, even in the first half, Vardy was drifting to the left flank, opening up space infield for Perez.

That’s a tactic to watch out for when the premium forward returns, although Rodgers would surely want his 17-goal hitman as close to the opposition box as possible more often than not.

Perez also turned out to be next in line for penalties with Vardy off the field, which will have irked owners of James Maddison (£7.6m).

After Iheanacho had been felled by Angelo Ogbonna (£4.5m), it was Perez who stepped up to confidently despatch the spot-kick and restore the Foxes’ two-goal cushion.

Iheanacho then teed Perez up for Leicester’s fourth with three minutes left.

Rodgers had words of praise for his back-up striker after full-time, saying:

Kelechi came in and he was very, very good. He wants to run in behind, he was powerful, his touch was good, he works ever so hard, and he always looks like he can create and score goals. I thought he came in and did very well.

The comfortable-looking scoreline belied a few nervy moments in the second half when West Ham had pegged their hosts back to 2-1.

This was yet another match without a clean sheet for Rodgers’ side, who have conceded in every game bar one of the last nine league fixtures.

Faith in Caglar Soyuncu (£5.1m) and co might have subsided even more, then, particularly as the Foxes next face Chelsea, Wolves and Manchester City in the league and then a possible blank in Gameweek 28.

READ MORE: When the Blank and Double Gameweeks could take place.

It was rather ironic that Leicester’s latest chance of a shut-out was ruined by a daft foul from Wilfred Ndidi (£5.0m), whose recent absence many of us had lamented because of the security he provides his defence.

The Nigerian, on as a substitute to replace the injured Nampalys Mendy (£4.3m) after half an hour, felled Sebastien Haller (£7.0m) in the home side’s penalty box to allow Mark Noble (£5.0m) to reduce the arrears on 49 minutes, with Kasper Schmeichel (£5.4m) comfortably beaten by the West Ham captain.

Ben Chilwell (£5.6m) returned to the side after his recent omission but it was his opposite full-back, Ricardo Pereira (£6.3m), who caught the eye.

The Portugal international hadn’t produced an attacking return since Gameweek 7 and many of his previous owners would have jumped shipped during this barren run, with some no doubt bringing in a premium Liverpool defender ahead of Double Gameweek 24.

Pereira was a joy to watch on the ball, teeing up the equally impressive Harvey Barnes (£5.9m) for the Foxes’ opener and then being returned the favour when thumping Leicester into a 2-0 lead on the stroke of half-time.

Paying tribute to Barnes, Rodgers said:

Outstanding. Arguably his best game since I’ve been here. Getting better all the time, I think the goal against Burnley has given him confidence.

He’s improving, he’s developing, he’s got power, he’s got speed, he can go either way and, like I say, he’s getting goals and creating goals.

Anyone who invested in the West Ham defence was left disappointed, with all bar goalkeeper Darren Randolph (£4.5m) – who salvaged a save point from this mess – scoring zero or worse.

Few will be expecting much in the way of defensive returns against Liverpool next Wednesday, either.

Haller and Noble at least rewarded their owners with an attacking return apiece, although the West Ham striker did little else of note and didn’t register a single shot of his own.

Far more impressive was the fit-again Michail Antonio (£6.9m), who was thrown on at half-time and who caused the Leicester backline real problems on his introduction up front.

David Moyes’ side also posed a threat or two at set plays, with their penalty award stemming from a half-cleared free-kick.

Few will be interested in West Ham’s assets once Double Gameweek 24 is out of the way, though.

A home match against struggling Brighton a week on Saturday obviously appeals but the Hammers are then rooted to the bottom of our Season Ticker through Gameweeks 26-32, taking on seven clubs who are all currently in the top half of the Premier League table.

Reflecting on the game, Moyes said:

I thought the first-half performance was really poor, I was hoping we might scrape through to half-time at 1-0 and see if I could do something about it.

We did improve, we got better in the second half, they rallied and the introduction of Michail Antonio gave us something different.

First half we couldn’t get the ball forward, or keep it, have any attacks whatsoever but I thought second half we did much better.

It was more to do with the defending in the second half. While we’re at 2-1 I thought we started to get a bit open, chased the game a little bit, getting picked off easy, when I thought we should have waited and bided our time and take us closer to the finishing line.

Robert Snodgrass (£5.2m), the second-most-bought West Ham asset of Gameweek 24 behind Noble, failed to make it out for the second half, although it wasn’t clear if his withdrawal was linked to an early knock or purely tactical.

Leicester City XI (4-1-4-1): Schmeichel; Pereira, Evans, Soyuncu, Chilwell; Mendy (Ndidi 34′); Perez, Maddison, Tielemans, Barnes (Morgan 83′); Vardy (Iheanacho 44′).

West Ham United XI (3-4-2-1): Randolph; Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Zabaleta, Rice, Noble, Masuaku (Antonio 46;); Snodgrass (Fornals 46′), Lanzini; Haller.

Members Analysis

897 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Fitzy.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Lateriser looking smarter every day...

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

      +1

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

      Yea what a genius, predicting vardy penalty miss and injury...

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

        Was alluding to him swapping Vardy to Aguero 3 weeks ago and captaining him twice. Jumping into the top 1k in the process. Thought a 'pro' like you would appreciate that kind of move.

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

    Yeah I’ve run out of patience with Vardy.

    Auba IN

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Just pulled the trigger myself. Vardy will be dropping in price too

    2. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I am done with Vardy too. Now still not sure if I should bring Aguero or Auba

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

        Wondering the same thing myself, would expect Auba to start but who knows with Pep

  3. The Man Pastore
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I have exact money for Vardy + Abraham + Maddi --> Aguero + Wood + Grealish for -4pts.

    YAY or NAY?

    That would give me :

    Henderson Button
    TAA VVD Lund Targett Kelly
    Mane KDB Mahrez Grealish Cantwell
    Aguero Wood Maupay

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

      Recent random low scoring weeks make me less likely to want a -4.

      1. The Man Pastore
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        problem is that I would be priced out otherwise...

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

          go for it mate

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

    Better move?
    A. Soy Vardy to Auba Lascelles
    B. Martial Vardy to Auba Grealish
    C. As B to Aguero Fleck (plus cash to upgrade Soy)

    Leaning on A with Martial flipped to get Jimi back soon.

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

      I'm on A

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

      A

  5. Old Man
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    That decision to ditch Pope a few ago is now looking an expensive one.

    1. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      ouch, that's unlucky indeed...

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      He's such a troll

    3. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      You're not alone with that one. It was a solid decision on the evidence though, annoying but not worth regret.

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

    My last 4 transfers out

    Jimenez Aguero Grealish Pope.

    Who do you want me to break next?

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

      kdb please

      1. The Man Pastore
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        LOL

    2. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Got Grealish or Lundstram?

    3. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      oh dear

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

      TAA

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

      Haller Mane & Martial

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

      Sell Martial for me if you own

    7. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Aurier and Pereira. 2 goalkeeper transfers ending with Fabianski 1 point, McCarthy 7. Pope on bench with 24. I was on the exact change for Digne when i brought in Sidibe, just wanted to save 0.4.. 6,1,1 vs 12, 2, 6. Maupay over DCL just because he had better long term fixtures.. last one is actually those kind of transfers i´m not really bothered about as it was a good one. Maupay had one masterclass save from Kepa, one from Scmeichel and then how on earth did he not score yesterday is beyond me and i know he is not the most clinical striker there is. one goal and they would have been pretty even points wise. Don´t need to bother taking him out though.

      I am this close to get Kun, so i ´ll guess he is broken then. To me he starts vs Spurs and then i think he might vs West ham. City have nothing to play for in the league but close to CHL i think Kun is getting time before Real to maintain fitness.

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

    What to do here guys, got 1 FT and 0.7 ITB...

    Hendo Button
    Rico Lunds Dunk Catchart TAA
    Mane KDB Cantwell Grealish Doucoure
    Ings Kun Bobby

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

    Early thoughts, Vardy Mahrez to:

    1. Kun 6.0
    2. Auba Grealish
    3. Someone Son

    ?

    1. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      How much money would that give you?

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

        17.9

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

      I’ve done Vardy and Maddi to B

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

    Which 4.5 SHU defender for the run in?

    A) Basham
    B) Egan

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Egan

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

    What to do with Son?
    1. Hold and play against Man City then Villa
    2. Sell for Fleck this week. Then Deeney/DCL > Aubamayang the week after.
    3. Hold just for this week then go Son > Armstrong, Deeney > Aubamayang for free.

    Henderson
    TAA,Digne,Lascelles
    Salah,Mane,KDB,Son,Grealish
    Deeney,DCL

    McCarthy,Lundstrum,Greenwood,Williams

  11. Robson-Canoe
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Has Ayoze Perez finally become a viable option after being the ultimate troll at the beginning of the season?

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

      Leicester’s fixtures are tough now

      1. Robson-Canoe
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I will monitor his game time in the cup games but I can see the Leicester attack doing well against CHE, wol and MCI tbh.

  12. Magic Hamster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Martial + Vardy to Auba + Fleck... Seem sensible?

    Have 2ft and will leave me with 2.9itb to fix other issues as they inevitably arise.

    Don't see any mid price midfielders right now with decent fixtures and form. Already got Grealish.

  13. marcus2704
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Choose one out ot Grealish, Mahrez, or Maddison?

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mahrez no brainer

  14. Amey
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Great stat about Perez. IF Vardy is out for long he's a viable alternative from Leicester attack then.

    1. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      That's what I was thinking

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

    Welcome to Trent TC Thursday.

    1. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah!

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

      Good luck! I didn't have the balls so I went with Salah.

  16. balint84
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    replacement of Vardy? (owning Ings)

    A) Jimenez
    B) Calvert-Lewin
    C) Deeney
    D) Pukki

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

      Right now B. When Wolves get better fixtures then Jimmy

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

    The starters were horrific
    I have moderate hopes for the main course.
    The dessert should be outstanding.

  18. Kaiser123
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Perez could be good. Got Vardy, Tammy anf Gaz to deal with. No idea what to do. Perhaps DCL /Jimi/ Deeney for Tammy. Vard for Auba/Firm. Hendo for Gaz

    1. Kaiser123
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Should be Auba/ Firm for Vard. Just woke up!

  19. Muscout
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Why is everyone bringing in Auba for Vardy?
    Surely Aguero is a better option?

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

      Look at the fixtures

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

      Think it's mainly price tag and rotation risk, however, I thought it was pretty obvious Aguero would be rested in the last match

  20. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Please help, my strikers and defence are a mess!

    Ryan (Button)
    TAA / Lund / Sidibe / Dunk (Kelly)
    KDB / Mane / Salah / Grealish (Dendon)
    Ings / DCL (Vardy)

    Thanks

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

      Vardy to Auba and downgrade Sidibe to the best you can afford.

  21. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Time to jump on Ayoze Perez?

    - He has been involved in 11 goals in his last 13 pl starts

    - Historically he is a strong finisher to the season and look like he has cemented his place finally

    Absolute Bargain at 6.1m for a player playing for top 3 side. Agree?

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

      He’s on my watch list now. I’ve had triple Leicester for months now and recently it’s been frustrating.

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

      Once the fixtures turn. It's very punty now - weirdly unless Vardy is out-out

    3. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yep. Thinking ti get either him or Trossard. Monitoring.

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

        surely has to prefer leicester attacker over brighton no ?

  22. balint84
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    recommended keeper with good fixture?

    A) henderson
    B) ryan
    C) dub-rave-kah

    1. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Tbh I try and go for q cheap.keeprr this season as clean sheets are very rare. If you get one it's a bonus so my theory is try and save some pennies

  23. n14mul
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Morning,

    With all the strikers dropping out alot attention on Ageuro and rightly so may I add.

    My question is does everyone still back him through the tough fixtures and more importantly with the roulette?

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

      I would argue that the tough fixtures is when they need to start Agüero.

      1. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Fair point....thing is this is pep.

      2. M.I.A.
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I agree with this and that’s why I believe he’s minutes have been managed recently.

  24. The Man Pastore
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Who is the better option :

    A) Calvert-Lewin
    B) Wood
    C) Deeney

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A by 3 miles

      1. amit1964
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        a or c. wotford play well

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

      Easy A

  25. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Grealish or Perez

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      perez

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

      Grealish

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

    Gutted about Vardy as a non owner. It was a great differential that’s now all but disappeared.

  27. Locolo
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy and tammy to bobby and auby.

    Done deal.

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

    Morning all, GTG?

    McCarthy
    TAA Robbo Williams
    Salah KDB Grealish Fleck Hayden
    Aguero Auba

    Play:
    A) Ings (liv)
    B) Hayden (NOR)

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

      Hayden

    2. dr. Phil
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Is Williams still in the team?

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

      Woof. Looking good

  29. thepirates
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    2FT 0,1 ITB
    what to do with this lot? got Vardy at 9 so waiting more info on him.

    Mccarthy
    Dunk - TAA - Rico
    Mané - Salah (C) - KDB - Traore
    Jimenez - Ings - Vardy
    Bench: Button, Lundstram - Soy - Dendonk

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

      Vardy to Kun or Aub

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

      Vardy and Traore to Auba and Grealish

    3. balint84
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      play lundstram against cp

  30. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    1-0 Wolves incoming to round off the GW 🙂