Scout Notes

Newcastle defenders stutter at first hurdle in defeat to Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace 1-0 Newcastle

Goals: Patrick van Aanholt (£5.5m)

Assists: Jordan Ayew (£5.0m)

Bonus Points: van Aanholt x3, Joel Ward x2 (£4.3m), Scott Dann x1 (£4.3m)

Newcastle’s budget defensive options stuttered at the first hurdle in their 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.

There was plenty of interest in Jamaal Lascelles (£4.3m) and Fédérico Fernández (£4.4m) ahead of Gameweek 27, as the Magpies prepared to embark on a favourable run of fixtures.

That began with a trip to Crystal Palace, and Selhurst Park, the stadium that had seen the fewest goals this season.

However, just as they had done over the last few matches, Newcastle gave up a whole host of chances and probably should have conceded a lot more than they did.

The fact that even Palace (who have scored the joint-fewest goals this season) were able to shoot 18 times, more than double the tally recorded by Steve Bruce’s men, should be cause for concern for anyone invested in Newcastle’s defence.

In fact, such was the poor nature of Newcastle’s display, especially at the back, their manager is starting to question whether or not he will continue with the 5-4-1 formation, which has been an established system for some years now.

“Maybe it’s time for (a) change. Maybe it’s time to try something different, to have a look, but I couldn’t fault their effort and endeavour. They never stopped in that respect.” – Steve Bruce

Lascelles, Fernández and Fabian Schär (£5.0m) all came in for media criticism at Selhurst Park, the latter giving away the free-kick that led to the only goal of the game. It will be interesting to see which of these hold onto their places if Bruce does change the system, although Ciaran Clark (£4.3m) and Paul Dummett (£4.4m) are still out with injuries.

Furthermore, there was some objection from fans and the media to the performances of Nabil Bentaleb (£5.0m) and Sean Longstaff (£5.0m) in central midfield. They were guilty of some poor passing, which restricted the service to Miguel Almirón (£5.8m) and Joelinton (£5.5m) especially, and losing the ball in key areas put more pressure on the defence.

“Our big Achilles heel is blatantly obvious today. We gave the ball away in good areas so cheaply, especially in the final third. We get so far and, unfortunately, it breaks down too often, too cheaply.” – Steve Bruce

Perhaps the only silver lining for those already invested in Newcastle defence is the fact that they still have some favourable home fixtures on the horizon, against Burnley, Sheffield United and Aston Villa.

While the Magpies have spent much of their last two away matches obliging their opponents, they do have clean sheets in each of their last two at St. James’ Park.

Meanwhile, Martin Dúbravka (£5.0m) was one of just two Newcastle players who had a good game on Saturday.

He was the main reason that the scoreline stayed respectable. Without his eight saves, Crystal Palace could have racked up a big score. That large number of stops helped Dúbravka to a four-point FPL score of his own.

The other Magpie to show some redeeming qualities was Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.4m) who, as per usual, asked plenty of questions with his pace but failed to deliver much in the way of end-product.

Meanwhile, Palace’s attacking options may well be ruing their profligacy as they completely dominated Newcastle but only found the net once.

Christian Benteke (£5.7m) started a third match in a row at the apex of the Eagles’ 4-3-3 formation and had some chances, that he could not capitalise on.

Meanwhile, Wilfried Zaha (£6.8m) had a decent game up against Valentino Lazaro (£5.5m), the Newcastle man continuing to struggle in his attempts to adapt to life in the Premier League, picking up a red card in the process.

Zaha himself asked plenty of questions from his left-winger berth and would have picked up a collection of assists had Jordan Ayew (£5.0m) been more ruthless.

The Ghanaian international was afforded a host of chances but saw a few tame efforts saved, other more powerful ones denied by a strong Dúbravka performance, and he even managed to strike the post in the second half. Arguably it was enough to discourage much investment in Palace attackers, as well as Newcastle defenders.

There was admittedly plenty of threat from set-pieces, even though Luka Milivojevic (£6.7m) was absent through injury – but, then again, Newcastle always struggle in dead-ball situations. Gary Cahill (£4.4m) and Scott Dann (£4.3m) both went close and were only denied by the aforementioned heroics of Dúbravka.

However, the key takeaway has to be the performance of Patrick van Aanholt (£5.5m) as he emerged with a monster haul.

His role in set pieces continues to increase his points potential, leading to his scoring of a direct free-kick in the second half. A combination of the clean sheet and maximum bonus points made for a 15-point haul.

Crystal Palace XI (4-3-3): Guaita; van Aanholt, Cahill, Dann, J Ward; McArthur, McCarthy, Kouyaté (Riedewald 89′); Zaha, Benteke (Tosun 89′), Ayew.

Newcastle United XI (5-4-1): Dúbravka; Rose (Ritchie 71′), Schär, Lascelles, Fernández, Lazaro; Saint-Maximin, Bentaleb, S Longstaff, Almirón (Gayle 71′); Joelinton.

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752 Comments Post a Comment
  1. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Fingers crossed that Williams doesnt do a cameo so I get 6 points from Stephens off the bench

    1. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      He won't

  2. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Nobody else tempted by Alonso? Haven't seen too much talk about him. Is it his security of place or price?

    I know it seems knee jerky from yesterday... but we all know he can be gold on this game. He's got an attacking return in 4 of his last 5 premier league starts and fixtures look nice now.

    1. Wally banter
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      those 5 starts was like ages ago?

    2. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Security of place. For Some reason Chelsea doesn’t want their best free kick specialist or most dangerous winger on the field.

      They rather play with blunt instruments like Willian, Pulisic, and Pedro.

    3. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Could you please tell us the dates of these last 5 starts. That should answer your question.

      1. Maddi Son
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Fair point I suppose but can't see Lampard being such an incompetent manager. If he drops him after his performance yesterday I'll be surprised.

    4. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yes - but was it just a Spurs thing? ... I haven't heard any reasons why he hasn't been playing and was playing yesterday

      Interested in Chelsea assets now - they seem to be in a good position with the likes of Giroud, Barkley and Alonso all fit and raring to go

  3. Egg noodle
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Why the hell does Traore keep getting benched? He's rather impactful when he plays

    1. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      He is a ruby player, part time footballer

    2. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      This is a horror week for me, son hurt and three starters benched.

    3. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      ya that Nuno has no idea what he's doing 🙂

      shur he'll get 30mins late on & might do damage

    4. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Europa League in full swing again.

    5. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      He needs space and Norwich will sit back

  4. Wally banter
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Team for next week as it stands

    Pope
    TAA Boly Stephens
    Salah Mane c barnes Cantwell
    Ings Vardy Jiminez

    bench enda stevens, rico, kdb

    Is cantwell to armstrong or enda to soyancu/chilwell worth a hit?

    Thank You 🙂

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Who is captain there?

  5. Samwise
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Can't believe I still have Callum Robinson in my squad... Just can't seem to get him out ATM!... Currently ranked 4200

    1. Samwise
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Anyone with a worse player in their squad?

      1. Wally banter
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        well if rico vardy counts

        1. Samwise
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I had vardy until this week...subbed him for Ings! Great move

      2. BNMC
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Dele Alli.

    2. Hooky
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Scored the same amount of points as Aguero this week

      1. Samwise
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        True, mate Robinson is a bargain....I'll wait for the price rise before I sell

        1. MrZ
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          LOL, that guy is on loan at WBA now

          1. kennethrhcp
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            unsure if this is like a double bluff effort or serious reply

            1. Egg noodle
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              It's a failed serious reply

    3. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Who?

  6. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Brought Saiss, Taylor was also in contention..Hopefully Saiss at least score 6 points..

  7. FISSH
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Williams and traore benched. This is a very bad gw

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Williams was nailed on to be benched

      Traore was 50/50

  8. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Sorry....bottomed...Who is the better option out of harvey barnes and maddison??

    Was going to bring in barnes - but he was benched yesterday.

    Best to go for maddison? Thanks

    1. Wally banter
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Barnes

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Maddison for me. On set pieces etc.

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Barnes.

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Is barnes a sure starter tho?

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          He is
          Benching this GW was tactical IMO

        2. Wally banter
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          he is, yesterday they were playing mci w/o two of their cdm's
          ...how will barnes become a non regular all of a sudden... just board the train and take the chance

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Yep
            Amazing fixtures next 3.
            All relegation battling teams

            1. Flynny
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Thanks

  9. MGMT
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Current Midfield:

    Grealish - Salah - Martial - KDB - Son*

    Who is Son’s best replacement?

    Thinking another Spurs asset or Bruno...

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Scout Bruno

  10. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Surprised we haven’t had a cryptocurrency outfit spooners a PL team yet.

    1. Supersonic Marv'
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Auto correct is determined not to let you write the word sponsor isn't it.

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Ha, didn’t see that 😛

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

      I love spooning

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Like dogging, but in a spoon shop.....

    3. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Watford have Bitcoin logo on their shirt sleeves

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Ah, okay....

  11. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Think Traore will score 2 today at least in 2nd half. #onlypositive

    1. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Fake News #BAN

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Made your point mate. Give it a rest now

  12. Ziyech on the Bench
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Game predictions today?

    1. Supersonic Marv'
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Watford win. Wolves win. Everton win.

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

      2-0
      2-0
      2-0

    3. Wally banter
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      tomorrow liverpool 5-1 wham
      mane 5 goals, all assisted by keita and wjnaldum
      today's matches are tough to call

    4. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      All home wins.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Agree

      2. Wally banter
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        no auba and dcl on score sheet pls

        1. BNMC
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah I want DCL to score too, but I still think Arsenal will win.

    5. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Fred 1-1 Capoue
      Jota 2 -1 Tettey
      Saka 1-1 DCL

  13. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    No money tied up in DeBruyne so think I’m tempted by Stevens/DeBruyne —> Pereira/Richarlison...

  14. BNMC
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I'm gonna be keeping an eye on Bruno today. Could be a good Alli replacement.

  15. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Why would anyone have Traoré who has only not started 4 times this season in the PL, why why why?!
    People like Niho are just weird man

    1. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      He is blank machine vs non top 6 teams.

  16. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Traore is better coming off the bench. His game very physical and against opponents who have been playing for over 60 minutes they can get the most out of him

    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      He will start next week though. He started midweek too in an important game for Wolves.

    2. MrZ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Plus he's just came back from injury.
      Hoping for 1 goal 1 assist & 3pts from him now 🙂

  17. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    1-0 Wolves win from Boly header would be fab today

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Nah

      Jota brace - Boly might sneak an assist

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      If I were you, I'd be happy with a CS

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      That should have been last week

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

      Think Jota gets the points today unfortunately!

    5. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Jimenez hattie hello rank climb.

  18. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Traore against tired legs! :O

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Tired legs vs Those muscles 😮

    2. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Cant wait for that 1 pointer haunt me

  19. Ace Ventura
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Looking for a Fleck replacement - 5.5m.

    Anyone seen much of Southampton - how is Armstrong playing? JWP normally their goto Mid - Armstrong has had some injury problems but 5.2m for next GW and then the bench seems a decent call.

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Very good.
      He's a bargain at 5.2m
      If i haven't triple upped already on them, he would have been my Fleck replacement

      1. Ace Ventura
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers Amey. Is he playing fairly attacking?

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          He's playing as RW i guess.
          Tbh, the goal he scored was after a counter.

          Pretty involved in attacking play though.

        2. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          He's a good player, but not going to get returns week-in, week-out. More assists than goals (yesterday's was fortunate - 95mins, open goal as keeper came up for corner).

          Not a bad option in the slightest but do prefer Ings/Long from a quality/number of chances and BPS point of view.

          1. Ace Ventura
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers both. Had Ings for a while and not looking for a week in week out option, mainly getting Fleck out to cover the next GW really. Cant see many other options for 5.5mil so I think ill click the button!

  20. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Which match to watch?

    Wolves or UTD?

    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Wolves - Norwich is a better match

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Need to see if the eye test passes around hype for Bruno though. Will be 3rd time I see him play. Still not convinced based on his 2 EPL appearances for UTD.

        Could transfer him in pending performance today so will just switch between the two matches 😀

    2. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Wolves till Traore came in. Then United obviously

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Have a player in Man Utd game but going to watch Wolves vs Norwich. Want to scout few players 😎

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Kindly pass the report aftermath Sir

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Let me know if you want any player's report in particular 😉

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Boly or Saiss.
            Will be incoming for Mariappa next GW

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Should have been and not or*

              1. Holmes
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 1 month ago

                Cool

  21. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Pogba’s essentially on strike right? Buttered up as an injury.....

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      On holiday

  22. Trilogist
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Stuart Armstrong - 0.2% owned.
    Stats off the charts for threat.
    3 goals in 5 games
    5.2m
    Great Fixtures
    No Blank

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Everything right apart from no blank*
      He might blank in GW 31 if Arsenal beat Pompey

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Do not think he is a bad option at all (I recommended him to my mate a couple of GWs back) - but you should be tempted to look at those numbers including the Villa game, then excluding the Villa game.

      Gosh, we're Villa torrid yesterday.

  23. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Saiss nailed? Only 4.4 and Boly is another 0.3 and I could do with the additional funds

    1. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Both are nailed. Let's see how both do today.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Saiss isn't nailed. Might get rotated for Donkey in the defense.
        He's got goal threat compared to Boly though

        1. kamdaraji
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Thanks might just cough up the extra 0.3 for big willy then

        2. Greek Freak
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Last time he was rotated was GW20 vs. Liverpool, which was right in the middle of the crazy holiday schedule - even Jimenez was rotated then. If Saiss is rotated it will be a surprise in my opinion.

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Good to know that.
            He is a better option than Boly IMO (if he's nailed as you're suggesting, I'll definitely get him !)

            1. kamdaraji
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              ok leaning towards Saiss now. Cheers lads

            2. Greek Freak
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Just to clarify, I don't follow Wolves any more than other teams - just going by how many minutes he's played recently. I did buy him last week though so if you get Saiss and he gets rotated you're taking me down with you 😛

  24. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Deeney chances of scoring?

  25. The Senate
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Why why why why why
    Did I go for Martial over Bruno

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Oh dear

      1. kamdaraji
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Hi Zico. What's your rank now?

  26. Old Man
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I'm not watching this but it sounds at this rate as though TAA will be on 3 bonus despite conceding.

  27. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 18 days ago

    Choosing Perez over Barnes was arguably the most, stupid, up my own arse thing ive done in FPL history and it was rightly punished.

    1. HNI
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 18 days ago

      Just be clever and not too.clever and you will easily finish under 50k. Under 10k will require luck from your position.