Scout Notes

Aguero misses from the spot as FPL sales intensify ahead of Blank Gameweek 28

Leicester City 0-1 Manchester City

  • Goal: Gabriel Jesus (£9.5m)
  • Assist: Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m)
  • Bonus: Kasper Schmeichel (£5.3m) x3, Mahrez x2, Jesus x1

Gabriel Jesus (£9.5m) came off the bench to score the winner for Manchester City as Sergio Aguero (£12.0m) blanked for a third straight Gameweek.

The contrast in fortunes of the two strikers could not have been more marked at the King Power Stadium – Jesus, in 13 minutes, matched Aguero, who he replaced, for attempts, shots on target and penalty area touches.

And while the Brazilian secured the three points following a fine run from the excellent Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m), the Argentinian capped a miserable day by missing a penalty.

Aguero’s FPL ownership has more than doubled since he racked up 20 points in Gameweek 22’s 6-1 demolition of Aston Villa and he had treated some of the early adopters to a further 17 points before his troubles began with a Gameweek 25 blank.

He’s now managed just four points from the past three starts and with Blank Gameweek 28 incoming, Fantasy managers have had enough.

Close to 140,000 sold him before the Leicester game and another 70,000+ have made him the early front runner for sales heading into next weekend.

Many of those transfers could well involve a straight swap with Jamie Vardy (£9.7m), who currently happens to be the most popular purchase of Gameweek 28 despite having failed to score since Gameweek 18.

The Leicester striker came the closest to breaking the deadlock for the home side on Saturday, hitting the post when one-on-one with City keeper Ederson (£6.0m), and it proved to be a costly miss thanks, in part, to VAR.

The mystery-makers of Stockley Park were at it again on Saturday evening, denying Leicester two possible penalties, the second of which – when Ederson took out Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.7m) – appeared to be of the nailed-on variety.

At the other end, meanwhile, a block involving Dennis Praet‘s (£5.3m) outstretched arm did result in a VAR-awarded spot-kick, which Aguero promptly had saved by the excellent Kasper Schmeichel (£5.3m).

That was City’s fourth straight penalty miss, involving four different players. None of them go by the name Kevin De Bruyne (£10.8m), however, so his 53.5% ownership could be in for a treat the next time Pep Guardiola’s side are awarded a chance from 12 yards.

The coach seemed to suggest as much when asked after the game.

He’s (De Bruyne) one option, but in the end, they (the players) decide. It’s not normal for the quality we have, but like I said to them the next one we’re going to score and the taker be convinced, practise and be convinced and do it.

Despite all that, even the blessed Belgian is seeing sales as City’s schedule turns both nasty and quiet.

A Blank Gameweek 31 is highly likely to happen unless both they and Chelsea are knocked out of the FA Cup, and there are clashes with Manchester United and Liverpool either side of that anyway.

Rumour of a possible Double Gameweek 29 remain exactly that, meanwhile, with nothing but Twitter talk to support that theory.

Investment in their key players is obviously a no-go this week, which is a shame for the few brave souls (all 2.1% of them) who have enjoyed Aymeric Laporte’s (£6.3m) return from injury.

Clean sheets have been kept in all three of his starts from Gameweek 24 onwards, and Laporte was just three minutes away from picking up a least another six-pointer when Guardiola subbed him off for Nicolas Otamendi (£5.0m).

The City boss said:

He asked me to be substituted, but he’s not injured. He’s been four months, five months injured, we can’t forget that. He had to run a lot. It was different against West Ham, we could control it easier. He’s ok.

Waiting a measly three more minutes before taking Laporte off would have been very much ok for his ownership as well, but such is Fantasy life.

Instead, the biggest defensive haul on the day belonged to Schmeichel, with a penalty save, another five stops and the maximum bonus award bringing in 12 points.

And while interest in City players is understandably on the wane, Leicester’s best are enjoying something of a boom, with Schmeichel one of nine Foxes in the top 30 for transfers-in.

A brief look at their schedule explains everything. The next four fixtures involve four of the current bottom six, with Everton and Crystal Palace to follow before things turn trickier again from Gameweek 34.

But it’s worth bearing in mind that Leicester are also likely to miss Gameweek 31 unless they fail to beat Birmingham City in the FA Cup fifth round.

And the Foxes’ form is not overly inspiring either, with just one win and two draws in six league matches since New Year’s Day.

That run coincides with the current barren spell being endured by James Maddison (£7.4m), who with more than 11,000 new owners, is Gameweek 28’s third most popular signing.

His free-kick forced one smart save from Ederson, while another led to a penalty appeal for handball by De Bruyne to be denied by VAR – a decision that Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers was less than impressed by:

I can’t believe we didn’t get a penalty. It is probably the reason why VAR was brought in. Kevin De Bruyne has his hands up, he’s blocking his face, all the other players are jumping with their hands down and it hits his arm. If you see the flight of the ball, it’s heading towards the goal. For me, it was a clear penalty.

Maddison will be hoping for better luck against his former club, Norwich, next time out; a fixture that Fantasy managers are clearly finding hard to resist when it comes to bringing in Leicester players.

The big question surrounding Manchester City’s assets is whether to sell now or hold for the better fixtures and double Gameweeks to come further down the line.

Leicester City XI (5-3-2): Schmeichel; Pereira, Soyuncu, Evans, Fuchs (Perez 90′), Chilwell; Tielemans, Praet (James 85′), Maddison; Vardy, Iheanacho (Barnes 45′).

Manchester City XI (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Walker, Laporte (Otamendi 58′), Fernandinho, Mendy; Rodri, Gundogan; Mahrez, De Bruyne, B Silva; Aguero (Jesus 77′).

Members Analysis

1,878 Comments Post a Comment
  1. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    1. Hendo to Pope
    2. Hendo + Lundstram to Pope + Soy/Boly (-4)
    3. Hendo + Grealish to Pope + Richarlison/Martial/Bruno (-4)
    4. Button + Lundstarm to Pope + Soy/Boly (-4) and keep hendo

    Just can't decide so please help.

    1. HVT
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      5 - Grealish > to someone.

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

        Hendo is only playing GK

    2. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      4 with soy.

    3. Jay Arell
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Can you field 11 if doing 1? If so I'd be most tempted by that, tough to make the hit pay off on a defender.

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

        Yes if I play Dendo

  2. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Maddy,Perez and Vardy overkill for next week or masterstroke?

    1. HVT
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Ok

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

        already got maddy and vardy's definitely coming in and I need to replace grealish but can't find any suitable replacement under 7. might do with the trio...

        1. HVT
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Ok = overkill imo.

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

            yeah i figured it out 😀

            1. HVT
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              I’d leave off Perez personally

    2. Jay Arell
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Could pay off but I'd prefer to have a defender instead of 3 attackers.

      1. Riverside Red
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Triple Leicester definitely the way ...perhaps Barnes rather than Perez.

      2. Chucky
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        already have 3 def which i want for next GW.

    3. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Too much Leic

  3. Jay Arell
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Really need some help for GW 28 lads: 1 FT 0 ITB

    Guaita
    Trent Robbo Stephens Soy
    Salah Maddi Grealish Hayden
    Ings Jimi

    Button - Auba, KDB, Kelly

    Thinking Grealish to Barnes and pray that Hayden plays due to Newcasle's poor form while he's been out.

    Thoughts?

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

      Auba to Vardy 😛

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

    What moves would you make with this team? Got 2ft and 0,0m in bank.

    McCarthy Button
    TAA O’Connell Lascelles Rico Kelly
    Salah Mane KdB Grealish Hayden
    Auba DCL Jimenez

    O’Connell KdB Auba and Grealish with a blank and Rico, Kelly and Hayden all benched this weekend.

    Thanks

    1. Jay Arell
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Grealish to Barnes and upgrade Kelly to a playing defender.

  5. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Aguero >

    A) Long
    B) Vardy
    C) Jimmy

    Two others are DCL and Ings.

    1. Jay Arell
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B or C

    2. HVT
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      C safest
      Jamie no form.

    3. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Vardy. Don't over think it.

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

      B

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

      B is must have

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Really? 7 points in his last 5 games

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

          Two worst defences in the league net
          Was very close to scoring vs. City and arguably should have had a penalty

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

            You think he scored from the penalty 🙂 ?

  6. HVT
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    What games are definitely on in 31?

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

      Wolves Bournemouth and Watford Burnley.

      1. HVT
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks anything else ‘likely’?

        1. FPL Xylophone
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Norwich game if they lose to spurs in FA cup

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

          Norwich Everton and Newcastle Villa look likely

  7. LǝgleSs e|even
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Almost did Alli to Bruno F this gw. Regretting now, given City and Tot fixtures next, is it wise to bring in now?

    1. kime67
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      game of regrets

  8. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    What do you reckon the impact of next week's blanks is going to be?

    No one in top 100k or so will be unaware surely, but maybe an average 2-3 pts in hits?

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

      More hits than usual
      Some will play FHs

  9. kime67
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Remove bench boost. I dont wanna invest in my bench

  10. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Any consideration why not bring in Bruno now...?

    1. LǝgleSs e|even
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      See above,
      TOT and MCI fixtures, EVE are not an easy side too

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Tottenham are shite

  11. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    DCL > Vardy is going to do my head in all week

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Don’t

    2. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      DCL looked great again. Great movement, finds great positions, unlucky not to have scored more...

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I know, my Toffees deserved at least a point

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Not with Sidibe in the team

    3. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I'd keep. Where else can you change up?

  12. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Would really like to get PvA for Lundstram and I have the exact money for the transfer - but I guess I have to wait till after the european games have been played - stupid price changes...

    McCarthy
    TAA, Robertson, Doherty, Aurier, Lundstram,
    Salah(C), Cantwell, Hayden
    Ings(VC), Jiménez

    Martin, KDB, Grealish, Aubameyang
    2 FT, 1,0 million in the bank

    1. Marmalade Forest
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Are you sure you’re not just points chasing? Why not do it last week? Palace had an easy home game and we all know Lundstram isn’t reliable now.

  13. venitol
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I think I'm ready to pull the trigger on Auba -> Vardy, with the possibility of vardy -> auba next week. Should I wait for price changes? Also, best wolves defender? Thinking Stephens -> Boly/Saiss

  14. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Can you do a trade, then save team. Then do free hit and keep that player in team after fh?

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      No.. all prior transfers forfeited

    2. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I don't think so. Not 100% sure, but think you effectively lose an FT if you play FH.

    3. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers

    4. TRIPOS TOPPER
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      no

      FH counts for whole week

  15. HellasLEAF
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Saiss or Boly

    1. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Saiss even if they were same price...

    2. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Saiss

    3. HVT
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Doherty

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

        Can't afford, or would yes.

    4. Nightf0x
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Today saiss yesterday it was boly

    5. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Boly

  16. Davew88
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Pérez or Barnes? That is the question!

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Neither

  17. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Teams with confirmed matches gw31?

  18. YEAH PITCH!
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Still think Boly is the better long term option over Saiss?

    1. Sotamendi84
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      yes

  19. Sotamendi84
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    is it safe to get taylor of burnley? who is his competition for the right back spot?

    1. Marmalade Forest
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      He’s a left back. Him and Pieters on the left looks to be Taylor’s now.

      Bardsley/Lowton at RB looks a tougher call to me when both fit

  20. sandman58
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    So whats the community verdict on Lundstram...sell or keep??
    If sell...who for?...4.5 selling price
    4.4 tomorrow after he drops tonight

    1. Sotamendi84
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      i would sell

      1. sandman58
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks
        Who wud u buy?

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

          Saiss. But am getting rid myself.

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I got in Taylor.. Other options were Saiss, Boly, Evans or Soy.

    3. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Just sold him for saiss.
      Regret not doing it yesterday.. getting lundys 1 point off the bench instead of saiss 11.. ah well!

    4. sandman58
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Saiss seems to be the one then

    5. FPL Xylophone
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I have Doherty so can't get Saiss too (plus jim and adama). I have soyu too. Was thinking pva... what do you say?

      1. sandman58
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        4.5 budget
        Too much mate

        1. FPL Xylophone
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Cahill?

  21. aidmata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Ryan

    TAA Robertson Stephens Soyuncu

    Traore Martial Salah

    DCL Ings Vardy

    Subs: Button Fernandez Cantwell KDB

    Got 2.2 ITB, save FT this week for potential DGW29?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Save

  22. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Which

    A) dcl to jimi
    B) fleck to barnes
    C) lund to stephens/ctaylor-bardsley/cahill-ward-dann

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

      Palace defence is short term if you check out fixtures. Horrid turn coming up and there’s no record of cs against top 6.

      1. Nightf0x
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Actually the plan is dcl to jimi, 29 lund to egan/basham, 30 ryan to pope

        1. Marmalade Forest
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          If you’re not looking to FH in 31 then get Taylor in.

  23. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Got a pretty big green considering, only 38pts with Salah, TAA and VVD to come.

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

      Low scoring week for sure.

  24. Railwayman
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    If I make a few hits and then activate the free hit chip, will that cancel the hits ?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yup

  25. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Need ditch someone to get starting 11
    A. Grealish
    B. Auba

    For...?

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

      Grealish to Leicester mid?

  26. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Which one?
    a)Gross->Barnes
    b)Keep Gross and do Alli+Firmino->Mane+Jimenez

  27. Alli
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Kun, Cantwell > Jiménez, Fernandes for free?

    Ryan - Button
    TAA - Stephens - Williams - Dunk - Lascelles
    Salah - Mané - KDB - Traoré - Cantwell
    Kun - DCL - Ings

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

      Phworr

  28. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts?

    Play Taylor or Soy?

    Pope
    Trent, Robbo, Taylor
    C Salah, Traoré, Maddison, Bruno
    Ings, Vardy, Jimenez

    McCarthy, Soy, Boly, KDB,

    .9 bank

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

      Soyuncu - spread the risk

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Good idea.

    2. Marmalade Forest
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Put KDB in the side. Imagine you got hit by a bus and couldn’t change the team for two weeks. Auto subbed first week, plays second, great.

      You’ll feel silly if you don’t, it’d definitely be your biggest worry/regret if you got hit by a bus.

  29. tiger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Boly or Saiss?

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Boly for me

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

        reason?
        more nailed on?

  30. Pukkipartyy
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is this worth for - 4 ?

    Auba -> Abraham/Vardy
    Grealish -> Maddison/Barnes