Scout Notes

Aubameyang signs off for Gameweek 28 in style as Everton’s front two excel

Arsenal 3-2 Everton

  • Goals: Eddie Nketiah (£4.3m), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) x2 | Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.2m), Richarlison (£8.2m)
  • Assists: Bukayo Saka (£4.5m), David Luiz (£5.7m), Nicolas Pepe (£9.2m)| Yerry Mina (£5.3m)
  • Bonus: Aubameyang x3, Saka x2, Nketiah x1

Fantasy managers who were undeterred by Arsenal’s Blank Gameweek 28 and Everton’s “fixture swing” were amply rewarded at the Emirates on Sunday.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) grabbed a brace against the Toffees to move joint-top of the Premier League goalscorers’ charts, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.2m) and Richarlison‘s (£8.2m) fantastic form under Carlo Ancelotti continued as the Everton strike duo both found the back of the net.

Since the Italian first took charge of the Merseyside club in Gameweek 19, no player has scored on more occasions than Calvert-Lewin (seven).

Richarlison himself has six attacking returns in seven appearances under his new boss.

We discussed the form-versus-fixtures dilemma after Gameweek 26 and questioned whether the ‘big six’ were really to be feared, with one eye on Everton’s upcoming schedule.

Those who hung on to Calvert-Lewin or joined the budget striker’s bandwagon had their faith justified after less than a minute of Sunday’s game in north London, with the 22-year-old striker acrobatically hooking the visitors into a very early lead when Arsenal failed to deal with a free-kick.

After the Gunners then turned the game on its head with two quickfire goals, Richarlison restored parity on the stroke of half-time when he feathered Yerry Mina‘s (£5.3m) flick-on past Bernd Leno (£5.0m).

Both of Everton’s scorers emerged from this encounter with six Fantasy Premier League points but there could easily have been further returns, which ought to provide their owners with a lot of encouragement for the season run-in.

Calvert-Lewin saw a glorious 71st-minute chance from three yards scooped away by Leno and then failed to get meaningful contact on a cross from the left flank shortly afterwards, with Richarlison being denied the assist on both occasions.

Deep into stoppage time and with the Toffees pushing for an equaliser, Calvert-Lewin glanced a header from a Bernard (£6.4m) cross inches wide of the upright.

Richarlison was himself thwarted from six yards by the busy Leno in the 77th minute, with all five of the visitors’ shots on target coming from Everton’s front two.

Carlo Ancelotti said of his in-form forwards after full-time:

[Calvert-Lewin] is really dangerous, I think that him and Richarlison are fantastic strikers.

Richarlison is unbelievable in my opinion because he’s able to score but also he works really hard.

Dominic, nothing to say, he’s doing really well. Important that he stays focused and try to improve because he can improve, in my opinion.

While relatively few managers will be bailing on Richarlison or Calvert-Lewin after this display, Everton’s defenders may be surplus to requirements for the time being.

The Toffees are without a clean sheet on the road since Gameweek 1 and have registered only one shut-out this calendar year, conceding 11 goals along the way.

Two of Arsenal’s goals on Sunday came from crosses from the flanks, while the Everton backline was cut open far too easily by David Luiz‘s (£5.7m) through-ball for Aubameyang’s first strike.

Jordan Pickford (£5.3m) and co played themselves into trouble on a few occasions, too, with Eddie Nketiah (£4.3m) hitting the bar from one of their defensive cock-ups.

Ancelotti said of his side’s display:

The performance was really good offensively but not good defensively and this is the reason we go home with no points..

We conceded three goals too easily. Arsenal in certain periods of the game had good control but they really didn’t have many chances. You cannot concede three goals, we made easy mistakes and I think that this week we have to work there.

We have to be ready on crosses, we have really good headers of the ball.

And the second goal, if there is no pressure on the ball you have to cover the space, you cannot stay in line. Other teams have fantastic strikers, you have to run back quickly and cover the space behind your shoulder. We didn’t do this and we have to work on this.

All credit to Arsenal, though, who have now plundered seven goals in two Gameweeks after a hit-and-miss opening month under Mikel Arteta.

Aubameyang was at his clinical best, scoring from his only two efforts of the game, while Eddie Nketiah (£4.3m), one of the cheapest forwards in FPL, expertly converted a Bukayo Saka (£4.5m) cross to draw Arsenal level at 1-1.

Aubemeyang’s first goal saw him race onto a Luiz pass to curl past Pickford, while his second strike was a fine header from Nicolas Pepe‘s (£9.2m) delivery seconds after the half-time break.

That was his first double-digit haul at the Emirates in over a year and his purple patch does present owners with a keep-or-sell dilemma, given that Arsenal are without a fixture in Blank Gameweek 28.

Bemusingly, Aubameyang is the most-bought FPL forward of this week, although there’ll be some of his 70,000+ new owners who are perhaps playing the price rise game on a Wildcard and not blissfully unaware that the Gunners don’t have a Gameweek 28 fixture.

Arteta said of the Gabon international’s display:

I’m so happy with him because he is scoring very important goals for us, but as well as a captain, he’s giving a great example to everyone else. That a player of his calibre is able to work the way that he is working defensively… because the demands of the matchday are big, and he is willing and he is happily doing it and I think we should pay regards to him.

I had two questions [about Auba’s attitude to defending]. One was whether he wanted to do it, or could he not do it physically? So once I found out that physically he could do it, it was about convincing him to do it and that he can do it every three days. He’s showing that.

He could just say ‘I scored the goals, I don’t need to do it’ but unfortunately we’re not that good that we can allow a few players not to [work hard].

Pepe wasn’t quite as influential as he had been against Newcastle but still collected an assist, while Mesut Ozil (£7.2m) was back in his usual habit of linking play well without delivering an attacking return.

Nketiah’s display and goal perhaps spell bad news for Alexandre Lacazette (£9.3m), who failed to even make it off the bench as his side delivered another fine attacking performance without him.

Before we write off the Frenchman and talk up Nketiah’s budget forward credentials, however, Arteta has tinkered with his starting XI throughout his reign and brought players in from the cold – such as Dani Ceballos (£5.2m), who started again in midfield on Sunday – when they appeared to be surplus to requirements.

Saka has been another youngster to impress under the Gunners boss and he emerged as a first-half substitute to set up his side’s first goal and claim his third assist in the space of five Gameweeks.

With the Gunners looking as if they may have lost Sead Kolasinac (£5.2m) to a shoulder injury sustained in Sunday’s game, Saka could be set for a prolonged run in the team – although the return to fitness of Kieran Tierney (£5.3m) draws ever nearer to add to the competition at left-back.

Saka’s classification as an FPL midfielder, of course, also deprives him of all but one clean sheet point.

Arteta said of Kolasinac after full-time:

I don’t know, it looked bad. To be fair, he was in a lot of pain so we will have to try to assess him tomorrow and see how he is. Hopefully not [a dislocation] but he was in pain.

On the Everton injury front, Ancelotti said of sidelined pair Lucas Digne (£5.8m) and Theo Walcott (£6.2m):

I think that they can play next week against United, they will be ready, they don’t have big problems and so, I think that they can recover soon.

Andre Gomes (£5.2m) returned from a three-month lay-off and impressed in a half-hour cameo at the Emirates, with his manager saying:

Andre did really well, without any problem. He was really strong in the tackle. The player is ready and really important for us and will play in the next game.

Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Bellerin, Mustafi, Luiz, Kolasinac (Saka 19′); Ceballos (Torreira 76′), Xhaka; Pepe, Ozil (Guendouzi 82′), Aubameyang; Nketiah.

Everton XI (4-4-2): Pickford; Sidibe, Mina, Holgate, Baines; Iwobi (Bernard 60′), Schneiderlin (Gomes 59′), Delph (Kean 81′), Sigurdsson; Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin.

Members Analysis

1,363 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FPL_Hazards
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Any gooners know what’s happening with Martinelli?

  2. Duffy Dunk
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Would you sell
    Lundstram Fleck Trossard
    to get
    Saiss Richarlison Saka
    ?

    Current squad:

    Henderson McCarthy
    TAA Robertson Soyuncu Lundstram Stephens
    Salah KDB Martial Trossard Fleck
    Vardy Jimenez Ings

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      For -4? Probably so. Not for -8.

  3. PAs lag
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Kasper
    TAA-Robbo-Fernandez
    Salah-KDB-Maddison-Bergwijn
    Vardy-DCL-Ings
    Knapp-Holgate-Williams-Hayden

    O FT 2.3 itb

    Bergwijn>Bruno for -4 ??

    A yes
    B no
    C another plan

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

      Just save
      Good team

      1. PAs lag
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thank you

  4. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Which transfer is best this week? My rank is 85k and I'm top of my ML by 10 points

    A) Mahrez and Redmond --> Maddy and Bergwijn

    B) Mahrez, Redmond, Martinelli --> Vardy, Barnes, Doucoure (-4)

    C) Gomez, Redmond, Mahrez --> Taylor, Mane, Doucoure (-4)

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B or C, probably leaning towards C

  5. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Best option?

    A) Vardy, Bruno

    B) DCL, Mane

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

      Maybe A if u have Salah.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

    3. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B but only if you’re willing to use Mane(C) over Salah imo

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

    Hold Auba or transfer him out for Vardy ?

    Or just do Grealish to Barnes/Maddison for Leicester cover ?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Bring in Barnes for cover

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

        Is Barnes better option than Maddison? Money not issue.

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          In terms of FPL points, I believe so. Look at his points per min

  7. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I have the exact cash to do these moves now.

    A. Lund, Grealish and Connolly > Sais, Barnes and Jimi for -4 hit?
    B. Wait and consider a 5.9mid alternative since Jimi is going up in price
    c. Consider Jota or DCL instead

    2ft 2.8itb
    Pope Ryan
    Stephens TAA Lund* Lascelles Rico
    Grealish* KDB salah traore Mane
    Vardy Ings connolly*

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

    In unrelated news, Westworld season 3 premier in just two weeks!

  9. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I can save a transfer here correct?

    McCarthy
    TAA(C) Doherty Holgate
    Salah Fernandes Richarlison Martial Cantwell
    Ings DCL

    Henderson Hanley Aguero Stevens

    1. More Cowbell
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Deffo mate, you're in good shape!

      1. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers nice one. Yes definitely stress free for now...

    2. Citizenkane91
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Very good shape for GW 29 transfers.

      1. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thank you. Looking at Aguero > Jiménez + Stevens > Pereira initial thoughts.

  10. More Cowbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Not thrilled with my score for the week but pleased with my transfers. Took my first points hit of the season and did:

    Aguero > Jimnez
    Fleck > Mane

    Set up nicely for the blank now as well!

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      You did the moves before they play on Thursday? Risky no?

  11. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone else playing the benchwankery chip this week?

    1. Rotation City
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Do you actually have 15 players? Well done if you do.

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Yea, got Foster, Salah, TAA and Traore on the bench next week 😀

    2. More Cowbell
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Do you mean free hit?

      Can't imagine may are playing bench boost with so may blanks

  12. Rotation City
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    What are Grealish owners thinking? Got the blank next week then tough fixtures going forward.

    I've got the exact cash for a swap to Bruno. Could be dicey, but been stranded at 600k for a while so looking fora little dicey.

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      only had him 2 weeks, the plan was to keep him forever, so I guess im doing that

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I am going to sell for Bruno, so I think you should to!

  13. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Bottomed

    1 FT + 2.4 ITB

    GTG for this week and what would your GW 29 plans be?

    McCarthy
    Cahill TAA Gomez Lascelles
    (S)alah Bruno Adama
    Jiminez Ings Vardy

    Bench:Henderson,B.Williams,KDB,Fleck

  14. SuperMane Returns
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Liverpool now guaranteed top 3 PL.

    1. Rotation City
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      ManU now on the beach.

  15. Saka Punch
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Would you go for Jimi or Jota for the next few, and why?

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I’d expect Jiménez to score more than Jota.

      However Jota came alive this point last season. Signs are there that he could do the same.

      Think there’s arguments to having both.

      1. Saka Punch
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks, yeah it's tough to call hey

  16. StayoutheSpiceZone
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Obvs wait for after the European games but at the moment:

    McCarthy
    TAA soy James lascelles
    Mane salah Traore
    Ings DCL Vardy

    Button Aurier KDB grealish

    £0itb 2ft

    Was considering using one on grealish to Barnes and playing 3-4-3

    Or do I get rid of Traore too and get Mount perhaps?

    Thanks for any inputs

  17. The Man Pastore
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Should I transfer Henderson out for - 4pts? Who's the best option?

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

    Fun fact: Perez has had more double digit hauls than Grealish this season.

    Just surprised me for some reason.

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yes looked good at spells this year. Many had him at the start when he did nothing which is probably why many haven’t gone back.

    2. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Nice stat.

  19. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Aguero, Traore & Stevens to Vardy, Bruno & Reece James for -4?

  20. More Cowbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Guys, what's deal with Traore now? Is it out of favour?

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

      Change in formation I believe

    2. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Unknown. Wouldn’t be surprised if Wolves play same way with Jiménez and Jota.

  21. More Cowbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Hi All,

    My defence is pretty tragic. Who to get rid of first? Thoughts on replacement appreciated too.

    TAA, Soy, Rico, Lundstram, Kelly

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      lol, its so GW17

      1. More Cowbell
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I know man, had bigger fish to fry! Any thoughts? cheers

      2. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Depends what you playing this GW, but those last 3 all doubts to start. Kelly first? he doesnt feature at all. The other two have a chance (aside Lunds blank this GW).

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

      Keep Soy and TAA - the rest just take your pick. I'd lose Kelly as he's least likely to play

      1. More Cowbell
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers man, that's my current thought - any ideas for a replacement?

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Taylor/Boly for similar prices. Doherty if u rich

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

      Lol the GW18 defense.

      Lundstram first then Kelly then Rico. I've finally finished getting them all out. Kept TAA and Soyuncu.

  22. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Does anybody remember the main player people used the TC chip on 2016/17?

    I remember a city double (Stoke I believe) and many went Aguero. Then Kane in the double gameweek scored many against Leicester I believe.

    Was it Sanchez?

    1. Wet Knee Houston
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I certainly was on Sanchez and he was popular that week, but i can't remember if he was the most TC'ed. I know some went Kane and i felt so good after the first games with my Sanchez against Kane. And then Spurs played last game of the DGW and the disaster struck 🙂

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

    A bit like United, Spurs and Arsenal, at 175K I’m closer in points to 4m rank (-260) than first (+273).

    Whoever is winning this has made a hell of “correct” decisions throughout the season.

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

      scores at top are extremely high. I was just thinking the same, see below

  24. XABI 15
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Livefpl.net tells me I am as close to world no.1 as I am to 500,000. Guess my rank lol?

    1. SuperMane Returns
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      260K

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

      65k?

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

      9k

      Nice humble brag btw

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

        I didnt really want to brag. I'm projected to be just inside top 3k, but its a bit of an odd feeling knowing I am so so far from the top still

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

          I suppose if you nail 3 extra 20 point captain picks and 3 “random/freak” 20 point hauls that no one else really does then that’s 120 points gained.

          Seems easy.

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

            would love that

    4. Jolly Good
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      2k?

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

    How many hits do you reckon I should take with this lot?

    Pope
    Fernandez TAA Stephens Rico
    Hayden Mané Salah
    Vardy DCL Ings

    Bench: Egan KdB Grealish

    A) -8
    B) -4
    C) Leave it and hope for the best

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

      Swap Grealish to Barnes and bench Rico

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

      Whom are you looking at replacing? Rico and Hayden?

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

        Rico, Hayden and maybe Grealish

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

          *and/or

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

          Yeah I'd take a hit to replace Hayden. Downside is low. If you can replace Rico with a defender that has attacking threat, I'd do that too otherwise just play him.

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

    I've managed to drop 12k tonight with Salah (C), Robertson and Firmino.

    TAA effect

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      And Mane

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

      Firmino effect

  27. SuperMane Returns
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    199K to 118K with a -4 🙂 (72 after hit)....Happy days

  28. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Any chance Rico plays next week?

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

      Doubt it tbh

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

        Illness or injury most likely

  29. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Pick one & why?

    A. Reece James
    B. Boly
    C. Saiss
    D. Soyuncu

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

      Saiss.

      Look at his heatmap for the season. He’s the one I want if I didn’t have triple Wolves and a plan already.

  30. JabbaWookiee
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Zero mins for Rico, Hayden and Williams and a red-flagged Son means at least one hit this week. Or does it?

    A) Just do Son to Fernandes/Barnes (which one?)
    B) Son to Fernandes, Hayden to Barnes (-4) and risk having only two playing defenders
    C) Son to Fernandes, Hayden to Barnes, Willams to Saiss/Boly/Doherty/Fernandez (which one?) (-8)