Scout Notes

Lundstram delivers double-digit haul on return to Sheffield United starting XI

Sheffield United 1-0 Norwich City

  • Goal: Billy Sharp (£5.6m)
  • Assist: John Lundstram (£4.8m)
  • Bonus: Lundstram, Sharp x3, Chris Basham (£4.5m) x1

John Lundstram (£4.8m) – remember the name – returned to the Fantasy fold with a bang as Sheffield United laboured to a 1-0 victory over Norwich City.

The ‘out of position’ defender, playing once again as a right-sided central midfielder, was handed a first start since Gameweek 23 and he took the chance to impress with both hands.

Replacing record signing Sander Berge (£4.9m) in the Blades’ central three, Lundstram was a man possessed at Bramall Lane, jointly leading the way for both attempts and chances created and superbly setting up the winning goal for Billy Sharp (£5.6m).

All of that earned him the maximum bonus award and a bumper 12-point haul – the fifth time he’s had a double-digit return this season.

Unfortunately for many managers, it was a case of too much, too late. Lundstram’s ownership has dropped by around three-quarters of a million since Berge arrived on the scene, and over 25% of his owners chose to bench their man for Gameweek 29 (although ‘ghost teams’ and Bench Boosts will skew that figure, of course).

The ‘defender’ is still owned by 38.5% of FPL bosses and such is Sheffield United’s ability to produce results regardless of the opposition, most managers will surely hold onto him for the rest of the season if his place in the starting XI looks assured again – but that’s a big if.

He was certainly in eye-catching form on Saturday, teeing up Sharp’s headed winner with a pinpoint cross and going close to a goal himself on more than one occasion.

Chris Wilder said of Lundstram after the game:

He needed to come out of the team, if you analyse his performances, and we have to always. Then we had an opportunity of signing Sander and he has come in and played a part in three out of four wins.

Players shouldn’t be scared or shy of competition and challenges and John hasn’t. I am not surprised, it just epitomises the group and the culture what we are trying to create.

The skipper’s [Sharp] has had it just as much as anybody. The way he has been in the changing room with the players when he hasn’t played has been exemplary and then he comes back in and plays like he has. I think that’s a fantastic example of how you should be as a professional footballer.

Interest in other United assets remains fairly healthy ahead of a trip to a Newcastle side not renowned for their goalscoring exploits, although a Blank Gameweek 31 does loom thereafter.

Some 11.2% own defender George Baldock (£5.1m), while 16.1% have keeper Dean Henderson (£5.2m) in their squads.

Enda Stevens (£5.1m) has also picked up owners over the time that Lundstram’s stock has fallen and the wing-back just about banked clean sheet points on Saturday, being withdrawn on the hour-mark after suffering another calf injury.

Wilder said of Stevens after full-time:

Just tight, just a precaution again. We didn’t risk Tuesday, he’s been out on the grass since Monday, he just felt it tightening up. So we’ll see how see is and assess it over the next 48 hours.

Henderson was in excellent form to deny a spirited Norwich side who out-shot their hosts 12-10, with four attempts on target to the Blades’ three.

Teemu Pukki (£6.5m) should have done better when hitting the outside of the post from close range in the first half, but the Canaries’ inability to score was otherwise down to Henderson’s excellence.

The keeper produced two particularly fine saves during a second-half goalmouth scramble, denying Mario Vrancic (£6.2m) and then Josip Drmic (£5.3m) while still on the ground from an initial stop to keep out Ben Godfrey‘s (£4.4m) header.

He then reacted well to palm away a well-struck Jamal Lewis (£4.4m) shot to keep a tenth clean sheet of the campaign and earn the post-match praise of manager Chris Wilder:

He wants to be England’s number one and, if he keeps playing the way he is, it gives him a great opportunity. I should imagine he’ll be in the next England squad. He made some really important saves for us and we’re delighted to have him.

Norwich were unlucky not to get at least a point from a match they grew into once coach Daniel Farke had replaced midfielder Todd Cantwell (£4.8m) with striker Drmic for a more direct approach after the break.

Just under 20% of FPL managers still own Cantwell, but he’s blanked for eight straight Gameweeks and, if his starting place is now under threat as well, his ownership is not likely to stick around much longer.

The Canaries have a blank in Gameweek 31 and a mixed bag of fixtures from now until the end of the season to further compromise Cantwell’s cause.

Farke hasn’t given up hope of beating the drop just yet:

We showed great character in the second half and I still can’t explain how the ball didn’t go in during that situation. It’s dramatic and tragic for the lads, because they tried everything. It’s a big setback in the fight to stay in this league but it’s also important not to lose nerve and to stay calm.

But Fantasy interest in Cantwell, and the rest of his players, is not likely to increase however calm they remain.

The same can probably be said for many of Wilder’s men, with Blank Gameweek 31 followed by a tricky run of games.

Defensive returns remain highly possible regardless of the fixture, however, and should Lundstram be back from exile for the remainder of the campaign, some bumper hauls could still be on the table in his fairytale season.


Sheffield United XI (3-5-2): Henderson; O’Connell, Egan, Basham; Stevens (Osborn 61′), Fleck, Norwood, Lundstram, Baldock; McBurnie (Berge 90′), Sharp (McGoldrick 71′).

Norwich City XI (4-2-3-1): Krul; Lewis, Godfrey, Hanley, Aarons; McLean, Tettey (Vrancic 66′); Cantwell (Drmic 45′ ), Duda (Idah 87′), Buendia; Pukki.

Members Analysis

Burnley 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur

  • Goals: Chris Wood (£6.1m) | Dele Alli (£8.3m)
  • Assists: Jay Rodriguez (£5.7m) | Erik Lamela (£5.7m)
  • Bonus: Wood x3, Dwight McNeil (£6.0m), Hugo Lloris (£5.3m) x2

Chris Wood (£6.1m) returned to the starting XI, and the scoring charts, for Burnley, but Spurs fought back to secure a point at Turf Moor.

The New Zealand international replaced Matej Vydra (£5.3m) as Jay Rodriguez‘s (£5.7m) strike partner and the pair combined to fire the Clarets into an early lead on Saturday evening.

Rodriguez hit a shot from the edge of the area which Hugo Lloris (£5.3m), back in the Spurs goal after a one-match league absence, could only parry for Wood to poke home the rebound.

The French keeper went on to make a further five saves and earn a couple of bonus points as Burnley peppered the Tottenham goal – they had 21 attempts, seven of which were on target – without ever carving out enough clear-cut chances to seal the victory.

And a Spurs team rejuvenated by a couple of half-time changes punished their hosts with an equaliser five minutes into the second half.

Erik Lamela (£5.7m) was brought down in the area and Dele Alli (£8.3m) – on penalties in the absence of Harry Kane (£10.8m) and Son Heung-min (£9.8m) – dispatched the spot-kick, sending Nick Pope (£4.8m) the wrong way.

Spurs boss Jose Mourinho’s changes at the interval were key. He replaced the ineffective midfield duo of Tanguy Ndombele (£5.8m) and Oliver Skipp (£4.3m) with Giovani Lo Celso (£7.3m) and Lucas Moura (£7.1m), reserving a withering judgement on Ndombele for his post-match comments:

I have to say he has had enough time to come to a different level. I know the Premier League is difficult, and some players take a long time to adapt to a different league. But a player with his potential has to give us more than he is giving us. I was expecting more in the first half from him.

The coach has plenty of previous for singling out players for consistent public criticism and, while the personnel switch worked well at Burnley, the longer-term omens for Spurs are not necessarily good. Rarely has Mourinho’s naming and shaming tactic led to a closer, more committed dressing room.

All of that won’t help Fantasy managers work out whether it’s worth capitalising on Tottenham’s key players as they are one of the few groups with a fixture in Gameweek 31.

It’s an attractive one at that – a home match with West Ham – and Spurs’ schedule for the rest of the season is generally okay as well. But who to pick from a team winless in three and with a manager up to his old, divisive tricks is less obvious.

Alli, with attacking returns from consecutive starts, is probably the pick of the bunch, especially as he’s been employed in an advanced role in the continued absence of key attackers.

Lamela, back from injury once again, is also in decent form, with a couple of assists from his last two matches, while Moura and Lo Celso were both busy at Burnley once they came on.

Another potential candidate for a one-off punt in Gameweek 31, Steven Bergwijn (£7.5m), limped off the field at the end of the game, although Mourinho was hopeful that the Dutchman’s problem wasn’t too serious:

Steven had to play for 90 minutes, so on top of that, he’s injured. Let’s see if it’s something minor and if he can make the effort [in the Champions League on Tuesday].

Things are much less promising at the back. Spurs have kept just four clean sheets all season – the league’s joint-worst record – although two of those have come over the last seven Gameweeks.

Burnley’s backline has been considerably more dependable of late, with four shut-outs from their last six matches, although the 18.3% of FPL managers with Pope in their squads had to make do with only two points on Saturday.

But interest in him, and many others in Sean Dyche’s side, might well pick up from now until the end of the season.

A trip to Manchester City is up next, but the Clarets are another with a Gameweek 31 fixture – at home to Watford – and their schedule after that is very strong, with a visit to Liverpool the toughest test by far.

The lively Wood was unlucky not to add to his points tally against Spurs when bundled over by Davinson Sanchez (£5.3m) in the penalty area.

Dyche was in no doubt that the incident should have led to a penalty.

Chris tries to bring the ball down on his chest and turn into the box and their lad clearly comes through the back of him. It’s inside the box and how it’s not a penalty, I don’t know. Anywhere else on the pitch, that is given.

Despite that set-back, Wood might well gain some new managers, especially among Free Hitters for Gameweek 31.

And the budget charms of defenders such as Charlie Taylor (£4.3m) and Phil Bardsley (£4.3m) look tempting with the likes of Crystal Palace, Norwich and Brighton to come as the season draws to a close.

Members Analysis



Burnley XI (4-4-2): Pope; Bardsley, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor; Hendrick (Lennon 89′), Westwood, Cork, McNeil; Wood, Rodriguez (Vydra 67′).

Tottenham Hotspur XI (3-4-3): Lloris; Sanchez, Dier, Alderweireld; Tanganga, Skipp (Lo Celso 45′), Ndombele (Moura 45′), Vertonghen; Lamela (Aurier 77′), Alli, Bergwijn.

1,027 Comments Post a Comment
  1. BNMC
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    So do we have a consensus that City are just disinterested in the PL? I would take KDB out this week but it seems too risky given his obscenely high ownership, but I sold Vardy when he was still around 48% owned and it paid off.

    However, if they play poorly and/or fail to win against Arsenal, I will be tempted. I'm at a reasonably high rank on my standards (still only my second season playing FPL) but I feel like selling him could allow me to push on even further.

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

      I was without KDB from GW12 to 18. Got rid again GW28.

      Did not kill me.

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      I'm leaning towards similar move. Need to see tonight's result + UCL result of Pool first though.

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

        I see you andme are in the same boat.

        Perez Vardy and Ings.

        Yay, happy days!

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Complete no show from kDB Vardy Perez could make or break the GW

    3. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Considering a KDB ---> Fernandes move. Madness but think it's time to shake things up a bit since ik chasing big time!

      1. BNMC
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        I already have Bruno; I'm thinking of Alli.
        If only Son was fit...

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Sonny Rashford would have helped immensely

  2. as33
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Hi, in GW31 i have only 4 players, should i use FH? still have WC and BB, will use them when DGW starts

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      I guess that is what it's for. I am looking at the same. 31 probably isn't going to be a fill yer boots gameweek which is the downside.

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Who are those players ?
      Probably FH in 31 can work as you have 2 more chips to go

  3. Old Man
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    What are opinions on KDB for Wednesday - do you think he'll play. I knwo we cannot do anything about it but I need to factor in my disappointment beforehand if he makes a 20 minutes cameo.

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      I have © him.
      Expecting a start & early substitution. I'd happily take an assist if it comes.

      So many © fails for me this season, now it doesn't even hurt 😀

      1. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        So have I © him. Salah vc, but I'm not expecting a miracle. This week started so well and now it's petering out into a damp squib.

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          I'm Taa v©
          Changed that from salah last minute after reading Bournemouth inefficiency from left flank.

    2. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      I expect him to play at least 30'.
      He'll need some match fitness ahead of the 2nd leg v Real & I don't think he'll play v BUR, just 3 days before the Real game.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Exactly. Especially as Burnley are a hard hitting, rough, old school team.
        Whereas Arsenal are .....

    3. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      I don’t think he’ll even play. Pep’s quote is bizarre

    4. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Preparations for disappointment - you are an old man ha ha.

    5. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      I would say prepare for a blank 29.

  4. Henning
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    65 p ahead in ml, both have BB and FH left.

    I have 6 players for gw 31 att the moment he have 4. Should i try to get 8-9 players for gw 31 and save FT for a dgw?

    1. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Just be careful not to rip your team up to fit in gw31 players

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Playing FH in GW 31 is safest way.
      You can keep all the future DGW's players in your team.

      I'm not doing that bdw.

      1. Henning
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Do we know any teams that Will have dgws?

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          We know who but don't know when 😀

        2. Whats the Huth
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Everyone who’s not playing in gw31

  5. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Bottomed

    Play one:

    A) Egan (new)
    B) Stephens (nor)
    C) Fernandez (SHU)

    1. Jullepuu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      A

    2. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      C

  6. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Which 2 players should I bench?

    A) Robertson (eve)
    B) Egan (new)
    C) Perez (wat)
    D) Deeney (LEI)
    E) Lascelles (SHU)
    F) Saiss (whu)

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      BE

  7. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    With 1 FT, FH GW31, 0.1 itb, any ideas what to do with this lot?

    McCarthy
    TAA Soyuncu Saiis
    Traore' Maddison Salah KDB*
    Auba Ings Firmino

    subs: Cantwell Williams Rico

    1. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Firmino, Traore -> Jimenez, Willian

  8. Jullepuu
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Th biggest club in the country where I live did quite a nasty thing today (not the first time).
    They have a second team in the men's third tier where their u20 players play. But they also have a team in the actual u20 league and now the qualifiers for the u20 league are on.

    The actual u20 team isn't good enough to qualify so now they put the second team to play and get them the spot in the u20 league. The second team has many junior national team players so it's pretty unfair for the opponents.

    If they succeed in qualifying (likely) they will play in the league with players who weren't good enough to qualify in the first place and then they are near the bottom of the table or in the last spot when the season ends.

    Is this alright to you or not?

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      And in english?

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        What is the problem here? It's rather difficult to say all that without giving away the name of the actual team

        1. Miniboss
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Well yesterday you posted which country you’re from and with decent googling skills it wasn’t difficult to find out which is the ”biggest team”.

          1. Jullepuu
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Yes that is true. There is still a slight difference in me saying those things and you googling it. Not sure that it matters though

          2. Ginkapo FPL
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            We know where he is from anyway

            1. Jullepuu
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Yes that is not difficult to find out whatsoever

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      They just took advantage of the system.

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Yes exactly. It doesn't benefit the country's player growth and I'm not sure that it even benefits that club

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      No it is not.

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        I wish they made some kind lf a rule change. Other clubs do this as well but not in this way and their actual u20 would still be good enough to qualify

    4. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      So both teams are made up of U20 players?

      I don't have a problem so as long as the players are registered to play in these leagues.

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Yes. It's not against the rules but it's just unfair for the teams doing it "properly". The teams that played against that team early in the season got a much easier game than those who play them now.

        1. Jafalad
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          It seems unjust, granted. But who are we to interfere in a club and its playing staff?

          1. Jullepuu
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            I'm not saying thay we should be doing something about it. I just wanted to see what other people think about this stuff.

            1. Jafalad
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Rich clubs are forever doing this. They have the resources which is where the real advantage lies.

              1. Jullepuu
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                True altough a rule change could be good here to make a bit better

    5. DF
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      What's the club?

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Why is that relevant here? Not too hard to find out like other people already said

  9. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    What to do with KDB?

    A Keep
    B Sell to Martial or Fernandes- both captainable v Spurs and good fixtures 32 on. Can bench in 31 and have more cash available to get Alli for 31

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      I am selling for Mane if:
      Vardy plays & scores + Pool goes out of UCL

      1. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Thanks- yes good plan. I have Mané Salah double already and done me well this week!

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Good for you.
          Bruno looks easy pick in your case

  10. Jafalad
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Anyone with all four chips left? What are your plans?

    1. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      bbgw37 is all i know 🙂

    2. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Depends on the team.

  11. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Have 2FT's and 0.6 ITB, one of them will be Button > Pope
    What should be the second in preparation for gw31?

    McCarthy-Button
    TAA-VVD-Boly-Soyuncu-Fernandez
    Salah-KDB-Grealish-Maddison
    Jimenez-Jota-Aubameyang

    1. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      and Cantwell 🙂

    2. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Have a look at Grealish and Maddison tonight. If neither of them impresses you then think about McNeil. Another possibility is to roll the other FT and then change for Mane + Wood next week? If feelling aggressive then if not you're intending to keep Auba for 32 then you might consider Bruno and Wood for Grealish/Maddison and Auba for a hit. Also depends on when you're playing your WC .... assuming that you have one. Just random thoughts really.

      1. Bavarian
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Thanks for your input mate, I'll be playing my WC on gw32
        I'll wait till the end of this gw to decide...

  12. Sterling Archer
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    So Vardy a doubt to start, ings off the boil, my strike force is looking weak, the lack of options is making me think of going back to 3 5 2

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      As if there are too many midfielders doing well 😀
      Just hope that Vardy finds form.

      1. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        I fear that we'll be crying tonight. I hate it when I have to pray for a big score from a player who's up against The Foxes.
        Grealish brace in a 3-2 win for Leicester .... I wish!

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Ha ha

  13. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Im certanly keeping KDB, i own him from the start so if i take him out and buy back for 2 DGW's i will lost 0.7 from my team.

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Same here
      I'm selling though probably. TV doesn't matter ow

    2. Party time
        4 years, 20 days ago

        I can afford to sell but why would I do that to myself...I am keeping his beautiful orange looking arse in my team

    3. Party time
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Anthony Martial, the first utd player to score in both manchester derbies in a single season since Ronaldo in 06/07.

        Already on 11 goals this season with more to come ofcourse 😉

        Casuals call him a trap

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          I've sold him for Bruno. Might get him back & go double United midfield

          1. BNMC
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Is Rashford out for the season?

            1. Party time
                4 years, 20 days ago

                No

            2. Party time
                4 years, 20 days ago

                Nicee 🙂

          2. BNMC
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            I'm currently on a pretty big green, hoping the Vardy news is true and he doesn't do too much damage tonight if any...
            I also still have 4 DGW players.

          3. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Anyone else have benching headaches for g/w 31?

            So annoying!

          4. Hotdogs for Tea
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            DGW players
            Kun 1 point and maybe injured
            Gundogan 2 points
            Leno 11 points
            Pépé 3 points
            Auba 2 points as Captain

            not great at all, but I would be happy with another 19 points off these by the end of the gameweek - hope springs eternal 🙂