Scout Notes

Early advantage for De Bruyne captainers but Aguero shows promise

Man City 3-0 Arsenal

  • Goals: Raheem Sterling (£11.7m), Kevin De Bruyne (£10.6m), Phil Foden (£5.1m)
  • Assists: De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m), Sergio Aguero (£11.8m)
  • Bonus Points: De Bruyne x3, Sterling x2, Bernd Leno x1 (£5.0m), Benjamin Mendy x1 (£5.5m)

Kevin De Bruyne (£10.6m) pulled the strings for Manchester City as they ran out 3-0 victors over a poor Arsenal side on Wednesday evening.

It was the perfect start to Double Gameweek 30+ for over half of the top 10,000 FPL managers who captained the Belgian, while over one million worldwide made the same decision.

De Bruyne was awarded the assist for Raheem Sterling‘s (£11.7m) first-half goal before dispatching a second-half penalty won by Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m).

It could have been an even bigger score for De Bruyne, who played Mahrez in for a well-saved effort during the first half before Sterling chipped over from close-range shortly after receiving a perfect pass from the Belgian.

From a captaincy perspective, the midfield maestro’s big haul is best viewed in the context of Sergio Aguero‘s (£11.8m) evening though. The Argentinian was the second-most-captained player among the top 10k for this round but found himself on the Manchester City bench at first.

With Gabriel Jesus (£9.6m) starting in his place, Aguero managed just 12 minutes of game-time, handing a serious advantage to De Bruyne backers at this half-way stage of Double Gameweek 30+.

However, there remains some hope of big things to come for Aguero owners as Manchester City prepare to host Burnley on Monday night.

Nearly 80 minutes for Jesus surely guarantees a start for Aguero in their second Double Gameweek 30+ match and he showed plenty of threat during his short spell against Arsenal.

During the 12 minutes he was on the pitch, Aguero hit the post, gaining an assist for Phil Foden‘s (£5.1m) goal in the process, and struck the side-netting too.

Furthermore, while De Bruyne did take Manchester City’s last penalty before lockdown (against Real Madrid), the one he took on Wednesday night was awarded when Aguero was on the bench, so there is still a chance the Argentinian may have something to say about spot-kicks on Monday.

However, the fact that Aguero was benched for this game will already be worrying some of his owners about long-term prospects in their squad, especially as Pep Guardiola admitted once again that each line-up has to, right now, be chosen with the next one in mind.

“We have one eye on the next game, yeah. So we select this (team) having an eye on the next one and then it’s five days, three days, three days, four days.” – Pep Guardiola

The same could arguably be said of Sterling, whose chances of starting against Burnley may have taken a hit following his 90-minute outing on Wednesday.

It was, of course, a positive night for the Englishman, who scored his first goal of 2020 after a poor start to the year pre-lockdown. That said, he is still not yet back to his explosive and ruthless best in quite the same way as De Bruyne, although this is perhaps excusable given the long lay-off.

Either way, it is no secret that Guardiola has plenty of other options to use on the flanks of his front three instead of Sterling.

Included in that number is Mahrez who, unlike his English colleague, had his minutes managed against Arsenal, taken off in the 65th minute. That substitution, after a relatively positive display, suggests the Algerian could be in with a chance of another start on Monday night.

Mahrez found plenty of space on the right-hand side, especially in the first half, and could have got a goal of his own were it not for an impressive performance from Bernd Leno (£5.0m).

The former Leicester man should have had another chance to find the back of the net but was bundled over by David Luiz (£5.7m) in the 49th minute. It was this foul that led to De Bruyne’s penalty, which Mahrez claimed the assist for, at least.

Also waiting in the wings for Guardiola’s side are Bernardo Silva (£7.7m) and Leroy Sané (£9.3m), with neither option exposed to too much game-time against Arsenal. The Portuguese international came on for Mahrez in the 65th minute, while Sané remained an unused substitute. Fantasy managers will be keen to see which of them is used when Burnley visit the Etihad Stadium, so we can start to get an idea of what Guardiola’s rotation policy is going to be when it comes to the wide areas of the front three.

It may take another Manchester City outing to tell us the full story about their defensive set-up for the remainder of the season too, as there are plenty of options at the back for Guardiola.

The 3.4% of managers invested in Aymeric Laporte (£6.3m) will be satisfied at the half-way point of Double Gameweek 30+. He was named in the starting line-up for the meeting with Arsenal and his removal on 69 minutes ensured a banked clean sheet.

Furthermore, it looks as if Guardiola may have brought Laporte off intending to start him again when Burnley come to the Etihad on Monday night.

“Laporte was back from a long injury and there are a lot of players we believe cannot play 90 minutes but 50, 60, 70 minutes is good. Maybe next game they play another one and we try to maintain everybody fit.” – Pep Guardiola

Laporte now looks an even surer starter after a particularly nasty injury sustained by centre-back partner Eric Garcia (£4.5m).

The youngster was making his first start at the heart of the Manchester City defence since Gameweek 21 and looked comfortable until the closing stages.

Ederson (£6.0m) charged out of his box to head away a long ball over the top, clattering into Garcia in the process. The centre-back was down receiving treatment for the best part of 10 minutes and is unlikely to be involved against Burnley.

“We are a little bit concerned. He responds quite well but we have to wait. He is conscious right now, which is good, but I think he’s going to need an extra test and maybe (go to hospital).” – Pep Guardiola

Garcia’s likely absence for Monday night reduces the total of recognised centre-backs available to three, with Laporte facing competition from Nicolas Otamendi (£4.9m) and John Stones (£5.3m) to start again – although Fernandinho (£5.1m) has frequently been deployed at the heart of the defence this season and Rodrigo (£5.5m) has also been known to play there.

Fantasy managers may also be keeping an eye on Kyle Walker (£5.6m), who made some exciting forward runs against Arsenal. His 90-minute outing could count against him for the Burnley game, with Joao Cancelo (£5.1m) available, but Walker has now played 90 minutes in five of the last six Premier League matches for Manchester City.

As for whether or not the Citizens can be trusted for further clean sheets moving forward may well depend on their upcoming opponents, rather than their own defensive solidity.

That is not to say they were uncomfortable against Arsenal, more that the Gunners could not produce much to trouble them.

They had just three shots in the match, none of which were on target. In fact, they went without an effort on goal between the 25th minute and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang‘s (£11.1m) feeble stoppage-time stab.

As an aside, the Gabonese international was one of just a few outfield Arsenal players to even turn up for Fantasy managers, although a 90-minute outing ahead of a 66-hour turnaround hardly inspires confidence of a start against Brighton. Nicolas Pépé (£9.3m) and Mesut Özil (£7.3m) were both heavily discussed as Double Gameweek 30+ options but the former was an unused substitute while the latter was omitted from the matchday squad entirely due to “tactical reasons” despite previously starting every Premier League match under Mikel Arteta.

Generally speaking, Arsenal were held back in their efforts on Wednesday by lots of things not going according to design. Their game-plan was dealt two killer blows inside the first 25 minutes when Granit Xhaka (£4.8m) and Pablo Mari (£5.1m) were both forced off with injuries.

The defensive midfielder had to be replaced inside five minutes for an ankle problem, making way for the less combative Dani Ceballos (£5.2m). Meanwhile, Mari’s injury meant David Luiz (£5.7m) came on for a horrific 25-minute spell in which he gifted Sterling an opening goal, gave away a second-half penalty and got sent off in the process.

“I don’t know (if the injuries were because of lockdown). If they were muscular injuries, maybe yes (it could be because of lockdown) but these ones, I don’t think so.” – Mikel Arteta

“It was not the team’s fault, it was my fault. I should have taken a different decision in the last few moments.” – David Luiz

Ultimately, the key player for Arsenal was, as Double Gameweek Bench Boosters had been hoping, goalkeeper Leno.

Despite conceding three times, the goalkeeper still managed to get himself one of the bonus points, having produced nine saves. With another Double Gameweek match to go, Leno already has five points to his name. With favourable fixtures on the horizon, it will be interesting to see if he can hold onto his ownership past Double Gameweek 30+.

Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Mendy, Laporte (Fernandinho 70′), Garcia, Walker; De Bruyne (Rodrigo 70′), Gundogan, D Silva (Foden 65′); Sterling, Jesus (Aguero 80′), Mahrez (B Silva 65′).

Arsenal XI (4-3-2-1): Leno; Tierney, Mari (D Luiz 24′), Mustafi, Bellerín; Xhaka (Ceballos 8′), Guendouzi (Maitland-Niles 67′), Willock (Nelson 67′); Aubameyang, Saka; Nketiah (Lacazette 67′).

Members Analysis

View full match data in the Members Area

View full match data in the Members Area

Double Gameweek 30+ FPL Lessons Learned

Nominated for ‘Best in Fantasy Football – Editorial’ at the Football Content Awards 2020

Which FPL assets are on set-piece duties at their clubs? 1

VOTE FOR FANTASY FOOTBALL SCOUT BY
CLICKING HERE.

1,117 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Fit_to_drop
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on this lot folks?

    WC

    Patricio (Button)
    TAA Doherty Fernandes (Kiko Williams)
    KDB Mane Bruno Son Doucure
    Rashford Jimmy (Greenwood)

    Cheers.

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      nice. going double utd attack feeling confident i see 🙂

  2. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Best option to complete this wc defence? Budget 4.9m.

    Pope 3.9
    Taa Doherty Lascelles xxxxx 3.9

    1. LIARS POKER
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Any way you can find 0.4 for Maguire/AWB? If not Aurier could be an option, risky but good fixtures and does have potential to get attacking returns

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers bud. Aurier is a good shout. Have Vardy in my draft currently. If I decide to downgrade to Tammy then Maguire is in for sure.

      2. Wılly
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Pope > DDG, xxxx to Taylor and give yourself a playing option as a 5th defender up to 4.5

        1. SpaceCadet
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Would only leave me 4.2m to upgrade Simpson unfortunately

    2. casual
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Egan?

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Was thinking of getting lund but Egan more nailed. Worth a look. Cheers

    3. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I've gone for Holgate as my 4th defender - will be playing 3-4-3

  3. LIARS POKER
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Cantwell or Saka for the benched midfielder?

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Cantwell

    2. FPL_Devil
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Cantwell

  4. casual
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Bottomed on last page so giving it another shot.....

    We know Man Utd have good fixtures and are chasing Champions League football but is a Man Utd triple up consisting of 3 of Maguire, AWB, Rashford, Martial, Pogba, Bruno too much?

    I'm considering it but keep coming back to just having Maguire and Rashford. Maguire pips AWB as with being a CB he should be more certain of minutes and I just think Rashford is the best attacking threat they have.

    Which Man Utd assets are you going for (if any) and why?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      i have rashford and maguire (goal threat) at the moment. I wouldnt triple up as i'd rather have son and rashford than fernandes and rashford. I think Pogga could do really well but not feeling brave enough to pick him 🙂

    2. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I'm locked into a triple up unless they look utterly horrendous on the weekend.

      Almost 100% set on rashford and Bruno. Bruno I don't think needs any explanation and I love Rashford as a player, having him also gives my team good balance I think.

      Just can't decide between Maguire and DDG now.

      1. casual
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah, sensible to see how they all look tomorrow

    3. Henning
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Well can People triple Up in Sheffield and wolves player om shure you can have 3 United. I have Fernandez and tempted to get rashford .

    4. FPL_Devil
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I have Bruno Maguire and Rashford. Don’t think it is too much although Rashford might be eased back in

      1. casual
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks. Do you really think Rashford's minutes will be managed more than some others? Who's his direct competition on the left? Is it Martial if Ighalo plays up top?

        1. STHH
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          It's going to be a real mix up front. Rashford and Martial can both play as wing forwards AND as CF. Ighalo tends to be just CF. Greenwood can be CF or WF. Interesting times.

  5. Fit_to_drop
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Conor Moore doing a take off piece on the premiership managers:

    https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=572230390323882

  6. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    What are the pros/cons of

    1) FH31, WC33 vs.
    2) WC31, FH38

    If i go the FH option, my current team for gw32 would be

    Leno
    Taa Doherty Lundy -- Targett Egan
    Kdb Mount Grealish Bruno -- El ghazi
    Auba Kun Nketiah

  7. JabariParkersEyelid
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    For WC:

    A) DDG, C.Taylor, Kabasele, Salah
    B) Pope, Maguire, Jack Robinson, Mane
    Who you backing?

    1. casual
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Close one but A

      1. JabariParkersEyelid
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks, I'm leaning that way as it gives more flexibility I think. Means I can decide between burnley/toon/Watford defence each week rather than being locked into Burnley.

        Plus Salah.

        1. casual
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Agree with your reasoning behind the defensive flexibility..............but Salah was the key for me

  8. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Brighton appealing for Luiz red card apparently...

    1. casual
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Brilliant!!

  9. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    What’s the best way to use chips? I used BB this week and got my highest rank ever(901). Should I WC now and then FH GW33 when City play Liverpool?

    1. french holiday
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah that could work

    2. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Use the wildcard and then do free hit whenever u want

    3. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Used BB last week and now on my WC ... feels good

      Will only have TAA, Salah and KDB, so I think I still play them all in the MCI v LIV match

  10. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Leno Nyland
    Trent Doherty Fernandez Egan Basham
    Son Salah DeBruyne Cantwell Son
    Jimenez Rashford Nketiah

    This is my Ideal team but would need a -12, no chips etc left.. Aguero Sterling Alonso Grealish —->> rashford Salah Fernandez Son

    Thoughts on this? Currently on 63 points

    1. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Would just do Salah & Rashford and get others in following GW's.

  11. CONNERS
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    BB team for GW31.

    McCarthy
    TAA - VVD - Doherty
    Salah - KDB - Bruno - Barnes
    Auba - DCL - Jota

    Krul / Cantwell - Lascelles - Taylor

  12. HashAttack
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    My provisional WC team ... 0.0 ITB

    Pope
    TAA, Fernandez, Doherty
    Son, Bruno, Salah, KDB
    Vardy, Rashford, Jimenez

    Martin, Cantwell, Holgate, Simpson

    1. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Probably the best I've seen to be fair. Ticks most boxes.

      1. HashAttack
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        thanks

    2. james 101
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      That’s my starting team.

      Unless I play Saiss over Fer

    3. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Incredible team!

  13. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Will FH and WC players cause price increases? I'm planning to FH in GW31 and so should I get my preferred players locked in sooner rather than later?

  14. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A) Bruno and Kane

    or

    B) Son and Rashford

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Toss a coin.

  15. TRIPOS TOPPER
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    WC team

    Pat (3.9)
    TAA Maguire Doherty (Fernandez)(Egan)
    Salah Bruno KdB Son (D Luiz)
    DCL Ings Jimi

    1.0 ITB

    any thoughts?

    I feel I have to hold Ings as he has been a trooper for me