Scout Notes

The Aguero injury latest as City rotation gives Fantasy managers food for thought

Manchester City 5-0 Burnley

  • Goals: Phil Foden (£5.1m) x2, Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m) x2, David Silva (£7.3m)
  • Assists: Bernardo Silva (£7.7m) x2, Fernandinho (£5.1m), Sergio Aguero (£11.8m), Gabriel Jesus (£9.6m)
  • Bonus: Foden x3, Mahrez x2, Bernardo, Silva x1

Pep Guardiola said Sergio Aguero‘s (£11.8m) knee injury “doesn’t look good” after the Manchester City striker limped out of his side’s 5-0 win over Burnley on Monday evening.

Aguero appeared to injure himself when winning a first-half penalty for Guardiola’s troops but the Argentine had been sighted holding his knee earlier in the game and his manager confirmed after full-time that it is an issue that has caused discomfort for some time.

The City boss said in his post-match interview and press conference:

He felt something in his knee. He was struggling the last month, some pain in his knee.

It doesn’t look good for this season.

Tomorrow we will see and know exactly what he has. But the doctor says it will take time. A few games [out] for sure but maybe tomorrow the tests he is going to get maybe some good news – we will see.

Aguero’s Fantasy assist for Riyad Mahrez’s (£8.5m) spot-kick was his last contribution at the Etihad and while it was at least some consolation for the premium FPL forward’s owners, his total of eight points across two Double Gameweek 30+ matches would have left many feeling short-changed.

The stock of Gabriel Jesus (£9.6m) could be about to rise as we await a proper diagnosis from the City medical department, although it should be said that Raheem Sterling (£11.7m) has operated as a ‘false nine’ in Guardiola’s various systems before and the Brazilian will surely not be starting week-in, week-out from now until Gameweek 38+ even if Aguero is sidelined.

With eight goals scored, none conceded and 174 Fantasy Premier League points plundered, Manchester City were the success story of Double Gameweek 30+.

The trouble is, of course, that the minutes and points were shared across 20 different City assets, with only Ederson (£6.0m), David Silva (£7.3m) and Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m) starting against both Arsenal and Burnley.

The Brazilian goalkeeper was, rather predictably, the only member of Guardiola’s squad who was handed three hours of pitch-time over the last week.

The City boss made a whopping eight changes from the side that beat the Gunners last Wednesday, with Jesus, Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne (£10.6m), Aymeric Laporte (£6.3m), Kyle Walker (£5.6m), Benjamin Mendy (£5.5m) and Ilkay Gundogan (£5.2m) all dropping to the bench.

Sterling (who has now missed out on 8-0, 6-1 and 5-0 wins), Mendy and Walker were all unused substitutes against the Clarets, while De Bruyne and Laporte emerged for one-pointers in the second half.

With the Citizens set to be in action twice a week between now and Gameweek 38+ and league results likely to be low down on Guardiola’s priority list, this ‘new normal’ (which is just the old normal on acid) is something Fantasy managers are going to have to get used to if they are to tap into this free-scoring City side.

Above: Manchester City players’ game-time in Double Gameweek 30+

Of the players who did start on Monday, Mahrez and Phil Foden (£5.1m) were the undoubted stars of the show.

The Algerian scored a fine individual effort after cutting in from the right flank on 42 minutes and, with Aguero, De Bruyne and Gundogan all off the field, stepped up to convert from 12 yards on the stroke of half-time after the Argentine had been felled by Ben Mee (£5.0m).

Guardiola’s comments in January about Mahrez being injury-resistant have been wheeled out as proof that the Algerian will be a regular starter during the forthcoming period of fixture congestion but it is naive to think that he too isn’t at risk; Sterling’s powers of “regeneration” had also previously been hailed by his manager and the England winger was consigned to bench duty against the Clarets.

While some of us will baulk at paying premium Fantasy money for assets that may only start every other game, Foden is arguably worth the risk at just £5.1m.

His 21st-minute strike from distance had broken the deadlock and he rounded off the scoring just after the hour-mark, finishing sharply after Jesus had miscued a shot in his direction.

Better still was his “assist for the assist” for David Silva’s goal, with a no-look pass setting Bernardo Silva (£7.7m) free in the Burnley box.

Foden is seen as the long-term successor to the ageing Silva but they were both deployed in the same team here, with the young midfielder operating further up the left flank.

Guardiola said after full-time:

When David said it was his last year I told the board we have Phil, so we don’t have to invest.

It is difficult to find a replacement but [in Foden], we have a young Manchester City fan who every time he plays gives us something unique and special.

In the next decade, or 15 years, he will be an outstanding player for us. I don’t have doubts.

Foden won’t start every City league match from now until Gameweek 38+ and chances are that he may be back among the substitutes at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

As a fifth FPL midfielder, however, he certainly has his merits and if we could sense that a start was in the offing, perhaps via a team news leak or the feeling that he was “due” a run-out following a benching or two, then Foden may prove decent value for money in the run-in.

From a Burnley perspective, this is simply one of those games to forget about and move on.

The Clarets couldn’t lay a glove on City and managed just one shot all match but “easier” tests await, starting with a home clash against Watford on Thursday.

There is a sense that all is not well within the Burnley camp, however.

With Chris Wood (£6.1m), Ashley Barnes (£6.1m), Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£5.9m) and Robbie Brady (£5.5m) all injured, the Clarets were further weakened by the loss of another four players ahead of kick-off; Joe Hart (£4.2m), Jeff Hendrick (£5.4m), Aaron Lennon (£4.6m) and Phil Bardsley (£4.3m), all of whom are nearing the end of their contracts, were not even among the substitutes as doubts linger over their futures.

Four academy products made it onto Dyche’s under-strength bench as a result, with two goalkeepers among the seven substitutes that the Burnley boss named.

Dyche was evidently irked by his board’s attitude, saying:

These situations didn’t need to occur. That is something the chairman and the board must learn from.

The COVID crisis has not been helpful for sure but it’s not been the cover story because I’ve been talking about this for 18 months.

It’s a strange situation with contracts. Players who haven’t been offered things have decided not to finish their contracts.

We have had a healthy return but the chairman makes the decisions. I can only advise. Life at Burnley is tough at times.

With many of us opting for Nick Pope (£4.9m) between the posts between now and Gameweek 38+, there’ll be concerns that those off-the-field issues could be adversely affecting the Clarets’ on-field displays during the run-in.

Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Cancelo, Fernandinho (Laporte 60′), Otamendi, Zinchenko; Foden (Sane 79′), Rodri, D Silva; Mahrez (De Bruyne 60′), Bernardo, Aguero (Jesus 45′). 

Burnley XI (4-4-2): Pope; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor; Brownhill, Westwood, Cork, McNeil; Rodriguez (Pieters 59′), Vydra (Thompson 88′). 

Members Analysis

Double Gameweek 30+ FPL Lessons Learned

1,460 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Lev Yashin
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    DDG and double WOL defence is the way to go.

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

      Thats what I have.

  2. _Ninja_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    BB this week or next fixture wise?

    GW31 McCarthy (ARS) Saka (sou) Boly (BOU) Taylor (ASL)

    GW32 McCarthy (wat) Saka (NOR) Boly (avl) Taylor (cry)

    Cheers

    1. gers23
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      next week imo

    2. Kno
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      32 for me, think Nor (H) for saka edges it

    3. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Cheers both

  3. simong1
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Which team do you prefer on a WC?

    A)

    Martinez*
    TAA - Doherty - Saiss
    Salah - KDB - Son - Fernandes
    Rashford* - Jimenez- DCL

    Button - Lascelles - Guendouzi* - Simpson

    B)

    Pope*
    TAA - Doherty - Saiss
    Salah - KDB - Son - Fernandes - Martial*
    Jimenez - DCL

    Button - Lascelles - Greenwood* - Simpson

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

      B. Never trust Aresnal!

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

    Salah odds-on to start against Palace after sitting out the last game - right?

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      If i knew he was starting I'd captain him in a heartbeat

      As it is - Klopp had 5 subs, needed a goal, had him on the bench, yet he got zero minutes... why in God's name didn't he bring him on unless he wasn't fit for minutes?

      That's what has the doubt in my mind about his start tomorrow, rightly or wrongly

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Question is how long he plays if he plays.

      2. Slitherene
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        He was about to come on, but Matip got injured.

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Ah fair enough actually that was their 5th sub... yeah he's probably a much better captaincy all of a sudden then

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yes I'd say so. I've currently got the armband on him.

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

      Yeah, it is strange I agree. Almost like they didn't want to win so that they could potentially win the title in the City game...

      Hmmm.

  5. LloristheHounds
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Rmw
    1)
    Martinez
    TAA, VVD, doherty
    Salah, Bruno, martial, son, richarlison
    Jimenez, DCL

    Or

    2)
    DDG
    TAA, VVD, Saiss
    Salah, Bruno, son, richarlison
    Jimenez, DCL, rashford

    Which is better for gameweek 31+

  6. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A) Rashford and Sarr

    B) Jiminez and Martial

  7. Shandangaz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Kane up top alone
    Salah, Son, Mane, Barnes, Fernandes

    OR

    Vardy & Jimenez
    Salah, Son, Mane, Barnes

    Thoughts guys please?

  8. BraxterStockman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    On a WC, what combo?

    A) Richarlison and Rashford
    B) Mane and DCL

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

      A

  9. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    I'm very much tempted to have Martial over Bruno. He plays as a striker! And can be a great differential if chasing!

    1. Silecro
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Just keep in mind he will be regularly subbed at 70-ish, that's whats putting me off

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I think with these fixtures, others will be rested too!

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Both

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

      Bruno - on corner kicks, free kicks and some of the pens. Sure starter. Great form. Martial - might be benched for Ighalo. Imo Bruno is too good to miss now

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

      I'd have both but prefer Bruno if had to choose one.

    5. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Seems an unnecessary risk. Get both if you want some fun. Without Bruno will be an awful watch

    6. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Cheers all. Bruno it is then!

  10. Midlands Saint73
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone else having issues with team reverting to previous weeks team after playing wildcard? I played wildcard yesterday and my team this morning has reverted. Thought it may have just been a bug while gameweek was active but did wildcard just now and same thing is happening????

    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Sorry mate, you played your second wildcard in January, you don't have a wildcard left. Use the Free Hit if you've got yourself into a mess.

      1. Midlands Saint73
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Where are you seeing that exactly please mate, I wasn't sure where I could check and asked on here before using ton of transfers and BB rather than FH last GW and info I got indicated I had not used it?

        1. The Polymath
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Go to My Team, then click on View Gameweek History under where is says Gameweek Points 115. Scroll down until you get to a heading called Chips. You will see the following:

          Sun 18 Aug 05:02 Wildcard GW3
          Fri 24 Jan 03:43 Wildcard GW25
          Wed 17 Jun 13:55 Bench Boost GW30+

          So you can see you played your first wildcard in August and your second in January.

          1. Midlands Saint73
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Odd I see this:-
            Chips
            Date Name Active
            Fri 27 Sep 13:59 Wildcard GW7
            Tue 21 Jan 08:44 Triple Captain GW24
            Tue 16 Jun 09:28 Bench Boost GW30+

            Thanks for the info though

            1. have you seen cyan
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              I think Wolves Aye has been smoking something...

            2. The Polymath
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Your link says you are number 5230. Is our link incorrect to your team incorrect?

              1. The Polymath
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                Let me say that in English. Your profile link is linked to team number 5230. Is this incorrect?

                1. Midlands Saint73
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 9 months ago

                  That looks like it hasn't updated from last season (certain I changed it), this is the correct one - https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/team/10842/event/26
                  I just tabbed through every GW and still only see 1 WC used
                  Cheers for the time used and apologies for mucking you around

                  1. have you seen cyan
                    • 4 Years
                    3 years, 9 months ago

                    Lol that link still doesn’t work for me. I’m sure you have a wildcard.
                    Clear your internet cache and cookies. Close browser and relog into fpl website (not the app). It must be a cookies issue.
                    If a wildcard is showing available you have one.

                  2. have you seen cyan
                    • 4 Years
                    3 years, 9 months ago

                    You need the link from the Gameweek history page not the page showing your team.

                      1. Fozzyb34r
                        • 9 Years
                        3 years, 9 months ago

                        It’s that one. He used his wildcard in GW7. Should still have free hit and WC left

                      2. have you seen cyan
                        • 4 Years
                        3 years, 9 months ago

                        Ok yes saints and sinners wildcard still available. Do what I said below

                      3. Midlands Saint73
                        • 6 Years
                        3 years, 9 months ago

                        3rd time lucky, opened in new browser (never use App as it is trash) - thanks for the help folks

                      4. have you seen cyan
                        • 4 Years
                        3 years, 9 months ago

                        Cool gl 🙂

          2. have you seen cyan
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Where are you seeing this, clicking his link takes you to an I found page. Are you looking at your own team??
            Op I can’t see ur team or history.
            Don’t use the app use the website, if it’s being weird clear all ur cookies and log back in.

            1. The Polymath
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Check before commenting. 😀

              1. have you seen cyan
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                Well that wasn’t his team and ur telling him he has used his wildcard when he clearly hasn’t. You made an assumption that was wrong

                1. The Polymath
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 9 months ago

                  Based on the available facts Trophe. 😀

    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Lol

  11. SMOOTH
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    really tempted to not have KDB on WC - they play every 3 days and after pool they have easy games which means KDB is not playing more than 45 mins on average. is it worth paying the 10M for cover and 45 mins per game? foden at 5.1 is likely to match for minutes.

  12. Unconstitutional
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    On wildcard:

    Patricio, Martin
    TAA, Lascalles, Kiko Femenia, Jack Robinson, Kelly
    Mane, KDB, Son, Fernandes, Guendouzi
    Rashford, Ings, Jimenez

    Pretty sure I should downgrade Son to beef up the defence but to who? So few decent mids in the 7-8m price range.

    1. GUSFRING
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Doherty

  13. LloristheHounds
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A) Martinez , doherty, martial
    Or
    B) de gea, Saiss, rashford

  14. martyhan
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Best two to go with on WC

    A Doherty and bergwijn
    Or
    B saiss and Son

    Thanks

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

      I’m leaning towards A. Bergwijn looks the real deal and could match Son. Saïss won’t match Doherty

      1. Art Vandelay
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Bregwijn has great potential as a differential but is also not nailed. Moura could easily start games.

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

          Don’t do this to me man.... I can’t fit Son in...

  15. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Morning all
    A) Sell Salah or KDB
    B) Replace with Bruno or Son

    Thanks

  16. Garam MOSALAH
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    WC team

    Martínez ****
    Doherty Maguire Lascelles Holgate ****
    KDB Son Bruno Sarr ****
    Vardy Rashford Jiménez

    A) Pope Aurier Guendozi
    B) Nyland C.Taylor Traore

    1. dshv
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A

  17. The_Fish
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Hendo - Martinez
    TAA - Doh - Justin - Lascelles - Taylor
    Sterling - KDB - Foden - Bruno - Sarr
    Rashford - Jimmy - DCL

    Leaves 2.6 itb, to upgrade Sterling to Salah at some point and other transfers that appear.

    Thoughts please?

  18. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Help me out.

    X, Button
    TAA, Doherty, Lascelles, Holgate, X
    Salah, KDB, Fernandes, X, Saka
    Rashford, DCL, Jimenez

    Who do you prefer for the last 3 places?

    A) DDG, Saiss, Sarr (potential benching headache each week)
    B) Patrício, Robinson (Bench fodder), Bergwijn
    C) DDG, Simpson (Bench fodder), Bergwijn

    I can’t get Son unless I lose another premium 🙁

  19. AdamJ91
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Which one looks the better option guys?

    A) Patricio // Doherty // Bergwijn
    B) Pope // Saiss // Son

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

      A

  20. Freund88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Would really appreciate feedback on this wild card squad

    Martinez Nyland
    Van Dijk Maguire Ritchie Saiss Lascelles
    Salah Son Fernandes Mahrez Foden
    Jiminez Calvert-Lewin Ings

    1. Garam MOSALAH
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Good team
      But is Ritchie nailed ?

      Could you rate my WC team above ?

  21. The Legend Squad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    My last question is, Son in for Traore? Worth a -4. Would give me a mid of KDB Salah Bruno Son

  22. Shandangaz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A.
    Kane up top alone
    Salah, Son, Mane, Barnes, Fernandes

    OR

    B.
    Vardy & Jimenez
    Salah, Son, Mane, Barnes

    Thoughts guys please?

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

      I would buy Samatta before I bought Kane. At least he's cheaper and won't drag the team down.

  23. Sloane426
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    (A) Mahrez + Richarlison
    (B) De Bruyne + Sarr

    1. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A

  24. Lev Yashin
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A) Bergwijn + Ings + DCL
    B) Son + Rash + Nketiah

  25. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    On WC?

    A. McCarthy Doherty Masina Rashford
    B. Foster Saiss Justin Vardy

    (Have Bruno & Pogba (want differential))

  26. klopp2567
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    RMT:--

    Martinez Nyland
    TAA Doherty Aurier
    Bruno Kdb Salah(c) Saint Maxime
    Ings Doherty Rashforf

    Bench:-Martinez, Cantwell, Masina, Lasccelles

    Any suggestion regarding the team.

  27. abaalan
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone considering Jesus on a WC now?

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

      Im always looking for divine intervention

  28. SH
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Sarr (bur) or Barnes (BHA) for this week? Currently on Sarr, think he should get more minutes.

  29. Almathkourq8
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Hello

    Pope
    TAA - Taylor - Lascelles
    KDB - Bruno - Grealish- Salah
    Jiménez- Auba - DCL

    McCarthy- Cathcart - Fleck - Egan

    0.0 itb and 1 FT

    A) Grealish > Sarr
    B) Grealish > Barnes
    C) Save

    Thank you for your time

  30. Werner Bremen
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Barnes or DCL? (Have Rich)

    1. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      DCL