Scout Notes

Pogba’s impact on Fernandes’ FPL credentials as Martial bags hat-trick

Manchester United 3-0 Sheffield United

  • Goals: Anthony Martial x3 (£8.0m)
  • Assists: Marcus Rashford x2 (£8.9m), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.3m)
  • Bonus Points: Martial x3, Wan-Bissaka x2, Rashford x1

Anthony Martial (£8.0m) blasted all other Manchester United attacking assets out of the water as he scored a hat-trick in Wednesday evening’s 3-0 win over Sheffield United.

There had been a wealth of interest in the Red Devils for Gameweek 31+ as the Blades were set to visit Old Trafford without Dean Henderson (£5.3m), John Egan (£4.6m) and Jack O’Connell (£4.6m) and it turned out that Fantasy managers were right to expect a one-sided affair.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men made light work of the visiting side, carving through the second-string defence with relative ease.

However, where the majority of managers were let down was the captaincy, with nearly 20% of voters in our latest poll handing the armband to Bruno Fernandes (£8.7m). 

While the Portuguese international was recording a first blank since his Gameweek 25 debut, he was a little overshadowed as a creative force in the midfield by Paul Pogba (£8.3m), who, himself was making a first league start since Gameweek 7.

The Frenchman was officially deployed in the deeper central midfield pairing with Nemanja Matic (£4.8m) but in a fluid set-up, Pogba pushed forward to sometimes step on Fernandes’ toes.

The latter was still a creative presence in the team but on this occasion, had to share those duties with the man next to him – arguably a factor in his unexpected blank.

That said, Fernandes was perhaps a little unfortunate not to come away with something, as he watched an excellent first-half free-kick from the left batted over by visiting goalkeeper Simon Moore (£4.3m).

Shortly afterwards, Harry Maguire (£5.3m) nodded in one of the midfielder’s corners, only to see it ruled out for a push on Phil Jagielka (£4.1m).

It is no surprise that the options in more advanced positions were the ones to fully capitalise on Sheffield United’s vulnerable defence, namely hat-trick hero Martial and left-forward Marcus Rashford (£8.9m).

While Pogba’s presence limited Fernandes’ monopoly on creativity, there is no doubting that the Manchester United attack is much more powerful with them playing together.

With such excellent service, the man spearheading the front-four was perhaps always destined to mop up the goals.

With favourable fixtures still on the horizon for Manchester United, there is almost certainly going to be interest in Martial, whose game-time was managed in the 79th minute. Brighton, Bournemouth and Aston Villa are the Red Devils next three opponents

Despite the two assists, Rashford owners might have hoped for slightly more from the forward. He had a rather mixed evening, linking up nicely with Martial but squandering a few chances to get on the score-sheet himself, much as he did against Spurs.

The most gilt-edged of those happened in the 12th minute when Martial squared to him from close-range, the England international uncharacteristically spooning the easy opportunity wide. Seven minutes later, Rashford spurned another opportunity, Pogba playing him through with a lovely chipped ball – but the forward could only swing an air-kick at it.

His owners are unlikely to have too many concerns going into Gameweek 32+ though, especially as it’s Brighton up next. Rashford, like Martial, Fernandes and Pogba, was hauled off as part of a quintuple substitution in the 79th minute once the game had been closed out.

That change helped Manchester United see out a clean sheet, their fourth in as many home matches. Those looking to invest at that end of the pitch for the Red Devils could do worse than Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.3m) who assisted one of Martial’s goals. The former Crystal Palace man offered very little going forward when he first joined Solskjaer’s outfit but he is becoming increasingly useful from his right-back position. Between Gameweeks 1 and 25, Wan-Bissaka had assisted only once, but he has now set up two league goals since Gameweek 26.

Sheffield United’s attack continues to offer very little, registering a third successive blank since the Premier League restart at Old Trafford.

Chris Wilder made some changes to the team for this encounter, handing rare starts to Lys Mousset (£4.5m) and David McGoldrick (£5.4m), but neither was able to get into the game. The former was replaced by Oli McBurnie (£5.7m) at half-time, who had more of a sniff in the second half but could not trouble David De Gea (£5.3m) to any great extent.

As Wilder strives to find a solution to the problems going forward, Fantasy managers will increasingly target the Blades for clean sheet fodder in the remaining Gameweeks. 

We recently documented the improvements made to Spurs’ defence, so owners of Serge Aurier (£4.9m) may be particularly encouraged to see a trip to Sheffield United next on his schedule.

Meanwhile, Burnley and Wolves have been offering defensive options for the remainder of 2019/20, namely Nick Pope (£4.9m), Matt Doherty (£6.4m) and Romain Saïss (£4.6m), who face Sheffield United in Gameweeks 33+ and 34+ respectively.

Manchester United XI: De Gea; Shaw, Maguire, Lindelof, Wan-Bissaka; Matic, Pogba (McTominay 80’); Rashford (D James 80’), B Fernandes (A Pereira 80’), Greenwood (Mata 80’); Martial (Ighalo 80’).

Sheffield United XI: Moore; Robinson, Jagielka, Basham; Stevens, Fleck, Norwood (Berge 46’), Lundstram, Baldock; McGoldrick (Zivkovic 64’), Mousset (McBurnie 46’).

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FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 31+

1,730 Comments Post a Comment
  1. GE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    So many things went wrong yesterday 🙁

    Salah (C) and Boly -> Sterling and Doherty (Bruno (C)) last second on WC hurts 🙁

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

      So true. First I moved the armband from Salah to Rashford and then got Bruno in for a hit and he got the armband

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

        Ouch 🙁

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

          I chose Bruno cap over Salah too.. fortunately I’ve got Martial in my ranks to prop me up!

          On the plus side.. you only lost out on 8 points for capping Bruno over Salah.. as long as Salah is in your team

          1. Reg83
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            I captained Jimmy. Didn't have martial, but had rashford. Had mane too

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

    How would you use the FT here?

    Pope Button
    TAA Doherty Fernandez Robinson Simpson
    KDB Salah Son Fernandes Hayden
    Jimenez Rashford DCL

    1FT, 0.1 ITB

    1. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Save

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

      Save

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

      Save

  3. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Mahrez to Martial or Son for free?
    I have Rash already.

    1. French Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      How’s the knee ?

  4. CroatianHammer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    It really did seem like only Martial was getting anything last night... mad altogether.

    52 and 3 citizens to come: KdB, Mahrez, Ederson... hope to see nearer 80 by end of GW

    1. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      40 with kdb, mahrez, pepe and pope. 🙁 I would like to be such an optimist like you 😀

  5. sergioaguero67
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Any chances of a Double Gameweek in the remainder of the season?
    Please help
    Planning to use up my free hit this week

    1. Reg83
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Unlikely. Probably not

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

    Last transfers before I WC.
    Ready to take a hit!

    1 FT | Pope | 0.2 ITB
    Boly Saiss Lascelles
    Mane KdB Bruno Grealish*
    Auba Vardy Jimenez
    Button Taylor Egan Fodder

    What would you suggest??

  7. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Pick one to start next gw out of this lot-

    A kiko
    B lascelles
    C holgate

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

      A

    2. olidooley
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Flip a coin between Kiko and Lascelles

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

      B

    4. Ross Geller
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Kiko

  8. Tibbs
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Went the aggressive route to Project Restart and quite enjoyed myself, unlimited transfers, FH and now WC. How am I looking for current WC draft number 4641?

    DDG / Button
    Doherty / TAA / Aurier / Lascelles / Kiko
    KDB / Son / Salah / Bruno / Saka
    Jimi / DCL / Nketiah

    0 itb

    Any obvious omissions?

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

      Many would want Martial or Rashford in there but you can't have everyone so it's all good

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

      I'll be honest, I don't like the WC this week. There's nothing to immediately capitalize on and we have no clarity on post-title Liverpool.

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

        Agree to some extent, but my thinking was that I couldn't keep my GW30+ team as full of deadwood now and a fairly sensible assumption is that post-title Liverpool will see rotation so the likes of Salah/ TAA who are currently taking up quite a bit of budget can be easily moved on to flavours of the week.

    3. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A pretty good team but only KDB from Citeh? Maybe look at Foden. avoids 2 Arsenal too. After last night with Bruno shine dimmed with Pogba on the park. Maybe Martial instead.

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

    Imto the top 50 in the world for June rankings

    Might take a wild captain punt next week to have shot at monthly prize if KDB blanks

  10. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Would you save the FT with this team? Also, play Saka or Ayew?

    Patricio
    TAA Doh Aurier
    KDB Mane Bruno Son Saka
    Rashford Jiminez

    Button Ayew Lascelles Robinson

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

      Yeah I’d roll it

      Ayew for me. Arsenal have the FA cup game so Sakas mins could be managed. Ayew more nailed

      1. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks

  11. Hitmonlee
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    I’m playing Bench Boost next week and I’m looking at a cheapo defender for a hopeful clean sheet.. who would you pick?

    A) Kiko (SOU)
    B) Ward (BUR)
    C) Stacey (NEW)

    It will be for one week only so I’m not too concerned about future fixtures

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

      For 1 week only b.

  12. juanmata8
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    De Gea | Martinez
    Doherty | Van Djik | Aurier | Saiss | Lascelles
    KDB | Son | Bruno | Richarlison
    Vardy | Jimenez | Rashford

    Any changes or save FT?

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

      I’d save

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Downgrade Vardy maybe. Use extra money for 5 man midfield.

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

    Pope Henderson
    TAA Soyuncu Holgate Taylor Williams
    Salah Mane KdB Fernandes Dendoncker
    Jimenez DCL Ings

    1.0m.

    I'm saving my transfer this week (unless someone can suggest something that would be good)

    GW 33 plans:
    Ings + Henderson > Rashford + 3.9m
    Dendoncker + Ings + Henderson > Mahrez + Connolly + Martinez (-4)
    Dendoncker + Ings > Martial + Connolly

    So basically I'm picking a 7th attacker between Rashford, Martial and Connolly.

    1. Too Many Tacos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Not sure if you'll see this reply, but I have a very similar team and am deciding between similar options.
      What I'm thinking is the equivalent of your last option, Dendoncker + Ings > Martial + Connolly. Two gameweeks later you'd have the option of downgrading Henderson to swap to Mahrez for free, which would give you Martial vs BOU, avl then Mahrez vs bri, BOU, wat NOR.

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

    Looking at that man utd team and the 5 of all the attackers would suggest Greenwood is part of their strongest team and should start alot between now and the end of the season.

    With that in mind. Who to start?

    A) Greenwood Vs Brighton
    B) DCL Vs Leicester

    Thanks

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

      I still think he will be rotated unfortunately

  15. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone else think Jimenez and Doherty will be rested against Aston Villa ?

    The last time wolves had only 2 days rest was in Christmas. Wolves beat Man City and rested Jimmy and Doherry against Liverpool 2 days later

    With a much easier fixture against struggling villa its probably the best match for Nuno to give his key players a rest imo

    Agree?

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Maybe.

    2. Pinturicchio10
        3 years, 9 months ago

        No

        1. HurriKane
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          You have to he open to all possibilities.

          Hopefully since its the early fixture we might get some team news. Keep an eye on that

      • OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        That's why I have strengthen my bench.

      • HTL
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        We're in a great position to grab a champions League spot, and don't have the Europa League again until August. I can see plenty of 70+ min substitutions but I'm hoping for a stable team

        1. HurriKane
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          All top teams have to rotate to keep their players fresh

          And villa is the perfect fixture to do so.
          If wolves need a goal likes of Doherty Jimenez can come on second half

      • Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        But look where they are in the table surely the want to ensure the keep up the momentum

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

          The to they * 2

        2. HurriKane
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          They cant keep momentum if they are burnt out playing games every 2-3 days

          You dont need fullstrenght side to beat villa anyways

      • RubeRx
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Definitely a possibility

    3. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Morning gents.

      Would you do Mane-> Salah this week or does it seem too side ways?

      1. Pinturicchio10
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Dont see the point myself. I'm sure there's a better use for your ft.

          1. Rolls-Royce
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Ta. I am concerned about Salah haul whilst most player own him

        • Miniboss
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Sideways imho, probs not too much difference in points for the rest of the season

          1. Rolls-Royce
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Ta. Last game was scary to watch as a Salah non-owner. Could've hauled massively

        • Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          I wouldn't

      2. THEKID_88
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        What's the most green arrows you've had in a row?

        1. Rolls-Royce
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          This season 4.

          1. THEKID_88
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            I'm on 11 at the moment

            1. Rolls-Royce
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Nice. What's your rank?

              1. THEKID_88
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                17k. Wewnt from 88k to 17k over the 11 weeks.

                1. Rolls-Royce
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 9 months ago

                  Did you also include the lockdown weeks?

                  1. THEKID_88
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    3 years, 9 months ago

                    Silly me 🙂

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

          11 last year but I had a pretty dire rank
          Do we get to count the lockdown week this season 🙂

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

          I’m all green since gw20. Unless Sterling delivers tonight it’s a red this week. 54 with Captain Sterling, KDB, Sarr and Martinez to play.

          1. THEKID_88
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Good effort

        4. Aftermath
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          I've had 6 this season, not the worst I suppose

        5. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          4

      3. Hitmonlee
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Bench boost pick? One week only..

        A) Kiko (SOU)
        B) Ward (BUR)
        C) Stacey (NEW)

        1. Pinturicchio10
            3 years, 9 months ago

            B

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

          Play two:
          A Ings - Wat (A)
          B Pulisic - WH (A)
          C DCL - Lei (H)

          1. Pinturicchio10
              3 years, 9 months ago

              BC

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

            Would you roll the FT? Biggest concern is lack of Arsenal attack, but I'm unconvinced by Saka

            McCarthy / Martinez
            TAA - Doherty - Saiss - C. Taylor - Lascelles
            Salah - KDB - Son - Fernandes - Foden
            DCL - Jimenez - Rashford

            1. Rolls-Royce
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Lack of Arsenal attack shouldn't be the biggest concern surely

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

                If they were playing anyone but Norwich I wouldn't care. I probably still shouldn't but a couple of people chasing me have Auba and would assume they'll captain him

          3. AzzaroMax99
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            What to change here for the next gw?

            Pope
            Lascelles Doherty Targett
            Kdb Mahrez Pepe Grealish Neves
            Rash Jimmy

            Reina* McBurnie Stevens Egen*

            1FT
            6.1 IDB

            1. Pinturicchio10
                3 years, 9 months ago

                Terrible squad I would be taking a ‐8 hit if I didn't have a wildcard.

                1. AzzaroMax99
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 9 months ago

                  And do what?

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

              I've jumped nearly 300k places from 511k to 222k in just 2 GWs - feeling really proud of myself. No way I'll end the GW this high though, I only have Ings today and any KDB haul undoes all my points from yesterday...

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

                Similar 503k to 182 but all out this week so will drop back a good bit.
                Bit annoyed that I changed Rashford and KDB for Vardy and Richarlison at the last minute this week but overall I certainly don’t need to complain.

            3. EWH2020
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Bench boost this week?

              Martinez
              Masina
              Saka
              Soyuncu

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

                Who is in your XI?

                I would say yes, but the caveat is, it's Arsenal

                1. EWH2020
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 9 months ago

                  Not that I think I have a great bench, but they all might play and seems as good a week to use.

                  Rest of squad

                  McCarthy
                  Aurier, TAA, Doherty
                  Salah, Son, KDB, Bruno
                  Rash, Jimi, DCL

              2. Pukki Party
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                Why not as Arsenal play Norwich.

            4. sergioaguero67
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Any chances of a Double Gameweek in the remainder of the season?
              Planning to use up my free hit this week

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

                Unless something odd happens no more dgws

            5. Albrightondknight
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Anyone else getting fed up with DCL - two half decent chance that I saw today where he could have done better. But not much by the way of a straight swap.
              Any suggestions?

              1. Pukki Party
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                Deeney good fixtures and on pens

              2. Aftermath
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                I'm holding,no point in switching if no clear target in mind. Maybe downgrade to go 5 mids after next week

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

                Thanks will keep an eye on Deeney tomorrow.
                The other option is see is whoever might get the start for Che going forward - Giroud is only .1 more or find about a mil for Abraham.

            6. Aubaaaaa
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Which duo?
              A. Son Sarr
              B. Alli Martial
              C. Rashford Sarr

              1. Pukki Party
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                C

            7. Pukki Party
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Would you make any changes on who to bench here?

              DDG
              TAA Soyuncu Boly Lundstram
              Salah KdB Mount
              Vardy Rashford Jimenez

              Martinez Fernandez Cantwell Foden

            8. Azathoth
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              What to do?

              a) Keep (for this GW) the team as it is (1 FT)
              Pope -Martin
              TAA - VVD - Egan - Saiss - Lascelles
              Mo - KDB - Bruno - Greal - Saka
              Jimmy - Ings - DCL

              b) WC

              Thanx

              1. Pukki Party
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                Depends on how many changes you want to make. I wildcarded this week because the gameweeks are running out anyway, if there's a few changes better make them sooner rather than later imo.

            9. cescpistols111
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              How would you change this WC team? Want to bring in Robbo/TAA for Gomez.

              DDG Stekelenburg
              Doherty Aurier Gomez Lascelles Kilman
              Mane KDB Alli Pulisic Davis
              Rashford Jimenez DCL

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

                Doh to Saiss/Boly
                Puli to Foden

            10. manu4life99
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Any transfers worth a 4pt hit before WC33?

              Ederson
              Doherty Fernández Lund
              KDB Bruno Grealish Mount
              Aub(C) Jimi Rash

              Leno,Egan,Elghazi,Basham

              1. Pukki Party
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                No, gtg