Scout Notes

De Bruyne on target again as Pulisic’s FPL stock continues to rise in Chelsea win

Chelsea 2-1 Manchester City

  • Goals: Christian Pulisic (£6.9m), Willian (£7.0m) | Kevin De Bruyne (£10.7m)
  • Assists: Tammy Abraham (£7.5m) | Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m)
  • Bonus: Willian x3, De Bruyne x2, Mahrez x1

A hugely entertaining match at Stamford Bridge ended in a win for Chelsea, a league title for Liverpool and the strong likelihood of Pep Roulette creating new levels of exasperation for Fantasy managers.

Since football has returned, many a fixture has been a drab, sterile affair.

Last night’s game was not one of them.

Chelsea allowed Manchester City 65% of the possession, but used their time on the ball to greater effect, firing in seven shots on target to the visitors’ two.

But thanks to a combination of sloppy finishing and some goal-line heroics from Kyle Walker (£5.6m), it took a VAR-awarded penalty to win the home side the points.

Following the knee injury suffered by Sergio Aguero (£11.7m), there was much pre-match speculation as to who would fill the great man’s shoes in City’ attack.

The obvious candidate was Gabriel Jesus (£9.6m), but as City coach Pep Guardiola doesn’t do obvious, he sent out three attacking midfielders – Bernardo Silva (£7.7m), Raheem Sterling (£11.7m) and Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m) – to do the job between them.

While the City selection picture is as clouded as ever, what did become crystal-clear was that Benjamin Mendy (£5.5m) seems to have forgotten how to defend.

The left-back was horribly at fault for the opening goal after 36 minutes, getting into a mix-up with Ilkay Gundogan (£5.2m) that allowed Christian Pulisic (£6.9m) to burst through on goal, beat Mendy for a second time and curl the ball past Ederson (£6.0m).

It was tough on City, who had controlled the match up until then, with makeshift centre-half Fernandinho‘s (£5.1m) header forcing a fine save from Kepa (£5.4m) in the Chelsea goal.

But it was further proof that the extended lay-off has helped Pulisic, who looked sharp, hungry and, after his second straight Gameweek with a goal, full of confidence.

Chelsea still have a Champions League place to tie down and a decent run of fixtures, until Gameweek 37+ at least, to do it. The American, currently owned by just 4.6% (but rising quickly), looks a decent differential option.

Another who could end the season strongly is Tammy Abraham (£7.5m), who again started on the bench last night but came on to great effect in the second-half, with his and Pulisic’s pace proving too much for City’s centre-backs.

By the time the England striker was brought on, City were level.

Mahrez drew a foul 25 yards out from the Chelsea goal and the imperious Kevin De Bruyne (£10.7m) did the rest, stroking home a superb free-kick.

The Belgian now has two goals and an assist from his last two starts and, even in a midfield of such abundant talent, is the player that makes the team tick. That doesn’t mean he’s immune from Guardiola’s rotational lust – the coach would probably drop himself if he could – but De Bruyne and Mahrez are very much the City men in form at the moment.

Neither could do anything about Chelsea’s response to being pegged back, however.

Sterling had a great chance to make it 2-1 immediately after De Bruyne’s equaliser, only to hit the post when clean through.

But once Abraham had come on for the willing, if one-paced, Olivier Giroud (£6.6m), the hosts’ attacking threat was transformed.

Mason Mount (£6.2m) wasted a great chance when Ederson essentially passed him the ball, the young midfielder hitting the side netting with the goal at his mercy, before Pulisic rounded the Brazilian keeper only to see his goal-bound effort cleared off the line by a sliding Walker.

The chances kept coming for Chelsea, however, and when Fernandinho effected another goal-line clearance, this time to block an Abraham effort, VAR quickly revealed that he had used his hand to do so.

Off went the midfielder-turned-defender, up strode Willian (£7.0m) and his converted penalty won Chelsea the match and Liverpool their long-awaited (and, no doubt, long-to-be-celebrated) Premier League title.

The Fantasy fallout of that title win, on the City side in particular, could make or break a number of managers’ seasons.

Speaking post-match, Guardiola praised Liverpool before turning to the immediate future:

We have five or six weeks to play. The FA Cup on Sunday is important and we need to achieve qualification for UCL and after that we need to prepare for Madrid.

Yes, City have yet to mathematically qualify for next season’s Champions League, although a looming ban might make that a moot point anyway. But Guardiola is fooling no-one if he thinks we believe he’ll prioritise the league over the FA Cup and August’s Champions League resumption.

That said, keeping his players fit and sharp won’t involve giving them a couple of cup games while they otherwise lounge around waiting for the Champions League to start again.

But finding consistent, reliable starters over the next few Gameweeks is going to be tricky, which is business as usual with Pep, to be fair.

Fantasy managers might have to risk a no-show here and there to benefit from the potentially big hauls that in-form players such as De Bruyne and Mahrez can still deliver – especially as City still have to face five of the bottom seven before the season finally ends.

Chelsea are a different proposition entirely.

Their Champions League qualification is likely, but most definitely not yet assured, and coach Frank Lampard has shown a consistent willingness to give his young players extended opportunities.

Now that he’s fit again, that should mean Abraham and Pulisic will have plenty of opportunities over the next few Gameweeks.

Lampard was keen to praise Pulisic after the match:

I wanted to protect him a bit against Villa and see if he could make an impact. He did that. I always planned to start him against City because I know what he can bring in these sorts of games. He brought it and did really well.

He’s a young player, he’s got so much talent, and he needs to keep working. He can get better and better.

And the coach made it clear how important the final few league matches will be:

We are in a battle here and it’s not going to be decided tonight. It’s a nice result which gives us confidence. Now the consistency we produce until the end of the season is what is going to define us this year, and get us the finish we want.

Chelsea do still have the FA Cup to consider, and nominally the Champions League, where they’re 3-0 down to Bayern Munich.

But the Premier League will surely be their main focus, meaning key players will need to be in our sights from here on in.

Chelsea XI (4-3-2-1): Kepa; Rudiger, Alonso, Christensen, Azpilicueta; Kante, Mount (Pedro 90′), Barkley (Kovacic 73′); Willian, Pulisic (Gilmour 90′); Giroud (Abraham 62′).

Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Mendy (Zinchenko 59′), Laporte (Otamendi 74′), Fernandinho;  Gundogan, Rodri (Silva 55′), De Bruyne; Sterling, Bernardo (Jesus 55′), Mahrez.

MEMBERS ANALYSIS

View full match data from Chelsea v Manchester City here

Burnley 1-0 Watford

  • Goals: Jay Rodriguez (£5.7m)
  • Assists: Dwight McNeil (£6.1m)
  • Bonus: Nick Pope (£5.0m) x3, Ben Mee (£5.0m) x2, Matthew Lowton (£4.2m) x1

A Jay Rodriguez (£5.7m) goal was enough for Burney to see off Watford and keep Nigel Pearson’s side deep in the relegation mire.

The striker’s winner, from an excellent Dwight McNeil (£6.1m) cross, was harsh on the visitors, who put on a much-improved second-half display that was probably worthy of at least a point.

From a Fantasy perspective, the main news was a clean sheet and maximum bonus points for Burnley keeper Nick Pope (£5.0m), which meant a 10-point tally for up to 19.2% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers.

It was Pope’s second double-digit haul in four Gameweeks and with Crystal Palace, Sheffield United and West Ham to come over the next three fixtures, few managers will be benching him any time soon.

Rodriguez, alongside strike partner Matej Vydra (£5.3m), led the line well and could have had more goals but for a fine save from Ben Foster (£4.9m) and a goal-line clearance by Craig Dawson (£4.8m).

The Watford centre-back was equally busy at the other end, producing a team-leading three attempts (all headers, all from set-pieces), while skipper Troy Deeney (£6.2m) was unlucky to see a header cleared off the line by McNeil.

But neither side’s attacking threat is likely to attract much investment. Burnley’s 35-goal total for the season is better than only seven other sides, while Watford’s (28) is the third-worst in the division.


It’s an entirely different matter at the other end of the pitch, however.

Only Liverpool (14) have more clean sheets than Burnley’s 12 this season, while Watford’s nine shut-outs is the joint-fifth-best record in the league.

The Hornets are perilously close to the drop zone at present, and still have Chelsea, Man City and Arsenal to play.

Their other four fixtures, involving Southampton, Norwich, Newcastle and West Ham, will likely decide their fate, and those matches could also produce decent defensive returns.

Goalkeeper Foster, with 3.8% ownership, is their most popular player and that is not likely to change.

As for Burnley, their ‘keeper is also their most-owned FPL asset and even a generally good schedule will probably not tempt much investment anywhere else in the side, although both Rodriguez and McNeil have produced decent enough returns over the last five Gameweeks.

The striker went off early with a hamstring issue against Watford, but Burnley boss Sean Dyche played down the extent of the problem post-match:

We don’t think it is too serious, we think we have got him off in time. It was a loss to us, but we are suffering a bit with numbers at the minute so we have got to protect the players as best we can when we can.

Dyche’s Watford counterpart Pearson wasn’t keen to dwell on the match.

They are good at what they do and saw the game out. We have to move on. There is no point spending too much time talking about the negatives.

It seems unlikely, at present, that many Fantasy managers will spend much time talking about the positives at Watford either.

Burnley XI (4-4-2): Pope; Lowton, Taylor, Tarkowski, Mee; Cork, Brownhill, McNeil, Westwood; Rodriguez (Pieters 81′), Vydra.

Watford XI (4-3-3): Foster; Kiko, Dawson, Kabasele (Cathcart 45′), Masina; Cleverley (Doucoure 45′), Hughes (Chalobah 83′), Capoue; Sarr, Deeney (Gray 85′), Welbeck.

MEMBERS ANALYSIS

View full match data from Burnley v Watford here


FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 31+

547 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ow00019
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    TAA (mci) Vs Saiss (avl) pick one to bench. Have Doherty.

    1. The Road to Turfdom
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Never bench TAA IMO

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

      One simply can never bench TAA in any circumstances (for proof - see Leicester game earlier this season)

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

      Seriously

    4. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Why would you want to bench TAA?

    5. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Play all 3.

    6. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      What is Saïss’ upside? 7 pts?

      Then ask yourself, what is Trent’s upside?

      Even if you get it wrong, you’re losing 4 or 5 pts, not 10.

    7. ow00019
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks alll! Think I have my answer lol!

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        (Play Saïss 😉 )

    8. Stoic
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I benched TAA against Leicester away. You know my answer

  2. The Road to Turfdom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Got some 50:50s (badly) wrong on my WC...

    Would people hold Alli and Vardy for another week or shift for Son and Rashford (or others i.e. Pulisic) straight off the bat?

    Many thanks

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Shift

      1. The Road to Turfdom
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Both?

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Vardy

          1. The Road to Turfdom
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Cheers

  3. Best forward options for the run in
    avfc82
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Thought I’d jump on and talk forward options for the run in.

    I currently own Calvert-Lewin, Jimenez and Vardy, and will probably move on the latter this week.

    Looking at my ‘Hitman’ custom table, using data from every game since Project Restart, these names stand out for shots in the box…

    Ings, Aubameyang, Calvert-Lewin, Joelinton, Abraham, Maupay, Rashford, Jimenez, Rodriguez and Jesus.

    Kane is also interesting, with three big chances – no forward has more.

    It’s a small sample size, but throws up some interesting names.

    So, which hitman have you been most impressed with so far?

    Is there maybe someone with average, or poor stats you’re tipping to come good?

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

      Hi! Thanks for all your great content.

      Any chan e you could give your brief thoughts on Sarr as an option this week and beyond?

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks mate.

        Watford look pretty blunt going forward right now, but I'm giving Sarr one more week, I'm hoping we might see a reaction against Saints.

    2. The Road to Turfdom
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      (see above) - but I've got the same front three as you and have this nagging suspicion Vardy gets back amongst the goals soon - but it's certainly not relaxing owning him atm!

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

        He pretty much has to as if he doesn’t Leicester’s top 4 hopes are done

      2. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah, was pretty frustrating watching him against Brighton, rarely threatened.

        1. The Road to Turfdom
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Classic Vardy trap though isn't it? Adds pretty little to the build-up whether Leicester look brilliant or awful but you back him to finish if a chance does arise

          1. avfc82
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Yep for sure, especially in Rodgers setup. Just think Leicester look a little off the pace right now, but to be fair, the same could be said for loads of teams right now.

    3. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Forwards are not ripping up trees.

      I decided to go only Rasford up top with a delicious 4 at the back, 5 in midfield.

      Patricio
      Alonso TAA Doherty Aurier
      Salah Mane Martial Son Pulisic
      Rashford.

      What do you think mate?

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah looks tasty, Rashford unlucky the other night not to register a huge haul.

        Is this a WC team?

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          No, -12 lol. Previous GW -24 ha ha.

          My rank is sitting at 223k so having some fun. Nothing to lose right now but I am pretty chuffed with my team. Will keep an eye on Mahrez if Son has a bad run.

          1. avfc82
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Ha, having fun then! I remember I took a -16 in my first ever season playing FPL, closest I've got since is a -8 (I think)!

            1. FOO FIGHTER
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              GW30 score 85 and GW31 is 82 so not a bad return considering the hits.

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

      Also sitting on Vardy

      Suspect I’ll go Jesus in the end - very much chasing. Kane half tempts me given he’s nailed as can be but Spurs attack feels very disjointed

      Giroud? I’m also sadly sitting on Tammy 🙁

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Jesus seems risky, but could pay off big time, especially post Liverpool as the fixtures are so, so good.

        Unlucky on Abraham, I was tempted to bring him in ahead of the restart, but I suppose it's not a huge surprise given Giroud's form pre lockdown.

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

          Yep

          Wasn’t really paying attention when I brought Tammy in - had entirely forgot about Giroud pre lockdown.

          Feel certain I’ll go double City attack from 34 if not 33 and really it’s just a question of balancing Mahrez against Jesus. Clear risk involved so strong first sub needed. Right now a defender looks more likely than a budget striker but that means another transfer. Hoping Lund resurrects 🙂

          1. avfc82
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Been such a disappointment since the restart, getting O'Connell back fit will be huge for them.

    5. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Really hoping Jesus get his chance after the Liverpool game, otherwise I’m going with Kane.

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah, don't think he'll necessarily start every game, but you'd hope for a decent amount of minutes regardless. I think he's a decent option myself.

    6. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      would you bench Ings or DCL to start Traore?

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        If it were me, I'd bench Ings, but it's close.

    7. Old Gregg
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I have that exact front 3.

      Contemplating going to 3-5-2 with Jim + Rash. Will look to get Mahrez and Pulisic in mid. Nekatiah will come in to fund that. Really Not sure whether to do any of these moves this week or hold for 2FT.

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        What would the move be if you did it this week?

        1. Old Gregg
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Could do

          Vardy > Rash
          Or
          Dcl > Nekatiah and play him or Saka v Norwhich.

          1. avfc82
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            I like the Vardy > Rashford move, he looks sharp.

      2. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I'm likely going jesus from 33.

        Surely it's a great chance for pep to give him a real run of games if he views him as long term kun replacement....although it's never so simple...

        1. Old Gregg
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Unfortunately we have to decide before the cup games

        2. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah, you'd think he'll rack up a healthy amount of minutes now. If he doesn't, it would completely destroy his confidence, and would suggest he's on the way out. Can't see it myself.

          1. Pieterke30
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Im giving Son one more game to convince me he hasnt really become a wing back under Mourinho - when Kane is fit.

            If he doesnt convince me, Im getting rid of him for Foden, and will replace Nketiah with Jesus, I think. From 33, then. KDB Foden Jesus as my 3 Cityzens.

            1. avfc82
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Can't see his positioning changing to be honest, this is a Mourinho side we're talking about, but let's see. De Bruyne, Foden and Jesus sounds tasty!

    8. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Nketiah? Think I'm getting him for Jota this week and changing to a 3-5-2 next week. More than happy to start him against Norwich then have him as 1st sub from GW33+

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

        I have same plans 🙂

      2. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah solid move mate, I think he works so much better in Arteta's system than Lacazette, so should see plenty of minutes.

        1. Pieterke30
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Would you bench any of Son KDB Mané Martial Bruno DCL Jimenez to start Nketiah vs Norwich mate?

          ... I cant. That’s my issue. I will never get the Nketiah points.

          1. avfc82
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Nope, I'd start them all ahead of Nketiah, but you never know, one of them may miss out / get injured in the cup, and you'll need him.

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

      Currently on Vardy + Jimenez. Might sell Vardy as a punt for this week and then on WC shift to Kane + Rashford + Jimenez

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Who you thinking as a Vardy replacement?

    10. Flaming Flamingo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Currently own Rashford, Jimenez and Nketiah. Will likely look to move Jimenez on after Arsenal, to either Jesus or Calvert-Lewin. Kane is interesting as well, but am still not convinced he's worth the outlay.

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah I agree, prob need to see more from Kane before I invest. Nice forward line by the way.

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

      Currently playing a 352 with power midfield.

      Salah, KDB, son, Fernandes, Martial
      Jimi, DCL and Nketiah on bench

      Son is at risk.... Bit nobody is jumping out at me. Jesus does interest me if he is rested pre 33

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Not tempted by Pulisic? Could be a nice switch if you decide to move on Son.

    12. A Fat Spanish Waiter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I have to give a shout to Nketiah. He is getting minutes, goals, and is a fantastic enabler for a big midfield. Obviously not a week-in week-out starter, but you could do worse for 1 or 2 on your bench.

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah agreed, I like him a lot.

    13. The Sociologist
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Jimenez a must right now. Rashford/Jesus also looking pretty tasty. Cheaper options aren't really exciting me at the moment, but happy to give DCL another game or two.

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah I'm happy to give Calvert-Lewin a bit more time, I think he'll deliver soon.

    14. Dybala10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Have DCL, Jimenez and Rashford and content with those for the rest of the season. Jesus could be gold but the rotation I can't deal with. Not many differentials though.

    15. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Will be going Auba to Kane GW33.

      Own Jimenez. Like Rashford, Jesus, DCL and Haller when back

    16. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Is your hitman table public? Can you link it?

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Not currently mate, I might stick it up in the future though.

        Off the top of my head it includes big chances, shots in the box, shots on target, penalty area touches, and some expected stats - that's about it I think.

    17. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Jimenez, Rashford, Abraham

      But would consider Jesus ahead of Abraham.

    18. BATISTUTA ®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Just wilcarded,
      DeGea (3,9)
      TAA-Alonso-Aurier-Ritchie (4,0)
      Mane-Martial-Son-Puli (Traore)
      Kane(C)-Rashford (Nketiah)

      Kane C a no brainer in my opinion considering FA cup games and the rest tott gets compared to a shaky sheff side playing cup on top.
      Btw, Jimi blank incoming ...Villa 1-0 🙂 ,cheers !

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        You got the Jimenez blank and the scoreline right, shame about the winning team tho ha!

        1. BATISTUTA ®
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Unfortunate for Villa, they defended well but no spark up top... Grealish was all over, dropping too deep at times.
          With those fixtures on the horizion, relegation is looming large... they need to score goals and thats the bottom line. Ah well, I’m curious to see how they respond if they get crushed in Anfield, cheers!

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

      Cheers Tom, has to be Jimi, Rash and DCL but think I will move to 3-5-2 soon with Nketiah and Greenwood as the bench striker.

    20. Kane Toads
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      ..thanks for the content. I'm have Ings, Calvert-Lewin, Jimenez.

      https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/35684/history

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks mate, double Wolves defence did well for you today.

  4. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Hey men stuck with this dilemma as I can’t get rid of tammy this week and still have my SHU on the bench NO FT

    Start 1

    Stevens home to TOT (nailed)
    Tammy away to West Ham - possibly on the bench again

    1. Powers106
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Tammy imo

    2. BATISTUTA ®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Tammy

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

      If tammy starts in fa cup then Stevens

  5. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Has their been any news on Ritchie? Anyone know?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Think I heard he is in contention for the weekends game

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

        Thanks, nice. Might keep then. A bench appearance in cup would be ideal

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

    Should I swap A) keep Rashford
    B) buy Aubameyang

    1. Dennis System
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I would swap A) keep Rashford

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

    Ritchie > AWB?

    Worried about that yellow flag

  8. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Pope 3.9
    TAA Doherty Fernandez Holgate Kiko
    Salah KdB Son Barnes Guendouzi
    Rash Jimmy DCL

    1ft, 0.0itb

    Wanted to do maybe Barnes to Mount but missed the price change. Should I do some other transfer this week or hold?

    1. Powers106
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I'd probably just hold.

      1. iL PiStOlErO
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Will do. Still have FH and TC but dont plan to use them yet. Cheers.

  9. Powers106
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Which one of these should start, others to the bench...?

    a) Nketiah
    b) Taylor
    c) Saiss

    Thanks!!

    1. Arron Wan Bissaka Nil
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Start Nketiah, Saiss first sub

      1. Powers106
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks, that was what I was thinking too, most upside.

        1. Arron Wan Bissaka Nil
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Exactly, if he gets dropped then no loss... if he plays even 30 minutes, he could score past Norwich

    2. La Vida Latte
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A and c

      1. La Vida Latte
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Just one... A

  10. Arron Wan Bissaka Nil
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    For FH
    a) Salah and Ings
    b) Pepe and Kane

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

      a

  11. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Please choose one for the rest of the season -

    A. Maguire/Wan bissaka and Azpilucueta/Alonso

    B. Aurier and Van Dijk

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

      AWB & Azpi

  12. akhilrajau
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Swap mane to martial ?

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

      Decent option, I'm going after Rashford, Martial has never been consistent but could always prove me wrong

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

        So its a good one right?bruno -> martial is better?

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

    RMT please, switching Mane and DCL > Rashford and Pulisic, is it worth a -4 to get out Enda for Azpi or Aurier?

    Pope,
    TAA, Doh, Lascelles,
    Salah, KDB, Bruno, Pulisic, Saka
    Jimi, Rash,

    3.9, Enda, Diop, Greenwood.

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

      Your question pretty much backs up the response you gave to my earlier post. 🙂

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

        Looking for some glimpse of reassurance in these troubling times!!

  14. Patson Dabaka
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Apologies in advance for n00b question:

    I have 1FT - if I play free hit this week, will I have 2FT for gw33+?

    1. Flaming Flamingo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      No, you'll have 1

      1. Patson Dabaka
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers!

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      No. Back to 1 FT.

  15. Worsle90
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone else think that the final GW is poised perfectly for top-four drama. LEI-MUN and CHE-WOL

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

      WHU-AVL could also be a six-pointer at the bottom

  16. as33
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Fernandes>Martial for free?

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

      No

    2. SH1M1
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yep, I did that last night

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

      I'm holding Bruno, that was his first blank in 6 games. Although, they did have a lot of injuries pre covid so was maybe in a differnet role....... No idea mate.

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

      Martial won't score a hat-trick every week

  17. Dynamic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Just been looking at some stats in the members area.

    How did Tammy Abraham get an xG of 2.19 in the match last night? He only came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute.

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      He should’ve scored, twice 😆

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Change the positional maps to "xG Shots" and it'll show you exactly where the xG came from. Looks like it was mainly 2 really easy chances.

    3. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Had a shot from literally half a yard for the Fernandinho handball

  18. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Klopp: "Getting these kinds of [record] points tallies sounds pretty nice to me but I'm not sure it's possible because six of the remaining seven games are played in a very short period of time. Every three days, we will have to make a lot of changes."

    Translation? I'll rotate the midfield.

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

      But not Salah, Mane or the defence, much.

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

      They need 5 wins from 7 games to break the record, they will probably do it.

  19. Dennis System
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Mane to Pulisic?

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

      Nope imo

  20. PompeyUpNorth!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    So, am I right in saying if I’m 7th in ML and no one above me has Son but teams are similar, he would be a good caption choice this week v Sheff Utd? It didn’t work last week but I’m happy to try again. Although I’m concerned Sheff Utd defence will improve now? Or do I okay safer? Thoughts please?

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

    Hold Salah, Mane and TAA for another week OR ship one of the midfielders out to enable United/Chelsea attack?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Been contemplating Mane to Martial for a while but will probably keep all 3 for the City game

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

        No idea what Klopps going to do but with 5 subs and a huge occasion secured, he might give lots of fringe players 30-45 mins.

    2. Easy Cheesy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      See my thoughts below. I’m increasingly tempted to stick until i see rotation i.e. one of them is dropped against villa in gw33.

      I still have wc so can flip all at that poijt if needs be tho

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

    Rashford will be a good captain pick ?

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

      Going Jimenez. Brighton are fair decent at the back.

  23. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    If Martial outscores Rash again this GW I may cry

    1. Flaming Flamingo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Just bring Martial in if it'll upset you that much

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

        Would have to sell Salah or KDB...

        1. Flaming Flamingo
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Well, you can't have them all. Can always look to upgrade a cheaper mid after Brighton perhaps?

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

      Every week it'll be different.

    3. Easy Cheesy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Rashford still the better player so should score more goals In any given game week. Obvs fpl points different due to position/ value etc but you can’t beat yourself up about having the higher quality player

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

        Beating myself up as I swapped them about 30 mins before the deadline then Martial scored the first Man Utd hat trick since RvP 😆

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

      Same boat. But - honestly Martial has looked awful until the other day.

      Given his track record, id be really surprised if he keeps up form.

      Im keeping Rash just a little longer

  24. Easy Cheesy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Still waiting to WC (having slow wildcarded pre lockdown)... plan was GW33 but just thinking this is one week too early as I have salah, mane and taa. If klopp doesn’t rotate then I’m going to regret it as they’ll haul vs villa, and if he does then I can act quickly and WC in gw34. Any logic to that?

    If I WC in gw33 i could sell mane this week for son/ pogba as a one week punt hence the question

  25. faux_C
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Still got FH and WC, would you FH this week?

    Pope, McCarthy
    Doherty, TAA, Lascelles, Boly, Soy
    KDB, ASM, Salah, Mane, Saka
    Ings, Jimenez, DCL

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

      Was thinking same but Cup might scupper a few PL lineups this week. While that'll be similar to my team would prefer to FH with more certainty on players.

  26. pablo discobar
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    GK Foster
    DEF TAA, Maguire, Doherty 
    MID Salah, KDB, Son, Fernandes
    FWD Rash, Jimmy, DCL

    Subs Pope, Holgate, Jorghinio, Lascalles

    DCL to Niketeh and Jorghinio to Pulisic?

    Cant decide if I should just hold.

    And if I do make those changes who do I bench? Niketeh perhaps cos of fa cup

    Cheers - its doing my head in

  27. Dynamic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Bench one

    A) DCL (LEI)
    B) Saka (NOR)

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Saka.

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B

  28. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Gomez, Salah, Jota > Maguire, Martial, Rashford (-4)? 2FT, 0.0 ITB

    Pope
    Alonso TAA Doherty
    Salah KDB Sarr Fleck
    Aubameyang Jiménez Jota

    Leno* Gomez Egan Hayden

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Looks an improvement. Salah may hurt given how City defend and the suspension.

  29. fplking14
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Bruno or Martial?

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

      Martial

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Tony Gloves

  30. Lav
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC? £0.0m ITB.

    Pope - 3.9
    TAA - Doh - Aurier - Saiss - 3.9
    Mane - KDB - Son - Martial - Foden
    Rash - Jimi - DCL