Scout Notes

How Man United’s FA Cup win affected Fernandes and Aubameyang’s FPL appeal

Norwich 1-2 Man United

Goals: Todd Cantwell (£4.6m) | Odion Ighalo (£6.3m), Harry Maguire (£5.3m)

Assists: Emi Buendía (£6.0m) | Anthony Martial (£8.2m)

Red cards: Timm Klose (£4.3m)

Selected Minutes Played:

  • Bruno Fernandes – 120 minutes
  • Odion Ighalo – 120 minutes
  • Harry Maguire – 120 minutes
  • Luke Shaw – 120 minutes
  • Marcus Rashford – 57 minutes
  • Paul Pogba – 42 minutes
  • Anthony Martial – 24 minutes
  • Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 0 minutes

Owners of Bruno Fernandes (£8.7m) are bracing themselves for a Gameweek 32+ benching when Manchester United travel to Brighton midweek.

That’s because the Portuguese midfielder played all 120 minutes of Saturday’s bumper FA Cup quarter-final win at Norwich.

Owned by 20.9% of Fantasy managers already, interest in Fernandes has been high but his last two outings have proved cause for concern.

He was one of just three players from the 3-0 win over Sheffield United to keep his place, which, in the current circumstances is far from ideal for Fantasy purposes.

Not only was Fernandes overshadowed by Paul Pogba (£8.3m) in the Gameweek 31+ Old Trafford victory, but he arguably had his worst game to date in a Manchester United shirt at Carrow Road too.

He scuppered a good chance to score early on in the second half, tried too many tricks that failed to come off and failed to find those around him with ambitious through-ball passes.

Crucially, Fernandes played every single minute of this FA Cup encounter which seriously jeopardises the chances of him starting at Brighton on Tuesday. That would have been a problem for his Gameweek 32+ credentials even if he had produced an impressive display at Norwich.

By comparison, most of Manchester United’s key Fantasy attackers were handed initial rests before Norwich got back into the tie.

Marcus Rashford (£9.1m), Anthony Martial (£8.3m) and Pogba were all among the eight changes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made from the side that beat Norwich, although all three were called into action later on.

Rashford and Pogba were treated to 57 and 42 minutes in East Anglia respectively, which was not the worst result for those relying on the pair for Gameweek 32+.

Neither player added much to proceedings on Saturday evening, refusing to exert themselves for the cause, which is probably the perfect outcome for their backers: some minutes back in their potentially rusty post-injury legs without a full 90 or 120-minute outing or another knock.

Meanwhile, things were even better for Martial owners, as he featured only for 24 minutes of the extra-time when Solskjaer was doing everything possible to find a winner.

Not only is that game-time nice and sparing, but the Frenchman also did well to carve out a furrow for himself in a crowded attack and compacted defence, providing the assist for Harry Maguire‘s (£5.3m) late winner.

Like Rashford and Pogba, Martial is almost certain to start at Brighton now, especially considering Odion Ighalo (£6.3m) lead the Manchester United attack for 120 minutes against Norwich.

However, his backers may want to just keep an eye on the Nigerian for the remainder of the campaign. He has started his Red Devils career admirably, often scoring whenever called upon, as he did at Norwich.

Solskjaer added after the game that Ighalo’s form does make him rotatable with Martial. There are, at most, two more FA Cup games this season, as well as seven in the league – so it seems highly unlikely that the former Watford man will go without a Premier League start between now and Gameweek 38+.

“(Ighalo) is very important, that was important for me [that we extended his loan], we worked hard to do it, Odion knows how much we value him in and around the dressing room. He’s a goalscorer, a poacher, he’s strong, we can play the ball into him, he showed for the second and Paul found him. He’s performing well but it also gives me the chance to rotate with Marcus [Rashford], Anthony [Martial] and Mason [Greenwood] so they can get a rest and we’re fresh for every game.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

“It’s great to have the option to rotate. Anthony has done really well, Anthony came on and did brilliant, created chances. But Odion gives me a chance to rest Antho and is a proven goalscorer. And today he has played a part in both goals and is great to have around the dressing room.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

There were mixed implications for those invested in the Manchester United defence for Gameweek 32+.

Maguire and Luke Shaw (£5.4m) both played 120 minutes, potentially putting the latter’s chances of a start at Brighton in jeopardy, especially with Brandon Williams (£4.1m) playing just 57 minutes at Carrow Road. That said, the club captain scoring the winning goal will be of encouragement to Maguire owners, the centre-back perhaps more likely to retain his place on account of his position and role in the team.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.4m) and David De Gea (£5.3m) managed to avoid any involvement in the FA Cup encounter though, left out of the squad and on the bench respectively.

Furthermore, Wan-Bissaka looks much less likely to be rotated than those around him, considering the poor performance of Diogo Dalot (£4.9m) on Saturday. The right-back looked incredibly rusty, producing poor passes and sub-par crosses, all while Wan-Bissaka himself has been increasing his creative output with each Premier League outing.

Perhaps the Fantasy managers likely to be most excited by Saturday’s FA Cup action are those who captained Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) for Gameweek 32+.

The defeat to Manchester United came at a high cost for Norwich, who lost Timm Klose (£4.3m) to a red card as well as Todd Cantwell (£4.6m) and Lukas Rupp (£4.4m) to injuries.

Klose was sent off for a tug on Ighalo, earning himself a one-match ban, which keeps him out of the trip to Arsenal on Wednesday.

That means Farke will arrive at the Emirates Stadium with one fit recognised centre-back in Ben Godfrey (£4.4m), who played 120 minutes in the FA Cup. Christoph Zimmermann (£4.4m) and Grant Hanley‘s (£4.1m) injuries mean that either Alex Tettey (£4.5m) will likely have to drop back from midfield, the more versatile Ibrahim Amadou (£4.5m) having left the club in January. Hardly an ideal set-up for Norwich, but potentially perfect for the Arsenal attack.

Backers of a Gunners’ clean sheet will also be encouraged to see fitness issues further up the field for Norwich, with Saturday’s goal-scorer Cantwell and Rupp now in a race to be fit in time for Gameweek 32+.

“Todd (Cantwell) was moaning during the second half about some problems with his abductor. I hope it is not too bad. He felt it a bit and after he delivered such a good performance I hope he is available for the next game.” – Daniel Farke

“Lukas (Rupp) had a fantastic performance and we have to wait over the next few days. He had some problems with his hip. He felt it about 10 minutes from half-time. I thought it was his best performance since he came here. I wanted him on the pitch because he was so crucial to how we wanted to press the play, many defensive situations he did well. I don’t think it is too bad and we got him off before he could do any major damage.” – Daniel Farke

Norwich City XI (4-1-4-1): Krul; Lewis (Idah 118′), Klose, Godfrey, Aarons; Tettey; Cantwell (Trybull 90′), McLean, Rupp (O Hernández 62′), Buendía (Duda 90′); Pukki (Drmic 71′).

Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): Romero; Shaw, Maguire, Bailly (Martial 96′), Dalot (Williams 63′); Fred (Pogba 78′), McTominay (Matić 78′); Lingard (Rashford 63′), B Fernandes, Mata (Greenwood 63′); Ighalo.

FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 32+

971 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kante FC
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Pick two of 4 for next GW:

    Richarlison (tot), DCL (tot), Traoré (ARS), C. Taylor (SHU)

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

      DCL Traore

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

    Kept Auba all this time. He better deliver some good cappo points on Wed.

    1. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I haven't had an Arsenal player all season but I fear what he will do to Norwich

    2. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      should score a couple atleast

    3. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      been too long without a goal

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

    Would you FH this team?

    Ddg
    taa doherty aurier
    kdb bruno son richarlison
    vardy rashford jimmy

    martin taylor guendouzi ngakia

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      -to- that team?

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

        Not sure yet mate. Just feel it needs some che liv and mci players.

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          if Salah or Mane and say Mahrez get rested in the next game then maybe, but it's possible you will end up bringing in benched players - Vardy -> Jesus is a possibility

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

            That’s the dilemma mate. Will wait and see how this gw progresses. Cheers.

    2. Men in green tights
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Is it because of spurs v Everton and arsenal v wolves games because I am thinking the same thing with my team , so it is a possible yes from me just look who plays mid week do you know which players have been rested for the weekend.
      Cheers

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

        Cheers bud

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

      no

  4. n14mul
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    For those of us who have BB left, when do you plan to play it and which players you targeting?

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Put your team into the RMT in members area and see which week it is scoring yourbench highest

      1. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Have to pick my wc team 1st

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Well do that

      2. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        RMT says this week for BB, good job it’s in play !!!

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

      38

      1. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        think its a slight risk in 38, possible rotation risks so hard to pick 15 players likely to start.

        I'm saving fh for 38

    3. la boneza
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      In gw37 Arsenal va Villa-A, Burnley have Norwich-A, and Wolves have Palace-H... this fits the bill for my cheap players but games are close together so rotation is hard to predict..

      1. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I'm currently targeting gw37 as the best week available for these reasons. Rotation could become an issue with fa cup so will need to see what happens after this round

        1. la boneza
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Yea the FA Cup is a massive headache for planning

    4. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Now or asap

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

    Very sideways but 2 ft and prefer both players. Would TC Salah vs AVL.

    Mane + Bruno -> Salah (TC) + Martial

    Thoughts? Can't really see any other transfers I want to do

    1. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      It doesn't get much more sideways than that

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

      Just be mentally prepared for Salah to be rotated against Villa and Mane to explode. Probably the definition of a sideways move there

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Salah has had his rest, Mane’s turn if anything. But I expect both to start all the remaining games

  6. kime67
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    aubameyang aubameyang aubameyaaaaaaaang

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

    Lundy!

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Offside

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

          Ya sad

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

      Martinez at home to Norwich, or McCarthy away to Watford?

      1. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Martinez

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

        Play anyone you own against Norwich always - simple!

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

          Except DCL

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

            ^^ this

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

            And richarlison

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

        Isn't it a bit too late for that decision?

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

          lol

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

      My man

      Just don’t waste it all today

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

      VAR working well again on the offside calls.

      Dread to think how many offside goals were given in prior seasons. Thank goodness for progress. Not perfection, but progress.

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

      -bps for Lundy

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

      Aubameyang is going to blank AGAIN today isnt he...

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

        Happy for him to in the cup

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

      Thoughts on this Wildcard team:

      DDG
      TAA | Saiss | Lascelles
      Mane | KDB | Mahrez | Martial | Pulisic
      Rashford | Jimenez

      Button | Boly | Holgate | Connoly

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Not bad, template except DDG

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

        salah over mahrez.. amazing team otherwise

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

          mane*

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

        Nice

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

      Rory Delapesq

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

      Would you do this?

      DCL and Guendouzi > Nketiah and Mount and play 3-5-2 instead 3-4-3?

      So basically, DCL or Mount?

    10. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Mustafi/Luiz making Lundstram/McGoldrick look like prime Zidane/fat Ronaldo

    11. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      arsenal really lack that creator, xhaka just passes the ball sideways. waiting for ozil to f off so they can afford one.

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

        they need to play through their wingbacks more.. teirneys crossing looks good

    12. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      If you had your WC who would you get now?

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

        There are many WC drafts being posted this week, so a good selection at your disposal.

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

          Personally, looking at defence (+GK) from Wolves, United, Spurs, Pool. Then shifting from Son + Alli to Kane. Will get one (maybe both) of Mahrez/Jesus. Some Chelsea winger coverage, Pulisic if he plays today and gets rested in midweek, or Willian if the same happens to him.

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

        Would be tempted with a City double/triple up with those fixtures (probably KDB, Mahrez & Jesus).

    13. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      how did Raga run Virtual FPL? was it through a website or did he do it by email forms/google docs or something?

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

        Through a website. Python is your friend.

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          cheers! yeah was looking at learning it

    14. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      How's the game going ??
      Is it worth it to find a stream ?
      😀

    15. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      If Lundstram plays well do we expect a start against Spurs?

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

        Don't know sorry

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

          So humble

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

        Personally, no. Berge has been rested, as simple as that.

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Lundstram started over him against United too though?

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

            Did he? Then I'm not that sure. I didn't even notice Lundy started that game, was too busy scouting the United assets.

    16. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Afternoon guys looking for some advice. Any thoughts on what are the best GWs to play TC chip......currently looking at GW 33 on Salah v Villa but LFC have now won the title..........however this will be the first game back at Anfield as champions ??? Suggest any other week other than the last GW

    17. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Arse pen

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

        Take a tablet

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

      Struck gold last week and again contemplating TAA captain in 33.

      Rotation risk is there of course but the early sub last time I take as a positive sign.

      Villa are if anything more toothless than Palace - banked cs wouldn’t be a fail from my point of view and he’s not just a mid but really not far off a premium mid. Would be level with Mahrez for instance this season with only one point per cs.

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

        I'm going with Mane ©
        Not going to overthink it. V© Bruno

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

          Sensible

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

        I also cap'd TAA last week, tempting isn't it. Not sure I dare risk it again, ha.

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

          Just don’t see it as a risk - no more than a forward. He is absurdly consistent and has as high a ceiling as most anyone.

          Just 11 blanks all season. That’s one behind Mo!!!

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

      I know Arsenal want to get rid of Mustafi and he is only playing because so many players are injured or being saved for PL.

      But giving Luiz a new contract, even if on reduced wages, is a joke. It sends the wrong message to the younger players at the club. Is Luiz's attitude and lack of application (despite his experience) the type of culture that Arsenal want to promote at their club? Luiz isn't a leader. He doesn't show resilience or gee up the team when they are down. Many times he is the one complaining the most when things are not going well.

      Giving Luiz a new contract highlights everything that is wrong with Arsenal.

    20. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Auba not on pens..

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

        Pepe essential

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

          Pepèssential

          1. Ask Yourself
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Told you didn’t I x

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

              He’s nearly got 100 points - that pesky early adaption period eh 😉

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

        He’s not on the pitch?

    21. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Pepe scores a pen

    22. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Pepé pené goalé

    23. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Sheffield United still conceding, looking good for Kane (C) and Son on Thursday 😎

      Can’t wait to jinx it....

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        first shot Arsenal had I think

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Exactly, if even Arsenal can score against them...

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

      Could the fact Aubameyang isnt on penalties be a blessing in disguise for captainers?

      If they get a penalty vs Norwich, no one is scoring vs Tim Krul so reduces the risk of a -2 x 2

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

        He's not on the pitch right now dude

      2. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Lol loving these posts

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

          Imagine the scenes if Krul does save an Auba penalty 🙂

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

            Didn't last time in December 😉

      3. Dr. Agabuse
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Hes on pens

      4. Dr. Agabuse
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        And no. Even vs Mexico Krul saved only 2/5 and became a hero bc of van Gaal being a funny man