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

    Laca limping a bit after that challenge. Looks ok to continue though.

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

      Cheers, Geoff

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

    D. Luiz playing for the team. Now that took a leap of faith from Arteta!

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

    I'm sorry but Lacazette is an absolute feather. Starts crying and diving whenever he gets the smallest tap

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

      Another player that Arsenal should try to get rid of asap. Bad attitude, bad leader, bad example for the younger players.

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

        Jeez u make it sound like arsenal are on the verge of relegation

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

          Of course they are not. But they are heading in the wrong direction. If Arteta wants to turn it around he needs to impose a better culture at the club. One with high standards of behaviour, attitude, resilience, work ethic, desire and improvement.

          A number of players like Ozil, Laca, Luiz and Xhaka have not shown the level of standards required to get them back into the Top 6 (let alone the Top 4).

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

            I agree theyre a long way off top 4

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

        Totally. Hate him

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

      worked didn't it?

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

        Way worse than Mane or Salah would ever so be so have to call it out when I see it

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

      Its called tactical complaining he obviously isnt in tgat much pain bit mothing wrong with a bit of exaggeration to get the opponent a card or two

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

        Just a shame we have wet wipe referees who are desperate to give the softest calls.

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

          yeah, it's basically turned into Basketball, better get used to it

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

      hardly touched him, very soft pen

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

      That's football in general nowadays

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

      That's Bruno Fernandes you're talking about there. Oh and Harry Kane, no wonder Kane can't score anymore, can't dive around all over the gaff.

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

        Nope. Kane and Fernandes would never start rolling around for what I just saw Lacazette do. Laca and Guendouzi are probably the best in the Premier League at crying over nothing

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

          Bruno Fernandes dived against Watford in the box, and he tried it against Tottenham. As for Kane, well he dived around last season a lot in the box when there was no VAR. As did Son and Salah.

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

            Fernandes kind of fell over and appealed. He didn't start crying and feigning a bad injury like Laca always does. And then that fool Guendouzi starts shaking his hand in the air like his leg has been cut off.

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

              Fernandez got the decision too though didnt he. Without var united would have won that match

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

            Thats correct. No difference between diving followed by rolling around and just diving.

            Ref doesnt wait to see how many rolls the player took before giving a penalty.

            We all know why kane doesnt get the criticism others get

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

              Kane is the biggest diver in the PL but cause he's English gets away with it as you said.

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

                Lol. This is a terrible take and completely untrue. Zaha is bad, for example.

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

              There is a difference. Diving and feigning a bad injury is worse than just diving. It also makes them look like complete idiots which is worse

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

          Daniel James wants a word in

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

      Harry Kane says hi. 😉

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

      Still remembering that 2nd minute goal when he came to Arsenal. First game of the season, was promising lol

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

        Hes done okay. People forget how good he was last season.

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

    Tammy owners if there are any left what would we be hoping for today?

    Giroud to start ideally but can’t see that ? Or maybe Tammy to start and get a goal or 2

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

      Tammy will start

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

      If I owned Tammy I would be hoping for a Giroud injury. Thats a sign you shouldnt own Tammy

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

      I think Giroud is nailed for the PL games at the moment, Tammy will start today

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

        Injury to giroud it is ... lucky to get the 4 pts from him last week

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

      I'm looking at Jota to Giroud if he doesnt start tonight... surely worth a punt with fixtures and increasing CFC midfield ownership..?

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

    How's does this WC33 and BB34 look?

    0.4itb
    Pope Martinez
    TAA Doherty Saiss Aurier AWB
    Salah Martial KDB Mahrez Foden
    Rashford Jimenez Nketiah

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

      Looks good to me

    2. InSaneMan-e
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      On paper I like. But be weary city have 3 games in a week so rotation risk. I also dont know how liverpool will do with title wrapped up. 3 games in a week for them too and they'll be massive rotation because it's not worth risking a big injury to Salah etc

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

        I agree it is very risky with City 3 mids but the upside and potentail hauls are high.

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

    What an exciting day of football we have to look forward to, followed by a bumper Monday!

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

      I hate 1x PL game per day. It's tortuous

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

        at they are exciting fixtures!

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

          it least they are*

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

      If Sarr gets a hattrick this will be the best day of the season!

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

    So, how are Arsenal looking?

    Auba captainers happy with how sharp he’s looking?

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

      Auba has already contributed more this match than he did against Southampton

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

        So 10/10?

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

    So what did everyone think of the last of us 2?

    1. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Love it so far, hate having to kill dogs tho' but haven't been able to avoid them...

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

    there goes my mega Lundstram haul on Thursday

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

      what happened to him?

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

    2 ft, 0 itb, no clue what to do. Bruno to Martial perhaps?

    DDG
    TAA Saiss Lascelles
    Mane KDB Son Bruno
    Rashford Jimenez DCL

    Button, Holgate, Robinson, Guendouzi

    Any suggestions?

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

    Is Next week good time for TC?

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

      Who?

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

        Salah?

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

          Good player to choose

          Rotation concerns?

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

            yes that is an issue

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

            I am not overly concerned about Pool roation until they get that record.

        2. InSaneMan-e
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Not for me because liverpool with rotate

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

          No better time

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

      Salah @ Villa ?v

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

        Yeah. I guess rotation is an issue though

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

      Am considering Salah too. Could get a brace.

  12. FPL Diet
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Current team...

    Martínez
    TAA, Doherty, Saiss
    KDB, Salah, Fernandes, Martial
    DCL, Rashford, Jiminez

    Martin, Davis, Lascelles, Kiko

    Considering DCL & Jiminez out for Jesus & Nketiah - want do you reckon???

    Will be happy to rotate formation with those bench players all getting minutes

    Top of most Mini Leagues with a mid 2k rank - want to hold league positions but try & get a best ever rank

    All thoughts gratefully received 🙂

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

      I was thinking the exact same move but move on Jota rather than DCL. I’m really not sure whether or not it is a good move though pal

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

        Think I like it

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

    Lundy injured shoulder

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Subbed, could be a dislocation or fracture

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

      Hoping to have a 442 WC team ready for next weekend

      Any tips to improve thanks?

      Patricio 3.9
      TAA Doherty Saiss VVD (Holgate)
      Salah Bruno Martial KDB (Saka)
      DCL Rash (Nketiah)

      Will change during the week depending on events of course

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

      Lundy’s in a spot of bother here

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

        What happened anyway?

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

      Diop to come on for Lundstram looks like for me

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

        Elmohamady for me.....

        Mind you at least not negative, every cloud etc

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

          Could’ve been 1 for Lundy anyway

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

            True, always nice to hope

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

      Lunny cheapskates punished

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

      Poor Lundy

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

      Lundy subbed off with an injury.

      Berge on

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

      RMT, what’s a good %age to go with?

      Just checked as BB in play & this week is the highest shown 65%

    9. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Lundy subbed off, dislocated shoulder maybe

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

        Lundstram nailed for Thursday then

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

          Surely depends on whether his injury his serious though? What if he needs surgery for a dislocated shoulder?

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

            I’m being moronic, just p***ed off knowing I’ve got Elmohamady 1 pointer coming on for him

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

              Not being annoying but how is ElMo first on your bench in a week where this sort of thing was very likely with FA CuP?

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

                Thought he might start after scoring against Newcastle, not to mention the other 2 on my bench are Connolly and Hanley...

      • BRFC
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        If you could own any striker for the rest of the season who would it be? I already have Rashford and Jimenez and want to replace Auba.

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

          Gabriel Jesus or Tammy Abraham.

        2. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Kane, then Jesus.

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

          See if Vards turns up?

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

          DCL has good fixtures from GW34 or maybe use the money on the def and mid 352 or 442

      • Coys96
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        That’s Lundy out for month at least probably. Him to Aurier I guess

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

          Lundstram nailed for Thursday then

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

          ah ffs now aurier will rise again

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

        Looks like maybe a dislocated shoulder for Lundstram

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

          yep season over and massive loss for sheffield

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

        John Lundstram is still the 3rd most popular pick at the back sitting on 40.2% ownership.

        John's absents will spread lots of benches pretty thin.

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

          Will likely be transferred out for Aurier, who will duly haul, and the people will be celebrating.

        2. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Should tip Lascelles over to 4.4m.

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

          Surely a lot of inactive teams with him.

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

            Ohh for sure but still lots in the higher echelons that are stuck with him.

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

          Lots of dead teams there
          About 26% ownership in the top 10k, so still quite high

      • Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Not too worried about Lund. Swedes are hard people, he will be back in no time

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

          dislocated shoulder needs a month atleast

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

          Might even be back for second half

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

          Born in Liverpool right though?

        4. Billy Ketsu
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          I thought he was Austrian like Ashley Barnes.

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

        This kind of thing is why it’s smart to wait till Friday’s for transfers I guess...

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

          I think people are referring to the current gameweek in play, which doesn’t end til Thursday.
          Doubt people have already made transfers for next gameweek already....

      • Nightcrawler
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Lund rested for spurs?

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

          He doesn’t need shoulders to be able to play

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

        Does Lundstraam missing out against Spurs mean Sheffield will probably me even more defensive?