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

    Might see Auba now with that equaliser lol

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      lol

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

      Ars winning bro

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

        As if, bloody hell

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

      LOL

    4. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Lol

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

    Hopefully Lundstram knock not that serious

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      It was.

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

        I really want to pick him next season

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

          As a 6.0 midfielder?

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

            Sounds less appealing, but could still be gold depending how others are priced!

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

              wont be gold realistically, will be more like fleck

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

            Or mid?

  3. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Is that another Pepe assist?

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

      wouldn't have been given

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Did he have another assist in this game?

      1. Right In The Stanchion
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        No

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      think he got tackled rather than pass it back, don't think it would be an assist in fpl

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

    Enda Stevens forgot how to defend.

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

      A bit like norwich entire defence on maguire goal

    2. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Dame Edna Stephens...

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

      Henderson also at fault to be fair.

  5. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Was looking forward to Shu playing 120mins and then playing Spurs knackered...

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

      Don’t worry, nothing will stop the HurriKane hat trick!

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

        Aurier three assists, let's go!

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

    If I burn a transfer on Fernandes > Martial this GW, it allows me to do Son & DCL > Pulisic & Jesus the following week. All for free.

    Yes or No?

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

      Wait until all the games have played, transfers look ok

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

        Will do. Thanks

    2. Dreaming of glory
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Think I’d want fernandes and martial next week. Consider son > Pulisic now?

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

    Wouldn't mind Arsenal in the semis.

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

      It'll obviously be United - City, and Arsenal - Chelsea in the semis

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

        Tickets will be sold in a minute ..
        Ohh wait

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

      Arsenal fans wouldnt mind united either tbh

      Whoever doesnt get city will be happy with their draw

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

        Wrong
        Ole has Pep sorted 😛

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

      I'd like that, a re-run of the Arsenal-Chelsea EL final would be good

  8. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    I would like to thank Arteta today for giving us Aubameyang captainers hope for the game in midweek, followed by the inevitable disappointment!!! Haha

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

      Told ya 😉

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

      Yep he'll be fresh and hungry for the golden boot

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        You did mate!! Haha perfect scenario today!!! Can look forward with optimism now for the mid week match!!

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

      Me too. Feel sorry for pepe owners though. See him being on the bench wen now 😉

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah possibly so mate, all part of FPL tho, another time Pépe could have been on the bench and Aubameyang starting!!

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

    Magic Of the Cup they say ....
    Huge upset !!

  10. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Abraham starting, Giroud benched

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

    Caballero; James, Rudiger, Zouma, Emerson; Kante, Gilmour; Willian, Mount, Pulisic; Abraham

    Subs: Kepa, Alonso, Azpilcueta, Jorghino, Barkley, Loftus-Cheek, Kovacic, Pedro, Giroud

    .
    Schmeichel; Justin, Evans, Soyuncu, Chilwell; Ndidi, Praet, Tielemans; Perez, Vardy, Barnes

    Subs: Ward, Morgan, Bennett, Fuchs, Choudhury, Mendy, Gray, Albrighton, Iheanacho.

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

      Pretty strong from Leicester

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

        A bit strange. Staying in top 4 shd be priority

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

      Alonso nailed on in PL

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

        Good. I captained him this week

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

          😮

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

    Just want one game to go to penos! Not asking for much

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

    Hmmm was hoping Mount would be rested. Good chance on bench midweek you'd think?

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

    Alonso haul incoming 😀

  15. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    What would you do with this lot? 2FT 2.0 in the bank.

    McCarthy
    Trent Doherty Lascelles
    KDB Bruno Martial Son
    DCL Jimenez Vardy

    Leno Justin D.Luiz Lund.

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

    Weird they got two United players to analyse the Arsenal game, Rio & Van Persie.

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

      RVP is tearing into Arsenal... 😆

      1. Hy liverpool
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        What a traitor

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

          Rvp is a disgrace. 5 seasons on sidelines

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

            Not on the sidelines here: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BKFR0HqCEAArDiS.jpg

          2. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            His got his title with manu. End of

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

    Talk of Leicester being locked down is building up pace. Team is due to play Palace on Saturday. Something to keep an eye on for sure

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

      The reasons to sell Vardy are stacking high

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

        Hasn’t vardy scored only 2 in his last 15 games in all competitions?

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      What's this?

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

      Regular testing every week for everyone involved with LEI, I don't see the whole team being isolated if there is a positive result

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

        Locking the city of Leicester down. Big breakout occurring

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

        He's talking about City

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

        of course there is a risk but I don't see any LEI worth transferring in anyway

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

        Thats not the point

  18. I Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Would Bruno + DCL to Martial + Giroud be an improvement? Happy to keep Bruno but not so happy with DCL.

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

      DCL is nailed and Everton have good fixtures I would keep him for now unless downgrading and use funds in def and mid

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

        Everton only have 3 decent games in the last 6 where I’d back them. Uninspiring for me from what I’ve seen so far from Dcl.

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

      No way would I do them moves

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

      Can see why Giroud could work. Looks an improvement to me. I have Dcl and he’s been uninspiring so far but I have Jota to deal with so he stays for me unfortunately.

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

    Alonso rested 🙂

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

    thanks stevens (auba owner)

  21. AU79
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    What happened to Lund? I see in Forza that he was subbed a few minutes after injury.

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

      Hurt his shoulder apparently

  22. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Alonso dropped

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      lol

  23. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone else here for Kiko time?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Kiko + Sarr for me

      Nailed on for 2 pointers each

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

        I’d take 2 Kiko pts rights now...

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

      Welcome to Doucoure City!

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

        Assist?

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

    I am hearing rumours

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

      Good album

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

      SCENES

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

      I can’t stand Adele personally

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

        Fleetwood Mac!

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

    Auba, Nketiah and Alonso all dropped. Martial dropped too yesterday.... team in absolute tatters for the coming PL games...

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Poor fishing attempt...

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

        Trolling or not, I get him in a way, you want your players to play, especially after such a long break.

        We live in a weird time where we want our players benched in cup games, when in theory it’s giving others a chance to shine. I miss the days when there was less rotation full stop, apparently from for the League cup.

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

          *apart from

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

      So they'll all start the next league match. Stop trolling.

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

    Come on McCarthy, clean sheet please!

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

    Smallbone spotted

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

    McCarthy, KWP, Vestergaard, Bednarek, Bertrand, Romeu, JWP, Smallbone 😉 , Redmond, Long, Ings

    Foster, Masina, Dawson, Cathcard, Kiko, Hughes, Capoue, Pereyra, Doucoure, Sarr, Deeney

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

      Kiko 😎

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

      Cathcart return

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

        I can't see his name on there

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

          Dunno how I managed to hit the 'd' key. No where near 't'. Damn dypos...

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

        Cathcard*

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

      Saints subs: Gunn, Sanso, Vokins, Valery, Jankewitz, Armstrong, Obafemi, Tella, Adams

      Watford subs: Gomes, Mariappa, Cleverley, Welbeck, Penaranda, Pedro, Holebas girl, Kabasele, Pussetto

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

        Holebas girl made me giggle x

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

      Cheers GB.

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

      Kiko !!!!

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

    Ings starting again is a surprise.
    First time he has started 2 games in 3 days this season

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

      Had plenty of rest, I’m surprised not all players still need gametime for the sharpness

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

        Have you played 90 mins of professional football 3 days apart in June/July before?

        We arent talking about jogging down the canal 48-72 hours apart mate.

        To me 3 months off might increase the need for some players to heal up a bit longer with some rotation.

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

          For the money they’re on yes I’d expect it!

  30. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Sarr haul incoming