Scout Notes

Pulisic and Willian continue fine FPL form as West Ham gear up for fixture swing

West Ham United 3-2 Chelsea

  • Goals: Tomas Soucek (£4.8m), Michail Antonio (£6.9m), Andriy Yarmolenko (£5.2m) | Willian (£7.1m) x2
  • Assists: Jarrod Bowen (£6.4m) x2, Antonio | Christian Pulisic (£7.0m) x2
  • Bonus: Willian x3, Antonio x2, Bowen x1

A late goal from substitute Andriy Yarmolenko (£5.2m) won West Ham United a game of twists, turns and one contentious VAR decision.

Such is the state of play at both ends of the table that the result could prove crucial for the Hammers’ Premier League survival and damaging for Chelsea’s Champions League aspirations.

But from a Fantasy perspective, it was not quite such a dramatic evening.

Of the players who brought in decent Fantasy Premier League (FPL) returns, only Chelsea midfielders Willian (£7.1m), who scored twice, and Christian Pulisic (£7.0m), who claimed assists for both goals, could be found in at least five per cent of Fantasy squads.

West Ham’s four main contributors – Yarmolenko, Tomas Soucek (£4.8m), Michail Antonio (£6.9m) and Jarrod Bowen (£6.4m) – are owned by roughly 120,000 FPL managers. In total.

For context, Kevin De Bruyne‘s (£10.7m) ownership is 32 times larger than that. All by his ginger self.

That said, the Fantasy repercussions could linger longer than last night’s hauls.

Chelsea coach Frank Lampard didn’t spare all of the horses in his line-up choices, making just two changes from the side that beat Manchester City six days previously and starting five players who were given extended run-outs in the weekend’s FA Cup quarter-final against Leicester City.

That was proof, if it were ever actually needed, that rotation won’t be a major issue for those managers looking to capitalise on the Blues’ next four fixtures, which involve Watford and Norwich City at home and trips to Crystal Palace and Sheffield United.

The fight for Champions League spots is now so intense – two places sought by four teams separated by just three points – that Lampard can’t afford to rest his key players.

Last night, the stars were Willian and Pulisic, who have both appeared in all four matches since football returned.

The Brazilian, owned by 5% in FPL, is in sparkling form, with four goals and an assist from the last four Gameweeks.

He made his mark from set-pieces against West Ham, converting a penalty – his second in successive league games – and then a free-kick, both times following fouls on Pulisic.

The American has been equally productive since the restart, with two goals and as many assists since Gameweek 30+, although he was profligate when blasting over the bar in the first half following a clever dummy from Tammy Abraham‘s (£7.5m) clever step-over.

Small wonder that the pair are the most popular transfer targets among Chelsea assets heading into Gameweek 33+, although Mason Mount (£6.2m), who created a couple of chances during a 37-minute cameo at the London Stadium, and Abraham are also attracting interest.

The England striker started his first league match since Gameweek 25 last night, but managed only one attempt, off-target, and a single chance created during an underwhelming performance that was in stark contrast to his dynamic turn from the bench in the win over Man City.

Lampard was left to rue his side’s defensive shortcomings against the Hammers:

There’s without a doubt a good group of players in there, but then when you analyse the consistency, you feel a game like this is coming. Again, that shows there’s work to do. If we are opening up to try and score that winning goal then we have to be prepared to run back the other way and defend. And defend better.

West Ham exposed a weakness at set-pieces for which Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5.4m) deserves a sizeable chunk of the blame.

The Spaniard struggled to command his area last night; a fault that led to both of Soucek’s openers.

The midfielder thought he’d scored his first-ever West Ham goal when he hooked home following Antonio’s botched attempt from a cross, only for VAR to rule the Englishman was lying offside, which he was (just), and interfering with play, which he really wasn’t.

As it happened, the decision proved more derisory than costly, as another corner led to another Soucek goal, this time from a header back across goal and past the hapless Kepa.

In fairness, the Hammers’ other strikes could not be laid at the keeper’s door, with their second an emphatic finish from Antonio which gave Bowen his second assist of the night.

But the defending of Antonio Rudiger (£6.0m) and Marcos Alonso (£6.2m) certainly left a lot to be desired regarding Yarmolenko’s winner.

The Ukraine international finished sweetly from Antonio’s pass on the break, but he went past Rudiger all too easily and was helped no end by the fact that Alonso neglected to track his run in the first place.

Chelsea have kept just one clean sheet since Gameweek 22 and only six all season – that’s just one more than Norwich and Aston Villa – although, amazingly, Villa have conceded double (553) the attempts that Chelsea (276) have allowed.

Equally mystifying is that only Manchester City have allowed fewer shots than the 276 conceded by Chelsea, and only two teams (City and Liverpool) have better tallies for shots on target conceded than the Blues.

Whatever the causes of all that, it’s clear Chelsea defenders are not featuring highly on Fantasy managers’ wish lists, although Alonso’s attacking threat against the Hammers will be highlighted in the Members Analysis section below.

West Ham assets have not proved any more popular, but there’s a differential option or two to be had as David Moyes’ men prepare for the final six, potentially mad, matches of the season.

The madness will almost certainly arise from half of those fixtures involving do-or-die clashes with fellow relegation candidates Norwich, Watford and Villa.

The rest of their schedule is less fraught, but could prove testing for their goalscoring potential, as the defences of Burnley, Newcastle and Manchester United are among the tightest in the league.

In Antonio, Moyes has found a gem that he was keen to praise post-match.

We need him so much. He led the line really well.

Fantasy managers could be tempted by the midfielder if he remains in an out-of-position role up front – likely as the club’s recognised strikers are currently either injured or out of favour.

Bowen is another who could be worth a look as the January signing has a goal and two assists from his five Premier League starts now.

Both he and Antonio are hardly popular – owned by 0.1% and 0.8% respectively – which marks them out as major differentials.

And although Gameweek 21 was the last time the Hammers kept a clean sheet, their schedule involves a number of games that don’t exactly scream goals, so a low-cost punt such as Issa Diop (£4.3m) might be worth considering as well.

What’s for definite is that neither side is about to start thinking of the beach any time soon, leaving Fantasy managers with a number of motivated players to pick from as the season draws to  a close.


West Ham United United XI (4-5-1): Fabianski; Fredericks, Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Soucek, Rice, Bowen (Yarmolenko 78′), Fornals (Balbuena 90′), Lanzini (Wilshere 68′); Antonio.

Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Arrizabalaga; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Christensen, Alonso; Kovacic (Mount 52′), Kante; Pulisic, Barkley (Loftus-Cheek 63′), Willian; Abraham (Giroud 63′).

MEMBERS ANALYSIS

FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 32+

3,040 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on
    Son, Guendouzi and DCL out
    Pulisic, Mahrez and Nketiah in

    Creating this team with 0.5 ITB:
    Patricio button
    VVD Doherty AWB Lascelles Simpson
    KDB Salah Fernandes Mahrez Pulisic
    Jimenez Rashford Nketiah

    1. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I like it

      1. FF Dirtbag
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers rinse!

        1. Rinseboy
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          give us a hand below mate

    2. The Big Fella
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Keeping Salah even after tonight? Not worried he will be rotated?

      1. Goonsquad245
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Selling Salah before villa at home under almost any circumstances is unbelievable overthink

        1. FF Dirtbag
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          This.

        2. The Big Fella
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          He could be rotated though

  2. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bruno or Salah captain?

    1. Better luck next year
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Bruno is safety is a priority

      1. Better luck next year
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        If*

  3. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Jota to Origi thoughts?

    1. JJeyy
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      will mainly be benched, but played this week

    2. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Good punt as long as you got a decent rest of playing squad

  4. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Really nees your guys opinions! Leading my ML by 40 points.
    £500 top prize as league of about 80 people. Rivals in 2nd and 3rd have decent squads with Martial and Mahrez

    Would you do this for a -8 this week and sacrifice some points?
    Jota, Son and Saka to Nketiah Martial and Mahrez ?

    Pope
    TAA Doherty Maguire
    KDB Salah Bruno Son
    Jota Jimi DCL
    Martinez Saka Aurier Fernadnez.

    1. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I’d just bring in Greenwood for Jota, no hits

      1. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        could do more worried about Martial and Mahrez captainers

        1. Goonsquad245
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          It’s a risky strategy to cover your opponents teams with a lead of just 30-40

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Hold and get Ings in 35

    3. The Big Fella
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I wouldn't be taking hits. You would be eroding your lead.

    4. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      thanks all. Hoping Martial or Mahrez captainers don't destroy me this week

    5. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      But you don't know what moves they are gonna make... -8 cuts your lead a bit too much for me. Block one of them, probably get Mahrez in.

  5. Goonsquad245
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Foden at 5.2 looks great but I’m struggling with the timing of the move. Doesn’t feel like the right week to bring him in.

    1. JJeyy
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      next week for me

    2. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Shame he wasnt taken off early. Think I'm going ASM instead.

    3. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'd say few mins vs Saints, 90 vs New

      1. Goonsquad245
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        This looks right, but I have Sarr who has NOR that week, so that doesn’t feel like the right time to sell either!

      2. Tempestic
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        this would be the logical thing to happen

  6. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pretty set on Grealish -> ASM but not seeing him in many/any teams? Great form, Newcastle playing well, half-decent fixtures? Or better to go with Foden who presumably wont start next GW?

    Planning Salah -> Sterling week after.

    Cheers

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Go ASM on a 1 week punt

    2. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      So many other options, he’s also a great option

      Pulisic Willian mahrez martial Bruno sterling Kdb salah mane Foden son Antonio all options for 4/5 slots

  7. FantasyTony
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Question time! First to 3 wins:

    DCL + Sarr > Ings + Foden

    Y/N?

  8. Tempestic
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Tempted by Auba, Son > Kane, Sterling for free but it means going without Liverpool mids and tbh I reckon they might comeback with vengeance so I'm unsure

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

      this is my feeling, might hold

      1. Tempestic
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I currently dont own any having taken a punt on Auba on WC instead (which i must say went rather well 😉 ) But now idk whether or not to get them in... if there was better budget strikers I would for sure but I'm honestly seeing no one I like the look of..

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

    Fh team line up,
    Ryan
    Vvd-soyuncu-zinchenko (mendy played 90 tonight)
    Bruno-martial-salah-pulisic-mahrez
    Rashford-kane
    Bench - lascelles and rest 3.9 etc

  10. FPL_DON
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Any ideas what to do with this lot with 2 FT?

    DDG - (fodder)
    TAA - Aurier - Doherty - (Lascelles - Holgate)
    Mane - Son - Fernandes - KDB - (fodder)
    DCL - Jimi - Rashford

  11. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Mahrez or Foden?

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mahrez

    2. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mahrez this week. Foden the next week.

    3. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Both great. Mahrez just though

    4. JJeyy
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      mahrez this week, foden next

    5. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mahrez brother
      Mahrez
      😀
      Sold Son ...

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I was really hoping he remained a differential 😛

    6. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Cheers all! 🙂

  12. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Eeeek - these jokers got me a minor green. Lightning won’t strike twice

    Ederson
    Boly Maguire Egan Lascelles
    KdB Bruno Son Sarr
    Jim Vardy

    Hendo Tammy Lund Grealish 3.9itb

    A Grealish to Martial
    B Grealish to Mahrez
    C Vardy Grealish to Greenwood Sterling -4
    D Grealish to Foden
    E Roll and play Lund!!!!
    F other

  13. Tsssst
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A. Grealish to Pulisic
    Or
    B. Aubameyang to Greenwood, Grealish to Salah - 4

  14. Ian Davis
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Any tips for this free-hit team?

    Pope

    TAA / Chilwell / Saïss

    Mané(c)/Salah/Martial/Bruno/Willian

    Jimenez/Greenwood

    Subs: 3.9/Taylor/Nketiah/3.9

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

      I’d rather have Pulisic over Willian

    2. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Laporte got subbed a little early, maybe he will start?...you really don’t think Salah and Mane won’t be rotated next game??

      1. Ian Davis
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Definitely a chance they could be, but with that fixture I can’t leave them out. Decent shout with Laporte, but Ings could get a goal.

  15. jason_ni
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Time to admit I was wrong and just bring kdb in for son for free?

    I know as soon as I do it, kevin will be benched.

  16. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Jose Mourhino sold KDB 😆

    1. Tinkermania
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      To be fair to Jose, it wasn't the same kdb!

      1. FantasyTony
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        It wasn't the sand same Jose either

    2. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Did he not also sell salah.. he sold a lot of players tbf!

  17. Puyol Pants Up
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Son owners, are we selling?

    Son to a rested Mahrez is very tempting rn

    1. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Son very lucky to get an assist this week, Spurs look tired...might be time to ship considering his price

    2. Congers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      He’s going as part of one of the following, but not sure yet:

      A) Mahrez and Greenwood
      B) Pulisic and Rashford

    3. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah selling. Mahrez in. Pretty template move but looks good.

  18. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    2FT, any suggestions?

    DDG
    TAA Doherty Ritchie (Holgate Kiko)
    Salah Kdb Bruno Son (Guen)
    Jim Rash DCL

    Maybe?
    A Son, Guen to Mahrez, Foden
    B Son, Ritchie to Sterlo, 4.0
    C Son to Mahrez, save 1 FT
    D others

  19. TaiwanHC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I need a defender for 5.4 or less. Already have AWB and full on United players.

    Who should I get?

    1. Rover
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ritchie? Should start in the weekend

    2. Tempestic
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Jonny?

  20. Strchld
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Stick with DDG, Bruno and Rashford
    Or
    Do DDG to Ederson and DCL to Greenwood for free. Gives me 3 ManU attacker.

    Why I picked DDG on WC to be my 3rd ManU player.

  21. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What would you do here?

    Patrício
    TAA - Aurier - Doherty
    Mane - Kdb - Son - Fernandes - Richarlison
    Jimenez - DCL

    A) Richarlison & DCL —> Martial & Greenwood (free)

    Or

    B) Son & Richarlison —> Martial & Mahrez (free)

    1. Jullepuu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

  22. Jullepuu
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Auba and D. Luiz to Greenwood and Mahrez followed by Duda to Foden for gw 34? Anything better to do?

    Pope Krul
    TAA Doherty Lascelles Egan Basham
    KDB Salah Bruno Duda D. Luiz
    Auba Jota Rashford

  23. Rt505
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Missed the game tonight. Thoughts on Jesus? Worth Auba to Jesus for a hit?

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Wretched - avoid

      1. mrodgers91
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Agree not suitable to take aguero place in future, even kane would be a better choice. Think kane had ball in the net 3 times even if two ruled out

  24. TaiwanHC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Would you get Salah on WC?

  25. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Undecided whom to captain

    Salah or Bruno

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Salah

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mo

  26. mrodgers91
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pep on sky sports 'I think they have drunk a lot of beers in the past week's too right lad

  27. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    So many nice captains this week

    Trent, Salah & Mane against Villa
    Bruno, Martial & Rashford against Bournemouth
    Mahrez, KDB against Southampton

  28. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    No Salah hmm.

    Thinking Grealish + Rich > Pulisic + Willian (-4) thoughts?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Really nice.

  29. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Auba and Grealish to Rashford and Mahrez?

  30. Smurf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I fully feel Pep can’t be guessed in terms of starting 11’s. I’ve tried in the past and sat with egg on my face multiple times. But here’s the minutes played over the 4 PL games and FA Cup game that City have had.

    KDB - 69 - 29 - 90 - 71 - 90
    Sterling - 90 - 0 - 90 - 90 - 78
    Mahrez - 64 - 60 - 90 - 64 - 32
    Jesus - 79 - 45 - 35 - 90 - 57
    Foden - 25 - 78 - 0 - 36 - 90

    Everyone saying Foden won’t start next GW because he played 90 tonight but he should still be fresh after only half an hour in the previous two games.