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. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Pope button
    TAA Doherty Lascelles Schelotto femenia
    Mane Mahrez son Martial Fernandes
    Nketiah Rashford Jimenez

    0ITB 0 FT
    how to get kdb now? Or get him in GW34?

    1. XABI 15
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Mane to KDB simple

      1. The Red Devil
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        For a hit?

        1. XABI 15
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          sorry thought you had 1ft. I would wait

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Need Antonio

  2. XABI 15
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Using my WC this week and will use BB next week. Team is currently:

    Pope Foster
    TAA AWB Kiko Aurier Boly
    Salah KDB Mahrez Fernandes Pulisic
    Ings Jimenez Greenwood

    Would you rather:
    Greenwood + Mahrez or Foden + Rashford

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

      Mahrez and Greenwood, otherwise benching headcache with Foden making points on your bench.

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

    Son to Mahrez or Pulicic for free?

    1. XABI 15
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      both great options but if you have the money go Mahrez

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

        Was thinking on Son to Puli and DCL to Jesus but .1 short, so Son to Mahrez and DCL can encomenda Ings later for the golden boot.
        0,3 ITB.

        DDG
        Alonso Doherty Aurier (Robinson, Lascelles)
        KDB Mane Son Fernandes Martial
        Jimenez CLewin (Connolly)

  4. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    With 2FT's, what would you do here? Any thoughts much appreciated, thanks...

    Patricio / Martin
    TAA / Doherty / Lascelles / Holgate / Robinson
    Mane / KDB / Bruno / Son / Guendouzi
    Jimenez / Rashford / DCL

    A - Rashford & Guendouzi > Greenwood & Mahrez.

    B - Mane & Guendouzi > Martial & Mahrez.

    C - Mane, DCL & Guendouzi > Sterling, Pulisic & Greenwood -4.

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

    VAR the worst thing to ever happen to the PL, what a god awful season

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

    Just did Son and Boly (still have Saiss) to Mahrez and VVD for a 4 point hit. Hope it pays off!

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

    110 points (106 with hit) final score. Took a -4 and it definitely payed off

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

      thanks for sharing

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

        Your username is accurate

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

          no no i was being serious, i enjoy good news stories

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Incredible score mate! Keep that up and you’ll end up top 50k.

      That TAA blank must hurt 😆

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

        Hard to believe I’ve gone from 620k to 300k!
        Such an odd game

  8. barcaa7
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    What do u think ?

    Son ,DCL ,Kiko to Foden,Jesus,AWB (-4)

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

      Solid

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

      no. Jesus looks terrible.

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

        Agreed, he is fluffing a big chance to show what he can do ... not impressed at all

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

    A) Foden & Rash
    B) Mahrez & Greenwood

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

      B

    2. barcaa7
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B

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

    Last One befor bedtime.

    75 p ahead in My ml

    1 ft what to do.
    Willing to take hits
    1. Mahrez in for Son
    2. Pulisic/William in for Mount
    3. Wan-Bisaka in for Lundstram

    Pope Leno

    Lundstram TAA Boly Fernandez Stevens

    Mount KDB Fernandes Son Saka

    Aubameyang Jimenez Rashford

  11. mr. inconspicuous
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Son to Mahrez or Sterling?

  12. MGMT
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Is Sarr -> Saint-Maximin a no brainer?

    1. barcaa7
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Foden

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

      Sarr has NOR (H) the following GW 😉

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

        Watford look awful...

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

    Repost for feedback please:

    Pope
    TAA AWB Saiss
    Salah KDB Fernandes Sarr
    Rashford Jimenez DCL

    Henderson Lascelles Lundstram Cantwell

    2FT, 1.4 itb

    1. Sarr Lundstram >> Pulisic Aurier (play BB)

    2. Henderson Sarr >> 4.0GK Mahrez (save BB)

    Thanks all

  14. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Have been really unlucky with injuries feom defenders and goalkeepers. So am stuck between the lousy choice of playing Duda or Grealish?

  15. michaelington
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Having played Pep roulette at the start of the season I’m not sure I want to play it again. Mahrez and Foden look so appealing but I can’t bring myself to do it.

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

      Foden’s so cheap that there isn’t much to lose

  16. 20 Timess
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Is Som and Mahrez worthy of a -8?

    1. 20 Timess
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      son*

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

    Looks like Ward coming in for TAA's 0 pointer

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

      hehe

  18. Twisted Melon
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Captain Martial or Bruno?

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

      Who do you think scores more? Can Bruno keep being lucky?

      1. Twisted Melon
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Think Bruno is the safe pick martial could get more could also blank

      2. Reddonkeyham 42
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        You think he's being lucky?

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

      Flip a coin

  19. Wılly
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Lascelles (WHU) or Robinson (bur)?

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

      Lascelles ( could you respond to my dilemma above please)

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

      Thinking I will go with Robinson

  20. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Son to Pulisic for -4 worth it?

    1. Congers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Not for a hit

      1. R.C
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Why not

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

          Son +4 vs Pulisic

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

    Jimenez and hayden to pulisic nkiteah

    Or

    Dcl and hayden to foden nketiah

  22. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Has today’s games changed or confirmed your original plans moving forward?

    I’m still keeping Salah as I’d rather own for next couple then downgrade rather than have to try bring in. Anybody considering losing Trent?

    Spurs I think I’ll just pass on them too pricey and not consistent enough

    City, already own Kdb and have been tempted by mahrez- surprised he didn’t start today. Foden keeps performing maybe he’s a viable option. Would prefer him over greenwood myself

    Any input would be appreciated

  23. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Burnley-Sheffield United got 0-0 written all over it.

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

      Nah, if I bench boost, it will end 1-1

    2. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Definitely a dead certainty for being last on Match of Day mate!!

  24. Hect.OR 98th
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Have the money and FTs to do DCL to Greenwood and Luiz to Pulisic or Willian. Gives me a difficult bench choice of a good front 8 but Greenwood is such a good enabler. He would be my third Utd player alongside Rashford and Bruno. Better to do that or make a Utd defender my third Utd player? Rivals are 50 points behind and have Maguire, so could just cover by getting him but that's a bit dull.

  25. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Man that was a beating... I think im ditching all Liverpool assets

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

      Nah, they'll thump Villa 5-0

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

      They were partying for 3 days so could’ve been worse. Poor villa might cop a backlash

  26. Mr. Mystic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Repost: 3million to burn! or just save 1FT?!

    Pope
    TAA Doherty Aurier (Lascelles, Taylor)
    Mane KDB Bruno Son (Guendouzi)
    Rashy Jiménez Greenwood

    Thinking Guendouzi -> Pulisic but gives me a benching headache, thoughts?

    1. Reddonkeyham 42
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I'd hold.
      Then bring pulisic week after

      1. Mr. Mystic
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Surely worth bringing in for Watford though and bench Greenwood?

  27. Dele
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    How do you even fit all these midfield options in...

    Salah, Mane, KDB, Sterling, Mahrez, Foden, Martial, Fernandes, Pulisic

    Who am I missing?

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

      Salah KDB Mahrez Bruno +1

      1. Reddonkeyham 42
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Why Salah over mane?

        I'm looking to bring one in, mane being subbed off today makes me want him in.

  28. ㅤRising
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Best GK for the rest of the season?

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

      pope

  29. Manani
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    which 2 to ditch first?

    DCL
    Ings
    Son
    AUrier

    1. barcaa7
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A,C

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

      DCL and Aurier

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

      All could/will come good but right now... son and dcl

  30. kennethrhcp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Which would you prefer to have, both to start

    A: traore & boly
    B: cantwell & Doherty

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

      Prob a

    2. Reddonkeyham 42
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A

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

      Cheers lads!!!

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

      A

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

        Cheers 😉