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. Slim25
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    With KDB playing 90 mins in each of the last 2 games, is he due to get rested?

    What option would be better for the next gwk
    A) Get KDB in anyway
    B) Get Mahrez and then swap Mane for KDB after the Villa game

    Cheers!

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

      Its killing me not having him, was a gamble on wc to close gap.

      Fear is bringing him.in now and he does get his rest.

      1. Slim25
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        That's my worry as well, Mahrez looks like he'll start but it's a big gamble not having KDB.

        He's involved in nearly every attack

  2. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Last Man Standing GW32+ (141 teams)

    Safety score = 61
    Top score = 101
    LMS average = 63.66 (-0.26) = 63.4

    56 teams to be eliminated, 85 through to GW33+
    Minimum 42% or 36 out next GW.
    Congrats to all the survivors 🙂

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thats massive

    2. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Through to the last 85... It will end in tears shortly

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Congrats! What's the overall rank?

  3. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Martinez
    TAA / Doherty / Saiss
    Salah / KDB / Son / Fernandes / Martial
    Jimenez / DCL

    Button // Lascelles / K. Femenia / Martinelli*

    Potential problem areas are the GK and double Wolves CS (don't see the CSs going on forever).

    A) Martinez/Saiss/Son > Pope/Maguire/Mahrez (-8)
    B) Saiss/Son > AWB/Mahrez (-4)
    C) Saiss/Son > Maguire/Mahrez (-4)
    D) Son/DCL > Sterling/Greenwood (-4)
    E) Martinez/Son > Ederson/Pulisic (-4)
    F) Martinez/Son/Saiss > Ederson/Pulisic/AWB (-8)

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

    Which one of the following:

    A) Mahrez and Greenwood
    B) Pulisic and Rashford

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

      B

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

    Bottomed:

    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

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

      anyone... please

    2. Wılly
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Think I prefer option 1, if you still have BB it's best to use it before you downgrade a keeper to a fodder.
      Possibly bring in a playing fodder like Robinson, will that give you enough to bring in Mahrez?

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

        no unfortunately... in order to get Mahrez in I'd need to go 2. then you're right id have to look at working in a cheap playing keeper ready for BB which is of course do-able

  6. 20 Timess
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Son to Mahrez for a -8?

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No

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

      Crazy

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

      Hell nah

    4. cheekumz
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It's not a -8 it's a -4 and yes imo it will be repaid and so is worth it.

  7. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Oh my, Son with the bonus point!

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Son and kane snuck passed mcburnie

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

      Any little helps as my capitano!

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yep. That brought me back up another 2k OR!

  8. Offside Trapattoni
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Greenwood and Foden on the bench for 24 combined....ouch

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

      Foden on bench and I took a 4pt hit To get Ings out for rash (c)

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

        Ouch

  9. School of Poch
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A: Saka(bench)/DCL > Pulisic/Nketiah(bench)
    B: Son/Saka(bench) > Pulisic/Mahrez (bench DCL)
    C: Saka(bench)/DCL > Mahrez/Nketiah(bench)

    Martinez Martin
    Doherty AWB Aurier Lascelles Saiss
    Bruno KDB Mane Son Saka
    Rashford Jiminez DCL

  10. Tabbara
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which option is better :
    A: DCL, Alli and Guendouzi > Antonio, Greenwood and Pulisic for a -4
    B: Alli and Guendouzi > Pulisic, Foden

    Thx

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

      B

  11. The Wizard of Ozil
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Son & Saintmax -> Martial & Pulisic for free?

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Why take out ASM??

      1. The Wizard of Ozil
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Fixtures take a turn after this weekend but might hold to after West Ham

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

      I’d hold ASM. Form of his life

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

    DCL and Son out.

    A) Foden and Kane
    B) Foden and Jesus

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

      Team.

      Patricio Button
      TAA Doherty Aurier Kiko Holgate
      KdB Martial Salah Bruno Foden
      Jesus/Kane Jimenez Greenwood
      Would have to bench one of Foden/Greenwood every week.

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

        DCL+Guendozi
        to
        Greenwood+Foden

        pretty no brainer right?

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

          Yes

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

      A

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

        Thanks. Kane was better than Jesus, but ManC sure was better than Spurs...... hm

    3. SouthCoastSaint
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I like a. I’d captain kane too

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

    Is greenwood likely to start next game?

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

      yes

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

      50/50

  14. kennethrhcp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Instead of a repost bottomed... anyone feel like going back a page its be greatly appreciated

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

      if you comment i wouldnt need to repost hehe

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

      What’s up buddy

  15. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I have Rashford, Fernandes and DDG (and KDB)

    I have 2FT's to do the following :

    A)
    Son to Martial
    DDG to Pope

    B)
    Son to Mahrez
    Saka to Foden

    Which would you do?

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

      B but maybe leave Foden a week as he just played 90

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

      Like a personally

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

      Tricky

      Not sure it’s the week for B but held for next 6 it could be gold.

    4. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I have DCL as the third striker, so can bring him in if Foden doesn't play.

  16. Reddonkeyham 42
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    When do the last of the fixtures get confirmed?

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No idea... didnt realise they weren't confirmed

  17. jia you
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Despite a grand total of 1 point from Mahrez, Trent and Robbo, I still managed 95 following up last week's 99...too little, too late but on the rise 😉

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

      nice well done mate

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

      Beats my 47 somewhat. Congrats

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Oof lovely score mate

    4. ㅤRising
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      How much was the rank rise

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        not sure mate but went from 1.1m to 477k in two GWs before last night's games

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

      Great week mate

  18. DandyDon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Alli and DCL - Mahrez and Abraham (-4)?

  19. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hi mates

    Have 2 FT and 0.0m ITB

    De Gea,
    TAA, Doherty, Fernandez
    Salah, Bruno, KDB, Son,
    Rash, Jimi, DCL

    Button, Taylor, Hayden, Robinson

    Change Rash and DCL maybe?

  20. Henning
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pulisic or William?

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

      Pulisic for me

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

      Willian on free kicks and pens but pulisic looks more likely to score in open play

  21. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Son to Pulisic for -4

    Yay or Nay?

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

      No

  22. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which one is best?

    A) Basham to AWB (-4)

    B) Doucoure to Antonio (-4)

    C) Neither, just start Lascelles

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      C

      But indo like b for the run in

  23. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on getting Salah this week and captaining him? None of my ML rivals have him and I'm chasing!

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

      Salah is the best pick next gw.

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

      Can’t see him being rested. Hardly over exerted tonight

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

    For all the potential rotation this weekend the one player I’d love to know more than any if he would start or not is Alonso.

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

      Could be a great shout. 1st half against WH every attack seemed to come through him

    2. Wılly
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      For all his attacking potential, he allows the other team to score by not tracking back

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

      Idk, he could get rotated and the defence is not great. Im weighing up Alonso and Aurier theyre pretty much the same and dont get many cs but Aurier is 1m cheaper so currently on him

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

      If you have, keep. If not. Leave well alone

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

      The worry is Lampard dropping him after poor defending last night.

  25. grooveymatt65
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hi guys!

    What do you think i should do about this team?

    Martinez Martin

    TAA Doherty Basham Bednarek Simpson

    Salah (C) De Bruyne Son Fernandes Dendonker

    Rashford Jiminez DCL

    0.0 itb 2ft

    Options are:

    1. Free hit and bring in extra UTD, Pool and Chelsea players
    2. Son to Pulisic and DCL to Greenwood for free
    3. Son to Martial for free
    4. KDB to Mahrez and Son to Martial/Pulisic for free
    5. Save

    thanks guys!! 🙂

  26. jia you
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I heard Sterling played well?
    He is my Auba replacement, tripling up on City mids!

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

    61 points from Auba, Bruno and KDB.

    Rest of team 20 points.

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

      81. Little brag eh!

  28. Firmino
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Martial or Mahrez?

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

      Martial

  29. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who needs to go first - Perez or Sarr?

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

      Perez easy

  30. SouthCoastSaint
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    19k to 31k with no KDB. Think I take that although top 10k looking out of reach with only free hit left!

    1. Ragabolly
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Please don't say that. I am 60k with only FH too and I am still dreaming of top10k 😀

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

        I’ve just hovered between 30k and top 10k all season. Haven’t broken in once!!!