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. Peter Ouch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Baldock to Awb just done, not much to think about it

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

      Might be a 0-0 against Burnley

      1. Peter Ouch
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Still have Stevens 😉

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

          All good then

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

      I reckon Baldock could score well next GW

      1. Peter Ouch
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        If its meant to be then I hope you still own him 🙂

        1. Sun Jihai
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Saw you have Stevens already - you're well set 🙂

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

    1) DCL -> Greenwood (Lascelles first sub)
    2) Son -> Pulisic
    3) Son and DCL > Pulisic and Greenwood
    4) DCL and Guendouzi -> Greenwood and Foden/Saint-Maximin (rotate them)

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

      5) Aurier -> AWB

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

      2

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

      crazy to ditch Ings instead of DCL?

      I think DCL have a chance against Spurs backline, and Ings next 3 is pretty hard

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

        reply fail,

        I have the same players as you, and considering 4

  3. 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!!!!! 🙂

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

      I like the 4th one with Martial

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

    Mount & Barnes to Martial & Mahrez for -8?

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

      To be honest, probably yes. I wouldn't want the former two stinking up my team for much longer.

    2. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes yes yes

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

      Yes.

    4. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      -8? wow

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

      Yeah even for -8 which is crazy

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

      Cheers everyone!

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

      Yeah

  5. Shankly611
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Sell Son and DCL for Pulisic and Rashford? Worth it?

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

      Wouldn’t sell son

      1. The Reptile
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Why

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

        Why? Spurs have been pants and he’s been lucky to get his assists - seems way off his best.

  6. waldo666
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Ugh, Bergwijn has to go, thinking downgrade and upgrade one of my cheap defenders to AWB.

  7. Long ago I drew a walrus
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    New FH team:

    Pope
    TAA Alonso AWB
    Salah(c) Sterling Mahrez Martial Pulisic
    Rashford Jimenez
    3.9 Connolly Lamptey 3.9

    Thoughts?

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

      Not saying Jimi is a bad pick but he’s not that explosive so for one week on a FH I feel you can lose him.

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

    Dcl & hayden to nketiah and mount/ saint maximin ????

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

      Nketiah no

  9. Sid123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Best alli replacement? Current team is
    De gea
    TAA Doherty Holgate kiko lascelles
    Sarah KDB Fernandes Saka alli
    Jimenez DCL rashford

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

      Mahrez

      1. Sid123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        0.2 short would have to change someone else. What other change would you make?

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

          Pulisic is a good option then

    2. Shankly611
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mahrez or Pulisic. I'd say Martial but you already have 3 UTD players

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

    A. Lascelles, Foden, Kane
    B. Digne, Mahrez, DCL

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

      A

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

      B

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

    A) Pulisic and Jesus
    B) Mahrez and Tammy

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

      Pulisic and Mahrez, scrap the striker

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

        Wish I could but the structure doesn’t work

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

    ‪On WC. Pick one option. ‬

    ‪1. Martial + Robinson (benched) + Ederson‬
    ‪2. Foden + TAA + De Gea‬

    ‪Rest of the team‬

    ‪X - Button‬
    ‪VVD - AWB - X - Saiss - 4.0‬
    ‪Salah - KDB - Mahrez - Fernandes - X‬
    ‪Jimenez - Ings - Connolly‬

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      2

  13. waldo666
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bergwijn and Nagiaka to Foden and AWB for free?

    1. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Hello fellow Nagiaka owner!

      1. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Sensible moves IMO

        1. waldo666
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Cheers, mate.

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

      looks good

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks.

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

      Yep. Ngakia was a bit crazy given the contract issue

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

        Sorry for the captain hindsight

        1. waldo666
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Hahaha, all good, it was a strange move admittedly but was squeezing ever last point one out of my WC.

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

            I nearly got him too before I saw a post on here. The positives of being a scout addict!

            1. waldo666
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Thing is, I saw the posts too and still brought him in!!

  14. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which transfers do you prefer?

    A) Auba + Perez to Jesus + Fernandes
    B) Auba + Perez to Rashford + Fernandes
    C) DCL + Perez to Greenwood/Nketiah + Fernandes
    D) Perez + Traore to Fernandes + fodder

    Team:

    Dubravka
    TAA Aurier Taylor
    Salah KDB Martial Traore
    Auba Jimenez DCL
    _____
    Martinez Perez Boly Lundstram

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

    1. Sarr Lundstram >> Pulisic 4.3 DEF (play BB with Henderson Lascelles Cantwell 4.3 DEF) then do Cantwell to Foden next week

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

    Thanks all

  16. Peter Ouch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Play Cantwell or take a hit to bring in ings for Jota.

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

      Play cantwell

      1. Peter Ouch
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I love hits but I'll take your advice!

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

          Ings prob has a 13 point ceiling, cantwell could easily get you a 10

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

      Cantwell

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

    I’m on FH. Any glaring issues*?

    Ryan
    TAA / VVD / Chilwell
    Salah (c) / Mahrez / Bruno / Martial / Pulisic
    Rashford / Jesus

    3.9 / Connolly / Saiss / Lamptey

    I really want Alonso in over Chilwell but I just think he must have a big chance of being dropped after last night unfortunately.

    * I know Jesus is crap but it’s the team he’s playing for I’m banking on. I know KDB is class but that poor lad needs his legs resting at some point.

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

      Captain martial

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

        Not for me that but he could do great.

    2. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Like it, still deciding on my own FH above. I prefer Sterling to Jesus as he's in much better form and also generally is really explosive away from home. Agree that KDB is due a rest but I think there's a good chance Alonso plays because Emerson hasn't been tearing up trees either

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

        Thanks. I can get Sterling rather than Jesus and maybe I’m being foolish second guessing Pep but Sterling’s now played 90, 90, 78 in the last three matches. Whereas Jesus has had plenty more rest. Maybe I should stop over thinking it however and get the better player - Sterling.

        It’s Reece James that worries me with Alonso rather than Emerson.

        1. Long ago I drew a walrus
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Does Reece James play on the same wing? Always thought he covered Azpi. Not very knowledgeable on Chelsea

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

      Still think even though you’ve highlighted him as a risk Jesus is crazy but ok for a free hit punt

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

        Yeah maybe you are right. The worry with Sterling is he’s played 90, 90, 78. But my bigger worry is that if he’s rested he usually stays on the bench whereas I’d be happy with a cameo even if he doesn’t start but he could very not easily get one.

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

      If Alonso isn't dropped, we'll concede another set piece goal.

      Dawson header, mark my words.

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

        But Alonso could score a brace.

        You think he will start or will Lamps ditch him after last nights performance?

  18. woodles
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Sooo many good mids I literally want 8 of them.
    Advice this week please!!

    A) Son and DCL to Rashford and Mahrez
    B) Son and Sarr to Mahrez and Pulisic

  19. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Is mad Vardy, Grealish and Lundy to Rash, Martial and 3.9 DEF for -8 ?

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

      Could work out well

  20. 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!! 🙂

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

    Which transfer is best if I own Son?

    A) Auba to Kane

    B) Auba to Jesus

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

      a

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

      Arry is nailed on whilst Jesus is weeping

  22. Gashead9
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Ings owners!

    What are you doing with him?
    Going for the golden boot, on great form, best mins per goal ratio in the league minus Aguero, 3 tough fixtures coming up!
    But I can only see DCL has a viable replacement, and I am not sure I want to do that. Probably gonna bench this week for Lascelles anyway!

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

      Keep if you own, leave if you don’t

      1. Gashead9
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Seems sensible, thanks!

    2. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Keep and start him over Lascelles

  23. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Sterling to Salah (c) - 4?

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

      Nah.

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

        Nope

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

    1) do we reckon salah starts vs villa?
    2) is he worth captaining with the risk of not starting
    3) is he worth keeping if not captaining

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

      Yes

      No

      Yes (lots have mane)

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      yes to all for me.

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

      No
      No
      No

  25. Gomolon
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    So I'm on a WC and I'm really happy with this team, however I have £1m itb!

    Pope / Button

    TAA / Doherty / AWB / Holgate / Taylor

    Salah / KDB / Bruno / Mahrez / Pulisic

    Jiminez / Nketiah / Greenwood

    Any suggestions?

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

      Looks great.

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

    Son and Guendouzi > Mahrez and Foden?

    Would give me KdB, Mahrez and Foden from City.

    1. Uncle Gamst
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      The $6 million question, will Foden start against Southampton?

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

        I would have DCL first on bench.

  27. marquinhos
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Foden or Pulisic for the run in?

    Already have KDB, can't afford Mahrez

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Forden
      I have kdb and mahrez and ill go for Foden next week assuming he is getting rested

  28. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    antonio or foden ? thanks

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      West ham?
      Really frustrating to own, foden will shine till the end imo

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        yep you re probably right. cheers

  29. MGMT
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which combination is better? Currently own Jota + Sarr...

    A. Jota + Sarr (Both will be benched for Taylor and Lascelles)
    B. Martial + Taylor (Involves -4 and already have Rashford + Bruno)

  30. Ziyech on the Bench
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Captain this week?

    A) Bruno
    B) Rashford
    C) Mane
    D) Son

    Currently on Rashford