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. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Captain Willian at home to Watford. Genius?

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

      Why not?Just do it.

      1. Von Lipwig
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah!

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

    Hey guys, what to do with my 2FT? Thinking of getting rid of my spurs players...

    Patricio Button
    TAA Doherty Lascelle AUrier RObinson
    Mane KDB Bruno Bergwin Luiz
    Rash DCL Jim

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

      Can you do DCL and Bergwijn to Greenwood and Mahrez?

      They are both players who have question marks on their minutes, but could score big this week

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

        yes i can, it even leaves me 1M ITB for next week.. thanks mate

        Was thinking otherwise Berg + Aurier to Foden + AWB?

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

    Already have Bruno and Rash

    A) Greenwood
    B) Maguire
    C) Martial

    0.1 short of doing Mane, Guendouzi, Robinson -> Mahrez, Pulisic, Maguire..

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

      Maguire is going to score against Bournemouth, I have looked into my crystal ball and seen it, don't miss out!

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

    Ings - Taylor - Saiss - Foden

    Who to play - how to bench order the other 3.

    Thanx

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Foden- Taylor, Ings, Saiss

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

      Taylor - Foden ings saiss

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

    Pope (Martinez)
    TAA Doherty Aurier (3.9 3.9)
    Salah KDB Son Fernandes (4.2)
    Rashford Jimenez Ings

    ITB 0.0, 2FT

    Anything can do with Son?

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

      Son to Martial, Pulisic or Willian. in that order

  6. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Willian or Pulisic?

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

      W

    2. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pulisic

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

      pulisc

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

    Captain Fernandes or Martial? Doing my head in with this one

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Martial

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

      bruno

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

      Might be Rashford's turn to score big this week I feel.

  8. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Rough week for me dropping to 250k and main minileague is over. Going rogue with mahrez captain I think as nothing to lose.

    Hendo
    Trent Doc AWB
    Salah KDB Fernandes Mahrez(c)
    Jimmy Rash Connolly

    Leno*, Egan, Lascelles, Guendouzi

    If we get team news and connolly bench I will play egan instead, looking good?

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      gtg

      1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Tah

  9. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I think I am gonna take a hit to replace my goalkeeper.

    Currently I have Martinez in my team. But with 4 red fixtures coming, I am really tempted to bring in ederson.

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

      not for a hit

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Why not?

        Ederson will probably get 6 points.
        Martinez 1-3 points.

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

          go for it then.. im not convinced on -4 for a keeper but if you are go for it

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

    After a averagely bad week that started well (2FT, 0 ITB):
    A) Alli + DCL -> Foden + Jesus
    B) Richarlison + DCL -> Foden + jesus
    C) Richarlison -> Martial
    D) Richarlison + Alli -> Martial + Willian/Pullisic

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

      C

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I like D

  11. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Made early move for Martial, after his hatty thought he migh x2x3 rise, not.

    Now left with Vardy & Barnes stinking up my team, could WC (rather save for last week) but want to play TC either Salah or Bruno, hold or take a couple of hits?

    Pope,
    Trent, Aurier, Boly
    Salah, KDB, Fernandes, Martial
    Jimmy, Rashford, Vardy

    McCarthy, Sarr, Taylor, Holgate

    .2 itb

  12. cescpistols111
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this team? Still got 1FT, 0.0 ITB to make changes.

    Martinez
    Doherty AWB Fernandez
    Mane(c) KDB Son Pulisic
    Rashford(v) Jimenez DCL

    Stekelenburg Lowton Davis Simpson

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

      nice team, not sre on mane captain but otherwise g2g

  13. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    a. Berg + Aurier to Foden + AWB
    b. Berg + DCL to Mahrez + Greenwood

    Patricio Button
    TAA Doherty Aurier Lascelle Robinson
    Mane KDB Bruno Bergwyn Luiz
    Rash Jim DCL

  14. New Article Posted
  15. Aftermath
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Anything worth a hit here?

    Patricio
    TAA Doherty Fernandez
    Salah KDB Mahrez Bruno
    Greenwood Rashford Jimenez

    Martin Hayden Kiko 3.9

    2.2 itb

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

      not for a hit no

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

      Not that I can see. You're all set.

  16. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    FH in gw33?

    Pope
    AWB, Dunk, Saiss (other 4.8 or less?)
    Salah, Mane, Mahrez, Bruno, ASM/Foden
    Rashford, Jimenez
    (Martin; Nketiah, Lascelles, Holgate)

  17. n14mul
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which one for the next 3 gw?

    A. Dcl
    B. Ings

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

      Ings

  18. SomeoneKnows
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope (Martinez)
    TAA, Maguire, Saiss (Lascelles, Holgate)
    Salah, KDB, Fernandes, Son (Guendouzi)
    Jimenez, Rashford, DCL

    Ideas for 2ft + 0.3 itb?

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

      Son -> Mahrez, Guendouzi -> Pulisic and DCL -> Nketiah and play 3-5-3?

  19. Ëð
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What to do here? £0.4m ITB. Was considering DCL + Cantwell -> Nketiah + Foden (-4).

    Pope, 3.9
    Trent, Maguire, Lascelles, Saiss, 3.9
    KDB, Mane, Pulisic, Bruno, Cantwell
    Jimenez, Rashford, DCL

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

      What if Foden wont start?

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

        I'm thinking even off the bench he stands a good chance of points?

    2. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Maybe wait a week and do it for free?

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

        Thanks, probably best bet!

  20. WE GO FOR IT
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope | Martinez
    TAA | Doherty | Aurier | Lascelles | 3.9m
    Salah | Son | Bruno | Traore | Cantwell
    Rashford | Jimenez | DCL

    2FT and 0.3 ITB

    I'm thinking DCL + Cantwell -> Greenwood + Pulisic. How does that sound? Any other suggestions?

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

      Sounds logic.Go for it .

      1. WE GO FOR IT
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Just checked. The Pulisic price rise means I can't afford him. Worth doing Traore to Saint Maximin or Salah to Mane to get the additional 0.1?

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Willian instead? Or has he gone up as well

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Both 7.1

  21. aleksios
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    On -4.Anything worth another hit? 2.7itb.

    --Nyland
    --TAA--Alonso--Doherty
    --Salah(TC)--KDB--Mount--Martial
    --Green--Rash--Jota.

    --Leno--Saka--Egan--Lund.

    a) Lund to VVD/Laporte and bench Jota.
    b) Leave as is.

    Thanks all.

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

    2. Sickboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Are you confident that Alonso will keep his place? I’m in the same position as you.

      If yes then stay as you are.

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

      I think g2g, nothing worth a hit

  22. Sterling Archer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    with KDB playing 90 would you avoid on the FH??

    1. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      On FH I think so, due a rest and this is a good candidate for it.

  23. Jenas
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What to do with these options.
    1. Martial and Rashford.
    2. Sterling and greenwood.
    Or keep 1 and do salah to sterling?
    Any help appreciated.

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Normally wouldn't recommend United players but they look really good rn. I'd go 1. And keep Salah.

  24. Nabs Kebabs
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Alright then, think I'll be going in with this:

    Pope
    TAA Doherty AWB Lascelles
    Salah(c) KDB Bruno(vc) Mahrez
    Rashford Jimenez

    Martinez DCL Saka Holgate 1.6m

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

      Looks g2g

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      You reckon salah start?

      3 games in 6 days

  25. WE GO FOR IT
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope | Martinez
    TAA | Doherty | Aurier | Lascelles | 3.9m
    Salah | Son | Bruno | Traore | Cantwell
    Rashford | Jimenez | DCL

    2FT and 0.3 ITB

    I was thinking DCL + Cantwell -> Greenwood + Pulisic. But Pulisic price rise means I can't afford it.

    Is it worth doing Salah to Mane or Traore to Saint-Maximin for a -4?

  26. Ëð
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who to start

    A) DCL (tot)
    B) Cantwell (BHA)
    C) Lascelles (WHU)

    1. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think Cant

    2. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A. Don't trust Norwich. I can see West Ham scoring. So, DCL looks like the best option.

    3. balint84
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      a

  27. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    2 FT’s

    Son Sarr ➡ Mahrez Willian

    Yeigh or Neigh

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

      Pully

    2. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      yay

  28. Whits
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Richarlison to Bowen for free?

    A - YES
    B- NO

  29. St Pauli Walnuts
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Fake news! .... not having that KDB is a ginger. Strawberry blonde at the very best, even that is a jump.

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

    Martinez clean sheets have been a welcome surprise for the value