Scout Notes

Extent of Lundstram injury revealed as Spurs display gives FPL owners concern

Sheffield United 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur

  • Goals: Sander Berge (£4.7m), Lys Mousset (£4.4m), Oliver McBurnie (£5.6m) | Harry Kane (£10.9m)
  • Assists: Berge, Chris Basham (£4.6m), Enda Stevens (£5.1m) | Son Heung-min (£9.8m)
  • Bonus: Berge x3, Mousset x2, Kane, Son x1

Sheffield United returned to winning ways in some style as Spurs’ key assets delivered mixed messages for their Fantasy owners.

The resumption of football had not been kind on the Blades, with three straight defeats in league and cup, whereas Jose Mourinho’s men had performed well enough in two outings to prompt solid investment in the likes of Harry Kane (£10.9m), Son Heung-min (£9.8m) and Serge Aurier (£5.0m).

The same could not be said of United players. Their only starter not to experience net transfers out for the Gameweek was defender Jack Robinson (£4.0m). The epitome of a budget enabler, even he seemed overpriced as both sides produced a first half an hour of almost entirely forgettable toil.

And then it all kicked off.

The Blades took the lead with a fine, incisive move finished when Chris Basham‘s (£4.6m) cut-back was drilled home on the angle by Sander Berge (£4.7m).

It was the Norwegian’s first league goal since moving to the Premier League in January. He added to his haul with an assist and the maximum bonus award to bring in 13 points for his, count them, 6,376 owners in Fantasy Premier League (FPL).

If he can build on such a fine display, more will flock to his cause and the (already sketchy) claims of the injured John Lundstram (£4.8m) to be the Supreme Fantasy Lord will finally be laid to rest should Berge keep him out of the starting line-up.

United’s lead lasted precisely two minutes when Kane rode a challenge and found the net, only for VAR to continue its bold crusade to be 2020’s second-worst thing with a decision that managed to be technically correct and completely wrong all at the same time.

Lucas Moura (£7.1m) was fouled in the build-up to the ‘goal’, referee Chris Kavanagh played an advantage and Kane did the rest. VAR then decided Moura had handled the ball on his way to the turf, thus negating the advantage and leading to the goal being chalked off.

How much Moura actually touched the ball was debatable, how ridiculous the letter-of-the-law ruling wasn’t debatable at all, and the only positive to be had from the whole debacle was that United, so many times the loser in VAR controversies, probably deserved their luck.

Mourinho refused, sort of, to blame the decision for the loss:

I think in the second half my players were not mentally strong enough to cope with that disappointment and they have to be. I am not just going to say that goal is the cause of everything. It would be very easy for me to do that, but I don’t want to go in that direction.

His team rallied after the break, in terms of dominating possession at least, only for substitute Lys Mousset (£4.4m) to double the home side’s advantage with a tap-in following excellent work by Ben Osborn (£4.7m) and assister Enda Stevens (£5.1m) down the left flank.

The goal was the match in microcosm – Spurs enjoyed 65% possession over the 90 minutes, but had only two shots on target to United’s five.

The strike also knocked what was left of the stuffing out of the visitors, and it was no surprise when the Blades scored a third, Oliver McBurnie (£5.6m) deftly flicking home an excellent Berge cross.

Despite the VAR shenanigans, a 3-0 result was about right based on the overall flow of the game, only for Kane to finally get his goal as the match was easing into wind-down mode.

The striker was picked out by Son’s fine cut-back and he made no mistake for his second goal in as many Gameweeks. It was also Son’s second assist over the same time frame – reward for the 150,000-odd FPL managers who invested in one or other of the pair this week.

The only worry for those who own the duo – and more are joining for a home match with Everton in Gameweek 33+ – is that they were living on scraps at Bramall Lane.

Kane did lead the way for attempts, but he managed a mere three penalty area touches, while Son had no shots at all. The England captain’s overall involvement was limited, to put it mildly. Thirteen players had more touches than he did in the final third, including substitute Erik Lamela (£5.7m), who managed 21 touches (to Kane’s 14) despite playing over an hour less.

However good a finisher Kane is, he can’t keep producing points without more support and involvement, while Son’s owners will probably settle for his assists, despite expecting more goals, for now at least.

Tottenham’s decent fixture schedule is clearly proving irresistible for Fantasy managers, but Everton are hardly pushovers at present and Mourinho will need to rediscover the right balance in a side that was heavy on attackers but still lacked any bite last night.

Some of that was down to the excellence of Chris Wilder’s team, and the United manager was understandably positive about the performance and result:

It had to be up there with our best in terms of the circumstances, players we’re missing and run we’ve been on. It’s been difficult for everyone to get back to playing but I saw signs on Sunday that we were getting more like ourselves, a bit freer and more positive in our play. When you’re playing teams like this, you have to bring close to your best game to the table.

He also gave an update on player injuries:

Fleck, Lundstram and Freeman will be out for a couple of weeks.

The Blades have a mixed bag of fixtures to finish the season, with Sunday’s trip to Burnley one of the better shouts for a goalless draw and a decent-enough run after visits from Wolves and Chelsea are done.

Berge caught the eye against Spurs, but it was the return to more solid ways at the back – despite the lack of a clean sheet – that might warrant interest.

Left wing-back Stevens once again underlined his attacking potential with his assist – he now has three of those and two goals this campaign – and defensive returns look possible at both at Turf Moor this weekend and over the final three Gameweeks when United will face Leicester, Everton and Southampton.


Sheffield United XI (3-5-2): Henderson, Basham, Egan, Robinson; Baldock, Berge, Norwood, Osborn, Stevens; McBurnie (Freeman 90′), McGoldrick (Mousset 63′).

Tottenham Hotspur XI (4-3-2-1): Lloris, Aurier (Ndombele 71′), Sanchez, Dier, Davies (Vertonghen 81′); Sissoko (Alli 71′), Lo Celso, Bergwijn (Lamela 56′); Moura, Son; Kane.

MEMBERS ANALYSIS

FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 32+

1,079 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kuzser
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What is the best move here guys?
    1ft, 2.2 itb
    1) Lundstram-> Awb
    2) Jota -> Greenwood
    3) Auba Saka -> Rashford Mahrez for -4
    4) Auba Saka -> Greenwood Salah for -4
    5) Jota saka -> Greenwood Mahrez for -4

    Krul
    TAA - Doherty - Lascelles
    KdB - Fernandes - Mount - Martial
    Auba - Jota - Jimenez

    Leno, Baldock, Saka, Lundstram

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

      I'd try to keep Saka but I guess you want to boost the midfield ... I like 5

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

        you could also punt and just do Saka > Foden innit

  2. Kitman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hi all,

    I've got 1 FT and 2.7 ITB

    Pope - Martin
    TAA - Doherty - Maguire - Holgate - Lascelles
    Mane - KDB - Pulisic - Fernandes - Cantwell
    Jiminez - Rashford - Nketiah

    I'm thinking;

    1) Cantwell > Foden
    2) Dohety + Cantwell > Saiss + Mahrez (-4)

    my ML leader has Foden and not mahrez hence why i'm debating the hit

    Any input most welcome!

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

    Okay, that'll be a drop for Lordstram tonight I guess, and if there's a firesale - and by rights there should be since he's trapped value otherwise - maybe a second drop in short order.

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

    I've got 2 FT and 0 good ideas, please help me with it

    A) Bergwijn & DCL > Mahrez & Greenwood (+ cash)
    B) Bergwijn & DCL & Saka > Mahrez & Greenwood & Foden (-4)
    B) Bergwijn > Pulisic (+ save FT)
    C) Bergwijn & Doherty > Mahrez & Saiss
    D) play Free Hit

    Right now the team is

    Patricio (3.9)
    TAA Doherty Lascelles (Holgate Kiko)
    Salah KDB Bruno Bergwijn (Saka)
    Rashford Jimenez DCL

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

      can also do Bergwijn & Doherty > Mahrez & Maguire but not too keen on it

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A or the second B

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

        thanks, my head clearly doesn't work right today as i don't even know the damn alphabet anymore heh

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

      a

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

        thanks! just did this so i can be done with it for the day

  5. theodosios
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Only one dillema before this round. Start:

    A) Boly
    B) Fernandez

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

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

    Son and auba out for salah and inns?

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I would say yes but not sure of Ings fixtures

    2. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      DCL?

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

    ings even

  8. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Best mid priced MF for the next 4?

    a) Willian
    b) Pulisic
    c) Martial (already own Bruno)

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      C

      1. JELLYFISH
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Their fixtures are tempting but scuppers my Vardy > Greenwood move mate.

        Maybe just bring in Martial, keep Vardy and carry the FT over?

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Martial isn't essential - plenty of decent mids now. Fewer decent forwards at the minute. Could go Rashford in for Vardy

          1. JELLYFISH
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            I'm thinking 352 is the way forward so was looking at Greenwood as a decent cheap 3rd FWD pick

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

    Martinez clean sheets have been a welcome surprise for the value 🙂

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

      The party is over tomorrow. 😉

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

    Thought on these moves?

    Son, Aurier to Salah, Kiko -4pt hit

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Aurier to someone for free I think. Good options at that price.

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

    Play 2 of,
    A Aurier EVE
    B Saiss ARS
    C Lascelles WHU
    D Robinson bur

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

    Play one:

    A) Aurier (EVE)
    B) Ings (MCI)
    C) DCL (tot)

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

      DCL

  13. Joey Barton and Friends
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I only have 2 United (Martial & Bruno) but somehow tempted to punt on Vardy.

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

      As a Vardy owner over the last 3 GWs, and a Vardy captainer last GW, a humble humiliated word of advice: don't

      1. JELLYFISH
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        are you keeping for the Palace game or offloading? Tempted to sell but that Villa haul before lockdown is putting me off

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

          Offloading, but I'm also on WC this week so moving to Kane instead for the rest of the season.

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

          And agreed about that Villa haul. That was what made me bet against Aguero and Auba in the DGW and go for Vardy instead for these 3 GWs.

    2. JELLYFISH
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'm not sure I would be transferring him in now if you don't have him already mate. I own Vardy currently and am looking to offload

    3. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      So many other better options not worth it imo

  14. T.Henry14
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    2 FT & 0.1 ITB

    Patricio
    TAA, Doherty, Aurier
    Mane, KDB, Son, Bruno
    Jimenez, Ings, DCL

    (Button - Soy, Lascelles, Guendouzi)

    - Martial must have for BOU
    - Mane staying for AVL
    - DCL?

    Plan:
    GW33: Son ---> Martial (TOTvsEVE tough game, and Martial vs BOU)

    GW34: If Tottenham show better form then Mane & DCL to Son/Mahrez & Kane.

    Yay or nay?

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

    I need some ideas

    McCarthy
    TAA, Soy, Taylor
    KDB, Salah, Fernandes, Traore
    Ings, Rashford, Auba

    Button Boly Dend Rico

    Traore > ASM?

    I have a lot of deadwood and so could WC as well.

  16. YuvalFPL
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Morning all

    I think I've finally settled on a WC team for this week, with BB for next week (subs not finalised).

    Good to go?

    Martinez
    AWB, Doherty, TAA
    KDB, Salah, Mahrez, Fernandes, Pulisic
    Jimenez, Rashford

    1. Ain't No Holebas Girl
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Love it, trying to squeeze that midfield in myself

  17. Dybala10
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    How many punting on Foden as 5th mid?

    After his performance last night, I fancy bringing him in for Guendouzi and playing instead of DCL this weekend. Rather a punt on him than Mahrez tbh.

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

      I brought Foden in last night. Will be in rotation with Greenwood, bench Foden this week.

      Patricio (Martin)
      TAA Doherty Aurier (Holgate Kiko)
      Salah Bruno KdB Martial ( Foden)
      Jimenez Kane Greenwood

  18. I AM THE FPL MONSTER
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Rank these in order of who will get the most points to least points from now to the end of the season:

    RICHARLSON
    MAHREZ
    WILLIAN
    PULISIC
    SON
    MICHAEL ANTONIO

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

      Mahrez, Pulisic, hard to call from there.

    2. Ohh1454
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mahrez
      Pulisic
      Son
      Willian
      Rich
      Antonio

    3. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mahrez, Pulisic, Rich, Son, Antonio, Willian

  19. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on vardy and dendo > Mahrez and connoly(-4) ? Fancy Mahrez to do well next week and a good option for the rest of the season

  20. Cahill
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    gtg?

    guaita
    taa awb taylor
    salah kdb bruno martial cantwell
    kane vardy

    boly nketiah egan

  21. Dacra
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Good for this week?

    Pope (Patricio)
    TAA - Aurier - AWB (Saiss, Lascelles)
    Salah - KdB - Martial - Bruno - Son
    DCL - Jiminez (Nketiah)

    0ft
    0.0itb

    Aurier/Son/DCL getting some stick lately I know.

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Good team

  22. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    if chasing who d you rather go for:
    a. Puli
    b. Mahrez

    ta

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

      Mahrez

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

      B

  23. Super Nashwan
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Fancy Mahrez but is son worth keeping as he is Bournemouth away after Everton at home

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

      Son doesn't pass the eye test atm

    2. JELLYFISH
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'm keeping Son, surprised why so many folk are offloading tbh. They were pants against SHU but he still managed 6pts

    3. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If Mourinho stalls against Ancelotti I can't see they've got a lot to play for. Which might actually free the players up, but this Spurs team as a whole looks wooden. I'm taking Son out.

  24. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Look ok for WC?
    Not great TEam Value.
    Bit of cover on bench for rotation

    Pope
    TAA Saiss AWB
    Salah(c) Kdb Bruno(v) Pusilic Foden
    Rash Jimi

    Martinez Aurier Boly Nketiah 0.4itb

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

      Love it

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks 🙂

    2. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good!

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks

    3. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Aurier was in mine until yesterday. Spurs defence is shoddy. Can’t rely on attacking returns every week.

      I’m going Gordon over Nkietah, not sure wether that is smart or not.

      Rest of the team looks great.

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        yeah have my doubts over Aurier.
        Could go Gomez I guess.

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

      Great team

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks

  25. Abra Dubravka
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who to bench:
    Salah, KDB, Bruno, Mahrez, Willian, Jimenez, Rashford, Greenwood?

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

      Has to be Greenwood first on bench

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      yeah probably GW

    3. BOATIES FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Greenwood

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

      Greenwood

    5. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Willian

    6. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks all! 🙂

  26. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    my grav has just died it's death, the day after my FPL team also did the same #goodbyeleroy

  27. BOATIES FC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    final free hit draft....

    Ryan
    TAA VVD Taylor
    Salah (c) Sterling KDB Mahrez Martial
    Rashford Greenwood

    Martin Holgate Lamptey O Connoly

  28. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bench which one?

    A) Greenwood (BOU)
    B) DC-L (tot)

    1. BOATIES FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

    3. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A might not start?

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Surely his spot to lose

  29. Lucas8406
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Best replacement for DCL?
    Not sure on Greenwood starting

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ings?
      But fixtures not great

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ings, Giroud, Greenwood, Gayle

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

        Gayle is a decent shout

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

    I think I'm finally done with my WC team, but I would love to hear your thoughts!

    Ederson - Button
    VVD - Doherty - AWB - Saiss - Taylor
    Salah - KDB - Mahrez - Fernandes - Martial
    Jimenez - Connolly - Nketiah

    Thanks guys!

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Very nice.

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Nice

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

      love the power midfield - Martial instead of Rashford frees up some cash too