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. Tingate
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Got my WC & BB left and got a bit of ground in a few mini leagues to make up, in a few others i'm quite a bit ahead so want to try and use my WC ASAP to get the benefit of it and not owning any City or Chelsea assets could set me back a bit in the next few weeks. Planning on going from A to B and use BB next week, what are people's thoughts?

    (A)

    Pope
    TAA - AWB - Doherty
    Salah - Martial (C) - Fernandes - Mané
    Jota - DCL - Jimenez

    McGovern - Cantwell - Kelly - Rico

    (B)

    Pope
    Alonso - TAA - Mendy
    Salah - KDB - Martial - Fernandes - Mahrez
    DCL - Greenwood

    Fabianski - Digne - Aurier - Nketiah

    £0.5M ITB

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

      not at all sold on Jota... I think B looks like a better pick to be honest

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

        A is my original and B would be the squad if I used my WC, and activate BB next week.

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

    What to do?

    A) Son, Aurier to Salah, Kiko -4pt hit
    B) Son to Mahrez

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

      B

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

      B

    3. Studs Up
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B....just

    4. sfsfsfe
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

      B - as much as i dislike Aurier he is not worth -4 and Kiko will get you 2 points so you'll be on -2

    6. michaelington
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Keep Son for next 2

    7. AD2110
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Keep son

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

    Richarlison to:

    A) Foden
    B) Bowen
    C keep

    Thanks

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

      After seeing the Spurs defence last night i'd keep.

      Foden could be a rotation risk and Bowen against a strong Newcastle defence. Maybe roll the transfer this week and decide after seeing the games.

    2. Studs Up
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B...but Antonio?

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

    Play:

    A) DCL (tot)
    B) Ings (MCI)

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

      DCL imo

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

      DCL

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

      DCL IMO
      Spurs defense is in a different league to Man City

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

      Ill go against the tide here and go Ings purely on his hit rate at the moment. DCL more of an assist merchant.

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

    sitting on richarlison...
    A) keep and hope that he playes vs spurs
    B) Willian
    C) Pulisic
    D) Mahrez

    Both Willian and Pulisic are looking great but the both have played a lot since the restart and is due to get rested at some point now. Mahrez is great when he playes but is more rotation prone due to Pep being Pep and Pep having more options on his position if you compare it with what Frank has to choose from. Richarlison is looking descent but i think Everton are looking a bit shaky attacking whise.... would love to have Martial but allready have 3 united with rash, AWB and Fernandes. Any inputs?

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

      I'd go with Mahrez after him being benched from the start last night.

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

        Yeah but Foden playing well makes me nervous about his minutes. Then again, Mahrez could easily get some returns on a brief cameo.

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

          Foden's pretty versatile and could play in the centre too though, if Pep goes for it against the lower teams he could swap Foden into the middle

  6. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I have 1FT to use and need to generate funds to improve defence next GW. annoyingly have 3 United already so just Son > Mahrez?

    DDG
    TAA Doherty Lascelles
    Salah Bruno Martial Son
    Jesus Jimmy DCL

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Or even one of the chelsea boys?

    2. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Hey man. Long time. Son to Mahrez is the obvious move.Triple City could be really beneficial for you

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Nice to see you again x yeah did Vardy > Jesus to start that off and I think I’ll have to do son > Mahrez too. Then choose between a defender, KDB or sterling

        1. internal error
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Jesus can only get better and the next two are a good chance for that to happen.

  7. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hi Guys. Can I get your help with this combo?

    Who do you think scores more this week?

    A)Salah + Greenwood
    or
    B) Mahrez + Rashford

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

      A

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks Tingate

    2. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B for me.

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks. It's close isn't it

  8. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Current team: 2FT, 0.0 itb

    DDG
    Aurier TAA Lascelles
    Salah KDB Bruno Son
    Rashford Nkeitah Jimenez

    subs: Martin Saiis Hayden Simpson

    which is better?

    A- DDG + Nkeitah > Pope + Greenwood
    B- Son + DDG > Martial + Ederson
    C- Son + DDG + Nkeitah > Mahrez/Pulisic + Ederson + Greenwood (-4)

  9. Raf
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Guys, need help with my 1ft.

    Martinez button

    Taa Holgate saiss aurier Lascelles

    Saka martial kdb son Bruno

    Jimi rashford dcl

    1. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      You probably want another city player. Son to Mahrez

    2. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Son -> Pulisic/Mahrez

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

        Not Foden? Maybe for Saka?

        1. internal error
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          That's a good move too. Depends on Fodens game time

  10. hustler7
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Captain:

    A) Salah
    B) Bruno
    C) Rashford

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

      B

    2. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

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

    Just watched most of the City game and think I'll risk giving my new signing the armband - Sterling(C) - as he looked very sharp!

    1. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Generally done better away from home too this season.

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      sterling is a strange one, he gets in so many good positions but you never fancy him to finish. but the sheer number of opportunities he gets means that he'll probably get at least one.

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

        true...and Jesus was a bit rubbish so wouldn't be surprised to see him get a benching as a bit of a wake up call from Pep seeing Sterling getting even more chances to miss lol!

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

      Brave

      I’m seeing another 8 changes.

  12. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hi all!

    What to do here?
    1 FT 2,1 ITB

    Ricardo
    Taa-doherty-maguire
    Salah-kdb-Pulisic-fernandes
    Rashford(c)-Jimenez-DCL
    Martin, Lascelles, Douglas Luiz, 3,9

    1. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Could do DCL+Douglas Luiz -> Nketiah+Mahrez but is it worth a hit?

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

    What's the best week to use free hit?

    1. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      38 on the hope that we can get leaked city and liverpool line ups

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

      38 is the general love round here

  14. Kanteisking
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Why is everyone turfing Son?

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

      They want the extra cash Mahrez, Pulisic give.

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

      Because Spurs as a whole look limp?

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

        They do but he is at home and could go large. Surprised by the huge amount of outs

    3. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      He costs a ridiculous amount of money to be playing left back in a team that can barely get out their own half

  15. Seamy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on;
    Son -> Mahrez this GW
    Then Mahrez -> KdB next GW?

    1. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I like Son to Mahrez. I dont know if KDB plays against Newcastle

    2. Starky22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Works in theory if KDB rested in 33. If he isn’t it’s a headache for 34.

  16. Starky22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    When is everyone planning on using FH? Is this week an option To play and go without KDB? Fixtures great for United/City/Pool.

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

      This week is a good option.
      Personally I am still waiting on something unexpected or if not GW38

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

      there are so many good options i want for coming gw and if i had FH would probz play it

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

      GW38. Waiting for a good week for Arsenal.

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

    bench one:
    a. TAA
    b. Fernandez (new)
    c. Doh

    gracias

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

      B

    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

    1) Start DCL and keep 3m for next gw to reassess or get Jesus (-4)

    2) For this gw alone, would you prefer Mahrez or Salah?

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

      Salah

    2. Starky22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Jesus rubbish.
      Salah.

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

    Time to use my FH chip with the below team?:
    Pope, Martin
    TAA, Lascelles, Doherty, Maguire, Robinson
    Mane, KDB, Bruno, Alli, Richarlison
    DCL, Jimenez, Nketiah

    Would look to shift Spurs and Everton "assets" anyway - probably for a hit so might as well just FH?

    1. Starky22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      KDB on a FH?

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

      Is this your team pre FH? Whats wrong with it? I wouldnt FH that team just get Alli out for Mahrez

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

      current team (Pre-FH).

      Cant afford Mahrez

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

        apologies then Alli > Foden or Pulsic

  20. More_Goals
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A - Son -> Mahrez
    B - Son + Barnes -> Mahrez and Pulisic (-4)

    Which one would you do?

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

      A if you are leading and B if you are chasing

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

      B

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

      Not sure on Barnes or Pulisic minutes this GW. I like Mahrez for this GW.

  21. Bobby_Baggio
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Morning all. Looking to do DCL + Alli > Greenwood + Mahrez for free. Would you spend -4 to do Guendozi > ASM or wait till next week? Cheers.

    Patricio
    Lascelles- Doherty - TAA
    Mane - KDB - Fernandes - Alli
    DCL - Jimenez - Rashford

    (Martin) - Holgate - Guendozi - Simpson

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

      Just do the free moves this week.

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

    Is Willian nailed now with Pedro out the squad?

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think Pulisic + Willian are pretty much nailed.

      Pedro going to Roma, and CHO unfit and not exactly pulling up trees.

      Mount looking poor and hasn’t played wing in a while whilst RLC isn’t a winger and I think Lampard knows it.

    2. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      100%

  23. faux_C
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    G2G? Struggling to commit to double Wolves DEF when I have other good options...

    Pope
    Doherty, TAA, Boly
    KDB, ASM, Salah, Martial
    Rash(c), Jimi, Ings

    (McCarthy, Soy, Lascelles, Saka)

  24. Kaiser123
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone think KDB will be rested more often now. Liv match could be his last hurrah this season. Pep now to rotate like mad.

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

      Could be minutes managed for next few games then as cups get closer he'll be benched

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

    On a WC.
    Which option seems better??

    A) Krul + Digne + Salah + Greenwood
    B) Lloris + AWB + Foden + Kane

    1. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

  26. LIARS POKER
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which option is better? Worried about. not owning Salah

    A) Son to Mahrez
    B) Son, Rashford to Salah, Greenwood for free (already own Mane)

    B would also give me the cash to bring in Foden as my 5th mid the following week

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

    Play Jota or Lascelles?

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

      Lasc

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

      I have both and am playing Jota. He owes me after I swapped Ings for him before the restart! He’s out if he blanks again.

  28. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    No Pep presser today?

  29. sfsfsfe
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Spamming the comment section right now...
    A) Connolly vs Norwich
    B) Lascelles vs West Ham

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

      B

  30. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who should I get as a 5.5 or less defender that isn't Wan-Bissaka this week?

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

      Van Aanholt?

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks. I hadn't considered him. Will give it some thought

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

      A punt on Ritchie could be gold