Scout Notes

De Bruyne and Foden unlucky as Silva and Sterling score big for Man City

Man City 5-0 Newcastle

  • Goals: Gabriel Jesus (£9.6m), Riyad Mahrez (£8.6m), David Silva (£7.3m), Raheem Sterling (£11.7m)
  • Own Goals: Federico Fernández
  • Assists: D Silva x2, Kevin De Bruyne (£10.8m), Sterling
  • Bonus Points: D Silva x3, Jesus x2, De Bruyne x1, Sterling x1

Manchester City’s 5-0 win over Newcastle was very much achieved by the alternative options with the more mainstream Fantasy assets struggling to live up to their billing.

While Kevin De Bruyne (£10.8m) managed just one assist in the rout, Raheem Sterling (£11.7m) reminded managers how much of an explosive differential he could be for the remainder of the Premier League season as he scored 10 points on Wednesday evening.

The England international only played 29 minutes in Gameweek 34+ but still managed to come away with a goal, an assist and one bonus point as he operated as a centre-forward once again.

The fact that he initially was rested for this game is great news for the 16.3% invested in Sterling looking forward to the Gameweek 35+ trip to Brighton as it would imply he will start at the Amex Stadium.

However, he might be of more use to Fantasy backers in the Gameweek 36+ home game against Bournemouth, considering where his attacking returns have come since the Premier League returned.

From Gameweek 30+ onwards, every one of Sterling’s three goals and three assists has come at the Etihad Stadium, the player blanking in both of his away trips during that period.

Sterling’s latest spell up-front could be somewhat ominous for owners of Gabriel Jesus (£9.6m) in Gameweek 35+, who has struggled to make that spot his own since Sergio Aguero‘s (£11.7m) injury. The Brazilian by no means had a poor game, putting up eight points against Newcastle before coming off on the hour-mark.

Jesus could have taken a little more from the game too, which was very open in Manchester City’s favour, as he could not direct a first-half header beyond Martin Dúbravka (£5.1m) and saw his pass into Phil Foden (£5.4m) screwed wide shortly after. Jesus was also in possession of the ball when Matt Ritchie (£5.3m) tackled him and kicked it onto Federico Fernández (£4.6m) for the own goal that made it 3-0.

Whether or not Pep Guardiola decides to start him for that trip to Brighton is rather hard to second guess at this stage though. Coming off around the 60th minute sometimes implies the manager wants to keep that player fresh for the next outing, but that happened for Sterling at Southampton before his Gameweek 34+ benching. Perhaps, with both player’s minutes now managed over the last two matches, Jesus and Sterling could start together at Brighton.

After all, it does seem unlikely that Foden will feature from the beginning next time out as he is yet to make a start away from home since the Premier League restart.

Those in possession of the budget midfielder will be cursing their luck after his blank against Newcastle as he really should have come away with at least a brace.

After acting as the assister for the assist of the first two goals, Foden went through for a chance of his own in the 39th minute. A neat one-two with Jesus put the goal at his mercy, but the midfielder somehow managed to pull it wide of the post when he really should have scored.

It was even more galling for his owners in the opening exchanges of the second half. In the 49th minute, De Bruyne looped a cross over to Foden on the back post for what looked an easy chance from very close range. But the budget midfielder looked in two minds as he approached the ball, almost standing on it as he spooned agonisingly wide.

Despite the frustrating nature of both near-goal incidents, the level-headed way of responding to such a performance would be to retain faith in Foden, perhaps benching him for Gameweek 34+ and bringing him back into the starting line-up when Bournemouth come to the Etihad Stadium in Gameweek 35+. Even though he failed to return on Wednesday evening, the youngster still averages 9.3 points per home game since the Premier League restart.

Mahrez’s credentials for Fantasy inclusion continue to look good, especially at home. He was one of Manchester City’s most dangerous players before youngster Tommy Doyle (£4.5m) replaced him in the 74th minute.

The Algerian was rewarded with his 10th strike of the season, taking him into double figures for both goals and assists for the first time as a Manchester City player.

It was also Mahrez’s fifth attacking return of the Premier League restart, although, like many of his colleagues, the majority of them have come at home.

Even though the huge contingent of De Bruyne captainers were disappointed to get just one return from a 5-0 win, he was almost as unlucky as Foden not to come away with more from the 5-0 win.

In the 44th minute, De Bruyne played a shot-turned-cross into the box, only to see his own player Rodrigo (£5.3m) direct it over the bar like a defender’s clearance.

He was then stood over the direct free-kick won by Sterling in the second half, having netted plenty of them this season. However, it was David Silva (£7.3m) who pulled rank and dispatched it himself.

It was Silva who blocked another De Bruyne goal involvement in the 74th minute, the Belgian getting around the back on the left-hand side, squaring to his colleague who could only force a save out of Dúbravka from the edge of the six-yard box.

Then as stoppage time beckoned, De Bruyne won the ball on the right, offloading to Silva. He pressed towards goal from a tight angle but could not trouble the goalkeeper with his effort.

For all of those reasons, De Bruyne’s place in Fantasy teams remains exceptionally secure, especially with Brighton and Bournemouth up next.

Despite those late fluffs, Silva was actually the top-scoring player from this game, his goal, two assists and three bonus making for a 17-point haul.

Whether that sets him apart as an option for the run-in is probably still in question though. 90-minute outings in each of the last two matches will not have done him any favours in terms of starting at Brighton. Furthermore, since the Premier League came back, Silva has only delivered attacking returns in two of a possible six matches.

“We have games every three days so everybody has to play.” – Pep Guardiola

It was arguably very difficult to find too many takeaways from this game as far as Newcastle were concerned.

Recent injury problems forced Steve Bruce into a back-five that featured three full-backs, with both 

With Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.5m) and Jamaal Lascelles (£4.3m) standing a better chance of involvement in the Gameweek 35+ trip to Watford, the Magpies are sure to have better fortunes at Vicarage Road than they did at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Zinchenko, Stones, Otamendi, Cancelo (Walker 46′); Rodrigo (Gündogan 46′), De Bruyne, D Silva; Foden (B Silva 61′), Jesus (Sterling 61′), Mahrez (Doyle 75′).

Newcastle United XI (5-4-1): Dúbravka; Rose, Fernández, Schär, Krafth (Muto 84′), Yedlin; Ritchie (Atsu 84′), Bentaleb, Shelvey (M Longstaff 66′), Lazaro (Manquillo 66′); Joelinton (Gayle 66′).

Members Analysis

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1,665 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A non-FPL related question. What sounds more positive -
    A. Greedy
    B. Clinical

    1. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Obviously B

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

    DCL AWB Jimenez or Vardy Digne Greenwood (-4)

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

      Vardy option and C Vardy

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

        Cheers

    2. Livinginapool - Top 100 Any…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Those are my exact transfers this week. Make of that what you will...

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

        Oh man don't copy 😉 cheers!

    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B for me I think

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

        Thx

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

    Best defender for 4.6 except Saiss, Lascelles & Egan!

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

      To play week in week out?

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

        Yes

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

          Not a lot of choices: Taylor Lamptey Stephens

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

          Diop

    2. MiLK2018
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Taylor

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

        Taylor or Pieters??

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

          Kevin Long? He has a goal in him too..

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

      Holgate if fit. Otherwise Lamptey looks good.

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

      V interested in this too (can stretch to £5m). How nailed is Garcia ??

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

      Cheers everyone!

  4. Johnnex023
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Guys I'm playing my freehit. Everyone who helps gets a !thanks

    Ddg.

    Doherty Garcia xxxxx.

    Salah kdb pulisic Bruno yyyyy.

    Vardy zzzzzz.

    Subs: Connolly, Robinson, Lamptey.

    The three options are in this link https://imgur.com/a/BC2orZ0

    A. VVD, Sterling, Greenwood

    B. Gomez, Barnes, Kane

    C. Robertson, Barnes, Jesus

    Other options for Garcia are Justin and Kiko Femenia

    For Barnes is Antonio.

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

      A but not so sure about DDG would rather have defender or Martial if you can and make sure you have a playing bench, not 2 3.9 defenders

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

      I think A By a mile personally

    3. Big Ping
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Comfortably A

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

    Pope (McCarthy)

    Trent - Doherty - Saiss (holgate, Lascelles)

    Salah - KDB - Foden - Fernandes - Martial

    (DCL) - Jimmy - Greenwood

    4.2 in the bank 1 FT

    1. Jimmy to Vardy
    2. Jimmy to Kane
    3. Saiss to Anyone else(Aurier)

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

      1. Easy.

    2. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Wait to see how the main man is tomorrow

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

      Vardy on Golden Boot ofcourse

  6. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    KdB cappers happy?

    Points on the board and all that.

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

      No reason not to be..

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I think having seen the score I expected double figures

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

      Depends on what Bruno does

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

      We’ll tell you after Bruno plays

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

      Foden and DeBruyne where outstanding and should have got more points

    5. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Definitely not. Switched from Kane. He will haul now.

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

      Went Salah here, big difference

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

    Do these look like sensible moves people?

    Jiminez > Vardy

    Doherty > Holgate

    For free on 2FT's?

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

      Y

    2. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes they do

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

      Absolutely

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

      Yes but do you have cover for Holgate

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

        I do yes, Saiss is my first sub just in case.

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

    Mahrez owners, what are you going to do, ship, or move to Puli/William?

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

      Keep, came off early so its a good sign imo.

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

      Keep until 38

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

      Might sell for Willian. Need money to upgrade elsewhere.

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

    Best use of my 2FT?

    A) Jimi, Doherty > Vardy, Saiss
    B) Jimi, TAA > Vardy, Azpi/ Digne
    C) Jimi, Mahrez > Vardy, Antonio
    D) Something else

    2FT 0.4itb
    Pope
    TAA*, Doherty*, Kiko
    Salah, KDB, Mahrez*, Bruno, Pulisic
    Rash, Greenwood
    (Martin) (Jimi*, Lascelles, Simpson)

    Yes I know I’m going to have a benching headache but feel like Jamie kinda has to come in!

    Cheers

  10. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Son and Nketiah

    To

    Foden(bench) and vardy -4

    Worth it? Would start foden vs Bournemouth if he is benched on sunday

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

    From previous experience, moving Mane out for Salah has always backfired. But I’m still considering to make the move..

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'd rather consider the opposite as a Salah owner tbh

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      To see Salah rested?!?

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

      Don't do it - there's a reason why Salah and Mane have remained neck and neck in the goalscoring stakes

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

        You guys are great. Thanks for preventing me on making this silly move

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

    KDB looked dead at the end. Why do people think he’s going to start next game?

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

      Didn’t see very end but hoped he wouldn’t play 90

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

        That being said pep won’t want a repeat of their last away match . Haven’t thought much about it until now but maybe a rest is more likely at home vs Bournemouth, yikes

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

      Probably doesn't start and unlikely to make it off the bench IMO (unless they're not winning), so happy to stick him on the pitch

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

    Have KDB Mahrez Foden, should I worry?
    A) Foden or Mahrez to Willan
    B) Jimenez to Vardy

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

      B

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

    Salah & KDB owner here...

    Should i be worried about starts? If i move any of them on it would be for a -4.

    Salah surely in the running now for Golden boot so more likely to play.

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

      Do you really wanna sell KDB or Salah for a -4?

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

        Yep

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

      And Klopp will want to get 100 points. 8 to go from 4 games

  15. Purse83
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone worried about TAA and KDB’s minutes? Thinking about doing the below for -4 (have Mahrez, Salah and 3 Utd also):

    KDB, TAA & Jimi > Sterling, Aurier, Vardy

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

      Why on earth would you sell KBD when City have Brighton, Bournemouth, Watford and Norwich to come? Just why?

  16. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hi....2.2mitb. Anything worth a hit? Going to be stung by city rotation...

    Hendo
    Taa maguire boly (soy stephens)
    Kdb mahrez foden Bruno martial
    Vardy jiminez (dcl)

    Thanks

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No need as you have a strong bench
      Unless you are afraid of s cameo

  17. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Do we think salah starts next game?

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

      Yes he is so hungry

  18. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Brutal week owning Doherty and Jimenez

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

      Try owing Swiss and Doherty.. and 1st and 3rd in cash ml(im in 2nd) both having Egan... pretty sure I'm 3rd after tonight

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

      Here

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

      I had jimmy, saiss and doherty 🙁

  19. Bonus magnet
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    SOS moment, please please help sort this mess of a team.wanted to do a -12 rage transfer now

    henderso
    gomez doherty awb
    bruno kdb grealish
    laca kane rashy

    leno kiko lascelles fleck

    no WC left

  20. CheesyZoot
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Sterling looking like a good captain shout this week?

    Brighton looked poor and he's had his rest now

    1. dicky2014
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Brighton played really well

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

    GW36+ - who to bench? Foden (BOU) or Greenwood (cry)?

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

      Tough, Foden probably rotated so Im worried another 1 pointer as last week. I have Nketiah though so rather easy for me...

  22. Ian Davis
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    KDB likely to be rested for next game? He looked at bit crook at the end today..

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      He’s just had one lol

    2. AYLD28
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I don’t think so. He might v Bournemouth but like sterling he could come on and still haul

  23. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on Salah starting at the weekend?

    Debating whether to capo or not

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thinking he either starts or gets full rest?

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Very tough. Owner but not really considering him for C because of this.

    3. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Salah to start

  24. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Took a hit to do Salah and DCL to Foden and Kane...

    Kane chance for hat trick anyone?

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

      Its all up to Harry Edward Kane.

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        If he even scores I’ll be happy to be home t

  25. the snazzy viking
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    what do you think of this lads?

    DDG Jimenez DCL ➡ Pickford Vardy Greenwood -4

  26. AYLD28
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    2FT

    Jimenez > Vardy
    + either

    1. Trent > Digne
    2. Doherty > Soyuncu

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      2

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

      I'd actually lean towards 1

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

      Got same question although I don’t like Soy really.

      2 def better of the two

      1. AYLD28
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Soy would be for just the Bournemouth game then I’d play Stephens v Brighton (36) and v Bournemouth (37). Then maybe bring Digne in on 38.

        I wouldn’t need to play him again.

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

          Not a bad shout tbh

  27. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Best differentials to have for chasers? Others than :(Kdb/martial/Bruno/salah/greenwood)

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

      Sterling

    2. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mane!

    3. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Bowen + Ings

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

      Aubameyang Ings going for golden boot and decent last 2 fixtures
      Sterling

    5. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ings Willian Jimenez Sterling

  28. Dreaming of glory
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pretty much had a nightmare since the restart after getting myself into a decent position in 2 competitive mini leagues and climbing the ranking to top 100k from way back. Man this game can get u down when no matter what u do u feel u never make the right change and chase more and more. Sigh. Season over.

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

      Tell me about it.
      2 wrong captain selections in the last 3 gw, probably the 3rd now after unlucky kdb.
      & Foden suddenly decided to become idiot in front of goal right after i brought him... for a hit ...

  29. Hits from the Bong
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Chance of Newcastle clean sheet at Watford? Got Fernandez still

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

    2 options
    1) Son to Kdb now.

    2) save ft this gw, do son to sterling and doh to someone cheaper, for citys 36 gw with Bournemouth