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

    How does this sound for -4?

    Salah, Jimenez, Lascelles --> Sterling, Vardy, Lamptey

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

      poor Salah is all I can say

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Salah just MOTHERHAULED and you want to shift him as part of a -4?

      My word.

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

    Who to start this week

    A. Martinez vs tot
    B. Pope vs liv

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

      Pope

    2. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A, I suppose

    3. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pope 10 Pter incoming

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

      Probably not much in it but A

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

      A. I reckon Liverpool will score twice. Martinez has conceded just 1 goal in 4 matches he started, same as Pope.

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

    Thought on this tonight?
    Exact cash so need to be now with price moves.

    Jimi Nketiah Maguire to Vardy Greenwood Cresswell -4?

    Pope
    TAA Maguire Doherty Aurier Fernandez
    KDB Mahrez Martial Bruno Salah
    Jimi DCL Nketiah

    Thanks!

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Rinseboy sounds like a Jamaican homophobic slur

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sell doc instead

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

        can't if I get Greenwood altho not bad shout

  4. SHOOTER MCGINN
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Jimi to Ings this week? Or take a hit and get Vardy?

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

      Vardy this week

  5. The Suspended One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    17 from 3

    All to play for; let’s go (C) Kane

  6. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Robbo to start and TAA to be benched next week?

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

      Possible

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Probably

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

      That was probably the plan but Williams didn't play well at all tonight so he might start and get benched later when they guarantee winning the match.

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

        I mean TAA and Robertson might both start, not Williams.

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

      cheers,TAA to robbo for me this week just to be on the safer side...

  7. michudagawd
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I did Salah to Sterling this gameweek so a bit sickened to say the least!

    Team at the moment:

    Pope
    TAA Boly Doherty
    Sterling Pulisic KDB Fernandes Martial
    Rashford Jimenez

    Button - Cathcart Stephens Brewster

    How does this look?

    Save the FT and then do Cathcart and Jimenez to Digne and Ings next gameweek?

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

      Thoughts would be appreciated.

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

      Nice looking team. Worry with double wolves defence. Unconvinced with Digne.

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

        With Digne in I won't be playing double Wolves defence. I think Digne has a big haul in him soon.

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

    Who to start this week

    1. Jimenez vs SOU
    2. Foden vs bha (assuming he plays 30 mins)

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Jimi isn’t playing SOU

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

        Lol. I meant EVE. Okay time to go to sleep. Haha

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

      Rashford is playing SOU..., Jimenez EVE

  9. Max City
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Problem:
    1. Want to have Vardy, not enough cash for Jimi >> Vardy
    2. GK issue: Henderson vs CHE, Pope vs LIV

    Would you:
    A. Rashford >> Vardy for free (and play Jimi and Henderson)

    B. Jimi + Henderson >> Vardy + 4.8 GK
    (Krul vs WHU or Martinez vs TOT)

    C. Jimi + Stevens >> Vardy + Egan (play Henderson vs CHE)

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

    Pope
    TAA AWB Doherty
    Salah KDB Fernandes Mahrez Martial
    Jimenez DCL

    Button Kiko Nketiah Simpson

    2FT, £0 in the bank

    I had planned to do Salah and Nketiah to Pulisic and Vardy (have the exact budget to do this), but not so sure now, as Salah looks to be chasing that golden boot, though I still feel he is at risk of a rest/not starting at the weekend. What would you do?

    A) Salah + Nketiah to Pulisic + Vardy (i.e. do it anyway as most of my ML rivals don't have Salah)
    B) Jimenez + Mahrez to Vardy + Foden (and only have Kiko available on bench)
    C) Something else

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

    To free up funds to do Jimenez >> Vardy...

    TAA >>

    1. Azpi (shu NOR liv WOL)
    2. Digne (wol AVL shu BOU)

    Thanks all

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Keep TAA.

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

        begrudging selling, but need to raise funds to do Jim >> Vardy

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          What does your team look like?

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

            Pope
            TAA AWB Saiss
            Salah KDB Fernandes Mahrez Foden
            Rashford Jimenez

            Henderson Lascelles Connolly Lundstram

            Thoughts?

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

      2

    3. sthelenslad92
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Digne

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

      Sold Vardy last week 🙁

      But after this one it doesn’t look that exciting. I’d go Digne if you’re set on it.

      Personally I’d hold and go Ings next week.

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

    What to do here? Need to close down a 30pt lead.
    1FT & 3.2itb

    Patricio
    TAA - Doherty - Aurier
    Mane - Kdb - Fernandes - Martial - Mahrez
    Jimi - Greenwood

    Subs: Martins - Kiko - Connolly - Simpson

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes the thought of no City is scary. My team is linked. I have gone Cityless many times ths season. I have taken loads of hits as well lol so my rank most likely would have been better if I was not so hit happy.

      Some ideas if you want to chase

      KDB > Salah

      Patricio > Pope after LFC

      Mahrez > Pulisic

      Jimmy > Kane

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Obviously depends who your rival has.

    3. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Dont forget Ings. His last 3 matches looking top dollar for points...

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

      Jimi to vardy

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

      Mahrez to Sterling could work.

      Think Kane is an interesting option. Has a very high ceiling. Monitoring closely what happens next with him

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Agree, waiting to see how Kane does tomorrow.

  13. sthelenslad92
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Best Jimenez replacement? Other 2 strikers are Rashford & Vardy:
    A) Jesus
    B) Giroud
    C) Abraham
    D) Ings
    E) Deeney
    F) DCL

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

      Ings, next GW.

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

      Greenwood?

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

      A

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

    They called me mad because I wanted to sell Alonso+Mane+Jimi to Digne+Sterling+Kane(-8). The hit was already payed off with Kane yet to play.

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Don't be surprised if Kane gets negative points

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

        lol

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

      You don't really know if the -8 paid off yet as you could do Mane to Sterling for free. Digne and Kane haven't played yet.

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

        Yeah. I did Alonso to Digne and held Mane and Jimmy. :/

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

      Lucky

  15. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bench
    Doherty
    Lascelles

    Bench
    Foden
    Jimenez.

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

    Thinking along the same lines but wolves have Everton next so a little worried Jimi might turn it around

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

      yes, expecting him to bounce back with a brace.

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Wishful thinking

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

          last time he had 3 blanks,he was back with a 10 point haul and that too against city at Etihad...

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

    Will end up with this for GW35, anything worth hits folks?

    Pope
    TAA Aurier Doherty
    Salah KDB Bruno [C] Martial Pulisic
    Vardy Greenwood

    McCarthy Egan Keane Nketiah

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No - GTG

      Surely (c) KDB vs Brighton!?

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

        May not start or minutes curtailed, Bruno/Martial at home enticing

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

        Why? Is Pep really going to start him again?

  18. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Stick with pack (Vardy) or differential (Jesus)?, chasing in ml most the others have Vardy

  19. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    (c)?

    Vardy
    Brunooo
    KDB

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

      Bruno

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks man

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

    Who to start this week

    1. Jimenez vs EVE
    2. Foden vs bha (assuming he plays 30 mins)

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think Foden starts this game why wouldn’t he?

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

        do you think he will

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

        Spin the wheel.

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

    Pope
    TAA AWB Saiss
    Salah KDB Fernandes Mahrez Foden
    Rashford Jimenez

    Henderson Lascelles Connolly Lundstram

    1FT, 0.6 itb

    1. TAA Jimenez >> Digne Vardy
    2. Mahrez Jimenez >> Willian Vardy
    3. Other ??

    Thanks

  22. The Suspended One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Crap... Holgate out...

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

      source?

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

        Ancelotti

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

        cheers

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ings haul confirmed

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

    Bottomed

    Who wins?

    A) Lloris, Aurier, Greenwood and Kane(c)
    B) Bruno, Son and Kane + 4 pts

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

      Probably A, it's effectively 5 players (counting cap as 2) vs 3.

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

      b

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

    Guys please help:

    Just 10 points ahead in my ML but the guy behind still has TC, FH and BB. We have pretty similar teams so not taking risks will certianly win him the ML

    So with that in mind...is this worth a hit?

    Son and KDB -----> Pulisic and Mane(c) ?

    We both have salah but he doesnt have Mane and pulisic

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

    Would you do Son + Jimenez to Pulisic + Vardy? Seems wrong to do it before the Spurs game

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

      It’s a possibility

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

    Would you save FT? 0.5 ITB.

    DDG
    TAA Lascelles Saiss
    Sterling(C) Salah KDB Bruno Foden
    Jimenez Greenwood

    Nyland Stevens Egan Nketiah

    Thinking of switching Jimenez to Ings in GW36!

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

      You don't have another -8 to pitch to us tonight, Pep? I can't believe it.

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

        Hahaha fortunately no! Surprisingly thinking of saving my FT! Thoughts?

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

          Looks good! Save.

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

    Jim has never blanked 4 in a row in the PL

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

      He does look tired and sluggish atm though

  28. mrodgers91
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Willian stats have been unbelievable since the restart. Is he playing for a new contract or putting himself in the shop window

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

      Both probably, whichever is more lucrative.

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

    1) Son > Martial
    2) Son, Nketiah > Vardy, 4.5 fodder (-4)
    3) Son, Jimenez > Vardy, Martial (-4) - have to do before price changes

    Has to be #2, right?

    Still allows me 343 or 442. Brings in Vardy against Bournemouth, and relieves me of Nketiah.

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

    Better option for BB - GW36 vs 37?

    (A) Martinez (LIV), Lascellas (TOT), Taylor (WOL), Greenwood (cry)
    (B) Martinez (avl), Lascellas (bha), Taylor (nor), Vardy (tot)

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

      B

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

        Think so too. Thanks mate!