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

View full match data in the Members Area

MEMBERS AREA HOME PAGE

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

    Advice on this lot please

    Ederson (Hendo)
    Maguire Boly Egan (Lascelles Lord)
    KdB Mo Bruno Mahrez Son
    Jim Greenwood (Tammy)

    0.5itb 2FTs

    Not that keen on Vardy run in. Thinking about Kane. Looking to ship Son first. At the mo looking at

    Maguire Son > VVD Martial

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Some hard choices. Take a deep breath and think:
      Is any move I am making really improving my side?
      By the way, have you had Egan on the bench the last 2 weeks?

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

        Gnomic 😉

        Played Egan this week - benched him last moment last time.

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Ouch. How easy luck turns. But 1 from 2 is ok.

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

      Vary seems to have the form over kane and you've missed kane vs bournemouth. And I'm saying that as a kane owner.

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

        Thought about him this week but decided just to roll and trust Sonny.

        The form thing isn’t that clear cut given Kane has yet to play. One goal in it so far

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

    Freehit GW36+ vs GW38+
    ------------------------------------
    For those with Freehit left hear me out. GW38+ has bigger upside imo.

    The main team that freehitters will target is definitely Man City. Most would look at either MCI vs BOU (GW36+) or MCI vs NOR GW36+ to load up on their assets

    GW36+
    ----------
    Im pretty sure Pep will rest his big guns in GW36+ especially when it is 2 days before FA Cup semi vs Arsenal

    And most would probably have Pulisic currently in their team. So you could use a free transfer to double up with Willian to cover Chelsea assets vs NOR in GW36+ without the need of Freehit

    GW38+
    ----------
    GW38+ however Man City's big guns will play with 4 days rest between gw37+. Hence id rather freehit 90 mins of KDB Sterling Mahrez vs NOR rather than 90 mins of Jesus Foden Bilva/Silva vs Bournemouth.

    Plus in GW38+ Chelsea, Manutd, Wolves Leicester have tough fixtures. While you could load up on likes of Auba(WAT) Richarlison(BOU) Antonio(AVL) and Ings(SHU) alongside Bruno and Man City assets

    Agree? Thoughts are welcomed

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      All good points but:
      Who are Citeh big guns? They all are I think.
      GW 38 FH says I kept my FH too long. A lot will disagree with us though.

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

        clearly a mancity starting xi with kdb sterling and mahrez will have higher points ceiling than a mancity starting line up of foden jesus and bilva/silva .

        plus gw38 is generally high scoring and i can see goals fest for likes of everton(BOU) and westaham(NOR) in gw38

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Fair enough. Bringing my attention to the cup has helped. Tnks

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Fair enough but I don't think I could handle the frantic changes for 10 games.

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

              Keep an eye on FPL_Rockstar for early team leaks 😉

      2. Jon Snow
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        GW38 means a chance for line up leaks as well surely?

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

          Yeah keep a close eye on FPL_Rockstar

          Plus most teams has 4-5 days rest after gw37+. Hence they'll be more fresher

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

      Interesting

      I’d rather forgotten about the cup. Always tricky to second guess Pep. This season I’d say he has one big gun - the one that hasn’t missed a game since GW8 and has come off the bench just 3 times

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

      Totally agree its just the FH 38 template will mean everyone's team is basically the same and little opportunity to make up ground - don't you think?

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

        Wouldn't mind as long as it helps me me to fight off ml rivals and finish inside top10k

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

          True that
          I'm chasing tho

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

            Even better tthen. Great week to punt on differentials

  3. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope (Liv away but fantastic servant) (Button)
    Doherty Sais TAA Mendy (Lund?)
    Salah Bruno Martial Pulisic KDB
    DCL Jimmi Greenwood.
    1.8 ITB
    Any reason to tfr Button to cover Pope?

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

      Nope

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Tnks

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

          Would you try a Jimmy to Vardy with a free this week it is Bou after all.

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            It has crossed my mind. Just irks me to choose a 1 week punt. Same covering Pope though I suppose.

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

              Yeah but it’s not a bad one week punt and it’s an easy downgrade to Ings for his nice fixtures til the end.

              1. Eze Really?
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Ok but I will have to kill you if it fails (smile)

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

                  Good to see you don’t take this game to seriously 🙂

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

      No

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Ok Probably right

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

    2FT and exact cash for
    Jiménez and Patricio to
    Vardy and McCarthy
    What ye think?

    1. L S P
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I’d roll those dice

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

        Thanks time to roll dice for sure moving around a few thousand OR spots a week. 90% top 10k according to live fpl and it ain’t working. Then again getting Vardy for this week is probably the template move 🙂

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

          Think I will just make sure McCarthy get through the game ok and then make the moves.

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

          Judging from here - very template.

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

            Going C with Vardy would give some diff value.
            My last one week punt and C on was Auba and worked out ok.

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

              Like the call if you captain him.

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

              One plan I have is go big on C Sterling next week!

              I’m still down around 50% on Live

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

                Hope being diff works out for you.
                I definitely looked at Sterling in and C for this week but only way to do it was Salah out and I don’t know if I can do that.

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

                  May not go there

                  Being diff was working fine until I shipped out Vardy just before Palace for a hit instead of simple move for Martial - cost me 20 plus points!

                  Looking at Mane Kane or Sterling right now - or the logical shift to Martial. 🙂

  5. The Salah Conundrum
    zøphar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    The Salah conundrum

    Salah showed his appetite for the golden boot yesterday with his biggest haul of the season so far - 18 points. He took EIGHT shots, five of which were on target.

    He has now played 90 minutes in each of Liverpool's last two fixtures, which were on Sunday and Wednesday. Their next game is against Burnley on Saturday, making it their third game in six days. When Liverpool had a similar schedule over Christmas, Klopp rested Salah and Mane for a game each. With Mane benched against Brighton, is it possibly Salah's turn for a cameo against Burnley?

    It's not as clear cut as "Salah wants the golden boot so Klopp will play him" IMO. I think Henderson getting injured also might play on Klopp's mind a bit. As much as Salah wants the accolades, he doesn't pick the team.
    Quote from post - game yesterday -

    ""In the last two years he won the golden boot, last year he shared it with Sadio and with Auba. That's always important, it's important for Sadio and all that stuff is normal."

    If it is as important for Mane as it is for Salah, why did he bench Mane? It's not as clear cut as it seems IMO, I'm certainly tempted by a switch to Sterling for the next two

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      All valid. I does not help me choose though. I have Salah so I just won't captain him in case he gets a cameo.

    2. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling could easily sit out the BOU game with the FA cup in mind

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

        quite possible but thats digressing from topic a bit. The issue we are discussing here is do we think Salah starts vs Burnley

        1. Pieterke30
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          If he doesnt bench Salah, he is telling Mané that he wants Mo to get the golden boot, and not him.

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

      Forgot to mention the City game, so thats 90 minutes in each of their last three, not two

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

      My essential thinking after seeing the team sheet today was that first it was Firmino then Mane and Salah is next but I think it’s 50/50 he get benched or not. I just won’t captain him.

    5. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Different circumstances. Dont forget players are coming off 3 months break, .so fatigue is not so much of a big issue that some seems to make. This is like a new season.

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

        then why rest mane ?

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

        It doesn't work like that mate, recovery period is still relevant. Did a lot of reading on this for my Christmas period piece, you can find the sources in that article

    6. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It's impossibly to say. I'm in the somewhat unenviable position of having just taken him out (primarily due to the risk of rotation meaning he couldn't justify his price, in my view anyway), to know considering getting him back in for a hit.

      Could double backfire though if he does get benched vs Burnley.

    7. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      You raise some interesting and valid points. I agree with you but still have no clue if Salah will get rested the next game. 60-40 says he will, I reckon.

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

        I personally think he will too, just wanted to see where everyone else stands on the subject

    8. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Burnley would be his 5th start in 17 days - that looks a bit dodgy/reckless from Klopp considering they're capable of winning without him, and considering Mane has just been rested

      @Zophar - what do you make of the "Salah with no Mane" effect?

      I'm kicking myself today, but honestly not for transferring Salah out for Sterling this week (because I'd do that move 10 times out of 10 in the same scenario assuming Mane starts Brighton), but more for the fact that Mane DIDN'T start!

      It really can’t be overstated at this point just how much Salah has visibly had a habit of stepping this up a gear (or three!) when Sadio isn't there - he obviously love being the undisputed focal point & not having to share any attacking limelight... whereas when Mané has played, Salah still hauls occasionally, but restricts them to Anfield:

      Salah With & Without Mane - Away 5.9 PPA (82 points, 14 apps)
      Salah With & Without Mane - Home 8.9 PPA (141 points, 16 apps)

      But when Mané didn’t play, home or away became close to irrelevant - Mo just flipped almost instantly back into 300-points-a-season mode (12.6 PPA without Sadio there to share the limelight)

      Salah Overall with Mane 6.1 PPA (147 points, 24 apps)
      Salah Overall without Mané 12.6 PPA (76 points, 6 apps - literally double the PPA)

      Salah Away with Mane 3.3 PPA (37 points, 11 apps)
      Salah Away without Mane 15.0 PPA (45 points, 3 apps - This is just crazy scoring)

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

        I think the incident at Burnley is still in memory, Mo simply cannot afford to be as selfish when Mane is on the pitch.

        I also think Mane needs Salah more than vice versa, as Salah occupies defenders a lot and makes the pitch wider, which allows Mane to drift into scoring positions.

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Punchline: if you can fairly reliably predict when Mane will be benched, you can fairly reliably predict when Salah will haul 🙂

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

        I wish I could edit the Hot topic post, I totally forgot to mention that the City game, so if you ignore the week's rest they had prior to that it would be his fourth start in 10 days, and he has played every single minute

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Yep for sure - and even moreso - Burnley would be his 5th start in 17 days - that's a lot of mileage to accummulate

          To temper that though, the lad is obviously not a "normal" human being, if there is such a thing.

          He's a bona fide genetic freak of nature who is physically capable of things that mere mortals simply aren't

          But it still looks like edging towards recklessness/carelessness from Klopp to *let* him start

          (I deliberately say *let* him start - because knowing what we know of Salah's personality & mentality he would have himself starting 7 games a week if he could - he just loves being out on the pitch & loves scoring even more)

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

            They had a full week's rest prior to the Man. City game which is why I don't like using the 17 days number. 4 games in 10 days is far more daunting

            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Including City, Burnley would actually be his fourth start in NINE days!

              City Thurs 2nd
              Villa Sunday 5th
              Brighton Wednesday 8th
              Burnley Saturday 11th

              Thursday 2nd to Saturday 11th is 9 days

              I'm going to lead with my chin here - Salah will *NOT* start Burnley 🙂

              (Cue double hattrick on Saturday lol)

              1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                *Plus the caveat obviously - even if he doesn't start, Sterling showed yesterday that 30 minutes from the bench can be as effective if not even moreso than 90 minutes from the start

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

                no sitting on the fence there, love it !

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

                Not only that (unlike the City mids) Salah is playing 90 mins in every game, compare him to someone like Mahrez & that's a lot of mins.

              4. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                He is my captain for saturday 😉

        2. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          This is precisely why he will still be my captain on Saturday.

          You have made a convincing argument why he can not start three games in a row only to realise he has started 3 games in a row.

          You then apply the exact same logic to why he can not start 4 games in a row even though he has already proved you wrong.

          I will grant that with every passing game it is more likely he is rested but that does not remove the obvious question of why he had not already been rested.

          If I were not a liverpool fan, I would probably think similarly to you but having watched every game of hisfor the last few seasons. I am telling you this guy only gets rested if there is an issue. If he is fit he starts and he is a freak.

          I am also way behind so I have nothing to lose by captaining him but I am just saying this is not clear cut at all. I think he starts and i feel like it is 80/20. Which is good enough for me

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

          yes, the 'it doesn't make sense he'd play so much' argument is solid. but...

          Salah just scored two goals and is fired up, Burnley next at home, you can almost hear the Egyptian rubbing his hands and... Klopp says, Mo, you will be rested?

          I don't know. could happen, but that wouldn't make sense either.

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

        Sure, Liverpool are capable of winning without Salah, but Klopp, being the modest guy that he is, is the one who wants awards and records too. Liverpool need 3 wins in 4 to topple Man City's 100 points.

        It's very doable, but he might want to wrap that up before the final game. Therefore, I have no idea what motivates Klopp to rest who.

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

      I’m going to do Salah to Pulisic and Jimmy or DCL to Vardy. Already have 3 city and United.

    10. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A potential solution would be to just make the switch to Mane. He's had his rest now and looks just as dangerous (if not more so) when both are on the pitch.

      1. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        But Mané without Salah is less dangerous isnt he?

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

      I'm quite confident that Salah won't start Vs Burnley and will instead get a 30 minute cameo off the bench - mind that he's capable of a goal or two off the bench quite easily (2 goals off the bench Vs Stoke in his first season comes to mind)

      Seems like Klopp would be sending the wrong message resting Mane one game and not doing so for Salah. The fact that he didn't even take him off at 75' makes me feel like he's getting his rest up next.

      I own so I'll keep and won't captain as I think he can still get a return and I think he'll do well Vs Arsenal. There might be a case to move on for FH38ers if there's big moves in mind.

      If I didn't own, this isn't the week to bring him in.

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

      I have Mane
      I am disgusted with 18 points swing Mo owners got.
      Will wait till Salah gets his rest now and swap Mane To Mo.
      He looked very very goal hungry yesterday.
      He has pushed me second in my ML too 😮
      Bloody hell !

      1. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Sod's law isn't it? Your turn could come this weekend.

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

          Hopefully mate
          ML result made me sad tbh. OR drop doesn't bother me much 😀

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

      Salah prob starts on the bench but should see around 20-30mins vs Burnley. We saw how frustrated he was when he missed the chance to get a hat trick. He will come on as a sub vs Burnley, looking to score

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

      If we try to remove any personal expectations etc from it, logic says that Klopp will bench him. Firmino was benched, Mane was benched, it won't be a surprise if Salah gets benched next. It's only natural. I have him and i will possibly keep him till end of season but i won't captain him vs Burnley. He can still comes in 60min and he can score but there are other viable cap options next gw eg Vardy or Utd etc.
      Now as far as the golden boot etc. There are many good chances for him to score. Pool plays Arsenal next on Wednesday (before the fa cap semis) followed by Chelsea the following Wednesday (after the semis). I can see Salah starting in both games and scoring vs two top teams that will be affected by the fa cup plus are not the best in defence (arsenal improved but still). Some people see red on those two fixtures and want to sell. I see even a captaincy opportunity there. Especially vs Chelsea... so its a keep for me.

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

      Simple imo, get Mo captain Mo, brace incoming. There is a chance he may be benched but you will miss out on the hungriest most selfish player in the league if he does start. 8 shots and 4 of them big chances. He is not just talking pot shots he is in the groove.

      1. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        He played like Fing shiiiite vs AVL, didnt look hungry in that game. Was my C. Sold him for Foden after having watched two very poor displays from Pool. And suddenly the freak plays as if there was no tomorrow.

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

      Already got triple United and city. it's rotation, so I'm gonna hold. I have a Jimi shaped object stinking up my front line.

      Already planning Jimi to Vardy this week. Salah stays

    17. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      There is no 'Salah conundrum'.

      The question of selling Salah hasn't even crossed my mind. Why would you?

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

        Ignore me. The post is about captaincy, not owning!

    18. umerlfc
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Can Salah - > Mane be the ultimate cheat your own fate move?

    19. Jason M
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Let's not forget Liverpool are up against Burnley and Nick Pope who has the most number of clean sheets this season, Burnley are very solid defensively. I was one of those that took salah out for Sterling albeit on a wildcard and have no intention of bringing him in back in this game week

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

      I sold Mane last Saturday and brought in Salah (c) for the Villa game, I was gutted as it backfired somewhat when Mane scored and Bruno (who I would have c if no Salah) went crazy.
      However, Lady Luck smiled on as I missed the deadline this week and Mo stayed as my (c)!

      1. Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Missed the deadline. Shocking. 😉

    21. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I have a benching headache this weekend. Makes it easier. Play Salah. If he doesn’t play or cameos hey ho. My TV is so high in comparison to my mini league rivals, i’m the only one with Salah so I can afford to miss a game. For those who Salah eats the budget it is a tough call. Even a cameo from Salah, even coming on for Mane For the last 30 minutes would appeal against a Burnley side, who even when in good form, always seem to get a good dicking from the top top sides.

    22. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think for anyone with free transfers that own Salah and have no pressing issues could go Salah > Mane and then possibly reverse the transfer the following week. I only have one FT and I own DCL and Jiménez so not sure I could get away with using 2FT on it. Only issue is there’s not really and decent replacements for them in that price range.

    23. The Rumour Mill
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      "If it is as important for Mane as it is for Salah, why did he bench Mane? "

      Because Klopp knows I only have Mane in my FPL team and he hates to see me succeed

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

        Insightful and looks like the only logical explanation in this hot topic so far

    24. Biancazzurri
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      The way Salah reacted to his last minute miss tells me two things: he really wants the golden boot; he's frustrated with the fact that he might not get the full 90 minutes next time.

      I captained him, but I'm not so sure about Burnley. Anyway, if I don't captain him and he starts, I will feel like an idiot.

      (And Klopp is the master of not telling anything)

      1. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        If he really wants the golden boot, why did he play like my grandma vs AVL (H)?

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

          didn't watch that game. perhaps it does have something to do with Salah being more restricted and less selfish paired with Mane.

    25. HNI
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Burnley are no pushovers. Secondly its followed by matches vs Chelsea and improving Ars defence. Plus he is so expensive that if you play right, you can make up with replacements especially if you not gonna captain a 12mn player(Mahrez+Vardy) in my case! I will FH him back for gw 38 when he or Mane will.be close to golden boot along with other chasers

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

        Brighton was no pushover, good defence lately. Thats one of the reasons I sold, and the possibility for a rest/Sterling would play.

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

      I can't say if Salah starts against Burnley or not, but if you see his first goal, firmino could have easily scored the goal. But I believe salah had called to leave the ball for him, and firmino did it.

      This means the players, his team mates are helping him to get his 3rd golden boot.

      Which makes me believe that Klopp won't bench Salah

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

        Good spot with bobby leaving the ball, his unselfishness is amazing for a striker and really unlocks salah and mane. I think salah starts, maybe an earlier sub if his legs do need a break but he is a fit as a fiddle and rarely gets subbed during the season. Captain Mo for me this week. Hope people are put off owning and captaining by threat of a rest as that helps me if he goes big again. 🙂

    27. The Red Devil
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Logically he should get rested, but he didn't feature in the first game post restart against Everton, would klopp bench him again now? Don't know, logically speaking he should be benched & come on at the hour mark. It's a bigger conundrum for me, as I had originally planned on buying mane for this GW

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

        You should buy mane

    28. ChuckN
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If you own, hold.

      If you don't, don't rip your team apart to bring in.

      If you just sold, don't bring him back in as the inevitable benching and heartbreak will only be amplified.

    29. TopMarx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Well Salah wasn't rested over the Christmas period. He was rested at the end of November and then GW15 (3rd Dec) when he was still struggling with an ankle injury. So more of an injury related rest. Not the case now.

      All the Mané v Salah stats means little because Salah spent so much of the early season struggling with that ankle injury. It was well documented.

      Now, Salah is fully fit and playing well.

      It was noted a while ago that Firmino makes a difference to Salah. That was obvious against Villa because Origi just slowed the game down whenever he got the ball, and Liverpool looked much better with Firmino on the pitch, which is good news for Salah. And Firmino passes to Salah 😉

      Firmino has had his rest, I expect him to start v Burnley, good news for Salah. Could Klopp rest Salah? Yes, he could. But there's no evidence from the past to say for sure he will. Any individual's ability to rest and recover will vary, and in my opinion Salah recovers quicker than most. He is a naturally fit player.

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

    AWB , nketiah > Egan, greenwood (-4)

    Gives me the squad to pick for GW 34+

    Pope, McCarthy
    TAA, saiss, digne, lascelles, Egan
    Bruno, martial, sterling, kbd, willian
    Jesus, Jimenez, greenwood

    Suggestion ??

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Just Greenwood IMO

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

        Awb is needed to free up the united slot

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Ah sorry!

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

          So wat do you think ?? Should I do it ??

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

      Gives you A benching headache, keep Nketiah and sell Jimmy instead?

    3. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      To be fair it looks a great squad. You must still have BB?

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

        Don't have any chips left

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

    So how about DCL and Rashford > Vardy and Greenwood for free ? Just cant trust mane with the armband so thinking Vardy (C)

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

      Sounds good

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

    Thinking about being a boring boy and just save a ft, thoughts?

    Pope
    Taa doherty aurier
    Kdb raz fernandes martial pulisic
    Jimmy rash

    Bench is holgate and nonplaying trash

  9. SpagBol
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bench one:

    Ings (MUN)

    Greenwood (sou)

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

      Ings

  10. Jon Snow
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Very painful waking up to see my double Wolves cleansheet was wiped out at the last minute. Essentially a 16 point swing as my ML rival had Egan

    1. subhojit123
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Agreed. I had Egan too.but on bench

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

      Ah same. Doherty is going from my team now, he’s nor worth the money. Not saying he’s not got the potential to be worth it, but he just isn’t performing rn

    3. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      One poor chap on here yesterday had triple Wolves defence (inc Patricio) and Garcia. Ouch.

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

        Think Garcia will start again next match?

        1. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Probably, I would think.

  11. subhojit123
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Way Salah played last match, there are only two things I can make out -
    1. Either he is definitely gonna start on bench next match.so he was hell bent on making up for that time by scoring more against Brighton
    2. Or he is going full throttle for the golden boot and I doubt he would be benched anytime in the remaining matches.

    What do you guys think?

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

      Wish no 2 but fear 1

      1. subhojit123
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Me too 🙂

  12. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Worth a -4 to get Vardy into this team?

    Martínez
    TAA, Doherty, Aurier
    Kdb, Fernandes, Salah, Martial
    DCL, Jimenez, Rashford

    Subs: Martin, Foden, Lascelles, Holgate

    0.8 in the bank

    1. subhojit123
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes if u are planning to captain him against Bournemouth.

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

        Yes, will c.

        Could downgrade Doherty, Rashford or dcl to get him for Jimmy

  13. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Think I should change my username on here. Sold Salah for KdB. Same happened previous season around Christmas. Just dropped back to 120k

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

    Ah well, I had a good restart but yesterday it all came crashing down

    Foster VVD and Wolves X 2
    Foden + KDB (c) conspiring to not haul between them
    Faith in Jiminez not rewarded

    Win some you lose some

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

    Who do you think wins this H2H?

    Rashford + Ings + 15pts

    v

    Aurier + Digne + Richarlison + Kane x2

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

      Hard to call!

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

      Think the latter

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

    Suddenly not feeling so good about this lot:

    Patricio
    TAA Maguire Doc
    Salah KdB Bruno Pulisic Foden
    Rashford Jimi
    (Button - Kiko Nketiah* Lascelles*) 0.8 1Ft

    I really need Doc and Maguire to go - Doc not worth it, Maguire occupying 3rd Utd attacker slot...

    Where to start?

    1. subhojit123
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah...me too in somewhat same situation.i think out of that lot in next match Salah,KDB,foden may start on bench.not expecting Jimi to score in next one either

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

        Cheers. Yeah, wouldn’t be too surprising!

        Considering Doc Jimi -> Saiss Vardy(c) -4?

  17. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Had a shocker. This week wht to do.

    Martinez (button)
    Taa doherty aurier (lascelles stevens)
    Foden mahrez kdb martial bruno
    rashford jiminez (ings)

    2.1 in bank. Bench boost left. Leading various.ml but cut by 80 to 55 n he has bruno vc

  18. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Guys,

    Will you free hit this team or keep? Because i want to get vardy sterling salah for gw35.

    Pope
    Vvd awb aurier doherty
    Mane kdb bruno pulisic
    Rash jimenez

    Subs: button, dcl, saka, lascelles

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

      Wouldn't be surprised if Salah is rested for gw35 now that Mane was for gw34

      1. Letsgo!
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Why will he be rested when now he can go all out for golden boot?

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

          I think Klopp cares more about player fitness rather than golden boots.

  19. aapoman
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Suggestions? Got 2ft and 1.0itb

    Pope
    TAA AWB Boly
    Salah KDB Mahrez Fernandes Foden
    Rashford Jimenez

    3.9; Egan, Lamptey, Nketiah

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

      Good team....Rashford and Nketiah to Vardy and Greenwood? Or Jimenez to Giroud for 35-36,then Ings37-38?

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

    Bench one for GW35+

    TAA(bur), saiss(evt), digne(wol), Egan(che)

    Suggestion pls ??

    1. FPL Bond @ Twitter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Digne or Egan

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

      TAA could be rested?

  21. Up the tics
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    1ft 2.0itb

    DDG
    TAA Doherty Saiss (Aurier Lacelles)
    Sterling KDB Foden Son Bruno
    Greenwood Ings (Jimenez)

    Another bad week... Obvious move being Jimenez to Vardy for free?

    1. Up the tics
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      And then start him over Foden?

  22. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Jimi son kiko/lascels -4
    To
    Vardy mahrez/foden/antonio 6.1 def.

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

    How are people viewing SU defence now?

    Have Hendo on bench - playing Ederson - but toying with idea of shifting that money into attack - possibly even a KdB Mahrez Sterling combo.

    Also looking at Vardy after 35 it doesn’t look too exciting if SU are back,

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

      I was about to get Vardy, but don’t like the last fixtures. Probably worth to have him for next gw, but not sure for all the remaining games...

  24. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What do you think?
    A. Martial, Vardy, Giroud or
    B. Mahrez, Rashford, Jesus ?

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

      B

    2. FPL Bond @ Twitter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Tough to call

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

    Any ideas for transfers here?

    Pope Button
    TAA Doherty AWB Robinson Simpson
    KDB Salah Son Fernandes Foden
    Jimenez Rashford Nketiah

    1 FT, 0.3 ITB

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

      Son to Chelsea mid?

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

      Son and Jimenez to Pulisic and Jesus/Vardy?

    3. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Not very sexy, but can you upgrade one of Simpson/Robinson to a playing defender (Watford?) in case Trent or Salah gets a rest?

  26. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What's my move for next GW? Honestly pretty stumped considering the threat of rotation in the next 2 for the cup teams & Salah.

    DDG
    TAA Doherty Digne
    Salah KDB Foden Martial Pulisic
    Rashford Jimenez

    Button Holgate Lascelles Nketiah

    1. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      1.9 IYB

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

      keep Salah... maybe Jim >> Vardy ?

      1. Do I Not Like Orange
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yep, thinking of that one.

  27. 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. Save

    Thanks all

  28. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Jimi son kiko/lascels -4
    To
    Vardy mahrez/foden/antonio 6.1 def

    Gw36+ FH, gw37+ vardy to ings

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

      Good plan

  29. as33
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pulisic or Willian?

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

      Willian, on pens

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

      Willian

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

    Rui
    Trent AWB Doc
    Sterling Bruno Mahrez Puli
    Vardy Jimi Rash
    (3.9 Kiko Lasc 3.9)

    1FT; 0.7 ITB

    Bringing in Martial would mean a hit to remove AWB
    Any other transfer ideas?
    A. Mahrez to Antonio
    B. Jimi to Ings but most probably that can wait one more GW
    C. Save and hope Mahrez starts
    D. Doc out??

    Thanks!