Scout Notes

What to do with Jiménez after third successive FPL blank at Sheff Utd

Sheff Utd 1-0 Wolves

  • Goals: John Egan (£4.5m)
  • Assists: Oliver Norwood (£4.7m)
  • Bonus Points: Egan x3, Chris Basham x2 (£4.6m), Dean Henderson (£5.2m)

So soon after Wolves were declared a side to triple-up on, they have now lost two matches in a row and scored in neither of them.

It is no secret that Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have been playing progressively less incisive football with each passing week and it is having an adverse effect on Fantasy favourite Raúl Jiménez (£8.3m).

Even as he was nodding his 15th league goal of the season past Aaron Ramsdale (£4.5m) in the Gameweek 31+ win over Bournemouth, the Mexican was in the middle of a laboured performance which yielded just one effort on goal.

Since then, Jiménez has now blanked for three matches in a row, hardly encouraging ahead of a Gameweek 35+ meeting with an Everton side that has two clean sheets in their last four.

With each passing Gameweek, the mid-priced forward has looked ever more peripheral and hit a new low at Bramall Lane on Wednesday evening.

Against Aston Villa and Arsenal he was guilty of drifting too far wide but at Sheffield United, his positioning was far too deep. As a result, across the 90 minutes, he did not register a single attempt on goal.

There was only one moment in the first half when Jiménez looked like having a shot, as he collecting an Adama Traoré (£5.7m) cross with his chest, only for Chris Basham (£4.6m) to clear.

Sheffield United were certainly in better defensive shape in this one, with Jack O’Connell (£4.5m) finally back in the starting line-up but, as already mentioned, this lack of clinical edge for the Wolves attack has been going on for several games now.

On Wednesday evening, Jiménez dropping deeper did allow for Traoré and Diogo Jota (£6.1m), selected either side of him at the front of a 3-4-3 formation, to make some exciting runs, although it was rare for them to find anyone else in the box when they got there.

“We’ve created chances but it’s very difficult to play against Sheffield. It requires different things from us, a little bit more deep. We had a lot of situations where we unbalanced Sheffield, we had good movements and good chances that we should be more clinical from, but our counter-attacks must be better.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

One man who might feel frustrated not to have been involved more often against Sheffield United was Matt Doherty (£6.4m).

With Jota and Traoré full of running at the very least, there were several occasions when the wing-back was free in a dangerous position either in or around the box, arms outstretched but was ignored.

Knowing that he is still getting into the right areas might be of some encouragement to Doherty’s 12.7% ownership as Nuno goes about trying to find some solutions to Wolves’ recent issues.

It is certainly worth holding onto the wing-back, or any of his defensive colleagues, for Gameweek 35+, especially as it is Everton who come to Molineux.

Not only have the Toffees been largely toothless in attack away from home since the return of the Premier League, Wolves did not look particularly likely to concede at Sheffield United on Wednesday.

They had managed to hold out for 92-and-a-half minutes before John Egan (£4.5m) nodded home a gut-wrenching winner as virtually the last kick of the game.

Up until that point, Rui Patrício (£5.2m) had been largely untroubled. Before limping off, Oli McBurnie (£5.5m) nodded his first-half header straight at the visiting goalkeeper before Billy Sharp (£5.4m) was clearly offside as he netted in the 53rd minute.

George Baldock (£5.0m) headed a Richairo Zivkovic (£4.7m) cross around the post with 15 minutes to go before Lys Mousset (£4.4m) went on a run blasted an effort high and wide.

The first time that owners of Wolves defensive assets really had hearts in their mouths was in stoppage time when a game of pinball took place in the penalty area, leading to Ben Osborn‘s (£4.7m) deflected shot. 

With just seconds left, the resulting corner seemed a routine one for Wolves to clear and claim an eighth clean sheet from a possible 10, but Egan rose high enough to secure his second goal in as many Premier League outings.

Galling for backers of the Wolves defence, especially the double-uppers, but at least encouraging enough to warrant going with a similar set-up for the visit of Everton next time out.

It’s Chelsea up next for Sheffield United, who have scored at least twice in each of their Project Restart fixtures. That may be enough to put off investment in the Blades’ defence, but their display on Wednesday might prove a sufficient dampener on interest in Christian Pulisic (£7.2m) and Willian (£7.3m).

As already mentioned, the return of O’Connell brought an instant calm of the Sheffield United backline as if he had never been away, the overlapping centre-back at the heart of much of their approach play too.

Sander Berge (£4.7m) and Osborn are also forming a decent partnership in central midfield, offering decent protection for the three-man defence even with John Lundstram (£4.6m) and John Fleck (£4.7m) out of the team, although the former was fit enough for the bench tonight.

As a result, Henderson was largely untroubled in net, other than Ruben Neves‘ (£5.2m) free-kick striking the bar.

Sheffield United XI: D Henderson; O’Connell, Egan, Basham; Stevens, Osborn, Norwood, Berge, Baldock; McBurnie (Mousset 49′), Sharp (Zivkovic 71′).

Wolves XI: Patrício; Saiss, Coady, Boly; Jonny, Neves, Moutinho, Doherty; D Jota, Jiménez, Traoré (Dendoncker 79′).

Members Analysis

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1,111 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Currently chasing
    ML leader will captain Vardy

    Should I TC Vardy or Sterling??

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

      I would put it on Raz. Almost sure to start and in good form. Vardy often lets us down against easier teams

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

        But both great picks so don’t feel bad or a genius either way 😎

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

          Thanks

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

      Sterling... but maybe use TC for MCI v BOU ?

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

        Can't risk reduced minutes

    3. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling

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

    Jiminez gotta go for Vardy , easiest transfer of the season

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

      I'm sticking, fancy wolves to turn it around versus everton who look like they have mentally checked out.

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

        See my post below, thoughts?

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

      Same - I just need to downgrade Doherty to a defender £5m or less (already have Saiss and Holgate) to afford it

  3. Sterling Archer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Feel vardy offers a lot more excitement for the closing games, wolves reluctance to rotate is hurting them

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Whole team is looking a little lacklustre

      Ings is the man for the closing fixtures

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Ings great pick yep

      2. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        This i agree but vardy vs Bournemouth offers so much and then varsy to ings for the following gw

        1. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Totally agree, that’s why I’m also thinking of free hitting this week

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

      2

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      1 all day long for me

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

      1 more reliable

    4. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If keeping Jime, play him

  5. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Tempted to FH

    Salah > mane
    Taa > digne
    Mahrez > sterling
    Jimi > vardy
    Pope > Allison

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

    Which pool mid? Only for 35
    Salah or mane?

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Surely the rested guy

      Firmino rested
      Mane rested
      Salah ......

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

        Thanks, but doesn't he have a better record at home? Though think if both play, both will score similar points

        1. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I’m considering switching salah out so can’t really back him in any way

  7. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Great members analysis at the bottom there!

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

      Worth every penny haha

  8. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    My plan is to hold Jimenez and Rashford this week, then swap to DCL and Aubameyang for the last three matches (both have good fixtures)

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

      You must be the only one bringing in DCL!

  9. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    any changes you’d suggest?

    Allison
    TAA - Doherty - AWB
    KDB - Mahrez - Foden - Martial - Bruno
    Jimmy - Kane

    Martinez - Saiss - CTaylor - Nketiah

    2 FTs
    0 in the bank

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

      I’d break up the City triple up

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

        What’s your thinking? I only ask as I’m planning to make the triple up next week! (Already got KDB and Mahrez). Bad idea?

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

      Kane>>Vardy

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

    A) Ings + 18pts
    B) Maguire + Martial + Son + Kane (c)

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

      B

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

      A

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

      I think B. One goal from Kane almost covers the 18pts

  11. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    How do people deal with a bad gameweek?

    I’m on 26 points, no Martial/Greenwood, Taylor as first sub, rank doubled and it’s just sat over me like a big old dark cloud

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

      Sulk. I had a bad Gameweek the other week. Made no transfers and the team bounced back with a great GW.

    2. Sterling Archer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      the next game week will be here before you know it!

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

      It sucks, mate. The good thing at this stage is that the next deadline is literally two days away - look forward to that, and try to get a green arrow from that point on!

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

      Start looking at next week. At least the games are coming thick and fast. Nothing worse than a big red arrow before an international break.

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

      I have dealt with it in the past by making rash transfers and compounding my errors. Think its best to take a step back and take emotion out of decision making, something I will look to improve on next season.

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

      I've really tried to detach myself from the game the last 2 years as it affected me too much if something didn't go my way (and that's nearly every GW). That need to win can really have a negative atmosphere on yourself and others.

      When Wolves lost the double cleanie, I closed/slammed my laptop, muttered a few swear words and then got a biscuit and read the newspaper. Daft, but helped me chill and realise 'what's the point'?

    7. Black Belt Jones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Try to focus on the good gameweeks and correct decisions that you have recently encountered. Those high scores wouldn't feel anywhere near as good without the odd dodgy gameweek!
      Trust the decisions that you made to create the team that you currently have, whilst not hanging onto deadwood that is consistently under performing.
      Most importantly (and I speak from experience), never rage transfer!

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

    Last 3 vice captain choices were so good it genuinely hurts - 15, 15 and 18 points. Brutal. My heart can't take much more at this point ...

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

      Who's your vice captain this week?

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

    Henderson
    Doherty Dawson Cresswell
    Martial KDB Mané Fernandes Mahrez
    Calvert-Lewin Jimenez

    :Nyland Fernandez Stevens Nketiah:

    need help guys, worth taking a -4 to get in Greenwood & Vardy for Calvert-Lewin & Jimenez OR just get Greenwood for Calvert-Lewin? is Vardy worth the hit?
    all feedback would be appreciated, thanks.

  14. TheTinman
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    On Jimi. Quite a tough game next but you’d still expect him to score v Everton

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

      Always expect Jim to score, he’s on a bad run

    2. Sterling Archer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      even if he does it will still likely be a low scoring game

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

        True. He’s in my watch list for transfers out

  15. 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 (-4)
    2. Rashford Jimenez >> Greenwood Vardy (-4)
    3. Save

    Thanks all

    1. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      2, then varsy to ings the next gw.

      Follow the Bournemouth!

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

        Ha true, scenes if they beat Spurs later though

        1. n14mul
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Hence i am waiting to see what happens tonight. But this was always my plan 2 weeks ago

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

            Plan is fully justified

            Will the plan change if Bournemouth win or draw say 1-1

  16. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Chasing 35 pts in ML. Best move here?

    Hendo
    TAA Doherty Gomez AWB
    Salah KDB Bruno(c) Mahrez Foden
    Greenwood

    Pope DCL Jimenez Taylor
    1 FT 1.6itb

    A. Save
    B. Mahrez + Jimi > Willian/Puli + Vardy (-4)
    C. Mahrez + Jimi > Willian/Puli + Jesus (-4)
    D. Any other suggestions

  17. n14mul
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    morning

    Looking at gw36 who is the better pick?

    A. Pulisic home vs norwich
    B. Mahrez home vs Bournemouth
    C. Martial away vs palace

    All 3 will have fa cup semi finals the gw after so could all 3 could have reduced game time.

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

      B, more likely to impact with reduced playing time

      1. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        very true the worry is pep and his roulette. Do I dare play or play safe with one of the other tasty options?

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

      A

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

    Play:

    1. Pope (liv)
    2. Henderson (CHE)

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

      Henderson

    2. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      2

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

    KdB + Kane -> Sterling + Vardy (-4)

    Go ahead with the transfer, if I plan to TC one of Raz or Vardy?

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

    Any considering losing TAA?

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

      Perhaps only on final day

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

      Not really - prioritising Attacking transfers & budget not an issue at the moment

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

        Yeah he would free up cash for vardy. Kind of want to hold Jim and lose DCL instead

    3. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      was pretty poor yesterday, but i don't see him being rested vs burnely as young next would be up against mcneil which I dont think klopp will want

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

      Nope, I’m still scarred by the last time I thought that was a good idea! Losing Doherty instead

    5. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No, too many other fires to put out

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

    Ideas what would you do with this lot? 1FT, 0.5 itb

    Foster
    Aurier TAA Saiis
    Salah KDB Fernandes Son
    Jimenez Greenwood Rashford

    Subs: Martin* Lascelles* Hayden* Simpson*

    Upgrade bench? Or Son > Willian/Pulisic?

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Upgrade bench. Arsenal style will suit Spurs counter attacking style on Sunday.

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

    Morning guys, any idea what to change here ? My plan was to get rid of salah but that doesn't look the greatest descion now. Vardy for jimmy looks popular but not sure where i can find the cash. I have 2ft and o itb.

    Pope
    Doc taa wan-b
    Bruno martial mahrez kdb salah
    Dcl jimmy

    (Button lamptey nketiah simpson )

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

      I'm downgrading Doherty to a £5m or less defender to afford Jiminez to Vardy

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

        Looks a good shout, i wouldn't have enough cash thou. It would have to be trent.

  23. More Cowbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Best budget defenders at the moment...say

    1. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      taylor
      Holgate if fit

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

        V interested in this too - already have Saiss and Holgate. Have Pope so not sure about double Burnley. Looking at Lamptey or even a Watford defender as a one week punt at home to Newcastle

  24. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What to do here.

    Ederson (Martinez)

    Boly TAA Kiko (Stevens Taylor)

    Salah Puli KDB Foden Bruno

    Rash Greenwood (Jimi)

    2FT. 0 ITB. Obvious move is Jimi out to Vardy but who do I downgrade in order to afford it?

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

    Which combo will score more points this evening -

    A. Son vs bou, Rashford vs avl

    B. McCarthy vs eve, Aurier vs bou, Martial vs avl

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Could be close. Could come down to save points for McCarthy if Everton decide to try and score tonight

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

    Patricio
    Doherty TAA AWB (Taylor Simpson)
    KDB Salah Bruno Foden Pulisic
    Jimenez Rashford (Nketiah)

    A Salah to Sterling (think salah could get rested)
    B Doherty to Azpi or cheaper defender

    Any other suggestions?

    Thanks guys

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'm thinking Salah plays to try and get golden boot.

      Jime Rash to vardy Greenwood?

  27. Le Bluff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    https://twitter.com/goal/status/1281123403265716224?s=09

    Interesting hearing Klopp talk about Salah and his quest for the golden boot, about how "he's a striker so of course it's a motivation for him", and how "he shared it with Mane and Auba last season."

    Not sure in what context he was asked about it, but I'd say it looks good that Klopp seems to be encouraging Salah's motivation for it and would therefore be less inclined to leave him out.

  28. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A) Jime Mahrez Rash to Vardy Willian Ings -4
    B) Jime Mahrez Rash to Vardy Willian Greenwood -4
    C) Jime Son Rash to Vardy Sterling Greenwood -4
    D) Jime Son to Vardy Willian

    Pope
    TAA AWB Boly
    Salah KDB Son Bruno Mahrez
    Rash Jime

    Robinson Nketiah Lascelles

  29. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Auba seems like a good captain option for GW 38 if Watford is safe

    1. Le Bluff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      City at home to NOR...

  30. The Man Pastore
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What do you think of below transfers ?

    Maguire + Jimenez + DCL --> Keane + Vardy + Greenwood (-4pts)