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′).

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1,111 Comments Post a Comment
  1. aapoman
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Would you rather sell Foden or Mahrez?

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

      Foden

  2. Shatner's Bassoon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Have just read the hot topic on Salah & all comments...

    What sticks out to me as an owner (and someone looking for that 3rd City asset) is that last night we got a great case study in how Brighton try to play no matter who the opposition are.

    If they go with the same style against City it could be a mauling - with Sterling having mins managed in the last two games he sticks out as a great option this week.

    By contrast we know Burnley will want to spoil - can see them going with Pieters and Taylor on Salah again (if he plays). Genuine conundrum - last week's points are gone. All about the future baby!

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

      I was Surprises he dint get rest but Mane did. Maybe he finally will get one and then have some tricky matches vs chelsea, better dedensively Arsenal. Will bring for FH in gw 38 as he will be close to.golden boot then

    2. Az
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      we tried to outplay City earlier in the season and got hammered.
      Then again, we didn't try and outplay United a few weeks ago and got hammered.

      We're really not that great. The style of play is really nice, just our squad is shite lol - I reckon Potter could be off soon to work with some better players

      1. Shatner's Bassoon
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Fair comment Az thanks. Thought was interesting that you guys kept trying to play that way against us (LFC) - maybe GP trying to get this press-beating game locked into the players' mindset for next season?

        In which case would explain trying to test it out against us last night and then maybe the best in the business City come Saturday... I suppose there's no guarantees though.

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

      City players arguably the better option, but it depends if KDB gets rested.

      No KDB = no winning. If he does play, Sterling could be great.

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

    Bottomed, and added an option!
    Best up to 5.4 defender?
    A) Cresswell
    B) Dawson
    C) Cancelo
    D) Justin
    E) Pieters
    F) C Taylor
    G) Dunk
    H) Hause
    I) Lamptey
    J) Aurier

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      J
      F
      C
      I

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

        Cheers. I really liked the look of Lamptey last night, might have a punt

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

    Mane (TC) this week if chasing?

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

      Liverpool may struggle against Burnley

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

    Which combo to start next gameweek -

    A. Martinez vs tot
    B. Pope vs liv

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

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

      A1

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

    captain kane could make this a very good week, concerned about GW35+ though. Don't think i've had a single auto sub yet since the return (annoying as have had 49 points on my bench the last 2 weeks), but think it will hit this week.

    Can see Mahrez and Salah (maybe TAA being benched). Sterling and Mane look like the big threats in terms of minutes and points.

    McCarthy
    TAA Saiss Egan
    Salah KDB Fernandes(c) Mahrez
    Kane Greenwood Jimenez

    Pope Saka Taylor Tanganga
    1FT 0.5m itb

    A) Salah to mane(c)
    B) Salah to Sterling(c)
    C) Kane to Vardy(c) - this was initial plan, but taking out a banked starter like Kane feels wrong with so much other risk.
    D) Salah to Mane and KDB to Sterling (-4)

    Chasing so no intention of playing safe.

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

      Confident that Salah is benched at the weekend whilst gunning for the Golden Boot?

      A or B then

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

        mane was only 1 behind him (i think) until yesterday and got benched?

        not confident at all, and i guess there is the chance he gets 30mins against tired legs and still scores.

        all the transfers feel wrong, but have a feeling sterling or mane will go big.

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

          Think Sterling will go big given how Brighton and Burnley are setting up at the minute.

          1. Shatner's Bassoon
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            This is where I keep landing. Brighton almost perfect opponents for Sterling!

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

      Ahh I'm in a similar boat. Chasing so went with Salah captain and it paid off (finally)
      I was thinking Jimi to Giroud but still feels very safe. I like all your options, currently thinking Salah/KDB to Sterling but not sure. I want to play bold but I guess I'm just a boring player which is why stuck just inside 100k now 😐

      I guess wait for Spurs game to see how Kane does, my plan was to get him in but he just didn't convince in the previous game. If he does it today, go for B or D imo!

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

        Whatever Kane does tonight, I am expecting a lot of blanks thereafter.

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

      C

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

    Pope
    TAA Doherty Lascelles
    Salah KDB Mahrez Bruno Pulisic
    Greenwood Jimenez

    Button Nkiteah Masina Holgate
    1 FT 2.1 ITB
    Jimi > Giroud? Or something else?

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

    Mane to Sterling? Good or bad

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

      mane guaranteed to start so no way i'd be shifting him, i'd be captaining him.

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

      No!

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

      Maybe, for free

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

    2 mill itb with 0 transfers. Anything worth a hit here......Salah/Vardy or hold till next week

    Hendo
    Saiss, TAA, Lascelles or Baldock
    Bruno, KDB, Martial, Willian
    Kane Jimi Greenwood

    Cheers!

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

      Not for a hit

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

      Think you need some Pool/City attack. They could easily win 4-0 each this game week

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

        *more

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

      Cheers both!

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

    Really don't know what to do with this team. 2 ft and 0itb.

    Think I need to have 2 ft next week for Pulisic and Ings so what transfer looks good this week?

    DDG
    TAA Saiss Holgate Lascelles
    KDB Mane Bruno Mahrez Foden
    Rashford Jimenez DCL

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

      DCL > Greenwood

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

    Didn't Leicester look poor again against Arsenal? Vardy scores a late goal against 10 men and now he's essential?

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

      Its Bournemouth and a lot of other big hitter could be due a rest

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

      Vardy didn't look poor.

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

      Agree he isn't essential, two days extra rest against Bournemouth could play into Vards hands though

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

      He was lively all match. More likely to assist someone with his final balls.

    5. Jet5605
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thing is, nobody else is scoring for LEI which means Vardy racks up 3 BAPS when he scores

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

        Iheanacho looking dangerous

  12. shaunyjames
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Rashford & Jimi -> Vardy & Greenwood for a -4 and captain Sir Jamie?

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

      Ye

  13. 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 Sterling or Vardy?

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

    Foden vs bha or Jimenez vs EVE to start next game week ?

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Foden for me, Jimi doesn't haul anyway so max you'll miss out on a goal or assist with no bonus

      • Slitherene
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Fo

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

      That’s me out of the top 1k now after doing Salah —> Sterling. I hope Sterling can outscore him over the next 2 but will be typical for Salah to go on a tear now.

      The only person who can save my GW now is.... Calvert Lewin 😆

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

        You & I both

      2. Shatner's Bassoon
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Armband on Sterling vs Brighton should see you right back in there.

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

          Tempting, but Utd at home to Sot is hard to ignore as well

    3. Jet5605
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Hey guys, 2 FT and 1.4 ITB. Feel like I need to do Jimi > Vardy but don't have the cash and need to downgrade someone.

      A Jimi & Rash > Vardy & Greenwood
      B Jimi & Boly > Vardy & Saiss
      Other suggestion?

      Patricio
      Azpi / Boly / Masina
      KDB / Sterling / Bruno / Martial / Sarr
      Rash / Jimi

      Martinez / Holgate / Lascelles / Nketiah

    4. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Which dross defender to start in the massive Watford v Newcastle clash?
      A) Kiko
      B) Lascelles

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

        B

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

        Lascelles.

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

      Morning dzzz, 3rd red arrow in a row! Salah >> Mahrez did not go as planned! ffs. getting to a point where i have no idea what to do. 1ft and 4m

      DDG
      Taa Doherty Kiko -- Holgate Lamptey
      Mahrez KDB Bruno Pulisic -- Guendouzi
      DCL Jimmy Rashford

      A: DDG + Guendouzi >> Patricio + Martial (-4) and get 3rd utd attacker
      B: DCL >> Vardy
      C: Guendouzi + Jimmy >> Foden + Vardy (-4)
      D: Something else

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

        Wouldn't bring Foden in, may be dropped

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

      From 40k to 100k in two GWs... Great!

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

        You still have your transfers in to play, not over yet

    7. G Banger
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Best DEF 5.1 or under for GW 35, 37 and 38 (FH 36)

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

        Mustafi

    8. Pjanić At The Disco
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pope
      TAA | Boly Lascelles
      KDB | Son | Bruno | Mount
      Auba | Vardy | Jiménez

      Button | Egan | J.Stephens | Cantwell

      0m ITB, 2FT
      Would you do:

      (A) Mount -> Grealish
      (B) TAA + Mount -> Gomez + Willian
      (C) TAA + Mount -> Aurier + Martial
      (D) Son + Jiménez -> Salah + Greenwood

      Cheers

    9. Jet5605
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      So is Pep starting Jesus in the easy home games and playing Sterling in the away ones?

      1. Lovren an elevator
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Might not be entirely that simple. But it seems like he had less faith in jesus for the big games, that might change now he got a goal? Can't tell with pep. I'm assuming jesus and foden will start in the easier games though, which is why I've brought Foden in, and monitoring jesus. KDB looks the only nailed attacker (which is why I'll keep him all season now)

    10. Jet5605
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Any word on Lascelles and Holgate injuries?

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

        Holgate will miss the match against Southampton

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

        Holgate out for tonight but will be back in the XI for GW35

    11. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I feel like next season, with the 5 subs allowed, City attackers will be more equal (except KDB of course) because they will share pitch time, so there would be less concern for me, if I owned Sterling or Mahrez as an example, knowing they will be benched sometimes, because they could well get 20/30 minutes off of the bench and maybe under good attacking circumstances e.g. going all out for a goal, or playing against a tired defence.
      Thoughts?

      1. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        fair. maybe tougher to captain though due to liklihood of 1 pointers.

        Also can't know how he'll operate when they have the league to play for.

        1. Lovren an elevator
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          good point. I think I'll avoid giving any the armband, apart from maybe Kevin. I think i could be locking in Fernandes as captain at this rate.
          I also think regarding Pep, coty defenders are too much of a minefield. Especially if the 5 subs rule means he can keep taking a fullback off at half time!
          Its looking to me like KDB, Foden and one of: Sterling/Bilva/Mahrez/Kun could be the ones to go for next season.

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

        Don't think 5 subs would continue unless corona situation prolongs till next season

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

          It’s very likely that corona will persist through next season. The games are likely to be more spread out though than this current mini season.

          One option I’d seriously consider is to captain the man city player who has just had their rest.

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

        KDB not guaranteed a season like this though. He could also be injured too. Looks like has peaked this season.

        1. Lovren an elevator
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          good point. I'm always nervous owning Kevin because of this. I think Fernandes is likely to be my go to captain remainder of this season and next season

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

      Jimenez, DCL, DDG -> Vardy, Greenwood, Pope (-4)

      Thoughts?

      I know Pope doesn't have the ideal fixture this week but Wolves, Brighton, Norwich in the last 3 and I'm the only one without him in my ML

    13. The Dark Lord
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Hey guys, did KDB get injured last night? I saw him limping off at the end. Hope there's nothing there. Anyone heard anything or am I just being paranoid?

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

        I think he might start on the bench anyway against Brighton

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

          He was clattered after a hospital pass from Sterling, so he might have a bruise or two.

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

        He was tired

    14. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Best defender for 4.6m this week?

      There aren't too many options I can see other than Mings/Hause or punting on another Egan goal.

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

        Fredericks

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          West Ham look considerably worse than Villa to me, but I guess it's worth considering

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

        Holgate or Watf def

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

      Sterling in for which one of them?
      Salah KDB or Mahrez

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

        Mahrez

    16. Whats the Mata?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Choose one!

      A. Son + Jota/Jim to Pulisic/Willian + Vardy for (-4)

      Vardy to Auba for the final 2 games of the season. But the other worry is will Pulisic start against Norwich with the FA cup semis and him having played 90 mins in the last 4-5 games.

      OR

      B. Son to Sterling for free (have exact cash). Sterling rested so probably should start the next 2? Just hope. Would suck if he doesn't against BOU though.

      Jim to Ings next gw. Stuck with Ings and DCL though upfront.

      Cheers.

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Chelsea are playing for top 4 - there won't be any rotation unless forced.

        Son to Sterling looks good to me

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

      Crazy to be considering Salah to Sterling this week?
      Sterling feels like a great choice this week for the armband and can keep funds to get Salah back?

      Or do we think with Salah gunning for goals he could still come off bench easily and score? I remember 2 seasons back him coming off bench against Stoke and bagging 2 in 10 minutes!

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Depending on the United game, if Martial blanks I think he will become Sterling for me?