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

View full match data in the Members Area

MEMBERS AREA HOME PAGE

1,111 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    as a few other others very tempted by losing Salah this week. not many weeks left and want to be aggressive now to secure my ML.
    Sterling and Vardy look good for this week and worried for Mahrez and Salah benchings.

    Honest thoughts on Salah Jimi and Mahrez to Sterling Willian/Puli/Antonio and Vardy for a -4? Will captain Sterling or Vardy.

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

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

      Agree, just not sure who gets benched? Mahrez or Foden? or both?

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Good moves

    3. Better luck next year
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Perhaps Jimi and Doh out for Vardy and other Wolves defender?

    4. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      hes not gonna be rested until hes got the boot

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

      To secure a ML when leading you don't take out Salah. You hold and make others chase with low owned differentials.

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

    Am I crazy to think about selling TAA?

    I think he's likely to get a rest this week, then it's Arsenal and Chelsea and can bring him back on FH in 38 if I wanted.

    Got 2 ft and money would allow me to bring in Digne and Vardy or something like that

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

      Which player is going to start instead of TAA? Then he hauls if you get rid and end up sobbing.

      TAA is on the same points as Vardy...

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

        Neco Williams the other young RB prospect they have?

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

          He played LB for Robbo and was subbed because he was poor.

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

            No, he was subbed because he was on a yellow. And Klopp said after the game that you can't ask a young lad on his PL debut to not go into tackles for a whole half.

      2. Easy Cheesy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Same question here. I’m trying to use my BB this week so more reason to drop but probs won’t (given I sold salah last week)

    2. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      sell him, considering it myself, theyre not defending great

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

      No. I sold him on WC a few weeks ago. If you still back Pool then get VVD if not look elsewhere like Digne/Azpi

  3. Werner Bremen
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What do you think of:AWB and DCL,
    to Greenwood and Digne?

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

      Yes

  4. XABI 15
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hi All, who should I bench this week current team is this

    Foster
    TAA AWB Azpi
    Pulisic Mahrez KDB Son Fernandes
    Greenwood Vardy (C)

    Pope Ings Boly Kiko

  5. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Ederson | E.Martinez
    TAA | Digne | Aurier | Saiss | C.Taylor
    KDB | Willian | Pulisic | B.Fernandes | Martial
    Kane | Vardy | Greenwood

    Guys, thoughts on this WC team with 0.1ITB? Saiss can be Egan. Planning for BB.

  6. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    FH Draft 1.:D

    Few first team selection headaches but squad looks good with rotation possible. How’s it look?

    Kasper
    Robbo AWB Azpi Justin Creswell
    Sterling Mané Bruno Antonio Pulisic
    Vardy Greenwood Ayew

    1. XABI 15
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      you dont need that much money on the bench if FH

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        What would you change?

      2. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Would only be Ayew (5.2), Justin (4.7), Cresswell (4.5) and a 3.9 keeper

        1. XABI 15
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          tbh team is pretty good. Was maybe thinking of a more nailed option than Greenwood

          1. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah. Could go up to Jesus? But he doesn’t look great value. Any other suggestions welcome?

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Like it. Lot of differentials for this week.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers Karan, any changes?

  7. Roy Rovers
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    5.9 to fill the 3rd def....who would you go with??

    Pope
    TAA AWB ???
    Martial Salah KDB Bruno Willian
    Vardy DCL

    Button Lascelles Nketiah Johnson.

    1. XABI 15
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Azpi

      1. Roy Rovers
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        He’s 6!!

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

      Digne

      1. Roy Rovers
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Not a bad shout decent fixtures.

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

      I had 5.8 and went Digne. Silly me didn't realise that they still had Southampton today in the current GW.

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

    Kane + Foden -> Connolly + Sterling (C) and bank .5 (-4)

    Would give me:
    Kepa
    Doherty-Azpi-Justin
    Sterling(C)-KDB-Bruno-Martial-Pulisic
    Rashford-Ings

    (Martinez, Aurier, Connolly, Taylor)

  9. Mr. Mystic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    0.2 ITB, 2FT’s, any recommended transfers?

    Pope
    Trent Doherty Aurier (Taylor, Lasc)
    KDB Mane Bruno Pulisic Son
    Rashy Greenwood (Jimenez)

    2FT’s:
    I’m thinking Son->Martial, Rashford->Vardy?

  10. Captain_Shirokov
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this front 8?

    Mane, KdB, Bruno, Pulisic, Foden
    Rashford, Jimenez, Greenwood

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

      Jimenez downgrade?

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

      keep as it is for now

  11. Easy Cheesy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    TAA to be rested. Playing BB with a bench that are playing norwich and Bournemouth. Was going to do kane -> vardy but now worried about time on pitch for TAA, mahrez and Foden?
    City was knowingly done as the rotation works well but, given Liv remaining fixtures, should I sell TAAv

    1. Digital-Real
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      why would TAA be rested? who takes his spot?

    2. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      lets ne honest it was rubbish when neco played. They will go full strenght on saturday

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

    Mane not starting last night has ruined my initial plans which involved taking him out this week. Now stuck with him but need the money for upgrades elsewhere

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

      Mane could haul vs Burnley though.

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

      same here, but will keep as I can see him getting a salah like haul against burnley.

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

      wish i was stuck with him. i'd be captaining him if i had him

  13. YouReds
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    Doherty Digne Lascelles
    Kdb Mahrez Martial Bruno
    Rashford Vardy Jiminez

    Nyland Egan Saiss D.Luiz

    2FT and 0.6itb...
    Really stuck here, 25 points behind ML so happy to throw caution to the wind. Any ideas?

  14. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Play?

    A Kiko (NEW)
    B Ritchie (wat)

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

      My dilemma but with Lascelles. Leaning to Kiko

  15. PlayPercentage
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Best week to use my bench boost?
    38: City vs. Norwich + other crazy last day results

  16. Werner Bremen
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Is it wise to get AWB out so I can get a third UTD attacker up front. In this case Greenwood?

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

      Triple UTD attack way to go IMO.

    2. Who are all Lukakus
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Better with triple attack, but dont waste 2 FT like that. I smell AWB monster haul coming soon

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

      Only if two FTs and no issues.

      AWB has been quality since the restart and I'd only drop him for one of Martial/Bruno/Greenwood.

  17. Easy Cheesy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    BB team post WC last GW. 1ft and £0.8m itv. Any views?

    Patrício, fabianski
    TAA, Doherty, azpi, Aurier, diop
    Kdb, mahrez, Foden, martial, Bruno
    Greenwood, kane, iheacho

    Was thinking kane -> vardy but any views welcome!

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

    Pope (Button)
    AWB TAA Boly Kiko Robinson
    KdB Bruno Mane Mahrez Foden
    Rashford Jimenez DCL

    Is this one worth a -4?
    Pope + TAA + Jimmy out for Vardy - Schmeichel - Digne

    Schmeichel and Digne could also be Patricio and Doherty.. Just seems a lot with 3 Wolves defenders.

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

      Just TAA + Jimi to Digne and Vardy

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

        Then surely TAA + Jimi to Doherty and Vardy is the better option? Double Wolves defence shouldn't be too much, or?

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

          Doherty does not look as attacking as he did just before/after lockdown. I am going Doherty > Digne to get funds for Jimenez to Vardy

  19. Boz
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    FH 36 so only prepping for this week.

    Happy to give Jimi another week

    Is Salah to Mane too sideways?

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

      Depends on rest of the team.. But Mané seems 100% nailed to start next game, and I give Salah 50% to start 🙂

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

      it's not sideways this week as i'd be surprised if salah starts. i'd only make the move if you captain mane as salah is probably the better pick over the final gameweeks.

  20. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    How to improve this?
    2 free transfers, happy to take a hit too.

    Pope (Button)
    TAA, Maguire, Aurier (Saiss, Lamptey)
    Salah, Mahrez, KDB, Foden, Bruno
    DCL, Rashford (Jimi)
    0.1m

    ???

  21. LP1
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/791192/event/43

    Should I get another City attacker/mid and sub out Ederson?

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

      Think your attack is good mate, I'd stick with the two

  22. Aladdin Sané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thinking of downgrading TAA to afford Jim to Vardy; yay or nay?

  23. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Heard it here first, Egan will get a third consecutive goal against Chelsea. We cannot defend set pieces.

    1. Werner Bremen
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      True that

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

      have to play him instead of saiss then...finally

  24. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Willian or Puli in FH?

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

      Puli for me, going for both in FH 36 tho.

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

        Could be rested in 36 if Citys UCL ban is upheld

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

    Obviously things will likely change but might target this with my remaining transfers. Martial & Raul atm.

    GW35: Martial (SOU) Vardy (bou)
    GW36: FH
    GW37: Martial (WHU) Ings (bou)
    GW38: Salah (new) Ings (SHU)

  26. Better luck next year
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Antonio decent punt for GW35?

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

      Trap

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

    How does this look for GW37 and 38

    Pope
    TAA Aurier Taylor
    Salah Martial Mane Mahrez Fernandes
    Ings Rashford

    Double Burnley defence GTG?

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

      Way too much advance planning

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

        Lol

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

      We are playing 34, who knows what will happen in between?

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

    Early days but thinking of doing kane-> vardy(C). Worth doing salah-> Pulisic/sterling for a hit?

    Patricio
    TAA Doherty Fernandez
    Salah KDB Mahrez Bruno
    Vardy(C) Rashford Greenwood

    Burton kiko Hayden 3.9

    2m itb

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

    Only 0.6m & 1 FT to play with:

    Pope
    TAA / Doherty / Saiss
    Salah / KDB / Mahrez / Fernandes / Martial
    Jimenez / Greenwood

    Button // DCL / K. Femenia / Lascelles

    As per this article, Doherty still shows some promise but by all accounts he actually had a poor game vs. SHU. The defensive double-up has hurt these last two GWs.

    A) Jimenez / Doherty >> Vardy / Soyuncu (-4)
    B) Jimenez / Doherty >> Vardy / Justin (-4)

    Any other way to get Vardy in, or an alternative option?

    I think there is the potential TAA is rested vs. BOU - but not sure I see Williams getting a full 90. I think there's also a very real chance KDB is rested vs. BHA, as was looking leggy. Subs are alright (DCL & Lascelles/Kiko). A Wolves CS vs. Everton will kill me though! 😆

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Have you considered FH. Salah and Mahrez could also miss out

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

        I don't think either will.

  30. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    So everyone saving the FH I’m guessing for 3 Che and 3 City next week?

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

      100% + 3 everton + Ings

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

      I probably won't as FA Cup bound to throw a few spanners in the works. May get early team news for Chelsea, but City could be anyone.

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

        good point!

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

        We play 5 days before United tbf

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

      Si, as I have no Chels.

      Allows me to go for Digne, Kane/Aurier vs Newcastle as well.