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

    G2G?

    Foster
    TAA, Doherty, Azpi
    KDB, Salah, Bruno, Martial
    Jimi, Greenwood, Ings

    (Pope, Foden, Aurier, Diop)

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah. Who you captaining?

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

        Depends on how Utd look tonight.

        Hard call between Bruno and Salah tbh.

        1. FF Dirtbag
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Southampton are a different animal since restart, I know united look good but would be wary of captaining vs southampton

  2. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Will lascelles be back? Do peeps think Bruce was just resting him for more winnable games?

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

      Exactly this. ASM, Almiron, Lascelles, Manquillo, Hayden, they’ll all be back. Bruce is a clown

  3. simong1
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Any suggestions on changes here? In 2nd place in my ML and hoping to catch up!

    1FT, 0.3 ITB. Save the FT or make a move? Potentially could do Jimenez > Ihenacho to get him in ahead of the BOU game but would have to bench someone else then.

    Martinez
    TAA - Doherty - Saiss
    Salah - KDB - Mahrez - Fernandes - Pulisic
    Rashford - Greenwood

    Button - Jimenez- Lascelles - Simpson

  4. Long ago I drew a walrus
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    If David Silva continues to get opportunities in his final few games, I'm looking to switch KDB to Sterling. KDB plays so deep and Silva steals his assists.

    1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'm definitely going to get him on FH in GW38, his final game vs Norwich

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

      Interesting. KDB still notched up 7 key passes yesterday. Was unlucky to have just a solitary return. On pens too

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

    Any of these hits worth it?

    A. Jimmy+Doherty >> Vardy+Justin (-4)
    B. Jimmy+Rash >> Vardy+Ings (-4)
    C. DCL+Rash >> Greeny+Vardy (-4)

    Martinez
    TAA • Doherty • Kiko
    Salah • Martial • KDB • Bruno • Foden
    Jimmy • Rash
    (3.9, DCL, Holgate, Lascelles)

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

      A i guess

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

        Don’t sound too positive 😆

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

          Im not a fan of the -4 but i can understand the reasoning. For what its worth, Im probably doing Jim to Vardy too.

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

            for - 4?

    2. valurth
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      C but who do you bench?

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

        Foden cos he’ll be benched anyways

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

      A looks good as well

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

        Yep, all could work. Need to try get the right one for once 🙂

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

      C

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

      C for me

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

    Thoughts on Mahrez? He looks good in-game but he seems a rotation risk as well as a risk to be hauled off aound 60' when he plays. Wondering if his potential upside is worth it

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

      21 points in the double gameweek says it's worth it.

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

        Fair point.

    2. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Matching Sterling for PPG this season. Will get 60 or 30 mins every game which for him is enough to get decent points with those fixtures

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

        Agreed. Been a touch frustrating these last 2 watching him get starts and get a total 9 and now potentially be looking at an upcoming benching when the cheaper Pulisic/Willian have done well.

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

          Do you think Foden matches him for points over the remaining GWs though? I'd say so.

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

            No

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

    Manage without Rashford/3rd Utd spot the coming GW?

    Rashford to Vardy, then do Dcl or Jimmy to Greenwood next week,

    Also have Bruno and Martial.

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

      Sounds good

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

    Hey guys....2 FTs here to play with...

    Pope
    TAA Doherty AWB
    Salah KDB Bruno Mahrez Sarr
    Rashford Jiménez

    Button Lascelles Connolly Robinson

    Jiménez/Doherty TO Vardy/Holgate?

    That make sense at this stage?

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

      Sounds good

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

    Anyone got Lascelles and Holgate and their defence looking a bit shakey now? Who are you looking to replace with? Or are you holding?

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

      Lascelles is a hold, cheap bench fodder

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

      Holding, not spending FTs on defence with so few GWs / FTs left this season.

    3. Sotamendi84
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      west ham Lads?

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

      Have both as bench fodders. I hope there is not too much rotation in my starting XI.

  10. Sotamendi84
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    salah jimenez aurier -> Diop vardy sterling

    worth for -4?

  11. teddypicker
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I've got 3 pool, 3 city, 3 man utd, 3 wolves. Looks almost template and good for next gwk but it's boring, anyone else?

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

      Wolves not template any more man

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

        Yeah benching doherty and saiss. Vardy only thing worrying me this gwk vs Jimi

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

    Thought city were playing sunday

    So tempted to lose KDB for Mane now. Already have salah

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

      Mane should outscore KDB this week...its the weeks after thats the problem.

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

        I can reverse the move next week. Want to captain mane this week as rivals dont have him and i need to take afew risks

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

      Better switch Salah for Mane, as everybody thinks he’ll be rested?

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

        Nah salah upside is too big atm especially with tivals likely to vaptain him

  13. Beavis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Looks out of form at the moment but Jimmy is 3 for 3 vs Everton.

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

    Best way to get Vardy?

    A.Rash and DCL to Vardy and Greenwood
    B.DCL and Jimi to Vardy and Connolly
    C. Doherty and Jimi to Vardy and Holgate

    Team:
    Martinez Martin
    TAA Doherty SAiss CTaylor Lascelles
    Salah KdB Foden Martial Bruno
    Rash DCL Jimi

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

      A or C depending on how Rashford looks tonight

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

        This

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

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

      C for me

    4. Lucy2019
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      DCL to Greenwood and dont get Vardy.

  15. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Something to contemplate. It will all be over in 17 Days.

  16. MattysFantasyFooty
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which one?

    A) Kane, Alonso to Vardy, Digne -4pt hit
    B) Kane to Vardy for free

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

      Just alonso to digne

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

      B, dont take hits for def's

  17. simong1
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Martinez
    TAA - Doherty - Saiss
    Salah - KDB - Mahrez - Fernandes - Pulisic
    Rashford - Greenwood

    Button - Jimenez - Lascelles - Simpson

    Best option here?

    A) Jimenez > Ihenacho (FT) (bench Greenwood)
    B) Jimenez & Rashford > Vardy (c) & Ings (bench Ings)
    C) Jimenez & Rashford > Vardy (c) & Giroud (bench Giroud)
    D) Save FT

    1. Will Grigg's on Fire
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I would go KDB -> Sterling for the next game. You have perfect lineup till the end...just rotate City players 🙂

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

    If you could get only one this week, who would it be?

    A. Vardy
    B. Sterling

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

      Vardy

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

      A, just bcos its Bou

    3. Lucy2019
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A is a terrible pick.

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

        Explain?

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

      sterling for me

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

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

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

    Subs: Martins - Kiko - Connolly - Simpson

    Rivals team:
    Martinez - Martins
    TAA - Saïss - Taylor - Holgate - Simpson
    Kdb - Son - Bruno - Martial - Salah
    Jimi - Greenwood - Connolly

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

      Maybe getting Puli/Willian won't be bad idea?

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

        Thoughts on Kdb to Sterling(c) ?

  20. JenkoJunko
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Morning all!
    Help and advice needed as always!

    Squad: 1FT 1.0ITB
    Patricio Button
    TAA Doherty Kiko Lascelles Holgate
    Salah KDB Bruno Martial Mahrez
    Nketiah Greenwood Jimmy

    Is Mahrez & Jimmy to Foden & Vardy -4 worth it? (Then Nketiah to Ings GW36)

  21. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone care to rate my FH team?

    Alison

    Robbo Laporte AWB

    Mane C Sterling Bruno Mahrez

    Deeney Vardy Greenwood

    Button Justin Kiko Saka

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I don't like the FH. Not a fan of the Liverpool defence at the moment, you should target 3 man u attackers, Deeney has been terrible and Laporte has a low ceiling

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

      Manc players playtime not certain

  22. gers23
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Can anybody make me feel better lol?

    68 clear in my mini league with just Maguire to go..

    Rivals have Kane ,Bruno and Pogba..

    Not looking good is it..

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

      How do you have no united attacking assets?

      1. gers23
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I have Bruno and Rash but haven't included them because he also has them lol

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

      68 is a massive lead. Wouldn't worry about Pogba. Can you just get Bruno for cover?

      1. gers23
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        sorry i have Bruno but as he has captained him i didnt include him lol

  23. dezille
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    2 FTs. Some thoughts would be appreciated!

    Pope
    TAA AWB Doherty (Kiko, Simpson)
    Salah KDB Mahrez Bruno (Guendouzi)
    Rashford Jimenez DCL

    A) Guendouzi, Rashford > Pulisic/Foden, Greenwood
    B) Guendouzi, DCL > Connolly, Foden
    C) Mahrez, Guendouzi > Foden, Pulisic (would have to be done tomorrow)

    I have a very week bench and 343 is killing me atm (missing out on a lot of midfield value in Pulisic, Foden, etc). I think Foden pretty much matches Mahrez on returns over the remaining GWs, with the former being much better value. I'm less comfortable downgrading Rash to Greenwood, but will be keeping a keen eye on them tomorrow. What are your thoughts?

  24. AA33
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Whom should I been checking (assuming Foden starts)

    Sterling Bruno Martial Pulisic Foden
    Kane Vardy Greenwood

    1. AA33
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Whom should I bench* (was auto corrected lol)

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

      Probably Foden.
      One of them will probably be benched anyway.

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Foden

    4. AA33
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks gents

  25. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Jimenez to Vardy seems like the move to target for GW35 or Foden to Willian but I think I should be patient instead of chasing the points. What do you guys think? Cheers

    1ft 7.3itb
    Pope Martinez
    Saiss TAA Doherty Aurier Taylor
    Martial KDB Bruno Mahrez Foden
    Jimenez Ings Greenwood

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

    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

    Who to buy and sell though???

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

      Similar to my team. I have 2 ideas atm:
      1. DCL/Jim, Rash > Vardy, Greenwood
      2. Foden, Rash > Mahrez, Greenwood
      Thoughts?

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

        I like the first of your 2 options best. Basically Vardy and Foden is better than DCL/Jimi and Mahrez.
        Good luck!

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

        Why consider getting rid of Foden? He is ridiculous value and should have returned the most out of all city players yesterday. Great that he is getting gametime + chances.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Probably do something with DCL and Jimi. Bring in Vardy and cheap FWD

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

        Tempted to do Rashford and Jimi to Vardy and Greenwood.

        DCL’s got Villa at home coming up and Villa need wins now, not just draws.

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I like that suggestion. I do prefer Greenwood over Rashford at the moment

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

    Start Jimenez or Foden?

    Also (c)?
    Bruno
    Vardy
    KDB

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Foden, Vardy

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

        Foden
        Vardy

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

          Thanks both very interesting!

    2. Lucy2019
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      FB

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

      Foden Bruno

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

        Thanks this has made me think

  28. suddenorgan
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Jim -> Vardy for free pretty much a no brained right? (assuming no injuries tonight)

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Probably, not many good striker options at the moment

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      it would seem to be

  29. Alexis Nonsense
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Just a fun fact:

    Pope: 157 pts
    Sterling: 157 pts (less minutes of course but still!)

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

      Pope is infallible.
      Sterling a bit volatile in the current economic climate.

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

    Hey fam! Play one and why?

    A. Stevens
    B. Egan
    C. Lascelles

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

      B.

      Chelsea can’t defend set pieces and the big fella is on a roll.

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

      B.

      He's due 8 more goals this season by Wilder's standards

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Egan - goal threat...

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

      Cheers everyone! Egan it is!