Scout Notes

Palace defence out of form ahead of Gameweek 36+ meeting with United

Yet another Fantasy Premier League deadline is only a day away so, with time against us, we will rattle through the main discussion points from two more Gameweek 35+ fixtures in an abridged Scout Notes below.

Watford v Newcastle United and Aston Villa v Crystal Palace are our featured games in this article.

Porous Palace

An away clash at Crystal Palace would ordinarily be a tricky test on paper.

From Gameweeks 1+ to 30+, Palace had the joint-sixth-best defensive record in terms of goals conceded and only three sides had kept more clean sheets.

Since then, however, the Eagles have lost five on the spin and conceded more goals than any other team.

Without arguably their best centre-half in the injured Gary Cahill (£4.4m) and drifting towards a lower-mid-table finish, this seems to be a good time to take on Roy Hodgson’s troops – and it’s Manchester United who face Palace next in Gameweek 36+.

Aston Villa had only scored twice in eight games before Sunday’s clash in the Midlands but they doubled that tally in one fell swoop against the Eagles.

A double for Trezeguet (£5.2m) handed Dean Smith’s side their first victory since January.

Patrick van Aanholt (£5.6m) blanked as a result of a fifth successive clean sheet loss but, as is his wont, he so very nearly popped at the other end with a late consolation, registering Palace’s only big chance of the match with a shot that Pepe Reina (£4.2m) saved.

Gayle Force

Among sub-£5.5m forwards, Dwight Gayle (£5.0m) is second only to Mason Greenwood (£4.9m) for FPL ‘form’ over the last month.

Gayle scored the opener in Newcastle United’s 2-1 defeat at Watford and has attacking returns in four of his last five starts, with his only blank coming in the 5-0 defeat at Manchester City.

The budget striker tapped in Federico Fernandez‘s (£4.6m) flick-on to give Newcastle the lead, later being denied by Ben Foster (£4.9m) and setting up Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.4m) for the Magpies’ only other ‘big chance’ of the match.

Steve Bruce’s recent change to a 4-2-3-1 has certainly led to a bit more attacking thrust from the Magpies, although no clean sheets in five matches (their previous two shut-outs were recorded against ten men) does suggest that it has come at the expense of some defensive stability.

Dawson’s Leap

Deeney on the Spot

Troy Deeney (£6.2m) emerged from Watford’s win over Newcastle with a 13-point haul, which is more than he had managed in his previous six appearances combined.

The Hornets’ striker was indebted to two penalties to end his goal drought and in truth, his threat from open play remains limited – his four shots on Saturday (two of which were from the spot) more than doubled his total for the previous five Gameweeks.

His only other clear-cut opportunity was presented to him by an awful Fernandez clearance and the mid-price striker shot straight at Martin Dubravka (£5.1m) with the goal at his mercy.

Deeney limped off towards the end but Nigel Pearson said after full-time:

Troy has what I would call a ‘grumbly knee’ that he has to manage on a daily and weekly basis. This is nothing new, it’s something which he’s come to terms with and has to manage, so you may see him with a bandage today, but it’s nothing new.

Injuries and Bans

Christian Benteke (£5.7m) will miss the remainder of the season after being sent off for violent conduct after the final whistle at Villa Park.

Jordan Ayew (£5.1m) will now presumably revert to being a central striker for the last three Gameweeks, after a spell on the right flank.

Villa lost two of their defence to injuries on Sunday, with Kortney Hause (£4.4m) pulling out in the warm-up and Neil Taylor (£4.2m) being substituted after 36 minutes.

Ahmed Elmohamady (£4.1m) was given the nod at right-back, with Matt Targett (£4.3m) making a timely return from injury to replace Taylor on the opposite flank.

Line-ups

Watford XI (4-2-3-1): Foster; Femenia, Kabasele, Dawson, Masina; Capoue, Hughes; Sarr, Doucoure, Welbeck (Gray 90′); Deeney (Cleverley 85′).

Newcastle United XI (4-2-3-1): Dubravka; Manquillo, Lascelles (Lazaro 87′), Fernandez, Rose (Krafth 79′); Schar, Shelvey; Saint-Maximin, Almiron, Ritchie (Joelinton 72′); Gayle (Bentaleb 79′).

Aston Villa XI (4-3-3): Reina; El Mohamady, Konso Ngoyo, Mings, Taylor (Targett 36′); McGinn, Luiz, Hourihane (Nakamba 80′); Trezeguet (El Ghazi 88′), Samatta (Davis 80′) Grealish. 

Crystal Palace XI (4-3-3): Guaita; Ward, Dann, Sakho, van Aanholt; Zaha, Kouyate (Riedewald 66′), Milivojevic (Meyer 75′), McArthur (McCarthy 46), Ayew (Townsend 66′); Benteke. 


FPL LESSONS LEARNED FROM GAMEWEEK 35+

1,118 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Are u selling KdB ?

    1. LE CHARO
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I am on my FH if that's any help

    2. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No, I'm hoping he at least gets a 30 minute cameo appearance. Of course a start would be better

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

      Surely

    4. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thinking about FH him or Mahrez to Antonio - thoughts?

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

    Get in Dilva or Foden this gw?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Either... Toss a coin.

    2. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      For who? (or is it whom? 🙂

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

    Anyone know when the next scoutcast will be ?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It's on now if it hasn't finished yet.

      1. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers

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

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

    Think Im just going to so Mahrez and Vardy to Pulisic and Jesus -4 this week. Toyed with trying to get Sterling but will reasses next week.
    thoughts?

    Pope
    TAA Doherty Diop
    Salah KDB Martial Bruno Mahrez
    Vardy Greenwood
    Martinez DCL Fernandez Aurier

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

      You think Jesus will surely outscore Vardy by 4 points?
      He isnt nailed to start, no?

    2. Volley127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Similar team, looking at the same two moves (for free mind).

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

    *BOTTOMED*

    Hey fam! Quick voting time!

    Have Sterling & no Chelsea.

    A. DSilva & Giroud
    B. Pulisic/Willian & Jesus

    1. Wally711
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

    2. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B easily

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

      Cheers both

    4. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B all day

  6. Wally711
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Would you play Taylor or Justin?

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

    Anyone else considering KDB -> Sterling? I was initally going to go for whatever Chelsea mid is confirmed to start but I dont really have anyone to remove from my team...

    KDB - Foden - Martial - Fernandes
    Jesus - Ings - Greenwood

    Dont see how its worth to remove any of those for Pulisic/Willian just for one game week even if its against Norwich as they face Liverpool later, an awful matchup, and then defensive Wolves in the last GW.

    I think Sterling is a better pick than KDB for the run-in in the form hes in so Im considering just doing it now to capitalize on the BOU game where KDB is likely to get benched. Thoughts?

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

      KDB -> Sterling DSilva for me

    2. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I am for -4 with Dilva captain. Sterling will be hungry and could play upfront and can still score even with 20 min cameos!

      Chelsea could easily make early subs when the game is done to manage for fa cup at weekend the Liverpool, both must win games.

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

      I'm considering it, for a - 4. KDB could punish but sterling has the form

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

    Any news on Digne?

    Another potential Aurier replacement

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

      Everton are hot garbage

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

    Do you think it's worth to get DCL?Out of form but good fixtures.

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

      might hold and watch how he does against Villa could spark him.back into life!

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

      Do not buy DCL unless you are into self punishment

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

      Avoid

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

      cheers

  10. Goro Majima
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on what to do with these choices?

    Out:
    a) Vardy
    b) Jimenez

    In:
    1) Ings
    2) Jesus

    Will have Foden and KDB.

    Thanks.

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      b1

  11. Sahil.....
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Scenes if bruno gets a red tonight

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

      Not really - makes this weeks transfer to load up on city / Chelsea easy

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

      Needs 2 dives for that.

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

      I wouldnt really mind that even with (c) on him

    4. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      2 assists to Greenwood and a screamer?

    5. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It's fantasy, let's not add fictional 😉

  12. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who to bench this week?

    A) Pulisic
    B) Foden
    C) Antonio

    Thanks

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

      Blimey - you must have some team!

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Free hitting

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

      Im torn between which 3 of these your 3 options + Ings do I get on my FT. Im currently leaning towards leaving Antonio out, fwiw

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Me too.

        My actual dilemma is Ederson to Pope to enable my man Foden back in.

        I'm on David Silva and B Silva.

        But that means no Pulisic home to Norwich and I'm punting on Antonio Friday night in the shoot out with Watford.

        Playing Bruno still.

  13. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Play C.Taylor or Saiss?

    1. Wally711
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I have both, would play saiss. Would you play taylor or justin?

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Taylor

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

    Anyone know when the next scoutcast will be?

  15. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Rash(C) haul tonight please.

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

      He will.
      I sold him

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

        He won't. I haven't.

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

      He is my differential captain in ML

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Same.

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

      It's his time to haul

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

      Not my captain but I want the same!

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

      I think he'll do well becuase it's his turn. And I haven't got him any more.

  16. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I have Vardy, Greenwood and Ings and want to play a 3-5-2. Which striker out of those three would you bench for Gameweek 36?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Tough

      Perhaps Vardy

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

      yeah maybe Vardy

  17. The Tinkerman
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Tricky choice for city players on free hit. Foden, Dilva, Bilva all look possible starters.

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I agree entirely.

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

    Aarons, KdB, Vardy > Alonso, Sterling(C), Jesus (-8) is really tempting me...

    1. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Do we think Alonso starts? He hasn’t been a regular

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

        might get early team news

        1. Pep bites Kun
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          If we're basing strategy on the possibility of early team news, it may be time to think again rather than over-think - no? 🙂

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

        He will start imo.

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

    Mahrez out for Willian / Pulisic for -4 worth it?

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No

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

    Sarr & Vardy ➡️ Dilva (c) & Ings

    For a hit?

    1. SkeletONv01
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thats silly imo.

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

    Jimmy to Ings for my ft and save fh seem decent here? Thx!

    Martinez
    TAA Doherty AWB
    Sterling Bruno Martial Pulisic
    Vardy Jesus Jimmy

    Martin Kiko Lascelles Davis

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

      Yes absolutely.

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

        Great, thanks, GL!

  22. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Just need FPL Rockstar to turn up by 19.00 UK time tomorrow so can see the Chelsea line up.

  23. Wally711
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Is it crazy keeping salah and mane as differentials?

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

      Yea is ditch one at least.

  24. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    who's everyone Captaining GW36?

    Currently on Pusilic myself.

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

      Foden

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Think I’m going with Pulisic as well.

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

    FH 38, Mahrez to:
    1. Dilva
    2. Pulisic

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

      Dilva

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

    Got KDB and Mahrez from City, No chelsea and only 1 FT. Strong FH contender right?

  27. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    McCarthy
    Digne, Maguire, Azpi
    Willian, Sterling, Pulisic, Bruno, -----
    Jesus, Ings
    (Martin; Greenwood, Taylor, Lamptey)

    On FH. Who gets that last mid spot?
    1) Antonio
    2) Foden
    3) Dilva
    4) Downgrade a defender to add Mane/Salah

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

      2

  28. Manani
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    FH or save it for GW38?
    my team without FH:

    Pope 3.9
    TAA Aurier Boly Holgate Lascelles
    Mahrez KDB Salah Bruno Pulisic
    Ings Greenwood Jesus

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

      Mahrez to Dilva and save FH

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

        i dont have any FT left (stupidly did an early transfer)

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

    Bench one:
    KDB
    Foden
    Vardy
    Greenwood
    Ings

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

      Vardy

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

    Thoughts please:

    A - jimi to ings
    B - jimi, mahrez to jesus, foden

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

      B is for -4

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

      B