Scout Notes

What Bournemouth’s shock win over Leicester means for Fantasy managers

Bournemouth 4-1 Leicester City

  • Goals: Junior Stanislas (£5.8m), Dominic Solanke (£5.1m) x2, Jonny Evans (£5.3m) own-goal | Jamie Vardy (£9.8m)
  • Assists: Callum Wilson (£7.4m), Diego Rico (£4.2m), Stanislas| None
  • Bonus: Solanke x3, Stanislas x2, Vardy x1

Where to start with – and how to make sense of – this one?

A bewildering evening on the south coast saw Leicester City implode spectacularly in a manner that conjured up memories of Brazil’s 7-1 thumping at the hands of Germany six years ago.

From Dominic Solanke (£5.1m) finding the net to the Foxes’ two centre-backs scoring a combined minus five Fantasy Premier League points, it was a scarcely believable watch.

The first 45 minutes went by pretty much as expected, with Jamie Vardy (£9.8m) opening the scoring in a typically opportunistic manner, Brendan Rodgers’ side utterly dominating proceedings, and Bournemouth looking fragile in both defence and confidence.

Leicester went into half-time having racked up 10 shots to the Cherries’ one, with Vardy responsible for five of them.

Only some last-ditch blocks kept the score down, with Nathan Ake (£4.8m) getting a vital touch onto a 36th-minute strike from the Foxes’ forward to deflect one effort up and over.

Based on the first-half evidence, and with Ake limping off injured, many of us would have expected a Vardy haul to materialise and no doubt began looking at options for a Manchester City triple-up in Gameweek 36+.

Eddie Howe switched things around at the interval, making two changes and moving to a wing-back system to match Leicester’s formation, but the first 20 minutes of the second half passed by without much incident.

The Cherries were better, with only poor touches from Solanke and Callum Wilson (£7.4m) ruining promising moves, but had still only registered two efforts on goal before the game turned on its head in the 65th minute.

A suicidal kick out from Kasper Schmeichel (£5.5m) led to Wilson being fouled in the Bournemouth box, with substitute Junior Stanislas (£5.8m) stepping up in the injured Josh King‘s (£6.1m) absence to level the scores from the spot.

Things unravelled from that point for the visitors, with Caglar Soyuncu (£5.0m) seeing red for a kick on Wilson immediately after Solanke had squeezed a shot under Schmeichel.

Jonny Evans (£5.3m) then deflected a Stanislas shot past his own goalkeeper before Solanke rounded off the scoring when pouncing on a dreadful Christian Fuchs (£4.2m) pass.

Substitute Sam Surridge (£4.3m) went on to waste two glorious opportunities in injury time as Leicester’s defence went AWOL.

How to process this result as Fantasy managers?

Firstly, Bournemouth’s admirable second-half fightback isn’t likely to put us off going big on Pep Guardiola’s side in Gameweek 36+, with the Cherries looking brittle at the back.

As plucky as the south coast side were, this was a freakish set of circumstances and Manchester City would unquestionably have swatted aside Howe’s troops had they provided the opposition in the opening 45 minutes.

Bournemouth look likely to be without their best centre-half on Wednesday, too, with Howe saying of Ake:

It doesn’t look too good. With such a short time left of the season, it looks like it’s going to be difficult for him to play.

But what of Leicester?

It’d be easy to chalk this game down as an anomaly from their point of view, too, and it’s unlikely that circumstances will again conspire against them in the way they did on Sunday.

However, the Foxes have taken only 14 points from their last 14 games and they are in serious danger of losing out on a Champions League qualification place that looked all but secured at the turn of 2020.

Soyuncu will now miss the remainder of the season, while the Foxes – who still have doubts over James Maddison (£7.3m) and Ben Chilwell (£5.5m) – ahead of Gameweek 36+ – also lost Marc Albrighton (£5.1m) to injury in the first half.

Luckily, Vardy keeps on scoring regardless.

This was his fourth goal in three games and he himself looks back to his best even if the Foxes continue to be hit and miss, with the support from Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.7m) and Ayoze Perez (£6.0m) in attack working well over the last week.

All three of those players could have added to the Foxes’ lead in the first half and it made Rodgers’ decision to withdraw the Nigerian at half-time, sending on Dennis Praet (£5.2m) in his stead, look particularly odd.

The Leicester boss said of that change:

[Iheanacho] wasn’t having one of his better games. The issue for us defensively was on the side of the pitch, because there was a lot of space for Wilf [Ndidi] and Youri [Tielemans] to cover.

So we pushed Ayo [Perez] on, he was playing well, and added an extra midfielder in to help cover.

But the defeat wasn’t tactical, it was about the spirit.

Turning his ire on his players and Soyuncu, Rodgers added:

I didn’t see it coming. We didn’t have personality in the second half. I would say an apology to the supporters, that was unacceptable for a Leicester City team, the reaction to the red card. We lacked the spirit and attitude.

It’s disappointing because we’re already without three of our key players. We don’t have a big enough squad.

It’s a stupid reaction [from Soyuncu]. His covering position could have been better. It was reckless.

Saying that, we have to defend better. We didn’t show the right spirit when we went down to 10 men.

While Vardy’s own form isn’t in question, that of his team is and the Foxes have three tricky-looking games remaining, starting with a match against a Sheffield United side who look back to their best defensively.

The Golden Boot may be enough to keep his existing owners interested but there’ll be fewer FPL managers looking at him anew, while the rest of the Foxes’ squad will likely be given short shrift altogether.


Bournemouth XI (4-4-2): Ramsdale; Stacey, Ake (S Cook 40′), Kelly, Rico; Brooks (L Cook 81′), Gosling (Billing 45′), Lerma, Danjuma (Stanislas 45′); Solanke, Wilson (Surridge 90′).

Leicester City XI (3-4-1-2): Schmeichel; Justin, Evans, Soyuncu; Albrighton (Bennett 16′), Ndidi, Tielemans, Fuchs; Perez (Barnes 70′) Vardy, Iheanacho (Praet 45′).

Members Analysis

FPL LESSONS LEARNED FROM GAMEWEEK 35+

4,127 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Riggs
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    My front line is:
    Salah KDB Bruno Martial Foden
    Vardy Ings Greenwood
    The question is who to bench. I need to choose one of them to stay in the bench.

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Greenwood

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

      greenwood, have the same attack with mane over salah

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        It definitely isn't Mane over Salah , it is "I have Mane and not Salah because I choose the wrong one".

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

      I'd go Vardy out of those, second choice Greenwood.

    4. Wılly
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      KDB seems most likely to be benched but very hard to bench him in your FPL team

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

      KdB

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

    Any reason Pulisic so preferred over Willian? Seems Willian is getting more points?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Willian also on pens. Go Wil.

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

        Didn't know that, cheers. Willian it is.

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

    Does Pep have a press conference tomorrow?

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      As if he’d tell us anything concrete anyway 😆

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It does not matter in the slightest.

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

      He's already said this and no one pays attention.

      Unless he switches out and rests his defense over attack?

      https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-city-team-news-bournemouth-18583023.amp

  4. Wılly
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    If you're on a FH this week, are you using a spot on Salah?

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

      No

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

      Yes,he will feast on arse backline...

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

        Wrong site...

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

          😛

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

      Seriously considering going Salah over Sterling.

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

    Would you FH this or wait until GW38+?

    Martinez
    TAA - Doherty - Saiss
    Salah - KDB - Mahrez - Fernandes - Pulisic
    Ings - Greenwood - Jesus

    1. Ian Davis
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      100% wait

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

        Thanks, any reasons why?

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

      Yes

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

        Yes to FH now or yes to waiting til the last GW??

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

    Patricio
    Doherty TAA Egan
    KDB Pulisic Foden Martial Fernandes
    Rashford Vardy

    Free Hit this team for more City and Chelsea coverage or just get Sterling for a -4?

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

    Who to punt on captain?

    A. Dilva
    B. Foden

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

      b

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

      A

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

    I like the Willian and Puli choice but lose a Utd player for City mid imo

  9. jimmy.floyd
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Any chance that Reece James starts against Norwich?

  10. Meme2011
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    anyone done KDB > Salah?

  11. FPL_DON
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Out of interest, are people waiting till tomorrow to make changes? Price changes less relevant now

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

    44 all out.

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

      41 for me, dismal.

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      88

    3. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      92

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

        *84

    4. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      42 🙁

  13. joelsprylar
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bets defender to replace Aurier for this GW only.
    Not from Liverpool/City/United and already got Dohtery.

    Got 6,5 mil

    1) Digne against Aston Villa

    2) Azpi against Norwich

    3) Someone else?

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

      Azpi or Alonso

    2. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      2. 1 is a good pic as well though. I have both on a FH

  14. Unbelievable Jeff!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bench one of these front 8?!?

    Pulisic Martial Bruno Sterling KDB
    Jesus Greenwood Ings

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

      GW

    2. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I have Ings on my bench but Greenwood or KDB could be choices for you as well. It's a tough one

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

      Ings for this week

  15. School of Poch
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    How is my latest FH team looking?

    McCarthy
    Azpilli Digne AWB
    Fernandes Willian Sterling Pulisic(C) Foden
    Jesus Rashford

    Martin Ings Doherty Saiss

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Needs more Bournemouth and Watford and West Ham.

      1. School of Poch
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Hey I've got Martin!!

    2. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'd play Ings and Doherty instead of Willian and Digne. And I wouldn't captain Pulisic despite the fixture as I'm not sure he ceiling is as high as the likes of Sterling, Bruno or even Jesus this week.

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

    Who scores more points this week?

    A) Jesus

    B) Mahrez +4pts

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

      A

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

    3. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

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

      Foden/Dilva

  17. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Will Arteta play a weakened team vs Liverpool (+Auba for the Golden Boot) and focus on the FAC?

    Arsenal have nothing to play for in the league & play City 3 days after Liverpool - we seen the impact that had on Brighton on Saturday.

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

    Start 1 defender 1 keeper

    A- Allison
    B-McCarthy
    C-C.Taylor
    D-Lascelles
    E-Justin.

    1. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      AC

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

        Thanks

  19. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Need some help- tied in my league

    A) Mane> Sterling
    B) Mane, Rodriguez > Foden, Jesus (-4)
    C) neither

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

    So lads what you think will Sterling start ? Too risky to buy him and C him ?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Too risky

  21. FPL_WILDCARD
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    So, Martial or Fernandes as my 1 United mid for my FH GW36+ team?

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

      Bruno been better away from home so him

    2. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Go for Bruno - Tony doesn't do as well away from home.

  22. liiusions
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Fabi
    TAA Doc Boly
    Sterling KdB Mahrez Martial Bruno
    Jiminez Greenwood
    (Martinez DCL Ritchie Holgate)
    2FT 0.1ITB

    Mahrez DCL ->
    A) Pulisic Jesus
    B) Giroud Foden
    Or any other ideas?

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

      A

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

    We should get early news from Rockstar tomorrow no?

    Looking to buy Christensen or Zouma for the CS attempt lol

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

      Yes.

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

        Cool, cheers,

        Who are you capping?

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

          Salah, Bruno, Pulisic... Ings?

          I'm lost atm.

  24. Hulk Smash
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone suggest any moves please?
    - Only have KDB from City
    - Vardy to Ings? Vardy playing well but Leicester not and Sheff Utd look solid...
    - Would consider a hit for a sufficiently juicy looking move... 0.6m 1ft

    Pope
    TAA Doherty Saiss (Fernandez) (Robinson)
    KdB Bruno Salah Martial Pulisic
    Vardy Greenwood (Nketiah*)

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

      Think you’ve got to transfer another City player in tbh. Vardy->Jesus make sense if you think he’ll start

      1. Hulk Smash
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I see your point. I'm loath to get rid of Vardy in a way but thinking about it I don't want him for his last 2 fixtures anyway so I could do it this week. Thanks.

  25. T.Henry14
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    FH - first try
    Captain headache, aaaand really bad feeling about Mane&Salah, Martial & Richarlison 😀

    Pope
    Alonso, Azpili, Digne ((Diop, Stephens))
    Sterling, KDB, Bruno, Pulisic, Antonio
    Jesus, Ings ((Greenwood))

  26. WE GO FOR IT
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thinking of doing Mahrez to Sterling.

    Who would you bench?
    A. KdB
    B. Greenwood

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

      😆 B I guess

    2. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Cheers! 🙂

  27. The Blackadder
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What percentage chance of Walker starting this week?

  28. Milk, 1 Šuker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I mean you don't really drop Sterling after a hatty...do you??

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

      Not when he still keeps racing for the golden boot and has Bournemouth at home!

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

      If you want him 100% for the only competition you can win 3 days later you might.

  29. Relaxing
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who do you reckon scores more over the remaining games; Rashford or Jesus?

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

      Jesus

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

    Still worth it to do..

    Jimenez/Vardy ➡️ Ings -4)