Scout Notes

FPL lessons learned as Martial and Rashford outscore Fernandes

Man United 2-2 Southampton

  • Goals: Marcus Rashford (£9.0m), Anthony Martial (£8.3m) | Stuart Armstrong (£5.2m), Michael Obafemi (£4.9m)
  • Assists: Martial, Bruno Fernandes (£9.0m) | Nathan Redmond (£6.2m), Jan Bednarek (£4.4m)
  • Bonus Points: Martial x3, Bednarek x2, Rashford x1

Bruno Fernandes (£9.0m) left his horde of Gameweek 35+ supporters wanting more as Manchester United drew 2-2 with Southampton on Monday night.

Crucially, he was outscored by both Anthony Martial (£8.3m) and Marcus Rashford (£9.0m) on a rare off-night for the Portuguese international.

Grabbing an assist for United’s second goal of the evening, Fernandes did manage to ensure his run of games without a blank extended to four but there was much less to admire as usual.

Since arriving in the Premier League, Manchester United’s number 18 has been a shot machine, registering 16 efforts on goal between Gameweeks 30+ and 34+, the joint-third best of any midfielder.

However, across his 83-minute outing against Southampton, Fernandes was unable to shoot even once, while no penalties for his team left the man shorter of points-scoring avenues than usual.

With attention turning to Manchester City and Chelsea midfielders in Gameweek 36+, some even considering the Free Hit chip, Fantasy managers will want to know whether or not they need to keep a slot for Fernandes, who faces an admittedly porous Crystal Palace defence on Thursday.

It must be said that the Portuguese international did look both fatigued and laboured against Southampton, giving away possession in key moments and failing to find his usual insightful delivery.

It probably did not help matters than Paul Pogba (£8.3m) had an even worse outing, at fault for Southampton’s first goal and largely responsible for robbing Manchester United of any consistent rhythm in the 62 minutes he was on the pitch.

“We created some chances, some fantastic football sometimes, Anthony made some good chances for himself. But we never got the rhythm in the passing today.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Manchester United have been blessed with a kind fixture schedule in terms of turnaround thus far in Project Restart, although it does appear that the compressed nature of the Premier League’s return is starting to take some sort of toll on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men if this most recent performance is anything to go by.

The fact that the trip to Selhurst Park awaits them on Thursday certainly increases the pressure on their fitness. 

But Fernandes owners have to remember that, since Gameweek 30+, only Norwich (15) have conceded more goals than Crystal Palace (13).

And while Fernandes was outscored by Martial and Rashford on Monday night, he has been a more reliable source of points on the road recently.

United’s French centre-forward certainly looked the part once more against Southampton, coming away with a goal and assist, maximum bonus and unlucky not to get more than that.

In the ninth minute, he pickpocketed James Ward-Prowse (£5.7m) in a dangerous area and was denied in a one-on-one with Alex McCarthy (£4.5m) by a strong left-hand by the Saints’ goalkeeper.

In the second half, Martial might have had another assist and goal too. Rashford’s piece of 67th-minute skill on the left-hand side left Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.4m) behind enabling the forward to slide Martial into the dead-ball line. He cut it back to Rashford, only to see Ryan Bertrand (£4.8m) slide in with a brilliant block to deny a certain goal.

Then, in the 80th minute, Martial went on an incredible run down the left, through the middle and past a crowd of Southampton defenders to get through on goal, only to spurn the finish, one he usually would have buried.

Rashford also could have had more than his goal and seven-point return.

Luke Shaw (£5.4m) picked out his pacey run through the middle in the 15th minute, his netted effort ruled out for offside.

Rashford then got through in the 52nd minute after Fernandes’ threaded ball only to see Jan Bednarek (£4.4m) block his goal-bound effort. 

Three minutes later, Fernandes’ chipped pass reached Rashford despite a Walker-Peters handball, who tried a powerful knuckle-ball effort from distance, rippling the side-netting in what would have been a wonderful goal.

However, while Martial and Rashford looked more explosive than Fernandes on Monday night, the disadvantage both of them have against the Portuguese international is their away form.

Since the Premier League came back, Martial has double-figure hauls in every home match, recording 16 points per game at Old Trafford. But across his three on the road, his average stands at 3.7 points per game.

Rashford has also returned in every Project Restart home match so far (7.3 points per game) but is yet to do anything but blank on the road since Gameweek 30+.

By comparison, Fernandes has scored in every road trip in that time, averaging 12.7 points per game in such fixtures. 

Fantasy managers may also be tempted to look at the Manchester United defence for Gameweek 36+. While Crystal Palace’s poor goal-scoring fortunes at home are well-documented this season, the Red Devils backline did suffer some problems against Southampton.

Not only were some of their weaknesses exposed, Solskjaer potentially has a staffing problem at left-back for the trip to Selhurst Park.

Shaw rolled his ankle in the second half, replaced in the 74th minute by Brandon Williams (£3.9m), but the youngster ended up walking off with a nasty gash to the head in stoppage time. Nemanja Matić (£4.8m) was forced to deputise in the left-back position for the closing stages, so it will be interesting to see who claims the spot at Selhurst Park and whether or not that affects Manchester United’s defensive credentials.

For the final moments of the game, in which Michael Obafemi (£4.9m) struck the dramatic equaliser, the Red Devils were reduced to 10 men, because Williams left the field after the three allocated substitute windows had been used.

“He got a cut above his eye. We’ll have to [wait and see]. I’ve not been to see him yet. He’s with the medical staff. Yeah (it was bad luck to lose him) but that’s how it is. We defended well until that corner. Always disappointing to get that in the 96th minute but that’s football. I know the feeling the other way around.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

However, Southampton still caused them plenty of problems all evening.

Stuart Armstrong (£5.2m) threatened in the early stages, breaking away from Pogba in the 10th minute and forcing a sprawling save out of David de Gea (£5.3m) before scoring a minute later.

It was Pogba who lost possession in the defensive third under pressure from Danny Ings (£7.4m), allowing Nathan Redmond (£6.2m) to get in behind Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.5m) and feed an unmarked Armstrong at the back post. While he was not the only one at fault for this goal, it was interesting to see the Manchester Evening News claim the Gameweek 36+ trip to Crystal Palace could be an ideal time to rest Wan-Bissaka, who was below par on Monday night, picking up a yellow card in the process.

The Southampton wingers combined again in the 48th minute when Armstrong scythed through the middle and laid off to Redmond who drove wide of the left-hand post.

The former Norwich man then went close in the 85th minute, cutting inside from the flanks past Matić, curling an effort at de Gea, who tipped over flamboyantly.

Interestingly, Ings played a rather peripheral role in this Southampton display, especially compared to those stationed in the wide-midfield roles. Since the restart, he has been less effective against the bigger clubs, blanking against Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal but scoring in meetings with Norwich, Watford and Everton. Ings faces Brighton, Bournemouth and Sheffield United between now and the end of the season.

Manchester United XI: De Gea; Shaw (B Williams 75′), Maguire, Lindelöf, Wan-Bissaka; Matić, Pogba (Fred 63′); Rashford, B Fernandes (McTominay 84′), Greenwood (D James 84′); Martial.

Southampton XI: McCarthy; Bertrand, Bednarek, J Stephens, Walker-Peters; Redmond, Romeu (Obafemi 87′), Ward-Prowse, Armstrong (Smallbone 70′); Ings, Adams (S Long 64′).

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2,012 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    2 FT - Vardy & Jimmy > Jesus & Ings for below?

    Pope,
    TAA, Boly, Taylor
    KDB, Sterling, Martial, Bruno
    Jesus, Ings, Rashford (c)
    (Martin, Saiss, Lundy, Guendozi)

    Have been window shopping with other moves, mostly involving Giroud, Foden, Dilva & even Alonso - but maybe Jesus & Ings are the smarter plays

    Selling Jimmy & Vardy feels like asking for a kick in the FPL nuts though, I have to say, even if it is only for 3 games

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

      I'd maybe just do Jimenez to Ings? Vardy could do well this week although Leicester don't look too great

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah might be safer in fairness

        Realistically - how well can Leicester do against a SHU defence with no Pereira, Chilwell, Maddison, Soyuncu though? Then Mourinho defence up next, then Man Utd...

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

          I'd give him one more chance this week and sell before spurs and utd I think. You've got good city cover if they haul.

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Possibly - but even looking in more depth at Sheffield United is worrying for Vardy

            Putting the Newcastle match to one side (looked a bit of a freak with the sending off etc)

            Henderson has only conceded 6 goals in his last 11 starts

            Then removing that much creativity from the Leciester flanks & central midfield, as well as taking out Soyuncu - surely we're not looking at mega-damage, if anything, from Vardy?

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

    Foster
    AwB-Doh-Saiss-TAA
    Bruno-Sterling-KDB-Mahrez
    Vardy-Greenwood

    Should I FH lads??

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

    A) Jesus + KDB + Dilva/ Foden
    B) Vardy + Sterling + Dilva/ Foden

    Mega tough decision!!! In A I ditch Vardy and keep KDB. In B I ditch KDB and keep Vardy

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

      Tough, A just about I think

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

        Thanks mate. I’ve been leaning towards B but really don’t know.

  4. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Feeling well to captain Pulisic until I found out that it will be the first match of the gameweek.

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

      Shouldn't influence your decision

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It's a good thing as should know if he starts pre-deadline

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

    Start which one?

    A) AWB (cry)
    B) Cresswell (WAT)
    C) VvD (ars)

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

      A

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

      Bench* which ONE?

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

    A) Mane -> Sterling
    B) Trent + DCL -> 5.5 + Jesus (-4)
    C) All of the above for -8

    Thank you!

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

      A

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

    How do you cover 45 points in the next 3 weeks?

    My team:
    Pope Hendo
    TAA Doherty AWB Gomez Taylor
    Salah Raz Bruno Mahrez Foden
    Jimenez DCL Greenwood

    Rival:
    Ederson Button
    Saiss Gomez AWB Fernandez Robinson
    Sterling KDB Bruno Martial Pulisic
    Vardy Jimenez Connolly

    Appreciate any ideas.
    Considering AWB + Jimenez > Pieters + Rashford (-4) to triple up on Burnley defence.

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

      Just Jimenez -> Ings as long as he won’t do it

      Captain a player he doesn’t own each week

      45 is only a good captain pick or 3

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

        Cheers

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

    Is this a good GW to play FH chip?

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

      yes

    2. Liastro ⭐️
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thinking this myself - original plan was FH38 but thinking this week might be better.

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

      Yes, I’m doing it, can’t see it’s going to be much more predictable who starts and not in GW 36

    4. Totally J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I was just about to post saying I’m doing it.

    5. Conor1
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think it is. Mine is gone, got me almost 100 points so that was good but wish I had it now!!!

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

    Play Rashford over Ings on FH?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I am thinking the same, Palace are shocking

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Probably going to Captain him this week (Rashford)

      But want to get Ings in also

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

    On a free hit:
    A. Patricio and Martial
    B. DDG and Antonio

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

      A

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

      A

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

    Is the consensus that mahrez won't play?

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

      That's what I think. Started last 3 games and played full 90min against Brighton

      1. denial
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Ta

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

      It's the consensus but I am sticking. You never fully know with Pep and 30 mins can still produce something

  12. -GK22-
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I am stumped! Took out son and jimmy for William and vardy and it didn’t quite work! Annoyed

    Does this lot need a freshen up?

    Pope
    Aurier, TAA, Saiss
    Salah, Bruno, Martial, KDB, William
    Vardy, Greenwood

    3.9, DCL, Lascelles, Robinson

    1ft

    1. Conor1
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Maybe an extra body or two from Man City and/ or Chelsea. I’m seriously considering Alonso but will leave till close to the deadline.

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

    Rashford or Foden - bench one.

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

      No other options?
      I’d want both of them!

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

    Who should I ditch for Ings?

    A) Rashford

    B) Greenwood

    C) Jimenez

    E) Dont bother with Ings

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

      E

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

      C

    3. Conor1
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Maybe A? I moved Rashford to Jesus!!!

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

    Vardy to Ings for a hit?

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

      No

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

        No

  16. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    To FH this gw or save for gw 38? Original plan was to TC this week but not happy with my MFD & FWD picks

    Current team:

    DDG
    Doherty TAA Azpi
    Bruno Pulisic Mane KDB Foden
    Jimi Rash

    (DCL Lascelles Kiko)

    1. Hitmonlee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      TC Pulisic and FH in 38

      Thank me later

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

        That was my preferred option. Trying to protect a 40 point lead in my ML though and not owning Martial is really eating up my lead

        1. Conor1
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I am in a similar predicament with a 30 point lead and I have a team fairly similar to the guy in second. I am trying to second guess his moves!!!

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

            Yep. Thinking a few hits may be the way to navigate this gw for that reason

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

      My team is almost identical and I’m planning to FH 38

  17. Hitmonlee
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    TAA / Saiss / Azpilicueta
    Salah / KDB / Bruno / Martial / Pulisic
    Greenwood / Vardy

    I’m thinking

    Vardy > Jesus
    Pulisic (c)

    Am I missing anything or GTG?

  18. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who do we think starts out of Giroud and Tammy?

    I kinda hope Tammy starts because he has more explosive potential and is a flat track bully.

    1. Hitmonlee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Giroud

      Frank not happy and will drop some that started last game

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

      Giroud.

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

    Best defender upto 6.3m for the run-in? Dave?

    Already have TAA - Doherty - Holgate - Kako

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Digne?

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

        Cheers, but no chance.....already have an unfit Holgate and Everton are selling deckchairs on the beach...l

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

      Obviously happy to spend less if someone’s decent....

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

      Probably a Sheff Utd lad

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

        Yeah maybe this, cheers

    4. QuintonFortune25
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Laporte
      Maguire/AWB
      Digne
      Azpi
      Boly

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

        Cheers

        How nailed is Laporte? What about Mendy?
        Already have 3 x Man Utd
        Everton - see above
        Yeah, thinking this
        Already have Doherty

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

          Tarko or Dunk likely to outscore all of those

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

      I am looking at Tarkowski to replace Aurier. Also have Pope so it will be a Burnley double up...

  20. QuintonFortune25
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I've got Foster playing (whu) then (MCI), is it worth a hit to make a keeper transfer at this stage? Its only for 2 weeks, I will be FHing in GW38+

    Likely replacements are:

    Pope (nor) & (BHA)
    Pickford (shu) & (BOU)
    Or
    Martinez (avl) & (WAT)

    1. Hitmonlee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Keeper hits are such a waste

      Don’t bother

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

    Mahrez and Vardy to Pulisic and Jesus?

    1. Hitmonlee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah but you’ll want Mahrez back next week

    2. QuintonFortune25
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      For free yes

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

        It’d be for a hit.
        I’d captain pulisic.

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

      thinking the same Boss. What other city players you got?

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

        Foden and kdb

  22. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Start Digne, AWB or VVD?

    1. Hitmonlee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      All 3!

      1. Fernando Torres
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I'm starting Trent and Alonso tho

        1. Hitmonlee
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Doubt Alonso will play

          But I’d look to bench elsewhere

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

      Digne to start

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

    Tarko or Dunk

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

      Reply for Jafooli

  24. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    FH team

    Pope (martinez)
    (Stevens taa) doherty digne azpi
    Sterling dsilva foden puli antonio
    Deney giro (ings)

    Or

    Edrson (martin)
    Azpi dohrty taylor (bednarek stevens)
    Bruno salah sterling puli antonio
    Jesus giro (grenwod)

  25. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    In your opinion who is the best to have out of

    Pulisic
    Willan

    &

    Who should I sell to get them in out of

    KDB
    Martial
    Foden
    Fernandes
    Mane

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1. Hitmonlee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      That’s the problem.

      Not enough midfield slots.

      Wouldn’t want to get rid of any of that current midfield

  26. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A) KDB > Sterling
    B) KDB > Dsilva
    C) Hold

    Pat
    Doc TAA Maguire
    Salah KDB bruno puli foden
    Green vardy

    3.9gk, aurier, holgate, nketiah

    1. QuintonFortune25
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      c

  27. Eagleowl
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who to bench out of these guys:
    Martial, Bruno, KDB, Pulisic, Willian, Kane, Ings, Greenwood ?

    Currently leaning to KDB because of rotation risk..
    Any other thoughts?

  28. tokara
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Kdb to Martial ok? Free

    I think kdb will only play 1 out of next two.

    1. Hitmonlee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Lol

      No

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

    Are people really that confident that Sterling plays more minutes than KDB this week?

    1. Hitmonlee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Nope. It’s Pep

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

      Bith reduced minutes

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

    2 Fts and 0.9 in bank.

    Sensible to block my rivals Azpi and Ings this week? 49 ahead

    Ederson

    Taa Seiss Maguire

    Traore Kdb Bruno Foden

    Jiminez Auba Rashford

    Leno Lascelles Cantwell Lund