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. AJ24
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    Trent, Saiss, Boly
    Salah, KDB, Fernandes, Pulisic (VC), Foden
    Jesus, Rashford

    Stek, Greenwood, LAscelles, Robinsion - 0.1m ITB

    Good to go??

    1. AJ24
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Jesus Captain

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

      Yup, nice

    3. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      looks nice, similar to mine

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

      Same team as me except I have DDG, Doherty, Jimenez over Pope, Billy and Jesus

      Fingers crossed

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

    Patricio
    TAA, Doherty, Kiko
    Mane, KDB, Pulisic, Bruno, Foden
    Rashford, Greenwood

    (Jimenez, Lascelles, Holgate)

    1 ft, 1.2 in the bank.

    Fairly clueless as to what to do, benching headache with that front 8. Wait and see how United do tonight I guess?

    1) Rashford to Jesus
    2) Mane to Sterling
    3) FH

    Thoughts? Massive benching headache also....

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

      FH this week

    2. AJ24
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      2

  3. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Traore, Sarr & Kane > DSilva Richarlison and Giroud -8??

    Am miles behind and need a miracle. Think these players could provide the miracle.

    Say Yes

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

      no

      1. Right In The Stanchion
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        why?

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

          don't like Richarlison/Giroud as picks

          1. Right In The Stanchion
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Have you seen Evertons fixtures? I might captain Richy

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

              Have you seen Everton play though?

  4. CFC1990
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Just checking, Saint Maximin to Pulisic for a -4 is a bad idea?

    I would probably be benching Mahrez on the basis that I am guessing he will be benched.

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

      Good move

  5. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hopefully these three differential captains for final three GWs:

    Pulisic (NOR)
    Martial (WHU)
    D.Silva (NOR)

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

      like this a lot!

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

      I'm thinking Pulisic tonight too. May well get in Silva for his last game at Rashfords expense too if I still have 2 FTs.

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

      Silva is a great shout for the Norwich game. Could be on all the major set pieces.

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

    Would.you replace any of KDB/Salah/Martial
    with Sterling/Dilva/Foden for a -4?

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

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

      Not for a hit

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

      Think it might have to be a hold off on those moves.

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

        cheers Miguel.
        Might just do Vardy to Jesus for a-4. Think I prefer Jesus for last 3 over Vardy?

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

          How confident are you that Vardy blanks at home to SHU?

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

            not massively confident. But Sheffield look back to their best and few key players missing for Lei. Then he has a stubborn Spurs team next.
            Jesus has Bounremotuh Watford and Norwich. Even with reduced minutes could score a few.

            Tough, what you recon?

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

    Worth getting Jesus in place of Rashford? Or maybe DSilva for KDB?

    Ederson
    TAA/Doherty/Kiko
    Salah/Sterling/KDB/Bruno/Puli
    Rash/Green

    Martin/Lasc/Holgate/Connolly

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

      for free? I would probably stick there this week

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

        Yeah or hitt in case of Jesus but may keep FT as well

    2. Theo Walcat
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      of those 2 I would do Jesus in. Seems to be getting regular game time now. Dilva to KDB is less clear cut I think, KDB could still start this GW (was subbed at 60 mins)

  8. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    FH thoughts? 1.0itb

    McCarthy
    Taa azpi boly
    Salah sterling fernandes pulisic foden
    Jesus ings

    Button greenwood 3.9 3.9

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

      Like it. Backing Liverpool for a big win vs Arsenal?

      1. Rhodes your boat
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Hoping so!

  9. eamonhegg
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which week is prime for FH?

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

      Whichever suits your team best tbh

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

      No. Which week is the best for FH. my team doesnt come into it

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

        lol

    3. V-2 Schneiderlin
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I activated mine this week but starting to regret it as there are so many unknowns wrt rotation etc - its a lottery. I'm wondering if the final gameweek would have been better as at least you have more idea about injuries and what teams have still to play for..

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

      This week if you want to target MU vs cpl, MC vs BOU and CHE vs NOR, should get team news for the latter.

      GW38 if you want more secured starters with possibly more team news.

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

    Drop one MID for this FH week from:
    Sterling, Foden, Bruno, Tony M, Pulisic, Antonio

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      My current FH draft has all but antonio

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

      Bruno

    3. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Antonio

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

      Bruno - looks tired and his ownership will still be over 100% so unless you captain you will be willing him to fail

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

        On the flipside, Any return has me dropping hard

        1. V-2 Schneiderlin
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          thats the problem with a lot of players this week - I'm dropping KDB and Salah, feels wrong, either could return to form and score big

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

    If I were to guess the lineup for tonight, I'd say

    Kepa
    James Zouma AC Azpi
    Mount Kovacic RLC
    CHO/Willian Giroud Pulisic

    Maybe Barkley in for one of the 8s
    Should get early team news hopefully though

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

      Sounds about right. I think there's a chance we get Alonso over James

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

        Maybe but I think Frank will want Azpi on the left to take care of Buendia, can never trust Alonso

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

          Fair point

    2. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks for this, but why do you think Willian will be benched for CHO........?? Surely tonight is a MUST win game and Willian was one of the better players in last week car crash.

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

    Team:

    Martinez
    TAA Doherty CTaylor (Saiss Lasc)
    Salah KdB Foden Martial Bruno
    Vardy Green (Jimi)

    Which option is best?

    A. Salah to Sterling
    B. KdB to Puli
    C. A and B for -4
    D. KdB and Saiss to Sterling and Rico for -4
    E. Something else

    Thanks.

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

      I'm thinking of doing Vardy to Jesus for a free. More of a rotation risk but the fixtures are great

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

    Differential captain

    A) Foden
    B) Pulisic

    Thanks

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

      Pulisic from those

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

      Those aren’t even differentials - I’m thinking they are the best 2 options but I can’t decide

      Both have met me down before

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

        What about Dilva?

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

          Another perfectly good option

    3. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Both can be good, I'd go with Puli

  14. MGD
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    DDG
    TAA - Doherty - Aurier
    Salah - KDB - Bruno - Foden
    Vardy - Jimmy - Greenwood

    Fodder - ASM - Saïss - Lascelles

    0.3 ITB 1 FT

    Feel pretty clueless but looking at either Salah to Sterling or Vardy to Jesus.

    No Chelsea coverage either.

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

      ASM -> Foden not possible?

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

        I have Foden 🙂

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

          Sorry - my bad!

          It’s tricky then.

          Jimmy -> Giroud is an option if we get early team news

  15. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Vardy > Ings

    A) This week
    B) Next week

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

      this week if free

  16. Jinkys Oars
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Best Chelsea player to bring in this week?

    A. Pulisic
    B. Willian

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

      A

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

      A

  17. Barry Fry
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What’s the best source for early team news? Chelsea news likely to be available before the deadline?

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

      FPL Rockstar on Twitter. Reliable for all clubs

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

      FPL rockstar

  18. Gomolon
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Are Foden or Dilva likely to start all of City's remaining premier league games?

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

      Prob 2 starts each

    2. gooner_112233445566
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Think dilva more likely

  19. JamieC180
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hey guys.
    Considering Soyuncu --》 Sais
    And Aurier --》 Kyle Walker
    Or hold aurier?

    Pope
    Soyuncu(!), Aurier(!), Basham
    Salah, KDB, Fernandes, Martial, Pulisic
    Rashford, Jiminez
    (Baldock, Nketiah, 4.9)
    0.5 ITB

  20. FPL_BUCCANEER
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    TAA AWB Doc
    KDB Sterling Bruno Pulisic
    Jimmy Vardy Greenwood

    Martin Guendouzi Kilman Simpson.

    I've had a non playing bench for a few weeks and it has paid off.

    However, given FA cup coming up, may need a 12th man.. (see options D and E)

    A) Jimmy - > Ings
    B) Jimmy -> Jesus
    C) Jimmy, Vardy -> Ings, Jesus (-4)
    D) Guendouzi -> Foden
    E) Guendouzi -> Foden and Jimmy -> Ings (-4)

    Thanks all

    1. Bruno Commando
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      D for me.

      A/B/C don't give you the 12th man that you want. Not sure if it is worth it to take point hit for Jimmy -> Ings.

  21. boroie
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Should I free hit with my team currently sitting like this?

    DDG
    Saiss Holgate Taylor
    Salah Mahrez KDB Fernandes
    Greenwood Vardy Jimenez

    Button; Saka Lascelles Gomez

  22. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Captain Willian, Ings or KDB?

    1. JamieC180
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      This is a strange mix. All a little risky I'd say, though fixtures good.

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

    2 fts and 0.9 in bank.Any suggestions?

    Ederson

    Taa Maguire Seiss

    Kdb Traore Bruno Foden

    Auba Jiminez Rashford

    Leno Cantwell Lascelles Lund

  24. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pulisic or Willian?

    1. Bruno Commando
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'm on Puli

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

    Who to captain out of this lot?

    A) Mane (ars)
    B) Giroud (NOR)
    C) Foden (BOU)
    D) Bruno (cry)

    Currently on B

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

      C I think

      But it’s got the potential to go terribly wrong

  26. ASOUSA12
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which is the better captain pick this gameweek?

    A) KDB
    B) Sterling
    C) Fernandes

    1. gooner_112233445566
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      C. Only one guaranteed minutes.

  27. nadman89
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    FH team , opinions?

    Ederson (Mccarthy)
    cancelo - azpi - digne
    willian puli bruno antonio david silva
    ings kane

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

    GTG?

    Ederson
    VVD - Doherty - Maguire - Justin
    Salah - KDB - Mahrez - Fernandes - Martial
    Ings

  29. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Play Lascelles (Spurs home) Or Baldock (Leicester away)

    Leaning towards Lascelles

    1. gooner_112233445566
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Lascelles doubt

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

      inj

  30. gooner_112233445566
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    For the remaining 3 games which one..

    A) d silva
    B) foden
    C) pulisic

    Got kdb already