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. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Current midfield
    Sterling mane Martial Fernandes kdb

    Would you sell any of them to get Pulisic/willian/dilva/foden?
    It'll be for a hit!!

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

      No

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

      Not for a hit

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

        This

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

    Anyone know if Aurier will play or not?

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

      Really doubt it, would you be able to?

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

      No way, was just wondering as he's not flagged

      1. Red Rock
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Won't flag unless Jose mentions anything in the press conf.

        Not an injury

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

      Wondering this also. Usually I'd say no, but because it's Coronovirus, he might not have left the country in which case, why not play anyway and dedicate your performances to your brother?

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

        If he plays the risk of a red card must be quite high

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

    Best Defnedr with 5 M or less for next 3 GWS ?

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

      Taylor, Everton defense, Cresswell, and Garcia if you have backups

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

      bednarak , dunk , c taylor

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

      Thank u

  4. 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.

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

      A

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

      not C, liverpool and wolves after Norwich

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

        That’s my thinking. And I think dilva is more likely to start all 3 remaining league games as should be on bench for the fa cup

  5. tim
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Saiss or Boly?

    To go w Doherty n Taa!

  6. Red Rock
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Martinez
    Doherty TAA AWB
    KDB Mahrez Foden Bruno Martial
    Vardy Jimenez

    (Aurier Nketiah Holgate)

    1FT - was thinking Jimenez -> Ings

    Now I'm toying with potentially Mahrez or Vardy, or both out for Jesus/D.Silva/Pulisic for -4 and keep Jimmy.

  7. Klaren
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Is Ings a rotation-risk this GW? He's been playing 90 minutes in back to back games and he doesn't have a realistic chance of getting the golden boot anymore.

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

      Does he not? How did you work that out?

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

        He is 4 goals behind Vardy. Even if we assume Vardy doesn't score again (and Auba and Salah don't score more), when how many times Ings ever scored 4 goals in 3 games in his career?

        Just to give you an idea, Ings' odds for Golden Boot is 17.00.

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

          (only twice as far as I know)

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

          Fair enough. But after being plagued by injuries for so long you'd have to back yourself to give it a go... Southampton look like they're still up for it despite having nothing to play for. I reckon he starts all the last three... If nothing more than to maintain his fitness levels for next year.

          1. Warby84
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            I thought Ings was great last night, looks so fit.. And probably on penalties as well

  8. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope.
    Azpi, TAA, AWB.
    Pulisic, Fernandes, KDB, Sterling, Mahrez.
    Vardy, Greenwood.
    Martinez, Saiss, Holgate, Nketiah.
    1ft, 2.2m ITB. BB in 37/38

    1. Save the FT.
    2. Vardy -> Ings.
    3. Mahrez + Nketiah -> Armstrong + Jesus (-4).
    4. Other

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

      Mahrez does seem likely to be rested

      If so then Mahrez -> Foden (or DSilva) looks promising

      I wouldn’t take a -4

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

    FH TEAM:

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

    Should I FH?
    A) GW36
    B)GW38

  10. Sj3451
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    FH team - let me know thoughts, am chasing! Know there’s a lot of money on the bench and happy to reinvest...

    DDG,
    Azpi, Doherty, Digne
    Sterling, Dilva, Foden, Richarlison, Willian
    Giroud, Ings

    Patricio, Stevens, Wan B, Rashford

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

      If you're free hitting, you're better off not having an expensive bench

      1. Sj3451
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        But where would you put the cash ?

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

          Could free up cash to bring in KDB for Dilva, Vardy/Kane upfront or Fernandes for Foden

    2. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Don't like the Digne / Richarlison picks. AVL are better and will need to score.

      You need some MU up front as well --> Bruno.

      Rest is good

  11. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I have both Sterling and Dilva - which one do I captain?

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

      I'm on sterling currently

  12. 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..

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

    How do i get chelsea into this team with 1ft and 1.8itb? Please help

    Ederson
    Maguire TAA Doherty
    Foden Sterling Bruno Martial Antonio
    Jim Vardy

    McCarthy Egan Connoly Lascelles

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

      Jim to Giroud

    2. Red Rock
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Jimmy to Giroud?

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

      giroud wont get 90 and only has had 7 braces since 2014 and feels like booking in a transfer given his fixtures after Norwich, is he worth it?

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Brace incoming

  14. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    McCarthy
    TAA Doherty Aurier
    Sterling KDB Mahrez Bruno Martial
    Rashford Jimenez

    (3.9 Holgate Cathcart Nketiah)
    1Ft & 0.8m

    A) Jimenez ➡ Ings
    B) Jimenez & Mahrez ➡ Jesus & Pulisic -4

    Any thoughts guys?
    Really like Pulisic for this week but it's hard justifying selling Mahrez for a hit. Jesus also looks a threat but no Ings then.

  15. Ain't No Holebas Girl
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I know he's missed a few games over the season and is in form right now but struggling to pick Pulisic over Willian >

    Pulisic: 1 double digit score / 8 bonus points
    Willian: 7 double digit scores / 26 bonus points

    + set pieces

    Any compelling arguments for Pulisic other than eye test?

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

      Willian reliant on penalties for a lot of his goals.

  16. TSILIKAFENEIAKOS
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    On FanTeam fantasy front 8 look :

    Sterling KDB Bruno Martial Pulisic
    Auba Vardy (Abraham)

    1. Auba to Jesus(C)
    2. Abraham to Giroud - might even C
    3. Both for -4

    In case of 2+3 who do you bench??

  17. Puncheon Guly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I've really enjoyed FPL since the season resumed, but the twice weekly agonising over which city asset will play is exhausting!

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

      KDB (PP 9.5), Sterling, Mahrez. Set and forget. Sure, their minutes might fluctuate, but so what.

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

    A) TAA and Foden
    B) Alonso and D Silva

    Which pair to get?

    Have Sterling, Jesus, Azpi and Salah.

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

      I’m on A.

      Feels ok

    2. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      do we think Alonso starts?

  19. Rushford
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    TAA Digne Doherty
    Salah KDB Mahrez Bruno Martial
    Jimenez Greenwood

    Bench of fodders
    A) Mahrez + Jimi -> Sterling + Giroud (-4)
    B) Mahrez -> Pulisic
    C) Jimenez -> Jesus
    D) Mahrez + Jimenez -> Pulisic + Jesus (-4)

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

    Choose three
    A. Sterling
    B. KDB
    C. Jesus
    D. Mahrez
    E. Dilva

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

      ABC

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

      I want Sterling, Jesus and D.Silva

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

    GW17 KdB out= 19points. Promised myseld never to transfer KdB out again. Well herre we are. KdB to Pulisic and Jimmy to Jesus -4. Praying Pep will give me some kind of info on PC later.

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

      Oof this could easily backfire. I think KdB will start and get taken off personally.

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

    Who is a better option for the last two gameweeks?

    a) Rashford v West Ham and Leicester

    b) Auba v Villa and Watford

    1. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I like B, especially if you have martial and bruno

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

      auba chasing the golden boot

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

    Captain Salah or d silva?

    1. Red Rock
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      David

  24. LloristheHounds
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I want alonso or azpi but need to make 2 transfers,

    Aurier - > alonso
    1) kdb-> dilva(start dilva)
    2) traore-> armstrong (bench armstrong or greenwood)

    Thoughts?

  25. SH
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Please RMWCT!

    Pope (Martinez)
    VVD Azpi Digne (Taylor Cresswell)
    Sterling KDB Bruno Martial Willian
    Jesus Ings (Greenwood)
    0.9 itb

    Will BB in 38, hence two playing GK and Cresswell.

    1. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Don't like Azpi, Jesus or Greenwood

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

        How would you rather have in place of Jesus? Also who would be your 3rd City pick then?

        1. Mayor of Flair
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Rashford in for Jesus and David Silva 3rd City player

          Happy with one Liverpool?

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

            Wanted to have Dilva, but can't think of anyone to drop from that mid really. I like Greenwood better than Rashford, considering the value.

            Had Salah and TAA from GW1. I think they are much more prone to rotation now. City's fixture led me choose Sterling over Salah

            1. Mayor of Flair
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Fair points. Beyond the Norwich game I wouldn't fancy keeping Azpi or Willian.

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

                ML rival is probably going to use FH and triple up on Chelsea. I am leading and need something to block him. Can move one of them afterwards

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

    Aurier to Alonso or Digne?

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

      Digne.

  27. Mayor of Flair
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Look it's obviously pointless trying to guess City's starting side and Pep has said there will be 5 or 6 changes but....

    1. Assuming they start 433, with no Aguero or Sane, surely the front 3 can only be made up of Sterling, Mahrez, Jesus or Foden with all playing some part.

    2. The 5 or 6 changes would be more likely to be to the back 4 or middle 3, players like Stones, Otamendi, Zinchenko, Cancelo, David Silva, Gundogen, Fernandinho coming in at the expense of say Walker, Garcia, Laporte, Mendy, Rodri, Bernardo Silva and KDB

    1. Ain't No Holebas Girl
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Bernardo could also play front 3 I guess but I see what you're saying. I have Mahrez and doubt he starts but will still absolutely take 30 mins vs Bournemouth.

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

        So could David Silva. He can also play RW in a front 3.

        1. Ain't No Holebas Girl
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Hah yes basically no point trying to guess! The only one I would be confident in starting is Foden who I might get in over Pulisic / Willian, haven't decided yet.

  28. Jon Snow
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    1) G2G?
    2) Foden (C) instead?

    Patricio
    TAA, Maguire, Doherty,
    KdB, Martial, Bruno, Pulisic (C), Foden
    Vardy, Jimenez

    Sub: Martinez; Basham, Lascelles, Nketiah

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

    Captain choice

    1)sterling
    2) Dilva
    3) Pulisic
    4) martial

    ?

  30. Russell
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I feel like those on a FH are ignoring Mane/Salah vs Arsenal...

    Recently this has been a very high scoring game for Liverpool and with Arsenal's slow and shambolic defence, I can easily see them scoring 3 goals.

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

      I feel the same, but Salah is a conundrum. Will he start? Mane seems to have been rested

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

        I think he'll start, Klopp will want 100 pts and they have no cup games.

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

      I think nothing is as it seems or as before after the restart. Solanke and McGoldrick had a brace each in the last week. Better to go on current form or lack of it if that's even possible.

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

        Very true