Scout Notes

The case for Kane and Son as Spurs exploit Newcastle’s defensive crisis

Newcastle 1-3 Spurs

  • Goals: Matt Ritchie (£5.3m) | Son Heung-min (£9.6m), Harry Kane x2 (£10.9m)
  • Assists: Giovani Lo Celso (£7.3m), Steven Bergwijn (£7.0m), Erik Lamela (£5.7m)
  • Bonus Points: Kane x3, Ritchie x2, Lo Celso x1, Son x1

Following a recent dip in Fantasy appeal, Harry Kane (£10.9m) and Son Heung-min (£9.6m) were back in the goals again as Spurs ran out 3-1 winners at Newcastle on Wednesday evening.

With a Leicester side short of Caglar Söyüncü (£4.9m) and a porous Crystal Palace outfit the final two opponents for Jose Mourinho’s men this season, there are arguably worse options to take last-ditch punts on in Gameweeks 37+ and 38+.

However, it must be said that Kane’s recent display, which took his goal-tally since the Premier League restart to four, was more workmanlike than his 12-point score would indicate.

Yes, he did well to get on the end of two chances in the second half but they happened to be his only shots of the game.

That said, most objective onlookers would agree that Kane has been unfortunate not to come away with more attacking returns in recent matches. Accordingly, there is perhaps still cause for hope against Leicester and Crystal Palace, especially as he hit an important landmark at Newcastle: his 200th career goal.

“200 goals at this age, with the remaining years that he has in front of him, it’s very normal that he speaks about going for 200 more. (Kane) is a fantastic player, a top goalscorer, an ambitious guy, young. He has a lot in front of him. So let’s go for 200 more. I believe let’s go for 200 more.” – Jose Mourinho

Son was quieter than his usual self against Newcastle, but his 11th goal of the season does mean the South Korean has outscored Kane over the last four matches. Worth knowing for anyone considering a punt on Spurs asset. In that time, he has racked up 25 points to the centre-forward’s 18.

However, anyone looking at Son does have to be conscious of his increased rotation threat compared to Kane. Not only has he already been benched once since the Premier League restart, but Mourinho also admitted on Wednesday evening that he came close to not starting the former Bayer Leverkusen man from the beginning. Could that indicate a rest for the Leicester game?

“I had the feeling of starting the game with fresh players and leave Lucas and Son on the bench. My feeling was if they go on the bench when they come in, they come in tired. They would be tired anyway. So I thought it was better to start with the same players who started against Arsenal. Let us see where they could go, like it happened with Gio [Lo Celso] and Lucas and we had, of course, a couple more who were really, really tired.” – Jose Mourinho

The issue with Spurs midfielders is, of course, the fact that Mourinho has so many of them at his disposal. In starting Son and Lucas Moura (£7.0m) at Newcastle, he was forced to leave Steven Bergwijn (£7.0m) and Erik Lamela (£5.7m) on the bench, both of whom came on to get assists for Kane’s goals. Either one of them could come in for the Leicester game, especially as Moura was taken off on Wednesday night. 

“I had the feeling that the impact could be done by really, really fresh players. So for Stevie and Lamela to come from the bench with that energy I think was very important for us, because for us it was the fourth match with two days in between.” – Jose Mourinho

It was initially assumed to be a knock for the Brazilian but the Spurs boss confirmed it was nothing more than fatigue. Still, in the current circumstances, that is more than enough reason to bench him for the next Premier League outing, scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

“I don’t think it’s an issue (Moura coming off). I think it’s just super fatigued, exhausted people.” – Jose Mourinho

For all the potential possessed by Kane and Son, it must be said that Newcastle were unfortunate to be on the end of such an unflattering scoreline at St James’ Park, as they were busy in front of goal as well. In fact, Hugo Lloris (£5.3m) ended the evening with more saves to his name than opposite number Martin Dúbravka (£5.1m).

A goal for Matt Ritchie (£5.3m) and energetic displays from Miguel Almiron (£5.8m) and Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.3m) might be enough to justify inclusion in end-of-season squads, especially with Brighton and an out-of-sorts Liverpool defence on the horizon for Newcastle between now and Gameweek 38+.

However, Fantasy managers may also want to consider attackers who face the Magpies in that time as their already painful defensive crisis worsened on Wednesday evening.

Fabian Schär (£5.0m) was taken off with a dislocated shoulder in the closing stages and, after the game, Steve Bruce revealed that Jamaal Lascelles (£4.3m) had undergone surgery for his ankle injury.

That means, ahead of Gameweek 37+, there are flags against a total of seven Newcastle defenders, Jetro Willems (£4.3m), Ciaran Clark (£4.3m), Paul Dummett (£4.3m), Danny Rose (£5.3m) and Florian Lejeune (£4.3m) the stricken players, alongside Schär and Lascelles.

“With turnaround being quick we have to look forward to next season. We are down the bare bones, we have had eight or nine people missing.” – Steve Bruce

Newcastle United XI (4-2-3-1): Dúbravka; Yedlin (Lazaro 55′), Fernández, Schär, Krafth; Shelvey, Bentaleb (M Longstaff 86′); Ritchie, Almirón, Saint-Maximin; Gayle (Joelinton 69′).

Tottenham Hotspur XI (4-2-3-1): Lloris; B Davies, Sánchez, Alderweireld, Aurier; Winks, Sissoko; Son, Lo Celso (Lamela 62′), Moura (Bergwijn 57′); Kane (Vertonghen 90+1′).

MEMBERS ANALYSIS

View full match data in the Members Area

MEMBERS AREA HOME PAGE

FPL Lessons Learned From Gameweek 36+

955 Comments Post a Comment
  1. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    One more GW to get through before I FH.....team looking depleted...

    Pope
    TAA, Aurier, Doherty
    KDB, Sterling, Bruno, Martial, Pulisic
    Greenwood#, Ings

    Button, DCL, Taylor+, Lascelles*

    # - flagged, doubt foe 37
    + out for 37
    * out for the season

    Original plan was to take a hot and do (A) Puli and DCL to Aubameyang and a 4.1 mid

    Now im thinking (B) Greenwood to Wood and hope none of defenders get benched.

    Or could bring in a (C) defender for cover?

    Thoughts?

    1. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Think Taylor will be back for 38?

      I think Greenwood maybe OK for West Ham in which case I wouldn't want to sell. Original plan could be good.

  2. Cahill
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    hey guys, any thoughts?

    McCarthy
    Digne Holgate Boly
    Dilva Bruno Martial Foden
    Rashford Jesus Vardy

    1ft, 4.5itb

    a) Vardy -> Auba
    b) Vardy & Foden -> Wood & Sterling (-4)
    c) Foden -> Mahrez

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

    Anyone getting Wood? I’ve got Wood 😉

    1. Cahill
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      family site pal

    2. Forza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Longstaff is a bigger differential.

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

        Not sure he is solid enough against a stiff Pool defence

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

          Matip could make a reappearance

    3. Dash444
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Smallbone could be your answer.

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

      Smallbone for me

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

      Maybe as part of a hit to get KDB from Foden.

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

      That’s a really hard decision. Are you sure he can stick it in when it counts? I don’t think he’ll be able to penetrate that pool defence, but then he could take advantage of Alisson who has made a a few dubious decisions after their night out on the town.

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

    Who scores more GW 37?

    A) Auba (avl) -4
    B) Vardy (tot)

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

      Wait and see how Leicester look tonight.

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

        I'm planning Vardy > Auba for free this week. But let's see.

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

          For free it looks a good move, though Villa have improved defensively, really want Auba for GW 38 if he is within two of the golden boot

  5. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I think we should be getting Kane for the last two games and captain in both.

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

      Knock yourself out. Literally and figuratively.

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

      I may do this as well

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

      It’s a no from me

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

      He's only... checks tables.... 8 behind Vardy for the golden boot.

      1. Long ago I drew a walrus
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Why would you not captain someone who's going to score 4 in both games?

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

          I don't really like points

      2. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Highly unlikely he could get the golden boot lol, but he will score some imo

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

          Kane probably thinks he still has a shot at it

          1. have you seen cyan
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Well it’s not unknown for Kane to get 4 goals in a game 😀

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

    For GW37 only, would you rather have :
    Giroud (liv) or Vardy (spurs) ?

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Party

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

      Vards

    3. Dash444
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Varys

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

      Vardyy

  7. Respect My Authoritah
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Going to have to make a call on whether to buy D.Silva for GW37 before the FA Cup teams are out.

    Would you risk getting him in? Or go for a safer option?

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

    How much do you think Kane will cost next season?

    Could be anywhere from 9.5m > 11m.

    Would you be interested in Kane at 10m?

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

      think 10.0 would be a fair and interesting price for him. Depends on what the other big boys are priced at of course. I really hope they make it difficult by pricing up the likes of Martial and Bruno

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

        Bruno should be 12 at his current rate of return. Unfortunately so will KDB

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

        I think if Spurs have good fixtures I'd consider picking up Kane for 10m. He's still scoring at a good rate and a full pre-season under Mourinho will be interesting. Although I think Son could also be incredible value if he remains at the 9.5m range.

    2. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      10 - no
      9.5 - no but would consider
      9 - dependant on fixture
      8.5 - yes

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

        theres literally 0 % chance Kane costs 8.5 next season..

        1. Long ago I drew a walrus
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          which is why 8.5 would be a yes 😛

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

          Or 9

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

        This is the same guy who scored 30 league goals two seasons ago. I think 10m is fair honestly. With a full pre-season and a nice creative midfield signing, Spurs could become good again.

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

      10 would be a good shout. 9.5 underpriced. Spurs need a bit more creativity in the midfield - they are really missing Eriksen. A player like KDB and Kane could be a brilliant asset but he just isn’t getting quality service at present

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

      10.5

      Probably an awkward price point.

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        This

  9. Werner Bremen
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Antonio or Dilva for GW 38?

    1. Thomas M.
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Dilva

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

      D.Silva

    3. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Dilva

    4. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Dilva.

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

    Gutted Charlie Taylor is out - was a shoe in for last 2 now I need an extra transfer.

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

      Bardsley?

  11. I AM THE FPL MONSTER
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    1 week punt for GW37+ :

    A) JIMINEZ ( CP home)

    B) SON ( LEI home)

    C) RASHFORD ( WH home)

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

      Jim

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

      B

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

      C.

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

      Rash

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

      Rashford by a mile. He has a lot to play for, is looking sharper and sharper and is in the best attacking team atm.

  12. Thomas M.
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Kane or Auba for the last games?

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

      Auba

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

      Auba for me

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

      Aubameyang.

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

      Auba

    5. Thomas M.
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      thanks guys

  13. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Took 3 punts in 30+ in my no Liverpool side

    Vardy - sold before Palace - 29 points missed so far
    Son - sold before Arsenal - 22 points gone
    Tammy - I kept him of course for crucial one pointers off the bench

    Miraculously only one red arrow and halved OR despite narrowly benching Egan twice.

    1. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      How do you narrowly bench someone?

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        A close call on whether to play or bench

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

      seems pretty easy to get green arrows lately. I feel like Ive had a mare since the restart and Ive still gone from 500k to 200k. Looking like another green arrow this week despite capping Sterling

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

        Still on course for around 100k then if you get it right. Any chips left?

        I’ve lucked out on captains mostly. Team selection right off - mirror image of weeks 1-29 where I had all the right people at most of the right times. Got all of these in at lowest price

        Pukki
        Ings
        KdB
        Mane
        Mo
        Grealish

        Also down about 30 points on keepers - average 3 ppm if you rule out DGW

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

          Yea top 100k is the goal. But obviousy I need to hit captains to make it. Pretty sure its going to be Martial (C) next week

    3. Siggy in the Middle
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      What was your original OR? If it's low it's probably that few players in your strata are active for Project Restart

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

        120k to 50k so active teams

  14. RamboRN
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope

    Taa Egan Sais
    Kdb sterling mahrez Bruno martial
    Vardy greenwood

    Subs martinez iheanacho kiko killman
    1ft 1.7m itb. Any changes you would do? I'm thinking vardy for someone... possibly aubam?

  15. maclrc
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Best Burnley DEF apart from Tarkowski?

    What is better:

    A) Tarkowski plus £8.4m MID in GW38 e.g. D Silva
    B) Other Burnley DEF plus £9.4m MID in GW38 e.g. Mahrez

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

      I like A.

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

      A

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

      I prefer Silva for the final game so A

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

        Ok, that's very clear.

        Follow up question: is Willian to D Silva worth a -4 hit for GW37, or just do on FT in 38?

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

          I'm not sure its worth a hit as you can't be sure what might happen in the fa cup

  16. Seekers of Glory
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    BB 37+ or 38+?

    Pope - McCarthy
    TAA - AWB - Egan - Saiss - Bardsley
    Salah - KDB - Dilva - Fernandes - Pulisic
    Kane - Rodriguez - Greenwood

    Also have FH left, and I'm quite unsure when to use each
    Any help is welcomed

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

    Field this team for a hit?

    Martinez
    Tarko VvD Saiss
    Sterling Bruno Martial Mahrez Dilva
    Rashford Ings

    Or FH to this team?

    Martinez
    Tarko TAA Jonny/PvA
    Sterling Bruno Martial Salah
    Rashford Ings Wood

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

    How is this looking for week 37? Move would be Foden to Trossard (NEW) as bit of a punt against decimated Newcastle defence to try and catch up on ML leader and have feeling Nketiah may start v Villa

    Pope
    AA Maguire Doherty
    Sterling KDB Bruno (c) Martial Trossard
    Vardy Nketiah

    Martinez Aurier Giroud Fernandez

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

    Not much love for Foden after his blanks. Surely he will be rested in FA cup and start Watford? Would you start Foden or Pulisic?

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

      Foden

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

    New Post

  21. Werner Bremen
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I need money for my BB. Is it wise to downgrade TAA?

    1. A19
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think so yes

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Did it weeks ago

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

    1 FT and 0.8 ITB,
    was thinking Aurier > Tark
    Using my FH for GW 38

    Martinez Martin
    TAA Doherty Aurier Kiko Lascelles
    Salah Martial KDB Fernandes Guendouzi
    Greenwood Jesus Jimenez