Scout Notes

Vardy’s super stats, a new £4.0m defender and injuries: FPL notes on Leicester’s win

Leicester City 2-0 Sheffield United

  • Goals: Ayoze Perez (£6.0m), Demarai Gray (£5.0m)
  • Assists: Luke Thomas (£4.0m), Jamie Vardy (£9.8m)
  • Bonus: Thomas x3, Wes Morgan (£4.1m) x2, Ryan Bennett (£4.8m) x1

Leicester City saw off a strangely limp Sheffield United to set up a final-day showdown that even Sky Sports will struggle to over-hype.

What turned out to be a regulation 2-0 win came with goals from Ayoze Perez (£6.0m) and Demarai Gray (£5.0m) as the Blades’ recent recovery came to an abrupt end.

And it means that the Foxes will now entertain Manchester United in Gameweek 38+ with a Champions League spot going to the winner, unless Chelsea – just a point above both sides in the table, but with an inferior goal difference – slip up.

From a Fantasy perspective, that means three teams’ worth of exceptionally-motivated talent to tap into, and some of that was on display at the King Power Stadium yesterday evening.

The star of the show, however, didn’t even have a value in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) until hours after the match was over.

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers handed a debut to 19-year-old Luke Thomas (£4.0m) at left-back, citing injuries to both Ben Chilwell (£5.5m) and Christian Fuchs (£4.2m).

The youngster promptly played a blinder, setting up Perez’s opener, keeping a clean sheet and earning himself the maximum bonus award as he brought in 12 points for his zero owners.

That figure has now risen to well over 5,000 as FPL managers move for a cheap defender with proven ability to deliver returns at both ends of the pitch. Okay, so the sample size doesn’t get much smaller than one match, but it was a dream debut for Thomas which earned him plenty of praise from Rodgers:

It was probably the hardest game he could have for his debut. I could see he could play for me quickly. He’s got a great temperament. He isn’t fazed. He understands football and you saw his pass for the goal. I thought he was outstanding in his play.

Outstanding he was, although going for Foxes defenders when their final two games involve a trip to Spurs and then that United mega-clash looks risky at best.

Perez had already been handed one chance by Thomas when the midfielder headed over the teenager’s excellent cross. He made no mistake with the second opportunity, collecting Thomas’s low ball and scoring emphatically from just inside the area.

United keeper Dean Henderson (£5.2m) could do nothing about the goal, but he more than earned his keep over the course of the match, denying a number of City players in one-on-ones.

Such was the home side’s early dominance that they’d already had nine attempts before 22 minutes had been played, with Henderson using his legs to keep out a Jamie Vardy (£9.8m) effort and repeating the trick twice more when the veteran striker released Harvey Barnes (£5.9m).

Another excellent chance fell to the influential Youri Tielemans (£6.1m), whose close-range shot was blocked after he was set up by Vardy again, before the forward burst through but watched his left-foot shot graze the outside of the post.

The only worry for Leicester fans still getting over Sunday’s capitulation against Bournemouth was that missing so many decent chances might come back to haunt them.

That scenario certainly came close to playing out when a John Egan (£4.7m) header from a corner deflected off Wes Morgan (£4.1m), forcing Kasper Schmeichel (£5.5m) into a smart save.

United boss Chris Wilder threw the kitchen sink at the game as it drifted away from his side.

He made three changes at half-time, including the bittersweet Fantasy move of replacing Sander Berge (£4.7m) with the fit-again John Lundstram (£4.6m), and even switched to a back four later on.

But his players never really got going and the Foxes were not in the mood to repeat their south coast meltdown.

They finally secured the win when Vardy broke free yet again and, just for a change, someone decided to grace the striker’s persistent creativity with a goal.

That someone was substitute Demarai Gray (£5.0m), who finished from the angle with a sweet shot back across Henderson.

It was absolutely what the Foxes deserved from a dominant display in which they had seven shots on target to Unted’s one, prompting a pleased post mortem from Rodgers:

It was our first 90-minute performance since we came back. We’ve played well in other spells in games, but we had to play well over the course of 90 minutes.

The match was also the first in which Barnes started since Gameweek 30+. Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.7m) has performed well in his stead, but Leicester look a quicker and more threatening attacking unit when Barnes is providing support for Vardy.

Not that too many managers will be tempted by Foxes assets with the schedule that they have, while Rodgers provided a post-match update on others who will definitely need selling right now:

As mentioned, that elevates the appeal of Thomas, and even the evergreen Morgan, as cut-price defensive options. But the chances of keeping clean sheets against either Spurs or Man United look slim.

As for the Blades, will the real Sheffield United please stand up?

After some impressive recent performances, they were decidedly average against Leicester and Wilder wasn’t about to spare his players’ blushes with his assessment:

We were way off of it. We have taken some enormous steps forward this season, but the goalkeeper kept us in the game, we never deserved anything form the game – off it from the first minute to the 90th, no excuse from us. Technically very poor, physically out-fought.

Matches against Everton and Southampton will round out a phenomenal first season back in the top-flight for Wilder and his men; fixtures that should be productive for those Fantasy managers invested in a backline with 13 clean sheets to their name – only three teams have managed more.

Inconsistency is the worry, though. This is a side that can beat Spurs, Wolves and Chelsea at home, while struggling on the road against the likes of Man United, Newcastle and even Aston Villa.

Based on that recent evidence, Monday’s visit from Everton looks promising, next Sunday’s trip to Southampton troubling.


Leicester City (3-4-2-1): Schmeichel; Bennett, Morgan, Evans; Justin, Ndidi, Tielemans, Thomas; Pérez (Choudhury 71), Barnes (Gray 76); Vardy.

Sheffield United XI (3-5-2): Henderson; O’Connell, Egan, Basham (Sharp 59); Stevens, Osborn (Fleck 45), Norwood, Berge (Lundstram 45), Baldock; McBurnie, McGoldrick (Mousset 45).

MEMBERS ANALYSIS

Access all match data here

Above: Players involved in Leicester City v Sheffield United sorted by chances created

The bonus point allocation from last night’s match produced an interesting sub-plot.

The (small) contingent of managers with Leicester defender James Justin (£4.7m) in their teams looked like they were sitting on two, and maybe even three, extra points as the match wound down.

By the time the bonus awards were added, their man had none.

The reason for that was star debutant Thomas wasn’t even in the FPL system until well after his 12-point match had finished.

Only Vardy created more chances than the youngster, and his assist and clean sheet certainly merited the maximum bonus award.

But it was still hard on Justin’s owners.

Above: Players involved in Leicester City v Sheffield United sorted by big chances

Then again, Vardy’s 29.4% fan club arguably had even more reason to feel aggrieved at the designation of the extra points.

As well as leading the way with five chances created, he was also involved in all six big chances the Foxes had against Sheffield United.

One of them led to Gray’s goal, three others were fluffed by his teammates and Vardy himself had the other two.

It was that profligacy which ruined Vardy’s bonus point chances – scant reward for a truly influential performance that, on another day, could have resulted in a huge haul.

Above: Leicester City’s chances created map in Gameweek 36+ (assists in green)

While nominally playing as the central striker, Vardy did most of his best work on the left flank – as did the team as a whole.

A look at the areas in which they created their chances shows just how threatening they were down United’s right side, with seven of the side’s 12 chances coming from that area – including both of the assists.

Creativity was clearly not an issue on the day – just a lack of a clinical edge in front of goal.

The six big chances the Foxes forged was way above their season average of 2.4 per game, although the total of 88 they’ve managed this campaign is bettered by just three teams, who all happen to be above them in the league table.

[/private]

FPL Lessons Learned From Gameweek 36+

804 Comments Post a Comment
  1. aapoman
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    for last gameweeks. Auba or Kane?

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

      I'm going both

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

      use this GW and FA cup to make a call. Newcastle are very bad so not reading too much into the kane haul. I'm eyeing up vardy to auba(c) for the final gw

  2. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who would you captain here

    Patricio
    Taa, doherty, pieters
    Salah, trossard, kdb, fernandes, grealish
    Kane, jota,

    Bench, button, greenwood, baldock lascelles

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Fernandes if leading
      Kane / Salah if chasing

  3. Make Arrows Green Again
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    How many 4.0 defenders have had an assist on debut and maximum BAPS? Probably none!

  4. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    For next GW only, who would you rather have?

    A) Stevens (EVE)
    B) Tarkowski (nor)

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

      Tarkowski eeeasy

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

    Which one sounds best from these?
    FH in GW38

    1) TAA Greenwood to Egan Ings
    2) KDB Greenwood to Ings BSilva/DSilva
    3) Ederson Puli to Ryan Mahrez
    4) Greenwood KDB to Wood Martial
    5) Greenwood TAA to Wood Tarkowski/AWB/Jonny

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

    Pope (Button)
    TAA - Doherty - Kiko (Lascelles* - Holgate*)
    Salah - KDB - Martial - Bruno (Foden)
    Greenwood - Jesus - Giroud

    a) Giroud > Ings
    b) Kiko > 6.6 def
    c) other idea

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

      greenwood looked crap last two games, perhaps him to ings or wood isnt too bad if you have the cash?

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

        Wood yes, Ings no

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

    These member stats back up my decision to want to keep Vardy.

    Will almost certainly keep for the next game.

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

      Yeah, and get maybe 5 points.

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

    Puli to Mahrez if you can. If not then I don't like any of those.

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

      reply fail

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

    Pope fourth in the captaincy poll, what a time to be alive

  10. balint84
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Is there a non-United player that worth -4 in gw37?

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

      Honestly probably not maybe a city mid depending on who you get out

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

    I'm 10 points down on my leader (having clawed him back from 120 points back)

    Martinez (Button)
    TAA/Doherty/Pieters (Holgate, Aurier)
    Salah/Martial/Foden/KDB/Saka
    Rashford/Greenwood/Jesus

    1FT 1.1m ITB

    My plan, is to leave this team as is, to give me 2 FTs for the final week when I know my rival will play his TC

    Am I out of my mind or is this a valid strategy?

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

      Not at all. Team looks fine.

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

      who are you benching out of Saka and Foden?

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

        I'm not sure. Was probably going to play Foden, but Saka always returns when I want to bench him.

  12. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Worth switching Mahrez > Dilva or wait until GW38?

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

      Not worth

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

      not worth at all

  13. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Martinez
    TAA Doherty Saiss
    Salah KDB Mahrez Bruno
    Greenwood Rashford Jimenez
    (Foden Lamptey Holgate)

    1FT & 0.5ITB

    G2G? Or use transfer on switching a City asset?

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

      looks good to save imo

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

    Is this my best 11 here and bench order?

    Is Vardy to Ings or Auba worth a hit?

    Ederson
    TAA Egan Doherty Maguire
    Sterling Martial Bruno Antonio
    Wood Vardy

    McCarthy Foden Alonso Connolly

    I weirdly like Connolly vs Newcaste but surely cant play him

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

      Foden for Egan

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

        i'm still mad at him for this GW captain blank.

  15. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Any changes needed for this GW38 FH?

    Martinez
    Alderweireld, Pieters, Cresswell
    Salah, Sterling (c), Dilva, Son, Bruno
    Auba, Kane

    Subs all fodder

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

      Would you not wait till GW37 is done? Lots will change

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

    Is Pulisic to Mahrez worth a -4?

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

      Nope

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

      nope, can see chelsea scoring and if so, puli likely to be involved

  17. Amey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I hate to see stats from Vardy ...
    Should have hauled !!
    2 goals & 2 assists easy yesterday 🙁

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

      is he now a hold for the season or are those fixtures putting you off?

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

        I'm keeping vs Spurs.
        They shipped 21 shots vs Newcastle i guess

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

          likewise, keeping then may move to Auba for the final gw

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

    Chasing. 0ft and 2.3itb. good to go?

    Pope
    TAA AWB Boly
    Salah KDB Mahrez Foden Fernandes
    Greenwood Kane (c)

    3.9; Nketiah, Egan, Lamptey

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

      May your Kane score 5 goals !

  19. MattysFantasyFooty
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Willian to David Silva?

    Or keep currently have a mid of Pulisic, KDB, Fernández, Martial

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

      If he doesn’t play in the cup yes

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

        Deadline is before the cup games..

        1. The 12th Man
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          This why I’m holding off Pulisic > Dilva until 38.

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

            Have a free hit so I don’t know what to do stupidly went Willian over Silva this gameweek at the last minute when I saw he was starting

            1. The 12th Man
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Take wild Low owned punt then if it’s just for this week.

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

      Chasing points. David Silva hasnt been a pick all season for a reason

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

        Because he’s barely played.. I wouldn’t say that it’s chasing pointS far from it with those fixtures next two if he starts he is going to get returns

    3. Saïss Doesn't Mat…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      gw38

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

        Have a FH so I’ll be getting anyway would u still hold off?

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

    Martinez
    Doherty • Digne • Lamptey
    Mo • Sterling • KDB • Bruno • Foden
    Rashford • Jimmy
    (3.9 / Greenwood / Lascelles / 3.9)

    Save FT? 18 pts off top 1k. Is it doable? Have TC left

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

      Only way you get there is by getting your captains right and praying the likes of Foden etc. Score points

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

      who are you looking at for TC?

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

        City v Norwich in 38. I’ll pick whoever is rested the previous game. If it isn’t KDB/Sterling I’ll bring in Mahrez/Dilva. Just want a nailed on city attacker that game

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

          not Mo vs Newcastle? Can see that being a high scoring game

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

            No way. He’ll score more against Chelsea imo. Doesn’t do well away, Liverpool couldn’t be bothered atm and Newcastle are a solid team unlike Norwich

        2. Make Arrows Green Again
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Great approach, which is why I am rolling a transfer this week. Want to be able to move to anyone I want with 2FTs with this fixture in mind.

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

            Yeah. Having 3 starting city attackers that game + TC is my hope for top1k. Can’t see Norwich stopping city

  21. Blue&White85
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Looking for thoughts on this?

    1. Play Pope (nor) or Ederson (wat)

    2. DCL to Wood a good move?

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

      Pope and Yes

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

        this

        1. Blue&White85
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks. Agree with both.

  22. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Really tempted to play Saka ahead of Pulisic or Greenwood this week.

    Yes or no?

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I had a dream he scored and put me out of my minileague cup in the semi finals, so on that evidence alone I would.

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

      leaning on no, but could argue greenwood hasnt looked good last two so that is tempting. Just saka upside doesnt match greenwoods imo

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

      no, very good player, but his stats relevant for fpl are pretty bad

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

      I really like Pulisic this week. Don't know why everyone is so afraid of scary Liverpool who have conceded 8 goals since winning the league.

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks all.
        Yeh your probably right. Just a good backup.

  23. Fantasy Premington
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    The boys have been hit by injuries here so could do with some advice lads:

    A) replace Pulisic with McNeil/Bilva/Dilva, play Justin (at Spurs), have only Connolly on bench
    B) play Puli, Justin 1st sub, bring in Tarkowski

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

    Who would you rather get in for vardy this week?

    A: Ings

    B: Jesus

    Can get either for free in one move

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

      If Jesus plays in the cup I’d go ings. If he doesn’t get him

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

        The deadline is before the cup games though! XD

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

          Jesus then

  25. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Even before yesterday’s game the armband was placed on Rashford for 37+.

    Sterling or Rashford for captaincy?

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

      Leaning Rash. No idea about Sterling. He might play, he might not. Game is only 2 days after the FA cup. Too much risk and they're away against a team fighting to stay alive.

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

      Martial for me guy looks different gravy since the restart

  26. Philip Jones's Diary
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I have about 45 points to make up in my mini-league with a bit of money on the line for monthly and overall winners. I still have my TC and FH. Any suggestions on which GW to use them and who I should be selecting on the FH to make up some ground?

  27. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    TAA - Doherty - Kiko - Holgate - XXXX

    5.0m to fill in a defender slot before FH38. Who to get?

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

      Pieters

    2. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Tough price point. Has to be Boly for me.

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

      Boly. Double up on Wolves seems good
      or
      Bardsley

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

      Wolves or Burnley, just pick one

    5. Mclean as a Whistle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Was thinking Saiss for the extra goal threat.
      Palace 4th worth worst for Headed chances conceded...

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

    Hey
    Want to block my ML with
    Jimenez, but would you get him in now consider his pregnant gf or keep Vardy/get Ings instead?

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

      Definitely keep Vardy over getting Jiminez this GW I think unless you want Ings badly but Bournemouth look like they’re improving and are fighting for their lives.

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

        Thanks

  29. Mclean as a Whistle
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Best sub 5 million defender for this week only?
    Currently looking at Saiss, Bardsley & Pieters...

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

      All good, hard to pick the ’best’

    2. AF90
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Any Sheff Utd defender

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

    Taylor is a low grade hamstring injury so may be back for Brighton. Not ruled out of season yet.

    Twitter - adjones_journo