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. TMF86
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    Stevens/TAA/Doherty (Lascelles/Lundstram)
    KDB/Pulisic/Bruno/Martial (Foden)
    Ings/Vardy/Greenwood

    1FT
    3.2 ITB
    100 points clear in my mini league. Two of the chasing pack have Jesus. One has Ings and one has Vardy.
    Do I change Ings to Jesus?
    Do I change Foden to D Silva and bench Greenwood?

    Both chasing have Greenwood and neither has Foden.....

    Or do I make a different change all together?

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

      100 points. Lol it's over

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

      Play your own game, they can't catch up 100 points unless you have an absolute disaster which is highly unlikely with your team

      1. TMF86
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        This is the positivity I need!
        Thanks

    3. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Case closed.

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

      Those are good moves anyway. I would do them.

      1. TMF86
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Which one would be preferable?
        I'm thinking Jesus

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

    Is Greenwood > Wood -4 as 1 GW punt worth it?

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

      No

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

      no

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

      Probably not. Annoyed I didn’t FH mate 🙁

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

        Im down too but not a lot. Hope FH in 38 will make it up for me

  3. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Sorry...bottomed . What would you do here with 1ft and zero cash?

    Rank is 90k so willing to take a hit if anything worthy - but not sure it is.

    Thinking of vardy to wood. And benching pulisic at lpool

    Hendo mccarthy
    Taa maguire boly Stephens soy
    Kdb foden bruno martial pulisic
    Jesus Vardy jiminez

    Thanks

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

      Don't like losing vardy, and I think pulisic might do OK. More unsure on foden

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

        Prefer woods games to vardys.

        Foden I expect to start v Watford.

        Hard to know what to do....

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

    How were the Man U assets last night guys? Missed the game! Bruno look any better than he did Monday night? Martial great again? Greenwood non existent?

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

      Looking for my Captain choice

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

      Rashford > Martial > Bruno > Greenwood

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

    Hello everyone.

    Should I go Salah & Greenwood to Martial & Ings for a -4?

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

      Salah looks a great pick this week surely?

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

        been so disappointing recently, hard to give him the armband

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

        I worry he’ll blank again. Martial just seems to be getting points every GW. I have Mahrez or KDB I could do instead of Salah. I could also Just go Vardy to Ings fo For no hit.

        1. bench boost for every gamew…
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Going Salah vs Chelsea in the last home game of the season, where they get the throphy seems to be as good idea as anyone else. Chelsea going crazy in market for attackers when defenders are so freakin bad is a mysteria. Liverpool will go for a big win here and 2-3 goals at least. Not so sure they would keep a cs though. 3-1?

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

      Thank you for the input. I really do need to change my username to knee jerk. Salah got me a big haul vs Brighton, and now I’m nearly neck and neck for 1st in ML if Antonio does somewhat decent tonight. I’ll stick with Salah.

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

    When to use my Triple Caption chip:

    A) GW37 - Bruno against West Ham
    B) GW38 - KdB or D Silva against Norwich

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

      B.

      Can I have your help....
      I have BB to play this GW...........is it worth taking a -4 hit to remove Lascelles to.

      A, Burnley defender Beardsley/Pieters.
      B, Brighton defender. Lampty
      C. Any other 4.5 def.
      D. Not worth the hit ( real terms a 2pt hit )

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

        A or D

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

      Silva

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

        Interesting.....do you think Silva will play......just done 90 and reckon he plays in the cup.

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

        B , decide closer to it but probably Dilva

    3. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      definite the last one, West ham are no push overs. If i knew Mahrez would start he is the one i would tc in that game. KDB and Silva are good options, Raz too.

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

    Bottomed.

    Used my last chip, FH, for GW36. Currently 3rd in my ML, 11pts behind 2nd with Antonio still to play. 1st place is >150 pts ahead.

    1 FT, 1.7 ITB, any advice would be more than welcome.

    Ederson Nyland
    AWB TAA VVD Doherty Lascelles
    KDB Bruno Willian Foden ASM
    Vardy Jimenez Greenwood

    Thinking of doing AWB & Willian > Martial & Tarkowski for -4 this week, not sure about GW38. If I did that id probably have a bench of Nyland Foden Doherty Lascelles.

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

    Anyone tempted with a Salah captain pick?

    Would be a major differential but are Liverpool motivated?

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

      Id be very tempted if I owned him

    2. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I have Mané And I’m tempted but currently have Martial captain with Mané vice

    3. Feanor
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I just stuck it on him. He'll be rested, and Liverpool should be motivated after getting shown up by Arsenal. Chelsea's defense is suspect.

      It couldn't go much worse than captaining Willian this week.

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

      I will c him. Chasing 40pts in myb main ML and Mane & Salah are my main differentials so kind of nees to c Salah (or Mane)

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

    Would you keep Vardy if you owned?

    2 ft's and 2.2m ITB. Could go to Kane/Auba/Wood/Ings..

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

      Depends on your league situation . I’m getting rid to Auba or Kane as I need a differential captain..

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

        Not worried by FA cup fixture(Auba)?

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

          Good point.. almost forgot. I need a differential captain not in The cup so Kane it probably is then I guess? Thanks for that

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

    KDB captain anyone? Full 90 minute rest this gw so surely gets a start vs Watford?

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

      debating between him and Martial

      will try to break Henry's assists record

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

      Im going KDB, despite the fact I have Man u front 3 and Sterling

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

      he should be playing in the cup

    4. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      City have potentially 2 FA matches and Champions league games to go. Don't see him getting 90 mins on 2 matches that will not change their 2nd place PL ranking. May just come on for 45 in both just for fitness.

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

      There is nothing "surely" with Mancity and Pep.

  11. sneif4
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Foden to Pulisic this week? I have KDB and Mahrez too.

    Rival has Pulisic and is only 20 points behind

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

      20 points is a lot imo for Pulisic. Punt on Trossard?

      1. sneif4
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks. Not sure if I fancy a punt since I'm in the lead though!

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

      Just get Dilva.

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

      no, Foden is a better pick this week

  12. Stoic
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Patricio(CRY)or Pope (nor)
    FH 38

    1. sneif4
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Tough call. I'd go Pope

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pope

  13. MESSINHO
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Only for GW37:

    A) Vardy (tot)
    B) Wood (nor)

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

      B

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

      B

    3. yosim
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      i'm gonna say Vardy, think he has more points potential

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

    A Kane or
    B Auba
    It’s differential Captain time

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

      Kane

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

        Cheers

  15. yer old da
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    O’Connell (EVE) or Pieters (Nor)? Already have Pope in goal.

  16. Kurt Cobain
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pick two: Egan (EVE), Boly (CRY) and Maguire (WHU)?

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      The first two

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

      Boly and Maguire

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

    Me, 1st
    TAA, Salah, Mahrez, Vardy, Rashford +50 points

    2nd
    Doherty, Dilva, Sarr, Jimenez, Jesus

    Should I block with someone?

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      TAA -> Doherty and Mahrez -> Dilva seem like good blocking moves.

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

      50 points? You're fine

  18. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Lascelles to Dunk -4?

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

      Yes

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

      Cant start anyone else?

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

      depends on who would play otherwise

  19. Macam Dave
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bench which one few votes please

    A) William V Pool
    B) taa vs Chelsea
    C) Foden vs Watford
    D) Egan vs Everton
    E) Doherty vs Palace

    Thanks

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      That William lad whoever he is

      1. Macam Dave
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        haha oops thx

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

      A or b

      1. Macam Dave
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        bench taa just feels wring tho right

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

      D

    4. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pep might help you

  20. JustPark
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    "While struggling on the road against the likes of Man United"
    Hmm

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

    For the next GW only, who would you rather have?

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

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

        Easy

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

      B

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

    Thoughts on greenwood to wood to target Norwich?

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I got Wood

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

      Plain wood or green wood? My dilemma too. I may stick, the green variety could easily haul next week. I'm finding this week's transfer decision the hardest so far this season for some reason.

  23. ZakyJ
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who do I bench this week?

    Pope Button*
    TAA Lampty Boly Digne Pieters
    Salah Martial Bruno KDB Mahrez
    Jimi Ings Greenwood

    Or do I bench boost this week? (replace Button with Martinez next week)

  24. SantaCruz87
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    TAA Egan Saiss Doherty
    Fernandes Martial KDB Sterling(C) Antonio
    Greenwood Jimenez Ings

    Any advice to tweak this team?

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

    Gtg? 0ft 2.8itb

    Martinez
    Taa Doherty long
    Salah kdb Fernandes pulisic
    Vardy rashford(c) greenwood

    Button c.taylor* guendouzi simpson

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

    Double up on Burnley or Wolves?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Defence?

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Burnley

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

        Yeah sry

  27. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone know why Stephens was benched yesterday? Just rested?

    BBing this GW...

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

    GW 37 - Lascelles ➡️ Tark
    GW 38 - Willian and Vardy ➡️ DSilva and Auba -4?

    Or what would you do? 3.6 ITB.
    Allison McCarthy
    Tark Trent Doherty Lascelles Taylor
    KDB (M)artial Bruno Sterling Willian
    Ings Vardy Greenwood

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Great

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

        Cheers mate

  29. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Weighing up whether to bench Greenwood or D.Silva. Given D.Silva just played 90 mins, will likely start the FA cup Semi final and Norwich in 38+, would the logical choice be to bench him this week?

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

      i think he'll be benched in FA Cup and might play both league games
      KDB - Rodri - Gundogan in FA Cup
      all of them played fewer minutes vs BOU

  30. golden skulltula 69
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hi everyone, I'm chasing 25pts..

    Pope Henderson
    TAA Aurier Saiss Egan Lascelles
    KDB Sterling Fernandes Pulisic Luiz
    Vardy Rashford Greenwood
    1FT, FH in GW38+

    Best option?
    A. Vardy to Kane
    B. Vardy to Ings
    C. Greenwood to Wood
    D. Vardy to Jesus
    E. Another option?

    Cheers!