Scout Notes

Wood’s aerial threat bodes well for Brighton match as Burnley get behind Pope

Norwich 0-2 Burnley

  • Goals: Chris Wood (£6.1m)
  • Own Goals: Ben Godfrey (£4.4m)
  • Assists: Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£5.9m), Erik Pieters (£4.2m)
  • Red Cards: Emi Buendía (£6.0m), Josip Drmic (£5.3m)
  • Bonus Points: Pieters x3, Phil Bardsley x2 (£4.3m), Wood x1

Two red cards for Norwich were perhaps the key factors in Burnley’s attacking assets leaving a little to be desired by their respective Fantasy managers in Gameweek 37+.

The favourable meeting with the Canaries sparked interest players such as Chris Wood (£6.1m), Jay Rodriguez (£5.7m) and Dwight McNeil (£6.0m) in the lead-up to Saturday’s match but the New Zealand international was the only one from that trio to come away with any attacking returns.

In bizarre circumstances, Norwich found themselves reduced to nine men before half-time, thanks to recklessness shown by Emi Buendía (£6.0m) and Josip Drmic (£5.3m).

Their sendings off made this the first Premier League game to see a side suffer two red cards in the first half since 2015, highlighting how much of an enigma the opening match of Gameweek 37+ proved to be.

As a result of the man disadvantage, Daniel Farke’s men lined themselves up in exceptionally compact formation for the second half, effectively lined-up in two banks of four with no striker, in a 4-4-0 formation. That left Tim Krul (£4.6m) to do what he does best, producing seven saves across the 90 minutes.

“You know it’s going to happen. They just went to two banks of four and defended their box very well.” – Chris Wood

That obviously made it harder for Burnley to capitalise on the red cards, much to the frustration of those who had backed the Clarets hoping for more explosive hauls.

There will be some that say the freak nature of the 90 minutes makes it hard to take too many FPL lessons from, but there were a few nuggets worth analysing.

Firstly, this game highlighted once again that Wood is the clear aerial threat for Burnley and the most likely to get on the end of crosses into the box.

We chose him for the Gameweek 37+ Scout Picks on the basis that Norwich had recently been susceptible to headed attempts on goal. He may not have chosen to attack Johann Berg Gudmundsson‘s (£5.9m) first-half cross with his head, but netting it with a bicycle still demonstrates what Wood is capable of in the air.

“There was a chance he would miss all the games, so he’s done ever so well to get back out there.” – Sean Dyche

That will be encouraging for those who brought the Burnley forward in for Gameweek 37+ as he may also be useful on the final day of the season.

The Clarets face Brighton next Sunday who, between Gameweeks 30+ and 36+ conceded 23 headed attempts, third only to Norwich and Newcastle.

Those who invested in Rodriguez can certainly consider themselves unlucky not to see him come away from Carrow Road with a decent haul as his blank was not for want of trying.

In the 20th minute, the former Southampton man cut through the middle, after good hold-up play from Wood, before slicing wide.

Rodriguez then fired a powerful shot at Krul in the 38th minute, only to see the goalkeeper meet it with another good save. Had it gone in, Wood would have been credited with the assist.

Just after the hour-mark, Rodriguez nipped in at the front post to get on the end of an Ashley Westwood (£5.5m) corner, Krul on hand to make another instinctive stop.

His final opportunity came in the 83rd minute when an intricate piece of passing play set Rodriguez up on the edge of the box. He curled a high effort towards goal that looked destined for the net, but the Krul stretched sufficiently to catch it.

McNeil also had opportunities to get involved in the goals and his owners will also be cursing Krul’s heroic efforts to keep the score respectable at Carrow Road.

The young winger had Burnley’s first real chance of the game as he dropped the shoulder to lose Buendía in the middle, drove forward but fired over the bar.

He went a lot closer in the 41st minute when won a free-kick on the edge of the box. Despite his tender age, McNeil assumed responsibility for it, his direct effort deflecting off the wall and forcing a palmed save from Krul, produced as he fell to the ground from the power.

However, this match highlighted perfectly how difficult it is to pinpoint the assisters for Burnley. Wood looks central to their cross-heavy tactic, while McNeil is one of three players who provide the service. Gudmundsson’s return to the team on the right flank was the reason Wood found the net, while Westwood’s set-piece duties also make him another source of crosses.

Nick Pope (£5.1m) owners could not be displeased with what they saw on Saturday evening, as Burnley helped him achieve a 15th clean sheet of the campaign.

They might have been a little miffed that the Clarets’ shot-stopper was just one save short of an additional point, but against a Norwich side that has not troubled anyone since the restart, nobody was really expecting more than the standard total of six.

His owners would have been likely to start Pope again in Gameweek 38+ anyway but there were some interesting post-match quotes from Wood, who acknowledged that the entire Burnley squad is aware of how close he is to getting a hand on the Premier League’s Golden Glove award.

With that in mind, he made a empassioned commitment to helping Pope get another clean sheet in Gameweek 38+ when Brighton come to Turf Moor. With little left riding on that game other than Pope’s chances of winning that award, could we potentially see an even more defensive-minded performance next Sunday?

“As a team, we’ll be fighting like hell for him. He’s an outstanding goalkeeper. Hopefully, we can get him one more so he can get his hands on the Golden Glove.” – Chris Wood

If that were to be the case, Erik Pieters (£4.2m) could be a budget differential to consider on the final day of the campaign.

He came away from the Norwich game with a double-figure score having kept a clean sheet, providing an assist for Ben Godfrey‘s (£4.4m) own goal and securing all three bonus points.

Despite Gudmundsson reclaiming his station on the right of midfield, Pieters was able to keep his place in the team following Charlie Taylor‘s (£4.4m) hamstring injury and is likely to be in consideration for the left-back berth once again in Gameweek 38+.

Recent outings in midfield had clearly inspired Pieters ahead of this Norwich game, as he ventured forward to provide width, especially in the second half, going close to scoring himself just after the interval.

Norwich City XI (4-2-3-1): Krul; Lewis, Klose (Zimmermann 46′), Godfrey, Aarons; Tettey (Vrančić 90+3′), McLean; O Hernández (Idah 86′), Buendía, Cantwell (Rupp 76′); Drmic.

Burnley XI (4-4-2): Pope; Pieters, K Long, Tarkowski, Bardsley; McNeil, Westwood, Brownhill, Gudmundsson (Brady 59′); Wood (78′), Rodriguez.

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FPL Lessons Learned From Gameweek 37+

1,477 Comments Post a Comment
  1. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which is more a must for fh 38+

    United player
    Spurs player ?

    1. rdamjan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      United fighting for CL.

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      United I'd say.

      1. Fred54
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Sheffield or Newcastle?

        1. Soto Ayam
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Obviously they mean West Ham

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

          Manchester

          1. DantheManinaPan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Oops.

    3. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      The vagueness of this question is just hilarious BTW.

  2. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I bet the free hit templates change each evening as teams play and players return points.

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

      Naah, set unless there's an injury
      Though there's nothing wrong with constantly changing the FH team, coz that's the whole purpose behind the chip

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

      Thats the joy of having a FH

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

    Rate these four (highest to lowest priority for GW38):

    A) Salah
    B) Mane
    C) Kane
    D) Auba

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

      Salah
      Auba
      Mane
      Kane

  4. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Completely forgot Chelsea are still in the UCL with a 3-0 first leg loss to Bayern Munich. :^)

  5. beric
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    First complete FH draft. 0.2itb. Any changes you would make?

    Pope
    Pieters, Bardsley, Holding
    Salah, Sterling, Dilva, KDB, Martial
    Ings, Aubameyang (c)

    3.9, Connolly, 3.9, 3.9

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

      Don't like Ings vs SHU.

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

      Isn’t holding injured

      1. sandman58
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        He came on for Mustafi yesterday

    3. sandman58
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      You will need a player or 2 on the bench....as there will be big rotation throughout the league

    4. sandman58
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I prefer Bruno to DSilva too

    5. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Holding out to the end.
      Too many Burnley eggs IMO, unless chasing.
      Having no bench is scary. Everyone in your midfield and Auba could easily be rested.
      Wait for results coming in.

    6. Bring back Rafa
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Watts is a $3.9m defender that might play given the injuries the Georgie's have fwiw......they are playing Pool though so upto you

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        None

    7. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Too many Burnley players, Brighton is a different proposition and they have good in form attacking players

  6. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    You guys keeping taa on fh ? Thanks

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

      Nah

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks

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

      Not on FH but I wouldn’t

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

      I am he’s due some big points

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

    Anyone else finding the hardest part about GW38 is picking a good defence?

    Apart from Martínez and Burnley defender, not many great picks...

    1. Sotamendi84
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      taa and done

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Digne

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

      Ye this is the key - deciding what you are okay with

      Martinez - Double Burnley and then who takes the final spot? TAA/ Robbo?

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Martinez will definitely start won't he ?

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

          Who else will they play?

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            True thanks

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

            Hey Camzy. If you're on Twitter, please tweet at me

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

          He has no competition

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

      TAA Laporte Tierney

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

        Do you have a TV of 110m or you planning not to own any attackers?

      2. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Will Laporte start though ?

    5. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Go all in on 3 Burnley at the back!

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

      I'm thinking to go super cheap so i can load up salah, sterling, kdb, auba, kane.

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

      Might get Tierney
      Double Arsenal and double Burnley

    8. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Surely cheapie WHU def v Villa is worth a go.

    9. Louis Van Gaalstones
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah I'm totally lost with this too, hard to see any obvious cleansheets

    10. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Holding + Martinez, and Pieters+ Bardsely .. double arsenal and Burnley for cheap

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

    Pulisic could be a decent differential for GW38 think I may keep and sell Fernandes for D.Silva..

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Risky to go without fernandes though

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I agree, i think it could be the Manchester United game with the points, problem with City isn't even selection, it is being on the right guy to haul.

        I'd say Sterling and Mahrez most likely.

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

      Wolves is one of the best defence in the league though.

      I'll most likely be selling both Pulisic & Bruno or Martial for Salah/Mane and a punty mid.

    3. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think we cannot decide until GW37 complete.

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

    Salah and Mane both returned vs Newcastle earlier in the season. Newcastle could end up like cheese through a grater.

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

      What sort of cheese?

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

        Mozzarella

      2. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Philadelphia

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

        Manchego

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

      In going to have a headache choosing between them for this week.

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

        I am considering both 😀

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

          Both locked into my FH team.

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Just going Salah. Too many great options elsewhere imo. Gl 🙂

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

      FT

      Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool

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

        No bru lol

      2. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Let me guess, a Salah red card and Trent OG?

  10. Muller Reus Corner
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pulisic to Dilva a good move with my ft?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'd hold for gw38.

      Wolves pretty solid.

      1. Muller Reus Corner
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        So getting rid of Pulisic and bringing Silva in would be good?

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Yep, but see what happens on Tuesday at Watford.

  11. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Potentially going with Mané and Salah for gw38.

    Too much?

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

      Problem is who you'd be going without

      Manchester mids take some funds

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

      Mane, Salah
      Fernandes, Martial, Rashford
      Son, Kane
      Sterling, KDB, DSilva, Mahrez, Jesus
      Aubameyang
      Ings
      Antonio

      All of the above are great options for the front 7 so it’s really a case of picking a front 7 that you are happy with given your budget with some consideration to blocking rivals and whether you are trying to defend or attack.

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

        Don't forget the option to choose a combo solely based on what it spells out: Antonio, Son, Sterling, Jesus, Aubameyang, Mahrez, Salah: ASSJAMS

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

        spot on selection
        personally think it's best to focus on who you think will score the most and not too much on blocking a rival's points
        If you go with what you think is best and your rivals scores more then well played to them
        Too many mind games to worry about others
        I love reading everyone's FH teams
        It's going to a fab final game week

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

      Salah highest scoring player in the game. Mane 3rd highest scoring player.

      Not too much I reckon.

  12. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Attention members!

    Differentials for the final gameweek. Less than 10% ownership.

    https://members.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/public-stats-tables/view/41046/

    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Very good, thank you.

      Antonio's ownership should rocket by next weekend though.

      Jury's still out Dilva.

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

      Add Mins per xgi to that table maybe.

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

      I know it'd be a little custom to implement, but a % Owned (Top 10K) would be a useful stat column.

      Well, not really an essential stat, but useful in places.

    4. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Wow, Max Aarons.

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

    15 points behind ML leader so getting all different players to him for FH 38, how's this team please people?

    Martinez
    Robertson Digne Pieter's
    Sterling(c) Mane Son Martial Antonio
    Auba Ings

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

      Digne is a trap with Holgate injured

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

      Lovely stuff

      I’d want 1 more City though (DSilva)

      You meant be 15 behind now but what matters is how far behind you Are when GW38 starts

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        This.

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

          Digne is a trap?

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            He can be effective but he might even be playing in a back 3 with our issues with center backs. Everton are woeful and would not be getting him.

  14. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who do u think will start for manc against watford?

    Ster kdb dsilva?

  15. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    This is how crazy the FH will drive people come the end of next week...

    https://twitter.com/FootyHumour/status/1284583082994085890?s=19

  16. Kuyt Hero
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pulisic, Martial or Bruno to Dilva for 38?

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes.

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

      Puli

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

    Martinez
    Bardsley pieters lamptey
    Dilva strrling salah antonio
    Kane auba jesus

    On FH any opionions ??

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

      Lose Kane for a United asset and use money into defense

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

      Love most of it ,can u. Upgrade lamprey at all

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

    Depending of course on results this week but as it is now i have Martial and greenwood, not playing Greenwood, but he is a decent sub if someone pulls up a hammy after deadline and here goes my not very founded in anything reason for not going Bruno on FH

    First of all i would say, that Leicester-United game is difficult to predict and i think it might be goals in there and then you´d probably think why not go Bruno then?

    The answer is the goalkeeper who´s playing for Leicester, that´s the simple reason why i chose not to go for him. Schmeichel loves those big game matches and he is extremely good in saving penalties, if United gets a pen (which they often does) he is going to save it.

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

      So you aren’t getting united players because you think they will have lots of shots on target and get at least 1 penalty....

      .... that’s not how logic works is it?

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

        i know it is not logical founded, and i do like pen takers in my team but i have a tendency to not like them if they play against goalies that are exceptional in saving them. The other thing not mentioned is Bruno have looked jaded and his numbers are not as good a s they were. Still picking Martial, he is still in United is he not?

        So, my reason is that i think Martial is a better option and that other games have a bigger upside (in other words i think one United attacker is enough).

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

      Not sure the right way to look at a player potentially getting a penalty (which has an average 75% chance of being scored) is by the downside of the 25% chance that its saved?

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

    This considering going without united for GW38

    Just remember Leicester have Wes Morgan at centre back....

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

      Cue: Wes Morgan towering past Slabhead to slame one home. 1-0 FT.

      1. Young Lingard
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        As a united fan that’s watched maguire miss every damn near free headed attacking opportunity this month
        I also see this

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

      ... and two teenagers as wing-backs.
      ... and a slow Bennett at CB.

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

        (sorry, one teenager. JJ is 22.)

    3. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Even grand dad Kane might bag a brace today.

      Don't be so silly.

    4. LegendMoon
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Equally united have lindelof and slap head at the back and Vardy eager for the golden boot

    5. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Wes Morgan is on the bench

    6. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Oh my bad he did play, happy days. Got Kane so hope he gets a hatty in midweek

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

      hence why i have Martial. Lei will concede one or two big chances from left or right hand side or get outplayed by a link up play where Martial is very likely to be either on the end of it or the assister. Martial is much quicker and mobile than Evand and Morgan, so he will get space inside the box.

  20. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Best FH trio ?

    A. Son, Salah and Jesus
    B. Sterling, Fernandes and Aubameyang

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

      A

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

    My views on triple City for GW38. Will obviously update this after the GW37 match.

    TLDR - City's home matches since restart have ended 3-0, 5-0, 4-0, 5-0, 2-1. There's a massive upside to chase so focus on the attack. The bulk of the points will be in the front 3 + supporting 2, with Dilva > KDB out of those 2.

    We'll start from the back

    Ederson - the most nailed on 6 points you'll ever find, floor and ceiling. I sold him for a hit this week because I fancied Pope to repay the -4 through save points and bonus, but Norwich screwed that up by getting 2 sent off. In the final GW of the season, why waste a City slot on 6 points when any of the attackers could double that score?

    Back 4 - the entire back 4 seems to be rotating so good luck figuring out who starts. It might not be that difficult tbh but I've not even tried to establish a pattern in defensive personnel. Same limited upside as Ederson without security of starts. Just don't go there. Although, an argument could be made for Mendy I suppose.

    Mid 3 - Pep plays 1 holding mid and 2 attacking mids vs weaker opposition. The holding mid will be Rodri or Gundogan and neither is a good FPL choice. The 2 attacking mids will be David Silva and KDB in all likelihood. City have 5 days between GW37 and GW38 so rest is not an issue and the CL is ages away after GW38 so it is more important for Pep to focus on rediscovering their lost rhythm. That means that KDB will start and we know Silva will start as it's his last PL game. My view is that on any given day, their goal and assist threat is basically the same and it depends a lot on forwards' finishing, for example in the Newcastle game KDB's assists were being wasted left, right and centre whilst Dilva brought in the points. This is the real lottery in the City team and there's no point trying to establish any logic behind it. It's in edge cases where a comparison can be made:

    -- if circumstances dictate that only one can push forward
    -- if there's a direct FK in a good spot

    Everyone knows that Dilva's last PL home game is going to mean that he pulls rank in these scenarios so I won't preach to the choir here but he's not going to get these extra chances out of thin air, the rest of the team are going to need to support him and the player whose opportunities will be cannibalised the most should in theory be KDB, who will need to give up set piece opportunities and/or cover for Silva's runs. I think penalties is a stretch but let's not forget that KDB isn't a natural pen taker either and it took some colossal screwing up by other players (Aguero, Sterling, Jesus, Mahrez) before the duties reached KDB, so it's feasible to suggest that he could give one up to Silva is they get one.

    Front 3 - If you've watched any City game you'll know that so much play happens in or around the opposition penalty area, and more often that not the players that get into good positions here will be in the points. Sterling clearly has the highest ceiling of all and I think Jesus brings him into play a lot more than Aguero does, often at the expense of Jesus' own positioning. If Jesus gets taken off at 60 mins as he often is, Sterling then moves into the no.9 role. He's been the form player since restart with 4 double digit hauls and I wouldn't bet on that coming to a halt against Norwich at home. Jesus on the other hand gets 1 less point for a goal and no CS point but in recent matches I think he's just as likely to assist as he is to score as him and Sterling are very fluid. City attacks often end in a bunch of passing through the opposition area before someone tucks it in and as I said before it's a lottery who the last 2 touches are from, but with Jesus being the nominal striker of the team he is most often in those positions to get those points, be it 4 (goal) or 3 (assist). I'm less sure with Mahrez because I'm not 100% sure he'll start - Foden can play in that position and a home game against Norwich could be a good opportunity to build up some confidence for the young lad after a couple of demoralising performances. Mahrez has a high ceiling but he hasn't actually been doing so well after restart with no double-digit hauls since GW30+ and only 1 goal and 1 assist in the consecutive 5-0 wins earlier in the month. That suggests to me that Mahrez is less likely to grab a 10+ point haul than his fellow attackers and he also has a tendency to get hauled off early regardless of what the scoreline is, and you can imagine Pep wanting to give Foden some game time if he doesn't start. Would not surprise me to see a Mahrez to Foden switch at 58 mins or even the other way round.

    In conclusion - Sterling, David Silva and Jesus are my best picks. An argument could be made for KDB over Jesus simply because he's a far superior player. I'm not considering ownership in any of this as I want to solely focus on upside for each player. Hope this is helpful and at the end of the day this is just my opinion so feel free to disagree.

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

      Superb stuff - thank you

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

      This is making me want to do the below move to fill up on City.
      Sterling my only City player at this moment.

    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Well put. Thanks!

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

      Great read mate!

      Sterling & Jesus are locked in for me.

      Have Mahrez too but a little unsure about his mins like you mentioned. Although he's a big differential and has pretty decent stats too. Offers both creativity and goal threat.

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

      Welcome to Pep Roulette.

      Jesus starts GW37 benched 38. Sterling benched 37 and starts 38.

      Or vice versa.

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

      Currently have Sterling Dilva Foden but ML may dictate getting in KDB cover for latter via Vardy.

    7. Bring back Rafa
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Agree with everything here, I'm on the same 3 & Raheem will be captain

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

      Good stuff.
      I have kdb dilva and jesus
      Looking at ways to bring in Antonio, so it’s either losing one of the city or united mids (the later making more sense)

    9. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Great, thoughtful post. Thank you. Definitely going with these three for GW38. You helped confirm it for me.

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

    Fernandes,Rashford + 4 points

    Or

    Dilva,Jesus

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

      Risky selling both Bruno & Rash for a hit imo.

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

        Yep

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

      Fernandes & Rashford

  23. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Seems like world 2nd overall doesn't know what FH is

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

      Just 4 changes on FH

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

      Sometimes too much tinkering isn't a good thing.

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

    FH opinions

    Martinez
    Bardsley pieters stevens
    Salah antonio bruno dilva strerling
    Auba jesus

    ??

  25. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    It amuses me when people ask what are the best differentials.
    Whatever differential someone takes on has to score in excess of the player departing. Not only is one taking a risk on a low owned player but the greatest risk is a high owned player going out.
    I understand we want to make up ground on ML's but more often than not it fails leaving one in danger of people behind catching up.
    I am doing Martial to Son which must sound crazy; but Martial nowhere near as potent away, ManU tiring and Son moved up front. That is still a big risk though.

  26. George Agdgdgwngo
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Sterling or Kane for gw38?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Kano

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

    Thoughts on this FH team?

    Martinez
    Laporte - Pieters - Bardsley
    Salah - Martial - Fernandes - Dilva - Antonio
    Kane - Auba

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

      Sterling* instead of Martial

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Nice team. It is now my team.

    3. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Jesus > Kane

      1. 7shadesofsmoke
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        ah, see you have sterling to add.

        In that case, would lose Laporte and do Kane -> Jesus.

        Maybe Laporte to Trent and Fernandes to Martial

  28. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    How does this team look for final set of games. Benching boosting

    Henderson
    Doherty AWB Tarkowski
    Dilva (C) KDB Salah Bruno Foden
    Ings Jimenez
    Martinez Taylor Greenwood Egan

    1. Siggy Azalea
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Nice team - would captain KDB

      1. AC Yew
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thank you! Still need to overthink the Captain choice : D

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

      Cant see Taylor being fit

      1. AC Yew
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        If not will have to take a hit to replace

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

    I've made a massive balls up captaining Sterling this week havnt I?
    Got desperate after a poor restart.

    1. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ask pep, could be golden

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Did the same, feel the same.

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

      I thought he was awful against Arsenal last night

  30. Louis Van Gaalstones
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    No players played yet and I'm already losing my mind over FH38+ - how's it look? Unsure on the defence but aiming for the Golden Boot chasers.

    Pope
    Mendy, Tarkowski, Gomez
    Fernandes, KDB, Dilva(vc), Salah(c)
    Vardy, Ings, Auba

    Martin, D.Luiz, Rico, Justin