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. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Do we think Sterling starts the last 2? I.e Jesus turn to be rested in one of them?

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

      I think so. Jesus has started many games recently

    2. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'm hoping so, he's had a fair amount of rest recently.

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

        When does the CL start?

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

          7th August i think.

          About 12 days after the end of the season.

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

            Thank you. I wanted to know the impact of FA cup.

    3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      yes. Pep said he wants rhythem . After that performance he needs to get them clicking as a unit again

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

    I think we will see quite a few FH teams getting less points then their old team in GW38

    Last gameweek always so random

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

      True, but it's nice to be able to have a full week of tinkering to see out the season. Makes it worth it for me even if I pick a trash team.

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

      Very true.

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

    How much rotation do you expect from United in FA cup?

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

      Maybe 1 of their main attacking players won’t start. Think Chelsea might win with the extra rest.

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

      I think Martial, Greenwood and maybe Rashford will be rested

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

      Would expect to see James and maybe Ighalo come in.

  4. Quan MisTaka
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who should start?

    A) Doherty (che)
    B) Saiss (che)
    C) Greenwood (lei)
    D) AWB (lei)

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

      C

    2. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A or C

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

      D

    4. Jonny HOW SON?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      c

  5. jimmy.floyd
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Best Burnley def?

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

      All of them

      (Pieters)

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

      Pope Tark IMO

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

    How likely is it in reality that we will get City team news before GW38 deadline?

    Hard to see where definitive news will come from and there will likely be loads of rumours/ false info.

    Anyone planning to rely on early team news for FH team?

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

      There is a new guy but team sheets may be more closely guarded.

      Pick your own team, Pep rotation risk is part of the rough with the smooth...

    2. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Nah I'm just gonna get my crystal ball out and guess, like a young Sybil Trelawney.

  7. Gregor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    SOUTHAMPTON TEAM NEWS

    Team to play Bournemouth: McCarthy, Walker-Peters, Stephens, Vestergaard, Bertrand, Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Redmond, Armstrong, Long, Ings

    Subs: Gunn, Adams, Obafemi, Hojbjerg, Smallbone, Vokins, Danso, Valery, Ferry

    BOURNEMOUTH TEAM NEWS

    Team to play Southampton: Ramsdale, Stacey, Steve Cook, Kelly, Rico, Brooks, Billing, Stanislas, Lerma, King, Wilson

    Subs: Boruc, Gosling, Surman, Solanke, Groeneveld, Lewis Cook, Wilson, Simpson, Surridge

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

      no Bednarek is strange :O

      1. Party time
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Picked up a knock against Utd but continued. Probably out for the season

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

        Please please score a goal Bournemouth.

        I’m also a first time Ings owner so he will almost certainly blank.

        Sorry all 🙁

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

          I've owned Ings for 5 GWs this season and had 0 attacking returns from him. I don't own him atm so he could do well.

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

            🙂 thank you for your sacrifice

      3. Party time
          3 years, 8 months ago

          INGS haul incoming

        • HollywoodXI
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I’ve captained Ings....c’mon Danny!

        • Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks Gregor.

          I've owned Ings for almost 20 GWs now and it's been an absolute delight. 6.4m well spent. Same again please daddy.

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

          Would love it if Ings limped off after 10 mins but it's unlikely and he'll probably get a few...

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

          Appreciate the effort GREGOR

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

        ⚽ Team News 📰
        BOU: Ramsdale, Steve Cook, Kelly, Rico, Stacey, Stanislas, Billing, Lerma, Brooks, King, Callum Wilson
        Subs: Boruc, Simpson, Gosling, Surman, Harry Wilson, Lewis Cook, Solanke, Danjuma, Surridge

        SOU: McCarthy, Stephens, Vestergaard, Walker-Peters, Bertrand, Armstrong, Oriol Romeu, Redmond, Ward-Prowse, Ings, Long
        Subs: Gunn, Vokins, Valery, Danso, Ferry, Smallbone, Højbjerg, Adams, Obafemi

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

          Nice

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

          Thanks

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

          Thank you too

      5. jimmy.floyd
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Jesus or Dilva for last GW?

        1. Traction Engine Foot
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Dilva

        2. El-Kloppico
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          D

          1. El-Kloppico
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Got them both and worried if they'll start this GW and the next.

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

          Dilva probably but quite pointless to tinker on it until after the Watford match.

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

        Game on

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

        No bednarek??

        Awesome, ML rival with BB with hin

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

          Tiny win

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

        Is it worth doing a hit for a 4.3 DEF to fill my bench for the BB?

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

          You are basically gambling the 4 points you've already earned for a potential couple of points extra, I wouldn't do it unless you are fairly sure of a cleansheet

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

            Not really(assuming all four on bench start).

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

          Maybe Lamptey but still a gable

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

        Thoughts on my first FH draft? Not great TV, defence too weak?

        Martinez
        Pieters Bardsley Cresswell
        Salah KDB Sterling Dilva Antonio
        Auba Ings

        Martin Bednerak Nketiah Thomas

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

          Lock and load

        2. JabariParkersEyelid
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Looks good, low TV doesn't matter too much for this week with very good cheap defensive options imo.

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

        I actually think Callum Wilson will get a hattrick today. That Bournemouth lineup looks pretty good offensively. Surely goals in this game

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

          I would absolutely LOVE this

        2. End of King Wilson
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I hope ings score but please stay in PL by winning, come on Bournemouth!

        3. Greek Freak
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Junior Stanislas has been the most influential Bournemouth player since his return. I wouldn't be surprised if he scored in double digits today.

        4. YEAH PITCH!
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Wishful thinking

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

        How many goals/assists is Ings going to score this afternoon?

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

          2 goals 3 baps

        2. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I'd be happy with a 9pt'er in a 2-1 loss tbh, hope Watford go down.

        3. YEAH PITCH!
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          1 goal

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

          Subbed at 58th min

      12. Party time
          3 years, 8 months ago

          The sweet soothing smell of Danny Ings hat trick today. Congrats to cappers

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

            My pupper smelled it too

            1. Party time
                3 years, 8 months ago

                You pup is a good boy

              • Party time
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  your* 🙂

              • Free Hat
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                That would be welcome

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

              Foden and Doherty to Silva and Pieters for GW38 for free?

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

                How much do u have for a def?

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

                  4.6. Doherty away to Chelsea isn’t what I want

              2. Netley Lucas
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Yep, Doc will of course get 12pts but you will beat 13pts.

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

                You'll feel silly if Burnley don't keep a CS.

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

                I was considering that move but I see Doherty as a winger who could easily score or get an assist against that Chelsea defence. Could be wrong though..

            3. EWH2020
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Jesus, Pulisic to Dilva, Auba -4?

              1. AYLD28
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                I like that

              2. AYLD28
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                But wait to see who starts midweek for city and that’ll give you an idea of if taking Jesus out is a good move

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

              Come on Ingsy, get yourself level on the golden boot race

            5. AYLD28
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              How many points will I make up this weekend on my mini league opponent?

              Henderson, Maguire, Doherty, Martial, Mahrez (c), Ings -4 points

              Vs

              Pope (6), Tark, (6), Digne, Sterling (c), Salah, Greenwood

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

                Which is you?

                A lot depends on who starts out of Mahrez vs Sterling

                1. AYLD28
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Sorry I’m the later, Sterling cappo

            6. Gazza2000
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Any ideas on this lot ?

              Was thinking Rashford, Foden and Doherty out for Ings, D.Silva and Pieters for a hit

              2FT 0.3 ITB

              McCarthy
              TAA-Taylor-O'Connell
              Salah-Bruno-KDB-Pulisic-Foden
              Jesus-Rashford

              Henderson-Greenwood-Doherty-Lamptey

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

                I think Rashford will do well away to Leicester. He always does good when he has space like against palace. Away to Leicester is the perfect game for him

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

                  This. Most of Leicester City’s defence is either injured or suspended currently.

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

              Such an attacking line up from both sides. Hoping for a goal feast this.

              Let's go Danny boy!

              1. AYLD28
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                I’m thinking 2-2 or 3-2 here

              2. Piggs Boson
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Saints games always have goals. They haven't been involved in a single 0-0 all season.

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

              VVD or Robbo??? got TAA & barring any injuries this week happy to make a defender transfer for the last gameweek

              a) VVD
              b) Robertson

              Cheers 🙂

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

                both?

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

                Just one required

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

                Robertson. He's been in great form in the last few.

            9. Kun Tozser
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Knew Brooks would start! Predicted lineups are here are often wrong!

              1. AYLD28
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Their best player, has to start

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

              Reminder: If Bournemouth win today, they will be out of the relegation zone, at least temporarily.

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

                (with the mess that is Everton on the final day)

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

                A Bournemouth win with some Ings goals would be ideal

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

                  Just Bournemouth goals better.

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

              Tired of all the FH tinkering just gonna give it a rest and just relax and enjoy the games.

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

                This.

            12. Jimmy Boy
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Saiss and Pulisic > Pieters and Dilva

              Worth a -4 punt on the final day? Obviously will wait until this GW's matches have been played before doing it.

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

                Yep I'd say so

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

              Thoughts on this FH team?

              Pope (McCarthy)
              TAA Bardsley Taylor (Doherty Mendy)
              Sterling KDB Fernandes Martial (Saka)
              Vardy Ings Greenwood

              P.s. it's not a free hit, just my bench boost. Just wanted to join in with the free hit fun.

              1 transfer and 1.9ITB. Any ideas? Might punt on Josh King for Greenwood if Bournemouth need a result and could stay up.

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

              Which team will save itself from relegation?

              A) Watford
              B) Bournemouth
              C) Aston Villa

              I'm starting to think Watford might just go down along with Villa and Bournemouth might save themselves

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

                Probably B

              2. Party time
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  C

                  1. Party time
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      or A. Bournemouth gotta go now!

                • Gudjohnsen
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Got 2FT

                  DDG, Button
                  TAA, Boly, Egan, Lundstram, Lascelles
                  Salah, Bruno, KDB, Pulisic, Foden
                  Greenwood, Vardy, Jesus

                  Any thoughts what I can do?