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.

MEMBERS ANALYSIS

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FPL Lessons Learned From Gameweek 37+

1,477 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    How's this team for final week?
    Martinez
    Tarkowski - Pieters - Bardsley
    Salah KDB Sterling Dilva Martial
    Aubameyang - Rashford
    Subs
    Grennwood Dunk Tanganga

    1. ZLATAN'S PONYTAIL
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      An all Burnley defence (barring Martinez) seems highly risky but not many other defenders I would pick so that's that. The midfield and front line is brilliant!

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

        Thanks! Yeah i don't know who else to get. Burnley defence is the only one i think could keep a clean sheet

  2. Duffy Dunk
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Do you think it's worth including Son in the FH gw38 squad?
    Many midfield options to try fit in... double MCI, Salah/Mane, Antonio, MUN mid(s)...

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

      Really struggling to fit him and it means losing Trent as well so will likely be going without.

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

      He could be a nice differential if chasing but to be honest there are so many (better) options this gw in attack I'd avoid

    3. ZLATAN'S PONYTAIL
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I struggle to see who I'd lose over Son. Midfield is stacked with riches. One consideration is that while we stack up on City midfield assets, we truly have no idea who will end up playing.

    4. Old Gregg
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes, Currently in my FH draft. isn’t he oop?. Spuds gone to a 4-4-2.
      Depends On today’s game.

      Probably son or Antonio for me. Depends on Villa result/relegation battle and how important the Villa game is last day of the season.

      I am chasing in a ML

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

    FH first draft.. thoughts?

    Martinez
    Vvd Pieters Tierney
    Dilva KDB Son Antonio Salah
    Auba Kane

    Wilson Mousset Williams Tanganga
    0 itb

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

      Only 2 city players?

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

      What on earth is your team value?

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

      Son to Mahrez if he’s rested this week

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

      U could fit in a city defender if not using third slot in attack. They'll easily keep clean sheet against norwich

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

    Love a big fat Ings blank here

    1. Rojo's Modern Life
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Not happening

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Fully aware

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

    Thinking of keeping vardy on fh and going Mendy for third city spot. Hope it works out 🙂

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

      Follow your gut feeling.

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

        Think I will Amey would be nice to finish season on a high 🙂

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

          I hope so ...
          I've avoided using it in 29 & getting burned eversince ....

          Hopefully it was worth it !

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

      Can't see Vardy not scoring home V United?

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

        You're also on FH ?

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

          Yep, currently on something like as need to make up points on rival

          Martinez
          Digne Ota Pieter's
          Mane Sterling Son Martial Antonio
          Auba Ings
          3.9 Greenwood Garcia 3.9

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

            GL

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

    Martinez
    Digne • Pieters • Lamptey
    Salah • Sterling • KDB • Dilva • Bruno
    Rashford • Jiminez
    (3.9 / Greenwood / Lascelles / 3.9)

    Anything worth a hit? I’ll TC whatever city player doesn’t start in GW37

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

      V nice gl

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

    Who wins this week?

    A) Bruno, Welbeck, Egan, VVD, Willian, Ryan

    B) Martial, Dilva, Martinez, TAA + 7 points

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

      B

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

    Watford have defeated United 2-0 and Liverpool 3-0 at home this season. Wouldn't put past them pulling out a result vs City.

    1. Rojo's Modern Life
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Especially fighting for survival

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

      Pep will be sacked in the tunnel 😀

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

        I think they will do well in the CL can see them making to the semi finals or even finals 😮

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

          Pukes
          Hopefully not mate ! 😛

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Especially if he puts out a team similar to the Bournemouth game

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

        Agreed. But doubt that will happen.

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

      Can't see them beating Bayern in QF even if they knock out Real Madrid.

  9. Mackans
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on my FH draft?

    Thoughts on my WC team? (0.0ib)

    Pope
    Tierney Bardsley Pieters
    Mané Sterling Dilva Fernandes Antonio
    Auba Jesus

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

      You need salah

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

        He has Mane

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No kdb?

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

        I'm playing catch up so going without him also

    3. Rojo's Modern Life
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Burnley triple is overkill

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

        Agree with this, otherwise I like it!

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

      Great team.

  10. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    1 FT. Where’s best to use it?

    Martinez(WAT)
    TAA(new) - Aurier(cry) - Stevens(sot)
    Sterling(NOR) - Bruno(LEI) - KdB(NOR) - Martial(LEI) - Mahrez(NOR)
    Kane(cry) - Greenwood(LEI)

    Henderson(sot) - Doherty(che) - Nketiah(WAT) - Lascelles(inj)

    0.6m ITB

    Am thinking Mahrez to DSilva and captain.

    1. Rojo's Modern Life
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Salah essential

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Could lose KdB... risky tho!

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

      Think I wait until before the deadline for early city news, maybe then switch assets.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Definitely, cheers

  11. Mighty Banana
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Terrible start to the GW for me, here's hoping for an Ings blank...

    1. Rojo's Modern Life
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A predictable away win is a terrible start? What did you expect?

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

        Lol he is on a windup

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

        That the 3 players in my ML rival has didn't get a goal, assist and 2 cs's and all 6 bonus points.

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

    Looked up the data for KDB with and without Dilva starting, since the restart.

    WITH Dilva: 14 (ARS), 1 (BUR), 1 (sou), 7 (NEW). Average: 5.75. The only goal was a pen.
    WITHOUT Dilva: 8 (che), 14 (LIV), 3 (bha). Average: 8.33

    Knowing that Dilva is likely to be on pens and free kicks against Norwich, I'm thinking maybe to drop KDB and go with Dilva plus two of Sterling/Mahrez/Jesus (depending on who looks like starting) on my FH.

    Thoughts?

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      KDB can easily go as crazy against Norwich as any other City asset...

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

      Silva has still produced decent scores throughout the season. Would be great to see these numbers extended over the season not just restart.
      I own kdb Dilva Jesus

  13. Mackans
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Why is everyone going for Salah instead of Mane? If you looked on Liverpool’s last game, you could see that Mane was far more threatening

    1. Lucy2019
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Salah on pens more than likely and going for golden boot so less likely to pass. Poor reasons but reasons nonetheless.

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

      Wow poeple still have this debate

      Salah better fpl pick period

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I don’t think either are needed with the title sewn up

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

      People who actually watch football would definitely say Mane is better than Salah

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

        Not in fpl

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

          True. But even FPLwise, the difference between the number of points is marginal. I guess it is these small margins that define winners and losers.

  14. Lucy2019
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Just seen the Wood goal. Jesus, how lucky did the causal owners get. Injury time off the shin monstrosity.

    Only needed Norwich to go down to 9 men and wait for an eternity for that shocking strike.

    1. Rojo's Modern Life
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Causal owners are simply cause and effect.

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

      I guess it sucks to not be casual and still not being able to identify a great pick for Wood.

    3. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      😀

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

      What lucky?
      Norwich play defensively after 9 man, something they will not.be doing were they still 11.

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

    Is Ings a player to include or exclude in the final gameweek considering the fact that he’s playing Sheffield Utd.. ?

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

      I'm actually looking to bring in a sheff utd defender . . .

    2. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Wouldn’t surprise me if he scored and not sure there’s that many better options in that price range

  16. yakirh
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Callum Wilson brace incoming, mark my words.

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Duly noted.

  17. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Whats going on with Bou vs Sou betting?

    Home win odds from 1.80 to 2.45?

    Lot of cash going on away win

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ake out have something to do with it?

      1. FFSbet.com
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Dont think so,he was out last game too

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

      Odds are definitely weird this week, Burnley odds for a win were 2.20 yesterday with CS odds at something similar.

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

    If on a FH, if you sell a player who drops in price and want to buy back will you get the reduced price?

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

      Yes

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

        Great thx.

  19. wantsharptv
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Im stuck with KDB, Foden and Jesus for GW38

    Not ideal

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

      Why not?

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

        Sterling and DSilva is the 2 to have for GW38

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

          Those the 2 I'm getting, but we know wajy KDB can do so not all lost.

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Transfer all 3 out

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

        I've only got 3 free transfers so dont want to do that

        1. Lucy2019
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          You don't have 3 free transfers. Max you can have is 2.

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It's 3 more city than I have.

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

    1FT ... enough ITB to do:
    A)DeBruyne to Salah or
    B) Foden to Dilva,

    but can’t do both without incurring a -8.

    Which one for GW38? Cheers

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Probably B but see what happens midweek

    2. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B safer bet considering City home to Norwich and Dilva will want a big send off!

  21. Pat Bonner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    25 from 3 yesterday....be happy if Ings and McCarthy add 10+ to that. Been a horrific season so nice to finish on a high

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

      Tawkowski Woods Pieters were great punts

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Got lucky with Pieters as only went for him due to budget

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

      Amen

    3. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      You need it will all them hits!

  22. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    No players today 🙁

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

      Same

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

      Same, but a southampton fan, so I’ve got that going for me. Lol

    3. Lucy2019
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Clearly not a causal then!

  23. yalala
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    FHers keeping Wood?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      *getting

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

      Still undecided.

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

      No, he was in for the Norwich game only.

    4. Lucy2019
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Hoping they do. I can climb the ranks further.

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

      Can't look past Auba Jesus Ings

  24. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Do we think Aurier will play? Stupidly left him in my team and have bardsley as first sub...

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Don't think so...

    2. Lucy2019
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      He won't play. He is in France.

    3. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Seems doubtful if he was in France with his family!

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

    nil nil might be good for the faxes and ManU. No crowds and the managers could be telling the players Chelsea losing.

  26. Art Vandelay
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A quick poll, if you don't mind.

    As part of my FH team

    a) Kane + 4.5 defender

    b) Ings + TAA

    Cheers

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

    Yes Danny Ings!