Scout Notes

United set to face fragile Leicester defence ripped apart by Kane and Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Leicester City

  • Goals: James Justin (£4.7m) own-goal, Harry Kane (£10.9m) x2
  • Assists: Son Heung-min (£9.7m), Lucas Moura (£7.0m) x2
  • Bonus: Kane x3, Lucas, Hugo Lloris (£5.3m) x2

Leicester City and Manchester United will square off at the King Power Stadium in Gameweek 38+ and, depending on how the Red Devils and Chelsea get on in their respective midweek fixtures, it could be a case of winner takes all for a UEFA Champions League qualification spot next Sunday.

Those of us on a Free Hit or with a transfer to burn might be considering whether to ditch a United asset or two given the magnitude of the fixture but based on what we saw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side could have plenty of joy against the Foxes.

Jose Mourinho showed his former employers how to do it: cede possession and hit a patched-up, plodding defence on the counter-attack.

Spurs saw only 29% of the ball in this match and had no penalty box touches in the second half, with Brendan Rodgers’ side registering more than three times as many shots over the course of the game.

But the damage was done by half-time, with all three of the Lilywhites’ goals scored on the break.

An in-the-mood Harry Kane (£10.9m) set Son Heung-min (£9.7m) free down the left flank for the hosts’ opener, with the Korean’s shot taking a telling touch off James Justin (£4.7m) and wrong-footing Kasper Schmeichel (£5.5m) after just five minutes.

Kane hit a quick-fire double as the game neared half-time, first rolling a finish past Schmeichel following a through-ball from Lucas Moura (£7.0m) and then curling a superb effort in off the upright after another pass from the Brazilian.

There could have been other goals and again, all of them came from quick passes from back to front, catching Leicester’s high line out all too easily.

Son forced Schmeichel into a save following a direct, 50-yard ball from Harry Winks (£5.2m), with the South Korea international later getting his feet in a muddle when played clean through on goal by Kane just after half-time.

Given Bruno Fernandes (£9.1m) and Paul Pogba‘s (£8.3m) ability to spot a pass from deep and United’s capacity to break at speed, Sunday’s match in north London would have provided Solskjaer – and Fantasy managers – with food for thought.

Mourinho talked through his tactical masterclass after the game, saying:

I think it was an intelligent performance. I knew that for them to play with this back five is not a very comfortable situation.

I want to be honest with Brendan. I don’t remember that someone was so honest with me when I was playing without a striker, but I want to be honest with Brendan and it’s easy to realise that to play without Ricardo Pereira, Soyuncu and Chilwell destroys a backline.

So we decided to take away from them where they can hurt us, which is basically behind us. We took away from them our defensive depth, we control the game by positioning our defensive block a little bit lower than we normally do.

Then we gave the ball to them, to their back three, because we wanted them to bring the ball and we wanted them to feel quite comfortable, leaving their comfort zone, which is where they are not playing many matches.

Bennett and Morgan, we wanted to take them away from their comfort zone to try to explore the counter-attack and fast transitions. So when we scored three goals in the first half, I think the game is over.

As Mourinho mentioned above, Leicester were without three of their regular back four, namely Ricardo Pereira (£6.2m), Ben Chilwell (£5.5m) and Caglar Soyuncu (£4.9m).

None of that trio will be available for the Manchester United game, although there is a chance that Marc Albrighton (£5.1m) could return to take over one of the wing-back slots.

In their absence, a back three with a combined age of 98 years struggled with the pace and movement of Son and Kane, while teenage left-back Luke Thomas (£4.0m) – who impressed going forward – had a real baptism of fire from a defensive perspective on his first away start.

That ragtag bunch of defenders had performed well against Sheffield United in midweek but Chris Wilder’s side aren’t renowned for their pace on the break and played into the hands of the Foxes, something Mourinho evidently didn’t do on Sunday.

Marcus Rashford (£8.9m) and Anthony Martial (£8.5m), in particular, will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing Wes Morgan (£4.1m) and co next weekend.

Rodgers said after full-time in north London:

It was a strange game because we were really good in parts. The parts we weren’t so good in was things that we’ve spoken about: dealing with the counter-attack.

The first one we’re disappointed with because we’ve got to have a better pressure higher up the pitch. Instead, Harry [Kane] turns and makes the pass in behind and they get a bit of luck.

The other two: obviously a breakaway from a corner and a great finish. That individual quality hurt us today, but it was strange. It didn’t feel that we should’ve been 3-0 down.

There was a bit of encouragement at the other end, at least, despite the blank in front of goal.

Jamie Vardy (£9.7m) had a number of early sighters before seeing an inventive backheeled effort strike the feet of Hugo Lloris (£5.3m), while the lively Ayoze Perez (£6.0m) drew two flying saves out of the Frenchman and substitutes Demarai Gray (£5.0m) and Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.7m) both saw efforts from range repelled.

Lloris emerged with two bonus points to his name but the Spurs clean sheet was as much to do with the players in front of him, with the Foxes not registering a single ‘big chance’ despite all of their possession.

Serge Aurier (£5.1m) and co have now banked four shut-outs in the last seven Gameweeks, more than they managed in Mourinho’s first 18 matches in charge.

With an out-of-form Crystal Palace to come in Gameweek 38+, there could be joy to be had for Spurs assets at either end of the field.

Certainly Kane, for all our initial reservations about the premium forward ahead of the restart, appears to be hitting levels we haven’t seen in a long time, combining the deeper role we came to be suspicious of with the hitman status of yesteryear.

He may not be the classic ‘number nine’ of yore, but maybe a ‘nine-and-a-half’ is enough at present.

Members Analysis

View all the player and team data from Spurs v Leicester here

FPL Lessons Learned From Gameweek 37+

693 Comments Post a Comment
  1. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Kane (cry) or Auba (WAT) ?

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      both?

      Will Auba play though?

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

        no chance without -8 or sth like that so no point. Will have to go for 1

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          ah, thought it was fh

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

            I wish I had one 😉

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

      You will choose auba

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

        I’ve been burned by both of them so many times, I am scared of both 😀

    3. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      both

  2. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Free Hitters do you go for Man United players last gw? I don't think more than 1 can be included. I'd prefer none but as everyone who doesn't free hit owns them, the damage can be big if they haul. Maybe Bruno?

    1. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I am with only Bruno so far - removed Rash and defense

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

        Why?

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

      Only Martial for me I reckon. Rashford too expensive when there are better options and Bruno's output has dropped slightly. Rather the gamble with a Dilva over him and stick to the one OOP.

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

    Do we honestly believe that Ings can score against that SHU defence?

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

      I think the penalty miss will blow his confidence.

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

        He has a week to overcome that pain though doesn’t he. May come back stronger since hes now only 2 behind Vardy. It’s a difficult one.

    2. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      sure

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

      I've thought that every week since the restart and he kills me every time

    4. Bollard
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      The possibility of Leicester capitulating and kings chasing a hatrick as a clincher for golden boot is enough for me to hold Ings the final gw. I've had him all the way through and yes I think he will get something though a hatrick is unlikely. Even on FH he is staying put.

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

      Not worth it on FH, his stats not great (although Of course Ings is great finisher) and Shef are a good unit

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

    How do i get 1 more city on here?

    I'm thinking a defender for Aurier (hoping for early team news), 0.3itb

    Martinez
    Aurier Pieters Bardsley
    Salah Sterling Dilva Son Bruno
    Auba Kane

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

      Garcia?

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

      Long, may as well go three.

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

      Son to Mahrez

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

    Fh 38+

    Martinez
    Pieters bardsley creswell
    Salah dilva sterling(c) antonio
    Kane jesus auba

    Tell me your opinion ?

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

      Template and good I’d say.

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

      Unpopular opinion but I prefer Martial + Ings to Kane + Antonio

  6. Gobigorgohome
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Freehit GW 38 could be a mega fail

    IF united attacking trio perform

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      ..even bigger if Mane scores a hatty

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

      Don’t understand the rationale for not going for United attackers on FH. As stated in the article, Leicester is missing 3 of their 4 first choice defenders and their backline is extremely slow. And United has even more pace and better passers than Spurs to exploit that. United could easily score 3/4 against Leicester who needs a win against them.

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

      Going with Martial and Bruno

  7. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    1 FT and 1.5 ITB. Still have BB to play so does that mean I should do Holgate > Pieters/Aurier/Gomez? Any hits needed?

    Martinez
    Azpi / Boly / Tark
    KDB / Sterling / Bruno / Martial / Willian
    Jesus / Greenwood

    Patricio / Nketiah / Masina / Holgate

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

    Antonio/Mane or Jesus/Martial?
    Thanks.

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

      Antonio martial

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

        Thanks

  9. The Man Pastore
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Puck the best option for my last FT :

    Patricio
    Doherty Tarkowski Keane
    Salah Bruno Martial KDB Mahrez
    Greenwood Ings

    Bench: Martin Nketiah Kiko Lascelles

    1FT / 2.3ITB

    A) Bruno/Martial --> D.Silva
    B) Greenwood --> Wood
    C) Any other suggestion? (even for a hit)

    Thanks!

    1. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I have just enough money for Ings --> Jesus too

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

      Jesus

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

    Any thoughts on this FH team?

    Martinez
    Bardsley - Pieters - Long
    Salah - David Silva - Mahrez - Sterling
    Kane - Auba - Ings

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

      Nice team.

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

      Very nice, assuming all start.

    3. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Looking very strong! I would like to go with at least one of Martial/Bruno/Rash tho

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

        Ty for reply! Hard to fit in and as I'm after in ML think I might risk leaving united players out. Any suggestions? 😉

        If you pull the trigger on this team now as its 0,0 ITB and want to switch out to someone you already own before FH do you need to buy him for old or current value?

        1. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          current

  11. Bruno Commando
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which one is the better option?

    1) Gomez + Sterling + 0.3ITB
    2) TAA + KDB

    Team:
    Martinez
    Pieters // Bardsley // X
    Bruno // Dilva // Antonio // Salah // Y
    Kane // Jesus

    Button // B Williams // Lamptey // Connolly

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

      2

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

    Any chance Sterling plays both remaining games now cup is over?

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

      Hopefully

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

      Should play both - whether or not he starts both is another matter

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

      Thanks both.

  13. Pieters 4 Wood
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Another idea for WC

    Martinez
    VVD Garcia Pieters
    Salah KdB Bruno D. Silva Son
    Kane Lacazette

    3.9 Nketiah Lamptey Tanganga

    Means Lamptey drops to the bench, Garcia and Laca for Brantwaite and Jesus.

    Better?

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

      Not keen on a Spurs double-up or the Laca pick tbh.

      Would prefer Ings/Jesus in a 3-4-3 instead of Son/Laca.

      1. Pieters 4 Wood
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Ings not for me, how much will he do vs ShU? Spurs have looked very good over last 3 games and Laca instead of Jesus because Jesus is not guaranteed to start. I will of course keep an eye

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

    Which move is better for the final GW? (For a hit)
    A) Saiss + Willian > Pieters + Dilva
    B) Martial + Willian > Antonio + Dilva

    Thanks

    1. boborhino21
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

  15. boborhino21
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    Boly - Digne - TAA
    KDB - Antonio - Bruno - Salah - Trossard
    Rashford - Wood

    Greenwood - Simpson - lascelles
    4.2 ITB OR 5900

    Was thinking Bruno and Greenwood to Dilva and Jesus -4

    Any other good? Thx

  16. Bruno Commando
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Quite fixed on 8 players for my FH 38. Which of these 3 will you pick?

    1) Gomez, Mahrez, Auba
    2) TAA, KDB, Antonio

    Martinez
    Pieters // Bardsley
    Martial // Dilva // Salah
    Kane // Jesus

    1. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A but with Aurier instead of Gomez - much higher ceiling

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

    Team for GW38 look ok?

    McCarthy
    VVD - Digne - Doherty
    KDB - Sterling - Martial - Saka
    Auba - Jesus - Ings

  18. Stef rocks
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    On FH, would you have:

    A) KDB & Bruno
    B) Razz & Antonio

    1. Bruno Commando
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B for now but dependent on who starts for City and United in the midweek

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

    Kane auba and jesus WITHOUT man united assets

    Or

    Kane/Auba and jesus WITH man united

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

      Keep at least one of Rash, Martial, Fernandes.

  20. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    This is where I’ve got to with my FH. What do you think?

    0.1itb
    Martinez
    Aurier, Pieters, Bardsley
    Salah, Sterling, Dilva, Antonio
    Auba, Kane, Jesus
    (Martin) (N.Williams, Dendo, Simpson)

    There is possibly unnecessary cash on the bench but can’t see where easily to use it. I’m 0.1 short of switching Antonio > Martial if I downgrade Aurier to a decent playing def which is a bit annoying as I’d prefer to have some skin in the MUN match I think.

    Cheers

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

      Find a way to do Antonio to Martial and its near perfect

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        The only way would be to play Rico instead of Aurier! Is it really worth it? Antonio could outscore Martial quite easily

        Martinez
        Rico, Pieters, Bardsley
        Salah, Sterling, Dilva, Antonio
        Auba, Kane, Jesus
        (Martin) (Guendo, B.Williams, Simpson)

      2. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Oops obv Antonio is Martial in that one!

    2. Martial Matas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think Antonio to martial. Maybe Burnley Triple for Aurier?

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        The only way would be to play Rico instead of Aurier! Is it really worth it? Antonio could outscore Martial quite easily

        Martinez
        Rico, Pieters, Bardsley
        Salah, Sterling, Dilva, Antonio
        Auba, Kane, Jesus
        (Martin) (Guendo, B.Williams, Simpson)

        1. Martial Matas
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          When you put it like that... But 37+ games to play, Everton and hammers could be on the beach then suddenly Antonio looks a far worse pick and Rico v Everton not so bad!

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Yeh 100% mate. The tinkering will continue!

      2. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Oops obv Antonio is Martial in that draft!

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

      No KDB? 2 assists away from Henry's record.

      I got a similarish FH team, loving the Kane shout wanted him in but difficult to fit in.. (Get B.Williams in as a 3.8m and there's your 0.1m)

      Martinez

      TAA Bardsley Pieters

      KDB Sterling Dilva Martial Salah

      Auba Greenwood

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        That’s a nice team

        I think atm I prefer Jesus’ higher ceiling over KDB. Kev plays quite a bit deeper when Dilva plays so you would only expect the odd assist.

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

          Yeh very true, I was saying the same thing.. Thing is I'm chasing (25ish behind) Both above me have KDB one has Jesus.. Still may switch it over though.. Waiting on the united West Ham result too, if United batter West Ham then may look at kdb martial Greenwood to xxx xxx Jesus/Ings

  21. Martial Matas
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Trying to guess how much I'll be chasing in gw38+. Who scores more in rest of 37+ and by how much approx?

    A) Hendo
    Saiss Garcia
    Puli Mane Ster Bruno (c)
    Jota Egan

    B) Doh
    Salah Bruno Rich Foden
    Rash (c)

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Impossible to know tbh

      A looks like it scores more tho

      1. Martial Matas
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, really I need Rich to get something against blades tonight to even things up! And with equal scores I'll still me chasing 33 in 38+ :/

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

    What are Jiminez owners doing? Not sure what to do with him

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

      Out on FH but i wouldnt waste a transfer on him if i didnt have the chip

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

      Owners should have dropped 12 GW ago.

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

        He's been fine for me all those 12 GW. At times there hasn't been any better replacements.

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

    FH38 structure- 7 attacking spots
    3 City
    0-2 United (Prefer 1)
    1 Liverpool
    Leaves roughly 2 spots for Kane, Auba, Ings, Antonio, Son

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

      Agreed. Yep it’s a tough decision...

    2. Martial Matas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If you can afford both around your City, Utd, Liv picks then Kane and Auba. If not then 1 of them and Ings

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

      I'm tempted by:
      2 City
      1 United
      1 Liverpool
      + Auba, Ings, Antonio

  24. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    These FH teams with none/one Manu player...

    Have they not watched Lei trying to defend?

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

      Im absolutely getting 1 but on FH im unsure of getting a second one and thats the risk!

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

      I am sticking with Martial, Bruno and Greenwood 🙂

  25. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Is this FH team good?
    Martinez
    Bellerin Bardsley Pieters
    Salah Sterling KDB Dilva Antonio
    Auba(C) Rashford

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

      V. Similar to mine:

      Apart from Bellerin to Jaa, Antonio to Martial and Rash to Greenwood

      I'll be captaining Salah especially if he scores a couple vs Chelsea

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

    We now have a 3.8m defender and he’s likely to play. Happy days

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

      A bit late 'aint it.

  27. Henning
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hmmm have no idea what to do.
    Any suggestions?

    1ft 1.5 m i bank
    80 p ahead in ml
    37k overall

    Pope
    TAA Azpilicueta Stevens
    KDB Fernandes D.Silva Martial Son
    Jesus Ings

    Leno Greenwood Boly Fernandez

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

    Best 4.5m or less defenders for this week who aren’t Bardsley, Pieters or Long?

    1. Martial Matas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Maybe O'connell or Cresswell

  29. Trying to Ketchup.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Help!! nothing in it at the top of my mini league - one free transfer!! BUT WHO??!

    ederson
    wan-b - tarkowski - keane
    fernandes - kdb - sterling (C) - saka - willian
    vardy - greenwood

    martinez - Jiminez - doherty - lascelles

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

      Vardy > Jesus
      Bench Saka, likely wont start

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

    So thinking of the following FH side - do we like?

    3-5-2:

    Martinez
    Bardsley, Pieters, Williams
    Salah, Sterling, KDB, Bruno, D Silva
    Aubameyang, Ings

    Bench: Martin, Greenwood, Long, 3.9