Scout Notes

What to do with Man United’s FPL assets after laboured West Ham draw

Man United 1-1 West Ham

  • Goals: Mason Greenwood (£4.8m) | Michail Antonio (£7.1m)
  • Assists: Anthony Martial (£8.5m) | Declan Rice (£4.7m)
  • Bonus Points: Greenwood x3, Antonio x2, Rice x1, Mark Noble x1 (£4.9m)

Fantasy managers wielding the all-powerful Free Hit chip in Gameweek 38+ may have an easier time shedding their Manchester United players after Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw with West Ham.

The Red Devils are set for a crucial Champions League clash at Leicester on the last day of the season, where they will face an injury-hit backline. Such a fixture had largely kept a number of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men in consideration for Gameweek 38+ squads, but two below-par performances, first in the FA Cup and then against West Ham, could reduce reliance on them for Sunday’s showdown.

In light of Wednesday’s tired display, the 30% ownership of Bruno Fernandes (£9.1m) may well be eyeing up midfield options at Manchester City or the funds to sign Harry Kane (£10.9m) this weekend. The Portuguese international put on one of his most anonymous performances since arriving in Manchester and, despite coming into Gameweek 37+ as the top 10k’s most popular captain choice, never really looked like getting an attacking return.

It is clear Fernandes is starting to suffer from Manchester United’s lack of rotation over the Project Restart period, his outing against West Ham showing just how exhausted he is physically and mentally. The evening could have gone differently for the former Sporting man as Marcus Rashford (£8.9m) curled an excellent ball into the box to match his early advanced run. However, just yards away from the West Ham goal he failed to control the inch-perfect pass and, from then on, it was all down hill for him. In the end, Fernandes’ frustrations boiled over in the second half when he was booked for going forehead-to-forehead with Arthur Masuaku (£4.1m). 

Was that enough to warrant selling him for Gameweek 38+ though? Looking at his 106 points in 13 Premier League matches for Manchester United, we know Fernandes is capable of delivering, especially on the road. In away matches since the Premier League restart, Fernandes has averaged 11 points per game and let’s not forget he hit the post at Crystal Palace too, so that total could have been even higher. Either way, his owners will need significant improvement from him at Leicester if he is to hold his own in a Gameweek 38+ squad.

The same could arguably be said for owners of Anthony Martial (£8.5m), although to slightly less of an extent considering a moment of nice link-up with Mason Greenwood (£4.8m) for the equaliser. Apart from that, the Frenchman was industrious if unspectacular with his efforts on goal but never really looked like scoring. Not only could he have provided more penetrative runs, Martial certainly suffered from the lack of creativity behind him. If United were to put on a similarly fatigued performance at the King Power Stadium, that would surely affect Martial as well.

His case for Gameweek 38+ is not particularly mitigated in the same way as Fernandes, considering he has been less profitable on the road recently. Despite averaging 13.3 points per game at Old Trafford since the Premier League return, but has scored just 4.8 per match away from it.

Rashford has a similar issue ahead of travelling to Leicester on the final weekend. He may have notched a 12-point haul at Crystal Palace but the FPL forward has blanked in every other away match since Gameweek 30+. Typically more reliable at Old Trafford, Rashford was the shadow of his usual energetic self against West Ham, another asset seemingly suffering from physical and mental exhaustion.

He tested Lukasz Fabianski (£4.9m) with an excellent speculative knuckle-ball strike from distance early on, but outside of that could not trouble the goalkeeper and lacked his usual creativity in advanced areas too. Is that enough to warrant transferring him out to make room for some of the more in-demand Gameweek 38+ forward such as Kane or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m)? Perhaps.

As already mentioned, United do look as if they are limping over the Premier League line this season, but the biggest problem against West Ham was the lack of any creative spark, usually stemming from Fernandes and Paul Pogba (£8.3m). Neither one of them impressed at all on Wednesday evening, the latter especially. Not only did he have little to no impact going forward, he lost possession in the middle of the pitch often and it was his mindless lift of the hands towards Declan Rice’s (£4.7m) shot that conceded the penalty that cost United the win.

That goal afforded West Ham the confidence to press their illustrious hosts in all areas of the pitch, ask questions going forward and have the opposite impact on United’s attack. Therefore, it almost goes without saying that Fantasy managers will have a dilemma over Manchester United attacking assets over the next few days. In order for them to appeal to their owners against Leicester, they will have to make improvements in the coming days, even if the Foxes have defensive issues of their own.

Owners of Michail Antonio (£7.1m) are probably experiencing the opposite reaction to the United attackers. Aston Villa’s defensive showing against Arsenal had initially sowed seeds of doubt among the Fantasy community, but his latest display showed once again just how good his form is.

Not only did he cause Manchester United plenty of problems, helping the Hammers achieve a higher expected goals (xG) than their hosts, Antonio appears to have wrestled penalties away from Mark Noble (£4.9m) as it was the out-of-position midfielder who netted the first-half spot-kick. That goal took his total since the restart to eight, making him even harder to ditch for Aston Villa’s visit to the London Stadium.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.5m) are likely to be in two minds ahead of Gameweek 38+. While he missed out on a start for the first time since the restart, the right-back does not look particularly under threat from the man who replaced him in the XI initially. Timothy Fosu-Mensah (£4.5m) began the game in Wan-Bissaka’s place, but was ineffectual in the final third, and gave away the free-kick which led to the penalty. No wonder he went three years without playing for United and got relegated with Fulham last season.

Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; B Williams, Maguire, Lindelöf, Fosu-Mensah (Wan-Bissaka 46’); Matić, Pogba; Rashford (Ighalo 85’), B Fernandes, Greenwood; Martial.

West Ham United XI (4-5-1): Fabianski; Cresswell (Masuaku 75’), Ogbonna, Diop, Johnson; Fornals, Rice, Noble, Soucek, Bowen (Yarmolenko 90+1’); Antonio (Haller 78’).

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FPL Lessons Learned From Gameweek 37+

2,921 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Woy_is_back
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Martial or Fernandes to Dilva?

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

      Bruno - looks tired

    2. El Muñeco
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Depend whether you are worried about Bruno’s ownership.

    3. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Fernandes i reckon. Looked rubbish, frustrated, more expensive and think its rashfords penna next, and higher owned in top ranks so more chance to overtake

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

        Im going to check what the 23 ahead of me have and go sell the lower owned one.

        1. Big Hands Barry
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Quality rank

    4. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Bruno.

  2. FreddyP3
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    How much of a regular starting 11 you reckon Liverpool will field last game?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pretty regular

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

    Post game straw poll - who goes for Sterling:

    A - Bruno
    B - Pulisic?

    If Bruno, would play Wood if Pulisic would play Greenwood.

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

      Any other United cover?

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

        Got Rashford, Greenwood, Bruno atm

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

          Bruno then for me.

  4. matiakez
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Since restart I've sold the following before returns; Vardy, Jiminez, Rushford, Barnes and now Pulisic.

    Really need to learn to stop chasing points.

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

      Can you sell sterling this week please

  5. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I am off to bed

    Enjoy the rest of the night Liverpool fans you are worthy winners and a fantastic team.

    1. Supersonic Marv'
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Nighty night mate.

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

    If by some miracle we're beating Chelsea, then Utd and Leicester are very happily going to play out the draw aren't they?

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

      Maybe, but they wouldn't want to risk 1-2 stoppage time goals at Stamford Bridge if it's close.

  7. Origal73
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Just had a week from hell. 44 points.
    Down from 1k to 4k and team is looking really bad going into last game of the season.
    I do have a triple captain..
    What will you do with this team?
    Henderson
    vVD Maguire Bardsley (Justin, Saiss)
    KDB Salah (TC?) Bruno Martial Puli
    Vardy Jesus (Connolly)

    Does KDB, Bruno -> Sterling (TC), Dilva for -4 make sense? Have exact money for it.
    Any other change?
    Have no idea what to do... :(.
    HELP

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

      teams looks good. TC Salah and go for it!.
      Vardy to Kane possible?

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

      Yes :).

  8. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    29 points on the bench

    Sold Pulisic for a hit

    85(-8) and a green arrow

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Well done. I.got 66 and have a red. Sick of this season.

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

    Mahrez should surely start the last gw?

    1. Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Should do. Bernardo played 90 last game as well.

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

        Noice. Captain Mahrez or Dilva?

        1. Duke Silver ☑
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Tough one. Would lean Dilva as it's his last PL game so you'd imagine they'll try and get him in the goals. My captain choices this year have been woeful though. Best of luck in the last GW mate.

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

            thanks, I think I will go Dilva. Should get double figures

    2. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think he'll start but its pep could give him 45 mins and annoy us

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

    Based on the United game - is no United attack on FH madness or sensible?

    I was all set on Fernandes but might just get Antonio or Pulisic instead now. Too knee jerky?

    1. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Are you leading or chasing? Safe choice is a utd mid..

    2. Will J 256
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I am keeping one as still thinking Leicester are susceptible to a goal or two at the back highlighted against spurs.

  11. gers23
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Seiss to Tarkowski a good use of ft?

    1. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sure

  12. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Puli without bonus points is cruel

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

    Advice needed. Going into the final week 19 points ahead of rival. He has 2 FTs and have 1 FT with 3.3 ITB

    He has - Ings Jimi Rashford KDB vs
    My - Vardy Jesus Greenwood Sterling

    What would you do with 1 FT? I guess hits would be silly?

    Pope
    TAA Doherty Aurier
    Sterling Foden Martial Bruno Pullisic
    Vardy Jesus
    Martinez Greenwood Diop Fernandez

  14. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    85 -4 points

    344k -> 266k

    Salah(c) was not great but.. given Bruno's blank I'll take it

    1. Origal73
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Well done.
      44 points here 1k -> 4k and a bad team for net week.
      Need this season to be done

  15. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Mane or Salah on FH ?

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

      After watching today (and bearing in mind Salah's away record when both he and Mane play), Mane. Or neither.

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

      Salah surley is going to explode next game!

      1. Hairy Potter
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Against England's Danny Rose?

  16. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Best move here:

    Pope
    TAA, Tarkowski, Aurier
    KBD, Mahrez, Salah, Fernandez, Pusilic
    Ings, Rashford

    Martinez; Greenwood, Holgate, Saiss

    A) Salah -> Sterling
    B) Pulisic -> Dilva

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

      A if you captain

      1. Mind över Mata
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers, think that’s the right call

  17. Blue Gaffer
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Rashford to Ings, Fernandes to Son -4 yes or no?

    1. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Man Utd fighting for top 3 vs Leicester with only Evans left from the starting defenders.

    2. Sargasso C
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Insanity

  18. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    10 points behind rival with FH left. He dont have chips. Best strategy?

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

      I would say the best strategy is to play the FH chip.

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

        +1

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Score 11 points more

    3. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      3 City, 2 Arsenal, 2 Spurs, 2 Man utd

  19. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I am only 18 points behind my ML leader and need to try desperately to find a differential captain over him. He owns Sterling, KDB and Foden and will probably captain Sterling.

    Who should I captain?

    a) Mahrez

    b) Dilva

    c) Jesus

    d) Sterling too (hope my few other differentials beat him)

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      4 City?

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

        He has the Leicester Mahrez addition

    2. Sargasso C
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'd go Sterling too. 18 points is nothing.

  20. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Jesus + Bruno > Sterling + Wood for free is probably what I'm doing with mine.

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

      I really need sterling to get a rest :/

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        hopefully he had his rest by being taken off at 60 mins.

  21. Sargasso C
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Legends, I need help. Best mini league ever. 4 teams separated by 5 points and everyone has a chip to play.

    Bench one -> DeBruyne, Antonio, Ings, Jimenez, Wood, Bruno..

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

    71p, should be happy I guess.

    24p lead in one mini league (more important)
    39p lead in another

    WC to go, they have no chips. 4-6 players match. Not going to block either, but should be fine?

  23. The Legend Squad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Jimmy to Kane for free?

    If so...

    Who am I benching?!

    KDB Son Sterling Pulisic Fernandes
    Kane Ings Greenwood

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

      Surely, the cheapest one.

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

      probably Pusilic but Bruno hasn't justified his place recently.

  24. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bruno looked tired. But I don't think Ole can bench him.

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No chance

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

      Probably not but I'm ditching for Sterling.

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

      if anyone is going to Step up in that game it will be Bruno! could be a pen and assist at least in that

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

    Play:

    A) Pulisic (WOL)
    B) Vardy (MAN)

    1. Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pulisic. Looks fresh and hungry.

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

      Thats tough! too tough. No one else you can bench?
      I guess play Vardy.

      Give me a shout about mate

    3. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sell both

  26. Pachi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which one of this on my FH?

    A) Tta, kdb and ings (4-4-2)
    B) Vvd, mahrez and son (4-5-1)
    Already got kane

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

    KDB and Bruno to Sterling and Dilva or Pulisic/Antonio and Bruno to Sterling and fodder? I really want to TC Sterling vs Norwich.

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

    Nothing to play for.....thoughts on:

    Kdb jiminez and maguire to sterling kane and bwilliams - 8?

    Hendo Mccarthy
    Taa maguire boly stephens soy
    Kdb Foden pulisic Bruno martial
    Jesus wood jiminez

    Thanks

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

    Unreal. Inside the top 1k post lockdown, followed by SIX red arrows in recent weeks and will be lucky now to stay inside 10k. Made decent moves and captain choices so I cant complain. They just didn’t work out. Roll on next season.

  30. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    28 points behind. Possible with a good FH to catch?

    1. Sargasso C
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      yes, absolutely

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

      Yes. Good luck.