Scout Notes

Saïss delivers on Project Restart promise as Jiménez returns to his FPL best

Sheff Utd 0-2 Wolves

  • Goals: Raúl Jiménez (£8.5m), Romain Saïss (£5.0m)
  • Assists: Daniel Podence (£5.5m), Pedro Neto (£5.5m)
  • Bonus Points: Saïss x3, Jiménez x2, Conor Coady x2 (£5.0m)

Raúl Jiménez (£8.5m) was back to his best at the first time of asking as Wolves beat Sheffield 2-0 on Monday night.

After a decent start to Project Restart, the Mexican’s 2019/20 campaign largely petered out, but that familiar spring in his step returned for the start of 2020/21.

If nothing else, it was a standard outing for Jiménez as he spearheaded Wolves’ attack on the counter, scored what turned out to be the winning goal and took a share of bonus points as a result. That rewarded his 19% ownership with a solid eight-point haul.

In a Gameweek where Harry Kane (£10.5m), Danny Ings (£8.5m) and Richarlison (£8.0m) all blanked, Jiménez took virtually no time to show he means business this season.

During the first half especially, Wolves were offered plenty of space on the counter-attack. It was in the third minute that Daniel Podence (£5.5m), deployed on the left-hand side of the front-three, left John Lundstram (£5.5m) behind to occupy the vacuum left by George Baldock (£5.5m) at right wing-back. His fine left-footed cross dropped beautifully to an unmarked Jiménez, who rifled high into the top corner of Aaron Ramsdale‘s (£5.0m) net.

Two minutes later, Jiménez was in again. This time Leander Dendoncker (£5.0m) had made it to the byline, chopping the ball back towards the forward. Backing away from Baldock, Jiménez chested it down, firing a fierce effort towards goal, stopped only by a sprawling Ramsdale save.

He went even closer to adding to his tally in the 83rd minute as João Moutinho (£5.5m) sent in an excellent corner, which Jiménez directed onto the front post.

Sheffield United were, admittedly, uncharacteristically brittle at the back in the early exchanges, which we will come back to later, but Jiménez passed the eye test with flying colours on Monday night. Considering he has previously shown a ruthless streak against the so-called top-six, a Gameweek 2 meeting with Manchester City, who typically play a high defensive line, may not be as tough for his owners as first feared.

Fantasy managers in search of value in the £5.5m midfielder brackets would have liked what they saw of Podence and Pedro Neto (£5.5m) in Gameweek 1. The two mid-priced options were both deployed either side of Jiménez, keeping Diogo Jota (£6.5m) out of the side and on the bench all evening.

Each player looked lively, especially when they were given the chance to trouble Sheffield United on the counter-attack. And in a Gameweek where Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.5m), Lundstram and Bukayo Saka (£5.5m) all blanked, Podence and Neto each registered a score of six points.

The former got his assist for Jiménez’s opening goal, while Neto managed to wrestle away one corner from Moutinho, which Romain Saïss (£5.0m) turned into the net after five minutes.

However, Fantasy managers should probably approach the Wolves front-line with caution in the coming weeks, as there is plenty of competition for places. While Jota was rooted to the bench on Monday, we know he is good enough to come into the team either as a wide-forward in a 3-4-3 or centre-forward in a 3-5-2. Meanwhile, Adama Traoré (£6.5m) may be used further forward at some point, although, for now, it appears as if he is filling the void at right wing-back by Matt Doherty (£6.0m).

The Wolves defence continues to reward Fantasy managers who invested in the right options. Their clean sheet at Bramall Lane was the 10th since Gameweek 25 of last season. Since then, no other Premier League team has recorded as many shut-outs, Manchester City and Manchester United (both nine), the joint-second-best in that department.

As we have come to expect from Nuno Espirito Santo’s men, they managed Monday night’s game exceptionally well, for the most part, limiting Sheffield United to half-chances.

They were particularly dominant in the opening 25 minutes, where the Blades registered just one touch in the box and no efforts on goal. By the end of the 90 minutes, Chris Wilder’s men had mustered just one shot on target. While such impressive control of the game does not exactly bode well for Wolves defenders as they prepare to face Manchester City, Sheffield United’s troubles in front of goal could be promising for Aston Villa.

In terms of how best to invest in Wolves defenders (probably from Gameweek 3 onwards), Saïss once again emerged as a key option. The Moroccan international offered great value at the back end of last season and, despite a price hike to £5.0m, he was back to his best at Bramall Lane.

Saïss was the man who rose highest to score Neto’s fifth-minute corner and he was unfortunate not to come away from Yorkshire with three goals to his name. He was afforded another free header in the 52nd minute, which he nodded just wide and later in the second half, he was caught advancing almost in a centre-forward’s position. Jiménez led a counter-attack through the middle, sliding Saïss in on the left. His fierce effort was tipped onto the post by Ramsdale, before Jiménez screwed the rebound just wide.

As it turned out, Saïss also claimed maximum bonus points, continuing his BPS appeal from Project Restart, ending up with a 15-point haul. More threatening than Willy Boly (£5.5m) and Conor Coady (£5.0m), the Moroccan currently seems like the best Wolves defender to consider, especially in light of Ruben Vinagre‘s (£4.5m) evening.

Owned by over 10% of managers, the young left-back was not given the chance to hold down the position while new signing Marçal (£5.0m) bedded in. Nuno offered a route straight into the team for the debutant, who lasted the whole game. That said, he did not venture forward too often and was certainly less dangerous in the area than the similarly-priced Saïss.

As Vinagre’s Fantasy owners consider how to upgrade him to the Moroccan in a few weeks, the silver lining was the fact that he remained on the Wolves bench. Accordingly, auto-subs were triggered, although Tyrick Mitchell (£4.0m) was the only of the top-three most-benched defenders for Gameweek 1 who played; Barry Douglas (£4.0m) and Bernardo (£4.0m) the other two.

Meanwhile, Sheffield United defenders were far from useful in their first Gameweek of the new campaign. As already mentioned, they gave up a whole host of chances, especially on the counter. It was a far cry from the Blades we have come to know under Wilder in the Premier League and this was the first time this calendar year that they conceded more than once at home in a match.

It went from bad to worse for the most fashionable Sheffield United asset too as John Egan (£5.0m), owned by more than 16% of Fantasy managers was booked in the first half.

Sheffield United XI (3-5-2): Ramsdale; O’Connell, Egan, Basham (McGoldrick 71′); Stevens, Fleck, Norwood (Berge 76′), Lundstram, Baldock; McBurnie, Sharp.

Wolverhampton Wanderers XI (3-4-3): Patrício; Saïss, Coady, Boly; Marçal, Dendoncker, Moutinho (Vitinha 86′), Traoré; Podence (Neves 76′), Jiménez, Neto (Buur 69′).

PREMIUM MEMBERS ANALYSIS

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FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 1

1,659 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ADucksBehind
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How do I remove someone from a head to head mini league?

    The only option I can see under administrator is to change the league name

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You cannt do it when it generated the fixtures

    2. pablo discobar
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You can't in head 2 head

    3. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      i dont believe you can

    4. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ask them politely to remove themself

  2. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Digne or Laporte??

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Is Laporte even fit enough to start ??

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Digne - will Laporte be available GW2 after testing positive?

    3. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Digne. Still on 50% of corners/FK's with James. Everton got a solid 5-man defensive unit now with Mina/Keane/Gomes/Allan/Doucoure all working together. Can only benefit Coleman/Digne on the flanks IMO.

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

    what are people shipping out Alli gonna do when he scores one and assists one in the Europa league and then is taken off at 70 mins to be fresh for the saints game?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Kneejerk him straight back in

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Get rid of, not too excited by Mou side until improvement seen. Many options for next few GWs. Unless any other more pressing issues.

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Can he do it on the South coast though ??

      Anyone can score in Bulgaria !

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He can do it just not excited by the prospect, now

    4. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Alli is trash come on

    5. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hated the Ali pick - barely featured last year when fit. Him and Mou not on same page. Ditch asap.

  4. Hits from the Bong
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Rmwct please

    Martinez Steer
    Saiss Taylor Dallas Mitchell Struijk
    Salah Sterling KDB Greenwood Soucek
    Jiminez Wilson DCL

    1. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Steer < Martinez (assuming they sign him)

      Struijk > Leeds Captain had minor knock & will come back in.

      Both likely to be second choice from what I've read.

  5. Jullepuu
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Should I stick with Son or go for Sterling? (On Fanteam)

    1. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Sterling is the best asset on FanTeam, go for it. But next week, I like Son more against SOU then Sterling against Wolves.

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I have Son and 1.0m ITB. Do I buy Sterling or Fernandes?

        Fernandes gives me a captain option otherwise it will be on Auba. But arguably, I'd rather have Sterling long term.

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          *on Salah not Auba. Don't own Auba on FanTeam.

          1. fish&chips
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Sterling looks like the best value player in the game but Bruno better for this week. I'm probably going to do mane to Bruno and then try and get sterling in the following week, maybe for salah.

        2. Flair
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Depends, do you have Martial? My answer is usually Sterling first, every other asset in the game second. But with the captaincy in play, I'd have Fernandes for this and maybe - next week.

  6. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best 7.0 or below midfielder to bring in?

    1. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If it was me, based on those games alone, I think I'd pick one of the decent punts at 5.5 and spend up top.

    2. HODGE
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Maddison

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Want to watch VD Beek

  7. Limbo
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    This has probably been asked loads, but not been on for 24 hours...

    Any solid info on expected risers this week? Can see KDB has 230k suitors already (with 30k out - still more than Willian who's already risen)... On FPLStats - he's hit [101.0] so if he does rise it sort of kills some plans I had (Auba > KDB next week leaving £1m ITB to upgrade Burr to Saiss)

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Our wonderful 0.5 increments are going down the drain this week I think

      1. Limbo
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah. I want 2FT next week with Wolves fixture swing - and another look at Chelsea/Everton

    2. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I've got a sneaky feeling that city and utd assets won't rise no matter what this week. Think FPL will manipulate

        1. Pukki Blinders
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Is it really worth the risk waiting to find out when a rise will lock me out?

        2. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks...

          I know I'd be a fool to jump the gun before Auba (c) plays at home to that Hammers team — think I'll have to risk it — 0.9 means I can probably still do a move - and upgrade KWP instead to 5.0m with .4itb to tinker.

        3. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I share that feeling. Don't care though. Don't want either of risers

          1. Limbo
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I have Fernandez already. Auba > KDB GW3 was the plan - that extra 0.5m being very useful

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Definitely

        4. Champ
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I think you're right. FPL towers want the numbers game in terms of active players.

    3. Tozier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Draft - would you rather have Rodrigo or Bamford in your team for the season? Rodrigo is obviously the big money signing but Bielsa loves Bamford...

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Long term Rodrigo. Bamford not up to the PL level - way too wasteful

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

      Havertz, keep or sell?

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 6 months ago

          If that's your only team issue probably a sell

        • DRIZ ✅
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Would keep

      2. davies
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Alli > JRod (-4) is so tempting if Alli plays Europa

        1. DRIZ ✅
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Alli nothing special i woudl

      3. Podorsky
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Who to play this week? Havertz or Ali?

        I think there will be goals in the liverpool game but Ali has the better fixture although will surely play Europa League as well.

      4. Ruinenlust
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Get Bruno or KDB?

        1. DRIZ ✅
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Kdb

        2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Bruno this week. KDB next

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

        Is it mad to go with Rashford over Bruno when I can afford either? There is a high likelihood that I might WC for GW3 and I'm not sure how appealing Bruno's performance at home is vs Martial and Rashford?

        Having said that I chose Martial and Rashford last season and had to correct the mistake (and get all 3) later on. Perhaps I'm biased and making the same mistake again.

        Any thoughts on this?

        1. FPL Theorist
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Lots of pens were given out this weekend -- can't see Bruno not getting in on the party.

      6. King Kohli
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Best move here?

        A. Havertz > Hamez
        B. Havertz + Ings > Bruno + Wilson(-4)
        C. Havertz + Ings > Hamez + Martial (-4)

        McCarthy
        TAA Coady Davies Justin
        Salah Auba Havertz Asm
        Werner Ings

        1. DRIZ ✅
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          No idea why had havertz in first place but would keep

      7. hogree
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        A. Mitro to Watkins?
        B. Salah and Son to Martial and Rashford (-4)

        1. hogree
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Team is
          McCarthy - Steer
          Doherty - TAA - Justin - Taylor - Mitchell
          Salah - Auba - Son - ASM - Bissouma
          Wilson - Mitro - Werner

      8. Sammy S
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Auba and Ings -> KDB and Martial?

        1. DRIZ ✅
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Stick

        2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          To balance the 0.5 - and + ?

      9. Soonmixdin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Q: Kane + Son to Richarlison + KdB for (-4)?

        1. DRIZ ✅
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Sounds sign of desperation. Would stick

          1. Soonmixdin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Not that desperate - got 85 pts for GW1!! But between eye test and fixtures I wonder if it's worthwhile for next GW...

        2. All For One
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Kane>Martial

      10. Irish Villan 1985
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Lads...

        KDB & Willian

        Or

        Auba & Greenwood

        Thanks.

        1. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          First for me - marginally. Greenwood's minutes are just a little more uncertain.

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

        KDB v Wolves or Salah v Chelsea?

        1. GROBARI
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Salah

        2. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Cap? Salah

      12. Dr Van Nostrand
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        When will the JRod and Wilson price locks end?

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Prob once GW2 opens

      13. Postman7
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        How are you all feeling about the unexpected early price movements last night? Is this a return to the more volatile pricing of previous years, or just a consequence of too many managers overeacting to GW1 results?

        1. Dr Van Nostrand
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Very annoying wanted to wait a week but have a few dropping like stones so pulling a few triggers soon

          1. Postman7
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Same here. And if this is a trend, I'll be down 0.5 by the time I conduct all my business over 2-3 GWs... But I really dont want to pull the WC trigger already. Feels like a waste.

            1. Dr Van Nostrand
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Meh I'm just gonna take the 2 hits now as opposed to very likely in the near future. Have exact funds now for the 3 players I want

              1. Postman7
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Interesting, so -8pts this week? Who are you bringing in?

                1. Dr Van Nostrand
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Martial Saiss and JRod. I wanted JRod from the start but wasn't sure he'd start GW1. Had always planned Martial and desperately want Wolves D since Vinagre failed miserably.

            2. Dr Van Nostrand
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Also it was a very high scoring week if you captained Salah so 8 now doesn't seem so bad

              1. Postman7
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                True although he was essentially my only scorer in GW1 so not a terrific week. I'm also looking at Martial and JRod, but also want to bring in Bruno. I'm toying with the idea of if I go all the way to -8pts, I might as well fix some of my other issues while I'm at it too. Biggest problem is KDB who I didnt have on the docket till GW3, but looks like will go up in price before Saturday... 0.1 essentially = 0.5 price hike in these early weeks, which is annoying.

      14. primal33
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Sterling or KdB?

      15. Bagayokeso
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Werner > martial with FT? It has been my plan but slightly doubting it now

        Mccarthy,
        Taa, doc, lascelles, KWP
        Salah, auba, havertz, alli
        Werner, Adams

      16. Tree House
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Please help guys:

        A) mitro —> Wilson
        B) Werner —> martial
        C) jimmy —> martial
        D) Save

        Thanks!

      17. One Man
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Liked the look of Trossard the other yday. Could be good value at 6m ? Stats are good.

        1. That Was Easy!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Quite liked him pre-season, even when he does well he manages to get rotated though. Perhaps this season is different. Terrific player.

        2. Tree House
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I think he’s the best at that price

      18. That Was Easy!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I have Dele and Havertz, and the only way I'll sell Dele is if he starts and plays 90 on Thursday.

        I really want to save the transfer although I don't expect a ton out of them. Is this reasonable or do I just make a transfer to James?

        1. fish&chips
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I have the same and am thinking to hold

      19. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Ings and Havertz ➡️ Bruno and DCL??.

        1. That Was Easy!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          If no MU, wouldn't be the worst thing. I started with you on my bench.

      20. Red Red Robins
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Whats peoples thoughts on Havertz?
        Alot of people seem to be getting shot after only 1 week?

        1. That Was Easy!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          He was off the pace and in an unnatural position, he'll come good but with Pool, it isn't a bad move to swap.

      21. UnitednationsXI
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Going against my initial plan and keeping Salah, reluctantly. So next best option with 1.5m itb?

        McCarthy - Nyland
        TAA - Justin - Ayland ---- Lamptey Vinagre
        Auba - Salah - Son - ASM ---- Bissouma
        Werner - Mitro - Adams

        A: Son >> Bruno
        B: Son + Adams >> Rashford + DCL (-4)
        C: Son + Adams >> JamesRod + Martial (-4)
        D: Save FT as Son has good fixtures and more of a talisman

        1. Andrew
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          A.

      22. Wag the Drog
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Worth it to admit failure and take a hit by Saliba for Taylor as a long term move?

        1. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Not for a hit. Can you field 3 defenders?

          1. Wag the Drog
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Yes but I’m playing a 442, so if Saliba drops I will only have Mitchell as a potential replacement for him as a rotating 5th.