Scout Notes

Should FPL managers sell Aubameyang ahead of Arsenal’s tough fixture run?

Arsenal 2-1 West Ham United

  • Goals: Alexandre Lacazette (£8.5m), Eddie Nketiah (£6.0m) | Michail Antonio (£6.4m)
  • Assists: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£12.0m), Dani Ceballos (£5.5m) | Ryan Fredericks (£4.5m)
  • Bonus: Nketiah x3, Ceballos x2, Lacazette x1

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£12.0m) is top of the charts for Fantasy Premier League transfers out ahead of Gameweek 3, with over 250,000 FPL bosses having offloaded the Gabon international since last Saturday’s deadline.

Modest returns in the opening two Gameweeks is one reason for the exodus but Arsenal’s upcoming fixture run is arguably the single biggest contributing factor, with the Gunners now facing five fixtures against sides who finished in the top half last season.


In nine meetings against these five clubs last season, Aubameyang delivered just two goals and one assist.

Even a player who consistently boasts one of the best goal conversion records in the division would struggle with his underlying numbers in these games: the premium midfielder managed only two shots on target (scoring both, naturally) and averaged less than one effort in the box per appearance.

Top half last season doesn’t necessarily mean top half this season, of course, and the jury is still out on a Sheffield United backline without the services of Dean Henderson (£5.5m).

Liverpool’s high defensive line was exposed by Leeds in Gameweek 1, meanwhile, and Aubameyang put Manchester City to the sword in the FA Cup semi-final in July.

Still, the fact remains that the Gunners’ Gameweek 3-7 opponents were all in the top six for fewest goals conceded in 2019/20.

Aubameyang will almost certainly bag at least one attacking return, maybe even a handful, in his upcoming five matches, but is he likely to outscore the premium assets from the other ‘big six’ clubs over the same timeframe?

And in how many of these fixtures would we realistically captain the Gabon international?

On paper, a premium midfielder exchange seems to be a straightforward decision – but FPL, as this weekend showed, may have other ideas.

ONE SHOT

Aubameyang was by some distance the most-captained FPL asset of Gameweek 2, with over two million Fantasy managers handing him the armband.

One solitary assist for Alexandre Lacazette‘s (£8.5m) opener was all that he could muster, with the Frenchman nodding home his teammate’s cross after just 24 minutes.

The expected avalanche of points failed to materialise as both player and club struggled to carve out chances, with Aubameyang’s only shot of the match coming from distance in the 90th minute.

There was mitigation for his own display though.

Aubameyang had cultivated a good understanding with Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£5.0m) and Kieran Tierney (£5.5m) down the left flank recently and he was without both of his comrades at the Emirates, with the former benched and the latter succumbing to an injury in the warm-up.

Bukayo Saka (£5.5m) and Sead Kolasinac (£4.9m) came into the side and although Saka “assisted the assister” for both of the hosts’ goals, the rapport simply wasn’t there between the left-sided trio for much of the game.

TIERNEY UPDATE
One statistic to rule them all

Mikel Arteta acknowledged a disjointed performance from his troops after full-time, saying:

I think we were a little bit lucky in certain moments, but we found a way in the end to win it and that’s the mentality I want from the team, to always believe that we can do it until the last moment, even when we have difficult games where suffer and make it very difficult for ourselves in certain positions.

But in the end, it’s three points and that’s what we’re here for. We will take some big notes because there are a lot of things to improve.

It’s very strange because we were talking with the staff today that they had their best week in terms of decision making, quality and execution with the ball by far since I joined the club, but then in the first 15 minutes, they gave the ball to the wrong colour too often. We need to improve on that and we know that we still have a lot of work to do here, but at least they kept trying and nobody tried to hide.

On Tierney’s injury, the Arsenal boss added:

Kieran is fine. He had a little muscular discomfort in the last few days. He tried today and worked in the warm-up but he wasn’t feeling comfortable today.
 
We believed that he was going to be fit but during the warm-up, in the last 10 minutes, he said he wasn’t feeling OK. We had to make a decision. We were prepared just in case and Kola came on and had a good game.

ANTONIO BACK AMONG THE GOALS

After an anticlimactic Gameweek 1, Michail Antonio (£6.4m) was back on the scoresheet at the Emirates.

Encouragingly, he was occupying the sorts of areas that led to his purple patch of form after lockdown ended in June.

His 44th-minute goal from a Ryan Fredericks (£4.5m) cross came from inside the six-yard box and he had an excellent chance to add to that tally after the break, failing to make proper contact on an Arthur Masuaku (£4.5m) delivery from close range.

Antonio then hit the bar with a header midway through the second half and saw a goalbound shot blocked in the subsequent melee.

West Ham’s awful upcoming fixture run will put many FPL managers off but few players could compete with Antonio’s underlying stats after lockdown ended and there were encouraging signs that he could recapture that form on Saturday.

MOYES GOES 3-4-3

With Mark Noble (£5.0m) injured, David Moyes called on Arthur Masuaku (£4.5m) to replace him and turned to a 3-4-3 for the trip to north London.

While Jarrod Bowen (£6.4m) and Tomas Soucek (£5.0m) were not at their best, Masuaku was excellent in a left wing-back role and West Ham delivered a much-improved display following their poor performance in Gameweek 1 – something to perhaps consider for those targeting assets who play the Hammers in weeks to come.

Moyes’ troops registered twice as many shots as their hosts, with their goal not coming under much threat after Lacazette’s opener – that is, until a lapse in concentration allowed Dani Ceballos (£5.5m) to set up Eddie Nketiah (£6.0m) for Arsenal’s late winner.

Moyes said of his side’s display:

We were massively improved from last week. We made chances, played well, wanted to be as good as we could. But ultimately we are playing a form team. I am disappointed that we have not come away with a point at least.

Arsenal XI (3-4-3): Leno; Holding, Gabriel, Kolasinac; Bellerin, Ceballos, Xhaka, Saka (Luiz 89′); Willian (Pepe 64′), Lacazette (Nketiah 77′), Aubameyang.

West Ham United XI (3-4-3): Fabianski; Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Fredericks, Rice, Soucek, Masuaku (Anderson 85′); Bowen (Yarmolenko 83′), Antonio, Fornals (Haller 87′).

Members Analysis


FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 2

3,517 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Razmataz
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who is the best 4.5m midfielder?

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

      Wasn't Burke playing up front for Shef United? No idea how nailed he is.

      1. stat sifter 888888
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Not nailed but McGoldrick is awful and Burke is a good talent so will always have a decent chance.

        1. Ser Davos
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I may roll the dice on him

    2. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Probably Reed though I'm on Anguissa atm

      Alzate

      Bissouma if no price rise and BRI win in the cup as he'll only miss one game

  2. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What do you think about my team?

    Ryan, Button
    TAA, Dallas, Justin, Struijk, Ferguson
    Salah, Sterling, JRod, Zaha, Son
    Werner, Mitrović, Wickham

    Thanks

    1. stat sifter 888888
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like it apart from Dallas. Could probably get some better value in some of that defence. 0.5 goes a long way.

  3. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    juston or castagne on wc ? thanks

    1. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Justin

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        is he nailed when perreira is back thought ? thanks

    2. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Cast better player and plays up high.
      Justin got lucky to get returns.
      (Justin owner here)

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        thanks peter

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

        He played well got foreward often

    3. stat sifter 888888
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Vastly different prices.

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

    I’m fairly certain I need to WC this team:

    McCarthy/Steer
    TAA/Shaw/Egan/Vinagre/Tierney
    Salah/Auba/ASM/Greenwood/Soucek
    Adams/DCL/Martial

    I figure Steer/Tierney/Vinagre/Egan/Auba/ASM and possibly Adams/Soucek/Greenwood need to go.

    I’d rather wait for the transfer window to close, but the team is dropping in value already.

    Agree/disagree?

    Thanks

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

      Yes agree. Current wildcard template is quite nice

    2. Totti
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      yes i think you have to wildcard

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

        Cheers guys

    3. stat sifter 888888
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not that bad tbh apart from ASM if you have 1/2 ft. McCarthy is obviously a weak link but if you back your football knowledge you should just WC.

    4. clodhopper
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Minus 4 or minus 8 sorted

  5. raff97
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best 4.5 mid for those WCing?

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

      Reed.

  6. Ronaldo 7
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Right no more tinkering - hopefully capture any price rises for tonight and happy with this WC draft . 0 its

    Guaita/Steer
    Lamptey/Mitchell/Digne/Saiss/Castagne
    Bissouma/Salah/KDB/Son/JRod
    DCL/Bamford/Jimi

    Thoughts please?

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Find money for Martinez

      1. Ronaldo 7
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Believe me I’ve tried lol any ideas??

        1. stat sifter 888888
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Oh dear.

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

      Looks good, isn't Bamford going to lose spot soon though, and Mitchell too, obviously Bissouma is out (for next 3?) but he's a long term pick.

      Not having TAA could hurt, I'd be tempted by Richarlison instead of James, though not sure how funded, maybe by dropping Bamford and bringing in Soucek.

      1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Why is everyone talking about Soucek?

        1. stat sifter 888888
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Pretty sure there's a conspiracy by some of the vets to sneak a dud into the team.

  7. Viper
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Looking at ASM replacements in the 5.5 - 7.0 bracket.

    Barnes has the best stats but potentially the worst fixture

    Podence has the best fixtures but poor stats.

    How did Podence look via 'the eye test' tonight? Couldn't see the game..

    1. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Foden could be an option

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah for sure.

        Mahrez surely a danger in the formation they lined up in tonight?

        I suppose that's just the risk you take with City though

        1. SAY MY NAME
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Pep roulette never goes away lol, just have to hope that the amount of goals they score offsets the random benchings

    2. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Podence was getting into some very dangerous positions, loads of chances. Played up front for a bit too

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I've been interested in Podence once I seen Jota was out of the way

    3. stat sifter 888888
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Zaha if you're man enough. Podence again a good value pick if you're man enough. Barnes safest option long-term.

  8. Peter Ouch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best time for this place is after the end of the week.
    People realise that we all need a bit of help with our teams and they are being helpful and humble.

    Otherwise we are too confident and arrogant before a deadline

  9. SAY MY NAME
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    JWP to? can afford either, prefer Foden's fixtures for the next few but guess he isn't totally nailed

    a)Rodriguez
    b)Foden

    1. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B if you have a decent first sub, a otherwise

      1. SAY MY NAME
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        got Soucek and a couple of cheap defenders

        1. Neves say Neves
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I’d be tempted by Foden then

      2. Phil's Stamps
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        This, but only if you have DCL or Rich.

        1. SAY MY NAME
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          cheers - haven't got any other Everton, tempted by Rodriguez, at least i know he's nailed, probably very under-priced if Everton continue to do well

  10. Neves say Neves
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Are any of Doherty, pereira, Vinagre,McCarthy or soucek worth getting rid of for a -4?

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No especially if you can bench one of them

    2. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No

    3. raff97
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If you can upgrade Soucek to Podence tonight before price fall I would. Pereira looks a fine pick, vinagre might play a few games if marcals injury is bad.

  11. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    TAA + Soucek => 6.0 and less + KDB -8

    1. Worth it?
    2. Who is best 6.0 and less

    1. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No
      Podence

      1. Lucky Z
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        6.0 and less is defender to replace TAA

        1. Phil's Stamps
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Looks like Castagne at the mo, but limited data.

        2. Neves say Neves
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Sorry mate it’s late, read your question wrong. I agree with other chap. Could go with saiss to free up some cash

          1. Lucky Z
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Thanks

  12. H-SF
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Link to mods and cons league?

  13. bruuuno
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Was set to do Vinagre > Saiss -4 tonight before price changes. Wonder if its really worth waiting for marcal news or just do the transfer?

    Read that wolves fans would like Samedo as LWB if marcal not fit. And then Justin would come in from my bench...

    What would you do?

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not for a hit now.

    2. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wait

  14. Prison Mike
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best ASM replacement?

    A) Foden

    B) Podence

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Probably B short term, but you need a decent bencher for either one. Get both if you can.

  15. George Agdgdgwngo
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Kdb, foden & Jesus too much?

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If you don't have Werner I'd be tempted to choose him before Jesus, at least for the next few.

  16. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Castange & Foden (3-5-2)
    B) TAA & Lamptey/Taylor (4-4-2)

    Have Robbo and both have two long term playing benchers + Brewster.

    It's obviously A, right?

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

      Yes

  17. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Feels good to press that WC button!
    A) Foden+Castagne
    B) Rodriguez+max 4.7 defender(Taylor/Justin, not nailed?)

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  18. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Expecting Mahrez to be benched again in GW2?

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

      *GW3, ugh

    2. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think he starts

    3. stat sifter 888888
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Can't see Pep keeping two CDMs for very long. Best guess is Foden alongside De Bruyne and Mahrez/Sterling up-top? Nobody really knows though.

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

    Isn't Podence still a rotation risk with Traore moving up front after the addition of Semedo? Did I miss something?

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

      Once the wagon leaves the station, info like this doesn't matter anymore

    2. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      His place to lose!

    3. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Got a number 10 shirt. That means they seriously count on him.

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Neto has 7 😉

        Anyway I've Podence and it's his place to lose! Get him!

    4. Viper
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Probably Neto most at risk

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

      Should concern Neto but that could definitly change

    6. stat sifter 888888
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, they have a lot of young wingers as options after Traore goes back to being further forward. Neto gave Podence a gift-wrapped chance earlier that he should have finished but made the wrong decision for and has played almost 3 times as many games as Podence. Podence assist was nice though.

  20. Somar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Does anyone know the exact time price changes happen? I'm at work but I need more tinkering to do. When should I 'use' the bathroom?

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      2.15am - 2.30am

  21. KDB4PREZ
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Auba&Havertz > KDB&Son looks like a no brainer right?

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Just Auba to KDB! I wouldn't sell Havertz before West Brom & I'm actually not doing so!

  22. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Sterling with 5.4% ownership. Definiton of differential.
    Captained him vs Leicester, a hattrick would be awesome.

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I can't look elsewhere with this kdb.
      He was electric

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        If Pep continues with 4-2-3-1, KDB is going to go crazy this season!

        1. stat sifter 888888
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah but realistically.... More chance of Fernandinho taking Stones's place back again lol.

  23. FPLMACKEM
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone know if ASM will fall in price tonight?

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No one knows!

  24. Mooster©️
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Do you think Dunne will keep playing for Burnley?

    1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Until Mee or Tarkowski get back, yes

    2. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nope.

    3. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If Tarkowski moves away, he has a chance!

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

        where is he going?

  25. All about the galacticos
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone watch the villa game, how did ollie watkins look?

    1. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He'll need time. Don't see him as an option yet. Could come good like most players, mind.

      1. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        *come good at any moment

        1. All about the galacticos
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          cheers, he's my neck of woods, will bring a tear to my eye when a torquay lad scores a brace for my fpl team

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

      Villa had only 2 shots on target despite playing 80 minutes against 10 men. Not good.

  26. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Do you guys reckon Saiss rises tonight?

  27. Totti
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    am i bonkers to enter next gameweek without de bruyne?

    i'm feeling that my season might be ended next gameweek with all going to captain KDB 🙂

    1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I will try it with Raheem. Could be a great differential.

      1. Totti
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        i have no city coverage 🙂

    2. stat sifter 888888
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I am also seriously considering using my ft for Jimi over Rich and waiting until next week for De Bruyne. Leicester's defence will get ripped apart next week from that showing but hopefully Rogers will do something.

  28. Corona is not good 4 U
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Would you wildcard this team?

    McCarthy, Steer
    Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Justin, Egan, Mitchell
    Salah, Aubameyang, Son, Saint-Maximin, Bissouma
    Werner, Wilson, Mitrovic

    Thank you!

    1. Totti
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      any FT?

      1. Corona is not good 4 U
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        One. Probably I will do Aubameyang -> de Bruyne. Thank you for your answer.

  29. DycheDycheBaby
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    ASM --> Podence for -4 before price drop?

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

      Or play Soucek instead?

  30. arkom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Salah / KDB / Bruno / Soucek / Bissouma

    A) Soucek --> Foden
    B) Soucek --> Podence
    C) Save?

    1. Totti
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

      1. arkom
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Why? Podence more nailed than Foden mate?

        1. raff97
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Yes, but even he isnt 100% with the domino effects of Semedo joining