Scout Notes

Fabinho bolsters Liverpool defence as Werner shows promise ahead of West Brom

Chelsea 0-2 Liverpool

  • Goals: Sadio Mané x2 (£11.9m)
  • Assists: Roberto Firmino (£9.4m)
  • Penalty saves: Alisson (£6.0m)
  • Penalty misses: Jorginho (£5.0m)
  • Red cards: Andreas Christensen (£5.0m)
  • Bonus points: Mané x3, Alisson x2, Trent Alexander-Arnold x1 (£7.5m), Virgil van Dijk x1 (£6.5m)

In Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Chelsea on Sunday, Sadio Mané (£11.9m) reminded Fantasy Premier League managers of his goal-scoring advantage over Mohamed Salah (£12.1m) in away matches.

The Senegalese international found the net seven times on the road last season, behind only Roberto Firmino (£9.4m) among his Liverpool colleagues. Crucially, that accounted for 38.9% of Mané’s league goals in 2019/20, a sizeable chunk.

By contrast, just four of Salah’s 19 league efforts went in away from Anfield, 21% of his overall total, and the Egyptian already has one blank from a possible one on the road this season, this time recorded at former club, Chelsea.

Salah was full of running at Stamford Bridge, and he was enthusiastic in the shot once again, but just as was often the case away from home last season, Mané was the one to really shine.

It was his powerful run which forced a last-ditch foul from Andreas Christensen (£5.0m), resulting in a red card shortly before half-time.

And it was Mané’s famed ability in the air that put Liverpool in front. Firmino got around the back of Marcos Alonso (£6.0m) on the right-hand side, crossing for Mané to skip clear of Kurt Zouma (£5.0m) and substitute Fikayo Tomori (£4.9m) and nod beyond Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5.0m).

Then, just minutes later, Mané was on-hand to capitalise on yet another catastrophic error from the Chelsea goalkeeper. After giving the ball up to Tomori, he chased down the pass-back to Kepa, blocking the attempted clearance inside the box and firing underneath the panicked shot-stopper for 2-0.

“I think in the first half Sadio was really close to blocking it there already but you just have to do it. I love it when we get rewards for this kind of situation. The first goal was a nice piece of football, everybody involved pretty much. Firmino cross and then Sadio comes in front of his man, so it’s really difficult to defend. Good goal and gave the game the right direction.” – Jurgen Klopp

It is games like this one that certainly bolsters the theory that it doesn’t matter which premium Liverpool asset you own – as long as you stick to the one you’ve got, recognising the strengths and weaknesses in comparison to the other.

Salah gets most of his work done at Anfield, he takes the penalties and usually bests his colleague for the sheer frequency of shots. Meanwhile, as evidenced by the win at Chelsea, Mané is better in the air, receives more of the so-called bigger, higher-quality chances suited to dangerous counter-attacks and typically finds the net more often away from home.

On that note, two of Liverpool’s next three matches occur on the road, Jurgen Klopp’s men set to for visits to Villa Park and Goodison Park. That said, five of their next three are at Anfield, Arsenal, Sheffield United and West Ham the next three sides scheduled to visit Salah’s hunting ground.

Liverpool’s attacking credentials were also boosted at Stamford Bridge as new signing Thiago Alcantara (£6.0m) made his debut in central midfield.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich man came on to replace Jordan Henderson (£5.5m) at half-time after the club captain sustained a thigh problem. Unsurprisingly, Thiago was able to make a big impact on proceedings, stringing together 74 successful passes in just 45 minutes, the fourth-most in the whole match.

Admittedly, such a tally was recorded against a 10-man team but this well-documented ability of Liverpool’s new number six is likely to come in handy when they face deep blocks in the future. Aston Villa (away), Everton (away) and Sheffield United (home) are three of their next four opponents who could employ such a tactic.

“Then we had to make the decision and decided for Thiago because, even without training against 10 men, he’s then pretty much the perfect player on that position, I would say. Everything he did today was completely natural. It was not all perfect but it was natural, so the passes he tries to play are natural. That’s good, really good, nice.” – Jurgen Klopp

After conceding three goals at home to newly-promoted Leeds in Gameweek 1, there was a significant improvement from Liverpool’s defence on Sunday.

That was mostly connected with an incredible, almost man-of-the-match-worthy, performance from Fabinho (£5.5m) at centre-back. The Brazilian dropped into the back-four in the place of Joe Gomez (£5.5m), who had been less than impressive against Leeds.

The Englishman was also absent through injury, as was Joel Matip (£5.5m), but even when Gomez returns, Fabinho appears to have already made a strong case to jump ahead of him in the pecking order. The arrival of Thiago also takes the pressure off Liverpool’s number three having to take part in midfield duties.

Such a drastic improvement upon moving Fabinho into defence will certainly give hope those on the Liverpool defensive double-up, especially with Villa, Everton, Sheffield United and West Ham four of the Reds’ next five opponents.

“Fabinho, yes! If Sadio wouldn’t have scored two goals, I think Fab would be a proper contender for Man of the Match. I loved his performance, he played outstanding. He helped us a lot with the ball and in defending as well, so yes, a proper performance.” – Jurgen Klopp

“Joe actually should be fine. It was not now really a big one but we have to see. We should be fine Monday already. With Joel, it could be slightly different. It’s not the worst thing in the world but a few weeks, a couple of weeks. Probably after the international break he will be ready again. So we have to see. It’s not cool. It’s crazy, in one day ‘bam bam’ but we have Fabinho and he played an exceptional game, so that was really, really nice.” – Jurgen Klopp

“I just told (Fabinho) as well I think he was Man of the Match. To keep out a striker like [Timo] Werner and don’t let him score, overall he was outstanding. Everyone knows how good he is but it shows also that we need everyone. We are a bit unlucky with the injuries now but we’ll need everyone back because it’s such a long season.” – Virgil van Dijk

However, there were a few moments on Sunday where Chelsea went close to scoring, all of which bodes well for their attacking assets in Gameweek 3 when they travel to West Bromwich Albion.

Timo Werner (£9.5m) did manage to get the better of Fabinho on one occasion in the first half. His first touch bounced off the Brazilian allowing the Chelsea forward to burst forward into space down the left-hand side of the box, firing an effort just wide of Alisson’s (£6.0m) goal.

His fizzing pace also earned a penalty in the 75th, as he drew a foul from Thiago. While Jorginho‘s (£5.0m) poor effort from the spot was saved by Alisson, Fantasy managers should consider the impact Werner has had in this department for Chelsea.

The German international has now won a penalty in each of his Premier League outings now, an ominous statistic as Chelsea prepare to face West Bromwich Albion in Gameweek 3. The Baggies have conceded the joint-highest number of shots over the first two matches and already given up two penalties in that time as well.

As a result, Werner looks a key captain candidate for Gameweek 3 both for his general goal threat anyway, as well as his tendency to win penalties. And you never know, Jorginho’s Gameweek 2 miss, and generally poor performance against Liverpool, might be enough to allow Werner to finally take one of his own after a decent record from 12 yards in Germany…

Meanwhile, there was another blank for Kai Havertz (£8.5m) who was unable to get on the ball enough. In light of Christensen’s sending off, he was replaced for tactical reasons by Tomori at the break and during the first 45 minutes he managed not one effort on goal or key pass.

Is that sufficient evidence to sell the midfielder? Perhaps… especially with James Rodríguez (£7.5m) impressing in his first two outings for Everton. But did Havertz show enough against Liverpool for the more patient of his owners to offer one last-chance-hurrah against West Brom’s porous defence? Possibly.

Some Fantasy managers might consider holding him on the strength of his next fixture alone, but there have been some promising off-the-ball runs from Havertz in his first two games. We highlighted some of these against Brighton and a false-nine role on Sunday produce a few more in the opening half of the Liverpool defeat.

The reason that Havertz was unable to make the most of his positioning, for the second match in a row, was a lack of creativity from those around him. Chelsea are crying out for Hakim Ziyech (£7.9m) to return from injury, so anyone currently invested in a Chelsea attacker should pay attention to the midweek EFL Cup meeting with Barnsley and Frank Lampard’s next two press conferences to see if he has a chance of featuring against West Brom. If he does, we could see big hauls for the likes of Werner, Havertz, Mason Mount (£7.0m) or Christian Pulisic (£8.4m), if he can regain some fitness.

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Kepa; Alonso, Zouma, Christensen, R James; Kovačić (Abraham 79′), Jorginho (Barkley 79′), Kanté; Werner, Havertz (Tomori 46′), Mount.

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Robertson, van Dijk, Fabinho, Alexander-Arnold; Wijnaldum, J Henderson (Thiago 46′), Keïta (Milner 64′); Mané, Firmino (Minamino 86′), Salah.

PREMIUM MEMBERS ANALYSIS

PREMIUM MEMBERS AREA HOME PAGE

FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 2

1,584 Comments Post a Comment
  1. KanteTouchThis
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    On WC, going big on attack.

    Martinez Steer
    Taa Saiss Justin Mitchell Dunne
    Salah KDB Son Rodriguez Podence
    DCL Werner Brewster

    Too risky with such a thin bench? Downgrade Podence to a 4.5 and use funds for a (slightly) stronger bench?

    1. gunnerboy
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Screw the bench. ATTACK!!!!!!

    2. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bench is overrated, usually you get 2 points in if any of your regulars miss the game.

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

        Screw it, big big 3-5-2 it is

  2. Old Bull
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Considering my options. Bruno to Son feels like a knee jerk

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

      Bruno can easily be in the points this week.

      1. Old Bull
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        But that Newcastle defence has more leaks than a Welsh allotment. ( I know, it doesn’t work when you type it)

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

      Tottenham scored 5 because of soton's high line.
      Can't see them scoring high against deep lying Newcastle

    3. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Get both hit or miss

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

    Justin rising faster than Lamptey is a welcome sight. ay bank that 0.1m if I get the chance & swap.

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

      Same here. Lamptey looked very threatening, but I am happy with Justin points for now!

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

    Thoughts on this Wc team?

    Martinez Steer
    TAA Saiss Justin Lamptey Taylor
    Salah KDB Sterling Podence Anguissa
    Jimenez DCL Brewster

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

      Like it although I do believer Werner will come good, if not, easy swap to Jim

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

        Fed up of having him tbh.
        Unless Ziyech or Puli come in, he will be deprived of service imo.

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

      three 11,5+ players is not best value

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

        Sterling could explode in the next 4 though.
        Can always restructure later on with 2 FTs

        1. The Handsome Hunk
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          We dont have patience to wait and react.

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

      Anguissa or Burke?

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

      Not having a Chelsea Attacker is not so cool vs WBA.
      Other than that it's a good team

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

        Chelsea not looking great, hopefully can get away without Timo.

        1. Maeki2
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          In Werners pricerange i think you have to be on penelties

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

    Don’t you think spurs will revert back to their usual 1-0 wins and losses?

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

      I can't see them keeping a lot CS any time soon.

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

      What do you think ?

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

        Back to crap

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

          Me too

    3. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not with Bale now, also Lo Celso looked great threading passed through albeit against a non existent Southampton defense.

      I think the Bale addition is a real statement of intent, expects goals and lots of them.

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        *passes

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

        But it’s still wait and see for me. I added son this GW on WC and I have even removed him

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Of course, same with United and everyone really barring Liverpool and City

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

            Agreed

  6. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who would you prefer if you had to pick?

    1. Justin, Son & Mitro
    2. Castagne, Klich & Jimmy

    1. Fullmetal
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      2

  7. Rbyrne95
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Don't think I need a wildcard but got the FOMO with De Bruyne, I'm debating if he's worth a hit for Auba

    Ramsdale (would love to get rid), Nyland
    VVD-Doherty-Walker Peters (mitchell only decent sub)
    Podence-JRod-Salah(C)-Auba
    Mitro,Kane, Richarlison.

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

      No WC needed yet I think.

      Would get KDB

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

      He will be 12m by the int break most likely. I'd take the hit.

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Not after this weekend’s blank (chuckles)

    3. Rbyrne95
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      f' it, will take the hit, took it last time for Jrod and it paid off. Cheers folks.

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

    Do you think James is nailed for Chelsea or could Azpi start some games?

    1. Fullmetal
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Azpi will start some

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

    My WC team ready and g2g?

    Martinez (Steer)
    Trent - Saiss - Castagne (Mitchell & Lamptey)
    KDB - Salah - Klich - Podence (Alzate)
    DCL - Jimmy - Werner

    Any changes? Possibly drop Jimmy > Brewster & Upgrade Alzate to go 352?

  10. Boly Would
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    On WC, which looks best?

    Martinez / Steer
    Gabriel / Ayling / Mitchell / XXX / XXX
    Salah / KDB / Son / XXX / Alzate
    Werner / Jimenez / Bamford

    A) VVD + Lamptey + Foden
    B) TAA + Lamptey + Podence
    C) James + Saiss + Hamez

  11. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who would you get for Auba in this group with 0.0itb?

    Auba KDB Bruno Podence

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

      What’s Podence doing in this group? I guess we need to have KDB and double up with sterling or foren depending on the fixtures

  12. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thinking I need to take a -4 for one of the following:

    a) ASM > Podence
    b) Auba > KDB

    Which one?

    (a -8 for both is an option too ofcourse, but not keen)

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

      B has to be the priority. A can wait til next GW provided you have cover on bench.

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

    Would be quite fun to observe a zombie team this season

  14. CONNERS
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on my WC team / anything you'd change? May do Zaha to Barnes GW4.

    Martinez
    Robbo - James - Saiss
    Salah - KDB - Son - Zaha - Podence
    Jimmy - DCL

    Steer / Mitchell - Justin - Brewster

  15. Gemma817
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Help me out here. Played WC.

    Draft 1: (.8m in the bank, I plan to switch Ryan to Leno after this GW, because I would like some Arsenal defensive coverage)

    Nyland, Ryan (GKs)
    Lamptey, Mitchell, TAA, Justin, Saiss (Def)
    J. Rodriguez, Son, Salah, Pereira, KDB (Mid)
    DCL, Mitrovic, Bamford (Att)

    ---------------

    Draft 2: .4m in the bank (Here, I tried to accommodate Kane by replacing Mitrovic and sacrificing J. Rodriguez, Lamptey and Justin and replacing them with essentially dead woods)

    Nyland, Ryan (GKs)
    Burr* (4m), Mitchell, TAA, Dunne* (4m), Saiss (Def)
    Anguissa* (4.5), Son, Salah, Pereira, KDB (Mid)
    DCL, Kane*, Bamford (Att)

    Thoughts? Or any other suggestions?

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

      I's use draft 1 but with the following changes:

      Jrod to Podence
      Pereira to Zaha/Barnes
      Bamford to 4.5
      Mitro to Jimmy

      (Play 3-5-2)

      1. Gemma817
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Sounds good. But would I be over relying on Wolves? Saiss, Podence and Jimenez.

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

      That isn't necessarily a bad thing. Can easy switch one to someone else if preferred.

      1. Gemma817
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thank you! Since you mentioned Jimmy and Podence, I came up with this too. Extremely weak bench, but I can afford Ings upfront in this draft.

        Nyland, Ryan
        Mitchell, TAA, Saiss, Dunne, Bernardo
        Son, Salah, KDB, Podence, Alzate
        DCL, Jimenez, Ings

        thoughts?

  16. moffnseath
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Podence & Foden vs Jrod & 4.5mid is the dilemma

  17. MDavies
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hi all, not a regular poster here, but a silent reader. Bit stuck on my WC. I am a mil over but not sure where to lose it
    Current WC Team:

    Martinez (Steer)
    VVD / James / Saiss / Castagne / Mitchell
    Salah / KDB / Rod / Podence / Alzate
    Werner / DCL / Jimenez.

    (-1m)
    wondering if to downgrade VVD to a 5.5, or DCL to Mitro?

    Thanks in advance

    1. gunnerboy
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Get rid of Jimenez for a 4.5 striker then upgrade other areas.

  18. BusbySwede
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Please RMT on a WC.

    Guaita, Steer
    Saiss, Castagne, Taylor, Lamptey, Mitchell
    Salah, KdB, Son, Rodriguez, Podence
    DCL, Jimenez, Mitro

    A bit worried not having neither Werner or TAA/Robbo..
    Zaha instead of JRod?
    Would like to see United improve before bringing one of them in.
    Good or any changes you would make?

    1. gunnerboy
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Get rid of Mitrovic for a 4.5 striker. Use funds to upgrade defener to Van Dijk

  19. Bronte
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    NIGHTMARE GW 2
    New to FPL and started game week 2 with 109 points
    Ended up bottom of 7 million with 23 points
    Made two changes and a transfer which cost me 13 points so still only would have had 36 points.
    I didn't think I had a bad team as 109 points shows
    Should Inow play my Wildcard as many had done after game week 1
    Be lucky all.

    1. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No, everyone has bad gameweeks. 132 points after 2 weeks = 66 point average, which is not bad.

  20. gunnerboy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Surely it is worth going for Van Dijk over TAA? 1m cheaper

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

      Probably 30-40 points difference over season...

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

      I'm going with Robbo over either on my WC. He has looked the sharpest imo.

  21. Knallie
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Cant decide, help?

    A) 3-5-2 with Podence
    B) 3-4-3 with Bamford/Mitro

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

      A

  22. Jenko3001
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Team for GW3

    McCarthy
    TAA / Saiss / Robertson / Digne
    Salah (C) / Podence / Son
    Jimenez / Mitrovic / Calvert-Lewin (VC)

    Bench: Steer, ASM, Ferguson, Gordon

    I have 4m left, do i bring in De Bruyne for Son for a -4 hit or do i wait until week 4?

    1. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'd wait but would want to get him in soon as. Just not worth a hit to take Son out with Newcastle next. Really though, think you need to take some money out of defence and put it in midfield. I'd be looking to downgrade Robbo to 4.5, Lamptey would be my pick.

  23. dark91
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Just read that the Spurs cup tie has been cancelled

    1. The Hunt
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I seen that and just about s.h.a.t myself (had to do that because i got modded for the actual word!). My team was built around Kane and the his upcoming haul against Newcastle.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Don't see the connection.

  24. FredrikH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bench Zaha, Podence, Bamford or DCL? Don't ask. Went with a strong Corona bench. Gonna be frustrating I know.

  25. Gemma817
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Already have Jimenez for Wolves coverage. But no Leeds coverage. Should I go for Podence (5.5) or Costa/Klitch (5.6)?

  26. Mexico86
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    costa or podence ?

    who is more nailed ? is there a danger podence could lose his place with the options wolves have in that position

  27. FantasyFooty01
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Going into week 3 of last man standing, who should I pick? Already picked:
    Arsenal
    Leeds

  28. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Double up Villa attack with 2 of Grealish Barkley Watkins?

  29. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Best 3 defenders with 19.4m?
    A)TAA Robbo Lamptey
    B)Robbo Semedo Chilwell (+Lamptey to rotate with them)