Scout Notes

Why Werner blanked at West Brom and whether to hold or sell him for FPL Gameweek 4

West Brom 3-3 Chelsea

  • Goals: Callum Robinson x2 (£5.5m), Kyle Bartley (£4.5m) | Mason Mount (£6.9m), Callum Hudson-Odoi (£5.8m), Tammy Abraham (£7.3m)
  • Assists: Matheus Pereira (£6.0m), Darnell Furlong (£4.5m) | Cesar Azpilicueta (£5.9m), Kai Havertz (£8.4m), Mount
  • Bonus points: C Robinson x3, Mount x2, Reece James x1 (£5.1m)

Timo Werner (£9.4m) remains goalless in the Premier League after Chelsea’s trip to West Bromwich Albion did not go according to plan.

The German international had been understandably turned to by 800,000+ Fantasy Premier League managers for the Gameweek 3 captaincy only to be rewarded with nothing more than a two-point score.

As some start to lose patience in Werner, it serves to analyse what went wrong for him on Saturday evening as there were, admittedly, some mitigating circumstances behind his first blank of the campaign.

Tammy Abraham’s (£7.3m) impressive EFL Cup performance midweek was enough to convince Frank Lampard to hand the centre-forward role to him at the Hawthorns, which shifted Werner onto the left-hand side of a 4-2-3-1.

That left him with less time in the penalty box than his 35% ownership would have liked, but Chelsea’s abysmal start to the game in defence did not help him either.

The Blues gifted three goals to West Bromwich Albion inside the first 27 minutes which eased any pressure on the hosts considerably. Each time Chelsea conceded, the Baggies sat deeper and deeper inside their five-man defence and bank of four midfielders, making life much harder for any visiting attacker to find some space.

That said, there was one moment in the first half that Werner and his owners will view with regret. In the 14th minute, Mason Mount (£6.9m) finally managed to find some space around the back of left-back Conor Townsend (£4.5m), squaring to Werner, who crashed his short-range shot against Sam Johnstone‘s (£4.5m) crossbar.

Chelsea’s issues in other areas of the team then counted against Werner in the second half as Cesar Azpilicueta (£5.9m) replaced Marcos Alonso (£6.0m) and winger Callum Hudson-Odoi (£5.8m) came on for Mateo Kovačić (£5.5m).

With Hudson-Odoi on the pitch, who prefers to operate on the left-flank of attacking midfield as an inside forward, Lampard catered that with his formation tweak, shifting Werner onto the right-hand side.

“Callum (Hudson-Odoi) gave me everything I asked and wanted from him in terms of his ability to go one-on-one, trying to take people on. He got his goal. That’s what Callum needs to do. That’s the sort of impact he can have for us and it has to be consistent. He gave himself a great platform now to continue in that vain. He’ll be very important for us if he does.” – Frank Lampard

And when Olivier Giroud (£6.9m) took to the field in the place of Thiago Silva (£5.5m), enabling Lampard to pair the Frenchman with Abraham up-front in a 3-5-2, Werner was even further away from the danger areas.

During the final 15 minutes of the game, the only opportunity Chelsea’s number 11 had was when he emerged unmarked at the back post following a corner, only to see his powerful shot blocked by Kyle Bartley (£4.5m).

Would Chelsea have had to make these slew of changes to their side had they not gone 3-0 down in the opening half-an-hour? Almost certainly not. Would Werner have been better suited to this game had West Bromwich Albion not retreated into a deep block after a perfect start to the game? Almost certainly.

Perhaps that is the question his owners should consider ahead of the visit of Crystal Palace to Stamford Bridge in Gameweek 4. And even if Werner is deployed on the left-hand side of Chelsea’s attack again for that match, the Eagles’ have struggled to defend that area of the pitch in recent months. As Jan Sienkiewicz reminded us in a recent Captain Sensible article, the following left-sided players registered at least one attacking return facing them during Project Restart:

  • Sadio Mané (£11.9m) – goal
  • Harvey Barnes (£7.0m) – two assists
  • Christian Pulisic (£8.3m) – goal
  • Daniel Podence (£5.6m) – goal
  • Marcus Rashford (£9.5m) – goal and assist

Furthermore, the fitness of Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech (£7.9m) remain in the equation for Werner’s Fantasy appeal. The penetrative runs offered by the American, and Ziyech’s exceptionally creative abilities would have been the perfect tools to break down West Bromwich Albion’s deep block on Saturday, and could be important when facing Palace in Gameweek 4 – something to keep an eye on in Lampard’s upcoming press conferences.

Meanwhile, owners of Kai Havertz (£8.4m) are likely at a crossroads following his contribution to this game. Like Werner, the disastrous start to the game for Chelsea did take its toll, but a chance to operate as a number 10 produced the German’s best performance in a Premier League game so far.

Admittedly, he was making that improvement from a low base, but there were still encouraging signs. The question is: has it come soon enough for his 8.8% ownership to retain their faith for one more week.

In the 10th minute, Havertz picked the ball up on the right-hand edge of the penalty box and unleashed a powerful curling effort. Johnstone could not hold onto it, forced to punch it clear.

Then in the closing stages, the former Bayer Leverkusen man found some space in a central area of the penalty box, but his deflected shot went out for a corner.

And it was his link-up with Hudson-Odoi that got Chelsea closer to their hard-earned point in the 70th minute. That assist was his first attacking return of the season, making four a five-point score. Considering the interest in Blues assets this week, that is certainly less than was probably expected by his owners.

Chelsea’s ongoing defensive issues did not help Reece James‘ (£5.1m) Fantasy appeal, who has now blanked in two of his three Premier League outings this season.

Just as was the case against Brighton in Gameweek 1, the Blues were weakest in the full-back areas, and West Bromwich Albion were ruthless in capitalising on that at the Hawthorns.

In the fourth minute, a poor defensive header from Alonso landed at the feet of Matheus Pereira (£6.0m), who slid his pass across to Callum Robinson (£5.5m), who had escaped from James’ notice. He fired an effort across Willy Caballero (£4.9m) into the bottom corner, securing a third attacking return in as many matches for Pereira.

“I didn’t blame the players, I stated the facts on the clear mistakes that led to the goals. It is always going to be difficult in a game like this. It is not a tactical moment, it is a turnover in possession which we spoke about before.” – Frank Lampard

It may also be a little while until Silva adds much-needed stability to Chelsea’s backline as he slipped and gifted possession to Robinson for the third goal. It was Alonso who lost Bartley for the third goal, although it was poor awareness from James that played the West Bromwich Albion defender onside.

“Thiago Silva is going to be fantastic for us. He has been incredible in his career and absolutely, I will not look at him. I can talk about the mistakes, they are clear and I am open and honest about that. We are a team but we have to react around that and, to be fair, the team did in the second half. But, there is nothing on Thiago, I am sure he will stand up and say it was a mistake. But other than that, I thought he was pretty faultless in the game.” – Frank Lampard

Chelsea were much more secure with Azpilicueta coming on at left-back and they should have Edouard Mendy (£5.0m) in goal by the time they face Crystal Palace. Chelsea traditionally more porous in away games, having conceded 42 goals in 21 road trips since the start of last season, more than any other Premier League side since the start of last season. Although the Eagles might not be the best side to face at home right now, as Roy Hodgson’s men have recently developed a propensity for frustrating top-six sides on their own turf.

Meanwhile, the quality of James’ attacking contributions were not quite up to his usual standard at the Hawthorns.

His best pass arrived at the foot of Abraham in the 11th minute, which the striker skied horribly, but aside from that, James’ delivery was all about quantity and not quality. While he fired in a slew of crosses into the box all night, against a three-man defence, he struggled to find his team-mates too often.

Furthermore, James’ delivery from corners was also rather substandard, Chelsea offering much more in that department once Mount took over responsibility for them. As has been mentioned before, James is likely to lose corners and indirect free-kicks from his locker as soon as Ziyech returns to fitness anyway.

West Bromwich Albion XI (5-4-1): Johnstone; C Townsend, O’Shea, Bartley, Ajayi, Furlong; Diangana (M Phillips 74′), Sawyers, Livermore, M Pereira (Field 90+1′); C Robinson (Robson-Kanu 66′).

Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Caballero; Alonso (Azpilicueta 46′), T Silva (Giroud 73′), Christensen, R James; Kovačić (Hudson-Odoi 46′), Kanté; Werner, Havertz, Mount; Abraham.

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2,175 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gandalf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which 2 to pick going forward:
    A. Ings
    B. Richarlison
    C. DCL
    D. Jiménez

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

      B C

    2. Captain Hindsight
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A B

    3. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      AB

    4. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bc

    5. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      CD

    6. Wılly
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      BD

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

      CD

    8. KUN+10
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Rich due to pk duties. Jimenez, PK and fixtures and on the more attacking team. Really close cal with Ings thou

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

      Thanks

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

      AC

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

    Best long term replace for Son:

    A) Fernandes
    B) Barnes
    C) J.Rod

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      All good, A pens swings it.

    2. Bank$y
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

    3. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    4. Deeney-is-a-god
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Very different price points, but if you can afford fernandes then def. him

  3. The Knights Template
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    If enough people close their eyes, believe and clap loudly, Soucekbell won't drop! C'mon, let's all rally and save Soucekbell!

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

      This!

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

      It may work. Price changes very random. Create an alter and pray to the fpl gods.

  4. Bank$y
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    The average score so far this game week is 15. Lol

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

      It's not over yet 😉

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

      It shows 29 on official site?

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      15 was yesterday.

  5. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    The second wildcard is from GW17 to 38. Probably won't make a bit of difference to anyone but first one is until GW16 at the end of December.

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

    yesterday werner was on -50 and dropped
    today son on -65
    will he drop as well?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Werner was more complicated. Son went up 0.1 recently.

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

        so wait till tomorrow and get a sigh of relief 🙂

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          No guarantees.

    2. KUN+10
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I wouldn't risk it...analytics are wacky this year.

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

      FPLFix has him as dropping tonight - they got the Werner one right also

  7. Wılly
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy
    Robertson Digne Justin (Mitchell)
    Salah KDB Bruno Klich (Bissouma)
    Jimenez Wilson Mitrovic

    1.0M ITB, who would you look to move out and bring in?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Arise, Sir Willy!

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

        Hahaha your template comments kill me

        1. Wılly
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I'd rather be template with a wildcard intact

  8. Agger
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    41 points - Salah and Robertson to play

    Rank - 124,468 - We move!

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

      Good going this week!

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

    Worst start in 8 years of FPL and thats not the worst part, i am happy with my team barring my punt on Foden. A little bit of advice.

    1) Son+Foden -> Soucek+Bruno for (-4)
    2) Son+Brewster - > Soucek+Ings for (-4)
    3) Son -> Soucek (Bank the 4 million for upgrade Brewster next week) to ings. Only gamble is will ings outscore soucek my more than 4 next week.

  10. Agger
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on Semedo’s performance? Any reason he won’t be worth 5.5m?

    🙂

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

      He did seem quite attacking to me. He might be the best Wolves defender soon given Saiss might lose his place if he continues to play like he did today and last week.

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

    Why is Son orange flagged rather than red flagged? Mourinho said he’ll be out for while and it’s not like a hamstring tear will heal in a week anyway no matter what the severity is.

    Quite unfair on owners due to the price drop impact.

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

      People don’t make transfers this early surely....

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

        224,114 people sold him already

  12. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Davies to Justin or Lamptey?

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

      Justin for the next 2.

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

        4.Leeds in gw7.

  13. onceuponatyne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I have no idea what to do with this.

    McCarthy
    TAA / Lewis / Justin (Mitchell / Doherty)
    Fernandes / Foden / KDB / JWP (ASM)
    Werner / Wilson / DCL

    Tempted to stick with it and do two transfers after next GWK, with a view to getting Salah in and Werner out. Werner looks great, but if he'll spend any time on the wing, I'm not interested at 9.4m
    Quite a few of my league have used their WC so far, but I'm really trying to keep a hold of mine for longer.

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Really can't understand why you don't have Salah.

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

      It’s people who are playing Hokey Cokey that are struggling. Your team looks fine, you don’t need to make changes!

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

        Cheers.
        I do want rid of Doherty, JWP and Werner...
        But it's hard to do a WC for those, just feels very shortsighted.

  14. nkhoughton
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Pickford
    Saiss Dunne Fernandinho Justin
    Salah Son Rodriguez Sterling
    Raul DCL

    Nyland Mitchell Klich Davis

    2M itb do i go -4 to take out son?

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

    Son to Mahrez?

    Got no other City

    Thanks

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Worth a punt, got to be nailed atm

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

        Thanks

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

      Very short term move imo given Mahrez is likely to be far from nailed once Jesus or Aguero is back.

      It could pay off in the short term though.

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

        Yeah I’m playing it as a short term move I think. It’s the fact I have no other City so feel he’s the best move for me.

        Otherwise maybe Harvey Barnes

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

      Mahrez is always a solid solid pick when he’s getting minutes

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

        Cheers

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

      Could be fine tbh

      Not seeing much else. Worth a punt under the current circumstances

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

    How long is Son out for?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A while from Jose's mouth.

  17. Cheeto__Bandito
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    This season has been the ultimate early wildcard punish... so unpredictable

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

    Which one?
    a)Salah+Pereira+Jimenez/Ings+Werner
    b)Salah+Moura+Jimenez+Ings

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A but not a fan of Pereira

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like the Salah one.
      a) as not a Moura fan.

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

      cheers

  19. Klopp For The Kopps 😆
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on Son to Mane (have Salah)?

    Tbh really don't mind the double up like Liverpool's fixtures, and I feel like they are the only consistent team rn.

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

      Don't want the pen master Fernandes?

  20. KUN+10
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    GW 3 - Bruno to Son
    GW 4 - Son to Bruno

    Talk about wasting transfers

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bruno to Son gwk3 why? I (c) Bruno

      1. KUN+10
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Son had just scored 4 goals and I fell for it. Chased those points right out of my team.

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

      I'll raise you
      GW2 Son to Bruno
      GW3 Bruno to Son (WC)
      GW4 Son to Bruno

      13k last season, this season 1.3 mil seems a long way off.

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

        Re-raise GW4 Bruno to Foden and Son to Bruno

      2. KUN+10
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Ouch...missed out on those 4 goals, I feel your pain.

  21. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Sorry For Repost
    Get two from those for long term
    A - Jiménez
    B- Vardy
    C- DCL but have Rodríguez
    D- Bamford

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

      AB

    2. KUN+10
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Raul and Vardy if you can afford.

  22. Lingard’s Shin Guards
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Werner, Podence > Ings, Trossard (-4)?

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

      Not for a -4.

  23. Agger
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    2 games still to play and people are already making transfers xD

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It was 6 yesterday.

  24. WWW.
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Has there been any indication of how long Son is out for?

      1. WWW.
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thank you TM!

  25. Big_Andy_GAWA
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    folks,

    How many BPS is it for a defender's clean sheet; 12 or 14?

    Thanks.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      12

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

    Ings or Jiminez?

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Jimmy

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Flips coin

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

      Ings

  27. Merciless Destroyers
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone done worse than my 14 points so far on a wildcard?

    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Lots

      Template got around 15 pts

    2. Jake.l_8
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      11 🙂

  28. PepSala
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who are people transferring Son to.

    Fernandes has tough fixtures
    Maddison is still being eased in
    J.Rod feels like a trap
    Barnes maybe?
    Mahrez?

    1. WWW.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe to Mahrez for me - Leeds next

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

      Fernandes for me.

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

        Bruno is definitely the best choice but worried about his tough fixtures

  29. JBG
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Are any of the current top 50 players, actual top 50 players, history wise. As in, do you guys think they are actually good at FPL or just benefitting from one of the weirdest starts to FPL i can remember?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Most have probably used chips.

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

        Yeah seen some FHs and WCs and TCs.

      2. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        and most will probably fall outside top 10K.

    2. The Big Fella
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I am doing alright. Not top 50 though.

    3. Plant Based FPLer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Many have triple captained, even wildcarded and free hitted, just trying to stay high in the ranks for fun.

      Look at their gameweek histories. Their past finishes are there.

  30. Muscout
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy
    TAA, Doherty, Mitchell
    Salah, KDB, Son, ASM
    Werner, DCL, Mitro

    Steer, Bissouma, Vinagre, Steer

    WC yes / no?

    Or wait until int break, if so what transfers are pressing?

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

      Just Son to Bruno. The core is still solid.

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

      again chasing this weeks points, tough fixtures.
      spurs, arsenal, chelsea in the next 4.

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

        this post was supposed to be response about Son to bruno