Scout Notes

Bamford bags again as Sheffield United remain without a goal ahead of tough fixture run

SHEFFIELD UNITED 0-1 LEEDS UNITED

  • Goals: Patrick Bamford (£5.7m)
  • Assists: Jack Harrison (£5.5m)
  • Bonus:  Illan Meslier (£4.5m) x3, Bamford x2, Harrison x1, Luke Ayling (£4.5m) x1

The Patrick Bamford (£5.7m) bandwagon is set to continue rolling after the Leeds forward’s late headed goal saw the Whites triumph in Sunday’s Yorkshire derby.

In a pre-planned link-up the striker nodded home a Jack Harrison (£5.5m) cross, having put two headed efforts wide in the opening half.

“This one came off my nose but I’ll take it! I was a bit disappointed I didn’t score a header in the first half.

“Before the game I said to Jack, I’m going between the middle centre-back and the far one so put the ball there. First half he did it, I didn’t score.

“Second half he did it, I got the goal. Fair play to him for putting it on the money.” – Patrick Bamford

Having highlighted Leeds’ lack of creativity in the opening two Gameweeks, Marcelo Bielsa was happier with his side’s build-up play at Bramall Lane:

It was a just result. The first half was pretty even, we could have scored and conceded. Second half was a lot better for us.

We managed to attack well, we had six or seven opportunities. In that sense, the offensive animation was better.

While Leeds have scored eight times on the way to earning six Premier League points, Sheffield United have neither a point nor a goal to their name with three Gameweeks gone.

The Blades face trips to Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, along with a visit from Manchester City, in the next five Gameweeks.

“We’ll be glad to see the back of September. Fresh start in October at Arsenal away. I can’t fault a lot of the things the players have done this afternoon. It was a really tight game.

“I’ve been told you gave the man-of-the-match award to the Leeds United goalkeeper; we’ve got to take our chances in the Premier League. That’s the top and bottom of it.” – Chris Wilder

As Wilder alludes to, this game was almost a tale of two goalkeepers before Bamford’s late winner.

Aaron Ramsdale (£5.0m) – who was well on his way to a monster haul before conceding – racked up seven saves from a combination of good stops, poor finishing and long-range efforts.

While Illan Meslier (£4.5m) made three fewer saves, the Leeds keeper’s stops were arguably more impressive.

All the same, John Lundstram (£5.4m) will himself feel he should have rattled the net just shy of the half-hour mark.

The midfielder was afforded a big chance just before the half-hour mark, as Ben Osborn (£4.9m) broke to find David McGoldrick (£5.4m) in the box.

The striker’s flick arrived at Lundstram’s feet from six yards out but the midfielder was unable to convert as Meslier managed to push the close-range effort around the post.

The 20-year-old then somehow managed to get a rangy left hand to George Baldock‘s (£5.5m) stinger, produced after the wing-back had rolled Harrison to make shooting space in the area on 37 minutes.

Bamford had signalled his intent in the opening period, heading over twice from a Kalvin Phillips (£5.0m) free-kick and a Harrison cross.

Stuart Dallas (£4.5m), who saw a looping effort tipped over by Ramsdale in the first half, was almost on the scoresheet in the second period.

Ramsdale had Chris Basham (£5.0m) to thank for clearing a Dallas effort just before it went over the line.

The Leeds full-back had rounded the stranded stopper after a mistake from Ethan Ampadu (£4.5m) allowed the ball to run through.

A surging run from Dallas then saw subsitute Rodrigo (£5.9m) head wide, before Bamford just failed to connect with a whipped ball from Harrison with 20 minutes remaining.

The Blades almost took the lead from a late corner as Jack Robinson (£4.4m) skewed wide with his weaker right foot from point-blank range after Oli McBurnie (£5.9m) just about failed to get his head on the delivery.

Bamford then stole the show and all three points for Marcelo Bielsa’s men, with the striker earning praise from his manager post-match.

Asked about suggestions that the budget FPL forward might struggle at the top level, Bielsa responded:

There are a lot of people who thought contrary to what you say.

The league season is very long. Hopefully he can continue to show his obvious qualities.

The enigmatic Leeds boss was also pleased with his side’s first clean sheet in the league:

It is an achievement we were looking for, to not concede. I think we defended well, with few errors.

Having said that, our rivals did have opportunities. We grew.

On taking off Rodrigo, who had been brought on for the second half, Bielsa explained:

A few minutes were left, I had to substitute Bamford or Rodrigo. Bamford is a very useful player on set pieces against.

But it wasn’t a good decision because Bamford was tired. I should have kept Rodrigo on the field.

Wilder, for his part, is fretful over the Blades’ lack of sharpness in front of goal.

They found a bit of quality at the end. But I think it’s a foul on Sander Berge [in the build-up to the goal] yet again. I think there’s a couple of things that haven’t gone for us the last two or three games, from a decision point of view.

I’ve just seen Marcelo is going to walk right across me right now…no, he’s not, he’s swerved me because he might be on the receiving end of a tackle if he did!

We have to be more clinical. The best chances fell to us. From John Lundstram, George Baldock, Oli McBurnie, Jack Robinson. Four or five really good chances.

The first goal is so important in the Premier League, as we all know. I thought the shape of the team was good. We know how Leeds play, we understand how they play. High energy, high tempo. It was a really quick game.

When it opens up you have to take your chances; we haven’t. We ultimately get punished by a fantastic ball and a great header.

When you look at our goals or when we do create chances, they’re well worked. We haven’t got the players in the group to do something out of the ordinary. We have to really work hard to create our chances, which we did in the game.

After three consecutive defeats, Wilder is “hopeful” more signings will arrive before the transfer deadline:

The longer it [the losing run] goes on, it becomes more concerning. There’s still plenty of belief and fight in us.

Despite being taken off after 73 minutes, FPL midfielder Oliver Burke (£4.5m) put in a decent audition for FPL bosses seeking bench fodder.

The ex-West Brom winger had two shots, one inside the box, while creating three opportunities for his team-mates.

Defender Robinson might be one for the watchlist, with the left-footed centre-back possibly set for an extended run in Wilder’s defence due to Jack O’Connell‘s (£5.0m) knee injury:

“Things are not going for us at the moment. Obvious disappointment with Jack’s injury. Massive disappoint for the boy, he’s worked extremely hard to get to where he has and he’s been pivotal to our rise.

“He’s going for an operation on Wednesday, so minimum six months.” – Chris Wilder


Sheffield United XI (3-5-2): Ramsdale; Robinson, Ampadu, Basham; Stevens, Osborn, Berge, Lundstram (Norwood 63′), Baldock; McGoldrick (McBurnie 73′), Burke (Sharp 73′).

Leeds United XI (4-1-4-1): Meslier; Dallas, Cooper, Koch, Ayling; Phillips; Harrison, Roberts [Rodrigo 46′, (Alioski 90+1′)], Klich, Costa (Poveda 65′); Bamford.

PREMIUM MEMBERS ANALYSIS

Lessons Learned from FPL Gameweek 3

1,392 Comments Post a Comment
  1. L'Aeroplanino
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    15 with Mitro TAA Salah should be pretty safe in LMS? cue Mitro RC...

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Mitro will score

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

    Need Penandes in my team ASAP

    1. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I need him out of my team asap 😀

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

        Man just oozes points, grabs double digit hauls out of nowhere lmao

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

          So long as he keeps scoring goals long after the final whistle, he stays in my team.

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

          They are called unicorn points and he always gets them.

  3. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ollie Watkins on pens for villa? He did take them at Brentford so I'm guessing he is.

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

      Wouldn't expect Grealish to relinquish - maybe we'll find out tonight.

      1. Goonsquad245
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Relinquish what? He’s not been on pens for ages? Think el ghazi has been taking them.

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

          Oh, interesting. He's on the list of pen takers on this site - sharing with Wesley and El Ghazi. But the other 2 aren't always on the pitch.

          1. Goonsquad245
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            That’s true, I think he missed his last one though and there have been a few since.

            If Watkins can take them it’s probably him tbh, but as you say we’ll probably find out.

    2. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He didn't take them at Brentford. Benhrama did.

      1. FPL-Albion
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah he didn’t take them

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

      Tonight we will see. I think the first two be taken by grealish and the third might be given to Watkins

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

      Don’t think he did

  4. ShaunGoater123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Probably going to WC during the international break, therefore not sure what to do this week. Any suggestions appreciated:

    McCarthy
    TAA / Justin / Bellerin
    Salah / KDB / Rodriguez / Soucek
    Adams / Jimenez / Werner

    0 ITB

    Alternative is to roll the transfer and then possibly not WC, but feels like a waste of 2 FT's if i do!
    Button / Doherty / Mitchell / Bissouma

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

      Its a good team. Don't wildcard just for the sake of it. I'm also planning for international break wc, but it's proving such a crazy season im almost tempted to try and hold longer to see if things settle down.

      1. ShaunGoater123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        yeah i know what you mean, holding for as long as possible definitely has merits.

        i might roll the transfer this week meaning less reason to wc next and then hope that sees me through for a little while

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

          All the players have good fixtures. You haven’t got a son issue so maybe Werner our? But palace at home is a solid fixture and Chelsea will score goals. I’d hold

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

      Werner to Ings and if Brewster gets a move could do Adams to him ... give you 2.5 mil to upgrade Bissouma to someone like Barnes, Trossard, Foden etc.

  5. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bottomed

    I slept over and resisted the urged to play the WC. -4 it is and if Podence is not fit than a -8. So be it. Still need time to understand this year's game.

    Anyone else kept the WC?

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nope

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

      In a similar boat and finding it hard to come to a decision. Mainly as I’m not sure what the team I would want to wildcard to actually looks like.

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

      Of course.Probably -8 also for me.Son+Kane+Moura->Salah+Jimenez+Pereira.

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

        I have these two too. Son and Kane’s fixtures after the IB look tremendous which is making me ponder.

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

          For sure.Kane was really good yesterday but without Son is a no for me.Also the profits from Salah/Mane/Ings/Jimenez could be huge.

    4. Better off with a pin and a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No WC yet. One -4. Son to Barnes this week and clinging on.

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

        I'm leaning towards Son -> Barnes. Looks good and nice Leicester fixtures.

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

    McCarthy, 4.0
    Taa, lascelles, saiss, Taylor, Mitchell
    KDB, son, havertz, Podence, bissouma
    Werner, martial, Adams

    2.5 ITB - another terrible week... do i just WC or what to sort out this mess?

    1. PapaWengzz
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      There are no players that could surely sort out a mess. Its too unpredictable currently.

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

    This season is just freakish right? Has there been discussion of why? VAR? Lack of crowds? And will it settle down to some sort of pattern. Seems impossible to play this game in any sensible way - random punts just as likely to be successful as well researched, weighing the odds, looking at the stats decisions. Only definite is we need a team of penalty takers. Beyond that....total game of luck and chance.

    1. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      There will be more pens due to the handball rule, but a lot of what you’re seeing is variance.

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

      The players who've scored big are Salah, Son, Kane and Vardy.

      If you chose not to have those players then you can hardly complain, it's not like they were unknowns.

      Saw too many teams that went without Salah, had garbage like ASM included, were very aggressive on new arrivals to the PL.

      Thanks to you all for making getting a decent rank easier this year.

  8. The real slim shady
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    The fact that if I had held Vardy instead of trading for Jimenez I would be in the top 100 is hurting alot.

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It’s tough but it’s all what ifs and could of’s.
      You still must be doing well if you’d be in the top 100 with Vardy points on top of what you have now.

      Build on your strong start.

    2. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You’re 17 points off the top 100?

      The veil on tour brag is extremely thin.

    3. The real slim shady
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Best start ive eveer had. Mostly because all the big (c) hitters failing to deliver while I've went for less obvious captains.
      No City is a concern. Was pleased by yesterdays result. Need to bring one in asap, thinking about Mahrez.

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

    Will the penalties be given at the same rate this season?

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I hope not. Suspect they will though if nothing gets discussed and changed.

    2. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No way. There won’t be over 200 pens this season.

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

        We never thought there would be 20 in the first 3 GWs

        1. Goonsquad245
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Will Calvert Lewin score 60 goals this season?

          1. The 12th Man
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Dixie Dean did.

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

            Put him on pens and he will 😉

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

      A. If the refs are determined to be consistent - yes.
      B. If they respond to the outcry and relax - no.
      C. If managers cannily get their players to fire the ball into defenders arms - yes if A applies; no if B applies.

    4. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Only handball pens needs to be looked at and that accounts for 30% of the penalties given this season.
      To be fair lot of players have made mistakes or rash tackles in the box which were always going to be pens.

  10. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Son >> who?
    Martinez
    Coleman,Saiss,Lewis
    Salah,KDB,Son?,Rodriguez,Podence
    Richarlison,Jimenez

    Steer,Ayling,Brewster,Ferguson 1FT 2.1m itb.

    A)Son> Fernandes
    B) Son + Brewster > Soucek + Vardy -4
    C) Son + Brewster > Soucek + Ings -4 (leaving 2m+ itb for a defender upgrade or Podence)
    D) Son + Podence > Havertz + Barnes -4

    1. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A but with Rashford and do something different next week.

      If you really want Bruno then that’s fine too, but I still don’t think he’s value at 10.5

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks, Hmm Rashford?
        I’ll have to think about that one. Interesting pick.

        1. Goonsquad245
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah, I think a lot are sleeping on him but he’s the best united asset for me with price in the mix.

          1. jb1985
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I am thinking of possible going with Greenwood to attack Spurs left side without Son and poor Davies.

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

      A

    3. Arn De Gothia
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Townsend

  11. tc93
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    1) JRod, Ings
    Vs
    2) Bruno, Bamford

    Rest of team:
    Martinez
    TAA / Saiss / Lamptey (will rotate with Ayling)
    Salah / KDB / *** / Podence
    Jiminez / DCL / ***

    Steer, Ayling, Bissouma, Michell

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Like them both.
      A penalty taker in both options.
      That’s a tough choice.

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

        It is, 50/50. Bruno will outscore Jrod, and Ings will outscore Bamford. Rodders will get the most assists of the 4, which tips me towards 1.

        1. tc93
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          It’s really tough.. both good options.. I’m thinking they’ve criminally underpriced JRod and think him and Everton are gonna have a fantastic season under anchelotti- think him and DCL will be locked into my time for a while

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

      That’s a tough one, probably B to get cover as opposed to doubling up on Everton. I expect Bamford to defy his pricing this year

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      JRod is the Burnley forward though, so you may need to re think that

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

        So last season. We're talking Hot JRod, not Cold ForgottenRod.

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          maybe actually use the name of which ever player it is ?

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

      2 for me

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

    I just feel that while the handball rule is poor, the real reason for the increase in penalties are that referees are actually calling fouls that happen in the box, making accurate decisions. I could be talking nonsense of course, but it does feel true.

    1. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It’s variance. There have been a lot of stonewall penalties in the box over a 3 week period. It’ll definitely calm down, but the baseline has increased with the handball rule.

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I mentioned the same thing above. Hand balls account for 30% of the pens given this season. Players are making more mistakes in the box and refs are making the correct calls.

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

      I think the problem is that the Var isn't working well.For example in the Brighton-ManUtd.You give a fair penalty in 94minute after the games ends because you saw from the replay Maupay's hand.How is possible to don't give an offensive foul to Maguire in ManUtd's first goal?dysfunctional cameras?

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

        The handball was pretty obvious and what VAR is for. Otherwise we're talking about 2 points dropped by United and a shocking decision , but maybe the Ref couldn't see. (Brighton deserved points in my view).

        The Maguire decision was more a judgement call. Probably a foul, but the ref has to call it. It's not VARs job to overturn marginal calls like that.

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

          I don't like that system.

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

            I don’t think it’s perfect, but overall VAR seems much better this season. The handball rule is a separate issue

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

    Targett is again my last player.It's not bad to dream for another cs.

  14. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone else capping Ingsy this week?

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

      Intend to bring him in for Werner tonight if nothing goes awry.

    2. skodaole2
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I would if I had him, will probably go for Jimenez since can’t see many people captaining him after the 0pointer.

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

      If i had him i would. Might do Jimenez to Ings next week if Jimmy blanks again and Ings hauls

    4. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      will bring in Ings or Jiménez this week, probably Jiménez because of his two nice fixtures in comparison.

      May bring them both in, but wouldn’t captain either

  15. BIG TONES
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone got a list of all 20 penalty takers? I'm just going to pick 11 of them and not change my team for the whole season lol.

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

      Team News tab at top of page

    2. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      cant

      no defender take pen

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

        Correct. Let him find out for himself.

      2. BIG TONES
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        thanks for this mate.

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

    Son-Mitrovic to Maddison-Ings -4?

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

      Barnes-Ings is better

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

        Thanks mate

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

      I did Mitro to Jimi.... now planning to do Son to Mahrez for -4...

      How did Mahrez play last night? Didn't watch the game

  17. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What to do with this team? 1FT, 1.1 itb

    McCarthy
    TAA Justin AWB
    Salah KDB Podence* Son*
    Werner Mitrovic Adams

    subs: Steer Mitchell Davies Bissouma

    1- Son > Hames/Rashford for FT
    2- Podence + Son > Hames + 8.0 midfeidler (-4)
    3- WC?

  18. Cruyff's Eleven
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Son + Brewster - > Pereira (WBA) + DCL (-4)?

    Yes, or No?

  19. pstokes2010
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Currently ranked 478k but have Mitro, Robertson, TAA and Salah(c). Should that be enough to get into the top 100k?

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

      Going by the GW so far, two will be sent off and the other two score own goals.

      1. pstokes2010
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I think Liverpool players are solid assets long term. Don’t see them not winning at home.

    2. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      easy 😉

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

      Depends if they fire or not I guess

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

      Results dependant but you’re definitely climbing somewhat

    5. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think a lot of teams are in your position with 3 Liverpool and one other, but who knows what can happen

    6. BIG TONES
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If Salah (c) fires then you will move up quite a bit I think as most other popular captains didn't haul.

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

      No because they will get a combined score of 2 the way this week is going

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

    What do we do with a drunken sailor

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

      Let him choose my wildcard team, probably would’ve been better off!

  21. ClassiX
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Just a thought about the penalties, VAR etc. When rugby introduced the television official, there was an increase in penalties and cards due to the refs ability to effectively re-watch a passage of play in slow-motion and see the infraction/s. A senior referee basically said that the rules were written for a single ref but with a 3rd ref and video review it was possible to see that there is technically at least one infringement at EVERY ruck, maul line-out or scrum - the change was that the 3rd refs can see this from multiple angles and is obliged to call out the infringement. In short, the problem wasn't necessarily the on-field or off-field refs, it was the way the rules were written and how refs were told they had to adjudicate them. I think the current hand-ball and contact-in-the-box issues are similar - if you watch just about every corner, free-kick etc. you will likely see some infringement or foul which could result in penalty. Rules probably need to be rewritten to reflect the extended visibility VAR has of the game.

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

      +1

    2. Volley127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Interesting read. Did rugby subsequently rewrite the rules then? And if so how?

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

        Rugby rules actually change frequently now - there is constant experimentation with rules through different levels of competition to get the right balance between attack, defense and protecting players from dangerous play. It's quite a dynamic system and rules which appear to be effective become standard, while others get discarded. The challenge is creating the same set of rules that work for matches that have television officials, and those that don't. Perhaps the most visible change to the rules that came about due to TV refs was the forward pass. Historically, if the ball travelled forward it was considered a forward pass, but with slow-mo pictures, it became clear that a ball can go backwards from the hand of the player, but with the player's forward momentum the ball could actually travel forward. The rule therefore changed to be that the ball must go backwards from the hand of the player.

  22. aleksios
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Wc team,thoughts? 1.0mil itb.

    --Ryan
    --TAA--Castagne--KWP
    --KDB--Salah--Jrod--Zaha
    --Ings--Dcl--Bamford.

    --Martinez--Mitchell--Lamptey--Burke.

    Thanks guys.

    1. BIG TONES
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No Bruno? Points machine...

    2. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Solid. Not a fan of the rotating goalkeepers personally but many go for that tactic. Just don't see the point given that CS are a thing of the past with all those penalties. Jrod a brilliant player but may struggle as an FPL asset. I kept him on my WC last week but can appreciate that he does a lot of assisting the assister. Think there are better options out there for that price than him. Some even cheaper.

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

      more Wolves

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

    Unpopular choices but,
    a)Almiron
    or
    b)Armstrong

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I really couldn't tell you. Was keen on Armstrong at the beginning before he got injured. Seeing Newcastle's good fixtures ahead though - maybe safer with Almiron.

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

      A. No idea why.

    3. skodaole2
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B New not as attacking as Sou and Alm has competition. Plus he may at least give you some cs points can’t see New avoid conceding in the near future

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

      cheers all

  24. BIG TONES
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Itching for a differential... Sterling over KDB for a few weeks could be class, thoughts?

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

      I think it's the wrong field to search for a differential.

    2. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If you are after a premium differential - Sterling is a good option but not instead of KDB I don't think. Any premium can score at any time so difficult to predict. Prefer my differentials more low-key in the 6-7m bracket. A few good options there given their fixtures

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

      Depends where Pep plays him. Wasted at centre forward like last night.

    4. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He was poor yesterday.

  25. jb1985
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    After Maddison cameo yesterday with goal & assist, Will he get a start in the team for the next few? At 7M there are a lot of players on similar price point and unsure over him or Barnes as Maddison if plays should be on more corners and free kicks I would assume.

    1. BIG TONES
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Would say so.

  26. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    1 million rank with 2 players to come 😎 going to get a nosebleed soon

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

      My 'two players' to come last night got me a grand total of zero points.

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

        I’ll be happy with plus figures

    2. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Keep an oxygen bottle handy tonight 😀

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

      963k here Sir Bubz!

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

        Top 1 million is the new top 10k 😛

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

          The knights are charging! Arise!!!

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

    Guys, do I need to WC this team or a few transfers could fix? maybe werner + son to Jim/vardy + bruno?

    Mcarthy nyland
    taa justin davies ferguson taylor
    salah son kdb stephens pereira
    werner martial davis

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

      Team is fine Sir Tibollom, just Son out.

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

        thanks sir, son to who?? Hames?

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

          Barnes

  28. suddenorgan
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Son + Wilson -> Barnes + Jimenez for free? Or ditch Werner?

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I would just do Son to someone this week if I were you.

  29. Stormbringer22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I love how I tripled up on Wolves on my WC and the grand total points I got from all three was 0 😀

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

      Just remind yourself it was a long term move.

      1. Stormbringer22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I know. Still happy with my team and planning to save an FT this week even. 4.3m rank though.... ouch!

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

      You're not alone my friend 🙂

    3. MaxiRobriguez
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Podence will be back in next week and the fixtures are kind. I don't have Jimi and whilst I laughed a lot yesterday, I'll be back behind the sofa before their next kick off again. Hold them, don't panic.

    4. Netters2018
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Im with ya brother although i can beat that with -1 cody saiss and jimi....

  30. Bounce
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Son will obviously miss GW4, but what are his chances of being available for GW5? That's 19 days away from today.

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

      Not sure but I made 0.1m on him so he's out the door.