Scout Notes

Can Robertson sustain value advantage over Alexander-Arnold after 10-point haul?

Liverpool 3-1 Arsenal

  • Goals: Sadio Mané (£11.9m), Andrew Robertson (£7.0m), Diogo Jota (£6.3m) | Alexandre Lacazette (£8.5m)
  • Assists: Mohamed Salah (£12.1m), Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m)
  • Bonus points: Alexander-Arnold x3, Robertson x2, Mané x1

Robbo’s Return

Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) is fast making a case to be considered the best Fantasy Premier League asset among Liverpool defenders this season.

His goal and 10-point haul against Arsenal took him to a total of 20 for the season so far, behind only Timothy Castagne (£5.7m), Tyrone Mings (£5.0m) and Ezri Konsa (£4.5m) among all defenders after three Gameweeks.

Crucially, the left-back is ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) by a total of five points and, unlike his right-sided counterpart, is yet to blank this season.

Robertson assisted in Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Leeds, kept a clean sheet at Chelsea and found the net against Arsenal. In that time, Alexander-Arnold blanked against Leeds, before stringing together two seven-point scores in Gameweeks 2 and 3.

While the right-back is not too far behind his colleague, at a time when Wildcards are the talk of the town, the fact that Robertson is proving better value, by 2.9 points per million spent to 2.0, will not have gone unnoticed.

There is no denying that Robertson is in great form right now but Alexander-Arnold owners will certainly feel rather unfortunate not to come out of Gameweek 3 with more attacking returns.

Alexander-Arnold’s persistence

The right-back enjoyed an evening defined by a constant stream of trademark balls into the box, fired in from deep – and he could easily have racked up a hat-trick of assists.

In the 11th minute, he put up an excellent ball for Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m), whose header back across goal was denied on the line by David Luiz (£5.5m).

Three minutes later, Alexander-Arnold fired in another delightful cross, met by an onrushing Sadio Mané (£11.9m), whose powerful effort was well-saved by Bernd Leno (£5.0m).

Then, in the 20th minute, the right-back unleashed his own shot from range which deflected through a crowd of bodies onto the crossbar.

In the end, Alexander-Arnold’s perseverance in the cross paid off when he found Robertson at the back post to poke home and put Liverpool 2-1 up.

Such a display, which came with maximum bonus points, is almost certainly enough to keep 

Latest on the Defensive double-up

Is there still value in the Liverpool double-up? Perhaps not on the clean sheet front, but the attacking returns are helping Alexander-Arnold and Robertson offer plenty of points potential between them.

The Reds are still waiting for their first home clean sheet of the campaign, and they have registered just two from a possible eight since February 24, but their full-backs still scored 17 points between them on Monday night.

That seems to be indicative of what this Liverpool team is all about right now. We have seen this side operate on a ‘risk-versus-reward’ basis for some time now. It is something that will lead to the concession of poor goals, as we have seen against Leeds and Arsenal now, but it also adds to how dangerous Liverpool are at Anfield.

In fact, Alexander-Arnold and Robertson were the very men at fault for Alexandre Lacazette‘s (£9.5m) first-half strike. The right-back was caught stranded high up the pitch, allowing Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£4.9m) to press into leftover space, while Robertson was the man whose clearance went straight to Lacazette’s feet.

But, considering their exploits further up the field led to Liverpool winning the game 3-1, and each full-back coming away with attacking returns, Jurgen Klopp will have no complaints, and maybe Fantasy managers shouldn’t either.

“I didn’t see us really being sloppy in defending. I saw us in one or two passing situations when we gave the ball too easy away, which is just then a problem because to outplay Arsenal you need a quite expansive formation. Losing the ball without any pressure on yourself, that doesn’t make too much sense, that can really hurt you. So in these moments yes, but our defending was really good, really good, because you cannot defend Arsenal for 90 minutes with the quality they have. It’s completely normal that they have chances [and] you need a goalie for that, you need a block for that, you need all these kind of things.” – Jurgen Klopp

Magic Mané

Meanwhile, Mané insists on pushing Mohamed Salah (£12.1m) for Fantasy returns once again this season. With three goals in as many matches, the Senegalese international is now only three points behind his Egyptian colleague and, arguably looked the sharper of the two on Monday night.

While Salah had an evening characterised by snatched shots, and in some cases, snatching them away from his colleagues, Mané had the more clear cut opportunities.

He was on hand to gobble up the rebound from Salah’s shot in the 28th minute, and, just after the hour-mark, he clipped wide after a well-worked one-two with Roberto Firmino (£9.4m).

Furthermore, Mané has had the edge over Salah in away matches for the last year, with eight goals on the road to the Egyptian’s four since the start of last season. That particular statistic bodes well for him considering that three of Liverpool’s next five Premier League matches take them away from Anfield.

Meanwhile, Salah owners will feel a little unlucky not to have seen the Egyptian leave Gameweek 3 with two assists. He made an excellent run inside from his right-attacking-midfield station, across Arsenal’s defensive line and fed substitute Diogo Jota (£6.3m) on the left. The former Wolves man looked certain to score, but could only ruffle the side-netting.

And if we are focussing on Liverpool’s road-trip contributions last season, none of Salah’s colleagues registered more assists away from home in 2019/20, Robertson and Alexander-Arnold matching his total of six from over 200 more minutes each.

Time to consider Lacazette?

We are certainly at the point where the Fantasy community should start considering Lacazette for their squads.

Thankfully for the one million FPL managers who sold Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.9m) for Gameweek 3, it was the Frenchman who, once again, represented the chief goal threat for Arsenal.

Lacazette was in the right place to capitalise on Robertson’s 25th-minute error and had two other gilt-edged chances to score at Anfield before Eddie Nketiah (£5.9m) replaced him in the 73rd minute.

That made for a seven-point haul in Gameweek 3, his third of the campaign, which takes him to a total of 21. That is only one less than the similarly-priced Danny Ings (£8.4m) and Richarlison (£8.0m).

Crucially, it also means that Lacazette is one of the most reliable Fantasy assets thus far, yet to blank and about to face Sheffield United (home), Manchester City (away) and Leicester City (home). Each of those clubs has conceded at least four times this season, giving up an average of 1.75 goals per game.

Perhaps the only thing that counts against Lacazette is his game-time. Given his scoring record, it seems unlikely that Arteta will bench him anytime soon, but it is still worth noting that he is yet to complete 90 minutes this season, averaging 78.3 per outing in 2020/21. 

Latest from the managers

Thiago Silva in action for Liverpool

There were plenty of developments on the injury front for this game. Thiago Alcantara (£6.0m) was missing for Liverpool, but Joe Gomez (£5.4m) slotted back into central defence and James Milner (£5.4m) returned from his yellow flag on the bench.

“After the international break, (Thiago) will be fine, for sure. That’s the situation, in the moment. He is not fit enough to be involved today, but that’s it.” – Jurgen Klopp

Kieran Tierney (£5.4m) was back for Arsenal, which should boost their already strong clean sheet potential for the Sheffield United game. There is perhaps less certainty about starters in the Gunners’ back-three than before Monday night though, as new signing Gabriel (£5.1m) was left on the bench, Arteta preferring David Luiz (£5.5m).

“(Gabriel) has done really well, adapted really well. He’s played a few games already with us. David [Luiz] has huge experience and has played here many, many times. He gives us something different.” – Mikel Arteta

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Robertson, van Dijk, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold; Keita (Milner 79′), Wijnaldum, Fabinho; Mané (D Jota 80′), Firmino (Minamino 90+1′), Salah.

Arsenal XI (3-4-3): Leno; Tierney, D Luiz, Holding; Maitland-Niles, Xhaka (Ceballos 60′), Elneny, Bellerín; Aubameyang, Lacazette (Nketiah 74′), Willian (Pépé 68′).

PREMIUM MEMBERS ANALYSIS

PREMIUM MEMBERS AREA HOME PAGE

Lessons Learned from FPL Gameweek 3

1,707 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Now I'm Panicking
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    No wonder Emerson has disappeared into the wilderness

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

    Reggelion is quality. Unlike my spelling

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Reguilon and yeah he looks good going forward

  3. sk24
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Jack Robinson a starter now?

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

    That was classic case of

    DIERrhea

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Very good

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

    if brewster signs for sheffield reckon he will start?

    1. Steinburg FC
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      1,000,000,000%

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

      Yeah

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, Burke dropped.

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

        I'd drop mcgoldrick with how bad he is at finishing

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

      thanks 🙂

    5. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Burke may take some shifting. Lol

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

        Sideways ?

    6. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      For sure. Can see him and Burke(been fantastic) starting initially atleast

      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Fantastic relative to their other strikers

  6. School of Poch
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is how many minutes Werner has played recently a concern for owners at the weekend?

    Anybody feel he might not do 90?

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

      no chance imo

      1. School of Poch
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        No chance he does 90?

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

    It's Messi....no it's Lamela

  8. SH1M1
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Regulion going straight into my WC team, has had a lot of touches in the penalty box

  9. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    OMG Lamela!

    Doesn't go to extra time noe, does it?

  10. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Chelsea be after joe hart at this rate

  11. Your Man With The Hair
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Wener to Jimi? Yay or nay?

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

      Hooray

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

      no

  12. MarcusAurelius
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Tempted to do Klich to Podence this week but feel like it could back fire big time, especially after city gave away 3 pens at the weekend.

    Roll FT?
    Right to play Lamptey over Shaw?

    1FT 1.5mil itb.

    Martinez
    Digne Justin Lamptey
    Salah Bruno KDB Klich
    Jiménez DCL Wilson

    Steer Shaw Mitchell Bissouma

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

      Roll FT. Looks good

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'd save with Jimenez already

  13. Peteex
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Vardy is the fourth most transfered in player this week.
    Is it clear that he is ok to play next game or are people just taking risks transfering him in already?

    1. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Foo Fighter said he's definitely gonna haul but 5G might've been interfering with his thoughts so can't be sure.

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

      He himself said he's fine.
      Hips don't lie

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

    Has Kane claimed the assist?

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

    Best 4.5m defender?

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

      KWP or Lamptey

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

        Lamptey is 4.6m

  16. Valar(Keith)
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Werner has quality touch, finishing, positioning, pace . Looks absolutely fantastic.. shame nobody around him wants to involve him in play though. They just refuse to pass the ball to him lol. Can't wait for puli and ziyech to come back and for havertz to click

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Spot on mate.

      Still holding Werner for next game or 2 but not with high hopes yet!

      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Same. He has the potential to be a 200 plus point player easy. In the short term I'm betting on his individual class.. in the long term the overall team's class. Either way can see him being a monster at some point this season.

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not sure how Mount managed to not play him in earlier

    3. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, this - I just let Hav and Timo go, had them since week 1 but last week's match makes it look like there's a LOT of sorting to do in that midfield / front line. Could be a minute or two.

    4. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Agreed, such a shame those two have been out injured and also that he was stranded wide last game

      Would you keep him this week if he was the only real pressing concern (form/price drop-wise) fella?

      Or swap to Ings or even DCL for free? Team linked, already have Jimenez

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

        I went to Ings. Better fixture and his role is FAR more clear than Timo's, at least up to this point

        1. Top Lad Dakes.
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          That’s all my thinking, just know the way this season has gone I’ll ditch him and he’ll haul lol

      2. Valar(Keith)
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I have a FT.. can use it.. but I'm sure the moment he scores I'd want him back in. So I'm just leaving him in for the foreseeable. Plan on holding him for a long time so il get my money back. It's annoying watching his price fall though

        1. Top Lad Dakes.
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Fair points mate, cheers. LAV makes fair points above too though haha, back to sq1

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

    Ings or DCL this weekend?

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

      ings

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

        thanks

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

    Penalties penalties penalties. Woo!

  19. HollywoodXI
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any news on Podence and Vardy injuries?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Podence expected back in training this week.

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

        That’s good news. Vardy?

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          He said it’s a long standing thing with his hip that dies down after a few days. Should be fine for the weekend.

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

            Awesome. Thanks!

            1. Twisted Saltergater
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              np 🙂

  20. Tarzan
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    0FT 0.2m itb

    McCarthy - Nyland
    TAA - Robertson - KWP - Taylor - Johnson
    Salah - KDB - Pereira - JRod - Burke
    Vardy - Mitrovic - C Adams

    Any suggestions? RP

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nothing worth a hit.

  21. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Two teams very low on confidence.

  22. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Werner minutes a concern?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It’s only Tuesday.

  23. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bruno and Wilson to Mahrez/Barnes and Ings for -4?

    I am scared of not owning Ings. He destroyed my rank last season.

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

      Are u not scared of not owning Bruno? Scored 12 points in an underwhelming performance. Imagine what he does when united start clicking

      1. Boomerang V
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah that I am afraid too. I have the Salah-Kdb-Bruno trio of penalty takers and I feel good about that. But it kind of unbalanced my team.

        Oh and I am also scared of not owning a Liverpool defender. I have the cash to upgrade Digne back to TAA.

        Martinez-Steer
        Digne-Saiss-Justin-Ayling-Mitchell
        Salah-Kdb-Bruno-Podence-Biss
        Jimi-Dcl-Wilson

        1 FT - 1.5 ITB

        Thanks

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

    90 mins up. Quick assessment:
    Chelsea severely underwhelming. Glad I've dropped Werner. With Giroud and Tammy anonymous, Werner needs to be CF.
    Not much to say about Spuds' second-string, except Regulon. 1st half sloppy, looked not ready but 2nd half very impressive. I can see both him and Chilwell starting this weekend.

    Right, off to pen shoot-out, a chance to see more of Mendy who's been fine, and them off to bed. Will be 4am here.

  25. SHOOTER MCGINN
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Reguilon good. Ndombele good. Fixtures good.

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

    Gotta fancy Spurs, Lloris is a brilliant shot stopper

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

    Poo boy up first

  28. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Dier will piss this

  29. I Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Mahrez + Podence
    B) Foden + Barnes

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I’ve gone Foden + Podence.

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

      A, Mahrez is to go big

    3. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like A if Podence is back. They need to bounce back and they struggled without him so I think he will play if fit and should get something against Fulham

  30. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Diergonally into the corner