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

    Which 1? Timo to:
    A) Vardy
    B) Ings
    C) Jimi

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

      just pick one to be honest. i personally would keep him one more week. who are your other strikers and how many ft do u have?

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

        Got 1ft. If Son isnt fit by gw5 planning to wc on gw5.
        Current team looks like this:

        Ramsdale
        Keane KWP Lascelles Justin
        Kdb Salah James
        DCL Wilson Timo

        Sub: Son Burr Bissouma

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

          I would lose son imo. too much money on bench.

          james barnes or mahrez ideal replacements this gw.

          otherwise if you must replace werner long term vardy fixture maybe ings

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      C

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

      A or B

      Maybe B against West Brom, A a bit longer term

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

    the money city have spent on defence is just insane.

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      and they still don't have a half decent LB.

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

      wasted money

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

    Is Werner injured??

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

      he had cramps i think

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

      Just cramp according to Lampard.

    3. jay01
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Cramp

    4. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      So cramp called Tammy and an ache called Giroud

  4. jay01
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ramsdale
    Trent Justin KWP Vinagre Mitchell
    Salah KDB Bruno Hames Bissouma
    Werner Mitrovic Brewster

    0ft. 0 1itb.

    G2g?

  5. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bottomed.

    Why didn't Timo take a pen tonight? He wasn't subbed.

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

      cramps

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        🙁

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

    A) Adams -> Ings (-4)
    B) Mitro -> Ings (-4)
    C) Hold

    Won't have funds to do it for free next week as I have exact cash

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

      A imo

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

      A, having Mitro and Ings is not a bad idea, they are the biggest attacking threat from their teams

  7. jay01
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Was werner the pen taker at liepzig?

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

      Yes. But he had cramp tonight so decided not to take.

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

      Shared with Forsberg

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

    McCarthy // Forster
    Lamptey // Justin // Taylor // Mitchell // Dunne
    Salah // KDB // Bruno // Zaha // Klich
    Jimenez // Ings // Maupay

    0ITB.

    Opinions please? cheers

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

      Lacks a liverpool defender but otherwise close to perfect

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

      Oh, downgrade Klich and upgrade Dunne as you will have benching problems

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

        Hmm thanks, how would you fit in a Liverpool defender here?

        1. Roy Rovers
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Downgrade Zaha to pool defence and Justin, Michell and Dunne likely you be benched.

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

            Damn, i genuinely want a Liverpool defender but Zaha's fixtures and penalty duties are so appealing

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

              How can u even compare zaha to a liverpool defender?

            2. RedAlpha10
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              when Millivojevic comes back Zaha wont be on pens

  9. F4L
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    If Spurs continue with wing backs it makes Reguilon, Doherty and Son such great options.

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

      How did Spurs and Chelsea look tonight?

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Damn, sorry can't answer that just seen the highlights.

  10. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Last poll to catch the train:

    Doherty + Mitro - - - 4.5 def + DCL

    YES OR NO??

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

      For free? Sure

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

        For a hit

    2. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm not sure, Doherty has been getting forwards in the opening fixtures. I'd maybe hold out on that one

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

        Then I have to forget the DCL train for now

  11. patricio33
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which one?

    A. Rodriguez
    B. Barnes

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Barnes is a goal scorer so him.

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

    Konsa or KWP?

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

      Konsa has rough fixtures

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

        Yeah KWP it is , would go Taylor but Burnley injury struck

    2. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Konsa longer term - really good run from GW9, and a couple of decent ones from GW6.

    3. I Must Break You
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I haven't seen anything about KWP's defending that I like. Trying to get rid of him at earliest opportunity.

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

    Who to ship ASM out for in this side?

    McCarthy - Steer
    TAA - Saiss - Lascelles - Mitchell - Ferguson
    KDB - Salah - Fernandes - ASM - Bissouma
    Jimi - DCL - Mitro

    ASM >
    A) Perreria
    B) Trossard
    C) Klich/Costa
    D) Townsend
    E) Lundstram

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Trossard is the best long term pick

    2. The Baby-faced Assassin
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like B

    3. Roy Rovers
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Klich

    4. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

    Spurs were excellent in second half tonight. Lamela the pick .

  15. F4L
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Did Hamez take corners from both sides against Palace?

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

    Jose on Son:

    "I expect to have him back after the international period. I hope the national team coaches... they realize how many minutes the Tottenham players played this week. And I hope they care about the players and protect them..."

    It definitely seems like if things go well he'll be back for GW5.

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks, tempting to save the transfer.

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

      Spurs have a good fixture from gw5, tempted to save the transfer in that case

    3. ted mcnure
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks. It's such a difficult price switch, and Son is a great asset, with fixtures. Had him from the start, with an eye on Pulisic. A hit will get me Salah, so I guess I'm out. He'll be back!

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

      Regardless of what Jose says, hamstrings are normally minimum 21 days. Does that work for GW5?

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

        Yes but also I don’t think that Mourinho would downplay an injury. If he didn’t really expect him to be back by then, he wouldn’t say so, gives him fewer things to complain about.

      2. Mr. Sitter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yes, just. 20 days if it stays on 17th. But Son recovers quickly apparently.

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

        It does.... The Intl Break makes GW5 21 days from when Spurs last played.

  17. C'mon the Fylde
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I'm edgy with 3 City players.
    Would you ship Foden, for Trossard?

    Martinez
    Robertson James Saiss
    Foden Sterling KDB Barnes Podence
    Jiminez DCL

    Steer Mitchell Davis Lamptey

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

      No.

      You decided on the triple City. This is a plum tie. Hold. One poor game doesn't change their insane goalscoring potential.

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

        This is why I want Mahrez

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

      Reason to be edgy

      It should be quite the match up and could go any which way. That includes Leeds doing a number on City - they are capable

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

        City 5-0

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

          Always a possible result with City - that's more or less what they did to Liverpool in restart after all. They were close to full strength then mind. Leeds are by some distance not the least of the other sides in the prem.

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

    Davies to KWP done.

    Sleeping on Hames to Mahrez(c) -4

  19. Arsenal97
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    on WC :Choose one :

    1) Dunne ; Trossard
    2) Taylor ; Klich

  20. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Maybe this is the season to not own 2 premium mids?

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

      Erm i have 3 haha

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Same.

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

      You're right. U need 3. Salah KDB Bruno!

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

      yes need 3
      city
      liv
      united

      pen takers

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

        Exactly what i have

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

    is digne still on set pieces ? thanks

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, I think he takes ones on the left and James from the right.

      1. Letsgo!
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Not really for now. Most of the time james took both left and right

  22. Traction Engine Foot
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What's the deal with Vinagre? Do I need to shift him?

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

      Vinegar is pretty good salad dressing ... not so good on your FPL

      Wildcard the trash when you can

      Everybody has a Vinagre, Martial, Werner, Havertz, Greenwood, Adams on their team

  23. Sterling Malory
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Doherty + Bamford to 4.5m (Lewis) + DCL {-4}
    Or
    B) Doherty to Digne FT

    Dont have any Everton assets yet.

    1. I Must Break You
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like B

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

    Werner owners,keep or sell?Do you think he will start vs CPal?

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

      Ings or Jiminez until Chelsea looks good

    2. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Make no sense werner not to start although ytd play full. Also score ytd.

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Already sold for Jimenez.

      1. FPL Bond @ Twitter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Werner hattrick incoming..

    4. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      What if Lampard starts Abraham with Mount and Odoi on the flanks?

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

    Son to
    a) Mahrez
    b) Bruno

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

      50/50 for me , I'm taking both.

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

        If Son is back in gw5, might be better to just save transfer

      2. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        wildcarding?

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

          FT with 1.5 itb

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      b

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

      I guess Bruno. Although with his fixtures and the way United look right now, it doesn't look a smart investment.

  26. Sterling Malory
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I think I need to put my phone down, looking at potential moves for a wildcard...

    Ramsdale Doherty Podence Werner and Vardy
    To
    Ryan Justin Fernandes Jiminez and DCL

    Looks like...
    Ryan
    TAA Saiss KWP Justin
    Salah KDB Bruno
    Bamford DCL Jimi
    Soucek Mitchell Reed

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

    Bring in Mahrez , place holder for Pulisic/Haverts when Chelsea start to click

  28. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    So Joe has hit the button and WC'd

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

    3 gws played
    3 gws in a row that VC > C
    I'm between Ings and KDB for this gw and I'm sure I'm gonna C the wrong person...

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

      Gwk1 highest scorer in my team, Gwk3 highest scorer in my team. Try harder lol.

  30. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Mccarthy
    Taa digne james kwp
    Salah kdb townsend asm
    Jimmy(c) werner

    Subs: nyland awb rice davis

    Gtg?