Scout Notes

How Leeds restricted De Bruyne to unfortunate FPL blank in Gameweek 4

Leeds United 1-1 Manchester City

  • Goals: Rodrigo Moreno (£5.8m) | Raheem Sterling (£11.5m)
  • Assists: Ferran Torres (£6.9m)
  • Bonus points: Rodrigo M x3, Sterling x2, Liam Cooper x1 (£4.4m)

Owners of Kevin De Bruyne (£11.7m) can feel very unfortunate after he recorded a second blank of the season in Gameweek 4.

The Manchester City midfielder struck the post with a clever free-kick inside the opening exchanges, while some may feel that his penalty-taking should have been called into action late in the game.

Raheem Sterling (£11.5m) looked to have been brought down illegally in the box by Leif Davis (£4.0m) but neither Mike Dean nor VAR were convinced it was a foul.

On any other day, the typically brilliant De Bruyne might have come out of either situation with goals to his name but, on an evening where Leeds eventually stole the show, it was simply not his day.

DEFENSIVE DE BRUYNE

It was also clear that playing two games in three days had taken its toll on the Belgian who ended up tasked with more defensive duties at Elland Road than his 44.8% ownership would have liked.

Thanks to Leeds’ spirited and open play, they ended up with more possession than Manchester City’s men (52.8% to 47.2%), more big chances (five to zero) and more shots on target (seven to one).

As a result, De Bruyne was bogged down in a midfield battle for large spells of Saturday’s encounter, unable to operate in the exciting number 10 position that Guardiola had cast him in for City’s last away trip (at Wolves).

Reprising such a role was not possible for the Belgian at Elland Road. His freedom at Molineux had been unlocked by a defensive midfield double-up of Rodrigo (£5.5m) and Fernandinho (£5.5m), but the latter was named on the bench for Gameweek 4.

Contributing to defensive duties at Leeds was a job that De Bruyne performed, unsurprisingly, offering greater work rate than those around him and winning more tackles than any other colleague on Saturday.

But it probably goes without saying that finishing top of that metric for the evening is not something De Bruyne’s Fantasy owners were particularly enamoured by. It was only after Fernandinho came on for Mahrez in the 77th minute that the Belgian was freed up to make more significant contributions to attack, but it was a little too late.

“They make a good build-up with the goalkeeper and they put a lot of players behind our midfield line. After our attack, they are quick with their fast players outside. It is not easy to play against them. We were there and made a good defensive game but we had to do that more than usual because they are good in the transitions.” – Pep Guardiola

“If you watch when Guardiola makes a defensive change, when Fernandinho comes on, this is when they started to impose themselves on the game once more. It was a very intelligent substitution and it had a big influence on the game, which indicates a lot of the time that you have to defend better so you can attack well.” – Marcelo Bielsa

Meanwhile, as was the case against Leicester, De Bruyne was asked to split corner-taking duties with Riyad Mahrez (£8.4m), robbing him of a complete monopoly over set-play situations.

STRIKERLESS MAN CITY

This is now the first time since 2010 that Manchester City have failed to win more than one of their first three Premier League games of a season. The ongoing absence of a recognised striker for the Citizens was a key factor behind their draw at Leeds.

Guardiola handed Mahrez the central role on Saturday but he was largely ineffective during his time on the pitch.

The Algerian international struggled to cope with the physicality of centre-backs Liam Cooper (£4.4m) and Robin Koch (£4.5m), robbing Manchester City of something to aim at when pressing forward.

While Sterling finally found his first goal of the campaign, it was not from a centre-forward position. He received the ball from Ferran Torres (£6.9m) on the left-hand side, made a jinking run inside, past two defenders and guided the ball beyond Illan Meslier (£4.5m) 

It was a passage of play that highlighted how much better Sterling is as a winger than as a striker – another dilemma facing Guardiola in the absence of Gabriel Jesus (£9.4m) and Sergio Aguero (£10.4m). 

Even still, the Englishman’s evening was largely littered with some poor decisions and propensity to run down dead-ends in Leeds’ defence, although operating next to an ineffective centre-forward in Mahrez probably increased the pressure on him to fashion chances via take-ons.

Owners of Manchester City assets may take some comfort from the fact they host Arsenal in Gameweek 5, after the international break. Guardiola’s men beat the Gunners 3-0 in this fixture during Project Restart with goals from Sterling, De Bruyne and Phil Foden (£6.6m). However, they did so on that day with the help of Jesus leading the line, who currently has an estimated return date of Gameweek 6…

Wham Bam

While Patrick Bamford (£5.8m) registered his first blank of the season, it was not for lack of trying against Manchester City.

The Leeds forward finished this match with more shots (four) and more shots in the box (four) than any other player on the pitch, an impressive achievement considering the opponents.

However, Fantasy managers should probably keep an eye on Rodrigo Moreno (£5.8m) following his impressive cameo appearance.

He came on for central midfielder Tyler Roberts (£5.0m) in the 56th minute and contributed to a change of shape for Leeds. Instead of a 4-1-4-1, they were able to operate with two forward men on the field – and it had the desired impact.

Rodrigo pounced in the box to equalise when Ederson‘s (£6.0m) failed clearance clattered into Benjamin Mendy (£6.0m) and saw an effort turned onto the crossbar minutes later.

It will be worth keeping an eye on how often Rodrigo features for Leeds based on his contribution to Saturday’s draw, although Jack Harrison (£5.5m) will be back in the picture for Gameweek 5 – he missed this match as he was ineligible to face his parent club, Manchester City.

“Progressively he will begin to show the great quality that he has. Today, he had a very good start and perhaps the pace of the game hindered him towards the end of the half. When he is able to play at a good physical level for us I think he will make a difference.” – Marcelo Bielsa

Leeds United XI (4-1-4-1): Meslier; Dallas, Cooper, Koch, Ayling; K Phillips; Alioski (Poveda-Ocampo 46′), Roberts (Rodrigo M 56′), Klich (L Davis 77′), Costa; Bamford.

Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Ederson; B Mendy (Aké 71′), Laporte, Dias, Walker; Foden, Rodrigo, De Bruyne; Mahrez (Fernandinho 77′), Sterling, Torres (B Silva 65′).

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3,043 Comments Post a Comment
  1. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    James to Chilwell is good move or not?

    1. Kryptonite666
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Think so. James is not nailed.

      1. AzzaroMax99
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Chilwell on set pieces and solid fixtures to come also.

        1. threeputt
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          already made the Chilwell move, my only doubt was Alonso poss rotation

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

          He might lose set pieces when Ziyech is back.

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Did not watch CHE game, Chilwell worth getting then?

      1. AzzaroMax99
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I didn't too. Not sure yet on him. Solid fixtures, probably nailed if no injury.

      2. BenDavies
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Looked incredible. Extremely attacking, picking out assists. Bargain at 5.5. I'd get him in if I had the money

    3. gauzah
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Chillwell is more nailed for sure. If you believe in the CFC defence then it's probably an okay move.

  2. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    2fts .....Thoughts on werner to watkins tonight before werner drop?

    Means I have cash for foden or podence to son nearer the time

    Thanks

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

      Thinking of doing that myself

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

        But with Maupay maybe

        1. Flynny
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          If I get maupay then I can only afford foden out.

          If I get watkins I can get either foden or podence to son.

          With the other to trossard week after

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

    Do you think Podence will get benched next match?

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Could be .With neto hauling risky now

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Plays for Portugal so a chance.

  4. BeDreamin
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I'm thinking of ditching one of my two liverpool defenders.

    1. Bleh
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Me too. See my post below.

      1. BeDreamin
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I've got the same two. I'm ditching Trent

    2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Keeping both next 3 atleast

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

    Mccarthy
    Taa davies mitchell taylor justin
    Salah kdb bruno soucek podence
    Werner dcl davis

    Would you WC this ?

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

      No

    2. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      just get rid of werner and davis

    3. Bleh
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Probably yes

  6. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Should I wc this team:

    Ryan, Button
    TAA, Semedo, Justin, Dunne, Ferguson
    Salah, Sterling, Zaha, JRod, Trossard
    Jimenez, DCL, Mitrović

    Into this:

    Martinez, Button
    TAA, Semedo, Chilwell, Justin, Mitchel
    Salah, Sterling, Son, Jrod, Zaha
    Jimenez, DCL, Brewster

    ?

    1. MESSINHO
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Are you sure you can afford this WC team?

      1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Sorry it's Pulisic over Sterling in the wc team

  7. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Lose Bruno or KDB for Son?

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bruno

    2. Bleh
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bruno

    3. Rotation City
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bruno all day

  8. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Chances of Son price rise tonight? I’d like another day to consider options! I was going to do grealish to son as 2m itb but grealish is on fire.

    1. Jonny HOW SON?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I don't think he'll rise today

  9. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is there anyone a better pick that Podence in that 5.5 ish price bracket??

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Soucek after horrible fixtures.

    2. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Neto?

    3. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Jorginho?

    4. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Soucek after a few weeks

    5. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      McGinn?

    6. Jonny HOW SON?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Saint Maximin maybe

    7. Steirish
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Mcginn is a good shout

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

      Not the exact same price bracket (5.9) but Bark

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

        Barkley if you can afford*

  10. Bleh
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who to sell? Don’t fancy double Pool defence with Allison out.

    A. TAA
    B. Robbo

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Sell Trent

    2. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Most cash to splash by selling TAA

  11. Salah(c)
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Foden + vvd > son and 4.0 def

    For a hit yay or nay?

  12. Rotation City
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Poll of the Day:
    You have no fires to put out in your team.

    You can do KDB+ Jimi > Son + Kane for free.

    Do you do it?

    1. BeDreamin
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Very tempted, Spurs are so temperamental, but I would say yes

    2. DudeksWobblylegs
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

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

      Jimis fixtures are tasty. I would probably only do KDB to Son.

      1. Rotation City
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        But so are Kane's, and he's on form.

    4. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      If you are convinced Spurs will keep up form yes.
      But I would hedge bets just get Son and go cheaper striker spread cash in midfield.

  13. BeDreamin
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any defenders that's are first choice penalty takers?

    Also can anyone name the cheapest fantasy football first choice penalty taker?

  14. Hulk Smash
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Foden to Son no-brainer?

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

    2. Rotation City
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'm considering it. I can downgrade Podence for the cash and do it for free.

  15. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who’s on pens at villa?

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

      Nobody knows, my tip is Grealish.

    2. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not clear as I believe El Ghazi was on them last year

  16. Twisted Melon
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) Wilson Son
    B) Vardy ASM

    (Already have Kane)

    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. thattreblefeeling
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    3. Bleh
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    4. Rotation City
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Easy A

  17. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Which option do you like most?
    A Watkins or B Maupay ?

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      It's a tough one because I think I'll want one of Trossard or Grealish too.

    2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Close .I am going watkins only coz of cash

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

    Guys question

    Werner and Podence to Watkins and Son (-4) ??

    1. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      yes

  19. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you have either kdb or bruno on WC?

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes - KDB (or Sterling)

  20. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is Zaha >> Son a bad idea?

    1. thattreblefeeling
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I’d do that move.

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not necessarily but he's up for a very good run of fixtures

  21. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you lose Coleman for Chilwell?

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

    2. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      no

    3. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

    4. threeputt
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      no

    5. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

  22. Lilac Breasted Roller
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Foden / Jiminez / TAA -> JRodriguez / Kane / Cooper?

    Unfortunately 0.1 short to get a 4.5 option like Ayling

  23. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Am I the only one here who doesnt buying Son for next GW ?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Plenty won't.

    2. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I just got him for -8

    3. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

  24. villian-ty
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Even after this freak result. Villa still relegation contenders?

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No, 12th place

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Never were. Finished last season really strong. Sheffield on the other hand are going down

    3. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      9 from 3...

      1. villian-ty
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Watford had a good start last season

    4. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I think fulham, sheff utd and wba are much worse.

  25. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Pretty brave to make early transfers with IB coming
    Hopefully not, but it could be ugly with players missing on return
    Think I’m going to switch off from FFS/FPL for 10 days and plan after that with 2FT

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

      Fair enough. I had a few days’ break this week and it helped with my mental health.

      I’m considering early moves because the players I’m considering won’t be involved for their countries

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I’m actually just bitter cause I benched Son earlier in the week after I was convinced he wouldn’t play and didn’t change. So friggin annoying

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

          I sold him before his four-goal haul, then sold Bruno before his successive pens. After 15k finish last year I had my eye on 10k... but I’m down in 3m!

          1. FPL_Crisis
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Also 3m
            Feel like making 3 transfers a week

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

              Know how you feel. I was so down a couple of weeks ago. And although I’ve just found it funny past two GWs, I worry it could just be a waste of a season. Hard to see how I’ll turn a corner

  26. Salah(c)
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Pickford macey

    Vvd Justin Mitchell ayling saiss

    Podence salah sterling foden hamez

    Kane Jimi Brewster

    Sorry for repost but I need help getting son in , 1FT

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Lose Pickford, easy

      1. Salah(c)
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Would you get mendy in or a 4.5

        1. FPL_Crisis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Martinez for me

  27. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Will only the prices for Kane and Chilwell rise tonight?

  28. FPL_Devil
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Only 3 PK takers on this WC but I like it. Thoughts?
    Martinez 4.0
    TAA Chilwell KWP 4.5 Ferguson
    Salah KDB Son Rodriguez Bissouma
    DCL Maupay Watkins
    Cheers!

  29. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Worth doing Werner + Foden > Maupay + Son for free tonight?

    Get in before price roses and neither incoming players will play during the break

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

      *rises!

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Injuries / covid might occure to one of your other 13 players.. I would only do early transfers if I had WC in case of emergency

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

          Fair point

  30. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Activated WC last night and boy am I glad I did. So here it goes: RMWCT

    McCarthy
    Robertson Chilwell Mercal
    Salah Son Pulisic Zaha*
    Kane DCL Maupay
    ___
    Forster Lamptey Ferguson Bissouma

    *Currently got Rodriguez in the team to catch a double rise. Will shift him to Zaha before deadline and then go back to Rodriguez after a few gameweeks.

    If you have any suggestions on what to change I'd be happy to hear them.

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

      Looks good. A risk to go without KdB but given recent evidence you could be fine. And I’m having a nightmare season so ignore me!

    2. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I would keep Rodríguez all day over Zaha
      Why move out when planning to get him back?
      Rest looks good