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. reason17
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hi, who is the Aston villa penalty taker?

    1. bOttOmEdpOstrEpliEr.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Grealish

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

      Probably Grealish but we don't know for sure.

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

      Big man Barkley might try to steal them

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

      Hourihane.

  2. Trentino
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Wilson or Watkins?

    Or better wait until IB is over... I'm torned because of the price rises/drops happening soon.

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

      I got watkins that villa is more attractive than newcastle..

  3. MoeZe3bi
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Should I get TAA on a wc

    1. bOttOmEdpOstrEpliEr.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      If you didn't have him, why you wildcarding?

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

      No, Robbo at a stretch if you want pool def

  4. Dynamic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    McCarthy Steer
    TAA Robertson Davies Justin Ferguson
    KDB Salah Podence Soucek Bissouma
    Werner Jiménez Mitrovic

    Would you WC?

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

    Who would you choose between Brewster, Bamford or Watkins?

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

      Watkins today obviously. Want to see Brewster play.

  6. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Liverpool defense was shocking today and with Alisson out till end of NOV....

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

      Nobody has said end of November.

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

        Last page, keep up

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

    A) Wood to Watkins
    B) Sterling to Salah

    Selling a striker with WBA as next fixture for striker with Leicester next is counterintuitive but Burnley look truly dreadful at the moment. On the other hand, Salah price rises are becoming a slight concern as he is a season keeper.

    Any thoughts on which move to make?

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

    Kdb and Ings to Son and Kane for - 4?

    Kneejerk madness.

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

      Unless you’re sure you won’t want them back, don’t do it.

      1. OneArseneWenger32
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        yes fixtures to back it up

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

    TAA, Klich, Jimi > Chillwell, Son, Wilson (-8) too kneejerky?

    Have Robbo.

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

      -8 is always too kneejerky.

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

        Agree. Alas, may just do TAA > Chillwell and sit the other two out.

        1. OneArseneWenger32
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          with alison out def no pool def double up

  10. FreddyP3
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Why no Trent own goal? Barkleys shot was going miles wide?

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

      TAA owners.

    2. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Why no Fabinho own goal ; same question.

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

        And Van Dijk

        1. FreddyP3
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I think the shot on van dijk would’ve hit target. The other two definitely not.

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

      Mark owns Barkley and TAA

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

        Grealish and TAA sorry

  11. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    WC this team yes or no?

    McCarthy 4.0
    TAA Saiss Davies Shaw 4.0
    Salah Barnes Mahrez JRod Soucek
    Jimenez DCL Werner

    1. Oooo Matron
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah I would. Davies, Shaw, Mahrez, Werner and Jiminez could all plausibly be changed.

    2. OneArseneWenger32
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      just shaw out...

  12. The Senate
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I need 0.1 for Son. Options are:
    (A) Ramsdale to Meslier/Martinez
    (B) TAA to Chilwell (could fund future upgrades to Mitro, Podence, Justin)
    (C) Mitro to Watkins/Bamford

  13. cylus11 ( Manager) - Russia…
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Which one should I dump?
    Sterling or KDB for Son on FT.

    Thoughts pls

    1. The Senate
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      my gut says I'd rather have Sterling than KDB (I have KDB)

  14. BeWater
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Martinez McCarthy
    C Taylor TAA KWP Doherty Mitchell
    Salah KDB Podence Barnes D Stephens
    Werner Mitro Adams

    I was going to say should I WC this but typing it and seeing it like that makes me think yes.

    1. The Senate
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      yes. Werner, Adams, Podence, Doherty, one of the GKs, even Mitro could go

  15. Francescoli
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    2FT and 0.3 in the bank. What to do?

    Ryan
    James TAA Taylor Saiss
    KDB Sterling Salah Podence
    Jimenez DCL

    Walton Brewster Burke Mitchell

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      James and KDB to Chilwell and Son

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

        KDB or Sterling out?

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

    How’s this for a WC draft:

    Robertson Chilwell Saiss Lamptey Mitchell
    Salah KDB Son James Stephens
    DCL Ings Brewster

    0.0 itb

    Thanks all

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

      No keeper?

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

        That's Adrian.

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

          😀

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

          Lol

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

        Haha classic

        Martinez Button

    2. All For One
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good I would swap Stephens out for Bissouma.

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

      Nice team. Although not sure I’d go Ings over Jimenez. Wolves fixtures are too good.

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

        Ok thanks and noted

        Ings was unlucky this last game but you’re right I’m nervous with no Wolves attack... would just need to free up 0.1 to get him in?!

  17. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A. Havertz to Son
    B. Podence and Jimenez to Son and Antonio (-4)

    1.4itb 1ft
    McCarthy
    TAA Robbo Taylor Justin
    KDB Salah Podence Havertz
    Jimenez DCL
    (Peacock Ayling Bissouma Vassilev)

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

      B

  18. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Wasting your Wildcard.

    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/1039/event/4

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

      No link for you still?

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

    any Villa fans here ? How r u feeling ?

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

    Which one?
    a)Barnes+Salah+Son+Kane
    or
    b)Kdb+Salah+Son+Watkins

  21. Tinydancer
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is Mitrovic > Brewster for -4 completely insane?
    Would never normally take hits (usually 1 or 2 a season) but I think this will be a 0.3 swing

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

      Nah

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not worth it

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

      Mitro has some excellent fixtures coming. I'd be tempted to hold

  22. Bartowski
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What's this weird celebration that Grealish and Barkley just did with the fingers over one hand?

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

      A for Aston Villa

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

      It's a gang sign. Disgraceful stuff..

      1. FPL_trail_runner
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        How is this guy not banned already for trolling?

        Whenever im on here he posts random trolling stuff

    3. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A for Awn Goal

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

    GTG?

    Martinez
    TAA, Chilwell, Mitchell
    Salah, Son, KDB, Havertz
    Brewster, Jimenez, DCL

    Subs: Steer, Saiss, Bissouma, Dunne

  24. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Keep KDB or Bruno?

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

      Both

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

      Im keeping both. Maybe the IB gives them some clarity. Bruno keeps getting pens anyways and KDB will come good. The leeds style of play was the reason he was playing defensively. Won't happen every game imo

    3. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Depends what happened with Bruno at half time . . .

  25. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Ok comes down to this..

    Trossard,Watkins,VVD
    or
    Grealish,Maupay,5.4 defender.?

    1. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Grealish, Maupay, Saiss/Coady

    2. The Senate
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      The second

    3. FPL_trail_runner
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      VVD and Maupay are the only potential decent longterm options there for FPL

      Grealish maybe but its a debate

  26. Begbie.
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Spurs have serious trap potential. In FPL it's important to look at the bigger picture rather than the last game. As much as I feel Kane and/or Son is a great pick, would anyone be surprised if next GW turned out to be another Everton or Newcastle type game?

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

      Son looked great against Newcastle. They did bad when he left. I only have son from spurs and as long as he plays itll be okay i think.

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

      They were really good vs Newcastle.

      But yeah it's going to be tough vs WHU, and I'm going to bring him vs Burnley high defensive line in GW 6

    3. FPL_trail_runner
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Indeed

      Id much more like to have son/ Kane perhaps after the West Ham game where those next 3 teams will far more suit them

      Can easily get either of them in for free for then

      Also think Salah remains a better captain next week

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

      They played very well vs Newcastle, score line wasn't reflecting the performance. Everton was the only game they didn't play well in PL so far this season.

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

      I suppose, the 2 games they ran riot was v 10 men, Son and Kane are both still great options though.

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

    Correction...

    How’s this for a WC draft:

    Martinez Button
    Robertson Chilwell Saiss Lamptey Mitchell
    Salah KDB Son James Stephens
    DCL Ings Brewster

    0.0 itb

    Thanks guys

  28. MoeZe3bi
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Zaha or Grealish?

  29. Coaly
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Which is more pressing?

    a) Werner to DCL/Ings
    b) Tierney to someone - Coady or Castagne maybe

  30. JBG
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Martial to who 9.3?

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

      Have Che Adams(sadly) and Jimenez.

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

        DCL

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

      Werner dropping soon.

      1. The Hunt
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Werner non essential.

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

      DCL