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. DycheDycheBaby
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you wildcard this team?

    McCarthy, Steer
    TAA--Justin--Mitchell--Davies--Dallas
    Salah--KDB--Barnes--Soucek--Podence
    Ings--DCL--Davis

    1. FPL_BUCCANEER
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No chance

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

        Thanks dude.

  2. ninjaskrtel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Are Son/Kane high-line bullies? Are west ham, burnley and brighton going to be so obliging?

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

      Kane scores against everybody traditionally, it’s not like he’s rapid.

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

      Brighton for sure, Burnley maybe, west ham nope.

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

      Son hit the post and crossbar 1st half v newcastle before he went off injured. In this form he can score v anyone.

  3. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) Podence & TAA -> Son & Chilwell
    B) Podence & Digne -> Son & 4.4 (Balbuena/Cooper/Dunne?)

    Currently no Chelsea or Spurs.

    Cheers

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

      B

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers

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

    Trossard,Watkins,VVD
    or
    Grealish,Maupay,5.4 defender ( defender in GW 6)
    or
    Grealish,Antonio,Chillwell (GW6).

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

      Two of your players in that list will be in or almost in the final best 11 of fpl points for the year

      Neither 2 are popular here tonight

      VVD + Antonio

      1. Neves say Neves
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        What makes you think that?

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

      I'd stay away from VVD until Alisson is back so 2nd or 3rd option.

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

    Anyone know what that ‘A’ celebration that grealish & chilwell did this weekend was about? Can’t work it out.

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Memory of an England fan who passed away

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

        Ah that’s a shame.

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

    McCarthy
    Justin, Walker Peters, Lascelles,
    Aubameyang, Ward-prowse, Salah, Zaha
    DCL, Mitrovic Kane

    Bench : Ryan, Mcneil, Doherty, Dallas. 2FT.

    A) Wildcard
    B) Use 2 FT (priority to get out?)

    1. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B -4
      Auba, Doherty, Mitro

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

    WC today or save?

    Ryan Steer
    TAA Robertson Doherty Ayling Ferguson
    Salah KDB Pereira Rodriguez Podence
    Ings Mitrovic Davis

    1FT, 0.8 ITB

    Issues:
    a) Podence poor performamce, and looking like an error to bring him in. Also far from nailed imo with Traore/Neto about
    b) Doherty not starting. Depends on Aurier's performance but this could be a sign he isn't first choice.
    c) Mitro. Price dropping, not a bad pick imo for next few games (esp. on pens) but other strikers are better
    d) Davis. Price dropping. Probably want 3-4-3 formation.

    Players to consider:
    DCL, Son, Antonio/Watkins, nailed def (I like Dier for fix)

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

      To be fair Wolves were not good ; wouldn't reflect that on Podence.

  8. Sim Simma
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is Kilman nailed now ?

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

      No, he was filling in for Saiss who was filling in for Marcal in LWB.

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

      of course, started a game 🙂

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

    Mccarthy/Burton
    TAA/Ayling/Justin/Buur/Ferguson
    Cavaliero/Salah/Bissouma/Auba/Barnes
    Ings/Jimenez/Mitrović

    Should i WC i definitely need to move Cavaliero out and definitely need to improve my defensive rotation. SHould i WC or move next week like Cavaliero and Auba for Son and Fernandes and then after GW5 try to improve defence or should i just WC?

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

      Save the wildcard

  10. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Why is everyone suddenly rushing to get Watkins in?

    Surely that was just a very bizarre & unlikely to happen again score/match?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Cheaper then mitro

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        For few hours

    2. camarozz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Well he's scored a few already b4 tonight and he is a great striker. Always in the box at the right time. And will have good service. Altho I didn't have him till tonight on WC...

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

      Because Villa has also been great in the first 2 games and they are creating loads of chances. His underlying stats were good even before this match, it was just not reflected on FPL points.

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

        Also top scorer in Championship last season so he is capable of scoring goals.

        1. Whats the Mata?
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Didn't know Mitro changed his name

    4. Nanoelektronicar
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Form, fixtures, price.

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

      Highly unliklely.

  11. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    WC activated

    Salah/Son/Kane/Watkins in already. 🙂

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I want Antonio on the WC

      1. camarozz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Fixtures are really tough tho?

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

      I wish I was that decisive 🙂 Good luck on wildcard.

      1. camarozz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Not scored over 50 pts in any gw so far. That can't continue or I'm toast.

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

    Was Semedp subbed through injury?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

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

      Got a knock but don't think is anything serious.

    3. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes I believe so.

  13. super zlatan
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Pick one.

    Wilson or Watkins.

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Antonio over both of these

      1. super zlatan
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Is he on pens ?

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Yes

      2. The Dead Parrots
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Antonio's fixtures are awful though.

    2. thetommy14
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Watkins

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

      Watkins

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

      Watkins

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

      Wilson

    6. The Dead Parrots
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Watkins short term due to fixtures, Wilson long term as on Pens. I'm going Watkins due to price.

  14. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) Digne, Chillwell (0.4m spare)
    B) TAA, 4.4 Def

    ...best 4.4 defender? Balbuena, Cooper, Dunne?

    Cheers

  15. Egg noodle
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    This website claims to be the experts at fantasy football but still keeps picking rubbish scout picks. I want a refund.

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

      Coady Neto Salah DCL, wasn't that bad tbf. Just another one of those weeks

    2. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Jokes on them. I had Saiss DCL Salah AND Sterling...

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

      C'mon members tools are worth the price alone

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

        Not this season

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

    Im so sure West ham will sit deep and do a number on Spurs next week to keep it like 1-1 il probably get Antonio in for a FT for Jimi

    This place will then sell Son like crazy and Il get him for a free for Barnes in Week 6 for his nice run of fixtures

    It actually is more likely than Kane and Son getting anything over 6 points each

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

      Im captaining DCL next gw

  17. tommo1989
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Jimenez to Kane for -4?

  18. GE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What would you change on this WC?

    (0.7 itb)

    Martinez
    TAA/Robbie/Chilwell/Castagne
    Salah/Son/James/Soucek
    Kane/DCL

    Bench: Button, Mitchell, Bissouma, Brewster

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

      Wouldn't double up on LIV defence

  19. WrightnBright
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Which City asset would you go for on a W/c chaps?

    A) Keep KDB
    B) Sterling
    C) Mahrez

    Leaning to Mahrez to free up funds, could become Pulisic in few weeks.

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

      Or D) None of them!

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

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

      B

    4. The Dead Parrots
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A)

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

      With Jesus/Kun back soon it would be A.

  20. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Adams, Bissou to Brewster, Son for - 4 done to avoid price changes.

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

      You did it, or asking for approval? I think I would make those moves.

      1. The Mandalorian
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Done it already

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

    RMT really is a whole load of crap.

  22. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Rank them by best to worst to keep long term(not easy)
    Antonio Bamford Maupay Watkins Wilson

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

      Antonio, Maupay, Watkins, Wilson, Bamford

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

      Maupay and Wilson are the best IMO

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

      Antonio, Watkins, Wilson, Maupay, Bamford.

      Antonio - not much to say here, there's not much better attackers in the league right now, top scorer since restart.
      Watkins - form and fixtures
      Wilson before Maupay - I don't trust Maupay, I don't think he's that great finisher
      Bamford - He'll regress imo.

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

    Does this team look OK going forward

    Fernández
    TAA Saïss Chilwell
    Salah KDB Son Foden Podence
    DCL Jiménez

    Forster Brewster Lamptey Mitchell

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

      Not a fan of Fodence. Tempted to play Brewster next gw?

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

      looks decent what moves did you make?

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

        Not made yet but thinking Werner Burke James to Brewster Son Chilwell-4

        What do you think?

        Other options would be either
        A Werner Foden James to Maupay Son Chilwell
        B Werner Podence James to Watkins Son Chilwell

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

          I like B mate

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

            Cheers- need to get done tonight or priced out of all of them

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

            Damn made a mistake- A or B would need to be Foden to Son unless I just keep James.

  24. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Pick one, final decision...

    1. Wilson
    2. Maupay
    3. Antonio
    4. Watkins

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

      2/3

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

      Oh one I’d have to say B due to penalties and better fixtures

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

      2

    4. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      3

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

        Why do you think 3?

        Have the same dilemma

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

      4

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

      2 and move to 3 week 8

  25. MagicMessi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Did Richarlison and Klich to.
    Maupay and Grealesh ( -4 ) 0.0 itb and it feels great ..
    Will log in in two weeks day before deadline only .
    Mesleir
    Lamptey Coleman Lewis
    Salah Sterling Jack. Son(v)
    Maupay. Bamford Kane(c)
    #JamesRod. Mitchel jagielka
    Good luck and God Bless

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

    Grealish or Watkins?

  27. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I've gone from saying TAA and Robbo are season set and forgets to now not wanting either and thinking Salah is the only Pool option for me!

    What to do?

    Kev to Salah?
    Taa to a cheapie and keep Robbo?

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

      KDB to Salah IMO, looking at the end of the season - Pools fullbacks will always produce the way they play, its just a matter of selection when needed. I would look to get them in after the City A international break

  28. KEEEEEZ
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Tempted to WC, do I go for it?

    Mccarthy

    TAA Justin Doherty

    Podence Salah Zaha KDB

    Adams DCL Werner

    Steer - Mitchell - Boussoma

    1FT 1.4ITB

    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I would WC that yes

  29. RohanVaswani
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Jiminez Klitch 4.5 mid

    Or

    Watkins Podence Zaha?

  30. FPLMACKEM
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    52 points this week. OR 1.9M

    Mccarthy
    TAA, Robbo, Lewis, Taylor, Ferguson
    Salah, KDB, Rodriguez, Podence, Burke
    Jimenez, Mitrovic, Adams

    1 FT Looking at 1 or 2 (for a -4) new strikers to partner Jimenez.

    Any recommendations? I'm considering Wilson and Maupay (both on penalties)