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. FPL_Devil
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    On WC.
    A) Zaha for 2 GW then move to J-Rod
    B) J-Rod from the start
    Cheers!

    1. The White Pele
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

  2. Dont give a fuchs
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Taa and asm/harrison to chillwell and son? -4

    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      yes

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

    Son + Kane IN
    KDB + Ings OUT
    Hit worth or not this gw?

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

      Won't do this

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

      Just did it. For Jimi and Bruno, but whatever.

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

    No one picking Antonio but opting for the likes of

    Maupay
    Willson
    Watkins

    Antonio beats all these options

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

      next 3 are tough, certainly in my plans

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

      Not a bad call - good enough to be fixture proof and then you are on early when the fixtures turn.

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

      He could drop more if he blanks in next 3.

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

      GW8 Antonio in

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

    Tempted by the below for a -4, thoughts?

    Werner Zaha > Maupay Son

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

      Nice moves

    2. Emp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      i wouldnt lose zaha for hbis next two

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

    I'm 340k in the world which is not great but feels like a result given how crazy things are right now.

    What's your rank?

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

      I think 340k at this stage is very good! But I would because that's where I'm ranked atm.

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

      Several inches, I'm not being more specific than that.

    3. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Drop to 17k with 3 captain blanks in a row but still good.

      How things go could be 1m+ in few GWs,points coming from everywhere

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

    Is there still going to be weird blank game weeks this year like normal seasons or is PL and Cup schedules different this year due to the COVID stuff?

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

      GW18/19 likely to have blanks/DW.

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

        Cheers.

  8. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is bruno injured?

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

      no, might be after playing for Portugal though.

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

      No but useless.

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

      Just poor

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

      Rumour has it he went crazy in the changing room and got subbed for his outburst

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

      I reckon he had a fight with Ole.

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

    Need some help on this one, still can decide Have exact funds for B so would need to be done tonight.

    A. RJames/Foden -> Chilwell/Son
    B. Barnes/Foden -> Rodriguez/Son

    Martinez Forster
    Robbo Saiss RJames Lamptey Mitchell
    Salah KDB Podence Foden Son
    DCL Jimenez Brewster

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

      You have Foden and Son in team.

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

        Sorry Son is Barnes.

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

          A solves James but B may be nicer in a GW

    2. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Both look good. A just as James isnt nailed.

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

      B for the upside

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

      B has highest points ceiling for a hit

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

      Cheers all

  10. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What changes does this team need?
    Martinez | Forster
    Robertson | Saiss | Lamptey | Dallas | Mitchell
    Salah | KDB | Zaha | Podence | Son
    DCL | Jimenez | Brewster

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

    Any other Adams/Mitrovic owners considering shifting them out tonight to beat the price drops? and for who?

    1. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Considering but the options out there aren’t very promising

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

        Watkins? Wilson? Maupay? Just a few to mention.

  12. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Does holding the WC till GW 16 makes sense since GW 18 is confirmed to be a blank and 19 a double?

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

      I activated it yesterday ; got price rises from Everton ; get to fix the team after IB ; with Corona about I have a horrid feeling about the next two weeks.

    2. Emp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      wait what?

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

    Adams, Reed > Brewster, Grealish for -4 ?
    Yea or nay?

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

      nah imo.

      Wouldn't loose a forward slot

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

      I made similar moves to get Brewster.
      Plan is play 352 for this week - he is home to Ful for debut and then bench and play 451 for a few weeks.

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

    Is it worth getting rid of Wolves attacking assets Podence and Jimenez?

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

      Yes. Attacking upside worth it.

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

        Or Havertz to Son only using ft?

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

    Antonio and Chillwell
    or
    Maupay and 5.4 defender (not Saiss)

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

      A

  16. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    If I understand Bielsa correctly, he'll be playing a 442 next game against Wolves' 343.

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

      What will Nuno play?

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Do you not think it will be a 343 then?

        I suppose Nuno could surprise. It would make sense for him to do it because he will know what Bielsa will do. He's very predictable.

        https://youtu.be/qXt3rKnfbz8?t=1995

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

          Guess the 352 didn't work and Traore is due a game.

          1. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            I think Leeds are pretty adaptable anyway. So if it is a 352 they'll morph into a 3412 to oppose it. And if it's a 343 they'll morph into a 442 to oppose it. Same players, different positions.

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

    I’m the worst FPL player in the world. They should throw me out. It’s far, far worst to own and bench Grealish today than to be a Bulgarian racist private messenger. Throw me out.

    This is how stupid I am...

    Started Jimi vs Fulham

    Started Ings vs WBA

    Captained KDB vs Mighty Leeds

    Started Reece James vs CP

    In my subpar world, I thought this was the nucleus for a pretty decent week

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

      I benched son today. we all make mistakes.

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

      I captained trent ohwell.

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

    Thoughts on WC draft please:

    Martinez (McCarthy)
    Robertson Saiss Lamptey (Taylor Ayling)
    Salah Sterling Son Rodriguez (Bissouma)
    DCL Antonio Watkins

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Almost identical to Andy’s 3-4-3 WC draft on his stream earlier on YouTube.
      It’s decent

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

    Taking hits now and early transfers is a recipe for disaster. International break and COVID rampant (see Mane situation). Sometimes the best course of action is to do nothing

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

      Hey its just a game, u allways have freehit 😀

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

      I think some of those players today may well be carrying it. Craziest day of football I can remember.

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Till next week

        1. james 101
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          And the week after

          1. james 101
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            And...

    3. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      ive already took a hit ,but i still have my w/c as insurance ,so no problem here ,but of course you have given sound advice

  20. Pukkipartyy
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would u still hold Foden? City has to start scoring and he should get more and more minutes...?

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

      6.5M for City att is bargain.

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

      Not as players return from injury and covid.

      He's fighting for time with 4 people right now as it is. Hardly been lighting the world up either.

    3. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      i have for now ,other things to sort out,i dont think iceland did him any good ,i m sure he will be fine

  21. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Werner + Jota to Wilson + Son for -4 tonight?

    1. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      yes

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

      Yes...

  22. melvinmbabazi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Should I WC? 1ft 0.2itb

    McCarthy Steer
    TAA Robbo Justin Vinagre Mitchell
    KDB Salah Bruno Reed Bissouma
    Jiminez Mitro Adams

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

      I would to be honest

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

      Yup

  23. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Wildcard activated. Trentless.
    McCarthy 4.0
    Chillwell Lamps Dallas Mitchell Justin
    Salah De Bruyne Son Grealish Anguissa
    Dcl Kane Wilson
    0.2 left.
    Thoughts lad's?

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

      Go martinez for sure

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

      Mitchell's played his last game surely?

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

    Havertz and Foden to Son and Grealish for a -4?!?

  25. Granville
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What was the average score this gameweek?

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

      48

    2. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      47.09 says liveFPL.

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

      About the cost of your transfers.

    4. Granville
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      54 points. Even with the disastrous transfers I've done ok.

  26. Reeker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    On WC im unsure on a team but know I want Son. Bought Jimenez at 8.5. don't know if I want Kane or Jimenez in final draft. Best to keep Jimenez instead of getting in Kane for the price rise in my team over the IB?

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

      Jimi is really missing Jota and Doughrety IMO

  27. Viper
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What's the idea with saving the WC for Gw 16? Is it to build towards the split gameweek?

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

      yes, blanks in 18, blanks & DW in 19, something like that.

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

        When will we know more? FH maybe for one of them and build up to MCI+MUN+Grealish 4-5 weeks earlier? For those who already used WC.

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

          Cup results etc.

    2. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      some say ro save for double and blank around christmastime.

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

      I don't see the point of that tactic, missing out on team value and can phase players in anyway.

  28. Clintymints
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A. Chilwell + Kane

    Or

    B. Trent and Jimi.

    ^Son also on the team

    1. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      a

    2. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    3. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      b its still joses team

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

      Hmm think I prefer b son is enough I reckon. Jimi decent fixts and should have scored today

  29. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What changes are needed here?
    Martinez
    Robertson, Saiss, Dallas
    Salah, KDB, Son, Zaha, Podence
    Calvert-Lewin, Jimenez

    Forster, Lamptey, Mitchell, Brewster

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

    McCarthy
    TAA Robertson Ayling
    KDB Havertz James ASM
    DCL Jimenez Vardy

    Nyland Mitchell Vinagre Bissouma

    Is this worth a wildcard??

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

      0 FT

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

      Just nees 2 or 3 transfers, keep the WC