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

    LMS safety score???

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

        Thanks, i am safe now.

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

    Best way to get Son in? 0.1 ITB

    Martinez
    James - Robbo - Saiss
    Salah - KDB - Podence - Foden
    DCL - Werner - Jiminez

    Steer: Lamptey - Ward - Anguissa

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

      Werner + Podence

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

      & forgot to add, 2 FTs

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

      Werner Podence to Son Antonio

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

        That would be good if Antonio were a striker to replace Werner!

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

          Well he is a striker at 6.3. Not enough in the bank to make the suggested transfers?

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

            Sorry - my bad - thought he was listed as a striker for some reason! Only have 6.0 for the Werner replacement if Pod -> Son. But Watkins could be an option

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

      dump KDB, he’s been garbage for the last 2 games...other then the free kick, he didn’t look close to scoring points vs Leeds, didn’t even take that many corners

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

        ...you could then upgrade Werner to Kane

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

          Very true! Could get Kane & Son in for KDB & Werner + 1.6 left over..

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

    I have watched all three Villa's games and their defence has an amazing improvement.

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

      Liverpool could've scored 5 today. With Mane more. Not that much improvement.

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

        What ever you say.

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

        For me only a post or a crossbar is a could-have-scpred, otherwise it is all defence's effort to not let the ball in.

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

      Their defence is still bad, just that first 2 games they were against 2 of the league's worst attacks, possibly even the worst 2.

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

        Which defence for you is good this year?

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

          Has to be West Ham's right now, any team who parks bus would be decent actually.

  4. Stormbringer22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Werner + Burke to Brewster + Son for free tonight?

  5. 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

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

      Zaha

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

      Agreed, Zaha. I've had him since week 1, but now that transfer window is closing...

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

        im looking to bring zaha in

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

          He did well for me

  6. sozopol
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Jorginho not a great pick is he? Looking at 6.5 or less... Thinking

    A him for pens
    B Harrison
    C klich
    D mcginn.

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

      Mcginn

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

      A, my strategy is play him as 5th mid bench Wilson/Bamford depending on fixture. I would definitely recommend him as a fifth mid if you have a decent first sub week in week out, on pens and assist potential when plays

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

        5th mid is bissoyma currently. It could work! I like mcginn too though (above)

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

    maupay or wilson ?

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

      I like wilson.

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

      Maupay for me

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

      Maupay for two reasons.1)fixtures,2)i trust more Brighton's midfielders+Lamptey's game.

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

    Wilson didn’t make the England squad , right ?

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

      Don't believe so.

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

    Which one to downgrade for 0.5

    A) TAA > Robbo

    B) Digne > Chilwell

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

      B

  10. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Brought in Jim for FUL, but maybe it's time to ship already? Thinking of this:

    Jimenez, Davis > DCL, Watkins (-4)

    fwiw - No Everton cover right now, and have Podence and Saiss.

  11. Muscout
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Which players may rise 0.2 or more this int break?

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Kane, son, chilwell

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

      Son at least, maybe Chilwell but not so sure.

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

      Hamez
      Jorginho

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

      All the ones you'll.most likely want to keep.

      Hot Rod, Son, Kane maybe, Grealish

    5. Rojo's Modern Life
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Never as many as you think. Son and Kane only I guess.

  12. Alli
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mitro to Wilson or Maupay?

    McCarthy - Nyland
    TAA - Holding - Justin - KWP - Mitchell
    KDB - Salah - Son - Zaha - Stephens
    Mitro - DCL - Jimé

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

      maupay

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

    Worth the risk doing James to Chilwell tonight? 2x pricerise this week?

  14. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Really considering this even though it has no City in there... 0.2mill in the bank.

    Martinez steer
    Castagne Chilwell KWP Dallas Mitchell
    Salah Fernandes Son Rodriguez Grealish
    DCL Jimenez Brewster

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      For my WC

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

      I've no City ; gone Kane up top though.

      1. FF Dirtbag
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Think that would make midfield/defence too weak for my team

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

          Your midfield is probably over index your defense is already too week arguably.

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

      Won't have Jimmy in a WC. Prefer Ings or Kane and downgrade Penandes to a 8.5

      1. FF Dirtbag
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Does Jimmy just not look good? I was thinking Ings... Southampton looked good.

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

          He doesn't seem fit, and Wolves don't look like scoring goals at all this season.

  15. Ozzy smith
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any suggestions with this lot? 1ft 1.1itb

    Martinez Steer
    TAA Saiss KWP Taylor Lamptey
    Salah KDB Grealish Podence Biss
    Jimenez Ings DCL

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

    Anyone know whether Pulisic is staying in London during IB?

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

    Mccarthy Steer

    Robertson TAA Justin KWP Ferguson

    KDB Salah Rodriguez Podence Reed

    Jimenez Adams DCL

    A. Adams -> Watkins.

    B. KDB & Jimenez -> Son & Kane (c) (-4)

    C. A & B (-8)

    D. Wildcard

    E. Log out and think about it next week

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

      I have a similar set-up and looks like I will succumb to D myself.

  18. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bruno to son ?

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Keep bruno. Pens.

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

      No

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

    Does it make sense to do Wood to Watkins this GW despite the fixtures? It will probably be a 0.2 or 0.3 price swing if I do it next GW as I initially planned.

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

      Fixtures are lei for Watkins, wba for Wood.

  20. FantasyTony
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Rashford + Mitro > Son + DCL -4 tonight?

    Will wildcard if it all goes to pot over the break.

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

    McCarthy
    TAA Saiss James Justin Mitchell
    Salah KDB Rashford Soucek Anguissa
    Werner Ings Adams

    2 FTs

    A-Rashford, Werner > Son, Kane
    Or
    B-Rashford, Werner > James, Kane

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

      I'd go A

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

        Double up?

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

          West ham will return to their muggy nature once Moyes is back on the touchline

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

      Sorry DCL in my team instead of Ings

  22. SalahFingers
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    So has Reece James lost his place to Chilwell now?

    Is Chilwell worth buying?

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

      Azpi took James spot.
      Chilwell to Alonso's.

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

        So that means I gotta replace James. Thanks

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

          Not necessarily. I'm gonna hold and hope he plays against Southampton. Azpi might be saved for the Sevilla game midweek.

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

      Lost to Azpi, Chilwell surely nailed isnt he? Alonso was rather bad the game before. Im thinking of James to Chilwell also. Can also do Foden to Grealish. What do you think?

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

        Not sure to be honest. I'm thinking of replacing him with a cheapo from Villa or Chilwell. Chilwell really depends on everyones rating of him here.

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

      For me Reece James was always one bad performance away to be benched.

  23. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    2 questions:

    A) best defender for 4.7 Mill? That isn't KWP

    B) Ings or Jimenez?

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

      A) Lampety or Taking

      B) Ings for explosiveness Jimi for consistency. Think they both end the season on about the same amount of points.

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

    Do we think Maupay will rise twice this GW? Is close at mo...

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

      No

  25. raff97
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Burke+Vardy out for Son+Brewster for a hit? I wanted Vardy in for his Villa match but after today... Also Vardy hasnt impressed me at all, now that the referees have tightened up the pens I dont think hes 10m worthy

    1. raff97
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Also takes me from 343 to 352 which I think I wanna be playing this season. So much more value in midfield than attack IMO

  26. Il Capitano
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Werner + Martial to Kane + DCL (-4)?

    1. raff97
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I would for sure

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

      just martial to dcl this week

    3. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

  27. 272MK
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    http://www.fplstatistics.co.uk/

    Son Kane have reached 100%
    Adams has reached -100%
    DeBryune has reached -50%

    Price changes or will they lower because of some Wildcards?

  28. jam sandwich
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    RMWCT

    Meslier - Steer
    TAA - Chilwell - Saiss - Lamptey - Mitchell
    Salah - Sterling - Son - Rodriguez - Soucek
    DCL - Maupay - Antonio

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

      no Villa back to the drawing board

    2. raff97
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I like it. Maybe Forster over Steer. Lots of headaches having Soucek and Lamptey on the bench though

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

      Nasty bench problems. But the team is pretty well built.

      I'd take Grealish over Hot Rod but that's just personal preference and I don't think there's a lot in it.

  29. panda07
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thinking about using my WC, what do you think of this draft?

    0ITB

    McCarthy
    TAA Robbo Chillwell Konsa Ferguson
    Salah Son Hamez Grealish Soucek
    Kane DCL Brewster

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

    Son and Kane...when are they expected to rise? Should I do the transfer in’s now or wait a little because of int. break?

    1. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Tonight

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

      Hold, otherwise you would regret it.