Scout Notes

A return to form for Man United’s FPL assets or a papering over cracks?

Newcastle United 1-4 Manchester United

  • Goals: Luke Shaw (£4.9m) own goal | Harry Maguire (£5.4m), Bruno Fernandes (£10.5m), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.4m), Marcus Rashford (£9.5m)
  • Assists: Juan Mata (£5.9m), Fernandes, Rashford x2
  • Bonus: Fernandes x3 Rashford x2 Karl Darlow (£5.0m) x1

Manchester United began the long climb back to credibility with a deserved, if not entirely convincing, win over Newcastle.

The game was a surprisingly entertaining affair considering visiting manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could have set up his side simply to avoid another 6-1 Spursageddon, while his opposite number, Steve Bruce, has ‘stay in the game and try and nick a goal’ spliced into his footballing DNA.

Even so, most of the goals came late, with the visitors only taking the lead in the 86th minute of a match they dominated in terms of attempts (28 v 7) while never completely negating Newcastle’s own attacking threat.

But the 4-1 victory did involve decent returns for all three of the winning side’s most popular Fantasy Premier League (FPL) assets and included more reminders that owning Red Devils defenders is, currently, a foolish enterprise.

Fernandes To The Fore

By far the most-owned FPL star on the pitch was Man United’s Bruno Fernandes (£10.5m), and his 21% ownership walked away with a tidy 11-point haul that could have been so much better.

The midfielder finished off a superb team move to make the score 2-1, finding the net from an acute angle courtesy of a Marcus Rashford (£9.5m) assist.

That made it three goals in as many Gameweeks for Fernandes, but he also missed his first penalty in England (at the 11th attempt) thanks to a save from the brilliant Karl Darlow (£5.0m) and was denied an earlier goal via VAR.

Some of that pain was offset by an assist for Rashford’s last-gasp goal and the maximum bonus award and his 31 points for the season, from just four matches, puts him in the top 10 for FPL midfielders. Of the United players, only Rashford comes close to such a lofty position, which underlines how vital Fernandes is to the side.

Even with Chelsea and Arsenal up next, more FPL managers are slowly coming round to buying him in – he’s currently just inside the top 15 for Gameweek 6 purchases – as he continues to show last year’s explosive entrance into English football was not a fluke.

Rashford Revival

.

Solskjaer made five changes from the side thrashed by Spurs, among them the benching of Paul Pogba (£7.9m) and Daniel James (£6.4m) being handed a rare start.

But the key decision involved who would replace Anthony Martial (£8.8m), suspended for three matches after his dismissal against Tottenham, up front.

One candidate, Mason Greenwood (£7.3m), didn’t even make the squad, an omission the manager explained post-match.

Mason wasn’t fit to play, so we had to leave him out. We hope he will recover quickly.

That meant Rashford, an FPL midfielder this season, stepped up. And he delivered.

A goal, two assists – he also set up Aaron Wan-Bissaka‘s (£5.4m) first-ever senior strike – and two bonus points helped him to a double-digit haul enjoyed by just 5.8% of FPL bosses.

The fact that only two of his team-mates – Fernandes and Wan-Bissaka – are owned by more managers shows just how little Fantasy faith Solskjaer’s side is inspiring.

The team’s defensive frailties are plain to see, but so is their attacking intent – their 57 attempts this season is not far behind the likes of Everton (64) and Chelsea (65), only from four games, not five.

Cracks, Meet Paper

Wan-Bissaka’s surprise goal helped hand his owners a very welcome eight points, while Harry Maguire (£5.4m) ended a trying week or ten with the same haul thanks to his equaliser, from a Juan Mata (£5.9m) corner, in the first half.

Solskjaer made all the right post-match noises about Maguire’s character, while his Wan-Bissaka comments played up the full-back’s attacking threat.

It was a cross! No, he was due his goal. We wanted him higher up the pitch, making runs in behind. It was great for him.

But anyone seriously thinking of buying into United’s defence should think again.

The backline is currently shipping three goals a game on average and even managed to make Newcastle’s toothless attack look threatening.

The Magpies went into the match having had only eight shots on target across their first four games. They had four against Man United and it took a couple of great saves from David de Gea (£5.5m) to deny Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.3m) and then Callum Wilson (£6.5m).

Yes, the goal the visitors did concede – after just two minutes – was unlucky, Luke Shaw (£4.9m) deflecting an Emil Krafth (£4.4m) cross over de Gea and in.

But a side allowing 14 big chances this season – for context, Newcastle have conceded eight from a game more – clearly lacks balance, whatever Solskjaer might have claimed following Saturday’s win.

We have so many games coming up and you pick a team that you think is going to get a result in that game. You look at the opposition and you look at yourself and what is the best balance and I thought we found the right one today.

Darlow Blow

Fernandes and Rashford took most of the plaudits (and bonus), but the true hero on Tyneside was home keeper Darlow, who produced a string of fine saves as well as that penalty stop.

A single bonus award meant he limped off with eight points and a knock picked up following a clash with Rashford.

One clean sheet, a penalty save and 27 other stops this season – no keeper has made more – has taken him to the top of FPL’s scoring chart for goalkeepers.

But boss Bruce is not entirely sure he’ll be back for a Gameweek 6 trip to Wolves.

He’s taken a hell of a blow. We hope that he’s not too bad, but it’s one of those difficult ones to assess straight away. Until we see the scans and how he is, then we won’t really know, but it’s fair to say that he’s very sore.

Martin Dubravka (£4.9m) is possibly out until December with a heel issue, meaning Newcastle could be down to the bare bones in goal, with Mark Gillespie (£4.5m) the next in line for a start.

Not that any Magpies goalkeeper is likely to be the choice of many FPL managers – no team has allowed more shots (86) or attempts on target (36) than Bruce’s men.


Newcastle United XI (4-5-1): Darlow; Krafth, Fernandez, Lascelles, Lewis; Hayden (Schar 49′), Shelvey, Hendrick (Almiron 88′), Saint-Maximin, Joelinton (Fraser 73′); Wilson. 

Manchester United XI (4-3-3): de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelöf, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Fred (Pogba 69′), Mata (Matic 90′); Bruno Fernandes, James (van de Beek 76′), Rashford.

MEMBERS ANALYSIS

LESSONS LEARNED FROM FPL GAMEWEEK 5

2,166 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Lukakwho
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I’m really struggling help greatly appreciated.

    McCarthy

    TAA Robbo Justin

    Salah, Son, Jrod, ASM

    Wilson, Werner, Mitro

    (4, KWP, Soucek, Dallas)

    Priority is Kane and DCL... got 2 FT and a mill in the bank. Tried so many things and can’t get happy. Any suggestions ? thanks

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

      Hard to do it with Sheffield at home next but the second Liverpool defender is eating your funds.

      Werner can become Kane and Wilson/Mitro can be DCL. Just hard to have 3 Premium attackers and two Liv defenders imo.

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

        I have enough money for Wilson and TAA > Reguillon and Kane.

        Shall I hit that

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

          Still no DCL is a slight concern for me... He scores every week

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

      Can you take a -4 and make 3 transfers? TAA to someone cheaper and swap both of your strikers

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

        I pondered TAA > 3.9

        Then Wilson and Mitro > Kane and DCL?

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

      Downgrade TAA to a 4.5, ASM to 4.5 and Wilson to Kane

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

        I can do TAA, Wilson to Reguillon and Kane with money ITB

        Still no DCL, no problem ?

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

          Can’t have everyone...Werner looks like he could start returning so that’s your DCL

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

            Thanks for help

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

        ...seems like you should have more £, and you are going to keep losing it with some of those players

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

          I never chase the money I chase points

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

            You can do both to a degree...at some point having an extra few million makes a huge difference

  2. Livinginapool - Top 100 Any…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Konsa or Targett?

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

      Nothing between them - go with the cheapest

  3. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) Jiminez ---> Kane for free
    B) Maupay + Digne --> Kane --> 4,4M def (-4)
    C) Save FT

    Jimnienz (NEW), Maupay (WBA), Kane (Burnley)

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

      A

  4. SAY MY NAME
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    who to bin for Kane? i'm thinking Jimenez

    a)Jimenez
    b)Ings

    1. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

      A

    3. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

    4. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      thanks chaps

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

      A

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

    Current team:
    McCarthy, Nyland
    Trent, Saiss, Walker-Peters, Justin, Mitchell
    Salah, Son, Sterling, Soucek, Podence
    Ings, Jimenez, Davis

    Good amount of junk in there. Been hovering over that "Activate WC" button for a bit. Time to do so?

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

      Ings Jimi to Maupay Kane if u have enough funds

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

    Lots of games to go before GW6

    2 games tonight then 7 clubs in Europe midweek.

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No early transfers this week then

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

      You think TOT will play Son and Kane in Europa?

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

        Haven't been following but would expect them to.
        Home game and can get rested if game won even though they are leaky.

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

        Yes

  7. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Salah or Mane on a wildcard?

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Salah

    2. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      50 50

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

      Salah

    4. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      salah

    5. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      S

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

    If you were to WC for GW6 and try to roll the FT in GW7, who would you have in? These are the players I would pick.

    Martinez
    Robbo Digne Dallas
    Salah Son Grealish Rodriguez
    Kane DCL

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

      That are must haves. Missing players are undecided

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

      Maybe Werner...I’m not convinced by Grealish

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

        Lamptey

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

    Teams in bits at the moment so thinking I need to do these moves for a -8;

    VVD, Vardy & KDB > Digne, Stirling & Kane.

    Thoughts pls?

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good but a -8 is very heavy I think

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

      I would do these moves

    3. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Vardy likes a goal v Arse, I'd wait for injury news. I'd do KdB to Sterling. No sub def to come in for VVD?

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

        Mitchell or Justin

        1. El Lobito 10
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Justin

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

      Given the outs, looks decent.

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

        Even for a -8 TM?

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

          Not sure on Vardy and KDB for next GW, but they are unlikely to hurt much next GW. VVD may as well go now etc.

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

            Might just do KDB > Stirling for now. Still think Vardy > Kane is on the cards this GW.

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

      Hit it.

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

        Which moves? All of them lol

  10. El Lobito 10
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone else captain Sterling? 6 goals in last 3 games v WH!

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

      Not a bad shout

  11. JasonG123
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    WC this lot? 1FT, 2.8m ITB.

    Lloris (Steer)
    TAA Dier KWP (Taylor Mitchell)
    Salah Son Foden Trossard (Bissouma)
    Jimenez Ings DCL

    Or just do Lloris and Ings/Jimenez to Martinez and Kane.

    1. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Just do Jimenez to Kane, but after Spurs Europa game

      1. JasonG123
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I have 3 Spurs already.

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Wrong ones. Just like my GW1 team, only Kane the right pick out of 4 lol

          Time for you to WC

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

            You don’t like Son?

            1. NABIL - FPL otai
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              Thought Alli could 'cover' him

          2. JasonG123
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Yeah obviously the wrong ones...

        2. El Lobito 10
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Ah ok. Sounds good then

      2. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        When they play Europa

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

    Martinez Forster
    Robertson Chilwell Saiss Dallas Ferguson
    Salah Son James Grealish Sterling
    DCL Watkins Brewster

    1 FT, 0.0 itb

    1. Save FT
    2. Sterling Watkins >> Foden Kane (-4)

    Thanks

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

      1

    2. Skogen89
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      1

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      2

      You know you want to

    4. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      1

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

      1

  13. Skogen89
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) Podence -> Grealish\ Bruno\ Foden \ Pulisic
    B) Barnes -> Grealish\ Bruno\ Foden \ Pulisic
    C) James -> Robertson
    D) Jiminez -> Aguero
    E) Podence and James -> Robertson and Grealish
    F) Other?

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      If Podence doesn't start tomorrow I would certainly transfer him out. Also consider Zaha as an option for him

  14. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Just woke up and saw..

    Barkley 😎

  15. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    need Jimmy hattie and CS from Saiss and Taylor tomorrow to save my GW..

  16. Mr. Chimes
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Improved my overall rank by 800,000 and got red arrows in every other league. Nice.

  17. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Can't sleep.

    a) Kane + Rodriguez + Trossard

    b) Sterling + Rodriguez + Brewster/Bissouma

    c) Sterling + Grealish + Antonio/6.3 forward

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

      A

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

      A.

  18. potatoace
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Target or Konsa

    1. I Must Break You
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'm going Target

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

    Anyone know if Balbuena is a regular starter for West Ham?

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

    McCarthy
    Chilwell, Castagne, Lamptey
    Salah, Sterling, Son, JRod
    Kane (c), DCL, Brewster

    Steer, Soucek, Mitchell, Branthwaite

    Any changes needed or save?

    1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'll tell you what I think in a minute but I'm curious to understand what you think yourself first

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

        I think I’ll save the FT tbh

      2. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I'm curious to understand what you think about what they think

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

          I’m curious too

          1. The Big Fella
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            What a bunch of curious people we are! I think we all know what happened to the cat though

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

    TAA to Robbo? Wondering whether to use the FT to save the extra 0.5

    1. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Debating it myself to save the 0.2 swing!

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

        TAA still on set pieces... but Robbo has been more attacking this year and he is on some corners too. Hard to choose 🙁

  22. JoeJitzu +42
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    KdB and Jiménez to Grealish and Kane -4?

    Martínez
    TAA Keane Saiss
    Salah Son Barnes Foden KdB
    DCL Jiménez

  23. jia you
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Early thoughts...what's your preference folks?

    A. Get Salah/Mane in for a hit and give them the armband (removing Jimenez).
    B. Save FT and give Sterling/Son the armband.

    Martinez
    Robertson Saiss Coady
    Sterling Son Hames Pulisic
    DCL Jimenez Watkins
    (Forster Lamptey Burke Dunne)
    1FT
    3.7itb

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

      B and Son

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

    Any thoughts?
    A)Rodriguez or Zaha/Grealish
    B)Dcl or Ings

    1. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Rodings

  25. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Slow and steady wins the race.

    1. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Don't think it ever actually did

  26. JoeJitzu +42
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    How long KdB out for?

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

    Chilwell or Digne long term gents

    1 or 2

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

    Who to bench (pick one):

    1. Saiss (NEW)
    2. Dallas (avl)
    3. Chilwell (mun)
    4. Watkins (LEE)

    Thanks

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

      2

  29. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    How do I get Kane with 1FT + 2.0 ITB?

    Martinez Forster
    TAA Robertson Lamptey Mitchell Dunne
    Salah Sterling Son Barnes Soucek
    DCL Watkins Brewster

    Cheers.

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

      Downgrade TAA (to e.g. Sais) and Sterling (to e.g. Grealish) and upgrade Brewster to Kane.

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

      Sell Watkins and TAA in case TAA+Brewster wouldnt work out.

    3. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      You don't.

    4. I Must Break You
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Sterling to Hamez
      Brewster to Kane
      or, better yet, Watkins to Kane, to free up an extra 1.5 million for Barnes upgrade next week

      or...
      Downgrade Barnes to £4.4M Stephens (BUR)
      Watkins to Kane
      I think you can just get there exactly (hopefully did the math right in my head)
      The benefit here is you now have Kane and Sterling.
      The price is you have to play 4 defenders, or hope Brewster starts scoring.

      I like the first option now that I think about it, as Hamez is pretty close to essential for me

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

    Had planned Barnes to Grealish for free this evening. However I did not get to see the game or any highlights.
    Any reason to change my mind. Also any better options that Grealish at this price.

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

      No