Scout Notes

Saves and bonus for Pope highlight advantage over Burnley defensive colleagues

West Brom 0-0 Burnley

  • Goals: None
  • Assists: None
  • Bonus points: Nick Pope x3 (£5.5m), Sam Johnstone x2 (£4.5m), Darnell Furlong x1 (£4.5m), Conor Townsend x1 (£4.5m), Kevin Long x1 (£4.5m)

In the Nick of time

Nick Pope (£5.5m) finally got off the mark for the 2020/21 season as he secured a textbook double-figure haul in Burnley’s 0-0 draw at West Bromwich Albion.

While many were expecting this Monday-night clash to be a dull affair, the fact that the Clarets got their first clean sheet of the season is still relevant from a Fantasy perspective.

The Baggies have hardly been one of the worst attacking outfits so far this season, their total of five goals level with Wolves and more than Burnley, Sheffield United and Fulham.

As a result of West Brom winning shot count (13 to nine), Pope was able to tack six saves onto his clean sheet, earning him an additional two points as well as maximum bonus.

“The start point for us was to get back to a performance more like ourselves, in both boxes, defending one well and looking a threat in the other, and I thought we did, so that was pleasing. We kept them quite quiet, Popey had some saves where he smothered it far side, so I was pleased with the defensive side of things.” – Sean Dyche

Crucially, Pope’s Gameweek 5 score of 11 points was at least four more than any colleague on Monday night. With his solitary bonus point, Kevin Long (£4.5m) finished second to the goalkeeper on seven, James Tarkowski (£5.4m) and Erik Pieters (£4.4m) managed six, while the booked Charlie Taylor (£4.5m) could only manage a five-point score.

While those assets offer a cheaper route into the Burnley defence it is still worth noting that, despite this season’s price hike, Pope has the best points per million spent among his colleagues after the first five Gameweeks (2.7).

Home meetings with Spurs and Chelsea in Gameweeks 6 and 7 respectively hardly appeal from a clean sheet perspective but, against so-called big-six sides last season, Pope was inside the top four goalkeepers for saves (48). Of those shot-stoppers, Mat Ryan (£4.5m) is the only one other than Pope who remains in the division, Tim Krul (53) and Ben Foster (50) suffering relegation.

Keeping clean

Owners of Burnley defensive assets had probably been losing patience ahead of Gameweek 5 but following the 0-0 draw, there is certainly reason to believe that Dyche has improved his back-line over the international break.

The Clarets had conceded seven goals in the two away games before Monday night but they restricted their hosts at the Hawthorns and looked much more like the Burnley defence we have come to know and love in recent years.

Taylor was particularly impressive in the way he kept on top of West Brom’s chief creator Matheus Pereira (£6.0m), save for the Brazilian getting free on the back post late on, only for Pope to produce a decent save.

With Burnley’s defence, it is important to remember the mitigating circumstances behind their struggles thus far. They have had to deal with injuries to Ben Mee (£4.9m) and Tarkowski, as well as Matt Lowton (£4.4m).

“We’re coming through an awkward period with injuries, off the field situations that have needed managing, and pleased we looked more like what we’re about. The injuries have to be factored in, but, within all that, we get on with the challenge, as we have done over many years here.” – Sean Dyche

Furthermore, three of Burnley’s first four matches have been on the road so far this season. In 2019/20, they shipped 27 goals on the road and kept seven clean sheets, compared to conceded 23 and registering eight shut-outs at Turf Moor. 

While the Clarets host Spurs and Chelsea next, the following three opponents to visit the Lancashire side are Crystal Palace (Gameweek 9), Everton (Gameweek 11) and Wolves (Gameweek 14) – two of which are currently inside the Premier League’s bottom six for goals scored.

“We’ve had three out of four away games, although it is an awkward time in stadiums of course, the feel of it, but statistically it is difficult to win away games in the Premier League.” – Sean Dyche

Blast from the past

Cult FPL hero Branislav Ivanovic (£4.5m) made his eagerly anticipated Premier League debut for West Brom on Monday night and, unsurprisingly, already looks to be one of their most important players.

Operating as a centre-back, the former Chelsea man added much-needed organisation and leadership to the Baggies’ defence and it should be seen as no coincidence that his first league outing produced a first clean sheet of the campaign.

Admittedly, Burnley’s attack has hardly been inspiring this season but it will be worth keeping an eye on whether or not Ivanovic can make West Brom’s defence harder to beat, especially against some more formidable front-lines.

Not only did Ivanovic offer stability at the back, but he also showed some of his trademark penalty box presence at the Hawthorns, also something to keep an eye on.

The Serbian international went close to scoring twice, each time denied by strong Pope saves.

Injury updates

Pieters at right-back as Burnley reveal Bardsley's self-isolation

Phil Bardsley (£4.5m) was the latest Premier League to test positive for coronavirus, which Burnley revealed in combination with the team sheet on Monday night.

With Lowton out injured and Bardsley self-isolating for the next 10 days, Pieters temporarily has a relatively sure route into the starting line-up, covering at right-back against West Brom and in line to do the same when Spurs come to Turf Moor.

“Erik Pieters filling in and doing a good job as he tends to do, all these signs.” – Sean Dyche

Meanwhile, Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£5.4m) was able to overcome his flag to play 68 minutes on the right of Burnley’s midfield and, despite being a doubt thanks to a lack of match fitness, Callum Robinson (£5.5m) was on the West Brom bench and came on for the last 17 minutes.

West Bromwich Albion XI (4-1-4-1): Johnstone; C Townsend, Hegazi, Ivanovic, Furlong; Livermore; Diangana, Krovinovic (Sawyers 79′), Gallagher, M Pereira (M Phillips 88′); Grant (C Robinson 73′).

Burnley XI (4-4-2): Pope; C Taylor, K Long, Tarkowski, Pieters; McNeil, Westwood, Brownhill, Gudmundsson (Brady 69′); Wood, A Barnes (Rodriguez 77′).

PREMIUM MEMBERS ANALYSIS

PREMIUM MEMBERS HOME PAGE

LESSONS LEARNED FROM FPL GAMEWEEK 5

441 Comments Post a Comment
  1. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    GTG?

    Martinez
    Robbo, Saiss, Chilwell,
    Grealish, Salah, Podence, Zaha, Son
    DCL, Kane C

    Steer, Mitchell, Lamptey, Delap,

    2.1

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Gtg. Lamptey 1st sub.

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      V nice

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Ta, need a couple of decent weeks after the horror start 🙁

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Same. Stuck below if you have any advice

          1. g40steve
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Replied

  2. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Evening all! Best move here? 3.3itb.

    A. Ings >> Kane (play Bissouma)
    Upgrade Bissouma >> 5.6m next week.

    B. Bissouma >> Grealish

    McCarthy
    TAA, Mitchell, Saiss
    Pulisic, Salah, Rodríguez, Son, Biss
    DCL, Ings
    (Nyland, Davies, Justin, Davis)

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

      As much as I think Kane is worth it ,I actually like B better

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        It’s a very tricky one. I need to move away from 4 at the back. But also Kane is so explosive and without him is scary!

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

          Maybe Bale will change the dynamic

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I went A purely because owning Son is not enough when the Harry & Son show kicks off

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Agreed, more fun than the Sanford and Son show back in the day.

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          So A, also?

          1. Botman and Robben
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Yes.

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

      A, but who would you bring in for Biss for 5.6 or less?

      Could you maybe switch to a 343 by leaving Biss, downgrading Davies to 4.5 or less and get Watkins/Antonio?

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks for the reply. I would have 1.1m itb If I sold Ings >> Kane tonight so Davies >> Kilman probably was he only way to raise those funds

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

          Ah OK might be a bit tight with price changes then and you don't want to make early changes this week with all the midweek games. I'd just get Kane in and play Biss v WBA then reassess next week

      2. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        But Davies could drop AGAIN and Kilman will rise so I’m really in a sinking ship

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

    More pain for us Reece James owners 😀

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

      What, he’s starting? I only saw Pulisic and Mendy were...someone post the lineup

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

      Yup - Azpi starting vs United then

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

        I think we all knew that James was done as the starter

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

        It's fine, I was benching James that match anyway. GW after, he's out!

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

    Hi guys,is Kilman hot or not??

    I'm happy with my front 7 so I thought to use one of mine 2 FT and do boring Mitchell to Kilman given Wolves next 2 fixtures (NEW CRY home) and gain 0,1M for the future.My team after this transfer would look like this:

    Martinez
    Saiss - Digne - Kilman
    Grealish - Rodriguez - Son - Salah - Sterling
    DCL - Jimenez

    sub: Steer - Justin - Lewis - Brewster

    Thank you

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

      Hes short term imo. Not against capitalising on it while you can.

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

    who to start this week out of Barkley and Foden?

    1. Dexters Laboratory
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Both? What's the rest of your team like?

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

        Other mids are Son, Rodrigez and Salah, with Ings, DCL and Kane up top

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

          How the f you have that much value in your squad 😀

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

    Still see very high potential in Pulisic, just a shame his fixtures are okay long term and he's difficult to get when Rodriguez is performing so strongly. Former factor matters less with how poor teams have been defensively though. A drop to 8.2 makes him even more appealing with Chelsea offense clicking and Ziyech entering the fray, will be intriguing to watch him against Sevilla tonight.

  7. Joey Tribbiani
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is that an assist for Kulu?

    1. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      nvm updated

    2. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      yup!

  8. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Ben Davies dropping again. Why a disgusting pick he has been 🙁

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

    Mendy, James, Zouma, Thiago Silva, Chilwell, Kante, Jorginho (c), Mount, Havertz, Pulisic and Werner start for the Blues.

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

      Opportunity to watch Pulisic ...

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

    Martinez
    Lamptey Robbo TAA
    Salah Son Foden Podence
    Jimi Ings DCL

    2.6 itb.1 ft
    Mitchell, Furgesson, Zambo

    Everyone have good fixtures for next week, only worry is Podence not starting and not having Kane.
    A) Jimi/ings > Kane
    B) Podence > Grealish/Rodriguez
    C) Save FT
    D) Other moves?

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

      Haha very similar position to me below.. I prefer getting rid of Jimi over Ings FWIW

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

        Idd... It's tough. If I knew podence were starting I would for sure save the ft this week

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

          In that case it would be safe to do A though

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

            You think he starts again?

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

    McCarthy
    TAA Robbo Justin
    Salah Son Rodriguez Podence
    Mitro Ings Jimi

    Steer, Bissouma, Mitchell, Taylor

    A) Jimi -> Kane
    B) Podence -> Gealish/Barkley
    C) Save

    Would ideally like to save but Kane is close to 'essential'. Podence, Mitro, Justin, Mitchell and McCarthy all players I need to get rid of eventually so not much ITB if I get Kane

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

      A. I think the only way people wont have Kane is not enough itb to get him. What more does he need to do?!

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

      Keep Jimenez for the Newcastle home game and get Kane another way, ideally by getting rid of Mitrovic, but would be easier with Ings because of his higher selling price. If you did Ings to Kane then Mitrovic could become Antonio in a few weeks. Or hold and swap Jimenez to Kane next week?

  12. Bad Kompany
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you wc this lot?

    McCarthy
    TAA VVD Doherty coady ayling
    Bruno son havertz Barnes reed
    Kane wood Davis

    Im currently undecided. It would be nice to make changes at the back but no defenders have really been doing well. Wood and maybe Barnes need to go as well. I have Kane and son though and there’s no fixture change to take advantage of.

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No

    2. Warbling Wendy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yah

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

    Barnes to Pulisic or Trossard?

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

      Ofc depends on what you do with spare cash. I'd be tempted by Barkley too

      1. Bad Kompany
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        This. jumping on pulisic early could be big though

  14. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Pulisic right side again? Frank is a weird manager

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Looks like it, way less effective there

      • Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        His love for Mount is ridiculous

        1. rjcv177
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          He's a good player.
          Teamwork, tactics, versatility, vision, goals.
          Really dont get the hate on this kid

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

            Doesn't justify Lampard's desire to shoehorn Mount into any tactic

          2. Ginkapo FPL
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Mount is great. He should be the first replacement for most of the first XI. But not in it!

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

              this

      • Bad Kompany
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Hopefully ziyech will start next game so he can play on the left

      • Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Mount might start there. But that is just hope atm.

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

      Anything to do for coming gw? 3.4 itb
      Mccarthy - 4m
      Justin - Lamptey - konsa - Mitchell - Chillwell
      Salah - Son - rodriguez - grealish - soucek
      Kane - dcl - wilson

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

        justin to trent

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

          Robbo in that case, but I'd move McCarthy to Martinez

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

          Don't see that transfer paying off this week. Konsa, Mitchell and lamptey All have good fixtures and only playing 3 defs. Can't see trent do better this week.

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

      A) KdB + Justin -> Bruno + Reguilon, play Wilson

      Or

      B) KdB + Wilson -> Grealish + Aguero, play Coady

      Which option for the next 3?

      1. Eric Banternaaa
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        A

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

      Would you do Davies -> 5.5def for a -4? If so for who?

      Defence: TAA - Justin - Davies (Bernando* - Douglas*)

      1. Eric Banternaaa
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Regulon

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

        Sais and save 0.3.

    5. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Why does Danilo have an assist?

    6. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      What would be your priority?

      Martinez
      Saiss, lamptey, Justin
      Salah C, Son, h.barnes, foden
      Kane, Jim, dcl
      (Anguissa, Mitchell, vinagre)

      A) get robbo for free
      B) get grealish/James rod for free
      C) a+b for a hit
      D) hit for grealish+jamesRod combo

      1. Eric Banternaaa
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        C

    7. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Oh now James plays - lamps you K hunt!

      1. Long ago I drew a walrus
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Unfortunately it was pretty obvious once we saw he was benched in the league.

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

      united ddg,awb,lindelof,tuanzebe,shaw,telles,fred,mctominay,bruno,rashford,tony

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

      Bench one of

      A Podence (NEW)
      B Lamptey (WBA)
      C Chilwell ( mun)

      1. Eric Banternaaa
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        C

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

        A. Just.

    10. Eric Banternaaa
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Martínez Steer
      TAA Robertson Lamptey Mitchel Dunne
      Salah Sterling Barnes Stephens Mendy
      Jimi Ings DCL

      Stephens, Dunne, Mendy, Mitchel & Lamptey all not guaranteed starters.

      2FT. Thoughts on TAA & Mendy > Regulon & Barkley?

      Would leave 0.7ITB to upgrade one of the others next week.

    11. andres
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Guys, really struggling this season...

      Nyland* McCarthy*
      Taa holding* doherty* justin mitchell
      stephens* salah son hamez podence*
      DCL Jimi Antonio*

      A. WC - The ones marked as * would have to go as minimum
      B Doherty, Antonio => 4.9, Kane (-4)

      1. Long ago I drew a walrus
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        This is a curious one. You could justify the wildcard because the entire backline could go, even TAA. Yet your team isn't THAT far away from having the template picks. I think B might be preferable.

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

          yeah, this was the season I said I would hold on to the WC (I usually play it around gw 3-4)

      2. Eric Banternaaa
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        What’s TV?

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

          101

      3. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I’d be tempted to WC but I’d keep Antonio

        You could fix gradually - doh to Dias/chilwell/saiss

        But I think Mitchell and Justin are also an issue

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

          exactly the need to go as soon as possible...

          lack of kane is killing me as well, clearly he is the one to go for atm

      4. andres
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I have 3.5 in the bank btw...

    12. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Fati, Coutinho, Messi (C) expecting points galore...

      1. Long ago I drew a walrus
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        0-0 incoming

    13. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Why is Cech not in fpl?

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

      Is it possible Kilman double rise in price before the next wolves game cause I want one more week to clearly know if he or Saiss is gonna get benched when Marcal is in

      1. Long ago I drew a walrus
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Highly doubt a 4.0 defender will double rise, just not that high a priority transfer for most people.

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

      Lol Cechs in Chelseas squad now 😆

      1. Long ago I drew a walrus
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        That's just strange. Next we'll see Arteta starting himself in midfield for Arsenal

    16. Tomerick
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      One more week for Podence or shall I role the dice on Barkley?

    17. Sad Pablo Arsecobar
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Kane or KDB long term. (Yes I know one of them is currently injured.)

      Have Son.