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

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LESSONS LEARNED FROM FPL GAMEWEEK 5

441 Comments Post a Comment
  1. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you keep Jorginho if you owned?
    Rest of midfield : Salah Son Zaha Grealish

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

      For the price there’s not really anyone that offers more.

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

      I have him and for that price he is gold. I am keeping him for as much as I can. Chelsea are getting lots of penalties and Jorginho scored them all bar one from Allison.

  2. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Really struggling here, would appreciate some advice.
    Would you wc this?
    Missing liv mid, villa, Chelsea, rodriguez

    Mccarthy button
    TAA James ayling Taylor mitchell
    Sterling Bruno son soucek bissouma
    DCL jimmy antonio

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

      Or Bruno to Mané?

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

      I wouldnt WC. Team isnt bad at all.

      I’d be looking at Sterling => Salah, funded by downgrading trent or James

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

        This week? Problem is sterling has west ham!

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

          I would. Fwiw

          Both pool and city have SHU and WHU up next, but Salah is the better player and has pens

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

            Stats back it up too. Thanks!!!

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

      No need to WC
      Deep breath 😉

      I'd do James Raz >> Lamptey Salah in a heartbeat

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

        Cheers amey, needed that.
        Still tempted by mane over salah though!

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

    Kane now or KDB in a couple weeks?

    1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Both

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

      Kane

  4. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Petr Cech in the Chelsea Squad

    hahahahhahahaha Lampard is bants

  5. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mendy to the rescue. I saved 0.5 in my bank just to get him but went with Aurier to Reguilon and Martinez as my goalie instead of Ryan, and it unfortunately costed me a hit. What do you think about this move?

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

      Martinez is the goalkeeper to have

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

    Bale likely to start next GW, right?

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

      you'd think so, maybe subbed early depending on game situation at ht

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

      If he does would be surprised if he lasts more than 60mins - looked knackered after 15 mins so clearly short of fitness

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

        Thx, didn’t manage to see the whole game.

        Guess i’ll wait another week before giving him the armband then.

    3. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Might play the EL match Thurs.

  7. hugothedog
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hey guys, team GTG?

    Martinez
    TAA Lamptey Saiss
    Salah Son Rodriguez Foden
    Kane DCL Jiminez

    Bench: 4.0 Bissouma Mitchell Dunne

    1 FT, 1.0 itb.

    Thanks!

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

    Sorry I know this is a boring question, but ayling or Dallas?

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

      Not interested in AVL defender?

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

        I already have Martinez and don’t want to double up!

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

          Got Martinez here and think to double up

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

      Ayling

    3. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Dallas had much more goals and assist s in his career than Ayling.

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

      Neither. They will concede more often than not and neither seem to be regularly getting attacking returns. Better value elsewhere.

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

        Fair enough. Who would you suggest instead?

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

          Keep an eye on that killman and maybe villa assets.

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

        This

    5. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ayling looked ace as an fpl prospect last night.

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

    Still VDB not starting for MUN ...

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Crazy

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

      Saved for Chelsea.

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

        Doubt it 😉

  10. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Martinez
    Lamptey Trent Saiss Ayling (Branth)
    Son Salah(c) Sterling Rodriguez (Biss)
    Kane Wilson (Brewster)

    Quite top heavy, but happy with this

    Good to go??

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

      Yes

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

    Who is the best 6m or sub midfielder? Trossard?

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

      Barkley.

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

      Trossard March McGinn Barkley Neto Soucek (GW8)

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

        March’s stats look good but most say avoid. Is he a flop on the eye test?

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

          All fart no poo

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

          5M option as with Soucek if the 1M extra makes difference somewhere else than it may be worth considering

    3. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      McGinn or Barkley

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

      I think Podence will be on the cards soon.

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

    Man United gonna get destroyed here. It's not gonna be pretty.

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

      It doesn’t look good on paper

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

      De Gea to the rescue

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

      Them vs Chelsea is going to be very intriguing if Chelsea win tonight.

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

      Couldn’t agree more. 4 goals for PSG.
      Sevilla to win at Chelsea too.

    5. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Man U are 1-0 up

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

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

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

    Which option for the next 3?

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

      B.

  14. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is Cech going to be in FPL? What will his price be what do sou think?

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

    Wouldn't spend even a FT for Kilman this week.
    Wolves conceded in last 7 home games Vs Newcastle with their last C's coming in 1993.
    I don't say it's not possible for them to keep another one this weekend but I think next gw Vs crystal palace is a better game to own Kilman if he starts Vs newcastle

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

    How likely is Patrick Van Aanholt to get some minutes in the coming GWs? Is it worth upgrading Mitchell?

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Wait till he starts

  17. Steinburg FC
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Leeds fans, with Phillips out who will take his place as the DM? Will is effect Dallas or Ayling in any way?

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

      Maybe klich

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

        Been quite impressed with Klich - when you have a player in your team you watch them more closely. He does the simple things very well but can also be creative and gets in good positions. Not just about pens with him although I don’t like reading that he could drop back to DM

      2. el polako
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Klich struggles in a deeper role.

    2. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I think Dallas moves in and Stuick goes in defence

  18. Drexl Spivey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Most bizarre post-£5.5m goalkeeper hype I think I've ever read.

    And I actually like David.

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

      Meh. No one serious has Pope this year.

  19. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Chelsea thought they had their goalkeeper position sorted for the next decade when they signed Kepa Arrizabalaga for £71.6m in 2018.

    Cech joins Chelsea squad. 😀

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

    Mendy in FPL expected to return 31/10
    Mendy starts today btw
    *Also R.James starts over Azpi.

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

      thats means James on the bench on the weekend??

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

    TAA looks like he’s dropping tonight. That’s Doherty, TAA and Ramsdale falling already this week.
    .

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

      U have all 3?

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

        U just have to get rid of ramsdale. Not becuase he will continue to drop but becuase hes so bad shu wont keep cleanies

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

          no one got doherty at this moment but i guess he means that popular asset before this season are dropping already

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

            No, I have all three of them mate.

            All I’m doing is taking hits and getting nowhere. Somehow still got these 3 bad choices in my team.

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

              TAA certainly not bad but Doherty?? I would even take a hit to take him out now. I started with him too but transferred him out after GW3.

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

      At least Ramsdale is a cheaper version of Lloris.

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

      I know.

      I ought to wildcard but it seems so wrong doing it this early.

  22. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    is there a specific comment section for the fantasy ucl game?

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

      There's a hot topic, otherwise no.

  23. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    3 days of horror for casual

    First mitrovic bombs

    Then bamford stalls

    Now reece james guaranteed bench vs utd

    Brilliant

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

      Satisfaction!!
      you forgot Maupay and Wilson though - or may be you have one of them 😀

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

        No i dont think many even have them. Dcl kane and jimmy boy here

  24. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Play ?

    A KWP (EVE)
    B Justin (ars)

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

    probs been discussed but telles oop?

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

      532?

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah WB so not really OOP. Hopefully Ole sticks with this when Maguire returns with Shaw LCB. Maguire needs pace beside him.

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

      LWB

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

      Livescore shows 4-2-3-1 with Telles on left wing as a LW and Martial as lone striker.

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

    omg my 4.5 mid scored

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

      still playing VFPL?

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

        whats that?

  27. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Going to watch Pulisic very closely tonight.......hopefully Clueless Fat Frank plays him in position

    1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ffs Fat Frank play Pulisic on the fecking left you loon !!!!

  28. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Wow. I was expecting most of that united lineup but not the Tuanzebe inclusion. I was hoping VDB would be in the mid 3 with Bruno in the hole. Don’t like this formation at all but hope I am proved wrong.

  29. Esalman
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Which one is the best selection for next 2 weeks?
    A. Reguilon and Jimenez
    B. Reguilon and Grealish
    C. Lamptey and Aguero
    C. Lamptey and Mahrez

    1. The Senate
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

  30. The Senate
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    brugges- wow