Scout Notes

Can £4.0m defender Kilman nail down starting place in Wolves defence?

Leeds 0-1 Wolves

  • Goals: Raúl Jiménez (£8.5m)
  • Assists: Max Kilman (£4.0m)
  • Bonus points: Kilman x3, Jiménez x2, Romain Saïss x1 (£5.2m)

A View to a Kil

Max Kilman (£4.0m) has made a meteoric rise to the top of the budget defender pool with a second successive start and second successive points haul.

The Wolves centre-back has only played two from a possible five matches this season but has already scored 21 points, the joint-most of any defender priced at £4.5m or below.

Incredibly, the player has secured maximum bonus points in each of his two performances so far and he added an assist in the 1-0 win over Leeds.

“He deserves (the man of the match award). He’s been brilliant. He’s been with us for years. He’s listened. He’s a great lad. He gives us a bit of balance on that left-hand side. All the time. He loves having battles with Adama. Nobody goes near Adama in training but he full-on fights with him.” – Conor Coady

“He has become stronger as time has gone by. I’m proud of the response he has given and the credit goes to him. When the chance comes, you have to respond, and Max did that.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

The question facing Fantasy managers is now whether or not Kilman can nail down a regular starting berth in the Wolves side.

Even though he has been praised by captain and manager alike, unfortunately, it is difficult to say with certainty that Kilman will retain his place. This particular issue certainly one that requires more data.

The reason why Kilman has enjoyed starts in each of the last two Gameweeks is that regular centre-back option Romain Saïss (£5.2m) has been forced to cover the left wing-back role in light of injuries to Jonny (£5.4m) and Marçal (£4.9m) as well as the departure of Ruben Vinagre (£4.3m).

With the arrival of Rayan Aït-Nouri (£5.0m) and Marçal returning from his knock on Monday night, there are more options for Nuno Espirito Santo to choose from in that position moving forward.

While Saïss has enjoyed his time bombing forward as a wing-back, which we’ll highlight in more detail shortly, he has looked exposed at times playing in a wider role, caught out by the pacier wingers and full-backs.

Therefore, with left wing-back reinforcements on the way, Nuno looks set for a tough decision between Saïss or Kilman to start in the back-three alongside Conor Coady (£5.0m) and Willy Boly (£5.5m) long-term.

Do as the Romains do

While there remain uncertainties about Wolves best back-five, Saïss continues to offer excellent value for his increasing ownership.

Nuno’s men have kept a clean sheet in three of their five matches this season, and the Moroccan has walked away with bonus points on each of those occasions, even though he only has one attacking return to his name. A total of six in that department puts Saïss behind only Lucas Digne (£6.2m) on seven among defenders after five Gameweeks.

That has taken him to a tally of 31 points for the season thus far, more than any other defender and sure to induce more price rises ahead of home meetings with Newcastle and Crystal Palace.

Saïss was unfortunate not to walk away with attacking returns at Elland Road, whose incredible rifled effort into the bottom right-hand corner of Illan Meslier‘s (£4.5m) goal was chalked off for an offside in the build-up.

He was also denied an assist in the first half when Leeds’ youthful goalkeeper produced an impressive stop from a Daniel Podence (£5.6m) effort.

However, while Saïss has looked exciting in the last two matches, we have to bring Wolves’ selection dilemma at the back into the conversation. If Aït-Nouri or Marçal slots in at left wing-back against Newcastle and Saïss returns to the back-three, he will almost certainly enjoy much less time in the opposition half.

Dear Podence

Podence owners were asked to show a little more patience once again as he proved one of Wolves’ most dangerous players at Elland Road but came away with a second successive blank.

His powerful first-half shot forced an impressive save out of Meslier, who sprawled to stop a left-footed curling effort in the second half too.

While neither of those chances went in, the fact that a Newcastle that has conceded seven goals in the last two Gameweeks is up next for Wolves is perhaps enough to hold Podence. 

That said, he was replaced by Adama Traoré (£6.4m) in the 64th minute with Pedro Neto‘s (£5.5m) involvement continuing until the 89th.

Leeds United XI (4-1-4-1): Meslier; Dallas, Struijk (Hernández 75′), Koch, Ayling; K Phillips; Harrison (Raphinha 82′), Rodrigo, Klich, Costa (Poveda-Ocampo 71′); Bamford.

Wolves XI (3-4-3): Patrício; Kilman, Coady, Boly; Saïss, Moutinho (Neves 82′), Dendoncker, Semedo; Neto (Marçal 89′), Jiménez, Podence (Traoré 65′).

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1,379 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What does everyone make of a Aston Villa double up in defence?
    Martinez and one of Konsa/targett?

    1. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Feels a bit like chasing points. Have we really seen enough to be convinced of Villa's defence?

      That said, they made good transfer signings, are on a high and have promising fixtures. And they are cheap.

      (Sounds like I've talked myself into it. Have Martinez and may have to upgrade Mitchell soon).

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

    Best 4.5 defender?
    Cahill/Targett?

    Have already:
    Martinez
    Saiss
    Mitchell
    Lamptey

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

      Ayling? Looked pretty attacking

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

        He seems good but his fixtures are poor

        1. Bank$y
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          What’s a poor fixture these days? Anything goes.

      2. Paul Psychic Octopus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Who is going to play Phillips' DM role while he is out injured?

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

    2.8ITB & 2FT

    a) Foden > JRod
    b) Werner > Kane
    c) Foden & Werner > Grealish & Kane
    d) Foden, Podence & James > JRod, Grealish & Kilman (-4)
    e) Foden, Werner & James > JRod, Kane & Konsa (-4)

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

      Get rid of the problems.

      Podence and James are problems.

      James + Podence > Grealish + Kilman.

      That's it. Foden can stay.

      1. Paul Psychic Octopus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        ^ This.

  4. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Good to go?

    Martínez
    Chilwell Saïss Lamptey
    Grealish Foden Salah(c) Son
    Kane DCL Jiménez

    Steer Podence Castagne Mitchell

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

      GTG!

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers Tony

  5. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    GGMU

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

      Sssiiuuuu

    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      MUGA

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

      TARD

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

      King Axel

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

    Martinez

    TAA Robertson KWP (Justin Ferguson)

    Salah Rodriguez Podence Son (Reed)

    Kane Watkins DCL

    1.0m in the bank & -4 taken. How's it looking? Contemplated WC last week but think I'll hold off until gw16 if I can

  7. Party time
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Best nailed Wolves defender?

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

        Coady, Semedo, Saiss nailed.

        1. Party time
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Thanks

          • Paul Psychic Octopus
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Coady, Semedo, Boly.

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

          Saiss.

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

        Do we think Ben Davies will go down today?

        1. Paul Psychic Octopus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          On who?

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

            Mrs Davies....

      3. Silva’s Left Nut
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Anyone else think people are sleeping on zaha?

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

          What? Has he turned into a mattress? 😀 😉

          1. Silva’s Left Nut
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            haha...kinda seems like hes going under the radar. hes in my team thats for sure. enjoying his penalty points and great fixtures for the next 6 gw

          2. Paul Psychic Octopus
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            You haven't seen South Norwood!

            Zaha looks a decent pick.

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

          I have him. Glad he scored and fixtures are nice, but CP had only one single shot during last game. Glad that it was Zaha who scored. I will monitor him closely, but he may have to go soon. I consider downgrading Reece James and perhaps Robbo in order to upgrade him if it looks like a good idea.

      4. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Evening fellas. I still have KdB but is sounds like he misses this weekend. Am sat at 600k so thinking of going Aguero over Kane. Silly or worth a shot?

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

          Very tempting, just not sure on city yet

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Agree. Would much rather have KdB about.

        2. Gunners in Haaland
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Too early for me but may worth it.

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            I think i prefer Aguero over KdB - certainly while Jesus is out. It’s either now or never haha.

        3. Paul Psychic Octopus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          No KDB, no Dilva anymore - City just don't look as likely to open up defences for big scores.

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Cheers mate. BSilva back though? Agree that they lack the creativity of those two.

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

          I think it's too early. But Aguero is very tempting. West Ham is exactly the sort of game he loves too. Would not be surprised to see him get a 16 pointer this weekend.

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Sitting on the fence Camzy 🙂

            Obvious move is to take a hit and swap out KdB to Kane. Are there any mids that are just as good an option? I like Pulisic but worried about CL restarting. Bale meh, too soon. Bruno, Rashford maybe.

            1. Paul Psychic Octopus
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              I don't think that Chelsea CL rotation is as big a threat as you might think. Front four looks like Werner plus 3 out of 4 from Mount, Havertz, Ziyech, Pulisic, with CHO coming on as an impact sub to advertise him to Bayern.

              1. Twisted Saltergater
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 5 months ago

                I think I’m 90% sure on Jimenez to Antonio in 2 weeks, so really it’s KdB to any other big hitter.

                If I go Pulisic it does leave enough funds to do Jimenez to Aguero or Kane, but I’m not going to do that until GW8 so seems an opportunity lost to swap KdB and Brewster to Soucek/Bissouma and KdB/Aguero immediately.

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

        What do you guys think about losing sterling for Mané? Don't have a liv mid, City stats aren't looking great. Or hold?

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

          On a wildcard perhaps, but I don't think it's a priority move otherwise and better to save a transfer. City will improve fairly soon I imagine.

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

            Yeah true. Just feels wrong not having liv mid. Cheers

        2. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I don’t think Mané offers value at 12m. Sure, he’s playing lights out but this season I’d want penalties at the price for more captaincy certainty.

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

            Fair point. Sterling to Salah worth it? Would captain.
            Or just jimmy to Kane?

            1. Twisted Saltergater
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              Can I say neither? Jimenez needs to go but not before Newcastle, Palace.

              Can you get Salah any other way?

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

                Losing Bruno which I'm reluctant to do.
                Don't love the jimmy to Kane move either.
                Team is
                Mccarthy button
                TAA James ayling Taylor mitchell
                Sterling Bruno son soucek bissouma
                DCL jimmy antonio

                1. Twisted Saltergater
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 5 months ago

                  I’d look at Sterling and Bruno closely and lose the one you’d least like to captain. Both Salah and Kane look stronger captain options at the moment.

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

                    Hmm, that would be sterling.
                    Thanks for the advice, have to have a think. Won't be doing moves until later in the week anyway

                    1. Twisted Saltergater
                      • 14 Years
                      3 years, 5 months ago

                      Yep try and wait until after CL plus Spurs play Thurs. Good luck!

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

                        You too mate, thanks!

        3. Paul Psychic Octopus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Liverpool next 3-4 fixtures are better than City's. They play one another as well.

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

            So do it?!

            1. Paul Psychic Octopus
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              I would.

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

          Sterling is just as much a differential as Mane.
          Would try and fit both in if possible.

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

            He is, but city aren't as free flowing right now. When kdb is back I'll want him or kun. So might risk it. Cheers!

      6. TRIPOS TOPPER
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        hoping Cech is priced at 4.0 - love the idea of picking him every week!

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

          Should be ahead of Kepa.

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

        Thoughts on Bamford?

        Great starter?

        First sub?

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I’d go Brewster or up to Antonio.

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

          Holding and starting for the moment - but monitoring Brewster.

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

          I'm a big Leeds fan and wouldn't have Bamford in my team.

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

          Good striker, good starter enabler. Brewster has to show he can do it, is 4.5m for a reason.

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

          I think Leeds have to retool around Rodrigo ; Bamford was a passenger for most of the Wolves game.

      8. Villa Velour
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        So annoyed I went for Trossard over Barkley... anyway, we move.

        Do I need Son? Could do Mahrez & James -> Son & Targett (-4).

        Yay or nay?

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Son a must for me. He’s at a price where you don’t think you need to captain him.

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

          Son is the type of player if you don't own ever goal /assist will hurt bad.

        3. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Early days for Barley and Trossard. In his Premier League days consistency isn't Barkley's strength.

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

          Highest scoring midfielder (+10pts over Salah) and was originally priced at 9.0m.

          If that's not a yay, I dunno what is.

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

          No brainer for -4
          Keep Trossard!

        6. Villa Velour
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Cheers all!

      9. Saka Rice
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        How come Shaw is still playing os Telles injured?

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

          Telles was wide left.

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

            Telles was wide left. I think Shaw was left of 3 CBS. Was confusing enough for me but United played well. Tuanzebe was class. De Gea made a few good saves. Definitely the better team on the night.

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

              PSG were pretty abject ; side effect of playing week in week out in a poor league.

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

          They both started

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

        1. Davies to lamptey/konsa/coady (-4 and play one of them)

        2. Play justin

      11. Paul Psychic Octopus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        If we sell Podence now, we're going to get trolled over the next 2 GWs, aren't we?

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

          Well 50/60 as the legendary phrase says...

      12. Zlatan F.C
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Repost.

        A. Jimi to Kane FT
        B. Jimi and Podence to Kane and Rodriguez (-4)
        C. Brewster and Podence to Kane and Bissouma (-4)

        Martinez
        Robbo Saiss Lamptey
        Son Salah Grealish Foden Podence
        DCL Jimi

        Bench Brewster James Ferguson

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

          B (or A)

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

        Palace or Villa defender?

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

          Villa looks gold at the back

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

          Villa if you don't have Martinez.

        3. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Palace and/or Martinez.

        4. Paul Psychic Octopus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Villa even if you do have Martinez.

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

        RIP Tony Lewis

      15. Yome
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Wirh Rashford playing OOP as a striker he is a must have. Really tempted to take a hit to bring him, he has Chelsea defence on a plate next.

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

          Martial is back soon

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

            United were playing two up front tonight with Martial Rashford. Ole could maintain this system in the league.

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

          Martial played up front tonight. Rashford out wide. Martial was poor. Could be Cavani up front and Rashford wide, possibly Martial out wide too. But Rashford form looks good.

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

          11 back and . . .RUN RUN RUN any of United players could score. Or not.

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

        Complete WC team

        Martinez 4.0
        Sais mitchel taylor X X
        Son salah X X X
        Dcl ings/jimi X

        Which?
        A) matip lamptey/4.8 def. - Mcgin foden jrod - kane
        B) matip 4.4 def./kilman - barkley foden jrod - kane
        C) kilman konsa/target - grealish foden jrod - kane
        D) robo kilman - mcgin sterling riedwald - jimi/ings

        1. stu92
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          B I think

      17. Paul Psychic Octopus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Podence > Barkley a good move?
        Or wait a couple of weeks and absorb the price changes?

      18. Kane Train
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Grealish or Zaha

        1. stu92
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Grealish

        2. Gunners in Haaland
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          G

      19. Saka Rice
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Do we think Shaw will start this weekend ?

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

        Who to move KdB to? Have Son, Salah and Podence already.

        Potentially do KdB and Wilson to Zaha/Grealish and Kane?

        1. stu92
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Grealish over Zaha. If you can live without Kane go Bruno instead.

        2. Gunners in Haaland
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Grealish and Kane

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

            Went with this. Cheers

      21. stu92
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        WC active, 0.4ITB, thoughts? One midfield slot up for grabs, currently own Pereira.

        Martinez
        Robbo - Mings - Saiss
        Son - Bruno - Jrodriguez - Pereira/Trossard/6.0
        Kane - DCL - Jimi
        (4.0 - Ayling - Kilman - Soucek)

        1. Phil's Stamps
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Your money is spread too thinly for me. But if you're cool with that as you've no Villa attack, it's got to be Barkley, or McGinn if you're a cheapskate.

          1. stu92
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Hmm, I see what you mean. My money was a little bit better spread before but I was getting killed with double ‘pool defence, and also by not owning Salah or Kane. Given the amount of goals I thought it a good move to downgrade TAA and use the money to upgrade to Kane. If hints change in a few weeks and teams start keeping clean sheets, I can always work back down.

      22. Jason Bourne
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        A. Grealish/Kilman
        B. Barkley/Sais

        Same Price

        1. stu92
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          B, as I think Kilman could be dropped soon.

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

          A if Kilman is your fodder 5th defender.

      23. Henryyy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Anything worth a transfer here?
        Agree with the benchings?

        Martinez
        Robbo TAA Semedo Lamptey
        Salah Grealish Son Podence
        Kane DCL

        4m - Wood Mitchell Reed

        1FT 0.7m ITB

        Cheers

      24. Kryptonite666
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Sterling + Watkins to Aguero + Grealish for a -4 ?

        1. Jason Bourne
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I wouldn't be dumping Sterling

        2. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Latter. Penalties.

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

          Not for me nope