Scout Notes

West Brom defence improving since Bilic’s shift to back-four

Brighton 1-1 West Brom

  • Goals: Karlan Grant (£6.0m)
  • Own Goals: Jake Livermore (£4.8m)
  • Assists: Callum Robinson (£5.5m)
  • Bonus points: None

Baggies Boost

Fantasy Premier League managers will have to exercise caution when viewing West Bromwich Albion as an opponent for their players in the coming weeks.

The Baggies have made significant improvements to their backline in the last two matches, during which time experienced defender Branislav Ivanovic (£4.5m) has made his debut and settled into the side.

While the former Chelsea man was involved in the error that led to Brighton’s opener on Monday night, the truth is that, outside of that own goal, Slaven Bilic’s were not overwhelmingly tested at the Amex Stadium. To the Croatian’s encouragement, it was the second match in a row where that was the case.

Having conceded 13 goals in the first four matches of 2020/21, an average of 3.25 per game, West Brom have now let in just one since Gameweek 5 (0.5 per game).

Bilic has achieved such a feat with a change in shape. He experimented with a back-five between Gameweeks 1 to 4 but has found much more success building a four-man defence around Ivanovic since the most recent international break.

That has seen Kyle Bartley (£4.5m) and Dara O’Shea (£4.4m) drop out of the team, Ivanovic paired first with Ahmed Hegazi (£4.3m) at centre-back and, following the Egyptian’s loan move to Al-Ittihad, then Semi Ajayi (£4.8m).

Obviously, we have to apply a caveat to these findings, not least that they were recorded using a small sample size of two matches.

Furthermore, it has not gone unnoticed that the first of the two periods discussed pitted West Brom against much more potent attacks in Leicester, Everton, Chelsea and Southampton while Burnley and Brighton are arguably easier opposition.

We are sure that these are important factors, although the role of a new formation and addition of Ivanovic’s experience cannot be ignored.

And the fact that West Brom are capable of avoiding a thrashing at the hands of so-called lesser opposition is still something for Fantasy managers to consider. Many of us banked on the likes of Neal Maupay (£6.6m), Leandro Trossard (£6.0m) and Tariq Lamptey (£4.7m) for Gameweek 6, thinking West Brom were whipping boys.

Well, it is now clear that the Baggies should not always carry around that tag, something which is sure to frustrate those with attackers from Fulham, Spurs and Manchester United, their next three opponents.

Running on Lamptey

For all of Lamptey’s early-season promise, the Brighton right-back is seriously struggling to live up to his potential as a Fantasy asset.

While nobody denies the raw talent he possesses, especially with the frequency of his advanced runs, Lamptey does appear to be suffering from Brighton’s own struggles at the back.

The Seagulls have largely been clean sheet nearly-men in 2020/21, never looking overly porous and yet still unable secure defensive returns.

Brighton were in relative control of their Monday night meeting with West Brom, even as late as the 78th minute when Graham Potter replaced attacking midfielder Trossard with the more combative, defensive option Steven Alzate (£4.5m).

But that did not stop the Baggies feeling their way into the game in the closing stages, with Matheus Pereira (£6.0m) twice going close before Karlan Grant (£6.0m) rifled home Callum Robinson‘s (£5.5m) 83rd-minute cross.

As a result, Potter’s men still have just one clean sheet this season, conceding an average of 1.8 per game.

Whether Brighton are proving unfortunate or simply lack concentration in key moments, their situation seems somewhat ominous ahead of a trip to Spurs in Gameweek 7.

As for Lamptey’s attacking prowess, that remains unchallenged, considering he registered more touches in the final third than any other Brighton player on Monday night (26).

However, his run of bad luck simply refuses to end. Not forgetting his withdrawal at half-time of Brighton’s only clean sheet of the season so far, Lamptey owners watched as his 40th-minute cross/shot was cleared by Ivanovic into the unwitting path of Jake Livermore (£4.8m) for an own goal, thus robbing the right-back of any attacking return.

Brighton and Hove Albion XI (3-4-2-1): Ryan; Burn, Webster, Veltman; March (Mac Allister 69′), Bissouma, White, Lamptey; Trossard (Alzate 78′), Lallana (Groß 60′); Maupay.

West Bromwich Albion XI (4-2-3-1): Johnstone; Townsend, Ajayi, Ivanovic, Furlong; Livermore (C Robinson 62′); Diangana (Edwards 62′), Krovinovic, Gallagher, M Pereira; Grant (M Phillips 83′).

PREMIUM MEMBERS ANALYSIS

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LESSONS LEARNED FROM FPL GAMEWEEK 6

735 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Handsome Hunk
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Jimi to Werner FT ?

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

      Rather have jimenez this week. Doubt chelsea will get many away at burnley

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Like Wolves would get any more against Palace...

        1. Kellz86
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Value for return is pretty good still

    2. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Jimi for me. I think long term he outscores werner

  2. Bielsa Murderball
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    is helder costa/klich a trap?

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

      Im tempted by klich, when i need the money

  3. fr3d
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Need Saiss to rise one more time before he's dropped pls

    1. The Handsome Hunk
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He ain't

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

        If he stays near the top of the defenders’ total points table, people will carry on transferring him in. It’s taking him a while to rise each time, but it’s not infeasible that he will go up again.

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

    Mcarthy, martinez or ryan?

    1. The Handsome Hunk
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Marti. But i Would prefer Mendy now.

    2. ZAWAd25
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Martinez

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

      Mccarthy

  5. ZAWAd25
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Kane over Salah for the armband next week?

    Brighton did not look good and west ham doing pretty good. Plus Kane is in a good form

    1. The Handsome Hunk
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Both are good option. Dont forget Son as contender if you have him.

    2. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      It'll be Kane (c) 4 times in a row for me

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

      Yes IMO, I rate West Ham's defense much higher than a Brighton defense w/o Dunk

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

    Would u double up with Chilwell and Mendy ??

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

      No

    2. The Handsome Hunk
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No. Chillwell is enough.

    3. ZAWAd25
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I’d go Martinez in goal

    4. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers

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

      no

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

    1FT and no money ITB

    Martínez
    Chilwell Saïss Castagne
    Salah Foden Grealish Son
    Kane DCL Jiménez

    Steer Podence Lamptey Mitchell

    Save the FT?

    1. The Handsome Hunk
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Save

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

        Cheers Hunk

    2. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      lovely team

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

        Thanks mate

  8. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) TAA to Chilwell
    B) Maupay to Antonio/Bamford
    C) Save

    1. The Handsome Hunk
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Save. Next week probably Antonio if fit.

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

    Martinez (Steer)
    Robbo Saiss Lamptey (Taylor) (Ferguson)
    Salah Son Grealish Zaha (Burke)
    DCL Ings Kane

    2 FT and 0.3 ITB

    I really want Chilwell, but that means I need to part ways with either Ings, DCL or Zaha to free up funds. What do you think?

    1. Jack Burton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'm doing Robbo to Chilwell i think

  10. Cak Juris
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Which one is better duo from GW 8 to get WHU player:
    A. DCL - Bowen - Cresswell
    B. Antonio - James Rodriguez - Cresswell
    C. DCL - Zaha - Coufal
    D. DCL - Grealish - Coufal

    1. The Handsome Hunk
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B if Antonio is fit. Or else A.

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      West Ham will confirm today the injury situation but its not looking good I read.

    3. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Coufal/Antonio with Hamez also an option

    4. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      C or D

    5. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      James injured. Dcl will never get service. Time to sell not buy

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

    Any Hammers fan knowing how likely it is that Masuaku gets dropped? I guess it would only be the case of returning to a back 4 right?

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

      Correct. He's nailed.

    2. The Handsome Hunk
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Go Coufal instead. He is been solid when read through west ham forums

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

        Yea trying to decide between Coufal and Cresswell. Cresswell is also nailed enough + set pieces.

        1. The Handsome Hunk
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          they both are good options at their price points.

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

        Masuaku outclasses him in underlying stats though!

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not a Hammers fan but I’d say you’re correct, Creswell probably preferred in a back 4

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

      Thx all!

    5. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yep Cress gets the nod at LB if we go back 4 but the form using 343 has been so good I cant see it any tike soon.

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

      If we stick with that back 5 then he will be nailed in that position, shifting Creswell into a LCB position has nullified a lot of our issues down that side and with recent results I can’t see Moyes changing it.

      The only issue will be when Benrahma comes in we could see a possible shift in formation because it will give us two natural attacking wingers in him & Bowen on each side. Again I think this is unlikely whilst we are playing the way we have been.

      If you were to ask me which is the best FPL option from us I think it will be Bowen long term for the season.

  12. jamichael
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Augero to Vardy or Cavani?

    Already have Kane. Thanks

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Vardy out of those two

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Vards out of them 2 mate.

  13. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Play one:

    A- Dallas (LEI)
    B- Maupay (spurs)

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

    3. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

  14. Seamy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is it too early to do the Maupay --> Antonio move this week?

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

      100%, he's injured and we don't know how long it'll be but it doesn't look good.

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

        Oh didn't know that. Not keeping up with the news very well this season

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Probably not, both bad fixtures. Depends on Antonio’s fitness

    3. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Antonio is injured, we should find out today to what extent.

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

    2 FTs
    bank: 0.1

    Martinez
    Robbo - Chilwell - Saiss
    Salah - Son - Hamez - Grealish
    Kane - DCL - Maupay

    Soucek - Mitchell - Dallas

    As I am leaning towards sticking with Maupay yet another week or 2, what should I do here?

    Burn the transfer?
    Mitchell ➡ Kilman?
    Sth else..?

  16. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Safe to roll Ft here? Podence needs to go and maybe upgrade a defender/downgrade TAA. Not sure I want a hit is worth it this week.

    McCarthy
    TAA Coady Dallas
    Salah Son Podence Pulisic
    DCL Kane Adams

    Nylabs Bissouma Bavies Lamptey
    1.0m ITB

  17. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Struggling this season by not having Kane and Son in my team so far.

    If buying now, who would you get in?
    A. Son
    B. Kane
    C. Both

    Martinez Steer
    TAA Robbo Konsa Mitchell Johnson
    Salah Sterling Hamez Pereira Anguissa
    Ings DCL Maupay

    A. TAA + Pereira > Kilman + Son(-4)
    B. TAA + Sterling + Maupay > Dallas + Son + Kane (-8)

    Appreciate feedback

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

      get Kane, will be captained my most next two weeks.

      1. King Kohli
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Ya tempted to do B and freshen up my team.
        Covers captaincy for the next 2 gws as well.

    2. fplmania452
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Both Son and Kane

      1. King Kohli
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers mate

    3. The Handsome Hunk
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Son. You may require Man city in 2-3 weeks time. Son is consitent and less in price.

      1. King Kohli
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Looking at how City have fared this season, am not sure if they will be high priority.
        Already have Sterling, considering losing him for Kane.

        1. The Handsome Hunk
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Sterling to Son. No hit require.

          1. King Kohli
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            While it's a good move, it would still leave me with too much money in defence and non performers in Maupay & Pereira.

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

      Their partnership is fantastic. A is sensible. B is tempting

      1. King Kohli
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        It certainly is.
        Losing major ground in MLs as majority have both.

        1. The Handsome Hunk
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I think other than Spurs we need to look to make ground. Doubling up wont help you climb the ranks.

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

            Agreed

          2. King Kohli
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            See my reply above, have other deadwood in my team which I need to clear.

            Which other options are you considering to cover up ground?
            Man City are not at their best, and have just lost Kun for a month.
            Chelsea are not scoring enough and there is no clear option from their midfield.

            1. The Handsome Hunk
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              Mane is the one. You have Ings that is also good option. Keep TAA, soon will be differential. Barkley?Mcginn/Grealish

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

      B

    6. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      just kane

  18. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Of you have Reguilón would keep or ditch him ?

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Keep. Jose said Davies only played to deal with aerial threat of Burnley.

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

        Thank u

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

    What you think guys will Jota start today?

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

    Martinez (Steer)
    Robertson Saiss Kilman (Mitchell Dunne)
    Salah Mane Son Rodriguez Barkley
    DCL Jimenez (Brewster)

    A) Save
    B) Robertson & Jimenez > Chilwell & Kane - 4

    1. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

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

      A

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

      Cheers both

    4. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I wouldnt be getting rid of jimi.

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

        He's ticking along but far from explosive like Kane. Surely it's an upgrade

  21. SomeoneKnows
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Best budget forward to own just for next week? Got 2FT so its essentially instead of wasting a transfer

    A) Maupay (vs TOT away)
    B) Bamford (vs LEI home)
    C) Wilson (vs EVE home)
    D) Antonio (vs LIV away)
    E) Adams (vs AVL away)

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Mitrovic/Grant

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Probably Wilson, Everton without Coleman and Digne

  22. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    This is a crazy headache to have in my draft team lol, Start 1
    A) Chilwell vs Burnley(A)
    B) TAA vs West Ham(H)

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A just

    2. Hot Fuzz
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Can you start both? Don't know that game very much

      1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Sadly no.. I could by benching Ings haha but that's not worth it..
        The points scoring system and everything is same as normal FPL

        1. Hot Fuzz
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          That is a very nice headache to have imo.hahah probably would start taa hahaha good luck man

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

      Who is the 3rd defender? Would be starting both of those

  23. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    People with WCs in the pocket, when are you using it? Gw9 over the IB the best option??

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ben Crelin tweeted that we will know the GW 18 Blanks and GW19 DGW's before GW16.. so I will try to hold it till the last week, but possibly yeah GW9 is good option

  24. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bench and bench order ok? Dallas over Mitchell the right call?

    Martinez
    TAA James Dallas
    Salah Sterling Son Foden
    DCL Ings Bamford

    Steere Podence Mitchell Lamptey

    Thanks!

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

      Seems G2G!

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

    McCarthy, Nyland
    TAA, Taylor, Tierney, Justin, Konsa
    Son, Bruno, JRodriguez, Podence, Bissouma
    Kane, Ings, DCL
    1.6M itb., 1ft.

    What to do?
    A) keep
    B) Podence to Foden
    C) Bruno to Mane
    D) TAA to Chilwell (next round - Bruno to Mane/Salah)

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. The Handsome Hunk
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

      1. The Handsome Hunk
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Bowen net week could be also good.

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

      B out of those options

  26. EgyptianKing
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any feedback here please? Thinking of saving FT.

    Martinez
    Saiss; Kilman; TAA; Robertson
    Salah; Son; Grealish; Hamez
    DCL; Kane

    X; Mitchell; Bissouma; Brewster

    Cheers all!

    1. George James
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yep easy save that mate.

      Thoughts on my post brow appreciated

  27. George James
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What to do?

    2FT 1.1itb

    Martinez
    James • Saiss • Robbo
    Salah • Foden • Son • Podence
    Kane • DCL • Werner

    Steer / Lamptey / Mitchel / Bissouma

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

      Can seem a bit sideways but I would be happy to swap James to Chilwell and save the other FT.

      Give one more week to Podence. If still doesn’t perform, try to buy Hamez soon

  28. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Have 2FTs, thinking about Maupay to Bamford/Antonio, or maybe also Lamptey to Kilman?

    Martinez
    Robo/Reguilon/Chilwell
    Salah/Son/Grealish/Hamez
    Kane/DCL/Maupay

    Martin/Lamptey/Mitchell/Stephens

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

      Maup to Bam

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

    Better Spurs captain:

    A) Kane
    B) Son

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

      A

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

        Worth considering Brighton concede more chances from Lamptey's flank than March's, which is where Son will be. However the lack of Dunk has me giving the edge to Kane.

  30. The Legend Squad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Downgrading Robbo to give my team some attacking weight. Would you...

    1) do Jimi to Kane and Play 442
    2) do Bissouma to Zaha and play 352

    ?