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

PREMIUM MEMBERS HOME PAGE

LESSONS LEARNED FROM FPL GAMEWEEK 6

735 Comments Post a Comment
  1. C'mon the Fylde
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Am I GTG?

    Martinez
    Robertson Saiss James
    Foden Son Salah Grealish Zaha
    Kane DCL

    Button, Mitchell, Davis, Lamptey

    0.3m itb

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I like it. Long term, 5 in midfield will be the go to formation.

      1. C'mon the Fylde
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks!

      2. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Don't know about that. With Kane, DCL, Ings, Jiminez,.. 3 strikers also could do the trick

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

      Depends if you've got a FT. If you have, I'd probably shift James.

      1. C'mon the Fylde
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I'll look into that move. Thanks.

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

      Not sure why Davis is ahead of Lamptey. Ship off James, may not start

  2. Forever In Our Shadow
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who else is tempted by TAA to Chilwell? Or at least just dropping TAA to anyone actually scoring points?

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

      Not this week, but long-term Chilwell looks better value.

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

      giving him one more week

    3. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'm doing this move for sure. But, I have other fires to put out first.

      Hopefully TAA can get something out of WHam next GW. But, I'l, still sell him after that anyway.

      Not worth the money at all when their are better options for cheaper - Chilwell being the stand out

    4. The Hunt
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      TAA now supping beer in the Last Chance Saloon and a paltry clean sheet won't be enough to save his hide after this weekend. It's circa 12 points or bye bye Mr Arnold.

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

        Same apply to Robbo if ya only have him?

    5. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      At some point I could see me having Castagne and Chilwell isntead of Reguilon and TAA but until I need the TAA money I'm not in a rush to remove him.

      Especially if West Ham are missing Antonio this week

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

        I was thinking
        Robbo➡️Coufal or Cresswell

        Reguilon➡️Chilwell for free nxt wk

        Frees up cash for Antonio wk after if he's fit and Bambam turns into an ugly duckling just after I buying him.

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

    Thoughts on this lot please

    Martinez 4.0
    Lamptey* chilwell pva* regulion mitchel
    Son Rodriguez grealish pulisic* salah
    Kane DCL Brewster*

    2ft 0itb

    * not convinced by

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

      I would not touch that front 8 this week and carry 2 FT to GW8-9 where fixture changes are coming.

      I would do PVA to Creswell if you can afford to bench him this week (I think you can if Mitchell plays).

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

      Why not convinced by pulsic ?

      I am thinking to bring him for hit

      Removing DCL and klich for puli and bambam

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

    Anything that needs changing here or roll the transfer? 1FT and 0.6itb

    Mccarthy (Button)
    TAA Konsa Justin (Holding Mitchell)
    Salah JRod Son Soucek (Bissouma)
    DCL Werner Kane

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

      I'd get rid of Werner, probably for Ings/Vardy or even someone cheaper so you can upgrade Soucek. Might as well save for more flexibility next week

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

        Cheers. That was my thinking, taking hits never works for me so I'll save.

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

    I have 2 FT and do not want to change my front 8 this GW so how would you use one of those free transfers?

    A) Lewis > Kilman to free up some cash and play him over KWP this week

    B) Robbo> Chilwell to free up more cash to be used in some structural changes in GW8-10 (Fernandes, Antonio, KDB etc.)

    Martinez
    Robbo Dallas KWP
    Salah (V) Son Pulisic Hames Grealish
    (K)ane DCL

    Forster Brewster Lamptey Lewis
    2 FT 0.0 ITB

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

      A out of those, would keep Robbo

    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nice front 8 that. I'm only a Podence > Grealish tranny away from that front 8.

      I'd probably do B) to be honest. Have a feeling Kilman might get dropped for Saiss back into CB spot and Marcal at LWB.

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

    Hey, do you think it's too late for the Kane train?
    Got 2 FT + 2.4 ITB

    Lloris
    Trent Robbo Digne*
    Mane Son Grealish Foden
    DCL Adams Wilson
    (Mitchell Bissouma Lewis)

    A) Digne+Wilson > Kane+Kilman (exact $)
    or
    B) Digne > Chilwell

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

      Never too late for that, from those I would go with A and captain Kane this week. I would wait for the appeal decision for Digne's red though.

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

        Thanks, will wait until Friday in any case with the midweek CL/EL games. Don't believe Digne's red will be rescinded but we've seen weirder things so who knows

    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not too late.... but I do think you've missed some of his biggest hauls.

      Still worth it though, and I'd do you're proposed A) transfers

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

        Thanks, I'm keeping an eye on Vardy as well tho - could be a great differential

  7. Q
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Looking at getting chilwell as I've no other chelski cover, but for who?

    Lamptey kwp robbo saiss justin.

    Or stick as is. All seem to have reasonable fixtures.

    1. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Justin if you can afford it

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

      i'd wait, Saiss might be benched and Wolves fixtures turn worse after this week

  8. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who else is tempted by Bruno? Would mean losing TAA

    1. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Tempted, but not willing to take the plunge just yet.

      Need to see more of Man Utd to be honest. They've been easily the most 'Jekyl & Hyde' of all the sides so far.

      Rashford also worthy of consideration I think. And Martial may still end up scoring a lot of goals this year too.

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

      I'm tempted but also need to figure out what this United side are supposed to be

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

      I'm most likely doing Havertz > Bruno this week.

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

    Bowen is a tad expensive don't you think?

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

      Prefer Antonio same price

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

    I still don't have Salah/Mane. Do I need to prioritise getting one in? Would mean losing Bruno/Sterling/Son

    McCarthy Button
    TAA James Ayling Mitchell CTaylor
    Sterling Bruno Son Soucek Bissouma
    Antonio DCL Kane

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

    Any UCL players around?

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

    Bowen is a tad expensive don't you think?.

    1. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nah!

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

      He's not expensive at all really. But the fact Soucek is there and is 4.9m is what makes him look like a bit of a worse deal.

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

        Have Soucek on my bench since WC hoping he's gonna start scoring on easier games but will have a benching headache as soon as I start playing him. Didn't think that part thru too good I'm afriad.

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

    Werner out??

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

      long overdue imo

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

      Not with upcoming fixtures

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

    Next two transfers will be Maupay > Bamford and Saiss > Chilwell.

    Would you do the first one now? Or wait till next week and make the double transfer...

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

      Wait, maybe something else will pop up

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

        Cheers Blinders. I'll wait I think

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

    Saiss vs. Kilman

    I guess no one really knows who keeps their place (apart from Nuno, obv)? What's your take?

    1. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      You could frame it either way.

      Ideally we'd see Marcal start and then see who gets the LCB spot

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

      I've done the Saiss -> Kilman move this week to afford Kane, another risky transfer, fingers crossed

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

    A) Robertson + Havertz
    B) James + Fernandes

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

      B but without James

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

        That's not the question unfortunately... I don't want to take a hit to remove James for B.

        I already have James + Havertz. I'm really tempted to keep James. When he plays he's so attacking. He got a bonus point after conceding a bunch of goals and getting a yellow card. But that looming rotation risk with Azpi is definitely a problem.

  17. thegaffer82
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who should I sell first?

    A) Podence (>Barkley)
    B) Justin (>Ayling)
    C) TAA (>Chilwell)

    B) would immediately improve my first 11 this GW and is a good long term move. C) gives me the cash to make the Podence tranny from Barkley into Grealish (-4 or for free the following week).

    I'm leaning towards B) this week and A) & C) the following week for a hit

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

      I think your thought process is good. Make the transfer that improves your XI immediately.

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

      A. considering fixtures for this week

    3. King Drogba11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Keep Trent. I’d go A if you have decent fixtures for your other defenders.

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

    How many clean sheets do you expect Liverpool to keep this season?

    1. King Drogba11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      13

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

      15

  19. King Drogba11
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Although I don’t care about ownership when I select/don’t select players, TAA being sold by a lot of people makes me want to keep him even more.

    Think people have forgotten what scores he can produce.

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I get that

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

      If he gets nothing against WHU that will likely be the last straw for a lot of people.

  20. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Spurs getting that result vs Burnley, the kinda game title contenders need to be winning! COYS |o/

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

    I was talking to another poster last week about the inconsistency of price changes and said I'd e mail the PL, this is the delayed response I got. Doesn't really tell us anything we didn't know.
    Hi Davey,

    Sorry for the delayed response.

    Player prices can change daily during the season dependent on the popularity of the player in the transfer market. Once the season has started, player prices may change by £0.1m a day, based on activity in the transfer market. This formula will not be revealed to game players.

    Regards,
    Fantasy Premier League Support

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

    Really losing patience with Lamptey but would have to take a hit to swap him for Coufal if I stick to my other plans.