Scout Notes

The FPL impact of Aït-Nouri’s debut on Saïss, Kilman and Podence

Wolves 2-0 Crystal Palace

  • Goals: Rayan Aït-Nouri (£5.0m), Daniel Podence (£5.5m)
  • Assists: Pedro Neto (£5.5m)
  • Bonus points: Aït-Nouri x3, Nelson Semedo x2 (£5.5m), Neto x1

CRY WOLF

Fantasy Premier League managers finally got a definitive clue to Nuno Espirito Santo’s long-term plans for his defence this season in a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.

And, much to the dismay of the 22.4% in possession of Romain Saïss (£5.3m), the top-scoring FPL defender in 2020/21, we received confirmation that his role is diminishing.

The return to fitness of Marçal (£4.9m) and the arrival of Rayan Aït-Nouri (£5.0m) had been creeping up on Saïss for the last few weeks as he stood in at left wing-back.

But the emergence of Max Kilman (£4.2m) has caught him between a rock and a hard place considering that his old job has now been taken too. Crucially, against Palace, Saïss stayed on the Wolves bench. Helpful for avoiding one-point cameos but increasing the need for nearly a quarter of managers to draw on their bench. 

Of FPL defenders, only Trent Alexander-Arnold (33.2%) and the injured Tyrick Mitchell (25.7%) came into Gameweek 7 with more owners than Saïss, who actually became the most popular in that position among the top 10,000 managers on Friday night.

The fact that he is no longer guaranteed starts could mean a large number of managers already have one transfer booked in for Gameweek 8, especially those who feel they cannot bench a non-playing asset at £5.3m. Interestingly, 8.2% of all managers own both Saïss and Mitchell, although the latter is easier to keep on the bench for a few weeks.

Accordingly, we could see a flash-sale of the Wolves man in the coming days, especially as his team’s upcoming fixtures now take a turn for the worse from a defensive perspective anyway. Wolves travel to Leicester, Arsenal and Liverpool between now and Gameweek 11.

RAYAN ADVENTURES

Meanwhile, any hope that Saïss might somehow fight his way back to either left wing-back or centre-back were dashed by fantastic performances from both Aït-Nouri and Kilman against Crystal Palace.

Considering he is a natural left wing-back, it should come as no surprise that Aït-Nouri offered a much better balance to the Wolves side than Saïss did. He was also on-hand to blast Cheikhou Kouyaté‘s (£5.0m) first-half clearance into the bottom corner of Vicente Guaita‘s (£5.0m) net to give Wolves a well-deserved lead.

Bombing forward with intent and energy, the 19-year-old matched what Nelson Semedo (£5.5m) offered on the right and, as a result, Crystal Palace struggled to cope with how wide the pitch became.

“(Aït-Nouri) is brilliant. He’s come in and learned the role inside out. He’s really sharp. Turns you inside out with his bag of tricks. Tonight, I thought he was brilliant.” – Conor Coady

“(Aït-Nouri) played good. He has a lot of talent. There is a lot to improve on the defensive aspect and the shape of the team. But to score on your debut is great.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

DEAR PODENCE

Arguably, the chief beneficiaries of the impact Aït-Nouri had on the Wolves team were for Daniel Podence (£5.5m) and Pedro Neto (£5.5m), who each got their third attacking returns of the season in Gameweek 7.

Each wing-back taking up advanced positions, and offering energy and enthusiasm to track back, although, admittedly Aït-Nouri was not as good at that part of the job as Semedo (which Nuno picked up on, based on the above quote). Generally, the extra pace in these areas allowed the two wingers much more freedom to roam forward and cause problems against Palace.

Podence was particularly lively in the early stages, as Wolves finally rediscovered how to start games on the front foot. It is telling that Aït-Nouri’s 18th-minute goal was their first scored in the first half since Gameweek 1.

Then, after teeing up Leander Dendoncker (£4.5m) for a seventh-minute headed effort and watching Guaita palm away a 10th-minute curled strike, Podence finally rewarded the patience of his 3.6% ownership with a first attacking return since Gameweek 2. 

Netting his first goal since this same fixture last season, the former Olympiacos man ghosted in at the back post to slot under Guaita after Neto had found space behind Patrick van Aanholt (£5.4m) for a cross.

ON THE SPOT

The 482,570 Fantasy managers who signed Wilfried Zaha (£7.3m) for Gameweek 7 were, naturally, disappointed to see him pick up just one point at Wolves.

The fact that Nuno’s men have kept four clean sheets from a possible seven now arguably makes his rather quiet display feel like more of an anomaly, considering he averaged 10 points per away game before Friday night.

With Leeds (home), Burnley (away), Newcastle (home) and West Bromwich Albion (away) up next, there is still plenty of reasons to be positive about Zaha’s credentials.

Not least because he might be back on penalties again after Luka Milivojevic‘s (£5.7m) short-lived return to the Crystal Palace side.

During the club captain’s absence, Zaha has taken on responsibility for spot-kicks. But, when the Eagles were awarded one in the first half at Molineux, it was, unsurprisingly, Milivojevic who prepared to take it.

In the end, the penalty was ruled out for an offside in the build-up but the fact the Serbian collected the ball and stood over it spoke volumes.

However, Zaha owners were handed something of a reprieve as Milivojevic was sent off for violent conduct in the closing stages. At present, his ban lasts three matches, which would, of course, be ideal for anyone wanting Zaha to take some more penalties.

That said, it would be worth keeping an eye on whether or not Palace decide to appeal the decision and try to shorten the suspension.

“I’m disappointed about the red card. I personally thought it was a fair challenge from Luka Milivojević. But the referee, unfortunately, had a different opinion.” – Roy Hodgson

Wolverhampton Wanderers XI (3-4-3): Patrício; Kilman, Coady, Boly; Aït-Nouri, Neves, Dendoncker, Semedo; Neto (Moutinho 76′), Jiménez (F Silva 90+1′), Podence (Traoré 76′).

Crystal Palace XI (4-4-2): Guaita; van Aanholt, Dann, Kouyaté, Clyne; Schlupp (Eze 65′), Riedewald, Milivojevic, Townsend (Ayew 72′); Zaha, Batshuayi (Benteke 84′).

LESSONS LEARNED FROM FPL GAMEWEEK 7

761 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Nanoelektronicar
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I don't get all the rage about Foden. It'll probably cool off. I think Foden gets a haul vs Liveprool and I even consider bringing him in. There were times when 8.0 City assets were benched occasionally, let alone 6.6, so I wouldn't be too upset about Foden right now, he'll be involved this season.

  2. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    We're back to the 4-3-3, love to see it

  3. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    0-0 at half time foden brace 2nd half please

  4. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Pep trying to make Bilva the new Dilva instead of Foden

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Makes sense to me. Bernardo is a lot neater on the ball than Foden and a better passer. But he has had a real drop in form post-lockdown.

      Ederson
      Walker Dias Laporte Mendy
      KDB Rodri Bernardo
      Mahrez Aguero Sterling

      Steffen
      Cancelo Stones Ake Zinchenko
      ????? Fernandinho Gundogan
      Torres Jesus Foden

  5. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Saiss, Foden & Mitchell. My team is a wasteland this week.

    1. Denis Tueart on the wing
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      😀 so is mine. I'd be a bit more p***ed of if I was Foden!

      1. Vazza
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I have Branthwaite on the bench who I am counting on this week - haha!

        1. Denis Tueart on the wing
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Stop that bragging and boasting now

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

    Foden benched again damn!!
    Please deliver today Mahrez

  7. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    KDB is really appealing once again, need to factor a way to get him in soon.. after the horrendous fixtures are done!

    1. Nanoelektronicar
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Liverpool without defence and Spurs that let three past them after leading 3:0, are not that bad fixtures, imo.

      1. Kodap
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        How do i get one of the regular starting city players into this?

        Martinez (Steer)
        Trent - Coufal - Lamptey (Taylor & Dallas)
        Salah - Son - Zaha - Podence (Burke)
        DCL - Jimmy - Kane

        1.3m itb and 1FT.

        1. Nanoelektronicar
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I see, a lot of money tied up in 7.0 - 8.5 assets. Jimenez and Zaha to Brewster and Sterling/KDB? I don't know if Zaha downgrade allows to get Aguero for Jimenez, sure if Aguero is fit. Kane to Aguero if also possible, but not this week.

    2. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I want him for the great fixture run but Pep either benches him or deploys him as CDM in those!

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

      Really want him in as well, but waiting to see if City look like scoring first!

  8. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Foden + Jimenez to Hamez + Antonio on the cards.

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Isn't Antonio injured?

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        It's FFS so minor things like being out for a month doesn't really matter

        1. John Nerdelbaum
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Sterling haul for you coming up

          1. Syd.
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Fingers crossed

        2. John Nerdelbaum
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          You saying that FFS users don't always have a fine grasp of the minor details?

          1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            They just do what they are told mainly

        3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Unreal aint it

          It's like James, Saiss and Foden owners. Even now looking for reasons to keep them

          Bad fpl management at It's finest

  9. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best pick up to 8.5 to replace Jimenez?
    I own Werner and Kane.

    1. TRIPOS TOPPER
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Danny boy

      oh Danny boy the pipes the pipes are calling

    2. Muller Reus Corner
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ings of course!!

    3. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ings

    4. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ings

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

      I would have said Ings but seeing as you have Werner and Kane then I'd go with DCL.

    6. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      DCL

    7. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      thanks all.

  10. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Great start to the week.

    Saiss no show.
    Jimi 2 pt no show.
    Podence on my bench.
    Foden benched.

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Why bench Podence at home ?
      He always looks lively, although I admit generally lacks end product.

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Its bench him, Barkley or Foden.

        He's looked lively the last 4 weeks but wasn't getting the points.

    2. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      that's rough
      3/4 the same for me, don't own Podence

    3. TRIPOS TOPPER
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      if you aren't playing Podence vs CP at home why own him?

    4. Garlana
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      im not far off this...just dont have the podence pain

  11. Neevesy
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I have Foden and will keep him. You Man City options will be benched every now and then.

    Still a great option at his price.

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      just not a good feeling when it's the same week as Saiss

    2. Garlana
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Foden, Saiss, Mitchell all in my team, not the best week for this

      1. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yep - I have those. Disappointing and frustrating.

    3. Totti
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      sterling and de bruyne the safest options

      1. Neevesy
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yes they are also 4/5 million more lol

  12. ElliotJHP
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Saiss, Mitchell, Foden and Burke the first lads from my squad out there

    Everything's coming up Milhouse

  13. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    TAA, Foden to Chilwell, Pulisic?

    1. Muller Reus Corner
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

  14. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Kevin Deep Bruyne will be making an appearance today

    1. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Is that his official name now. Haha!

    2. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Keep that info to yourself otherwise they will have you writing articles on here.

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

        Don't encourage him, already fancies himself as a keyboard tactician

        1. Joey Tribbiani
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          You are suuuper fun

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

            You think Joey is funny so I don't think we have the same sense of fun. Fine by me

            1. Joey Tribbiani
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Good! Beta

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

                "How you doing?"

                Genius comedy if you have a pea for a brain.

        2. Flair
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I fancy myself as a guy with common sense, I understand that's very difficult for a person like you lmao.

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

            Laugh my ass off!

            whatever

  15. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Which move is better

    A. Saiss => Zouma/Cresswell

    B. Saiss, Jimenez => Kilman, Werner

    2FT so both moves are for free

    1. Muller Reus Corner
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A to Zouma

    2. FPL flop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B....I'm doing just this!

  16. Long ago I drew a walrus
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Foden will come off the bench. Whether he returns or not is another matter. Probably a 1 pointer here.

  17. El Lobito 10
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A lot of people jumping on WH defenders now. I swear people just never learn. WH up their game v better sides usually but then do crap or mediocre v lower level teams. Don't see many points forthcoming for Cresswell et al.

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I can understand Coufal or Masuaku at 4.5 and but not going to pay 5m for a West Ham defender.

    2. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Fulham at home to start off though, it's as close to a home banker as you're going to get.

    3. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      You just put a downer on my digne to cresswell move 🙂

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Lol sorrymate

  18. I Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Still think Foden is a good option at his price but I must admit I'm tempted by a switch to Bowen.

  19. 5678
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Random q but who is on set pieces for Sheffield today?

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I guess Berge

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Random answer: Potato.

  20. tokara
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I got up to 7.5m to replace Foden, zaha the best bet?

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Grealish all day.

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        This

      2. tokara
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I already got Jack 🙁

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Find a way to get James Rodriguez

    2. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Bowen or Jota

    3. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      You can get Bowen or Maddison.

  21. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Foden will score from off the bench. Don't worry guys.

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hope not

  22. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Saiss Foden Jimi to Kilman Rash Bamford -4?

  23. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Zouma or Cresswell?

  24. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Brewster owners in for a treat, Sterling owners in for a trick

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

      I sold Sterling this week. Lineups look good for him to potentially haul I have to say. Felt it was to risky not have Kane for next two so had to switch.

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yes this is my worry as a non owner!

    2. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Most of them have him on the bench...

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Coming in for Saiss...

        1. El Presidente
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Could be gold ...

          1. Big boy Bowen
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Maybe, I actually started him ahead of Soucek, so a bit worried...

    3. Nanoelektronicar
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Got Sterling on my wildcard last week. Hope he does anything in this game.

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Certainly a promising differential

  25. Carlton P
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone going for KDB + sterling by playing Brewster? From gw10

  26. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Jimmy + foden + Taa to kdb+ Bamford+ chilwell.

    does this -8 pay off??

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Unlikely as a -8

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        But could do long term

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      -8 is crazy imo especially with these moves .

  27. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Seems unlikely. That's 2 benchings in a row now. Time for him to be moved on for Zaha or Grealish, especially with Liverpool and Spurs up next.

  28. Jolly Good
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Pretty worried about not owning KDB...

    was all set on getting him for Bruno but the Jrod injury made me ditch him for Son instead

    Expect a goal fest ... 5 goals for city

  29. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Foden is 6.6 man city attacker. It's disappointing when he doesn't start but as that price I am more than happy to have him.

  30. The Reptile
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Hope you're right mate