Scout Notes

Cancelo stars for City as Sheff Utd’s weak right-side bodes well for Chelsea

Sheff Utd 0-1 Man City

  • Goals: Kyle Walker (£6.0m)
  • Assists: Kevin De Bruyne (£11.5m)
  • Bonus points: Walker x3, João Cancelo x2 (£5.4m), Aymeric Laporte x1 (£6.0m)

CANCELO CULTURE

João Cancelo (£5.4m) is fast-becoming the key Manchester City defender ahead of their fixture swing in Gameweek 10 as he starred in a 1-0 win over Sheffield United.

While Kyle Walker (£6.0m) emerged with a 15-point haul, thanks to his spectacular first-half goal, it was Pep Guardiola’s left-back who suggested more sustainable output.

Since making his first Premier League start at that position in Gameweek 5, Cancelo is yet to blank, averaging seven points per game.

In that time, the Portuguese international has collected two clean sheets and, even though he has only managed to provide one assist, that has not been for lack of trying.

In the first half alone against the Blades, Cancelo created more chances than any Manchester City defender in a Premier League match since February 2012. That impressive tally was a big reason why he was able to secure two bonus points despite registering no attacking returns.

DEFENSIVE CONSISTENCY

However, Fantasy managers may still want to hold off before going all-in on Cancelo or anyone from the Manchester City defence.

They face Liverpool (home) and Spurs (away) in the next two Gameweeks, two sides that are likely to be hard to contain.

Gameweek 10 looks like the time swoop for Cancelo, with home matches against Burnley, Fulham and West Bromwich Albion between then and Gameweek 13.

Waiting until then may also help Aymeric Laporte (£6.0m) and Ruben Dias (£5.5m) settle into together as a centre-back duo.

The trip to Sheffield United was only the second time this season that Guardiola has been able to start the two players but there is plenty of promise about having the two of them together.

2019/20 was a sub-standard year for the Citizens in terms of defensive returns, and their manager has already highlighted that consistency at centre-back will make a big difference this season.

“(Laporte + Dias) are both playing really well. They are guys to give us consistency. We struggle a lot last year to have two central defenders (every week). This year, we will need everyone because these amount of games it is impossible to play both every game.” – Pep Guardiola

FRIGHT RIGHT

Cancelo and Raheem Sterling (£11.6m) were afforded a considerable amount of freedom on Saturday, as they made the most of Sheffield United’s weak right flank.

Between Gameweeks 1 and 6, the Blades conceded more chances down their side of the pitch than any other team in the Premier League and that trend continued at Bramall Lane.

As you can see from the match data breakdown, there was an uneven spread of opportunities given up by Chris Wilder’s men. They allowed 10 chances, of which 70% were constructed on the right-hand side.

While Sheffield United’s problems here may have helped Cancelo’s numbers, they bare more Fantasy relevance when examining the Gameweek 8 fixtures.

The Blades travel to Chelsea next weekend and, if Wilder has done little to shore up George Baldock‘s (£5.3m) side of the pitch by that point, we could see Ben Chilwell (£5.9m) and Timo Werner (£9.3m) take advantage.

FRONT AND CENTRE

Ferran Torres (£6.9m) can consider himself unfortunate not to have left Bramall Lane without some attacking returns.

Having netted as a centre-forward in the Champions League midweek, Manchester City’s number 21 was given a chance to reprise that role in Gameweek 7.

“It’s a new position for him but he did it well (against Marseilles). We have other people in the middle but the striker position is the most difficult one. He did really well and we try again.” – Pep Guardiola

Torres was the chief beneficiary of Cancelo’s marauding runs and incessant chance creation, as he had three golden chances to score during the game, Aaron Ramsdale (£4.9m) proving equal to him each time.

However, whether the £6.9m midfielder can offer long-term appeal as an out-of-position asset remains to be seen, with Gabriel Jesus (£9.3m) closing in on a return to fitness.

That should, hopefully, mean an end to Sterling having to deputise up-front as well. He was tasked with that role in the final 10 minutes of Gameweek 7 as Phil Foden (£6.6m) came on for Torres.

Sheffield United XI (3-5-2): Ramsdale; Stevens, Egan, Basham; Lowe (McGoldrick 81′), Osborn (Lundstram 55′), Ampadu (Norwood 65′), Berge, Baldock; Brewster, McBurnie.

Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Cancelo, Laporte, Dias, Walker; Rodrigo, De Bruyne, B Silva; Sterling, Torres (Foden 81′), Mahrez (Gündogan 85′).

LESSONS LEARNED FROM FPL GAMEWEEK 7

1,752 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    GW 9= Kane, Pulisic, Saïss ➡️ Martial, Sterling, Coufal -4?

    Asking so early because it is dependent on if I save my transfer or not.

    Thanks!

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If Pulisic is not fit you probably want to sell him this week.

    2. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Do the Saiss move this week imo

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

      why on earth are you interested in Sterling?

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

    Son TC, what do you think?
    OMG imagine a blank, half time sub 🙁

    1. mgilbert86
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      See how they look against Brighton first, they've had two uninspiring attacking games of late

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

      Good luck......

      Are you a week early?

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

      meep

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

      im TC vs Brighton I mean

  3. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Saiss > ?

    A) Cresswell
    B) Coufal

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A will get more points.

      1. Danstoke82
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers!

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

    Sterling is officially dead to me so im going to cash in and upgrade some of the other misfits in my team for -4

    Pickford -> EMendy
    Mitchel -> Zouma

    STERLING to (anyone up to 10.5)

    Ziyech, Bruno, Rashford, Zaha... thou would you pick?

    I have Son, Salah and Hhhames.

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

      Bruno all day. Guy is Man Utd's main man.

    2. mgilbert86
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      liv city could be a goal fest or nil-nil

      don't think anyone is worth a hit this week unless if you didn't have Son for west brom

  5. AF90
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best replacement for Saiss, any price? Chilwell?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Chilly.

    2. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Zouma.

      Mendy in the side has made a massive difference

      1. 7shadesofsmoke
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        (or the chilly willy)

      2. AF90
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Could do Saiss & Pulisic -> Zouma/Rashford or Saiss & Pulisic -> Chilwell/Zaha...what do you prefer?

    3. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Chilwell

  6. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Cresswell okay? I see him go down pulling his groin in second half.

    1. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Wondering the same thing.

  7. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez
    Chilwell Lamptey Kilman
    Salah Mane Son Foden
    Kane DCL Watkins

    (Steer Bissouma Saiss Mitchell)
    0.1m & 1 FT

    Mane ➡️ Fernandes for free?

    Plan to sell Kane & Saiss for City def & KDB/Raz in GW10.

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

    Kurt Zouma is the equivalent of Phil Jones, not VVD. Discuss..

    1. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      New John Terry on this seasons form!

    2. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      He's top for aerial duals won in Europe top 5 leagues.
      Strong, quick & solid.
      He can look awkward on the ball, but his passing is better than he gets credit for.
      He was our best DF last season.

      I'm not saying he's as good as VvD but he's playing for France & keeping a German international (Rudiger) out the team.

      I rate him.

      1. Third Eye Vision
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        He had a good season on loan at Everton the year before as well. His abilities in the air are his best quality, but his general all round play is decent too.

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

      looks clunky on the ball

    4. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      He's a nightmare waiting to happen.

      A fit Sergio or Pool forwards run him into next year.

      He's big and clumsy and good in the air that's all

      Chilly
      Mendy
      James
      Zouma in that order and tbh I'm only interested in the first two.

      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I mean he's big and clumsy.

        He's good in the air

  9. In Bale We Trust
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Sterling owners - thoughts? Stick or twist?

    1. mgilbert86
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      considering bringing in Son for a hit for west brom

      if you already had him, i don't really like the look of anyone yet

      maybe a united player

    2. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      i am sick of him

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

      In two minds.

      Thinking of a 2 week punt on Bruno.

      Or

      Grealish to the Ziyech bandwagon. I have seen enough to expect a massive Rodriguez type bandwagon

      1. In Bale We Trust
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Bruno on my mind too. Agree Ziyech looks promising

    4. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'm twisting

  10. Kryptonite666
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I know its a crime to say this in these circles - but Salah is too expensive for what he does. Kane, Bruno, KDB offer similar output for less.

    1. mgilbert86
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      7 games, 7 goals

      at this rate he's on for a high tally and its because of pens

      he's essential

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Usually after these comments he goes on to haul! He is still the second highest mid in the game but yeah, ppm wouldn't be that flash atm.

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

      I'd only consider Salah>Mane but im not doing that. Pens still swing it, or more than ever in fact
      Mane is the better player in reality though

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

      People expect way too much, look at some of the other big hitters and their points...

      1. FPL Theorist
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah, my team this season has felt like Salah, Kane, Son, and 8 guys who can't be trusted.

  11. waldo666
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    So, was that the last chance for TAA owners? Downgrading would certainly help me out elsewhere.

    1. mgilbert86
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      digne and chilwell seem to offer similar output for a good bit less

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Indeed, a move to Chilwell might be the way to go, Liverpool defence is far from a must atm.

  12. CheesyZoot
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    If Antonio recovers in time how does the following look for -4 GW8?

    Jimi > Anotonio

    Foden > Rashford

    Saiss > Kilman

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Looks great if Kilman is nailed, still looks good if you have decent bench coverage for him. Wasn't Antonio 4-6 weeks or has that been revised?

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

        Hadn't seen that about Antonio so maybe that's out of the question...

        Any other suggestions on who could come in for Jimi? Have DCL and Kane already

        1. waldo666
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I know his fixtures are turning but I'd be inclined just to keep Jimenez.

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

            I got rid of Jimenez last December before so called tough fixtures and he continued scoring! Think he got a brace against man city. I'm not making that mistake again.

            1. waldo666
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Yep, I did the same thing! Promptly got him back iirc.

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

                Same! And I got rid of him again near the end of the season just before he scored that volley at Burnley. I'm basically not going to sell him. I've learned my lesson!

    2. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Wolves fixtures turn, West Ham fixtures improve.

      Pattern of moving Wolves to West Ham DFs seems to be the trend. Assuming you already have Chilwell.

      Kilman "could" lose his place back to Saiss then you'd be frustrated with that transfer, plus with the fixtures he may not get CS anyway.

      City fixtures turn GW10, Foden could be a bargain route into City attack.

  13. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who is the preferred United option please?

    A....rashford

    B...Bruno

    Thanks

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Bruno edges it with set pieces for mine.

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

      b surely with pens

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'm leaning towards Bruno for the pens

  14. Milk, 1 Šuker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    TAA to drop in price tonight?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No.

      1. Milk, 1 Šuker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        When then?

        1. waldo666
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I'm afraid I'm not privy to that sort of information, use the below as a guide.

          http://www.fplstatistics.co.uk

          1. Milk, 1 Šuker
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            thanks

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

    I benched Lamptey for Saiss, was worried Lmaptey would haul the week I benched him. Lamptey haul maybe 🙂

  16. leo_messi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    hi everyone

    Pulisic and Mitchell -> Zaha and Cresswell yes or no???

    0,1 itb to control the prices

    1. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes for me. Puli might be out and he doesn’t appear to be their main attacking threat this season. Ziyech looks the real deal. Mitchell is done now I feel with PVA’s return.

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

        i can do Puli and Saiss to Ziyech and Cresswell

        1. Danstoke82
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Good moves imo

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

    Who needs to leave my team first?

    Podence or Foden

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Considering Podence is starting I would say Foden.

  18. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best option in your opinion?

    A. Bruno Fernandes + Coufal + Targett
    B. Ziyech + Chilwell + Cancelo

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

  19. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thinking of bringing in Cresswell but I see mentions of him getting an injury today? Can anyone confirm this or did he look ok?

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

      think he struggles for a couple of minutes and was fine after that. i d wait just in case though

      1. Danstoke82
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers. Now thinking of Coufal as it allows me to do Justin > PVA with his upcoming fixtures.

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

    I already have Chilwell. Looking to offload Saiss. Is anybody else thinking of a Chelsea double up? The choice would be Zouma.

    Fixtures look decent & Mendy/Silva look like they have really made a difference.

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

      Could work but would prefer to diversify ... WHU CRY MUN good cs chances next 4 GWs

  21. Zilla
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    So Saiss fully dropped?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Looks it.

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

    Surely Chilwell is worth the extra over Zouma?

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

    Guaita surely comes good right, right?
    He has good fixtures, still

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Don't think he will.

      I'll leave him in my team for the next 4-5, but that's because GK transfers are luxury, and there are -some- decent fixtures.

      Not convinced Palace are keeping many CSs though. At this rate shopping him out is probably worth it.

  24. Frucke
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Have robbo and taa... Taa to chilwell?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Absolutely.

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

        Thank you for answer

    2. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes. Chilwell a great pick. Form, fixtures, nailed & cheaper to upgrade elsewhere.

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

        Ty. Ia he nailed?

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

      I'm doing it

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

        Ok, chelsea starting to look good

  25. osceola31909
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What is the percentage chance of R. James starting next week?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Im hoping Azpi gets the CL games, Reece Hanes prem. they needed his attacking intent against a side like burnley.

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

    reckon saiss will start the next one?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'd say it's doubtful.

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

        probably right. cheers

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

    and also perreira to bowen or fornals? thanks

    1. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Bowen

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

    TAA and Robbo owners please comment if you are holding both and explain why?

    I feel they have been unfortunate not to keep clean sheets in the last two weeks. One close penalty call and one poor clearance. Apart from that they didn't look too threatened in both games.

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

      i did TAA > Chilwell this week. Going to stick with Robbo till wk10 and move to Cancelo probably.

      cheaper options with similar attacking potential.

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

        Fair enough.

        My strategy this season was to keep both throughout and use transfers in mid and att where there is a higher upside.

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

          that's where i started too. i might end up keeping robbo...still time to go.

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

            I do feel Van Dijks injury has completely changed the dynamics of this strategy. I wonder if come the end of the season they will still be the two top scoring defenders.

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

      I have Robbo and I intend to stick with him because of my squad depth and just with optimism over his attacking returns.

    3. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Reluctantly got rid of Robbo. Price high and the money saved helps upgrade Brewster > Bamford.

  29. timawflowers
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bring in Zieych or Zaha?

    1. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ziyech

  30. JURGENAUT
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best team to target defense for next few weeks? Other than Chelsea.

    1. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      West Ham - Cresswell, Coufal

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

        Coufal more nailed than Masuaku?

    2. bitars
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      City