Scout Notes

Antonio update, Liverpool’s defence and Klopp on Jota: key FPL notes from Anfield

Liverpool 2-1 West Ham United

  • Goals: Mohamed Salah (£12.4m), Diogo Jota (£6.3m) | Pablo Fornals (£6.4m)
  • Assists: Xherdan Shaqiri (£6.4m)
  • Bonus: Fornals x3, Jota x2, Salah x1

Liverpool laboured to a win over West Ham that raised yet more questions about a defence with just one league clean sheet to its name all season.

Key injuries have hugely reduced coach Jurgen Klopp’s options at the back, with the latest player coming in at centre-half, Nathaniel Phillips (£4.0m), handed his league debut.

Nat’s The Way To Do It

It’s fair to say the 23-year-old let nobody down, earning himself plenty of post-match praise from Klopp.

He kept it really simple tonight, which was incredibly important for us. The boys supported him well and he supported the boys; he was vocal and he spoke on the pitch. In the challenges he was there, really aggressive but no fouls really, maybe one. It was a really good game.

Whether he keeps his league place is another matter, however.

Klopp has been non-committal about Joel Matip‘s (£5.4m) return from the knock he picked up in Gameweek 5, but with the games coming thick and fast – Champions League in midweek and a trip to Manchester City on Sunday – Phillips looks likely to be in the frame for at least one of those fixtures.

But however tempting a bargain basement Reds defender might be, Phillips is still a long way off holding down a regular spot in the team.

The Defence Rests

Not that Liverpool defenders, at any price, have been overly attractive this campaign.

Only Andy Robertson (£7.1m) has come close to justifying the lofty price tag that comes with being a member of the Reds’ backline, and that’s been thanks to the goal and two assists he’s produced to boost the one and only clean sheet.

Those attacking returns have saved him from sales…until now. After five weeks of ownership increases, the left-back now finds himself in the top 15 for Gameweek 8 transfers out.

His fellow full-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.4m), knows all about that feeling – he’s lost managers every week since Gameweek 1’s 4-3 win over Leeds United.

Neither were at fault for Saturday’s goal, scored by Pablo Fornals (£6.4m). The midfielder reacted smartly after Joe Gomez‘s (£5.4m) weak clearing header came straight to him, guiding the ball past Alisson (£5.9m) and in off the post.

Alexander-Arnold’s previously nailed-on supply of attacking returns has dried up to just one assist from seven starts and the full-backs managed only one chance created between them – take a bow, Trent – and one shot each against West Ham.

All of that, and Man City and Leicester to come next, suggests more backline sales for the foreseeable future.

Jota Joy

The ownership levels of big hitters Mohamed Salah (£12.4m) and Sadio Mane (£12.0m) have remained rather more stable, although a net -8,171 missed out on an eight-point haul for the former when he earned, and then scored, a penalty to level the score on Saturday.

The spot-kick award was generous, with referee Kevin Friend probably right to deem the contact from Arthur Masuaku (£4.5m) sufficient to be deemed a foul, if not enough to warrant Salah’s dramatic reaction to it.

Friend then went on to deny Mane owners an assist when substitute Diogo Jota (£6.3m) scored from what seemed to be a rebound caused by the Senegal international’s challenge on Lukasz Fabianski (£5.0m).

VAR invited the referee to take another look at the incident and he rightly chalked off the goal for Mane’s sliding tackle on the goalkeeper as it had little to do with the ball.

Minutes later, Jota scored again – from fellow sub Xherdan Shaqiri‘s (£6.4m) canny pass, and that effort stood.

The signing from Wolves now has three goals from his last three matches in all competitions, and three from five in the league, prompting some love from Klopp.

Diogo is in a good moment. He is a good player and we are really happy that we could make that signing, so it is a proper win-win situation. I think we can help him and he can help us a lot.

Jota certainly helps add some flexibility to Liverpool’s system as he started (and scored) in a 4-2-3-1 formation in Gameweek 6.

Klopp, however, reverted to his tried-and-trusted 4-3-3 against the Hammers and while the demands of this season will require frequent squad rotation, it’s hard to see Jota consistently breaking up the German’s preferred front three of Salah, Mane and Roberto Firmino (£9.3m) on anything but an occasional basis.

That’s not stopping managers buying into him – Jota is currently in the top 10 for Gameweek 8 purchases.

But there are nine midfielders around his price with more than the 26 points Jota currently has in Fantasy Premier League (FPL). All have played at least twice as many minutes, so while his output has been impressive – he’s scored three goals from 10 attempts – Jota will do well to sustain that kind of form unless his pitch-time improves.

Hammer Time?

It’s been a long time coming, but West Ham’s schedule is now finally easing, with their fixture list looking generally attractive all the way through to the end of January.

David Moyes’ men have acquitted themselves excellently through a brutal start to the season and their key attackers, such as Fornals and Jarrod Bowen (£6.3m), could well attract plenty of investment from now onwards.

The pair are in the top ten for attempts among midfielders, with 12 apiece, with Fornals the team-leader for chances created (six).

How the Hammers manage without striker Michail Antonio (£6.2m), who missed the match with a hamstring injury, could be key, although Moyes has been upbeat about the issue:

We’ve already got him on the bike and he’s moving, which for the type of injury we’re really pleased with. He had another scan and an ultrasound yesterday (Oct 29) as well. He’s in a good place.

All three midfielders should benefit from an improved schedule, with Fornals leading the way both in terms of points (39 to Bowen’s 33 and Soucek’s 18) and attempts on Saturday – only Salah could match him for the three shots he had.

Fornals looks the most rounded option, with two goals and three assists thus far, while Bowen has three goals to his name.

But despite facing Fulham next, neither are in the top 30 for transfers-in. 

In fact, only one Hammer is and it’s defender Aaron Cresswell (£5.0m), presumably because of the three assists he’s produced this season.


Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Robertson, Gomez, N Phillips, Alexander-Arnold; C Jones (Shaqiri 70), Wijnaldum, J Henderson; Mané, Firmino (Jota 70), Salah (Milner 90).

West Ham United XI (3-4-2-1): Fabianski; Cresswell, Ogbonna, Balbuena; Masuaku (Lanzini 88), Soucek, Rice, Coufal; Fornals, Bowen (Benrahma 89); Haller (Yarmolenko 74).

LESSONS LEARNED FROM FPL GAMEWEEK 7

1,155 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Nate01
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who to play?

    A lamptey (BUR)
    B masuaku (FUL)

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I would go with A assuming he is fit by Friday.

    2. Mighty Wings
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

    3. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

  2. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Damn, the OR 1 has been having all excellent scoring weeks bar GW6. Serious skill or luck?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Starting GW1 with Son, Kane and Salah helps even if the Spurs failed.

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Along with TC and FH inGW3 which was a disaster for many. His WC will tell the story.

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Yes, his chip use has worked well so far.

    2. Nate01
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Someone on here the other week said that current top 10k are all casuals getting lucky- wait til mid season and the committed will start to rise up...

      I don’t believe that at all if I was top 10k I’d be more motivated to keep winning. Right now I’m deflated and feel like every move is wrong -_-

      1. St Pauli Walnuts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Doubt he'd have said that if he was in there. Same rubbish spouted every year. As always, there will be some dedicated players in there, some not so dedicated but still knowledgable (could be called casuals if you like) and some not so dedicated and not so knowledgeable and have got lucky. Casual is a ridiculous slur term. Brostan is your prime example of a numpty who throws this term around regularly to make up for his inadequacies

  3. fpork
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Plan for next 2 GW (Got 2 FT):
    GW 8: Robertson->Bellerin
    GW 9: Maupay, Zaha->Brewster, KDB

    Good moves?

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

    A) Zouma, Kane
    B) Chilwell, Werner

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

      With A) you get guaranteed starts for both (assuming Zouma continues to play well) but it's still close.

    2. Nate01
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C) chillwell, Kane ?

      That’s a tough one flip a coin!

      If you don’t have Son then get Kane

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

        This

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

          No money for that one unfortunately! Have Son

    3. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A - cause Zouma and Chilwell will share most of their score but Kane is so much better than Werner right now

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

    Early tinkering. Pulisic to Ziyech sound good? Have 2ft and 0.7itb. Was considering taking a punt on Ziyech already this week but didn't.

    Current team.

    Martinez
    Robbo KWP Lamptey*
    Salah Son Pulisic Grealish Zaha
    Kane DCL

    Fortser; Ayling, Kilman, Brewster

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Could be sideways but if you feel it, do it.

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

    Anyone same as me here?

    My OR has been in 7 digits since gw1. My small aim is to hit 6 digits by gw10...

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

      Yes. I'd very happily settle for that but I'm not expecting it by Week 10 - too many fires to put out.

    2. Nate01
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Just had a look at your journey...
      Same as most stories here- crazy unpredictable season, hard not to chase points, everyone just trying to trust their gut and hope for the best!

      Green arrows all round this week though well done

  7. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thinking Taa/robertson > zouma and double up on Chelsea defense, good idea?

    1. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Go for it, they look solid

    2. Nate01
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I’ve double up this week
      Had zouma and did konsa to chilly
      From a Chelsea fan- we could very easily concede this week! But hey that’s fpl just go for it!

    3. fc_skrald
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Double ups are often not good ideas. Spread the risk.

    4. Captain Kakaroto (I blame R…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Was thinking about that too, they look solid, but the problem for me is that their long term fixtures are not that great.

  8. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Which one?

    A) Cresswell & Soucek
    B) Coufal & Ward Prowse

    1. The Handsome Hunk
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

  9. The Handsome Hunk
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best West Ham mid to own for upcoming good run ? Can't have Antonio as I am happy with my all strikers right now:-

    A) Fornalss
    B) Bowen

    Also, if Benrahma plays, who falls out of the team ?

    1. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Fornals was impressive vs Liv but feel Bowen is more nailed.

      1. The Handsome Hunk
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        What I feel is, they would revert back to 4-2-3-1. Hence Masuaku would be fallen guy, just a thought.

        1. King Kohli
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Yes Masuaku would likely drop out if they revert to a 4-2-3-1.
          But not much in it between Fornals & Bowen though. Go with your gut.

  10. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Team in shambles and no wc to fix it.

    Martinez Steer
    Robbo* Konsa* Kilman Mitchell Johnson
    Salah Sterling* Son JRod* Anguissa
    Ings* DCL Maupay*

    1 FT 0 ITB

    How would you sort this mess?

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

      I think the most urgent one should be Ings as he could be out for several GWs although I'm keen to know what happened to Maupay ? No news and no flag, if it's only personal reason, next GW vs Burnley should be good and hopefully JRod is back

      1. King Kohli
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah will monitor Ings & Maupay

    2. The Handsome Hunk
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Wait for Friday atleast. Fitness of Ings and Antonio could help you. Ings to Antonio if everything goes well.

      1. King Kohli
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah will wait for news closer to deadline.
        If Ings is out and Antonio is fit, it's an easy move.
        If Antonio is not fit, then
        Ings > Werner
        Robbo > Zouma

    3. Party time
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Maupay should be available for the Burnley game. Take hits to fix the rest

        1. King Kohli
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Any idea what he didn't play yesterday?

          1. Party time
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Heard he is on his way to the moon, don’t know how true but will wait for Potter’s press conf.

      • The Head-Ake
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Chances of Justin not starting this GW? Need Lamptey bench points

      • Letsgo!
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        will you sell saiss for cresswell? and puli for ziyech?

        gt 2 FT

        1. The Head-Ake
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          No for Puli yet.

          1. Letsgo!
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            ? why dont sell puli? he isnt back so fast right

            1. The Head-Ake
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              He's not exactly fully injured. He might play next GW and score a brace and we'd never know. Personally think it's a sideways move but if you feel it, go for it.

      • Mighty Wings
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        A) Chilwell and Coufal/Masuaku
        B) Cresswell and Zouma

        Really hard to separate them judging by the stats. Cannot afford Chilwell and Cresswell unfortunately

        1. The Head-Ake
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          A

      • Party time
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Captain next gw?

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

            Son for me

            1. Party time
                3 years, 4 months ago

                Thanks buddy. I will join you with Son(C)

            2. The Head-Ake
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              I'm on Son(c)

              1. Party time
                  3 years, 4 months ago

                  Yeah same here. Too many captain blanks this season. I need to be spot on this time.

                  Cheers

              2. Letsgo!
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 4 months ago

                KANE

                1. Party time
                    3 years, 4 months ago

                    Nice. GL

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

                  Kane (C)

                  1. Party time
                      3 years, 4 months ago

                      Thanks. GL

                  2. Botman and Robben
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 4 months ago

                    Harry

                    1. Party time
                        3 years, 4 months ago

                        GL buddy

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

                    Zouma (c) is too kinky?

                    1. fpork
                      • 8 Years
                      3 years, 4 months ago

                      He has scored his goals this season...

                    2. Mighty Wings
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 12 Years
                      3 years, 4 months ago

                      Vanilla is for ice cream

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

                        i prefer blueberry or chocolate chip.....

                  4. Letsgo!
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 4 months ago

                    is creswell taking corner,freekick?

                  5. The Head-Ake
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 4 months ago

                    Really liking this team 🙂 Thoughts on it so far?

                    McCarthy
                    Lamptey | Zouma | Kilman
                    Grealish | Salah | Ziyech | Son(c)
                    Werner | DCL | Kane

                    Martin | Mitchell | Walker-Peters | Bissouma

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

                      Looks good, wish it was mine.

                      1. The Head-Ake
                        • 7 Years
                        3 years, 4 months ago

                        Saved up on 2FTs as often as I could. They're really mini WCs.

                    2. Botman and Robben
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 4 months ago

                      Where is TAA???

                      Just joking. Very nice team.

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

                    Will be waiting for news on injuries, but provisionally which are the 2 you'd proritise replacing this GW? I'm currently looking at Ings (if injured) & either Saiss or TAA (to get Chilwell in).

                    Martinez
                    TAA Robbo Saiss* Lamptey Mitchell
                    Salah Grealish Son Foden* Burke*
                    Ings* Jimenez Mitrovic

                    1. King Kohli
                      • 11 Years
                      3 years, 4 months ago

                      Ings & TAA

                    2. The Head-Ake
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 4 months ago

                      TAA + Foden to Ziyech + Zouma?

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

                        Like it, probably dependent on Ings being fit though due to my rapidly disappearing bench.

                  7. Party time
                      3 years, 4 months ago

                      If Potter rested Maupay for only tactical reasons then he will start & haul against Burnley imo.

                      Keep Maupay lads

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

                        Big If. Normally you’d expect to see a player on the bench if that was the case. I expect we’ll hear some leaks regarding disciplinary issues this week. I’ll be holding until the press conferences as you’re right about a potential haul against Burnley.

                    • Hits from the Bong
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 4 months ago

                      Coufal or Lamptey?

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

                        Zouma

                    • Letsgo!
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 4 months ago

                      bamford and puli to JWP and Werner? or just puli to ziyech?