Scout Notes

Arsenal’s FPL defenders offering greater value than attackers this season

Man United 0-1 Arsenal

  • Goals: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.7m)
  • Assists: Hector Bellerin (£5.0m)
  • Bonus Points: Bellerin x3, Gabriel x2 (£5.1m), Aubameyang x1

A penalty from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.7m) was enough for Arsenal to win a dour match at Manchester United that even a mythical football purist would have struggled to enjoy.

The Gabon international’s spot-kick, earned when Paul Pogba (£7.8m) fouled Hector Bellerín (£5.0m), handed the Gunners their first league win at Old Trafford in 14 years.

It also extended United’s winless run at home to four league games this season in a match that was heavy on the footballing history but light on pretty much everything else.

Gunner Be Tighter

It is a mark of this topsy-turvy season that Liverpool (15) have conceded the most goals and Arsenal (seven) the least.

Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners are clearly much harder to beat. They are also much harder to love, especially in Fantasy terms.

Despite that impressive defensive stat, Sunday’s win was only their second clean sheet of the campaign, making it tricky for Fantasy Premier League managers to rely on a backline that’s clearly solid, just not solid enough.

But when they do shut down the opposition, the bonus point credentials of centre-half Gabriel (£5.1m) shine very brightly indeed. He earned his 11.4% ownership two extra points on Sunday.

All this defensive goodness has come during a tough opening run for the Gunners – they’ve faced Liverpool, both Manchester clubs and Leicester over the last five Gameweeks.

If they can kick on as their schedule eases, the returning Rob Holding (£4.4m) looks a potential bargain if he stays fit and in favour.

Arteta has already switched between a four and a five at the back this campaign, heightening the appeal of the team’s centre-halves.

Boring, Boring Arsenal

It is much harder to big up Arsenal’s attacking assets though.

Aubameyang is a great case in point. Boosted by his newly-acquired FPL status as a midfielder, he was owned by three million managers at the start of the season.

Six games, one goal and an assist later, his eight-point return at Old Trafford – his best score this campaign – was enjoyed by just over a million Fantasy bosses.

At least Aubameyang had something to show for his work, thanks to his penalty-taking responsibilities. 

Lone striker Alexandre Lacazette (£8.4m) had a miserable afternoon involving one penalty area touch and no shots, although he did lead the way – alongside Luke Shaw (£4.9m) – for chances created, with two.

With Aston Villa and Leeds up next for the Gunners, the prospect of goals looks good. But who’s going to score them?

United We Stand (Down)

As for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, the return of Anthony Martial (£8.7m) from suspension probably cannot come soon enough.

Since he was dismissed against Spurs, United have fallen apart in that Tottenham debacle, left it very late to beat Newcastle and have now emerged goalless and with one point from home games against Chelsea and Arsenal.

The United coach started with a diamond formation on Sunday, with Mason Greenwood (£7.2m) nominally playing up front alongside Marcus Rashford (£9.6m).

It was a move that Arteta referenced post-match.

“They played a really tricky formation with four midfielders and two that constantly strain your back four.” – Mikel Arteta

Whereas Solskjaer was rather less enthused by his own master plan.

“The formation is down to the opposition. It depends on the team you play against and how you execute that shape yourself. Of course, today we were too sloppy, too many passes went astray and the rotations weren’t there. Too many things can go wrong in a game of football that maybe went wrong for us.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Greenwood did at least work Bernd Leno (£5.0m) – one of three (regulation) saves for the Arsenal keeper.

But it was a mark of United’s toothlessness that Rashford had just three touches, and no shots, in the box.

In fact, the team’s major offensive weapon ended up being Harry Maguire (£5.4m), whose aerial threat led to a match-leading four attempts and five touches in the penalty area as United hoped for the best from a series of corners and crosses.

The best never came and the hope is currently drifting away.

United now have a mixed bag (eve WBA sou whu) to find some of both before Gameweek 12’s Manchester derby.

Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Fred (Matic 62); Pogba, Fernandes (van de Beek 75), Greenwood (Cavani 75); Rashford. 

Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Elneny, Partey; Saka, Willian (Maitland-Niles 86), Aubameyang (Mustafi 87); Lacazette (Nketiah 76).

LESSONS LEARNED FROM FPL GAMEWEEK 7

1,147 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Did you know how everyone will call Man City's reserve keeper James Trafford in 50 years? Old Trafford.

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

      Lol.
      I actually interviewed the guy a couple of months ago. Top,top lad and very humble.

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

        Here's the link if anyone interested to read it 😉

        https://www.talkballuk.com/featured/six-questions-james-trafford-of-manchester-city

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

          Nice

  2. Denver Omelette
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who should i play next gw:
    A. Robertson vs ManCity(A)
    B. KWP vs Newcastle(H)

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

      A

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

      did you spend 7.0 to be a bench warmer?

      1. Denver Omelette
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Its only for next gw and its against city so...

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

      B

      Robbo owner and thinking of selling. Albeit they conceded two over the weekend, Sou look good defensively

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

    Coufal or Cresswell?

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Cresswell is a straight swap value-wise from Saiss for me but I'm going Coufal, good value and miniscule ownership (0.7%).

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

    Should i do this?

    Trent + Dunne - - > Chilwell + Bellerin (-4)

    My defense : TAA, Saiss*, Lamptey*, Mitchell*, Dunne*

    0.3 ITB

    1. ZAWAd25
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Just do Chilwell and wait for Lamptey news

  5. C_G
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Have 2 FTs, help pls

    Jimi & TAA ---> Vardy & Cresswell?

    Rest of team:

    Martinez Steer

    Zouma Mitchell Justin Lamptey

    Jorginho Salah Son Podence JRod

    Kane DCL

  6. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on this team? Worth a hit to do ward > zouma this gw?

    martinez
    robertson dallas lamptey
    salah son ziyech grealish zaha
    kane dcl

    forster kilman brewster ward

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

      No I don't think it is

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

      Never take a hit for a defender imo

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Agree with you on that. But would be a long term move and might not be able to afford it if i wait for another week.

        1. FPL Bond @ Twitter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          If it's a long term move, do it..

  7. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I recall someone saying there might be some blanks in a few weeks time. Did I dream it?

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

      Yeah

    2. Esalman
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Just an international break, if you consider it a blank.

  8. Lingard’s Shin Guards
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Ings, Pulisic, Foden -> Vardy, Zaha/Grealish, Ward-Prowse (-4)?

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      ings + puli -> vardy + grealish and keep foden doable?

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

      I guess go for Werner instead of Vardy and keep Foden maybe?
      Then possibly Werner to Vardy in 2 weeks

      1. ZAWAd25
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I like this

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

    Do you guys fancy Werner to do well in the next 2 games?

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

      Yes. I'm afraid if I get rid he'll score a brace.

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

      Not against teams that park the bus like SHU and NEW

  10. C_G
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Have 2 FTs, help pls!!

    Jimi & TAA ---> Vardy & Cresswell?

    Rest of team:

    Martinez Steer

    Zouma Mitchell Justin Lamptey

    Jorginho Salah Son Podence JRod

    Kane DCL

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

      Seems legit.

    2. ZAWAd25
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Solid moves

  11. ZAWAd25
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is Zaha worth bringing in for a a (-4)?

    If not will have to start Mitchell or Taylor

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

      I have him and not getting rid for at least next 4 fixtures. I'd rather take out Hames.

    2. FPL Bond @ Twitter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Who are you taking out??

      1. ZAWAd25
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        4.5 mid

  12. Esalman
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    To fund Brewster to Wilson I need to take a hit and get rid of one of the following.
    A. Robertson to Chilwell
    B. Reguilon to Ayling
    What should I do?

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

      B, Spurs fixtures for clean sheet looks tough.

      But I won't get Wilson with a hit for this gameweek personally, Saints are impressive.

    2. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

    3. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

  13. as33
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez
    Robbo, Chilwell, Kilman(KWP)
    Salah, Pulisic, Son, Zaha
    Kane, DCL, Watkins

    DCL> Vardy and Pulisic> Ward Prowse for free?

    1. FPL Bond @ Twitter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Pulisic to Hames,Grealish or Ziyech.. Don't take DCL out now.

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

    Martinez
    TAA Semedo Kilman
    Salah Grealish Son Zaha
    Maupay Kane DCL

    Steer Bissouma Lamptey Dallas

    Pick 1:
    A. TAA -> Chilwell
    B. Maupay -> Wilson
    C. Roll FT.

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A, im keeping Maupay he'll come good if not injured

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

      C and enjoy 2 FTs after ib

      Lamptey first on sub

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

      B

    4. Party time
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I did B. Just can’t overlook him. Long term pick for me

    5. Jones Kusi
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      When to WC if you still got it?
      Ofc it depends on team but overall.

      1. sunzip14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        In near future around GW 10 I guess. Fixtures turn good for City, Arsenal and bad for Everton, Wolves, Spurs, Southampton etc.

      2. Buck The Trent
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Maybe december

    6. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I would like to sort my defense and have 2FTs currently. The current defense is:

      TAA, Lamptey, Justin, Taylor, Mitchell

      Ideally, would like to save a transfer for the international break. So, am I good doing just the one below or do both? Which looks good?

      A) Taylor/Justin?> Coufal
      B) TAA> Chilwell/Zouma?
      C) TAA+ any other> Any 2 defenders (Chilwell, Zouma, Creswell, Gabriel etc?)

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

        TAA to Zouma and you will have more money for 2 FTs.

        Leicester fixtures getting stronger, keep Justin.

        1. sunzip14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Thank you. Is Justin's place safe for a foreseeable future?

    7. Hazardous1983
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Who to get rid of first

      Podecne bruno calvert or saiss. 1ft

      1.4 in bank

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

        Saiss as Wolves fixtures looks weak

        1. sunzip14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          This. And he might also have lost his place.

      2. Mr Bird
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I’ve done Saiss to Kilman. Frees up 1m and won’t think twice about benching him in bad fixtures

    8. KingZZ
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Should i do this?

      Trent + Dunne - - > Chilwell + Bellerin (-4)

      My defense : TAA, Saiss, Lamptey*, Mitchell*, Dunne

      0.3m ITB

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

        No hit

        TAA > Chilwell

        Lamptey should be ok

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

        -4 for defenders isn't wise imo. TAA to Chilwell and you may upgrade Mitchell/Dunne next gameweek

    9. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Lol Bamford 1.82 xG last night

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

        Back to his best

      2. Party time
          3 years, 4 months ago

          All fart but no poo

        • jtreble
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Lol, sample size of 1.

      3. Jars458
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I am thinking Fernandes to Zaha this week to allow for Saint-Maxim to Grealish for next week. Thoughts?

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

          You want to get rid of Fernandes?

          1. Party time
              3 years, 4 months ago

              It obviously doesn’t look like it

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

                Eh?

            • Jars458
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Obivously if Zaha and Grealish will outscore Fernandes and Saint Maxim, yes.

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

                I would just look to move ASM on. Fernandes has great fixtures and Martial is back.

        2. R.C
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          What should I do with my FT? Was thinking Sterling to KDB

          Martinez (Steele)
          Chilwell Kilman Lamptey (Mitchell Struijk)
          Salah Bruno Sterling Grealish Soucek
          Kane DCL (Brewster)

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

            Upgrade Kilman

            1. R.C
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Lol why should I do that

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

                Fixtures...and your other two defenders don’t play

                1. R.C
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 4 months ago

                  They will play but if they don't I have plans for that anyways after this GW

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

                    Ok

          2. Chelsea91
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Save

        3. Party time
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Wilson(C) against Southampton ?

            1. Chelsea91
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Zaha or Kane for me

              1. Party time
                  3 years, 4 months ago

                  Nice options. Wilson has a good record against Southampton... could be another haul on the cards

                  1. Chelsea91
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 4 months ago

                    think wilson will do better against Saints

                    1. Party time
                        3 years, 4 months ago

                        Yeah. Absolutely, he loves playing southampton 😆

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

                  Bold. Do you not own any Spurs players?

                  1. Party time
                      3 years, 4 months ago

                      Got Son & Salah but Wilson wears the armband

                      1. Chelsea91
                        • 5 Years
                        3 years, 4 months ago

                        Go for Son

                        1. Party time
                            3 years, 4 months ago

                            Yeah, I will capt Son this gw.
                            Thanks buddy

                            1. Chelsea91
                              • 5 Years
                              3 years, 4 months ago

                              GL

                              1. Party time
                                  3 years, 4 months ago

                                  GL

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

                            I must’ve missed the Salah transfer over the summer!

                            1. Party time
                                3 years, 4 months ago

                                Eh?

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

                                  Salah does not ply for Spurs

                                  1. Party time
                                      3 years, 4 months ago

                                      Yes. My bad but he is a captain option too

                          • R.C
                            • 6 Years
                            3 years, 4 months ago

                            Will end up in tears just like your Jimenez (C) in GW7

                            1. Party time
                                3 years, 4 months ago

                                Haha... You remember! Lmao...

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

                              I like it. Southampton matches have been absolute goalfests with that very high line and Wilson can definitely score 1 or 2. I'd back Kane (C) myself but with Spurs' recent displays against a parked bus, if you like the opportunity go for it. Don't worry about cowards mocking you for the Jimmy (C) cap.

                              1. Party time
                                  3 years, 4 months ago

                                  Thanks

                                  Yes you’re right but I think having Wilson as a differential is good enough. Son(C) is the safest option.

                                  GL

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

                                    GL mate

                            3. Chelsea91
                              • 5 Years
                              3 years, 4 months ago

                              Martinez
                              Robbo,PVA,Chilwell
                              Salah,Son,Grealish,Zaha
                              DCL,Kane(c),Wilson

                              Button Dallas,Romeu,Douglas

                              0FT and 0ITB

                              Good to go for GW 8?

                            4. French Gooner
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • 11 Years
                              3 years, 4 months ago

                              “ Gabriel was pipped to the maximum bonus award by Bellerín, the *Frenchman’s* assist sealing the deal.”

                              Please proof read before posting ?

                            5. pakornk
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • 7 Years
                              3 years, 4 months ago

                              Is there anyway to cancel your transfer once you've confirmed? Just bought in Bellerin but I really wanted Cresswell.

                              1. Chelsea91
                                • 5 Years
                                3 years, 4 months ago

                                no

                              2. Chelsea91
                                • 5 Years
                                3 years, 4 months ago

                                The only way is Wildcard

                              3. iL PiStOlErO
                                • 4 Years
                                3 years, 4 months ago

                                You wish, then everyone could make unlimited transfers. No forunately.

                            6. Ninjaa
                              • 13 Years
                              3 years, 4 months ago

                              Current defence

                              McCarthy 4m
                              TAA Justin Saiss Davies 4m

                              1ft Saiss to Zouma ?? 4m itb

                              1. Chelsea91
                                • 5 Years
                                3 years, 4 months ago

                                Yes

                            7. R.C
                              • 6 Years
                              3 years, 4 months ago

                              Is Balbuena nailed?

                              1. Chelsea91
                                • 5 Years
                                3 years, 4 months ago

                                no

                            8. iL PiStOlErO
                              • 4 Years
                              3 years, 4 months ago

                              Mendy Steer
                              TAA Justin Mitchell KWP Taylor
                              Salah Sterling Son Romeu Bissouma
                              Kane DCL Watkins

                              0itb, 1ft

                              Guys what to do with Raz? Sell and for who? Trent also bugs me but Raz looks like priority, city is not in form

                              1. Chelsea91
                                • 5 Years
                                3 years, 4 months ago

                                Sell

                                1. iL PiStOlErO
                                  • 4 Years
                                  3 years, 4 months ago

                                  I will but trying to figure out how to upgrade team after that, could also do -4 cause will have nice amount of money, it all depends on who I sell him of course.

                                  1. Chelsea91
                                    • 5 Years
                                    3 years, 4 months ago

                                    Just do sterling to Zaha

                              2. Bobby Digital
                                • 6 Years
                                3 years, 4 months ago

                                Zaha or Grealish

                            9. Bobby Digital
                              • 6 Years
                              3 years, 4 months ago

                              McCarthy Steer
                              Dier Robbo Chilwell (Mitchell Douglas)
                              Salah Son Barnes Podence (Bissouma)
                              Werner Ings Mitrovic

                              Would you do Ings to Vardy for free or some other transfer?

                              1ft, 3.4m itb

                            10. R.C
                              • 6 Years
                              3 years, 4 months ago

                              This GW all rides on Soucek.... hopefully he can bag a hattie!!