Scout Notes

Leeds defence in danger of achieving FPL ‘whipping boy’ status once more

Crystal Palace 4-1 Leeds United

  • Goals: Scott Dann (£4.4m), Eberechi Eze (£5.8m), Jordan Ayew (£5.7m) | Patrick Bamford (£6.0m)
  • Own goals: Hélder Costa (£5.7m)
  • Assists: Eze, Patrick van Aanholt (£5.4m), Wilfried Zaha (£7.4m) | Mateusz Klich (£5.6m)
  • Bonus points: Eze x3, Ayew x2, Bamford x1

WHIPPING FORECAST

Fantasy Premier League managers are likely to start targetting the Leeds United defence again when searching for attacking returns after another heavy defeat.

The Whites were beaten 4-1 by Crystal Palace in Gameweek 8, the second time in as many Premier League matches that they conceded four times.

That is the sort of form they displayed in the opening weeks, as Marcelo Bielsa’s men gave up seven goals in the first two matches of the campaign.

After a period of defensive improvement, in which they conceded just 0.5 goals per game against Sheffield United, Manchester City, Wolves and Aston Villa, Leeds have looked rather exposed in both of their last two outings.

There was an element of fortune about some of Crystal Palace’s goals, although their pace on the counter played a part in the build-up of each.

Scott Dann (£4.4m) nodded home a corner supplied by Eberechi Eze (£5.8m), who netted a direct free-kick won from his own determined running before Patrick van Aanholt (£5.4m) got into too much space in the corner before his cross was bizarrely turned into the Leeds net by Hélder Costa (£5.7m).

While there is unlikely to be Fantasy interest in Arsenal attackers for Gameweek 9, Leeds face trips to Everton and Chelsea in the following two rounds, two sides with plenty of talent in the midfield and forward positions.

DALLAS COWBOY

While Leeds’ defensive credentials are slowly declining, Fantasy managers may still be intrigued by the role of Stuart Dallas (£4.5m) in Bielsa’s side.

The Whites manager rolled out his famed 3-3-3-1 formation for the first time this season as he took his side to Crystal Palace. 

That featured Luke Ayling (£4.5m) on the right-hand side of a back-three with Liam Cooper (£4.4m) and Robin Koch (£4.5m) which, arguably restricted his ability to get forward and be involved in attacking play compared to when he is afforded a right full-back role.

By contrast, Dallas was afforded a spot on the right-hand side of central midfield which, accordingly, led to the FPL defender having a greater involvement higher up the pitch.

Meanwhile, there was a noteworthy start for £4.0m FPL defender Pascal Struijk (£4.0m) in that central midfield trio.

How long his run in the team can realistically last largely depends on the fitness of Kalvin Phillips (£4.9m) and, now, that of Jamie Shackleton (£4.8m), who sustained a muscle injury in training this week. Both of those players will have the opportunity for recovery over the international break, of course.

TICKING ALONG

Owned by 33.5% and 29% respectively, this game’s popular options Bamford and Wilfried Zaha (£7.4m) both highlighted they were fully capable of ticking along.

Leeds’ first-choice centre-forward came away with a seven-point score but it could have been even more were it not for a rather contentious VAR call ruling out a first-half goal.

Finding the net courtesy of a Klich knockdown, Bamford is still yet to blank away from home in 2020/21, averaging 9.8 points per game on the road this season.

Meanwhile, Zaha’s assist may have been a little less than his owners wanted from Palace finding the net four times but it helps extend his positive start to the season.

Ahead of facing Burnley (away), Newcastle (home) and West Bromwich Albion (away) between now and Gameweek 11, the out-of-position midfielder has seven attacking returns to his name. It took him 23 Gameweeks to string together that many last season.

Anyone looking for a differential in the Palace attack for those favourable fixtures could consider Eze who offers a budget price as well as a role in corners and direct free-kicks, those helping him score 13 points in Gameweek 8.

Crystal Palace XI (4-4-2): Guaita; van Aanholt, Dann, Kouyaté, Clyne; Eze, McArthur, Riedewald (McCarthy 77′), A Townsend (Schlupp 71′); Zaha, Ayew (Benteke 85′).

Leeds United XI (3-3-3-1): Meslier; Cooper, Koch, Ayling; Alioski, Struijk (Roberts 71′), Dallas; Harrison, Klich, Costa (Raphinha 46′); Bamford.

Lessons Learned from FPL Gameweek 8

575 Comments Post a Comment
  1. lordkippe
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Would you WC this lot ? Players marked with * is players who certainly is out if I decide to pull the trigger

    Martinez - Button

    Chilwell - James* - Justin - Reguillon* - Mitchell*

    Salah - Sterling - Son* - Podence* - Bissouma

    Kane* - DCL - Mitrovic*

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

      I would in GW10 but would keep one of Son or Kane

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Just transfer out Mitrovic and Mitchell

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

    Plan was to wc this IB. After a decent week I'm not so sure.
    Would you?
    Mccarthy button
    Chilwell James ayling Taylor mitchell
    Mané Bruno son soucek bissouma
    DCL Kane Bamford

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

      No

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

      no

    3. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Cheers guys

  3. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on Martial?

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

      He looked a little rusty but had decent chances. I like him if you are looking for a fwd

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

      Not an option until he proves he can take a shot

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

      I didn't expect Cavani to threaten him for starts

      But, as things stand, Cavani is becoming a genuine threat... Which makes things even worse for Martial, especially considering how many more points you can get at around 6.0 or sub 8.0m from strikers

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

      Not even close to the next Thierry Henry.

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

    Bruno or Vardy?

    Think we can only have one of them if Salah & KDB/Raz are staples.

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Vardy away or Bruno!

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

      Bruno in first. Got the option of switching Kane to Vardy if necessary, although keeping Kane might be the best option.

      Leicester do look great though. Of the good teams this year, they’re the one who get most overlooked on here.

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

      Bruno

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

      Bruno but I'd get Vardy before Rashford.

    5. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Son to Bruno next week, then switch Bruno to KDB and Kane to Vardy... my current 2 week plan

  5. Stoic
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    ETA of Mitchell?

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

      He’ll be arriving at terminal 3 gate 27 at approx 14:00 hours.

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

        I’m aware of the dadness of that joke.

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

    Come on Sonny

  7. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Players starting to pick up injuries just 8 games in. Is the short preseason, plus CL and EL and International games (3 per break?) starting to take it's toll on some players. Some look their hitting true fitness but others, particularly attacking players like Ings, Wilson, Antonio, Pulisic, Aguero, Dé Bruyne are falling over though.

  8. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best Forward for 6.0 or less?

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

      Watkins for now

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

      Bamford

    3. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Che

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

      Watkins

    5. Das Boot
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Bamford easily

    6. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Watkins

    7. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Bamford

  9. MarcusAurelius
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Heading into this GW Spurs had scored the most goals and West Brom had conceded the most.

    This season that means it’s going to be 0-0!

  10. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best 4.7 mid playing at advanced positions?

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Bissouma

      1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers mate

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

      Anguissa also looks great (for a 4.5) every single game.

      It’s Fulham though.

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

    International break and lockdown.Will be the longest and most depressing two weeks.

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not at all. England 0 Republic 3 on Thursday night 😉

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

      Literally the worst time to have the IB. Regular PL was about the only thing keeping me from going insane

    3. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      PS5 is out in those two weeks!

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

    Who will take set pieces for WBA today? All their usual takers are out

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

    IVANOVIC, PEREIRA TEST POSTIIVE

    Slaven Bilic has confirmed that Branislav Ivanovic and Matheus Pereira are missing from today's squad after testing positive for Covid-19 and have begun a period of self-isolation.

    A club statement read: "The club wishes the players a speedy recovery and will support them, if necessary, during their quarantine."

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

    No Diangana, Ivanovic or Pereira

    West Brom's three best players

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      That's huge for our Spurs captains.

      How can this be anything but a Spurs ass-whooping...

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Bale will even the odds

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

        Spurs don't have the creativity to break down a really deep-lying defence?

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Reguilón could be the key.

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

    2 West Bromwich best players struck down with Covid

    this could get messy..... or be 0-0

  16. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Better option?

    A) Rashford + Bowen

    B) Bruno + Soucek(rotation with Brewster)

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

      B

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

      B

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

      B

    4. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Cheers all

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

    Martinez Steer

    Chilwell Zouma Lamptey Justin Mitchell

    Podence Salah Son JRod Jorginho

    Vardy Kane DCL

    1 FT, 0 ITB, should I WC?? I want Bruno

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No need

  18. School of Poch
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Appreciate any thoughts on this?

    McCarthy Nyland
    TAA Chilwell Justin Taylor Mitchell
    Salah Son Zaha Podence Bissouma
    Werner DCL Wilson

    1FT 2.6ITB

    A: Son > Fernandes
    B: Podence > Grealish
    C: WC

    potential WC team below - will probably tinker a lot over IB.

    Martinez Steer
    Chilwell Justin Coufal KWP Taylor
    Salah Fernandes Grealish Zaha Bissouma
    Vardy DCL Wilson

    1.0ITB for fernandes to KDB in GW10 - Vardy could be Werner initially for GW9.

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

    Thoughts on what to do? Thinking about buying Bruno?

    Martinez
    Chilwell | Coufal I Konsa
    Salah | Son | Rashford | Grealish I Zaha
    Kane | DCL |

    Forster I Lamptey I Brewster I Dallas

    0 itb, 1FT

    Cheers

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

      Think you can save. See how Spurs do with Bale in the team, might provide the spack to make Spurs excel against the next few top sides.

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

        Cheers

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

      Should be good to save imo, would play Lamptey over Konsa

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Very possible. I was so close to captaining Bale but pussied out and went with Son.

      At least this way I want both to do well...

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

        That's nice. I did not have Kane, so had to bring him in instead. But expecting a haul from Bale today, might be huge.

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

      It is possible. To be honest, if Bale gets lots of points, I don't care as long as Kane and Son also get attacking returns too.

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

        Yep, the 2 are still the more safer picks even now. Interesting to see how Bale will do in his first PL start

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

    Really tempted by kdb to Bruno. It's the only I can get him without a hit

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

      Would only do that for a 1-week punt

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

        Could be 2 . Cheers

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

          I would rather have KDB GW10

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not worth it.

      Salah to Bruno can work though

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

        Not keen on losing Salah though..

        1. Pep Roulette
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          After tonight, you won't be keen on losing KDB as well 😉

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

    On WC :
    A) Richarlison,Leno and fodder ( Have DCL)
    B) Ziyech, McCarthy and fodder

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

      B. Did you push the button then? Can you respond to my post below please?

    2. 272MK
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B.

  22. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Ziyech or Bruno?

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

      Bruno

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

      Bruno

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

      Why not both?

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

      Penandes

    5. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'm thinking both and no Son

    6. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Bruno because of the fix. But Ziyech is also a good long term keep. Have both if u can.

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

    McCarthy (Fodder)
    Robbo Zouma Bellerin (Fodder x2)
    JRod Son Salah Grealish (Bissouma)
    Kane DCL Jimenez

    WC to this ? =>

    Martinez (Fodder)
    Chilwell Lamptey Bellerin (Lewis, Fodder)
    KDB Bruno Son Salah Grealish
    Bamford DCL (Brewster)...

  24. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Really wish I had Doherty for this game.

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

      He is a premium rotation risk, and Spurs don't keep many CS's. Think he is not worth it imo, even for this game.

    2. 272MK
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      The moment I transferred him out, he started in PL matches

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

      I really wish I hadn't owned him all season to be honest. Been a disaster.

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

      Not really, more concerned about Reguilon to be honest

  25. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Kane & Foden (-4) to

    A. Bruno & Watkins/Antonio

    B. Grealish & Vardy

    Also have Son btw

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

      Bruno and Antonio if fit.

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

      a

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

    I was really impressed with Eze.Great performance,on corners and free kicks with good fixtures at only 6.0.

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

      5.8?

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

        Yes!

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

      Good option whether he will start consistently that's the question

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

    An early Son goal to calm the nerves would be nice

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

      And a Kane hatrick of assists. 😉

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

      Would love a start similar to WHU game

      1. Party time
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I prefer the Southampton game

      2. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I'll go with that o/

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

      Could a midfield of Salah KDB Fernandes Ziyech and Grealish on WC be set and forget for the coming weeks?

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        No. Because are you capable of not making a move?

      2. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        You will change Ziyech soon, so nope

    4. 272MK
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Just like against West Ham