Scout Notes

Bowen and Fornals disappoint as Benrahma emerges at West Ham

WEST HAM 1-0 FULHAM

  • Goals: Tomas Souček (£4.9m)
  • Assists: Saïd Benrahma (£6.0m)
  • Penalty saves: Lukasz Fabianski (£5.0m)
  • Penalty misses: Ademola Lookman (£5.0m)
  • Bonus points: Fabianski x3, Vladimir Coufal x2 (£4.5m), Soucek x1

TAKE A BOWEN

Most of West Ham’s attacking assets disappointed in their first match of an appealing fixture run as they beat Fulham 1-0 on Saturday evening.

Fantasy Premier League managers have been waiting for the Gameweek 8 fixture swing for some time, even a Michail Antonio (£6.2m) injury not putting off a wave of investment.

Jarrod Bowen (£6.3m) and Pablo Fornals (£6.4m) picked up roughly 150,000 new owners between them but neither one particularly impressed even against Fulham’s poor defence.

Of the two, it was Bowen who came the closest to an attacking return, his powerful first-half effort from the edge of the box deflected and turned over by Alphonse Areola (£4.5m).

After that, the former Hull man did rack up a few more shots on goal, almost all of them from outside of the box. And, apart from his speculative efforts, Bowen struggled to get into the game.

The local press has somewhat critical of his performances recently, highlighting that they have been on the decline since the Gameweek 4 3-0 win at Leicester.

Meanwhile, the closest Fornals’ came to an attacking return was in the first half when he got round the back of left-back Antonee Robinson (£4.4m) and his cross was deflected into the path of Arthur Masuaku (£4.5m) who fired a close-range effort straight at Areola.

Neither player was allowed to finish the game either, replaced by Saïd Benrahma (£6.0m) and Manuel Lanzini (£6.4m) in the 72nd minute.

While Bowen and Fornals’ owners are certainly likely to hold these assets for a plum Gameweek 9 trip to Sheffield United, who are still without a clean sheet this season, the fact that they looked so poor even against Fulham may be enough to put off further investment despite the favourable fixtures. 

“I think it says a lot about the players, it is a change. We are not going to try and be flakey to lose the game, we are going to stick at it and try to not lose. I wouldn’t say it was ugly, we dominated the ball in the opening ten or 15 minutes we had chances but the last 20 we tried too. What we didn’t have was the ability to beat somebody until (after the substitutions).” – David Moyes

LATE D-RAHMA

However, it was not all doom and gloom for West Ham’s attackers against Fulham.

Tomas Souček (£4.9m) finally delivered on his positive underlying statistics and got his first goal of the campaign.

Unsurprisingly, the midfielder’s penalty area presence characterised his latest performance, putting him in the right place at the right time to slot past Areola in the closing stages.

Those looking to invest in West Ham’s fixtures should also have Benrahma on their minds too, as it was his persistent determination that breathed new life into the Hammers in the last 20 minutes – and he got the assist for the winner too.

Admittedly, it was Benrahma who gave away a stoppage-time penalty for a foul on Tom Cairney (£5.3m) but Moyes did not seem concerned about that at full-time.

All things considered, such a display may convince him to start Benrahma against Sheffield United, which could see one of Bowen or Fornals drop out of the side, although it is hard to predict that with any degree of certainty. Either way, Benrahma’s emergence is sure to be a little frustrating for Fantasy managers assessing who the most nailed-on starters in the West Ham midfield are outside of Souček.

“(Asked about Benrahma’s impact): I hope you have seen Fornals and Bowen’s class as well in recent weeks so we have got really good competition in those positions. Saïd is a really good player, I have had lots of players from the Championship that I don’t expect too much from too quickly. He had an impact in both boxes but thankfully it went well for us.” – David Moyes

HAMMER BLOW

There was mixed news for West Ham’s defensive potential in their 1-0 win over Fulham.

A third clean sheet of the season was, of course, welcome news for the 120,000+ managers who signed Aaron Cresswell (£5.1m), who was unfortunate not to come away with attacking returns on Saturday.

Fabian Balbuena (£4.4m) and Haller both saw efforts either saved or hit the crossbar from Cresswell’s corners in the opening exchange, and the left centre-back also had an effort denied by Areola too.

It was Vladimir Coufal (£4.5m) who top-scored among the FPL defenders though, taking home two bonus points for eight points. He now has 25 from five appearances now, averaging five points per game.

A reason for those extras against Fulham seems to have been his persistence in the cross, although the quality of his delivery did not live up to Cresswell’s, something even Moyes inferred at full-time.

“One small thing, I think our crossing tonight was terrible and our ability to get into positions like that, we didn’t do well enough. We either overhit it or hit the font man and that was one aspect but we thought we would have more of the ball, it panned out that way later in the game and we didn’t quite pass the ball well through the lines enough.” – David Moyes

As for long-term clean sheet potential, it was somewhat alarming to witness West Ham’s game management in the closing stages, especially after going 1-0 up.

They struggled to handle the driving runs of substitute Ruben Loftus-Cheek (£5.9m) and looked likely to concede under Fulham’s attacking pressure. Of course, they would have done were it not for the fortuitous circumstances of Ademola Lookman‘s (£5.0m) awful penalty.

Meanwhile, Moyes will now be sweating on the fitness of Angelo Ogbonna (£4.9m), who picked up a muscle injury in the second half and has been the ever-present lynchpin in West Ham’s defence and could be missed sorely if his absence proves to be a long-term one.

“We’re a little bit worried about Angelo. Because it was a challenge in the box where I don’t think the player should have made the challenge on the goalkeeper and it has opened his groin up a bit so we’ll get him scanned and see what the outcome is.” – David Moyes

West Ham United XI (3-4-2-1): Fabianski; Cresswell, Ogbonna (Diop 63′), Balbuena; Masuaku, Souček, Rice, Coufal; Fornals (Benrahma 72′), Bowen (Lanzini 72′); Haller.

Fulham XI (4-2-3-1): Areola; A Robinson, Adarabioyo, Andersen, Aina; Reed, Zambo Anguissa (Cavaleiro 90+3′); Lookman, Cairney, De Cordova-Reid (Loftus-Cheek 83′); Mitrović.

Lessons Learned from FPL Gameweek 8

2,364 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Twisted Melon
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    lose:
    A) Kane
    B) Son
    C) Both

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

      B for me because Kane stats are the best in the game

    2. Poison Apple
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

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

      Just asked this question my self.

      Def not C, i would say drop Kane.

      I think high press from the teams they are due to play will suit son and kane will be deep. Obvs theres the chance of a peno so i guess it goes down to will the extra 1mil help improve elswhere!

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

      B due to penalty factor...
      But with those tough fixtures Son may haul with counterattack...

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

    A)Ziyech + Robbo
    or
    B)Bruno + Dallas

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

      Bruno coufal?

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

        Already own Coufal Kilman Lamptey

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

      B

    3. Poison Apple
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B until pool find their correct boots to keep CS

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

    On Wildcard..

    Vardy getting very hard to ignore, but how do you fit him in alongside Salah, KDB, and Bruno?

    Seen people say go without City assets but I just think they cannot be ignored with that fixture run.

    Are people prioritising Vardy over any of Salah, KDB, and Bruno?

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

      Only Bruno I'd consider but really I don't know although you can fit all 4 in one team if you go without Kane and without premium def

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I put Vardy in last week (damn that penalty miss).

      You can easily fit him alongside those 3 if you're going without Kane.

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

        Yes, it cost me a Justin assist too!

        Will have to see what I can afford. Chilwell and Grealish looking like must-haves. DCL and Bamford are pretty locked in for me. And had been considering one of Watkins or Antonio.

        Vardy will obviously outscore those two but, for over 4 million less, I still like the value which Antonio/Watkins can provide with their fixtures.

    3. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I know Vardy is a stats buster, but I would like to see more from him in open play. I wouldn’t prioritise him over any of the three you mention.

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

        Thanks for the reply. And yes I think I agree. Plus, as I mentioned above, there's still great value in the cheaper strikers (Antonio, Watkins, Bamford, DCL) that I think you can go without Vardy and instead prioritise your midfield.

      2. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I don't think you'd ever get Vardy if you wait for that, his best work is done without the ball now.

    4. 1984 TC
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Wow, lol, thanks for ignoring my reply on the previous page.
      Put a whole team together for you (to the best of my little ability) to fit all 4 in (not a bad looking team, I think), but I realize you were looking more for ‘discussion’ type comments.

      It’s all good though.

  4. Horlicks esq.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Probably mentioned but is anybody else unable to access the fpl site on web browser?

    https://www.premierleague.com//fantasy.premierleague.com

    WEVE MOVED HOME! ?

    I use the app normally - but wanted to do my team from work.

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

      https://fantasy.premierleague.com is still working for me, as it has for the past three years. I guess it's the new home

      1. Horlicks esq.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Weird - That works and has been the site I use. Thanks mate.

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

    Have a nice chunk in the bank. Can do the following yay or nah:

    James and ASM to Bruno and Ziyech or Grealish. Would require a -4.

    Can do ASM to Bruno on a free.

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hmm. With Richarlison back and Everton playing ful LEE next, I wouldn’t. ASM to Bruno, however, for sure.

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

      I'd probably just do the Bruno move

      1. Sgt. Schultz
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        This

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

      Only ASM to Bruno

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

    McCarthy button
    Chilwell James ayling Taylor mitchell
    Mané Bruno son soucek bissouma
    DCL Kane Bamford
    1ft 1.7itb

    Son to grealish the sensible move?
    Next gw could do Bruno to kdb. Or Kane and bissouma to kdb and antonio

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

      Son to Grealish

      You might not need to sell Bruno

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

        Cheers

    2. Sgt. Schultz
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Son to Grealish, but I'd also consider Ziyech despite the fixtures.

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

        Have double Chelsea defence so not too sure about another. Thanks though

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

    Son & Saiss
    to
    Ziyech & Cancelo

    Good business?

    Leaves me 2.8m in the bank.

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

      Yeah like it

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

    So an injury was needed before I even started to consider selling TAA...

    1. Sgt. Schultz
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A real bust so far

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

    Ditch one Kane or Son and who to replace with if budget was no issue.

    1. Sgt. Schultz
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Depends on your team

      Son > KDB/ Bruno may b

  10. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Maupay ➡

    A) Watkins
    or
    B) Bamford
    ..?

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

      Fixtures say Watkins. Stats would say Bamford. Go with the team/player you like most.

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

        This

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

      a

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

      Both good options
      I'm thinking Bamford

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

      That is the question for those of us who held Maupay....each replacement the same price, Bamford has the ownership but I think Watkins for form and fixtures. IMO Watkins for now. I don't see a big difference points wise.

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

    a)Fernandes+Trossard
    or
    b)Ziyech+Rodriguez(-4)

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

      Dont like the Trossard part of A at all.

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

        What can i do for that?

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

      Probably B, but would prefer Bruno

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

        cheers.I have Trossard and Son with 1.3itb.

  12. Sgt. Schultz
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Got 1 FT and 2.2 ITB

    Martinez
    Robertson - KWP - Justin
    Salah - Son - Grealish - Zaha
    Kane - DCL - Wilson**

    Nyland - Mitchell* - Stephens* - Dunne* (Benchwood)

    Transfers I'm considering

    A - Wilson > Bamford/ Watkins
    B - Wilson > Vardy, Son > Ziyech (-4 Hit and with no budget to spare)
    C - Wilson > Bamford, Son > Fernandes (-4 Hit, with 1.7 ITB for future Transfers)

    Help appreciated

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

      Can you just do son to bruno ?

      1. Sgt. Schultz
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I can, but just worried abt Wilson's injury since my Bench is non-existent.

    2. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      How about Wilson to Watkins and Son to Bruno?

      1. Sgt. Schultz
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks bud. Was jus hesitant to own double Villa Attack, but this Season will be a 'first' for many reasons I guess!

        1. Rasping Drive
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I know what you mean about using up two precious attacking spots for Villa players, but their upcoming fixtures are as good as it gets

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

    Hi.....thoughts TAA and foden to cancelo and grealish - 4?

    And is it madness to make those moves now ahead of grealish increase?

    Those moves will give me leeway of 0.2m for kane and son to kdb and vardy - 4 for gw10

    Martinez
    Taa Chilwell James lamptey Mitchell
    Salah son ziyech Foden burke
    Kane dcl watkins

    Thanks

  14. PastaFasul
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Do you think Ziyech or Penandez should come in first?

    1. Sgt. Schultz
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Tough one. I might just give it to Bruno for his involvement, despite the inconsistent Team. I'd love both in my team though.

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

    Son & Saiss > Bruno & Kilman for a -4 hit. Exact funds. What do you think?

    Still have Kane.

    McCarthy
    Chilwell / Lamptey / Justin
    Salah / Bruno / Grealish / Zaha
    Kane / Werner / DCL

    Forster / Kilman / Mitchell / Stephens

  16. No Salah
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who’s Best defender upto 4.9 for next 3/4 gw?

    Have Justin already.

  17. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I finally figured who to chose between Ayling and Dallas. The answer is neither.

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

      This is the way

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

      Thankfully, I came to this conclusion many weeks ago and save myself a load of time. So far this season, I have just done 1 'bad' transfer and even that wasnt too bad.

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

      After considering doubling up on them for sometime that is the conclusion i came to too.

      It's great that they are so attacking but on the other hand Leeds seem very susceptible to the counter attack themselves and clean sheets could be scarce.

  18. GROBARI
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Would I transfer out Son this week or is there bigger problem than him
    Martinez Steer
    Chilwell Mitch Semedo Justin Dallas
    Son Salah KDB Mendy Soucek
    DCL Vardy Bamford
    1ft 0.2m itb

  19. acidicleo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Really like the FPL potential of Ziyech..

    But finding hard to lose one of these to make space due to their fixtures..

    A) Zaha
    B) Grealish..

    Who would you trade out for Hakim?

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

      A

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

        This if you must.

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

      Neither, get Werner.

    3. Poison Apple
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldnt. Otherwise flip a coin

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

      Thanks all..May monitor one more week...

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

    Newcastle top of the defense list from GW10 onwards... interesting.

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

      Lewis 4.3m

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

        Exactly

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

        Hasnt played as well as he did GW1. Signed him and saw nothing after that. Still see nothing. Away from home they offer nothing either.

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

          He might be contributing to Newcastle's lack of clean sheets

          That makes him even worse as an FPL asset

          In GW1, West Ham was terrible. That's what happened. It was a blip

          Palace, Villa and Leeds will most likely score them in that good run. Nice chance of a CS vs West Brom and Fulham. City, Pool and Leicester will have fun

  21. AJ24
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Rate my wildcard

    Martinez, Ryan
    Chilwell, Lamptey, Justin, Lewis, Kilman
    Salah, KDB, Bruno, Zaha, Grealish
    DCL, Bamford, Brewster

    0.0m ITB

    Thanks!

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

      I think people are moving away from thinking Brewster was a good idea...I’d upgrade him and downgrade Zaha

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

    is Ziyech from Marocco?

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

      Yes he is

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

        No, He was born in the Netherlands. That makes him Dutch. His parents are from Morocco and he plays for the Moroccan national team.

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

      cheers

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

    Vardy and Watkins or Ziyech and DCL?

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

      Ziyech and Dcl.

  24. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Mendy
    PVA | Chilwell | Targett
    Son | Salah | JRod | Ziyech | Grealish (C)
    Kane | DCL

    Forster | Reguilon | Brewster | Mitchell

    1FT, 0.7ITB

    A. Son + DCL => Bruno + Watkins -4
    B. Son + Reguilon => Bruno + Coufal -4
    C. Son + Kane => Bruno + Vardy -4
    D. Son + Salah => Bruno + KDB -4
    E. Save FT

  25. GROBARI
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I want to know your opinions
    Who is better
    A) Grealish
    B) Ziyech
    Dont have money for Penaldes

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Grealish imo. Cheaper, too.

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

        Cheers

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

    Anyone has Magnus Carlsen's id or link?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Give me minute

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Ok, someone was faster

    2. Sgt. Schultz
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      76862

  27. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Can Jesus Foden and Cancelo cover KDB?

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

      Cover is a facade

    2. Iceball
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Jesus and Cancelo good options, short term it might be ok, until Kun back. I think Im taking Foden out now, too few minutes

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        If Kun is not fit than yes

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

    Will you ever drop DCL in the near future?

    1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Don't know, probably when he is out of form

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Just got him in for the 3 juicy games then he’s gone

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

      Seems like he can score against anyone, especially with Rich back...if you bought him cheap I don’t see a better option

  29. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Lets say Son and Kane gets double digit returns against man city and if city assets blanks against spurs

    In this scenario do you still sell a spurs asset to a out of form city attacker? Surely not. No?

  30. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Mendy, Button
    Chilly, Reguilon, Coufal, Justin, 3.9
    Salah, Son, Ziyech, James, Grealish
    Kane, DCL, Brewster

    What do you think about my team? Thinking of going Reguilon and Son to Cresswell and Bruno for a hit