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. Zladan
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    CHILWELLLLLL

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

      What?

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

        TAA injury. Chilwell about to get some major transfers in.

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

          And why does other people jumping on a option you find very good make you this happy?

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

    Can please someone good at math predict whether before the next GW Kane will rise or Son will fall? It is crucial for my transfers. Son drop I loose 0.1, Kane rise I earn 0.1m and that 0.1m is crucial for my plans

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

      Kane won't have a price rise and Son will definitely fall atleast once.

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

      Son will most likely drop before deadline, and Kane probably won't rise

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

      At the current rate, it's right on the edge for both. Transfers are still happening now as people react to the GW that just ended with ranks updated this morning, but they're not even up to half the threshold yet, and many of them might be wildcards (which don't affect price changes). Transfers will slow down markedly until press conferences. I don't think either player will change before GW9. Buuuuuut if they do, it would be next week, not now

      Kane is currently close to 50% for a rise but his transfer activity is markedly low. Son is at 28% for a drop but is experiencing faster sales

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

        You are amazing lads, greatly appreciated

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

        Za Austin you are expert. thank you so much

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

          Oh wow. Thanks 🙂

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

    Treat possibly out for a month and dropping soon. Grealish rising.

    Thoughts on foden and taa to grealish and cancelo - 4 before grealish rises tonight?

    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

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah, do it.

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

      Great moves!

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

        Cheers.....always nervous making moves (esp a hit) at start of international break. But this seems to make sense.

        And I don't need to think about what moves to male for next 2 weeks!!

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

      I’m doing TAA Podence -> Cancelo Grealish tonight (& I never usually go early) WC in tact as the backup option

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

        I don't have wildcard but think ill regret not doing this early.

        Even in 10 days they will probably be the moves I'll want to do. Good luck

    4. manu4life99
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No not early

  4. MoeZe3bi
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    1)Should I get rid of both Son and Kane
    A)yes
    B)no
    2)Sterling v KdB v Bruno?
    A) Sterling
    B) KdB
    C) Bruno

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B, keep Kane.
      B

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

    Choose two from these to get in

    A. Bruno
    B. KDB
    C. Vardy

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A, this week. All of them eventually.

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A, B

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

      I'm on WC. I'm going with Bruno and Vardy. Will be transferring out Bruno for KBD for GW10 onwards

  6. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    For TAA (already have Chilwell and Saïss to Cancelo pencilled in for week 10)

    A PVA
    B Cresswell
    C James for Chelsea double up

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

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

      B

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

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

    Forster / Kilman / Mitchell / Stephens

    Rate my team?

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

    Sorry for the repost! Should I WC this or not?

    McCarthy (Button)
    Robbo Lamptey Dallas (Mitchell Ferguson)
    Salah KDB Son Foden Podence
    Kane DCL (Davis)

    1 FT 0 ITB

    1. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No. I'd be waiting to Wildcard in GW10 when the fixtures turn.

  9. H-SF
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    guys I need help.
    This is my team:
    Ramsdale Steer
    Trent KWP Saiss Mitchell Digne
    Soucek Son Salah Ziyech
    Kane DCL Maupay

    1Ft O.6 ITB
    is it time to wildcard?

    1. H-SF
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      forgot bissouma

  10. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    It seems Ziyech price will rise tonight. Does he play during IB? Thinking about transferring him early to get the rise.

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

    Rate my team next 6 gws

    Vardy 30.47
    Kane 29.59

    Should we be selling Kane?

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      RMT is pretty useless.

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

        Why

        1. el polako
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          When I first joined had a habit of using it all time and missed out on a lot points following starting XI and bench order advice.

          Many good tools o this website but I didn't find RMT to be helpfull\reliable.

          1. el polako
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Comparing strikers you probably better off checking bookies odds.

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

              OK thanks

  12. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Yay or nay?

    TAA & Wilson (both injured) > KWP & Vardy?

    2 FTs, exact money, which means it needs to be done before IB games

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

      Yay.

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

    Guaita
    TAA / Chilwell / James / Lamptey
    Salah / Son / Rodriguez / Foden
    Kane / DCL

    Forster // Podence / Kilman / Brewster

    A) TAA/Foden > Coufal/Fernandes
    B) TAA/Foden/Podence > Coufal/Grealish/Ziyech (-4)
    C) TAA/Foden/Podence > Cresswell/Grealish/Ziyech (-4)

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

      B

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

        Targett instead of Coufal

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

      A out of those. But i'd like TAA to Robbo and maybe Foden to Leicester mid if you can afford.

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

        Leicester mid? Which one?

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

          Maddison/Barnes? Is either even nailed these days?

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

          A.

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

      C for me

  14. MoeZe3bi
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Ryan-McCarthy
    Chilwell-Zouma-Konsa-Lamptey-Mitchell
    Salah-Son-Zaha-Grealish-JRod
    Kane-DCL-Brewster
    1.8ITB
    Thinking of this:
    This GW: Brewster>Watkins
    GW10: Son>Sterling + JRod or Zaha

  15. MoeZe3bi
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Gw 10: JRod/Zaha> Mid under 6mil

    1. MoeZe3bi
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I flopped my post lol

    2. manu4life99
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Number of viable sub 6.0mids: nil

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

    Son is on -29%.I guess he will take a drop.

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

    Early thoughts here? 2ft 0.6itb

    Martinez
    TAA* Robbo Taylor
    Salah Son Ziyech Foden
    Jimenez DCL Watkins

    Button Soucek Ayling Lewis

    A) TAA, Foden to 3.9, Fernandes
    Means playing two out of Ayling, Taylor, Lewis.

    B) TAA, Foden to James, Chilwell

  18. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Evening folks, crucial decision I have to make tonight with price chances..

    Please help if you can

    A) Rash and Grealish
    B) Bruno and Jota

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

      Tough. B because Bruno

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

      A

  19. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone else watching Oxford City vs Northampton?

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

    Kane 2015/16 Season

    I've used this season as it seems comparible to the current one in performance.

    Looking at Kanes tough fixtures he scored in all of these except for Leicester and Wolves but they weren't in the EPL.

  21. thom830g
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Quick question: If I activate my WC now, can I then make changes today and make more tomorrow without taking any hits?

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Until deadline you free to do as many changes as you like.

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

      Yes

    3. Tambling5
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Careful you don't transfer someone out who you've gained value with, and then find you want to transfer them back in, when you lose the original profit.

  22. Deer-in-headlights
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best way to fund Rashford to Bruno (is this even worth it?):

    A. Son to Ziyech
    B. Downgrade Robbo to Cresswell/Cancelo, etc. (have Chilwell)

  23. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Only Son to Bruno this week? Will def be good enough?

    2FTs, 1.6ITB

    Martinez
    Robo/Kilman/Chilwell
    Salah/Son/Hamez/Grealish
    Kane/DCL/Bamford

    Martin/Reguilon/Mitchell/Stephens

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

      lovely

    2. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      For sure. GW10 is when I'll possibly consider a hit to load on City attackers but your team looks well balanced for next GW.

  24. Pia06rc
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What are peoples thoughts on Sterling?

    Poor pick or likely to hit form over the coming easier fixtures?

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

      I’ll probably sell him for KDB at some point over the next few GWs when I get a chance.

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

      Bit of a troll. Will go on a good run just have to pick your timing. Inconsistent captain choice

    3. Your Man With The Hair
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hard to justify having him over KDB

  25. Klaren
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Jota or Grealish?

    It doesn’t really make a difference but I already have Salah and Watkins.

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

      Grealish easily

    2. Your Man With The Hair
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Grealish

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

    Who else is doing Jimenez to Bamford today?
    Starting to get priced out for a few moves and missed Jimmy drop yesterday.
    Was going to wait for Antonio but not sure triple up is that wise (Soucek Coufal)
    Can’t get Watkins

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

      Cheers guys any words of wisdom here?

  27. Your Man With The Hair
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Evening gents.
    I would appreciate a quick evaluation of the WC...

    Ryan | 4.0m
    Chilwell | Cancelo | Justin | Lamptey | Kilman
    Salah | KDB | Bruno | Grealish | Zaha
    Werner | DCL | Brewster

  28. myteamissheeeeeeeet
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC please you sexy people?

    McCarthy
    James Justin Coufal
    Grealish Salah Fernandes Ziyech
    Kane Werner Bamford

    4.0 Kilman KWP Elneny

    1. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Very nice

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

      Sexy people? Not a question for me then.

    3. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not very keen on the defence. Feel like there are better options out there

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

        Come on then spill the beans?

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

      This close to city’s fixture swing I wouldn’t be making it that hard to get one in

  29. Stormbringer22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bring in Cancelo or Cresswell for TAA? Already have Chilwell

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

    Views?

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

    Forster / Kilman / Mitchell / Stephens