Scout Notes

Haller impresses for West Ham as recovering Antonio waits in the wings

Sheff Utd 0-1 West Ham

  • Goals: Sebastien Haller (£6.1m)
  • Assists: Pablo Fornals (£6.4m)
  • Bonus Points: Haller x3, Lukasz Fabianski x2 (£5.0m), Aaron Cresswell x1 (£5.1m), Arthur Masuaku x1 (£4.5m)

A sweet strike from Sebastien Haller (£6.1m) secured a second-straight win for West Ham as Sheffield United’s start to the season remained on the wrong side of hellish.

The striker blasted home from the edge of the area after the ball fell to him courtesy of a Pablo Fornals (£6.4m) ricochet, consigning the Blades to a fourth consecutive defeat their enterprise probably did not merit.

Chris Wilder’s side might have been out-shot 15-9 by the visitors, but they forced Lukasz Fabianski (£5.0m) into five saves and would have had at least a point from the encounter had Oli McBurnie (£5.7m) not hit the woodwork when put clean through.

That lack of ruthlessness is the reason why United have managed only four goals from nine winless matches this season, while their zero clean sheets adds another layer to the Fantasy disinterest in their players at present.

Haller of Fame

The same cannot be said of the Hammers.

Having survived and thrived during a brutal opening run of fixtures, their assets have started on a kinder schedule by winning 1-0 win for two Gameweeks in a row.

Even a hamstring injury to key striker Michail Antonio (£62m) has not disrupted David Moyes’ men too badly, with stand-in Haller putting in a fine shift at Bramall Lane.

West Ham’s replacement striker is owned by just 0.3% in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) and that figure is unlikely to rise on the back of one, albeit excellent, performance.

Moyes was happy to praise Haller post-match.

“He came back from international duty and I could sense in the two days we had back training that he had a spring in his step. His confidence seemed up and we’re really pleased with that. He’s showing signs now, and like today’s goal, we want him to get more goals and to be more involved in the build up play and stronger in some situations.” – David Moyes

But the manager’s recent update on Antonio’s fitness suggests there will soon be competition for the lone striker role and it’s a contest the Englishman will probably win based on his form this calendar year.

“Michail is back training. He’s getting much closer (to full fitness) that’s for sure. He’s a really important player to the team and how we play. If we can get him back, good, but I don’t want to say if we can because at the moment we’re not quite sure if he’s ready yet.” – David Moyes

Gameweek 10’s visit of Aston Villa might be too soon for an Antonio start, but a return to the match-day squad looks ever likelier. Yet another week where many Fantasy eyes will be on Moyes’ pre-match press conference.

Midfield Mayhem

Fortunately for Fantasy managers looking for differentials, investment in West Ham players remains low. Defender Aaron Cresswell (£5.1m) is by far and away the most popular pick with 9.3% ownership.

But the side’s midfielders continue to offer attacking potential for relatively low prices.

As explained in more detail in the Premium Members analysis above, Bowen carries a clear offensive threat, but at present it is Fornals who leads the midfield pack with 48 points and a goal and an assist from his last three starts.

The budget appeal of Tomas Soucek (£4.9m) has made him the most-owned of the Hammers’ middle men and his 3.0% following should have seen him add to Gameweek 8’s first goal of the season, only for him to blow a superb chance in the first half on Sunday when set up by Haller’s astute header.

Few Shall Pass

It would not be a Moyes team without some of his focus being on the backline.

“We’re not going to do well enough if we don’t defend well enough, and we’ve started to pick up a few clean sheets, so long may that continue.” – David Moyes

West Ham are currently joint-top for clean sheets this season, with four, and only two teams have conceded fewer goals than the 10 they’ve shipped thus far.

Vladimir Coufal (£4.6m) was the first to work Sheffield keeper Aaron Ramsdale (£4.8m) on Sunday and he also chipped in with three chances created.

It was Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku (£4.5m) who brought in bonus to go with their clean sheet points, however.

Cresswell is currently the only West Ham player in the top 30 for Gameweek 10 transfers-in, putting him on course for a seventh straight rise in ownership.

But West Ham’s immediate schedule is, arguably, not quite as attractive as it might seem at first glance.

Their next two home opponents, Villa and then Manchester United, have performed better on the road, and the three fixtures that follow (Leeds (away), Crystal Palace (home), Chelsea (away)) are likely to be tight and tough affairs.

Picking clean sheet and attacking returns out of that lot looks tricky, although the relatively low prices of West Ham assets should still tempt many.

Wilder’s Woes

The temptation regarding Sheffield United players is to bin them off – if you haven’t done so already, that is.

Next Saturday’s trip to West Brom already looks like a must-win game for a team suffering badly from the absence of key players, with the long-term injury to Jack O’Connell (£4.8m) a particular issue for a defence that was so resolute last season.

Only Rhian Brewster (£4.5m and 6.1%) has significant ownership levels, but he’s struggling to even hold down a regular starting berth, which makes his cheap and cheerless status a perfect metaphor for the team as a whole.

Wilder is not about to throw in the towel.

“There’s a long way to go. Without being disrespectful to some of the places this football club has had to go, it is no good taking a backwards step and feeling sorry for yourself.” – Chris Wilder

But without being disrespectful to his players, Fantasy managers are unlikely to be joining them on their journey any time soon.

Sheffield United (5-3-2): Ramsdale; Baldock, Egan, Ampadu (Robinson 62), Basham (Lundstram 76), Lowe; Berge, Norwood (Brewster 65), Fleck; McBurnie, McGoldrick.

West Ham (3-4-2-1): Fabianski; Cresswell, Balbuena, Ogbonna; Coufal, Rice, Soucek, Masuaku; Bowen (Noble 90+2), Fornals (Lanzini 76); Haller.

Lessons Learned from FPL Gameweek 9

1,490 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Snevitz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A) Werner to Vardy
    B) Zaha to KDB, Werner to Watkins (-4)

    Looking for a captain for the next few weeks.

  2. balint84
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Would you lost your 2ft and sacrifice Son&Jimenez to get Vardy & Ziyech?

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

      Don't sell sonny

  3. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Hi which best please podence To a) jota or b) fornals? Thanks

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Jota

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers but if jota plays in champs league will he also play at weekend ? No risk of being rested

  4. sully29
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    The fact that I'm this pleased to get an assist from Jimenez is telling. Really like him as a player but he can get the hell out of my FPL team.

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

      It's time to go in the words of Claude from arsenal fan tv

    2. Nanoelektronicar
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Transfers disturbed Wolves too much in the end, I guess. Really hoped for his steady consistent stream of 7, 8, 9 minihauls, but no.

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

    Vardy this week is like Bruno last week. The obvious captain option yet I'm not that confident...

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

      But Bruno got 11 points

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

        And its fulham not westbrom

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

          True Fulham are the worst team

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

            Yupyup

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

        He got 11 pts but it was dirty.

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

          Just need small chance for these penalty takers such as Bruno Salah Vardy ... part of the game mate, the dirty side of it 😉

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

          Salah and vardy have gotten similar jammy points if u look at it like that. But that's what u get with penalty takers

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

      aye no point overcomplicating things even if bruno kdb or salah obvioulsy also offer nice alternatives

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

      Last throw of the dice for me now, Vardy TC v Fulham. Either end up with 3 points or 75!

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

        You could win this game if it turned out to be 75! What more do you want 😆

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

          That’s what I’m saying. 75 points from vardy and I’d consider myself back in it (well top 1 mil at least lol)

      2. Milk, 1 Šuker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        TC Vardy did cross my mind

    4. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      But you are even less confident with every other option than Vardy, admit it 😉

    5. Milk, 1 Šuker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Some of Fulham’s defending was woeful. Watching that made me slap the armband on Vardy straight away. He’ll gobble up chances conceded. He can be a troll though so I can understand some people’s hesitations. On the flip side he is a flat track bully.

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

        Troll or party, yes understood ... let's get the party started!

  6. Bring the Cavalry
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Zaha to

    A. KDB
    B. Sterling

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

      KDB imo.

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

      I prefer KDB but I like consistent points rather than the high variance from Sterling.

    3. Bring the Cavalry
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Cheers lads

  7. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How long will Matip keep his place in the starting line up? Thanks

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      For a while, Trent & Gomez out

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

    What's Cancelo's situation? Looks like Pep really likes him, might even play RB when Mendy returns. What do you think? Is Walker's position in the first team untouchable? Is Dias a better pick?

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

      Dias is more nailed, that's all we know

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

      I dont think Pep can risk playing Zinchenko and Mendy won't come in for him with the way he's playing, so he's nailed for now. Cancelo is playing too good and his competition is poor.

  9. Heisenberg W. W.
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is Cancelo and Soucek worth a -8 for Bernardo and Zaha?

    I've already used my FT for next gw to avoid price change.

    CT

    McCarthy
    Chilwell-Coufal-Mitchell (Bernardo-Lamptey)
    Salah-Kdb-B Fernandes-Grealish (zaha)
    Bamford-Watkins-DCL

  10. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Can we relax and stop making transfers please people there are games in Europe all week

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

      I wait till Friday personally

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

      This

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

      I think no one here is doing them. Its everyone else

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

      Vardy is not playing midweek. Just saying.

      1. Black Knights
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Ok, but 5 or 6 of your other players will be. Are you still going to bring in Vardy if Chilwell and Bruno both get injured?

    5. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      People know the risks
      I would smile if Vardy got ruled out with COVID after travelling to and from Portugal midweek (who have double the rate of new infections per capita as the UK rate now)

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

        Smiling and hoping for someone to become ill isn't good behaviour.

    6. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Just transferred Vardy in, so really hope so as Zaha and Barkley owner. Don't sell them, by them 😉

    7. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      It's those bl**dy price rises, innit ..

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

    Zaha + Jimenez to KDB + Brewster for -4?

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

      And playing Brewster?

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

        Yes but for 1 GW only (wba)

  12. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best move this GW?

    A. Werner > Vardy
    B. Foden > Jota
    C. TAA > Cancelo
    D. Two of them for -4

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

    First GW that turned out well with 71 points.

    Thinking about Robertson/Jimenez to Vardy/Cancelo with 2FTs. Would give me this team (0.3 itb):

    Martinez Steer
    Cancelo Chilwell Masuaku Kilman Lamptey
    KdB Bruno Grealish Salah Anguissa
    DCL Vardy Brewster

    Good transfers?

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

      I would keep Robbo, looks so good

  14. Pep fraudiola
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    McCarthy
    James/Chilwell/Kilman
    Grealish/Jota/KDB/Bruno/Ziyech
    Kane/DCL

    Ryan/Brewster/Lamptey/Mitchell

    A) Kane > Vardy (would want to do before price rise tonight)
    B) Mitchell > Cancelo
    C) Bruno > Salah
    D) Roll Over

    2.7 itb, 1 free transfer current rank 800k overall, but had three green arrows in a row

  15. George James
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best move

    A) Kane >> Vardy

    B) Werner + Podence >> Vardy + Soucek -4

  16. Werner Bremen
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Why am I so hasitant on captaining Vardy...Hmm let's see till Friday

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

      Me too...

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

      Monday nights low scoring

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Knows it

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

      Same here, I'm making no transfers until just before the deadline. There are too many Covid doubts. Even then you could have a Zaha situation. I have left nearly 4 million ITB to cover some of the risk.

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

    Zaha/Adams --> Jota/Vardy for -4?

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

      But adams keeps on scoring points

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

        Indeed. I just don't want to miss out on a Vardy party!

    2. popcoin
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      yeh don't sell adams. look at his next 3 fixtures

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

        Thanks dude

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

    Podence to Grealish? Best mid under 7.8m?

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

      Yes.

    2. popcoin
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      walcott

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

        Really?

  19. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Salah
    Vardy
    Kdb

    Which one would you bring in this week?

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

      Vardy

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

      Same dilemma

      Currently it's Vardy for me.

  20. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bottomed

    Any 4.0 or lower defenders starting currently?

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

      No

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

    Any chance Zaha makes a recovery to play on Friday?

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

      Depends on how long he’s been isolating for so far. It’s tight. They didn’t have any bite tonight v Burnley.

  22. Milk, 1 Šuker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    When are people thinking of playing their free hit then?

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      When it’s needed.

    2. Pep fraudiola
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Waiting for a double gameweek myself

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

      Before this GW was tempted to use in GW11 but will hold

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

      DGW

    5. Milk, 1 Šuker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Cheers for the responses guys

  23. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    GTG Friday?

    Cap - Bruno?
    Keep Zaha?

    Martinez,
    Coufal, Chilwell, Robbo
    Grealish, Bruno, Son, Jota
    DCL, Kane, Bamford

    Forster, Zouma, Zaha, Lamptey

    1.2 bank

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

      Depends on Zaha news. Could get James Rod in for him?

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Good idea, will wait till pressers as late as possible

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

          Although who do you bench then

          1. g40steve
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Covid might sort that for me 🙂

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

      Got almost the same team. But thinking of Kane to Vardy.. but have no Yoda though (and Zaha and Lamptey).

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Waiting Kane & Son are hot, Vardy not always on fire?

  24. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Vardy then kdb then Salah captain guys. Let's all keep it simple.

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

      Agreed. I also have GW13, 14, 15 captains ready.
      Bruno for 13
      Salah for 14
      Ings for 15

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

        Exactly the same only Adams captain 15 is likely for me

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

          I have a soft spot for Ings. He did so well for me last year. 🙂

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

        Link team

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

          Ohno I'm having very bad season. I'd rather not 😛 captaincies have failed me so far until now with DCL.

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

            I don't judge 😛

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

              Haha but everyone else might 😆

    2. Milk, 1 Šuker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Sounds great. I’m going Sterling over KDB though.

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

        I'll consider it if aguero helps sterling output against Burnley

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

    How did Jimi look? Very close to a goal which would have led to 3BPS too, and 4 shots in the box!

    My plan was to shift him to Bamford to afford Jimi -> Salah next week. Still worth doing or save FT and have 2 next week

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

      Considering next week fixtures I'd save.

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

      He could easily score vs Arsenal.I would save the ft.

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

      Save mate. I think I will.

  26. JBG
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Totally forgot there were matches tonight, was busy playing warzone. Logged and saw Mccarthy, Adams and Jimenez getting points XD and Coady not playing at all giving me sweet, sweet Coufal bench points.

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

      Carefull here, "casuals winning again" they'll say, lmao.

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

        Haha, I know.

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

        Is it casual to not watch every match tho? He chose good players.

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

          Can't be bothered watching Burnley or Wolves matches tbh. At least not every match.

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

            Exactly. So i wouldn't consider that casual

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

    Chances of Salah dropping again before deadline?

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

      0%

  28. denial
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bowen&jimmy out for Vardy&Soucek?

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

      Bowen out? Really?

  29. KneejerkJoe
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    36 points all out. Happy days

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

      Well done. Enjoy it.

  30. kolejorz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Lamptey will play next gw11 or gm12?

    cheers

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

      1 week ban

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

        thanks, so back gw12

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

          No he's back gw11

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

        What? Why?

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

          Oh sh!t 😆 i thought u meant him. Lololol. My bad. I got so confused there for a second

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