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. Captain Vantastic™
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Captain poll is up. Vote guys!

    1. Captain Vantastic™
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Salah leading the poll right now.

  2. barcaa7
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Kane to
    a-Vardy
    b-Jesus
    c-Kun

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      keep

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

      Jesus is not on penalty, Kun's just been back from injury and Vardy on penalty v FUL the worst team in the league ...

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

      A out of those

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

    Podence to Jota? Best mid under 7.2m?

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

      I did that move.

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

      I did this a couple of weeks ago. Would have transferred Podence for a chocolate teapot at that point.

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

    Mccarthy (Button)
    Zouma Justin Konsa (Holding Mitchell)
    Bruno JRod Son Grealish (Bissouma)
    DCL Werner Kane
    1FT and 1.8itb

    Worth doing Kane > Vardy tonight or wait to see if there's any other issues that materialise?

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

      I'm thinking about the same move but I'm going to wait until the midweek games are done. I'd rather lose the 0.1M on Vardy.

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

        Good point! Forgot about those games. That's why I come on here for advice, cheers!

  5. F4L
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is it worth shifting Rashford to Salah this week? Would probably captain so I'm leaning towards yes.

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

      def back?

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I'd imagine so.

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

      I would find another way

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Grealish, Bruno and Son the others. Rashford isn't looking top form right now, it's a shame as I thought he really was going to kick on this season.

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

    Eddie Howe picking apart the City v Spurs game on Sky atm. Watching top managers give tactical insight is one of my favourite things.

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

      Eddie Howe is such a class act

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

        Looking for a new club by the looks of it. Putting himself in the shop window.

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

          Wouldn't say no to him in the England job

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

            Most of England's tactics comes from Steve Holland, the AssMan.

            He was the assistant to Conte when he won the title. There's a good Coaches' Voice video on Youtube where he discusses the modern 325 attacking shape all successful top teams use now. England have been trying to replicate this system and many other nuances he's mentioned in the past - so it has Steve Holland's fingerprints all over it.

            England have many issues, but I'm not convinced they're the fault of Gareth, or even Steve.

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

              Many people reference Gareth playing negatively with 3 CBs and a defensive central midfield, but Conte would often play Matic and Kante in front of a back 3. It still has 5 attacking players responsible for penetration, and 5 defensive players responsible for preparing attacks and defending counters - a balanced system. England just lack quality in many key areas.

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

          Wonder where he'll end up... Sheffield United? Fulham?

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

            Maybe even Arsenal...

  7. sandman58
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Justin & Kilman to James & Douglas (already have Chilwell)?

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

    KdB still on pens despite the miss against Pool?

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

      No one knows tbf.

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

      Difficult to tell now. I guess we'll have to wait and see. I think he's still on them personally tho

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

      I'd pressure Aguero will be on them if he starts. Always remember aguero being the penalty taker and a damn good one.

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

        I think he doesn't start a lot of matches anymore though. He was being rotated a lot with Jesus last year too and would often get subbed around 60 minutes. He's being phased out imo.

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

        Aguero is a pretty average penalty taker

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

      Not with Aguero on the pitch, imo, I wouldn't be that sure.

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

        This

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

          Thanks all

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

    Captaining vardy is going to be like lockdown. It’s going to end in tiers.

    Still going to do it...

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

      Yes i will. I thank Fulham for their sacrifice.

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

        Haha

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

      I had gut feeling that I should give armband to Rashford, but since Bruno has pens just didn't do it.

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

      Hate the fact it’s a Monday night game

  10. niaz1982
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Got some injuries mounting with zags Wilson and Barkley.
    Current lineup
    McCarthy
    Justin Zouma Cresswell
    JRod Son Bruno Zaha*
    Watkins Kane

    Do I get rid of Wilson for Kane and swap zaha for someone (idk)
    Or swap Wilson for vardy and keep Kane, swap zaha for ??? Got 4.1 ITB

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

      I think there’s a good chance Wilson plays this week. He trained with the squad last week but they didn’t want to risk him against Chelsea. Maybe wait for pressers later this week.

      Depending on your transfer situation i would prioritize Zaha as it sounds like he is out this next week for sure?

    2. Couch Potato
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Wilson to Vardy & Zaha to Jota?

  11. Yordan Letchkov
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How does this look like?

    Brewster/Zaha to Vardy/Fornals

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

      Good moves

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

    What to do here? 1FT, 0.5itb
    Fabianski (AVL)
    Digne (LEE) - PVA (NEW) - Targett (whu)
    Salah (bha) - Fernandes (sou) - Ziyech (TOT) - Zaha* (NEW)
    DCL (LEE) - Kane (che) - Watkins (whu)
    (Steele - Masuaku (AVL) - Kilman - Anguissa)

    A) Roll FT (play Masuaku over Zaha)
    B) Zaha > Jota/Torres/Maddison
    C) Zaha + Kane > KDB + Bamford/Antonio (-4)

    Thanks!

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

      C)

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

    So...how long has Zaha been isolating? I thought he was such a clever pick to bring in this week. 2nd time i have owned him this season. Third match. 3 points in total

  14. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Zaha & Podence are my biggest issues... what to do, got 0.2m in the bank?

    Someone help me out.

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

      What is the rest of your team and how many FTs have you got?

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

      Soucek Ziyech? Jota Torres?

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

    James Rodriguez to Diogo Jota

    A. Yes
    B. No

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

      No

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

      Hell no I don’t care how off colour he was this week.

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

        This week? He’s been off colour for more than a month. I watched the game live and he is the king of assisting the assister

    3. Dont give a fuchs
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Gotta see how jota fits when salah is back then make that decision

  16. paza12
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Kane or Warner to Vardy? Cheers.

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

      werner

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

    Do you remember what happened last year to Southampton after the draw at Molineux?

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

      What?

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

        Was it the 0-9?

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

          Ahh, Bruno [C]

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

      9-0

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

    Extremely stuck here, not sure which 1/2 to bring in out of Salah/Vardy/Kdb, would like all 3 by next week but not sure how to move things around. Also not convinced by Podence for the next few. Any help is appreciate!

    McCarthy
    Justin - Chilwell - Targett
    Son - Bruno - Rashford - Podence
    Adams - Kane - DCL

    2FTs & 5.0itb

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

      Have you got enough money for Kane and Podence to Vardy and KDB?

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

        0.5 off it unfortunately

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

          Ah that's a shame. Only other way would be to take a -4 and lose 0.5M off one of your subs. Either that or do Kane to Vardy and lose Rashford for KDB.

  19. TH14 - INVINCIBLE
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Would it be a smarter move captaining KDB as everyone seems to be getting in Vardy, or is the logic to captain the player everyone expects to haul

    1. TH14 - INVINCIBLE
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I have both just for clarification

    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Risky imo. Considering City's awful form.

      1. TH14 - INVINCIBLE
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Good point, but every teams form has to upswing at some point, and what a better time then when Pep is fuming and against Burnley at home

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

          This

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

      Not smarter but if it works out then it'd certainly be better for you. Low chance of it working out tho.

      1. TH14 - INVINCIBLE
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        That whole risk and reward thing 😉 I need a miracle point differential so KDB it is

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

          I don't think a lot of people will captain vardy tho. Most will go for salah. The people in top10k with kane and son will most likely not get rid for vardy either. So its still safe for u to captain him imo.

  20. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone else think Salah might start on the bench? Considering he has been sick.

    1. Captain Vantastic™
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      He is going to train the whole weak. Def starting as he had no symptoms

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Zero symptoms really? Can he train with the others?

        1. Captain Vantastic™
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Yes even saw a picture today of him training today

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

        Whole “weak” doesn’t sound convincing mate

        1. Captain Vantastic™
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          😀

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

        He was once told to have mild symptoms. Not 100% starter before Klopp says so imo.

    2. TH14 - INVINCIBLE
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If Liverpool deploy the 4231 he starts, if the 433 then yes he goes on bench

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

      Is he cleared, tested negative?

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        No idea tbh

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

        Yes

    4. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      isn't he training already?

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

      4-2-3-1 and starts up front IMO

  21. Dont give a fuchs
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Shall i use my 1FT for Kane to Vardy? Or

    Current team is
    McCarthy Meslier
    Justin Chilwell Taylor Mitchell Cresswell
    Son Ziyech Salah Jota JRod
    DCL Kane Watkins

    Planning to use my WC to
    McCarthy Forster
    Chilwell Taylor Fofana Cresswell Dallas
    Son Ziyech Salah Bruno Riedewald
    Dcl vardy Watkins

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

      Just do Kane to Vardy and save the WC.

  22. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A) Zaha -> Ziyech
    B) Lamptey -> Cancelo

    1. TH14 - INVINCIBLE
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Zaha against West Brom when he's back...

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

        He can troll, he is good at it.

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

      Cancelo this week, but then you are benching Zaha?

  23. adam wigan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Rodriguez to grealish? I’ve been reluctant to get rid of him, but hasn’t done much since I brought him in

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

    Best option for next 4 to 6 gameweeks

    A. KDB
    B. Fernandes
    C. Salah

    Please rate from best to worst

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

      CAB

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

      ACB

    3. AD2110
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      ACB for me

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

    My defense is so enjoying. I always has to use my free transfer on a change. First it was Van Dijk with injury, second it was Digne with suspension, then Trent With injury, next Mitchell, and now i have to use it on Saiss! I guess Wilson and Jimenez will be season keepers for me 🙁

  26. AD2110
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Which options do you prefer? 1FT and 1.6ITB

    A) Bellerin —> Cancelo
    B) Robbo + Son —> Cancelo + Salah
    C) Robbo + DCL —> Cancelo + Vardy

    McCarthy, (Steer)
    Robbo, Bellerin, Chilwell, (Mitchell, Coufal)
    KDB, Son, Grealish, Ziyech, (Stephens)
    Kane, DCL, Watkins

  27. niaz1982
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Kane or Wilson to Vardy?
    Zaha to Jota or fornals?

    1. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Wilson
      Jota

  28. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who's more essential to get for next gw? Could go for two players also.

    a) KDB
    b) Sterling - the only way to get either of them is to sell Salah
    c) Vardy - probably would captain him, Kane needs to go then
    d) Jota - Zaha would leave my squad
    e) Cancelo - Digne out

    Mendy
    Chilwell Digne Cresswell
    Salah* Bruno Ziyech Zaha**
    Kane DCL Watkins

    Forster Anguissa Mitchel Lamptey**

    0.1 IDB
    1 FT

  29. deshawn7
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Missed the Bruno/Jota/Chilwell train yesterday.

    Which is the best 4.5m Def for now? Have 0.9ITB to switch out Mitchell

    Current DEF
    Robbo/Cresswell/Mitchell/Justin/ Lamptey

    1. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      KWP maybe? But he is 4.6 now.

  30. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    DCL or Vardy capt?

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

      Vardy. Fulham’s defence is comical to an extent that feel sorry for them