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. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    71 points
    1.7mil rank

    Can i see a rank green arrow ??

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

      100%

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

      Easily

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

      Livefpl.net

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

    Saiss and Podence to Cancelo and Jota worth a hit? Or just sort Saiss out now and worry about Podence later?

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

      I like those moves

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

    Into the top 10k after Taylor, McCarthy and KWP masterclasses. 17k to 8k!

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

      fair play mate!!

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

      Nice going kid, well done

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

      Color me jealous. I'm struggling to stay in the top 1M.

    4. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Tidy

  4. 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.

    Martinez (Steer)
    Coufal - Cancelo - Dallas (Taylor & Lamptey)
    Salah - KDB - Zaha - Podence (Burke)
    DCL - Kane - Werner

    1. Who are all Lukakus
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Jota + Grealish no brainer?

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

        Not a no brainier, can’t afford?

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

        -1.2m off hah

    2. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I take it you can't afford a straight swap Zaha > Grealish? If that's the case, maybe Pod > Soucek + Zaha > Grealish?

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

    Whats better this week?

    A) James Rodriguez
    B) Vardy (-4)

    Would capt Vardy, A I would captain DCL/Bruno

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

    Cant see a transfer here. Know I don’t own Vardy or City asset but can’t see how?

    GK: Martínez
    DEF: Cresswell Robertson Chilwell
    MID: Zaha Son Salah Grealish
    FWD: Calvert-Lewin Kane Bamford

    BENCH: Forster Kilman Bissouma Mitchell

    2FTs, 1.9m ITB, TV: 103.7

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

      Um well ur priority should be zaha out since he has covid and will probably not be ready for the friday kickoff.

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

        Yeah Zaha to Ziyech or Jota is the only move I can see. Thanks

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

          U could do kane to vardy as well if u really want Vardy for captaincy. Son is the more important of the 2 anyways

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

      Can't have them all...

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

      Good team.

      Zaha out maybe? And Cancelo for Creswell

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

    Tough season this is. Will continue playing the fixtures even if it hasn't worked that well this season.
    Waddabout you?

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

      Form for me but big fixture swing now

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

      Has to be a mixture. If a player is performing against everyone, like Son and Kane, think you have to be wary.

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

      The hard part is deciding what a good fixture is.

      West Brom have looked very tough to break down against both Spurs and United now. It's put a lower ceiling on attacking players facing them.

  8. turd ferguson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    McCarthy
    Digne James chilwell Mitchell Kilman
    Salah Bruno Son Greilish bissouma
    Kane Bamford DCL

    Are there any stand out transfer that could be made?

    All I can think is:
    James > Justin?

    Thanks

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

      Justins time is up soon. Pereira nearing fitness

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

      James to Cancelo?

  9. Ronny Sandstone
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thinking Bruno & Brewster out for Vardy & Torres (or anyone up to 6.9) would have to do it tonight, not one single person in my mini league has Bruno so not really worried about getting shot tbh

    Has to be tonight these moves as money is bang-on (also allows me to keep Kane/Son) this way, WC still in tact to get Salah eventually/fix damage

    Sterling - Son - Grealish - Torres?
    DCL - Kane - Vardy?

    Anygood?

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

      looks good, Barnes is 6.9 too if you fancy the double up

      1. Ronny Sandstone
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Sorry only seen your reply, yes Barnes is a good call too! Hmmm

    2. Ronny Sandstone
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Realised I could get Jota instead of Torres, might go with this

  10. Steve McCroskey
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bruno and Kane > Salah and Vardy for free?

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

      Could easily backfire

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

      Asking to be burnt. Not saying KDB and Vardy aren’t good signings. They are. But you are selling two in-form players.

    3. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Why get rid of Bruno, creative hub.

  11. Sheffield Wednesday
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Yet another small potatoes week.

    Martinez (Forster)
    Chilwell - Cresswell - Robertson - Kilman - Mitchell
    Salah - B Fernandes - J Rodriguez - Zaha - Podence
    Kane - Bamford - Watkins
    0.4itb 1FT

    Trying to figure out which is more important:

    - Would like to get rid of Podence
    - Need to replace Zaha probably. Have exact money for Grealish or?
    - Want Vardy GW10
    - Feel I'm missing out not having DCL

    (-4) hit okay by me, suggestions welcome as always.

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

      Grealish move is a decent idea.

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

      This would be my 3 next moves Bruno + Zaha + Podence > KDB/Sterling + Grealish + fodder 4.5

      Check Salah + KDB/Sterling rotation (C)

    3. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks, will prioritise replacing Zaha rather than aggressively changing forwards

  12. Sad Pablo Arsecobar
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Jimi to:

    DCL
    Bamford
    Wilson

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

      Not Wilson

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

      Vardy

    3. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      DCL

    4. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'm finding not having DCL is hurting

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

      DCL

    6. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Dom.

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

    Does anyone know how often the 'projections' stats in the members area get updated?

  14. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Play Zouma or Coufal this week?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Coufal.

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

    Damn stuck on this,dont want to lose Son but Rash has better fixtures and DGW...

    A) Rash ➡️ KDB

    B) Son ➡️ Sterling (0.1 off KDB)

    Martinez
    Chilwell - Bellerin - Ayling
    Mane - Son - Rashford - Bowen - Grealish
    Kane - DCL

    Brewster - Lamptey - Mitchell

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      What GW is the DGW?

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

        No idea

  16. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Too early for Aguero? Is he fit again?

    Trossard and Jimenez ---> Aguero and Barnes?

    Good shout?

    1. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Maybe go Vardy this week and keep an eye on swapping him to Aguero in a week or two.

      1. Croaker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        This

      2. You've got red on you.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Good idea 🙂

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

      See how many mins he gets midweek

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

    Madness?

    DCL & Rodriguez to Vardy & KdB

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

      (-4)

    2. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I prefer the second two but maybe wait one week and do it for free?

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

        Possibly, have money ITB to do one of them at least

    3. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldn’t lose DCL personally but could work out well

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

        Cheers, it’s the only way I can see I can get Vardy and KdB. Unless I sell Bruno

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

      Madness

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

        Thanks

    5. Ruudy Van
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Selling DCL seems like a bold move

  18. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Zaha a must trade... i.e. how many weeks will he likely miss?
    7.4 in price but only worth 7.2 in my team so something there that may be worth holding.

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

    Finally time for Sterling to shine...captain!?

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

      I fancy KDB against the Burnley low block.

      These kind of games tend to favour the deeper playmakers over the penetrative speedsters.

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

        Hattrick last time in the cup. But that was probably weakened Burnley side.

        Crazy idea: Soucek and Kane to KDB and Welbeck (have just 6.0 to spend, could go either him or Adams). (-4)

    2. Ruudy Van
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Worth the punt....plenty of captain options this week so why not

    3. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Think I'll take a chance with Sterling (C) too

  20. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is this -8 madness?

    Amartey, James Rod and Werner
    To
    Cancelo, Kdb and Brewster

    Switch from 353 to 442?

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Bearing in mind I have no playing bench

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

        If no playing bench you dont wanna add Brewster to that mess

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Never mind I already don’t like it.

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

    Rashford owners what's your plan?

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

      keeping for this week, but he's on my chopping block for sure

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

      Between him and Son out,very hard

    3. Ruudy Van
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'd look to get rid of him as soon as possible......

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

      Keeping for sure.

      Saints, City, & Leeds are games he should thrive in.

  22. Ruudy Van
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Help please, chose 4 to start. Have a few players playing against each other in all likelihood;

    A Coady (ars)
    B Mitchel (NEW)
    C Zouma (TOT)
    D Dier (che)
    E Coufal (AVL)
    F Klich (eve)

    rest of my team
    McCarthy
    KDB Bruno Salah
    DCL Vardy Watkins

    1. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      ACEF

      1. Ruudy Van
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thank you. Interesting you rank Chelsea defence above spurs..(considering spurs attack in that and Chelsea attack)

        1. Boss Hogg
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I’ve based it on the set piece threat mainly. I think both sides will score.

  23. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who, in your opinion, is the worst player in the premier league?

    I’ll kick things off by nominating Ivan Cavaleiro. Nothing to do with his comedy penalty yesterday. He just looks like a really poor footballer whenever I see him. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him beat a man, his decision making is terrible, and he just looks out of his depth.

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

      Harry Maguire

      1. Boss Hogg
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Oh come on!

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

      Hector Fulham

      1. Boss Hogg
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah. He is also very poor.

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

      Harry Winks, okay not the worst but playing in a side way about his level, would struggle to start for Fulham.

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

      christian benteke ,emperor of crap,has been for years,in any other industry he would be long gone,staggering really....

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

    Great to have fans back

    1. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I’m having 4,000 round mine for Christmas to watch me and Mrs Hogg play elite charades.

  25. MikeLowrey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Want Salah back but can't see an option. Roll the FT this week?

    Martinez
    Robbo Chilwell Mitchell*
    KDB Son Ziyech Grealish Jota
    Kane DCL

    (Forster KWP Brewster Lamptey)

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

      Save

  26. Sloane426
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Would you WC this team for the fixture swing? Had a good GW but Zaha messes up my plans.
    -McCarthy-
    -Robertson-Chilwell-Justin-
    -Fernandes-Son-Grealish-Zaha-
    -Kane-DCL-Watkins-
    Bench- 4.0-Mitchell-Taylor-Bissouma

    Could get Vardy and Salah in. Man City mid and defender.

  27. Garlana
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Saiss to any defender, who?

    Cancello?

    1. Ruudy Van
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If you have enough definitely Cancelo or Dias

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

      Im doing that finally. Cant stand it anymore but always have some other fish to fry

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

    Kane and Podence to Vardy and Grealish is worth a hit?

  29. Nay08
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I have a few questions:
    1. thought on getting sterling over kdb? or is it a good idea to get one of them in the first place? I like city fixtures, but yeah they lack form as of now.
    2. thought about this: plan to bring in kdb/sterling and getting salah back for two of son/ziyech/j.rodriguez. plan to do this on gw10-12.
    so basically the plan is like this:
    gw 10: kdb/sterling in
    gw 11: save ft
    gw 12: salah in and downgrade Robbo to

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

    Zaha & Podence to Jota & Soucek?

    Yay or nay