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

    Q: would you sell Keane for free to bank some cash to get Salah later? Y/N

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

      N

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

        reasoning?

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

      Y

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

    1 FT, 2.1 ITB

    Martinez Forster
    Justin Cancelo Lascelles*
    Bruno Grealish KdB Ziyech
    Watkins Vardy Richarlison
    Soucek Lamptey Taylor

    How to fit Salah in?

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

      You gotta replace with one of your big hitters, can't have everyone mate

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

        Who would you be willing to move out?

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

          Hard decision, it might not be worth the FT and just see after next GW. If you must though I'd take Bruno out

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

      sadly it has to be KDB or Bruno in direct swap but again you cant have them all

  3. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone playing UCL fantasy?

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

      I'm
      First time trying it out.

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

    Feel the debate about Bruno has become complicated for zero reason.
    Yes, United aren't playing great. But Bruno is still hauling. He relies on penalties? United get a lot of penalties.

    The fact is United played badly and he came away with an 11 point haul.
    If he's hauling even when they play badly, that's the exact type of FPL player you want.

    He hauls when they play well (Everton, Newcastle) and hauls when they play badly (Brighton, West Brom). It's FPL gold.

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

      Exactly! People saying he was lucky to haul last week because if a dodgy penalty did not really watch the full match I guess.
      He could've easily got 3 assists if Martial/Rashford had their shooting boots on.

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

      happy to have him since gw 4

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

      There is more to that.
      I think ABU attitude makes people do that 😉

  5. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is Cancelo far superior than Dias FPL wise?

    I'd like a City defender but with Mendy back next week, I'm not sure if Cancelo is the move.

    1. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Everything City seems expensive and unpredictable

      From Ederson to Aguero

    2. Sanchit
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Cabcelo a better option for sure but he would definitely be rotated.
      I'd personally go for Dias

    3. E25
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Cancelo creating so many chances. Time to gamble for most of us this season

  6. Sanchit
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    2FT.
    I want to bring in KDB, but currently like all my front 7, so not sure who to remove.

    McCarthy (Steer)
    Robertson Digne Chilwell (Reguillon Ferguson)
    Bruno Son Grealish Hamez (Bissouma)
    Kane DCL Watkins

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Wouldn't remove anyone from those. Reguilon to Cancelo/Dias would be my move.

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

        But then who to bench?
        As mentioned earlier I like my front 7 and doesn't make sense to rotate 4 premium defenders for 3 spots.

        1. Chandler Bing
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          How much do you have ITB?

          Does Reg + Digne -> Cancelo + 4.3-4.4 give you enough to get KdB for Son next GW?

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

            I have 0.5
            I can get KdB for Son this GW as well (Reg to 3.8), but not really happy to remove an inform Son

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

      Yr defence is costly as well. For direct transfer would be son or bruno. No choice. Another way is to make 2 weeks of moves to downgrade your defenders and remove either Grealish or Hamez.

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

    Mccarthy, Dier, Chilwell, Taylor

    All 7s.

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Did you make a new account or change the gravatar?

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

        What do you mean?

    2. Sanchit
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Do you mean Dal Makhni by 'Kaali daal'?

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

        Nop. In a different language, Kali Daal means suspicious.

        Or it could also mean badly cooked pulses.

  8. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What would you do here?

    Areola
    PVA Dallas KWP
    KDB (C) Rashford Son Ziyech
    Jimemez Richarlison Watkins

    Lamptey Stephens

    1 FT 3.6 ITB

    Jimenez Dallas> Aguero Diaz(-4)

    Thoughts??

    1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Vardy, Cancelo

      1. E25
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        This

  9. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Play one this gw.

    a. Dallas (Eve a)
    B. Kilman (Ars a)

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

      Dallas. Better opportunity for an attacking return

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks

      2. Hattrick Harry
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Dallas won’t play OOP anymore when Rodrigo is back

    2. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kilman has more likelihood of a CS though, so I’d play him. That’s always my first consideration with cheap defenders.

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

    Can people reassure me that having no city going into next week isn't the end of the world... or am I kidding myself?

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

      you are kidding yourself..

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

      imagaine next week after next week

    3. 272MK
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Help me check out Burnley's defensive stats. Are they as good as they were before?

    4. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      yes. cause i see burnley draw with them. prolly 1-1

    5. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No. City not hitting the heights just yet.

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

      same issue here, to me its bw KDB and Mo and think I'll go with Mo and probz no city or Cancelo at best

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

      I see City-Burnley as under 2.5 goals game. City edging it 1-0 or 2-0

    8. Vlekz
        3 years, 4 months ago

        If you guys feel city wont end up in the top 4 this season. Go without. But if you think they will be top 2 and yet might not win these games. It's doesn't really add up

        1. Sz21
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Thinking similar. I still think City are Top 2 or 3 at worst.
          They are going to start racking up the points and goals soon and these fixtures provide the perfect opp.

      • MissouriMarten
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Aguero to return and hit the ground running...?

    9. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Play

      A) Brewster(wba)
      B) Dallas(eve)
      C) Mitchell(NEW)

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

        How can you play Mitchell if he does not play? A from this three.

    10. Lukakus Unit
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Will Salah be available for the Brighton match?

      1. Kane-harry Island
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I hope to God he will be. Gotta hurt some sellers in my mini league

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

      Mendy
      PVA | Chilwell | Targett
      Son | B.Fernandes | JRod | Ziyech | Grealish
      Vardy (c) | DCL

      Forster | Reguilon | Brewster | Mitchell

      Anything worth a hit here with 3.0ITB?

    12. Koroko990
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      When do the minus transfer points get applied to your score? Noticed mine haven't come off this weeks gameweek total yet? Thanks

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Look at your total points.

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

      Which option is better for free?

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

      In both cases I would have only 1 starting player on the bench for the next GW, Bissouma. If Salah doesnt play im screwed. In the other hand If Zaha plays im in good position, Coufal on the bench 1st

    14. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      How many points is currently 10k OR? Cheers whoever can tell me 🙂

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

        616

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

        616

        1. Going Home
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Thanks both. Just the wrong side of 600

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

      Any reason not to do Zaha and Wilson to Fernandes and Adams? Got the exact cash.

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Injuries, Covid-19 etc

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

          Ok... Adopting that approach would mean never doing any transfers though. Especially when Covid news comes out with the team sheet, a la Zaha last night.

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

      500k green arrow from Sat night is now only a 50k green arrow.

      All these stupid teams had to keep a clean sheet this week while my Lamptey gets sent off! Frustrating languishing around 2m!

    17. Man Chest Hair United
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Thoughts on this for -4

      Out Kane Son foden
      In Salah KDB Watkins

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

        Sell Foden, not Kane and Son.

        1. Man Chest Hair United
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Can’t get much for foden I think salah and KDB out score Kane and Son over the next month

    18. nickybwild
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Is Kilman’s time in the starting XI numbered once Saiss and Coady are back? How will they and Marcal/Nouri be accommodated once all are fit?

    19. akhilrajau
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Martinez
      Robortson, Coufal, James
      Bruno, Son , Zaha, Podence
      Calvert-Lewin, Kane, Vardy
      Bench: Peacock-farrel, Bissouma, Taylor, Mitchell
      bank: 1.5m, FT: 1

      Wat to do with this. Planned to get kdb for son but now podence and zaha(illness) also constraints. Please suggest

    20. Salarrivederci
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Gtg? 0.3 ITB 0 FT's

      Martínez
      Chilwell - T. Silva - Cresswell
      KDB - Fernandes - Son - Ziyech - Grealish
      Vardy - Bamford

      (Steer, Brewster, Mitchell, Lamptey)

      1. Man Chest Hair United
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Very good.

        High TV

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

          Dunno if it is high at this point, but 103 in squad + 0.3 in bank.

          But thanks!
          Only thing is the double CHE defenders next game, and the need of all my 3 defenders playing. Brewster is a decent sub for the front 7 next week

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

        no Salah could be risky

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Is he back GW10?

    21. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hey ya DZ.

      Anyone else keeping Kane and Son?

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thinking of keeping son and dumping Kane. Kane and zaha > kdb and Watkins

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Could work. I'd ditch Kane before Son though

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

        Keeping Son, selling Kane to Vardy (C) likely.

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah, pretty justifiable.

          Imagine doing Brewster to Vardy straight swap and keeping Kane 😉

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

        Keeping both. Did Jimenez --> Vardy, so no need to drop Kane. Also have a City mid.

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Nice... Did Brewster to Vardy.

          No City mid though 🙁

      4. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Absolutely keeping. Bamford to Vardy for me.

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Brave knight

          1. The Knights Template
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Braver than the Fulham defence!

    22. Bielsa Murderball
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Gtg? 4 ITB 0 FT's

      Mendy
      Chilwell - KWP - Cancelo
      KDB - Fernandes - Son - Grealish
      DCL - Bamford - Watkins

      (Steer, Bednarek, Mitchell, Anguissa)

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Lovely.

        A Kane goal and brace from Vardy will hurt you. Can't have them all after all

    23. burnhilla
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      How to check what was the price of a player when transferring in?

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

        List view on transfer page

    24. FantasyHero
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hard for me to get a city mid.

      What do ppl think of Jesus starting next 2 gws ? Or is aguero gonna take his spot?

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        No idea. Have to wait for UCL

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

      I did James to Rodriguez to upgrade Jimenez to Varsha for a 4 point hit.

      Was this a

      A. Wise move
      B. Foolish move

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        James to Rodriguez?
        Varsha?

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

        Jimenez to varsha is definitely a foolish move

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

        varsha the famous indian striker?

    26. Jamb0
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      The plan was to WC this week but not unhappy with this lot at all.. any reason to do it?

      Martinez
      Chilwell Justin KWP
      Son Sterling Grealish Fernandes
      Werner DCL Bamford

      4.0 Dallas Bissouma 3.9

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

        I think the team looks good, maybe expect Sterling. But I wouldn't ditch him now.

        And your front 3 is probably what most people want.

        1. Jamb0
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          thanks mate

      2. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        The general rule of thumb I go by is if there’s 5 or more of my regular starting 11 that I want to replace I’ll hit the wc button. Otherwise it’s nothing a few transfers can’t fix. Looking at your team there’s probably only 1 or 2 I’d replace!

        1. Jamb0
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          thanks mate

    27. KingZZ
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Is this worth a -4?

      Zaha + Dunne - - > Jota + Castagne

    28. fpork
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Seems like Jota will rise today, should I do Zaha->Jota today, or wait until after CL?

      Martínez (Martin)
      Chilwell, Walker-Peters, Robertson (Lamptey) (Branthwaite)
      De Bruyne, Son, Grealish, Zaha (Soucek)
      Brewster, Kane, Calvert-Lewin

      I have 3,3 ITB and 2FT.