Scout Notes

Should Liverpool defenders be back on FPL radars and is Jota a trustworthy asset?

Liverpool 3-0 Leicester

  • Goals: Diogo Jota (£6.6m), Roberto Firmino (£9.2m)
  • Own goals: Jonny Evans (£5.5m)
  • Assists: James Milner x2 (£5.3m), Andrew Robertson (£7.1m)
  • Bonus points: Robertson x3, Milner x2, Alisson x1 (£, Jota x1

F-A-B

Liverpool’s injury-stricken defence turned the Fantasy Premier League narrative on its head in Gameweek 9 as they kept a first home clean sheet of the season against Leicester City.

The Fantasy community largely turned its collective back on members of the Reds’ back-line after the international break but the much-needed return of Fabinho (£5.4m) may have changed a few minds already.

Jurgen Klopp paired the Brazilian midfielder with Joel Matip (£5.4m), at the heart of Liverpool’s defence against Leicester, to the stepping up superbly to a late charge from the visitors.

Anyone wondering about the Reds’ defensive potential for upcoming fixtures against Brighton (away), Wolves (home) and Fulham (away) need only consider the tactical implications of keeping a clean sheet against an in-form Jamie Vardy (£10.2m)

On Sunday, Liverpool pinned Leicester in their own half virtually from kick-off, usually something that suits the Foxes’ central striker’s ability to punish space behind the defence – but the Reds still gave him no quarter and professional rode out a late Leicester charge. 

Leicester simply could not string enough passes together to get Vardy through into the space he thrives in, Brendan Rodgers men often shaken in possession by the constant wave of Liverpool attacks. A hugely impressive achievement given the number of shortages at the back.

“We had a good opportunity on the counter with Harvey Barnes, but overall when you are passive like that, your football is not quite the same. We weren’t aggressive enough.” – Brendan Rodgers

“Centre-half, I try to be always in good communication with my teammates – Joel (Matip), Robbo, the players around me. They help me a lot. We knew we were playing against a very good team and a very dangerous striker [Jamie Vardy] but the communication was very important for that as well.” – Fabinho

NECO THE WOODS

Unsurprisingly, there was plenty of focus on Liverpool’s full-backs against Leicester, improved defensive control helping Andrew Robertson (£7.1m) to a 12-point haul courtesy of his third assist of the season and maximum bonus.

“But especially (the second) goal, Jota couldn’t have scored without an outstanding cross from Andy Robertson. What a situation in the whole build-up. All these passes and then I think it was Joel to Robbo. Albrighton tries everything to win the battle, the little challenge there and Robbo is really good first contact. Then a sensational cross.” – Jurgen Klopp

Fantasy opportunisits will have had their eye on the right-back berth though, where set-piece taker James Milner (£5.3m) filled in for Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.3m) and registered two assists for an 11-point haul.

“There were a lot of good things. I can’t pick one that pleased me most – maybe the performance of James Milner at right-back. He played an exceptional game, first there and then in midfield. That is what we expect from ourselves. The injuries were a massive shock in that moment but the boys have to offer solutions. We have centre-halves, they are really young. They are not experienced, you saw the bench tonight.” – Jurgen Klopp

Milner’s midfield classification might be enough to put off investment in him but Fantasy managers will be keeping an eye on the implications of an injury to Naby Keïta (£5.2m).

When he was forced off with a hamstring problem in the 54th minute, Milner took his place in midfield, leaving Neco Williams (£3.9m) to come on and finish the game at right-back.

If Keïta remains sidelined for the same length of time as Alexander-Arnold, then we might finally have a reliable budget starter in the Liverpool defence for long enough to justify investment.

“(Keïta) felt his hamstring and was not able to play on, otherwise he would have stayed on the pitch.” – Jurgen Klopp

DO I STAY OR DIOGO?

Diogo Jota (£6.6m) is starting to ask serious questions of Fantasy managers as he scored yet again in the 3-0 win over Leicester.

He has become the first player in Liverpool’s history to find the net in each of his first four competitive home matches and averages seven points per game since Gameweek 6.

The former Wolves man has secured five bonus in that time and could easily have left Anfield with a double-figure haul against Leicester, operating in Mohamed Salah‘s (£12.2m).

Kasper Schmeichel (£5.5m) was twice called into action to deny Jota at the near post while Roberto Firmino (£9.2m) twice struck the woodwork either from the Portuguese international’s pass or rebounded shot, the Brazilian’s slight waywardness costing him two assists.

The question now is, of course, how often can he start with Salah coming back into the fold following a self-isolation period?

Thankfully, we have a Champions League match against Atalanta midweek to see how prepared Klopp is to throw the Egyptian straight back into the starting line-up.

“I’ve heard, yes, it [was] negative today. I think he is from now on pretty normal in testing. Tomorrow we have the UEFA testing for the Champions League and I am pretty sure he will be in that. He can now train with us tomorrow, that’s it. He will have two tests in the next two days, so, yes, he will be tested like all of us.” – Jurgen Klopp

That said, even if Salah does return for the Gameweek 10 trip to Brighton, Jota has still delivered while sharing the pitch with him.

The two attackers started together in Gameweek 6, when Jota registered a nine-point score. And even if a Salah return pushes the former Wolves man to the bench, he came on for 20 minutes against West Ham and came away with eight points.

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Robertson, Fabinho, Matip, Milner; Keïta (N Williams 54′), Wijnaldum, C Jones; Mané (Minamino 89′), Firmino, Jota (Origi 89′).

Leicester City XI (3-4-2-1): Schmeichel; Fuchs (Praet 62′), Evans, Fofana; Justin, N Mendy, Tielemans, Albrighton; H Barnes (Ünder 62′), Maddison; Vardy.

Lessons Learned from FPL Gameweek 9

472 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Mane or salah? But will need to sell son? Worth?

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Salah but I would try to find a way to get him that doesn't involve losing Son

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

        okay that is hard lol

    2. Ange Ball
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Mane

  2. Traction Engine Foot
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bench one please:

    A Chilwell
    B PVA
    C Cresswell

  3. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Question for Zaha owners today do we get rid for Jota/Torres?

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

      Im going with Jota and i know the risk, but the upside.

    2. Bennyboy1907
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Same boat here, thinking jota maybe

      1. Ange Ball
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Both good picks. Apparently he had another test, we will know more if he misses Newcastle

  4. Tinfoil Deathstar
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez - Forster
    Robbo - Chilwell - Ayling - Lamptey - Mitchell
    Hamez - Son - Salah - Bruno - Burke
    DCL - Bamford - Watkins

    £2.6m ITB. 1FT

    What is the best play, and why?

    A) Robbo -> Cancelo; Hamez -> KDB (-4)
    B) Mitchell -> Cancelo
    C) Roll FT
    D) Other

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

      A
      Robbo likely outscored by cancelo over next few
      KDB captain option

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

    Do I pull the trigger on Kane and Zaha to KDB(C) and Bamford?

    1. Ange Ball
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kane is must have those selling with get punished I feel

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

        Next 6 are tough games where he’ll be dropping deep. Son much better option over those games imo. Remember Mourinho is their manager too. Most games from now on will be 1-0/2-1.

  6. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How does this plan look? Obviously things can change.

    GW10 - Rodriguez and Kane to KDB and Vardy (-4)
    GW11 - Save FT
    GW12 - Son and Vardy to Salah and Bamford

    3.3itb 1ft
    Martinez
    Chilwell Cancelo Justin
    Grealish Son Rodriguez Bruno
    Watkins DCL Kane
    (Peacock Ayling Taylor Bissouma)

    1. Vlekz
        3 years, 4 months ago

        keep son for most of his crap fixtures and then sell?

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I think Son is the better Spurs option in these tough fixtures. He will most likely be at the end of the counter attacks

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

        Looks v good if they perform gw10

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        This needs hulking

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

      Is dallas gonna play attacking vs everton again?

      1. Boly Would
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        My guess would be Rodrigo comes in, Dallas slots back in at LB

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

      What is the most pressing change to do with this lot?

      3.2 ITB so not enough to go Zaha to KBD without a hit

      Mendy, Forster
      Chilwell, Cresswell, Vestergaard, Kilman, Lamptey
      Bruno, Son, Grealish, Zaha, Riedewald
      Kane, DCL, Wilson

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

        Zaha and Kane to KDB and Vardy(-4)?

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

          like it

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

      Martinez, Steer
      Robertson, Chilwell, Coufal, KWP, Mitchell
      Salah, Son, Ziyech, Grealish, Stephens
      Kane, Calvert-Lewin, Bamford

      1FT, 1.3 in bank

      Mitchell -->

      (A) Bellerin
      (B) Taylor
      (C) Lindelof

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

        Out of those Taylor because he’s the cheapest but I’d prob save and keep Mitchell as bench fodder for now

      2. Pegboy
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        None of those. Save the FT.

    5. Nespinha
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Pick one:

      A) Robbo + Son (no Liverpool mid)

      B) Masuaku + Salah (-4)

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

        A for me, always scary not having Salah though

    6. LSK
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Chilwell (TOT) and Taylor (mci) are my only playing defenders this week. Wanted to get rid of Jimenez though and I have no City attack.
      Should I
      A) Saiss - City defender for free
      B) Take a -4 to switch out Jimenez as well
      C) Take a -8 for Saiss, Rash & Jimi to Cancelo, KDB, Bamford

    7. Avo24
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      6.6 mid to replace zaha, any option other than jota?

      1. Traction Engine Foot
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Jota seems best. You could punt on one of the West Ham mids maybe.

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

      Best keeper going foward on 5m budget

      A. Martinez
      B. Fab
      C. McCarthy
      D. Someone else

      1. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        C

      2. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        C

    9. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Do I sell Rashford for...

      A. Salah
      B. KDB

      I’d captain whoever I bring in.
      - FYI I own Jota & Bruno.

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        B

      2. 21VK12
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Salah if fit

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

        A only because we need more info on City

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

        A no brainer

    10. Ozzy smith
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Any thoughts on these moves guys? Will probably keep Zaha if he's able to play on Friday.

      A) Saiss + Zaha to Dias + Jota (-4) Bruno to KDB GW11

      1FT 1.5ITB
      Martinez
      Chilwell KWP CTaylor
      Bruno(c) Son Grealish Zaha
      Kane Werner DCL
      (Steer Saiss Bissouma Lamptey)

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

        Play Dias hold Zaha

    11. Malinwa
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Will Callum Wilson be fit to play this weekend?

    12. 21VK12
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A) Kane & Lamptey --> Vardy (C) & Cancelo (-4)
      B) Kane & Lamptey --> Vardy (C) & Castagne (if fit) (-4)
      C) Kane -- > Vardy
      D) Hold

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

      My Rank 450k then after McCarthy played 525k. His high ownership in top 10k punished non owners.

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        don’t think ownership in the top 10k affected your rank 😉

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

      Rank them by best to worst to own for December:
      Mane KDB Sterling Bruno Son Ziyech Grealish Jota Kane Vardy

      *Salah doesn't need to discuss...

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

      Best 4.7 defender?

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

        douglas +0.9 coins and play 4 defenders at most...

    16. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Gauita
      Semedo Chilwell Reguilón
      Burno Grealish Zaha Ziyech
      Kane DCL Vardy
      Forster Lamptey Bissouma Dunne
      1 FT 0 itb
      Any Thoughts ??

      1. 21VK12
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Looks great. Can keep like that and have 2FT for next gw or maybe semedo --> cancelo

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

        Zaha > Jota or Semedo > Cancelo both look good.

      3. Mr Wolf
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I think Semedo and Zaha need to go...if you don't want to take a hit this gw, I'd move Zaha as a priority if not fit by Friday - wait for pressers.

      4. Pegboy
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        If Zaha fit, Semedo > Cancelo looks a good shout.

      5. OptimusBlack
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thank Yooooou :*

    17. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Does it look ok? Vardy the correct captain choice in this team?

      Martinez
      James Coufal Dallas
      Sterling Bruno Son Ziyech
      Vardy DCL Bamford

      Steere Podence Lamptey Mitchell

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

        I like the look of Bruno, DCL & Vardy.

        Lucky dip Bamford could also do well.

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Exactly why I cannot decide. Bruno and DCL could easily do well this GW.

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

            Hence the reason I have not gone for Vardy or city mid yet.

            Fulham, if they go all defensive could probably get away, but we all know that is not them!

            1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Fulham will concede. So will Leeds, and you never know with Bruno.

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

        Vardy(C) don’t complicate it

    18. mattyb09
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Is a -4 worth it? Don't foresee many clean sheets regardless of Mitchell's risk of not playing...

      Mendy
      Robbo Chilwell Mitchell
      Salah Son Ziyech JRod Jota
      Vardy DCL

      Forster; Brewster, Lamptey, Branthwaite

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

        Who to?

        1. mattyb09
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          That's the question...Have 1.1 ITB. Leicester have the best matchup this week, could get Justin...Don't fancy the West Ham or Villa defenders this week around 5.0

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

      The absolute state of this article.
      After all this time have we not learned to proof read?

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

      Richarlison or Bamford?

    21. rnrd
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Don't get me wrong FUL are bad. But should we also note Ebverton has conceeded more goals than FUL over the last 6 GW?

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        That is why I cannot decide who to captain - have DCL, Vardy, Bamford, Bruno and Sterling as options.

    22. Tomsk
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A quarter way through season. Anyone changed their mind about who'll end up winning league?
      Pre season I thought Man City, now think Chelsea(just Lampards inexperience worries me a bit).

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

        Pre season Liverpool still think Liverpool.

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

      Thoughts on this 3-5-2 WC team?

      Martinez
      Cancelo, Bellerin, James
      KDB, Sterling, Son, Grealish, Jota
      Vardy, Antonio

      Steele, Kilman, Williams, Brewster
      Bank 0.0m

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

        Sterling and Antonio to Salah and Bamford. For funds do Cancelo to 4.5

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

          Cheers. Tempted to roll the dice of Sterling over Salah for 2 weeks given the fixtures, but may be best to just start with Mo.

          Another way to save some cash is Grealish/Brewster -> Reidweld/Watkins. Watkins on pens and this banks 1.5m which I could use to swap Sterling -> Salah and beef up that bench a little. Thoughts?

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

            Grealish much better option than Watkins. Watkins has been poor every time Villa faced a team who sat back. I’d personally downgrade the defence for the funds

    24. rnrd
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Are all GW11 games going to be played at the same time on Sat 5 DEC ?