Scout Notes

Palace assets limited by Zaha’s isolation as Pope outscores fellow defenders

Burnley 1-0 Crystal Palace

  • Goals: Chris Wood (£6.2m)
  • Assists: Jay Rodriguez (£5.8m)
  • Bonus points: Nick Pope x3 (£5.4m), Wood x2, Charlie Taylor x1 (£4.4m)

WHERE THERE’S A WILF

Crystal Palace’s reliance on Wilfried Zaha (£7.4m) was exposed once again as his enforced absence coincided with a 1-0 defeat at Burnley on Monday night.

Ahead of kick-off, Roy Hodgson revealed that the out-of-position Fantasy Premier League midfielder had tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) and was now self-isolating.

While there has been no official line from the club to say he will play no part in Friday night’s Gameweek 10 opener against Newcastle, the unusually quick turnaround for Palace makes it very unlikely that Zaha will feature.

“[Zaha] has tested positive unfortunately for coronavirus so is self-isolating, and is awaiting the results of the next test. He is not feeling particularly ill, but unfortunately, the test proved [positive], and he is following the procedures.” – Roy Hodgson

Unsurprisingly, Palace were unable to get a positive result on the pitch without Zaha in the side. Since 2014/15, when he rejoined the club, the Eagles have lost 20 of a possible 28 Premier League games without him, including each of the last seven on the road.

Zaha’s absence was certainly frustrating considering his increasing ownership among the top 10,000 FPL managers (48.1%) and the fact that 32.7% of these took him into Gameweek 9 alongside Jack Grealish (£7.6m), who mustered only a solitary point in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton.

That said, Zaha’s absence on Monday night did allow some fortuitous auto-subs and the nature of his flag does make it easier to sell him in light of movement in the midfield bracket.

WHILE MY GUAITA GENTLY WEEPS

The stock of Crystal Palace defenders continues to fall this season as they failed to even contain the Premier League’s lowest scorers in Gameweek 9, who were comfortably the better team.

In fact, the Eagles have kept just one clean sheet in their last 17 league games, conceding in eight consecutive matches since the 1-0 win over Southampton in Gameweek 1.

Against Burnley, Cheikhou Kouyaté (£5.0m), still filling in at centre-back, was at fault for the goal, his wayward header allowing Jay Rodriguez (£5.8m) to play Chris Wood (£6.2m) in.

Considering he is naturally a central midfielder, the fact that Gary Cahill (£4.5m) and Mamadou Sakho (£4.5m) were on the bench could spell the end for his time in defence, if Hodgson is looking for a way to freshen things up at the back.

Meanwhile, the 20% still invested in Tyrick Mitchell (£4.1m) are sure to be considering his place in their squad, provided they have the funds and/or transfer to move him on.

It is now three matches since he featured for Palace, return from his injury in Gameweek 9, having firmly lost his left-back place to Patrick van Aanholt (£5.4m), who ranks best for minutes per shot on goal among Palace players with at least two starts in the last four matches.

While the left-back could be the penalty taker in Gameweek 10, with Zaha likely absent through isolation and Luka Milivojevic (£5.6m) suspended, the lack of clean sheets does make it hard to justify his price right now.

HAPPY PLACE

Nick Pope (£5.4m) continues to highlight his impressive points potential, this time coming away from Gameweek 9 with a 10-point haul.

It was his second double-digit score in the last five matches, which has yielded three clean sheets, two at home.

Pope was a key reason for the latest shut-out rushing out to deny Michy Batshuayi (£5.8m) after a sloppy Dwight McNeil (£5.8m) back-pass before a brave, sprawling save stopped Christian Benteke (£5.5m) at close range in the dying moments.

Since the start of last season, no goalkeeper has registered clean sheets than Pope who has averaged 4.9 points per game in 2020/21.

And it is still worth noting that, despite his dearer price, no Burnley player can match him for value this year, offering 7.2 points per million spent.

During the Clarets’ most profitable period of the season in terms of defensive returns, between Gameweeks 3 and 9, Pope and Charlie Taylor (£4.4m) have both been present five times, but the goalkeeper has outscored the left-back by 35 points to 23. That margin of 12 is largely comprised of saves and bonus.

However, whether Burnley’s recent clean sheet pedigree will count for much moving forward is another matter.

It is clear they are more solid at home and three of their next four take them away from their happy place.

Furthermore, recent meetings with Manchester City, who they face in Gameweek 10 have proved too much for them. Across Burnley’s last five trips to the Etihad Stadium (in all competitions) they have lost by a combined score of 22-1 and the last three have all been 5-0 defeats.

Burnley XI (4-4-2): Pope; C Taylor, Mee, Tarkowski, Lowton; McNeil, Brownhill, Westwood, Gudmundsson (Brady 67′ | Pieters 84′); Rodriguez, Wood.

Crystal Palace XI (4-4-2): Guaita; van Aanholt, Dann, Kouyaté, Clyne; Eze, McArthur, Riedewald (Schlupp 67′), Townsend; Ayew (Benteke 77′), Batshuayi.

Lessons Learned from FPL Gameweek 9

339 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Evasivo
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Any rough idea when Zaha will return?

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

      from manager's comments it seems he may return this GW

      1. Evasivo
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Fingers crossed, that'd be amazing

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

        Which comment please?

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

          “[Zaha] has tested positive unfortunately for coronavirus so is self-isolating, and is awaiting the results of the next test. He is not feeling particularly ill, but unfortunately, the test proved [positive], and he is following the procedures.” – Roy Hodgson

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

            Sorry this comment
            "We've known about it for a few days," said Hodgson. "We didn't want to go out and broadcast it to the world because we rather hoped a second test would free him to play.

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

    Lads, do you think I can save my ft?

    Martínez
    Chilwell / Cancelo / Cresswell
    KDB / Bruno / Ziyech / Grealish
    Vardy / DCL / Bamford

    Steer / Soucek / Kilman / Lamptey

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

      Yes for sure

    2. drughi
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      great team, save

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

        Thank you, friends! Cheers!

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

      Exactly the same as mine. Only difference is I have Watkins you have Bamford. Save ft for sure..

  3. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    When does the scoutcast start?

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers

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

    Is the all time rank on FPL based on average finish per season?
    Or it's something else?
    cause I started my first season on December and as a result I finished on 2mil rank in 2014-15 🙁

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      They take a lesser percentage the earlier the season

    2. Vlekz
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Where do you get that?

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

          Premier Fantasy Tools

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

            Says my all time rank is 688, not sure that can be right.

          2. Vlekz
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Thanks

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

        Oh thanks a lot that's fair imo

      • BobbyDoesNotLook
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Why is Timo still playing. Cmon Frank he does not have energy to finish any big chance this gw either.

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

          4 changes and still playing.

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

          He is rested for the weekend. Lone striker strategy.

        3. drughi
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          will get his rest against leeds

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

        Would you consider Bruno in for Jrod for -4 this gw?

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

          I would not.

      • Silecro
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Mendy having a blinder

      • NATSTER
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Is it too optimistic for expecting Zaha to return this GW?

        They know test result after press conference and Palace will play on Friday.

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

          I fear so

      • Gudjohnsen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Anything worth a hit?

        Martinez
        Robertson, Coufal, Chilwell
        Jota, Grealish, Ziyech, Bruno, Son
        Kane, DCL

        Subs: Forster, Brewster, Mitchell, Dunne

        2.5 ITB

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

          kane > Vardy or son>KDB maybe

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

          Kane to vardy is the move I'd make

      • 2OLEgend
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Would like some more input here.

        Martinez
        Zouma, Ayling, Taylor
        KDB, Bruno, Grealish, Son
        DCL, Kane, Bamford
        (Steer - Mitchell, Bissouma, Saiss)

        Aiming at Kane & Biss -> Salah, Brewster next week.
        Would you do Saiss -> Coufal this week? (can't afford Cancelo if I want to do the Salah move next) or save?

        1. Muller Reus Corner
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Maybe consider Lewis to give some money itb?

      • Sandy Ravage
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Abraham or Jota?

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

          Jota

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

        Rennes goal

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

          Guirassy

      • Doctor Evil
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Can this team go on without Kane or Vardy?

        Martinez

        Chillwell Bellerin Lampty Mitchell Kilman

        Salah KDB Bruno Grealish Son

        DCL Bamford Brewster

        1. Muller Reus Corner
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          It's fine without them

      • drughi
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        chilwell cleanie gone

      • Muller Reus Corner
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Should I transfer in Vardy for Kane this gw, then bring Salah in for Sterling in 2gws?

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

          I'm thinking of doing it I will be more upset if I do nothing then Vardy tares it up

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

          Yes good moves

      • Babelcopter
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Camavinga any good today? Should he stay Rennes or leave in summer?

      • FantasyHero
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        How do I find out my accumulative captain points for the season?

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

            Thank you so much

      • FantasyHero
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Giroudddd

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

          BEAUTIFUL MAN

      • Sam (Team Sam)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Which midfield scores more until the new year?

        A) Salah, KDB, Mane, Jota, Grealish

        B) Salah, KDB, Bruno, Son, Grealish

        C) Salah, KDB, Bruno, Ziyech, Grealish

        Essentially, I have 31.6m for a midfield trio alongside Salah and Grealish. KDB seems pretty essential too.

        Would love some advice!

        1. Muller Reus Corner
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I think B

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

          The one with Salah, KdB and Grealish, easy!

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

          B

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

          Most of those are either my current midfield or ones I want in.
          I think A.
          I will be A but Sterling instead of Mane. 3 pool attacker is too much even for me. That will save you about a mil too.

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

          B assuming no Kane

          1. Sam (Team Sam)
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            No Kane. DCL and Watkins up front

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

        Ziyech Werner come as a packet but they won't bring you points until Werner learns how to finish chances

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

          Pulisic is coming

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

          Ziyech is gonna create chances for everybody

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

            Yeah I planned losing him this week due to fixtures but his delivery is so good I keep describing him as KDBesque and at that price is it foolish to help him go fixtures or not?

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

              Let not help - sorry

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

        That’s poor from Werner he should let it go to his left foot and tap it in. Giroud got him out of jail.

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

          Had a few chances in the weekend too. Today another two. Big haul incoming. Can't miss sitters forever.

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

            It’s weird cause he can be such a clinical finisher as we all know.

      • drughi
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        werner misses alot

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

          Soon he misses also minutes.

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

          Yeah he’s incredibly wasteful

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

          Will he start the weekend?

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

        A)Bruno Ziyech
        or
        B)KDB Jota

        If it's A then this means no Man City but I like it more

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

          All of them except KDB

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

            When did KDB die and become a bad player?

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

          B but that’s just because I trust than City can’t continue to be this poor and fixtures should bring form. Also Jesus and Kun back will make a big difference.

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

        A. Maupay to Vardy(c) and Zaha to 5.7m playing mid

        B. Zaha to Salah(c) and 1. Kane to Bamford or 2. Robbo to Kilman

      • Babelcopter
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Damn I have to sell Robbo & Kane/Son if I want Salah back and keep Bruno..

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

          That’s harsh but you probably do need Salah back.

          I want triple City and Pool. Robertson is the only one I can’t find the cash for.
          I could do if I get Jesus with KDB in attack but Kun is on the way back so that does not seem wise.

      • Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        2.2 ITB
        Bowen and Saiss ➡️ Foden ( IMO he will start next 2).(.1 off Jota) and Robertson -4.

        Martinez Foster
        Chillwell Saiss Mitchell Targett Lamptey
        Son Burke Bowen Bruno Grealish
        Kane DCL Vardy.

        Thanks!

      • Erez Avni
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        2 FT 0.4 Itb and one dream - bringing Vardy! but I don’t know who should I sacrifice for him in addition to Jimenez... any advice?

        Martinez
        Robo Chilwel Justin (KWP Mitchell)
        Son Bruno Grealish Ziech (poveda)
        DCL Timo Jimenez

        Cheers!

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

          Grealish, Timo or Z. Not certain about Timo starting next match.

      • FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        where is that manager quote about zaha?

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

          "We've known about it for a few days," said Hodgson. "We didn't want to go out and broadcast it to the world because we rather hoped a second test would free him to play.

      • Erez Avni
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        If you need to ditch one of Werner and Ziyech who should it be?

        A. Werner
        B. Ziyech

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

          A