Scout Notes

Coady isolation forces four-man defence as McCarthy continues to prove FPL worth

Wolves 1-1 Southampton

  • Goals: Pedro Neto (£5.5m) | Theo Walcott (£5.8m)
  • Assists: Raúl Jiménez (£8.4m) | Che Adams (£5.9m)
  • Bonus points: Alex McCarthy x3 (£4.5m), Adams x2, Kyle Walker-Peters x1 (£4.6m)

SAVING THE SAINTS

Alex McCarthy (£4.5m) was the star of the Fantasy Premier League show on Monday night as he managed a seven-point score in a 1-1 draw at Wolves.

The Southampton goalkeeper made a total of eight saves and, despite conceding, came away with maximum bonus thanks to no player earning a share for a game-winning goal and a late Che Adams (£5.9m) foul.

Thanks to repeated denials of Daniel Podence (£5.4m) in particular, McCarthy has now earned an additional two points for saves in two of his last three Premier League outings and has averaged 4.4 points per game.

Among goalkeepers, only Lukasz Fabianski (£5.0m) has offered better value this season than him too, the West Ham man scoring 10.0 points per million spent to McCarthy’s 8.9.

Crucially, the form of Southampton’s goalkeeper could potentially come into the decision-making process for the Gameweek 10 captaincy.

Bruno Fernandes (£10.8m) travels to St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday afternoon fresh from back-to-back double-figure hauls, three of the four he has recorded this season coming on the road too.

However, Southampton are yet to concede a single goal at home since their Gameweek 2 thrashing by Spurs and, if McCarthy is in half the form he was on Monday night, Manchester United assets could easily be frustrated…

COAD BREAKERS

Wolves were forced to contend Monday night’s encounter without club captain Conor Coady (£4.9m) who, following a period of self-isolation missed his first league match in over three years, having played the previous 120 in a row.

“A big (blow to lose Coady). Unfortunately, with Coady and Saiss, players that have been with us since the Championship. Since (Conor) returned from the England squad, he has been self-isolating. He has tested negative, maybe he’s already immune but he cannot be with us.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

“Saïss is in self-isolation since returning from the national team. He tested positive. He is comfortable with the situation. He is at home by himself with his family in another room and he has to protect himself to stay fit and healthy.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

Coady’s absence, as well as a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test for Romain Saïss (£5.2m), triggered Wolves’ first outing with a back-four since May 2017, when Paul Lambert was the manager for a 1-0 win over Preston North End.

In this rather unfamiliar set-up, Nuno Espirito Santo deployed Rayan Aït-Nouri (£5.0m) and Nélson Semedo (£5.6m) as traditional full-backs with the left-footed Max Kilman (£4.3m) as the right-sided centre-back to Willy Boly (£5.5m), although the two switched over at half-time.

It was clear that Wolves took some time to grow into a 4-3-3 formation, with Southampton causing plenty of problems with their narrow formation.

However, once they added Pedro Neto (£5.5m) to midfield in the place of Rúben Neves (£5.3m) and went for a 4-2-3-1, Wolves were the better team in the closing stages and the most likely to win the game.

“Conor was not available. Saiss also. We decided to go with three midfielders and it was good. I think we should grow, we should find solutions. We have an identity that is more not about the system, it is about the idea that we fight and try to play good football and we try to be solid. I think we managed that. Let’s see (if we use four at the back again).” – Nuno Espirito Santo

INGS ARE LOOKING UP

Despite fears that Danny Ings‘ (£8.3m) injury would limit Southampton’s offensive capabilities, Ralph Hasenhüttl has found a very effective solution in the strike-pairing of Adams and Theo Walcott (£5.8m).

The two players have only enjoyed two Premier League outings as a front-two but have already combined in each of those.

Walcott was the more dangerous of the two at Molineux, using his pace to get around the back on more than one occasion.

In the first half, he whipped an effort back across goal which was well-stopped by Rui Patrício (£5.5m), before punishing Semedo’s momentary lack of concentration in the second, sneaking in at the back post to tap Adams’ cross into an empty net.

Later, Walcott played an incredible chipped through-ball to Adams, straight out of the Harry Kane (£11.0m) playbook, but the former Birmingham man pulled his effort just wide.

Once the Gameweek 10 meeting with Manchester United is out of the way, Southampton face Brighton (away), Sheffield United (home), Arsenal (away) and Fulham (away) between Gameweeks 11 and 15, perhaps the best time to consider investing in Adams or Walcott, depending on Ings’ fitness, of course.

Of the two, Adams seems the most likely to hold his place, but the out-of-position factor for Walcott certainly hands him the most explosive potential before Ings returns to the side.

Wolverhampton Wanderers XI (4-3-3): Patrício; Aït-Nouri, Boly, Kilman, Semedo; Moutinho, Neves (Neto 70′), Dendoncker; Podence (Vitinha 85′), Jiménez, A Traoré.

Southampton XI (4-4-2): A McCarthy; Bertrand, Vestergaard, Bednarek, Walker-Peters; Djenepo (S Long 79′), Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Armstrong (Diallo 90′); Adams, Walcott.

Lessons Learned from FPL Gameweek 9

999 Comments Post a Comment
  1. BeWater
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bruno going to be worth 14M by the morning.

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

      doesn't score from open play... 😛

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

        He's a nightmare to not own so I was fine with getting him in even for the Chelsea and Arsenal games.

    2. just a man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Shame he doesn’t score at home.

  2. TRIPOS TOPPER
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Looking at fixtures Bruno and Salah rotate great for (C) up to GW19 when they play each other

    1. TRIPOS TOPPER
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kane/Son can be used that week

  3. DRIZ ✅
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    More of that this weekend Bruno

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

    McCarthy keeps on saving.

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

      I doubt he’ll be interested in getting in the way of a shot like that

  5. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    BrUnO oNlY sCoReS PeNaLtIeS

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Took a while that

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

    After a 39 point WC GW, this is how my team likely sets up.

    Martinez
    Justin Cancelo Lascelles/Taylor
    Salah KdB Bruno Soucek/Berge
    Vardy Richarlison Watkins

    Any glaring ommissions for the run in?

  7. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Great goal by Bruno.

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

    Bruno scoring an absolutely insane goal. Imagine even considering selling.

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

      That’s a perfect hit tbf but he will go in GW12 for Salah.

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

        As long as u accept he will be getting returns almost weekly

  9. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Does Kane to Vardy make sense ?

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

      I don't really think there is a wrong decision with this one. Probably the most asked question by a mile this week! I don't think you'll feel unhappy seeing Vardy (c) v Fulham in your team at the weekend. I'm looking at this move myself and it's actually easier to do as a Spurs fan because I don't dread a Kane haul in the slightest.

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

      I did

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

    More Bruno hauls imminent...

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

      Yep. If he stays in the league another 4/5 years people will be saying he's the best midfielder the leagues ever seen.

  11. Joey Tribbiani
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    that vision

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

    Martial playing much better facing the goal, rather than with his back to it. Cavani could become pretty nailed soon.

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

      Yeah its kind of surprising ole still tries to play martial CF. Cavani is a class above, movement, holding the ball, brings so much more to other players

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

    This is wonderful one-touch football.

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

    Bruno wonder goal!

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

    I'm please asking for comments here as I'm struggling to keep Kane > to Salah or wait a game week? Comments very much appreciated. Thanks!

    McCarthy
    Justin Zouma Chilwell
    Jota Fernandes Son Grealish
    Kane Calvert-Lewin (C) Vardy

    Mendy Konsa Dunne
    Martínez
    ITB - 1 mill.
    0 FT

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

      If have 0 free transfer then taking a -8 to drop kane for salah isn't going to work. But going forward that's what I would do

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

        Thanks! I'll hold.

  16. SHOOTER MCGINN
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Pretty glad I've got Bruno. Didn't plan on keeping him long but might as well. Seems alright this guy.

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

      He's involved in so much. People moaning about a lucky penalty at the weekend but he should have had two assists.

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

      Dont understand why anyone got Bruno with a view to sell

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

        Im annoyed salah got covid tho. Bruno was my differential since gw2 :c

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

          Yeah same. Really pissed off because I had already set my team up for Bruno cap, with salah and kdb. But as soon as salah got covid everyone and their dog jumped on the bruno bandwagon. He was going to be alot less owned.. Oh well, he's not going anywhere now, hopefully the sheep who bought decide to sell randomly also

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

            Hopefully

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

    Bruno going to be worth 15M by the morning.

    1. just a man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Shame he doesn’t score at home.

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

        He's literally at home right now

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

          And was at home against west brom too

        2. just a man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Take the joke.

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

          He can't be at home because he scored a goal.

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

      He doesn't score from open play, goals disallowed

  18. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez Steer
    Zouma Chilwell Cancelo Coufal Mitchell
    Mane KDB Sterling Ziyech Bissouma
    DCL Bamford Watkins

    Would you do Mane Bissouma Zouma out for Bruno Jota Kilman?

    I'd then have a benching headache, but with covid it might be alright!

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

    WOWWWWWW

  20. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Fernandes to Salah done.

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

    BRUNOOOO GOAL

  22. Totalfootball
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Brunooooo

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

    In other news, haaland scores again...

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

    Bruno 15 pointer incoming!

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

      should have TC

  25. The Mighty Hippo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    This Fsrnandes guy might be worth keeping an eye on....just in case one of the big teams snap him up in the January window.

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

      ?

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

      Who can afford him? Worth at least 100m+ now

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

    The best player in the world. Bruno Fernandes.

    1. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Martial is a league 1 striker

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

        Shame Greenwood has had some problems this year. I would like to see him and Rashford either side of Cavani with Bruno behind.

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

    Donny and Cavani have made a huge difference to the build up. So fluid...

  28. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bruno W@nkfest going on in here. Ole would be toast without him.

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      We want Gollum to stay surely for the endless comedy value.

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

    Still reluctant to shifting Kane as he is the man with form. However how does this sound if Antonio passed fit.

    Bowen and Kane out.
    KDB and Antonio in.

    1. TRIPOS TOPPER
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      horrible

      Antonio will get injured and KDB will assist the assister 8 times, then depart on 59 mins after a YC

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

        Lol I agree with the Antonio comment, not a good idea with his injury record for now. But no way KDB assists the assisted and gets subbed at 59mins.. Did you even play the game last year? Yeah KDB was rubbish, got no assists

  30. Now I'm Panicking
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Banjo String in tears