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

    Obviously look like Jota rising again tonight.
    Do you think he will start midweek?
    Don’t see him starting 3 games in 5/6 days coming off international games
    Short turn around vs Brighton

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

      Quite possible Liverpool will start the B front line ; depends who's fit. Minamoto, Origi and . . .X

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

      Firmino rest tomorrow and then Jota benched on the weekend I'd guess.

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

      Jota possibly starts and is subbed off for Salah after 60 (depending on state of the game)

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

    I've got mane, Bruno and Kane. Would love kdb and/or vardy. But I think I might just stick with what I have

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

      I suspect Southampton might prove a bit more challenge.

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

        Of course! I have Mccarthy well. But form is form

    2. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      kane to vardy v fulham must be tempting?

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

        Very tempting. If I do anything, I think it will be that

    3. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      And the band played Waltzing Matilda
      As they carried us down the gangway

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

        The Pogues version of this gives me blurry vision...

        1. panda07
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Amazing song and amazing delivery by Shane

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

        But nobody cheered, they just stood there and stared and then turned all their faces away.

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

    VDB & Cavani need to start more games. Offer far more than McTominay & Mata

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 4 months ago

        What is obvious to everyone but Ole for some reason

      • Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Mata has been United's best player this season. They look lost without him.

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

          😆

      • F4L
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I think they're a bit too vulnerable defensively without Matic/McTominay to be honest. Against Brom it'd been fine, not against Southampton away.

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

        Hopefully we see the same team against the Saints. I own both Bruno and Rashford so need goals...

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

          Agreed. I’ve got the double up too

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

      have bruno rash combo both in fpl and ucl ff. happy tonight, keep it again on the weekend lads

    3. Zlatan F.C
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Is Saiss and Podence to Cancelo and Jota worth it for a hit?

      1. Tired and weary
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yep I'd go for that

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

        As a former owner of Podence I'd say trade him for a chocolate teapot let alone Jota.

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

          As a current Podence owner I cannot argue with this, but honestly, he's been on the wrong end of a number of wonder saves this season.

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

            I really like him as a player just not as an FPL player. Constantly worried about if he will start. Then worried about when he will be hooked off. Jota is going to be similar in some ways but I think he will look like getting points even with limited minutes.

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

              He's 5.4m, so expectations had to be tempered accordingly. I will, however, be moving him to Jota this week, all things being equal.

    4. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      The three certainties in life:

      1) Death
      2) Taxes
      3) Penalty to United

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

        3) Dodgy penalty to United

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

          4) someone whining about United

          1. FC Hakkebøf
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            It was a joke call down

            1. FC Hakkebøf
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Calm

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

              Not u. I replied to the other guy.

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

        Yes. We bought all the referees

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

      Good evening. For next GW, would you rather have:
      A) Salah, F.Torres, or
      B) KdB, Jota

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        B. Wouldn't bank on Torres starting

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

          Or Jota.

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

      Hmm with this Rash penalty keep him and Son out?

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

        It's a kickabout . . don't think Fernandes will give it up at the weekend when it counts.

    7. ClassiX
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Obviously the opposition has a lot to do with it, but Bruno getting much further forward than usual, it looks like.

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Donny has a lot to do with that too

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

            Excellent observation.

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

            Yeah, Donny is helping United progress up the pitch more often. Bruno usually gets in the box during the last phase of the attack anyway, but they're getting there more often with Donny.

            Donny has been fantastic so far.

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

              Really hope Ole gives him a run of games

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

          Bruno has been getting forward playing almost as a second striker in like last 3-4 games already lol

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

            Hmmm - according to members area stats he got more touches in the final 3rd of the pitch in the first 4 games of season compared to last 4 games. His average position is around the 30 yard mark.

      2. Kun Tozser
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Would you lose Rashford or Son for KDB?

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

          Is this decision based on the horrendous pass he just played?

          KDB by the way.

        2. Steve The Spud
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Son if I had Kane I think

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

        So is rashford now on Penos?

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

          Not convinced

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

          Lol no.

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

          Bruno clearly gave it to him. He even put the ball down on the spot but then let Rash take it instead.

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

            They always do this when they’re on for a hattie, for some reason. Thought it was supposed be the other way around!

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

              maybe they personally dont consider penalty in a hattrick, a "True hattrick", i cant think of any other reason, even though this one is also stretched

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

        Fernandes >> Rashford (pens) ?

        1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I think it was a gesture of generosity. Bruno had already scored twice and Rashford needed a confidence boost.

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

            When Rashford was on a hatty against Leipzig he gave up the penalty, so Bruno is probably returning the gesture.

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

          Just because Rashford took the last penalty does not mean he will take the next one.

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Getting in the Xmas spirit I see 🙂

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

        Give Ole a life time contract!

        1. Warby84
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Haha please!!

      6. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Penford

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

          And Danger mouse.

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

        2.2 ITB. Any suggestions appreciated

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

        Thanks!

      8. KGFC
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Who to get this week for -4?

        1. Vardy
        2. KDB

        Will probably be shipping out Zaha + Werner

      9. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Son+JRod >> KDB(c)+Jota? (-4) Hmm.

        McCarthy
        Chilwell, Cresswell, Justin
        Bruno, Ziyech, Rodríguez, Grealish, Son
        Kane, DCL
        (4.0, Saiss, Mitchell, Davis)

      10. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Was all set on kane to vardy and captain but not so sure now, kdb and Bruno really tempting options as well..and keeping kane may not be a bad (not) move in the end.loads to decide before the weekend 🙂

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

          Nah im selling. Plan is to shift to Ings anyways when he's back. Front 3 of Ings DCL Bamford

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Really ? Must have some midfield!

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

              Haha its currently Bruno KDB Ziyech Grealish 😛 but yes when Ings comes back Son faces Fulham a week after that and grealish fixtures turn bad so will be switching him to Son probably. And will be rotating between Salah KDB Bruno all season. My back 3 is currently Robbo Chilwell Cancelo with Kilman as playing sub.

              1. Ajax Hamsterdam
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 4 months ago

                Ok. Thanks for.input and gl

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

                  Thanks u too!

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

        bRuNo iS sO lUcKy

      12. bruuuno
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Son Rashford > KDB/Salah Jota is madness right?

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

          (-8)...

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

            insane

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

        Predictions for the MCI v BUR game? I'm thinking it will be quite tight especially with Burnley beating CPL.

        I'm thinking of bringing in KDB for Son for -4.

        Discuss...

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

          4-0

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

          1-1

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

          imho no. Son has been in such form it seems like a sideways move with a -4 on top. Do you expect a KDB hattie?

          Maybe wait for tomorrow and see how City fair?

          I've been contemplating Zaha to Mahrez since he tested positive. But you're so far ahead in rank maybe I should be asking you?

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

            Prediction 2-0

          2. 1justlookin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Ha, maybe mate. I was just looking further ahead and if i want ro get Salah in I'd have to do a hit now or later so i5s a tricky one.

            Ive beeen contemplating Mahrez myself but takked myself out of it as he's 9ut of form and a bit of a rotation risk IMO.

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

          6-0

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

          Rumors Sterling with take the ball home

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

        DCL, Jota & Zouma rising tonight?

      15. Differentiator
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        RMT

        Martinez - 4.0
        Chilwell - Taylor - Lamptey - Coufal - Justin
        Fernandes - Grealish - Son - Bissouma - Salah
        Kane - Wilson - DCL

      16. Long ago I drew a walrus
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Quick transfer Q.

        Martinez
        Chilwell RJames Cancelo
        Bruno Son Grealish Foden
        Vardy(c) DCL Brewster
        -- 4.0 Podence Lamptey Mitchell

        Got 6.3 ITB, lol.

        For 1FT, would you do:
        a) Podence to KDB, bench Brewster, no money left to bring back Salah
        b) Brewster to Bamford
        c) Son to KDB

        can also do b+c for a -4

      17. Amans94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thoughts on WC team? Any comments would be appreciated:

        McCarthy (Forster)
        Chilwell Coufal Targett (Kilman, Mitchell)
        KDB Bruno Salah Soucek (Bissouma)
        DCL Kane Bamford

        0.2ITB

        Thanks

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

          Looketh goodeth

      18. mr messi
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Why is everyone rushing to get KDB? City haven't looked good.

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

          Tricky one, City have some decent games coming up. I'm thinking of Son to KDB for a hit but I'm just not sure.

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

          They have an amazing record against Burnley and Fulham is after that.

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

            Easy switch to Salah after that

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

            would be more tempted by Sterling

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

              I dunno. Kdb was more involved in most of the attacks against spurs and would have had a goal if jesus hadn't been in the way. Plus he's on pens and has always been a baps magnet

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

                Plus sterling was benched. I don't want that from my premium asset

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

          They've looked fine except up front ; with Sterling and Aguero fit people expect normal service to be resumed. Fixtures help.

      19. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Saiss => Dias or Cancelo?

        Same price now, which one is more nailed?

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

          dias is more nailed, but cancelo has higher upside

      20. Dosh
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Drop one.
        A. Salah (get Jota instead)
        B. KdB
        C. Bruno
        D. Vardy

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

          A for now but plan to get him back in asap

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

        I am logging out lads, enjoy the evening and get ready for the festive period it is going to be amazing, so many ups and downs to talk about.

        Cheers,

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

        How would you use this FT?

        Martinez Steer
        Chilwell Cresswell Lamptey KWP Mitchell
        KDB Bruno Ziyech Grealish Bissouma
        Kane DCL Wilson

        1 FT, 1.9 ITB