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. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is Rashford potentially on pens now?

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

      Nah.

      1. Ci Siamo
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Bruno was on a hatrick, why would he give it away?

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

          To share the goals.

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

            Sharing is caring,hope he shares more as Rash owner

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

          Camaraderie

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

            He's not the kind of player who cares about individual records. He wants wins.

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

            Is that little Italian fella.

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

          Wants a non-penalty hat-trick for the memes.

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

      Nah, maybe he’ll give the odd one away though. Perhaps the fact that Rashford won it was a factor, but it would have been Bruno taking it at 0-0 or 1-0

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

    Do we reckon this is worth it
    Wilson n Son to Jota n Vardy - 4

    Cheers

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

      If you plan to (C) Vardy then yes.

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

      Eh.. taking son out for a hit just doesn't sound right. Wait to fo for free

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

    Why rashford taking penalty?

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

      Because they're walking a game against a bunch of part timers . . . Rash needs filling up.

  4. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Demba Ba, Martin Skrtel, Nacer Chadli...

    This turkish team is just a has been Prem team

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

      The real question that should be asked is how the hell United lost to this lot in the first game.

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

      Rafael too lol.

    3. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      and Rafael too wow

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

    Bruno with no penalties...is transfer out for sure.

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

      Sigh

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

      U do that.

    3. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Sure, tell all your mates too

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

        Haha dont take it too srsly:D just kidding.

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

      Ogs wants Rashford to become CL Top scorer

    5. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Subbed on 59 mins too. Clincher

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

        Ole trolling the FPL players.

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

    This Visca guy is class. How has a top team not snapped him up yet...

  7. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Tuanzebe out for PSG. Damn.

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

      LOL

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

      Que?

  8. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I need opinion on Zaha to Jota if already have Salah?

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

      Good move I think

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

    Greenwood coming on.

  10. barton fc
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    worth the hit (proving salah looks fit tomorrow)
    zaha + kane > salah + vardy 4.3ITB

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

      Probably

    2. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      yes

    3. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      That’s my plan too.

  11. Tomas_brolin
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez
    Chilwell Coufal Kilman
    Salah (C) Fernandes Grealish Soucek Son
    Kane DCL

    GOt 2 FT and 1.0 itb so might just get a City defender.

    Don’t see City thrashing Burnley who look tight again. 2-0 tops

    Kane to Vardy tempting but sticking with the form man

    Am I missing anything obvious with 2 FT?

    1. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I think you’re being sensible. Far more sensible than I could be!!

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

    Hopefully pundits realise Brandon Williams is a RB now. Backup for AWB.

    Had to play LB to facilitate Ethan Laird at youth level, then he played there for the first team because United had no LBs fit.

    RB is his best position.

  13. Ëð
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Son, Kane, Hamez -> Son, Vardy, Jota for a hit? Got exact funds

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

      Huh? Just do kane vardy, not worth a hit, kane can score

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

      What

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

        Sorry, second son should be Salah

    3. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      So to be clear one transfer is Son to Son?

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

        Sorry that should be Salah!

      2. Stockport Hatter
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Ignore above.

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

    Current team : 0.6ITB

    Martinez
    Robbo, Chillwell, Coufal (Lamptey, Mitchell)
    KDB, Bruno, Grealish, Zaha (Bissouma)
    Kane, DCL, Bamford

    Any changes needed for hits?
    Salah or Vardy?
    Zaha and Kane to Watkins/Antonio and Salah -8?
    Or do I hold?

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

    1FT. 1.9 ITB. Happy to do -4.

    Saiss & Zaha to who?

    McCarthy - Forster
    Chilwell - Saiss - Justin - Lamptey - Mitchell
    Fernandes - Son - Grealish - Zaha - Stephens
    Kane - Werner - DCL

    Thanks

  16. 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.!

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

      sort ur def

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

      Similar team to mine. Only going to have 2 playing defenders so Saiss to cancelo is the safe move. Can’t really do anything else after that without multiple hits.

  17. Babelcopter
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Difficult situation. Salah or no Salah?

    A)Foden, Kane -> Jota, Vardy
    B) Jrod,Kane, Foden -> Salah,Bissouma, Vardy -4

    1. chilli con kone
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

  18. Old Gregg
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Which moves please.
    I have asked this a few times. Apologies for repeating myself but I cannot make my mind up.

    a) Foden > KDB
    b) Werner > vardy
    C) Foden + Werner > KDB + Vardy (-4)

    1. GS456
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C for me

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

        C

    2. Old Gregg
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks. C is Ivery tempting. I Probably would captain vardy too

    3. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C

  19. GS456
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is Pereira or Castagne a threat to Justin?

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

      Both are. Justin will still get games in a back 5 or via Christmas rotation IMO.

      Not 100% reliable soon though.

      1. GS456
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Another defensive transfer worry then.

        Cheers mate

    2. Old Gregg
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes, as Haz says really. Should be ok short term. I am looking to transfer him out after the next 3/4

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

        Same, although he should get their decent next few fixtures on one flank or the other

    3. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Does Evans' 4YC tally mean that Justin could fill in in a 3 even if Pereira / Castagne are back?

  20. davewg59
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is there room for Jota in the Liverpool first eleven with mane, salah and firmino?

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

      If they play 4231 yes

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

      He has been absolutely phenomenal, he certainly deserves one.

      My only concern is that he might be used for the Champion's League games instead. There's a busy schedule coming up.

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

        If they win tomorrow I reckon Origi and Minamino will play in the remaining group games

    3. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Think he’s started a game with them once already hasn’t he? He deserves that chance regularly in my opinion.

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

      Yes, especially with all the injuries in midfield. 4-2-3-1 seems inevitable.

  21. Parsnips
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What transfers should I make with my team? 3.9ITB

    Martinez
    Coufal Robo Chilwell
    Bruno Kevin Barkley Zaha
    Watkins DCL Werner

    Ryan Anguissa Dunne Mitchell

    Is it worth wanting to get in Jota Cancelo and Vardy for Werner Dunne and Zaha?

    1. chilli con kone
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I would just to Barkley to Jota

    2. The Ilfordian
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      You could do Barkley Zaha for Salah Soucek I think?

  22. chilli con kone
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    On wildcard...

    Drop one and why

    A. KDB
    B. Grealish
    C. Ziyech
    D. Bruno
    E. Son
    F. Salah

    1. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hmm B or C. Grealish because Villa aren’t actually all that and maybe Ziyech as he looks more likely to assist the assister at the minute. Despite owning him I have that concern.

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

      I mean, they are all ballers snd justifiable picks. I think on WC I'd go without Son or Bruno, allowing more funds in other areas.

      With a gun to my head out of those 2: Son - fixtures.

    3. chilli con kone
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks both. Appreciate the commentary

    4. The Sun'll Come Out To…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ziyech or KDB
      Ziyech b/c he's more an assister
      KDB b/c last year is shaping up as an aberration in terms of goals scored, and City just aren't as good as they have been

      1. chilli con kone
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers mate

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

      On a wildcard, E for sure. Spurs fixtures are seriously brutal (I know they beat City, but we’re talking a run of 6 tough games), while the other players you’ve listed have varying degrees of juicy fixtures coming up

      1. chilli con kone
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks just like the idea of space for Son in behind but definitely a valid point

  23. FPLHaggis
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Evening, team is lit like a Xmas tree and defence looking a bit ropey now. What do you think of these moves, pending midweek footy:

    Martinez (Forster)
    Chilwell Kilman Ayling
    Salah* (c) KDB Grealish Soucek
    Kane DCL Antonio*
    (Barkley* Saiss* Lamptey*)
    1FT 1.5m itb

    Thinking about Saiss to:
    A) Cancelo
    B) Dias

    1) Barkley to Jota (-4)
    2) Play Soucek and hope Antonio plays

    1. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A1

    2. chilli con kone
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A1 the hit is worth it in my opinion

  24. Stockport Hatter
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez
    Zouma Chilwell Masuaku
    Zaha Grealish Rodriguez Bruno Ziyech
    Kane DCL

    Steer Taylor Brewster Mitchell

    1 FT 5.1m itb

    A) Zaha and Kane to Salah and Vardy -4
    B) Zaha and Brewster to Jota and Vardy -4 +benching headache.
    C) Anything else

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

    How bad is de Gea?!? Diving behind the line

  26. BeaversWithAttitude
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Lol, De Gea's bowl cut scrapping the back of the net.

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

    Except from the penalty Rashford's performance was poor.

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

    Cavani and Donny playing 90 minutes. Shame.

  29. Babelcopter
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Cavani reminds me of Bebe

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

      After that cross I have to find that Bebe crossing show video on youtube

  30. Parsnips
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Looking in bringing in Maddison for 2 weeks then I’ll ship him off to Salah, or Cancelo for Dunne. What one should I do?

    Martinez
    Coufal Chilwell Robo
    Zaha Barkley Bruno Kevin
    Watkins DCL Werner

    Ryan Anguissa Dunne Mitchell

    1FT 3.9ITB

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

      Ew don't get maddison. Just get salah

      1. Stockport Hatter
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        This