Scout Notes

Leeds extend run of clean sheets as Everton defence suffers without Digne

Everton 0-1 Leeds

  • Goals: Raphinha (£5.4m)
  • Assists: Jack Harrison (£5.5m)
  • Bonus points: Illan Meslier x3 (£4.5m), Stuart Dallas x2 (£4.5m), Raphinha x1

PHILL-ING IN

Kalvin Phillips‘ (£4.9m) return to full fitness continues to help boost Leeds at both ends of the pitch as they came away from Goodison Park with a 1-0 win on Saturday afternoon.

While it was an open encounter, with big chances for either side, the Whites’ defensive midfielder covered every blade of grass to protect the back-four and dictate play moving forward.

Illan Meslier (£4.5m) should also take a huge amount of credit for Saturday’s clean sheet, contributing eight saves and walking away with maximum bonus and an 11-point score.

It has certainly not gone unnoticed that, in the two matches since Phillips came back from injury, Leeds are yet to concede. In fact, on average, Marcelo Bielsa’s men give up 1.3 goals per game with him in the side, compared to 2.7 per game in his absence.

Considering how poor Leeds were at the back in 4-1 defeats to Leicester and Crystal Palace, Fantasy Premier League managers had been targetting them for sure-fire attacking returns but both Arsenal and Everton have failed to capitalise on that in the last two Gameweeks.

The fact that Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.9m) recorded only his second blank of the season in Gameweek 10 is testament to what Leeds are capable of in terms of game management. That could be a factor that plays into the Gameweek 11 captaincy debate when Chelsea welcome the Whites to Stamford Bridge.

WHITE AS A CLEAN SHEET

Leeds’ upturn in clean sheets over recent weeks is definitely something for Fantasy managers to keep on their radar with the Whites’ fixture-swing in Gameweek 13.

Between then and Gameweek 16, they face Newcastle, Burnley and West Bromwich Albion, the latter two of the division’s lowest scorers this season.

While Phillips is not the sort of asset to warrant investment himself, his presence in the team boosts credentials for Luke Ayling (£4.5m), Stuart Dallas (£4.5m), and Ezgjan Alioski (£4.4m).

The appeal of the former is relatively straight forward, considering he is Leeds’ first-choice marauding right-back.

However, Dallas and Alioski could present more explosive potential considering how Bielsa has used them in recent matches.

Against Arsenal, the Northern Ireland international was deployed in central midfield with Alioski filling in at left-back. And, at Everton, Dallas returned to the left-hand side of defence while Alioski was deployed as a left-winger with Jack Harrison (£5.5m) tucked in at central midfield.

When Leeds’ more appealing fixtures do come closer to the horizon, Fantasy managers should check in to see how Bielsa has been using Dallas and Alioski over a longer period.

RAPH WITH THE SMOOTH

Owners of Patrick Bamford (£6.1m) might be a little concerned at his back-to-back blanks following the international break but, once again, it was not for the lack of trying against Everton.

The striker was easily Leeds’ greatest goal threat at Goodison Park, turning and shooting smartly early on, then forcing Jordan Pickford (£4.9m) into an excellent save with his foot before converting a Raphinha (£5.4m) cross only to see it ruled out for offside.

The Gameweek 11 trip to Chelsea is sure to be off-putting for some, especially considering the Blues’ recent defensive improvements. But given how often Bamford likes to fire off a shot, it makes sense to hold for those aforementioned appealing fixtures.

Fantasy managers have mostly drawn blanks when looking for an attacking alternative in midfield among Leeds assets this season but Raphinha appears to be making a case for himself.

Tipped by Tom Freeman in our Spot the Differential article this week, he finally followed up his Gameweek 9 promise by scoring at Everton.

That he was unfortunate to hit the post against Arsenal and added more threat in Gameweek 10, Raphinha is certainly one to watch for the coming weeks.

STICKY TOFFEES

While Leeds were certainly worthy of the win on their own attacking merits, Everton’s poor defence played its part on Saturday.

They face Chelsea and Leicester in two of the next three, which could genuinely influence the captaincy debate in those Gameweeks considering how obliging they are.

The Toffees came into Gameweek 10 with the second-worst expected goals conceded (xGC) score over the previous four matches and matched that level of performance against Leeds.

Carlo Ancelotti kept faith with the 3-4-2-1 shape he has recently adopted even with Lucas Digne (£6.2m) out injured for several months.

However, he made a curious decision to omit Niels Nkounkou (£4.0m) from the starting line-up, deploying Alex Iwobi (£5.9m) as Digne’s replacement at left wing-back.

Needless to say, this was an area that Leeds targetted ruthlessly, Raphinha seeing much of his success as he got away from Iwobi’s attention with relatively little effort.

Everton XI (3-4-2-1): Pickford; Holgate (Bernard 82′), Keane, Godfrey; Iwobi (A Gomes 67′), Allan, Doucouré, T Davies (Delph 61′); Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin, Rodríguez.

Leeds United XI (4-1-4-1): Meslier; Dallas, Cooper, Koch, Ayling; K Phillips; Alioski, Harrison (Costa 89′), Klich, Raphinha (Poveda-Ocampo 85′); Bamford (Rodrigo 90+1′).

Lessons Learned from FPL Gameweek 10

595 Comments Post a Comment
  1. SKENG
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who would you rather have for next week ONLY?

    A) Son (ARS), Vardy (shu)
    B) Sterling (FUL), Wilson (avl)

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B assuming Sterling starts, if it looks unlikely that he starts then A

      1. SKENG
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Edging towards A myself, with the assumption Sterling starts in Champions League making him pretty unreliable for Fulham. Thanks!

      2. zøphar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        There's no way to predict that , even if sterling plays 90 midweek it means little either way with pep

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A by far

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

      A

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

      B

  2. HODGE
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

  3. Rash
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Really feel got off lightly yesterday as non owner of man City player's. Fear Fulham could be a bloodbath!!

    Martinez
    Chilwell PVA targett
    Salah grealish jota bruno bowen
    Kane DCL

    4.0 lamptey mitchel brewster

    1ft 2.8itb

    Some suggestions please

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

      It’s either Bruno or Mo to KDB.

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Prefer Salah and Bruno personally but you could get Torres for Bowen?

      1. Rash
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I dont feel comfortable dropping either of them either. Bowen could become Torres, mahrez or even Foden but think sterling and KDB will score considerably more..

    3. SKENG
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'd do Kane and Bowen out for a hit

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

      or Kane, Bowen > KDB, Wilson (-4)

      1. Rash
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I like that! I do think kane could do well against arsenal though..

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

        This

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

    DCL clearly suffered too without digne, not a single big chance

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yes but he's still get value, no need to worry about him

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

        Value is not the argument, there's only three striker slots and players like Wilson bamford etc have better fixtures

        1. WVA
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          If you have a spare transfer then maybe but will be hard to get him back and I think he comfortably matches those two over next few fixtures

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

      He’s gone for me next week Zoph.

      Also please cover Sterling on the pod 😉

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

        Very little to work with considering we will be recording during the UCL matches

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

      The cost of free transfer is my problem when tactically playing targeting FUL for premium assets. After GW12 I am assessing him.

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

      Agreed
      No Service from the wings is bad for him
      On my dumping watchlist

  5. WVA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    May have to go without City one more week unless Son gets injured which I really hope he doesn't? 3.6 ITB.

    Martinez
    Justin Lamptey KWP
    Bruno Son Grealish Jota
    Kane Vardy DCL
    Steer Coufal Mitchell Stephens

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

    "Tradition dictates that Christmas trees should be put up at the beginning of Advent – the fourth Sunday before Christmas – which this year falls on 29 November."

    Get 'em up!

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Mines up and Christmas songs are fully playing

    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Went up 10 days ago

      Bored 😆

    3. Ian J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Mine has been up for weeks

  7. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    If Sterling starts UCL midweek...

    Would you sell for Son (ARS)?

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

      Maybe but how will u get Mo or do yoy already have him

      1. davies
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Next week for Bruno or Vardy

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Your team?

      1. davies
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Martinez 4.0
        Chilwell Lamptey Kilman Mitchell Dunne
        KDB Sterling Bruno Grealish Soucek
        Vardy DCL Bamford

        1. WVA
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Can you find a way to get Salah over Son? If not then Son is great

          1. davies
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Salah in next week for Bruno or Vardy/Soucek

    3. Forza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      With Sterling playing Fulham at home, no way. Pep has gone out of his way to praise Sterling's ability to play several games in a week.

      1. davies
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Really can’t take another benching + priced out of Salah if he drops this week

  8. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    a) Werner + Grealish
    b) Wilson + Salah

    GW12 that is

    1. puhd
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

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

      B

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

      GW12 B

  9. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    This is the team I'm planning towards -4 by gwk12, thoughts

    Martinez Forster
    Chilwell Dias Coufal Targett Lewis
    Salah KDB Bruno Grealish Jota
    DCL Wilson Brewster

    1. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      That will be the template. Not a bad thing, of course.

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Bloody good but no Son or Kane....

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Some cash cows in there if I need to bring one in.

    3. puhd
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Looks good mate

    4. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks all

    5. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I will have more or less the same team, except Cresswell and Dallas for your Dias and Coufal.

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Nice mate

      2. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        You don't fancy City defence?

  10. puhd
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Time to sell Hamez I guess, 5 blanks in a row.
    Jota the best replacement?
    Rest of midfield: Son KDB Bruno Grealish

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

      Give him Burnley and then transfer him out if blanks.

      Help below, pls.

  11. DMP
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Bar Covid or injury, is it worth to finally ship Ramsdale, or should I save ft?

    Ramsdale
    Dias KWP Targett (Taylor, Ferguson)
    KDB Fernandes Jota Grealish (Bissouma)
    Kane Vardy Dcl

    Choosing Ramsdale was a good call for set and forget from the beggining, but turned out to be the worst I could made.

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

      Considering Meslier btw for fixtures swing on GW13.

    2. HODGE
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Loads of better options for cheaper so make the move

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

        Even agains Saving ft for bringing Salah in, for Fulham?

    3. puhd
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah. Ship

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

        For who?

  12. Bonus magnet
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    who is the cheapest defender guaranteed minutes

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

      Alioski?

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

      Kilman (4.3) and Lewis (4.3)

    3. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Lewis 4.3m

    4. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Lewis

    5. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Williams at 3.9 may play a few

    6. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers All!!!!

  13. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Carlo has managed this injury crisis much worse than expected for such a flexible manager and his quality. I know Everton's squad isn't full of depth but even then, I thought he would do better.

    1. HODGE
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Everton are a mid table team

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

      Or maybe they just overachieved to start the year. Pretty crazy that Everton are the only team to have beaten Spurs this year so far.

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

        *in the PL.

      2. HODGE
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Spurs were awful that day then Everton beat a 10 man west Brom and they were over hyped

      3. HODGE
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Harrison got an assist lol maybe your right

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Everton's first team looks good:

      Pickford
      Coleman Mina Keane Digne
      Gbamin Doucoure Allan
      James DCL Richarlison

      But their second team is not good. There is a significant drop in quality at every position:

      Olsen
      Kenny Holgate Godfrey Nkounkou
      Delph Siggy Gomes
      Bernard Tosun Iwobi

      Backups: Virginia (GK), Branthwaite (DF), Davies (MF), Gordon (FW)

    4. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Thought this post makes sense re Everton’s lack of direction/system.

      https://members.boardhost.com/peoplesforum/msg/1606612747.html

  14. King of Kings.
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Morning lads,

    Who do we like at the moment as the best defender under 4.5?

    (not including Dallas or Kilman)

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

      Balbuena.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Maybe Lewis/Manquillo. Coufal/Walker Pieters if he they are still 4.5

      1. Third Eye Vision
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I didn’t get Coufal in the other week because I wasn’t convinced about West Ham’s CS potential. He’s 4.6 now, but I reckon he’s the best pick at that price.

        I like Vestergaard too, but he’s 4.7 now.

    3. King of Kings.
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'm considering Lewis. Will probably have to start them next GW so having to take that into consideration too.

      Unfortunately Coufal and KWP have gone up.

  15. Bonus magnet
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I miss the days when people would tell us they didn't see so and so (footballer) board the train to london or wasn't seen at the airport

  16. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Early thoughts on this lot?

    Martinez
    James Chilwell C.Taylor
    KDB Bruno Son Grealish
    Kane DCL Bamford

    Forster Coufal Anguissa Mitchel

    1ft 0.9itb

    Leaning towards saving the transfer....

    1. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Probably a save for now, but you'll need Salah for Fulham. Or a large sofa.

  17. Cantona's Kung Fu Kick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    is it time to dump James, can do him > Grealish

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Weeks ago

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      It's time to dump both

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Grealish will change your mind tomorrow night

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Hope you are right but I'm not impressed 😀

          1. Holmes
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Especially without set-piece duties

    3. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      See how Grealish does tomorrow

  18. HODGE
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    First team ain't that good only digne is decent in defence midfield is average and Jrod is lazy injury prone and not all that.

    1. HODGE
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Meant for above Everton team

  19. Hangman Page
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    How often would you say that people misuse statistics about teams and players to confirm their own biases or to make themselves feel better about their own team’s situation?

    Ahead of the Manchester City Burnley game, I saw a fair few people putting weight on the fact City had only about one per game. This ignored the fact that they were zipping it around a fair bit against Spurs and I felt were unlucky. More importantly, their history against Burnley and the total inflexibility of Dyche which mean he would repeat past mistakes all suggested that at least a two goal margin of victory was likely.

    I think looking at stats objectively is actually quite hard. I often watch a game and think “I like that player” and then look for stats which justify my transfer, rather than allowed them to change my mind or make me think twice.

    I think this mass consumption of stats isn’t questioned often enough. Just ‘cause you read some stats doesn’t mean you’re making an informed move - you are probably just confirming your own biases.

    1. Dosh
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Agreed. Eye test over everything else.

      1. Hangman Page
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Totally agree. There’s also room for the “common sense” built up over years of watching football.

        Another factor is I feel people like to find a stat that goes against the popular opinion just for the sake of it.

        Remember last season when people started saying Vardy’s goal scoring is unsustainable statistically. Had they watched Jamie Vardy over the past four seasons?! The man is an elite level finisher.

    2. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I agree with you.. stats are quite helpful and to add to your points: the most important thing to remember is that events in one game week don't influence events in another => independent events

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

      As with most things in life, it's about balance.

      Stats are a logical tool to be used alongside gut feelings and eye test. They each have their merit, and should be combined to make a wise decision. Using one on their own will often lead you down a pit.

      I've been guilty of being too logical and orderly in the past, but I'm starting to open up more now, and embrace the chaos and emotion a bit more. Balance is important.

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

        KDB(C) btw.

        In the past I may have avoided that because of his poor data this season.

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

      A good example was the TAA vs Roberston discussion a few weeks back.

      Yes, statwise, TAA was outstripping Robbo for crosses, chances created.
      Until you watch the game and notice that a large number of these crosses were aimed towards an advanced playing Robbo .

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

      Incredibly often. Proper data analysts probably pulling their hair out at the thought.

      1. Hangman Page
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Agree. The weight put on xG over a very short period is one of the most egregious examples of the misuse of stats for me.

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

          It's not even just FPL that this applies to. Every day people use data incorrectly.

          It's hard not to when tgere

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

            *when there's so much of it.

    6. Forza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Good points, although I find it easier to find objectivity in solid indisputable numbers as opposed to the analogue eye test. Plus I'd rather be a week late than three weeks early to City's uptick in form.

    7. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Man City's aG (actual goals) was underperforming compared to their xG (expected goals) prior to the Burnley game (they have just caught up after the Burnley game).

      Historically, Man City perform slightly (only slightly) better than xG in their aG. So it always seemed a temporary blip. Jesus is an issue up front as he is profligate. His aG has historically always been below his xG. Aguero, on the other hand, usually tracks aG pretty well versus xG. So getting Aguero back into the team for Jesus is important for Man City's attacking output.

      1. Hangman Page
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Totally agree on Jesus.

        I’ve seen City in the flesh twice at The Hawthorns. First occasion Agüero with two amazing finishes, second occasion Jesus fluffed a couple of one on ones. The difference in their finishing was very noticeable.

        1. Hangman Page
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          And yet this is me judging them on a tiny sample size in direct contradiction of everything I have said

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

      Some individuals use statistics as a drunk man uses lamp-posts — for support rather than for illumination.

    9. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Stats are so easy to use to prove a point. That's the main reason, it seems, why they've become so widespread. Anyone argues with you? Pull out xG numbers and prove them wrong. Inevitably, many end up using them incorrectly.

      I'm sure I have been guilty of this many times too. Eye test is king but stats are can be very useful with proper context applied.

    10. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'm one of those people who buy membership almost purely to support the site and rarely ever look at the stats.

      Using a more technical, stats-based approach would, for me, remove some of the joy from the game.

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

      Funny I agree with your point but I would say the people bringing in City players are the ones who are ignoring stats or bending them to favor their agenda. The obvious stats that are mostly used to argue in favor of players/teams (xG, SiB, Big Chances etc) are ignored when it comes to City.

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

        The historical data was there. Recent City data is unreliable given their injury issues and lack of pre-season. In this instance, I thought the long-term data and the eye test would be more reliable.

        Some teams are suited to crack tough nuts like Burnley. City are one of them, I'd say Chelsea and Pool are the other two.

    12. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I agree with some of what you say; yet re City, with hindsight it’s quite easy to write what you did after City just thrashed Burnley. I would wager most thought they were going to win by a couple but a lot (myself included) didn’t think it would be a rout based on City’s numbers being so much poorer this year than last, hugely so. I didn’t pay much heed to results in corresponding past fixtures, which was a mistake as I now realise Dyche really has no clue how to set up against City.

      1. Hangman Page
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I did write on here on Friday that I’d bet £100 on City being in the top three scorers in the league come May. I stand by that now.

    13. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      DCL is a player who it is difficult to apply the stats approach to.

      Historically, DCL underperforms his xG with his aG. But this season, DCL is not the same player as he has been given a different role with Ancelotti.

      So far, DCL has outperformed his xG (xG of 7 vs aG of 10). I expect he will regress slightly, but it would not be surprising to see him track his xG over the whole of the season.

      The question you now have to ask is can Everton create enough xG for DCL so that is still a good option when he converts that to aG.

  20. CONNERS
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Leeds' recent defensive performances just reinforces Dallas' credentials as a great option given the position he's playing in. I will be getting him for GW12 onwards.

    Anyone else bringing him in?

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yep

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Could be my Salah enabler and Cancelo replacement if incase required. Though I still don't trust them for CSs.

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

      Maby, but more likely to get Bamberg next week

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

        Bamford 🙂

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

      I am thinking to get Ayling in gw12 but not so sure.Maybe Lewis.

    5. LewanGOALski
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      already have him as constant points on my bench 😀

      1. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        This

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

      Me

    7. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yep, Bamford has looked good also.

      Just need to find a way of fitting him in later as currently have a front 3 of Vardy, DCL and Wilson.

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

      Had him for weeks - decent scores of bench a couple of times and will be starter soon.

    9. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Might do Lamptey to him actually

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

      Coming off bench bench for Cancelo this week, phew.

    11. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Took a hit to get him in this week (only had 10). Will put that down to luck as if Lamptey hadn't got a red, I wouldnt have done it.

    12. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Shame I’ve benched him two weeks in a row

  21. WVA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Working towards this team, what do you think?

    Martinez Steer
    Justin Lamptey KWP Coufal Dallas
    Salah KDB Bruno Son Grealish
    DCL Wilson Brewster

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Looks ok. How many FTs or hits? And how many weeks will it take?

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        4 transfers away

    2. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      downgrade one, maybe Grealish so you have at least one premium ish Def

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

      Defence needs beefing up and if Jota gets hot his value cannot be ignored

  22. Canarinha
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    He should give Nkounkou a chance, Iwobi was godawful.

    That kid has the potential to be a real star

    1. LewanGOALski
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      wingbacks of Tom Davies and Iwobi was a terrible decision of Ancelotti IMO

      1. Third Eye Vision
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Iwobi did well as RWB in the previous game, then next game he’s LWB. It made little sense to me.

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

          Wasn't that mostly forced upon because of Digne.

          1. Third Eye Vision
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Tom Davies was hardly the obvious pick though for that position. My point is that since both were playing OOP, why move Iwobi when he’d done well on the right in the previous game.

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

      And a great option for 4.0 😉

    3. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      He looked good in the games against lower league opposition. He definitely struggled in the PL game he started though.

      I would give him another chance, although I wonder if Delph is going to get a run out as LWB or even LB in a 4 next game.

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

      Love it if Nkounkou does come in. Straight swap for Mitchell.

      1. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I’m going to chance it. He’s my makeweight to get in De Bruyne. Big risk, though, since I also have Mitchell and Cancelo

  23. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Morning all!Your predictions for Sou-ManUtd?

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      1-3

    2. Dosh
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      1-2

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

      0-3

    4. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      0-0

      1. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I'll take that.

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

      If Cavani and VDB start I would expect some goals

    6. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      1-1

    7. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      We are red hot right now, 2-2 hopefully

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

      Prediction? ... Pain

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

      1-3

      Bruno and Rashford here, so hopefully it's open...

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Rashford going to start ? I sold him worried about him not playing and I was going to (c)

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

          Hope so.

          He was in training, so assumed he'd be fine...

  24. Canarinha
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Carlos that is

  25. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    if you could only have 1 of them for the next couple of games, which one would it be:

    A) KDB
    or
    B) Salah

    ..?

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

      A

    2. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      a

    3. Jenas
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

      kev

  26. Canarinha
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Martinez
    Dallas-Lamptey-Vestergaard
    Son-Bruno-Salah-KdB-Jota
    Kane-Bam

    Bench
    Steer, Buur, Brewster, Kilman

    Shipped out DCL and Grealish to get KDB and Jota...time will tell if that was stupid asf!:/

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

      Good forward looking moves

    2. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Midfield is amazing. I'd be tempted to lose Kane for Wilson or DCL and upgrade defence.

      e.g I see Wilson, Dias and Chilwell outscoring Kane, Lamptey and Vestergaard.

    3. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Sorry just seen you've moved out DCL already.

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

    How many players do you have in CHE-TOT game later today and what do you expect: low scoring or many goals? 3 here and hope for goals.

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Ziyech,Chilwell and Chelsea fan
      Ziyech G Chilwell A 1-0 win is something I'll take happily and is realistic as well

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

        Yes sir. I would like that result.

    2. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      2 - both defenders - and I expect it to be low scoring

    3. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Hoping for a Chilwell rest, Werner brace and a Kane missed pen
      Dallas 1st sub

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

      3 (Regulión Son & Chilwell). From a selfish fantasy point of view I hope it is goalless, but from an actual football perspective I hope it’s a goalfest.

    5. ritzyd
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Hoping for 2-1 chelsea with werner brace and an unassisted moura goal. Is a red for son and missed penalty for kane too much to ask on top?

  28. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Any chances Bruno gets subbed off early because United have PSG midweek? Or you think he gets 90 mins?

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

      Only if we're ahead by 3 goals

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

        depends on the score.

  29. All For One
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Martinez
    Kwp, Cancelo, Chiwell
    Ziyech, Kdb, Bruno, Grealish
    Vardy, Dcl, Watkins

    Button, Coufal, Bissouma, Kilman

    2FT 0.2 ITB

    What to do?

    Thinking of Watkins to Antonio or Grealish to Jota?

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      If you have 2FT's i'd just do Cancelo to Dias over those moves

      1. All For One
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Is Dias nailed?

        A bit angry how Cancelo was benched lol

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

      Picked that too well.
      How you planning on getting Mo back?

      1. All For One
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Bruno will most likely become Salah when Liverpool face Fulham.

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

          Tricky. Antonio if he is back.

          1. All For One
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Yeh I'll wait and see if Antonio is back, thanks guys.

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

    Mr and Mrs Smith have six daughters and each daughter has one brother. How many people are in the family?

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 3 months ago

        6 daughters, 1 brother, 2 parents

      • Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        9

      • Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        6 daughters + 1 brother + parents = 9 in the family

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

          DCL out

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

            lol

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

        Good stuff. Can you write down eight eights so that they add up to one thousand?

        1. Bielsa Murderball
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          8+8+8+888+88=1000

          1. Bielsa Murderball
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Knew it from before 😉

      • The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Don't tell me, you're an immigration enforcement officer and want us to do your job for you?

        No way, Jose. 😀

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

          Ha ha.
          Life in the UK questions are more like what relation is Princess Michael of Kent to the Queen or what is the main religion of people who live in Merthyr Tydfil. You know, stuff that Britissh people all know.