Scout Notes

Budget goalkeeper Johnstone good for FPL save points as Baggies come under siege

West Bromwich Albion 1-0 Sheffield United

  • Goals: Conor Gallagher (£5.5m)
  • Assists: None
  • Bonus: Sam Johnstone (£4.5m) x3, Gallagher x2, Semi Ajayi (£4.8m) x1

A first-half goal from Conor Gallagher (£5.5m) secured a crucial victory for West Bromwich Albion over fellow strugglers Sheffield United.

So perilous are the positions of both teams that the game had ‘vastly important’ stamped all over it.

But from a Fantasy perspective, its significance was considerably more niche.

Unpopularity Contest

No player, from either side, went into the match with double-digit ownership levels in Fantasy Premier League (FPL).

The most popular asset on display was Rhian Brewster (£4.5m and 6.2%), who was given a second straight bit-part role by United boss Chris Wilder and remains painfully short of confidence, minutes and chances.

The match was far from boring – the 39 shots both sides managed between them was the most in a Premier League game this season. It just lacked anyone with the (relative) quality required to convert the eight big chances created on the day.

Future Imperfect

So are there any players from either side currently worth investing in?

Short answer: no. 

Longer answer: nope.

Neither team’s immediate schedule is overly promising. 

The Baggies do have Crystal Palace at home and then a trip to Newcastle up next, but things turn sour (mci AVL liv LEE ARS) after that.

The Blades, meanwhile, face Leicester, Southampton and Manchester United next, although their Christmas fixtures (bha EVE bur cry) are a bit more accommodating.

West Brom have tightened up at the back since securing their first clean sheet of the campaign in Gameweek 5, conceding just five goals in as many matches.

Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone (£4.5m) has impressed in that time and he brought in 11 points against Sheffield thanks to six saves and the maximum bonus award.

He’s now joint-top, with Newcastle’s Karl Darlow (£5.0m), for saves (44) and only six ‘keepers have more FPL points than him.

At least investing in Johnstone won’t be boring, but the key Fantasy factor regarding both West Brom and Sheffield United at present involves who in your team might get the chance to face one or other of them in the next few weeks.

Because whether they’re at the back or in attack, there are points to be had.

Reaction Round-Up

Wilder was his usual blunt and honest self post-match:

We’ve got nobody to blame but ourselves. If you don’t take your chances and don’t show that quality in and around the box or the penalty area, you’re not going to win games of football.

West Brom coach Slaven Bilic was, obviously, rather more upbeat:

It’s a great boost for our confidence and for the games that are coming.

But it’s going to take a lot more, from both teams, to persuade Fantasy managers to invest in any of their assets any time soon.

In fact, the main interest at present revolves around why so many are still grimly holding on to Brewster.

Yes, he’s cheap, but he’s managed just two shots on target and eight points from six joyless appearances thus far.


West Bromwich Albion XI (5-3-2): Johnstone; Townsend (Phillips 75), Bartley, Ivanovic, Ajayi, Furlong; Gallagher, Sawyers, M Pereira; C Robinson (Robson-Kanu 65), Grant (Krovinovic 75).

Sheffield United XI (3-5-2): Ramsdale; K Bryan (Lundstram 63), Egan, Basham; Lowe, Fleck, Norwood (Brewster 54), Berge, Baldock; McBurnie, Burke (Mousset 74).

Lessons Learned from FPL Gameweek 10

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1,235 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Notwithstanding Jimenez injury, transfers paid off big time this week for a -4

    Son Foden Jimi
    To
    Kdb(c) Jota Bamford

    1. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Looks good other than son could hurt you

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Used to be dad. How things have changed. I need a pillow.

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

        He did this

        1. Feed tha Sheep
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Sorry didn’t read properly

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

      Who would you have captained if you did not make that trade?

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

        Reluctantly Bruno since he was my VC and captain last week
        Same score as Kdb but moving forward KDb captain most times

  2. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Keep cancelo or sell for somebody ?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Keep for now but he’s definitely at risk.

    2. marcos11
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      See if hes rested midweek

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

        If he's rested 2 games in a row, couldn't that also mean he's dropped?

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

          No, it might mean Mendy is preferred but Mendy will need some rest as well.

        2. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          No chance.

  3. Paul Psychic Octopus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Dear Arsenal,

    I am way past my best and by Premier League standards, probably quite s*** as well. Please can I have £350,000 a week?

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

      No Ozil

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Ye ah of course. Shall bend over too?

    3. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Arsenal is a mine field I trust WBA /ful over I mean even Lookman got an assist last week lol
      Arsenal attack is dead because arteta is weird

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

    Any of these worth doing:
    A) Jimenez -> Wilson/Bamford
    B) Jimenez + Rodriguez -> Brewster + KDB/Sterling -4
    C) Jimenez + Rodriguez -> Wilson + Mahrez -4
    D) Jimenez + Rodriguez -> Jesus + Jota/JWP -4

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

      I like D for Jesus as it seems like aguero is not match fit

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      D.

    3. marcos11
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      D with Jesus and Jota

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

    Below is my team. 58 points with Grealish and Martinez to go. 3.2m in the bank 1 FT

    How do I get Salah and KDB into my team?

    Martinez
    Robbo Chilwell Dias
    Fernandes Son Grealish Jota Podence
    DCL Kane

    Forster Lamptey Brewster Ferguson

    1. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Son Podence Kane out but on Ur own risk I didnt tell you nothing lol

      1. MagicMessi
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        And if not enough maybe Robbo downgrade too
        Weather it's goods moves or not is your choice I answer the question directly

        1. MagicMessi
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Wether*

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

            *Whether (Sorry)

            1. MagicMessi
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 3 months ago

              Yea right I wear glasses and autocorrect is killing me

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Great score!
      Kane to Wilson and then something.

    3. MIDIMAN2010
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      What sort of open question is that? There is literally millions of possibilities...

  6. royaljoe
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Going no Man City next week to risky?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Is there any point answering?

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

      Have you ever put a Porsche into reverse to lower the mileage?

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

      Yes but probably better than going in with 2 with combined points of 0 🙂

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

    Is this a bad move - Salah and Bissouma -> Jota and KDB?

    Very tempted... Means no Salah Vs FUL but I think I'd be happy with Jota (c) at this rate!

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Terrifying moves. No

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

      Haha, thanks. Think it's time I stop thinking about this for a while!

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

    Early thoughts for next week? KdB would be lovely but 0ITB so thinking to save?

    Martinez
    James | Lamptey | Dallas
    Sterling | Bruno | Grealish | Jota
    Kane | DCL

    Steer | Soucek | Kilman | Mitchell

    Thanks

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

      Oops missed Vardy (3-4-3)

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Wait for CL. Should be fine.

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

          Cheers Rupert

    2. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Looking solid it's about the captain it's so tricky next week thinking Fernandez captain myself or Grealesh or KDB (have sterling tooI hope he gets a Hattie) but generally g2g

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

        Thanks, if I’m feeling ballsy I’ll go Sterling

        1. MagicMessi
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I want to but he blanked on me before but yea nice option

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

            He is my all time bogey pick (I never learn!)

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

    What's with Jimenez?

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

      Awake and breathing ; going for a scan.

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

    A) Grealish + Ings
    B) Son + Adams

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

      This is not for next week. Just generally polling because i will have one of these 2 by gw 16

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

      B

    3. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Grealesh is season keeper but who am I to tell you!

  11. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Evening all!! Just out of interest and apologies if it’s been asked a million times but if which two out of these are your preferred options, thankyou !!
    A- Salah
    B- KDB
    C- Bruno

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

      I will have all 3 because i can't decide myself

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I like your style mate!!!! I may join you!! Haha cannot make my mind up

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

      Got KDB and Bruno because they are simply the best Manchester picks.
      Got Robertson and will likely do Bowen -> Jota after CL.

      Kinda feel like Jota and Robertson cover Salah nicely.

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Ooh I like that idea mate!! I shall be doing Ziyech to Jota after Leeds, but would have to lose one of KDB or Bruno to get Salah and I don’t want to lose either realy

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

    The natives are restless in Glasgow tonight

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

      Full moon?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Full pint.

  13. marcos11
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is Jota likely to price wise again midweek? And if so, when is it likely to happen?

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

      Likely tomorrow by the looks of it.
      Could be tonight even.

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

  14. Salarrivederci
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Early thoughts. Who to bench next week out of:
    Cresswell
    Lamptey
    Bamford
    ?

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

      L

  15. Viper
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Which looks a better move?

    A. Ziyech & DCL -> KDB & Bamford

    B. Son & Rodriguez -> KDB & Jota

    C. Ziyech & Rodriguez -> KDB & JWP

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

      B

  16. MagicMessi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Lads I know it's early but I like the crowd here so just did : ivanovic and Bowen to Williams 3.9 and FTorres 0.0 itb
    City overkill but it's ok
    G2G bench correct?

    Meslier
    James Balbuena Chillwel
    Sterling Kdb Fernandez Grealesh Torres
    Vardy. Watkins
    ######
    Mcburnie. Mitchel. Nekowilliams
    All Thoughts appreciated cheers good luck all

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

      Brave making the move early now! Torres could be a nice differential if he starts again

  17. GE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    1) James -> Jota
    2) Son, James and Robertson -> KDB, Jota and max 6.2 def (-8)
    (have Chillwell and Zouma)
    3) Other suggestions?

    (1FT, 0.7 itb)

    Martinez
    Robbie/Chillwell/Zouma
    Salah/Bruno/Son/James/Grealish
    DCL/Bamford

    Bench: Button, Dallas, Mitchell, Brewster

    1. dylano21
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      2 with Walker could be great

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

        Thanks mate

  18. royaljoe
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    GW11 = Salah to KDB(c)
    GW12 = KDB to Salah(c)

    Worth it?

    1. MIDIMAN2010
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah think so. That’s my plan

  19. Klaren
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    At least De Gea's managerial career is going well. Just saw that his team beat Celtic 2-0 today.

  20. dylano21
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Calvert Lewin + Son => Bamford + Fernandes ?

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

      Definitely wouldn't sell Calvert Lewin.

  21. hshepherd
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who would you rather have this week?
    A) Son vs ARS
    B) Jota vs WOL
    Currently have Son, and was planning to make this transfer next week in time for Jota vs ful. However, it could potentially pay bringing it forward this week but feel Son could do well vs Arsenal.

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Son. I own both.

    2. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Jota might get reduced minutes as it's between 2 CL games while Son is likely to be rested midweek. Son is also playing against a team with poor form so definitely Son this week for me.

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

      Thanks for the responses. Feel that keeping Son for this week is sensible, but will see how the midweek games go

  22. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Ziyech owners - thoughts today?

    I thought he was pretty disappointing.

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Gotta give him Leeds

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah I will, but seemed to lack a bit of composure today in what little possession he had in a tight game.

        Still think Pulisic will be the better pick soon.

      2. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Why though? Its not like Leeds are weak defencively.

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

          Lol

    2. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Difficult fixture and both teams played very defensively. I didn't expect anything from him today. Yellow card was the only disappointing point for me.

  23. Captain Vantastic™
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    James down to 1 bonus 🙂

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

      Well that's rude!

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

      You are an idiot.

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        He is speaking the truth. You might want to reconsider who the idiot is

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

          Yes i will..Both of you.

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

      O Brilliant

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

    29(-4) with 3 to go.Anyone with less points?

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

      Same, just without the -4

  25. jia you
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    If I hadn't taken a hit and brought in Walker and Jota, I'd be sitting on 18 points this GW! Small mercies!

  26. Konstaapeli
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Have Chillwel. Would you double up with James or go with Dias?

  27. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is there a chance KDB could be rested next GW?

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Wait and see CL lineup. They've already qualified, so he might be rested.

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

      Yeah they need him in CL because they have already qualified, so KDB definitely plays in that.

    3. jia you
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      got stung badly myself with Sterling(c) this GW... we can never know with Pep unfortunately

    4. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Minefield city

  28. JariL
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    J. Rod & Kane --> KDB & Wilson makes sense even for (-4), right?

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Google "Kane+North+London+Derby"

  29. PrestigeWorldwidewidewide..…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A. Kane + Foden > KDB + Wilson (-4)
    B. Kane + Ziyech > KDB + Wilson (-4)

    Worth it? Have exact cash so would need to act soon before rises.

    Martinez
    Robbo / James / C Taylor
    Salah / Bruno / Ziyech / Foden / Podence
    Kane / DCL

    1. PrestigeWorldwidewidewide..…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Exact cash for A that is.

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

        A

  30. GE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    First hit this season and then -8 😀 lol
    Template mid for everybody I guess...?

    Martinez
    Chillwell/Walker/Zouma
    Salah/KDB/Bruno/Jota/Grealish
    DCL/Bamford

    Bench: Button, Dallas, Mitchell, Brewster