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

GET IN-GAME DATA AT LIVE FPL

Check your own rank and in-play FPL stats on LiveFPL.net every Gameweek

1,235 Comments Post a Comment
  1. 420king
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Early thoughts about this team?

    Martinez
    Robertson, Chilwell, Lamptey
    KDB(c), Bruno, Son, Jota, Grealish
    Bamford, Kane
    (Forster, Brewster, Dallas, Ferguson)
    1FT, 0.2m ITB

    I don't like Bamford but should probably save considering his stats and good games coming up?

    1. Offs!de
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I don't see anything wrong with Bamford. His stats are quite satisfactory and overhauls are due

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Agreed. Soooo unlucky not to score vs Everton.

  2. Offs!de
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who should I sacrifice to make way for Salah?
    1. Ziyech
    2. DCL

    1. Chelsea91
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      1

    2. 420king
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      You think Ziyech keeps regularly starting after everyone is fit? If yes I'd probably sacrifice DCL.

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

        I think yes.
        What other option do they have at RW?

    3. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Both are sacrificable in my opinion, and may very well be booting both before next GW starts in favour of getting KDB

  3. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    still gt martinez cresswell grealish and VARDY capt to play.

    come on VARDY!

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      1 serving of hat trick comin right up

  4. ace3.1415
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    How often will Jota start long term?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Depends on his form but will still naturally suffer from rotation, especially when Pool play a 433

  5. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Cancelo to Reece James? Or is that another transfer waiting to happen?

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Well it’s James’s position now, or so I think so, so a good transfer, just may now and then get rotated but it’s his to lose now anyway.

    2. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Why would you move to a Chelsea defender now? Wait to see what City defs play midweek and if Cancelo plays 90 maybe for for Dias

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

    Semedo and ziyech to konsa/masuaku and kdb? Worth a -4?

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

      On Friday, perhaps.

  7. Ray In Bruges.
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    McCarthy (Nyland)
    Chilwell Zouma Justin (KWP, Kilman)
    Fernandes JRod Grealish Son Jota
    Werner DCL (Brewster)

    1FT, 4.6 ITB

    Thoughts on this lot? JRod > KDB or something else? Appreciate any input!

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

      Hamez > KDB obvious move.

      Great team btw.

      1. Ray In Bruges.
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers!

  8. tafrère
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Kane + Hamez > KDB + Wilson (-4) no brainer then.

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

      Newcastle game could be in danger (C-19) and Kane likely to hammer Arsenal.

  9. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Hey guys, considering to making 2 TFs and move to a 352 to have a mid of:

    Jota KDB Bruno Son Grealish

    What do you guys think? And is Brewster the best pick for less than 5m fwd?

    Cheers

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

      It's the attack I want but instead of Son I'll have Vardy and then Kane again.

  10. LǝgleSs e|even
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Best replacement for TAA?
    Other than Robertson pls..

    1. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Dias

  11. steven8991
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who to make way for KDB?
    1. Son
    2. Ziyech
    3. Bruno

    Who to make way for Wilson to fund KDB transfer?
    A. Vardy
    B. Kane

    Martinez
    Robertson Cancelo Zouma Lamptey Ferguson
    Bruno Son Ziyech Anguissa Bissouma
    Vardy DCL Kane

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      2B

    2. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Son

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

      2A

  12. Simon69
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I'm on my goddam KNEES for a Vardy (c) haul. Average at 38 points so far but I'm sure lots of cappers have already played.

    1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'm with you mate, let's go Jamie grab us a hattrick!

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Happy the likes of Salah / Bruno / KDB have kept it relatively quiet. Strange feeling having your captain play on a Monday... Its been a loooong weekend.

  13. squ1rrel
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Do I WC this week? If not, which week?

    McCarthy - Steer
    Chilwell - Cresswell - Justin - Shaw - Ferguson
    KDB - Rashford - Jota - Ziyech - Anguissa
    Kane - DCL - Werner

    0.2 ITB, 1 FT

    Who are the essentials on WC?

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

      Is that your team? I think it looks fine? Some minor tweaks but definitely nothing that screams using your WC to me.

      1. squ1rrel
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Yes, I got a bit confused with the gameweeks. For some reason I thought I had few weeks left to use it.

    2. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      WC not needed imo

  14. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Mendy, Button
    Chilwell, Cancelo, Coufal, Justin, Targett
    KDB, Bruno, Ziyech, Grealish, Jota
    Vardy, DCL, Brewster

    I think I am ready for next GW but for GW12 I'm planning DCL and Bruno to Wilson and Salah. What are your thoughts?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not sure why you'd lose Bruno, find another way.

      1. Joggers Nipple
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Agree, Vardy out after good fixtures to afford Salah? Or Ziyech

        1. waldo666
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Probably Ziyech.

  15. RyanMK
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Have both Son and Kane. Who would you be to free up funds for KDB/Salah?

    1. Son
    2. Kane

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

      Sell*

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      2

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

      Son if it's versus comparison but the cheap alternatives are better for Kane so your team structure plays a part.

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

      Would definitely hold Kane for Arsenal. Has a great record against them

    5. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      2

  16. Sanchit
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Wildcard!

    I started my draft by getting Bruno Kdb Salah and Chilwell and then building around them.

    Who should be the next priority?
    Vardy, Kane, Son, Robbo?

    1. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not sure Chilwell is a priority with Chelsea fixtures tbh. A City defender would be first on my list.

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

        Just afraid that no one is really nailed.

      2. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Safe with Dias imo

    2. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Like your picks, add Souchek as a good pick to free up cash, same for Bamford I feel. Good value in WH and Leeds def?

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

        I'll get them in the end if I have budget constraints.
        I'm thinking in a top down order where I get the 5-6 premiums I want and then fill the rest of the team with what budget permits

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

      Reece James.

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

        Oh, and Jota.

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

          Yeah with his form I'll probably have him. Thanks!

      2. Sanchit
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Is he nailed though? Surely Azpi Is not going to sit on the bench forever?

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

          He's started the last 5 matches and has 8 starts in 10 overall. He's unlikely to be completely nailed but, to me, he's nailed enough to make him great value considering he's playing for the best defense in the league, is a BPS magnet, and will get more attacking returns. Even if Azpi comes in occasionally during December, though I believe James' fitness is excellent.

  17. Joggers Nipple
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Morning., worryingly I seem ok with my current team (yes Cancelo a problem but think will ride that out with Dallas as back up)

    Martinez
    Chilwell Cancelo James
    Grealish Salah KDB Sochek Son
    Werner DCL

    Forster Dallas Brewster Bantwaite 1FT 0.5 ITB

    Looking at longer term thinking-
    Grealish to Bruno and
    Werner to 6.7 ish forward (Bamford?)

    Any input on this or where to go next appreciated

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      ****Other options are
      - spend 0.5 on Branthwaite
      - Cancelo to Dias (urgh)
      - Souchek right down and Werner to Vardy/ Aguero

    2. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'd personally opt to do Son > Fernandes if you were hell bent on bringing Bruno in. Those Villa fixtures are too tasty to ship Jack.

      1. Joggers Nipple
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers, would need 1M to do that, Cancelo to 4.5?, will look on it. Not hell bent on bringing him in but feel im being stubborn by not!

        1. Simon69
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          If Mahrez doesn't feature in CL midweek I'd bring him in. I'm tempted to -4 for a second City attacker this week...

          1. Joggers Nipple
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Good shout on Mahrez, hadnt realised how many mins hed played this season1

            1. Joggers Nipple
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 3 months ago

              Werner to Bamford and Souchek to Jota works for my team, instead of options I gave

              1. Simon69
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 3 months ago

                Best of luck.

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

    Opinions on Grealish?
    Most of his points came in just 2 matches against Liverpool and Southampton who played a very high line.
    Do we think villa are good enough to score 2+ goals regularly against sides that would not play such a high line?

    Currently on WC, not sure of getting Grealish

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

      They scored 3 against Arsenal and Fulham, both did not play a particularly high line.

    2. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Thats a hard choice imo, fixtures great and was playing well. Barkley out might affect him? Could well be time to take points and move on

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

      2+ goals regularly? It means 76+ goals a season.

      FPL counts player's goal/assist, not team's.

  19. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    So Is Kilman back to the bench ?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I would’ve thought so

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

    Reports of a COVID outbreak in Newcastle. If I'm recalling the rules correctly, they'll be forced to play anyways and use the U23 players if needed. Villa could destroy them, let's see how the situation develops.

  21. S3
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Martinez
    Chilwell - James - Cresswell
    Rash - Sterling - Jota - Son - Grealish
    DCL - Vardy
    (Steer - Lamptey - Mitchell- Brewster)
    1.7M ITB

    A) Rash + Sterling >> De Bruyne (C) + Fernandes (-4)
    B) Rash + Cresswell >> De Bruyne (C) + Coufal (-4)..... bring in Fernandes or Salah for Sterling in GW12
    C) Rash >> Fernandes (C)
    D) Sterling >> De Bruyne (C)

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

      A looking good

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

    Would you do Sterling > Son if it means upgrading Dunne > Taylor?

    I would only have 2 playing defs otherwise...

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

      I'd be considering the C on Sterling if you think he'll start

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

        I thought he’d start this week - not worth the hassle imo

  23. mikess
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Give Mane one more week?

    Home to Wolves. Good history vs them and rested

    Or ship to KDB

    Alternative is Son > Mahrez

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

      Own Jota and Robbo and no City currently

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

      Depends on your captaincy candidates over the next two.

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

        Kane or Fernandes I feel are solid options this week. Liverpool asset also tempting

  24. olidooley
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Hey guys....Plan was Bruno TO Salah with enough then for Foden TO Jota week after...

    What now though? Save FT?

    McCarthy
    Chilwell Cancelo Konsa
    KDB Fernandes Grealish Foden Soucek
    Kane Werner

    Peacock-Farrell Taylor Mitchell* Davis*

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

      You'll have to see how City get on midweek in Champions league

  25. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Dribbles from Ars vs Wol:

    Traore 5
    Podence 5
    Neto 3
    Arsenal 2

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

      Was nice to see them all start

  26. De Gea is GOAT
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is a CHE defensive double up too much? If not who else would you bring for Taylor? 5.5 ITB so cannot get Dias or Regulion

    Ryan
    Robbo Chilwell TAYLOR Dunne Mitchell

    1. Chelsea91
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I am double up

      Mendy
      Robbo,Walker,Chilwell

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

      Despite double up, James is still the best option

      1. De Gea is GOAT
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks guys. What's the rest of your team C91? Thats a solid defence!

        1. Chelsea91
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Salah,Grealish,Ziyech,Zaha
          Dcl(VC),Kane(C),Wilson

          Button Romeu,Dallas,Douglas

          Will monitor Ziyech for GW 11, and do Ziyech to Puli or Mahrez.in GW12.

          1. De Gea is GOAT
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Far out. You must have an insane TV

            1. Chelsea91
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 3 months ago

              102.2 m

  27. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who would you choose from these until the 1st WC expires?
    1. Wilson.
    2. Antonio.
    3. Bamford.
    4. Watkins.

    Thinking Wilson.

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Good thinking

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

      Next batch of fixtures look ideal and with pens confirmed too

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

      Wilson

    4. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I have Bamford but I wish I had Wilson tbh.., I can't afford the .4 upgrad
      I just read a few posts up about a Newcastle covid outbreak so that could change things I guess

    5. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      4 due to Newcastle’s Covid situation

    6. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      3

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

    200K red arrow so far this week from 543K to 743K
    with Vardy(C),Grealish,Watkins,Coufal and Martinez still to play, surely I should be hopeful of a grey arrow or atleast a slight green overall?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Definite green from that

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

      Really depends on Vardy.

  29. Sloane426
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Any changes to this WC? 3-5-2
    -Mcarthy-
    -Robertson-Chilwell-Dias-
    -Salah-DeBruyne-Bruno-Grealish-Jota
    -Wilson-Bamford-
    Bench-Dallas-4.3-3.8-

    1. De Gea is GOAT
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      One of the best i've seen. Wouldn't touch anything

  30. Puntillimon
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    How likely that Newcastle game gets cancelled hence villa does not play as well? I am triple villa (!!!)

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

      Low probably but best to not make transfers just in case.

    2. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Why would it be cancelled? This is news to me.

    3. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Newcastle has a U23 team and Ladies team in different bubbles.

      https://www.nufc.co.uk/media/31362/nufc-women.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=600&height=338&quality=60