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

    Wilson or Bamford?

    1. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Wilson - fixtures, form, penalties

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

      Bamford
      Leeds are much better in creating chances.

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

      W

    4. Sad Pablo Arsecobar
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Flip a coin but I like wilson more as he is the most likely to score for Newcastle. Leeds have a few more routes to goal.

    5. I Must Break You
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Wilson if you like chasing last week's points. Bamford if you like better underlying stats and a player on a better offensive team.
      Wilson also has better upcoming fixtures over next 4 and 8 which does make it a tough choice.
      Go with your gut.

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

        Better underlying stats have been there for ages, even in Championship and they've not materialised for them (even in Championship)

        Agreed Leeds are more offensive but Wilson is on pens

        Indeed a tough choice, I'll decide based on how they play this GW

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

          Oops didn't mean to write even in Championship twice

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

      Bamford, plays in a gung ho attacking team, and will get far more chances than wilson easily

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

        also leeds' brilliant fixture swing starts from gw13

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

    Bottomed

    Should i get Mahrez for FUL for a hit?

    Currently have KdB, Bruno, Jota, Grealish, Bowen, DCL, Bamford, Vardy in attack. Only 1.6 ITB and 1FT, so can't straight swap Mahrez for Bowen, only for a hit.

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

      Inconsistent player. Wouldn't be surprised if he gets 1 point next GW

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

        who to get from Man City then?

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

          dias maybe?

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

          KDB

    2. I Must Break You
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'm considering downgrading Vardy to upgrade Hamez to KDB. Will make my decision after watching Vardy on Monday.
      Agree with Yayascake that KDB is the optimal City target.

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

      Nope you’re good.

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

    Morning dzzzz, early thoughts on this team? have 0m itb and 1ft. really hoping that i dont have any injuries so i can finally save my FT for the first time this season.

    Martinez
    Chilwell James Lamptey --- Lewis Mitchell
    Kdb Son Grealish Bruno -- Burke
    Watkins Kane DCL

    gw11: Plan is to Save (hopefully!). Son/Kane not ideal but not keen on hit
    gw12: Any of my mids + Kane > Salah + Bamford

  4. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Ziyech + Son -> KdB + Jota (-4)
    or only son -> KdB?

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

      Ziyech definitely needs to go imo. But Son vs Arsenal is a good fixture

      1. The Red Devil
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        dunno, think spurs vs arsenal suits kane more than son, thing is i will get jota anyway, if not GW11, then GW12

    2. David Brains - OH NO!
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Just do the 1 transfer if you're going to do it

      1. The Red Devil
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        getting KdB in for sure

  5. Birds of Prey
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Cavani got graded a 10. Give me a break. At times he looked like he couldn't remember what color jersey his teammates were playing in.
    Also they didn't run the winner back at all. I think it went off his upper arm, and his head whiffed. Dude looks like Richard Ramirez-- just saying. Did appreciate they went back and tossed Ferni that asst.

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

    Dallas or Targett?

    1. Sad Pablo Arsecobar
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Dallas

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

      Dallas easily.

    3. I Must Break You
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Dallas

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

      Dallas

    5. David Brains - OH NO!
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Dallas

  7. tc93
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    110% bringing in KDB this week and captaining him.. just not sure which is the best way to fund it.

    0.5itb, 1FT, pick one:

    1) Kane + Grealish (or Ziyech) —> Bamford + KDB
    2) Fernandes + Ziyech —> Jota + KDB
    3) Fernandes + Grealish —> Jota + KDB
    4) Kane + Wilson + Stephen’s —> Bamford + Davis + KDB (will switch to 3-5-2 and bench Davis)

    Rest of team:
    Martinez
    Chillwell / KWP / Dias
    Salah / Fernandes* / Ziyech* / Grealish*
    Kane* / DCL / Wilson

    Button, Kilman, Michell, Stephens*

    1. David Brains - OH NO!
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      From those Option 1 looks the best with Ziyech out

      1. tc93
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Frees up 1.8 ITB- which defender should I bring in for Michell next week? I’m considering going double Chelsea.

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

      Kane & Ziyech to Bamford and KDB.

      Then use the change to upgrade that bench!

      1. tc93
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Smart move- bench defo needs some money spending on it haha! After those moves I’ve got 1.8 ITB- I’m thinking Michell —> James or Zouma next week

  8. David Brains - OH NO!
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    ...difficult to know whether or not to squeeze in KDB?

    Grealish - Bruno - Son - Jota - Salah

    The original plan was Bruno upgrade (with £1.4m ITB) but that could backfire... as could Son out (who I've sold twice already just before hauls)

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

      Fulham look so bad I could genuinely think we could see 7 or 8-0 in that game.

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I really do think you want him for Fulham.

    3. The Red Devil
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      son or grealish, barkley being out will impact grealish (if he's confirmed out for a bit)

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

    Martínez
    Cresswell Chilwell Cancelo
    Grealish Bruno Jota Son
    Kane Vardy DCL

    Steer , Mitchell , Lamptey , Stephens

    A) Kane & Son to Bamford & KDB(C) -4
    B) Vardy & Son to Bamford & KDB(C) -4

    1. David Brains - OH NO!
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      We have the same midfield and I'm not sure either... Son out could easily backfire but so could no KDB

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

    Following up on previous question -

    Which is a better combo?

    1. Wilson + Dallas
    2. Bamford + Lewis + 0.6

    1. David Brains - OH NO!
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Op 1 last week... option 2 going forward (0.6 will be useful)

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      2

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

      Why not Bamford and Dallas?

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

        Doubling up is risky this season considering how any team can beat any team

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

      Leeds look the real deal. I don't see the risk of going with an attacker and a defender.

      I'll be doing exactly that from GW13.... the very same two in fact.

  11. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Seems I'm doubling up on Chelsea defence now. I've had enough. Reminds me too much of Robbo + TAA in the second half of 18/19

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Mighty Leeds will sort them out this week 😉

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

        That's the thing. When playing big teams, Chelsea parks the bus. When playing expansive games, Chilwell and James can easily get attacking returns. This, by itself, makes them fixture-proof to me

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

          Yeah, they kept CS vs Spurs,United and even Sevilla, that's mad...

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

      Cancelo to James on the cards possibly...
      I don't think it's risky either because almost everyone has 1

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

        almost everyone has 1 Chelsea defender anyway

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

          Exactly. Everything about this has the Robbo + TAA vibe for me. I'm done staying with just Chilwell or checking their fixtures

          James becoming nailed while Cancelo rotates is the final nail

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

            I’ll be doing it too

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

      Why so late to the party?

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

        Excellent question 😛

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

        Cancelo 🙁

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

          Did it in gw 7 and that felt late. They’ve been good to me. Chilwell and James seem to absorb the bonus.

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

            I wanted James earlier, but he got benched twice in a row (GWs 4 and 5), so I stayed away to monitor the Azpi situation. James seems to have completely taken over now, the way TAA took over from Gomez after initially rotating. So I'm definitely going in this week and perma-starting both until things go south

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

              James seems to have been watching TAA delivery too. He created at least two big chances yesterday. Just Tammy is scared to head the ball.

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

                James crossing has always been elite IMO as a Chelsea fan, we always give it on a plate and everyone messes it up, he should have had like 10 assists last season as well

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

                  I didn’t know. Guess you need to be a Chelsea fan or an owner to realise. 🙂

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

      Best defense in the league, fixture proof and massive potential for offensive returns. It has to be done.

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

    Badly need a Vardy 15 pointer tonight please....

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

      I’ll be close to a ton if that happens.

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Amen!

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

      I’m going to be hiding behind the couch for that one. 3 Villa left to play tonight, so hoping to hit 65 at least for the gameweek.

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

      On.My.Knees.

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

        Zip

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

      Blank incoming.

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

      Support!

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

    Having a shocker so far. Point predictions for below players?

    Martinez 6
    Justin 9
    Coufal 6
    Vardy(c) 34

    😀

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

      Martinez 2
      Justin 6
      Coufal 6
      Vardy 26

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

      Martinez 7
      Justin 6
      Coufal 1
      Vardy 26

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Vardy (c) 44

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

        That's a tad bit conservative, no?

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

      3
      9
      1
      26

      You don't own Grealish?

  14. Twisted Melon
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A) Son and DCL > KDB and Antonio
    B) Kane to KDB
    C) Grealish to Mahrez

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

    2. Top Dog
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      If you could show me how to do B, I would definitely do that this week

      1. Twisted Melon
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Kane and 4.3 mid to KDB and 4.3 mid

        1. Twisted Melon
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Kdb and 4.3 forward *

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

    Martinez
    Coufal Chilwell Ayling
    Bruno Salah Son Grealish Jota
    Kane DCL

    Steer, Brewster, Mitchell, Johnson.

    Need KDB (C) vs Fulham.

    A) Salah > KDB FT? (Would do the same transfer the week after)

    B. Kane & Son > Wilson & KDB (C) -4

    C. Son & DCL > KDB & Welbeck -4

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      C potentially but options other tham welbeck?

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

        Literally got 5.5 to spend on a striker.

        But the thought of having Salah KDB, Bruno Kane feels good!

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

        He’s the best 5.5 option

        1. Twisted Melon
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Don't feel like he's an option though

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

            So would you say option A is the better choice?

            Welbeck has got a goal + assist in his last two. But I get you. I’m trying to squeeze in too many big hitters

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

    Thoughts on this for next week?
    Martinez (Forster)
    Chilwell Cancelo Lamptey (Coufal)(Neco)
    Salah KDB Ziyech Grealish (Riedewald)
    Vardy DCL Watkins

    1ft,0.5 itb

    Cancelo to Dias/James or save? I guess the decision depends on if he plays midweek

    Will downgrade Vardy to fund Ziyech to Fernandes maybe for GW13 or later

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

      Looks good. Nice plans too, would follow through with all of them barring any injuries.

      Probably Watkins > Wilson at some point too

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

    Did Klopp mention why he subbed Salah?

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

      No. Would you ask?

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

      Yes. Said he needed to manage his minutes due to his return from Covid

  18. sergioaguero67
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Swap

    Vardy + Grealish ---> Bruno + Wilson? (-4)
    Fair move?

    Cannot afford further losing my rank because of not owning Bruno

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Some people have mentioned a COVID situation at Newcastle.

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

      Remarkably awful.

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

      No!

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

    Silly question i know but what does the figures need to show on fpl statistics in order to expect a price rise?
    I.E R. James is on 24.6.

    Thanks guys

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

      It goes to 100, so 100+

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Theoretically over 100

    3. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      100+

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

      Thank you all. Much appreciated

  20. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Start Bamford(che) OR Lamptey(SOU)

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

      Bamford

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

      Bamford

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

    Play Lamptey vs Southampton or Neco Williams vs Wolves?

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

      Will Williams start?

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

        Milner hamstring means he should I assume with TAA likely out again.
        Fabinho can also play RB but they have too many troubles elsewhere for him to play there I think

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

          I heard TAA will be back this GW but I dont know if its true

  22. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A) Son > KDB
    B) Kane,Soucek > Wilson,KDB(-4)
    C) Kane,Soucek > Antonio,KDB(-4)

    1. Live Lad
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I like C when Antonio is back.

  23. Live Lad
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Seems like I have to drop Ziyech (instead of Son) to get Salah in before Fulham. Two most difficult games for Spurs (on paper) are over and they can score in all of the coming games. Sold Kane and planned to do the same to Son but Ziyech seems like he may become a consistent assister but he doesn't shoot or go into the area a lot. Gonna save this week and do:

    Robbo + Ziyech to Coufal + Salah for free hopefully?

    And worth doing including Grealish to Jota and get a better defender?

  24. Live Lad
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Any merit in keeping WC till last week of expiry? Will we know something?

    I don't need to use it but can do something like going big on City or Liverpool before their respective Fulham games and then WC to get a team with players with good fixtures like Antonio.

  25. tc93
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Best defender from gw11 onwards for 5.8m or less? Already have Chilwell, Dias, Kilman and KWP..

    I’m currently thinking going double Chelsea with either James or Zouma. But open to other suggestions

    1. King Drogba11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I think Reece James is incredibly underpriced. Looking at him myself alongside Chilwell.

    2. Twisted Melon
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'm Thinking of a double up with James once more pressing issues have been sorted

  26. King Drogba11
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Robbo >>> James
    Soucek >>> Jota (-4)

    Yes or no ?

  27. Tarby
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    "Only SIX keepers have more points in FPL"

    So that's 7th out of 20th, not very impressive. And now 8th as Lloris got 10 against Chelsea, and could be 9th if Schmeichel gets 4 points against Fulham.

    That's not to mention PPG, where Mendy and Pope would also be above him. 11th best FPL keeper to date basically!

    However..form is very good, 33 points in last 6 games is far more impressive, WBA definitely defending much better recently