Scout Notes

Frustrating Watkins shows promise as Grealish hauls despite Barkley absence

West Ham 2-1 Aston Villa

  • Goals: Angelo Ogbonna (£4.9m), Jarrod Bowen (£6.3m) | Jack Grealish (£7.7m)
  • Assists: Bowen, Saïd Benrahma (£6.0m) | Matty Cash (£5.0m)
  • Bonus points: Bowen x3, Grealish x3, Ogbonna x1

U WAT?

Owners of Ollie Watkins (£6.1m) were treated to a torturous Monday evening as the Aston Villa striker registered a zero-point score in Gameweek 10.

It was not for the lack of trying though, quite the opposite, as Dean Smith’s men were arguably the better side in their 2-1 defeat at West Ham. 

Watkins missed a second-half penalty, watched Trézéguet (£5.3m) spurn his square ball from close-range and had a goal ruled out for offside in stoppage time, which would have provided Matt Targett (£4.5m) with an assist.

The last of those incidents left the sourest taste in the mouth considering how close he was to being onside, as well as the fact that Angelo Ogbonna‘s (£4.9m) robust contact with the forward was a key factor in the position of his arm.

Following two blanks in a row, Watkins’ 9.8% ownership might be getting itchy fingers right now, with several factors at play.

The former Brentford forward has now missed three of his last five penalties, which could be enough to see Jack Grealish (£7.7m) step in and take the next one.

That said, a Gameweek 11 home fixture against Newcastle did initially feel like the wrong time to sell a player who was still unfortunate to blank on Monday night and will surely be fired up to put things to right as soon as possible. The Magpies have conceded in three of their last four away matches too.

But, in this exceptional season, the plot thickens further with news coming out of Newcastle’s training camp over the last 24 hours.

Steve Bruce’s club has been hit with a fresh wave of positive coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, four unnamed players and one member of staff contracting the disease in the latest round of testing.

That has seen the game postponed from its Friday-night slot. It might remain in Gameweek 11 but right now, things are very up in the air for Villa assets.

READ MORE ABOUT NEWCASTLE AND VILLA’S POSTPONEMENT

THE GREAL DEAL

There was more positive news for owners of Grealish who registered his third double-digit haul of the campaign thanks to his first-half goal and securing of maximum bonus points.

The big score was especially welcome considering the feared impact of Ross Barkley‘s (£5.9m) absence from the team after he sustained a hamstring injury in Gameweek 9.

Against Brighton, Villa were noticeably jarred by losing Barkley so soon into the match, his replacement Bertrand Traoré (£5.9m) lacking the same level of understanding with Grealish, whose output suffered accordingly.

It seems as if Traoré was turned to in the wake of Barkley’s injury as he was the closest way of replicating the shape and patterns Smith had prepared for that Brighton game.

However, as already mentioned, Villa were the better side at the London Stadium on Monday night as Smith had the time to prepare a different approach in midfield during the week. He selected the set-piece specialist Conor Hourihane (£6.0m) to play a deeper role and asking John McGinn (£5.5m) to fill in at number 10.

The former Plymouth Argyle and Barnsley midfielder cannot match Barkley for cut and thrust on the counter but his set-play delivery, the threat from direct free-kicks and an eye for a killer pass were important, while McGinn replicated some of the energy and dynamism we have seen in the number 10 role recently.

“Hourihane knows the league, he was with us last season, he knows what’s required of him. He’s an outstanding technician, very good with set play delivery but he’s got a great understanding of the players he’s playing with.” – Dean Smith

Knowing that Villa are not a lost cause without Barkley after all is encouraging news for those considering Grealish. That said, the all-action midfielder could potentially benefit from Villa’s postponement and miss fewer games accordingly.

HEY MICKY

Fantasy managers may have to wait a little while before Michail Antonio (£6.2m) is ready for serious consideration again.

The West Ham forward made his return to the team on Monday night starting as the lone centre-forward in David Moyes’ 3-4-2-1 formation, displacing last week’s match-winner Sebastien Haller (£6.1m).

“It is a big boost for us (to have Antonio starting again). It was a tough decision for us because Haller got a goal at the weekend but (Antonio) just gives us something different.” – David Moyes, speaking pre-match

However, a rusty Antonio offered very little in the opening 45 minutes, isolated from West Ham’s midfielders and struggling to keep pace with those around him. The Hammers resorted to lumping long balls forward, hoping Antonio could run onto them and hold play up. Unable to fulfil that role with much success, it made for a very flat opening period, despite Ogbonna’s early set-piece goal.

Therefore, Moyes chose to replace him at half-time, as well as Arthur Masuaku (£4.5m), Haller and Saïd Benrahma (£6.0m) adding more to West Ham’s cause after the break.

“We made a big call tonight but I think to play Michail Antonio was the right call. He’s just not quite fit 100 per cent. If Seb can keep his form up then it will be useful for us.” – David Moyes, speaking post-match

It only took a few moments for Benrahma to have an impact, as he played in a low cross for Jarrod Bowen (£6.3m) to head beyond Emiliano Martínez (£4.8m).

The signs remain very promising for the Algerian international considering that in just three substitute appearances since joining West Ham, he already has three assists.

With Villa pushing West Ham so much even in the second half, Benrahma operated as a left wing-back but what he has produced going forward is sure to trouble Pablo Fornals (£6.5m) for his starting spot on the left-hand side of attacking midfield soon.

“(Benrahma and Haller) came in and done quite well, I don’t agree the full game we played well, but I think that look we are introducing Saïd gently, there were signs there you could see why we are doing that.” – David Moyes

Meanwhile, Bowen registered a double-digit haul from his goal and assist, his first attacking returns since Gameweek 4. His services for the coming weeks are still worth considering though.

80% of the former Hull man’s goal involvements have come at home this season while Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Brighton are the next three to visit the London Stadium this season, combining for just one clean sheet on the road between them thus far.

West Ham United XI (3-4-2-1): Fabianski; Cresswell, Ogbonna, Balbuena; Masuaku (Benrahma 46′), Souček, Rice, Coufal; Fornals, Bowen (Noble 79′); Antonio (Haller 46′).

Aston Villa XI (4-3-3): Martínez; Targett, Mings, Konsa, Cash (El Mohamady 88′); Hourihane (B Traoré 74′), D Luiz, McGinn; Grealish, Watkins, Trézéguet (El Ghazi 73′).

Lessons Learned from FPL Gameweek 10

2,045 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Jota nowhere to be seen today. I'm afraid that his involvement will scrap away during the season

    1. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      yeah could be benched for next game

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

        I also think he'll be benched. My mate thinks salah will be given a rest the weekend instead.

    2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Don't talk rubbish.

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

    Despite the issues, a postponement like this makes FPL even more challenging and enjoyable.

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

      I disagree with the 'and enjoyable' bit

    2. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      enjoyable
      no challenging yes

    3. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yes!

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

    Excellent, Jota off early

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

      Doesn’t mean he start next game

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

        It helps though that's for sure

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

          Not really.

          He started most recent games and Salah Mane and Bobby got their rests

          I wouldn’t be surprised to see him benched vs Wolves

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

            Happy with him off the bench though. He seems fired up.to score even when off the bench

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

              Yeah he has done well either way anyway

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

            It definitely helps mate, if he played the whole 90 he'd be more tired and less likely to start v Wolves, I wouldn't be surprised if he was benched either but I think it's more likely he plays his best team, Wolves are very good!

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

        One of those players that even when he comes on as a sub, he seems to nick a goal or an assist

    2. AnfieldLad
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      After dropping points last week he has to go for the strongest possible lineup. Highly doubt who has had more or less rest recently will cross his mind when picking the team.

      I’m still pretty sure Jota starts though

  4. Traction Engine Foot
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Grealish, Ziyech to KDB, Mahrez for free?

    1. La vida FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Just Grealish > KDB for me

  5. Ozzy smith
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    So it’s go keeperless or reluctantly use a FT switching keepers or having two playing gks. Which will mean I’ll have to take a hit next week to make my planned moves.

    So I’d effectively be taking a hit to transfer a goalkeeper in this week who doesn’t have any doubles lined up. Can’t justify that surely?

    Or do I need to change perspective on this? Hmm.

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I would probably just just go without a keeper this week

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Dont waste a FT on a keeper.

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

      I am in the same boat as you and I think I'm going to bring in Johnstone for Steer so I have two playing keepers in case something similar happens again as a precedent has been set now. Also you may not be able to make your planned transfers next week, anything could happen between now and then!

      1. Ozzy smith
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Fair points sc*mmer, he’s got a good fixture this week too tbf. Worth considering for sure.

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

        Only problem it takes a valuable 0.5 off your budget so might still not be worth it for a gk who's likely to give you 2 pts if coming off the bench

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

          Agree but other option is Martinez to Mendy which also takes 0.5 off the budget. The good thing this season is budget ain't really a problem with good value forwards and defenders

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

      Same situation. Will not transfer goalkeeper.

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

    Is there a consensus whether it is worth keeping Martinez?

    Been thinking about getting McCarthy.

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

    Sterling watch : scuffed shot from 12 yards.

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

    Watch how much better we will play with Firmino up top

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Agree

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

    Going to replace Jorginho with someone to come into my team when I bench Targett and Grealish.

    5.7 max, options are:

    Neto
    Podence
    Armstrong
    Djenepo
    Soucek
    March

    I'm actually considering March just for a 1 week punt...

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

      One of the Wolves boy's

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

      Was really impresssed with Neto, but fixtures aren't too kind.

  10. kime67
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    watkins to bamford no brainer?

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

      Vs Chelsea?

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

        Does well away and against bigger teams

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

          So sell after this week?

    2. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      i only have 6.2 m

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

      che adams?

    4. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      i dont want che long term

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

    Sterling close, looking sharp!

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

      He is looking sharp but Pep comments about scoring goals looming over him seemingly

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

        Exactly, Fulham a good chance to get him some goals and confidence 🙂

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

          Like he would start 😉

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

        Bad man management from Pep. Sterling has always dealt very poorly with pressure. For instance; Always played bad against Liverpool and was horrible for a long period of time when he had added scrutiny after the England bust up with Gomez.

        Contrary he performed very well when the season was already lost for City after lockdown last season.

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

      I sold for KDB , expect haul incoming this gw.

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

      Yes but he did not get subbed off yet. Starting to worry for the weekend.

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

        Sterling will be benched the weekend you watch.

  12. BeWater
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Dias forgot which end he was at.

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

    Sterling to Kdb gotta be good move

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

      What could go wrong.

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

        Nothing. No brainer move

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

    City with the greatest English attacking talents of last generation and this generation and they cant beat a bunch of dock workers...

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

    Salah sloppy

  16. dogtanion
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Torres off , Jesus on

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

    Jesus on for Ferran

  18. Robson-Canoe
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is Bellerin to Chilwell worth a hit for the long-term?

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

      Si

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

      Not necessarily, given the price difference.Would go with James instead, and use £1.1 elsewhere

  19. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Dias owners - should we be worried about his start vs Fulham?

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

      defo

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

      After missing from like afew inches out I would be

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

    Torres off first, interesting...

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

      What do you take from that ?

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

        likely same front 3 v Fulham as it was v Burnley.

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

      Joins Jesus and Mahrez in front 3 at weekend

      1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        This

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

    Mahrez in for Grealish for a punty hit?

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

      Would have KDB(c), Bruno, Mahrez, Ziyech, Jota midfield

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

        Yeah why not

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

    If they decide this weekend that the Villa Newcastle game is to go ahead midweek next week, would if then be added to GW11 or 12?

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

      The question is whether they play vs Wolves.

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

        Villa? Surely they do, it’s only Newcastle that all have Rona right?

  23. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Folks, how did Ferran Torres play tonight ?
    I see he got took off tho

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

      looked pretty rubbish to me but pretty poor performance all round

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

      Did nothing. Nowhere near as dangerous as Sterling

  24. Kasper the ghost keeper
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    2ft. Exact cash to do the following, yes or no?
    This week: Cancelo -> Bednarak/Dallas
    Next week: Richarlison and Ziyech -> Wilson/Antonio and Salah

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

      You’re counting on no price changes before next week? I definitely wouldn’t be doing the moves early

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

    So how was Sterling tonight and chances of him starting now the weekend I wonder ?

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

      Let's put it this way I thought if he looked good tonight I might punt on him. There is no chance I'm getting him now after watching it so far

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Subbed off after hattie 😉

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

      Imo he won't start the weekend

  26. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Dias maybe be the defender that pep never rotates (I’m hoping), similar to klopp with Van Dijk.. He has seriously improved Mcy defensively..

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

      Slight risk with Stones, Garcia and Laporte but Dias did come off early for a rest v Burnley for Garcia.

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

      I hope so.

  27. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Not sure city v Fulham will be all that plain sailing

    Burnley basically gave up before the game and rolled over

    Happy to be proven wrong as a Kev owner tho

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

    Hi....likely to do watkins to Bamford with ft. Anything here for a hit? Happy to go keeperless..... 0.7m to play with

    (Martinez)
    Chilwell james cancelo lamptey (Mitchell)
    Kdb bruno ziyech (burke grealish)
    Vardy dcl bamford

    A.....upgrade Mitchell to 4.5m (kwp, dallas, taylor)

    B.....get rid of cancelo (to one of the above)

    Thanks

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

    Still a chance Villa game is rescheduled right so hold off selling?

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

    Jesus!