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. dogtanion
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Jesus confirms start at weekend

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

      Was there doubt anyway?

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

    My team:

    McCarthy
    Chilwell - Dias - Lamptey
    Salah - Son - Bruno - Grealish - Barnes
    Werner - DCL

    4.0 - Mitchell - Brewster - Balbuena

    I have 2 ft and my original plan was Barnes to Jota but is it smart to do Grealish to Jota? Then next week Barnes to Grealish. I might lose 0.1 or 0.2 in value.

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Get in a City attacker?

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

        I don't trust Pep. Only City player I'm interested in is KDB but I can't afford him.

  3. Tambling5
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I see Jota taken off. Not watched game. Do we think he'll start against old team Wolves at the weekend, or is it his turn for a rest and let the usual front three start a game for this potentially awkward reappearance against his old teammates.

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

      i think his turn to rest

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

      I don’t see him resting anyone after dropping points last week. I think he’ll go for the strongest lineup which is all 4 imo, Curtis Jones missing out

      1. Tambling5
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        One way of not stimulating the opposition to treat their game against you as a cup final, and flinging in a few dodgy tackles, is to not field one of their ex-colleagues against them. They will be determined to show him they aren't missing him, and I think Klopp will appreciate this more than most.

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

          I’d say that’s overthinking it

          1. Tambling5
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            We'll see! Lots of other factors to consider I guess, like how fit they all seem by the weekend!

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

      Unfortunately the way this season is going I wouldn't be surprised if he was benched but I'm hoping klopp goes with all 4

  4. The Hunt
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Jesus essential. Loves a goal against Fulham.

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

    What would you do with this lot? Dont think I've ever not had Salah and KDB and it scares me but can I get away with it?
    1 FT, 0.5 ITB

    McCarthy
    Chilwell. Taylor. Lamptey
    Son. Bruno. Ziyech. Jota
    Kane. Vardy. DCL

    4.0. McCarthy. Dallas. 4.0

  6. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is Jota and Salah bad for the Christmas period in a 3-5-2?

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

      Nah its fine I think as Jota is cheap.

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

    Jesus goal disallowed

    1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      He was miles onside ??

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

        Offside*

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

        He was, someone else earlier wasn't.

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

    Disallowed.

    1. The Hunt
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      VAR confirms studs not checked before he came on.

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

    Firmino can't finish

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

    What a save

  11. Alex_thekid
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    2ft but tripple villa has bambozeld my brain lol team is
    Mcarthy
    Cancelo chillwell Neco
    Bruno Kdb Ziyech souchek
    Kane Dcl
    Forster Grealish Watkins Targett
    Help please want Salah in also some how?????
    Any ideas

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

      Coufal in def also

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

      How much money ITB?

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

        0.1

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

          I think Cancelo is very unlikely to play. I would either get rid of him or Targett so you have another playing defender this week. Anyone you like the look of. Then roll the other transfer and try and get Salah in for free in two moves next week for Fulham. At least you already have the best captain choice in place. No rush to get Salah this week. Ziyech could easily do well.

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

    Phew, disallowed goal means Jesus is still due

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

    Struggling to find a way for Salah to get into my KDB, Bruno, Vardy, Son team.

    Would 3-5-2 with Salah, KDB, Bruno, Son and Grealish be a bit too much? It feels topheavy but it covers all my concerns (DCL, Bamford front two).

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

      That’s what I’m going with for GW12

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

      Thinking of doing the same but the defence will be too light IMO. What will you defense be with that front 8?

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

        Either Dias or Zouma, plus three 4.5s.

        Some combination of Targett, Dallas, Coufal etc.

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

    How would you get Salah in with this team?

    Ryan
    Chilwell Coufal Robo Cancelo
    KDB Bruno Jota Anguissa
    DCL Werner

    Martinez Mitchell Watkins Barkley

    2.9ITB 1FT

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

      Wait until next gw, no point planning with current season.

      Personally Id sell KDB in gw12

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

    Grealish > Jota
    Son > KDB

    ?

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

      No jota

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

        Only way to afford KDB!

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

    Not Salah's finest effort there.

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

    Salah not essential

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

      Rather have KDB over salah especially this gw

  18. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Martinez target cancelo barkley wilson, i think its time to take a mega hit and fix the team up

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

    Ouch. Sterling playing the whole game. I guess it has to be done. Sterling to KDB free transfer!?

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

      Yes I would

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

      You guys thinking you can second guess Pep with logic and reason

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

        Theres definitely a chance Sterling starts. KDB is 100% though

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

          Therefore using ft to much better player is no brainer.

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

        In this case, easily.

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

      Maybe now that logic suggests that he won't start he probably will start

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

        At least I want KDB anyway long term and cant have them both unless for a hit. Surely them Sterling gets a hattrick

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

      Has to be.

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

    Got three Villa players (Watkins, Martinez, Grealish). 1FT. Planned to take out son for KDB, but should I go for something else. Is -4 inevitable?

    1. The Hunt
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I suppose Martinez will effectively only be a -2 assuming your other goalie's a 4.0m.

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

    What to do here with 3.8m? 1FT

    A Podence -> Mahrez
    B Robbo/Podence -> KWP/KDB
    C Son -> KDB

    Martinez
    Chilwell Zouma Robbo
    Bruno Son Grealish Jota
    DCL Vardy Bamford

    Forster Podence Lamptey Mitchell

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

      B looks good. I'm considering dropping Robbo too I think he's gonna be rested or even injured soon

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

      I'm thinking of C myself. But got THREE villa players (same as you +watkins).

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

      Would you do Grealish or Ziyech out for KDB in my situation? also losing Robbo.

      Martinez
      Robbo Chilwell Lamptey Dias Mitchell
      Son Grealish Ziyech Jota Bruno
      Brewster DCL Vardy

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

        Cheers, Ziyech before the news so it depends how much you lose on Grealish and if you want him back.

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

          I would lose a fair bit on Grealish but then when I look at their fixtures I'm not sure they are actually that good.

          How come you going KWP over Dallas or Ayling?

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

    Salah is so one footed

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

    Good save Kelleher.

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

    Grealish to Jota before price rise?

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

      Yes.

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

      Surely early transfers aren’t a thing anymore

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

    Salah subbed

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

    A Sterling winner here would really put the cat amongst the pigeons

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

      When cows fly...

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

    Thoughts on what to do?

    Martinez
    Chilwell • KWP • Masuaku
    KDB • Bruno • Son • Ziyech
    DCL • Bamford • Brewster 1.8ITB
    (Steer / Dallas / Semedo / Grealish)

    Happy to keep Martinez and bench Grealish but I’m considering Semedo to James and play over Brewster. Next week Chilwell and Ziyech to Salah and 3.9. Good plan?

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

    Klopp taking his most important players off in order, Jota first choice now!

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

    Looks like Jota and Salah rested again then, Mane no longer first choice.

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

      It's not a rest when you're subbed at 90 minutes

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

    Come on Sterling score