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. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Currently have Grealish and no GK coupled with an injured Jimi ? (Wonderful)
    Best move this week?

    A Nyland to McCarthy (GK)
    B Jimi to Bamford
    C Jimi to Abraham
    D Someone else?

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

      Can you get Jesus?

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

    Just watching the highlights now..

    Sterling looks great he’s everywhere.. would’ve definitely scored only for the defender getting it of the line and had other good chances

    Torres didn’t look great as far as I could see but this really means f!ck all hahaha

    1. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Can't believe a professional footballer takes so many time to make things happen. That move of torres after Sterling miss is just awful

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

    Looks like I'll be playing 10 men this GW, thanks Martinez. Lamptey in for that fraud Watkins.

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

      Rather a 0 than a fresh -4 start?

      1. rjcv177
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Martinez still looks good long term. If fixtures flip that would change our minds

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

          Having 2 extra games seems the only good part atm & you can always get him back for that. Could always upgrade 2nd GK too.

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

        Basically. Not sure.

  4. Victor6359
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who would you go for?

    A: Ward-Prowse

    B: Jota

    Cheers

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

      B

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

      B

  5. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Chances of Cancelo starting? %

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

      11.238%

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

      7.77

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

      Walker is nailed at RB so it's between Mendy and Cancelo. Who knows but after Mendy's performance against Burnley I would expect him to start vs an opponent of similar level.

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

      49.3345657546%

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

        Quite high

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

    Porto (0.03) 0-0 (3.15) Man City

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

      Pity Porto didn't score.

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

    Ahh can’t decide whether to get Jota in for Grealish. Price rise tonight.

    Do I pull the trigger?

    1. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Shoot it

  8. lespaul
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Can't Newcastle just train at St.James park ?

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

      Where do they normally train?

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

        Darsley park

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

          Ok, better to train at home tbh.

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

      They closed the training centre due to so many players being positive nothing to do with the actual training centre.

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

        Reason given is
        " the club are unable to train and adequately and safely prepare for their match on Friday."

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

          Oh I've just seen they cannot be in close contact

  9. rjcv177
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Grealish and robbo
    to
    Mahrez and mendy
    ???

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

      Risky long term

      1. rjcv177
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thkx. Good drop of wisdom

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

      Definitely not for me

    3. Nedvěd11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Nah

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

    If you have 2 FT when you use free hit, you only get 1 FT back right?

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

      yes

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

        Thanks

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

    Mahrez 36 points in his 3 home games this season....that includes a blank v Arsenal.

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

      so?
      are you getting him?

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

        I think i might, Podence to Mahrez for free?

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Scored 6 more points than KDB with one less game, shhhhh

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

        Yeah i could just do Podence to Mahrez for free and keep Robbo/Son. Having no KDB would be a worry though if i did go that route.

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

      58% from 1 GW. seems legit

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

    reposting

    what to do with that lot?

    martinez forster
    chillwell reguilon coufal justin dunne
    bruno son grealish barnes burki
    kane vardy calvert

    0.3 itb 1 FT

    need your help guys

  13. some witty pun
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    So if I have a FT, there's no reason not to swap out Martinez right?

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

      martinez -> mendy
      for free
      no for a hit

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Got good run of fixtures & possibly couple of DGW?

  14. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Feeling confident even with no keeper?

    Best C choice?

    #Martinez,
    Zouma, Chilwell, Robbo
    Bruno VC, Son, Jota, Mahrez C
    DCL, Kane, Bamford

    Forster, Coufal, Lamptey, Grealish,

    .2 bank

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

      Looks good. wouldn't worry about no keeper, 0 points instead of 2..

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Exactly,

  15. El_Gigante
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Grealish > Mahrez for a FT smart move? Only 0.1 tied up in Grealish

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

    Am I crazy for thinking this. Kane and Bissouma to Bamford and KDB?

    1. 2OLEgend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not at all. But would meen benching headache

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

        My thought too. But I plan to WC in a 3-4 weeks, so probably not the worst problem to have with a hectic schedule...

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

      I did Barkley and Kane to KDB and Bamford last week so I would say yes.

  17. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Any chance that this villa game will be kept in GW11?

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

      Sounds unlikely.

  18. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Rodriguez to Mahrez (c) for free done!!!

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

      Still too many games to be played this week...

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

    A) Martínez > Messilier or
    B) Grealish > Jota

    To free up funds for KDB

    If B, want to make the move tonight before Jota’s price rise!

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

    Martinez and Grealish ➡️ Jota and Mendy -4? Exact funds.

    Bought Grealish at his Cheapest price same with Martinez

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

      Keep them both. Daft moves.

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

    Everyone thinking Mahrez has had his occasional haul and will now revert back to the 2.4ppg player he was between GWs 4 & 9 but perhaps we're overthinking things here?

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

      My entire FPL career is overthinking things... so thats very likely.

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

      Well perhaps not everyone now it seems!

    3. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Check his points per 90 last season. Higher the Salah and Mane and around the same as KDB.

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

      What was KDBs during that time?

  22. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Would you say I'm G2G? Obviously barring Martinez but i'm happy just taking a 0 pointer on one player..

    Martinez
    Coufal - James - Lamptey - Dallas
    Salah - KDB - Soucek
    DCL - Kane - Werner

    Subs: Steer - Taylor - Grealish - Burke

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

      Gtg!

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

    What would you do here with no FT left ??

    Martinez*
    Chillwell - Justin - Lamptey
    Son - Ziyech - Bruno - Grealish* - Sterling*
    DCL - Vardy

    sub: Steer* - Brewster* - Kilman* - Mitchell*

    0.5 itb

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

      g2g

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

      Yikes. Prey

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

        And pray

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

      Chilwell/Bruno -> Mings/Longstaff is the only answer here.

    4. Nedvěd11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Wondering what FT you used on Saturday evening...

  24. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    With Grealish out, for 11 players to play only Burke to cover Cancelo, what would you do?
    A. Play 10 + Cancelo/Burke
    B. Take hit for Cancelo > James

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

      Probably A.

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

    Any views on this plan please?

    Gw11 - cancelo and burke to dallas and jota - 4......gives me 10 outfield starters

    Gw13 - vardy and ziyech to salah and brewster - 4 ...352

    (Martinez)
    Chilwell james cancelo lamptey (Mitchell)
    Kdb Bruno ziyech (burke grealish)
    Vardy dcl (watkins)

    Thanks

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

      GW12 with no Salah sounds dodgy.

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

        Jeez. When I say gw13, I actually mean gw12!!

  26. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Play one:

    A) Vestergaard
    B) Lamptey

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

      B

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

      B

  27. HonestBlatter
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What's the odds that AVL-NEW will be part of GW11 still? Thinking Grealish to Mahrez or Jota (2FTs)

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

      Possible but improbable

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

        Let's hope it happens

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

    What transfer would you make with this team?

    Ryan
    Chilwell Coufal Robo Cancelo
    KDB Bruno Jota Anguissa
    DCL Werner

    Martinez Mitchell Watkins Barkley

    2.9ITB 1FT

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

    Cresswel + Sterling => Walker + Mahrez for -4

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

    Canceto to who ?

    Dias or mendy
    James (have chiwell)
    Other ?

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'm thinking of switching him to James, slightly more nailed than any of the others -even Dias could be rested this week.