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

    Hmmm didnt like what Klopp said about Robertson injury ......cant afford another player down

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

      WHat did he exactly say?

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

        “Played through proper proper knock on ankle”

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

          Must be painful since he reiterated its a proper proper knock

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

      5 days until next game and then rested in the CL game

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

    ziyech and pva to neco williams and kdb(capt) for a minus 4
    then son and robertson to 4.7 and salah(capt) week after for a minus 4

    thoughts?

    1. Marcin the Pole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Mental. Sleep on it and see how you feel tomorrow.

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

        or could get rid of robertson now because he could be out for this weekend

        1. Marcin the Pole
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Well wait and see for the news then...no point taking hits left right and centre.

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

      Pva out for funds?
      WBA smells 0-0, as did last game..got PVA aswell

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

        last game I had wilson benched and played PVA it was too painful to go through again with pva

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

        and yeah pva out for funds

        im currently
        mccarthy
        justin mitchell pva robertson chilwell
        son fernandes jota ziyech bissouma
        kane bamford wilson

        need salah and kdb asap before I cant afford them anymore

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

    Buying Mahrez for a hit after a hat trick could be really painful..

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

      Whaddabout buying him for free?

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

    Gtg? Not ideal with no keeper and playing Brewster but I'm alright with it for a week...

    Martinez*
    Chilwell Cresswell Robbo
    Salah Torres Mahrez(c) Son
    Brewster Kane(v) DCL

    Martin Grealish Mitchell Kilman

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

    Watkins, Sterling/Mane to Jesus, Mahrez (-4)?

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

      Could be good but could backfire woth Sterling hat trick

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

      Have Cancelo and Sterling, did Sterling to KDB, only nailed with points potenial looks like Ederson and KDB again..maybe Dias aswell.

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

    (a) Son or (b) Ziyech

    To

    (1) Mahrez or (2) KDB

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

      b2

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

      A2

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

      A2

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

    Even after all these years the UEFA Champions League theme gives me goosebumps

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

    Canceto to who ?

    Dias or mendy
    James (have chiwell)
    Other ??

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

      Walker if you can afford

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

      I am seriously considering Stones. I'm insane, right?

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

        I did consider him for a minute as well but then realised I'd be making the same mistake I did with Cancelo. There is no guarantee he won't lost his place again with a bad performance. Man Utd match could be an ideal one for that.

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

    Have 0.2 itb but Sterling 11.4 and KDB 11.7!
    Sterling&Martinez to KDB(C)&McCarthy for a hit? YES or NO?

    1. luk46
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I would actually do it, Sterling likely to be benched at weekend

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

    Bissouma to Mahrez (C) for free looks very very tempting

    1. Marcin the Pole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Leaves problems down the line though presumably, with money tied up in 8 starting attackers.

  11. luk46
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Martinez / Steer
    Robbo Chilwell Cancelo KWP / Mitchell
    Son Bruno Ziyech / Grealish Bissouma
    Kane DCL Adams

    with Villa vs Newcastle postponed, would you rather do:

    A - Cancelo > James/Dias
    B - Son + DCL > KDB + Bamford for -4
    C - keep ft and play Bissouma if Cancelo's benched

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

      I’ll go for C I think

      1. luk46
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        just really scared if a rested KDB turns up... ft could come in handy for gw12 tho

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

          I know what you mean. Can you get KDB for free?

          1. luk46
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            only for Fernandes... if Robbo is out, I could do him + Son > James + KDB, would quite like it tbf

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

              That’s better I think

              1. luk46
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 3 months ago

                cheers!

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

    I have two Villa players, Sterling, Jota, Kilman and Saiss still..together with Jorginho who has been dropped.

    Is Playing a free hit at this point worth it? I’ve always used it for a double game week but seriously considering it now

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

      It doesn't solve your problems, only delays.

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

        You are right. What would you do if you were in my shoes? I’ve already swapped Bruno for KDB, hoping to have two city starters with Sterling and KDB but now worries that Sterling might not even play !

  13. MagicMessi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Captain from this lads ? Currently KDB

    Meslier
    James Nwilliams Chillwel Balbuena
    Sterling. KDB Torres. Fernandez jack**
    .Vardy. Mcburnie. Watkins**
    (Mitchel)
    0.0 itb
    Bowen and Ivanovic to Torres and Nekowilliams for (-4) G2G ? Watkins out maybe ?

    Thanks

  14. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I'm petrified of not owning Jota

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

      Grealish owners everywhere flocking to him

    2. Marcin the Pole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Same, but I also don't want to own him at all. It's a very weird conundrum.

    3. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Hope he flops

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

      You know the drill Fudgy

  15. Pavsboot
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Even with a non playing gk and the cash ITB to swap to Mendy I still feel bad making a 'taboo' GK transfer on a non-WC week. Might just save tbh.

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

    I can’t find tonights scoutcast anywhere. Any links?

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

      Thanks.

  17. Shardlow
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    WC for exact money, is the midfield worth it for this budget defence and forwards?

    McCarthy (Forster)
    James, Dallas, Neco Williams, Coufal (Targett)
    Son, Salah, KDB, Bruno (Grealish)
    DCL, Bamford (Brewster)

    1. Marcin the Pole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Hoenstly, I've been thinking about doing something similar all evening and have decided against. Leaves real problems with team balance going forwards and I've decided I want my WC for Xmas, when I think things will get really hectic.

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

        I see, I stupidly activated my wildcard yesterday so got to come up with something.

        1. Marcin the Pole
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Ah, fair enough. In that case I'd probably drop one of those big 4 mids and spread the funds a little. Speaking from experience, and maybe this is too cautious, but I find it's better to have an even spread of funds so that if an essential premium attacker/defender emerges, you have no issues getting them in.

    2. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      That will be my team in a few weeks but with Dias and chilwell at the back

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

      That's actually the front 8 I am aiming for in GW12.
      Nothing wrong with that at all considering fixtures.

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

      Thanks all, think I am going to go for that 8. Going to hold a squad that protects me against price changes for a few more days. Wish I had the TV that you seem to have, to be able to have Dias, Chilwell etc.

  18. tbhogal
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Fellow Martinez/steer owners are you taking the 0 or shipping out this week ?

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

      back to McCarthyism I think, see below.

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

        I think so too

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

      Was thinking of getting Mendy, but not until in three GW's.
      Now I am 50-50 on doing it.

      Means I have to play Anguissa, or sell Grealish for Jota.

      Two moves means a hit too.

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

    Jimenez, Cancelo, Martinez to Jesus, Neco, Lloris for a -4?

    It would give me 9 playing + whatever I get from Burke and Sterling.

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

    So I didn't want to take hits, but now I see them as only costing 2 points as I have 3 Villa. It is a chance to sort out some non players on my bench and an excuse to sell Martinez

    Week 11: (-4): Jorginho to Bissouma, Martinez to McCarthy
    Week 12 (-4): Foden to Salah, Vardy to Fabio Silva, who might get a decent run of games now.

    Your brain's reactions?

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

      Salah is not really in form, and costs a lot.

  21. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Grealish + Ziyech > Mahrez + Jota
    For Free
    Yaaaay
    Nope

    1. luk46
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      would not lose Grealish just because he misses one game now (which will end in a dgw at some point anyway)

  22. MikeLowrey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Martinez*
    Robbo Chilwell Lamptey KWP
    KDB Son Jota Ziyech
    Vardy DCL

    (Forster Brewster Mitchell Grealish*)

    A) Martinez to Meslier
    B) Roll FT?
    C) Any other moves?

    Next week planning Vardy to Bamford, and then try get up to Salah

  23. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Was planning to save FT this week but yet another spanner in the works!.... do I just suck it up and have no GK and play Cresswell or switch one of the blankers out?

    1FT 0.5itb
    (Martinez*)
    Robbo*, Chilwell, KWP, Cresswell
    KDB (C), Bruno, Ziyech
    Vardy, Bamford, DCL
    (Forster) (Grealish*, Stephens, Branthwaite)

    Options if I use an FT include:
    Grealish > Jota / Martinez > McCarthy / Stephens > Riedwald/ Romeu

    I've left Robbo starred because post-match comments and getting himself strapped didn't look promising!!

    Cheers all

  24. sentz05
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is Cancelo going to be on the Ben h this weekend?

    1. sentz05
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Bench

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

      Probably

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

      Don't know mate, likely

    4. sentz05
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Better idea to transfer out a villa player?

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

      Wish I knew..hoping for Walker at RB and Cancelo LB. Mendy on bench

    6. The Big Fella
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      If he is, I am shifting him ASAP. I got him for these 2 matches and he was benched for the last one

  25. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Which scores more this gw?
    A) Mahrez (C) + Ziyech
    B) KDB(C) + Jota

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

      Hope A

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

      B

    3. 2999 - Lady of Legend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B.

  26. George Agdgdgwngo
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Chances of neco Williams playing at the weekend?

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

      Decent.
      Trent is still out, and Milner too.

  27. 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. Jota and Mendy rising Tonight!!

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

      Keep them both. Daft moves.

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

      While I would want Jota I'm not sure I'd sacrifice Grealish for him. Depends on your bench.

  28. Harper (No more Penandes)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Watkins > Bamford
    or
    Rodriguez > Jota & Mitchell > James -4?

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

    When will TAA be back?
    N. Williams for next two GW?

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

      yep im going robertson to neco williams

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

      trent is close if not wolves hes back by fulham

  30. ZimZalabim
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    so when is deadline now ? if the Friday night game is off is deadline moved to Saturday lunchtime ?

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

      Yup