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. Max City
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    front 8:
    Salah KDB Son JRod Grealish
    Bamford DCL Watkins

    (just did Harrison (inj.) >> KdB)

    any move below worth a hit?

    A) JRod >> Jota
    B) Watkins (not playing) >> Che Adams
    C) Martinez (not playing) >> Johnstone/McCarthy

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

      Wow I can't see any player in there worth benching.

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

    Is Robbo injured now?

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

      no, apparently he is fit to play against wolves

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

    Just saw the news.. got Grealish, Martinez and Wilson out.. what to do? 100% brining debruyne out, thinking an -8 hit may be in order.

    Kane + Ziyech + Michell —> Bamford + KDB and R.James.. good moves?

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

    Button, Kilman, Michell, Stephens

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

      Or maybe Antonio instead of Bamford

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

    McCarthy
    Walker-Peters Chilwell Lamptey Coufal
    Ziyech Jota Fernandes De Bruyne
    Brewster Richarlison
    Martínez Wilson Grealish N.Williams

    1FT, 4.1 it. What to do here? Brewster > Che Adams and gtg?

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

      Stick. Adam's will create a benching headache after this GW.

  5. The FPL Units
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Has Kilman lost his place and now a rotation risk?

    1. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I reckon he will start against Liverpool.

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

        Might bring him in then.

  6. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Initial plan was to save transfer this GW. Get Salah for Sterling GW12 and get KDB for Ziyech GW13.

    Does it make sense to get KDB this GW itself? Will mean I will have to take a double hit to get Salah next GW and move Ziyech out when he plays Everton.

    Or should I just keep Sterling?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I think stick with your original plan.

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Do we think Sterling will play

  7. Offs!de
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Since Martinez is my only playing gk and has no fixture in GW 11, what move looks imminent?
    a) Play without GK
    b) Get Mendy ( already have Chilwell)
    c) Get Macarthy (already have KWP)
    d) Get any other GK

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I am going with option A.

      1. Offs!de
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I have 2 FT and 1.4 ITB. Is it ok to play without gk?

        1. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I think so. I have 2FT and 0.8itb. Deciding whether to go with my plan to bring KdB in this week and I see Robbo is now flagged. So going to wait for as long as possible before making any moves.

          1. Offs!de
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Thank you mate.

            I have no such issue though I have Grealish and Watkins in my team. I'll stick with Grealish and Watkins situation will depend on other factors

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

    what to do with cancelo? Have grealish and watkins.

    1. Offs!de
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I may switch to Dias.

      I think, Cancelo will miss against Fulham and may play against ManU

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

        cheers, although i feel he isn't nailed as such with stones and laporte alongside...anyone else?

        1. Offs!de
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I don't think so. As Laporte and Stones are injury prone, PG will take care of them. I think, Dias is the most fit among City's backline

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

            cheers 🙂

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

      1. Throw hands in air
      2. Place undies on head
      3. Squeal in high pitched voice
      4. Run around in circles waving arms.

  9. French Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I have Martinez, Grealish and Jimenez with a horrific bench and only 1FT.

    Is it time for
    A) -8
    B) Free Hit

    1. Offs!de
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'll stick will Grealish, he is a season keeper bar any injury

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

      I wouldn't free hit for 2 players only as jiminez is out long term and you would anyways need to transfer him out

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

      C) see above

    4. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Bench Grealish and take a -4

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

    What is the best man city defender to own for this week only?

    A. Walker
    B. Dias
    C. Mendy
    D. Cancelo

    Thanks guys

    1. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

    2. Offs!de
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Only for this GW?
      It's Walker

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

      walker probably, not convinced by dias' nailed-ness

  11. Rocky FPL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What to do with Martinez? Time to get McCarthy or Meslier in?

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

      Maybe, if a long term decision.

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

      Just hold. Keeper transfers are usually a waste unless long-term. We might find out before the deadline that it's been rearranged within GW11, and if not he'll then have two double gameweeks due.

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

      Hate doing keeper transfers, and if you keep Martínez he is now set up for two double gameweeks in the long run.

      Having said that, Leeds look like they may have turned a defensive corner. Meslier might be a good long term pick

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

    Unfortunately got 4 villa and newcastle players sigh! Plus unlikely that mitchell and burke feature. suggestions with 0m?

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

    A: Grealish + Mitchell >> Jota/Zaha/Barnes + Ayling/Kwp/Taylor (-4)
    B: Grealish + Watkins >> Jota/Zaha/Barnes + Bamford (-4)
    C: Grealish + Burke >> Jota/Zaha/Barnes + Soucek (-4)
    D: Something else.

  13. TKC07
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I have got Wilson, Grealish, Konsa, Martinez, Forster (second GK), Mitchell and Sterling.

    1) Would you FH this GW?
    2) Take hot of -8 to field 11 players (assuming Sterling plays)?

    1. TKC07
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I have got Wilson, Grealish, Konsa, Martinez, Forster (second GK), Mitchell and Sterling.

      1) Would you FH this GW?
      2) Take *hit of -8 to field 11 players (assuming Sterling plays)?

  14. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Best 4.5 to replace Kilman? Thinking Dallas, Taylor or Bednarek.

    1. Offs!de
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Dallas

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

      Dallas out of those

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

    what to do with this team?
    Martinez Steer
    Lamptey Coufal Chilly Mitchell Dallas
    Son Fernandes Grealish Hamez Bissouma
    Kane Vardy DCL

    1FT
    Initial plans were to bring in Wilson & KDB for Kane and Fernandes/Son

    Now thinking Adams & KDB for Kane & Grealish

    Can think about bringing in grealish in 2-3 gws.

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

      gw 12 would do Hamez to Jota

  16. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is this worth a hit? Yes, I know that Ziyech has Leeds next but still.. Jota looked good against Ajax yesterday

    Ziyech + Son -> Jota + Bruno (-4)

    1. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

  17. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Wtf is wrong with Robbo now? Any news after the match?

  18. jb1985
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Already used my FT to rage transfer Justin to James as Justin offering nothing to my team. Have decided to take no further hits and play bench to cover Grealish and Watkins but feel I am good to go. Will take this weeks score on the chin.

    Martinez,
    Chilwell, Dias, James, Coufal, Mitchell
    Fernandes, Ziyech, Sterling(c)
    DCL, Vardy

    Button, Watkins, grealish, Bissouma

    1. Hattrick Harry
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I would do the same.

    2. FPL Bond @ Twitter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      No Liverpool, No KDB & 3 Villa. Omg.

      1. jb1985
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Have money ITB to transfer Salah in next week and if Sterling fails to start this week or show up then have enough change to upgrade Sterling through the sale of DCL after the UTD game.

        1. FPL Bond @ Twitter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          That's a good plan. Cheers mate..

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

      Ya keep it

  19. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Best move here?

    A. Martinez > Mendy (forget about the Villa dgw)
    B. Steer > Johnstone/Meslier/Mccarthy

    Keen to take a hit for a playing gk as it frees up a Villa spot for me to get Grealish later.

    Martinez Steer
    Chilwell Konsa Coufal Kilman Mitchell
    KDB Bruno Son Jota Anguissa
    Vardy DCL Bamford

    0 FT 1.9 Itb

  20. Avery
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Anything to change? (FH team for this week)

    McCarthy
    Chillwell | Aurier | James
    KDB (c) | Sterling | Bruno | Jota | Barnes
    DCL | Vardy (v)

    ———
    Bench = fodder
    Was considering Jota to Torres..
    I like my Barnes + Vardy pick for this week against SHU.

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

    I have 1FT and 0.4ITB.

    Only city player I am interested in is KDB. How would you get him in? Willing to take a -4.

    Martinez*
    Lamptey Chilwell Dallas
    Bissouma Son Bruno Salah
    Bamford Kane DCL

    Steer Coufal Kilman Grealish*

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Downgrade Kane and upgrade Son.

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

        Thanks, can't see any other way.

    2. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Steer is also*

      I ditched Salah and Kane for KDB anr Bruno and has no worries about this until Liverpool returns to form

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

        Liverpool play Fulham next week. No way I am selling Salah.

        1. Lucky Z
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Leicester also played Fulham this GW. It is not an argument.

  22. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Guys, any chance Mitchell can start this GW? Or risky to move him to XI because of cameo?

    Mendy
    Chilwell | Reguilon | Dallas
    KDB (c) | Son | B.Fernandes | Ziyech
    DCL | Vardy | Brewster

    4.0 | Mitchell | Grealish* | Targett*

  23. jaguar shark
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Ugh do I really need to burn a transfer on Martinez?!

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      No

    2. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I did 2 GWs ago (also banked 0.1) for Mendy and happy with it. Even more with this postponement.

  24. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Have 1 FT. Thinking of saving it, going keeperless and playing this team with Sterling C. Right call?

    Martinez
    James Lamptey Coufal
    Serling (C) Bruno Son Ziyech
    Vardy DCL Bamford

    Steere Podence Dallas Mitchell

  25. FantasyHero
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    1. Adams & kdb
    2. Jesus & mahrez

    Forget 2-3 gws

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

      1

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

    So is Kilman not worth keeping now?

  27. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Make sense to keep Martinez and upgrade Forster to McCarthy? Might be handy to have two playing gks in these unpredictable times.

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

      Is this for a hit?

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

        Free

    2. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yes I'm thinking the same although I might go for Johnstone as he has arguably the better fixture is marginally cheaper and there will be less temptation to rotate later

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

        Good shout, cheers

  28. wildnothing
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What to do with this? Tripled up in Villa. 1 ft 0 itb.

    Martinez
    Chilwell Lamptey Cancelo Masuaku Dunne
    KDB Salah Fernandes Jota Grealish
    Bamford DCL Watkins

  29. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Martinez
    Robertson Chilwell Cancelo Dallas
    Fernandes Son JamesR Foden
    DCL Vardy

    Forster Brewster Grealish Ferguson

    1 FT, 1.7 itb

    1. Robertson JamesR >> Vestergaard / KWP KDB (-4)
    2. JamesR Vardy >> KDB Adams / Bamford (-4)
    3. JamesR >> Mahrez

    Thanks

  30. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who plays against Newcastle next gw (after aston villa)?
    Is that game postponed too?

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

      Westbrom

      nobody knowa