Scout Notes

The FPL Round-Up: Pep on Cancelo, Lampard to rotate and Richarlison update

Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea

  • Goals: Alexandre Lacazette (£8.2m), Granit Xhaka (£5.2m), Bukayo Saka (£5.1m) | Tammy Abraham (£7.2m)
  • Assists: Kieran Tierney (£5.3m), Saka, Emile Smith-Rowe (£4.4m) | Callum Hudson-Odoi (£5.7m)
  • Bonus: Saka x3, Lacazette x2, Bernd Leno (£4.9m), Xhaka x1

A much-changed, and much-improved, Arsenal saw off Chelsea to ease the pressure on manager Mikel Arteta.

The result meant a third straight away loss for the Blues, incurring the wrath of boss Frank Lampard, who branded his players ‘lazy’.

Fantasy managers were ill-served by Lampard in the run-up to the match, with injury doubts over full-backs Ben Chilwell (£6.1m) and Reece James (£5.2m) prompting many to sell them on.

As it happened, both started and promptly handed their remaining owners another day without clean sheet points – Chelsea have managed just one shut-out in their last five games.

The team’s most popular attacking player, the 15.3%-owned Timo Werner (£9.3m), made it seven starts without a goal, although his opportunities were severely limited when Lampard hooked him at half-time:

Timo today wasn’t giving us enough with or without the ball and some of it we have to give him time because it is a different league, but also we have to get there quickly. So we’ll see about his tiredness. I will have a conversation with him, but it was a decision I just felt I had to make.

Werner won’t be the only player nervously checking the teamsheet for Gameweek 16’s visit from Aston Villa on Monday either:

I will have to rotate players, I will have to see after Arsenal where players are in their fitness, every individual is different, we will do our best to get the turnaround right.

Arteta has an extra day to plan for the Gunners’ trip to Brighton, with the immediate future of the benched Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.4m and 7.4%) the main Fantasy concern.

In his absence, Alexandre Lacazette (£8.2m), Granit Xhaka (£5.2m) and Bukayo Saka (£5.1m) got the goals, while Emile Smith-Rowe‘s (£4.4m) energy caught the eye.

Tammy Abraham (£7.2m) managed a late consolation goal – his third in two matches – and Bernd Leno (£4.9m) then saved a Jorginho (£4.8m) penalty, but the hosts deserved their win, with the outstanding Saka bringing in maximum bonus points for his 2.4% ownership.


Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tierney, Mari, Holding, Bellerín; Elneny, Xhaka; Martinelli (Pepe 71), Smith Rowe (Willock 65), Saka; Lacazette (Mustafi 90+2). 

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): E Mendy; Chilwell, T Silva, Zouma, R James; Mount, Kanté (Havertz 74), Kovacic (Jorginho 45); Werner (Hudson-Odoi 45), Abraham, Pulisic.

Manchester City 2-0 Newcastle United

.
  • Goals: Ilkay Gundogan (£5.4m), Ferran Torres (£6.9m)
  • Assists: Raheem Sterling (£11.4m)
  • Bonus: Gundogan x3, Joao Cancelo (£5.6m) x2, Nathan Ake (£5.4m) x1

A routine win for Manchester City came with another unremarkable score from the team’s most popular Fantasy asset, Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m).

More than 189,000 managers sold on the 23.8%-owned Belgian heading into the match after a run of just one assist from three starts.

And a further blank on Boxing Day has prompted another 58,000+ to put him in the top three for Gameweek 16 sales, including (presumably) some of the 561,821 who captained him against Newcastle.

With Gabriel Jesus (£9.1m) ill and Sergio Aguero (£10.3m) still being eased back from injury, City manager Pep Guardiola handed the striker’s role to Ferran Torres (£6.9m), who steered home the team’s second goal of a predictably one-sided contest.

But it was Raheem Sterling (£11.4m) who had he most penalty area touches (12) on the day, and from one of those he set up Ilkay Gundogan (£5.4m) for the opener.

That was the midfielder’s second goal from his last three starts, and although he later picked up a knock, he played it down post-match.

I got a couple of kicks on my foot, but it shouldn’t be that bad. I should be able to go again on Monday.

Based on Guardiola’s penchant for rotation, that confidence looks ill-advised.

And the manager’s comments on Joao Cancelo (£5.6m), who impressed at both ends of the pitch on the way to a fourth clean sheet in five matches, should send shivers down the collective spine of his 6.1% ownership:

He’s a player with incredible quality, and his regeneration and physicality is incredible. He could play tomorrow!

Newcastle, meanwhile, came to defend, did that well, but not well enough and then left, with their main attacking threat, Callum Wilson (£6.6m) missing out with a knock – and boss Steve Bruce’s desire not to risk him after four matches in 12 days.

The next two will take place over five days and involve visits from Liverpool and Leicester, ensuring interest in Newcastle assets – aside from the 15.7%-owned Wilson – remains the wrong side of meh.


Manchester City XI (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Cancelo, Dias, Stones, Ake; Gundogan (Foden 90+1), Rodrigo (Fernandinho 57); De Bruyne, Bernardo, Sterling; Torres (Aguero 77).

Newcastle United XI (5-4-1): Darlow; Yedlin, Schar, Fernandez, Clark, Ritchie (Lewis 66); Murphy, Hayden, M Longstaff, Almiron (Gayle 82); Joelinton (Carroll 71).

Sheffield United 0-1 Everton

  • Goals: Gylfi Sigurdsson (£6.8m)
  • Assists: Abdoulaye Doucoure (£5.3m)
  • Bonus: Sigurdsson x3, Michael Keane (£5.1m) x2, Yerry Mina (£5.5m), Mason Holgate (£4.8m) x1

Everton made it four wins on the bounce – three involving clean sheets – with a hard-fought victory over an increasingly desperate Sheffield United.

‘Desperate’ also adequately describes those (few) Fantasy managers still hoping for returns from Blades players, so after a quick mention of yet another blank for the 6.6%-owned Rhian Brewster (£4.5m), it’s back to Carlo Ancelotti’s side for the rest of this report.

Gylfi Sigurdsson (£6.8m) scored the winner, his third return in those four victories, from an Abdoulaye Doucoure (£5.3m) assist in the 80th minute.

The fact that was the first shot on target in the second half spoke volumes as to the attacking play on offer from both teams.

Then again, with both James Rodriguez (£7.7m) and Richarlison (£7.8m) still out for the visitors, that was no great surprise as the 60.9%-owned Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£8.0m) blanked for the first time since Gameweek 10.

Ancelotti confirmed that Richarlison would not be ready to return against Man City on Monday:

There is no possibility to prepare the team. We have to think about the players who can recover in two days. After that, we have to rotate some players. Richarlison is following his concussion protocols and has to stay out.

That could prompt plenty of Calvert-Lewin sales – he’s currently sixth for Gameweek 16 transfers out – as the striker struggles for goals without the Brazilian in the team.

And with a clean sheet a tall order against Guardiola’s troops, it’s no surprise to find zero Everton players in the top 30 for purchases either, despite such a fine run of recent form.


Sheffield United XI (3-5-2): Ramsdale; Basham, Egan, Robinson; Baldock, McGoldrick (Norwood 63) Osborn, Ampadu, Stevens; Brewster (Mousset 76), Burke (McBurnie 45). 

Everton XI (4-5-1): Pickford; Holgate, Keane (Coleman 66), Mina, Godfrey; Doucoure, Davies (Gomes 74), Sigurdsson, Gordon (Bernard 55), Iwobi; Calvert-Lewin.

FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 15

4,308 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ayzay112728
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Looking at Leeds for discount midfielder. Everyone talking about Raphina, but any thoughts on Harrison or Klich? Ive liked the look of Harrison when ive seen him.

    1. Ady87
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Rival has had Klich since the start but not sure why he didn’t take the penalty this weekend so I’d avoid for now.

      1. Bram
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Bamford is now on pens until he misses (postgame interview)

    2. deshawn7
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Raphinha is a good look-in, on corners and constantly a threat

  2. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Really don’t know which defender to take a punt on under 5.0m. Already have Cresswell and Coufal.
    Bednarek & KWP look decent bets
    Ajayi as an outside bet
    ManU Bailly or Shaw for a real punt.

    1. jpizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Holding

      1. Balls of Steel
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Like the Holding shout, Arsenal fixtures not looking too bad and the Chelsea win will fill them with confidence

    2. Ayzay112728
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Stones was 4.9 last i checked, and i think a decent shout as back in favour

    3. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Dallas

  3. Ady87
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Matip > Justin if your other defenders include Lamptey and Mitchell?

    Other 4 at top of my ML have Justin so feel like getting him in so my battles are elsewhere on the pitch.

    1. Ady87
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Nvm didn’t see Dier, transfer done.

    2. deshawn7
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Lamptey Mitchell non players for the next few GW. Who are your others?

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

    Best defender to get in for Matip - 5.3 or less? Already have Justin, Targett, Taylor and Coufal.

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

      Stones

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

        Or Dallas if you BB

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

        Too worried about rotation for Stones. Thinking probably Dallas.

    2. Uncle Gamst
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Dier?

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

        FUL, LEE, avl, shu

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

          Maybe. Not the most exciting to own

  5. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Worth minus 4

    Calvert KDB > Wood Son

    1. deshawn7
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not for Wood

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

    Hi Folks, hope you’re having an enjoyable festive season. Quick question… is KDB and Bryan out for Rashford and Robertson worth a -4?

  7. Balls of Steel
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Kane blank in last 3 matches so due a haul next against Fulham, especially with Spurs winless in their last 4.. armband material me thinks!

    1. Ange Ball
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      think he will be benched for Leeds

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

        Kane doesnt get rested

        1. Ange Ball
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          When he does remember Kane Lane reckon the Brazilian will play.

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

        No way

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

      I think yes he gonna Score

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

    If You have both Dallas and Bamford form leeds who else to get for DGW 19

    1. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Do you mean what other Leeds player? Raphinha imo

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

        This.

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

        Yes i mean from leeds too

  9. Bad Kompany
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Any idea on how long Matip will be out for? I didn’t see the injury.

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

      Read online it’s probably gonna be a while. Said he was clutching his groin.

      1. Bad Kompany
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers! Klopp said it was not too good so I’m assuming he’ll be out for a bit

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

      Pretty annoying. Just brought him in. Nice 7 point return but gotta ship him straight out.

      1. Bad Kompany
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I just brought him in as well

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

          Not ideal. Who you looking at as a replacement? I have zero in the bank (1FT) so gotta be 5.4m or less. Thinking Taylor and banking the rest.

  10. deshawn7
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Lamptey to Dallas or Stones? Have just enough for either.

    Thinking of Dallas because of nailed on status, more attacking returns, price rise today (but losing a GW 18 starter)

    Thinking of Stones because of City fixtures in GW 18 but he might not be nailed.

    1. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      What chips are you using and when?

      1. deshawn7
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Just triple cap or BB for DGW19. Used my free hit earlier already

        1. Bad Kompany
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I think stones might be rested this gw but should play majority of the games (at least until he makes some mistakes). If you have a bench to cover a benching here or there then I’d go stones

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

    DCL to Bamford?

    Will FH18

    Bought in DCL at 7.1 is it time to get rid?

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Probably

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

      Seems a good move now Bamford looks to be on Pens

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

        PS : I’m thinking similar even though I’ll be losing 0.4 on shitting DcL. Bamford’s value too hard to ignore now

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

          *shifting (lol)

        2. Muscout
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Same I’ll be losing a lot of value on DCL but I was going to get rid for DGW anyway and Bamford has a better fixture coming up

  12. james 101
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Considering bringing in Rashford.

    Do we know how bad his injury is?

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Should be ok took a knock to his shoulder but bounced back up afterwards and continued playing.. doubt it's anything too serious

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers!

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

    What to do here please?

    A....kdb and watkins to kane and raphinha - 4

    B....kdb and dcl to kane and raphinha - 4

    Plan to bb gw19

    Martinez
    Robbo james dallas coufal balbuena
    Salah kdb bruno grealish soucek
    Dcl watkins bamford

    Thanks

  14. TomSaints
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I’ll regret it as DCL has been super for me, but fixtures poor and no dgw.

    Hello Martial, try and cover fernandes please

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Don’t blame you. Though I’m not sure martial covers Bruno mate.

    2. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Are you worried about martial being rotated? Could play Cavani up top

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

      Not worried about Cavani?

    4. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'd definitely try and get Bruno in - he's on fire

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

    Thought on why Bamford got the penalty over Klich and if he may get them moving forwards to have a crack at golden boot?

    1. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Klich missed the last one but got to retake. So he gave Bamford it. He’ll likely be on them until he misses

      1. Drogba Legend
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Klich or Bamford will likely be on them now?

        1. Bad Kompany
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Bamford

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

        Makes Bamford ridiculous value if that’s the case.

  16. John Nerdelbaum
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Any thoughts on a move here?
    Was eyeing up Vardy to Kane but not that bothered now. Lamptey to Dallas or save the free?

    1 free 1.3m

    Martinez
    Stones Coufal Taylor
    Salah Son Grealish Bruno
    Vardy Bamford DCL

    Steer/Burke/Lamptey/Mitchell

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

      Lamptey to Dallas good move, yes.

      1. John Nerdelbaum
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers

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

      I have a feeling vardy will be rested in gw16 if not definitely in gw17

      1. John Nerdelbaum
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Will wait and see if there are any leaks

    3. deshawn7
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Lamptey to Dallas is a good option, was considering either him or Stones (whom you have).

      1. John Nerdelbaum
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks

  17. FCRS BGD
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Guys

    Any news on Antonio?
    Is he going to play in next 2 gameweeks ?
    Thanks

    1. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not looking likely as he wasn't on the bench today

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

        Thanks

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

    Who to ditch on a WC?

    A) Taylor (4.5)
    B) Justin (4.7)
    C) Stones (4.9)

    Budget is 5, will bank spare cash

    1. GS456
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Probably C as others have DGWs

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

      Rest is Robbo, Coufal, Dallas

  19. GS456
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Captain?

    A) Salah
    B) Bruno
    C) Kane

  20. Forcella Boys
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Would you take -4 hit to swap KDB & Adams to get Kane & £7.6m midfielder or just get Son in for KDB ?

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

      I think Son.

  21. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What to do with this lot?

    Meslier
    Cancelo Chilwell C.Taylor
    Salah KDB Bruno Son
    DCL Bamford Adams

    Forster Coufal Anguissa Mitchel

    1ft 0.3itb

    Cheers

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

      Easy save. Looks good for this GW

      1. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers mate. Tempted by KDB to Mane though

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

          Mane looked a lot sharper today, but I’m really thinking KDB will come good points wise and I’m taking a punt on keeping him.

          1. THFC4LIFE
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            I’ll probably give him 1 more week v Everton, 2ft will be useful aswel. Good luck and thanks for the replies appreciate it

  22. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Gone against the plan and went with Mane instead of Son for KDB. Hopefully the whisky has made the correct choice!

  23. Riggs
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I'm in preparation for DGW 19. Will FH GW 18. Which do you prefer:
    A) TAA and Robbo and Salah (+Son and Kane)
    B) Robbo + Salah and Mane (+ only Kane)

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

      B

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

    Gtg? 1 ft 0.1itb

    Martinez
    Bednarek Robbo Chilwell
    Grealish Salah Son Mahrez
    Kane Bamford DCL

    Martin Soucek Coufal Kilman

    Worried with those West Ham lads on the bench!

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

      Looks good. What worries you about benching the WHU players? Mahrez in last chance saloon?

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

        Southampton cleanie and yes for Mahrez as he surely HAS to start.

  25. Punty McPuntface
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What's your thoughts on DCL to Bamford?

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

      Do it. DCL is regressing without Rich and Rod.

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

      Good thoughts

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

    Barnes or Maddison?

  27. More Cowbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    best replacement for C Wilson?
    similar value ideally

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

      I got him, and am looking at Tammy, mostly due to DGW soon.

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

        But I got Bamford already.

    2. YLK13
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Bamford, Rodrigo, Adams ... in that order. Would say Watkins but fixtures turning and not in DGW if that's your strategy.

  28. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    People playing WC, what is your DGW 19 team looking like?

  29. YLK13
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What do you think of this?

    DCL, Wilson -> Kane, Brewster for a hit?

    Sad to let DCL have value in him, but for upcoming GWs think this works.

    Thanks!!

  30. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Mccarthy
    TAA Taylor 4.5
    Salah Son Bruno Grealish
    Wood Bamford Kane

    Button Coufal Bissouma Mitchell

    Need a 4.5 defender...Alioski>Ayling?
    Or maybe a defender from another team?