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. aleksios
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Any hits here or g2g? 0.9itb.

    --Martinez
    --Robbo--Dias--Coufal
    --Salah--Bruno--Son--Soucek
    --Kane--Bam--DCL

    --Johnstone--KWP--Mitchell--Burke.

    Thanks guys.

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Looks good

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

      Hammer over Saints def?

      Why?

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

    Is Justin relatively nailed, even with Pereira’s pending return??

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

      as of now, yes. who knows what happens after 3-4 GWs.

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

      I can't see how they fit them both in with Castagne available.
      I think probably not.

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

        Ffs... wish I bought Taylor in now! Grrr

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

    Start 2 from these:

    A) Dallas (WBA-A)
    B) Bednarek (WHU-H)
    C) Coufal (SOU-A)
    D) Taylor (SHU-H)

    Cheers!

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      AD

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        This.

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

          Cheers

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

        Your avatar checks out, thanks!

  4. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Think there will be early news about Vardy tomorrow? Swap to Aguero stupid if he sounds like he’s rested?

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

      Confident he doesn't play personally

  5. smix
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    KDB to Mane or Son ?

    McCarthy
    Justin Dallas Chilwel
    Salah(c) KDB Bruno Neto
    DCL Bamford Adams
    Martin Bowen PVA Lamptey

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

      Son

  6. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Anybody trying saka or martinelli? Will be selling asm for either 1... but will take a hit

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

      yeah i will be bringing Martinelli in pretty soon, he's quality, and as soon as he gets up to full speed fitness wise he will be undroppable imo

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

    All set?

    Martinez
    Bednarek Robbo Chilwell
    Grealish Salah Son Mahrez
    Kane(c) Bamford DCL

    Martin Soucek Coufal Kilman

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Good to go. Hope Mahrez starts for you

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

        I'm finally 100% convinced he starts a game this week

        Then it's goodbye forever!

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

    Start one:

    A) Zouma (AVL h)
    B) Taylor (SHU h)

    Usually wouldn't consider benching CHE defender, but....

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Still A

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

      thanks both

  9. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Plan to use no chips in GW 18 & 19

    Martinez ¦ Forster
    Coufal Taylor Holding
    Salah KdB Bruno Grealish* Soucek
    Vardy* Watkins*
    ¦ Wilson Ayling Lascelles

    A) Grealish, Watkins -> Brewster, Son
    B) Grealish, Vardy -> Saka, Kane

    Which option for free?

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

    Any reason why Reece James won't start next game?

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

      Coz they got spanked and rotation can hit anyone anyway.

      Could easily be benched a match

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

        OK thanks

  11. Purefection
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    McMcarthy

    Dias Robbo Cresswell

    Son Bruno Grealish Salah

    DCL Adams Bamford

    Sub: Steer, Podence, Mitchel, Dunne

    Grealish to Soucek and then DCL to Kane the next game? How’s the team looking lads?

  12. Live Lad
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Wanna get a Chelsea defender for DGW. Wanna get Chillwell but is he really injury free? Lampard talked about rotation. Zouma more likely to start this GW?

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

    2 FT’s and I haven’t got a clue on what to do;

    Martinez
    Zouma Dallas Taylor
    Son Salah Mahrez Bruno
    Kane DCL Bamford

    Forster* Stones Coufal Burke

    0.2m ITB

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      DCL, Burke to Adams, Soucek if you bb in 19

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

      Forster to Johnstone to burn one but use for DGW?

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

        Not enough cash for that

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

      at first glance id say get rid of Mahrez. That said i bet he starts tomorrow

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

        Exactly my thoughts

    4. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      whats the chip plan? You can downgrade Mahrez and get cash ready

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

        FH18 and TC19 me thinks

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

    Quick Poll for GW 19

    1. TC
    2. BB
    3. Neither

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      2

    2. djman102
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      2, but I just used WC

  15. Corona is not good 4 U
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Pick two (to play) from Dallas, Raphinha and Soucek this week? Thank you!

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Tricky. Dallas and probs raphina

    2. Live Lad
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Dallas and Soucek, assuming you have Bamford. Wouldn't double up against WBA at home.

  16. MOZIL
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Sterling keep or sell??

  17. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I have Rodrigo in my team (don't ask how...)

    Surely gotta keep him for West Brom right?

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yup... good option tbh

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

      yeah

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

    Which 3 defenders are likely to bring in the most points in the next 4 gwks?

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

      I guess Tarkowski, Robertson, Cancelo

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

        Thanks Holmes...I have Taylor and Stones. Just cannot bring myself to spend 7.2m on Robertson...LIV are not up to par.
        It is a tough call figuring out the defense. May go for Dier, not that Spurs are playing too brilliantly either!
        All the best to you.

  19. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A) Kane + Coufal
    B) Martial + TAA

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

      A

      1. Nice to Finally Michu
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thats what i'm on, thinking you're right

  20. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Guys what to do here?

    Martinez
    James kwp balbuena dallas lamptey*
    Salah kdb bruno grealish bisso
    Kane bam adams

    1ft 0.1m itb

    A) save
    B) kdb to son
    C) James and kdb to son robbo -4?

    1. djman102
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Depending on your 18/19 plans, I'd do A and possibly C the following week for free.

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

    DCL to Kane worth a hit? Wasn't very impressed with Spurs today but those fixtures...

  22. Akshatjazz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Matip to James ? ( Or keep matip untill further announcement) have 1ft & .4 itb

    McCarthy
    Dias, Dallas, Kwp, Matip
    Salah, Son, Kdb, Bruno, Grealish
    Bamford

    Martinez, coufal, Rodrigo, Brewster

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Get rid of that glass man Matip. Will only cause you more headaches

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

        Then who to bring in ?

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

          Burnley have 2 great fixtures now and an OK DGW. Maybe Taylor and bank the rest?

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

            how abt tripling on Southampton with bringing in bednark ( already have McCarthy & Kwp) ??

  23. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Grealish to who?

    A. Maddison
    B. Mount

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

      A.

    3. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Keep

  24. DannyD
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Hi all,

    I have the following dilemma & would really appreciate some advice. Please bare in mind I've already used my FH chip + 1st wildcard:

    Martinez
    Robbo James Dallas
    Son Bruno Salah (C) Grealish
    Wilson DCL Bamford

    Subs: Nyland Neto Cresswell Säiss
    1FT
    0.1 ITB

    A. Grealish -> Madison
    B. Grealish + DCL -> Soucek + Vardy (-4 also exact funds)
    C. Save

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

      i think you have to play your WC before the start on GW16 (tomorrow). might has well use it

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

        Already used my first WC 🙂

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

          sorry miss read

    2. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Grealish, Wilson work with B?

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

        £1.1m short 🙁

  25. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Grealish + Robbo >> Bruno + 5.0m Defender
    Best pick at 5.0m ??

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

      Coufal

      1. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Have Coufal, Dier, Dallas

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

          Justin

  26. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    All these casuals offloading DCL...

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

      5-6pts wouldnt hurt

      1. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Flop without Rich and Hamez

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

          blanked once in the last 5.

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

    Dallas or soucek start this week?

    1. Corona is not good 4 U
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I would start Dallas.

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

        +1.

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

      Dallas

  28. Corona is not good 4 U
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is this team good to go (after wildcard)? Or is a Burnley double too risky? Correct bench?

    Mc. Carthy (Johnstone)
    Robertson, Taylor, Dallas, Lowton
    Salah (C), Fernandes, Son (Raphinha) (Soucek)
    Kane (VC), Bamford, Adams

    Thank you!

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I wouldn't start a defender ahead of an attacker

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

      I have almost identical front eight on wc (Barnes for Raphina), tho not very happy about Adams with Ings out. However I ditched Robbo on WC with eye to DGW folding lots of players with two games and have atm Dier, Maguire Justin Coufal and Alioski as defence (Planning to switch Dier for Matip if fit just beforeDGW). I also have different keepers for similar reasons and have picked Fab and Meslier. I don't know what's better between our two approaches, but thought it might help with your thinking, as there's some hours till deadline. All the best with it.

  29. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Good morning DZ.

    Dallas + Bissouma >> Taylor + Martinelli (-4)?

    Current team

    Martinez
    Robertson Dallas Dier
    Salah KDB Bruno Soucek
    Kane Bamford Watkins
    ----------------------------------------------------------
    Button Stones Bissouma Ferguson
    1ft, 0.3M.

    Could play Martinelli over Watkins this GW and will give me 8 players in GW 18.
    Thoughts?

    Thanks.

  30. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Last post before bed... wc team look good??

    McCarthy Johnstone
    Dallas Robo Justin Balb Coufal
    Son Salah Bruno Soucek Raphina
    Vardy Bamford Adams

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      No GW 18 keeper?

      1. Corona is not good 4 U
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        He will then use the "Free hit" chip.

    2. Corona is not good 4 U
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Similar to mine. You have Justin, Balbuena and Vardy. I have Taylor, Lowton and Kane.

      Who will you start?

      Why you have not Brunley players? They have two good fixtures (Sheffield and Fulham, both at home).

      Thank you!

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Just realised that mate... done Balbuena to Taylor :). May change Vardy if it seems he isn’t going to start