Scout Notes

Barnes matches Vardy’s output over last four ahead of Double Gameweek

Crystal Palace 1-1 Leicester

  • Goals: Wilfried Zaha (£7.5m) | Harvey Barnes (£6.7m)
  • Assists: Andros Townsend (£5.7m) | Jonny Evans (£5.5m)
  • Penalty misses: Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.6m)
  • Penalty saves: Vicente Guaita (£4.9m)
  • Bonus points: Evans x3, Guaita 2, H Barnes x1

BARNES DOOR

Harvey Barnes (£6.7m) is making a strong case for winter investment as he added his fifth Premier League goal of the season against Crystal Palace.

It was the midfielder’s second in as many outings, made all the more impressive by the gap between his two most recent outings.

Despite Leicester facing matches on Saturday and Monday, Barnes played 90 minutes on each occasion, suggesting he is more nailed-on to start and, therefore, more viable as a Fantasy asset, than many of us had previously thought.

Brendan Rodgers praised his powers of recovery in the aftermath of the Foxes’ 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park, as well as his performance – helpful information for anyone considering a swoop for Barnes.

“I thought he was outstanding, to play a second 90 minutes having done so well against Man United, to play with that level of fitness. His movement was very helpful, getting us the penalty as well. All around he was a good threat.” – Brendan Rodgers

As mentioned by Rodgers, Barnes’ running would have ensured two attacking returns for Gameweek 16 had Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.6m) not missed the first-half penalty he won.

“I just said at half-time, it’s one you’ve got to let go. Kel’s practised five penalties this week in training and they were great. He was confident going in to take it and that’s all I can ask.” – Brendan Rodgers

……….. IT’S JAMIE VARDY

Even without adding that assist to his Gameweek 16 score, Barnes has still matched Jamie Vardy (£10.1m) as a Fantasy asset over the last four matches.

Bringing in eight points at Selhurst Park, one through bonus, the winger has racked up 20 during that time, an average of five per game.

The fact that Vardy suffered an inevitable benching on Monday means he also has 20 points over that period and an average of five per game – despite a £3.4m gap between him and Barnes’ price.

Leicester are certainly on the Fantasy radar right now with a Gameweek 17 trip to Newcastle in mind as well as Double Gameweek 19 meetings with Southampton (home) and Chelsea (home).

Considering that Vardy has suffered a dip from the form shown earlier in the campaign, and typically performs better away from home, Barnes could well be used as a cheaper alternative route into their attack based on recent performances.

The fact that he has started each of the last four, lasting 90 minutes in three of them, might count against him in the short-term, although Leicester do have a six-day gap between Gameweek 16 and 17 fixtures.

GOOD WIL HUNTING

It feels like some time since Wilfried Zaha (£7.5m) has delivered for his 19.4% ownership but there are plenty of encouraging signs moving forward.

His contribution to Crystal Palace’s campaign was, of course, limited by his self-isolation period for Gameweeks 9 and 10 – perhaps why he has been off the radar to some extent recently.

However, Zaha’s Gameweek 16 opener ensured he has now scored or assisted in all but one home start against sides outside the Premier League’s current top two.

With that in mind, the winger is worth considering between now and Gameweek 21, when Palace face three home matches from a possible five.

Even better, those home meetings are with Sheffield United, West Ham and Wolves – exactly the sort of opponent Zaha has enjoyed posting attacking returns against this season.

Crystal Palace XI (4-4-2): Guaita; Mitchell, Kouyaté, Tomkins, Clyne; Schlupp (Ayew 84′), Riedewald (McArthur 74′), Milivojević, A Townsend; Zaha, Benteke.

Leicester City XI (4-2-3-1): Schmeichel; L Thomas, Evans, Amartey, Justin; N Mendy, Choudhury (Tielemans 57′); H Barnes, Praet (Vardy 66′), Pérez; Iheanacho (Gray 72′).

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1,024 Comments Post a Comment
  1. bigdip
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I have 2 FT & 1.6mn ITB and dont have a clue who I need to bring in (FH available)

    Mccarthy (Forster)
    Cancelo, Justin Dier Taylor (Lewis)
    Bruno, Son (c) Salah (Soucek, Gordon)
    Vardy DCL Adams

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

    Null and void please 😉

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

    Should I do Bowen > Barnes?

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

      Yes

    2. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

  4. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    We need a bigger bench

    1. Evil Buddha
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Considering we don't actually know the teams infected before deadline, it will be swing/miss for most. And more outcry.

  5. marcos11
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best kdb replacement?

    McCarthy Button
    Dias Dier Coufal Targett Mitchell
    Salah Bruno Son Raphinha Kdb
    Dcl Bamford Brewster
    0 itb

    Possibly Vardy and switch around?

    1. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kdb and brewster to vardy and el Ghazi

  6. Fulchester's New Centr…
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Whole new meaning to Last Man Standing

  7. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which one for GW 17+18:

    a) Neto
    b) Saka

  8. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any news about the `liverpool game?

    1. Top Dog
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      There is no reason for this to be cancelled! Game will go ahead and no reason for them to post an update

      1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I may have this wrong, but if City players who played Newcastle two days ago come back with positive results today, then under the government rules for contact with COVID victims require 7/10 days isolation. Therefore there must be some doubt for the LFC v Newcastle game.

        1. FPL_Motty
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Interesting point, that maybe Newcastle hadn't fully gotten rid of their covid spread? Maybe some negative tests but players were still positive

  9. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If city and Everton get DGW 19, I might probably not use a chip at the end of it all.

  10. el polako
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    All these expensive toys for Xmas and what trumps them ? Little bit of snow...

  11. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What do I do with Cancelo & Dias double up?

    Would like to have them for their fixtures from GW19 onwards and double gameweeks to follow.

    Have Balbuena & Mitchell on the bench for this week and will FH in GW18. So if they are back for GW19 that would be great.

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

      That was my thinking with KdB initially, keep for the nice fixtures from 19 onwards

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        City could easily have a DGW19 too.

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

          Yes, making me think twice about selling KDB now. Any idea when we might know?

          1. Karan14
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            They have been tested again today and will get the results tomorrow. So we can expect to hear about their game against Chelsea either tomorrow or Thursday.
            They definitely be back for GW18 though. That's a full 2 weeks away.

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

              Nice one, thanks

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

              not definite, nothing is definite

              1. Karan14
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                LOL so what are you suggesting they won't get the test results or they won't tell us if the game against Chelsea is postponed or not??

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You could do worse than just grit the teeth, keep them & hunker down through the next 3-4 gameweeks

      Inaction could actually be a perfectly acceptable course action in this ridiculous environment

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Agreed. Honestly there aren't any defenders I'd want this week anyways. I full expect them to be back by GW18 and then they have good fixtures plus double gameweeks to follow.

    3. Evil Buddha
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have Cancelo and Stones and keeping them. They'll keep cs if they play and no teams are doing great defending anyway.

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        That's my thinking too. There's literally no one I'd want to get in this week.

        1. Evil Buddha
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yes and City could doubles in 18,19 or later and getting them out and in is a waste of transfers and adding more headache.

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

      As a player with James and Dias I'm keeping both and upgrading Dunne to Struijk/Phillips to ensure a starting 11 next week. Both are very strong options that I have no wish to lose.

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah I'm thinking of doing similar. Anyways no good options to replace the Chelsea/City defenders.

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

    I’ve been building for BB19 and I’ve got 2FT this week but having second thoughts how to use them.

    A) KdB + Watkins > Barnes + Kane?
    B) KdB + Struijk > Barnes + Robbo?
    C) Something else?

    2FT 0.0ITB
    Martinez McCarthy
    Zouma Justin Coufal Taylor Struijk
    Salah KdB Bruno Son Soucek
    DCL Bamford Watkins

    Thanks!

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Probably A if City game is called off again.

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

        Cheers

    2. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A or B looks good maybe more on B since dgw

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

        Thanks

    3. King07Kenny
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have the same team except for I have Dallas + KWP for your Zouma + Struijk.

      So am thinking on the same path.

      Watkins/KDB

      Kane/Barnes
      Vardy/Zaha

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

        Nice one, thanks. Prefer your version of the team!

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

    Why is everyone asking about the LFC game? They tweeted it was their final game of the year, but somehow that means they're riddled with COVID and the game is actually off? Or are there other rumours that the slew of positive cases are all Merseyside-based?

    1. Luton_Fan
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Its more for the fact newcastle players came into contact with affected man city players in the last game.

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

    I appreciate players are having regular tests, but the amount of unnecessary hugging, close contact, handshaking beggars belief to be honest. Then you see Managers and staff talking so close. Infact brainless really. A playable bench seems the only precaution FPL managers can take.

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

      You can’t control that... it’s a human natural response and tbf if they test before a game and they come back negative there’s no reason not to do stuff like that

      1. xuwei
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Sorry-What? Testing before a game doesn’t guarantee anything and as anyone who has been married can attest, close contact can in fact be controlled.

        1. El Presidente
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          ah ah ah

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

        it's a natural human reaction to hug my family and celebrate successes in the workplace but guess what, we can control ourselves. footballers can control themselves but guess what, they are not becuase they are not being asked by their employers to do so. Some may think this an overreaction, but IMO it is a disgrace that it is being allowed to continue. The entire country is socially distancing to reduce probability of transmission and footballers are exempt from this? Exempt from not reducing this probability by not doing completely unnecessary close contact at the exchanging of covid. really?

        https://i.postimg.cc/hGnkkSH1/img-20201218-173047-1.jpg

        what planet are portsmouth football club on. In the middle of global pandemic they have allowed their players to all join bodies in a circle, facing each other.

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

      a diversified team too...

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

      I get what you’re saying but that will never stop,

    4. JonBoy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      To be fair, we could have snow cancellations this time of year anyway. Just this season is a bit squeezed as it is.

      1. xuwei
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Snow cancellations don’t typically last 10 days though.

      2. A.J.
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Unlikely. Snow abandonments are normally due to fan safety, not because of pitch issues. Under soil heating is a requirement in the pl now to stop matches being called off.

    5. Evil Buddha
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Habits are hard to change, even in a pandemic.

    6. lespaul
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Agree with this, players and managers are setting a terrible example to the viewers.

    7. Studs Up
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Hows that different from rolling on the grass covered in saliva and sweat?

    8. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Very good point. Sends a confusing message to young folk. Be nice for managers to show leadership on this.

  15. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    when we will know who is tested positive?

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      15:25

      1. Luton_Fan
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Oh. I thought it was 15.35.

      2. xuwei
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        6:66

      3. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        haahha

  16. Fake Prince
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Every player would have been immune by now had they allowed every player to play

  17. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I get the feeling some people on here either can't do simple maths or have a death wish to see more games postponed.

    18 players from 20 clubs does not mean 18 clubs from each club. It's 18 players spread over 20 clubs. No way can it be deduced any more games will be postponed. Get some common sense.

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

      I still can’t understand even with only 5 cases City managed to get it called off

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        That's the power of bring rich.

        1. Evil Buddha
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          But now everyone can do it.

      2. Chrisitis
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        2 cases saturday. 5 cases monday. 12/13 cases wednesday?

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

      Alright, no need to get salty about it.

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

      It might even be staff!

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Exactly!

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

        Good point

  18. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Null and void is only option

    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Are you a troll?

      1. Fake Prince
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Perhaps he means null and void is the only option FOR HIM. Might have a rank in millions.

        1. Niho992
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          This

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

      Sorry for you. Better luck next season!

  19. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on which teams has Covid ?

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

      Better to ask which teams do not have COVID.

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

    "You're gonna need a bigger bench" - Roy Scheider, Jaws (1975)

    1. Evil Buddha
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bigger is always better.

  21. Patson Dabaka
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    In case this hasn't been said, the article wrongly states that Barnes won the penalty. He did not, Thomas did.

  22. casual69
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hearing at the moment on SSN, sheffield utd confirm, a number of their players have tested positive in latest round of tests...any chance game gets called off?

  23. Parsnips
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Could someone explain why Coufal isn’t starting?

  24. rick ding whoop
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    came off brom defender

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

    Tripling up on Leeds right before the DGW seems to pay off.
    Meslier, Raphinha and Bamford.

  26. Agamenmon
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who is the best Taylor replacement only have 4.6m