Scout Notes

Fernandes scores again as new Pogba role pushes Rashford to the right

Man United 2-1 Aston Villa

  • Goals: Anthony Martial (£8.7m), Bruno Fernandes (£11.2m) | Bertrand Traoré (£5.9m)
  • Assists: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.3m), Paul Pogba (£7.7m) | Jack Grealish (£7.7m)
  • Bonus points: Fernandes x3, Grealish x2, Wan-Bissaka x1

PAY THE PENALTY

Manchester United’s knack for winning penalties continues to underpin Bruno Fernandes‘ (£11.2m) Fantasy Premier League credentials ahead of their appealing run of fixtures.

The Portuguese international, now owned by 50.4% of managers worldwide, despatched his fifth spot-kick of the campaign in a 2-1 win over Aston Villa, the sixth he had taken over the first 17 Gameweeks.

Only Jamie Vardy (£10.2m) has shouldered the responsibility of more penalties (seven) in the Premier League than Fernandes (six) so far. Beyond that, since Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s first Premier League match in charge of Manchester United (December 2018), his side had been awarded (27) and scored (21) the most penalties.

“(Fernandes) wants to take the penalties and that’s the first thing. He is never afraid of missing. He has been very safe and is a confident man on the spot.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

As a result, Manchester United’s established penchant for winning spot-kicks could arguably play a part in captaincy decisions over the next two Gameweeks – when the Red Devils play three times.

More importantly, two of their next three opponents have been particularly obliging in the box this season. Liverpool and Fulham, who Manchester United face in Double Gameweek 19 have both given up five penalties in 2020/21, the second-most behind only Leeds (six) at the time of writing.

Since Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford in Gameweek 7, Solskjaer’s men have gone undefeated and won eight of their last 10 league matches – setting up for a very interesting encounter at Anfield later this month…

RASH DECISIONS

A new role for Paul Pogba (£7.7m) against Aston Villa pushed Marcus Rashford (£9.5m) into a relatively unfamiliar role on Friday night, perhaps throwing a spanner into the works of preparations for Blank Gameweek 18 and Double Gameweek 19.

Solskjaer gave the Frenchman a chance to operate on the left-hand side of attacking midfield, where Rashford has produced some of his best work since Project Restart.

Having spent much of 2020 sitting in the holding midfield pair at Manchester United, Pogba was hugely impressive in a wider and more advanced position. He had more shots in the box than anyone on the pitch, attempted more passes than any other colleague (48) and won the penalty which led to victory.

“He’s getting better and better. I think he played well today. They are a physical side and Paul’s one of these guys who can get hold of it for us.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Pogba is sure to fancy his chances of holding onto the left-wing position for next week’s trip to Burnley, which could bring him into consideration for those building squads around the Blank and Double Gameweeks.

Of course, we also have to assess the impact on Rashford who went an eighth home Premier League match from his last nine without a goal.

In an unfamiliar role on the right-hand side of the attack, the Englishman was arguably the least impressive of Manchester United’s front four against Aston Villa, closely marked by Matt Targett (£4.6m) and somewhat selfish in key moments too.

It must be remembered that Rashford has been considerably more effective away from home anyway, which bodes well in light of Manchester United’s next three matches all taking place on the road.

In nine Premier League outings at Old Trafford this season, the 23-year-old has just one attacking return. In just six away matches, Rashford has found the net six times and added four assists.

Anthony Martial (£8.7m) has less of an excuse for his home form, considering he has just one league goal at Old Trafford and one on the road too.

He seems a much less viable asset for the Blank and Double Gameweek based on his starting credentials anyway. Edinson Cavani (£7.8m) was handed a three-match ban by the FA, but two of those will be spent on cup competitions. Gameweek 17 was the only league match the Uruguayan was due to miss and he will be available for the Gameweek 18 trip to Burnley.

GREAL DEAL

Just as Fantasy managers were starting to lose faith with him, Jack Grealish (£7.7m) posted a seven-point score in another impressive performance for Aston Villa.

Over the five matches previous to Gameweek 17, the midfield maestro was outscored by 42 points to 19 by colleague Anwar El Ghazi (£5.8m).

Grealish has, of course, been unfortunate not to pick up more assists in that time thanks to wayward finishing from Ollie Watkins (£6.1m).

As is often the case in FPL, the good fortune swung back around at Old Trafford. Grealish capitalised from a lapse in concentration from Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.3m) to cross into the box in the second half.

The ball came through a crowd of bodies yet managed to go untouched by Douglas Luiz (£4.9m) before Bertrand Traoré (£5.9m) bundled it home.

Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Shaw, Maguire, Bailly, Wan-Bissaka; Fred (Tuanzebe 90+4′), McTominay (Matić 65′); Pogba, B Fernandes (D James 87′), Rashford; Martial.

Aston Villa XI (4-2-3-1): Martínez; Targett, Mings, Konsa, Cash; McGinn, D Luiz; El Ghazi (Davis 84′), Grealish, B Traoré (J Ramsey 79′); Watkins.

Lessons learned from FPL Gameweek 17

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1,891 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Better luck next year
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best TC for GW19?

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      KDB or Kun IMO

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      One of the mids.

    3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Probably Soucek

      1. Hybrid.power
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        That would be glorious

    4. mr. inconspicuous
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Leaning towards Bruno

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

      Salah? Bruno?

  2. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Why does Bielsa like squatting on the floor? It’s very odd

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Each to their own.

    2. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Back issues in the past.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        They still have issues at the back.

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

        I think you're spot on

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

    Didn’t want to burn free transfer as playing FH next week- so took chance to bring in second keeper- Brought in McCarthy for Forster- not the best move if he is to miss some games....... may have to reverse but that would cost me additional hit!

    1. just a man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Is he injured?

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

        Posts earlier seem to suggest he is self isolating but nothing confirmed as far as I am aware

        1. Volley127
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Even if he is, should give enough time to be back for DGW, so wouldn't worry too much.

    2. Yes Ndidi
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      19 is still a couple of weeks away. It's tight, and I wouldn't like to say which of them will play the double. I'm holding until the last minute.
      It'd be for a -4 if I've got to change it but a twice playing keeper should give me those points back.

  4. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who wins:

    A) Stones (che) + Cancelo (che) + TAA (sou) + KDB (che)
    B) McCarthy (LIV) + Justin (new) + Salah (sou) + Maddison (new) + 2pts

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

      B

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        🙁 Knocked out in the first round like so many other years

  5. Cilly Bonnolly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What keeper are GW18 free hitters going for? I’m on Darlow at the moment.

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

      Darlow (Sanchez) most likely

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

      If I were FHing, I'd go Darlow I think. Leno if I didn't have 3 outfield Arsenal players, but I would.

      1. Cilly Bonnolly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Think I’ll have Tierney, Saka and Lacazette.

    3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m on Darlow too

    4. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Darlow

    5. Yes Ndidi
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Leno

  6. EgyptianKing
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Do you think both Saka and Martial will get good gametime over the next GWs?

  7. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I did Branthwaite/Brewster/De Bruyne to Holding/Vardy/Soucek -4

    Problem is that I only have 7 next week

    Martinez
    Dier Holding Dias Taylor** (Coufal)
    Son Fernandes (Salah Soucek Biss)
    Calvert-Lewis (Bamford Vardy)

    No free transfers or free hit but wanted to do, Taylor/Son to Dallas/DeBruyne for dbl.. Not sure whether to just leave it or take a -4?

  8. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    8 players from City have tested positive for COVID

    https://twitter.com/City_Xtra/status/1345499242924793856?s=19

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      8 players/staff

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

      Wow. Game will surely be called off if true.

    3. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Ah sheeeeeeeeeiiiit.

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

        From the players:

        Ederson
        Torres
        Jesus
        Walker
        Doyle

        That is my guess

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

          +3 stuff. I think this is old news, not new news

    4. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Ouch! Game could be in doubt?

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

        naaah, they are the same 8 as previously `IMO

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

          Probably enough to call it off though, didn’t they have less cases for the Everton game and that got called off

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I don't think that was about the number of players available. It's more about getting enough tests done to re-establish bubbles with confidence. I'm no expert though. New results expected tomorrow, so you'd think it's possible the results could potentially be in line with a scenario that allows the match to go ahead.

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

              Yeah you could be right, seems risky though...

    5. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Makes it sound like one additional positive.

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

        are you sure?

        1. FPL.team
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          It says they have had another positive case so sounds like one new one.

    6. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      So its off then

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

      Just in at 22:36 on Saturday night - really?

    8. Rash
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Coufal and targett on standby from my bench

      1. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I have Dier and Coufal coming in

        1. Rash
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Nice!

  9. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Not activated yet, but tinkering with a FH lineup.

    Darlow
    Cancelo, Holding, AWB
    Son, KDB, Bruno, Grealish, Saka
    Aguero, Wilson
    (P-F; McGoldrick, Holgate, Mitchell)

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

    Bottomed so repost:

    Will you BB if you need to make a 12pt hit in GW 19?

    The alternative is to have 2 great players on the bench.

    3rd defender and back up keeper will bring me to -12.

    I will do -4 anyway.

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m going off the idea now. Thinking with all the call offs it’s too big a hit.

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

        that could be a thing, but sill time till GW 19, things will settle down.

        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Short term I can see it getting worse

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

    Sorry if this a stupid question but I am second guessing myself. If I make a transfer now and then activate the free hit does that transfer remain for when the free hit team is undone?

    1. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nope. You'll return to this week's team.

    2. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nope. All transfers made in free hit week are removed, whether they are done before activating the chip or after.

    3. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Undone

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

        Thanks all

    4. ZAMUNDA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      "When playing either a Wildcard or your Free Hit chip, any saved free transfers will be lost. You will be back to the usual 1 free transfer the following Gameweek."

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

        Sorry but does read as if you lose the double saved transfer if you habe earned it? Doesn’t refer to any actual trades you make?

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          You lose the transfer advantage.

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

          If you have 2 FTs, and you use wildcard or free hit you'll eventually lose that extra FT.

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

            Yes but if I make a transfer does that transfer made get reverted back the original player if I then activate the free hit

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

              Yes exactly

            2. WE GO FOR IT
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Any transfer made when you play the FH chip, whether it is before or after you activete it, counts towards the FH.

            3. Rupert The Horse
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Yeah

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

                Got it. Thanks

  12. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who wins the cup?
    Me: Salah R. Dias
    Him: Bedranek JWP + 3 points

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You

    2. I Must Break You
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      What value do you or anyone else on this site get from you asking this question, or from anyone's answer?

  13. The Tinkerman
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    RMFHT?
    Also how nailed is Darlow? dubravka being back makes me nervous to pick him.

    Leno
    Dias, Tierney, C.Clark
    Bruno, KDB, Son, Saka
    Kane, Martial, Wilson

    Mitchell and cheap trash on bench, 0.0 ITB.

  14. as33
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Laca nailed?

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No

  15. Drexl Spivey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Salah dropping rapidly - City not rising fast enough.

    Still though... Tempting.

    1. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah im debating Salah to KdB/Sterling and bring Salah back GW 22

      1. Drexl Spivey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        It does actually look right on paper. Just the fear, as always.

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A lot will be FH transfers for Salah though, so may not fall in price

      1. Drexl Spivey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I see what you mean, yeah.

  16. I Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on this FH draft?

    Leno
    Dias, AWB, Fernandez, Holding
    KDB, Sterling, Fernandes, Son, Saka
    Kane

    Steer; Brewster, Mitchell, Davis.

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Solid

  17. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I think I'll delete my team is KDB is the new COVID case at Man City!

    1. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Might actually make my decisions a touch easier.

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

        This, although teams will be very similar

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

      You can't actually delete your team though

  18. Bennyboy1907
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH18 team boys let’s make it perfect

    First draft

    Darlow (fodder)
    Tierney Maguire Dias (Mitchell, fodder)
    KDB Bruno Rash Son Saka
    Kane Wilson (Brewster)

    No money ITB

    1. jonasbj86@gmail.com
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      no triple City?

  19. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    4 returns from 4. Many thanks and keep up the good work, my main man, Saka.

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He’s a real man.

  20. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Wouldn't mind City-Chelsea being called off. Soucek would replace KDB.

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

      I’m the same with the Liverpool game...

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

    Kneejerk FH18 draft...

    Darlow (Sanchez)
    Tierney, Fernandez, AWB (Kilman, Mitchell)
    KDB, Bruno, Son, Saka, Rashford
    Wilson, Kane (Brewster)

    0.1 ITB

  22. Old Gregg
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you rather have Grealish with 2 games or Son with 1 game the Dgw?

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

      Grealish

    2. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Grealish on 4 yellows is a worry. Think I’d go son

      1. Long ago I drew a walrus
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        To be fair his second fixture is away at City, not missing out on much there if he picks up a 5th yellow in the first fixture.

        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Depends if he’s planning to bring one in this week ahead of dgw. Still worth factoring in either way

          1. Long ago I drew a walrus
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            At least then we know it and can plan for it (i.e. out he goes)

    3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son

  23. Dennis System
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Laca, Martial or Antonio?? Gotta be Tony but aagghhh

    1. Onana Whatsmyname
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Martial

  24. Pat Bonner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What a dive from Maupay

  25. leocarter27
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on this FH draft please?

    De Gea / 4m

    Dias Holding Fernandez / Mitchell 3.8

    Saka Sterling KdB Son Bruno

    Wilson Kane / Davis

    Thanks

  26. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who would you rather have for FH GW18?

    A) Martial + Holding
    B) Laca + Tierney

    1. Onana Whatsmyname
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

  27. DangerFC
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thinking of selling salah from the blank gameweek for kdb. Then free hit dgw. I don't think salah will haul many times in January with fixtures. Is it madness to sell?

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Can always burn you selling salah

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You'll want him back in 19.

    4. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Madness imo

  28. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I should Free Hit or I should certainly Free Hit with the following team? 😀

    Son
    Bruno
    Kane
    Holding

    Wood
    Mitchell
    Bissouma
    Taylor*

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You have any FTs?

      With 2 moves that would be more than adequate for GW18 and save FH

      1. HD7
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I have quantity but I dont rate the below 4 to give me any pts.
        I have one FT

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          It’s right on the fence for me. 7 decent players for a FH after a -4 could be worth saving the FH for

  29. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Lost on last page

    72 (-4) and up to 85k from 152k, with Salah, Robbo and Dias to play. KDB and Vardy could end all that of course!

    Thoughts on these options for first draft of FH for 18?
    A) DDG, Clark, Bryan, Sterling, KDB, Saka
    B) Darlow, Cancelo, Saiss, Sterling, Rashford, Saka
    C) Darlow, Clark, Bryan, KDB, Rashford, Grealish

    XXXX, Steer
    XXXX, Dias, XXXX, Holding, Mitchell
    XXXX, Son, XXXX, Bruno, XXXX
    Kane, Wilson, Brewster

    Cheers!

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B with kdb maybe. Like the double city defence

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks mate. This is prob my favourite option but a huge benching headache!

  30. Stevecat
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Assuming both fit, who should I tripple captain in DGW

    A) Salah
    B) KDB

    1. Pilgrim62
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B