Scout Notes

The Arsenal players on the radar for Blank Gameweek 18 after West Brom win

West Bromwich Albion 0-4 Arsenal

  • Goals: Alexandre Lacazette (£8.2m) x2, Kieran Tierney (£5.5m), Bukayo Saka (£5.3m)
  • Assists: Emile Smith Rowe (£4.4m) x2, Rob Holding (£4.5m), Tierney
  • Bonus: Tierney x3, Lacazette x2, Holding x1

Arsenal brushed aside a hapless West Brom side that has now scored just once while conceding 13 times in the four league matches since Sam Allardyce took charge.

That keeps Baggies assets the wrong side of pointless, in so many senses, while Arsenal stars offer intriguing Fantasy possibilities in both the short and medium-term.

Lacca Boom

Gameweek 18’s seven fixtures are tempting managers to consider using their Free Hit chip, with the Gunners’ home match against Crystal Palace catching the eye.

The north London side have won three games on the bounce now, although their south London rivals are likely to show considerably more resistance than West Brom, having taken four points from the last six available, conceding just once along the way.

Alexandre Lacazette (£8.2m), who scored twice in four second-half minutes on Saturday, should be a strong bet to be a Free Hit striker for many.

He’s owned by just 4.6% of FPL managers and isn’t feeling huge regular transfer love despite four goals from his last three appearances, one of which was a 24-minute match-winning cameo at Brighton.

Midfield Magic

Instead, the Gameweek 18 money is going on Bukayo Saka (£5.3m), who was outstanding at West Brom, scoring his second goal in three matches.

The midfielder is currently the most-popular transfer in, with 100,000+ new managers.

But like most Arsenal assets, he’s still something of a differential, even if his 7.7% ownership figure is bettered by only Bernd Leno (£4.9m and 8.3%) among his team-mates.

Saka is providing a lot of bang for relatively little buck, with 27 points over the last three Gameweeks.

And so is Emile Smith Rowe (£4.4m), who set up two goals against the Baggies and is shaping up to be a team talisman.

He’s started the last three matches, producing three assists and helping the Gunners to three wins at exactly 6.0 points per match – no midfielder at that bargain bucket price can offer such a return.

For those on the tightest of budgets, Smith Rowe is a tempting prospect if he continues to hold down a starting spot.

Tierney Time

An understandably delighted Mikel Arteta reserved his biggest praise for defender Kieran Tierney (£5.3m), in part simply for being Scottish on a snowy night:

He’s got something special in his blood because we’re all wearing snoods, gloves and hats. He just goes out in his shorts and t-shirt! He is a joy to work with and I’m so happy for him with the goal he scored and everything he’s put in to be better every day towards the team and towards the club.

Tierney ended up with a match-leading four chances created and, with a second straight clean sheet under his belt as well, he produced a bumper 18-point haul for his 5.7% ownership.

The 6.3% on Hector Bellerin (£5.1m) were rather less well served as their man’s first-half booking persuaded Arteta to take him off after 53 minutes.

So while Tierney produced his first double-digit total of the season, the Spaniard brought in zero points.

Centre-half Rob Holding (£4.5m) also made it into double figures, thanks to an assist and one bonus point.

He’s put on over 100,000 new owners over Christmas and his price has moved up a notch as a result, but he’s still relatively cheap for a player who’s currently looking like a reliable starter in an improving backline.

Gunner Be Interesting

Free Hit or not, Arsenal players need monitoring.

After the visit of Palace, their fixtures are a mix of the good (Newcastle at home), the tough (Manchester United, also at home) and the harder to call (Southampton, Wolves and Aston Villa away, Leeds at The Emirates).

But the form of Lacazette, and the cut-price delights of Saka and co, should prompt investment, especially for those in need of a differential or two.

The Gunners could be further boosted by the return to fitness of Thomas Partey (£4.9m), with Arteta providing an injury update post-match:

Well, he hasn’t trained fully with us, but he has done most parts of training in the last few days. He’s feeling good and we will assess him if he needs another two or three sessions to see if he’s 100 per cent available to play [v Newcastle in the FA Cup].

Finding space in the midfield for a player of such quality will need to be achieved without upsetting a side that has clearly found some balance in his extended absence, of course.

As for West Brom, Allardyce continues to play the just-arrived card:

Another game gone by where we learn more about the players we have. We have learned an awful lot about what we can and cannot do.

‘Awful’ is the word and Fantasy managers learned that long ago – the only starter with anything approaching a vaguely significant ownership is keeper Sam Johnstone (£4.5m and 2.4%), who made eight stops against the Gunners to continue leading the way for saves in FPL, with 74.


West Bromwich Albion XI (4-1-4-1): Johnstone; Furlong, Ajayi, Ivanovic (Bartley 66), O’Shea; Sawyers; Diangana (Austin 45), Gallagher, M Phillips (Harper 81), M Pereira; C Robinson. 

Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Leno; Tierney, Mari, Holding, Bellerín (Maitland-Niles 54); Xhaka, Ceballos, Smith Rowe (Willock 77); Saka (Willian 71), Aubameyang, Lacazette.


Lessons learned from FPL Gameweek 17

1,142 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I have this for GW18. Convince me to use FH and get more players.

    Martinez
    Dias Stones
    KDB(V) Bruno(C) Son
    DCL

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

      don't, use a transfer instead, or even save for DGW19

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

      I would just about hold the chip
      Triple City is the main reason

    3. LC1
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Save it mate. You could make much better use of it later in the season.
      You've practically got 6 of the strongest players you would pick on a FH anyway.

    4. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers all.

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

      Triple city, Bruno and son. They are the main ones to have. I’d save.
      I’m probably only fielding 8 for 18 and I’m happy with that

    6. Steve McCroskey
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have exactly the same players as you, and am in 2 minds about whether to free hit

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I am still on 50/50.

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

    Which GK should partner Martinez in BB19? (Max 4.7m)

    Can't be Meslier

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Depends on cash. I went with Johnstone. Not much but...

  3. MASTER ROSHI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Not planning on using FH, currently got 7 players likely to play in BGW18

    Martinez* Forster
    Dier* Holding* Coufal Ayling Lewis
    KDB* Bruno* Son* Salah Anguissa
    DCL* Bamford Adams

    Planning FT on Lewis > Stones to get 8 players
    How does Adams > Wilson for a hit sound? Would then probably have to reverse the transfer the week after to get Adams back for the double. Thanks

    1. maksud
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Doing Adams to Watkins might be better!! with Watkins having the double....I m thinking of that

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

        Only problem is Watkins looks terrible every time I watch him play

        1. maksud
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          True!! but he does get good chances, its the same as bamford.

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

    If I have made transfers and then activate free hit chip , will it wipe out those transfers and not cost me anything?

    1. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You’re the first one to ask that

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

        Asking for a friend

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

        So do you know the answer please!

    2. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes. No cost after you activated the FH chip.

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

        Thanks

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

      Yes. Transfers will be wiped out

  5. Mikei
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez
    Bellerin Tierney Mitchell
    KdB(C) Bruno Son
    DCL

    0.2 bank¨
    1 FT
    FH and Wildcard available.

    Its ok? Or any changes?

    Thanks.

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You have 8. Maybe use your FT to field 9 and you will be good.

      1. Mikei
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks. 🙂

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

        Martinez
        Cancelo Holding
        KDB Bruno Son Smith-Rowe
        Brewster Watkins

        How about this with a -4? use the fh or roll with it?
        Thanks in advance!!

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          You have KDB Bruno Son in midfield. Do not use FH. Thank me later in the season.

          1. maksud
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks!! but I really actually wanted Lacazette for the blank :P... ya holding the fh seems sensible

  6. afsr
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Spend a transfer for FH18?

    Martinez
    Mitchell, Maguire, Stones
    Bruno, KdB, Son,
    Watkins, DCL

    1FT, 0.0 ITB

    A - Salah -> Sterling, next week reverse
    B - Raphinia -> Saka, next week reverse
    C - save FT and play 9 players
    D - free hit

    1. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C is what I am doing

      There will be juicy DGWs in the future with all the British Mutant Virus going around

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C

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

      C

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

      A would mean a hit next week to get Salah back right? If so then C.

      I'm doing A but have 0.2 ITB so can do it for free both ways

  7. Camino Aleatorio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Vladimir Coufal

    Did this cat lose his nailed status? Is he going to share with Fredrick

    Then he ain’t a DGW man anymore

    1. Ozzy smith
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Lol when did this happen?

      1. Camino Aleatorio
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Fredricks was hurt for a while ... then played vs Southampton - they got a clean sheet

        Not a big deal if Coufal is rested in Festive time, just asking. How much does Moyes love him?

        But the reason to own him is that he always plays

        1. Ozzy smith
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Coufal has been great for them, Fredricks not even in the squad on Friday.

          1. Camino Aleatorio
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Cool, thanks

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

      He’s been one of their best players. Can’t see him losing out to Fredericks

  8. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    On FH the new selections do not get price rises & losses only my original squad that returns?

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

    DCL>Laca for free?
    Martinez
    Dier, Holding, Cancelo, Mitchell
    Son, Bruno, Sterling, Grealish
    Kane, DCL

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

    That Cresswell rise is so annoying and has buggered up my plans

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

      Stones did the same to me! Twice in a couple of days FFS! How's your game week going mate

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

        Ain’t it, what’s more frustrating with Cresswell is he blanks next! Oh well will have to choose for Coufal when I look to buy WHU back after selling this week.

        Pretty good, on 76 but will drop tonight with only Salah left, McCarthy out.

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

        You?

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

          Good thanks, similar to you, 80 with Salah left to play. Coufal has looked great so not a bad option at all

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

            Very good!

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

      It's a good year to not firm plans up in your head, have several plans and disregard price rises

      1. Party time
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Play up Pompey 🙂

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

          True

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

      All these good options at Arsenal, who do.I go for ?
      Martinelli 🙂

      Yeah I'm idiot.

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

        A foul tssting cocktail that one.

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

      Should I FH this team or is anything worth a -4?

      Martinez
      Taylor Holding
      KDB Sterling Bruno Son Grealish
      DCL Brewster
      Johnstone KWP Coufal Dallas Bamford

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

        So probably 8 players + a Brewster 1 pointer. Don’t think I’d use FH or do a hit on that

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

          Exactly Taylor injured and Brewster dropped again, both at the worst possible times! Thanks mate

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

            You’re in good shape for 19 too.

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

              Thanks, don't want to use any chips with everything that's going on at the moment.

              19 team will be,

              Martinez
              Dallas Coufal KWP Taylor
              Salah KDB Bruno Son Grealish
              Bamford
              Johnstone DCL Holding Brewster

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

          Martinez
          Cancelo Holding
          KDB Bruno Son Smith-Rowe
          Brewster Watkins

          How about this with a -4? use the fh or roll with it?
          Thanks in advance!!

    5. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thoughts on these moves for a -4?

      TAA + Mitchell + Son > Cancelo + Stones + KDB.

      Only other way to get KDB would be to sell Salah and get him back for gw 19, which doesn't feel right to me.

      1. Party time
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I think you need Son in gw 18 tbh, the other option is better imo

        • Quan MisTaka
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Sell salah

        • Boberella
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I’d keep Son for 18, and do Salah to KDB.
          And would absolutely want KDB in 19 too, so depends if you can get Salah back in 19 without losing KDB.

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

        If only one for the DGW19:
        A) Bamford
        B) Adams

        Wasteful Bamford so annoying to watch!

        1. Camino Aleatorio
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Bam because I already got him

          At this price point, the Sub 7.0 strikers, they are all somewhat broken

          Watkins wastes Big Chances like crazy

          Bam gets the shot off, but has wood work luck. Like Firmino and Aubameyang

          Adams is hustling lad. Gotta love him but gets fewer chances than Bamford

          Wilson and Newcastle, how do they ever score or even have fans. Horrible tactics and playing style. But he scores sometimes

          Martinelli is a job sharer

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

            I’d agree with each of those pretty much.
            I’m doing Adams to Wilson for 18 only then Wilson either back to Adams or Bamford for the double.
            Leeds’ 2 home fixtures probably edge it and with high ownership will prob go Bamford.
            Cheers

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

          Wasteful Bamford in a heartbeat.

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

        McCarthy out?

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

          Apparently yes. Can't believe my jam getting Forster off bench for pope

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

          Out

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

        I’m able to field this team for gw18, what do you think, do i need to use my free hit?

        Martinez,
        Stones, Mitchell,
        KDB, Son, Bruno,
        DCL, Watkins,

        Johnstone, Dallas, Coufal, Zouma, Salah, Soucek, Bamford.

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

          Eight is enough

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

        Foden

        Great game, got a hug

        What did Pep tell him

        A) “you are the English Messi, you are My Dog now, My Dog”
        B) “you are the English Mahrez, you are on a streak Baby Boy, I’m gonna ride you in January”
        C) “you really made Ryad shake tonight, good job in keeping the rotation competitive”
        D) “good game, stay healthy! In case I need you again”
        E) “please teach Ferran some of them finishing skills Homes! Ferran is so happy and recovering well!”

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

          First half of A, second half of C xD

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

            This!

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

          E) Absolutely fantastic game! BTW you may or may not play next week. Or play just a bit of the match. I have no idea. Again, superb effort tonight.

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

        Current GW18 team:

        Martinez
        Stones, Dier, Taylor*(inj)
        Fernandes, Son, El Ghazi, Stephens*(benched)
        Kane

        1FT, 0.4 in bank.

        Can I afford to save FT? If so, then:

        (A) Taylor --> Holding
        (B) Stephens --> Smith-Rowe

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

        C

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

          Reply fail

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

            That's because the answer is always B

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

        What is consensus here for Free Hiters, wait closer to the deadline or press it now?

        1. Dion D's Solo Shower
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I'm waiting, but toying with my team now

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

        regarding the suspension tightrope.
        it is said that its been reseted "after the completion of a team’s 19 league fixtures". What does that imply for Villa players for instance who have a DGW in 19.

        Grealish is on 4 YC. What if he picks up a YC on the first game of DGW 19? is he banned for the second one?

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

          Yes he would be.

        2. Do I Not Like Orange
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I mean tbh I want him for EVE at home much more than City away anyway.

      10. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I have five players in one game in 18, should I play FH chip?

        Martínez
        Stones
        Grealish, Bruno, Son
        Kane, Watkins

        No cash & players set for DGW19 BB?

        1. g40steve
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Johnson,
          Coufal, Robbo, Stones,
          Bruno, C,Son, Grealish, Salah
          Kane, Bamford, Watkins

          Martinez, Soucek, Zouma, Dallas

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

          I have a similar amount and am freehitting. It’s an opportunity to gain big rank climb.

          1. g40steve
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Cheers

      11. Lignja
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Good enough to save FH? Will swap Kane, Dcl, 4.4m mid to Antonio, Salah, and Brewster next week.

        Mitchell, Holding, Stones
        Kdb, Son, Bruno, Grealish
        Kane, Dcl

      12. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Salah to KDB(C) for -4?

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

          This is what I am doing, then I have 3m exactly to do Son to Salah for 19.. Hoping Son goes up, if De Bruyne is due to go up I will pull the trigger..

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

          Every post involes a hit, Vibudh. Relax!

      13. Abra Dubravka
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Would you change anything on this FH?

        Darlow (£4m)
        Cancelo, Dias, Tierney (£3.8m, £3.9m)
        KDB, Bruno, Son, Saka, Neto
        Kane, Lacazette (Wilson) ?

        1. 2OLEgend
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Wilson over Lacazette and upgrade Neto to Rash or Grealish imo

          1. Abra Dubravka
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks. Will try that as agree Grealish is better than Neto

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

          play Wilson

          1. Abra Dubravka
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Cheers

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

        In a combined 32 PL games Werner and Havertz have a combined 5 goals and 5 assists.

        Absolute waste of £150m. Fat Frank won’t last much longer.

        1. Camino Aleatorio
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Just stay the course. The lads are young and getting experience.

          They need a real #9 and upgrade Thiago

          Or trade for Grealish next season. Alonso, Tammy, Barkley, Tomori, Emerson, and Kepa for Grealish

        2. Do I Not Like Orange
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          They're good players, problem is Lampard bought them with no idea how are where they'd fit into his system.

          1. Camino Aleatorio
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            No preseason, that’s a factor. Plus, “player revolutions” as in mass transfers don’t just flip a switch.

            In 2 years Havertz could be the new De Brunye. If you wig out and panic, then you give KDB to Wolfsburg and Salah to Roma- and you are left crying about all your great players at other clubs

      15. HollywoodXI
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Planned WC team GTG? BB in GW19.

        GW18:
        Martinez Johnstone
        Trent Cancelo Stones Coufal Lowton
        KDB Bruno Son Grealish Soucek
        Martial Bamford Watkins

        GW19:
        Martinez Johnstone
        Trent Cancelo Stones Coufal Lowton
        KDB Bruno Salah Grealish Soucek
        Rodrigo Bamford Watkins

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

          Looks great.

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

          GTG

        3. Dion D's Solo Shower
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Looks pretty great actually.
          Can you stretch it to Meslier in stead of Johnstone?

          1. HollywoodXI
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I can as I have 0.1m ITB but it blocks Rodrigo in GW19.

      16. Dion D's Solo Shower
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        How's this for a FH team? Anything that could be improved, you think?

        Darlow
        Cancelo - Tierney - AWB - Fernandez
        Son - KdB - Sterling - Bruno - Saka
        Wilson

        Bench: Saiss - McGoldrick - Brewster

      17. Gudjohnsen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Salah is my captain and Forster is my bench gk.
        Cue Forster masterclass in a 0-0 with 3 BPS

      18. Over Midwicket
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Anyone doing a non-starter to a starter for a hit? I'm using the "it's only a -2" argument and thinking of getting in Saka for a hit to get 11 out and a decent GW19 fixture. Thoughts?