Scout Notes

Can FPL managers still rely on Liverpool assets for Double Gameweek 19?

SOUTHAMPTON 1-0 LIVERPOOL

  • Goals: Danny Ings (£8.3m)
  • Assists: James Ward-Prowse (£6.2m)
  • Bonus points: Ings x3, J Stephens x2, Bednarek x1

DOUBLE TROUBLE

Liverpool assets put in the worst possible audition for Double Gameweek 19 as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Monday night.

During their last Premier League match before they host Manchester United and Burnley, the Reds struggled to offer much in the way of attacking quality, continuing a concerning trend ahead of the upcoming mini chip season.

Over the three matches that followed the 7-0 win at Crystal Palace, Liverpool have scored just one goal and taken two points from a possible nine. Such an achievement is all the more discouraging considering they faced West Bromwich Albion, Newcastle and Southampton.

For the first time since May 2018, Jurgen Klopp’s men have now failed to score in back-to-back league matches, having found the net in each of their 21 previous outings.

“What was disappointing (about the defeat)? How long have we got? We were not good enough. It’s our fault, my responsibility, that’s it.” – Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool can hardly protest at their misfortune either as they failed to register a shot on target until the 75th minute when Sadio Mané (£11.9m) finally found some space to shoot but tested Fraser Forster (£4.0m) only with a low, scuffed effort.

That was the longest the Reds have had to wait for an accurate effort in a Premier League match since December 2015, 89 minutes into a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle two months into Klopp’s Liverpool tenure.

“We were dominant in the right areas, had the moments but then the decision-making was not that good. The last pass, we missed the last pass. I heard now we only had one shot on target; we had a lot of shots next to the target which we did not finish, but even with them we probably did not have enough for the moments we had. Our fault, my responsibility and that’s it.” – Jurgen Klopp

ALWAYS CAPTAIN… WHO?

Fantasy managers considering Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) for the Double Gameweek 19 captaincy are almost certainly having second thoughts in the break between Gameweeks 17 and Blank Gameweek 18.

After scoring 16 points as a substitute against Crystal Palace, the Egyptian has now blanked in each of his last three Premier League appearances.

That is the longest he has gone without an attacking return in 2020/21 and, against Southampton, there was very little in the way of straws to clutch at.

Most of Liverpool’s play went down the left-hand side through Andrew Robertson (£7.4m) and Mané on Monday night, their crosses into the box well dealt with by Jack Stephens (£4.6m) and Jan Bednarek (£4.9m) before they could get through to Salah. As a result, Southampton now have more clean sheets in the last four matches (three) than any other side.

Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.8m) also impressed in his handling of Liverpool’s left-sided attackers and in one of the rare moments where Mané got the better of him, the cross was just too high for Salah to get over it, his effort going over the bar.

Meanwhile, the right-winger’s link-up with Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.3m) was virtually non-existent as the Englishman had one of his worst games in a Liverpool shirt to date. He gave the ball away 38 times against Southampton, the most of any player in one match this season – and he only featured for 77 minutes before James Milner (£5.3m) replaced him.

So then… what now for Salah as a captain candidate in Double Gameweek 19? After all, Kevin De Bruyne (£11.6m) scored a double-digit haul operating as a false-nine at Chelsea and faces Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in that round.

Meanwhile, both of Bruno Fernandes‘ (£11.3m) Double Gameweek 19 matches are on the road, where he has produced 10 points per game this season.

And the other advantage they have over Salah is another chance to impress. It is clear that Liverpool have serious attacking problems right now but the only chance Fantasy managers will have to assess whether or not they have made progress in solving them is a third-round FA Cup tie against Aston Villa on Friday.

However, how much we will be able to read into that match remains to be seen. Considering the busy December schedule, which does not let up in January, Klopp and Dean Smith are almost certain to chop and change their teams.

As a result, potential Salah backers have only the last three matches to rely on for their captaincy decision – and they were not encouraging.

By contrast, De Bruyne and Fernandes both feature in Blank Gameweek 18 bringing their existing form into relatively appealing matches likely to allow for encouraging Double Gameweek 19 captaincy auditions.

“They are football problems; yes, we are worried about that but football problems you solve with football and that’s what we are working on. We know about the situation, we are not silly, and we have to show a reaction, 100 per cent.” – Jurgen Klopp

SITTING ON DEFENCE

Liverpool’s Monday-night defeat did not do wonders for their defensive assets ahead of Double Gameweek 19 either.

Once again, they were patched up in that department, Jordan Henderson (£5.4m) dropping into centre-back alongside Fabinho (£5.4m) in Joel Matip‘s (£5.4m) continued absence.

However, a lapse in concentration during an early James Ward-Prowse (£6.2m) free-kick from Alexander-Arnold allowed Danny Ings (£8.3m) to nip in and find the net.

“His finishing is quality but he works hard for the team too. It is important that he is fit and he’s back.” – Ralph Hasenhüttl

Interest in Liverpool defenders had been relatively high for this game considering Southampton went three matches without scoring between Gameweeks 14 and 16.

They even came into Gameweek 17 with a number of key absentees including Alex McCarthy (£4.7m), Jannik Vestergaard (£4.8m), Oriol Romeu (£4.5m) and Che Adams (£6.1m) who missed out due to self-isolation, knee issues, a calf problem and concussion respectively.

“Oriol [Romeu], maybe one or two weeks out, so hopefully for the Leicester game he is back. Moussa [Djenepo], looks not so good. Che [Adams] is only out with a concussion, so hopefully also back as soon as possible.” – Ralph Hasenhüttl

They even lost Moussa Djenepo (£5.4m) to hamstring problem during the first half, making way for 21-year-old Nathan Tella (£4.4m), but still had enough about them to absorb Liverpool’s pressure and stretch the visitors’ defence on the counter-attack in key moments.

“(Djenepo) had a bad injury history with his muscles. It was maybe a setback. I said to him head-up, he will come back strong and I tried to give him a lift.” – Ralph Hasenhüttl

“We had so many injuries and still competed. I think the system works.” – Ralph Hasenhüttl

Southampton XI (4-4-2): Forster; Bertrand, Bednarek, J Stephens, Walker-Peters; Djenepo (Tella 32′), Ward-Prowse, Diallo, Armstrong; Walcott (Valery 82′), Ings (Nlundulu 77′).

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Robertson, Fabinho, J Henderson, Alexander-Arnold (Milner 77′); Oxlade-Chamberlain (Shaqiri 57′), Wijnaldum, Thiago; Mané, Firmino, Salah.

Lessons learned from FPL Gameweek 17

1,182 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Oooo Matron
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on this plan?

    GW 18
    Salah to Sterling
    Button to Leno

    Leno
    Konsa Dier Dias
    Grealish Fernandes KDB Sterling Son
    DCL Brewster

    GW 19 (Bench Boost)
    Balbuena to Coufal
    DCL to Adams/Antonio (-4)
    Brewster to Watkins (-4)

    McCarthy Leno
    Konsa Dier Dias Coufal Dallas
    Grealish Fernandes KDB Sterling Son
    Adams Watkins Bamford

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

      Im not convinced -8 for a BB is worth it but sounds good.

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

      one none starter, or possibly 2, in the DGW and the BB is up in smoke. Dont think its a good week to BB.

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

    would you rather have:

    A) Kane, Rashford, Cancelo (352)
    or
    B) Martial, Lacazette, Son, Stones (343)

    1. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      who would be your 3rd striker on B?

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

        Wilson, forgot to mention in.

        1. Boomerang V
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I would say A but I would try to fit Son asn well, especially on FH

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

            I mean, I can fit him, but then Rashford must go..and I find villa to be tougher oppostion at this time than burnley

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

    I'm so sick of seeing Brewster in my team!

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

      What is not to like about a guy guaranteed for a 1 or 2 pointer? Very consistent lad.

    2. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Me too but I´ve been playing Soucek in a 352 and many others are getting his points on the bench. So it´s working for me.

    3. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah can't wait til GW19 to finally get rid of him. Currently on 352 with Raphinha and Brewster but looking to go back to 343 with a proper striker instead.

    4. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Me too, hate that useless turd. Brewshite...

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

      Brewster is a waste of space

  4. Who are all Lukakus
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Sorry but I think these RMFHT is quite pointless at this moment. Wait for the cup fixtures to be played first

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

    hey guys, im sure it has been asked before.....

    i am playing the FH in 18. If I transfer Salah>KDB today, then use free hit as few days from now, what happens to Salah's price in my squad GW19 (assuming of course he drops in price between now and then)?

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

      You still just get your last gw team back as if you hadn't done any transfers

  6. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best option to go alongside kdb Bruno saka and soucek on wc

    1 Bowen
    2 jwp
    3 Neto

    Struggling to decide..playing BB gw19.

    Thank you

    1. 1895Reds
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Neto

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

      Saka, Soucek and Neto in the same midfield? So what is your budget going on?

  7. 1895Reds
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Tierney Lamptey
    Zaha Grealish KDB Son Bruno
    Wood Brewster

    Above good to go next GW? Salah out for KDB will by my transfer.
    Probably will FH GW19

  8. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Do you think Telles can start over Shaw Vs Burnley ?
    If Shaw starts then he can be a great FH pick cause he is included on set pieces lately

    1. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Shaw would be a great pick if he wasn't so injury prone, but impossible to say who will start.

  9. turd ferguson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What do you reckon is best? 🙂

    A - kane, grealish, saka
    B - Lacazette, son, neto

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

      A

  10. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pick 1
    A. Salah + McCarthy > KDB + De Gea (-4)
    B. Salah > KDB

    A. This option gives me 10 players this week and both have doubles.
    B. Gives me 9 players but there is a chance that McCarthy might miss one game.

    1. Kane Train
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Southampton don’t play gw18

      1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I meant the DGW. All in all, which is the better option?

  11. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A OR B?? (have Stones)

    A) Dias & Shaw
    B) Cancelo & Saiss

    1. jayzico
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

  12. JOELIO8701
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi all,

    What rank range would one need to be at this stage of the season to have a shot at winning FPL? Is 180 points off the leader too much to recover ?

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No, but you'd need to have a differential captain coming to fruition, several times.

      1. JOELIO8701
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Harvey Barnes it is

  13. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who would you rather have ?

    A) Salah
    B) Sterling
    C) Rashford

    1. All about the galacticos
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

  14. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I always say thank you when someone replies to my questions, common courtesy. I see many here fail to do so, even worse, ask the same question again on the next page, and next...

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

      Never reply to the gravless

      1. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Good tip!

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

      I tend to thank people too. It's the right thing to do.

  15. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    City plays 5 out of 7 bottom five players. To be honest, even if KDB sucks, there is no way he will get at least an assist along the way.

    1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      *City plays 5 of the bottom six players in the next 6 game weeks.

      1. Ron_Swanson
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        do you mean teams?

        1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          yes

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

    40 players and staff testing positive this week. Reaching numbers that are risky to play ?

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

      No where near. National average test positivity is over 10%, here its less than 2%.....

      98% of players/staff not affected, the hysteria is unbelievable.

  17. SCOUT PICKS CHAMPION LOTTERY - GAMEWEEK 18
    andy85wsm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    We're looking for a new Community Champion for Gameweek 18 - the pick of the blanks!

    Think you have the eye to pick the differentials and form a winning team vs the Scout Picks? We need a Community Champion to represent us vs the Scout Picks for Gameweek 18.

    The Community Champion picks a team including a captain to go up against the Scout Picks, within a budget of 83m and in a playable FPL formation. Whichever Gameweek champion beats the Scout’s team by the largest margin will win a £100 Amazon Voucher!

    If you're interested in applying, email us at support@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk with your FFS username and FPL Team ID.

    The Champion will be picked by Thursday evening, so make sure to enter by then! The Champion then has until 11am Friday morning to send in their team.

    Good luck!

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

    Quick question, if I activate FH rn and then decide I want to WC. Can I still do it and keep the FH, how does it work?

    1. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nah, once the FH is active you can't cancel it.

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

      Wow 18 up to 40- only a matter of time until PL games suspended

      1. Ron_Swanson
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        still less than 2%

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

        Number of tests was also doubled, nothing spectacular here

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

        Did you know people can be tested positive if they had the flu 2 years ago. Testing has been proved maliputive to say the least.

  19. Miro
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Take a -4 and go with this into gw18

    Martinez -
    Cancelo Dias AWB - -
    KdB (c) Bruno Son Martinelli -
    - - -

    B) Use FH

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

    Chances of Kane rising in price AND Vardy dropping price before gw 19?

    Looks likely right

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

      All of us have the same information from fplstatiscs.
      I personally think Kane won't rise. 50k managers bringing him in without a chip looks huge.

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

    The PL announce 40 positive COVID-19 tests between 28 December and January 3.

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

      Tbf that’s only like 2 a team and could include staff

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

        Last week's number was 18. And we saw 3 games cancelled.
        The chances of 2 each are less imo.
        More like 10 cases each in 4 teams ? Which means 3-4 matches postponed?

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

      Although City and Fulham players are already taken into account of that number

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

        Last week it was 18 right? 22 new cases is huge.

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      *sweating

    4. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Fear mongering

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

        18 cases = 3 games postponed in a week.
        40 cases = ?

        1. Pukki Blinders
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          That extra 22 cases is probably from City and Fulham team staff

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

            Really improbable with City as everyone was tested before the match against Chelsea and they did not find new positives except the one's mentioned

  22. jesus jesus
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    'Virtual Coin Toss' !! Anyone else put out of cup in a 'coin toss' ??
    Does the rule not apply if your team concedes fewer goals ??

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

      Should have sent a few dollars to Mark and you would have been through. Rookie mistake

      1. jesus jesus
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Lol !!

      2. sunzip14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        you replied to a gravless? 😉

        1. jesus jesus
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Am I the only gravless lol ??
          Have to get Messi in a city top ??

          1. sunzip14
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Lol no offense to you! I was referring to earlier comment of Brosstan on this page, where he suggested to never reply to a gravless 😀

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

        Maybe they'll see their mistake and re-install me and all will be forgiven - few dollars on the way !!

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

    Rip to my FH chip... null and void 😉

  24. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you prefer dier for next two playing one game in each week or Zouma who blanks leaving me with 10 but a double following week ?

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

      Dier for this week and then use Ft for Zouma?

      1. Ohh1454
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Have free transfers planned already getting in Salah and Bamford

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

          I'd personally prefer a hit of -4 to get a total of 3 matches.
          But if you don't want to take that route, then Dier feels like the better option.

      2. sunzip14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        This

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Probably one CS each, close call

  25. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Need to trade one gw18 player for another to be able to get a playing GK (McCarthy>Leno/Martinez?). Which move looks better to fund that with 2Fts? Will FH 19 and ideally a player with decent fixtures mid-term would be priority.

    A) Zaha>Saka
    B) DCL> Wilson
    C) Justin>Clark
    D) Brewster>4.3 fodder (Will still have front 7 of gw 18 players)

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

      1. sunzip14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thank you

    2. Ohh1454
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

      1. sunzip14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        thank you

  26. Fit_to_drop
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If Bailly starts v's City, would that indicate to you that he is the preferred choice next to Maguire and, if so, for how long do you think?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He will be first choice until he gets injured again very soon

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

      He will eventually be rotated with Lindelof. Maguire tis the safest route into United defense. AWB next.

  27. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If I did TAA,Salah >> Cancelo,KDB this week for -4
    I’d have 8 for next week.

    Martinez
    Dias,Cancelo
    KDB,Grealish,Fernandes
    Kane,Watkins.

    Then 14 DGWers + Kane for 19. 1FT could turn him into anyone.

    Is this plan better than using FH next week?

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

      Next week can you get Salah when you transfer out Kane?
      If yes then Def this is better than FH

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I can do Grealish,Kane >> Salah + 9.1m striker for -4 in 19.

        Or instead of Cancelo get someone who plays in 18 who is 4.7m or less to afford Kane >> Vardy

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

      Yes good plan, don't FH with that team.

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

    what is everyone's preferred formation between 3-4-3 and 3-5-2??

    I have always stuck with 3-4-3 and never felt that comfortable changing, when i have before, i've always gone back quickly. 3-4-3 also seems most popular in the top 1k, 64% of the top 1k use it, thats a big chunk compared to the second most popular 3-5-2 which is 25%.

    if i move from 3-4-3 to 3-5-2 i can upgrade Soucek > KDB and downgrade Kane > Ings/Antonio - this would be my way of getting KDB in my side

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Don't lose Soucek

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

      I personally never think of the formation while playing fpl.
      Last few weeks I fielded 5-4-1 which is not very popular but gained a lot of rank.

      The only thing you should base your decision is who scores more points :

      KdB + Ings
      Vs
      Kane + Soucek

    3. Andy Mac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I personally prefer 3-5-2 as more potential and value in midfield vs forwards, but it can fluctuate depending on who's in form and their position, so I wouldn't get too hung up on 3-5-2 vs 3-4-3, just pick the best players and formation for the upcoming fixtures.

  29. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Going to have to do Salah -> KDB tonight.

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Why?

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

        KDB rising. priced out maybe?

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Seriously??

          I thought he already fell in price this week. How volatile...

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

            Yeah he went down this week and is already going back up tonight and Salah ready to drop.