Scout Notes

Phil Foden hauls again as City defence shines in win over Brighton

Manchester City 1-0 Brighton

  • Goal: Phil Foden (£6.2m)
  • Assist: Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m)
  • Bonus: 3x Foden, 2x Zinchenko, 1x Dias

Phil Foden (£6.2m) picked up his second maximum bonus-point haul in a row as City were made to battle to beat Brighton in Blank Gameweek 18.

The defence of City shone again as their attackers missed a glut of chances in their win.

With many Fantasy Premier League players lumping on their defence, this display will have given them a renewed sense of confidence ahead of the Double Gameweek.

With upcoming games against Crystal Palace and a COVID stricken Aston Villa, their defence looks set to carry on bringing in the points.

Curse of KDB

Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) looks likely to go down as one of the most frustrating player of the season.

Lining up as a false nine in a team scoring goals, FPL players captaining KDB were licking their lips at the thought of a monster haul.

But their was a sense of inevitability after a first half where De Bruyne had two good chances in the box saved by Robert Sanchez (£4.4m).

During the second half, De Bruyne started dropping deeper and deeper as City came under pressure from a spirited Brighton side.

Even when he earned a penalty in injury time, KDB owners must have thought their luck had turned.

However, the sight of substitute Raheem Sterling (£11.4m) stepping up and missing the spot kick quickly brought them back down to earth.

The City captain did finish the game with a clean sheet bonus and an assist for the Foden goal, but yet again owners will be ruing what could have easily been a double-digit haul.

This is by far from the first time De Bruyne and the City attack has failed to convince against a team in the lower reaches of the table.

Once known for their free-flowing attacking football, City have now failed to put more than two goals past West Brom, Newcastle, Brighton and Fulham.

In their last six Gameweeks, they have been outscored by Arsenal and Aston Villa, and have scored the same amount of goals as Wolves and Everton.

Usually such a cool customer, Pep Guardiola cut a frustrated figure in the second half.

His post match interview even suggested more narrow wins could be on the horizon for City.

“We knew how tough it would be. Brighton had a good mentality to play. We had a really good first half and had chances. After we missed a really clear chance in the second half they were better. We need to win these sorts of games. It is a good lesson for us. Every game will be like this.”

Pep Guardiola

City’s win over Chelsea now looks like an anomaly, rather than their other results, and questions still remain over City’s premium attacking assets.

Boy Wonder

If City’s premium attackers are coming under scrutiny, then Foden looks like a great solution.

The “Stockport Iniesta” began the game on the left side of City’s attack, where he cut inside to score a goal on his weaker right foot.

An all-action display saw the England international switch with KDB, Bernardo Silva (£7.4m) and Riyad Mahrez (£8.1m), to pop up on both wings and as a false-nine.

Pep was quick to praise the goalscorer’s versatility, and hinted he may be more assured of a place in the team going forward.

Phil Foden is 20-years-old, look at the starts. The amount of games, the assists compared to the bigger stars in football. Can play both sides, in the middle as a false nine. He is so clever in front of goal. That’s why he deserves to play

Pep Guardiola

Speaking after the match, Foden spoke of wanting to add more goals to his game.

“I don’t score a lot of goals with my right, when I do score them it’s always nice. It was a good goal. I always like to be in the area. I want to score more goals and enjoy the moment.”

Phil Foden

FPL players are going to take a lot more convincing before Foden is rotation proof, but if he can nail down a place in the team then City’s young attacking star will become a must-have.

Paying the Penalty

Raheem Sterling became the latest in a long line of penalty takers to miss a spot kick for Man City.

The substitute, who had only been brought on for the last 10 minutes, surprised many when he stepped up instead of their usual penalty taker, KDB.

And their surprise turned to horror when Sterling skied the penalty in injury time, depriving KDB of another assist and surely three bonus points.

Pep explained the change in taker was down to De Bruyne’s effort throughout the game.

“Kevin is the taker but he made an incredible effort – not just the action to press the keeper and create the penalty but for the rest of the actions before. He was struggling in the last 15 minutes because he was exhausted. I like the guys who take the responsibility for the penalty. It was Raz (Sterling) and next time it will be better.”

Pep Guardiola

This will cause further confusion as to just who is going to take penalties for Man City.

Sterling and KDB have both missed spot kicks this season, and Ilkay Gundogan (£5.5m) spurned a key penalty against Spurs last season.

All this points to frontman Sergio Aguero (£10.3m) being given the responsibility when he returns from injury.

Big at the Back

Another clean sheet for City saw two of their defenders picking up bonus points in a solid display.

Ruben Dias (£5.8m) picked up one of them, and his influence on the back line cannot be understated.

Since arriving from Benfica in the summer for a club record of £65million, Dias has slotted seemlessly into the City defence, marshalling them and barking out orders.

City now have the best defensive record in the league, and before the game, Pep singled out Dias for praise.

“When you buy players always you have this quality but you never know what is going to happen. He is a guy that can play every three days. He recovers immediately and his ability is incredible, as is his understanding of the game. He wants to learn and all of us were impressed how he takes care of his body and mind, every day. We were surprised a lot. The day after [a game] – 8.30 in the morning in the gym. He makes his routine, he eats perfectly. He lives 24 hours for his profession. I can assure you that we signed one incredible player for the next five, six, seven years. That is not easy to find.”

Pep Guardiola

The arrival of Dias has also seen the resurgence of John Stones (£5.0m), whose form was keeping Aymeric Laporte (£6.0m) out of the side even before his injury.

And another option appears to have emerged in their defence, in the shape of Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.5m).

Retaining his place at left-back even with Benjamin Mendy (£5.9m) fit again, Zinchenko looked assured at both ends of the pitch, and bagged two bonus points.

Pep explained before the game how he sees Zinchenko in the same mould as Joao Cancelo (£5.8m), as a full-back who can move into central areas to support the midfield.

As Cancelo has shown this season, that style of play can attract huge bonus points, so it could be worth keeping an eye on Zinchenko for the next few games.

Fresh Faces

Graham Potter yet again tore up his previous team sheet and introduced a number of different players to his line-up.

Bernardo (£3.9m) showed a good range of passing from wing-back and Reda Khadra, not yet priced on the game, looked dangerous with his pace.

But a special mention is reserved for Percy Tau (£5.5m), the South African striker recalled from loan at Anderlecht.

The striker, classed as a midfielder on the game, looked dangerous with threatening runs in behind.

Yet again Brighton displayed a lack of cutting edge against City, but there are hopes the pacey South African striker could provide this.

With Neal Maupay (£6.1m) failing to show the form he hit last year, and injuries to Danny Welbeck (£5.5m) and Aaron Connolly (£5.5m), Tau could be due a long run in the side.

His out of position bonus also makes him an exciting proposition for FPL players.

“We’re excited of course. He’s only been with us for a few days but I think you can see his quality. You can see his ability and what he brings. We’re looking forward to getting to know him better and him getting to know us better.”

Graham Potter

Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Zinchenko, Stones, Dias, Cancelo; De Bruyne, Rodri, Gundogan; Foden (Sterling 82′), B Silva, Mahrez (Jesus 67′).

Brighton and Hove Albion XI (3-4-2-1): Sanchez; Burn, Dunk, Webster; Bernardo, White, Propper (March 68′), Veltman; Tau (Maupay 68′), Trossard (Khadra 86′); Mac Allister.

1,812 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play up...

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

      Spursy

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

    It seems that Kane captainers have come out the real winners of this BGW

    1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Sterling’s fault!!! Haha

    2. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      2pt difference on KDB, no biggie

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

      FHers are the winners.

  3. Cok3y5murf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Massive fail for free-hitters? Surely relying on Arsenal is a fool's errand

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

      Let’s see in 24 hours

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

      Not really. On 59 points with Saka to go. Big green arrow. I'll take it.

    3. moz_1983
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I had 4 starting players otherwise, on 40 with 3 to play. I'll take that.

    4. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      49 with 2 left is good enough for me so far

    5. Spg76
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Depends. Check out the people in your mini league who didn’t use the FH. Average 12-15 points behind in mine.

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

      If the Arsenal trio gets 15-20 points, then this would be huge success

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

    Took an 8 point hit this GW. Not sure I’m even in credit yet.

    1. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I took a (-4) hoping to save a little face. Shouldn't have bothered, wilson got me 2 pts for it.

      This season as aehole has rewarded patience and slow movers. Nothing wrong with that either. Every week seems to defy belief really

    2. Better off with a pin and a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Took a -8 for Stones and Smith-Rowe, so could still look ok. FH would have done better, probably, but still hoping that will come in handy later on.

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

    Every time i watch Tottenham i have the same thought.What's the reason they are not pushing to score a second goal?

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

      Mou

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

        Yep

    2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Small club

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

      Very true. So frustrating. And yet I still have to own both Kane and Son because they can explode at any time.

  6. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Areola matched Lloris, love it

  7. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Wild-carders looking in good shape

    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yep!

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

      Really? How so?

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Big green arrow with team in great shape for next week, already on city and United whilst free hitters welcome back Covid riddled triple villa

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

          Oh I see. I couldn't figure out which WC week you were talking about. Be careful counting chickens though...

          1. Steve The Spud
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah, it was a joke to be honest will probably backfire when Bruno and utd catch Covid

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

          Free hitters don't have triple Villa. Or even double Villa.

          1. Steve The Spud
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Really? Not one free hitter in the game has double villa? Ok

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

              You're very dense.

        3. S.Kuqi
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          This and if no covid cancellations team looks good for gw20 aswell

    3. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wilcarder in my mini league has 28pts with two arsenal to go, we allhabe that. Very difficult week again for everyone

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

      If you're not in good shape after wildcarding into a blank+double you should straight up quit FPL.

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

        I would have quit season after season if this were the case. Almost always hate my WC team one week after pulling the trigger.

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

    F--- off Foden

  9. Marcin the Pole
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    When I picked Sterling over Son, if someone told me Son would return 2 points I'd have been over the moon.

    Funny old season.

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Same lol, still glad Son blanked, couldve been very bad

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

    A. Son to Rashford

    Or

    B. Son to Salah for a hit

  11. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    20 points with Mitchell to go but all chips intact. I feel ok about it tbh.

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

      I’m 39 with same player and like you, feel ok about having chips. Free hitters need arsenal to score and clean sheet in order to call the FH a success. If palace spoil the party the diff between FHers and non FHers will be less than 20 points and less in most cases

  12. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone know the latest on Vardy injury?

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

    51 with Tierney and Laca left
    Can we say the FH a success or fail

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

      Success given average score. Maybe not a wild success, but a boost.

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

      average.

      Buts its all relative to what your team was before you FHed.

      I'm on 50 but would have been on about 20 with FH!

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

        *without FH

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

      I’d say it’s not bad.

      I am 46 (-4) after 7 players with 2 to play

    4. BenDavies
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      very good score. average is 23. average in top 10k is 38.

  14. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Sterling.......

  15. Duke Silver ☑
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Saw this on Twitter 😆

    Bus Parker 1 Scott Parker 1

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      genius

  16. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I'm on 31 with Holding to go
    No chips and only 7 players (6 + Brewster)

    That not too bad afterall

    Laca n Co stay quite I kinda survived

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

    Hope Parker gives his own back to Jose after the latters embarrassing and disrespectful comments

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

    My cup fixture has gone to the wire..

    My 49 vs their 47

    Both have Saka, I have Bellerin, he has Lacazette.....

    I'm losing this aren't I? 🙁

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

      You have good chance

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

      Similar here.
      His 41 with Laca and Holding to go
      Vs
      My 37 with Laca, Tierney & Zaha.

      Scraped through the last round 65-64 as well.

  19. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone still bench boosting assuming the Villa game gets called off too? How many DGWers do you have?

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

      i would have 12

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

    Soucek or Lookman for the double?

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

      soucek

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

      Soucek

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

      Soucek.

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

      Soucek has significantly better fixtures playing for a better team with better personal returns recently and is highly owned.

      So Lookman probably outscores him

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

      Soucek

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

    Met a FH team in the Cup. Slim hope, right?

    Him: Tierney + 8
    Me: Holding + Saka

  22. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi...planning a few hits to play bench boost in dgw19.

    As part of this, prob need to remove Watkins for a dgw striker up to 7.9m

    Player can't be Leeds or West ham. Don't fancy Burnley Wood.

    Is the answer cavani? He may not start both games - but should decent time ...can't see anyone else.... thanks

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

      the choices are VERY limited. cavani might be your best option yes. unless you fancy giroud or abraham for a massive punt

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

        Just checked and by the time I make my transfers on Friday night at the earliest I probably won't even be able to afford cavani.....

        It's either stick with Watkins. Go for wood. Of find a better sgw option......thanks

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

          i have watkins and keeping. if game is postponed he ll be good to own later on this season. gl

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

            Cheers

  23. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you BB this team?
    Leeds have screwed all my planning of getting KDB but could have this team for a -4.
    Worth it and BB?

    Johnstone
    TAA Maguire Dias Coufal
    Salah (c) Bruno Soucek Gundogen
    Vardy Antonio
    Meslier Son Bamford Justin

    1. Here's Tom with the We…
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I would not. But it is a tight call. If you had a DGW GK would be very interesting.

    3. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No

  24. Wheyyyy
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    My non free hit team = 28 all out.

    FH team = 50 with Laca and Saka to go.

    Glad I pulled the trigger yesterday!!

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

      I’m glad I didn’t!

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

        How many pts you on this week?

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

      Well done mate. That is what the chip is all about. 38 for me with saka, Tierney and Mitchell to go. Saved my chips so pretty happy so far. As expected I look like losing FFS cup H2H and FFS H2H but should survive LMS.

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

    Would you use the BB here?

    Johnstone Raphinha Holding Rodrigo

  26. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If Leeds-Sou is cancelled would you start:
    a)Taylor or Dallas
    b)Wood or Bamford
    c)Raphinha or Adams

    1. George James
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      All the Leeds players

    2. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It is cancelled
      Dallas, Bamford, Wood

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

      All Leeds

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

      cheers

  27. George James
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    This worth a -4

    Son + Wilson >> Mane + Antonio

    Yes or no?

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

      Wait on Antonio fitness but looks good.

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

    Son & Holding > Salah & Robbo (-4)?

    Rest of the team:
    Martinez
    Dias, Stones, Cresswell, Holding*
    KDB, Bruno, Soucek, Son*
    Bamford, Kane*

    *denotes a single gameweek currently

    1. George James
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nice moves

      Stick a * on Bamford aswell

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

        Cheers, yeah looks that way unfortunately.

        Alternatively I could do Chilwell instead of Robbo and save myself an extra 1.3m?

        1. George James
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yes prefer that

  29. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which one guys?

    A) TAA + DCL > Stones and Vardy for -4pts?
    B) Son + DCL > Foden and Vardy for -4pts

  30. Party time
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Gtfo my team Son

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        No party time for you then