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. vandebeek
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who's the best midfielder priced below 8.0m for the next DGW?

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Soucek

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

      Mount

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Maddison? Pogba? Bowen? Barnes?

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

      Barnes or Mount I would say.

    5. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Foden

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

    Sell Dier or Maguire for Creswell?

    Or keep both?

    Cant see utd keeping a cleanie in their two games and want to rage transfer dier after today having only just got him in last week

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

      Dier

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

      Dier

  3. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    No captaining Bruno with the YC's right?

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

      Blessing in disguise for those that were initally going for him

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

      Reckon he's too smart to get booked tho, he'll keep his head down

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

    TAA or Stones this gameweek only

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

      Stones imo

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

      Stones, bizarrely

    3. chudbond007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Stones

  5. chudbond007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who do you think is the best Goalkeeper options for GW19 and beyond? £6.0m ITB

    Currently own Martinez & Ryan - I've already got 3 West Ham so Fabianski isn't an option for me.

    Thanks

    1. chudbond007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Should say, £6m after selling Ryan

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

      Martinez for long term. Mendy for DGW19

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

      Martinez to mendy or ddg

      Unless villa too have a dgw

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

      Mendy or Fabianski

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

      Ederson

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

    Me V.s my cup rival.
    Lacazette v.s Saka + 4 pts
    Who Gonna win ?

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

      Cup rival

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

      him

  7. M2.0
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Soucek TC

  8. LǝgleSs e|even
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Leeds players have been updated and no longer not showing as having DGW on FPL next gw

    1. LǝgleSs e|even
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Scrap the above, corrected below
      *Leeds players have been updated on FPL and no longer showing DGW for GW18

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

      107k managers had already brought Bamford in this GW

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

      Sad times, luckily still a great fixture for them

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

    Current team for dgw... tempted by Salah or Vardy out to upgrade Adams and McCarthy?

    Johnstone McCarthy
    Coufal Robertson Justin Lowton Dallas
    Son Bruno KDB Raphinia Soucek
    Vardy Adams Bamford

    Still feel like a Bb will be successful

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

      Keep

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

      I have Salah and Vardy and I'm holding them. I may do Balbuena and Adams to Coufal and Antonio. Might not bother with KDB.

  10. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    C Taylor > Dias/Cancello for -4 to double up at the back with Stones.

    Enables BB ...yes/no?

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

      YES

    2. $hahriyar
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Do it!

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

        Ok thanks, next decision is Dias or Cancelo. Leaning towards Dias

        1. $hahriyar
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I’ll go with Cancelo atm

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

          I would go with Dias

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

      For sure! Go Cancelo

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

    Robertson and Son -> Stones and KDB (-4).

    Yes or no?

    1. M2.0
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m considering the exact same

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

      Yes

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

      Robbo points in a DGW due tho

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

        This...and with a lot of folk shipping he’s a nice differential

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

    Chances of someone having a Triple Gameweek this season?

    Must be quite high

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

      Villa had the best chance but with eve game not likely to go ahrad its gone

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

      More chance of teams having no game weeks.

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

    Foden has scored most goals in all competitions for City this season...

  14. Punty McPuntface
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Someone just pointed out that bruno is on 4 yc and could easily get another against pool...whoever it was, thank you! You've just helped me make my next transfer and set my team up for next gw!

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

      So you are selling Bruno?

      1. Punty McPuntface
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        No, keeping bruno but switching Zaha to Rashford and giving him the armband

    2. M2.0
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      When do the yellow cards reset?

      1. Punty McPuntface
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Any player earning five bookings from their side's first 19 Premier League matches will serve a one-match ban in the same competition.

        Do I think gw20 is when it is extended to 10yc

  15. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    44 and a 7k green arrow on free hit, just how I drew it up!

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

    Aston Villa have asked the PL for their match against Everton on Sunday to be postponed. What are their chances of success?

    1. chudbond007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Precedent set by Man City so can't see it being refused

  17. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    All, is Wilson to Antonio best option this week or is there another better forward for £7.2m or under ?cheers

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

      If your looking for a double player don't really see many other options in that bracket

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeh cheers

  18. HonestBlatter
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    39 and 2 to go without FH. I may survive....

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

      Hits?

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

        Yes -4

  19. M2.0
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is having 3 City players too much of a risk?

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

      mo

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Depending who they are, the defenders like Stones are relatively cheap, can be benched can be covered by bench. Not Sterling + KDB ...

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

      It’s the opposite

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

      nope, if at least 2 are defenders

    5. LWO23
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Only from COVID postponements. Otherwise 4-5 good options

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

    from mail online

    "Aston Villa's clash with Newcastle - which was postponed due to a Covid outbreak in the Magpies' squad - is now set to be played on FA Cup fourth round weekend"

    so would that be gw19 or 20???

    thanks

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

      19

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Giving up planning ... just rolling on the team as it is

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

      cheers. hope it happens 🙂

  21. BeWater
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    The way this gameweek is going tomorrow will be 1-1 with two completely irrelevant FPL options scoring. Clyne and Aubameyang.

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

      Would be nice thanks

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

      0-1 Mitchell

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

    DCL + Son > Antonio + KDB -4? Is that daft? Need a DCL replacement

    1. Apollo Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm probably doing the same.

  23. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else FHtting this coming DGW?

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

      No, teams not in bad shape. I have a feeling FH will come in very handy at some point this season, keep it in your back pocket for now imo.

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

      Considering it

  24. sergioaguero67
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    McCarthy out for long?

    1. $hahriyar
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Apparently back in training. Wait and watch

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

      Check the news before commenting here.

    3. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Back in training but now only has one game next gw.

  25. sentz05
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    The entire game is being ruined by Covid. Tactics are going out of the window. It’s becoming a complete game of luck.

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

      all in the same boat though

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

        i like this response because it's true and people hate hearing it

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

      Stop whining you big baby.

  26. Sheffield Wednesday
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I captained Son for a change so apologies to other owners for his unfortunate blank against Fulham.

    For DGW19 would you consider captaining Cresswell [BUR WBA] over KdB [CRY AVL]?
    I've ruled out Fernandes [liv ful] in case he picks up a 5th YC against Liverpool.

    1. LWO23
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Unlucky. Had his chances.

      1. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He had a couple of shots saved, hit the inside of the woodwork plus had an offside assist ruled-out. Agree he was unfortunate not to return.

    2. $hahriyar
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You would have to be really brave to choose cresswell over kdb. I’m not

      1. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Fair enough.

  27. LWO23
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you go:

    Kane and Dier

    to

    Vardy (if healthy) and Cancelo

    Some hesitation in losing Kane.

    Thanks!

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

      I would.

    2. $hahriyar
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn’t give away Kane

  28. stu92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any rumours on the postponement of Villa and Leeds games?

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

      Hot topic?

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

      The Leeds/Soton game is off.
      The other one looks likely to be.

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

      Leeds game with Southampton postponed, looks like Villa double going ahead I think

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

        Just read that Villa have asked for it to be called off, so up to the Prem on that one

      2. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I thought villa asked for it to be cancelled ?

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

          Yeah just seen that, wonder what the likelihood is

  29. TLF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Saved FH, played 9 including Burke, 34 points with Mitchell & Lacazette left, seen a few high scoring FH teams but not the disaster it could have been so far.

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

      That’s decent

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

      20 pt difference, not bad

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

        Hopefully Lacazette can narrow the points gap a little.

  30. vandebeek
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Ziyech+Lowton or B)Coufal + Maddison (or whoever else below 8.0m)...?

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

      b