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. Winners900
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    is KDB must next week if you got Mane?

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

      Wondering same.....see question below

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

      Impossible to answer. Gamble it

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

    Presently on Salah Mané

    Switch Mané to KDB for-4?

    A Yes
    B No

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

    Lowest scoring team in the top 9 is

    1. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A dead team

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

    Last Man Standing Update (1350+ teams)

    Current safety score = 28 with autosubs
    Top score = 64
    LMS average = 40.54 (-0.97) = 39.57
    Players played = 9.94/12.0
    Captains played = 99.64%

    https://www.livefpl.net/LMS

    1. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      One day...

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

      Buy-in?

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

      Gosh, this one is a horrible FH!
      https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/422065/event/18

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

        What an awful team to pick at 70k OR. Defenders score pts too.

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

        Shouldn’t laugh but... wow

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

      🙂

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

      Hey TM, any view of how many in LMS were FH teams this week?

  5. Mr. O'Connell
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Had a free hit squad in mind, but chose to hold onto it.

    My score 31 with Holding and Mitchell to come
    FH team would have been on 50 with Tierney and Saka to come.

    Looks like it would have been worth 20-30 points assuming Arsenal don't run riot. Dunno how to feel about it, even with hindsight.

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

      If you get over 40 you’re good

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

      Probably would have been worth it, I think 20+ is the target

      My possible FH would have added Leno, Stones, Rashford and Laca vs. my base team (for Martinez, Mitchell, Grealish and Brewster)

      So 11 points (6 from Stones + Rashford less 1 from Brewster) 'missed' so far and then the net points tomorrow from Leno + Laca - Mitchell. In my case I think I will be ok not using it, though depends on if Laca goes big or not.

    3. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      My rivals have scored about 20 points more than me using their free hit and I am delighted with it only being that low a difference.

      Am sure I can with some decent planning recover that when I use my FH later.

    4. PastaFasul
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I outscored my original team by 20 + whatever Tierney gets...so I think it was an OK freehit...I made the poor choice of Bruno for cap so only 49....would have been mid to high 50s if I'd gone Kane or KDB.

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

        So what are your guys total score for this week? Outscoring 15 pts by 20 means nothing

        1. PastaFasul
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Scroll up...49 with Tierney to go.

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

          Not really, the delta in points is all that matters IMO

          If I have a FH team that scored 40 this GW, maybe that doesn't sound impressive, but if my normal team only had 3 players, the FH probably worked well

          If I have a FH team that scores 50, that sounds better, but if my standard team would have scored 35 anyway, then my FH has been more mixed

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

    What's the likelihood of Villa Everton game going ahead?

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

      5%

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

    Thoughts on taking a - 8 to field this bb team in dgw19?

    Could take an extra hit and lose Watkins by no obvious replacement

    JOHNSTONE martinez
    ROBBO CANCELO DIAS COUFAL Dallas
    SALAH BRUNO KDB SOUCEK Raphinha
    ANTONIO Watkins Bamford

    Thanks

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

      No bb

      Dallas raphinha and bamford from 2 to 1 game ..

      I am in the same situation but not to use bb in that situation.

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

        Think I disagree.

        3 nailed Leeds players are decent to bb

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

      Looks very good. Villa will have a double by the way. 🙂

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

    Son to KDB too much of a risk then with Villa situation?

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

      KdB should still have at least one fixture. So no big difference.

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

      How that can affect ManCity-Villa?

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

    Was planning to bench boost but looks like that plans down the drain. Thoughts on this for a -4?

    Johnstone
    Robbo Chilwell Coufal
    Bruno Salah KDB (C) Bowen
    Antonio Bamford Watkins

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

      Nice. Salah(C) maybe?

  10. House Frey Wedding Planner
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What to do for GW19.....

    Martinez, (4.0)
    Cancelo, Dias, AWB, Holding, Mitchell
    KDB, Bruno, Grealish, Son, Jones
    Kane, DCL, Bamford

    1 FT, 0.4itb

    Should I:

    A - DCL to Antonio
    B - DCL & Jones to Antonio & Soucek (-4)
    C - Kane & Grealish to Salah & Antonio (-4)
    D - Grealish & DCL to Soucek & Ings (-4)
    E - Any other suggestion

    Cheers

    1. Sid123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A or B your safest bet. C huge upside. Not the others

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

      Any that include getting shot of DCL.
      B looks sensible.

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

    After kdb second assist fail ... now leeds game is postponed..

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

    Villa will face Newcastle instead of Everton then, even better!!

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

      will it be in 19 though?

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

        Depends when it is announced

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

        Doubt it. No reason to hurry.

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

      Nice!

    3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Is there a source for this? Sorry seen a lot mentioned it but confused as to how it's happening or when since Villa are the ones with the outbreak

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

        Google it or see on Ben Crellin's twitter handle

        1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Thanks, any idea what week it'll be set into then? Leaving the DGW19 open for a whole week seems a lot but it seems a lot more realistic than starting GW20 nearly a week early

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

    Who's got the best FH fail story? Go...

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

      I had a 50/50 of Wilson and Saka and picked Wilson

    2. Mr. Chimes
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Lookman on the bench 😉

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

        Oh damn, my eyes....

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

        Your team?

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

          No, saw it in the LMS competition - made me feel better about my 33 point non-FH team with 9 players!

      3. PastaFasul
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Ouch...I knew there would be a Sterling capper on FH, horror show. Makes me feel better about my Bruno cap fail.

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

    1FT:

    Mccarthy
    TAA Holding Coufal
    Salah Bruno Son Maddy
    Wood Bamford Kane

    Fraser Taylor Bissouma Mitchell

    I would go full throttle and do:

    Kane Son Wood TAA to Vardy KDB Antonio, Dis (-12) in a normal season because these transfers arent only for the DGW, but longer term.

    Should I do it in this unpredictable time though?

  15. 420king
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH this team?

    martinez
    STONES AWB dier dallas
    KDB BRUNO son (grealish)
    MARTIAL* bamford kane
    (CAPS = DGW)

    Unfortunately I'm 0.1 short of doing either Grealish and Kane or Son and Martial to Salah and Antonio.

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

    Has Mourinho blamed Covid for giving Fulham superpowers yet?

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

      Nope. But Son lost his superboot that always scores...

  17. Sid123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    No liverpool players currently....
    Do I go
    A saka and kane to mane and Antonio for a -4
    Or
    B DCL to Antonio and no liverpool

  18. Fero1905
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Opponent 3 points in front. Just saka as a different tomorrow, ich hope for a assist or goal

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

      Ich hope nichts.

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

    This is really rogue, but I think Cresswell is going to have a monster week.

    12 pointer and 6 pointer. Very tempted to captain

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

      I'm really tempted by Cresswell.

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

      Costs -4 pts and not starting Bamford. Might be worth it though 🙂

  20. JabariParkersEyelid
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    For next week.

    A. Dallas to Stones/Cresswell
    B. Son/Robbo to KDB/Cancelo -4

    B would cap Kevin, A would cap Salah.

  21. boombaba
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Lamptey Calvert Lewin out for stones Antonio -4??

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

      Absolutely yes.

    2. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

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

      How have you still got lamptey?? Yes do the move

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

    Is it possible that Villa could end up with triple in week 19 if (and big if) Everton game goes ahead on Sunday, City game Wednesday and Newcastle played over FA cup weekend and still falling in 19? Certainly looks like Newcastle game getting more likely reading Ben Crellin’s Twitter so should at least have double.....perhaps!

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

      Yes still possible I think if Prem don’t allow them to cancel Everton game

  23. Ruudy Van
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Free hit struggling for 30 points with a Sterling captain 🙁

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

      Thats unlucky but don't dwell on it, no one has scored all that well from what I've seen and there's a double around the corner.

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

    Anyone fancy a punt on Werner? Decent dgw and back up top

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

    Martinez*
    Dallas, Robbo* , Stones* ,Coufal*
    Salah*, Bruno*, Son, Soucek*
    Kane, Bamford
    Forster James Bissouma Adams
    What To Do 🙁

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

      Not a fan of Bissouma or James (unless he's confirmed back and nailed). That said, I think I would save.

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

        Wouldn't Take Hits ?

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

          Guess it depends on what you want. But I wouldn't.

          James > Justin seems reasonable to me.

          fwiw - I've only taken one hit all season and only 12 transfers, not counting WC and FH. So I might be more risk averse than most.

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

            Cheers mate and very good overall Rank

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

    Who would you get rid of ahead of the dgw? 1FT, 0.3itb
    1) Wilson
    2) DCL
    3) Kilman
    4) KWP

    Yes, I know DCL is red flagged, but not sure for how long. Thought I read where it was just precautionary by Ancelotti.

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

    Who to bench Gw19 a) Kane b) son or c) bamford ?Cheers

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

      Show me ur team

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

        Actually just realised if villa game gets cancelled I should bench Grealish ! Problem solved

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

      I’m same boat with bamford benched

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

      Gotta be a bench boost week if you feel you have to bench them

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

        This

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

          Not really. I have to decide between Dier and Bamford.

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

      C 😉

  28. tc93
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Early thoughts, 2FT, 0.5TB

    Adams —> Antonio (if he’s gonna play) and benching KWP
    Son --> Rashford

    Then will bring son back in after they play Pool

    Team:
    Martinez
    Robertson / KWP / Dias / Stones
    Salah / Fernandes / Son / Soucek / KDB (TC)
    Bamford

    Bench: Button, Adams, Michell, Davis.

    Thoughts?

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

    Who scores more?

    A) ESR + 11 points
    B) Saka & Tierney

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

      A

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

        Hope so that’s me!

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

    Which one scores more in GW19?

    A) Son + Raphinha
    B) Antonio + Foden (-4)

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

      Tough one, really depends on the minutes Antonio & Foden get, if they start both then defo Option B