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. jackoasean
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I was all set up for a DGW bench boost bonanza but now, after the Leeds fixture has been cancelled I’m unsure whether to go for it.

    What do you guys think?

    McCarthy ( LEI, LEE) Areolia ( CHE, MUN)

    Justin ( SOU, CHE) Creswell ( BUR, WBA) Wan-Bissaka ( LIV, FUL) MEE (WHU, LIV )
    Alioski (BHA, SOU)

    Salah ( MUN, BUR) Fernandes ( MUN, FUL) Soucek ( BUR, WBA) Son ( SHU) Harrison ( BHA, SOU)

    Vardy ( SOU, CHE) Adams ( LEI, LEE) Bamford ( BHA, SOU)

    I have one transfer available, would push to two transfers for a -4 hit. Thoughts on using bench boost and possible transfers.

    Cheers guys.

    1. Aidan269
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd bench Alioski, Adams and Harrison. Especially with Mccarthy not Confirmed back you might not have 2 playing keepers. Save the bb

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

    BBing for GW19

    Meslier, Fabianski
    Robbo, Stones, Coufal, Justin, Alioski
    Salah, Bruno, Rashford, Maddison, Soucek
    Firmino, Bamford, Giroud.

    What do you think ?

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

      Would rather have vardy + antonio instead of giroud + firmino if possible

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

        This, I really don't like Giroud and Firmino

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

        Already with 3 WH players but thanks for suggestions!

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

    Upto the top 5k. Buzzing 🙂

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

      How many pts did u get ?

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

        57 this week so far

    2. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Fair balls

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

    1FT:

    Mccarthy
    TAA Holding Coufal
    Salah Bruno Son Maddy
    Wood Bamford Kane

    Fraser Taylor Bissouma Mitchell

    A) Salah to KDB; Wood to Antonio (-4)
    B) Son to KDB; TAA to Stones; Wood to Antonio (-8)
    C) Son to KDB; TAA to Stones; Wood to Antonio; Kane to Vardy (-12)

    1. AF90
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      TAA & Son -> Stones & KDB

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

        Cant afford it mate

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

        Sorry, I can. But Wood?

        1. AF90
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Antonio will probably outscore Wood but not by that much...suppose it is worth another -4

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

            Thanks for the reply. The thing is I am looking at it long term. I dont want Wood and Antonio hopefully if fit will be in the team for next 5-6 games

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

    Have 6 Saints and Leeds players. BB or not? The rest all DGW

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

      Sure not

    2. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      BB

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

      Similar spot, 2 Spurs, 2 Arsenal, 2 Leeds .... but I'm not sure when I'm going to get 15 starting players again .... and they all have home fixtures so I'm going to stick with the plan ....

      The later the season goes on the less chance of getting 15 starting players in a GW

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

    Any of these moves worth a -4?? Will do Son to Salah for the FT

    A) Kane to Vardy
    B) Lamptey to Coufal (and play him instead of Dallas VS BRI)
    C) Just Son to Salah for free

    1. AF90
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B could be worth it

  7. 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?.

  8. Simon69
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I'm actually pretty tempted to bring in Percy Tau for my FH19. Leeds defence is a bleedin shambles!

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

    worth -8?

    Son, DCL, Anguissa > Grealish(possilbe TGW), Soucek, and 9.2 FWD

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Won't have a TGW! Single or Double!

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

        https://twitter.com/BenCrellin/status/1349494604794630144

        so this one might be false

        1. Pep Roulette
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Villa vs Everton will be postponed

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

            ok thank you..

  10. Ragabolly
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Risers: Smith Rowe (4.5)

    Fallers: Calvert-Lewin (7.7) Townsend (5.6) Adrián (4.2)

    1. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nice one!

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

      Cheers, Ragabolly!

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

      waiting for the possible AVL TGW, .1 less after the DCL fall..

    4. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers Ragabolly.

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

      Oops, missed DCL drop. Lost the .1

      Damn, son

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

      Rode that dcl price rise quite well

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

      Why no hulk?

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

        Had to buy more green paint.

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

      Cheers!
      The What-If tool on your site is pretty amazing!

    9. Kun, Ayew Nigerian?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks, RG.

      I also wanna ask what data are saved onto Excel from the LiveFPL.net/Save page, at the end of the season?

  11. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Wood or Adams out for Antonio?

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Either really, Wood though imo

  12. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If you owned Salah, Mane, Fernandes, Son would you definitely still love for KDB and if so who makes way?

    May go TC this GW but even unsure whether to go Salah, Mane or KDB.
    Have just 7 DGW'rs with Leeds/South off too so not overly keen to use an FT on changing a DGW'r to KDB.

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

      Mane

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

    Would you rather have for this gw:

    A) Giroud, Fabianski
    B) Antonio, McCarthy

    ?

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

      Antonio, Fabianski

    2. Aidan269
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A. McCarthy not Confirmed back yet

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

    Mmm a little late to the party here. DCL out for Antonio?

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

      doing the same, WHU has no other FWD

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

        Is he fit and ready to go I've barely checked any football or fpl in the last week.

        Seems the obvious move. Shame I just the .1 drop, but at least Antonio didn't rise

        I'm benching one of Dier, Holding, Stones each week, so I can probably hold DCL tbh. Nice punt in Antonio though though if he is good to go

  15. The Mighty Hippo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which one would you have for gw19?

    A). Leno (NEW)
    B). Pope (whu + liv)

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

      None

    2. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      With GK and the potential for save points, I think you have to go for the DGW player every time.

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

      B

    4. Aidan269
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

  16. waldo666
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Ugh, that feeling when you log back in and 5 of your players with doubles now only have singles. Knew it was the most likely scenario but still a kick in the teeth after setting up with the WC16 🙁

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

      Are you Bench boosting?

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Na, not bench boosting, TV was too low to get a decent BB team out. I did have 10 DGWer's plus Son ready to fire though.

  17. Aidan269
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Dier to Ogbonna (have Coufal), Wood to Antonio or both for a - 4? Using BB

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

    So what to do now, I build my team for BB in GW19 and now I have triple Leeds. Should I stick with my plan or bench those with one game and save BB chip?

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

      Yes

    2. Aidan269
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Depends on who you're benching. Like if you're benching Leeds players at home to Brighton then the BB is surely worth it?

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

        Agree. Thanks

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

      Depends who you are benching. Id save it though

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

    This site really slows down around this this time...

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m just glad it always filters the idiots out that plague these parts.

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

        It’s not fair though. I’m in Canada and this is when I want to talk/get advice on fpl!

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

          After a few drinks of course

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Welcome to the Dead Zone.

  20. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play Bissouma, Cooper, or Bedranek...or take 4ph to swap Bissouma for Antonio?

  21. kobewan
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Transfer DCL for?

    A. Watson
    B. Antonio
    C. Wood

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

      If you have to, then antonio

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

      B

  22. tuturututu
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who scores more points in GW19?

    A) Giroud
    B) Antonio -4

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

      Are we playing biggest loser? Lol

  23. ppv
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Daily Mail predicting Villa v Newcastle next weekend. Will GW19 be extended or GW20 brought forward?

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

      Neither. It will just fall inside GW19.

    2. That Was Easy!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Brought up if determined before Saturday, AVLA/NEW doubles.

      1. That Was Easy!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        GW19 doubles**

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

      So Villa should still have a double

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

        Most likely, yes.

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

          Do we think we might know before deadline Saturday morning?

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

          Thanks. I'll have to pick Grealish and Watkins ahead of Saka and Holding even if nothing is announced before deadline, just in case.

  24. bigbudgie
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Free hitting this week boyos

    Third city player? Dias, KDB....
    How many Liverpool players...Salah + a defender maybe?
    3 x West Ham? Coufal, Soucek, Antonio?
    Fernandes

    Other free hitters, what are you thinking? Kinda expecting a 0-0 in the LIV MUN game but could be wrong

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

      Not free hitting.

      Kdb(c)
      Salah only (I’m going with none)
      Definitely

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

        nice

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      KDB
      Liverpool defence has lost all appeal for me, Robbo if you were to go with one.
      They look the best of Wham with the obvious caveat on Antonio's fitness.
      I actually expect the opposite for United v Liverpool and would look to slot in another United attacker.

      I'm not free hitting fwiw, just some thoughts.

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

        nice, cheers

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

      Foden, Stones or ederson.
      Mane
      Cresswell over Antonio I think.
      I’d get Grealish tbh if villa get a dgw

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

        Cheers

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

      im also FH..

      3rd city I'd go Cancelo

      Salah & Robbo

      3 West ham same as yours..

      but who u playing alongside Antonio?

      im thinking Vardy

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

    People seem confident Antonio is back GW19

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

      Played 90 in the cup and decent rest

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

    Just stick your premiums (minus captain) on your bench in the bb... so it looks like it was worth it 😉

  27. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi guys,

    Would you BB these players or save for possibly GW26 instead;

    McCarthy, Forster,
    R. James, Ayling, Rodrigo

    Cheers.

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

      no. mccarthy/forster isnt great and james may not play both games.

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

        Cheers for the reply.

        Is this worth a -8 to allow me use BB?

        Son to KDB (c)
        DCL to Antonio
        Forster to Johnstone

        Thanks!

  28. Chhana
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    on FH, Should I tripled on West Ham defence?

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

      Nah. Double then either soucek or Antonio

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

    Lowton to stones or Raphinia to Foden worth a -4?

  30. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    In your opinion who are the best three DGW strikers to have for DGW19

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

      That’s hard with everything up in the air. But atm, firminho, Antonio and Kane (single)

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

      RMT has my opinion 🙂

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

        RMT still shows Ings and Bamford and DGW players

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

      Bobby, Vardy and Kun

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

        As per RMT