Scout Notes

Maddison outshining Vardy as Pereira returns for Leicester

LEICESTER 2-0 CHELSEA

  • Goals: Wilfred Ndidi (£4.8m), James Maddison (£7.1m)
  • Assists: Harvey Barnes (£6.8m), Marc Albrighton (£5.3m)
  • Bonus points: Ndidi x3, Kasper Schmeichel x2 (£5.5m), Jonny Evans x1 (£5.5m), Wesley Fofana (£5.0m)

MIDFIELD MAESTROS

Owners of Jamie Vardy (£10.1m) are likely suffering from cold feet even as appealing fixtures approach for Leicester City.

The striker’s blank against Chelsea ensured just a four-point score in Double Gameweek 19, a total more than doubled by Harry Kane (£11.1m) in just one match.

And what has made Vardy’s disappointing Fantasy Premier League returns more frustrating for his 28.9% backing is the fact that the Foxes are hardly in bad form.

Their recent 2-0 win over Chelsea, a fourth victory in the last six, has taken them to the summit of the Premier League table at the time of writing.

Vardy’s direct contribution to that achievement has been relatively minor, without a goal since Gameweek 14 and producing just 2.5 points per game over the last four matches.

By comparison, James Maddison (£7.1m) and Harvey Barnes (£6.8m) have put up 7.8 and 6.3 points per game in that time and look the prime candidates to benefit from upcoming meetings with Everton (away), Leeds (home) and Fulham (away).

Maddison has been in particularly exciting form, netting in three successive Premier League matches for the first time this season.

And, after producing three attacking returns in the opening 10 Gameweeks of 2020/21, the former Norwich City man has seven in his last nine outings – and struck the bar against Chelsea.

Barnes is in similar form, putting up four of his eight goal involvements this season over the last five matches.

KING OF THE ROAD

Still, there are crumbs of comfort for Vardy owners as we head into Gameweek 20.

For the second match in a row, the Leicester forward was quiet but, as ever, always ready to pounce on any loose balls behind defenders.

He got one-on-one with Edouard Mendy (£5.1m) from an awkward in the first half on Tuesday night, his chip batted away partially and requiring a defensive clearance to stop it ending up in the back of the net.

Vardy was also fouled as Marc Albrighton (£5.3m) played a ball into the penalty box, which Maddison duly converted. Had his colleague not scored, Leicester might have had a penalty, which Vardy surely would have taken.

The forward was then denied an assist in the second half when he played Youri Tielemans (£6.4m) through on goal, denied by a good piece of goalkeeping by Mendy and, shortly after, he was just inches from collecting the ball in a race towards goal in his trademark style before Chelsea’s shot-stopper got there first.

It is a well-documented fact that Vardy has struggled to find himself in such situations at home this season. His goal conversion at the King Power Stadium is as low as 8% so far this season.

But he has experienced this problem a lot less often away from home, where he has boasted a goal conversion of 42.9% in 2020/21.

More importantly, three of Leicester’s next four fixtures take place on the road, against Everton, Fulham and Wolves.

PICKLE RICK

Uncertainty about Leicester full-backs is slowly rising among Fantasy managers following Ricardo Pereira‘s (£5.9m) return to Premier League action after 10 months.

His comeback is timed rather awkwardly for anyone hoping to predict Leicester’s back-four for upcoming matches considering the form of James Justin (£5.0m) and Timothy Castagne (£5.7m) this season.

The former has played every minute of the Premier League campaign thus far, an impressive feat in this exceptional season, and has produced 3.9 points per match in that time.

Meanwhile, Castagne has shown plenty of the same marauding spirit we have come to know of Pereira in 2020/21, exemplified in two key moments against Chelsea.

It was the Belgian who teed up Maddison for his cross-bar shot while he would have been afforded the assist for his long ball forward had Vardy collected possession and slotted past Mendy.

So, where does Pereira fit into the equation? Well, Brendan Rodgers certainly teased Fantasy managers on Tuesday night by deploying him on the right-hand flank of the attacking midfield in the place of Albrighton for the final 15 minutes.

The Portuguese full-back was always going to be someone to monitor upon his return to full fitness, not least because of sustained interest in Justin and Castange.

But if there is a chance of Pereira playing in a more attacking role, then keeping an eye on him just became even more important.

LAMPARD LOTTERY

The task of predicting a Chelsea team has become harder in recent weeks and their form has not helped Frank Lampard in that respect either.

The Blues, who have now lost three of their last five Premier League matches, put in an abject display at the King Power Stadium.

Meanwhile, Kurt Zouma‘s (£5.8m) stock has taken another dip as he failed to register so much as one minute on the pitch in two Double Gameweek 19 matches.

As things stand, only three defenders are selected by more managers than Zouma but the third start in four for Antonio Rüdiger (£4.5m) alongside Thiago Silva (£5.6m) is sure to trigger a fire-sale in the build-up to Gameweek 20.

Lampard also made changes to his attack against Leicester, putting Callum Hudson-Odoi (£5.7m) in for Hakim Ziyech (£8.1m), although it is worth pointing out the Englishman has more attacking returns since Gameweek 15 than any other Chelsea asset (two).

Hudson-Odoi was one of the few visiting players to go close on Tuesday night, rippling the side-netting from close range when played through by Christian Pulisic (£8.2m).

Substitute Timo Werner (£9.2m) put the ball in the back of the net but his goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.

Leicester City XI (4-1-4-1): Schmeichel; Justin, Evans, Fofana, Castagne; Ndidi; H Barnes, Maddison (Pérez 76′), Tielemans, Albrighton (R Pereira 76′); Vardy (Iheanacho 88′).

Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): E Mendy; Chilwell, T Silva, Rüdiger, R James; Kovacic, Mount; Pulisic, Havertz (Ziyech 67′), Hudson-Odoi (Werner 68′); Abraham.

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1,202 Comments Post a Comment
  1. El-Kloppico
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thanks Mahrez.. i know aa soon as i sell, he'll start and start banging goals.. but i dont have the patience anymore, so bye bye.. welcone Maddison

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

      Great move

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

      You have a lot of patience if you still have him!

  2. Jimmy Boy
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Just seen the City lineup, probably already been extensively covered on here but do we reckon KDB is up front?

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

      False 9 most likely?

    2. jammie26
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Sterling up top?

      1. Jimmy Boy
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        By the names on the team sheet I'm hoping it's Foden-Rodri-Gundogan midfield and a front three of Bernardo-KDB-Sterling

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

      the last couple of matches they have played this system it has been pretty fluid, so I expect Sterling, KDB, and Bernardo Silva will rotate through that central channel.

      1. Jimmy Boy
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers, looking forward to it with KDB (tc). Fingers crossed

  3. Fer Fuch's Ake
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who else is shipping out Foden regardless of score today & great upcoming fixutres?

    1. LT10
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I guess I probably will..... can't handle the Pep roulette.

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

    Stones brace incoming!

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

      Fingers crossed 😀

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

      Only one wish per gameweek please 😛

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

      Cancelo brace. If there is a god.

  5. Camino Aleatorio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who is the premium player that you Refuse to Own because he "Burned" you in the FPL sense of "Burning"

    For Me:

    (1) Aubameyang
    (2) Hazard (if ever comes back)
    (3) Mane
    (4) Gabriel Jesus

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

      Does Martial count as premium?

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

      Moses Rodallega Mahrez

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

        Oh premium

    3. Jimmy Boy
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Salah has a ridiculous history of damaging my season. This time he hit the form of his life and totally destroyed my rank whilst I dind't have him, finally took a hit to bring him in and captain him against West Brom and he embarks on a three (now four) match goalless streak. I've since got rid for KDB. I will also never bring in Gabriel Jesus again after owning him from GW11 to 13

    4. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Sterling.....

  6. Captain_Shirokov
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Whatever happens tonight, the fact I'm likely to get two 60+ mins games out of my TC chip this year is already a success.

    I will forever be scarred by Mane.

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

      Still having nightmares.

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

      Mane and Sane, in my case

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

      Haha I got about 30 minutes from aguero but I think he managed a brace v Cardiff that year

    4. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Haha same here and Sterling before that or after. I’ve always presumed you get 3 points from it

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

      Was just thinking about this again while contemplating using mine on Ings if Soton get a DGW as some expect, and realised the fear I'll have the whole week that knowing him he could get injured within minutes of the first match. Not quite sure I have the heart to go down that road again

    6. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I had Mane and Sane the year before......went safe with KDB....getting minutes was a bonus !!!

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

      Mane, Sane and Kane!

      1. djman102
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Same here. I may never TC a player who name ends in "ane" again!

  7. Art Vandelay
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Sterling going higher on Biden inauguration.

    Go Sterling (c).

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

      +1

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

    10+ points from KDB tonight will be an enormous TC success

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

      I'm also on KDB TC. Preying for a big return to rescue a very average GW so far.

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’d love that. If he does get that I’d be almost guaranteed my dream target for this week.

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

    As someone with KDB and Stones but no Villa assets I would love a dominant City display tonight. 5-0.

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Same. With Dias too.

  10. Nanoelektronicar
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Mixed feelings on tonight's games. 'Only' KDB, Stones, Martinez, Grealish and Bruno. I could end up slaughtered by all those KDB(C/TC), City triple ups, ManU double and triple ups.

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

      I sense a United blank

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

      Huge red for me tonight what ever happens

  11. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    On 56 points with no BB/TC played and left to play:

    KDB (C)
    Fernandes
    Salah
    Dias
    Martinez

    OR 300K and only dropped about 50K so far despite most people seemingly hitting 70/80/90! Could this GW still be a success for me?

    Cheers

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

      Most people in the comments. 🙂

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

        Yes - unsurprisingly! Many people in the ML also, mind. I was expecting a much greater drop.

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Sorry mate, but just forget this week. That score is awful.

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

        Don't hold back 😀

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Just checked actually. You’re somehow above the average.

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

        It's bizarre. A great opportunity to climb the ranks not taken!

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

        does the average score take into account hits taken? i've no idea, after all these years playing

    4. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You’ll be fine. Similar to me and I’m not panicking yet. Wait until the weeks over and reassess

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

        Cheers. Happy with the Team going forward and was expecting a bit of a battering not playing a chip.

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

          Yep same here but hopefully tonight will bring in a good few points

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

      Overall score isn't the correct measure.
      Someone in my ML got 94pts but took -20, plus used BB. Is that success?

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

        Well they scored more than me 🙂 but entirely depends on how many additional points they got from BB - obviously with a 20 point hit it's highly doubtful it was the right thing to do. Also probably means for the next couple of weeks he's going to have a weaker 11 than he could do based on a likely more expensive bench.

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

          he went big so had the big hitters, but also had vardy/soucek/zouma etc.
          he already had stones, all he had to do was get in antonio for -4 and he'd be 85+ with -4.

      2. Big Mac 24
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I'm on 97 having played a -16 and bench boost so i'll share an opinion of my situation if I may.

        Have 9 to come with
        Diaz
        Cancelo
        Stones
        Salah C x 2
        Fernandez
        Wilson
        Martinez x 2
        I'll be a little disappointed if I don't reach 140, a city clean sheet & Salah C gives me a high ceiling.

        Players dropped scored 11, one left to play is Burnley defender so likely 0 additional points to come.
        Players in scored 42, no more left to play. I'm net plus 15 from transfers and will gain around 30 from my bench.

        I'm happy after a shocking season!!!

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

          Decent..

    6. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Sorry mate, move on from this week, 1 point more than me but I have Grealish and an extra KDB. Most people will have Bruno and Salah so time to forget. We have been Stoned and Antoniod

  12. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Dharmesh and Karveh absolutely hate each other. It’s mad that they’re on screen together in the same room. This feeling of disgust on Dharmesh’s face is hilarious. I wonder why they do it

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

      They're trying to come across as a double act and are failing miserably.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        No but it’s the fact that the hatred is so strong they can’t even look at each other. Pretty good tv though.

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

          I think you're wrong on this one. Been watching them on Sky for the last couple of years and they've built up a rapport.

          Maybe early days when fighting for the lead spot, but they realise they work well together and bounce off each other and think they get on well.

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            This is so wrong I can’t believe what I’m reading. The huge argument they had a couple of months ago had to be cut from air. They cut to break and they were no longer there. The atmosphere is toxic. You’ve clearly not watched them recently. If they’re on tomorrow have a watch. It’s toe curling.

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

      Who??

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Sky sports presenters.

    3. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not a fan of either....both seem to have egos well beyond their limited role and frankly all they do is make gossip sound like fact...

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

        They present it well and make show out of nothing really.

  13. WVA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Very annoyed with myself for over thinking and not captaining KDB, it pays to just be a sheep this season.

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

      Who did you go eventually?

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

        Salah as well rested and an extra day in-between games. His and Liverpool's home record unbelievable too plus I watched KDB last couple of games and he look absolutely exhausted, I just couldn't see him starting both so close together.

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

          United were always going to park the bus. Burnley will too. City’s fixtures were sooo much better.

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

            Palace were always going to park the bus and Villa have one of the best defences, KDB was too tired to even take a penalty, it's a miracle he's started both IMO

            1. The Seagulls and the Trawle…
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Your creating your own narrative to justify your “wrong” (for the moment) choice. Your free to do so, and i know it can be tempting, but it won’t help you for future similar choices.

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

      Salah was the most captained across the entire game tbh

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

      Salah was the sheep pick

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

        Mehhhhhhh it was KDB and you know it, my casual rivals all brought KDB in and triple captained him lol they're gonna outscore me

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

          Sounds kind of sheepish to not gamble on a player playing twice and instead going for the safe nailed option 😉

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

          Salah blanked previous 3 had United and tough to score against often Burnley. KDB had game against Villa who've been isolating since Jan 8th. Salah was sheep pick

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

        This

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

      Picking the correct captain doesn't make you a sheep

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

        Who knows if it was the correct choice yet?

        1. St Pauli Walnuts
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          What you moaning about then?

    5. The Seagulls and the Trawle…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      How is having kdb(c) this DGW being a sheep?

      We all know overthinking is never a good idea in this game.

    6. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      City’s fixture and form were way better than Liverpool’s. It was a pretty easy choice.

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

        Yes sir captain hindsight, love to see it!

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

          How is this hindsight? He's just stating facts

        2. The Seagulls and the Trawle…
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          You sound like a disappointed and vexed little boy.

          Take responsibility for your choice and move on.

          1. St Pauli Walnuts
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Well said, too many whingers on here looking to blame and throw around childish terms like casual and sheep.

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

      there's very little in it.
      I'd rather have salah vs burnley than kdb vs villa

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

        I agree with this

  14. Old Man
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Sterling: redemption

  15. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Dias time to shine tonight...

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

      He shined last game tbf

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

    Wolves have agreed a deal to sign Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose on loan with an option to buy, as per @SerDeportivosGI. The Brazilian has scored 60 goals in four-and-a-half seasons at La Real.
    Good transfer but i think this is bad news for Jimenez' return. 🙁

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

      I don’t think anyone knows when Jiminez will be back, don’t think this season.

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

      Further restricts the sub 5.5m forwards bucket with no Fabio Silva!

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

    On 103 with 7 playing tonight, Cancelo, Stones, Debruyne, Martinez, De Gea, Wan Bissaka, Fernandes. What are the chances of getting 47 points from tonight so I can get 150? No captain though

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

      Aren’t you clever. Brava!

    2. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No chance. I predict -8 points and a final total of 95.

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

    Martinez to prevent city from scoring, missing him in my team