Scout Notes

Chelsea’s 3-4-3 formation getting best out of Werner and Alonso

CHELSEA 2-0 NEWCASTLE

  • Goals: Timo Werner (£9.2m), Olivier Giroud (£6.7m)
  • Assists: None
  • Bonus: Giroud x3, Kepa Arrizabalaga x2 (£4.7m), Marcos Alonso x1 (£5.7m), Antonio Rudiger x1 (£4.6m)

WERNER DRIVER

Thomas Tuchel appears to be getting the best out of Timo Werner (£9.2m) after he registered a fourth attacking return in three matches in Double Gameweek 24.

Having failed to score a Premier League goal since November, Werner looked a threat against Newcastle right-back Emil Krafth (£4.2m), as he rampaged down the left with Marcos Alonso (£5.7m) all game.

With his new manager deploying him on the left-hand side of the front-three in a 3-4-3 formation, Werner is often finding himself as the most-advanced Chelsea player on the pitch.

This allows Werner to make more runs in behind the defence, which we saw against Newcastle as he was played in time and time again behind Krafth.

In Lampard’s previous system, Werner often found himself isolated as a number nine, or out on the left-wing where he was having to track back.

But the forward is clearly relishing playing higher up the pitch and driving Chelsea attacks, also creating three assists in his last three games.

Tuchel explained after the game that his goal is to get Werner into more advanced positions.

“He did very good (sic) in the first half, second half was too many decisions backwards. I’m convinced Tim was very decisive for us today with an assists and a goal. I’m very happy for that, he really deserved it, he’s been working hard and we could feel this would come. I think he can also play as a double striker, sometimes as a number nine if he’s clever enough to use his speed and runs. His favourite position and his biggest strengths are if he can drift out to the left side.”

Thomas Tuchel

Judging by Tuchel’s comments, and the fact that he has started each of the last four games, Werner seems to be a key part of the new Chelsea side.

With the striker appearing to be back in form in a system tailor made for his style, it could be time to reconsider Werner for our Fantasy Premier League sides.

PARTY LIKE IT’S 2017

FPL managers were treated to another nostalgia trip at Stamford Bridge by the sight of Alonso rampaging down the left.

Frozen out of the team by Lampard, Alonso seems to be back in favour after the arrival of Tuchel, starting three out of the German’s five Premier League games.

Playing in his favoured position of wing-back, Alonso showed just why he can be a devastating FPL asset.

With three centre-backs behind him, Alonso frequently joined in with Chelsea attacks and regularly found himself in the box.

He also wasn’t shy to let fly from range, and had the most attempts on goal of anyone on the pitch.

Alonso’s re-emergence has surprisingly seen Ben Chilwell (£5.9m) left out of the side, a big step-change considering he was one of Chelsea’s best assets under Lampard.

Tuchel has previously said that while he admires Chilwell’s talent, mainly fielding Alonso due to his expertise at wing-back.

“We took the choice for Marcos in a game where we played with five because he was more familiar with the position he played under Antonio Conte. We opted for Marcos against Burnley for his strength in the air then Marcos had a very good match and scored a decisive goal, and from there it was hard to come back. I had a talk with Ben before that match and told him ‘you have to trust me now, I see your potential, I see your talent’.”

Thomas Tuchel

Should Tuchel stick with the back five formation, then it sounds like Alonso is his current first choice. And if the Spaniard can keep delivering four shots in the box every game, then he will be just as good an asset as he was in 2017.

TUCHEL POWER

Chelsea continued their impressive run under Tuchel, with four wins in five games and only one goal conceded.

Added to this, Chelsea also have a strong run of fixtures coming up, as shown in our Season Ticker.

The main threat to any Chelsea asset right now appears to be Tuchel’s rotation, especially with the return of the Champions League.

Only Mateo Kovacic (£5.3m), Jorginho (£4.7m) and Antonio Rudiger (£4.6m) have started all of Tuchel’s five games in charge.

With Kovacic offering little from an FPL perspective and Jorginho’s returns seemingly limited to penalties, Rudiger looks the best option of the three for consistent returns.

GAYLE FLAT

With star striker Callum Wilson (£6.6m) likely to miss the next two months through injury, Dwight Gayle (£5.9m) returned to the Newcastle attack.

But Gayle’s performance summed up another dismal display for Newcastle.

As the heatmap below shows, Gayle failed to perform Wilson’s role of leading the line for the Toon, and found himself dropping back into midfield to try and help cover Alonso and Werner.

(Gayle number 12, Fraser 21)

Gayle only managed one shot during the whole game before he was hooked off and replaced by Joelinton (£5.7m).

The heatmap also shows another Wilson alternative that Newcastle fans, in particular have called for.

Ryan Fraser (£5.6m) may have only had a cameo appearance at Stamford Bridge, but he was one of the few Newcastle players to look threatening going forward.

And with Newcastle playing a fluid front two, many have called for the Scot to be played in a false nine position.

CHELSEA XI (3-4-3): Kepa; Rudiger, Christensen, Azpilicueta; Alonso, Kovacic, Jorginho, Hudson-Odoi (James 78); Werner, Abraham (Giroud 20), Mount (Kante 70)

NEWCASTLE XI (4-3-3): Darlow; Krafth, Lascelles, Clark, Lewis; Willock (Carroll 79), Shelvey, Hayden; Gayle (Joelinton 64), Almiron, Saint-Maximin (Fraser 72)

1,025 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Dynamic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Come on you Saints!

  2. jayzico
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Evening chaps.

    Chances of Gundo getting any minutes tomorrow?

    1. Dynamic
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      5%

      1. jayzico
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I'd even be happy with that at this rate.

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      0%

    3. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      0
      Unlikely even to be on bench..

    4. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      0%

      Pep basically said as much

    5. jayzico
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah. Can't regret my TC though

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        57 points total using TC....could be worse haha

    6. Jersey Boy
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      15%

  3. BOATIES FC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bottomed on last article...

    2ft and a ton of money Itb

    Antonio and DCL to Kane and Ings?

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gd as any. Not sure about sot myself

  4. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Not even being sarcastic, but Thiago is the worst tackler ever

    1. aborg
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Amen to that. Can’t understand how Klopp not seeing that. Are we so limited in players who can play that position?

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Hendo in CB, Keita Fabinho and Milner injured

        Liverpool midfield and CB are all gone

        1. aborg
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          True...the chain is completely broken.

    2. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I guess you never watched Paul Scholes play

      1. Tinmen
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Even the fact that he’s mentioned in the same sentence to Scholes in that regard is shocking in itself

        1. Bushwhacker
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Being compared to Scholes is pretty mean.

          1. Scholes Out For Summer
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Mean to scholesy

    3. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yep poop

    4. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Prefer your sarcasm.

  5. The Senate
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    what a save that is. Only cost me 11 points 🙁

  6. Fantasydreamer
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I’m sure this is a popular question of late - who is the better luck, Barnes or Maddison?

    1. Fantasydreamer
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Sorry pick! Although luck would also be good...

    2. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Madders

    3. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Madd

  7. Dele
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who to remove for Dallas this week?

    A) Digne
    B) Dias
    C) Cancelo
    D) AWB

    1. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      D

    2. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Digne if only for one week

    3. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A or d

  8. Couch Potato
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    1 week punt for free?

    Wilson & Gundog > Bambam & Raph

    1. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Why ridding Gundo?

      1. Couch Potato
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Injured and Raph has a DGW

        Only for one week

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          He's out tomorrow possibily.

          He's fine, but tomorrow may be too soon.

          Weekend fine. With Champions League coming into view.

          Likely rested, play, play...

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      For 1 week and if gund out yes

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

  9. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    This Leipzig and Liverpool game is unreal to watch. Both teams full on pressing and attacking. Wish the Prem was like this

    1. Who are all Lukakus
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      unless you own Burnley defenders

  10. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Would you sell any of the following for a hit to get in Raphinha?

    Salah (EVE)
    Bruno (NEW)
    Rashford (NEW)
    Gundo (ars)
    Barnes (avl)

    If not, would doubling on Leeds defence with Dallas and Alioski (been stuck with him for a while) be a viable move?

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

      Barnes

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        For a hit?

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Rashford on form?

      Leicester do well at Villa...

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Rashford would be a decent option to get rid, but they have Newcastle...

    3. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Barnes

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        For a hit? This is the Villa side that let Brighton get 9 shots on target...

    4. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nope

    5. nolard
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No

  11. Dele
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Worth holding DCL until 26? Interested to see if he starts against Liverpool.

    1. Silecro
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If you can bench him, yeah, why not

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nah hammys don’t heal quickly!

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Ditch him

    4. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Supposed to be fine for the weekend

  12. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Poor from Allison

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      He’s the new kepa/de gea! Lol

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

      Don't you mean Karison?

    3. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Karius yes! Ha ha

    4. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      That's how i spell it because of a friend of mine.

      Just realised it's Alisson tho.

  13. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone got link to scoutcast?

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      google "scoutcast"

  14. dogtanion
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    This Liverpool match is such a good game. High intensity. TAA's passing is class

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Old TAA returns?

      1. dogtanion
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I think he's created about 3 or 4 big chances already.. another one just now for Firmino. Pool are so leaky at the back though so not much of a clean sheet potential

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      It's the crowd that's pulsating through

  15. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    My bench next week - Son, Stones, Rudiger!

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gundo, Stones, Rudiger . . .

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Gundo! What's your midfield?

        1. Bushwhacker
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Fernandes, Salah, Raph, Son. It's a toss up between Gundo and Son but I'm worried about Gundo being rested.

          1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Exactly the same five that I have. And I agree with your concern regarding Gundo being rested. Tough call that - Gundo or Son. I have Kane, Ings and Bam up top and there is no way any of those three is benchable.

            1. Bushwhacker
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Same! LOL.

              1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                Hahaha! All the best!

                1. Bushwhacker
                  • 4 Years
                  3 years, 1 month ago

                  We shall conquer!!!!

      2. Silecro
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I would literally play Gundo vs Arsenal before any other mid, including Salah and Bruno

        1. Bushwhacker
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          IF he plays. . . and Bruno home to Newcastle?? Come on even United can win that at a canter, Bruce ALWAYS play for United to win.

          1. Silecro
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Arsenal is a perfect opponent for Gundo haul, just like tottenham. Doesnt throw a bus like lesser teams and opens wildly to counterattack.
            Gundo should be more than ready come next weekened

            1. Bushwhacker
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Arteta will absolutely park the bus. Will wait on news, they've no reason to rush him.

  16. FPL_WILDCARD
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Better combo on WC? (Dias is cheaper for me as I've had him in my team for a while, debating whether to upgrade to Cancelo for extra 0.2)

    A) Dias + R.Pereira
    B) Cancelo + Soyuncu

    Cheers

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I like A

    2. Vlekz
        3 years, 1 month ago

        A

    3. rubberdignerapids
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I’m strongly considering to draft in KDB instead of Sterling in a WC (hopefully by Friday once/if the DGW fixtures are confirmed).

      Now historically drafting in players after long breaks of play due to injury hasn’t necessarily worked out for me personally.

      However looking at KDB as a differential, having a strong bench in case he doesn’t feature against Arsenal, is it a risk worth taking if it means I can potentially TC him in upcoming DGW fixtures?

      Anyone else who is potentially WC this week thought about doing this at all?

      1. Threat Level Midnight
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Planning to do it

      2. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        If you think he'll play both in 26 sure do it

      3. JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Gundogan doing far better than KDB ever was

        1. JONALDINHO
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          This season over course

          1. rubberdignerapids
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            I would have both KDB and Gundo, paired with Cancelo

            But yes- I totally agree that Gundo is having a storming season

            1. AC/DC AFC
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Nice!

      4. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        You could be a week in front, could pay back with Gundogan?

    4. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Ones who watched Soton game. How poor was Redmond and is he already dropped back to bench so I could get starts from Adams? Yes, I have still Adams.

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Redmond was not poor. Links well with Ings and Hasenhuttl praised him for his performance

      2. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I would sell Adams even if Southampton bought KDB and Grealish to assist him.

        1. BobbyDoesNotLook
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          That is proper advice.

    5. LewanGOALski
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      That shouldn’t be a pen for Barca

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Looked like he tripped himself?

        1. JBG
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah, can't figure out why they gave a pen. From a different camera angle the PSG defender made contact with De Jongs legs with his knee.. But he was staring at the ball the whole time.

    6. Silecro
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Barca psg, how on EARTH is that a pen? Dive of the year

    7. Thunder Warrior
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Wc draft
      Martinez McCarthy
      TAA Canselo Dias Dallas Vestergard
      Salah Gundogan Bruno Raphina Jorginho
      Ings Watkins Bamford

      Gw26 Ings -> Kane and BB?

      1. FPL_WILDCARD
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Ings could have a triple double or two doubles between 25-27?

    8. FPL_WILDCARD
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If DGW26 fixtures are arranged as expected, how is this team on a WC, with a view to BB26?

      Lloris, McCarthy
      Dias, Stones, Shaw, R.Pereira, Targett
      Bruno, Son, Gundogan, Raphinha, Barnes
      Kane, Ings, Bamford

      (Bamford & Raphinha likely become Watkins & Traore/Barkley - with view for 26 & 29)

      1. Thunder Warrior
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        No Salah

        1. FPL_WILDCARD
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Its a sacrifice between Bruno or Salah for Kane.... Kane has decent fixtures and an extra game up to 29

    9. dogtanion
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Robertson so unlucky from 40 yards

    10. abaalan
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Whats the WC 25 + BB 26 template?! 😀

      Have a team ive just drafted, but feel im missing someone....

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        The post the team!

        1. abaalan
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Martinez, Sanchez
          Dallas, Stones, Targett, Vestergard, Soyuncu
          Bruno, Son, Gundo, Grealish, Raphinha
          Kane, Bamford, Ings

          1. Scholes Out For Summer
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            would not go without triple city in some form.
            Southampton defender is a huge trap, so what if they have 3 DGW if they play United, Chelsea, Spurs
            Targett is a decent pick but locks you out of Watkins if you want him
            I personally fancy Leicester mid for the next few GWs before BGW29

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

            Solid team that.

      2. The Orienteer - find me in …
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I'll show you mine if you show me yours!

    11. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Great equaliser for PSG

    12. EWH2020
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DGW 26 fixtures are going to be arranged after the deadline aren't they...?

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Almost guarantee it.

    13. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Mo Salah really does very little in games.

      1. JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        He’s been electric so far

        1. DA Minnion (Former great)
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Really don't see it.

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

        Other than score, assist, press and track back . . you are correct.

        1. DA Minnion (Former great)
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          You must be a liverpool fan.

          1. Bushwhacker
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            FPL fan too. But yeah, let's criticize a guy who scores and assists over a number of years pretty much more than anyone else in the league . . .

      3. Threat Level Midnight
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Biggest fraud there is

        1. Bushwhacker
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          162 points of fraud . . .

        2. DA Minnion (Former great)
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Agree

    14. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      does anyone know where/how to watch football league matches (90 minutes, not just highlights)? is there some sort of database that clubs/scouts would use?

    15. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      how is Busquets only 32, been around for so long

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Benjamin Busquets

      2. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Went straight into tbe senior team from U12 s

    16. HonestBlatter
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Do I play WC now DGW25 and BB DWG26? Do I trust Ben Crellin colours / probability who gets the double?

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I have . . . resigned to disappointment!