Scout Notes

Wolves restrict heavily-backed Bamford as Meslier suffers freak own goal

Wolves 1-0 Leeds

  • Goals: None
  • Own goals: Illan Meslier (£4.7m)
  • Assists: Adama Traoré (£6.0m)
  • Bonus points: Rui Patrício x3 (£5.3m), Raphinha x2 (£5.4m), Nelson Semedo (£5.2m)

MESS-LIER

Owners of Illan Meslier (£4.7m) endured a cruel evening as Leeds opened Double Gameweek 25 with a trip to Wolves.

In a relatively cagey encounter, the Whites’ goalkeeper was slowly building an impressive score, registering five saves in the opening period.

However, a dreadful piece of bad luck robbed him of what could have been a solid start to Double Gameweek 25 in the 64th minute.

Adama Traoré (£6.0m) who had mostly been kept quiet by Leeds’ full-backs, found some space in the middle for a speculative shot that struck the crossbar and went into the net off Meslier.

Before the own goal, the shot-stopper was projected a 10-point haul courtesy of a clean sheet, one save point and three bonus. After it, Meslier was down to just one point.

While there could be more joy against Southampton, it is certainly a hard start to the round for his 5.8% ownership.

WHAM BAM

It was a similar narrative for Patrick Bamford (£6.9m) who did not enjoy the best of starts to Double Gameweek 25 either.

The striker may have been backed by 80% of the top 10k for the captaincy but he endured a quiet evening at Molineux.

Wolves three-man defence smothered him while the hosts’ wing-backs and central midfielders did a solid job of cutting off his supply lines too.

As a result, Bamford only had two real moments where he looked even close to scoring.

In the middle of the second half, he was left with the scraps of a Liam Cooper (£4.3m) rebound but could not get enough power on his header to trouble Rui Patrício (£5.3m).

And then in the final 10 minutes, after Tyler Roberts (£4.6m) had played him through, Bamford unleashed a rising finish across goal and beyond Patrício, only to see it ruled out for a tight offside.

RAPH WITH THE SMOOTH

Raphinha (£5.4m) owners were also subjected to a teasing performance, the mid-priced midfielder very unlucky not to come away with a clutch of attacking returns.

In the 19th minute, he found Cooper with a free-kick delivery from the right, the centre-back unable to get adequate purchase on the ball.

Just after the interval, Luke Ayling (£4.4m) crossed into Raphinha at the near-post only for Conor Coady (£4.8m) to make a timely block.

Then between the 62nd and 70th minute, the Brazilian midfielder watched Cooper spurn three separate opportunities from corners. 

Had they fallen to Pascal Struijk (£3.9m) or Bamford, perhaps it would have been a different story.

In the closing stages of stoppage time, Raphinha’s speculative ball forward was seized upon by substitute Hélder Costa (£5.0m) who snatched at the finish despite the space in front of him.

And seconds later, Raphinha’s near-post header was turned around the post by Patrício, ensuring a match that could have produced a big haul turned out to be his first blank (in terms of attacking returns) since Gameweek 19.

Still, his high number of key passes, compared with a swathe of off-target shots opened the door for Raphinha to claim two bonus points in his first Double Gameweek 25 outing.

LINE-UP LESSONS

With Wolves lining up as an unchanged team for the first time in the league since Gameweek 8, the more interesting formation at Molineux was Leeds’.

Having tried and largely failed to ask other members of his squad to fill in for Phillips this season, Bielsa went for a different approach entirely by not directly replacing him.

“It’s not the first time (Phillips) has been absent. We have played well without him. Of course, he’s a big player but we have to adapt.” – Marcelo Bielsa

Instead, the Leeds manager moved away from the usual 4-1-4-1 shape and opted for 4-4-1-1 instead.

Mateusz Klich (£5.2m) and Jamie Shackleton (£4.8m) played as traditional central midfielders on Friday night with the extra man not behind them, but in front of them instead.

Bielsa handed that role to Roberts who sat just behind Bamford and would have come away with an assist were it not for a VAR call.

With Klich and Shackleton in the middle, Stuart Dallas (£5.0m) was returned to the left-back position after a prolonged spell in midfield. Ezgjan Alioski (£4.4m) was the man to make way, appearing only as a second-half substitute.

Struijk’s pairing with Cooper at centre-back ensured Luke Ayling (£4.4m) returned to right-back.

Wolverhampton Wanderers XI (3-4-3): Patrício; Saïss, Coady, Dendoncker; Jonny, Moutinho, Neves, Semedo; A Traoré, W José, Neto.

Leeds United XI (4-4-1-1): Meslier; Dallas, Cooper, Struijk, Ayling; Harrison, Klich, Shackleton (Hernández), Raphinha; Roberts; Bamford.

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1,404 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    If you had exact money for Sterling & Bamford > Gundo & Kane would you do it tonight? I'll be priced out if Kane rises which he looks like he is going to?!! Yay or nay? Thanks.

    1. More Cowbell
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nay for me at this stage. Too risky

      1. Krafty Werks
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Well it'll cost a -4 if i leave it, so difficult. Intend to triple cap Kane in 26 too as my only Spurs player, he's gotta come in barring injury...grrr, so torn!!

    2. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      In a similar position

      May just go for it, and it’s very unlike me to make early transfers

      If you do I will

      1. Krafty Werks
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Most unlike me too but think i gotta?!! You know what it's only a game, gonna risk it for a biscuit, c'mon Salty jump on board mate?!!

        1. FCSB
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Just are Kane’s fixtures as good as they look on paper, Burnley improved and Fulham fighting for survival !

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

      I'd normally say no but if you have a strong bench (like many have at the moment) then maybe worth the risk

      1. Krafty Werks
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        It's pretty good only SGW'ers but Raphinha, Dallas, Vestergaard all half decent fixture and chance of points?

        1. Manani
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I'd do it if that's your bench

    4. FantasyHero
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes for sure

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

        Do it mate

    5. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers all, i'm gonna live a little and go for it i think?!!

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

    Martinez
    Cancelo | Stones | Dallas
    Salah | Fernandes | Son | Grealish | Gundo
    Vardy | Bamford

    Fabri | Ings | Coufal | 3.8

    Antonio and Mee to Vardy and 3.8 free, what do people think?

  3. Manani
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    who would you bench? Bamford or Raphinna?

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

      Bam. At home.

      1. Manani
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        as in benching Bamford? Or play Bamford because his home form is good?

    2. More Cowbell
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bam is the more consistent points scorer even if Raph is easy on the eye to watch

      1. baines is god
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        he is so nice to watch

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

        Would say over the last 10 weeks Raph has consistently returned more than Bamford has, but I see your angle.

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

    Best 4.4m defender for DGW24. Not using WC?

    Have exact money so taking a chance on doing tonight along with Barnes. And hope they dodge injury.

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Lowton, scored 15 points in DGW24

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

        Burnley’s fixtures a lot harder than GW24 this time though.

    2. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Elmohamady £4.3 is who I'm looking at. 3-4 weeks until Cash returns for Villa.

  5. Wılly
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    WC this team ?

    9 Doublers but that includes Brewster and Adams, so technically 7 and would need a -12 or -16 to get a full XI

    Pope
    Tarkowski Cancelo Dallas
    Salah Sterling Bruno Son Raphinha
    Bamford Adams

    Forster - Coufal Branthwaite Brewster

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes I would wc

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

      tarkowski shouldnt count as a doubler, his fixtures are horrible. Branthwaite neither. thats a wc

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

        I counted Tark and Pope but not Branthwaite or Forster 😀

  6. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Ings > DCL straight swap for the DGW no brainer?

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not really

    2. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Ings doubles 27

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

        exactly. look beyond the double.

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

          Gabbiadini, I trusted you in a DGW once before, never again...

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

      It's the move I'd "booked in" so-to-speak, depending on how this GW pans out.

      Not too wrried about Ings DGW27 as it includes MCI, which limits the potential. (Yet I've got him this week for CHE?!)

  7. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Best pick for the doubles:

    1. Kane
    2. Son

    1. Manani
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      1

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

      2 son better value for money

  8. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    How is the following for a -8? It's the best way to get Kane in as well as having maximising BB26 and BGW29

    DCL + Coufal + Pope -> Kane (C) + White + Martinez

    1. No Salah
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Big NO

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

      The DCL fixtures look too good to ignore, possible to change another forward?

      The other 2 transfers look ok though

    3. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'd never be taking out DCL that's for sure!!

  9. baines is god
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Eniola Aluko

  10. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone using TC in gw26?

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

      I may do.

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

      yes, Kane

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

        what if you don't own Kane, hold off?

        1. Mr. O'Connell
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Bruno is better than Kane.

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

            yes tempting options.

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

            One of Bruno's fixtures is chelsea, so you are relying on palace.

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

          I brought him in for this one, and used Son to fund it (I wouldnt have captained Son)
          What other captaincy option is there next week?

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

      Thinking about Kane.

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

      Thinking of Kane. Two 9 pointers is reasonable and would be 54 pts which is a massive success

    5. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Likely Kane if i do decide to?

  11. baines is god
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    JWP and Kilman to Foden and Mings -4

    OR

    Bamford and Rodriguez to Kane and Jorginho -4

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

    Would you wildcard this.
    Martinez
    Mee Shaw Stones (Coufal Dallas)
    Grealish Bruno Son Gundogan (Raphinha)
    Kane Bamford (Ings)

    One transfer will give me 10 doubles and maybe triple captain Kane.
    Thoughts

  13. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Soucek Bamford >> Alzate (would be sub) Kane

    Y or N

    To catch the rise and avoid being priced out of getting Kane

  14. Super John McGinn-
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Grealish being injured really ruins my bench boost 26 plans, worth scrapping it and just triple captaining Kane instead?

    Martinez*,
    Dias*, Cancelo*, Lowton*
    Salah*, Bruno*, (Grealish*), Gundo*
    Kane*(C), DCL*, Bamford

    Pope*, Raphina, Dallas, Mitchell*

    1 FT 2.0 ITB (BB, TC, WC)

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

      Is he really injured? How badly.

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

        this.

        what do we know?

        1. Manani
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Not the most reliable confirmation obviously, but transferred out by multiple teammates

          https://twitter.com/insider_fpl/status/1362841388795244556?s=21

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

            interesting, have you traded?

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      have you got a link to this news?

    3. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Sorry just woke up. Is Grealish injured for 26?!

    4. Super John McGinn-
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nothing is officially confirmed but it is looking likely, rumours are 4-6 weeks but we will only truly know on Sunday but definitely looking more likely to be out than playing

    5. Vlekz
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Grealish Mitchell to Barnes + DGW defender (-4) and Bb. Most BB players will have 1-2 leeds and if you postpone you will be playing with single gameweek players on your bench then too

        1. Super John McGinn-
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah was thinking this with shaw or ricardo, cheers

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

      Will el ghazi deputise for grealish?

      And is he an option?

      Need a grealish replacement with a double in 26 who plays in 29. Can't afford son

      Thanks

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

        you would be crazy to trade grealish before any confirmed news.

        wait.

        1. Flynny
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I'm definitely waiting

          Just thinking of alternatives

    7. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Martinez*
      Dias*, cancelo*, digne*, mee*,
      Fernandes*, rashford*, gundo*, lookman*
      Ings, bamford

      Pope*, raphinia, antonio, dougal

      1FT, 6.1m ITB

      Should I WC this? Could field 11 doubles with a -4 but could also pick up spurs, villa, Leicester, Chelsea and liverpool assets with the WC which would be a big improvement.

    8. Manani
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      those without FH left, are you slowly using remaining transfers to inch towards the GW29 player after next week? Or just take it on the chin for 1 GW?

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        take it on the chin and try and field as many as I can lol

      2. ILOVEBAPS
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Inching towards 29.

      3. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        With the extra game added today I can get 9 without a hit.

    9. RamboRN
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dcl Bamford ings
      Who makes way for kane? Have money itb to do any of them

      1. Manani
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Ings for me

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

      Since Raphinha’s first start in GW9 he’s outscored Bamford despite costing 1.5m less.

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

      Which of the following 3.9's for GW26 only bench boost to enable other transfers?
      A. Struijk (AVL) and ful in GW29
      B. Michell (FUL, MUN) but may not even play

      Realised the GW29 side of things when typing.. A right?

    12. baines is god
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      JWP and Kilman to Foden and Mings -4

      OR

      Bamford and Rodriguez to Kane and Jorginho -4

      ?

    13. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Would you WC this team for BB in 27? Any other suggestions? 1ft, 0.7m itb.

      Martinez
      Stones Mee digne
      Salah bruno Sterling gundo
      Ings bamford dcl

      Forster raphina Dallas coufal

    14. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      On dgw26 would you rather have:

      A) Shaw, Barnes
      B) Grealish, Targett

      I am .1 off getting Shaw and Grealish 🙁

      1. Super John McGinn-
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        A if Grealish is injured

    15. Brehmeren
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If Grealish is injured, will anyone benefit in the Villa side in terms of seeing more of the ball? I'm thinking Barkley?
      And what would the impact be on Watkins, I'm thinking detrimental?

      1. Super John McGinn-
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        The creativity will be lacking severally, Barkley really needs to step up

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

          Yes, that's my worry. Especially in terms of getting Watkins in as he will lack the supply. But others might benefit by seeing more of the ball. Maybe El Ghazi, as suggested below?

          1. Super John McGinn-
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Decent option seems he’s on pens but not sure he will start every game, got Traore and probably Trez ahead of him, however would expect to see Trez rw against Leicester to help Elmo out with Barnes which would be el ghazi lw

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

              Cheers for the reply. Let's see with Grealish. Hopefully just a rumour.

              1. Super John McGinn-
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                I really do hope so, can’t see us creating much without him would miss our extra fixtures as well

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

                  Exactly. Been a joy to watch Villa this season, mainly because of him.

    16. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Repost please

      Soucek Bamford >> Alzate (would be sub) Kane

      Y or N

      To catch the rise and avoid being priced out of getting Kane

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        No. Too early and Kane’s ankles may not last through this GW

    17. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If Grealish injury is confirmed I may pull the trigger on a WC.

    18. baines is god
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Is this Grealish rumour true?

      If it is I might get El Ghazi

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

        See my question above. I think this might be an interesting move. Could also be on pens.

        1. baines is god
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          will be on pens if on the pitch

    19. Tekkerslovakiaftw
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      How did raphinha get 2 bonus?

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

        Laid on at least 3 big chances which weren’t concerted.

      2. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Brazilian

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

        *converted

      4. HTL
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        He was bloody magic and unlucky, that's why

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

        6 key passes, 3 big chances created, a few shots on target etc. Another day could have hauled but 2 bps seems fair for his efforts

    20. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Last spot on my BB team for Gw26. 4.4m to spend.

      Tete FUL 4.3 with 2 fixtures (1 green, 1 red)
      White BRI (1 green)

      All rest are doublers bar Bamford.

    21. HTL
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      This Bamford captaincy, and triple captaincy bandwagon is the best example of a double gameweek fallacy since people were triple captaining Dunk a couple of years ago. Still the EO means it's not going to matter to most.

      It wasn't a gimme for Leeds - Wolves had 7 points from their last 9 - we've been awful to watch at times but it was never going to be a goal-fest tonight. Bamford's come out on twitter tonight and even the BBC are twisting the narrative - VAR didn't rule it out, the lino had already correctly flagged offside.

      Thought Raphinha was superb, heart in mouth moment every time the ball went in the box.

      Nice to not concede the first goal for once too.

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

        This post lacks credibility. Post it before the gw starts.

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          This

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

          Following what could only be described as an ‘addiction’ last season, I’m not actively playing this season so not on here as often accordingly.

          Called it on our group WhatsApp but I’m sure that doesn’t count!

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

            I'll count it and trust your an honest chap!