Scout Notes

Maddison and Grealish injury updates and Sunday’s FPL action reviewed

We round up the headline FPL talking points from Sunday’s matches in our whistle-stop review.

JACKED IN

Jack Grealish (£7.7m) was absent as Aston Villa succumbed to a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Leicester City.

Rumours had swirled about the midfielder’s potential absence both before and after Friday’s Gameweek 25 deadline and there is still an element of mystery about how long the England international will be sidelined for, with the Athletic’s Gregg Evans reporting that Grealish will also miss next weekend’s match against Leeds United and the BBC’s Simon Stone going a step further and declaring (in a subsequently watered down article) that he may miss a month of action.

Interviewed after full-time, Villa boss Dean Smith expressed hope that Grealish could be back in time for Gameweek 26 – although did admit that he would have to be an “optimist” to think that:

Jack had some discomfort on Friday afternoon so we pulled him out of training, assessed him and didn’t think he was right for the game.

It’s not a re-occurrence of a longstanding injury or an old injury. It’s not going to be a long-term injury but I’ll be guided by the medical staff as to how long he’ll be out and Jack himself. I can’t tell you any more than that really.

Pretty much [a case of taking it game by game], yeah. If I’m an optimist maybe he’ll be back for Leeds or, if not, Sheffield United but I have to be guided by him and the medical staff and see how it is.

FPL managers aren’t hanging around either way, with Grealish the most-sold player of Gameweek 26 and already flogged by over 100,000 managers.

MADDISON ALL RIGHT?

Gundogan fit to start as De Bruyne returns to City XI and Foden drops to bench 1

Leicester City have their own injury concern as we prepare for the biggest Double Gameweek of the season.

James Maddison (£7.3m) continued his fine form on Sunday and opened the scoring at Villa Park – his 12th goal or assist in his last 14 appearances.

But the England midfielder hobbled from the field of play just after the hour-mark, having twice needed treatment from the visitors’ physios.

Brendan Rodgers said after full-time:

He had an issue with his hip last season. He just felt it when he was taking the corner so as a precaution we’ve taken him off and we’ll examine that over the next couple of days.

Harvey Barnes (£6.8m) is probably the biggest winner from the flags on fellow mid-price midfielders Grealish and Maddison: he is currently the most-bought asset of Gameweek 26.

Barnes recorded his second successive double-digit haul with a goal and an assist in the Foxes’ victory, which took his total to 10 attacking returns in 11 Gameweeks.

Ricardo Pereira (£5.9m) was intriguingly deployed ‘out of position’ in that win for the Foxes, lining up on the right of midfield ahead of Timothy Castagne (£5.7m) – although how much that selection was made with a plan to combat Grealish in mind is another question.

1-0 TO THE ARSENAL’S OPPONENTS

.

Ilkay Gundogan (£6.1m) made a swift return from injury at the Emirates this afternoon but couldn’t add to his season’s goal tally of 11.

The German started and finished the game in his now customary ‘number eight’ role but he, and City as a collective, never really clicked in an attacking sense in north London.

Not that Pep Guardiola’s side really needed to get out of second gear, with Arsenal failing to capitalise on some threatening positions in the final third and mustering only one shot on target in the entire game.

This was City’s 15th clean sheet of the season and their 13th in the last 16 Gameweeks.

Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) made his first start on his return from injury as a ‘false nine’ and managed to look both classy and rusty before being hooked on the hour-mark, while the advanced Joao Cancelo (£6.1m) again saw plenty of penalty-box action and wasted a glorious chance to double City’s lead when toe-poking wide from 10 yards.

Raheem Sterling (£11.6m) was the visitors’ match-winner, nodding home Riyad Mahrez‘s (£8.1m) second-minute cross for his 13th attacking return in his last 14 league starts.

SON/ANTONIO/SPURS

Grealish absent through injury as Castagne returns for Leicester's trip to Villa 3

West Ham United defeated Tottenham Hotspur in the first Premier League game of the day, with Jesse Lingard (£5.9m) continuing his purple patch of form in east London.

Lingard’s goal was his fourth attacking return in as many appearances for the Hammers and turned out to be the match-winner, which secured him maximum bonus points and a double-digit haul.

Michail Antonio (£6.6m) was passed fit to play and marked his return with an early goal, although his comeback was ever-so-slightly tainted with a second-half booking.

Tomas Soucek (£5.3m) also picked up a yellow card en route to a one-pointer, with FPL’s most-owned defender, Aaron Cresswell (£5.8m), losing his clean sheet when Lucas Moura (£6.6m) nodded home Gareth Bale‘s (£9.3m) corner.

Soucek and Vladmir Coufal (£4.7m) were involved in separate collisions but recovered to finish the game.

Son Heung-min (£9.5m) and Harry Kane (£11.1m) both blanked but came within inches of a return: the former striking the woodwork late on with a freak, looping touch, with the latter seeing a potential assist go up in smoke in the process.

Kane had also teed the impressive Bale up for a second-half attempt that clipped the bar.

All in all, though, another underwhelming Spurs display (their fifth defeat in six) will leave some FPL managers pondering whether even Kane and Son are worth the outlay for the upcoming Double Gameweek.

BRU-NO WHO

“It’s not been his best game but…”

That line has regularly been used in conjunction with Bruno Fernandes‘ (£11.6m) name over the past few months and there was almost an inevitability on Sunday that, after an anonymous first half in which his most notable contribution was to pick up a booking, the Portuguese playmaker would still come good.

A slightly fortunate assist for Daniel James‘ (£6.2m) goal and a customary penalty brought up his 10th double-digit haul of the season and means that he has now racked up 307 FPL points in his 39 appearances for Manchester United.

Matching Fernandes on the day was Marcus Rashford (£9.6m), who won the aforementioned spot-kick after earlier firing United in front.

Anthony Martial (£8.7m) couldn’t take advantage of the injured Edinson Cavani’s (£7.9m) absence and turned in a poor showing, while United’s back four yet again conceded to a Premier League struggler – the bottom five teams in the division have all breached the Red Devils’ defence in 2020/21, with Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.1m) the latest to profit.

Luke Shaw‘s (£5.1m) owners may overlook those deficiencies so long as the left-back continues to create chances a furious rate – the defender was again top for key passes for his side on Sunday.

GOALS, ASSIST AND BONUS

(Courtesy of LiveFPL.net)

922 Comments Post a Comment
  1. aapoman
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Triple City with
    A. Double defence
    B. Double attack

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

      With two home fixtures I'd definitely be going double attack if I had the chance.

      Already have double def so too much surgery required for my team...

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

        Yeah I'm on WC so could get double attack. It is quite hard to fit Salah, Bruno, Kane and double City attack and have a balanced team.

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

          I'd let Salah go. More rotation in attack, but they look on fire and now have Kev back.

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

      I think I'd have Gundo, Cancelo and Sterling if I had the chance.

    3. barcaa7
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

  2. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone looking at KDB for the DGW?

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

      Considering it - for Salah, but I'll prolly let him use those games to build up match fitness and move in GW27.

    2. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I am. Possible Gundo + KDB double up on my WC

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

      Pretty big rotation risk with CL back on and Manc derby.

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

    Help please.. would you WC this team?

    Pope / forster
    Dias / cancelo / lowton / dallas / coufal
    Sterling / bruno / salah / raphinha / rashford
    Bamford / watkins / brewster

    0.5 ITB 1FT.. no fh available

    1. Casual Player
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      9 DGW and 5 BGW with at least 3 FTs to come by my count... I don’t reckon it’s necessary.

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

    Any suggestions here would be appreciated.
    Was thinking of doing Ings and Pope to Kane and Martinez for free.

    Pope
    Cancelo Lowton Shaw
    Gundogan Fernandes Sterling Son
    Watkins Ings Bamford

    Subs: Rapinha, Dallas, Mee 3.1 ITB

  5. Casual Player
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Taken 1 hit all season (which was a bad idea), yet now looking at 2-3 for 26 to try and set up BB 26 and no-FH in 29. On the back of my worst round of the year. This is going to be interesting.

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

      Taking hits for a bench boost kind of cancels each other out. Might be worth it for GW29 though. I have about 4 players for that and am burying my head in the sand!

      1. Casual Player
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah I was looking at -4, but Grealish might warrant a -8 because zero appearances for Grealish vs 2 appearances for his replacement means it’s taking a zero?? If my understanding of #FPLmath is correct.

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

          If you're intent on BB then you still likely profit from a hit for Grealish, yeh. But why do you want to BB? Honest question btw, as it's the only chip i have left but if I use it I activate a pair of Chelsea defenders with awful fixtures and Leeds with a SGW.

      2. Casual Player
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        BTW this means little but you’re my favourite poster in the DZ. always solid advice and good, friendly banter. Cheers

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

          Means a lot mate, cheers!

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

        I hVe to disagree with you on that. I took all my single gameweek players out and swapped them for doubles in the previous big double gameweek when I bench boosted. I ended up scoring 150+ points when I would have got like about 80 had I not. I had to take a - 24 hit too but totally worth it as it was like a wildcard too. Although it can backfire but I think if you prepare for the future too, it's totally worth it

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

      2-3 hits will render your BB ineffective unless your chosen players all get a big score.

      I'd focus on your getting 11 solid DGW players and use TC instead if that's an option.

      1. Casual Player
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks I’m so prudent on hits normally but want to go nuts. Might be a bit of GW25 rage haha

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

    I'll be getting rid of Antonio and Soucek this week. I already have Lookman, Gunny, Son, Bruno (already got City triple up)

    Which players should I be looking at?

    - Barnes
    - Watkins
    - Grealish
    - Maddison
    - Kane
    - Vardy
    - DCL

    Anyone else I should be contemplating?

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

      Grealish is injured and I wouldn’t bother with Vardy

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

        Yeah I think Barnes is my preference for sure. Was DCL being rested just a precaution?

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

      Kane, Barnes and DCL would be my priorities. Maddison and Grealish are both injured I believe.

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

        Thanks man, unsure on Kane. Spurs have been poor and I already have Son, think I'll swing to DCL and Barnes. Shame Leicester don't play GW29 to make it an easy decision.

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

      Barnes is on fire.
      Vardy isn't but could be.
      Maddison and DCL could be but need their fitness checking.
      Kane absolutely isn't but you never know.
      Watkins has the fixtures but not Grealish to supply him.

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

    Hey guys, got 1 FT and 0.7 ITB...

    Ings to DCL or anything else you'd suggest?

    Lloris
    AWB Dias Cancello Mee
    Son Bruno Gundo salah
    watkins Bam

    Button Ings Raph Struik

  8. HollywoodXI
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Playing FH GW26. Building towards GW29 with FTs. Not seen this strategy mentioned anywhere. #ridingsolo

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

      I think most have planned to use BB/TC chips this week and therefore FH isn't an option.

      Not sure how much you'll gain with FH tbh as most people will have 10+ DGW players.

      GL anyway

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

        Big thing for me is it allows me to temporarily lose Leeds and Saints for GW26 and then they’re back in for Saints DGW27 (I have Ings for example). It also means no points hits.

        1. Weeb Kakashi
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Same thinking. Will be Dead-ending in GW29. Wc in 30. Have 7 starters for 29 already.

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

      That's fair enough, it could pay off for you.

    3. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I am in the same boat. We are minority. Doesn't mean its the wrong strategy.

  9. Casual Player
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I’m seeing a lot of Ings out - I think that’s rash before GW27? Like I don’t understand why you’d get him for the 25 double but not the 27 double. Just getting that opinion out there before he scores against Leeds and everyone does a 180 🙂

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

      Part of the reason I’m FH in GW26

    2. barcaa7
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      We need to get Kane

      1. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        This

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

      One of 27 is against City and find it hard to get Kane without losing Ings. If keeping Ings I have to get rid og Salah, Bruno or Son..

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

    Get Kane for -4 by sacrificing Sterling or Salah or get him for -8 and I sacrifice no premium player in my team?

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

      Will probably TC Kane because of rotation from City and don't like Bruno or Salah fixtures.

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

      Sterling -> Gundo maybe?

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

      Losing Sterling or Salah in a DGW could backfire badly, especially for a hit. And a -8 just isn't worth it.

    4. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Why not drop Bruno? It's the obvious thing.

      1. zman575
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        love all the get rid of bruno comments. guy is a monster. best player on the game followed by salah. unreal consistency. will not sell either. also why is palace away a tough game?

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

    Better ways to get Kane here? 🙂

    I’m thinking Cavani, Ings and Soucek -> Kane, Waktkins and Reed (-4) and maybe BB.

    (2FT, 0.8 itb)

    Martinez
    Cancelo/Dias/Digne/Mee
    Salah/Bruno/Son/Gundo
    Cavani/Ings

    Bench: Messlier, Bamford, Dallas, Soucek

  12. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Saka, Salah, Ings to Gundogan, Son, Kane (TC) for -8?

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

    Is Bruno to KDB madness?

    Team for gw26 would be:

    Martinez (Forster)
    Shaw, Cancelo, Reguillon (Burn, Struijk)
    KDB, Salah, Son, Gundo (Raphinha)
    Kane(TC), DCL, Watkins

    1. zman575
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      yes. bruno is the best player on fantasy period

  14. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Salah, Ings to Son, Kane (TC) for -4?

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

      I wouldn't

    2. Rollercoaster
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I would do it in case you've used your FH

  15. Max City
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is bringing H Barnes for the DGW26 a wise move?
    ARS and BUR are pretty much tight in the back, aren't they?

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

      In form

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

    Tempted by Salah, Bamford, Cresswell > Kane (C), Barnes, Digne -8 and BB this:

    Pope, McCarthy
    Digne, Cancelo, Dias, Mee, Dallas
    Bruno, Rashford, Barnes, Gundo, Raphinha
    Kane, Richarlison, Watkins

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

    Champions league possibly complicates matters somewhat but what are we expecting points wise for gw26?

    there were some massive scores in gw19, so anything less than 100 is going to be a red arrow?

    Thoughts...

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

    I know Spurs didn't look that great vs the Hammers and recent form isn't exactly anything to write home about BUT I can't help but feel that there could be some mega hauls incoming for both Son & Kane with a next 6 of Burnley, Fulham, Crystal Palace, Arsenal, VIlla & Newcastle...surely the double up is gonna reap massive rewards isn't it? I'm personally considering a -8 to get in Son pre DGW26 (+another 26DGW'er who also plays in BGW29 though)...I'm not going crazy am I?!!! Thoughts?

  19. Andreassen
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Cancelo - Dias - Mee (Kilman, Dallas)
    Salah - B.Fer - Sterling - Barnes (Raphina)
    Bamford - CDL - Antonio

    Thinking i will take a hit of -4 and go:
    Sterling --> Gundo
    Antonio --> Kane

    What do you think?

  20. Podorsky
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Would you bench boost this lott?

    Struijk, Bamford (SG), Lowton (DG) and Maguire (DG)

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

      Not Maguire, I mean Mendy also with double gameweek

    2. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, but who's the goalie?

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

        Ederson

  21. Traction Engine Foot
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    On WC, which would you prefer?

    A Salah and Watkins
    B Son and Vardy

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

      B

  22. Miro
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    R. James - Cancelo - Lowton
    Salah - Bruno (c) - Sterling - Foden - Harrison
    DCL - Bamford

    Meslier - Adams - Cresswell - Coufal

    1ft. 0.0itb. WC and TC available

    Would you be confident going into 26 with this team? If not what would you change? Thanks for any replies