Scout Notes

Bruno’s blank, Iheanacho v Vardy, the Chesterfield Cafu and other FPL talking points

A fairly dismal evening on the Fantasy Premier League front saw only five players deliver attacking returns, all of whom were owned by fewer than 2% of managers.

The cherry on the excrement was a second successive blank for Bruno Fernandes (£11.6m), the most-captained and most-owned FPL asset of Double Gameweek 26.

BRUNO MARS

A truly grim spectacle at Selhurst Park saw Manchester United grind out a goalless draw for the third time in a week.

We highlighted the Red Devils’ ongoing cautiousness in games against ‘big six’ opposition after Sunday’s game at Chelsea but perhaps one other factor we overlooked is fatigue.

United have played twice a week, every week from the beginning of 2021 up until now.

There has been relatively little rotation from Ole Gunnar Solksjaer throughout that run and there was a jaded quality to their display against Palace, with Fernandes looking particularly flat – this was his 16th appearance in little more than two months, with 14 of those coming from the start.

The Portuguese playmaker didn’t register a single shot at Selhurst Park, although did top the pile for chances created.

Back-to-back clean sheets was good news for owners of United’s defensive assets, at least, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.6m) and Luke Shaw (£5.1m) now first and third among FPL defenders for ‘form’ (average score over the last 30 days).

RIGHT BACK AT YOU

A rare miscalculation from Nick Pope (£5.6m) was a contributing factor in Burnley losing their clean sheet on Wednesday, although in fairness, not many right-thinking individuals would have anticipated Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.6m) meeting Wilfred Ndidi’s (£4.8m) chipped through-ball with a Van Persie-esque volley.

For a team renowned for their reputation as a defence-first side, the clean sheets have been in fairly short supply of late – only four have arrived in the Clarets’ last 15 matches.

Burnley’s backline aren’t famed for compensating with attacking returns at the other end of the pitch but Matthew Lowton (£4.5m) – dubbed the ‘Chesterfield Cafu’ by internet wags for his recent displays – has suddenly burst into life in the last month.

The budget right-back has supplied 10 chances in the last three Gameweeks (two of which were admittedly ‘doubles’), with four of those key passes arriving in the Leicester game.

Shaw is the only FPL defender who has supplied more opportunities than Lowton in that time, while no-one in the Burnley man’s Fantasy position has carved out as many ‘big chances’.

As for Leicester’s own marauding right-back, Ricardo Pereira (£5.9m) began the game at wing-back and ended it as a winger – but all of that hyped ‘out of position’ potential amounted to nought as he ended Double Gameweek 26 with a meagre two points.

KELECHI CRASHES THE PARTY

Iheanacho has been a benefactor of injury-enforced absences to James Maddison (£7.3m) and Harvey Barnes (£6.9m), if only in that first-team starts are now easier to come by.

Those two midfielders being sidelined has not exactly helped Jamie Vardy (£10.2m), whose record now stands at one goal in his last ten Premier League appearances.

The Foxes were short on inspiration at Turf Moor, as they had been against Arsenal on Sunday, with Vardy mustering just one shot on goal in another showing that hinted at his underlying fitness issues catching up with him.

It might not just be the absence of Barnes and Maddison that is damaging Vardy’s output, however.

The veteran striker isn’t used to sharing the limelight with a strike partner and Iheanacho has certainly been hogging the chances, having seven of them across the two Gameweek 26 matches; Vardy had one.

HEROES TO VILLANS

Aston Villa’s yo-yo form in 2021 continued as they once again failed to string together successive wins, succumbing to a 1-0 defeat to a Sheffield United side who had Phil Jagielka (£3.9m) sent off in the second half.

So used to performing heroics en route to keeping a clean sheet, Emiliano Martinez (£5.3m) for once had very little to do at Bramall Lane on Wednesday.

But one of just two shots on target the Villans faced, David McGoldrick‘s (£5.2m) opportunistic strike from a mishit George Baldock (£4.9m) effort, beat the Argentine shot-stopper and put paid to hopes of a ninth shut-out on the road.

Villa’s shot count suggested they didn’t miss the injured Jack Grealish (£7.6m) too much, with Ollie Watkins (£6.6m) striking the woodwork, John McGinn (£5.5m) missing a sitter and Ezri Konsa (£4.6m) forcing a fine stop out of Aaron Ramsdale (£4.6m).

But at full-time, visiting boss Dean Smith lamented the lack of a final-third spark that Grealish so often brings:

For all of the possession in the final third we needed better quality, better runs and better balls in but, for me, we tried to get the goal back inside the first five minutes after the sending off instead of being patient, pulling them out and finding holes.

Bertrand Traore (£5.9m) was perhaps the pick of Villa’s FPL assets, with a game-high five attempts including one jinking, Ricky Villa-esque run that ended in an off-target effort.

305 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 25 days ago

    Considering Bruno >> Aubameyang this week?
    Then bring Bruno back on WC.

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Im getting Lingard

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 25 days ago

        Gundogan > Lingard in 29 for me

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 25 days ago

          I dont want to miss the game vs Leeds

          1. The 12th Man
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 25 days ago

            True. Could do well in that one.

            1. Christina.
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 25 days ago

              also saves a trade in 29. my bench can cover for him in 28

          2. Flair
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 25 days ago

            If West Ham counter with the same ferocity and speed that they did vs City, Antonio and Lingard could run riot

            1. The 12th Man
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 25 days ago

              Could always do Gündoğan,Fernandes >> KDB, Lingard-4

              1. Flair
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 25 days ago

                Nailedness for DGW would put me off Gundo -> KDB City slot swap

        2. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 25 days ago

          Right. Remember Jesse can't play GW28 v his parent club.

    2. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Does have an excellent record vs Burnley and got a full rest

    3. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Europa before 28&29 might be a problem

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 25 days ago

        United v City next weekend will be 0-0, so I'm considering selling Bruno for Bale. Bruno can return post-BGW33.

        1. jomikijiq
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 25 days ago

          I'm selling him for KDB/Sterling

    4. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Im considering Auba(C) actually, only Gundo can stop me. Would love to own Jlingz but can pick only one of him or Auba and im going for Auba i think. Heard someone saying that he may be rested in blank gw9 but i dont think so with int'nal break afterwards

      1. Shark Team
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 25 days ago

        29*

  2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 25 days ago

    Play Watkins vs Wolves or Bamford vs West Ham?

    1. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Bamford

    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Im playing Ollie

    3. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Depends on Grealish news

    4. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Wait for Grealish news

    5. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Bamf

  3. Brimble82
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 25 days ago

    I’m on:
    Pope
    (C)ancelo-Stones-Holding
    Salah-Gundo-Bruno-Son-Raph
    Kane-DCL

    (Forster-Bamford-Dallas-Mitchell)

    Pope>Martinez is the logical tfr this week right?
    (No FH29)

    1. Brimble82
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Anyone?

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 25 days ago

        Yes

        1. Brimble82
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 25 days ago

          Thanks.
          Of course then the question is - play Martinez or role the dice on Forster! (Who I’ve purely had as fodder)

          I’m pretty sure the answer is obvious!

      2. Scrumper
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 25 days ago

        Yes

        1. Brimble82
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 25 days ago

          Cheers

  4. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 25 days ago

    Mornign dzz, def plan to move one of Salah or Bruno >> Son before gw29. Question is who to get rid and when? Plan to WC31

    A: Salah (FUL, wol, ars(in gw30)).
    B: Bruno (mci, WHM, BRI (in gw30))....Tough fixture this gw coupled with Son having a great fix this gw BUT Bruno the best cpt shout in 28/30 given other fixtures?

    1. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      B

      1. jomikijiq
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 25 days ago

        this week

    2. Pops15
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      I'm moving Bruno to Son this week

    3. joey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      B, I'm doing the same but might get Bale as he looks in the mood. Seems Bruno will be heavily transferred out this week!

  5. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 25 days ago

    Bale or Lingard?
    Money not a problem as such but have Kane and Son...

    1. Pops15
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Triple up on Spurs might be overkill. See how they do tonight but I think I would like Lingard for that Leeds game. Should be lots of space for him to counter attack

  6. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 25 days ago

    Good Morning all,

    Who is the best captain pick for next GW?

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      That is the burning question.
      A City player or Kane for me.

    2. Brimble82
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Cancelo. Due.

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 25 days ago

        He’s been due all season. He’s like a better version of Tadic.

        1. Brimble82
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 25 days ago

          That was my inferred joke!

        2. Brimble82
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 25 days ago

          But fwiw - I am tempted, especially after his benching this week.

          1. The 12th Man
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 25 days ago

            Yeh he is my preferred City choice from the three I have.
            Dias,Cancelo,Gundogan.

            Tempted with Kane though against Palace.

            1. Brimble82
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 25 days ago

              Same (though I have Stones instead of Dias).

              I’m struggling to get beyond the upper 5-figures, so looking for a differential shout.

    3. farmerfat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Dias set on my bus team. Think he is a good shout. Most likely defender to start both games and I predict two clean sheets.

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 25 days ago

        I think he could be rested for the Southampton game.

    4. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      KDB

  7. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 25 days ago

    On 95 (-8) atm with Kane(c) + Son + Lloris + DCL + Holgate to go

    BB got me 22 points so far with Lloris and Holgate to go

    Would be chuffed if I hit 130 😀

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Very nice! Gl!

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      130 is reasonable.

    3. Brimble82
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Decidedly above average!

  8. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 25 days ago

    Bruno to lingard crazy?

  9. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 25 days ago

    morning guys, got 1 FT and 0.9 ITB... not sure what to do with Bruno, Salah or gundo for that matter...Got my WC and TC left

    Lloris Areola
    AWB Dias Cancello Mee Struik
    Raph Salah bruno son gundo
    bam watkins dcl

  10. farmerfat
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 25 days ago

    I have 17 points on BB with Pickford to play tonight, is that a fail or not?

    1. Brimble82
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Very solid.

    2. FPL ElasticO
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Its good, I target anything above 15 on BB...

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      I have 10 for BB. I would scream for 17.

    4. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      That’s decent.

    5. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      That's good I'd say. Anything around 16-20.

    6. Sloopy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      I'm jealous. 6 on BB (McCarthy 0, Bamford 2, Raphinha 2 and Dallas 2 points)

    7. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Great result, I have managed 9 on mine, which is a bit meh...

  11. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 25 days ago

    Are these transfer worth doing for -8 hit?

    Pope / Barnes / DCL >> Forster / Son / Bamford

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      DCL maybe a chance DGW28?
      Forster as 2nd goalie?

  12. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 25 days ago

    101 -4 with Digne,DCL,Bale,Son,Kane(TC) left to play.

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Sweet

    2. farmerfat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Very nice, think you can hit 150 with a bit of luck tonight!

    3. Brimble82
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Glory be!

    4. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Excellent score

    5. Sloopy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      wauw

  13. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 25 days ago

    Need some differentials?

    87% template 🙁

    Barnes > Lingz - Jota if fit.
    Shaw > Reguilon

    Both have 29/33

    Martinez,
    Dias, Cancelo, Shaw,
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Gundo,
    Kane, Watkins, Bamford

    Sanchez, Aina, Dallas, #Barnes

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Barnes > Lingard.
      Fix your injured player.

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 25 days ago

        That was one option, interested to see IF Jota plays, easy Salah out option?

    2. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      not like ownership matters for optimal play, but KDB (C)

  14. tom_p77
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 25 days ago

    Benching headache post BB this week:

    Martinez

    Cancelo ~ Stones ~ Targett
    Bruno ~ Son ~ Gundo(C) ~ Raph
    DCL ~ Kane ~ Bamford

    (Pope, Shaw, Digne, Barnes*)

    Not sure about double Villa defence - any help appreciated.

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      I’d play Digne

      1. tom_p77
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 25 days ago

        Instead of Targett I assume?

  15. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 25 days ago

    Raphinha or Lingard as Barnes replacement?

    If Lingard will have to start Burn (sou) next week.

    1. zøphar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Prefer raph

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 25 days ago

        Cheers Zoph!

        Think I'll want Antonio for GW29 also so not sure if it's worth doubling up on West Ham attack.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Raph

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 25 days ago

        Cheers!

    3. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      prefer Raph but depends what other leeds you have.

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 25 days ago

        Don't have any. Just Struijk on the bench.

        1. matiakez
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 25 days ago

          Defo raph then

  16. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 25 days ago

    When are we going to find out which gw Everton villa is postponed to ? Thanks

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      probably after GW30

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 25 days ago

        Cheers Holmes. No chance it could be moved to 28 then?

    2. grumpyman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Looks unlikely it’s moving to 28 now. Crellin said if it wasn’t announced yesterday it probably won’t happen. If it’s not announced this week there’s zero chance I would say.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 25 days ago

        Late thanks 🙂

  17. matiakez
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 25 days ago

    How likely do we think Saka is to play in the next few?

    27 and 28 I think are OK but 29 worries me. Weighing up getting him in for Barnes

    1. Breaking FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Very likely ... he was rested in the last game and Arteta had said beforehand that he had played a lot of games and may need a rest. As an Arsenal fan, I think he will play the next three at least.

  18. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 25 days ago

    Raphinha vs Lingard, best option?

    Both play 29, Lingz misses 28, Lingz only 5.4% owned!

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Raph still below 10%

  19. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 25 days ago

    I literally dont know who to bench here nor which formation to play. Care to give a bit of advice? Thanks

    Martinez
    Dallas, Dias, Stones
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Gundo(c), Raphinha
    Bamford, Watkins

    Pope, DCL, Digne, Coufal
    0. 8 itb, 1ft

    Bench Bruno?
    Play EVE guys instead of LEE ones?

  20. CapK
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 25 days ago

    A) Bruno + Cancello > Kevin (C) + Dunk (-4)
    B) DCL > Antonio
    C) Roll Transfer,

    Kevin the clear captain the next 2 Game weeks imo,

    1. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      A is good

      I think I'd rather sell Dias/Stones though. White instead of Dunk if you have to because of that

  21. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 25 days ago

    Play Martinez or Forster?

    1. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 25 days ago

      Mart.