Scout Notes

Rodríguez offers home FPL promise with goal on injury return

Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace

  • Goals: James Rodríguez (£7.7m) | Michy Batshuayi (£5.7m)
  • Assists: Seamus Coleman (£4.8m) | Jeffrey Schlupp (£5.3m)
  • Bonus points: Rodríguez x3, Coleman x2, Batshuayi x1

RODRÍGUEZ RETURNS

Monday-night goalscorer James Rodríguez‘s (£7.7m) return from injury could be the catalyst Everton need to solve their problems at home this season.

The Colombian international was a standout star as Crystal Palace held the Toffees to a 1-1 draw in Gameweek 30, although his colleagues failed to live up to his level of performance.

Everton now have just one win at Goodison Park in their last eight Premier League matches there and, after winning four from a possible seven before that, Carlo Ancelotti’s men have drawn twice and lost five home outings.

However, in a rather strange paradox, Goodison Park has been the scene of Rodríguez’s best performances this season, which implies Fantasy Premier League managers could get value for money between now and Gameweek 38.

Not including Fantasy assists, he has been involved in 12 goals in 14 home matches in all competitions since joining Everton. In the league, he has produced five goals and three assists at Goodison, working out at 0.7 per game.

It must be said that Everton’s latest home disappointment was not without persistence on their part, arguably more encouraging than if they were failing to create chances.

Against Palace, they mustered 15 shots, their second-highest tally in a league match this season, behind only their 5-2 win over West Bromwich Albion in Gameweek 2 (17).

Crucially, on the Fantasy Football Scout Season Ticker, Everton rank inside the top six for fixtures over the next seven matches.

During that period, they host Spurs, Aston Villa, Sheffield United and Wolves, four teams who have struggled for clean sheets of late and could allow Rodríguez to continue his notable home form.

That’s provided the Colombian international can stay fit, of course, having missed two significant chunks of the 2020/21 campaign and only just returning from his most recent absence on Monday.

Still, Ancelotti appears to be on top of managing that issue. Long-term absentee Jean-Philippe Gbamin (£5.0m) replaced Rodríguez in the 79th minute in Gameweek 30 to allow him some rest.

“Gbamin is here for at least two years. He has a strong desire to play. I have a strong possibility to give him minutes.” – Carlo Ancelotti

Meanwhile, potential Rodríguez punters should remember Everton’s run-in also includes trips to Brighton, Arsenal, West Ham and Manchester City. And, it must be said, the former Real Madrid man has offered little in the way of Fantasy returns on the road this season with one goal and one assist in eight such appearances.

RICHY RICH

With a sizeable backing behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.6m) in Gameweek 30, it was his strike partner Richarlison (£8.0m) who dominated the shot count on Monday night.

The return of Rodríguez had suggested Everton might play a front-three like earlier in the season, with the Colombian flanking a spearheading Calvert-Lewin on the opposite flank to Richarlison.

However, against Crystal Palace, Rodríguez sat in a number 10 role behind a more traditional two-man strike-force, a set-up that has traditionally favoured Richarlison, and not Calvert-Lewin, in terms of volume of shots.

In the sixth minute, a Luka Milivojevic (£5.6m) mistake allowed André Gomes (£5.3m) to slide the Brazilian in rather than Calvert-Lewin.

In the 20th minute, Seamus Coleman‘s (£4.8m) cross was too high for Calvert-Lewin before Richarlison nodded over.

The former Watford man burst through the middle again just two minutes later only for Vicente Guaita (£4.8m) to make two smart saves.

Prior to nodding over a Rodríguez free-kick, Richarlison also weighed heavily into a debate over who would strike a 39th-minute direct dead-ball opportunity, holding off interest from Lucas Digne (£6.2m), Gylfi Sigurdsson (£6.8m) and Rodríguez – although he put his effort over the bar.

And in the closing stages, Richarlison forced a low, stretched save from Guaita.

Whether or not his persistence can turn into attacking returns in the coming Gameweeks remains to be seen, although Richarlison remains Everton’s third-highest points-scorer this season, his tally of 96 behind only Calvert-Lewin (138) and Michael Keane (100).

STICKY TOFFEES

Interest in Everton defenders is expected to deteriorate, especially with a host of Wildcard squads expected to appear after the Gameweek 31 deadline.

With matches against West Bromwich Albion, Burnley and Crystal Palace on offer, Digne earned 250,000 new owners after Gameweek 25 but he has largely failed to deliver on his price tag.

In their last four matches, Everton have conceded four goals and registered just one clean sheet. Upcoming meeting with Spurs (Gameweek 32) and Arsenal (Gameweek 33) will hardly inspire confidence in a buck to that trend.

On the injury front, Alex Iwobi (£5.9m) and Allan (£5.2m) missed out with minor knocks while Gomes was forced off with a hamstring problem during the first half.

“We had a little problem in the last few days with Iwobi and Allan. Not a big deal but they are not able to play.” – Carlo Ancelotti

Everton XI (3-4-1-2): Olsen; Holgate, Mina, Keane; Digne, A Gomes (Sigurdsson 31′), T Davies, Coleman (Godfrey 76′); Rodríguez (Gbamin 79′); Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin.

Crystal Palace XI (4-4-2): Guaita; van Aanholt, Cahill, Kouyaté, J Ward; Eze, Riedewald (Schlupp 68′), Milivojevic, Ayew (Batshuayi 84′); Zaha, Benteke (Mateta 77′).

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1,223 Comments Post a Comment
  1. JenkoJunko
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    *REPOST*
    Stones & Johnstone to TAA & 3.9 keeper -4

    Yay or nay?

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No.

  2. Pukkipartyy
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is it worth to go Vardy over Nacho? Allmoust 5m different.

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      On current form, no. Vardy has scored 1 goal in the last 15 gws

    2. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Depends on how you use the money. One may prefer KDB+Nacho vs Vardy+Gundo but Vardy+Jota to Salah+Nacho for example.

    3. The Fantasy Doctor
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      How often have we seen good fixtures signal a return to form for players with proven FPL quality. I’m gambling on Vardy. But I’m happy with Jota over Salah which is a risk.

  3. Runaway
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I had been planning to do WC31 but my team is in good form and does not look terrible for GW31 (with a hit should be ok) and quite good for GW32 and planning to do FH33. Given the possibility of a big DGW35 and fixture swing, would that make sense to keep WC for GW34 or I am being too optimistic with my current team?

    Pope Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Shaw Rudiger Veltman
    Auba Bruno Son Lingard Raphinha
    Kane Bamford Watkins
    1FT 0.1 ITB

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      How about you WC now with the aim to navigate 33 without FH and then FH in 35 or whenever there is this "Big" Dgw?

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I would recommend this. This is my plan.

      2. Runaway
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Might work as well, let me think about this, thanks..

  4. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on WC draft? 0.9 ITB:

    Mendy / Forster

    TAA / Shaw / Rudiger / Coady / Coufal

    Salah / Fernandes / Son / Jota / Lingard

    Kane / Iheanacho / Vydra

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      very good, GTG

    2. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Excellent, but what's the point of going for Vydra? Think Barnes is back any day and surely you would bench him most gws. Not that you need more funds 😀

      1. The Mighty Whites
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Still got bench boost to use

        1. Whazza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I see, all good then! If you know Vydra will play

      2. Whazza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Could it even enable Rudiger to Dias? Not worried about the Rudiger bust up in training?

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I would be worried if Rudiger doesn't start in the UCL game tomorrow

    3. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Everyone seems to have this same front 8. For me i have gone for Vardy Madders and Greenwood over Bruno
      Lingz and Nacho.

  5. Ian Davis
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Any Man City players worth punting on this weekend vs Leeds?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Wait and see the line-up in the UCL game tonight

    2. Wayne Enterprises
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I’m watching with interest

  6. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Chasing down 50 ML points - which WC squad would you go for? 2 ML leaders above me have WC probably in play

    Differences are marked *
    A Leno Alonso Targett Greenwood Watkins ( 2 Villa with double in mind)

    B Mendy Coady Coufal Bruno Davis

    Son to Maddison after double

    A
    Leno* (Forster)
    TAA Dias Alonso* (Rüdiger Targett*)
    Salah Son Greenwood* Jota Lingard
    Kane Iheanacho (Watkins*)

    B
    Mendy* (Forster)
    TAA Dias Rüdiger (Coady* Coufal*)
    Salah Bruno* Son Lingard Jota
    Kane Iheanacho (Davis*)

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I like B

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

    3. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

    4. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B is the template. If chasing maybe you should try something different. Thats just me though. My draft wont look like B for sure.

  7. Hangman Page
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    With the Euros coming up is it worth thinking about players who are playing for their place. I am not sure Ings is worth >8.0, but he looked on it at the weekend - that little layoff to Armstrong was absolutely delicious.

  8. LIARS POKER
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on this 3-5-2 WC trying to fit the big hitters in?

    Leno - Forster
    TAA - Rudiger - Coady - Holding - Lascelles
    Salah - Bruno - Son - Jota - Lingard
    Kane - Ihenacho - Davis

    1. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I don't understand why Coady is a popular pick.

      1. LIARS POKER
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Could get Christensen instead to double up with Rudiger

        1. Hangman Page
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I'd shy away from Rüdiger too myself, after those rumours of a training ground bust up with Kepa. Or at least wait and see if he starts in CL.

      2. Whazza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Purely for fixtures.. not very exciting but cheap enough for first bench

      3. ChuckN
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Easy sub 5m bench pick with great fixtures

    2. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Very similar to me, just can't seem to settle on the defence and gk... Your defenders don't excite me apart from TAA. Rudiger is not nailed on I believe, started 1 in last 3 and now the bust up in training. Considered Reguilon for a dgw32 punt or too risky? Could move for Shaw/Castagne after

    3. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      9 games without a cs for Arsenal
      Big enough sample to avoid imo regardless of fixtures

  9. Wayne Enterprises
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How’s this for a wc team?

    Mendy Johnstone

    Dias Shaw TAA Aina Coufal

    Jota Bruno Maddison Lingard Mount

    Kane Nacho Ings

    £2.5m ITB

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Quite like this and good flexibility with the spare cash
      What’s your gw33 plan for Ings?

  10. Hangman Page
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A. See another page of RMTs
    B. Pull your fingernails out with a pair of rusty pliers

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A anyday

  11. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How does the 2nd WC draft look keeping Lingard this time instead of Raphinha?

    Probably could downgrade Cresswell and upgrade Amartey.

    0.2itb and FH left
    Mendy Forster
    Rudiger TAA Shaw Cresswell Amartey
    Son Lingard Bruno Jota Salah
    Kane Nacho Davis

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think I'm pretty certain with the front 8, Rudiger, TAA and Shaw. Still uncertain whether to keep Martinez or go with Mendy.

      1. Wayne Enterprises
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I got rid of Martinez for mendy on mine but I’m not sure on double chelsea so got rid of Azpi as well

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Looks set.

      Upgrading Amartey isnt really required, especially at the expense of Cresswell

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cresswell most likely 1st sub until 34 and 36 onwards. Hopefully I don't have to go more than 1 player deep on my bench

        1. Stranger Mings
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Do you think shaw better option than Dias?

          1. Tonyawesome69
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            In terms of being nailed, no possible rotation risk and attacking potential, yes I think he is.

            1. Stranger Mings
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              Yeh agree rotation risk puts me slightly off city Even Dias although Not sure how many clean sheets for utd

    3. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Seeing a lot of Nacho in many WC drafts... Is he really that good of a pick now? Because of Barnes is out I presume...

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        For me, I think he is nailed until Barnes is back. Barnes has a potential return date of next month. I expect Maddison to replace Perez and play behind the front 2.

  12. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How long will Antonio be out for?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nothing confirmed yet. Latest comments on his injury below.

      Ben Dinnery site
      https://www.premierinjuries.com/injury-table.php
      Apr 05: "Mick felt his hamstring a little bit and we've just got to hope it's nothing too bad."

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks!

  13. GE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Wildcard active 🙂

    1) How many players from City and Spurs do you have?
    2) What’s your plan for GW33?

    1. ChuckN
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      1) Son, Kane and Dias
      2) score shitload of pts

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      1. Son/City mid (1GW cap) and Kane
      2. Manage without using FH

  14. Cak Juris
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which one is the best option:
    A. Salah + Nat Phillips
    B. Jota + TAA
    C. Salah + TAA + Phillips (-4 pts)

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Jota not optional imo. B.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

  15. The Fantasy Doctor
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    C would make it more difficult to get Jota in if he goes on a run.

    1. The Fantasy Doctor
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Reply fail to above.

  16. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hey all, best options from these on a WC

    Leno • Forster
    Shaw • Rudi • XXX • XXX • XXX
    Salah • Son • Jota • Lingard • Bruno
    Kane • Iheanacho • Davis

    A: TAA + Coufal + Holding + Bruno + Davis
    B: Azpi + Saiss + Reguillon + Bruno + Davis
    C: either of A or B but swap Bruno/Davis with Vardy/Raphinha

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I like A due to TAA but B more balanced.

      Can you trust Arsenal to keep CS?

  17. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hello guys. Would you wildcard this lot:

    Pope, Martinez
    Rüdiger, Shaw, Dias, Cresswell, Dallas
    Gündogan, Son, Salah, Lingard, Raphinha
    Kane, Watkins, Bamford

  18. Laros
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I'm thinking about my WC for GW31. I still have a BB to use but used other chips.

    It is currently as below (with 0.7 in bank:
    Leno, Forster
    Dias, TAA, Shaw, Coady, Rudiger
    Salah, Jota, Lingard, Fernandes, Maddison
    Kane, Iheanacho, Davis.

    Thoughts? I'm not sure about the GKs or strikers. Though the Mid 5 could start every week and Def is solid.

    1. Laros
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I should add that my team before the WC is below:
      Leno, Martinez
      Tierney, Azp, Dallas, Cancelo, Coufal
      Gundo, KDB, Lingard, Fernandes, Raphinha,
      DCL, Bamford, Kane.

  19. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Vardy, Nacho, Kane
    or Laca, Nacho Kane?
    Would mean downgrading Son to Mount or Neto.
    Thanks!