Scout Notes

Latest on Antonio, Lingard and Soucek as Masuaku enjoys advanced role at Wolves

WOLVES 2-3 WEST HAM

  • Goals: Leander Dendoncker (£4.6m), Fábio Silva (£5.2m) | Jesse Lingard (£6.3m), Pablo Fornals (£5.8m), Jarrod Bowen (£5.9m)
  • Assists: Adama Traoré (£6.0m), Pedro Neto (£5.7m) | Vladimir Coufal (£4.6m), Arthur Masuaku (£4.3m), Lingard
  • Bonus points: Lingard x3, Dendoncker x2, F Silva x1, A Traoré x1

JESS SAYIN’

Jesse Lingard (£6.3m) continued his impressive run of form with a ninth and tenth attacking return of the season in West Ham’s 3-2 win at Wolves.

The Manchester United loanee has enjoyed quite the renaissance since his Hammers debut in Gameweek 22, already amassing 18.2% ownership worldwide.

During that time no Premier League player has been involved in more goals than Lingard (10), who has produced four double-digit hauls, a total of 68 points in eight appearances (8.5 points per game).

“It’s just consistency I think. I’ve obviously not played for the past two years, I think. So to play week-in, week-out and keeping up form but the team has helped me tremendously.” – Jesse Lingard

The question facing Fantasy Premier League managers not in possession of the England international is whether or not he can sustain this form, especially with Leicester and Chelsea two of West Ham’s next three opponents.

After Monday night’s win at Molineux, there are two factors to consider here.

The other factor is what happens elsewhere in the West Ham team, considering Michail Antonio (£6.7m) went off injured against Wolves…

MICKY PLEASE BE FINE

David Moyes is waiting to assess potential damage to Antonio’s hamstring after he was forced off 36 minutes into West Ham’s Gameweek 30 outing.

The player has a history of muscle injuries, especially in recent seasons, hence the manager’s concern.

As things stand, West Ham’s doctors need to take a closer look before confirming whether or not he will miss the Gameweek 31 meeting with Leicester.

“We’re not sure yet. We’ll assess it tomorrow. He doesn’t feel too bad just now but we’ll check it tomorrow and see what it is. It looks as if he’s felt his hamstring, so we’ll need to check it out.” – David Moyes

“Mick felt his hamstring a little bit and we’ve just got to hope it’s nothing too bad, but if you’re a West Ham supporter know you all about Mick’s hamstrings, so we’ve got to be really wary of it.” – David Moyes

Antonio played a key role in Lingard’s impressive solo goal against Wolves, making a clever run to distract defenders and open up space for him to run into.

While Jarrod Bowen (£5.9m) scored as the centre-forward’s replacement, the former Hull man naturally offers less physical presence up-top compared to Antonio.

Therefore, owners of Lingard, or potential suitors, will need to keep an eye on how West Ham’s number 30 develops fitness-wise between now and Friday’s FPL deadline.

Meanwhile, there were also mild injury concerns about Lingard himself, who appeared to be struggling in the late stages of Monday’s win.

However, it has since been confirmed that he was suffering nothing more than cramp after a coming together while Tomas Soucek (£5.3m) got a cut on his ankle. We understand neither player required further assessment on Tuesday morning.

“Tomas (Soucek) has a cut in the ankle and Jesse (Lingard) got raked, but unfortunately we are just getting a few injuries.” – David Moyes

AND I SAY HEY

Monday night was a match for the formational-change purists as both West Ham and Wolves were forced into new shapes on the back of recent injuries.

Owners of Aaron Cresswell (£5.9m) perhaps have the most cause for frustration as his 28.6% backing watched him take on a more conservative role at Molineux as the Hammers often moved into a back-five when out of possession.

One of the reasons for that shift was Arthur Masuaku‘s (£4.3m) return to the team for a first start since Gameweek 11.

Prior to his injury, Cresswell would often play as the left-sided centre-back in a three-man defence with Masuaku and Vladimir Coufal (£4.6m) taking up wing-back duties.

Fantasy managers should certainly keep an eye on how that situation develops as they consider the best way to invest in West Ham’s defence between now and the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Wolves were forced into two late defensive changes in Gameweek 30.

Jonny (£5.4m) is now out for the season after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in training while Willy Boly (£5.4m) was ruled out on the morning of the game by a positive coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Jonny had a difficult injury on the right knee. It requires surgery so he will be missing the rest of the season. It’s tough, especially for him, besides he’s an important player and an important member of the squad.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

At such a late hour, and with other defensive shortages this season, Nuno did not have the option to revert to Wolves’ traditional three-man defence, and had to field Rayan Aït-Nouri (£5.0m) at left-back while Romain Saïss (£4.9m) had a poor game in a two-man central defensive pairing with Conor Coady (£4.8m).

Wolverhampton Wanderers XI (4-2-3-1): Patrício; Aït-Nouri (Hoever 90′), Saïss, Coady, Semedo; Neves, Dendoncker; A Traoré, Podence (F Silva 46′), Neto; Willian J (Vitinha 72′).

West Ham United XI (3-4-2-1): Fabianski; Cresswell, Diop, Dawson; Masuaku (B Johnson 67′), Noble, Soucek, Coufal; Lingard, Fornals (Benrahma 78′); Antonio (Bowen 36′).

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794 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What to do with Saka?

    A. Keep for Sheffield United
    B. Get a City midfielder

    1. ActionJackson17
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Neither, get Jota...

  2. The Suspended One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Fixture swings? Not really...
    DGWs? Not really...

    Selling all city players... huh?

    What are you all wildcarding for now?

    Salah and Trent? So confused....

    1. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I have 2 Villa (Martinez & Targett) & 3 Leeds (Meslier, Dallas & Bamford) who have very bad fixture swings. Plus, I also have week 29 / 30 punts (Trossard, Aubameyang & Alonso) that I want to ditch.

      Looking at positive fixture swings Liverpool & Leicester look attractive and possibly Wolves.

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        What about Leicester and Wolves screams “buy, buy” atm?

        Martinez season keeper; Leeds have the best run in.

        Feels like a 2-3 week WC with additional fixture changes to come.

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

          When WC then?

          For gw33?

          1. The Suspended One
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            I’d be inclined to hold if I had no other chips. But fair point, time running out.

        2. Gross Blank Point
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Let people WC just now if they want. It might work, it might not....

        3. Blue&White85
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          It’s different for everyone though. If your team is in a strong position and needs very little tweaking then good luck to you but I have numerous things to address and wildcard gives me a great opportunity to do that and attack the last 8 weeks. A wildcard gives me the opportunity to get Jota, Salah, Vardy, Maddison, etc who I don’t own and want, and to sort out my backline which is now in for a tough run and unlikely to score highly in next 5/6 weeks. I’m not holding 3 Leeds players until their fixtures turn in 36 as by then I’ll have missed out on a lot of potential points elsewhere, and Villa only have 2 good fixtures in their last 8 so confident Mendy or Schmeichel will outscore Martinez from one until end.

          1. Blue&White85
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Leicester have a great run to 35 and champions league football to play for, Wolves also have a great run to 35 (still undecided on them). I think there’s possible value to be had on the likes of Schmeichel, Coady, Maddison, Neto etc.

            1. The Suspended One
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              I think the only way it pays off is if your differentials hit, I just don’t think many are good choices or players you would pick in a vacuum.

              It may make the game boring to have “template” players but these WCs feel like changing for the sake of change. I’ll be backing the “template” over the likes of Leicester and Wolves

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

                Most have one cheap Lei and one cheap Wol, not sure that's the reason people WC

              2. Blue&White85
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                I don't own all of the current template (Salah being main example) and templates change quickly too. Plus, I don't want to follow template, I want to play game using my own judgement and back my instincts. Below are examples of some of the changes I'm making where I'm very confident I'll benefit from the wildcard.

                1. Aubameyang to Salah
                2. Martinez to Schmeichel
                3. Trossard to Jota
                4. Lookman to Neto / Lingard / Maddison
                5. DCL to Vardy
                6. Alonso to Shaw
                7. Targett to Coady
                8. Coufal to Rudiger

    2. Studs Up
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Is there ever a right or wrong time to wc?

  3. KirkhamWesham
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Any suggestions to this wildcard team?
    Mahrez will be swapped with Son after the Leeds fixture.

    Mendy
    Cresswell Rudiger TAA
    Mount Jota Mahrez Salah Lingard
    Iheanacho Kane

    Forster Lascelles Shaw Bamford

    2.6m itb

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

      all good but with Rice out and conceding 5 goals in last two games I cant get behind the cresswell pick

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        His position is the bigger issue

    2. aleksios
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Missing Bruno and Son.

      1. KirkhamWesham
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        As stated, Son comes in after next gw.
        I fancy taking a punt on Mahrez vs Leeds.

  4. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    1.Sanchez,
    Taa, holding,
    Son,
    Davies,

    Or

    2.Leno,
    Phillips, Coady,
    Neto,
    Vardy

    ?

    1. aleksios
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      2.

  5. ASOUSA12
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How's this for a WC squad:

    Martinez Forster
    Dias Rudiger Masuaku Phillips Holding
    Salah Jota Bruno Lingard Son
    Kane Iheanacho Brewster

    £1.4M ITB for great flexibility for future moves

    GW32: Save FT
    GW33: Son + Kane -> Auba + Vardy
    GW34: Salah + Vardy -> Kane + Son (-4)
    GW35: Save FT
    GW36: Auba + Iheanacho -> Salah + Bamford
    GW37: Save FT
    GW38: Son + Phillips -> Raphinha + TAA

    (obviously these moves won't happen with future DGWs, but just a thought...)

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Want to make FF laugh? Show it your plans for the rest of the season.

  6. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How is this latest WC draft? After GW32, will do Son & Davis >> 4.5 & Vardy...

    Mendy / Forster
    TAA / Dias / Rudiger / Coady / Holding
    Salah / Bruno / Son / Lingard / Raphinha
    Kane / Iheanacho / Davis**

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

      Why Holding?

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

        Cheap and two good fixtures to start

      2. Thomas Jerome Newton
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheap, Luiz out (I think) and good fixtures.

  7. ActionJackson17
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    To wildcard or just a few change outs.....

    Pope
    Azpilicueta Stones Coufal
    Aubameyang Lingard Bruno Son
    Kane Watkins

    Sanchez, White, Dallas, Raphinha, Bamford

    Tempted to WC and have BB and TC left....1.0m ITB

    A) White + Raphinha --> Philips + Jota
    B) White + Auba --> TAA + Jota (Bank some more Cash)
    C) Auba --> Salah (But feel Auba against Shef U could work!)
    D) WC it up!!!

    Thanks in advance.....

    1. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Wc

      1. ActionJackson17
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks Wiseman....dammit....I was hoping to be productive at work by not deliberating WC permutations all week!! haha!

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

    Does anyone know if Fofana is nailed?

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

      i'm not sure, thats why i'm rolling with Castagne with Justin out

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Seems to be.

    3. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      If they play back 4 then there are 2 centre back spots to be shared between Evans, Fofana & Soyuncu so I’m not sure he’s nailed. Think Schmeichel might be best defensive option from Leicester.

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

        Cheers

        What about Castagne?

  9. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    GTG?

    Pope
    Coufal, Rudiger, Stones
    Saka, Lingard, Jota, Bruno, Son
    Kane, DCL

    Subs: Martinez, Dunk, Bamford, Dallas

  10. Oooo Matron
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    The bank is empty, anything you'd change here? (KDB can become Bruno next week)

    Mendy Forster
    Dias Rudiger TAA Shaw Holding
    KDB Son Jota Salah Lingard
    Kane Ihenacho Davis

    1. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      What If kdb plays whole match tonight ?

      1. Oooo Matron
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        It's never particularly wise to guess Pep's thinking, but if KDB plays the 90 he could become Mahrez, Gundogan or Sterling - I think it's worth a gamble against a leaky Leeds team.

  11. The White Pele
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Gundo to Salah worth a hit?

    1. GREEN JUMPERS
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Do it for free next week

  12. GREEN JUMPERS
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Really torn on this WC decision:

    a) TAA + Iheanacho
    b) Phillips + Vardy

    1. Oooo Matron
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Same dilemma. I really think TAA can do some serious damage with no real competition for his place. Ihenacho seems vital at the moment with Vardy injury prone.

      1. Gross Blank Point
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Nacho scores when Vardy plays with him. No Vardy and he definitely seems less effective, so I wouldn't buy him if cover for Vardy is the reason

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

      prolly A
      I planed on Vardy in soon but dont see it now

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

    A little help here, friends? WC still available

    Martínez / Forster
    Dias / Stones / Cresswell / Dunk /  Dallas
    Salah / Bruno / Gündogan / Raphinha / Soucek
    Kane / Antonio / Watkins

    A. Antonio to Iheanacho/Lacazette/Vardy
    B. Soucek to Lingard/Jota
    C. Anything else?

  14. Pepeye
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Those not playing tonight for City virtually guaranteed a place against Leeds

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

      So wrong

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      He said fresh legs not the B team

  15. olidooley
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    WC gtg?

    Mendy Forster
    TAA Shaw Rudiger Coady Veltman
    Salah Bruno Son Jota Lingard
    Kane Iheanacho Davis

    1. Wag the Drog
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      You think Rudiger is a safe pick?

      1. olidooley
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah....they are struggling without him

      2. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Zouma is never going to stop making big errors

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

      Yes sir, that's me with Dias over Shaw. Not set in stone though, leaves nothing in the bank and would be nice to have a little if say Nacho becomes a problem

  16. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How's this WC looking?

    Mendy
    Dias - Shaw - TAA
    Bruno - Son - Gundo - Jota - Lingaard
    Vardy - Kane

    Bench: Martinez - Vydra - Coufal - Veltman

    1. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      So weak bench

      1. Jebiga
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        And no salah

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

        You wot

      3. Tony Moon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Nothing whatsoever wrong with that bench. Three starters and another who is currently starting.

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

      Dont like Vardy atm but he could certainly turn it around

      1. Kodap
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        who else would you pick for the forwards spot?

    3. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Vardy is a waste with Kelechi in such good form for half the price

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

    Snow, hail and strong winds here in Cheshire. God help City tonight if these conditions persist

    1. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Reschedule incoming 🙂

  18. gaurava1216
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    This is where I am on WC: BB still in hand.

    Mendy. Forster.
    Dias. Rudiger. Fofana. Philips. Shaw/reguillon
    Salah. Jota. Son. Bruno. Lingard.
    Kane. Ihenacho. Antonio/Wood.

    Thoughts and feedback pls

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

      Fofana is interesting. Does Rodgers always play 3 CBs? Otherwise there is competition with Evans and Soyuncu(who is currently ill).

    2. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'd squeeze TAA in if possible

  19. gaurava1216
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Arsenal Fans: is Holding nailed to start now that Luiz is out?

    1. DGW Sane TC Fail....
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      How long is Luiz out for?

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

      Asked this earlier and the short answer is no. Luiz is out for around 3-4 weeks from what I've seen.

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Mari Gabriel could start together

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

        Unlikely as both left-footed, but Chambers can play RCB.

  20. Bonus magnet
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Where do I even start here ?

    Martinez
    Rudiger Veltman Digne
    Bruno bale Trossard wardprowse
    DCL Lacazette Watkins

    Areola Raphinha Aina Dallas

    Thinking Bruno+ Raphinha-> Salah + KdB

  21. GREEN JUMPERS
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Light at the back but worth it for the front 8? Would switch KDB to Salah in 33.

    Lloris (Forster)
    Rudiger Phillips Shaw (Holding Mitchell)
    KDB Lingard Bruno Son Jota
    Vardy Kane (Bamford)

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

      Don't think Vardy is worth it myself if you don't plan to captain? Would say the same about Son but he has the dgw

  22. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Sanchez
    Digne / Shaw / Stones
    Fernandes / Son / Lingard / Gundogan / Raphinha
    Kane / Antonio*

    Martinez // Bamford / Dunk / Dallas

    Few moves I could make this week:
    1) Swap a GK for fixtures?
    2) Sell Digne. (TAA?)
    3) Sell Raph/Gundog (Jota?)
    4) Sell Bamford/Antonio (Ihenacho?)

    Which one it two (would be for a hit) is more optimal?

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      2 and 3 for me

  23. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Better combo?

    A. TAA + Lingard
    B. Phillips + Son (DGW)

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Son DGW something not to miss I think

      1. GREEN JUMPERS
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah, you really should have Son for the DGW

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

    What defence to go for? Bearing in mind I will bench Son, Kane and Davis in 33. 14.2m itb

    Leno • Forster
    Taa • Coufal • XXX • XXX • XXX
    Salah • Son • Jota • Lingard • Bruno
    Kane • Iheanacho • Davis

    A: Shaw + Rudi + Holding
    B: James + Coady + Veltman
    C: Downgrade Lings > Neto + 0.6m and get both James and Shaw