Scout Notes

Latest on Neto as injury forces Wolves into back-three at Fulham

Fulham 0-1 Wolves

  • Goals: Adama Traoré (£6.0m)
  • Assists: Fábio Silva (£5.2m)
  • Bonus points: Nélson Semedo x3 (£5.2m), Rui Patrício x2 (£5.3m), Rayan Aït-Nouri x1 (£5.0m)

FEED THE PACK

Fantasy Premier League managers prepared to back Wolves’ appealing run of fixtures were rewarded by Friday night’s 1-0 win at Fulham.

A switch to a three-man defence played an important role in the clean sheet although it took an injury to Pedro Neto (£5.7m) to bring it about.

So, yet again, Fantasy managers may need to pay attention to Nuno Espirito Santo’s next press conference if they want to predict Wolves’ defensive shape for Double Gameweek 32.

“Let’s see how he is. Let’s assess. It’s been tough moments not able to settle down the team. Always players with knocks going out. Let’s see how he is then let’s try to recover him.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

The Molineux side has been at the heart of transfer and Wildcard squads for some time with Monday’s 3-2 defeat against West Ham causing potential suitors for Conor Coady (£4.8m) to look elsewhere.

Without Jonny (£5.4m) and Willy Boly (£5.4m), the Hammers created serious problems for Wolves’ back-four but even before an enforced formational change, they went largely untested at Craven Cottage.

Such an outcome will certainly chalk one up for the fixture-over-form school of thought and is one that suggests Wolves defenders can still offer some value between now and the end of the season, possibly even regardless of shape.

THREE’S A CROWD

Despite Monday’s poor defensive showing, Nuno opted to go with the exact same back-four against Fulham, rather than revert to his side’s tried-and-tested three-man defence.

That meant back-to-back starts for Rayan Aït-Nouri (£5.0m) at left-back, while Nélson Semedo (£5.2m) operated on the other side of Romain Saïss (£4.9m) and Coady.

However, when Wolves gained greater control of their defensive third came in the 32nd minute when Neto, operating on the right-hand side of attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation, was forced off with an injury.

Central midfielder João Moutinho (£5.2m) replaced his compatriot, triggering a reshuffling of Nuno’s pack. 

Leander Dendoncker (£4.6m) dropped out of midfield to join Coady and Saïss in a back-three, pushing Aït-Nouri and Semedo forward as wing-backs.

“Fulham were very organised and intense. Both teams were very compact.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

Further up the pitch, Daniel Podence (£5.3m) held onto his number 10 role while Adama Traoré (£6.0m) tucked in from his left-winger role to join Willian José (£6.8m) in a two-man front-line.

As mentioned above, whether or not Nuno deploys a similar set-up against Sheffield United, could be dependent on what happens with Neto.

Meanwhile, Boly is expected back in training on Tuesday following his positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test and period of self-isolation. He has operated both in a two-man centre-back pairing and three-man defence this season.

CRY WOLF

Despite coming away from Fulham with all three points, Wolves’ Friday-night win did little to inspire investment in their attacking assets.

Neto is comfortably their best performer in that department this season with five goals and eight assists in the Premier League, so losing him for any length of time is sure to damage their goal-scoring potential, regardless of how appealing their fixtures look.

After Neto left the Craven Cottage field, Saïss’ league tally for the season (three) was equal to that of Wolves’ front-three (Podence, Traoré and José) and he even came close to finding an opener in the 68th minute when he shrugged off competition from Ruben Neves (£5.1m) for a wayward direct free-kick.

That rather damning statistic admittedly nearly changed in the first half when José nodded home a Podence cross, the effort ruled out only after the latest token contentious VAR call.

And Traoré finally dispelled the aforementioned statistical nugget with his impressive stoppage-time strike, assisted by Fábio Silva (£5.2m).

Still, despite appealing upcoming fixtures, the fact that it was his first goal since December 2019 shows just how unreliable an asset Traoré remains.

“I’ve been working hard on aspects with the manager, working on my feet and my runs in behind. If I can grow like a player it will help the team. I know the moment will come. I had one chance with my left in the first half and another chance in the second half. The final chance come and I take it.” – Adama Traoré

“Very pleased, very pleased. Adama is unique. He played in different positions. He started on the left and he go to striker. He worked very hard and with his speed and his talent he can really punish teams.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

Fulham XI (3-4-2-1): Areola; Kongolo, Andersen, Aina (Cavaleiro 84′); A Robinson, Lemina, Reed (Maja 74′), Tete; Loftus-Cheek (Zambo Anguissa 63′), De Cordova-Reid; Mitrovic.

Wolverhampton Wanderers XI (4-2-3-1): Patrício; Aït-Nouri, Saïss, Coady, Semedo; Neves, Dendoncker; Neto (Moutinho 32′), Podence (Gibbs-White 74′), A Traoré; Willian J (F Silva 78′).

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602 Comments Post a Comment
  1. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    If Liverpool go out of CL does that make them more or less of an attractive prospect? Or no difference?

    Perhaps/probably nothing in this but Mo's last league goals have all come in highly competitive fixtures

    Arsenal
    Leicester
    City
    West Ham

    He's also been performing tidily in the CL. Reverse flat track bully form. Needs a challenge/stage to motivate him?

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Playing only for a move away

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

        Looking in from the outside Liverpool don't feel an especially happy camp to me. There's been a decidedly defensive tenor to Klopp's recent pronouncements in my view - much less emphasis on the mental strength of the side.

        Tough to be positive I guess on the back of all those losses

  2. Blue Moon Rising
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who do you want in Skysports FF from now until the end of the season?

    Salah? Trent? Mendy?

  3. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Predicted Man City team by Stuart Brennan of the MEN. Who has been the best at predicting Pep this season.

    CITY (4-3-3): Ederson; Cancelo, Stones, Laporte, Zinchenko; Fernandinho, Gundogan, Bernardo; Torres, Jesus, Sterling

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I reject that lineup. No Dias. 🙂

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        That's a very Dias view.

    2. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I’d take that

    3. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      That’s fairly close to my guess

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

      At least give HinhuMonkey some credit!

      https://twitter.com/HinduMonkey/status/1380781463604432896?s=19

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

      Looks good to me - provided it is possible to keep a cs without Dias

    6. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      KdB for Gundogan I reckon but the rest spot on I think

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

        I'd go out dancing in the streets naked if kdb starts this one

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

          Where do you live?

    7. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I can see that considering I dumped Stones and Cancelo and brought in Dias.

    8. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Walker for Cancelo and coin toss over Gundogan and KdB as the starter but looks right to me.

      Think KdB starts but Gundo replaces him on 60 or so.

    9. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I disagree that Stuart has been right in the past. I monitored his predictions for 10 weeks this year, where he made plenty of mistakes and stop paying too much attention to his predictions

  4. KAALI_DAAL
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    That Aina clean sheet looks filthy in my team.

  5. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Could be dreamland if all of Cancelo, KdB and Gundogan start!

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

    Follow on from last page:

    Top 3 FPL podcasts/persons:

    Bottom 3 FPL podcasts/content creators:

    For me:
    Top: FPL Wire, FPL Blackbox, FPL Salah
    Bottom: Lee from happy families, FPL Stag, (Last one is FFS so don’t want to say on the site which is the original and best)

  7. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    All eyes on fpl rockstar

  8. james 101
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Do we know if Antonio will play this he?

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      *GW

    2. just a man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Think ruled out

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers

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

      Moyes said not fit

    4. Goodfeathers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Good chance he’s out for the season

  9. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Cmon Pep... don't Pep me. Let Dias and Gundo start.

    Bonus points if ya bench KDB.

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

      Dias rest surely

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah probably more likely than not. Just that I replaced Stones with him on WC.

        Rest means Shaw off the bench

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

          That’s ok then....could work out....Dias will play most then later....

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

          Good spot to be in there

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

    DCL to Vardy or Ihenacho?

  11. lewis274
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    jota won’t play today, he’s apparently had a child

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      source?

      ffs

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        His wife

      2. lewis274
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        it’s on his instagram g

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nice grav

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Simplicity is beauty.

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

      He didn’t have the child though did he? Unless he’s breastfeeding he should be alright!
      (Credit to Roy Keane talking about Robbie Keane a few years ago)

    4. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      He had his first in Feb? She popped out one less than 2 months later? Woah

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

      Another one?

      He had his first just a month ago 🙂

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

        Multiple women man....it’s the 21st century ffs

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

          Sorry lack of imagination on my behalf

          Divorced twice (so far) to the same woman here. Oddly her parents married and divorced each other twice too. Rather compounds my lack of imagination that when I come to think of it.

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

            Wow, good effort

            1. The FPL Units
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              Certainly an effort!

          2. Big boy Bowen
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Wow that’s a crazy insight! What was the time gap if you don’t mind me asking?

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

              Managed 8 years first time around then about 4 the next. I imagine that means 3rd time around won't last long either 🙂

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

                So are you on round three?

                Man can take a punch, impressive

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

                  Even with the backbone of a tapeworm I'm not thinking 3rd time lucky would work out.

                  Gone 21st century with separate houses this time.

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

                don't know, if you done it twice it would be a bit of shame not to go for a third time lucky kind of scenario

    6. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      He announced he'd become a father on 21 Feb.

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Has he been to Australia lately? Kangaroos have a gestation period of 42 days.

    7. Bennerman
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      The sort of quality inside info we all come here for. Six-week-old breaking news

    8. lewis274
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      oh sorry lads my mistake, i just got this and put it on here lol

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

        See anything about the moon landings, keep us posted

  12. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    KDB(C) & Jota(VC)
    Things are getting better and better every second

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

      Why?

      1. AzzaroMax99
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Kdb rested most likey and now these rumours about Jota’s baby, his dog had babies, fatique... xD

  13. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Surprises me that are people are so hopeful of kdb starting this one!

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      You've never been hopeful?

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

        Not for a lost cause!

  14. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Nuno on Neto’s injury:

    “It was impossible for him to continue, he’s been struggling with this problem for some time, many players that we have have a lot of problems, let’s hope this long week allows us to recover the players and go again.”

    What problem? Why didn't we know anything about it before?

    I feel gutted because I had high hopes for Pedro in the next month.

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

      Nuno is a bigger bald fraud than Pep when it comes to team news

    2. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      All aboard the Podence train, he was more popular at the start of the season anyway 😉

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Which led to the transfer cry of 'Podence to anyone'!

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Haha

    3. Bennerman
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Bit annoying, ain't it? Nuno is definitely one of those for not revealing his injuries

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

    So Jota will be benched today?

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      It’s possible, he will be unlikely to be nailed with the other front 3

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

      why?

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Badjohnsen

  16. Bennerman
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Dean Smith surely the king of BS this season. Grealish is not injured, honest. He'll be ready next week... every week

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

      Supposed to be a reply, but still stands

  17. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    It KDB & Gundagon start I’ll be over the moon. Can see them scoring well vs Leeds

  18. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    @Rudiger owners. A clean sheet for Chelsea means a red arrow for us unless he scores or something. Chelsea defense EO% over 100% by a lot

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Thank goodness he’s 3rd on my bench then

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

      ?

    3. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      And who’d have thought their defense would over 100% a week after conceding 5 at home to WBA :O

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Well, Mendy in WC and people punting Alonso made that up. Also, James and Christens are owned here and there. Mount 1 CS pts too.

        1. Champions League Varane
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Yeah I have Azpi and Rudiger for this exact reason

        2. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Don’t get the Mendy hype, Marty still has a DGW to come and has been OP this season

  19. Crunchie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Also gutted to find out my alonso transfer on wildcard didnt happen because of an internet problem and still have fofana still sitting there. Thought it went through lol

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

      Might be a blessing in disguise

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

        Maybe haha

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Apparently, Kun got some kind of knock/injury

      1. Rotation's Alter Ego
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah saw the same, haven't checked the validity. Imagine he was one of the two Pep talked about having injuries then in those embargoed quotes

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

      Ffs, went Aguero on wildcard. Pep needs deleting

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Nice shout

      2. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Poor pick. Way too punty

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

          Thanks for your compassion and empathy

    3. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Do you think any of those affect Cancelo, KdB and Gundogan’s chances of starting?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      too slow 🙂

  20. Maddamotha
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    City doesnt play CL until Wednesday though. Should be enough rest. They also played Tuesday night. But no point in second guessing Pep...

  21. ‘Tis the Season
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Off topic slightly. This man city fan Adam’s profile picture is hilarious..new look for KDB

      1. beric
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yes, mocking people with downs syndrome is hilarious. Get lost dude

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

          Well said

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

        very poor form

  22. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Ake starts

    1. beric
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      no dias = coady for me, pretty nice

  23. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hope Pep goes with a Mane Firmino Jota or Mane Jota Shaq frontline, resting Salah for crucial UCL tie 😉

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

      you mean Klopp?

    2. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      If Pep picked the Liverpool team it would be weird

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        indeed! hope Pep DOES start Dias and Gundo though

    3. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Klopp, even!

  24. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Ale starting ffs

  25. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Less than 10 mins til SCENES

  26. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Dias, KDB, Gundogan, Mahrez & Foden all have 1 thing in common

    Fpl rockstar

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Hope it is starting!

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

        You know its the opposite.

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Oh for goodness sake 🙁

        2. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Thought it might be:

          Foden | Torres | Mahrez
          KdB | Gundo | Fernandinho

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Benched

    3. SHOWSTOPPERRR
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      All benched it seems.

    4. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Benched

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Could it be they are all starting

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

        Mate, you know it won't be.

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Just seems madness to bench all of them

  27. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Leeds to win today to punish us sellers.