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′).

GET IN-GAME DATA AT LIVE FPL

Check your own rank and in-play FPL stats on LiveFPL.net every Gameweek

602 Comments Post a Comment
  1. jia you
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Sterling(C) + Cancelo...nice as it's been some time since I haven't been Peped.... now I just simply need them to haul 😉

    1. zdrojo187
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Sterling(C) + Stones here... 🙂

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        GL to us 🙂

        1. Gazwaz80
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Yep, Stirling cap here Also, let’s see if we can all join minds and send good vibes to Raz 😀

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

      Hi if you play Dias as part of 4 player defence and he doesn’t come on, and have bamford first sub & Dallas second sub, do you get bamford or Dallas points?ta

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

        Bamford

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

          Ok cheers

  2. Well you know, Triffic
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    City's team doesn't exactly scream creativity. Maybe it'll be left to Cancelo and Mendy to be the playmakers.

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

    So Dan Burn/Bamford and Raph off the bench to ruin my Stones cs this is gonna be a hard watch

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

    Guaranteed Raphinha and/or Dallas haul today then...

  5. fr3d
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Those who paid attention knew that KDB and Dias would be benched after being praised by Pep in the presser.

    Gündo obviously benched given his minutes with Germany, then Dortmund, x, Dortmund, Chelsea(Semi-finals)

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

      Your comment about Gundogan makes no sense when Stones had the same schedule.

      1. fr3d
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Because attacking midfielders and CB's are the same, right?

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

      Gundo is 30 - he needs his rest

    3. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nothing about Man City is “obvious”. You pay your money, you take your chance

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

      What is your rank in the hindsight army? General?

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

        this

    5. Baron Penguin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      It’s one thing being fairly sure they’ll be benched, it’s another having the FT to do anything about it!

  6. Balls of Steel
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Let's go Sterling(C)!!!

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

      good luck!

      1. Balls of Steel
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        You too!

    2. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      yessssir

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

      I'm fearful no one can actually get the ball to him, was hoping for one of Gundo or KDB to start 🙁

      1. Balls of Steel
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Same as that... disappointed now with C choice seeing that City lineup.

  7. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Got Sterling(c), Raphinha and Stones playing. Hoping goals galore but will probably get boring 1-1 draw.

  8. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Lol at people either crying or crowing at City lineup. You dont buy their outfielders and expect them to play every game and you have at least two good subs.

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      wait until Jota is benched too ... that is probably 3 non starters then for many with Dias & Gundo/KdB etc ... chuck an injury in and the bench doesn’t cover those types of players that easily

  9. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Cancelo under the radar when many have got rid

    Could this be the day for his long awaited 15-20 pointer ?

    Certainly hope so

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

      it's written in the stars. Fantasy gods will hear our prayers today. 18pts IMO.

    2. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Got rid on w/c! Prob be his promising haul today

  10. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Can't believe I've benched Bamford

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I can.

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      That doesn't sound like you

  11. lordkippe
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Huge game for me with Sterling (C), Dias, Raph & Bamford. Almost a little happy that Dias doesnt play as I really can hope for some Leeds goal/s

  12. DandyDon
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    laughing at this teamline up. Ederson did seem like the smart match up a while back! Dias always would get rested as well as Stones at some stage. Rival in my ML brought in Mahrez and captained him. Lots did same with KDB. They were always going to rotate ahead of CL game. Top priority for City now! Wish i'd brought in Sterling but he has been in poor form and I have to many other transfers to make taking him out after. Real winners ones that brought in Sterling on a WC and can sell him on easily soon after.

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

      Had Sterling for weeks instead of Salah, constant headache with benchings and missed chances when he did play. Could haul today alright but wouldn't be suprised if he struggled again as his form has been poor.

  13. seanie3
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    That is a pretty weak city side, wish I kept one of Dallas, Rafina or bamford as Leeds will score

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

    Coady subbing in if Dias no show today

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      You’ll get Coady

    2. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      same here

  15. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Why are people acting surprised? Would make no sense for Pep to play Dias and KDB in a nothing game.

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Haven’t a clue. Being disappointed is one thing, but how can people be so surprised? It’s pretty run of the mill.

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

        I’m surprised he’s benched all 4 of Dias, KdB, Gundo and Mahrez.

        Arguably their best 4 this season

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

          That’s probably the reason why they are benched. Save them all for CL game

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            It’s not even probable.

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

            Just seems overkill to rest all 4, maybe 2, max 3.
            But playing some of them to keep momentum going makes more sense

        2. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I’d have been surprised a few years ago, maybe even this season at some point. But with the league wrapped up and Dortmund away in the one competition they desire the most on Wednesday, I’m not in the least surprised.

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

          Really? Surprised. Has this not been a topic all week that rotation will happen. Some of us thought he was going to change nearly the whole team.

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

            Just don’t get why you wouldn’t start your main players to get the game done and dusted so you can taken them off early.
            Even if it’s a nothing game he will start want to win ofc, plus it’s not fair for the rest of the league - Leeds getting to play a weakened City XI because it’s nearly the end of the season.

            1. MrZ
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              Injury concern.
              Plus nothing to do with fairness. Other teams with deep squad will do the same

      2. seanie3
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Let’s be fair and honest, didn’t expect all of kdb, mahrez, Dias, gundo to be benched expected one of those to start but the lottery was picking which one,

        1. Tinkermania
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          This was one of the easiest rotations to predict!

          1. seanie3
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Really, so you predicted all those 4 would not start

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

              This, in my wildest dreams I wouldn’t think he wouldn’t start any of those.

              Ignoring the fact it’s a ‘nothing game’, I’d have at least thought he’d want to keep the momentum going by starting a couple of them, minimum one

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

      Could say the same about other teams though, who tend to actually start their star players in nearly every league game

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

        City want and need the CL more than anything this season though. The Dortmund game is too close to risk it.

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

          Meh, personally think it’s just Pep.

          Bet if it was Liverpool in this position Klopp would still start Salah etc

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

        But City have enough players for 2 decent premier league starting 11 teams.

        Of course they will rotate more than other teams

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

          Yup and that’s where it’s a bit unfair really

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

        All the other teams have something to play for. City don’t. Their only focus is the UCL. Why play their star players in a nothing game with their biggest game of the season in a couple days

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          It’s funny that this even needs to be said.

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

          Keep them sharp and the momentum going.
          Leeds press and style would have been good practise.

          But Pep is the biggest buyer of cotton wool around

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

          But why not start your star players, get the game done and dusted and take them off at HT?
          Isn’t that best of both?

          1. MrZ
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Injury concern m8

            1. Tango74
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              Yes injury’s, he more interested in CL it’s so blatant.

              As for weakened team I don’t buy it , the squad is 20 players no one is rubbish

              1. MrZ
                • 9 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                I agree, rubbish.
                That lineup can still hurt any team in PL. Zinch surely can play in mid, he's done that in his national team

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

                  Sure he’s decent, but he’s no Gundo or KdB is he?
                  Gundogan has now been rested in the last 3, makes no sense to rest him again, probably more damaging than good

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

            Nah you can't manage like that, if it's 0-0 or even 1-0 at HT you'll be forced to leave them on. Plus, injuries could happen before HT.

            Better to leave them in reserve as last resort against tired, less aggressive legs.

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

              Fair enough, makes sense

  16. DycheDycheBaby
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    KDB on at half time. That team is a shambles

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

    I had 3 City before WC. Kept Dias.

    Should have gone forward with none.

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

      Why, everyone knew they'd all get benchings. What you should have done if keeping a city player is to make sure you have a strong bench so they can rotate in easily

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

        My bench is good.

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

      Yes

    3. Tango74
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I kept Dias and still he keeping him, I think this is only game he miss

      Thus is why I not play WC this week. Too risky with CL

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

      It's fine given you have a strong bench

  18. fusen
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Dias second on my bench, Coady third.

    In theory if one of my three playing defenders doesn't play I'll get major bench luck :}

  19. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Made the right call to sell Gundo and Dias, keeping Stones. They will concede , though - I hope

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

      Until next week and Stones is benched and Dias plays. They will literally all be rotated at some point. You keep them in your squad knowing this

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

      Also Gundo could yet haul off the bench, don't celebrate yet

  20. Mr Bird
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Jota over Gündo on WC justified... well until we see the Liverpool lineup at least!

  21. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Gundogen has only started 20 league games this season and he's barely been injured. Clear Pep's decided this season to utilise his squad fully and keep the key players fresh.

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

      yes, it's paying off for him too

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

    Pep starts 2 left backs to stop Raphinha

    Smart

    1. seanie3
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Ah that’s a great point actually, could be very smart indeed to keep raf quiet

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

    I fukkd up with KDB and Gundo benched. Weekend ruined now fukkin sheit why do I play this game lol

    1. Mr Bird
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Both are more than capable of getting points from the bench. Don’t give up just yet.

  24. MIGHTY JOE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    As a non city owner this is a glorious start (no jinx)

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

      Cancelo mega haul incoming

  25. gers23
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who will take the city pen?

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

      Jesus

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

      Ooo

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

      Ederson on pens surely now

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

      Jesus

    5. seanie3
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Jesus or Sterling

  26. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Im somewhat annoyed by the City line up with Stones and Cancelo starting. If I had known this, I would have held the WC for another week. Really hope City concede.

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

      Will you ever know? What's the point?

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

    Had moved out KDB and Stones and only kept Gundo as my City player. No regret as he is moving out next week too. No point crying over who plays and who does not play for City. The reason to cry will change every week.

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

      Gundo could still come on for City during this game

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

        Maybe. But I am not bothering with any of them. Gundo goes out too next week.

    2. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Might do something with a 20-30 min cameo still

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

        Possibly. But out of my team next week for sure.

        1. Il Capitano
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          For sure, easy switch to Son for me, only keeping Stones from City

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

            I am keeping none. Gundo becomes Moura next week.

  28. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Serves all the smug Dias owners right, who keep banging about his 'Nailedness'
    John stones - ☑

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

      This is classy

    2. Digital-Real
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Pep's taken a risk there, Stones has been rotated this season due to his long history of injuries. He prefers the Stones-Dias CB pairing. Dias will play more in the league than Stones until the end of season.

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

      Pot. Kettle. Black.

    4. Mr Bird
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Dias owners aren’t worried. He will play more minutes than Stones before the season ends.

  29. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    So glad I didn't listen to those telling me Dias was the one banker in Pep's team

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

      Who on earth would listen to anyone saying a specific city player other than Mendy will play every game remaining?

      I don't think I saw anyone saying that.

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

        Ederson even, got my Chelsea goalie on my mind 😛

  30. JBG
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Never wanted a Leeds goal more than today.