Scout Notes

Dallas belies Man City test to become top-scoring FPL defender in GW31

Man City 1-2 Leeds

  • Goals: Ferran Torres (£6.9m) | Stuart Dallas x2 (£5.1m)
  • Assists: Bernardo Silva (£7.4m) | Patrick Bamford (£6.6m), Ezgjan Alioski (£4.3m)
  • Red cards: Liam Cooper (£4.3m)
  • Bonus points: Dallas x3, B Silva x2, Oleksandr Zinchenko x1 (£5.5m)

DALLAS SELLERS CLUB

Not for the first time this season, Stuart Dallas (£5.1m) highlighted how fixture-proof he can be with his big haul against Manchester City.

The out-of-position Fantasy Premier League defender was sold by 220,730+ managers for Gameweek 31, losing more owners than any other asset in his position.

Meanwhile, only Emiliano Martínez (£5.4m) was the only player to be found on more FPL benches for the latest round of action than Dallas.

Despite such lack of faith, the Northern Ireland international scored twice in a smash-and-grab win and soared to become this season’s top-scoring FPL defender (at time of writing).

His 17-point haul is sure to cause his remaining owners to reevaluate how and when they use Dallas, even with Liverpool and Manchester United up next.

That is because his record against the so-called ‘bigger’ clubs is nothing to be sniffed at.

Against Liverpool in Gameweek 1, Dallas registered an assist, he produced five points against Arsenal in Gameweek 9, the same score at Old Trafford United in Gameweek 14 before an unexpected six-point haul against Chelsea in Gameweek 28.

There are, of course, one-point match tallies in Gameweeks 4, 11 and 17 (against Manchester City, Chelsea and Spurs) on his copybook, as well as a minus-one in the Gameweek 24 defeat to Arsenal, but Dallas is becoming a player who always carries explosive potential, especially as he continues to operate as a central midfielder.

He now has four double-digit hauls this season, is the best-value defender of the campaign, as well as the top-scoring one and is just three points shy of John Lundstram‘s (£4.9m) famous 144 points across the 2019/20 season.

DIAS ANOTHER DAY

Meanwhile, Saturday’s lunchtime encounter was a frustrating one for owners of Manchester City assets at both ends of the pitch.

Kevin De Bruyne (£12.0m) and Riyad Mahrez (£8.2m) were all unused substitutes while Ilkay Gündogan (£6.0m) and Phil Foden (£6.0m) both emerged from the bench for one-point cameos.

Ferran Torres (£6.9m) and Bernardo Silva (£7.4m) got the only attacking returns of the afternoon.

However, it was not just the advanced positions that suffered from Pep Guardiola’s infamous game of roulette, with  Rúben Dias (£6.2m) also benched.

While he remained among the substitutes all afternoon, avoiding any cameos, the centre-back’s first Premier League benching since Gameweek 24 perhaps sends a warning about what to expect of Manchester City line-ups between now and the end of the season.

They have an important Champions League quarter-final second-leg against Borussia Dortmund midweek as well as an FA Cup semi-final and EFL Cup final to contend with.

The fact that Dias missed out against Leeds despite a new injury to Aymeric Laporte (£6.0m) highlights the strength in depth at Manchester City even in defence.

Nathan Aké (£5.4m) is now back to full fitness and made his first league appearance since Gameweek 15 on Saturday afternoon.

Sergio Aguero (£10.3m) is also on the sidelines with Laporte, having picked up an issue that stopped him from training earlier this week.

“Aguero has a big problem. The last three, four days could not train. Laporte yesterday didn’t feel good. Some problems in the hips. The doctors said they are not ready.” – Pep Guardiola

It was also interesting to see what Guardiola did when Manchester City were chasing a 1-0 lead against 10 men for the majority of the second-half.

Just short of the hour-mark, Gündogan came on for Aké, Fernandinho (£5.4m) dropped backwards into defence, Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.5m) reverted to left-back from central midfield and Benjamin Mendy (£5.9m) pushed forward into a left-winger role.

That particular reshuffle saw Raheem Sterling (£11.3m) tucked into a more central role alongside Gabriel Jesus (£9.2m), not that it was a fruitful one.

Making just his second start from a possible seven, Sterling largely saw his supply lines cut off at the Etihad Stadium, crowded by a deep Leeds block and missing the quality delivery of De Bruyne.

“(I want him to deliver) himself. Sterling is an important player for us, always has been. Everything we achieved in these last years, impossible to think without him. In the last games, Bernardo and Phil were outstanding, they play.” – Pep Guardiola

MASTER PLAN

Still, how much Fantasy managers can read into this surprise defeat remains to be seen when we consider Manchester City have performed against Leeds this season.

Marcelo Bielsa’s men caused the Citizens problems in their 1-1 draw back in Gameweek 4 and have now set some interesting records by beating them on Saturday.

This was Manchester City’s first home defeat against a newly-promoted side in 42 Premier League games since losing 2-0 to Reading in February 2007.

Meanwhile, of the 77 teams Guardiola has faced in his managerial career, Leeds are one of just two sides he has failed to beat, Middlesbrough the other.

Raphinha (£5.6m) certainly asked plenty of questions in the opening exchanges, getting behind Mendy twice and nearly setting Bamford up for a tap-in were it not for a crucial John Stones (£5.2m) intervention.

The Brazilian came close to adding his seventh goal of the season during the closing stages but his incredible breakaway run was expertly stopped by an Ederson (£6.1m) save.

Raphinha’s 13.6% ownership will have an eye on Bielsa’s next press conference as he was withdrawn with an unspecified knock during stoppage time at the Etihad Stadium.

“I haven’t asked (about Raphinha), but I don’t have the feeling it is serious. Rodrigo had a problem in the last session. Not in condition to participate.” – Marcelo Bielsa

Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Ederson; B Mendy (Foden 74′), Aké (Gundogan 59′), Stones, Cancelo; Zinchenko, Fernandinho, B Silva; Sterling, Jesus, Torres.

Leeds United XI (4-1-4-1): Meslier; Alioski, Llorente, Cooper, Ayling; K Phillips; Costa, Roberts (Koch 63′), Dallas, Raphinha (Shackleton 90+6′); Bamford (Struijk 45+3′).

Elsewhere in Gameweek 31…

Ollie Watkins (£6.5m) struck again as Aston Villa caused problems for Liverpool at Anfield in Gameweek 31.

The gifted former Brentford and Exeter City man added his third attacking return in four matches, his 12th Premier League goal of the season and a fourth against Liverpool this campaign.

In doing so, he became the first player to score that many against the Reds in a single season since Andrey Arshavin in 2008/09.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) continued his revival with a second goal in as many league matches, a solid return for those who captained him in Gameweek 31.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.4m) is also back on the radar in a big way after he added his second goal of the season in stoppage time.

He has now produced eight points or more in four of his last six Premier League appearances.

Differentials Kai Havertz (£8.2m) and Christian Pulisic (£8.2m) were the star players for Chelsea as they beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The German international produced a goal and assist in an electric first-half display while Pulisic registered a brace.

Both players have shown decent form over recent weeks, Havertz now with a goal and three assists since Gameweek 27 while Pulisic has three goals in his last two appearances.

Kurt Zouma (£5.3m) was one of only a few Chelsea defenders as their back-line let down investors for a second match running.

In a game where Crystal Palace offered next to nothing, Edouard Mendy (£5.2m) and the Blues’ back-three conceded the hosts’ first shot on target in the second half, dispatched by Christian Benteke (£5.5m).

Zouma managed to offset the loss of clean sheet with his fifth goal of the season, supplying Mason Mount (£7.2m) with his sixth assist of the campaign while substitute Reece James (£5.0m) added his fourth attacking return of 2020/21 by setting up Pulisic’s second.

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522 Comments Post a Comment
  1. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Last Man Standing Update (185 teams)

    Current safety score = 21 with autosubs
    Top score = 46
    LMS average = 24.06 (-0.99) = 23.07
    Captains played = 81.62%
    Players played (including no shows) = 5.72/12.0

    6 games to go.

    https://www.livefpl.net/LMS

    1. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      OMG,I am still standing

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Well done, goes to show with your rank that anyone can do well in the comp.

        1. CRO KLOPP
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Of course,I was focused on LMS this year

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

          Damn that’s a low blow

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            It wasn't. Plenty are ranked lower.

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

      Sitting on 18 from 4 incl C

      All to play for tomorrow

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Still holding on!

      On borrowed time now I’m sure 😀

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

    Dias to shaw ??

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nah get a Wolves defender or two

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        No

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not for me.

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

    Any chance Shaw misses tomorrow?

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Of course.

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

        Dallas is just begging to come in.

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          This for my ml rival too. I fot him last night due to no shows for Dias and Alonso. I expect many have those players too.

  4. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Dallas 3rd on my bench...

    But no Antonio, Alonso and by the sounds of it, Aubameyang(c)

    Don’t you love a bit of jam 😆

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

      That is sweet sweet jam right there.

    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      What’s up with Auba?

      He’s been the most useless buy of the season.

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

        Plays for Arsenal check
        Got paid check
        Checked out check

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

        Flu

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

      You’re a magician

    4. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I’ll never complain about benched points again, promise!

    5. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      That’s extra thick, real chunks of fruit gourmet preserve boyo ... I hope you cho, erm, enjoy it very much LOL

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

    Jota incredibly unlucky.

    Furious that Mane didn’t square the last ball to him

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

      People talk about Salah wanting out or whatever. Mane should be sold before Salah. And I say this as a MU fan.

  6. Manani
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    should I BB this bench? Or wait till a dgw in the future

    Forster Rudiger Pereria Holding

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

      I am doing BB in 35

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah, why not.

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

    Selling Bruno before gw 34 crossed my mind in order to make money for A bB in gw 35.

    I had Bruno since the start for 10.5. Never lost him, but he won't be my captain 34-36 so I am weighing options.

    What you think?

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

      I sold him before the City game with the plan to get him back this week. Can see him hauling against Villa and Leicester. Liverpool aren’t exactly secure at the back either. Need him for the last few games too so you’d be spending 2 transfers to sell and get back. Not sure it’s worth it

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

    Well, 32 with 5 to go. Okay I guess, Sterling captained worked out a treat

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

      Top 10K Average is 20 with six to go. Christ people on here. "Okay I guess" 😆

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      GTFO

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

      Ok I guess I’m on 8

    4. EL TANO
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Violent thoughts...

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

    Sterling 1 week punt on WC failed- choice going to be

    A Keep for Villa game
    B Move to Bruno home to Burnley as planned
    C Get Maddison v WBA depending on tomorrow’s game and FA cup ( although going to have to make call before cup game)

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Lol @ A

      1. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I did the same thing. We are morons.

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I did it too ... feel sick. There goes the last push up the ranks!

  10. Parsnips
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Martinez
    Digne holding Rudiger
    Bruno KDB Gundogan Son
    Bamford DCL Kane

    Fabri Raph Coufal Philips

    Bamford and Gundo > Lingard and Iheanacho??

  11. Casual Player
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    My Wildcard included two defenders who DNP, but I kept Dallas at the end of my bench for the 17 pointer.

    Always better to be lucky rather than good.

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Hmmm. Lucky gets you a few cheap thrills for sure but being good will keep you happy all season long ..... buy hey, you have to enjoy the luck when it comes your way because there are plenty of times you’ll get unlucky ... so enjoy it for sure!

  12. That Was Easy!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    (c) on Kun and (vc) on Auba, who is now missing out due to the flu. What a week for a differential (c)...oh my days.

    1. EL TANO
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Jesus that is random punting dude. Solid VC needed for a diff C at least

      1. EL TANO
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        The jokes on me right? You didn’t do that for real...did you?

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

    Exact money for Digne, Gundo, Antonio > Phillips, Salah, Iheanacho (-8). Will be priced out if I don’t do it tonight, pull the trigger or hold?

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

    Best Leicester defender?

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Casta?

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I would take the punt on someone who has the most potential for attacking returns ... so castagne for me.

  15. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Would you take a hit to replace Cancelo with this defence?

    Maguire Cancelo Alonso Dunk Targett

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

      Yes, who are you planning to bring in?

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Castagne

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

          Nice

          1. Pep Roulette
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Cheers mate

  16. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Best GK for the season run in

    A. Leno
    B. Fabianski
    C. Meslier..

    1. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      D Patricio?

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

        Can’t afford him

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      If that’s your only choices ... B ... Fab

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

      Leno

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

    Bail out of the trip CHE Defense?

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes ... triple is just too much of a gamble IMO

  18. Parsnips
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Digne and bamford > castagne and iheanacho? Good moves for a -4?

    Or should I do anything else?

    Martinez
    Digne Rudiger holding
    KDB Gundo Jota Son
    Kane DCl bamford

    Fabri Raph Coufal Philips

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Do you have to take the -4? Maybe one this week, one next. I think your squad is good enough to not need to take a -4

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

        Not sure. Feel like I need to get on this Leicester run quickly as they have West Brom. Could only do iheanacho this week though

        1. Eh, just one more thing ...
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I would do just that ... Nacho only .... in terms of clean sheets, Leicester have been woeful of late so I wouldn’t take a -4 for a defender .

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

    Watkins and Dallas on bench

    Any chance of below players missing out?

    Digne
    Veltman
    Son
    Kane
    Wood
    Bruno

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I really don’t think so I’m afraid ... but until the matches kick off you just never know .... any birds pooped on you or purchases of a rabbits foot recently?

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

      Veltman the only one with a chance with Burn back, is one of Potter's favourites though

  20. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Still baffles me how Pep does not bring on KDB today, at any point, for sure changes the game. All 3 of their stand out xA, leaders KDB, Foden, Mahrez on the bench but brings on Gundogan who is far from creative.

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Gundo is their top scorer ... Foden is very creative .... but I agree ... why no KDB too ... of anyone, he’d be the guy who could unlock something for someone or indeed pull a bit of magic out for himself.

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

      I have a sense Pep is entirely focused on the other trophies at this point because he knows he's won the league... 1-1 would have been fine, wasn't expecting the late goal.

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

    Which is better? TC activated

    A
    GW32 Auba to Bruno
    GW33 Gundo Stones to Jota Philips -4

    B
    GW32 Gundo Stones to Jota Philips -4
    GW33 Auba to Bruno

  22. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Gundo & Dunk > Lingard & Phillips for -4

    Y or N

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

      May as well

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

    is Reguilon a good replacement for Stones?

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

      No

  24. SweepaKeepa
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Take the week off Veltman.

  25. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Peolpe wit the TC still alive: Is Kane next GW the best option?

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

      I don't have mine any more, but if I did, I'd play it next week on Sir Harry. There *might* be a big DGW in 35, but only CPL will have good fixtures, and TC Zaha doesn't appeal. You won't get a better opportunity I don't think.

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Ty, yeah I think I agree.

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

    In addition to captaining Sterling, I sold Havertz + Dallas (who would've come on from my bench for Lascelles)...what an ugly season

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

      *and benched Watkins!

      1. 3 A
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Youre not alone

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

          I took an 8 point hit and if I had just missed the deadline I'd be 30+ points better off lol

    2. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Same boat

      I got rid of Dallas, Bamford and Watkins in my WC, got Sterling and Captain him...

      But I would have benched them for sure if I had them

      Sterling was really painful to watch today though

  27. Ragabolly
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Risers: Maddison (7.2) Iheanacho (5.9)

    Fallers: Aubameyang (11.3) Gündogan (5.9) Tierney (5.2) March (4.9)

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

      cheers Ragabolly.

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

      Thanks 🙂

    3. The Ilfordian
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks, love for Leicester

    4. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Cheers bud. Are you getting the impression like me, there is no algorithm, but interference from FPL Towers this season?

    5. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Have I got this right?
      C Jota 4 points x effective ownership 66% = about 3 point gain. Kane 110% effective ownership I lose 10% of his score. If he gets 10 points my overall cost is 1 point?

      I thought I would redirect this post as I believe it is your site. A great source of information by the way. The jury is out on this info though as I am unsure if it stifles the fun knowing and sways me towards decisions I would not normally make. Cheers Ragabolly.

      1. The Rumour Mill
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        That's correct 🙂

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

    is Johnson likely to start vs Lei?

  29. 3 A
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Get Harvertz or Pulisic?

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

      Too late

  30. pakornk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Guys
    I have 3 problems - KDB, Mane and Alonso.

    Who to take out first?

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

      Not sure of the rest of your team, but, can you do Alonso to Rudiger and Mane to Salah? KDB to Son?

      Worth the hit I think?