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. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which pairing would you rather have? Already have Salah and Phillips.

    A. Trent and Neto
    B. Semedo and Jota

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

      A if Neto is fit. Btw did we hear any update about him?

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

      A

    3. Poison Apple
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A. There r also players like ling or saka if Neto is not fit

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

    Ayling or Dallas??

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

      Ayling obviously.

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

        😛

        Ofc Dallas had to do that when we all ditched on WC

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

          Atleast you didn't had him on bench

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

            Would have got him in for Alonso x)

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

              I never get such jammy double digit hauls from bench. And to add salt into the wound, starting XI performs sh*t as well. 😀

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

      Ayling for sure.

  3. Gemma817
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Pope
    Stones, TAA, Digne
    Son, Salah, Jota, Saka
    DCL, Kane, Bamford*

    Subs: Martinez, Raph, Veltman, Konsa.

    FT: 1 ITB: .1m

    Thinking Bamford -> Iheanacho.Thoughts?

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

      I would. Leicester fixtures looks tasty

  4. 3 A
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    So until the fifth year of playing like a yoyo, I admit structures is fundamental in playing this kind of game. Joe always talk about structure.

    In this five years, I play and test all the formation. At the beginning of the season, always have some people who want to go big at the back and it always fall massively.

    I dont want to be number 1 in the world. Just want to win my mini league next season.

    Will always have a good structure so can bring back Salah, Kane, Bruno, Trent easily if they have been sold before.

    Will wildcard gw30 - 36

    Will only scan and dont believe all the so called pro.

    Will make more detail on my own table (they are the best) with the eye test.

    My season will not be over until the last minute of the game.

    Gambatte. lol

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Huh? Lost me. 😐

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

        Want to start next season strong. If GOd will.

  5. Poison Apple
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Just saw Auba is out with a flu. There goes my differential. N FPL have to slap me with a price drop. What a depressing season...

    Assuming if he is fit for the next game
    A. Hold
    B. Ship for Bruno
    C. Swap for Maddison

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

      C if he looks fine Vs West Ham. Otherwise Bruno

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

        Yes. Will be looking out for him

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

      B for sure

  6. Spg76
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Lloris for the dgw? Not convinced myself. Not had a great season tbh

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

      Decent punt you can say.

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

      I wouldn’t. Doesn’t scream CS

      1. Spg76
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Remember a few weeks ago when Roy Keane and Jamie Redknapp had a quarrel live on tv? Keane was laying into Spurs players saying they’re not top four material. Redknapp stuck up for all the Spurs players apart from Lloris lol. He agreed with Keane. I’m looking at it but like someone said ‘it’s a punt’.

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

          I would still fancy toffees n saints chance of scoring. The thing about keepers are the bar are normally low so I generally don’t like to use a FT on a keeper. That’s me though.

          I suppose if u got a strong gut on it. Go on.

          1. Spg76
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            I don’t have a strong gut. I will wait and bring Ederson in for bench boost gw 34

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

    Price no bar, if you could have either Vardy or Nacho who would you go for?

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

      Nacho. I think the difference can be brought to better use upgrading the rest of the squad

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

        Vardy is 100% the better pick if you don’t need the money. Penalties, better player, nailed, consistent FPL legend

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

    Any early suggestions for this team? WC, BB available. 1ft, 0.8m itb

    Martinez
    azpi digne stones
    salah bruno son gundo lingard
    kane bamford

    Forster Dallas coufal Vydra

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

      I would most probably get rid of stones or gundo

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

        Cheers mate. Any suggestions for who?

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

          Nat philip n use the money to replace gundo. can look out for players like maddison/jota or even one of the cheap from arsenal. Personally I will keep a look out for Leicester players

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

            Thanks bud

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

          Depends on money.
          Semedo/Coady for their Great run, Holding to save money.
          Madisson or Mount.

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

            Cheers

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

    So many problems to sort out. Best move?

    A. Digne > TAA
    B. Gundo > Maddison
    C. Antonio > Iheanacho
    D. Combination of two above (-4)

    Martinez
    Dias, Digne, Cresswell
    Bruno, Lingard, Son, Gundo, Jota
    Bamford, Kane (TC)

    Subs: Sanchez, Antonio, Targett, Struijk

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

      I would consider Dias to TAA. Otherwise B if he is at least fit to play 60 or more minutes.
      You do have quite a number of players missing 33

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

        Cheers, will play FH in 33 so Dias isn’t an immediate concern in that respect. Digne’s upcoming fixtures don’t look so great.

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

          Gotcha. B for me then.

          I m expecting plenty of rotation for pep side till the end of the season. And I took the easy way by getting rid of all the frustrations.

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Just do them all. Will make you happy looking at your team. At this stage of the season, play hard or go home. 😉

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

        After all our mental health is the most important right ? 😀 :p

        1. Forever In Our Shadow
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Actually it should always be a consideration but with the caveat that it can hurt the other way once done. 😐

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

        Honestly I’m considering it

  10. Party time
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Party time today lads

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

        And here’s me hoping for goals from nacho and ling

      2. Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I hear Bruno throws a good party too. 😎

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

      Amartey has been playing lately...is he nailed for the next 4 gameweeks...? Or Evans coming back (not been injured..)?

    • 272MK
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Chances Bale won't feature? Dallas waiting on the bench.

      1. Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Highly likely if spurs are leading and need to shut shop. Might come on if they're chasing the game tho.

    • Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I guess many other guys can say the same here, but if I'd got my starting/benching choices right, I'd easily be in the Top 100 this season. So many points on the bench this year it's kinda unreal.

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

        I have 260 points benched sine GW 12. Due to uncertainty of starts with game rearrangements due to Covid I went heavy bench. The first time this season I have got points from the bench yesterday. At last!!!!!!!!!

      2. Max City
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I have 120 points on my bench between GW22 and GW27 (for an average of 20points/GW) ..

    • 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?

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

        Yup that's right

    • Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      WC bells, right ? 🙂

    • Vazza
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Apart from BGW33, when is the best time to use the FH?

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

        35-38 gw and huge dgws

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

        No expert but look into possibe rearranged games to allow all PL sides to get a home game 36/37/38

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

        Which week is likely to be the DGW?

    • Chrisitis
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      DGW35 with gw36 midweek after
      I just dont get it

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

        Don’t get it either mate. Perhaps they are going to move one set of fixtures...

    • Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Is next gw good for bb ?

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

        If you have a strong bench, go for it!

    • GoonerSteve
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Dallas first sub. Ouch.

      Any chance one of these doesn't play?

      Veltman, Coufal
      Fernandes, Son, Lingard
      DCL, Kane

      ?

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

        Chances are slim mate. I have Watkins’ 8 points first on the bench steering at me 🙁

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

          Painful isn't it. Hate this game sometimes. I got a green arrow so far anyway (with 21 pts) but could have been so much better with the extra 17pts.

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

            Get some respite 1.5 mil in the same boat.

      2. Max City
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I have Dallas and Bamford on 2nd and 3rd bench.. Bale is on my 1st lol..

        My benches scored a total points of 120 between GW22 and GW27 so this is nothing new..

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

          263 from GW13

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

        Maybe. There might be a random injury in there. Good luck mate

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

        Nope. All fit.

    • Plagued by indecision
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Easy save to have 2 FTs for 33? Might TC Kane.

      Depending on how the double goes I might do Son > Maddison/Mount for the blank and carry an FT (or bring in Watkins for Davis as well, if things have gone very badly)

      Will FH in this mythical ‘big DGW’ I suspect, if it ever materialises. Any thoughts?

      Mendy (Forster)
      TAA / Coady / Rüdiger (Holding / Lowton)
      Salah / Bruno / Jota / Son / Lingard
      Kane / Iheanacho (Davis)

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

        Very nice team mate, no transfers required. So roll your FT this week

    • Vazza
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Which week is likely to be the big DGW?

    • cescpistols111
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Sterling -> Son no brainer? 1FT, 0.6 ITB.

      Leno Forster
      Shaw Kabak Coady Rudiger N.Williams
      Bruno Sterling Jota Lingard Burke
      Kane Vardy DCL

    • Fernando Torres
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      What teams are likely to have DGW 35?

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

        Everton, Villa, Soton likely IMO

    • StayoutheSpiceZone
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Dear Ole

      Please leave Luke Shaw out today.

      From
      All managers that are sick of this FPL season

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

        I presume Dallas sub.
        I agree with the season.
        I count 263 points on the bench since GW13 trying to cover the Covid game uncertainty. Any choice I made has been the wrong one. I am a better than average FPL manager but this season is the pits (391k)
        8th in my ML (Always covered ML rather than OR) 6 of them casuals.
        Low TV due to waiting rather than early tfrs has cost me dear this year.
        Not taken hits this year has hurt overall big time.
        If I had half the bench points I woul be in the top 10k.
        Yep; a crap season!! (smile)

    • DavvaMC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Morning Guys

      Quick question as Spurs have a double game week If I triple captain for example Kane, does that mean he is triple captain for both games or is it just one of the games?

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

        Both

    • DavvaMC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks mate