Scout Notes

Everton defence on good run ahead of appealing short-term fixtures

Aston Villa 0-0 Everton

  • Goals: None
  • Assists: None
  • Bonus points: Emiliano Martínez x3 (£5.4m), Lucas Digne x2 (£6.2m), Ezri Konsa x1 (£4.7m)

LUCAS THIS

Everton defensive assets put on another solid audition for investment as they kept a fourth clean sheet in six against Aston Villa.

During that period, no Premier League team has registered as many shutouts as the Toffees, who face two appealing fixtures in the next two Gameweeks.

Sheffield United and Wolves are the last two sides to visit Goodison Park this season, who have five goals across their respective last five matches combined.

Lucas Digne (£6.2m) and Ben Godfrey (£5.0m) have been the chief beneficiaries of Everton’s defensive returns of late.

The latter finished Triple Gameweek 35 as the Toffees’ top-scoring asset with 18 points, offering decent value in recent weeks.

He has claimed maximum bonus points in two of Everton’s last three clean sheets and his score of 26 on the Bonus Points System at Villa Park was just short of breaking into the top-three on Thursday night.

Godfrey’s versatility forms part of his appeal, considering he can play as a traditional centre-back, the left-hand option in a back-three, or even at left-back or left wing-back, he has played 90 minutes in all but one match since Gameweek 22.

But it was Digne who earned a share of the bonus against Villa, claiming two of them thanks to his creativity as a left wing-back in a 3-5-2 formation.

He laid on three key passes at Villa Park, more than any other player. And, crucially, over his last six, he is joint-top among Everton players for key passes (eight) and big chances created (two).

That said, Gylfi Sigurdsson (£6.9m) continues to take responsibility for Everton’s direct free-kicks as well as some corners.

EMILIAN DOLLARS

Against Everton, Emiliano Martínez (£5.4m) put on a show reminiscent of the winter months as he kept a clean sheet, made five saves and claimed all three bonus.

It was the first time Villa had stopped their opponents scoring since a Gameweek 27 draw with Wolves and the first time Martínez had managed more than four points since the same match.

And whether or not Dean Smith’s men can follow that up with defensive returns in their final three matches remains to be seen.

Not only do they face Crystal Palace (away), Spurs (away) and Chelsea (home) between now and Gameweek 38, they could be without Matt Cash (£5.0m) too.

He came off with a muscle injury against Everton which, if it is a reoccurrence of a hamstring issue sustained against Brighton, would likely end his campaign, according to Smith.

“With Cash, I’m not sure if it’s a re-occurrence of the hamstring (picked up vs Brighton) but he certainly felt his hamstring and, if it is, that’s him out for the last three games. Somebody’s just spoken to him and he didn’t feel bad at all so we’ll see with him.” – Dean Smith

That said, Villa’s attack could be worth more of a look in the last three Gameweeks considering Ollie Watkins (£6.5m) returns from suspension in Blank Gameweek 36 and Jack Grealish (£7.5m) is now back from injury.

He was named on the bench for Thursday’s match and played the final 20 minutes on the left-hand side of a front-three, although Matt Targett (£5.0m) continued taking set pieces upon his arrival.

“It’s really good to have him back. It’s small steps at the moment but it’s great to have him back out there. We’ve got three games now in the next 10 days and we’re hopeful Jack will play a part in all three of them games. Whether it’s Tottenham or Chelsea, we’re hoping to get 90 minutes out of him. He’ll be as fit as can be. He’s a naturally fit player anyway. He’s continued to work on his CV (cardiovascular) with a little bit more off feet and, in training, you don’t see a lack of fitness in him, that’s for sure.” – Dean Smith

Aston Villa XI (4-2-3-1): Martínez; Targett, Mings, Konsa, Cash (El Mohamady 45+2′); D Luiz, McGinn; El Ghazi, Barkley (J Ramsey 65′), B Traoré (Grealish 72′); Davis.

Everton XI (3-5-2): Pickford; Godfrey, Keane, Holgate; Digne, Allan, Sigurdsson (Gomes 67′), Doucouré, Coleman (Iwobi 75′); Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison.

Man United 2-4 Liverpool

  • Goals: Bruno Fernandes (£11.5m), Marcus Rashford (£9.6m) | Diogo Jota (£7.0m), Roberto Firmino x2 (£9.0m), Mohamed Salah (£12.7m)
  • Assists: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.7m), Edinson Cavani (£8.0m) | Nathaniel Phillips (£4.1m), Trent Alexander-Arnold x2 (£7.6m), Curtis Jones (£4.4m)
  • Bonus points: Firmino x3, Alexander-Arnold x2, Fernandes x1

The absence of Harry Maguire (£5.6m) was arguably the most telling takeaway from Manchester United’s 4-2 defeat to Liverpool on Thursday night.

The centre-back has now missed two Premier League matches in a row for the first time since moving north from Leicester and in that time, the Red Devils have conceded six goals, as many as they had shipped in their previous 11 outings.

Eric Bailly (£4.8m) has stood in for Maguire in each of the last two but endured another poor evening on Thursday, perhaps opening the door for Axel Tuanzebe (£4.1m) to feature in the Gameweek 37 meeting with Fulham.

“Harry’s been really important for us and really good. We’re going to miss him but he’s out so we’ve got to deal with that. We’ve got good enough players to be able to deal with it. Now it’s about regrouping and start building our confidence and momentum again.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

As for Manchester United’s attack, the defeat to Liverpool highlighted the two options facing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s very well.

They began the game with Paul Pogba (£7.6m) stationed on the left-hand side of attacking midfield and Marcus Rashford (£9.6m) on the right.

However, after Liverpool had gone 3-1 up, Solskjaer brought Mason Greenwood (£7.2m) on to replace Fred (£5.3m), shifting Rashford to his stronger side of attacking midfield (the left) and dropping Pogba into a deeper midfield role.

What proceeded was the Red Devils’ most productive period of the match, Rashford cutting in, running through the middle and scoring their second goal.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.6m) was Liverpool’s standout player, producing two assists and claiming two bonus in the process.

He finished this game joint-top among his colleagues for efforts on goal while no player on the pitch could match his five key passes and two big chances created.

He could have added a third assist late-on as he played a pass from deep, of which Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) would have been proud, to put Sadio Mané (£11.7m) through on goal, only for the Senegalese international to take it in with a heavy touch.

With West Bromwich Albion (away) up next for Alexander-Arnold, he was one of the first names on the Blank Gameweek 36 Scout Picks team sheet.

Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): Henderson; Shaw, Bailly (Matić 86′), Lindelof, Wan-Bissaka; McTominay, Fred (Greenwood 63′); Pogba, B Fernandes, Rashford; Cavani.

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Robertson, N Phillips, R Williams, Alexander-Arnold; Thiago, Wijnaldum (Jones 74′), Fabinho; Jota (Mané 74′), Firmino, Salah (N Williams 90+2′).

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1,029 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Got the dodgy looking combo of Forster and Mendy, so..

    a.) Mendy to Pickford
    b.) Mendy to Meslier
    c.) Forster to Meslier

    ???

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      For free?

      B imo

      1. Boss Hogg
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        It'd be for -4.

        1. Boss Hogg
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Maybe I go keeperless this week.

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Probably Pickford on form and fixtures.

      Could pick up save points on the last day too.

    3. Johan Queef
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I think i'm going to gamble this week rather than take a hit for the same moves.

  2. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    How does Fernandes + Iheanacho + Veltman > Ings + Lingard + Dallas for -4 sound? Gives me -

    Alisson
    TAA - Dallas - Holgate
    Salah - Son - Lingard - Sigurdsson - Trossard
    Kane - Ings

    Fabri - Shaw - Rudiger - Davis

    TIA 🙂

    1. Sho-kun
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      nice

  3. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Would you go Jota or Bobby as your third Liverpool player?

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      On Jota

    2. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Jota

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Jota

  4. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Currently have 1FT & 8 players so resigned to taking at least 1 hit:

    1) Dallas & Son (-4)
    2) Foden & Kane (-4)
    3) Mahrez & Antonio (-4)
    4) Son & Antonio (-4)
    5) Dallas, Foden & Kane (-8)
    6) Diop, Mahrez & Kane (-8)

    1. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Foden & Mahrez so tempting, but feels like another transfer (or a blank) waiting to happen in the run-in.

      I like 4)

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Probably 1)
      5) if you want to take the risk!

  5. claretparrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bamford or Antonio?
    I have Raph, Dallas & Coufal

    1. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Antonio because you have Raph

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Probably Antonio in your case

    3. Sho-kun
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      antonio

  6. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bottomed

    Your expected backline for Mancity tonight plz?

    Thinking of punting on Walker or Cancelo on FH

    1. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      So so tricky. On a FH I'd go Cancelo but make sure you've got someone half decent on the bench

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Walker has started both CL semis vs PSG and most folks are predicting a lineup close to what would play in the CL final?

    2. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Ederson
      Walker Dias Stones Zinchenko
      Dinho KDB Gundo
      Mahrez Bernardo Foden

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers

  7. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    TAA (c) against Baggies could be gold.

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I think he'll do well but whether he does better than other options...

  8. shapply
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    do we expect Shaw to play last 2 matches? or he is expected to be bench in the final premier league game before europa league final?

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Will be benched I think

    2. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Would expect him to play in 37 & benched in 38.

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Presumably United rest the cup final squad last game v Wolves, only 3 days turnaround.

      To be fair the league is done pretty much for them.

  9. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Green without Bruno but not enough

    Martinez
    Trent • Digne • Dawson • Struijk
    Salah • Jota • Lingard
    Kane • Bamford
    (4.0 / Rashford / Greenwood / Nacho / Shaw)

    Thinking Rashford to Mahrez for free? How nailed is Struijk also for this week.

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Rash out looks good yes - Mahrez or Raph if you can't afford Son

  10. WillyP
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone taking a punt on Grealish?

    1. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Smith said he's not ready to start. Not that I trust him, but worth bearing in mind.

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Flirted with it but i have other mids i'd put in before him

  11. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Probably been asked a lot, but which ONE of these would you buy this week?

    a.) Bamford
    b.) DCL
    c.) Antonio

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

  12. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which do you prefer? Basically Bruno or kane

    A) Castagne, Bruno, nacho to
    Dallas, mahrez, kane

    B) castagne, holding, nacho to
    Dallas, digne, antonio

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Do you have Son and Greenwood?

      I think maybe B

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Greenwood no spurs

  13. BurnMyBread
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which two for a -4:

    A) Digne
    B) Mahrez
    C) Bamford

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A B

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      AC

  14. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bottomed
    Morning gents

    Looking to consolidate a v good run the last few weeks. Have no chips left so don’t want to make any mistakes!

    However, feels like a -8 to have 10 starters this week vs 7 currently should pay back quite quickly.

    Which option looks best?
    Iheanacho, Bruno, Rudiger >

    A) Bamford, Son, Dallas
    B) Bamford, Mahrez, Dallas
    C) Ings, Son, Alioski
    D) Ings, Mahrez/ Raphinha, Dallas

    1FT 0itb
    Forster*
    TAA, Coleman, Masuaku*
    Salah, Jota, Lingard
    Kane, DCL
    (Mendy) (Bruno, Greenwood, Shaw, Rudiger, Iheanacho)

    A) is likely to be the most popular/ safest. Ings looks like a nice pick but it means other downgrades - maybe D) if I'm going for him?

    Cheers!

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        You trusting Mahrez to deliver then mate!?

    2. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Definitely A

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers - seems a v popular choice round here!

    3. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A with Antonio I guess.

      But I don't like selling Bruno so I'm not really on board.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I don't see him playing both 37 and 38 so you are keeping him for 1 match where Greenwood could easily do just as well - for the funds it allows, it feels the right move.

        Why so against it?

        1. JabariParkersEyelid
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Because I think he is the stand out captain in 37, a game I expect United to play their first team.

          I will more than likely sell in 38, but I want him for that game. If you're happy to sell him then A looks by far the best.

  15. Arfaish
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is it worth taking a points hit to have a playing keeper this gameweek?

    Basically do you think Meslier or Fabianski will out score Mendy by 4 points over 3 weeks with an extra game.

    The other caveat is that I have Forster but I am presuming he will not play as suggested by Ralf.

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not unles you think they outscore your current keeper to end the season

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

        Yes, that's exactly what I said above..

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Have debated the same but I don't think it's worth it for a keeper - they have to have a pen save or loads of save points to really make an impact

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Pick ford is an option too, surprisingly.

  16. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Captain Salah, Bamford or Kane?

    1. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Keeping it simple with Mo this week.

    2. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Between Kane and Salah and on Salah as Pool are motivated by winning all their games to get CL.

    3. ebb2sparky
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Can’t believe Bamford is even part of the question, most likely he’ll be first on my bench this week!

    4. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Salah cause he'll outscore what he did in the double to troll TC'ers

    5. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Salah for me

    6. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Salah

  17. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    How many hits are you gonna take this week?

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

      either none or 1, see post above

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      5

    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Zero

  18. wonkeydonkey
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A) Castagne + Nacho -> Dallas & Antonio (keep Maddison for now)
    B) Castagne + Maddison -> Coufal & Mahrez (keep Nacho for now)

  19. Machine_Gunnerz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A disaster GW! Massive drop from 40k to 60k. My recovery move with current team (1FT, 0.2mil ITB)

    Martinez, Areola
    Veltman, Digne, Semedo, Maguire, Shaw
    Salah, Jota, Bruno, Maddy, Reed
    Watkins, Kane, Nacho

    maddy+Nacho+Maguire to
    A) DCL+Raph+Cresswell
    B) Antonio+ESR+AA
    C) Antonio+Mahrez+Allioski

    Thanks guys

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mahrez is one of the main attacking threats so Pep will gently tick him over I suspect.

  20. matiakez
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone thoughts changed particularly on getting DCL after last night?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      He's a bit hot and cold but had a good season. Loads of the attacking play is to him.

    2. JollyGoodYellows
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Nah. Martinez made a good save from him and he was always in the box waiting for crosses from Digne

    3. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Think he's still a decent option, he has his days as acdc said above he's hot and cold but he's in the right spots so depends if he wears his shooting boots on the day

    4. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Great option if Richarlison is moved back to the left wing.

  21. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Any Man City defenders not being rested for the Champions League final worth picking?

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      May well be but how do you pick which will not be rested? Too much depth there haha

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Ake?

        Mendy?

  22. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Do you think Bowen starts for West Ham this week?
    Took a gamble on him a couple of weeks ago but need him to play this week!

  23. Sho-kun
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A) Son + Bam
    B) Son + Ings
    B) Kane + Foden

    all -4 & no bench cover

    1. Sho-kun
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      * C) Kane + Foden

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A or B.

      Unless Kane hits form and Foden will be partially saved for Porto and Chelsea.

  24. Robson-Canoe
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Captain Ings worth a punt? Or rather put it on Kane/Son?
    Chasing 50 points and need a differential. Rival is definitely captaining Salah.

  25. Blanka
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Overall 20k.

    Do we think Nacho to DCL (potential captain) is worth a hit?

    Bit gutted I missed Bamford rise tbh, could have brought him in for free otherwise.

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Do you have 11 players already?

      1. Blanka
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah, without any transfers!

  26. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bruno, Zaha, ESR, Vardy ->
    Son, Jota, Gundogan, Kane (-12)

    Is DONE and it feels good.

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Nice.

      Gundogan is a bit ballsy.

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        (C) as well

    2. Machine_Gunnerz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      wow

  27. Sotamendi84
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    start one:
    a) coady (tot)
    b) Vydra (LEE)

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B for sure

  28. Thomas Magnum
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    which 2/3 city players would you all punt on if on FH?
    Thinking Mahrez, Foden/Bernado and then maybe a defender

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Could work but managed minutes suggest it will be a challenge.

      Pep does like a team in rythem so they will get some pitch time.

      Perhaps it's best to start them then rotate out too, rather than chase?

    2. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I have Foden and Ederson

    3. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Aguero, Mahrez, Mendy.

  29. DMP
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    167 on BB.

    From 90K to 30K, great final effort!

    1. ManUtdFan977
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Gg well played

    2. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Brilliant!

  30. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    130 points trailing in my ml caught to 9 which I can’t complain about, bb left gtg guys?

    Sanchez
    Trent Dias Coufal
    Son Jota Lingard Raphinha
    Kane DCL Bamford

    Martinez Bruno Castagne Alonso

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

      Good effort, I'm still 38 behind in my ML

      Team looks g2g btw. Who you capping from that?

      1. Babit1967
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Kane or DCL keep switching, probably Kane