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. revelc
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Foden or jota?

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

      Jota

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

    I'm chaising. Is there any better solution than Dallas ?

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

      The only better option was to have had him already...

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

      Do you mean out of Leeds or all defenders?

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

        Out of anyone except digne and taa

  3. Endhey
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    On FH, which combination is better? Other suggestions would be appreciated
    A. Bale, jota, cancelo
    B. Sterling, raphina, aurier (or any other def)

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

      Sterling may not start

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

        I think Sterling is the right pick currently.

        He needs to play himself into contention again.

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

          My other City pick will be Foden and Mahrez, so the last slot would be between another mid or def

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

      Prefer A

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

    Howz this FH draft looking?

    Pickford
    TAA Digne Walker
    Salah (c) Jota Son Mahrez Foden
    Kane DCL
    - Aurier Coufal Brewster

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

      Mahrez and Foden more likely to be rested than Sterling...

      See above.

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

        Oh I just saw this haha.. so who do you think are better to pick from City players on FH?

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

    I need 2 of the three strikers this week then the other I’ll get in next week:
    Bamford
    DCL
    Antonio

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

      DCL Bam this week

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

      I‘ll go for bam and tony

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

    Currently have 8 players:

    1) Dallas & Son (-4)
    2) Foden & Kane (-4)
    3) Son & Antonio (-4)
    4) Dallas, Foden & Kane (-8)

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

      3 probably

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

      4

    3. frenchfries
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      1 or 4

  7. estheblessed
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is 37 points at this stage of the season surmountable ?

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

      It's unlikely, but it's possible sure.

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

      Yes. A differential captain each week + 2 players who are not in your ML leader's team will do that. If they click of course. Difficult but possible.

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

      Of course. It's doable on GW38 alone with differential picks and captain.

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

      100%

      Differential captain haul and your right back in it

      Does your leader have Kane?

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

        No they dont but I suspect they will transfer him in!

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

      It is. Get differentials and try to outsmart your opponents.

    6. 272MK
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I captained Bale on his hattrick = 42pts

      ML leaders captained Kane = 4pts.

      So give differential captain a shotq

    7. Sultans of Ping FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Definitely not. Have a look at their team and identify where gains can be made. Like if they have Antonio and no DCL or Bamford bring one of them in or Mahrez, Foden.

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

      Just seen your team and answer is no unless you get Salah

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

        I just got Salah but they already have him so I am only evening out the score.

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

    Are people selling Bruno?

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

      Plenty are.

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

      Yes

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

      A lot. Not me though.

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

      Think I will be but do have Greenwood for the Fulham game.

    5. frenchfries
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bought at 10,5 so would be hard to get him back for Fulham. Not sure if hes in my team for 38 tho

  9. Setpiecemad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Yes only 12 points per round, but only you would know the answer depending on your team and choices. Roll the dice but not too hard

  10. xHaTr
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Probably been asked a million times, but Bamford or Antonio for Nacho?

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

      Bamford is my choice

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I think Bamford is the slightly better option, but I am looking to get Antonio as well next week (for Watkins)

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Debating same.

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

    Really want TAA in this team. No FTs left and I'm currently looking at this move:

    Shaw, Maddison -> TAA, ESR (-8)

    Areola (Schmeichel)
    Dallas, Reguilon, Ward (Shaw*, Veltman)
    Jota, Raph, Salah, Son (Mads*)
    Antonio, DCL, Kane

    Worth it, or wait for another week?

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

      Wait another week would be my advice

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

        Thanks, seems sensible

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

      0,7 ITB

  12. frenchfries
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Martinez
    Trent Targett Dawson
    Salah Son Jota Lingard
    Kane Davis

    Forster Bruno* Shaw* Iheanacho* Holding*

    A) Martinez+Iheanacho -> McCarthy+Bamford (enough funds for Targett->Dallas next gw)(-4)
    B) Lingard+Iheanacho -> Raphinha+Bamford (-4)

    A makes it so that if Forster dont start, McCarthy does

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

    If you could only have one, which for the last 3?
    A) Son
    B) Kane
    C) Bruno

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

      Between A and B. Salah scoring yesterday and equaling Kane's tally has made it interesting. A player who is ready to swear on his family to be awarded a goal will do anything to win the golden boot.

    2. frenchfries
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Kane, he wants the golden boot

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

    Ditch Nacho (fixtures) or Mount (rotation)?

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

      Nacho

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

        Cheers

  15. Igz08
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Suggestions chaps? I’m 7 points ahead in my ML and rival will take a hit.

    Foster
    TAA Coady Ayling
    Bruno Salah Jota JLingz Zaha
    Kane DCL

    Martínez Shaw Castagne Nacho
    1FT 0.2 ITB

    A) Castagne -> Dallas
    B) Castagne -> Keane/Godfrey
    C) Bruno -> Son/Bale
    D) Castagne, Nacho -> Dallas (bench Ayling, Bamford

    Rival has Son, Digne, Bruno but no Salah

    1. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      D is for a hit

    2. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      And I’d probably bench Coady in fact

  16. nicecat
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Nacho + Shaw > Bamford + Coufal (-4)?
    That would leave me with 10 potential starters and 0.6 itb.
    Taking another hit for Forster > 4.6 GK not worth it?

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I think it is, see my post below - although I have a bit more money to play with than 4.6

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

        Unfortunately I'm 0.1 short from Meslier. Other options are Johnstone, Areola, Ramsdale and Sanchez with not so promising form and fixtures.

  17. Biggsy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Putting all my eggs in a Leeds & West Ham shaped basket, can only have 2 Leeds and 1 WHU so which of these three?

    a. Meslier, Dallas, Antonio
    b. Meslier, Coufal, Bamford
    c. Fabianski, Dallas, Bamford

    1. CapK
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

      Very tough, A or C for height ceiling

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

      Thanks both. Was between B and C for me, so you've thrown me a curved ball with A

    4. xHaTr
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Dallas borderline essential for those last 3 fixtures. Slightly prefer C as you wouldnt be doubling down on defence

  18. Kuzser
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Atm have 10 players for this gw, but don’t have much hope about Dawson. What would be the best move guys?
    1) Nacho-> Antonio/ Bamford
    2) #1 and Bruno->Son/Bale for -4
    3) Bruno ESR -> Foden Bale for -4
    4) Bruno ESR -> Raphinha Son for -4

    Martinez
    Taa Dawson Digne Stones
    Salah Jota Lingard
    Dcl Kane

    Shaw, ESR, Bruno, Nacho

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      1 is a good move

    2. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      1 is good

  19. JonSnow
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Thrilling transfer planned this week Forster to which nailed keeper for the rest of the season 2.7itb.
    A) Ederson
    B) Pickford
    C) Fabianski
    D) Meslier

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

      Ederson

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Between C and D for me (see my post above) - Probably C but thats because I am favouring Dallas as well this week and don't fancy a double up

  20. Cak Juris
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Antonio, Bamford or Raphinha?

    1. JonSnow
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Probably Antonio, plenty of good mids and West ham have something to play for

    2. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I have JLingz so leaning towards Bamford

  21. Garlana
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    -8 worth it to field 10 players?

    Mendy, Fofana, Bruno, Iheanacho -> Pickford, Dallas, Son, DCL

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I don't think the Bruno move makes it worthwhile. Can you keep Bruno and change DCL to Bam or Antonio for just a -4?

  22. Davidwes
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on this wildcard draft?
    Pickford
    TAA, Digne, Stones
    Salah, Mane(C), Lingard, Foden
    Kane, DCL, Antonio
    Bench: Dallas, Coufal, Smith-rowe

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

      mane? nice except for mane

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

        He is rested and will play the next game and maybe all 3. Perfect differential pick from if I want to push into the top 1k

  23. abaalan
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Brunos 1st goal last night....surely an OG?! (owner but didnt capt!)

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

      There was a strong wind from the right side of the goal that would have pushed the ball in.

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

        Haha must have been very strong...at best was hitting the post!

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

          Super strong!

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

          How predictable. Most who didn’t captain him can’t believe it was his goal and most who did captain him think the opposite. For me it was impossible to tell if it would’ve gone in off the post or not. It was very close.

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

    Which player for each spot?

    A) Bamford
    B) Antonio

    1) Raphinia
    2) Foden (would be benched in gw37 for Greenwood and back in gw38)
    2)

    1. Captain Haddock
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A1

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

      B1

  25. TomSaints
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Do we reckon Aguero starts?

    Slightly nostalgic pick but he is due a hatrick before he leaves

  26. Captain Haddock
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hardest decision of this FPL season, chase or not to chase. I'm second in my ML, 58 pts behind leader and 7 points ahead third. I would be quite satisfied with second place, but winning is always winning..

    I have 6 players in common with leader.

    A) gamble big time
    B) too unlikely to achieve

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

  27. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Still hurts not doing Veltman to Coleman for the 16pt hit instead fo of 12 🙁 I didn't have a phone battery and was on a family event, that's why at the end. Lesson learned. Have your priorities straight.

    Any situation when personal life had interfered with your FPL life as well?

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      FPL ruins my family life on a weekly basis 🙂

  28. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    What are peoples thoughts on Shaw now? Looked poor the second half I seen last night. And they look very shaky at the back. Wondering if I do either of these for a -4?

    Shaw >> Digne
    Rudiger >> Dallas

    1. No Salah
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I feel Dallas is a must now for rest of the season.

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

    Chances of Struijk starting?