Scout Notes

Hat-trick hero Torres making late-season claim as powerful FPL differential

Newcastle 3-4 Man City

  • Goals: Emil Krafth (£4.2m), Joelinton (£5.7m), Joe Willock (£4.7m) | João Cancelo x1 (£5.8m), Ferran Torres x3 (£6.9m)
  • Assists: Jonjo Shelvey (£5.3m) | Rodrigo (£5.3m), Ilkay Gündogan (£5.6m), Gabriel Jesus (£9.1m), João Cancelo x1 (£5.8m)
  • Penalty misses: Willock
  • Penalty saves: Scott Carson (£3.9m)
  • Bonus points: Torres x3, Cancelo x2, Carson x1

ALSO FER-RAN

Ferran Torres (£6.9m) is making a late-season claim as a Fantasy Premier League differential option.

The Manchester City midfielder has now started each of the last three league matches, has found the net in two of them and come away with four goals.

Scoring three times on Friday night, the Spaniard played on the right-hand side of a front-three at Newcastle having operated in more of a central-midfield role against Chelsea.

Torres was also afforded a license to swap with Gabriel Jesus‘ (£9.1m) centre-forward position, which led to his second and third goals and posed a threat from set-pieces, netting an impressive piece of skill in the first half.

“I may have to think of him as a striker. When Jesus and Aguero were out, he played as a striker and always he is there (near the goal). He scored against Leeds, he scored against Crystal Palace. It is so important. He can be a number nine.” – Pep Guardiola

His latest effort helps contribute to admirable figures during his Premier League minutes this season. Torres has now been involved in 41% of Manchester City’s league goals scored while he is on the pitch (11 of 27), the most of any colleague.

Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) previously topped that particular statistic (40%) while Phil Foden (£6.0m) was only one percentage point ahead of Torres (37%) before Blank Gameweek 36.

With Brighton (away) and Everton (home) the final two matches for Pep Guardiola’s men, Torres could be a shrewd differential considering that, over the last seven league matches, he has missed out on the starting XI only twice.

KNOW YOUR KRAFTH

Despite the absence of Callum Wilson (£6.5m), Newcastle yet again did enough to warrant monitoring their assets for investment in the final two Gameweeks of the campaign.

Steve Bruce’s men face Sheffield United (home) and Fulham (away) in Gameweeks 37 and 38 respectively

After a 4-2 win at Leicester in Triple Gameweek 35 brought the Magpies’ drastically improved form to light, the fact they were able to extend it against even a rotated Manchester City side is worth noting.

Just as we saw at the King Power Stadium, Newcastle primarily threatened on the counter-attack and, although they could have been even more devastating with Wilson in the side, his colleagues still did a good job of stretching Manchester City’s defence on Friday.

In finding the net three times, it was only the second Premier League away match in which Guardiola’s men had given up more than one goal this season, the last coming in the Gameweek 9 defeat at Spurs. Even with largely second-string personnel, that achievement is not to be sniffed at for Newcastle.

Meanwhile, we were able to get something of a fix on who will take Newcastle’s penalties in Wilson’s absence between now and the end of the season.

Joelinton (£5.7m) dispatched the first-half spot-kick he won before Joe Willock (£4.7m) insisted on taking one he was awarded in the second.

The Arsenal loanee did, admittedly, see his effort saved by Scott Carson (£3.9m) although he still managed to convert the rebound.

“I’m always a bit flexible with it. It’s a bit of a south American thing that once they’ve scored one, they don’t want to take another one, so I’m led to believe. It was his choice, yeah. It’s one of those things where Matt Ritchie has been the penalty taker before but I think he missed one the last time he took it. But hey, we’ve scored twice so it didn’t make a difference.” – Steve Bruce

And it is Willock who will perhaps command the biggest interest ahead of Gameweeks 37 and 38. In finding the net on Friday night, he is now joint-top among all midfielders for goals scored across their last six matches, his total of five level with Torres, Matheus Pereira (£5.4m) and Mason Greenwood (£7.2m).

LINE-UP LESSONS

After recent flirtations with 4-4-2 and 3-1-4-2, Manchester City were back in 4-3-3 on Friday night.

It was the first time Guardiola had deployed that formation since the Champions League semi-final first-leg against PSG.

In that time they have used 4-4-2 against Crystal Palace and in the semi-final second-leg, both times producing 2-0 wins. Whether Guardiola was seriously considering long-term usage for 3-1-4-2 remains to be seen, of course, considering suggestions he went for that system against Chelsea to cloak Thomas Tuchel’s understanding of how to play against the Citizens’ best team ahead of the Champions League final.

Meanwhile, Guardiola’s latest line-up still had plenty of clues to predicting future ones, as hopeful as that sounds.

João Cancelo (£5.8m) remains the Manchester City manager’s favourite defender, having started five of the last six matches in all competitions. Three of those were at left-back, one at right-back and another at right wing-back.

Kyle Walker (£6.1m) missed out on Gameweeks 34 and 35 but has still started four of City’s last six in all competitions at right-back now.

Centre-back is becoming an increasingly unpredictable area of Guardiola’s team. Even though Rúben Dias (£6.0m) has started four of the last six in all competitions, only two of those have come in the Premier League. In fact, three of the last five league matches have seen the previously nailed-on Portuguese international on the bench.

Meanwhile, in De Bruyne’s absence, Ilkay Gündogan (£5.6m) assumed set-piece responsibilities and was in decent form against Newcastle.

He provided the assist for Torres’ opening goal with his excellent delivery and went close to setting up another goal in the 49th minute when he flashed a free-kick across the far post.

Newcastle United XI: Dubravka; Ritchie (Lewis 83′), Dummett, Fernández (Gayle 87′), Krafth, Murphy; Almirón, Shelvey, Willock; Joelinton (S Longstaff 83′), Saint-Maximin.

Manchester City XI: Carson; Cancelo (B Mendy 74′), Ake, Garcia, Walker; Gündogan, Rodrigo, B Silva; Sterling, Jesus, Torres.

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414 Comments Post a Comment
  1. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Mahrez (C) fail...

    On the bright side, Salah (VC) love it.

    I’ll take a Salah hatty please.

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

      Relieved? 😉

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

        Understatement.

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

      Disgusting lol

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

      Filthy

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

      I'm in exactly the same boat. Was expecting a 2 minute cameo

    5. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Ive got Bruno C and Salah VC so yeah same boat

    6. Guba
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Cue Salah bench ...

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

    Will Cancelo get an assist off the post for City’s 4th?

    Rebound out away with one touch

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

    Thanks Cancelo once again!!

  4. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    7 points for Carson after conceding 3 to Newcastle. Crazy!

  5. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hi

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

      Hehehe

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

      😀

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

    Phew Coufal and Ayling in for Mahrez and Foden 🙂

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

      I would’ve gone Torres on fh

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

        Yeah but i have life and don't like Twitter 🙂

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

          At least you have Foden and Mahrez in a 7 goal thriller

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

            Erm

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

        What's the point of this comment?

      3. fedolefan
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Please also tell us the guys you brought in since they are obviously going to score more than 20.

  7. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Had a dream the other night that I brought in Torres but just realised in real life I didn’t

    Talk about bad luck

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

    A punt on a Newcastle attacker against Sheffield in front of fans and then Fulham is very tempting. Look great going forward recently

    1. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Maybe Willock but that's it

    2. Ohh1454
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I’m looking at ASM

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Same. They always do well at the end of the season.

    4. Deanamo Jammy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      13 goals in their last 6 matches... joint best total with Liverpool.

  9. Railwayman
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I was so close to bringing Torres in for Mahrez when the "news" about City players broke out before the deadline, didn't have the balls to do it in the end 🙁

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

    11 left to play with (C)

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Same should have gone for a stronger bench than El Ghazi, Phillips and Mitchell.

  11. 3 A
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Some mistake there. Cancelo only score one goal, not two

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

      Then later saying Torres scored twice on Friday night.

  12. FPL price manipulators are …
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Silly season has started. Most teams' seasons are over. Can we expect goal fests for the next 3 GWs?

  13. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Why is it so quiet here? 😉

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

      Heads still spinning from effects of the roulette wheel.

    2. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      People have lives

    3. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Stupid Friday deadlines!

  14. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    LMS Semi-Final safety score currently -4

    https://www.livefpl.net/LMS

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

      Congrats on the hattie.

    2. Casual Player
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Clearly the other guy rolling a FH got the memo before the deadline about pep roulette. Well played.

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Hopefully your squad depth gets you through.

    3. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Arghhhh I would have been in all sorts of trouble then haha. Cheers for organising again TM

  15. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Torres got a hat trick.

  16. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    O from 3 no shows and my rank has gone up 4% today thanks to hits.

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

      Missed another deadline myself. Would have taken a hit though.

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I missed the leaked news about the City team before the GW deadline, team would have been considerably different if I'd known.

  17. FPL price manipulators are …
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Feral Torres looks like a raw talent

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

      Sure is

  18. Mr Arsenal
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Will Mahirez and Foden play again this season?

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

      Who are you asking?

      1. Calderano FC
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        The communita

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

          Why?

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

        Mr. City?

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

    Right, so bit of a predicament - but an early transfer dilemma for GW37:

    Martinez
    TAA / Shaw / Digne
    Salah / Greenwood / Bale / Jota
    Kane / DCL / Watkins*

    Sanchez // Lingard / Dallas / Holding

    Squad is already a bit stacked for next GW, with some good fixtures across the board.

    I have:
    - 6.5m Watkins (-100.5 delta)

    Originally planning for either:
    - 6.5m Antonio (+49.1 delta)
    - 6.4m Bamford (+100.3 delta)

    Basically, tonight it very likely to price me out of both moves.

    Do I:
    A) Watkins > Antonio
    B) Watkins > Bamford
    C) Save FT (at least until/in case something else happens, or used elsewhere?)

    A random injury to either won't damage my XI that much next week.

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

      B

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

        That'll probably be the better move since I A) Just sold Bamford & B) Won't have any Leeds attack. I did sell Bamford as he had been rubbish though. Good fixtures, but re-ecency bias?!

    2. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Very similar teams mate and exactly the same predicament and thinking a lot the exact same lines with having a strong squad for this week too so could take it if whoever I brought in got injured, I’m thinking Watkins to Antonio!! Then I will do DCL to Bamford for the last gameweek to target WBA fixtures for them both

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

      What's up with Lingard v wba?

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

        He probably won't stay there, just based on recent blanks. Long GW to go!

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

      I would do A. Your first 11 will be very strong regardless. I brought Antonio in myself this week over Bamford.

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

      Thanks all. My heart was set on Antonio, so it's probably going to be him... but we shall see.

    6. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bamford for me, Antonio made of glass.

      Plus Bam on pens

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

        He does have pens, but he's only had one all year. Leeds have only had two all season.

        Totally jinxing it now but low pens not the biggest sell for a team that doesn't get many.

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I guess you could say they are due 😉

  20. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Meslier / Forster
    TAA / Coufal / Coleman / Holding / Philips
    Salah / Bruno / Son / Zaha / Lingard
    Kane / Wood /  Iheanacho

    A. Coleman to Dallas
    B. Iheanacho to Antonio/Bamford
    C. Zaha to Greenwood
    D. Zaha to Greenwood, + one of the other options above for a hit

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

      Probably B then C. Wouldn't do A or D.

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

        I very much appreciate it, sir.

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

          No worries. Good luck for the rest of the season my man.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B - Antonio vs WBA

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

        Cheers, Tony!

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

    How essential is Salah for the last 2 games of the season? I sold him in GW28 and have moved from circa 170k to 70k in rank so haven't missed him, but I'm anxious every weekend as a non-owner.

    Is he a necessity for the last 2 games?

    1. Mile Plankton
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I think he is. Liverpool will be pushing for the UCL spot.
      Others might go easy last few games.

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

      You could use this GW as a measure of how essential he is.

      Very highly captained, and well owned.

      If he hauls and it damages you bad, perhaps get him.

      If he does not, or a haul does not damage you badly, Co aider going without and punting on an alternative of your own.

      I'd be worried without him personally but as you've said, you've risen without him 🙂

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Liverpool need to win their last 3. Salah going for GB. Anxious times for non owners

  22. Reedy
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I'm getting my 3rd sub - 0.1% owned Krafth - off the bench!

    But it wasn't luck. I expected Aguero not to feature, and Burke to be ruled out with a foot injury. 😎

  23. Mile Plankton
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Zero from 3 players and a green arrow.
    What a GW.

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Lucky for you, the starting average for this GW was - 3 points. Decent bench to cover the city no shows

      1. Mile Plankton
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        On FH. But still might end up with less than 11.

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Aye I know you are FH. Just saying the green arrow was due to multiple hits flying around and the average start was on - 3 for the GW. Should be fine for all 3 bench payers. PvA has a family emergency so isn't a available this GW

  24. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Looking at my bus team after FH36, Nacho to Antonio (vs WBA) no brainer move here?

    1FT 2.5ITB
    Mendy
    TAA Shaw Dallas Rudiger
    Jota Salah Bruno Greenwood Lingard
    Kane
    (Forster Nacho Holding Davis)

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

      Looks good to me. I have Antonio. Just hope he makes it through the Brighton game!

  25. Casual Player
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Check FH 3hrs before deadline, go to sleep. wake up now and see Man City scored 4 but my triple City have zero. Legit thought the official FPL site was broken hahah.

    I think it’s fair to say I’ve wasted this chip, just like my BB being worth zero after hits.

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      It was rubbish. Few bits of info was coming out 30-45 mins before the deadline

      1. Casual Player
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Deadline is 330am here no way was I getting that.

        Sometimes you take risks and get burned. Let’s see if my bench of Dallas, Cresswell and el Ghazi can do ok.

        I’ve also captained Bale on the FH, trying to win it all lol

    2. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Unlucky. Great rank

      1. Casual Player
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers.

        Aside from the BB it’s fair to say most things have gone right this season.

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

    Mahrez and Foden is ok for me on WC as would take any of my bench. Atm getting Lingard and Phillips. Shame Mahrez didn't get late sub as cash league 2nd place had him C. Wonder will I regret going Foden instead of Jota

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

      Sounds like Fodenfreude to me.

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

        Niiiice

  27. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Worth a -4
    Martinez > Meslier
    Watkins > Bamford

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Why sell the hero Martinez

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Want a Bamford for final two & need cash cow?

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Martinez is eyeing up that Friedel record, he’s going to go save and haul crazy

          1. g40steve
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Plan B

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Or keep Martinez & do Veltman > 4.3 to get Bamford?

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

        This looks better option

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Yes agree

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not for me. Stick with Martinez

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

      Next deadline isn't for days and loads of matches to inform your decisions

  28. blauriecon
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best transfer choice
    A) Leno > Pickford
    B) Rudiger > Coufal
    C) Trossard > Raphinha
    D) Save FT

    1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      C

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      C

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

      C agree ^

  29. Can’t beat em so&hell…
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Looking for a striker , have exact money for Cavani with nice fixtures.

    The question is, will he play both?

    1. Avery
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I think at least one

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I think he plays Fulham but not Wolves.

  30. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    How’s everyone doing?

    I’m on -8, 0 players played

    1. Avery
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Same here buddy - but looking forward to the weekend

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

        Same mate, here’s to a successful one!

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I played my WC. I have Carson and Gundogan. Feel very lucky to have 12 points.

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

        Where'd you see about Carson ahead of time?

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

          Looked on Twitter at the rumours. I had Ederson and Forster as keepers and Foden. Switched Foden to Gundo at 18.25 and Forster to Carson at 18.28!

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

            Well done mate, ballsy!

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

            The guy who tweeted made out that it was a joke. Very annoying

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

              When I saw Lateriser was picking Carson I figured it was more than just rumours. Sam Lee had tweeted earlier in the day that Stones and Foden weren't going to play.

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

                great work - i had logged off with no city players so had no idea it was going on.