Scout Notes

Grealish returns, Willock injury latest and the race for seventh: Gameweek 37 notes

Our round-up of Wednesday’s Premier League action begins with the three early kick-offs.

A win for Everton and a defeat for Tottenham Hotspur kept things interesting in the race for seventh, with the team finishing in that position qualifying for the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round.

Providing the clubs in contention actually want to qualify for the new tertiary tournament and don’t view it with the same disdain they did the Intertoto Cup, it should ensure Spurs, Everton and Arsenal (who beat Crystal Palace on Wednesday) are near enough full strength in Gameweek 38.

Spurs (and with a massive goal swing, Everton) could still overhaul West Ham United in sixth place on the final day, so Fantasy managers should still be able to call upon their key assets from these clubs on Sunday amid the possible end-of-season rotation elsewhere.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1-2 ASTON VILLA

Ollie Watkins‘ (£6.4m) remarkably consistent run of FPL form continued in north London, with the Aston Villa striker notching his 23rd attacking return of the season.

He has blanked in only one of his last eight appearances, a run that coincides with him racking up the most penalty box touches in the division.

He registered six shots in the area against the Lilywhites, only one fewer than Spurs managed as a whole.

The galvanizing effect of the return of Jack Grealish (£7.5m) can’t be underestimated, with Villa looking more like the side we saw in the first half of the campaign.

A home fixture against a defensively sound Chelsea is hardly in his favour but Grealish as a Gameweek 38 punt would otherwise be worth exploring.

As for Spurs, they might have ‘something to play for’ on the final day, but you’d never tell by Wednesday’s flat display.

It was a bad day all round for their Fantasy assets, with an anonymous Son Heung-min (£9.7m) not producing a single shot or key pass, Gareth Bale (£9.2m) benched due to the demands of the swift fixture turnaround and Harry Kane (£11.9m) perhaps trying too hard on what may have been his farewell appearance in front of the north London faithful.

It’s just one goal in four Gameweeks for Kane but the chances keep coming, with only Christian Benteke (£5.5m) having had more shots among FPL forwards in that time.

Sergio Reguilon (£5.6m) had a topsy-turvy evening, claiming the assist for Steven Bergwijn‘s (£7.0m) strike before scoring a comical own-goal to bring Villa level.

NEWCASTLE UNITED 1-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED

Joe Willock (£4.8m) scored for the sixth straight match as Newcastle United edged out Sheffield United in the final game of the season at St James’ Park.

His Fantasy Premier League ownership has increased almost tenfold in the last two Gameweeks and he is the Premier League’s joint-top goalscorer from Gameweek 30 onwards, despite starting just three matches in that time.

Already among the top five most-bought FPL midfielders of Gameweek 38, there was a late scare in the win over the Blades when he walked gingerly from the pitch.

There was, thankfully, positive news on Willock from Steve Bruce at full-time – but less encouraging updates on fellow injury victims Joelinton (£5.7m), Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.2m) and Martin Dubravka (£4.8m):

Joelinton has a knock. Saint-Maximin, we don’t know yet if it’s a calf injury or whether it’s just a kick as well so we’ll see how he is. Dubravka has a bit of a hamstring but I don’t think there’s anything too bad. Joe Willock is just fatigued.

Fulham await Newcastle in Gameweek 38 and there is encouragement for Willock’s new and existing owners in the fact that the Cottagers are without a clean sheet in their last nine matches, conceding 18 goals in that time.

The Mapgies’ shut-out on Wednesday was, as it happens, their first since Gameweek 27 and only their second on Tyneside in 2020/21.

EVERTON 1-0 WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Everton kept up the pressure on Spurs as they defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0.

Richarlison (£7.8m) ended a ten-game goal drought with the game’s only goal, nodding in a Gylfi Sigurdsson (£6.9m) corner.

But it’s Everton’s defence that has caught the eye over the last few months from a Fantasy perspective.

The Toffees have registered eight clean sheets from Gameweek 25 onwards, which is the best record in the division.

It’s on the road where they have really excelled, with six shut-outs in their last seven fixtures away from Goodison Park.

That good form on their travels will be put to the test in Gameweek 38 but a match at the Etihad mightn’t be all that daunting, with Manchester City likely to have one eye on their upcoming UEFA Champions League final clash with Chelsea.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.6m) has blanked against the might of Wolves and Sheffield United in consecutive Gameweeks but perhaps there could be some belated, unexpected joy at a mind-elsewhere Manchester City, who have shipped eight goals in their last three matches.

James Rodriguez (£7.7m) missed out against Wolves, with Carlo Ancelotti explaining:

James is out because he was a little bit tired. He didn’t play, he was out, then he played against Sheffield, we prefer not to take a risk.

1,010 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    First to 3 wins !!

    1. Son + DCL >> Mane + Iheanacho
    2. Son + DCL >> Raphinha + Firmino / Antonio

    Thanks

    1. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      2

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Hmmm. 1, I think.

    3. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      2 with Antonio (or Bamford?)

    4. Chazz69
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      2

    5. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      1

    6. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I would do 1

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

    Leading mini league by 6 points.

    A) DCL to Bamford
    B) DCL to Bamford & Gundogan to Raphinha (-4)

    Pretty certain my rival will go -4, can't be sure though.

    Cheers!

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

      Already have Dallas too.

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

      -4 might be risky if he does not take it. Can't do just Gundo to Raph?

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

        Yeah I was thinking that. Do you fancy Raph to score more then Bamford?

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

          DCL + Raph will score more than Bamford + Gundo.

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

            Why do you say that? DCL is grade A garbage. Case in point last night. You thinking heads up Raph scoring more then Bamford how come?

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

              You ignored the fact that I also put Gundogan into the equation. Do you have a mid who plays in place of Gundogan if you do DCL to Bamford?

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

                There would be just DCL coming on as is. Starting Gundogan and ESR.

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

                  Aah. Get Bamford.

    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      If you hit and he/she doesn't you are only two ahead. Who would come in for Gundo if he didn't feature?

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

        DCL lol

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I see, then top one for you.

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

    Best Bruno replacement who is not Mane, Raph, Son, Lingard or Greenwood?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Same answer answer as yesterday with even more Willock love

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

        Against Fulham, can work.

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

      Pereira

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

        Plays Leeds away. That's a solid home defense.

    3. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mahrez, Pepe, Willock

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

        Mahrez, its City. You never know.
        Pepe against a solid Brighton defense might be an issue.
        Willock is a good option.

    4. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Anyone think Torres is an option or is it just unnecessary risk?

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

        I think City is a risk.

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

        i will bring him and c him. Why not, he played only 15 mins on tuesday, i see him starting certainly more so than mahrez or foden who completed 90

    5. trinzoo
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      How about KDB? Pep might play the same XI to start with Chelsea.

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

        Might get a few minutes. Won't play 90 I think.

  4. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    How does this move sound?

    Son & Jota to Mane & Willock

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Sounds lovely

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

      sexy moves

  5. trinzoo
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Damn Fabianski, now I need to use FT on him. Who to get?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Leeds' 2nd keeper?

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

        Is he confirmed to start?

        1. Boly Would
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          "The fact that Kiko played today and will play on Sunday is a decision that I decided to make concrete," he said in his post-match press conference.

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

            Thank you!!!

  6. WVA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Would you change anything for a hit? Still not sure who to bench!

    Henderson
    TAA Dallas Coufal
    Salah(C) Son Lingard Pereira
    Kane Bamford Iheanacho
    Lloris Greenwood Shaw Ward

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      No hits. If any inkling that one or both of the Utd players start I'd put them in first XI

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

        They looked dreadful although so did most of my team! Won't start Shaw whatever but may start Greenwood over Pereira

    2. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah, no hits. Greenwood ahead of Pereira

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

      i would start greenwood over son or nacho

  7. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Just for a bit of fun (or not!) who have been the top 3 most annoying players this season? These are mine:

    1) Son
    2) Dallas
    3) Martinez

    Son.

    In my team GW1 for good fixture and blanks. Sell him on wildcard and then he proceeds to score excessively high over next 10 gameweeks. Finally relent and bring him in and he averages 4.4 ppg over the next 19 gameweeks. Sell him and of course he gets 19pts over next 2 games. Bring him back in and he blanks twice meaning he has averaged 4.1ppg over the 21 gameweeks he has been in my team.

    Dallas

    Ignored him for most of the season missing all his goals. Bring him in for a bunch of games and he does nothing spurning chances, hitting the post and no clean sheets.

    Move him on again due to downturn in fixtures and he starts banging in the goals again. Brought him back in for the last 2 gameweeks and he at least gets 2 clean sheets however has a number of shots from just outside the area that dont go in. Shots that go in when hes not in my team!

    Martinez

    Opted for McCarthy over Martinez in GW6 and then Martinez gets haul after haul whilst McCarthy gets a series of 1 pointers. Never get round to getting him due to other fires to put out and a reluctance to make a keeper transfer.

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

      Justin was really annoying! Never owned him

      1. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        yeah he was. At least personally i did own him for some of his points

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      The moral of your story is that players like that n should just be held onto all season.

      For me:
      ESR - (good rid on bench boost - went on to be top scorer that week after doing bugger all all the time I owned him).
      Digne - keep going back to him, keeps letting me down
      Sanchez - got on him straight away (needed the money at the time), but benched for Brighton's period of defensive excellence and when I put him as my first choice with drek as bench, Brighton's form fell off a cliff)

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

      A) Sterling
      B) Sterling (the second time I got him in)
      C) Justin - slowly killing rank for those left on the train station.

    4. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      1) Martinez - took him out for a hit for his blank, stuck with Johnstone for a bout 8 weeks, think it cost me 60 points in that period.
      2) Raphinha - FF darling, when I have him he is points kryptonite
      3) Salah - scored a good amount of goals, but looking at his bonus returns tells you how wasteful he is. Misses so many good chances.

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

    Would u play Son or Greenwood? (Have Kane)

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Probably the one more likely to play 90 mins

  9. Phlajo
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Do you think Meslier is going to play?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Didn't Bielsa say he wouldn't?

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

        So Meslier wont play last game then?

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          That is my understanding

          1. Boly Would
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            "The fact that Kiko played today and will play on Sunday is a decision that I decided to make concrete," he said in his post-match press conference.

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

          Well no

    2. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      No

  10. Oooo Matron
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Any thoughts here? Could do Firmino to DCL for free...

    Mendy
    TAA Digne Dallas
    Salah Son Lingard Raphina
    Kane DCL Bamford

    Subs: Forster, Holding, Greenwood, Fofana

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bobby is never the answer to any non-dental questions

  11. WVA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Son and he's still annoying me, every time I have sold him he's hauled massively, owner him a lot this season and don't nothing when I've needed him most.

    Soucek also up there, started season with him but he did nothing, sold him and he scored every other week while all my rivals had him

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

      Fail

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

    Who wins?

    A. Mendy Mee Mane Willock
    B. Henderson Coufal Son Iheanacho

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

      A

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

        🙁 is it at least close? A is my main rival who is 15 points behind me!

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Probably A, shame you couldn't get a 4th "M" in there

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

        I know my rival ruined it by getting Willock in this week who in turn ruined my lead over him! How many points difference between the two you think?

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Tricky, if Spurs/Leicester is a goal fest and none of his do anything special (which is possible) then you could do it.

          1. Fulchester's New Centr…
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Not taking into account the +15 you already have. So I think you should be okay.

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

              Thanks for the replies mate, much appreciated

  13. RealSocialDads
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Trailing by 27 points, is taking a hit an awful idea?

    Need to go all out but don't know if the hit takes me too far away

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Depends what it is, but I'd be inclined to say don't if you have XI you are reasonably happy with

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

        I have DCL (mci) Bruno (may not play) and Coady (MUN) currently starting, so my thoughts are brining Antonio and Robbo for -4, then have some 2 pointer bench cover if Bruno doesn't play

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I'd do that in your situation - Antonio and Robbo are both capable of exploding (and you need that)

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

            Think I may go for it! Thanks for the advice 🙂

            Mane is another option but can see him doing Bruno to Mane so no point me doing same

  14. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Leading my ML by 41pts after a terrible GW37 with a decimal 38pts arghhhh!

    What would you do with the team below?

    Martinez
    Shaw, Konsa, Struijk
    Salah, Son, Bruno, Raph, Lingard
    Bamford, Kane

    Sanchez, DCL, Coleman, Ward

    1.6ITB & 1FT (thinking of doing a hit if required too)

    Do you think I am just out of reach with a41pt lead?

    Thoughts on m oves I could do would be appreciated fam.

    Cheers

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

      I think you've won

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

        Dont want jinx it just yet lads lol.

        was thinking of doing these moves;

        a. Konsa > Phillips
        b. DCL & Coleman > Wood & Roberston but then beching headache?

        any other moves I cant see?

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I think you have won. Bruno to Mane is a safe move.

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

      Probably won. Look at making a defensive to cover you ML rival. Just looking at your team, DCL to Antonio or Bruno to Mane

    4. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      You easily won, I'm only 15 points ahead so I'm cacking it, he's gained over 50 points on me since I played my WC in 32

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

        Solid Captain pick and you should be ok right?

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

          Not if the past few weeks are anything to go by! It'll be Salah captain all round won't it? He may go Mane as he will know i can't get him with a hit.

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

            Salah obvious choice for sure but Mane would be great differential right

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

    Forster Meslier
    Shaw Phillips Rudiger Dallas Digne
    Salah Son Bruno Greenwood Saka
    Bamford DCL Kane

    I'm defending a 25 point lead in ML

    My rival has similar defence and forward line but has
    Bale Salah Lingard Foden Gundogan midfield.
    He also has 2 FT

    I'm thinking Greenwood to Foden as a defensive move
    Any better ideas welcomed ?!

    Many Thanks

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Get a playing keeper and relax

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

        Thanks!
        I'm hoping it's Forster's turn.

        A playing keeper might give me a few points in what might be a high scoring week but probably not a game changer.

        Foden or Lingard haul is more dangerous or someone he brings in on his FT like Iheanacho ....

  16. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    who plays and who sits on in united next game ?

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

      only who knows

  17. Podorsky
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Final Gameweek: Foden or Lindgard, I have Antonio. Would go Foden if I was assured he would start. Just thinking its Citys final game and at home, he deserves to play. Lindgard looked good yesterday, fighting for 6th place and guaranteed to play. Decisions, decisions!

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

      Lingard for me as you know he will play

  18. Big Hippo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Need to make up 13 points on the top 10k. I'm thinking Bruno & Digne to Mane & Allioski for free. Current team below...

    Martinez
    TAA / Ayling / Shaw
    Salah / Bruno / Son / Lingz / Raph
    Kane / Antonio

    Forster / Watkins / Digne / Veltman

    Sound plan?

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

      Yes that sounds very nice

  19. CJ_Wright
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Leading by 7 in mini-league, second has benchboost. Do I target hauls or block their players? Thoughts for transfers? Mahrez -> Raph, Son -> Mané? -4

    1FT
    £0.4m ITB

    My team:

    Mendy (Pickford)
    TAA, Dallas, Holding (Shaw, Fofana)
    Salah, Mount, Mahrez, Son (McTominay)
    DCL, Antonio, Watkins

    Their team:

    Martinez (Schmeichal)
    Shaw, Cancelo, Cresswell (AWB, Castagne)
    Greenwood, Lingard, Raphinha, Son (Harrison)
    Antonio, Kane, Bamford

  20. Gringo Kid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    What would you change here guys

    A) Fernandez and Nacho to Bamford and City mid -4
    B) Fernandez to City midd or Harrison for free

    Martinez/Fabri
    Robbo, TAA, Dallas/Shaw/Dunk
    Lingard, Salah ( c ), Greenwood, Bruno, Raphinha
    Kane, Antonio/Nacho

    1FT 0.0 itb

    Thanks

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

    I have Fabianski and Forster as keepers. What do we think are the chances of Forster playing, really don't want to use my only ft on a keeper?

  22. Noregretz
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    10-15 points ahead in one of my leagues

    2FT’s 1.2ITB

    Martinez
    TAA Philips Dallas, Godfrey
    Salah, Bruno, son, lings
    Kane, bam
    (McGill, dedon, vydra, amarty)

    1: Godfrey and vydra > alioski (bench) and (play) Antonio

    2. Bruno to Willock/Pepe/Harrison/raph : vydra to Antonio

    3. Open to options

  23. PAs lag
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Martinez
    TAA-Phillips-Dallas-Digne
    Salah(C)-Son-Bruno-Greenwood
    Kane (vc)-Bamford
    Bench: Forster-Bissoma-Adams-Mitchell

    1 ft 0.0 itb

    A: Greenwood>Raphina free
    B Green>Rap + Adams>Antonio - 4 and bench Digne