Scout Notes

Budget Phillips hauls, Moyes on penalties, and Mitchell’s fitness: Gameweek 37 notes

Our round-up of the Gameweek 37 action concludes with the final three matches to be contested on Wednesday.

You can read our recap of Everton v Wolves, Newcastle v Sheffield United and Spurs v Aston Villa here.

Burnley 0-3 Liverpool

  • Goals: Roberto Firmino (£9.1m), Nat Phillips (£4.1m), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (£6.3m)
  • Assists: Andy Robertson (£7.2m) x2, Sadio Mane (£11.7m)
  • Bonus Points: Robertson x3 Firmino x2 Phillips x1

Liverpool continued their well-timed run for a Champions League place with a contradictory victory at Burnley.

The scoreline was emphatic, as might be expected from a game in which the Reds out-shot their hosts 20 to 10. But Jurgen Klopp’s men were sloppy enough to only find the target with three of those shots, even if all of them found the net.

Such contrasts were of no interest to most Fantasy managers, however. The bottom line for the 41.1% who owned Mohamed Salah (£12.8m) – and the many who also captained him – was a first blank in seven starts.

The goals were instead shared around, with the cut-price charms of centre-half Nat Phillips (£4.1m) further boosted by a first-ever league strike to go with a second clean sheet from the past four Gameweeks.

He was excellent on the night, leading the way for clearances, blocks and interceptions (CBI), with 11, and aerial duels won (nine), and could consider himself unlucky to be awarded just the one bonus point.

The maximum went to Andy Robertson (£7.2m). He set up two goals, including the opener for  Roberto Firmino (£9.1m), who has found some fine late-season form involving three goals and an assist from his last four starts.

Burnley were predictably combative, but the goals have dried up over the last two Gameweeks for Chris Wood (£6.5m) – although he did miss a big chance to open the scoring last night – and the defence is equally out of sorts, having conceded seven times in that spell.

That meant no dream debut for Clarets keeper Will Norris (£4.0m), who was a surprise choice ahead of Bailey Peacock-Farrell (£4.0m).

Burnley manager Sean Dyche explained that decision post-match:

Will has been terrific, to be fair to him, in and around the group, and that’s why he’s been on the bench a number of times, and it’s just out of respect to him.

A last-day trip to Sheffield United might persuade owners of Burnley players to stick with what they have, but Liverpool’s must-win home clash with Crystal Palace is where most of the Fantasy interest will be.

Burnley XI (4-4-1-1): Norris; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor; Westwood, Cork (Vydra 76), McNeil, Gudmundsson; Brownhill; Wood.

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, Rhys Williams, Robertson; Thiago, Fabinho, Wijnaldum (Milner 86); Salah, Firmino (Oxlade-Chamberlain 81), Mane (Tsimikas 90+2).

West Bromwich Albion 1-3 West Ham United

 1
  • Goals: Matheus Pereira (£5.4m) | Tomas Soucek (£5.2m), Angelo Ogbonna (£4.7m), Michail Antonio (£6.6m)
  • Assists: Said Benrahma (£5.9m), Aaron Cresswell (£5.6m), Jesse Lingard (£6.6m)
  • Bonus Points: Antonio x3 Lingard x2 Soucek x1

West Ham kept their European ambitions bubbling nicely with a come-from-behind win over West Brom.

Three of the side’s key Fantasy assets this season found the net.

Tomas Soucek (£5.2m), once owned by more than 1.7m managers, scored for the first time in eight Gameweeks, while the 29.4%-owned Jesse Lingard (£6.6m) broke a four-match drought to set up Michail Antonio‘s (£6.6m and 9.3%) late clincher.

Another big performer for the Hammers, Aaron Cresswell (£5.6m), made it 11 assists for the season, but his first since Gameweek 27, and the in-form Said Benrahma (£5.9m) chipped in with a third return from the last four matches.

The only downsides involved a missed penalty from Declan Rice (£4.7m), whose well-struck spot-kick beat Baggies keeper Sam Johnstone (£4.6m) but hit the post, and an injury to Lukasz Fabianski (£5.0m) in the warm-up, with no immediate news on the severity of the suspected knee issue.

David Moyes said after the game:

[Fabianski] kicked a ball and felt his knee, so it is something to do with his knee, I don’t know what he has done if it is bad or not too bad – we have no idea.

No [there was no debate about who would take the penalty]. Jesse has been asking for it and he has already asked me again. I think there are a few wanting them now but overall I told Dec to take it and he knew that he was on them if we got one.

The win means the Hammers have much to play for in Gameweek 38’s visit from Southampton, with a draw ensuring sixth place and a Europa League spot, while the rather more questionable prize that is a place in the Europa Conference League play-off round could be theirs even if they lose to the Saints.

Such riches are the stuff of dreams for the Championship-bound Baggies, but Matheus Pereira (£5.4m) continued his one-man form tornado with yet another haul last night.

The 5.5%-owned midfielder’s sixth goal in eight matches (he also three assists) was his most fortunate. His corner went straight in, with a strong early suggestion that Soucek had actually flicked it on for an own goal.

Since racking up 21 points in a Gameweek 30 masterclass at Chelsea, Pereira has been a major force among midfielders, joint-top for goals (six), shots on target (13) and big chances created (five).

A trip to Leeds on Sunday will be tough, but Pereira is close to fixture-proof at present, having been involved in goals against Liverpool and Arsenal in recent weeks.

West Brom XI (4-4-1-1): Johnstone; Furlong, Bartley, Ajayi, Townsend; Phillips, Gallagher, Maitland-Niles, Yokuslu; Pereira; Robson-Kanu.

West Ham XI (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Cresswell, Coufal, Dawson, Ogbonna; Soucek, Rice; Benrahma, Lingard, Fornals; Antonio.

Crystal Palace 1-3 Arsenal

  • Goals: Christian Benteke (£5.5m) | Nicolas Pepe (£7.6m) x2 Gabriel Martinelli (£4.9m)
  • Assists: Andros Townsend (£5.5m) | Keiran Tierney (£5.2m), Martin Odegaard (£5.6m)
  • Bonus Points: Pepe x3 Townsend x2 Benteke x1

Roy Hodgson’s final home game as Crystal Palace boss prompted Arsenal attacker Nicolas Pepe (£7.6m) to spoil the party and deliver only his second double-digit haul of an up and down season.

The midfielder started and finished the scoring, with a degree of tetchiness between the teams and a Palace comeback to keep things interesting in between.

Pepe has now scored in consecutive starts for the Gunners, but those managers tempted by the 1.2%-owned star’s differential potential for Sunday’s visit by Brighton should be aware that this is the first time he’s managed that milestone all season.

Palace striker Christian Benteke (£5.5m) has proved to be much more consistent over the run-in, with his second-half equaliser making it four goals in as many starts for the Belgium international.

He’s another differential in the making, with 1.6% ownership, and there would be a certain irony should he, a former Red, score at Anfield on Sunday to mark ex-Liverpool boss Hodgson’s last match as a manager.

And if sentiment doesn’t so it for you, stats might do.

Benteke leads the way among forwards for goals, attempts (19) and shots on target (10) during his current purple patch, although he did have a Double Gameweek 35 to boost his numbers compared to some.

The striker came off after 78 minutes last night, however, with Hodgson delivering some post-match news on the Belgian and Tyrick Mitchell’s (£3.8m) condition:

Chris [Benteke], it looked like he was feeling something around his ankle or Achilles. I’ve not checked up with physios yet. Tyrick [Mitchell] I wasn’t quite so aware, I think that could quite simply be the fatigue.

As for Arsenal, coach Mikel Arteta has trusted in youth for much of the campaign, with the likes of Emile Smith Rowe (£4.2m) and last night’s goalscoring substitute Gabriel Martinelli (£4.9m) cheap ways into Sunday’s match.

A place in the Europa Conference League could be up for grabs for the Gunners… should they actually want it.

Crystal Palace XI (4-3-3): Guaita; Ward, Tomkins, Cahill, Mitchell; Kouyate, McCarthy (Riedewald 82), Schlupp; Townsend, Zaha, Benteke (J Ayew 79).

Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Holding, Chambers, Gabriel, Tierney (Xhaka 78); Elneny (Martinelli 78), Partey; Saka (Odegaard 65), Pepe, Smith Rowe; Aubameyang.

366 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Drexl Spivey
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is there a good reason Kane is selling in droves ahead of a golden boot standoff?

    1. Lemongrab
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Didn't score this GW, and I suppose a less than optimal fixture. No way I'm selling.

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

      I'm not selling him. Leicester need to win, Evans likely out and Bale should be back for Spurs.

    3. GOTHAM City F.C.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Who are they selling for?

      1. No Kane No Gain
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Aguero

        1. Drexl Spivey
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Aguero's dropping, funny enough.

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

    what are greenwood owners doing? rolling the dice on some decent playing time or being aggressive and moving out (or even benching)?

    1. Men in green tights
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I am holding , transferring out Bruno for mane or Harrison

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

      Playing him.

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

      Moved him out for Lingard

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

    Evident OG from Soucek, what’s wrong with FPL?

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

      What's wrong with OPTA?

  4. Mighty Wings
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Would you guys play Martinez or Forster?

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

      Neither is likely to keep a clean sheet. I'd play Martinez and hope he makes 9 saves.

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

        Thanks

  5. GOTHAM City F.C.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A. Son to Mane
    B. Coleman to Dallas

    Leading ML by 8 points and have Meslier/Foster in goal.

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

      B

  6. RamboRN
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Raphina or Harrison?

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

      Raph.

    2. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Harrison if chasing

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

    So Mesilier def not playing the final gw then?

  8. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    24 behind ml leader what do i do

    i no he will cap salah.

    my differentials are lingard he has jwp , son he has bruno,

    he has mendy i have areola, i have trent he has nat phillips.

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

      maybe captain Trent.

      Get Mane in and captain him?

      1. Hazardous1983
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        very good options, just afraid that not captaining salah will mess up my overall rank and my other mini leagues where i am going to win some dough

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

          need to decide what you're aim is then. Not catching 24 points with the same captain, simple as.

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

    Sorry made a mistake on previous post!

    Trailing ML by 2 pts:

    He has Allison, Shaw, Digne, Semedo, Son, Raphinha, Watkins, Nacho (1FT)
    I Have Mendy, Holding, Boly, Soyuncu, Mahrez, Jota, Kane, Bamford (2FT)

    What should i do?

    A Soyuncu & Jota to Robertson & Raph
    B Jota & Mahrez to Mane & 5.3 max mid (Willock, Soucek, ESR)
    C DCL, Jota & Mahrez to Antonio, Mane & Raph (-4)

  10. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    what to do with this

    areola (sanchez)
    holding shaw taa (digne reguillon)
    son salah lingard rafhina greenwod
    kane bamford (watkins)

    0.2 in bank 1 ft

  11. One Wheels Enough
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Should I play:

    A) JWP over DCL

    B) or take a hit and get Bam in for DCL and bench JWP?

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

      no reason DCL can't score v city.

      1. One Wheels Enough
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        So play DCL over JWP then...

      2. seanie3
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        True, but very very unlikely.. if he can’t score against Sheffield Utd or wolves why will he score against Man City

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

    3 best defenders. Have TAA and Rudiger
    3 best forwards. Have Antonio, Kane and DCL....not sure Kane is worth his spot and DCL will go. Money not too big a problem.
    Son out for Mane?
    Thanks guys !

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

      DCL to Bamford, keep Kane.

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

    Who’s going to be the surprise player points wise in 38?

  14. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Have both Kane and Son, and looking to do Son -> Mane(also have Salah). Will have triple Liverpool and only Kane from Spurs. Sounds right, given the final fixtures?

  15. gonzalocampos
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I am winning my $6K ML by 48 points (current rank: 10.5K). Would you take a hit on this team to secure the win?

    Martinez
    TAA - Phillips - Rudiger*
    Lingard - Salah (C) - Son - Fernandes*
    Kane - Antonio - Bamford
    Subs: Guaita - Smith Roe - Coady - Keane

    1. Jack Burton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Na leave it mate and congratulations

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

        Thank you

  16. FPL Theorist
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Are people selling Bruno even if they can't get Mane (already have 3 Liverpool)?

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

    Ings to Manchester United in the summer?

    A year left on his contract.

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

      Is he better option than Cavani? certainly not less injury prone.
      We saw how it went last time he was at top club, maybe mid table club is his optimal reach, and that is okay

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

      No way.

    3. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Body's like a bag of twiglets.

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

    Is Greenwood likely to start?

    1. One Wheels Enough
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      He did when they played the 'B' team against Leicester

    2. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Guessing cameo more likely, but who knows?

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

      Likely to play imo as I dont think he will be in the starting line up for the Europa final.

    4. Joburger
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      If he is earmarked to start in the Europa Final I doubt that he will start vs Wolves.

  19. seanie3
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    What’s al the love for mane? Hasn’t score since gw32

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

      Decent record vs Palace, getting mentioned in couple of podcast. No standout punts.

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

      If you watch the last couple of games you'll see how unfortunate he's been not to return. I've captained 2 weeks running, still not losing the faith.

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

      His npxG+xA is .66

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

    Why is Bamford so popular now...is Wood now a better choice vs SHU?

    1. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I believe he has 16 goals and 11 assists this season and is about to face a leaky WB. Leeds are also about to play in front of fans, lots to like. I reckon Wood is an excellent pick too though, Burnley played some really decent football against Pool, particularly second half.

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

    Lads

    Which is the better move or do both!

    A. DCL > Bamford or Antonio
    B. Son > Mane

    Thanks

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

      i have got in mane and antonio. I think antonio could do very well. Ssints worst team over the last two games defensively, He's also on pens

      Man is a punt. Not the player he was

    2. Dr.Oftaw
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

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

    I see Bamford is very popular, but surely Wood is more likely to score against SHU? Who would you go for?

  23. Dr.Oftaw
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Afternoon people
    Have Mahrez and Foden keep or sell?

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      How many FTs have you got and how good is your bench? I'd wait wait for pressers before making a decision

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

    1 gameweek to go. 2 free transfers. Really need to make them count!

  25. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who scores more,

    A. Bale + 4
    B. Iheanacho

  26. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Kelechi and Azpi -> Telles and Antonio for free??

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

      Nope, wouldn't drop Iheanacho

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

      Wouldn't drop azpi either.

    3. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'd keep both

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

    Does anyone know what players will be due a price increase?

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Do you want the full list or what?

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

        I am thinking of bringing in Bamford, Mane and Antonio so was wondering if I need to pull the trigger now, if price increases I wont be able to afford them.

        Thanks

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

          http://www.fplstatistics.co.uk/Home/IndexAndroid2

          Looks like Mane will rise soon, Bamford is also close

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

            Soon as in, after around 9 hours.

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

              Thanks, for that.

              Hate doing early transfers, but I will be priced out.

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

    58 point mini league lead ..
    16 points of 1k

    Concentrate on ML or go for 1k

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      How off-reservation were you thinking of going for top 1k?

  29. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    If Man U win Europa, will England get 3 slots? Wish to see if Everton have a chance at number 7

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      There’s a third completion starting next season I believe - the conference league or something

      Pretty much every club in Europe will be playing in one of these leagues by the time all’s said & done

    2. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Number 7 will get into the Europa Conference League regardless of Europa League outcome. 5th and 6th into the regular Europa League.

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

    Would you do a 8ph for this team? Am 20 pts behind ML leader. If not, who would you bring in?
    Mendy
    Rudiger, TAA, Robertson
    Salah, Willock, Lingard, Son (Greenwood on bench?)
    Bamford, Wood, Antonio