Scout Notes

Calvert-Lewin injury latest as Everton’s budget FPL midfielders catch the eye

We continue our Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Scout Notes from Gameweek 4 with analysis of Everton v Burnley.

EVERTON 3-1 BURNLEY

  • Goals: Michael Keane (£5.0m), Andros Townsend (£5.4m), Demarai Gray (£5.6m) | Ben Mee (£4.9m)
  • Assists: Townsend, Abdoulaye Doucoure (£5.5m) x2 | Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£5.5m)
  • Bonus (projected): Townsend x3, Doucoure x2, Keane x1

CALVERT-LEWIN INJURED

Everton manager Rafa Benitez confirmed shortly before kick-off that Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£8.2m) could be out for “two or three weeks”, but did warn it could be longer.

“He has broken his toe. He was training with problems and playing with pain. He had an injury the other day to his quadriceps and we have to wait two-to-three weeks, maybe more.”

Calvert-Lewin had been playing through the pain barrier but the England international now faces a spell on the sidelines, with Everton facing Aston Villa (a), Norwich City (h) and Manchester United (a) before the next international break in October.

EVERTON CHANGE SHAPE AS BUDGET MIDFIELDERS IMPRESS

As a result of Calvert-Lewin’s injury, Benitez switched to a back three formation with Richarlison (£7.5m) leading the line, flanked by Demarai Gray (£5.6m) and Andros Townsend (£5.4m).

However, Everton struggled in their new shape and lacked intensity until they moved to a 4-3-3 on the hour mark. That signalled an instant improvement, with Townsend and Gray adding to Michael Keane’s (£5.0m) earlier strike.

It’s now three goals in as matches for Gray this season, though it is worth noting that they have arrived from just three shots on target, while Abdoulaye Doucoure (£5.5m) produced two assists and also had a goal disallowed for offside. 

Demarai Gray’s goal attempts in 2021/22 (shots on target in green)

Meanwhile, it was a quiet night for Richarlison, who ended the match with just one goal attempt and was replaced by new-signing Salomon Rondon (£6.0m) on 81 minutes.

The Toffees won their opener against Southampton once Benitez switched his system at half-time, and his tactical changes were key to Everton remaining unbeaten once again.

BURNLEY STRUGGLE WITH EVERTON CHANGES

A well drilled Burnley side impressed for 60 minutes at Goodison Park, but struggled to cope after Everton’s changes.

Before that, Ben Mee (£4.9m) had converted from a Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£5.5m) cross, netting on his 200th Premier League appearance.

Elsewhere, Chris Wood (£6.9m) missed an early big chance, as he couldn’t get a head on a lovely Dwight McNeil (£5.9m) cross, though his off the ball movement and running in behind was good for the opening 45 minutes.

Following the defeat, Burnley are still without a win and sit 18th in the table with just one point from their opening four matches.

“We are quite a wise group and they know you have to make it happen. We had a mad six minutes which cost us. We did not respond to their leveller and it killed our performance. A lot of it was right.

The challenge you have in football is that you are searching for the first win but if you come off it a little bit, give the ball away cheaply and they score. The yardages are important when you are on top, you keep up the pressure.

Last year home and away form changed, we kept the stadium quiet but our group is wise enough to know fans change quickly. That is part of being in the Premier League.

Last season we had injuries and were stretched. The performances are not far away but the margins are tight. We are performing well as a team but we cannot keep having a soft 10 minutes against Brighton and a soft six minutes here.” – Sean Dyche

EVERTON XI: Pickford, Godfrey (Gomes 61), Keane, Mina, Coleman, Allan, Doucoure, Digne, Gray (Iwobi 88), Townsend, Richarlison (Rondon 81)

BURNLEY XI: Pope, Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor, Gudmundsson (Lennon 76), Westwood, Brownhill, McNeil, Barnes (Vyrdra 76), Wood (Rodriguez 86)

1,594 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Energetics
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Which team long term?

    A.
    Taa Shaw Rudiger Semedo Livramento
    Salah Jota Raphina Sissoko 4.5
    CR7 Lukaku 4.5

    B.
    Taa Shaw Rudiger Williams Livramento
    Salah Jota Raphina Traore Sissoko
    Cr7 Antonio Bamford

    1. demob
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

    3. It’s A Joke
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I see no point in 4.5 strikers. Upgrade to Dennis.

      1. Energetics
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        No money spare

        But how often do you use 3rd sub?

        1. It’s A Joke
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I’ll be using them all next week!

  2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Admittedly haven't seen enough of Everton this season apart from MOTD or highlights, is DCL being out likely a good or a bad thing for Gray?

    1. demob
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      looked like a good thing tonight

  3. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Benching Antonio, who would you play out of these 3?

    1. Sissoko
    2. Willians
    3. Livramento

    1. Kodap
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Williams*

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      2

    3. It’s A Joke
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      1

    4. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      1

    5. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Sissoko

    6. Energetics
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Same 3 sub.

      Currently on Williams, Sissoko first sub

    7. Nightf0x
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Im playjng siskoko

    8. StingRay
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      1 = Sissoko in a very attacking position for Watford who have Norwich and Newcastle next.

    9. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      2

  4. Moose™
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Bottomed

    Sanchez

    TAA Shaw Coufal Livramento

    Salah Bruno Gray Benny

    CR7 Antonio*

    Steele Gilmour Tsimikas Scarlett

    1FT & 0.3ITB

    Any ideas what to do with this team?
    1. Potentially playing with 10 players only with the red card of Antonio.
    2. WHU double up against UTD not really ideal.
    3. Never took a hit this season. Does this team warrant a WC?

    1. Moose™
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Anyone? Need some opinions on my team..

      1. space mercenary
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Looks good but depends on which players you want. 2 transfers itb would be handy.

        1. Moose™
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Coufal looks likely to drop in price.. Coufal to Williams?

          Antonio to Jimenez/Bamford

          Should I take (-4) this week?

      2. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Tsimikas>Williams

        1. Moose™
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Keep the WHU players ya?

          1. have you seen cyan
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            well its not ideal, but u may as well keep Antonio. Ben is the one who needs to go, but this week you need to cover Antonio. Williams isnt a great option, but he is nailed, and if he ever gets a cs, you'd figure it might be at home to Watford.

            1. Moose™
              • 11 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Yup. I am inclined towards keeping Antonio..

              Tsimi > Williams enable to do Benny > Raphinha.

              Worth it for (-4)?

      3. Will Kane
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        It doesn't need a wildcard. I think given the state of your bench you can't carry Antonio - maybe switch to Bamford?

        1. Moose™
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Yup.. my bench are non-existent...Gilmour was dropped for the first time I think.. Antonio to Jimenez or Bamford..

          But, WHU fixtures after UTD looking good tho

    2. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Tough decisions to make but 100% no to wildcard idea, and should be fine keeping WC beyond GW7 also.

      I’d suggest thinking of what structure you want for GW7 and planning transfers based on that

      1. Moose™
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Planning to insert Lukaku in.. but its tough to fit th marvellous 4 into the team..

        Leeds players quite underwhelming.. Leeds and Wolves players tempting due to their fixtures..

        1. Gandalf
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Yup I’m not sold on the Leeds players either and only Raphinha’s ownership concerning me a bit. I’m wary of dropping Antonio, 3 double digit hauls can’t just be forgotten, but could be a chance to get in Lukaku now for a hit and enhance chance of not needing GW7 wc

          1. Moose™
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Drop Antonio now, and buy back when hes cheaper?

            Sounds crypto-ish lol

            1. Gandalf
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              He won’t go back to 7.5 if bought him then, so not cost efficient to drop if want to keep thereafter and would lead to hits (unless of course WC GW7). Pretty much impossible to have CR7, Ronaldo, Antonio, Salah and TAA, so if playing the fixtures then may well need to be Lukaku Antonio from GW7 and drop Ronaldo for his run of bad fixtures (but then no fixture is bad for Ronaldo..) tough decisions ahead

  5. EgyptianKing
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Benrahma to….

    A) Raphinha
    B) Gray

    Cheers!

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. Energetics
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

    4. Moose™
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

    5. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

      A

    7. Nightf0x
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Same 1st plan was dcl raph, but now bamford so might get docore or gray or sarr instead of raph

  6. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Williams AND livra is asking for trouble on wc isnt it?

    1. Energetics
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Think both will start every week

    2. Moose™
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Both nailed atm and playing full backs.. What could go wrong?

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        And with good fixtures coming up too!!

        1. Man Chest Hair United
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Is Duffy also nailed?

    3. space mercenary
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I drafted in both plus Duffy and finished on 84 pts this week

    4. Will Kane
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I'd be getting both if I was on WC

  7. Rider on the Storm
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Rp : Best 4.5 goalkeeper combo?

  8. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Meslier, Foster
    TAA, Dier, White, Digne, Tsimikas
    Salah, Benrahma, Raphina, Torres, Gilmour
    Ronaldo, Bamford, Antonio

    WC this for Lukaku and be done with it, or have faith in my Leeds trio, Benrahma and Torres and just replace Antonio? Then get Lukaku in GW7?

    Never usually WC this early, but feels like now is the time to do it.

    1. Man Chest Hair United
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      No rush for Lukaku against spurs then city.
      Antonio to Jiminez perhaps?

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        True, although that Spurs defence looks ripe for the picking.

        Weeks like this are tough to take.

      2. space mercenary
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Spurs defencive numbers are some of the worst in the league.

    2. Moose™
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I feel like the need to use my WC early too..

  9. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I think I read Son is back this week, is that true?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Is it true that you think you read it?

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        did u hear anything down the grapevine?

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

      If he is I’m keeping Kane, heck I might even get Son too

  10. Man Chest Hair United
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    On wildacrd who would you chose for a defender up to 5,6

    A Shaw ( look to move to James in 2 weeks)
    B James
    C Laporte
    D Periera

    1. Energetics
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

      1. Man Chest Hair United
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        do you think he walks striaght back into the team?

        1. George Agdgdgwngo
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Yes

  11. tbos83
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Madness to start White (v Bur) over Shaw (v WHU)?

    1. Energetics
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

      1. Man Chest Hair United
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I wouldnt

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      yes, Antonio-less WHU

  12. Daniyal
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Any chance DCL drops tonight ?

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I don't think but it's possible as the price prediction sites have been way off so far this season

  13. 03farmboy
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Toney and Antonio out for Lukaku and Scarlett -4
    Or
    Toney out for Bamford 1 ft

    Which is best option this week?

    1. Will Kane
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Bamford for free

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

      get bam

  14. mrtapio
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    On a WC. What would you go for?

    A: Traore (Bench: Livra, Williams, Sissoko)
    B: Shaw/Rudiger/James/Digne (Bench: Livra/Williams, Sissoko, McArthur
    C: Livra/Williams + 1.5m (Bench: Livra/Williams, Sissoko, McArthur)

    A is 3-4-3 and B/C 4-3-3. Not sure what to do with the money from C. Could use it to upgrade Torres, Bamford or one defender later.

    WC team with Lukaku, Ronaldo, Salah and TAA. The mighty four

  15. marcos11
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Bruno/Toney > Ronaldo/Gray worth a -4?

    1. Moose™
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes!

    2. Will Kane
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I just did almost the same (Docoure instead of Gray) but for free. It's probably still worth it for a -4 if Toney falls and Ronaldo rises tonight

  16. tommo1989
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I thought Bamford appeared to be holding his hamstring at the end of the game yesterday? I am imagining it? Do we know for sure he’s fine before I transfer him in?

  17. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Would you

    A play team below and carry transfer
    B Antonio to Bamford and play over Coufal -free transfer
    C Benrahma to Gray on free
    D Coufal to Semedo on free
    E Ayling to Duffy on free

    Sanchez
    TAA Coufal Ayling Shaw
    Salah Greenwood Jota Raphinha Benrahma
    Ronaldo

    Foster Livramento Scarlett Antonio

  18. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC -

    Ramsdale, Foster.
    TAA, Alonso, Marcal, Duffy, Livramento.
    Salah, Jota, Raphinha, Sarr, Sissoko.
    Ronaldo, Bamford, Antonio.

    1. Moose™
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Alonso nailed?

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

    As if Gray scored again, literally every option is scoring points except the bleeders in my 15!

  20. Runnerboy31
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    This game is so silly isn’t it. Think I’ve just had by best ever GW rank and overall rank ever at the same time and mi first thought I’d “if only I’d captained Antonio instead of Benrahma last week!!” - never truly satisfied!

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Greed is unfortunately an important part of the human condition, makes us strive for more but also can be ruinous!

      1. Runnerboy31
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Haha - you always convinced useful if you were just that bit higher you’d be 100% happy - always a fallacy!

  21. TheOneAndOnly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    A) Raphina + Jimenez
    B) Bamford + Traore

    1. Moose™
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I like A more

  22. Oooo Matron
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Which one?
    A) Raphina & Bamford
    B) Raphina & Jiminez
    C) Pepe & Jiminez
    D) Gray & Bamford
    D) Any other suggestions!

    1. Moose™
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      I’d say D. Slightly nervous about Leeds and Wolves so wouldn’t want double Leeds.

    3. Runnerboy31
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      D - although Doucoure could be an interesting differential

    4. StingRay
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      My midfielders ( which allows me to include CR7 / ROM / Antonio) are SALAH / GREENWOOD / GRAY / GALLAGHER / SISSOKO.

      I have a few concerns about Leeds, despite there easy run of games, but yeah BAMFORD and Raphinha.

      I wud not ship out Antonio for Bamford though.

      Jimenez not ready yet.

      Pepe a worthy shout

      1. Oooo Matron
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Bold - seems like we're stuck between cheap options with dubious long term value & reliable hitters out of form. Hard to know which way to go - Pepe & Bamford would be ideal but too expensive for now.

        Jota looks good, but sub 7.5 strikers look ropey

  23. StingRay
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Pls RMT. I think I’ve found a great way of keeping a balanced side whilst still keeping the big names, which includes both CR7 & Lukaku. Advice would be great. Thx in advance.

    Sanchez / ( Steer )

    TAA / Marçal / White / ( Livramento ) / ( Williams )

    Salah / Greenwood / Gray / Gallagher / Sissoko

    CR7 / Lukaku / ( Antonio )

    0.0 itb

    Cud also do Omobamidele & a 4.5 def, (e.g. Coady or Sánchez or Tomiyasu)

  24. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Am I crazy for thinking of Lukaku (C) this week? I've been pretty sensible with captain picks so far this season which has often been an issue for me (Salah, Salah, Son, Lukaku) but I just think with Spurs missing a few defenders and possibly having to throw Romero into the deep end when he hasn't really settled yet that they're there for the taking. They haven't impressed at all despite their first 3 results and Palace completely outplayed them (even before the red card) and Chelsea just look so strong all over the pitch, I can't see Spurs' midfield coping with Chelsea.

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

      I agree with all your points. I wouldn’t have the courage to do it because of the alternatives

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

      Not at all, I’m sat here thinking Kane (C) LOL

    3. space mercenary
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Could be a shrewd differential. Wish I had the kahoonas to do it

    4. Khark
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Im on it.

      Granted that's because i don't have Salah, but lets not let that cloud your judgement of me lol

    5. We Go Again
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I just can't see past Salah at home to Palace tbh.

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

    Which would people choose?

    Jimenez & Raphinha
    Or
    Bamford & Traore

    1. TheOneAndOnly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Just asked the same above. Thinking Jimenez and Raphina but not sure

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Jimenez and Raphina

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

      Just seen your post. Stupid me ha. Yeah I agree I think. It’s very close though. I think both the strikers are the better options. But do think Raphinha is better than Traore

      1. TheOneAndOnly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I prefer Raphina to Traore. Set-pieces for him is probably what's swaying me that way

  26. 03farmboy
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Toney and Antonio out for Lukaku and Scarlett - 4
    Or
    Toney out for Bamford in 1 ft

    Best move this week??

  27. HD7
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    WC:
    0.4 ITB

    Any bright ideas? Obviously Scarlett aint the best option

    Sanchez
    Trent White Dias Marcal
    Salah Raph Gray Sarr
    Ronaldo Lukaku

    Steele Gallagher Livra Scarlett

    Sanchez White Gallagher -> Ramsdale, James, Sissoko?

  28. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Do I need to wc now with dcl out?

    Sanchez Foster*
    TAA Shaw Coufal Williams Tsimikas*
    Salah Greenwood* Raphinha Benrahma* Gilmour
    Ronaldo dcl* Antonio

    0FT. Already in a -4. * Changes probably would be made.

  29. Pep's Money Laundry
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Please pick one for my wc team, bare in mind they'll be my 5th defender so price difference also comes into it

    A. Williams
    B. Duffy

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

  30. BlzE_94
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Finally set on this WC team!

    Sanchez
    TAA Cancelo James Shaw
    Salah Raphina Gray Gallagher
    Ronaldo Lukaku

    Steele Sissoko Livramento Locadia

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Very noice

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

      Excellent team on paper

    3. 03farmboy
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Tempting me to wildcard seeing this haha