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

    Blimey DCL dropping quickly.

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

      Jesus yeah

  2. Well you know, Triffic
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Bamford saying his hamstring was 'pinging' at full time:

    https://twitter.com/fullback03/status/1437294319673749508?s=20

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

      Uh oh

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Faaak

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

      What a week!

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

      wow.

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

      I knew I noticed something after the final whistle when he was holding it but everyone kept telling me he was fine!

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

        You did to be fair. Well spotted.

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

      Just as I was about to confirm his transfer in as well. FFS

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

      I was so dead set on Antonio - Bamford, and having not pulled the trigger yet im no wondering whether Jimenez or infact bench Antonio is the play to make.

      FPL i love you and hate you all the same.

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

      theres only Lukaku and Ronaldo left, all other strikers are RIP

  3. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    How are Arsenal going to lineup in the upcoming games with Auba, Pepe, Saka, ESR & Odegaard?

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Auba Saka nailed. Esr and Odengaard should be aswell

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

      There was an interesting article on Athletic about how they ended the game in a 4-3-3 and looked better for it.

      Pepe, Auba, Saka
      ESR, Partey, Odegaard

      Think I'm taking a punt on ESR and hoping that fixtures breed form. He'll be my 9th attacker to cover Antonio this week - so not a huge risk.

    3. MikeS
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      All nailed but Pepe.. who is crap

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

    Full squad shown this time. Is it time to wildcard ? I’ve 1ft
    Sanchez (Steele)
    Shaw Trent Tanganga Amartey Omobamidele
    Bruno Salah Benrahma Greenwood Brownhill
    Antonio Ings Jimenez

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

    Raphinha vs Newcastle has the kind of stat matchup I check for when picking captains. Definitely won't cap or even vice cap, but holy smokes

  6. Amartey Partey
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Why have all subs gone in except for DCL?

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

      they have for me

      1. Amartey Partey
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Do you have DCL?

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

          yep, Livra came in luckily

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

    All good for GW5?

    Mendy
    Duffy TAA Shaw
    Benrahma Salah Raphina Gray
    Lukaku Ronaldo Dennis

    Foster Bissouma Pinnock Livramento

    Cap pending

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

    What do you guys think of my wc team?

    Schmichel
    Trent James Semedo White (Livramento)
    Salah Gray Gallagher Jota/Torres (Sissoko)
    Lukaku Ronaldo (Borja)

    1. SilentLemonMan
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I have the exact same team but with Cancelo over White and Raph instead of Jota/Torres

      1. Thinkering like a Boss
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Your team is better imo

        1. Carlton P
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          This

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

        With Schmeichel in goal?

        I'd be 0.2 short of your team.

        1. SilentLemonMan
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah

          Although I like the Jota/Torres pick - Torres could easy bag a hat-trick against Southampton

  9. Shack
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Chances of an Ings price drop tonight (on -94.8 on FPL Stats). Thanks!!!

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

      Could happen but with DCL, Antonio and now possibly Bamford issues might not happen just yet

  10. jblakes
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Will grey rise tonight? He is a trap, Everton looked poor tonight

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

      My rank jumped quite a bit because of Gray. At 5.6 he is hardly a trap at this point and likely to rise.

      1. jblakes
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        For who though
        Torres Benny Salah jota.

        Also will need a transfer to sort DCL out as he's crocked

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

      Tell you who didn't look poor, doucoure when he got moved from DM to CM he looked flames

      1. jblakes
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah but gray is oop

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

          did you mean to say poop? 😉

  11. dabber7
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is it likely that TAA's price will rise before the Champions League match against Milan on Wednesday, basically either tonight or tomorrow night? He's currently on 82.7% at FPL statistics ...

    Many thanks

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

    That DCL injury has really screwed me over on wc, im looking at 4-4-2's with Lukaku now 🙁

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Exactly the same here, eurghhh!

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

      Yep, that's what I ended up doing. Lukaku and Ronaldo upfront.
      Jota-torres-salah-gray mid (Allan sub)
      Taa-white-semedo-dier defence

  13. Slurpy
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Would you wildcard this or take a -4 and bench antonio?
    Sanchez (Foster)
    TAA Shaw Ayling White (Amartey)
    Salah Greenwood Torres Benrahma (Brownhill)
    DCL* Antonio* Lukaku

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

      Whats the -4? Just do DCL out but wait on Bamford injury news.

      1. Slurpy
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I cant see any options I want to replace DCL

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

    Sanchez
    TAA, Shaw, Coufal
    Salah, Greenwood, Benrahma, Barnes
    Toney, Antonio, CR7

    Steele, Amartey, Tsimikas, Gilmour

    1FT £1M itb

    Early thoughts with this is to do Tsimikas to a wolves defender, Coady/Semedo/Marcal. Go 442 next week and bench Antonio (ive had him since the start so have value tied up)

    How does that sound? Any other suggestions

  15. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    For the next 2:
    A) Ronaldo Pukki Benrahma
    B) Lukaku Bamford Gray

  16. Salah’s Sonnet
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Hi guys, appreciate some help here.

    Sanchez
    Tierney - TAA - Shaw
    Raphinha - Salah - Jota - Benrahma
    Antonio* - Ronaldo - DCL*
    _______________________________
    Foster: Williams: Livramento: Allan

    1FT, 0.2 ITB

    Just catching up on stuff now, so in light of DCL’s injury, and now Antonio out also even for just one week, I really do feel like just doing:

    Antonio & DCL > Lukaku + Scarlett for -4

    Then just rotate Williams/Livramento in a 442

    Agree with this? Or not? Any help welcome, cheers gents.

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

      A. I had similar team and did dcl, Antonio and Benny to Lukaku, gray and Scarlett

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Nice, good moves there on your part bud, could kick myself now as I had Gray & Lukaku on a -4 before WC’ing before GW4 lol, ah well these things happen, looks like 442 it is then and have all the premiums

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

          Yer mate, worth doing I think if you factor in the price changes too. Dcl plummeting and gray rocketing.. Lukaku probably in for another rise this week too and antonio another fall..

          1. Salah’s Sonnet
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Definitely, like I say Gray can wait as still easily be able to afford him after even another rise, will leave 0.5 left over, but am about to do Antonio + DCL > Scarlett + Lukaku and join the premiums group hehe

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

      Why not bamford?
      Due to injury risk or just don't fancy him ?

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I would of liked Bamford actually, almost did that last night, but I want Lukaku more, and the DCL injury has just pushed me over the edge, so Lukaku it was, and now is 🙂
        Plus got Raphinha so at least some Leeds in there for this good run they embark on.

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

    Livramento or Williams for the last place in defence?

  18. Hits from the Bong
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Mikes has inspired me, -8 taken, 3 premiums feels good

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

      Yeah. What will we do when Bruno KDB or someone else hits top form...

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Inspired me also haha, 3 premiums does feel……relaxing

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

        It does.. I was worried about my plummeting team value with dcl, Benny and Antonio dropping and also Lukaku and gray rising... It made sense, definitely relaxing!

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I hear ya, had to be done really, I have to roll with Benny for 1 more GW against United and then it’ll be him to Gray most likely if we don’t get even more fires to put out! Glad I held off the Antonio > Bamford move last night now 🙂

    3. MikeS
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Welcome aboard mate

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

      I’m getting there, 4 plan move to add Lukaku to Ronaldo and Salah 😀

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

      Wasn't a fan of the 3 premiums but Antonio red, DCL injury, Bamford apparently might have a hamstring problem... I just had to do it.

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Agreed, i’m about to join the 3 premium club as we speak for a -4

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

    Mates,
    WC:
    Sarr or Traore

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

      Probably Gray, Gallagher, Townsend over both

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

        Have Gray, Gallagher will come in after a few GWs

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

          Traore but would honestly get Gallagher over him now

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

            Fixtures arent looking great for Palace yet. After a few GWs it is for me

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

              BHA LEI is better than it looks after liv

  20. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    3 goals for Gray from an XG of 0.28 !!!

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

      Interesting tonight with DCL out he had the most shots though

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

      That seems a dodgy figure, he was clean through on goal for his one today - that must have been rated at as pretty close to 1.0 in itself, was absolutely gilt-edged.

      God knows who does the rating, however, the stat is only as good as the judgement that goes into it

    3. BROOKLYN GOONER
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      With DCL out, that head waiter needs to put Richarlison on the wing and Gray up front. 🙂

      (Yes, yes, I own.)

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

    Bamford, Antonio and DCL KABOOM

    Ashes, ashes...

    WC's ACTIVE...

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

    With Leeds fixtures turning is Harrison an option or will he be rotated ?

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

    Jiminez is the only beacon of hope in these dark times for mid priced strikers

  24. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on Jack Harrison as a punt?

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

      Don’t like

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

      Not for me

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

      Think it's risky, James being there means he might drop out and he's already often subbed early so could see it happening more frequently. Unless Bielsa is planning to play James on the right and Raphinha as a 10 but hard to know

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

    How much will no Bamford agfect Leeds attacking play?

    Rodrigo is not good enough to lead their line. Wondering if Raphina will be affected as well?

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

      Bamford out would be a massive blow, who would replace him?

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Rodrigo

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

      Hard to know, Rodrigo definitely didn't shine much as a CF, I'd say Roberts might come in but will definitely mean the rest of the attackers will need to step up. Wonder who'd be on pens too if Klich isn't playing

    3. C0YS
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      What happened to Bamford?

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

        He mentioned that his hamstring was pinging and walked off at full time holding it. Just need to wait for news during the week, might just of been tight and could be nothing but also might be something...frustrating.

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

    WC:
    0.2ITB

    Anything you would change?

    Ramsdale
    Trent James Dias Marcal
    Salah Raph Gray Sarr
    Ronaldo Lukaku

    Steele Sissoko Livra Scarlett

    1. C0YS
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I wouldn’t have Sarr in my starting XI

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

        Traore?

        1. C0YS
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Gray/Gallagher

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

      Sarr to Gallagher and Marcel to semedo, instant improvement to your team

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

        This

  27. C0YS
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on the better WC team?

    Sanchez
    TAA - Matip - Marcal - Livramento - James —> Coady
    Salah - Greenwood - Gray/Gallagher - Raphinha —> 4.5
    CR7 - Antonio - Bamford —> Lukaku

    Leaning towards the 2nd option to save myself from the Marcal/Coady/Gray benching headache. Would you rather have team A or team B?

  28. Miami Monkey
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Sanchez (Foster)
    TAA Marcal White (Livramento *Amartey)
    Salah Jota Greenwood *Benrahma (Brownhill)
    CR7 *DCL *Antonio
    *** = Problem players.

    I already took a -4 to bring in CR7/Jota/Marcal. I planned to keep Antonio thru this week but now DCL is out

    A) Another -4 (-8 total for the week) for DCL --> Bamford
    B) Wildcard
    C) Something else

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

      B gets you the - 4 back but I would only use if you want lukaku

      1. Miami Monkey
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I'm just not entirely sold on the WC but maybe I'm being stubborn. I feel like part of me wants to wait in order to get more info on players like Torres, Christensen, etc

  29. Thinkering like a Boss
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    1) Digne Bruno DCL > TAA, Lukaku, 6.4m mid -8

    2) Digne DCL > TAA, 6.2m fwd -4

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

      losing Digne before Norwich at home? Does not seem worth the hits short term.

      1. Thinkering like a Boss
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Or lose Shaw?

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

          You're going to be wanting to lose man united soon anyway, maybe get ahead of the curve?

  30. klopptimusprime
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    In a bit of a mess
    2.4ITB, 1FT

    Sanchez
    TAA | Shaw | White
    Salah | Bruno | Jota | Raph | Benrahma
    DCL* | Toney*

    Gunn | Livra | Scarlett | Hoever

    Should I only trade DCL this week or take a -4/-8 to upgrade Toney/bring in premo forward