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. Limbo
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    UTFT!

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

    Oh Rafa...why you no say before Saturday

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

      This

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

    Wish there was a five minute cooling off period after making transfers in which you could change your mind. Getting pangs of regret right now

    1. Kryptonite666
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      haha lol, pray tell us - what did you do

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

        I don't think it's too bad! Did Toney and Bruno to Ronaldo and Doucore. Just looking at my team afterwards takes some getting used to as it's the first time in so long I haven't had two premium mids. Also just the fact I've rushed the transfers because of price changes makes me uneasy.

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

          Not bad at all really.

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

      Good idea that! Like the delay send option on outlook

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

    Who would u play GW5?
    A) Allan AvL(A)
    B) Williams Wat(H)

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

      B

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

      B

    3. Werner Bremen
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      B

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

    Best midfielder & striker combo for 14.7?

    Gray & Bamford or Raphina & Jiminez? Anything better?

    Current team:
    Bachmann
    TAA Shaw Semedo Veltman
    Salah Son Greenwood Benrahma Allan
    Ronaldo

    Subs: Foster, Livramento, Obafemi, Antonio

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

      Raph and Jimenez

  6. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Andre Gray, 3 shots 3 goals. Aint gonna continue, is it?

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

      Maybe it will continue for Demarai

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I meant Demarai 😀

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

      Not for Andre Gray, no

    3. DIMITRIS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      He is like Lingard from last season.

  7. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Would wildcard this team?

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw Ayling White
    Salah Greenwood Raphinha Benrahma
    Bamford Ronaldo
    (4.0 Antonio* Tsimikas Gilmour)

    To this:

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw James
    Salah Jota Raphinha Sarr
    Ronaldo Bamford Jimenez
    (4.0 Livramento Sissoko Williams)

    Thoughts?
    .

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

      Not necessarily. Looks fine to me.

      1. Noisy Neighbour
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Agreed. I’d even be tempted to roll a transfer on that team.

  8. DIMITRIS
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who has - looked better on the eye test, has better xG, has better upcoming fixtures and is a better value - Bamford or Jimenez ?

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

      bamf

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

        Cheers!

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

      Bamford has had a goal and an assist in some hard fixtures, his fixtures are now looking good so I’d go with him

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

        Cheers! I am leaning towards him atm.

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

      Bamford is absolutely shite, loads of chances and misses most of them

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

        Mane is premium and converts 1/10.

      2. Noisy Neighbour
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        As opposed to Jimenez, who misses all of them.

      3. DIMITRIS
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Tough words for a 17 goal premier league striker.

  9. Kryptonite666
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Probably the 10th WC draft, but possibly the best one with 3 prems:

    Sanchez
    TAA James Rudiger Marcal (Liv)
    Salah Jota Raphinha Gray (Mendy) ​
    Lukaku Ronaldo

    What'dya think?

    1. Werner Bremen
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      No bench?

      1. Kryptonite666
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Livramento

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

      Not worth it to get 3 prems

      1. Kryptonite666
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        which player do you not like ?

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

          Great team. Will have something similar next week

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

      Looks good tbf

  10. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Will dcl drop or is he price locked ?

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

      Red flag so won't drop, no?

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

        Can still drop can’t he?

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

    So I used my WC this week and I’m actually quite happy with the returns, 81 all out.. although I have some fires to put out, would DCL > Bamford be the best option here & bench Antonio for a week?

    Sanchez
    Trent - Rudiger - Marcal
    Salah - Jota - Torres - Traore
    DCL - CR7 - Antonio

    Bench: Steele - Sissoko - Williams - Livramento

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

      Bench Antonio and deal with dcl

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

        Bamford the best option if I have no Leeds cover currently? I like Jimmy but have traore.

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

          You don't have any other options, Bamford is probably the only one at the moment. I can't see a way way for you to fit in lukaku

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

      seems the sensible move
      Bamford has good fixtures and No point keeping DCL if he's out for atleast 2-3 GWs
      \o/
      Would probably just bench antonio for 1 gw

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

      Other option is dcl to jesus

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

    What about DCL to richarlison. He is ghe main man now

    1. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Didn't look that into the game today

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

      I wouldn't, he was anonymous today

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

      red card waiting to happen

    4. Noisy Neighbour
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      He’s still pouting over having the ball taken away from him on that penalty a few weeks ago.

  13. Sid07
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Taken a hit for below
    Time to Wc or -8??

    Sanchez (steele)
    TAA shaw reguillon white (Tsimikas)
    Salah Greenwood sarr benrahma (Gilmour)
    Ronaldo DCL Antonio

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

      Unlucky, could be a go od time to WC

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

      gotta wildcard now I reckon.

      1. Sid07
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        DCL to Bamford for another hit and take it from there??

        1. Meme2011
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          i'm in exactly the same boat - i think i'm gonna -8 and save WC for GW7 to hopefully catch up then

    3. Qui-Gon-Joe
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Nah mate, you good

  14. FPL Brains
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Waiting for FPL Towers to do its thing. I'm on 361 points, think that's given me a chance to go Top 100 OR.

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

      Viva Viva Ronaldo

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

      nice, i didnt see b4 😀

      1. FPL Brains
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Haha it was Top 1000 OR then!

    3. Kryptonite666
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      wow dude, fantastic. whats the secret of your meteoric rank ?

      1. FPL Brains
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Pure luck haha

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

          u should have said 3 premiums

          1. FPL Brains
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Haha. I added it in first for you.

      2. FPL Brains
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        But seriously,

        - 3 premium strategy allowing you the flex to downgrade to 2
        - Cheapest picks giving value and jumping between (I.e. WHU boys early, now looks to be Wolves/Arsenal defence)
        - Keeping TAA/Salah despite the thought of saving costs

        1. Kryptonite666
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks Viva Ronaldo - can I pls get your thoughts on this WC?

          Sanchez
          TAA James Rudiger Marcal (Liv)
          Salah Jota Raphinha Gray (Mendy) ​
          Lukaku Ronaldo

          1. FPL Brains
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            I'd go;

            - Semedo over James with the view to bring James in on GW7
            - Doucoure over Raphinha (least till Leeds start showing some form)
            - Whos your third striker and how much ITB?

            1. Kryptonite666
              • 4 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              No third striker, playing 4-4-2.

              1. FPL Brains
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 12 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                I'd consider angling to get Mendy in for GW7 too btw. I think there will be C/S galore with them and you'll quickly start racking those up.

              2. FPL Brains
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 12 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Consider Broja if you can spare the 5.0. Bit of a punt at the moment. Alternatively Eduoard after the Liverpool game

          2. FPL Brains
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Sanchez fixtures also turn tough soon fyi.

    4. Livinginapool - Top 100 Any…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Great work!

      Keep it up for the season and there's a league for you to join 🙂

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

    Anyone considering Ramsdale?

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

      Wouldn't touch him with a 10 foot pole.
      3rd consecutive relegation beckons.

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

      I was considering it but risky tbh with Leno waiting in the wings

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

        Ramsdale is the future no1, if Farteater messes around with Leno, well he is just delaying the innevitable.

  16. CoKane & Zohores
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    DCL was the final straw. Not willing to take a -8 so have put together this WC.

    Sanchez, (Foster)
    TAA, Ayling, White, Marcal, Livramento
    Salah, Raphinha, Gallagher, Gray, Sissoko
    Ronaldo, Lukaku, Antonio.

    I'm tossing up between Antonio vs Shaw/Rudiger upgrade from defense.

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

      your midfield is not great. or your defence

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

    I've got Bachmann so considering literally any other keeper

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

      Reply fail

  18. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Best DCL replacement? For a -4?

    Have 3 Wolves
    Have Ronaldo
    Can’t afford Lukaku
    Have Bamford

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

      SAINT MAX

  19. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    How did Richarlison play tonight... any threat? Considering taking a punt on him.

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

      Not good. Doucoure townsend steals the show.

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

      he was terrible

  20. jackruet
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Antonio + DCL to Lukaku + 4.5 striker? have Ronaldo already

    Or just dcl to bamford

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

      Yes

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

    Dcl, Antonio & benrahima >>> gray,hwang, Lukaku -8?

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

      Could also ditch Jota or Torres instead?

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

    I am so tempted on this WC-draft.

    Schmiechel (Ward)

    TAA, Cancelo, Semedo, Marcal (Williams)

    Salah, Jota, Sarr (Gray, Sissoko)

    Ronaldo, Bamford, Jimenez

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

      Don't like it

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

        Why not?

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

          double wolves defence is maybe not wise. cancelo will miss games. the midfield is too weak esp when firmino is back. all of these sacrifices would not be worth getting ronaldo and lukaku up front - but defo not worth the 3 you got up there now

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

            even if he doesnt play all games I think Jota is a fab option at 7.6. he s nailed in my wc team anyway 🙂

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

          Why bench gray? Jimi looks crap, and bamford misses almost every shot

  23. 03farmboy
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who’s the best Toney replacement?

    I have 9 mill to spend

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

      Bamford or Jimenez with great streak of fixtures!

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

    Who to replace DCL with?

    1. Bamford
    2. Jimmy
    3. Richarlison

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

      1 imo

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

      Be surprised if 1 doesn’t do something soon

    3. Kryptonite666
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Wham Bam

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

      not 3. Bamford gotta be

  25. Wheyyyy
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Current overall rank #5 did some serious tinkering over the last couple of weeks lol

    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/2341614/transfers

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

      Lol. He refused to sleep, fpl on his mind 24 hours a day

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

      Hahaha. Love it. Would have been a - 200 if he forgot to push the WC button.

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

    marcal is not nailed isnt he? coady a better option at 4.5? thanks

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

      or stretch an extra 0.4 and get semedo?

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

      Coady isnt nailed either

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

    Going to bench Antonio next GW, who would you rather start..

    Sissoko, or Williams? Surely Watford have a better chance of something against Norwich.

    1. Werner Bremen
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

    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. Noisy Neighbour
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I also have Gilmour, and I’m just going to plug him in for Antonio for this week. Good enough fixture for him.

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

    Best 4.5 goalkeeper combo?

  30. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Did Palace make a mistake in letting Adros go or was it necessary to bring on the youth?