Scout Notes

Is it time to sell Antonio and Benrahma in FPL?

We start our Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek 8 write-ups with analysis of Everton v West Ham United.

For a shorter summary of all of Saturday’s action, click here.

EVERTON 0-1 WEST HAM UNITED

  • Goals: Angelo Ogbonna (£5.0m)
  • Assists: Jarrod Bowen (£6.3m)
  • Bonus (projected): Ogbonna x3, Kurt Zouma (£5.4m) x2, Aaron Cresswell (£5.5m) x1, Ben Johnson (£3.9m) x1

ANTONIO AND BENRAHMA BLANK

After Michail Antonio (£8.1m) and Said Benrahma (£6.6m) failed to deliver an attacking return for their second and third consecutive matches respectively, is it perhaps time to sell the West Ham duo?

Antonio is currently the most-selected forward in FPL, and is also the second highest-scoring player in his position, averaging 7.1 points per match.

However, at Goodison Park on Sunday, the 31-year-old picked up a needless early yellow card for simulation and looked off the pace in front of goal, despite registering three shots in the box.

There is also a demanding UEFA Europa League campaign to navigate, plus a particularly testing forthcoming Premier League schedule (see below). In fact, between Gameweeks 9 and 15, the Hammers’ sit second-bottom of our season ticker for fixture difficulty.

With the likes of Callum Wilson (£7.3m) now back on the FPL radar following his goal in Gameweek 8, plus Ivan Toney (£6.4m) and Raul Jimenez (£7.6m) embarking on kinder runs of fixtures, there is an argument to move on.

Despite that, and as highlighted by Neale in his recent ‘Is Michail Antonio a fixture-proof pick in FPL?’ article, he does have a decent record against the traditional Premier League elite, while his next opponents – Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa – haven’t exactly been watertight at the back in recent matches. 

That does suggest that selling right now probably isn’t a priority, but his performances moving forward should of course be monitored closely.

As for Benrahma, it’s now just one goal in the last six Gameweeks, and during that time he has been outperformed by team-mate Jarrod Bowen (£6.3m), both in terms of FPL points and the underlying numbers.

Said Benrahma (left) v Jarrod Bowen (right) Gameweeks 3 to 8 

With Raphinha (£6.6m) available at the same price, plus cheaper options like Bryan Mbeumo (£5.5m) emerging, moving Benrahma on certainly looks like a viable option right now.

Elsewhere, Tomas Soucek (£5.9m) had a goal disallowed for offside, while Angelo Ogbonna’s (£5.0m) headed winner from a Bowen corner again highlighted how effective David Moyes’ side have been from dead-ball situations since his appointment.

EVERTON STRUGGLE IN THE FINAL-THIRD

In a game low on quality, Everton lost their first home match of the season after three consecutive wins, with the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£8.0m) and Richarlison (£7.4m) felt up front.

With limited attacking options in reserve, their return can’t come soon enough for the Toffees’, who have now scored just three goals in their last four matches, and worryingly, have registered just nine shots on target and 3.95 non-penalty expected goals (xG) during that time.

In the battle of the budget midfielders, Demarai Gray (£5.8m) put in a couple of teasing balls into the box that Calvert-Lewin would surely have taken advantage of had he been fit, while Andros Townsend (£5.6m) failed to register a single effort on goal, but did whip in 11 crosses, five of which were successful. 

Next up for Everton is a home match against Watford, before their fixtures toughen significantly after, with back-to-back games against Wolverhampton Wanderers (a), Tottenham Hotspur (h), Manchester City (a), Brentford (a), Liverpool (h) and Arsenal (h) right up until Gameweek 15.

INJURY LATEST

Vladimir Coufal (£4.9m) failed to recover from the groin injury that kept him out of international duty, and was replaced by Ben Johnson (£3.9m) in West Ham’s starting XI at right-back.

Prior to the match, Moyes said:

“He’s just had an injury which he picked up in the Cup game against Manchester United, and he’s never really been right since then. He played against Leeds after it, but is just not quite right.” 

As for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, Rafa Benitez revealed in his post-match interview that the Brazilian was the closer of the two to making a comeback. 


Everton XI: Pickford, Coleman, Godfrey, Keane, Digne, Townsend, Doucoure, Allan, Iwobi (Gordon 79), Gray, Rondon

West Ham XI: Fabianski, Johnson, Zouma, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Soucek (Dawson 79), Rice, Bowen (Yarmolenko 90+4), Benrahma (Lanzini 87), Fornals, Antonio


448 Comments Post a Comment
  1. dshv
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    We will keep Antonio until when?

    1. Captain Vantastic™
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      We?

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Hui

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      He breaks

    3. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Next two look fine then will re-asses.

  2. DycheDycheBaby
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Maybe GW11.

  3. OLD Rafiki
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    only left with white

  4. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Last Man Standing Update (2253 teams)

    Safety score currently 45 with autosubs.
    Top score = 81
    LMS average pre autosubs = 52.34 (-1.02) = 51.32

    EO left not including autosubs - Ramsdale 32, White 24, Saka 22, ESR 13, Tierney 11

    https://www.livefpl.net/LMS

  5. JariL
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    The big question: Ronaldo to...

    A) Lukaku
    B) Vardy
    C) Kane
    D) Someone else?

    1. Water_Pink
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Vardy

  6. Kryptonite666
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Saka Sarr Ronaldo to Son Mbeumo and Vardy for -4 ?

    1. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Like it

    2. Shearer & Sutton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes.

    4. jackruet
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

    5. BOATIES FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Looks well worth a hit long term.

    6. Diddly Squat
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Do it

  7. Il Capitano
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    1FT - 0m ITB - WC available

    Sanchez
    TAA Livra Cancelo
    Salah Jota Sarr Raph
    Ronaldo Antonio ASM

    Steele - White Shaw Gilmour

    Teetering on playing the WC, defence is okay but I think both the mids and forwards need a revamp. Without playing the WC my FT would be Ron to Rom.

    1. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Ron to rom sounds sensible

      But prepared to be disappointed!

      1. Il Capitano
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I know he hasn't torn up any trees, but those fixtures can't be ignored

    2. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Had a similar squad, have played my WC today and it looks much better. Hard to spend all the cash though!

  8. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Evening....what would you do with this lot for next week? 1ft. 0mitb

    James gets the Norwich game....Armstrong the clear issue

    Ramsdale
    Taa cancelo dias james (livra)
    Salah raphinha foden mbuemo (normann)
    Lukaku antonio (armstrong)

    A....save ft - with a view to getting toney gw10 somehow

    B.....Armstrong to broja

    C...something else

    Thanks

    1. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'd be tempted to hold, bench Armstrong, then move onto Toney the following week once you can do it for free.

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks.....thats what I'm thinking....

        We need to find 0.5m from somewhere.....James the obvious candidate if he doesn't start v Norwich.....maybe even foden...thanks

    3. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I am holding, your team is very similar.

      I will be downgrading one Man City defender, Jiminez, to James or Chilwell and Toney over the next few weeks and get in Son GW12, maybe sell Lukaku by then too.

      The best strikers have been out and Antonio fitness may be catching up with him, but i think it is a wait and see, Sold Benrahma this week

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers....thinking lukaku to kane easiest way to go spurs coverage from gw12

        Had son in my wildcard squad buy took him out due to covid rumours....Hard to get son now....

        1. Crunchie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Yes I am looking at Toney, Nacho, DCL type forwards with Antonio, or could go both Son and Kane if the latter picks up. It was Newcastle 🙂 after the Lukaku fixtures, but his form might turn too

    4. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'm likely to hold but he will be benched next week and moved on for Toney or Nacho

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Good luck walder

  9. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Time to shake up squad, A or B for a hit, exact cash with Vardy rising?

    A, Antonio & Bamford > Vardy & Toney
    B, Bamford & Alonso > Vardy & Duffy

    Sa
    #Alonso, Tierney, Cancelo, Livramento,
    Salah, Greenwood, Saka, Gray
    Lukaku, Antonio

    4.0, Sissoko, #Bamford, Rudiger

    1.3

    1. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A ...but wouldn't get rid of antonio tbh

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I wanted to wait for Alonso news on Wednesday but dropping last night is forcing my hand.

    3. ted mcnure
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A looks tasty

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yes, Vardy is Vardy & Toney’s fixtures turning

    4. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Bamford to Nacho or Toney?

    5. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Toney and Azpi?

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

    59 with White to go, Son saved my week, I held with fear since false positive covid news.

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Ah well played for holding Son, wish I'd done the same. Ended up with Foden, so not much in it, but will want to reverse the transfer soon.

      60 with Tierney to go here, which feels pretty good.

      1. caldracula
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Pretty much the same here, funds will likely be an issue though.

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      62 but with ESR. Don’t know why I played him over White really.

      1. BOATIES FC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        62 With Ramsdale. I can see ESR out scoring him though.

        1. Crunchie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I see Arsenal Palace being a score draw

    3. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      49(-4) to 45. 3 to go Ramsdale Saka, and Gallagher. That was an 8 point swing

      Hit by Dias and Jiminez subs, not the benching themselves That was an 8 point swing. Dropped 6k to 18k atm

      Next week should be much better 🙂

  11. C_G
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    no clue what to do here, please help,have 1 FT, 0.2 ITB

    is this gtg? really want to do Benrahma ----> Mbuemo on FT

    Sanchez

    TAA White Livra Alonso

    Salah Son Benrhma Raph

    Ronaldo Antonio

    Steele Allan King Williams

    1. jackruet
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Don't you want to ditch ronaldo?

      1. C_G
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        yes i do, but not sure who to bring in, Vardy?

    2. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Ronaldo out this week, Benny out next week?

      1. C_G
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        yep good one

  12. C_G
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    dont sell Antonio yet everyone, hes a season keeper as we initially felt, too early to give him up.

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yep, I'll be giving him Spurs and Villa for sure, can then reassess.

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Two more weeks and then I’ll shift him.

    3. Diddly Squat
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      He has scored 1 goal since the end of august . His partner in Crime Benra has done zilch .
      Why keep?

  13. Junks
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Can anyone give me some insight to why Adam Armstrong was dropped for Southampton yesterday?

    Got him in on my WC.... doh!

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No idea, and it's frustrating, as they looked much better without him.

      1. Junks
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah created a lot. Although Leeds were poor. Broja looked good as well!

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I have him as well, I watched him v wolves and he was trash, utter trash, shooting from god knows where and generally headless

      Will bench this week then get rid for Wilson, dcl, Toney, Ings or watkins

      1. Junks
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Maybe best to admit defeat straight away I think.... as you just said, Plenty of better options. Thanks

  14. jackruet
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    No way Lukaku will blank again. He is due. Its Norwich against home. Flat track bully king will rise again

    1. Bagheri Arce
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I have Lukaku before being accursed of being a knob.....but do you have any fears of a benching?

      Muscle fatigue, probably plays midweek and then surely Norwich the perfect game to bag a wee rest?

      1. DatPoogie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Wouldnt be surprised if Lukaku was rested midweek so he can play Norwich to get him back in to scoring after blanking last few gameweeks

  15. C_G
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    i wanna hold on to Alonso for Norwich, am i crazy?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      You’re going to have to explain what’s crazy about that.

      1. C_G
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        have a good explanation, I brought him the week he was replaced and continue to keep him hoping I get some kind of return, even if it's 2 points from one game.

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          It’s unwise if he plays during the week. But I would have thought the ideal game for Tuchel to play him would be at home to Norwich so he can get forward and destroy them. Guess you’ll need to assess again in a few days. Not like Chilwell isn’t scoring.

    2. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Wait for the mid week line up and go from there. He could play 90 and then Chilwell back in at the weekend or vice versus.

  16. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    So on wc, how does this look if I try to fit son in?
    Sanchez foster
    TAA cancelo Chilwell White livra
    Salah son raphinha sarr mbuemo
    Lukaku toney Davis

    It comes down to
    A) son sarr (Davis)
    B) foden (brownhill) antonio

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes it’s fairly good. May as well move on your keepers though.

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Raya? Ramsdale?
        Would love Mendy but just can't him in

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Thoughts on McCarthy? I got him in and am happy. Purely playing the fixtures.

          1. waltzingmatildas
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Interesting! Just don't really want to have to worry about gk transfers and not sure that's the case with Mccarthy.

  17. balint84
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Sell CR7 or James or Schmeichel or Antonio first?

    1. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      scmeichel ,

    2. Diddly Squat
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      At least 3 of them immediately

  18. Tactical Frank
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Currently torn between these two defensive setups:

    A) Cancelo + Dias + James
    B) Cancelo + Chillwell + Azpi

    Last two defenders are TAA & Livra

    Any thoughts?

    1. jackruet
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

      1. Tactical Frank
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers

    2. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Cancelo/Dias, Azpi and someone else, maybe Jansson?

  19. C_G
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ronaldo ---> Vardy on FT?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yep

  20. jackruet
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Suddenly some deadwood i want to ditch all together.
    Benrahma
    Antonio
    Sarr
    Ronaldo

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Oof. Poor ole Ronaldo being called dead wood.

  21. Stamford B
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Im thinking of dressing my kid in an Iwobi costume for Halloween

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      What like in a Jedi outfit?

      1. Stamford B
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        No an Alex Iwobi one.

  22. Diddly Squat
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ditch lukaku and Cr7 .play salah,mane and kdb. Stick 1 forward upfront. . Will be far more productive.

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      It was go weak in midfield and put those two upfront recently. Do what you think is best.

  23. WVA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who to sell? 1FT 1.5 ITB. The below are my top two ATM.

    Sanchez* Steele
    TAA Cancelo Rudiger White Livramento
    Salah Benrahma* Gallagher* ESR* Sissoko*
    Ronaldo* Lukaku* Scarlett

    A. Benny/Gallagher to Raph
    B. Sissoko to Mbuemo

    1. Del Griffith
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Benny to Raph

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        This

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Might want a new forward line.

    3. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Ronaldo to who you want and Benny/Sissoko to Son/Raph

  24. Diddly Squat
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ain’t worked it out yet though haha

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      What how to reply?

  25. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    No, the time to sell Antonio was three weeks ago. You have to answer the questions before anyone is asking them in this game.

    1. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      But you're answering it now

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        😉

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      You have to know all the answer though, who to get in for Antonio?

    3. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Hindsight makes everything so easy

  26. dshv
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Do you think that Reece James will get minutes next week ?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes. Big haul.

    2. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

  27. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Antonio > Toney?

    Fixtures are looking to good to resist.

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I am holding Antonio and Jiminez one more week against poor defences, and make the Toney move then with an eye test

  28. BOATIES FC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I went Cancelo Grealish and Foden on wildcard. Duffy came in for Grealish so had a bit of luck. What do we reckon the chances of them all starting v Brighton? I'd settle for two starters now with a decent bench...

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I think there’s a great chance of two and a decent chance of three.

      1. BOATIES FC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I hope so.

    2. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Will have to wait and see the CL first 11, but as we know dealing with Pep's rotation is pure guess work.

  29. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is it a good idea to keep Mahrez? Would wait to see if he starts against Club Brugge but he wasted far too many chances yesterday. You could see him and particular Raheem are having major confidence issues after being dropped recently.

    Mahrez 》 Mbeumo worth the transfer?

    Or keep for Brighton

    1. BOATIES FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Any way you can get Son in for him?

  30. Tcheco
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    If it's confirmed Rudiger is out for NOR, I'd have to start Dennis. So which move would you make?

    A. Rudiger to Chilwell

    B. Dennis to Hwang

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Rudiger to Azpilicueta.

    2. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Do you expect Hwang to start next gw? Some.Wolves fans commented he was not good against Villa