Scout Notes

Why Duffy was benched and Foden’s fine form: FPL notes from Brighton v Man City

We continue our Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek 9 Scout Notes with analysis of Brighton and Hove Albion v Manchester City.

For a briefer summary of all six of Saturday’s games, click here, while the footer at the bottom of this piece will direct you to our detailed Scout Notes on the other Gameweek 9 action.

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION 1-4 MANCHESTER CITY

  • Goals: Alexis Mac Allister (£5.4m) | Ilkay Gundogan (£7.2m), Phil Foden (£8.1m) x2, Riyad Mahrez (£8.7m)
  • Assists: Enock Mwepu (£5.9m) | Bernardo Silva (£7.0m), Jack Grealish (£7.9m), Gabriel Jesus (£8.6m), Foden
  • Bonus: Foden x3, Gundogan x2, Robert Sanchez (£4.6m) x2

FODEN IMPRESSES THROUGH MIDDLE

Phil Foden (£8.1m) netted a brace and set up another on Saturday evening as Man City dispatched Brighton 4-1.

The England international has now started the last four Premier League matches, and as a result of his 18-point haul, has seen his ownership rise to 8.7%, having gone into the weekend as a real differential.

In Gameweek 9, he posted match-leading totals for goal attempts, shots in the box, final-third touches, penalty area touches and expected goal involvement (xGI), while his average position in possession was comfortably higher than any of his team-mates.

Man City’s average position map v Brighton in Gameweek 9, featuring Foden (no. 47)

“In the final third he can play up front, has the quality to move and be aggressive one on one and arrive in the box. He can play as a striker, a false nine, a winger, wide left. The position doesn’t matter. It’s about playing well, depending on the movement of the opponent, and many other circumstances. What is important is to understand the game. There are players that play in one position, and players that play football. And when you play football, that means you can play in any position, because you understand the game.” – Pep Guardiola on Phil Foden

DE BRUYNE BENCHED

With Bernardo Silva (£7.0m), Ilkay Gundogan (£7.2m) and Rodri (£5.5m) being favoured in City’s central-midfield three, that meant Kevin De Bruyne (£12.0m) was left on the substitutes’ bench, at least until the latter stages of the game. However, despite only coming on in the 77th minute, the Belgian did create four chances as Guardiola perhaps looks to manage the playmaker’s workload.

Man City players ranked by xGI over the last four Gameweeks

City started the season with a 1-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, but have not lost a Premier League game since, and have now taken 20 points from the past 24 on offer.

LAMPTEY PUSHING FOR START

Despite shipping four goals, Brighton put in an encouraging second-half display, with Tariq Lamptey’s (£4.4m) appearance off the bench catching the eye.

The youngster made a really positive impact, as he attempts to build up his match fitness following a 10-month injury layoff. With 64 minutes clocked since Gameweek 8, he will surely be pushing for a start soon, with the Seagulls’ fixtures easing following this weekend’s trip to Liverpool.

Tariq Lamptey’s touch heatmap v Man City in Gameweek 9

Brighton’s fixtures Gameweeks 11 to 15

“That’s his second appearance in a long, long time so we are trying to build his minutes up. I am delighted for him. We have got him on the pitch and we saw more of a version of Tariq than last week, which is normal. It’s a process for him to go through. He is getting there and we are trying to support him and it’s great to have him back.” – Graham Potter on Tariq Lamptey

As for Shane Duffy (£4.4m), the Irishman has been playing at a high level during the opening weeks, and as a result, is owned by 25.0% of FPL managers. However, he was an unused substitute against City, with his manager suggesting that it was a specific change for this match-up, with Duffy’s strengths perhaps not as well suited to the challenges posed by a Pep side.

“Well, I think they (Man City) pose you that challenge. Shane has played a load of football, and it’s just a tactical decision. It’s no slight on Shane at all, he’s there ready to help us at the back of the game.” – Graham Potter on Shane Duffy

Elsewhere, despite making a costly error for City’s opener, Robert Sanchez (£4.6m) owners will be delighted with his four-point return, having made eight saves and collected two bonus points during that match.


Brighton XI: Sanchez, Veltman, Dunk, Burn (Lamptey 57), March, Gross (Mac Allister 72), Lallana, Moder, Cucurella, Trossard, Maupay (Mwepu 58)

Man City XI: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Gundogan (Fernandinho 75), Jesus (Mahrez 87), Grealish (De Bruyne 77), Foden

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW FROM GAMEWEEK 9

Is Callum Wilson the best FPL forward under £8.0m? 10
235 Comments Post a Comment
  1. dbeck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Can I grab some feedback and look over my WC draft

    Raya Foster
    Laporte chilly Trent cancelo livra
    Foden Mo son jota esr
    Toney Antonio broja

    0.1 itb

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Are you content on your keepers?

      Defense is strong.

      Midfield too if you want to pick Jota

      Toney needs to deliver more often and Broja needs to continue his good run.

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

        Could have Sanchez in there, who you seeing at 4.5 range

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

          Think Raya is a decent shout. Sanchez might be the best at that price although short-term fixtures aren't that great.

          1. El Presidente
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            When you say short-term, it means the next one. That's it. After that it's pretty good

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

              And foster can cover this gw

              1. El Presidente
                • 4 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                Or even play him anyway. He got 4 pts vs City even conceding 4 and was very unlucky not to get 6 points.

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

        Defence looks great tho I'd probably double on Chelsea rather than City. Rudiger over Laporte for me.
        Midfield grand. Foden and Jota obviously both rotation risks but you should have cover for that every week.
        Forwards - Antonio obvious pick. Broja a no-brainer at that price given two returns in two starts. Toney I'm not sure about. Returns have been underwhelming despite underlying stats. Will probably come good. I preferred Edouard on my WC last week. He didn't deliver vs Newcastle and now has City. But the fixture run is good from GW11 and his 3 goals in 6 games is promising. We'll see how that goes.
        GL

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

          I have a narrative Toney will improve vs weaker teams while Mbeumo is the man on the counter vs better teams. I’ll check Eduardo out

          I’m struggling most with son, not convinced but if I don’t shop there and say get in mount. My structure loses a level of flexibility for my 2nd premium

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

            Son delivers consistently. Even when Spurs are pretty poor. Him and Kane carried them last season and this year Son has three double digit scores, a 9 pointer and a 7 pointer. Can't argue with that and he can do it against anyone. Fixtures turn from GW12 so I'd get him in.

    2. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good

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

      Nothing wrong with it imo. Some picks like Jota and Son I am not absolutely certain about, but that's just probably me regretting selling Jota for Son last week.

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

        Jota is one of few survivors from my normal team, just rate pool attack that much

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

          This season he has been too much in and out of my team. Did well to me last year, but seems to miss sitters when I have him and score when I sell him. Him not starting vs Watford and miss the haul was just so annoying. I will certainly be getting him back later.

    4. Bob McMayday
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Laporte, Chilwell, Cancelo, Foden, Jota, Broja all likely to be rotated at some point, some more frequently than others but you would probably be unlucky to have too many of them benched all in the same gameweek. Just something to think about

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

      I would downgrade ESR/Broja considering you’re playing four atb with Livra as cover. Use the money to upgrade Laporte to Dias/Azpi.

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

        Laporte to rudiger seems decent

  2. unclesbasement
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What is the best midfield for solely this week in your opinion. Mine atm is
    Salah-Mane-Foden-Mount-Bernado

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      you confident Mane starts?

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

        yh more confident than jota. I think mane is a player that wants to start every game and it has previously been documented that he is one to get frustrated when that doesnt happen or when he gets subbed off. So I think him not starting in such a momentous game will lead to him playing the next. Jota has been in this situation before where he is on hot form and yet gets benched the next game. But I'll probably look to the press conferences and the carabo cup for extra clues.

        1. F4L
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          cheers, well if he starts he should be in for the best midfield this GW

      2. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Absolutely

  3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Start one:

    A) Foster (SOU)
    B) Ramsdale (lei)

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

      Foster actually

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

      I agree A

    3. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Foster

    4. Esalman
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

    5. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers

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

      I was planning on A. Seems to a strong consensus here so that’s reassuring!

  4. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ronaldo, Sarr, Tierney ➡ Toney, Foden, Alexander-Arnold for a - 8. What do you think?

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

      Nope

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Well it's an upgrade long term, CR7 and Sarr have decent fixtures this week

    3. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I like it

    4. Bob McMayday
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      -8 too much

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        If it fixes your team for the next 3-4GWs...can totally pay off

    5. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Or just do Ronaldo to Toney and Sarr to Foden for -4

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

    CR7 ruined my (start of the) season. Who'd have thought.

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

      Me. I haven't ever had him.

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Me neither

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

          Well, we both do have more than enough digits in our OR atm 😉

          1. Big boy Bowen
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            This is true, but that’s because of Salah not Ron lol.
            Bruno covered Ron fairly well for me

        2. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Me three

  6. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I have to say as a Sanchez owner, every single football app gave him 9 saves instead of 8. And it's not the first time either.

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

      Sofascore has it down as 8..

  7. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Chilwell much better option than Azpi, it will never be the right time, so might as well make the switch this week, right? Only other issue is Raphinha but can play Livramento this week.

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

      Why not? Raphinha might play vs Nor and no reason not to play Livra.

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

        Well, expect starting Raph over him naturally 😉

    2. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I think I a bit sideways. One thing is Alonso, but Azpi?...

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

        Chilly is so much more attacking, that only partially sideways.

        1. El Presidente
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          But he's not gonna bang returns every week... and I think Azpi plays more minutes for sure

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

      Azpilicueta is more nailed than Chilwell. Tuchel's criteria for swapping Alonso and Chilwell is hard to fathom.

  8. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    This just makes me want to keep Sarr:

    https://youtu.be/IwSe1x3uVk0

    What a night, I bizarrely predicted they’d win that night too

    1. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Sarr is a great option for GW10. Watford just scored 5 goals and are at home to Southampton.

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

    Hi.....if raph is out, who is best replacements please?

    A....mount (prices me out of toney week after)
    B.....esr / saka
    C.....someone else up to 7m

    Thanks

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

      How about using your 1st sub?

    2. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I think Raph will be ok

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

        Je tweeted he's fine. I will keep him.

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

          He could be fine - and still out a few weeks tho!!...depends what 'fine' means

          Currently have mbuemo raph and vardy flagged and Adam Armstrong - so doubt I'll be able to save an ft....

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

      Madisson.

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

        Interesting shout....also tielemans....

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

          Not as attacking. Better footballer but less of an FPL pick for me.

  10. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    1FT, 1.3ITB

    Sanchez (4m)
    Rudiger Azpi Livramento (White, Tsimi)
    Salah Greenwood Gray Havertz (Brownhill)
    Antonio ASM Ronaldo

    Would you WC this GW?

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

      I wouldn't WC. Maybe just shift Greenwood or Gray

      1. Gooner97
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Me neither tbh, but some players have not the best form/fixture (Sanchez vs LIV, ASM vs CHE, Ronaldo ecc.). Also Azpi didn't start last game...

        Sell ASM first or one of Greenwood/Gray/Ronaldo?

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

          Actually didn't notice ASM. Him to Toney

          1. Gooner97
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            I did the opposite in GW5 lol

  11. unclesbasement
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What is the best midfield for solely this week in your opinion. Mine atm is
    Salah-Mane-Foden-Mount-Bernado
    Thoughts?

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

      Looks good. Not sure if Mane starts. Will be interesting to see how Mount does when Chelsea are full strength, prob not this GW.

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Mo-Raphina (if fit)-Foden-KdB-Son

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

        Seriously Raphinha? Leeds have been shocking this season and when watching them this week he would constantly come deep to
        get the ball and progress play. KDB i can understand but you reckon there are not better options than Son atm for this gamweek alone

        1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Raphinha and Son plays the two worst defences in the league.

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

            But they are also the two least creative and attacking teams in the league

            1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
              • 10 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Spurs have scored in all but two games. Now they’re facing an abysmal side and same goes for Leeds. Norwich can make anyone look like Bayern Munich.

        2. space mercenary
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I like Raphina's play and FPL potential but I agree with you. Leeds are fairing poorly on the NPXG stats this season and there are better allocation of funds to be had at the moment.

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

          Your buying the player not the team unless it's a defender, more team dependant for cleansheets. Son is a good pick if Spurs are poor. Grealish was a good pick for a poor Villa. Raphina scored 2 for Brazil in a game just a few weeks ago. Bargain if he fires. Sell him if he doesn't.

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

            I just think liverpool and city dominate games and create way too many chances to ignore and I would bank on them scoring than the likes of Son and Raphinha

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

              They do. But most players have Pool or City attackers so when they do well your points look great but your rank won't move as much as if you diversify with attackers who aren't so highly owned.

  12. SMOOTH
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    These are my main wc moves. Should I pull the trigger

    Vardy to toney
    Benrahma to Foden
    Raphina to son
    White to chilwell
    Ayling to livra

    Along with 4.5 fodder and keeper switches

    Will be making a total of 8 subs

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

      Probably worth a wildcars

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

      What does it look like with a -8? Wouldn't sell Raphinha if not out more than a GW. Vardy could be back by the weekend. Toney's a big downgrade so far. Chilwell could rotate again though a nailed Chelsea back is good. What keepers have you now?

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

        -8 would probably fix it reasonably but now that were 10 gameweeks in, i was also thinking that i should try to get ahead of the curve a bit.

  13. Punty McPuntface
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone got the latest news on Keita??

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

      Nothing yet

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

    Is hudson-odoi a decent punt on WC?

  15. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Foden rising again tonight??

    1. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Lookimg more an more like it, on 96.1% and rising more than 1 %/hr

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Impossible to say. FPLStats unreliable to say the least .

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

        I've exact £ to make Mahrez & Tierney to TAA & Foden tonight. Might have to pull the trigger tonight..

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      yip i think so

  16. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Was Ole sacked?

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

      Hope not, he's doing a super job..

    2. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      He's a keeper.

    3. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Tomorrow

  17. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    As if Foden is going to double rise before the midweek EFL cup games, annoying!

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

      Looks that way

  18. Kevtheotter
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hey guys

    Have the exact money for Alonso and Raph to Chilwell and Mount.

    Terrified someone drops tonight. Should I pull the trigger or wait it out until the team sheet tomorrow and hope.

    Thanks

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

      Wait until Raphina news. Mount's not gonna play Norwich every week without Lukaku, Werner, Pulusic and Havertz being so poor.

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

      Alonso could easily drop tonight

  19. Call Me Old Fashioned
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    For those of you, like me, who captained others (Havertz in my case) than Salah this past GW. What are your strategies to overcome the almost insurmountable mini league deficits you now face given that you and your rivals are now going to Salah each game week?

    For those of us who didn't go with Salah it seems like our leagues are now lost, I am facing a 40pt gap to chase with about 75% of our teams now identical

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

      Stick to captain's poll, does the business most GWs. 40 points is very little this early. Find differentials outside of Salah. Don't let tge ML pick your team.

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Iam facing 65 points..tbh i will continue my own game, not going to care about others teams.
      The game is much easier for losers like me now (don't give a f feeling is great tbh)

    3. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I won't lie, Salah is great to watch but for FPL his form does remove some fun from the game, same as 17/18.

      Probably just try to limit the hits and be as flexible as possible in order to jump on players in form/with kind fixtures.

    4. ANGRY PERSON
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      This is why people say to not take punt with your captaincy. We all learn it the hard way

      1. Call Me Old Fashioned
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        this week the damage was on another level, truly savage

    5. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Meh, if they got 40 more than you this week, they can get 40 less than you next week.

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

      All it will take is for Mo to blank and the punters will be back out in force looking for alternate captain choices

  20. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hi assume that cancello, mendy and foden could rise tonight?

  21. unclesbasement
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    My FH team for GW 10. Thoughts?
    Raya (Steele)
    Chillwell,James,Matip(Livramento,Johnson)
    Mane,Salah,Bernado,Foden,Mount
    Jesus,Antonio(Davis)

  22. FPLtfs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Raph has to go, right? Carries a couple of injuries Even if he’s fit to play, bad team form, new IB soon.

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

      So you're saying I shouldn't have brought him in last gameweek...
      would keep if fit this week but yeh on the chopping block afterwards