Scout Notes

Is now the time to sell Everton’s value-for-money FPL midfielders?

We continue our Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek 9 Scout Notes with analysis of Everton v Watford.

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.

EVERTON 2-5 WATFORD

  • Goals: Tom Davies (£4.9m), Richarlison (£7.4m) | Joshua King (£5.5m) x3, Juraj Kucka (£5.5m), Emmanuel Dennis (£5.2m)
  • Assists: Demarai Gray (£5.8m), Michael Keane (£5.0m) | Craig Cathcart (£4.4m), Cucho Hernandez (£5.0m), Dennis x2, Joao Pedro (£5.4m)
  • Bonus: King x3, Dennis x2, Keane x1

BENITEZ’S HONEYMOON OVER?

Everton’s attacking assets have offered us some excellent value for money this season but we might be reaching the jumping-off point for Andros Townsend (£5.7m) and co, not just because of Saturday’s freak 5-2 loss to Watford.

Depending on your view of the backlines of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur, the Toffees’ favourable fixture run has, or soon will, come to an end.

Rafael Benitez’s troops sit bottom of our Season Ticker for fixture difficulty from Gameweeks 10-18, meeting all bar Manchester United of the ‘big six’ plus Leicester City and Brentford.

Demarai Gray (£5.8m) still found a way to deliver his fifth attacking return of the season with his assist for Everton’s opener but it was a largely lethargic offensive display for the third home match running, with injuries perhaps finally catching up with the blue half of Merseyside.

Salomon Rondon (£6.0m) yet again flattered to deceive in the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£8.0m), while Abdoulaye Doucoure‘s (£5.8m) first no-show of 2021/22 was felt at both ends of the pitch.

Yerry Mina (£4.9m) was arguably the biggest loss, as the out-of-sorts Michael Keane (£5.0m) and Ben Godfrey (£4.8m) served up a horror show at the back.

“Today was not about [the injured players], we had enough quality on the pitch to win – and we were winning. It is up to us to manage the situation and improve that. Some players were a little bit tired but it doesn’t matter, it is not an excuse. We have to be better – especially when you are in control of the game. You can’t make the mistakes we made.” – Rafael Benitez

While Gray, Townsend and Doucoure have been success stories in Benitez’s traditionally strong start at a new club, Lucas Digne (£5.3m) has arguably been the biggest FPL flop of the campaign: the France international averages under 1.9 points per match after a ticker-topping opening nine Gameweeks.

A positive was the goalscoring return of substitute Richarlison (£7.4m), at least, with the Brazilian’s comeback presumably now meaning that Townsend’s stint as penalty-taker has come to an end.

KING LEADS THE LINE FOR NEW-LOOK WATFORD

After seeing his new charges thrashed by Liverpool last weekend, Claudio Ranieri had a full week of training with his Watford squad and set his side up in a 4-3-3, following the disastrous wing-back experiment of Gameweek 8.

Ismaila Sarr (£6.3m) was back in the right-wing role that seems to suit him best but somehow he missed out on any attacking return after a rare off-day and early substitution, leaving a quartet of sub-£6.0m forwards to do the damage.

Emmanuel Dennis (£5.2m) hadn’t even started the game but replaced Sarr to bank three attacking returns and move up to sixth in the FPL forwards’ points table, while the corner-taking Cucho Hernandez (£5.0m) – again preferred on the left flank – and substitute Joao Pedro (£5.4m) each chipped in with an assist apiece.

Star of the show, though, was Joshua King (£5.5m).

Deployed in the middle of the front three, King racked up a total of four big chances and an expected goal involvement (xGI) figure of 2.13, totals beaten by only Christian Benteke (£6.3m) in the Gameweek just gone.

“For a striker it is confidence. I had a horrible season last season. Any striker when you start scoring gets confidence.” – Joshua King

The Norwegian has now quietly amassed six attacking returns in his last four appearances for the Hornets, although like Everton, King and his teammates languish at the wrong end of the Season Ticker over the next six matches: they’re probably a ‘hold but don’t buy’ for Gameweek 10, after which comes a particularly nasty set of five games:

The good news for owners of Armando Broja (£5.0m) et al ahead of next Saturday was that, despite an improved defensive showing, the Watford backline still managed to concede twice to a below-par Everton; that makes it nine Premier League matches without a clean sheet for the Hornets.

Dennis will miss that match against the Saints, meanwhile, having collected his fifth booking of the campaign.


Everton XI (4-4-1-1): Pickford, Coleman, Keane, Godfrey, Digne, Townsend, Davies, Allan, Gordon (Richarlison 60). Gray (Iwobi 77), Rondon.

Watford XI (4-3-3): Foster, Ngakia (Nkoulou 76), Troost-Ekong, Cathcart, Masina, Tufan (Pedro 64), Sissoko, Kucka, Sarr (Dennis 64), King, Hernandez.

1,011 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Zilla
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    PSA: AFCON is from 9th of January till 6th of February. So players involved will likely miss GW22, GW23 and potentially GW24.

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

      Just checked the Liverpool fixtures, not the worst time to lose Salah and Mane to be honest

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        😮

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

      Players heading to AFCON are supposedly going to be leaving after boxing day fixtures so they may miss more (this would include Chelsea + Leicester for Liverpool)

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

    Azpi to Chilwell or save?

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

      Save

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

      i am swapping Dias to Chilwell this week FWIW (got Cancelo and Azpi)

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

    Any idea with what to do with 1FT? Thanks

    Sa
    Christensen Cancelo Trent Livra
    Salah Raph Gallagher
    Antonio Vardy Kane

    Steer D.Luiz Sissoko Williams.

    1. GREEN JUMPERS
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Wait on any Raph or Vardy news

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

    Vardy over Jesus ?

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

      No way. Vardy limped out the stadium last week

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

        If Vardy back otherwise I may go for Jesus

  5. Ray85
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Townsend for Foden with a -4 hit? Thoughts please

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

      I usually am against hits, but yes that’s in the no-brainer category.

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

    Anyone got news on Raph (above and beyond the post he made at the weekend saying the annoyingly cryptic ‘soon’)?

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

      Leeds play on Sky in the League Cup tomorrow, so hopefully it will crop up then. Otherwise is going to be a wait for presser I think.

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

    I am thinking best 3 Chelsea are mendy, chilly & mount ?

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

      I got chilly, rudigier and now want mount

      1. bunglebungle
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        this

    2. RWB_1991
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      My thoughts exactly

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

    Mount -4 for any of these worth it:

    A. Townsend
    B. Benrahma
    C. Raphina

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

      Leaning towards Townsend?

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

      Yep Townsend

  9. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on foden rising in price tonight?

    Have exact money for raph to foden... Should I do the transfer now?

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

      You could but i am still waiting until tomorrow. Just two odd hours left

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

      I'd do it now, FPL stats said mount easnt rising yesterday and he did.. I was well annoyed

      1. FF Dirtbag
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Oh man...

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

      Hold fire on that

    4. 1984 TC
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yup, better do ASAP!

      The way things are going, Foden to rise 0.5 tonight!!

    5. 1984 TC
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Even Ben freakin Mee, who looks to drop, is going to rise tonight.

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

    Chasing points maybe.....

    Raph/Sarr to Foden/Mount -4
    or do one for free?

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

      I'd do one.. raph could explode Vs norwich

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

        Either explode with goals or explode his cruciate knee ligament at this rate

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

      I've been too cautious. My hits would have outweighed my saves these last 3 GW's quite easily

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

      Just Sarr to Foden

  11. Admiral Benson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who’s the biggest priority to get in for next 5-6 GW’s:

    A) Son
    B) Foden

    Thanks

    1. Sergeant Slaughter
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Have both, but I’d say Foden. Only because of price.

  12. jia you
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Locked & Loaded (welcome Trent & Foden) and having a sabbatical now until after the next IB after a shockingly painful GW!
    GL for the next two all!

    Meslier
    Trent(vc) Cancelo Azpi
    KdB(C) Foden Raph Havertz Sarr
    Ronaldo Hwang
    (Gunn Christ Livra Davis)

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

      Good luck lad.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers fella

  13. RashFraud
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Those who still have Alonso, who are you looking to replace him with? Or am I the only one

    1. Admiral Benson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Probably Chilly but league cup tomorrow night should confirm

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

        Wouldn't let that kid you. Chilwell started in midweek and still started at the weekend

        1. Admiral Benson
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          League cup a bit different from Champions League though, no?

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

            True, be surprised if Chilwell doesn't start ALL important Chelsea games irrespective

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

      Suggest get Chilwell. I already made move pre price swing and will nervously look at Chelsea team sheet mid week in cup game!

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

    What time do prices go up?? 2am?

    1. Admiral Benson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yup, roughly that UK time. Livra and Cancelo are a maybe rise tonight

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

        Not Foden??

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

          Fix at 95% reconds tomorrow and FPL stats are both at 95%. As Leeds and Chelsea play tomorrow i am waiting and assuming Foden gets a rest

        2. Eh, just one more thing ...
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Knife edge …. FPL Statistics has him just missing out and FFF has him rising ….. it’s been pretty hit and miss though so God only knows.

  15. GREEN JUMPERS
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Can't decide which order, will likely start one and have others first and second on bench.
    a) Livra (wat)
    b) Coady (EVE)
    c) Tierney (lei)

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Livra no brainer out of those three for me mate

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

      A, C, B.

    3. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      ABC

  16. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone like Cornet ? I think I do

    1. Admiral Benson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Great differential IF he can stay fit….

    2. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Just one Cornet.....oh

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

      Burnley though

    4. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Prefer piccolo trumpet

  17. sfsfsfe
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Am I really concidering a -8 and do
    Ronaldo ->Jimi
    Sarr -> Foden
    Greenwood->son
    Digne ->chillwell

    I am struggling not to pull the trigger on these moves..

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

      They are all good moves but minimize you hits across 2 week for -4. For example Son can wait a week or 2. Who cares if you have cash in the bank while waiting to make the next move. I have gone hit crazy for weeks now and it Is killing my rank and for instance I took ESR out this week for a hit total of -8. Not saying any of you moves are that dumb but you know what I mean.

  18. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Would you WC team A to team B?

    Team A
    Sanchez
    TAA Cancelo Chilwell
    Salah Havertz Raphinha Benrahma Mbeumo
    Antonio Kane

    Foster Livramento Semedo Scarlett

    1. 1984 TC
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      If team B includes Pogba, then probably no.

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

      * Oops- Ignore this. Hit the post button too soon but is this team ok not to WC despite injury woes?

  19. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on this lot? 1.7 ITB and made a move already this week so no FT

    Raya

    Dias Cancelo TAA Chilwell

    Salah(C) Raphina Havertz

    Jesus(VC) Antonio Jimenez

    Steele Kovacic Livramento McArthur

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

      It’s good to go. Bench can cover Raphinha if out

  20. Noregretz
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Martinez
    James TAA Cancelo
    Salah havertz Ben Raph esr
    Vardy Antonio
    Foster Marcal Amarty obafemi

    Normally I’d plan for 3gws ahead but with injuries I’ve taken -4 almost the past 3.

    Where do you think I need to improve ?

    At the moment I can do any of these on a free, but I’d welcome any thoughts (even -4 for some stability).
    Havertz > foden
    Marcal > livramento
    Vardy > hwang/Toney

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

      You have a decent team with good fixtures. Do nothing wait on Vardy and Raphina news.
      I stupidly got Havertz too but no point knew jerking out with the fixtures to come.
      Marcel to Livramento for cash seem a good first transfer to plan.

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

        Cheers bud, I think I’ll do just that and wait on Raph/Vardy news and go from there. Hopefully just the Marcal move needed this week. luckily I’m still in a good points position.

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

      Marcel to Livramento and if Vardy out get Toney but good team

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

        Thanks, yeh sounds like a plan.

  21. FPL Theorist
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Saturday 3 PM window is going to be wild this GW!

    BUR-BRE
    MCI-CRY
    LIV-BHA
    NEW-CHE
    WAT-SOU

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

      love it

    2. 1984 TC
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Havertz hattrick incoming.

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Man would that be sweet, can't see it happening, but neither did i see the 5-0 coming off pool haha

  22. Salah’s Sonnet
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Well, i think i've done rather well taking much of a break today from everything after how devastating last GW was, but before i go to sleep, juswt wanted some opinion here folks.

    Sanchez
    Dias - Chillwell - Cancelo
    Benrahma - Raphinha - Salah - Son - Havertz
    Vardy - Toney
    ____________________________________
    Foster: Livramento: Tierney: Scarlett

    0FT, 0.0 ITB

    Any transfer i make now would be for a hit as already did Alonso > Chillwell.

    Is Havertz > Foden worth a hit?

    Also is Son even worth it?

    Just two questiosn that have emerged today, any help appreciated thanks gents.

    1. Kay317
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I think moving Havertz for a hit might be risky and Son has some very good fixtures coming. Need to wait for news on Raph and Vardy I think then decide.

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        yeah true, plus i have 0.1 ITB actually, just checked, so if Foden does go up again at least then i could do Hav > Foden after this GW perhaps. Great fixtures coming for Son, suppose i just need to trust the team, captaincy ruined me and dropped a million places! The -12 didn't help either lol
        Defo need news on vardy and foden

  23. Kay317
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What's people's plans for vardy if confirmed out? Anyone considering Daka?

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

      Was planning on Ronaldo > Wilson or Broja but might move for Nacho instead. If he can start another mad scoring run like last season that would be great.

  24. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    If Raph is confirmed out. Who would you get in this gw ??

    A. Mount
    B. Foden
    C. ?????

    Cheers

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B …. Have been fighting it but I think I’ll be bringing him in and ruining him for everyone

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers cheers

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

        Any chance you could wait a couple weeks?

        1. the dom 1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Why’s that lad?

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

      Has to Mount, Chelsea double up is a must.

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers

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

      Foden, Madisson, Smith Rowe.

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

    Son or Jesus?

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

      Son

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

        Nuno is a problem.

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

          He isn't. Son is playing well. Grealish was a good pick when Villa were nearly relegated.

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

    Who would you rather have in your team going forward?

    A. James (The RWB)
    B. Smith-Rowe

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

      James, because Chelsea's cleansheets are more consistent than Smith Rowe.

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

  27. steven8991
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    If Vardy is out, would you take -4 to Jesus or play Maupay/Duffy/Brownhill?

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Would never take a -4 for Jesus

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        A hit for a player that may not start??

  28. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Tielemans and Mount or Foden and ESR?

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

      Foden and ESR

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

      Foden and ESR

  29. chlorideman
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Raya/Foster
    Livra Tierny Cancelo James Duffy
    Salah Sarr Odegaard Gray De bruyne
    Hwang Antonio Auba

    2FT left. Please suggest who to kick out and who to welcome.
    Your assistance will be greatly appreciated _/\_

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

      You haven't got many potential injuries like most people, so i think Odegaard and maybe Tierney could be moved on. Sarr's upcoming fixtrues aren't too good either.

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

        Thank you so much brother

  30. Ragabolly
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Risers: Livramento (4.4)

    Fallers: Maupay (6.5) Barkley (5.2) Etebo (4.4) Tomkins (4.3)

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

      No Foden or Cancelo rises. Good stuff.

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

      Cheers Ragabolly.

    3. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers Raga