Scout Notes

Lukaku injury latest as Rodgers addresses Leicester’s poor form

We continue our Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek 12 Scout Notes with analysis of Leicester v Chelsea.

For a briefer summary of Saturday’s action, click here, while you can read up on the games in more detail via the links below.

LEICESTER CITY 0-3 CHELSEA

  • Goals: Antonio Rudiger (£5.9m), N’Golo Kante (£4.9m), Christian Pulisic (£7.9m)
  • Assists: Ben Chilwell (£6.0m), Reece James (£6.1m), Hakim Ziyech (£7.3m)
  • Bonus: James x3, Rudiger x2, Kante x1

LUKAKU INJURY LATEST

Thomas Tuchel provided an injury update on several of his players on Monday, including Romelu Lukaku (£11.4m), when he talked to the media ahead of the UEFA Champions League tie against Juventus:

“I am not sure yet on Romelu. We have one more training, yesterday he was in team training and seemed okay. Let’s see about the reaction. He has right now today an appointment with the doctors and the physios to see about the reaction, to see about the next training.

We have the chance to bring 20 players to the squad, maybe we have the chance that he is in the squad for the last minutes, but that will be the absolute maximum we can get out of the situation right now.”

The head coach then supplied further info on Jorginho (£5.8m), Kai Havertz (£8.1m), Timo Werner (£8.6m) and Mateo Kovacic (£5.2m):

“Jorgi is absolutely okay. We had to take Kai off because of hamstring problems. He felt a bit of tension in the hamstrings, so we took him off and we have some doubts with him. We need to check and see if he can train without any problems, so this is more or less the question mark.

Timo feels good, he was in training yesterday, he’s back in the squad again, and Mateo Kovacic is still out.”

As for Saturday’s match at Leicester, it was an excellent all-round performance from Tuchel’s troops, with defenders Antonio Rudiger (£5.9m), Ben Chilwell (£6.0m) and Reece James (£6.1m) all providing attacking returns in addition to their clean sheets.

Notably, James has now produced 53 FPL points over the last four Gameweeks, courtesy of three goals, two assists, three clean sheets and 10 bonus points, while he ranks ninth amongst all outfield players for expected assists (xA) over the same period.

All outfield players ranked by xA over the last four Gameweeks

Following their 3-0 win, Chelsea are now unbeaten in six league outings and have 29 points from 12 matches, with an appealing set of fixtures taking them right through until the New Year:

ISSUES AT LEICESTER

Following their Gameweek 12 loss, Brendan Rodgers’ side have now won just two of their last nine Premier League games, while they have also failed to keep a clean sheet since their opening day win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, their short-term schedule does offer hope that they can turn things round, with three of their next four opponents currently placed 15th or below in the table.

Discussing Saturday’s defeat, Rodgers suggested that his team were missing Youri Tielemans (£6.4m), who worryingly, is still expected to be out for a few more weeks:

“Without that player that can take the ball and pass forward… he’s been so consistent for us in that way.

In general, especially in the first half, technically we weren’t at the level. Part of that was down to their pressing being really good, but we misplaced passes and were a little bit careless. If you do that, and you can’t build that sequence of passes, then that makes it difficult against a top team.

You miss players like Youri, and Fofana, and James Justin. They’re really important players for us.”

In response to that poor first-half showing, the manager introduced James Maddison (£6.6m) and Kelechi Iheanacho (£7.0m) at half-time, which he touched on after the game:

“We were playing the same shape, exactly the same shape, where it was like 3-5-2, with Lookman playing as an eight, and with Barnesy up there with Vards.

Then when we had the ball, there was that freedom of movement from Harvey and Ade to get on it. But we didn’t keep the ball well enough. We never got into positions well enough, technically we were giving it away far too easily, which then meant that they didn’t have much influence.

We then brought a natural midfielder and a natural striker in to the game, and that seemed to work much better for us.”

Ricardo Pereira (£5.3m), meanwhile, missed out on Saturday with a hamstring injury, with the City manager explaining:

“He was a bit tight yesterday, so we’ll see what the scan says on that, but it’s disappointing. He’s just never quite got going since he’s been back. He’s had little niggles. We just need to wait and see.”


Leicester XI: Schmeichel, Amartey, Evans, Soyuncu, Albrighton, Soumare (Dewsbury-Hall 75), Ndidi, Castagne, Lookman (Iheanacho 45), Barnes (Maddison 45), Vardy

Chelsea XI: Mendy, Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Rudiger, James, Kante, Jorginho (Loftus-Cheek 77), Chilwell, Mount (Ziyech 62), Hudson-Odoi, Havertz (Pulisic 62)

229 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Jimenez has been incredible in the past few gameweeks, he is starting to show his form of the last few seasons but sometimes he is not very clinical. The amount of chances he gets should be getting him at least 15-20 goals every season. Hwang on the other side is a bit too wide but he looks a very good player. I would highly recommend Jimi even with the fixtures they have after the next 2.

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

      I agree, I have hwang as fodder so will hold and play for next two but jimi is the man!

    2. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I dont know if I agree with him not being clinical. He isnt getting many chances lately and still ticking over nicely

    3. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Bought him in GW6 and he's been great for me but looking to move him on after Burnley.

    4. Guba
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      He’s been brilliant value ticking over but has to go after Burnley for me when other striker fixture swings come in such as Ronaldo/Antonio got me. His fixtures are horrendous for a while.

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

    Need to move Antonio down to free up some cash for a def move (Jansson to Regi or James), anyone else using Antonio as the cash cow here and if so, who are you moving him to?

    My other forwards are hwang and Toney

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I would go for Wood/Benteke if looking to downgrade.

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

        Or is he a keep, can do Mbeumo to Gilmore for funds

        I was thinking of Bowen in the Mbeumo spot so leaving Mbeumo as a place holder

    2. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Not many but one of Benteke, Pukki or Dennis/King

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

        Cheers, no love for Wilson/ASM for next 4?

        1. ZeBestee
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Yes Wilson is a decent option as well, ASM as well. Think Newcastle will score loads of goals with Eddie Howe in charge so expect attacks after attacks and loads of goals conceded for them. They were the better side against Brentford and maybe deserved to come out of the game with the 3 points so their attack looks good going forward. ASM is their main man but we know Wilson knows how to score goals in the PL so there you go.

        2. Boly Would
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Wilson on 4 yellows in 8 games, so if he continues that strike rate and picks one up in the next 2 games misses one of the nicer fixtures he has in his next 4.

  3. FantasyClub
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    You guys think Lukaku should be ready for the UTD game?

    1. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      If he is the squad today then expect maybe a sub role against Utd.

      1. FantasyClub
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        You think he’d still be worth getting for a sub appearance vs UTD?

        1. ZeBestee
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          No. See how he comes back before investing in him.

        2. hustler7
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Maybe with Maguire, Varane, and possibly Shaw out too. But I would wait to see if he gets any mins tonight, can't see him starting Sunday.

  4. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    A) White/Foden to Cancelo/Gallagher worth -4

    B) Rudiger to Cancelo for free?

    Sanchez Steele
    TAA, James, Rudiger, White, Livra
    Salah, Jota, Foden, Raphina, Sissoko
    Kane, Jimenez, Broja

    1.2 in the bank

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      No, I will keep Foden and Rudiger for now at least.

  5. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Hi.....what move would you look to make here please? 1ft. Zero cash

    A....dias to chilwell

    B.....foden to jota (if fit)

    C....save ft

    Ramsdale
    Taa James cancelo dias (livra)
    Salah foden raphinha mbeumo (normann)
    Kane King (antonio)

    1. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Dias > Chilwell. I'm working out how to fit in both Foden and Jota.

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers.....can't fit in foden and jota without a hit....

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

    Vardy & Mbeumo to Kane and 4.5?

    Have toney. Just don’t know whether Vardy will match kane over next few

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Forget about Kane.

      1. TopBinFc
          2 years, 4 months ago

          This

        • Captain Vantastic™
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Hey Spud x

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

        I doubt he will, but it will be marginal (neither is looking primed for a haul) so I’m not sure it’s worth a transfer at this point

    2. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      G2G or play Dennis over Dier?

      Sanchez

      Chilwell, James, TAA, Cancelo, Dier

      Salah, Foden, Mbeuno

      Kane, Jimenez

      Subs: McGovern, Dennis, Sarr, Mendy

    3. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Pukki party anyone?

    4. SteJ
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Anyone given any thought yet to captain choices during the Afcon? With perma cap Salah being the current vogue, who are people looking to go for when he's away at the tournament?

      1. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        My VC.

    5. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      What would you do here? 1ft, 0m itb

      A. Sarr -> esr
      B. Something else
      C. Save ft

      Foster
      Taa cancelo rudiger chilwell
      Salah bilva raph Gallagher Sarr
      Kane

      Sanchez antonio omo Scarlett

    6. Kane Toads
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Salah TC anyone?

      1. Ze_Austin
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        He's facing Newcastle soon

        Newcastle, a horrendous defence, now managed by a coach who never defends

    7. Wolfman180
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A) Antonio + Son
      B) Bowen + Kane

      1. TopBinFc
          2 years, 4 months ago

          A

        • I Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          A

        • Wolfman180
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          That's good, its the combo I own 🙂

        • I am 42
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          I prefer b as I'm open to the possibility of capping Ronaldo in GW16

      2. I Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Which looks better over the next 3 GWs?

        A) Chilwell + Gallagher
        B) Reguilon + Raphinha

        Factor in a possible rest for Chilwell against Watford although I suppose Reguilon could be rotated as well.

        1. Wolfman180
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          A

        2. TopBinFc
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Next 3 B as long as Rap is back, Chilwell more likely to be rotated than Reg

            1. I Member
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Yeah this is my thinking tbh. Expecting Chilwell to be rested against Watford and I think Raphinha (bha, CRY, BRE) can beat Gallagher (AVL, lee, mun) over the next 3.

        3. ShaunGoater123
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          what do you prefer here for a -8:

          A) Antonio, Raphinha, Omobamidele > Broja, Jota & Cancelo

          B) Antonio, Raphinha, White > Benteke, Jota, Cancelo

          1. Fitzy.
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            B) without knowing the rest of your team

            1. ShaunGoater123
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              rest of team is:

              Guaita /FOster
              TAA / Chilwell / Livramento (Omobamidele, White)
              Salah / Smith Rowe / Foden / Bissouma (Raphinha)
              Kane / Jimenez (Antonio)

          2. TopBinFc
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Not worth a -8, broja wont start every game, Jota same

              1. ShaunGoater123
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                2 years, 4 months ago

                fair, basically ust trying to get cancelo!

                1. TopBinFc
                    2 years, 4 months ago

                    I'm not a Cancelo owner either, will see how next 2 GWs go and if he will be rotated. I expect him to play against West Ham and bench v Villa

              2. WWW.
                • 10 Years
                2 years, 4 months ago

                How much itb?

                1. ShaunGoater123
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  2 years, 4 months ago

                  £1.6 ITB. can't upgrade a defender without a downgrade unfortunately

            • Ronnies
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Currently own Rudiger as my Chelsea defender, what to do here;

              A) Keep Rudiger
              B) Sell to James/Chillwell
              C) Williams, Antonio -> Chillwell/James,
              King (-4)

              Cheers.

              1. I am 42
                • 10 Years
                2 years, 4 months ago

                roll FT

              2. WWW.
                • 10 Years
                2 years, 4 months ago

                B if nothing else pressing

            • I am 42
              • 10 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Ramsdale
              TAA Cancelo James
              Salah Foden Jota Mbeumo Gilmour
              Kane Toney

              Sanchez Antonio Livra Johnson

              any transfer worth a hit?

              1. WWW.
                • 10 Years
                2 years, 4 months ago

                Nothing worth a hit

            • Paqueta Rice
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Hi Mods. Just wondering if there is going to be a Champions League article today?

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

                In a few hours - best players MD5

            • WWW.
              • 10 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              A) Havertz + Toney > Bernardo + Jimi
              B) Havertz > Jota
              C) Something else

              Guaita
              TAA Chilwell Cancelo
              Salah Son Havertz Raphinha Mbeumo
              Vardy Toney

              Foster Livra Manquillo Davis

              2FT, 0.4itb

              1. drughi
                • 14 Years
                2 years, 4 months ago

                B

            • Gudjohnsen
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Triple Chelsea defence too much?

              Currently have TAA, Chilwell, Rudiger, Cancelo and Livramento.

              1. WWW.
                • 10 Years
                2 years, 4 months ago

                Would you do Livra > James?

                1. Gudjohnsen
                  • 7 Years
                  2 years, 4 months ago

                  Yes

              2. NotsoSpursy
                • 7 Years
                2 years, 4 months ago

                Yes

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

                It's a bit greedy.

            • rozzo
              • 10 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Ramsdale Gunn
              TAA Cancelo Dias James Chilwell
              Salah Son Gallagher Bowen Allan
              Jesus Antonio Dennis

              1ft
              0 itb

              Would Son to Jota be a good idea? Spurs are awful. Then Dias to Livra would give me enough to either upgrade Jesus to a Lukaku/Ronaldo or upgrade Allan to a Raphina/ESR

              1. TopBinFc
                  2 years, 4 months ago

                  I wouldn't get rid of son, nice fixtures.

              2. NotsoSpursy
                • 7 Years
                2 years, 4 months ago

                Dias -> Royal to fund Jota?

                Any other 4.9m defender?

                1. BobB
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  2 years, 4 months ago

                  I sold Royal after his performance on Sunday. Doherty is better.

                2. NotsoSpursy
                  • 7 Years
                  2 years, 4 months ago

                  Thanks

                3. Well you know, Triffic
                  • 13 Years
                  2 years, 4 months ago

                  No. Royal was exposed for the goal, we can't say for sure if he is nailed.

              3. Malkmus
                • 12 Years
                2 years, 4 months ago

                A'noon all. I was 343 but now going 442 and need to re-structure the team. Currently:

                Sanchez
                TTA - Rudi - Cancello - James
                Salah - Gallagher - Foden - Mount
                Vardy - Toney

                Subs - Antonio, Manquillo, Brownhill

                Right call to bench Antonio v City and save FT? Then downgrade a striker next week?

                Ta

                1. TopBinFc
                    2 years, 4 months ago

                    Nice team, I'd save FT