Scout Notes

Antonio Covid news, Blank + Double Gameweeks and line-up lessons: EFL Cup notes

The quarter-finals of the EFL Cup were completed last night and there were some key takeaways for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, from fitness issues to possible Blank/Double Gameweek repercussions.

BLANK GAMEWEEK 27… AND LIVERPOOL TO HAVE A DOUBLE GAMEWEEK 22?

Liverpool and Arsenal both progressed to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup last night and were drawn against one another.

With one of the two sides guaranteed to be in the final, which clashes with Gameweek 27, the scheduled league meeting between the Gunners and the Reds on February 26 will have to be rescheduled.

There is still the possibility that the Gameweek 27 fixture between Arsenal and Liverpool is moved to the following midweek but that would require both sides being eliminated by the FA Cup fifth-round stage.

There is another possibility, as seen in Legomane‘s excellent fixture matrix above – that Liverpool might now also get a Double Gameweek 22, something that wasn’t on the cards before last night’s cup developments.

ANTONIO’S POSITIVE COVID TEST

Antonio the most-sold FPL player of Gameweek 13 as budget defender Ait-Nouri impresses 1

The internet rumours turned out to be true regarding Michail Antonio‘s positive Covid test.

David Moyes confirmed ahead of kick-off in the EFL Cup quarter-final between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United that his forward tested positive for coronavirus but all might not be lost for Gameweek 19.

Moyes explained that Antonio had returned his positive test “about a week ago” (he was last in playing action on December 15), so with the new UK government protocol allowing for the 10-day self-isolation period to be cut short on the production of two negative tests on days six and seven, the striker could be at least available for selection on Boxing Day – if short on training time.

“[Michail] Antonio tested positive last week, probably about a week ago now so we’re closer to getting him back but obviously not available tonight [against Tottenham].

“With testing every day there’s uncertainty like every other team but I have to say, at the moment we’ve been pretty good with Covid.”

“The answer is I don’t know [if he’ll be available for Southampton], he has no symptoms and is double vaccinated, hopefully there is a good chance we have him back.” – David Moyes

Thomas Tuchel confirmed that the previously positive Romelu Lukaku and Callum Hudson-Odoi had also returned one negative test each, so will be able to return to training today if they reproduce that same result on a second test.

There were also injuries to report.

Charlie Goode missed out on Brentford’s defeat to Chelsea with a hamstring injury, while Rico Henry was taken off as a precaution with the same issue.

Brendan Rodgers, who welcomed back most of the players who last week tested positive for Covid, went full strength against Liverpool and may live to regret it, seeing Ricardo Pereira, Caglar Soyuncu and Jamie Vardy pick up problems of varying natures.

“We couldn’t take [Vardy] off. Probably the last half-hour his hamstring felt a bit tight so he couldn’t really move. He’d usually be our number one (penalty taker).” – Brendan Rodgers

LINE-UP LESSONS

Owners of players from the seven Premier League clubs in EFL Cup action would have been hoping for managed minutes ahead of a frantic Christmas period but there were mixed fortunes for Fantasy managers.

We’ve teamed up with Anna Woodberry, producer of some superb line-up graphics, for this section, and you’ll be able to see a detailed breakdown of each club by clicking on the gallery above.

A summary is below:

Arsenal
  • Nine changes from Gameweek 18
  • Leno, Soares, Holding, Tavares, Elneny, Pepe, Smith Rowe, Balogun & Nketiah in
  • White & Odegaard kept their places

Arsenal are unchanged over the last four Gameweeks and most of their regulars were handed a breather, with Ben White and Martin Odegaard racking up the most significant minutes (73 each). Emile Smith Rowe, without a league start since Gameweek 14, was given 80 minutes.

Brentford
  • Three changes from Gameweek 16
  • Canos, Pinnock & Sorensen in
  • Fernandez, Jansson, Henry, Jensen, Janelt, Bapiste, Wissa & Mbeumo kept their places

Ivan Toney was only handed 25 minutes as a substitute as Thomas Frank managed his fitness following a return from coronavirus.

Chelsea
  • Eight changes from Gameweek 18
  • Kepa, Simons, Sarr, Kovacic, Saul, Vale, Soonsup-Bell & Barkley in
  • Azpilicueta, Chalobah & Alonso kept their places

There were widespread changes from Thomas Tuchel, with the likes of Reece James, Antonio Rudiger and Mason Mount either handed the night off or limited minutes as substitutes. Marcos Alonso was given a 90-minute run-out, however.

Leicester City
  • Three changes from Gameweek 16
  • Pereira, Soumare & Vardy in
  • Schmeichel, Soyuncu, Ndidi, Thomas, Tielemans, Maddison, Dewsbury-Hall & Daka kept their places

Harvey Barnes, Caglar Soyuncu and the injured Jonny Evans were the only notable absences from a strong Leicester side, with Jamie Vardy completing 90 minutes despite the aforementioned hamstring issues.

Liverpool
  • Ten changes from Gameweek 18
  • Kelleher, Bradley, Gomez, Koumetio, Tsimikas, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Minamino, Firmino & Williams in
  • Morton kept his place

Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Trent Alexander-Arnold were among the big names given a rest last night, while Diogo Jota was only present for the second half. Roberto Firmino‘s first start since October saw the Brazilian last 90 minutes.

Tottenham Hotspur
  • Six changes from Gameweek 18
  • Doherty, Reguilon, Hojbjerg, Skipp, Moura & Bergwijn in
  • Lloris, Sanchez, Dier, Davies & Kane kept their places

Son Heung-min was given only half an hour as a substitute as Harry Kane kept up his 100% record under Antonio Conte, a run that has seen him last 90 minutes in each game. The 5-3-2/3-5-2 of Gameweek 18 made way to the 3-4-3/3-4-2-1, while Sergio Reguilon was back in the starting XI.

West Ham United
  • Four changes from Gameweek 18
  • Areola, Ashby, Johnson & Vlasic in
  • Dawson, Diop, Masuaku, Soucek, Rice, Lanzini & Bowen kept their places

Jarrod Bowen scored up front in Michail Antonio‘s absence, while Ben Johnson returned from injury at right-back as Vladimir Coufal served a one-match ban.

486 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Mika-eel
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Well people wanted chaos......

  2. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Need more FH please...

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah, there is another week with postponed fixtures so we are due another one. Precedent has been set!

    2. Kabayan
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Due to more wc, I'm afraid

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

      It can't be played during two consecutive weeks. Liverpool fixture being postponed is annoying, because Salah C vs Leicester is very tempting. Somehow I have a feeling, that we are going to keep him for that fixture just to see it postponed. Yet I can see merit in taking hits now and playing FH next week if needed. Also hokey cokey with Salah and Son is not totally out of question.

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

    Selling Salah is simply crazy he has Leicester midweek with a long long rest.. captain locked

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      He could get rusty by that team.

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

      ...then Chelsea, then two consecutive blanks.

      One good fixture out of 5. 3 blanks.

    3. jimmyharte
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Players are expected to leave for afcon after boxing day

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

    Salah v Leeds in a DGW down the line sounds mighty tasty

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah, TC time

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Hopefully its not in 22

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

          Ah no!

    2. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      We need more glass half full people like you

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

        My glass has been 10/11ths full for 3 weeks so I'll take what I can get!

  5. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Third FH incoming...

  6. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    I hope FPL can sort out this issue about not being able to play FH chip in consecutive GWs because I have a feeling we'll be getting a few more!

    1. Marty McFly
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      We have more than 1 free hit chip??

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

        Another is given. Cannot play on two consecutive weeks.

  7. Pukkipartyy
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Pretty easy just Freehit this gw! 🙂
    Then u have Salah against Leicester.

    When Afcon players will leave? Salah, Dennis?

    1. Parsnips
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Yeh I’m gonna fh

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Salah will leave after Chelsea game

  8. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    I have to ask the question why can we not use the additional FH until GW20 and not now?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Because FPL knew this was going to happen and wanted to give managers who held their WC an advantage this week over those that didn't 😉

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

        Also those who have saved their FH benefit from this in theory.

    2. Marty McFly
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I didn’t even realise there was a second free hit…

      Can you use both after gw20? Or does the first expire?

      1. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        if you still have the original one you can use it now. The extra free one cant be used until GW20 for some reason.

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

        It won't expire.

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

          Except if not used BEFORE gw 37.

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

    So who you gonna captain now??

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

      I'd say most will go with Cancelo or Ronaldo

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Cancelo, again

      1. MIGHTY JOE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Dear me

      2. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Or probably going to get Ronaldo and captain him

    3. jimmyharte
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Son

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

      Ronaldo

  10. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Do we get another FH for this? 😀

  11. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    RIP planning

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Just plan 1 hour before deadline.

  12. The Senate
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

  13. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Ronaldo (c) 😎

  14. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    No early kick off on boxing day now 🙁

    1. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Deadline now 1:30pm
      A bit more recovery time from christmas day drinks

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

    Triple captain talk in the mud.

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      When Mo has the double with Leeds, we shall all use it then.

  16. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Wolves v Watford postponed after a request made by the visitors to the Premier League was accepted due to rising Covid-19 cases.

    So it's not because either of the clubs can't field a team as agreed on Monday at the PL club meeting, that's worrying for the rest of the festive fixtures.

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

      Leeds have said a combination of covid cases as well as injury issues is the reason for their cancellation, wonder if Leicester will cite that for the City game with their depleted squad

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Leicester played a decent strength squad last night though.

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

          True, bench wasn't too bad either looking at it. Although Pereira and Soyuncu injuries may add to the issues

      2. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Leeds/Pool off as well I missed that development.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Is this true? The hot takes assume we know what's going on and the twitter box is broken. Think I'll log off and rely on Twitter for news.

          1. bitm2007
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 3 months ago

            Yes, Leeds can't field a team.

  17. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Any ideas for this lot if nothing happens? Genuinely thinking of holding FT as things stand:

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Dias, Cancelo, James, Cash
    Salah, Jota, Foden, Bowen, Douglas Luiz
    Lacazette, Watkins, King

    Cheers!

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      So you will play with 10?

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Just seen the news ahahah. Love it.

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          😀

  18. dshv
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Ramsdale
    Taa James Cancelo Reguilon
    Salah Foden Jota ESR
    Watkins Ronaldo

    Foster - gallagher - livra - davis
    2ft 0.1itb

    3 pool will missing.. gallagher livra in

    So if i remove jota to what ?

  19. Meechoo115
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Bus team captain now cancelo. Vice odegaard

    Have Foden Antonio Bernardo too but don’t trust them to play / return

    1. dshv
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I will captain Ronaldo

  20. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Any Villa & Chelsea updates could be boring Boxing Day footy at this rate 🙁

  21. The Senate
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    I think FH this week will be a must for those of us tripled on pool and with a watford player or two, hopefully we can see a citeh team leak before the deadline and pick accordingly

    1. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      At this rate need a free hit every week.

      Impossible to manage like this.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Na I don't think so unless Chelsea Villa game is postponed. Salah out is definitely worth considering

    3. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I dont think its a must by any means. The majority of fpl players will be tripled up on 3 liverpool

    4. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I can still get 10 players out with my FT. I'm not using FReeHit for 1 player

    5. kringe
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Down to 7 players. No complaints, took the chance on 1 keeper and a non playing striker hahaha
      Lost Sa, TAA, Jota, Salah, Raphinha and King. (So far)

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

      Nope. I have triple Liv + Dennis. That means starting XI with -4, not big issue yet. If Che match is postponed, -8 and Spurs defender for Alonso.

  22. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Salah & King to (C)R7 & Bowen for -4?

    Will bench Livra, Jota & TAA.

    Livra to come in for Anotnio if he doesnt make it.

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Yep

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Bowen or Madisson?

  23. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    So does watford pulling out of this game mean they are unlikely to be able to play vs West ham on 28th?

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      They should be fine by then I would assume. Their outbreak started last week so they do have a couple of extra days now.

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Don't think we can guess it'll be okay. Have to accept the match is at risk too.

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          I agree its risky. I dont know if I should get Bowen this week and double up on West Ham.

    2. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Athletic quotes PL expecting game on the 28th to go ahead.

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        thanks mate. that is useful

  24. No Salah - who to captain GW19?
    gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Well to take some positive's out of this. We can pick a different captain other than Salah for once and at least Raphinha cant annoy me this week with more cheap points!

    1. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Completely right, more variance with captains.

      Who will you be captaining?

      1. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Foden

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

        Cancelo most likely. Tempted by Foden if Pep suggests he's put his misdemeanours behind him but still would be a big risk

      3. circusmonkey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        On Lacazette with Cancelo vice.

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Vivaa Ronaldoooo

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Agreed

    4. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      The positive for me is I sold him last week.

      Be more Gink

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

      C Ronaldo is obvious now.

    6. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Bowen

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

      My Son.

    8. RichRover
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Son

  25. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    If the Villa-Chelsea game is called off...

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      it will be exciting

  26. Stormbringer22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Salah > Son (C)?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Salah > Ron (C)

      1. dshv
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        This

  27. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Love chaos in general, but this is getting a little over the top. Might just drop this season and come back next year.

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      True, too much randomness to deal with

    2. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      You won't. It's the same for everyone so just embrace it.

  28. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    There’s goes 5 of my players then. Week over

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Similar case for most.

    2. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Everyone has triple Pool.

      Be clever...

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      People have at least 4 out.

  29. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    *furiously deletes comments bad-mouthing the new FH chip*

    (I don't actually take it back, tbh).

  30. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Could be a big score if you FH this week

    1. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Could be a big fat zero too.