Scout Notes

The James injury latest as FPL exodus awaits Chelsea defenders

We round up the main Fantasy Premier League (FPL) talking points from Wednesday’s two Gameweek 20 fixtures, with the results of both matches further consolidating Manchester City’s position at the top of the Premier League table.

GOALS, ASSISTS AND BONUS

KEY FPL TALKING POINTS

JAMES INJURY

The James injury latest as FPL exodus awaits Chelsea defenders 2

Reece James (£6.4m) didn’t even last half an hour of Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Brighton, with FPL’s third-most-owned defender barely able to walk off the field when being withdrawn with a muscle problem and later sighted on crutches.

A still-seething Thomas Tuchel was taciturn in his post-match interview and offered very little on his wing-back but the fact that it’s a muscle injury suggests that his involvement against Liverpool is in serious doubt.

“No prognosis. Hamstring injury.” – Thomas Tuchel on Reece James

Andreas Christensen (£4.6m) was also withdrawn at the interval with a back injury, while Tuchel revealed in his post-match press conference that Timo Werner (£8.6m) wasn’t even back in training yet after his recent Covid diagnosis.

“It’s too early but it looks not good.” – Thomas Tuchel on Reece James and Andreas Christensen

Brighton boss Graham Potter meanwhile offered an update on Leandro Trossard (£6.2m), who missed out on Wednesday night.

“Hopefully he’s back at the weekend. We’ll hopefully get one or two players back.” – Graham Potter on Leandro Trossard

CHELSEA DEFENCE SIGNS OFF WITH A WHIMPER

The James injury latest as FPL exodus awaits Chelsea defenders 3

For a lot of Fantasy managers, Gameweek 21 will be a jumping-off point for Chelsea defenders – and that’s before we even consider the injury to James.

A late, late Danny Welbeck (£5.9m) header ruined a clean sheet for the Blues but had they held on for a shut-out it would have been wholly undeserved, with Brighton the better team for large periods and registering 18 shots to their hosts’ 11. The fact that Edouard Mendy (£6.2m) was on course for maximum bonus points before Welbeck’s leveller said much about the course of the game and Chelsea’s patchy form at the back.

“Our players are injured. I told you what would happen weeks ago. Same thoughts, I told you. Sure we are tired, if you had been in bed for 10 days and played Premier League matches after that, you would be tired.” – Thomas Tuchel

It’s now just one clean sheet in eight league matches for Tuchel’s weary-looking side and the upcoming fixtures, plus a couple of medium-term blanks, will make the likes of Marcos Alonso (£5.7m) an easy sell in early 2022.

One thing to mention is that the Blues could well end up getting a Double Gameweek 22 but, with one of a potential two fixtures being away at the Etihad, there is limited appeal.

PREMIUM DIFFERENTIALS HIT FORM… BUT AT THE WRONG TIME?

The James injury latest as Chelsea get set for FPL exodus 2

Romelu Lukaku (£11.5m) and Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m) have low ownerships among ‘active’ FPL managers: in the top 10,000, for instance, they are selected by 0.5% and 2.2% respectively.

The pair had unremarkable autumns, struggling to recapture former glories, but have caught the eye recently, with Lukaku looking sharp on his return from Covid-19 and De Bruyne now starting to purr.

“Surprised what he’s doing. Actually very surprised, but I don’t know how long he can do it. We will try it and then we will see because nobody knows. I’m surprised because he was six weeks, eight weeks out, then when was trying to come back caught Covid and after that one training and let’s go. This is what we do at the moment.” – Thomas Tuchel on Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku nodded in Chelsea’s only goal of the match at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, while De Bruyne – described as “exceptional” by his manager after full-time – produced a superb assist for Phil Foden’s (£8.1m) match-winner across west London and would have had a second attacking return to his name had Aymeric Laporte (£5.6m) not strayed fractionally offside when nodding home the Belgian’s free-kick.

Such a return to form would ordinarily see them re-enter the premium radar but their purple patches perhaps come at an inopportune time, FPL wise.

Chelsea’s aforementioned run of tricky games and blanks count against Lukaku, while City are the only Premier League club who haven’t had a match postponed so far this season and so won’t ‘double’ in Gameweeks 21 or 22. The champions elect play Arsenal and Chelsea in those two Gameweeks.

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE XG

The James injury latest as FPL exodus awaits Chelsea defenders 1

Foden and Jack Grealish (£7.6m) were brought back out of detention for a start at Brentford and had contrasting evenings. Foden excelled out wide and then as a false nine, earning Guardiola’s praise after the match, but Grealish had another poor evening and did little to suggest he’ll keep his place on New Year’s Day.

Bernardo Silva (£7.6m), meanwhile, blanked for the fourth straight Gameweek. His expected goals (xG) ‘overachievement’ in the autumn was well discussed in FPL circles and, unsurprisingly, there has been some regression to the mean in the last fortnight. The Portugal international didn’t have a single shot for the second successive match and has had only two efforts in total during his recent four-game drought.

This midfield trio, and the rest of City’s starting XI, lasted 90 minutes at Brentford, so with little more than 60 hours separating their Gameweek 20 and 21 fixtures, Guardiola may well be calling on the benched and unused Raheem Sterling (£8.7m) and Riyad Mahrez (£10.7m) at the Emirates in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off.

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1,094 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Help Me!
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Selling James, have DeGea/Cancelo/Trent/Regui/Alonso.
    Need long term options with DGWs and BGWs around
    No limit on the money.

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

      Reguilon probably

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

        Oh you have reg. Man utd defenders may be?

        1. Help Me!
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Thinking about Maguire, but not sure if I want double Utd defense, which is why I mentioned DeGea

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

            Not Maguire. What about cucurella

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

      Cash or Targett

    3. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      If you're not looking to start them this week, Ait Nouri or Hoever. Boly and Saiss both due to go to AFCON and Wolves looked relatively solid lately

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

    What'd you do here?

    A: Alonso -> Cash
    B: A+ESR -> Maddison (-4)
    C: A+ESR -> Bowen (-4) (have Antonio)
    D: A+ESR+Bilva -> Maddison+Bowen (-8)

    1. Help Me!
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      C
      Just curious what's your reasoning for A instead of other defenders

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

        Decent run of fixtures until GW29 and has shown good attacking potential under Gerrard. Best defender at the 5.0 bracket, and also allows me to upgrade ESR as well.

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

      A.

  3. vova
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Best Spurs defender apart from Reg? Dier or Bavies?

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

      Reg > Royal > Dier

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

    Gallagher to Bowen for a hit? already transferred in Son.

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

      No hit. Try benching him

    2. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Wait for more Gallagher news I'd say.. don't think we have a confirmation yet if he has covid or was just rested

  5. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Bernardo-> Son is a given here I think and can fund with James downgrade.
    James-> 5.2m or less defender-
    Cash or Luke Thomas (if Lei have a double double)?
    Anything else I should consider.

    DDG.
    TAA, Cancelo, James.
    Foden, Bernardo, Jota, Bowen.
    Ronaldo, King, Antonio.
    Bach, Dalot, Martinelli, Tierney.
    1ft, 1.9m ITB. 2 FH'ts on hand, TC, WC

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

    Season really seems over...

    1. Eric Banternaaa
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      It’s becoming luck more then ever.

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

        It was always luck + paying attention. Now its luck and spin the bottle.

        1. Walter White (WW)
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          This. 70% Luck 30% Skill

  7. Eric Banternaaa
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    If you have all the chips left what’s the best strategy?

    WC, 2x FH, BB & TC

    Guessing need more info on DGW’s ATM.

    1. vova
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I'm in a similar position to you. Planning to FH for DGW22

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

      FH in GW22

  8. vova
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    How much of a threat to Emerson is Doherty? Are they likely to be rotated with DGW coming up?

    1. FPL_ UP_Down
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I have Emerson … last two games 11ams 2
      if you think he’s at risk!! Go for others
      I would say 70% chances he plays..!

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

      Plus Conte loves him..
      I wouldn’t be surprise if he gets couple of Assist May give him big Haul !!
      Your call in the end

  9. MShalkz
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    My team is in absolute tatters so drafting a Wildcard ready for GW21 with the potential doubles and blanks in mind.

    What do people think of this? Anyone I should be considering that I've missed out?

    Sanchez, Ramsdale
    Trent, Cancelo, Reguillon, B Davies, Dalot
    Jota, Son, Bowen, Gray, Maddison
    Ronaldo, Watkins/DCL, King

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

      avoid DCL for now..

    2. Men in green tights
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      If you look at the potential teams having a dgw in wk22 yo might be better off fh in wk21 if your team is rhat bad , just an idea Seems a shame to waste a wc so early that’s all.so try to gather more info before rash decisions everyone is having a nightmare season

  10. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    DGW for gw21? who will have dgw?

    1. Eric Banternaaa
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Nothing announced yet

  11. Eric Banternaaa
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Why the love so much for Spurs defence?

    Their CS record is awful.

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

      Think it's people anticipating a Conte masterclass more than anything.

    2. vova
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      4/7 clean sheets in the prem under Conte and decent fixtures/DGW

  12. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    A) KDB Foden Antonio
    B) Sterling Kane, Jacob Ramsey

    B gives me two penalty takers. And Ramsey would rotate with Borja

    1. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      not surely sterling the penalty taker.

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

      A

    3. sulldaddy
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      prob A, can you get Kane over Antonio? Sell off some other player to free up some funds?

  13. vova
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    thinking of captaining TAA vs Chelsea. Am I crazy?

    1. Men in green tights
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Like a fox

      1. vova
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        yeah, my thinking is that he will be up against a tired and depleted Chelsea defence and a pretty toothless attack.

        1. Men in green tights
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          I thought the same with Leicester and was proven wrong. But you never know they might bounce back , been a funny season so far. Who would of thought Salah using a pen etc .

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

            Yeah I always thought Salah was more of a pencil guy...

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

      He was awful against Leicester

      1. vova
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        more of fade on Chelsea really (I'm a really pessimistic Chelsea fan haha)

    3. jackruet
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I wouldnt. Lately clean sheets arent coming much

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

      as a box of frogs

  14. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Best James and Alonso replacement? Have Reguilon, TAA and Cancelo and DDG as GK.

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      why to sell alonso?

      1. Zenith UK
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        LIV, MCI, TOT, BLANK, BLANK.

    2. jackruet
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Look at dgw players

    3. Men in green tights
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Cash , maybe a utd defender or. Double on spurs . That was a strong back 5 you had there .I. Have only got James but also got konsa so I am not sure about doubling up on villa defence so looking at taking a punt on Leicester maybe who knows?

  15. asr
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Seems the first signing of the Newcastle-PIF era will be Trippier - multiple ITK Newcastle accounts reporting it as a done deal. FPL price, 5.0?

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

      At least, could be 5.5
      Lots of talk about Tarkowski too

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

      Trippier willing to play in the championship…

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

    Would you sell ESR or Bilva first to fund Bowen?

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Bilva. Been v frustrating to own. Out wide left last night. No shooting either.

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

        Ta. Would free up a Laporte Cancelo double up

  17. tokara
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    i just want to whine, i sold Bowen for Salah...and kept 3x Arsenal players

    Gosh anyone did similar?

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      No, I got rid. Son for Salah worked out in the end.

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Oofff

  18. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on James and ESR to Roysl and Son ?

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Likeable. I prefer Ben Davies at 4.5 to Royal.

  19. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Bernardo-> Son is a given here I think and can fund with James downgrade.
    James-> 5.2m or less defender-
    Cash, Davies, Lowton or Luke Thomas (if Lei have a double double)?
    Anything else I should consider.

    DDG.
    TAA, Cancelo, James.
    Foden, Bernardo, Jota, Bowen.
    Ronaldo, King, Antonio.
    Bach, Dalot, Martinelli, Tierney.
    1ft, 1.9m ITB. 2 FH'ts on hand, TC, WC.

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I like a Wolves defender as an option. Not as many doubles to come as some but could be a good call.

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

      Nice team btw. You are about 3 moves ahead of where I want to be.Wakins over Antonio will be about the only major difference after I get those moves done.

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

      In the current climate and for your team, it kinda has to be a Villa defender

      Prefer Targett to Cash for this reason: If DGW21 comes through for them (quite likely), Cash will be suspended for the second match if he gets a yellow in the first. I also don't see Cash outscoring Targett by much, maybe Targett even gets more points

      Maybe Tierney to Coufal for TC22: bench Foden Cancelo Targett

      1. Sz21
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks a lot for the suggestions here!

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

          Always a pleasure 🙂

  20. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on the building for dgw 22 BB strategy? I quite like it but of course the uncertain of fixtures right now is a nagging doubt.

    1. FPLtfs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Building with 2 fts? Planning to take several hits? Think I might just bring in a couple of dgw21 players before next deadline, and FH in 22.

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Who knows what will happen but right now a hit in 21 and 22 gets me a very decent 15
        My team is pretty much ready for a BB anyway and I like the idea of having the second WC, 2FH and TC still to play over the other dgws or blanks to come.

        1. FPLtfs
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah, not a bad idea. I have a strong 15 atm myself. Still not sure about the bench boost when covid is this aggressive, though.

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

    That game already hava no defence and no attackers hahaha

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Couldnt agree more.

  22. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Best James replacement? Regulion?

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

      Yes.. but if somebody has him then james to who??

  23. Eman47
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Is double city defense the way to go? Don't see many talking about it but their consistency seems so good to me

    Also is Bilva to Maddison a solid move? Or wait for injury news on Madders?

    1. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Double defence is good but waiting on dgw news

    2. vova
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I have Cancelo and Dias and I'm not complaining. They have by far the best defence in the league and you don't really want more than one attacking City player due to rotation IMO.

      I would wait on injury news on Maddison.

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

      They're one of the few (two?) teams guaranteed to *not* have a double. And in that time in which others have doubles, they face Arsenal and Chelsea. I'd advise buying that attractive City asset for GW23, and then holding long-term

      Bilva to Madders, yes, if fit. If not, Raphinha. Any other Leicester asset will be a very short-term move

    4. PastaFasul
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I've had Cancelo & Dias for most of the season and it has served me well. Many have Ederson and Cancelo which has worked well too. More consistent returns than guessing Man City mid points.

  24. as33
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    James>Davies and Jesus>Kane for a hit?
    De gea
    James, Taa, Cancelo, Dalot, Livra
    Jota, Son, Bilva, Mount, Martineli
    Antonio, Jesus, Dennis

    1. vova
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      looks good to me

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Decent

    3. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      90% have a James issue and will surely go. Your call seems good but give it 24 hrs.

  25. vova
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Is Foden to Son for a hit worth it this week? I was planning to FH for DGW22 anyway so I would get Son for his double anyway.

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Don't think so. Can you get both?

      1. vova
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Not really, not without taking more hits anyway.

        I was thinking of just biting the bullet and going without Son this week, getting him on a FH and then sticking with Foden for City's nice run.

  26. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Salah to KDB this week is crazy or not?

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Not crazy, but if there are doubles might not be the best option

      1. AzzaroMax99
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Salah is goint to AFCON after this gw? So anyway he is off for 2-3 gw.

        1. waltzingmatildas
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Yes, but kdb may not be the best replacement

          1. AzzaroMax99
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 3 months ago

            Who would you get then? I have Son, Jota, Bowen, Saka and no City mid right now.

            1. waltzingmatildas
              • 13 Years
              2 years, 3 months ago

              Need to see the potential doubles first.

  27. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Guys would you wc this team?
    DDG Guaita
    TAA cancelo james* alonso* livra
    Son Jota gundo* raphinha ESR*
    Ronaldo broja dennis*

    Would make at least 5/6 changes to look something like :
    DDG Guaita
    TAA cancelo cash Davies lowton
    Son foden jota bowen raphinha
    Antonio Watkins broja
    3.7itb to do broja to DCL

    1. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      If you have wc still, then use it. Not bad second team.

  28. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Well my Salah > Son move needs to be held off because of James, wouldn’f consider selling Salah for a -4 when he’a up againsf Alonso lol. So James > who?? Could move to Dias, Cash, ? Plenty of options. Own Reggy

    1. vova
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Dias long term is a good option but he doesn't have a DGW. If you are planning on FH next week then you could go to Dias.

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I am looking at Royal.

  29. SAY MY NAME
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Is Benrahma going to AFCON?

    1. Walter White (WW)
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

      1. SAY MY NAME
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        thanks

  30. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    If Leicester and Villa get a DGW in 21.
    James,ESR > Targett/Cash, Maddison worth a -4?
    Would give me-
    DeGea
    TAA,Cancelo,Cash/Targett
    Son,Jota,Maddison,Bowen
    Ronaldo,King,Watkins

    Guaita,Alonso,Gallagher,White

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Oh yeah. I am desperate to bring in Maddison this week. But a bad time to pick up a knock.

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

      If Maddison not fit how about Tielemans?