Scout Notes

Squad steps up as Robertson maintains fine form: FPL notes from Liverpool v Brentford

Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 win over Brentford in Double Gameweek 22, thanks to goals from Fabinho (£5.4m), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (£5.8m) and Takumi Minamino (£5.1m).

Our Scout Notes article reflects on the key Fantasy Premier League (FPL) talking points from the fixture.

LIVERPOOL FIND A WAY WITHOUT SALAH AND MANE

At least one of Mohamed Salah (£12.7m) or Sadio Mane (£11.7m) has played in all 172 of Liverpool’s Premier League fixtures since the Egyptian joined the club in the summer of 2017.

However, against Brentford on Sunday, Jurgen Klopp had to make-do without both of his star forwards due to their involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and in their absence, turned to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (£5.8m), who featured on the right of the Reds’ front three.

Above: Liverpool’s average position map v Brentford in Double Gameweek 22, featuring no. 15 Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Despite being without Salah and Mane, Liverpool’s squad stepped up, as six different players scored or assisted, including full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold (£8.4m) and Andrew Robertson (£7.0m).

Notably, the latter is averaging over 7.5 points per match over his last seven starts, producing a goal, five assists and 10 bonus points, which suggests he can rival Jota for the third Reds’ spot in our FPL squads even once everyone is back.

ANDREW ROBERTSON’S CREATIVE NUMBERS – LAST SIX MATCHES:
MetricTotalRank v other Premier League defenders
Assists41st
Big chances created31st=
Created chances162nd
Crosses502nd
xA1.384th

However, it was a day to forget for Diojo Jota’s (£8.4m) owners, as the Portuguese was hooked after 82 minutes to avoid injury and produced just three FPL points, despite hitting the post and racking up six shots in the box.

Discussing his missing stars – plus Oxlade-Chamberlain who was taken off injured in the second-half – Jurgen Klopp said:

“It’s completely normal. We knew it would happen when the boys went away. It’s really helpful the result today to calm these discussions down a little bit. You’re right, I understand the thoughts behind it but they are not here so we don’t talk about the boys who are not in. We find ways to break the opponents down. We wish the boys in Africa the best of luck. We were celebrating when Mo (Salah) scored last night and Sadio (Mane) the other day. We wish all of them to win the tournament which unfortunately isn’t impossible.” – Jurgen Klopp on coping without Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane

“He was really good, but that’s a shadow on the game (and) we don’t know yet. He rolled his ankle and now we hope it’s nothing serious but we will get the further – or final – information (at the) earliest tomorrow, that’s how it is (with) these situations. It’s absolutely too early (to say), I have no idea. I don’t know.” – Jurgen Klopp on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

MORE AWAY DAY WOES FOR BRENTFORD

Following today’s 3-0 defeat at Anfield, Brentford have now conceded 19 goals in their last seven away matches, whilst across the season, only Norwich City, Southampton and Leeds United have allowed more than their 21.

BRENTFORD’S AWAY FORM:
OpponentScorexGC
Liverpool0-33.19
Southampton1-41.43
Brighton and Hove Albion0-21.01
Leeds United2-21.19
Tottenham Hotspur2-22.24
Newcastle United3-31.76
Burnley1-32.51

That could be good news for Manchester City, who host Brentford in Gameweek 24, with Pep Guardiola’s attacking assets attractive captaincy options that week.

Even more so if Egypt reach the latter stages of AFCON, with the final and third-place play-off taking place on February 6th, just four days before Liverpool are due to entertain Leicester City, which would surely cast Salah’s involvement into doubt.


“We were unbelievable in the first half against one of the best teams in the world. We kept them quiet. If we had gone to half time 0-0 it would have been a different story, but if we want to get points here we can’t concede from set pieces. 

We had the chance with Bryan Mbuemo and then they came down the other end – fantastic cross, fantastic finish – and that killed the game.

Until the second goal, it showed if we keep our discipline, keep pressing, defend well in the low block, we can match some of the best. 

This is a big occasion, playing in one of the most iconic places in the world, but you have to enjoy it for 30 seconds before the game is on and then you only really enjoy it if you win.” – Thomas Frank


Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Jones, Oxlade-Chamberlain (Minamino 74), Jota (Gordon 82), Firmino (Milner 78)

Brentford XI: Fernandez, Ajer, Jansson, Pinnock, Roerslev, Baptiste (Wissa 68), Norgaard, Janelt, Henry (Canos 49), Mbeumo (Jensen 75), Toney

484 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Fabreghastly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    What a great differential Robbo is, 3% and 5.4ppg. (No forwards, 4 mids and 2 defs better) He is almost immune to transfers in no matter how well he plays

    Jota is more expensive and looks done. It would be good if he can prove me wrong and get some points in the next couple

    But, I'm happy to bet a transfer on Robbo that Jota'll be my Salah placeholder instead

  2. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    From gw 24, when Salah is back from Afcon and Son is back fit, how do you narrow down to 5 from a burgeoing pool of midfield options?

    Salah
    Son
    Foden
    Jota
    Bowen
    Saka
    Raphinha
    Coutinho
    KDB

    Which 4 or 5 do you plan to have?

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

      Have Salah, Jota, Bernardo, Foden, Bowen. Will probably stick with that till 26 and reassess after that. Bernardo/Jota/Foden on chopping block.

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

        Fixtures looks iffy for most of the teams from GW27 onwards. Son/Ward Prowse/Mount have got decent fixtures.

      2. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Bernardo to Raphinha would be an easy move for me. Captain option this week if they get a double

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

          Raphina is away so if Leeds get one he might not be part of it

          1. Pat Bonner
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Interesting, thanks. He's away with Brazil for game on the 2nd Feb? I thought the rearranged games were on same day as FA cup on the 5th/6th? Villa Leeds Burnley all out of the cup so look most likely. So he might not get back from Brazil in time is the issue?

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

              I am not sure when but the noise here is he may not return so be careful. Cheers.

              1. Pat Bonner
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                2 years, 2 months ago

                Cheers

    2. Top Dog
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Salah
      Foden
      Bowen
      Saka/Martinelli

      5th slot dependant on team structure

    3. beric
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Would make sense to be playing 352 but I def want to keep hold of ramsey at 4.5

      1. tokara
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Ramsey pass eye test?

    4. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Plan to have Salah Son Raphinha Bowen and Jota. Jota is the one I'm less sure on and Coutinho could be an interesting option at 7m.

      Really not sure on City mids, one of them is always likely to score big but I can see them taking it in turns so tempted just to ignore completely. Earlier in the season I went double city mids and idea was to have a strong bench to cover rotation but it rarely worked out and then covid resulted in me sometimes struggling to get 11 out.

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

        I had same issues. KdB, Cancelo + Laporte after Laporte has had his rest is a possibility though. KdB looks like finding his form.

        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          KDB looks good but not sure he's worth the cash. Salah is a given and think I prefer Son over the likes of KDB and Sterling as he'll play every game when fit

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

            Son will play every game and he will get steady returns, but I fear that Spurs will score only one or two and just defend their lead. So I am not sure he is worth the money. KdB will get more corners + set pieces. He may also challenge Salah for captaincy.

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

              Why not Foden?

              Better points per match, position, set pieces too, assists... 4.1m cheaper

              What am I missing?

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

                Have you watched them play? KdB seems to be finding his form and since he has started regularly, he has averaged little over 7.8 points per match. The old Kevin looks like to be coming back. Since Son is out, he is affordable to many, but not everyone.

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

        This^ I treat city mids as a punt. I have Foden and for me one is enough. There are a lot of doubles coming up and mixed with Europe it could be a minefield. GW28 is a turning point with Chelsea. I still think value will be at the back

    5. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Salah Son Bowen Bernardo and Saka/ Raph

    6. EL tridente
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Maddison from GW28 could also be a really good option

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

      Salah Foden Coutinho Maddison Bowen

      I'll bench Maddison for his tough games (Liverpool, Wolves?) and one BGW, as the fixtures for the others in my squad cover those

      If any of these 5 drop off considerably like Bernardo did, I won't hesitate to sell. Too many viable replacements to hang on in hope, but I believe these are the best 5 for my squad atm

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

      Salah
      Son
      Foden
      Bowen

      in a 343

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

      Salah, KdB, Bowen certainly. Jota and Maddison I have now, but Raph and Coutinho are tempting.

    10. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Salah Bowen Jota Ramsey and maybe Son if funds allow. Saying that I have not familiarised myself with upcoming fixtures.

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

    Long term:
    Salah
    Son
    Raphina
    Bowen
    Saka/Martinelli

    Not enough potential game time for Foden (Pep Roulette & No games in hand) or Jota (Firmino back) for me.

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

      Reply fail to King Kohli

  4. marcos11
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Best Mount replacement?

    a) City mid
    b) Maddison
    c) Coutinho

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Id still take a city mid over Coutinho, even if they double.

      If Villa double I’ll be looking at Digne and Watkins I think.

    2. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Raphinha

  5. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Morning all.

    1. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Good morning sir

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

        Ohayo

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

      Good morning!

      1. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        It is a good morning. No FPL today = no pain.

  6. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Good Morning Bruno Cappers

    1. Sterling Archer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Been a decent placeholder, hopefully a couple more returns before he departs for the return of Mo!

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

      Good Morning for everyone who has guts to link their team!

      1. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Dennis Capper Alert.

        You're going to be upset when their next game is called off.

        Unlucky Pal

  7. pBelck
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Son > KDB seems like a no-brainer if you have the spare cash..
    Thoughts?

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

      Foden at false 9 is 4.1m cheaper with around the same (or higher?) number of returns per start, and that cash might be needed soon

      Considering the lack of doubles for City, and Cancelo proving himself to be their most reliable captaincy option this season, that cash really might be needed in many places

      1. SINGH
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        KDB has missed large chunks of this season and hasn't been in form. Yes Foden is cheaper but has played more than KDB. KDB is getting back to his best and personally I would take him over Foden especially with the next 2 gameweeks.

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

          Foden has missed chunks of the season too. They've both started 11 matches

          Just my opinion anyway. Good luck

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

      I have KDB and Foden. I won't be getting rid anytime soon. Difficult to separate at the moment. Ronaldo will be gone when Salah is back for me.

  8. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Chances of Ronaldo missing Brentford?

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

      Unclear atm, afaik

      Waiting for training pics and videos soon

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Think he'll be on the bench and play 20 mins

      1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Would be typical of my fpl season if he does- Bruno (vc)

      2. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        As a Bruno vc'er I'm preparing myself for this 🙂

  9. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    If Villa get a double, Antonio > Watkins for a FT seems a no brainer right?

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

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

    Had Jota since GW13, 50 points in 9 games with returns in 5 games … is that so bad for 7.5 mill set and forget ?

    1. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Set and forget is such a misused term, as well as essential and nailed.

      So many factors that can affect the game, especially in the climate today so there aren't really any nailed, essential not set and forget players...

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

        I have had TAA since gw1. He is a set and forget for me and most of us here barring, injury or illness. But each to their own.

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

    DDG
    TAA Cancelo Keane
    Bruno Jota Foden Bowen Gray
    Ronaldo Antonio

    (Gunn Broja Dier Livra)
    1 FT & 0.6m

    Keane ➡️ Digne for free?

    Will get Watkins/Coutinho for a hit if Villa get a DGW.

    1. SINGH
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Wait and see if Villa get DGW

  12. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    0.1 itb 1FT
    Foster
    Taa (vc) Cancelo Cash
    Jota Foden Sterling (c) Bowen ESR
    Antonio Kane

    Guatia Keane Dalot Broja

    Good to roll here and keep 2ft for getting Salah back?

    1. SINGH
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Arsenal at home to Burnley this week. Get in that Martinelli.

  13. SINGH
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    If Gerrard does well he can get that Villa attack to click really well with Buendia, Leon Bailey, Coutinho, Ings and maybe Watkins. Decent players there that can help Villa push for 7th or maybe 6th next season

  14. Reacher
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    This has probably been asked already & by many but, are we expecting to get confirmation on the Burnley V Watford game today?

    1. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      You'd expect so.

      It really makes you wonder why Burnley sold Wood and then cancelled another game due to lack of players.

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Had no choice. Wood had a release clause in his contract

      2. Reacher
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        The Prem needs to clamp down on the rules for cancellations ASAP

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

        Release clause was met

    2. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I wasn't aware of that, thanks.

  15. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Are you keeping Antonio? Let's say AV won't have that DGW.

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

      Plan to keep atm. Still undecided on which AVL assets to have, but leaning towards Coutinho + Digne. Not sure if I want to triple up with Watkins as well

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yes. If Villa double is announced transferring out for Watkins

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

    Assuming the rest of the midfield is Salah + Bowen + Foden + Jota, who takes the 5th spot in a 3-5-2?

    A. Coutinho
    B. Raphinha

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

      B

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

      Or … Son

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

        Or Son I suppose.... So many good options at the moment!

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

    Bring in Coutinho or KDB for Gallagher?

    I have had the worst luck for Gallagher. I just missed his haul again after FH'ng and wouldn't even want to talk of the past.

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

      with*

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

      Very different price brackets those 2. If a long-term hold - go for Coutinho. If a placeholder for Mo - go KDB?

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

        either will be Mo placeholder either way. Did Coutinho look terrific against Utd?

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

          Only saw MotD highlights - they were passing the ball a lot to him and he was the main threat once he came on. Difficult to say after playing just once and off the bench against tired legs.

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

            He looked a bit tired himself at the final whistle. Early days for him he will need to get fit for the PL but since he was already part of the squad at Barca before, should expect him to get starts soon.

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

              Stevie did say in the post-match interview he needs to build-up match fitness. Correct

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

      Coutinho looked great but I doubt he’ll get the game time just yet.

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

    Should I wildcard here? And why should I wildcard

    Ddg
    Trent cancelo Rudiger Keane
    Jota Bowen odergaard gray
    Antonio King

    Forster Salah Dier Sreet

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

      Not necessarily, but Rudi, Keane, Gray need to go soon.

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

        Ok, I probably will wildcard.

    2. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Seems odd that you've held Salah this long if you're intending to wildcard anyway.

      I'd probably just move on Gray or Keane for Coutinho/Ramsey or Digne. Possibly both if they have a double.

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

      No you pasty carrot. Just a couple of transfers needed.

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

        Haha alright. Keane and gray to digne and coutinho?

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

          Digne & Raphinha if no Villa DGW imo

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

          Gerrard said Coutinho needs to get fit so I’m not sure on his game time but yeah I do like those moves.

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

    how many doubles do we expect for this gw?

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

      1

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

      I believe the main (only) ones are AVL & LEE

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

      cheers all

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

    Good morning my beautiful worshippers.

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

      Good morning, Horse 🙂

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

        🙂

    2. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Morning Rupert

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

        ello

    3. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Good morning sir.

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

        Watcha

  21. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Anything in the press this morning about the Villa DGW? All seems a bit quiet.

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

      Not a peep so far.

  22. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Any early suggestions here? 1ft, 2.7m itb. Thanks

    Foster
    Taa cancelo Alonso tierney
    Bernardo Mount Jota Bowen
    Ronaldo king

    Lloris Antonio gray Johnson

  23. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    any suggestions on what my priority should be here? 1 FT 3.2 ITB (keeping some cash to get salah back when he returns)

    DDG Bach
    TAA Cancelo Johnson Livra Cucurella
    jota esr bowen foden bruno
    antonio dennis Dcl

    1. Green O' The South
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Salah back’s your priority but meanwhile it’s who you captain. Hope it was Bruno this week but where will you go GW23? And where are you re players likely to double or need benching in blanks.

  24. Green O' The South
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    I have Fernandes (& captained GW22) plus Jota, Raphina, Bowen, Ramsey (benched 22 unfortunately!).

    I want to take money out forwards and goalkeeper (Ederson) to get Salah back and possibly KDB in. Fernandes will have to go but who else? Thinking Jota at the moment.