Scout Notes

Watkins injury latest as Klopp explains Robertson’s absence: FPL notes

We round up the key Fantasy Premier League (FPL) talking points from Aston Villa v Liverpool in our Scout Notes summary.

The graphics below are taken from LiveFPL, Ragabolly’s excellent and ever-improving website, and our own Premium Members Area.

MANE KEEPS REDS’ HOPES ALIVE

Salah benched + Robertson 'rested' as Liverpool edge past Villa 1

Joel Matip (£5.2m) quickly cancelled out Douglas Luiz’s (£4.3m) early opener at Villa Park, before Sadio Mane (£11.8m) completed the comeback when he brilliantly headed home Luis Diaz’s (£8.0m) cross.

Mane has now scored seven Premier League goals since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations in February – one more than Mohamed Salah (£13.3m) in that time – although it was Diaz who came out on top in Double Gameweek 36, ending the round with 15 points, more than any other team-mate.

The Colombian has started four of Liverpool’s last five league matches, amassing 34 points courtesy of two goals, three assists and four bonus.

“It was a good cross from Diaz, I was in the box and in this moment, I just need to put it in the net and even without power I usually score. We know each other well from training every day. When he got the ball, I knew he was going to cross so I was just going to be ready for it. When we won trophies, I was happier. I am just trying to enjoy every moment and try to score. It is all about the team and the boys make it easy for me.” – Sadio Mane

“He’s a machine, I told him after the game. He is a massive player. His physicality is brutal. He is a mix of technique, desire and physicality when at the moment everyone has a few yards in the legs. You can see it with him to be honest. Top goal, he is just a fantastic world-class player.” – Jurgen Klopp on Sadio Mane

Salah, meanwhile, was handed 20 minutes from the bench, but has now failed to score in 12 of his last 13 club appearances.

Liverpool’s win means they now lie second only on goal difference before Manchester City visit Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday.

KLOPP EXPLAINS SALAH/ROBERTSON OMISSIONS

With an FA Cup final looming, Jurgen Klopp told reporters that rotation is the “only way” for Liverpool as they continue to compete on multiple fronts.

Mohamed Salah found himself on the bench at Villa Park, a surprising development given that he was rested for Liverpool’s recent trip to St James’ Park in Gameweek 35.

“Yes, for us it is the only way. We cannot just push players through all the time. We have the quality and that’s why we use it.” – Jurgen Klopp on rotation

Andrew Robertson (£7.3m), meanwhile, was rested and not involved in the matchday squad at all.

“Robbo [Robertson] wasn’t in the squad because I wanted to give him a rest at home and brought another striker into the squad if we needed. That’s it.” – Jurgen Klopp on Andrew Robertson

The Reds were, however, forced into an early change, as Fabinho (£5.4m) went down and instantly grabbed his left hamstring. The Brazilian was unable to carry on and eventually replaced by club captain Jordan Henderson (£4.9m).

“I don’t know. He felt a muscle, not too much. It was not the thigh, but the other side (hamstring). He is quite positive but I’m not sure what I can take of that, to be honest. We will see. I can’t say when he’ll be ready. Nobody has an answer for that. He has a good feeling and that gives me a better feeling than I had when I took him off.” – Jurgen Klopp on Fabinho

LIVELY INGS/WATKINS INJURY LATEST

Danny Ings (£7.7m) scored against his old club Burnley at the weekend and nearly got one against another of his former teams on Tuesday.

Deployed alongside Ollie Watkins (£7.5m) in Steven Gerrard’s diamond formation, the 29-year-old certainly had opportunities to add to his tally, as he wasted two big chances whilst also having a goal ruled out for offside.

“We are a lot more dangerous with two number nines. At times we had to suffer. You are never going to play Liverpool off the pitch, they are high-level opposition and have a top manager but for large parts of the game we were in the ascendancy and we showed a lot of ambition. We had a lot of chances and Liverpool were never comfortable.” – Steven Gerrard

Watkins, meanwhile, went off with a knock, which Gerrard briefly mentioned in his post-match interview:

“We might have a small injury to Ollie [Watkins] but we’ll have to analyse that.” – Steven Gerrard on Ollie Watkins

COUTINHO ‘RESTED’ AT BURNLEY

Steven Gerrard claims he “restedPhilippe Coutinho (£7.1m) at Burnley on Saturday, so he could start against Liverpool this evening.

That meant Emiliano Buendia (£6.1m) dropped out of Villa’s starting XI, despite the Argentine impressing of late after chipping in with a goal and two assists in his last two appearances.

Explaining his decision, Gerrard said:

“He [Coutinho] was rested against Burnley with an idea to be fresh to go into tonight’s game.” – Steven Gerrard

Coutinho hasn’t produced an attacking return since the 3-0 win over Leeds United in Gameweek 28, and despite having his moments against Liverpool, was replaced by Buendia after 70 minutes.


Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne, Nakamba (Chukwuemeka 62), McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Coutinho (Buendia 70), Ings, Watkins (Traore 81)

Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, van Dijk, Tsimikas, Fabinho (Henderson 30), Keita, Jones (Thiago 62), Diaz (Salah 72), Mane, Jota


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209 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    One GW too late for Salah to kdb right?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      yep, its time for Salah captaincy

      1. The Red Devil
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Yep, plus think city might struggle at West Ham

        1. RamaJama
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Would you choose Kane over kdb in FH?

          1. The Red Devil
            • 9 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Not exactly sure, kdb isn't that great away from home & kane is completely outshone by son
            Might go with kane just due to home/away thing

    2. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Id play Mo

    3. TheAbear53
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Nope - Salah sulking

      1. Utopsis
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Makes him more dangerous

  2. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Need for more DGW players on FH?

    TAA vs Cancelo?
    KDB vs Kane?

    Martinez
    Mykolenko, TAA, Cash
    Zaha, KDB, Salah, Son, Kulu
    Watkins, Richarlison

    1. The Red Devil
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I'd rather go double Everton in defence than double Villa

  3. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Prob not much innit but who d you start:
    a. Weg
    b. Amartey

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      A

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

      A

    3. TheAbear53
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      B easy

  4. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Salah or Mane on fh?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Salah

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Cheers. Any suggestions here mate?

        martinez
        robertson cash mykolenko
        salah kdb son zaha gordon
        rich ings

        xxxx nketiah tsimikas xxxx

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Looks solid

          Maybe you can somehow upgrade Nkeitiah to Vardy by downgrading Kevin to Mahrez/Diaz

          1. SpaceCadet
            • 10 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Doubt Vardy starts both games. Looking for differentials as I’m chasing so Mahrez over kdb could work. But not so sure about Vardy.

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Jota?

  5. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    FH Team, your thoughts please

    Pickford
    Cash-Digne-TAA-Laporte
    Salah-Son-KDB-Zaha
    Ings-Richarlison

    Steele-KDH-Tsimikas-Richardson

    1. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Looks template, but good

      1. Bavarian
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Cheers mate

    2. TheAbear53
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Very template/vanilla - pick some differentials

    3. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Not too sure about Laporte. Fancy WHU to score, especially if he's paired with Mbete or whatshisname-Riley

  6. balint84
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    captain
    Zaha or Salah or Ca$h?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      salah

  7. Dammit_182
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Ah, got an early night last night and went to bed at 20.00. Woke up to find I had been robbed. No salah points or robbo points. Who should I contact to report this?

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Report to Scout Picks@FFS , I have, but they must have a heavy workload no response received yet :lol:.

      1. Dammit_182
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Haha. At least I own KDB & Son, hopefully my ‘insurance’ policy pays out and doesn’t hurt me for not going with a different provider….

  8. cruzex
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    No love for Gray?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Andy?

  9. cruzex
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Gordon or Gray?

    1. marcos11
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Gordon

  10. ElliotJHP
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    For the FH.
    A) Trent Mane
    B) Digne Salah

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Actually A is likely Cancelo

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        B

    2. balint84
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      b

  11. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    How rubbish was last night for fpl!!

    1. jackruet
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Matip

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

      Good for me with zero players

      1. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Ok for me with Matip...

    3. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      2 points from TAA , Robbo and Salah Cpt aye rubbish alright

    4. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      VERY

    5. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Managed to accumulate another 4 points, bringing me up to 27 for the week. So not all bad.

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Love it lol

        1. Mr. O'Connell
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Trying to see the funny side, but it has absolutely tanked my season.

          1. No Kane No Gain
            • 5 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Not sure how on earth you have managed to just rack up 27 points so far this gameweek lol

    6. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Not at all! Perfect! My 2 Liverpool players are Mané & Matip 🙂

    7. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      As somebody that sold Salah in GW31 then I loved it.

      1. mrelpea
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Same!! My mini league rival is on FH and got rid of his spurs assets while tripling up on Liverpool (TAA, Mo and Mane) but I’ve still got Kulu, Kane and Son to play. So praying for a big Spurs win tomorrow!

        1. Patio Kev
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Yep me too, had the Spurs triple up for weeks now, been a great differential.

  12. Meme2011
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Some advice from you guys if poss...

    i have a slender lead in ML and plan to BB this week however do i take a -4 this week to upgrade my 1 non playing bench playing or do i roll the transfer to next week and not take the hit?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      depends what you can get

    2. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      If the bench player def not playing and you can get a nailed dgw player in, do it, worst you do is break even.

  13. Baines on Toast...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Mane to be classed as a striker next year?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      could be, if he stays.

      1. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        could finally make him a worthwhile asset!

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          yep

    2. jackruet
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Should be

  14. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    All ok here?

    Pickford Krul
    TAA Cancelo Matip White Davies
    Salah Son Saka Zaha Gordon
    Kane Weghorst Gelhardt

    Thanks!

    1. jackruet
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Don't like weghorst. What about ings watkins or richa

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Already doing a -4 on Ramsey + Lewis to Zaha + Pickford

  15. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Early days but alternatives for Watkins on FH? already have richarl and ings

    1. Boz
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Kane but he's pricey.

      Otherwise go cheap and play 2 strikers

    2. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Play 352 or 442

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Go cheap or Kane

    4. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I’m thinking of a Firmino or Origi punt vs Soton depending on the FA Cup team and if Man City win tonight.

    5. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Much more speculatively, Daka/Vardy/Firmino, but maybe 2 up front is better

    6. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Nketiah against Newcastle isn't the worst pick.

  16. Boz
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    No brainer for free?

    Pukki + Mount > Richarlison + Zaha?

    1. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I am a brainless potato and I approve that message.

    2. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Yeah definitely- think Zaha and Richarlison are the top GW37 picks.

      1. Boz
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Would cap Rich too. Cheers!

    3. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Let's see how Mount does first. He could be worth having for Leicester game.

  17. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Woud you sell Kane for Richarlison on a FT?
    Kane (BUR, nor)
    Richarlison (BRE,CRY,ars)

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      no

    2. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      If you plan to captain Richarlison in GW37 then maybe yes but if not then no.

    3. Max City
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      depends on what you think how many points Kane and Rich will score in GW37 and 38.. I would personally think it's going to be close, or even Kane's is a little higher

  18. CheesyZoot
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    On FH would you rather;

    A) Mykolenko + Martinez

    B) Digne + Pickford

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      B

    2. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      B

    3. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Personally I prefer A as I suspect Ashley Young might get one of the GW37 games.

  19. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Ings over Watkins on FH?

    1. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Probably but I doubt Ings will be risked for every game given his dodgy injury history, the bloke is made of glass.

  20. Patio Kev
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    GW37 FH - Deadline isn’t until Sunday so post FA Cup Final.

    Do we think the Liverpool and Chelsea players that are benched in the FA Cup will be likely starters midweek ?

    Am thinking Lukaku and Jota and maybe Firmino as single game week differentials as both have nice fixtures.

    Am sure both managers will play first 11 in FA Cup and then again in GW38, it’s the GW37 midweeks that provides the opportunities to go different.

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Would have liked to see Firmino come off the bench last night to increase his chances of starting v Saints. But assuming the cup front 3 is Salah/Mané/Diaz, I'll very likely get Jota on FH. Less confident predicting Chelsea starters with longer break before Leicester & recent rotation

      1. Patio Kev
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Yeah I agree re Jota, if he is benched for FA Cup then would expect him to start v Soton, perfect FH GW37 pick on paper.

  21. The Knights Template
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Ayling looking like a key differential for gw38

    1. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Doubt it seeing as his suspension covers all the remaining games this season.

      1. Black Knights
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        You've spoiled this.

  22. Neo-Viper
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Lads, how does this FH team look like?

    Chasing a lead of almost 40-50 points

    Pickford
    Taa Cash Digne
    Salah Zaha Sterling Son Trossard
    Ings Richarlison

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I think Trossard is a good selection away at Leeds.

      1. Neo-Viper
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        yes exactly! he is going under the radar for quite a long time. Always has a hand when Brighton scores, hopefully it's another double digit haul.

        1. Baron Penguin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Having held him for most of his 13 consecutive blanks up to GW32, he is on the list now regardless of form. This is why emotionless algorithm players will always triumph!

          1. Neo-Viper
            • 9 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Sorry to hear that but we move on, eh?

            1. Baron Penguin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 3 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              No we remain bitter and add them to the handwritten list of 'never again' we keep in a locked box under our bed.

              1. Neo-Viper
                • 9 Years
                1 year, 10 months ago

                Hahahaha

  23. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    With deadline on Sunday this GW, Saturday evening booze fuelled FH tinkering is going to be a thing of beauty.

  24. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    What do you reckon,

    Salah to Son for gw37?

    1. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      No. He's facing Southampton next.

      1. Annie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        for 20 minutes

    2. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I'd do it

  25. Baines on Toast...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Trent has been shocking value for most of the second half of the season

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      TAA -> Robbo been one of my rare decent moves in the GW24 WC.

    2. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I agree, but there's no way I'm selling him for a hit now.

  26. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Bar Son, Kane and one attacker each from City and Liverpool, going entirely of DGWers on FH this week might be the move.

  27. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Last night was brilliant

    Benched Robbo this week and no Salah (son C)

    The kind of evening that warms your soul

  28. YoungPretender
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Which combination on FH?

    A) KDB & TAA
    B) Mane & Cancelo
    C) Salah & Laporte

  29. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    What do we make of Watkins injury?

    1. Silecro
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Dunno, waiting for saturday presser but not in a hurry to sell. And if not on FH, its pretty hard to find a good replacement if you dont have Richarlison already