Scout Notes

Wood injury latest as Arsenal concede advantage to Spurs in top-four race

We round up the key Fantasy Premier League (FPL) talking points from Newcastle United v Arsenal 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.

ARSENAL DROP POINTS

An own goal from Ben White (£4.6m) and a Bruno Guimaraes (£5.0m) strike helped Newcastle defeat Arsenal 2-0 on Monday, which means the Gunners’ top-four hopes are out of their hands.

Tottenham Hotspur stay in fourth spot with a two-point lead over their north London rivals, and due to their vastly superior goal difference, only need a point at Norwich City in Gameweek 38 to book their Champions League spot.

Newcastle’s win, meanwhile, also confirms Chelsea’s place in next season’s Champions League.

In a fully deserved win, Eddie Howe’s troops were by far the better team from the off and still have a chance of finishing as high as ninth in the Premier League.

However, having earned 35 points from 18 league games in 2022, you suspect they will be finishing much higher than that next season.

Above: Premier League annual table 2022, via Transfermarkt

WILSON DANGEROUS AS WOOD ABSENCE EXPLAINED

Callum Wilson (£7.1m) was named in the starting XI to face Arsenal on Monday after returning as a substitute in last week’s heavy defeat at Manchester City.

The former Bournemouth striker was afforded his opportunity after Chris Wood (£6.3m) was ruled out of the game with a hip injury, but Howe confirmed the New Zealand international should be available for Sunday’s trip to former club Burnley.

“Delighted, delighted for him [Wilson]. He’s a key player for us, it’s a different dimension to our frontline. We hope he gets through the game in a really good physical way – but we are delighted he leads the team.

It was a slight hip injury for Chris [Wood] tonight. [It is] nothing major and we hope he will be back for our next match.” – Eddie Howe

As for Wilson, it was an excellent all-round display by the 30-year-old, as he gave Newcastle a totally different dynamic in the final-third with his pace and ability to make dangerous runs in-behind.

And while it’s unlikely he will be afforded much Fantasy attention so late in the season, he is perhaps one to keep in mind for Gameweek 1 of 2022/23, given his rate of returns since moving to St James’ Park.

“It was an unbelievable atmosphere. Early on in the season everyone wrote us off and we were relegated by Christmas time. But we’ve dug deep and proved everybody wrong. I’ve noticed a difference [coming back into the team]. I’m getting a lot more chances and we’re keeping the ball better. I watched Arsenal the other night and I knew their centre-backs had injury problems. As a striker I was licking my lips. I’ve worked so hard [to get back to fitness]. When you’re out injured you want to come back and make a difference.” – Callum Wilson

Equally impressive was Bruno Guimaraes, who has now been directly involved in five goals in his last six Premier League appearances.

TOMIYASU/SCHAR LATEST

Takehiro Tomiyasu’s (£4.5m) evening was cut short after he went down feeling his hamstring in the closing stages of the first-half.

The Japanese international was unable to continue, with Cedric Soares (£4.2m) replacing him at right-back.

“We don’t know we have to assess him, but he felt a muscular issue and we test him.” – Mikel Arteta on Takehiro Tomiyasu

For the hosts, they were forced into a concussion sub when Fabian Schar (£4.2m) had to be replaced after an arm to the head, which resulted in a caution for Eddie Nketiah (£5.7m).

“He wanted to stay on but it was the right decision I think” – Eddie Howe on Fabian Schar


Newcastle United XI: Dubravka, Krafth, Schar (Lascelles 49), Burn, Targett, Guimaraes, Longstaff, Joelinton, Almiron (Murphy 76), Saint-Maximin (Fraser 77), Wilson (Gayle 90+4)

Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu (Cedric 39), White, Gabriel (Pepe 73), Tavares (Lacazette 62), Elneny, Xhaka, Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe (Martinelli 53), Nketiah


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330 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Jota or Diaz?

    1. European Bob
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Diogo

  2. European Bob
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    COYS

  3. BlzE_94
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Who would you guys captain here?

    Guaita
    Robertson Cancelo James E.Royal
    KDB Son Mount Zaha
    Kane NKetiah

    Foster Weghorst KDH White

    1. European Bob
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Kev

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Kane

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Son

    4. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Mount

    5. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Son if leading
      James if chasing

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        This is what I was thinking below

    6. jonnybhoy
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Son

    7. sulldaddy
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Mount or Son

    8. NorCal Villan
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      James E. Royal

  4. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    James a good differential cap?

    1. European Bob
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      No nothing to play for

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Should I even own Chelsea players?

        1. European Bob
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Maybe, they're playing Watford so there'll be lots of goals. Mount probably the standout pick

          1. Bobby Digital
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Got Mount too

        2. European Bob
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Problem is James has been playing right centre back a bit. He's a beast on the flank

          1. Bobby Digital
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Just read that Watford has been conceding a lot of goals on their left flank, which made me think about James.

  5. MrJobby
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Captains for gw38
    A - Kane
    B- son
    C - mount
    D - Bowen

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

      A

    2. space mercenary
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      B

    3. lugs
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      has to be a Spurs

  6. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Gameweek 38 inital thoughts

    Dubravka
    TAA Cancelo Laporte Alonso
    Salah Saka Mount Kulu Coutinho
    Richarlison

    Ramsdale White Adams Mateta

    A) Salah to Son - Free
    B) Salah + White to James + Son -4pts (Play -5-4-1)
    C) Salah + Adams + Coutinho to Kane + Son + 5.5m midfielder -8pts (Play 4-4-2)

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

      I like B myself.
      Bench Coutinho yeah?

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

    If Salah out bring in
    A. KDB
    B. Son
    (have Kane)

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      B

  8. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    I hate Arsenal

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Me to

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

      They have been banished from the top 4 Kingdom!

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

      Weapons of mass deflation

      1. NorCal Villan
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Weapons of Ar$e destruction

    4. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I miss Wenger

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

        Had many young squads with far more injuries and managed to entertain us all & made us finish in the top 4 every year, all while under shockingly bad financial constraints.

        Arteta will never get top 4 if he couldn’t get it this season. It was on a silver platter.

      2. NorCal Villan
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        No need to miss them, Winger are still on tour! Kip and the boys keep burnin’ up the state fair & Native American casino circuit

        1. NorCal Villan
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          They are a terrible band, but if you like them that’s all that matters 😎

  9. Cheeto__Bandito
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Who scores more?

    Kane (nor) + Toney (LEE) (-8)
    or
    Richarlison (ars) + Watkins (mci)

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

      K & T

  10. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Diaz(c)?

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

      if he is rested tomorrow sure

  11. trafalgarlaw
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Saka, Gordon to Bowen, Guimaraes (-4) yay ?

    Schmeichel
    TAA Cancelo Alonso
    KDB Son Saka Gordon KDH
    Kane Richarlison

    Foster Dennis Amartey Williams

    1. Union_Jacks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Saka playing a tired Everton side in 38 after a game Thursday, keep

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I would yeah, Arsenal are garbage

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

    Bowen or Maddison?

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Maddison, but it is close

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

      Depends on Madds' minutes midweek maybe

  13. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    How does this look?

    Pickford
    TAA Cancelo Royal
    Son Diaz Mount Maddison Bowen
    Vardy Richarlison

    Foster Watkins Johnson Lamptey

    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Good to me. Alonso / James in would be a good move

  14. XX SMICER XX
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    What’s best for final gameweek punt?

    A. Maddison & Lukaku -4 - with Richarlison
    B. Vardy & Lukaku -4 - with Mykolenko / Weghorst

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      A, going to (c) Lukaku?

      1. XX SMICER XX
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Will do if I bring him in. Watford are awful and with Havertz / Werner injured he surely plays

  15. XX SMICER XX
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Now Spurs only need a draw do you think they will keep it tight?

    Thinking Lukaku could be a better punt than Kane (already own Son)

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

      with 20 mins to go maybe if its close, i doubt it will be close though and Spurs will blast them out of there

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      It’s Norwich though, they should be comfortable
      Just a shame it’s not at home
      Lease Kane should play 90 which is not assured with Lukaku

  16. Golazo1357
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Free hitting this week and looking to go big. 2nd in the mini but down almost 70 points with both of us having players to go this week still. How does this free hit 'bus team' look?

    Pope
    James Robbo TAA Sessegnon
    Sonaldo Mount Maddison Diaz
    Kane Toney

    Gunn Eriksen Fofana Gelhardt

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

      Pretty fun. Wondering if there's a better upside midfielder instead of Mount - Pulisic? He's been pretty good lately.

      1. Golazo1357
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Good point. He has been impressive, but just thinking Mount has more haul potential?

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

          Could for sure - thinking in the context of chasing such a large margin. But he's pricier which is weird/annoying.

          1. Golazo1357
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Agreed. I thought about Havertz too, but with Lukaku more in form at the moment it puts me off...

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

              Getting Lukaku in might be a lot of fun!
              Probably hard to find the funds though.

              1. Golazo1357
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 2 Years
                1 year, 10 months ago

                Yea I'm not going Lukaku lol

    2. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Looks good. Personally would go double Chelsea defence (Alonso).
      Any route to Vardy instead of Toney?

      1. Golazo1357
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        I could go Alonso if I dropped from Robbo to him, but that still wouldn't give me the funds for Vardy unless I dropped the bench to even lower players. Not high on Toney home to Leeds in their final home game of the year? Feels a big haul to finish the season in the cards.

    3. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Looks great tbh

    4. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      This made me do a draft for a Free Hit team - sadly don’t have the chip left but I you are after a punt I like something like this

      Ederson
      James Alonso Sessegnon Royal
      Mane Diaz Barnes Son
      Lukaku Vardy

      (Ward, Tsimikas, Caicedo, Gelhardt)

      1. Golazo1357
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Interesting. I just don't trust Royal to get a haul, but clean sheet seems a good bet at least. Not sure about a City clean sheet either...

        1. XX SMICER XX
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Downgrade Ederson & Royal and bring in Toney for Gelhardt

          Mane can become KDB if you don’t want the Liv double up

          1. Golazo1357
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Mane could be a fun one and definitely potential for a massive haul on the final day

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

      Vardy is the fun pick at home to Saints
      Chelsea could give youngsters a go since they've locked up top4

      1. Golazo1357
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Good point. Only reason I think some of the regulars still get a run out is that it is the final home game of the season at Stamford Bridge

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

          it won't be crazy just might not get much news on which ones start or not.

  17. smash
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Should Martenelli start in 38 we think? didn't watch the game tonight, noticed he was benched and come on though.

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

      I think Martinelli starts ahead of ESR based upon that match.

      1. smash
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Fingers crossed, I'll be down to the bare bones way things are going

        Cheers

      2. Username checks out
        • 1 Year
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Agreed, top analysts here

  18. RogDog_jimmy
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    I have a weird team - and I have nothing to play for except fun.

    Schmeichel
    Robertson, Alonso, James
    Jota, KDB, Zaha, Trossard, Kulusevski
    Kane, Vardy

    Foster, Holgate, Cash, Greenwood
    1ft 0.1itb.

    I'd like to get rid of Jota, Trossard & Kulusevski - but that doesn't get me to a particularly good player given I'd want 3x starters out of them.

    20.5m for three midfielders on a -8.

    maybe Eriksen, Maddison, Pulisic/Foden/Mount?

    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I think Jota / Kulu are good options for this week.

      Downgrade Cash to Tsimikas and use the funds to upgrade Trossard?

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

        Not a bad idea. Kulu I agree is maybe a bridge too far - but I'm just about over having Jota. I guess it depends on Salah, Firmino a bit.

        Cash>Tsimi leaves me with 7.6m to play with - 0.1 short of Mount 🙁
        Maddison or Bowen is the best I could do.

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

          Actually;

          Cash + Trossard > Sessengon + Bowen (-4)

          Got a benching headache but I do like that.

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

      I kinda like your team the way it is.

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

        cheers!
        it's a little odd in places. and i'm not doing well. but it isn't bad at all.

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      if you are going punty then Raphina if Leeds need a win to stay up

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

        interesting - hadn't thought of him.
        will consider it!

  19. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on this -8?
    Salah + Mahrez + Laporte to KDB + Son + Sessegnon

    Dubravka
    TAA Cancelo Alonso Sessegnon
    KDB Son Mount Saka
    Kane Richarlison
    Foster Elanga Amartey Dobbin

    Just not convinced Mahrez will start with Foden and Sterling resting last game, his penalty miss and Grealish vs old club

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

      agree on Mahrez - and those 3x moves make sense to me.
      shame to take a -8 but it looks as good as one could hope.

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

        Thanks! Yeah the more straightforward one is just Salah to Son if looking unlikely to play, but I like the upside of all of those players coming in.

  20. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Dubravka
    Robbo Cancelo Alonso (Schär White )
    Salah Saka Son© Maddison Díaz
    Richarlison Toney (Cucho)

    Best Move here is
    Salah & Cucho > Eriksen & Kane

    Robbo Cancelo Alonso (Schär White )
    Erisken Son© Maddison Díaz (Saka)
    Richarlison Toney Kane

  21. Pep's Money Laundry
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Early thoughts on who to bring in

    A. Schar to Collins (NEW)
    B. Schar to Alonso (WAT) (-4)
    C. Pukki to Nkeitiah (EVE)
    D. Dubravka(bur) to Raya (LEE)

    Boring transfers I know but if everyone is fit I only have one open spot available in my starting line excluding the goalie

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      B

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

    Freck you, Arsenal

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

      Arsenal, freckle - it’s all the same!

  23. Ragabolly
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Risers: None

    Fallers: Dennis (5.8) Gabriel (5.3)

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

      Arise ……….. none!

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

      Fallen angel

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Tough crowd, deserved better.

  24. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Worth minus 4

    KDB Jesus 》Kane Foden

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Kane & Maddison

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

        yeah this

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

      Can see Jesus being rested, worth it if you (c)kane. Prefer a leicester mid to a city mid, i can see it being tentative if they take the lead early.

  25. Mozumbus
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    WC38: who's the best GK not Mendy

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

      Lloris

  26. JonSnow
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Bench boost a disaster so far this GW, currently on -2 with foster+white & mount, james to play. be lucky to break double digits.

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

      It appears your reputation for knowledge is well earned JonSnow

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

        feels like it at the moment

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

          On my BB earlier in the season I captained Dennis (-2) and my dgw benched keeper got Covid and missed his first match.

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

            that makes me feel a bit better, that's rough. Definitely a mistake saving it so late in the season and having to spread funds, especially with all the injuries of late. Lesson learned there.

  27. The FPL Units
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Thinking a -8 this week. Yay or Nay?

    Salah/Gordon/Cout => Son/Mount/Maddison

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

      not sure that pays back in one GW. Maybe just salah+cout>Son/Maddi if budget permits

    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      looks good

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

    a) Salah > KdB free and bench either Saka or Laporte
    b) Salah Saka > Kdb Bowen (-4) and bench Laporte

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

      c) Salah Dennis > Bowen Vardy (-4) bench Nketiah and Laporte.

  29. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Is Salah a sell for GW38?

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

      If you don't have Son i'd say yes, if you do you can wait for news.

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

        I have Son but getting rid of Salah could get me KDB for free or Kane -4

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

          A lot of us in that boat. Awaiting updates.

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

      we shall find out post the saints result.
      he won't play imo if the league can't be won regardless of golden boot

  30. akhilrajau
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Who is beat tripple captain option?

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

      Son if leading, Kane if chasing. Vardy or Toney for a differential.