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


GET IN-GAME DATA AT LIVE FPL

Check your own rank and in-play FPL stats on LiveFPL.net every Gameweek

330 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Who's the best midfielder to buy for GW38?

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

      Son

      But it could be KDB or Maddison or Mount or Bowen or Salah or Sterling again.

      Or Barnes.

      Or even Grealish at last?

    2. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      You'd think KDB will have a big say at the Emptihad. Maddison could be a consideration. Presumably you have Son, Saka et al.

    3. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Son, KDB, Maddison.

      Not sure how to rank them honestly

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

    Which seems better?

    A: Havertz(have Mount) -> Maddison and play 451(Laporte, Cancelo, Matip, Robbo back 4)
    B: Richarlison -> Toney and play 352(start Havertz and one of Laporte/Matip benched)

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

      A imo

      cant see much upside in B

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

        Cheers

    2. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      A

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

        Cheers

  3. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Very disappointed last night, Arenal are not ready to compete and you have to blame Arteta for allowing the squad to be depleted in January. I'm ready to take a break from football. It's getting boring supporting a team in decline.

    Saying that a Dean Smith and Teemu Pukki inspired Norwich could spring into 2 goal lead on Sunday and cause some havoc.

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

      Back to being flaky ARS last night I thought. Second to every ball.

      1. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Everyone except Liverpool and City are flaky.

        Arsenal need money invested on the scale of the other top 6. Been underfunded for 15 years

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

          This suggests something else... Incorrect numbers?

          "In terms of net expenditure, United have outspent fellow powerhouse clubs Manchester City (£826.6m), Paris Saint-Germain (£790.4m) and Barcelona (£546m) - all of whom have won five or more league titles during that period, compared with United's sole title in 2012/13.

          Interestingly, Arsenal rank fifth on the list, ahead of European giants Juventus (£471.2m) and AC Milan (£362.9m), while Premier League trio Everton (£360.4m), Aston Villa (£356.2m) and Chelsea (£346.9m) complete the top 10."

          https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12535322/transfers-man-utd-top-man-city-psg-barcelona-and-arsenal-for-net-spend-over-decade#:~:text=How%20much%20have%20the%20leagues,total%20spent%20by%20Bundesliga%20clubs.

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

            In terms of investment, yes, they are slightly less but still more than Spurs and West Ham

        2. Jafalad
          • 14 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          I think the stadium funding might have had something to do with that.

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

        Couldn’t agree more. They played like team that’s been safe from relegation for two gameweeks and are now planning their summer holidays.

        To play with so little urgency in a match where victory puts you back in charge of your own destiny and one win away from
        CL qualification is inexcusable.

        As you said, second to every ball, no fight, didn’t look like anyone cared really. If that’s the ‘fight’ they could muster, then they didn’t deserve CL next season.

        I don’t even support Arsenal, but to see something so limp during such an important game was mind blowing

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

          Sorry, was a reply fail to Jafalad’s first comment about being second to every ball

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I don't think they're in decline at all. It's a very young side that has many good years to come. Odegaard and Saka have had great seasons and will only get better, Gabriel, White, Tomiyasu, Martinelli, Ramsdale are all promising and have shown their ability. In the end the lack of experience may have told, and unfortunately I think the lack of definitive leadership on the pitch did too. Disappointed, sure, but no need to be glum about it, your team has a good basis to move on from. Spurs needed it now more. If they didn't (don't) get CL then I think that team may fall apart. Conte would go, Kane may push to move again and then suddenly things look like they're back to the start of last season again. Arsenal will be fine.

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

      I can understand why you feel like this now, but it is harsh on a very promising young team who have been fantastic to watch in patches this season. Think you would have locked up UCL barring a few unfortunate injuries

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

      A real fan deserting his club as they drop off.

      Imagine how many fair weather supporters Manchester United have lost?

  4. Bobby_Baggio
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Morning all. Stuck on what to do? Ahead currently by 10 points in my league. Happy to take -4. No spurs is a worry.

    Schmeichel
    Cancelo - Robbo - Laporte - Matip
    Coutinho - Saka - Salah - Mount - KDB
    Nketiah

    (Foster) - Pukki - Fofana - Mateta

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

      Cancelo to Sess and Coutinho to Son

      1. Bobby_Baggio
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Cheers but 1m out. I am stuck and will roll without son unless Salah is out

      2. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        gamble on salah or kdb to son but I wouldn't take a hit personally.

        1. Bobby_Baggio
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Yea would love to be disciplined but my forwards are lame

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

            Spurs with 5 clean sheets in the last 12 games.

            Pukki could pop up with a goal.

            Unless you can get to Kane or Vardy or possibly punt on Jesus you may as well concentrate on defence and midfield and play 4-5-1.

            There's a possibility that Schmeichel does play and Foster might sub in at Chelsea if he's playing for Watford?

            1. Bobby_Baggio
              • 12 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              Yes can happen but don't think GK is worth the transfer. 4-5-1 makes sense at the mo. Thanks

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

                I agree.

                Roll with no keeper possibly, if i had Foster I'd be checking Watford forums to see if he's played the last game for the club.

                Either way focus on points in midfield or defense where you can improve.

                If it's a goal fest that suggests midfield or an attacking defender, you're well stocked at the back.

    2. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Coutinho->Son
      Salah->Foden or Diaz.

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

      very similar situation to you, 5 ahead in my league, he's got Son Salah KDB.. worried about no spurs..1 FT

      Schemeicel
      Cancelo Taa laporte alonso matip
      salah saka kulu kdb
      nketiah

      foster pukki kdh dennis

  5. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    FH team with a 103.1

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Liv
      City
      Spurs
      Lei
      Chelsea

  6. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Afternoon DZ

    Any priority moves here? I guess salah to KDB or son if he's out. Not sure anything else is worth a hit

    Ederson
    Matip, alonso, Cancelo
    Havertz, mount, saka, Salah, kulu
    Kane, nketiah

    Dubravka, Schar, Taylor, broja

    0.8m ITB, 1 FT

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

      Agreed. You'd have thought Son and KDB are the players to be on this week given what's at stake.

      1. fish&chips
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Cheers Jafa. Maybe havertz out too if he's injured but I like him if he's good to play

  7. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    A) Son Nketiah KDB
    B) Mount Kane KDB (-4)
    C) Son Kane Mount (-8)

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

      A should suffice.

  8. Jafalad
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Last gameweek of the season tending to feature lots of goals and differentials to the fore.

    This is the one week when we really need a good diff. Any thoughts?

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

      Barnes

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

        Maddisson but possibly Bowen if he can do it for 3 games in a row?

        Diaz but he costs a bit too.

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

      depending on what you have got to lose, I guess playing safe is more sensible since picking one successful punt out of so many punts is not an easy task.

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

      Diaz

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

    Is Salah-Dennis > Barnes-Kane (-4) a good move?
    cant afford Maddison...

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

      Barnes could be a great differential for 38. Monitor his minutes first on Thursday

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

        Cheers Stimps

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

      Kulu?

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

        could be a nice punt

  10. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Salivating over Sotons latest results as a Jota owner. Cue inevitable blank.

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Same, went for him on FH, although Southampton do sometimes pull out good performances in the games against the top 4 so I'll keep expectations in check

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

      Same! Also hoping Tsimi is rewarded with a start after Robbo’s cramping

  11. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Morning all.

    Martinelli + Doherty ➡️ Bowen + Sess for -4 sound OK for this week? Wasn't planning on a hit but feel like going for it this week and at the same time just having a bit of fun. MLs are effectively tied up and I'm at my highest ever OR and want to try to get even higher if possible to finish off the season as best as I can, not sure if taking a hit is a bit silly though.

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

      That looks reasonable hit wise and good moves.

      Good luck... Can be tricky to land right in 1 game!

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Thanks, yeah it's definitely a small window but I think Brighton concede a fair few chances against decent teams and Bowen is in fine form. Wouldn't be overly surprised if Norwich score v Spurs but Sess is still getting into great positions and I think is close to a big haul

  12. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on these options?

    1. Salah to Son (c)
    2. Salah Pukki to Kane (c) Maddison -4
    3. Keep Salah, move KDB

  13. Aaa
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    As it stands, this lot gtg no hits?

    Ramsdale
    TAA/James/Cancelo/Justin/Sess
    Salah/Mount/Kulu
    Kane/Toney
    (Foster/Gordon/Dennis/Sarr)

  14. FPL Insanity
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Any FH'rs that are having a poor DGW37 can take this - Salah is now a major differential for GW38!! All those non FH'rs will have sold him and will be hiding behind the sofa now

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

      Except if they have FH38 and an option to get him back in.

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Sounded to me like Klopp was just hoping to have him and VVD on the bench at the weekend to come on to get a few minutes in before the CL final, I'm not too sure they start

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

      salah being a differential gives an option to go against him again 😀

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

        This!!

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

        Possibly, he's not been great since AFCON. But, 2 words...Golden Boot

  15. Hiiler
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    After Klopp's last words I'm more willing to transfer out Salah for GW 38 and vring in Son as my only transfer. Since what I read from that is that Liverpool might not use Salah in GW 38.

    I have Salah still because rightnow I'm on FH for 37. So far it has gone my way almost entirly. Arsenal losing to Newcastle was also the best result for me as I have no SGW players this time.

    Hopefully my GW 37 result won't be affected negatively to much by Liverpool and Chelsea games.

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

      I guess we kinda need to hope Pool lose tonight meaning he definitely wont play salah at the weekend

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

        I'm conflicted though, because in this FPL team here for GW 37 Pool losing is a good thing, but on other FPL teams i have Pool players as well. And I consider myself a Pool fan also. 🙂

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

          aha that's why you should just have 1 FPL team 😉

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

            That's true. 😛 But this conflicted situation isn't a big one at least, only a small one. 🙂

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

              I thought there could be only one.

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

                Only one team on one site. But there are other sites as well where you can mmake FPL teams.

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

                  So sites other than https://fantasy.premierleague.com - got it

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

                    Yep like Fanteam . There are paid teams not free, but some team you can make there as free aslo sometimes.

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

    After all this weeks, one player I'm not sure about dropping on FH is Saka.

    Its Everton at home, penalties and a must win I guess. Haul is possible but its more out of fear than anything.

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

      yea it;s a tough one.. he didnt look very good yesterday, to be faire none of them did

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

      Yeah, but both teams probably will need to win that game so Everton might also give their 110 %. I'm keeping both Saka and Everton players on my team for GW 38 I think. Have no defenders from those teams.

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

      Would you bench Saka (EVE) or Kulusevski (nor)?
      Asking for a friend.

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

        thats tough. surely someone else?

        Probably Kulusevski since he look more like an assist guy.

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

          Yeah it could be Laporte or Rudiger benched instead at the moment.

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

            But I'm hijacking your post, sorry.

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

              its okay, its just a random post to get things out of my head 😀

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

        Extremly hard choice. Probably Kulu though if I have to make that choice. It's almost a 50/50 choice. On paper though Saka should be better player.

  17. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Guys no way of getting mount in without a hit. Would you do Kane to kaku cap if Werner and havertz confirmed out? Already have son. Sitting just inside top 10k

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

      Eugh, no way

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

    Thank you. I have son. Planning to gwt kane or vardy based on captain

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

      Oh sry comment added as seperate post