Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Boxing Day

City fire blanks to leave Mancini baffled. A crocked Michu causes concern. Wayne Rooney’s injury clears the way for Javier Hernandez to star. Gareth Bale’s rampant form continues, while Martin Jol’s mood fails to be lifted by Fulham’s draw and Dimitar Berbatov’s message. Here’s a helping of Scout Notes from the Boxing Day action…

Mancini Laments City’s “Soft” Attack
Man City’s struggle to score goals was again singled out as the reason behind the shock 1-0 defeat the Stadium of Light. Roberto Mancini carried out a frustrated attack on his players’ inability to take their chances after watching his side produce attempt after attempt without registering…

“We deserved to win this game. We had a lot of chances, we played well, but we didn’t score. This is our problem, we don’t score, we don’t score enough goals to win the game. Last year, we scored one, two, three goals every game. Now when we have chances, we are too soft and this is not good. We are too soft in attack, too soft when we have chances, too soft when we shoot. Sometimes we don’t shoot, we want to have one touch more. This is not good.”

City’s trials in front of goal are quite remarkable when you compare their tally to last season. So far this term they have scored just 34 goals in 19 league matches; at the same stage last season they had notched 53 goals, converting 14.7% of their shots into goals. This season’s conversion rate has been 9.9%.

The away form has been particularly stifled, with just 12 goals scored from their nine games on the road. In contrast, neighbours United have 22 goals on their travels.

For Fantasy managers, the frustration with both Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez continues. Aguero has just one goal in his last seven league appearances – that’s a single goal in 562 minutes of Premier League football – Robin Van Persie, Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney have all scored five goals in this same spell.

Tevez has fared little better – one goal in his last six league appearances, with two assists in the defeat to United appeasing his faithful owners. The Argentine is still owned by over 39% of Fantasy Premier League managers but was second only to the injured Wayne Rooney for transfers out overnight.

Regardless of the clear issues up front and, despite previously stressing that he would be required to rotate his strikers for the busy Christmas programme, Mancini has stuck by his Argentine pairing. However, once again, he indicated that changes would be afoot…

“It depends on us because the season is long and we can recover, no problem, but we need to change something in our team because we cannot continue like this.”

We’ve given up trying to predict Mancini’s teamsheet, as it’s clear he cannot be taken on his word. We can only wait on his starting XI for the trip to Norwich to asses the fallout from the recent failings in front of goal.

Rooney Blow Brings Hernandez In From the Cold
We’ve already focused on the injury to Wayne Rooney, revealed post-match by Sir Alex Ferguson, a blow which robbed United of Rooney’s menace in the 4-3 victory over Newcastle. With Danny Welbeck missing out through illness and Javier Hernandez fetching goal and assist returns, the Mexican now looks well placed to face West Brom this weekend. Hernandez is available for 6.9 in the Fantasy Premier League and has scored 10 goals this term, from just five league starts. Robin Van Persie’s security of starts also looks stronger for the Baggies clash and, having fetched a goal and assist in the Magpies win, the Dutchman will again emerge as the leading candidate for the armband.

Michu Crocked As The Goal Glut Is Halted
Having scored six goals in his last five league matches and with an inviting trip to Reading beckoning, the omens looked good for Michu. Fantasy managers spooked by Sir Alex Ferguson’s rotation policy up front handed the Swansea man the captaincy in hope that he could put the Royals to the sword. Michaal Laudrup’s side drew a blank, however, with Michu missing several opportunities to add to his goal tally. He also limped from the field with ten minutes remaining, after suffering an ankle injury. Laudrup brought us this post-match, on Michu’s condition…

“His ankle is twice as big now. We don’t know how bad it is. The doctors and the physios say it shouldn’t be the ligaments, which is the most important thing. The next question is ‘will he play on Saturday?’ I don’t know. We will have to wait 24 hours. Hopefully it is not too bad. It is not a muscle injury but still we have to be careful. He has to be 100 per cent. He is one of the top scorers in the league, definitely our top scorer. He has played nearly every match this season. Even if he is the most important player, we have to deal with it (if he is out). If you rely so much on one or two players it is not good for any team.”

Swansea face a trip to Fulham on Saturday and, whilst Michu is clearly a doubt for that game, Laudrup sounds hopeful on his chances of turning out. The Spaniard is still one booking away from a ban and, with the injury compounding matters, it’s possible that Laudrup will choose to take Michu out of the firing line to protect him for the home clash with Aston Villa on New Year’s Day.

The Bale Force Blows Villa Away
Gareth Bale became the second midfielder to deliver a hat-trick in the last three Gameweeks, following on from Santi Cazorla’s treble at Reading with a devastating trio of goals in Tottenham’s 4-0 win. Not surprisingly, it was Bale that drew the plaudits, with his manager, Andre Villas-Boas heaping praise on his star asset…

“He is up there with the best. He is showing tremendous skills and talent, I think he is improving every day – he is such a young player – and he is helping the team…His finishing is very accurate. He has been prolific in front of goal this season and I think he is enjoying getting into those positions. His left foot is wonderful and the power and direction he applies on the ball is wonderful too.”

Bale had returned goals in three consecutive matches from Gameweeks 12-14, only to be derailed by a hamstring injury suffered in the 3-0 win at Fulham. That kept Bale sidelined until last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Stoke. While the Potters managed to keep Bale at bay, he has now picked up his form once again and looked almost unplayable against an admittedly obliging Villa defence. Owned by just over 16% of the Fantasy Premier League manager base, we’re sure to see huge investment going in his direction over the next few Gameweeks, with over 40,000 bringing in the Welshman overnight.

While he has mustered just two goals and an assist in front of his own fans, Bale’s away form is quite extraordinary with seven goals and three assists to his name. With trips to Sunderland and QPR sandwiching a home clash with Reading, the short-term promises yet more returns for the rampant winger.

Mata the Constant Amongst Rafa’s Rotation
While Rafa Benitez chose to rotate Eden Hazard to the bench, bringing Oscar back into his starting lineup at Norwich, it was Juan Mata who again took centre stage, expertly firing Chelsea’s goal which was then defended manfully by an improved defensive unit.

Once again, Benitez stressed the need for his rotation policy post-match…

“It’s not easy to keep the same players. I like to change players and move them around because we have to manage the squad who are really tired. I think it’s really important to change players and today we had one or two new additions and that was good for the team… We can’t play so many game with the same players so we have to manage and everyone is important.”

While Mata has been subject to this rotation, he has started the last four league outings and has rewarded his manager’s faith as a result. The Spaniard has struck three goals in those four starts, taking him to seven for the season. From Benitez’s post-match eulogies, Mata appears to be edging towards the status of an untouchable…

“He [Mata] is playing really well.Even without the ball he is working hard but when we are in possession he is making the difference, I always say the same; if the team are playing well these players can make the difference.I think the Premier League has a lot of good players and Mata is one of the best for sure – he can be even better. Mata is a player who is dangerous – inside the box and outside the box, we are really pleased with him…He has clever movement. He can play high, he can play deeper, he can go into the right spaces. He always makes it difficult for the defenders or the midfielders.”

Luiz Relishing Advanced Role
While Mata occupied the Norwich defence with his trickery, Benitez again deployed David Luiz in the defensive midfield role, recalling Mikel alongside him and relegating Frank Lampard to the bench. With John Terry expected to return to boost Benitez’s options in defence, Luiz would seem likely to get the opportunity for continued run-outs in this role and, with an attacking intent and direct free-kicks in his repertoire, the Brazilian could yet emerge as a sound “out of position” investment for 2013.

Luiz is priced at 6.6 in the Fantasy Premier League game and enjoyed over 5000 transfers in overnight, more than any other Chelsea defender. With four clean sheets in the last six, it’s clear that the Blues defence is now one of the more secure and consistent around, adding further credence to the acquisition of Luiz.

Jol Frustrated By Fulham Form
While Dimitar Berbatov struck his first goal in eight matches to calm the nerves of his Fantasy owners and justify the recent faith, his manager Martin Jol was far from impressed by the Fulham performance in the 1-1 draw with Southampton. The Cottagers boss first reserved comment for Berabtov’s t-shirt, displayed on scoring the opening goal against the Saints. The slogan read “keep calm and pass me the ball” and, by revealing it, Berbatov earned himself a booking and his manager’s wrath

“That was stupid and I need to have a word with him. He probably thought ‘I will never get booked’ because he never gets booked, so he probably thought he’d get away with it. But later, he had a situation, so I will have to have a word with him. He wanted to make a statement. He’s telling us every day, especially the youngsters, to play with confidence, keep the ball, don’t be afraid to play. That is what he wants. Today, again, I think he was right. You need confidence and self belief to play your football and I won’t say it was terrible, but it was not good enough to earn a win…Most weeks, you are not surprised to see him [Berbatov] more or less disappointed with himself, and of course [disappointed] if we don’t play in the style he wants us to play. But I’m happy with him.”

From that, it appears that the relationship between Berbatov and his team-mates and manager is still not quite what it should be, with Jol again singling out Berbatov’s mood as a factor. Jol then went on to criticise his team’s performance, stressing the need to get Berbatov an improved level of service…

“We didn’t link up in midfield and it was almost a typical, rainy old fashioned long ball game, and that is not what we want – especially not the players up front. My defenders had to play straight balls up to Berbatov most of the time, and that is not what he wants or what we want.”

Yesterday’s draw did at least see the return of Bryan Ruiz as a second half substitute and the Costa Rican will now, presumably, be in line for a start against Swansea at the weekend. His presence is likely to improve the link play with the midfield and allow Berbatov to roam up front as the central striker. It remains to be seen if this can improve Jol’s mood.

Potters Defence Hit By Bans
While so many players look to be successfully navigating the perils fo the suspension tightrope, Stoke pairing Ryan Shawcross and Geoff Cameron were unable to steer past the December 31 curfew, picking up their fifth bookings in last night’s 3-1 victory over Liverpool. Both Shawcross and Cameron will now miss the potentially profitable home clash with Southampton at the weekend, with Matt Upson and Ryan Shotton likely to fill the void – both were kept on the bench against Liverpool.

Jones Keeps Crouch Waiting
While Stoke’s defence has been heralded, the form of Kenwyne Jones up front is another major plus for Tony Pulis. Jones came out of last night’s encounter with goal and assist returns and is keeping Peter Crouch camped on the Stoke bench. Pulis had this to say, post-match, on his blossoming striker…

“Kenwyne has done smashing again…Crouchy is chomping at the bit to get back in the side, but if Kenwyne keeps playing the way he is playing at the moment, it is extremely difficult to leave him out. If he plays to his maximum all the time, he is as much of a handful as any striker in the Premier League. He’s got everything in his locker, so it’s just getting him to do that. Tonight, he certainly did that to great effect and I thought he was fantastic.”

With Stoke facing up to Southampton at the Britannia next, Jones, at just 5.0 in the FPL, looks a very decent short-term budget option for those looking to free up funds for heavy-hitter acquisition.

Rodgers Optimistic on Suarez Knock
Liverpool will be licking their wounds following the defeat to Stoke, with Luis Suarez, in particular, causing some concern. He was seen struggling with an ankle injury late on and Brendan Rodgers was quick to address the knock in his post-match analysis…

“He’s been playing with a swollen ankle for the last few weeks…We’ll wait until the morning to see how he is but he is a warrior and he should be fine for the weekend

From that, it seems possible that Suarez will emerge as a doubt for Liverpool’s trip to Loftus Road at the weekend, with his Fantasy owners now eagerly waiting on updates from the Liverpool camp.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

1,062 Comments Post a Comment
  1. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Will there be a press conf as usual tomorrow? Wondering about chance of Demel and Shorey to start..

    Open Controls
    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I doubt Shorey will start Reading have looked better without him

      Open Controls
      1. NATSTER
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Bad news then.

        Open Controls
  2. mgrea
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    I have no players on Sunday. 🙁

    Might transfer one in just so I have something to look forward to...

    Open Controls
  3. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Having recently bought Silva Im beginning to think it could be a bad idea considering they dont score enough goals. Bale seems an obvious replacement however im not convinced Bale will produce again so quickly especially with the next game being against us. Hate the fact that Bales price will explode yet I dont need him, YET!!

    Open Controls
    1. Doolittle
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I did Silva -> Bale last week (not that I'm smug or anything...). I think Bale could easily rack up big points again instantly, far more explosive than Silva, and far more likely to punish you for not having him.

      Open Controls
      1. John Nerdelbaum
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        +1

        I would have Bale in there

        Silva is not a priority to get rid off for me but of the big four midfield hitters he's struggling a wee bit and he isn't going to explode and score big like Bale

        Classy little player tho

        Open Controls
  4. Captain Shirokov
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    NEW POST

    Open Controls
  5. Portuguese&Proud
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    well all and all this was a very decent GW best rank so far this year and broke the 1000pts mark...

    Open Controls
    1. wah1berg
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Very consistent since gw13

      Open Controls
  6. Captain Shirokov
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    *New POST

    Open Controls
  7. Burd Turglars
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    so which 3 Ars players to line up for the DGW? I think Gibbs, Mert and Caz. Walcott could trip over a pin and simultaneously do his cruciate and metatarsal imo

    Open Controls
    1. Sting
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Think I might just go in with only 2...Sagna and Cazorla

      Open Controls
    2. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Or his gluteus maximus, that'd be a pin in the arse

      Open Controls
    3. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      im thinking about podolski

      Open Controls
  8. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Gibbs > Azpi 😀

    Open Controls
  9. mgrea
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Bego

    Hughes - Zaba - Merte

    Bale - Sterling - A Young - Michu

    RVP (c) - Aguero - Berb

    Ruddy ----- HRK - Davies - Clyne

    2FT, 1.1m in the bank, what would you do?

    Open Controls
    1. Mr Mz
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Get rid of A young? Try to get mata in?

      Open Controls
    2. Sebastian Rooks
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I agree with mike.. mata, silva or cazorla are infinitely better options than young at the minute. Young is rotation riskAY but the other 3 are nailed on and look able to score (bar maybe silva) regularly.

      Open Controls
  10. Sting
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Best sub 5m mid ?

    Best budget striker ?

    Open Controls
    1. mgrea
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Marvaux

      Berb

      Open Controls
      1. The_Dude
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Puncheon, Benteke? Le Fondre? ... depends on your definition of budget

        Open Controls
    2. Sebastian Rooks
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Puncheon or Taraabt(if he stays in england)
      Jones or Ruiz

      Open Controls
  11. thomthom
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Hello fellas, may i ask for some advice on my team?

    Bego/Jaask
    Baines, Olsson, Cuellar, McCartney, Shorey
    Silva, Bale, Michu, Snodgrass, Puncheon
    Berbs, RVP, Ba

    2ft

    Currently thinking about one of these transfers

    A. Baines + Shorey -> Davies + Gibbs/Sagna
    B. Baines + Snoddgrass -> Sagna + Walcott
    C. Shorey -> Davies/other cheapie
    D Baines -> Gibbs/Sagna or Luiz
    E. Other

    Open Controls
    1. Wez88
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      C is best. Save your free transfers for the time being. Get Arsenal/West Ham players later on.

      Open Controls
      1. thomthom
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks for the reply and good advice. Im thinking you might be right here

        Open Controls
  12. SPorting
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    5/6 of my hits have paid off. I'm liking this trend.

    Open Controls
  13. Parm
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Any clues as to how to use my freebie, or shall I just save?

    Jaaskelainen.
    Nastasic, Davies, Shorey*.
    Silva, Bale, Michu*, Walcott.
    RVP(c), Suarez (vc), Berbatov(vvc)

    Mignolet; Puncheon, Clyne, Cameron*.

    1FT, £0.8m in the bank.

    Open Controls
    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      try to get Mata...

      Open Controls
    2. Sebastian Rooks
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      dont just get mata coz hes been doing well the players you have in silva and bale (the only two you could swap directly) are equally as promising imo. depends who YOU think will do better.

      imo your team looks solid bar possibly your defence I'd strengthen there if anything, but my advice is to save that transfer

      Open Controls
  14. Tomlette Greggs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Lads,

    Transfer out: Yaya, Gera
    Transfer in: Walcott, Nolan.
    (for a 4 pointer)

    Worth the hit?

    Open Controls
    1. Wez88
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      No. Save the transfer and do it next week. Walcott and Nolan aren't good enough to take a hit.

      Open Controls
    2. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I dunno but i just sold Nolan today by 4p hit LOL

      Open Controls
      1. Marlen R
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        I don't understand that move. Nolan's fixtures are fantastic all the way up to the double. I just took a four point hit to get him and get pienaar out.

        Open Controls
  15. The Nuts
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    So SAF is to receive no punishment for his surly outbursts yesterday.....and all because Mike Dean daren't make a complaint against him....

    What a fine, upstanding example SAF is to players and fans alike, showing how to pressure referees and continually act like a sore loser....utter twunt.....

    Open Controls
    1. richdon49
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      A sore loser!!!!!! You should have hung around for the final whistle.

      Open Controls
    2. Sebastian Rooks
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      How likely percentage wise would you say the following players are to score a brace or more this weekend?

      A Torres
      B Van Persie
      C Suarez
      D Bale
      E Aguero

      Thanks for the answers

      Open Controls
      1. Sebastian Rooks
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        sorry comment confusion

        Open Controls
  16. bring on Real Madrid !
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    a suarez in for tevez
    b nolan in for sterling

    A or B ?

    Open Controls
    1. Hatter
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      a

      Open Controls
  17. Hollis
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Both are good options, but I'd want Suarez vs. QPR, so I'd do A.

    Open Controls
  18. Hatter
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Yaya Toure & nolan -> Gerrard and Sidwell
    For -8points?

    Open Controls
  19. Hollis
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Had a good round, even though I could only field 10 players. Next round does not look very promising though. Here's my team:

    Bego (Cerny)
    Shawcross (susp), Davies, Shorey (not playing), Demel (inj?), Gorkss (not playing)
    Mata (rested?), Puncheon, Bale, Michu (inj), Holman
    Van Persie, Rooney (Inj), Suarez

    How do I maximize potential points from this lot? Do I need to take a hit?
    1 FT, 0.4m in bank..

    Open Controls
  20. Sebastian Rooks
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    How likely percentage wise would you say the following players are to score a brace or more this weekend?

    A Torres
    B Van Persie
    C Suarez
    D Bale
    E Aguero

    Thanks for the answers guys

    Open Controls
  21. Judas
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Who else has taken the risk of bringing in Hernandez?

    Open Controls
    1. P&F
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      considering it, can't decide if its too short term

      Open Controls
  22. Bests Conquests
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Am I just crazy to be keeping Baines around? I missed out on all the fun real early in the season. I still would like to have a Defender with some pop and don't mind paying a bit for one. Ivanovic? Sure not Evra?! haha. Just hate to be wasting transfers on D's.

    Currently have:
    Baines - Shawcross - Nastasic

    (Nelsen, Barnett-3.8 never used)

    Open Controls