Scout Notes
17 September 2025 601 comments
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The UEFA Champions League kicked off on Tuesday night, with the two north London teams in action.

We’ve covered UCL Fantasy in depth this week – but now we look at what the European action means for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers.

The graphics and data in this Scout Notes piece come from Statsbomb.

Subscribers of Fantasy Football Scout can get Statsbomb data for the Premier League, Champions League and more with their Memberships – the full details of which are here.

TUESDAY’S RESULTS

TeamOpponentResultGoalsAssists
ArsenalAthletic Club (a)2-0 winMartinelli, TrossardTrossard, Martinelli
Tottenham HotspurVillarreal (h)1-0 winLuiz Junior own-goalBergvall

SELECTION/ROTATION

TeamNo. of starting XI changes made from GW4Players who kept their places (mins played)Other mins for selected players
Arsenal1Raya (90), Timber (90), Mosquera (90), Gabriel (90), Calafiori (90), Zubimendi (90), Merino (90), Madueke (90), Eze (71), Gyokeres (65)Rice (90), Trossard (25), Martinelli (19)
Tottenham Hotspur2Vicario (90), Porro (90), Romero (90), Van de Ven (90), Bergvall (90), Kudus (90), Simons (77), Spence (69), Sarr (69)Bentancur (90), Richarlison (77), Udogie (21), Palhinha (21), Johnson (13), Kolo Muani (13)

Just the one alteration for the Gunners as Declan Rice (ยฃ6.5m), rested in Gameweek 4, came in for the injured Martin Odegaard (ยฃ7.9m)

William Saliba (ยฃ6.0m) was fit enough for substitute duty.

A similar story at Spurs, with two players handed breathers on Saturday after the international exertions, Rodrigo Bentancur (ยฃ5.4m) and Richarlison (ยฃ6.7m), replacing Joao Palhinha (ยฃ5.5m) and the ineligible Mathys Tel (ยฃ6.3m).

GYOKERES BLOODIED – BUT SEEMINGLY FINE

There was a slight scare for Viktor Gyokeres (ยฃ9.0m) owners on Tuesday when the striker suffered a blow to the head after a mid-air clash with Gabriel Magalhaes (ยฃ6.1m).

The Swede suffered a nasty cut after half an hour of the Champions League opener in Bilbao, being bandaged up for the remainder of his appearance.

He re-emerged for the second half, eventually going off after 65 minutes. There doesn’t seem to be any concern about him or Mikel Merino (ยฃ5.9m), who also sustained a knock to the noggin.

“I think they are all good.” – Mikel Arteta on Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyokeres

As mentioned above, there was no Odegaard after his Saturday shoulder injury. Ben White (ยฃ5.4m) was also still absent, along with the other longer-term ones.

โ€œGabi [Jesus], Kai [Havertz], Ben [White] and Martin [Odegaard] are still out.” – Mikel Arteta speaking in his pre-match presser

“I think there are still quite a lot of things to go through. Itโ€™s very early to understand when and which week heโ€™s going to be available. But he will certainly be pushing to be available as quickly as possible.” – Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka, speaking in his pre-match presser

EZE UNDER THREAT?

injury Gyokeres

For the second game running, Gyokeres racked up four goal attempts. Three of them were headers, the most presentable of which came from a Rice cross. Gyokeres led the way for xG (0.55) and penalty box touches (eight) in this match, too.

Noni Madueke (ยฃ7.0m) was a menace on the right, if sometimes lacking the end ball, but it was a quiet evening for Eberechi Eze (ยฃ7.5m). He nearly got on the end of one Madueke cut-back but ultimately he ended up shot-less, coming off after 71 minutes.

The replacements for Gyokeres and Eze, Leandro Trossard (ยฃ6.9m) and Gabriel Martinelli (ยฃ6.9m), did the damage. A goal and an assist apiece, although the two strikes were perhaps fortunate: Martinelli’s breakaway goal should have been saved, while Trossard’s sealer was deflected.

Nevertheless, food for thought for Mikel Arteta this weekend, especially on the left flank. Might Martinelli’s pace on the counter be a better fit for a clash with Manchester City?

“I was sure that Gabi was going to react like that. He raised the level to Gabi and he was going to do that. He has such a mentality, he’s a player that is constantly willing to learn and improve himself, very demanding with himself. That’s the moment that hopefully is going to give him the confidence again to go, because he’s done a stunning play.” – Mikel Arteta

ARSENAL DEFENCE SOLID AGAIN

injury Gyokeres

Arsenal faced the heat from the hosts and the terraces at a bouncing Estadio de San Mamรฉs, coming under the cosh in the first half.

But Athletic Club’s pressure didn’t really amount to serious chances. David Raya (ยฃ5.5m) didn’t actually have much to do, with his two saves routine, and the Basque side’s 11 shots only amounted to a meagre 0.43 xG.

As if we needed it, this was another reminder that Arsenal’s defence is, arguably, the best in the business.

“When they took us to play a really direct and physical game, we handled it. When it was very transitional, we handled it. When it was against the low block, we handled it.” – Mikel Arteta

SPURS DEFENCE KEEPS ANOTHER CLEAN SHEET

injury Gyokeres

The Spurs defence emerged with more credit than the starting attackers from their clash, too. This was their fourth clean sheet in their last five matches.

The Lilywhites squeaked a tight encounter against Villarreal, a spectacular error from visiting goalkeeper Luiz Junior allowing Lucas Bergvall‘s (ยฃ5.4m) cross to creep over the line.

Spurs struggled to create much, in truth. Xavi Simons (ยฃ7.0m) whistled over a shot early on, while Pape Matar Sarr (ยฃ5.0m) tested Junior from distance. That was, in fact, the only shot on target from either side in an edgy 90 minutes.

Thomas Frank’s troops had only two shots after half-time, with Richarlison peripheral.

It wasn’t quite as convincing from the Spurs backline as it was from Arsenal’s, despite the lack of shots on target conceded. Nicolas Pepe thrice fired narrowly wide, while Tajon Buchanan should have scored from a Pepe pass.

“I’m happy with the clean sheet. I’m happy with the defensive side of the game. I think we were extremely good and limited Villarreal to very little throughout the game.

“Obviously, offensively, we struggled on the day to create something against a good team.” – Thomas Frank

FRANK ON SIMONS

Simons was again on the left flank here, with Mohammed Kudus (ยฃ6.6m) on the opposite wing.

It was a mixed bag from the Dutchman, as it was with most Spurs players. He’s also perhaps more effective in the ’10’ role, which he’s yet to start in.

Frank discussed Simons’ relationship with Djed Spence (ยฃ4.5m) after the game.

“Obviously, we are building the offensive structure more and more. Xavi Simons has just come into the club. It’s fair to say he and Djed need a little relationship, of course, to get going.

“On the right side, Pedro and Kudus, they definitely have something going. I think Lucas came over to that side, it looks right. I think on the left side, Xavi and Djed, good against West Ham, but it’s not 100% in sync when maybe it’s not going, as an example. We gave so many times the ball away, where we could have played it more second half, which just happens sometimes.” – Thomas Frank


601 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. โ˜ˆโ˜พ
    • 8 Years
    3 days, 8 hours ago

    Who to play?

    1. Darlow v WOL (A)
    2. Dubravka v NFO (H)

    a. Andersen v BRE (H)
    b. Van de Ven v BHA (A)

    Wh to bench?

    A. Elliot v SUN (H)
    B. Kudus v BHA (A)
    C. Mateta v WHU (A)

    1. Seanigula
      • 16 Years
      3 days, 8 hours ago

      2, b, A

    2. Russell
      • 11 Years
      3 days, 8 hours ago

      2
      b
      A

    3. antis0cial
      • 9 Years
      3 days, 8 hours ago

      2BB

    4. z13
        3 days, 8 hours ago

        1, a, A

        1. z13
            3 days, 8 hours ago

            1, b* A

      • MetallicaJack93
        • 2 Years
        3 days, 8 hours ago

        On WC, playing back 4 every week, pick one:

        A. Raya VDV
        B. Vicario Gab
        C. Raya Gab

        Rest of defence is VVD Tark Senesi Rodon

        1. Russell
          • 11 Years
          3 days, 8 hours ago

          Vic and Gab

        2. antis0cial
          • 9 Years
          3 days, 8 hours ago

          B

        3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 8 Years
          3 days, 8 hours ago

          B

        4. Minion
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 days, 8 hours ago

          On WC it’s C for me. Best defence around, lock in your double up and forget about it.

      • Russell
        • 11 Years
        3 days, 8 hours ago

        Who would you bring in (have money for either):

        King to Palmer
        Guiu to J Pedro

        I was always planning on bringing back Palmer but is the saving just too good meaning I should go for JP and also considering the injury to Delap?

        1. Seanigula
          • 16 Years
          3 days, 8 hours ago

          Pedro

          1. MetallicaJack93
            • 2 Years
            3 days, 8 hours ago

            Pedro

        2. antis0cial
          • 9 Years
          3 days, 8 hours ago

          Pedro

      • Chinese_person
        • 14 Years
        3 days, 8 hours ago

        1.

        a.

        A.

      • Teddy10
        • 6 Years
        3 days, 8 hours ago

        If you have 2 transfers and wildcard, how many transfers do you get the following week after the wildcard?

        1. Russell
          • 11 Years
          3 days, 8 hours ago

          2

      • antis0cial
        • 9 Years
        3 days, 8 hours ago

        This worth a BB? I do have 1FT but prefer to save for Haaland next week

        Vicario
        Munoz Chalobah Senesi
        Salah Gakpo Grealish Semenyo
        Mateta Pedro Ekitike

        Dubravka Reijnders Gabriel Rodon

        1. Minion
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 days, 8 hours ago

          Think there’ll be better spots personally.

        2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 8 Years
          3 days, 8 hours ago

          Reijnders facing Gabriel, not optimal
          Save it

      • theshazly
        • 2 Years
        3 days, 8 hours ago

        Urgent advice here lads !

        Sels ( Dub )
        Guehi Porro Diouf (Guddmnssn / DeCuyper)
        Salah Wirtz KDH Reijnders Kudus
        JP Watkins Gyokeres

        1 FT / 2.1 ITB

        Do what ?

        A ) roll this week then do Wirtz, Watkins >> King, Haaland with 2 FT before GW6

        B ) WC

        1. Minion
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 days, 8 hours ago

          Very similar team. Easily A. I’m on WC8.

          1. theshazly
            • 2 Years
            3 days, 6 hours ago

            Will do this little minion
            Thank you

      • Totalfootball
        • 8 Years
        3 days, 8 hours ago

        Mateta or Gyokeres ?

        1. Minion
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 days, 8 hours ago

          Gyokeres

          1. nico05
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 days, 8 hours ago

            This

      • IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 8 Years
        3 days, 8 hours ago

        Bench order correct?

        Gudmundsson (wol)
        Alderete (AVL)
        KDH (liv)

        1. Minion
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 days, 8 hours ago

          Got to be KDH first there. Everton are decent going forward now, Liverpool ain’t all that at the back and KDH on plenty of set pieces.

          1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 8 Years
            3 days, 8 hours ago

            This is true! Thanks.
            Would even play KDH over Reijnders?

            1. Minion
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              3 days, 8 hours ago

              Ceiling feels low for both but yeah I probably would.

              1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
                • 8 Years
                3 days, 7 hours ago

                Cheers Minion!

      • leo_messi
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 days, 8 hours ago

        Is this worth a BB?

        Vicario
        Munoz - Cucurella - VVD
        Salah - Gakpo - Kudus - Semenyo
        Mateta - Pedro - Gyokeres

        Dubravka(NFO) King(BRE) Andersen(BRE) Senesi(NEW)

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Yes

          If your bench are all fit and playing at home it's probably the ideal time to BB.

        2. Count of Monte Hristo
          • 12 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Hell yes

        3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 8 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Yep

      • nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 days, 8 hours ago

        Best def to replace AWB ideally no more than 5.5
        other defenders currently owned are: Van de Ven - Dorgu- N.Williams - Rodon

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • 9 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Tark

          1. Miguel Sanchez
            • 9 Years
            3 days, 7 hours ago

            Or Senesi

            1. nico05
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              3 days, 7 hours ago

              Cheers mate - both good shouts

      • Count of Monte Hristo
        • 12 Years
        3 days, 8 hours ago

        Best Johnson replacement for 7.0 or less? Own Paqueta already.

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • 9 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Xavi or N’Diaye

          1. Count of Monte Hristo
            • 12 Years
            3 days, 7 hours ago

            Ndiaye with more end product and on penalties, do you think he is a stronger pick than Xavi?

            1. Miguel Sanchez
              • 9 Years
              3 days, 7 hours ago

              N’Diaye is the more logical pick with no European football and on penalties but I can’t help but being drawn towards Xavi

      • AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 days, 7 hours ago

        Should I wildcard this sorry lot?

        Sels
        Muñoz Milenkoviฤ‡ Diouf
        Bruno Wirtz Grealish Reijnders
        Haaland Ekitiké Wood

        Dúbravka. Johnson Estève Dorgu

        £0.2m itb. 1 FT.

        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 8 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          I think so, yes

        2. Malkmus
          • 14 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Yes

      • bigdip
        • 13 Years
        3 days, 7 hours ago

        RMT (Bench boost time)
        Sanchez, Dubravka
        Porro, Munoz, Andersen, N.Williams, Agbadou
        Reijnders, Fernandes, Semenyo, Rogers, Salah (c)
        Mateta, JPedro, Evanilson

        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 8 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Looks good

      • Sfowl123
        • 3 Years
        3 days, 7 hours ago

        Moving on from Elanga after two benchings in a row. Best replacement?

        Semenyo?
        Gibbs-White?
        Kudus?
        Someone else?

        1. Count of Monte Hristo
          • 12 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Semenyo by a mile!

          1. nico05
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 days, 7 hours ago

            this

        2. Sun God Nika
          • 5 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Yo get Semen

      • Count of Monte Hristo
        • 12 Years
        3 days, 7 hours ago

        Bench Porro or VDV @ Brighton?

        1. Sun God Nika
          • 5 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Porro due to a totally non bias opinion of me owning him and hoping he finally gets a attacking return that is deserved

          1. Count of Monte Hristo
            • 12 Years
            3 days, 7 hours ago

            ๐Ÿ˜†

      • trinzoo
        • 11 Years
        3 days, 7 hours ago

        Best one week punt (WC next week) - thinking Palmer but I'm United fan...

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • 9 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Yeremy Pino

      • sirmorbach
        • 9 Years
        3 days, 7 hours ago

        Any help as to what to do here? WC, perhaps, or overkill? Sels, De Cuyper out -- for whom? Kudus and Rogers not ideal as well. Any suggestion appreciated.

        2 FT, £3.9 itb.

        Sels / Dúbravka
        Gabriel, Porro, De Cuyper / Estève, Rodon
        Salah, Wirtz, Rogers, Kudus, Reijnders
        Gyökeres, Pedro / Guiu

        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 8 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          WC

        2. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          I don't think a wildcard is needed.

          Give Wirtz one more Gw

          Then switch with Salah and Guiu to Haaland and Co.

          Transfer Rogers this week or even roll and you'll have 3 FT to sort out some positions.

      • โ˜ˆโ˜พ
        • 8 Years
        3 days, 7 hours ago

        Would you get Isak on free hit?

        1. nico05
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          too soon imo

        2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 8 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Probably not, but see how it goes tonight

        3. Pedersen
          • 6 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Won't play more than few minutes

        4. Tonyawesome69
          • 6 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          What's the upside on FH5?

      • Stevie B
        • 14 Years
        3 days, 7 hours ago

        Best replacement for B. Fernandes? I can spend 9.4 and have Semenyo. Or should I hold?

        Thanks!

        1. nico05
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          hold

        2. I Member
          • 10 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          I'm keeping. Think they'll score against Chelsea and after that it's Brentford and Sunderland.

        3. Sun God Nika
          • 5 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          im in same boat and im gunna hold until the eventual choice of bringing in palmer or saka

        4. Stevie B
          • 14 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Thanks all!

      • Pedersen
        • 6 Years
        3 days, 7 hours ago

        I have 1 ft, anything to do? I kinda want to fix my defense, with Senesi, Tark and/or Vicario? Perhaps downgrade Porro to VDV now Xavi have taken over set pieces.

        Sanchez
        Cucurella / Porro / Munoz
        Grealish / Semenyo / Gakpo / Kudus
        Ekitike / Pedro / Haaland

        Dubravka / Reijnders / Dorgu / Esteve

      • Tonyawesome69
        • 6 Years
        3 days, 7 hours ago

        Eddie Howe says Yoane Wissa will be out until after the October international break (GW8) with his knee injury

        https://x.com/CraigHope_DM/status/1968334115801030815?t=ygSadOgrycU5kmsVnzdk_A&s=19

      • Tonyawesome69
        • 6 Years
        3 days, 7 hours ago

        Just one more start against WHU at the weekend...

        Glasner: “I think JP honestly needs a break; you saw his chance was just fatigue from playing every game, every minute.

        In the second half, I considered who could play striker: Clyne, Cardines, or Rodney. It is what it is.”

        https://x.com/PalaceReport/status/1968256575572967677?t=jaSQBO71Tk7zrgrwvQw-tw&s=19

        1. lilmessipran
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Wow, this is worrying as I was considering playing a BB this week. Why don't you just rest him in the cup game, ffs.

        2. lilmessipran
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          On second reading, this just looks like a dig at the ownership for not signing the players he wanted.

        3. Not again Shirley
          • 8 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Who is JP?

          1. Bobby Digital
            • 8 Years
            3 days, 7 hours ago

            Mateta

      • Conners ©
        • 6 Years
        3 days, 7 hours ago

        Weighing up Cunha replacements but very few options really stand out.

        Do you think Gordon could become a decent option from around GW7?

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 6 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Probably depends on Barnes form, Woltemade match fitness and Wissa injury.

          1. Conners ©
            • 6 Years
            3 days, 7 hours ago

            Yeah, true.

            Just read your post re Wissa above - cheers for the update.

            Really poor options in MF so far. Might hold off for a bit and hope Cunha recovers.

            1. Tonyawesome69
              • 6 Years
              3 days, 7 hours ago

              Bruno G comments on Woltemade fitness in PL

              “I like it, I like it! He’s impressed me in training.
              “We can see he’s not used to the Premier League pace…he got cramps after 45 minutes…I’ve never seen this before to be honest!
              “Scoring on his debut was a moment to remember for him and we hope this continues…”

              https://x.com/SkySports_Keith/status/1968340238427689021?t=2ITvJa3-AhRkykYzveym-g&s=19

        2. Bobby Digital
          • 8 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Mboomo!

          1. Conners ©
            • 6 Years
            3 days, 7 hours ago

            Yeah, he might be worth considering.

            1. Bobby Digital
              • 8 Years
              3 days, 7 hours ago

              Foden also, if you feel frisky

      • Stevie B
        • 14 Years
        3 days, 7 hours ago

        Play Reijnders (ars) or Anderson (bur)?

        Thank you!

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 8 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Mr. Anderson

        2. Tonyawesome69
          • 6 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Straightforward decision - play the fixture

      • bdca
        • 2 Years
        3 days, 7 hours ago

        Current team

        Sels
        Porro - VDV- Andersen
        Salah - Wirtz - Gakpo - Semenyo - Reinders
        Wood - J Pedro

        Dubravka - Senesi - Esteve - Watkins

        Good time to play the bench boost? Or wait until a later week? Leaning to playing this week if there are no yellow/red flags that come up between now and Sat.

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 8 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Looks like a decent BB team. Porro and VDV is a bit risky though, as I see Brighton scoring.

        2. Aster
          • 4 Years
          3 days, 6 hours ago

          Do it

      • GROBARI
        • 5 Years
        3 days, 7 hours ago

        Whats the best site for price predictions?
        Because i want to sell Wirtz before a price drop, some sites are saying he is dropping tonight and some are saying he is not even close to dropping

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 8 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Livefpl price change predictor

          1. GROBARI
            • 5 Years
            3 days, 6 hours ago

            Thanks

      • -GK22-
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 days, 7 hours ago

        Worth moving UCL armband off 14pt player to Kane, olise etc,

        Have Haaland tomorrow

        1. The Mentaculus
          • 4 Years
          3 days, 6 hours ago

          Lol I know it's boring to stick on the first of 3, especially when so highly owned, but you know where hat-trick chasing is going to get you. Not like Chelsea or Napoli are complete pushovers either

      • Maxg123
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Xavi simons looking a good option to transfer in?

          1. Bobby Digital
            • 8 Years
            3 days, 7 hours ago

            I'm taking a punt on him on my WC. He has flair and will be exciting to own, but I'm a bit worried who will finish the chances he creates.

          2. Aster
            • 4 Years
            3 days, 6 hours ago

            Yes

        • Aster
          • 4 Years
          3 days, 7 hours ago

          Captain Haaland or Semenyo?