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. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
    • 5 Years
    3 days, 6 hours ago

    Best Richarlison replacement up to 8.8m? I have Pedro and Wood

    WCing GW 7

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      3 days, 6 hours ago

      Watkins lol

      1. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
        • 5 Years
        3 days, 6 hours ago

        Nope, not going there. Villa look awful

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

      Don't see why you'd sell with Spurs next 2 fixtures

      1. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
        • 5 Years
        3 days, 6 hours ago

        Richa started Champions league and last game PL he was on the bench. And Kolo Muani is there now

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

          Travelled back late from Bolivia and midweek UCL likely impacted his mins last weekend

          1. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
            • 5 Years
            3 days, 5 hours ago

            Good to know!

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

          I think that was just because of returning late from Brazil duty. Muani is not fit and Tel didn't do much to stake a claim.

          Also I don't think Muani is anything more than backup given he was a last minute loan with no option to buy (guess they're just worried about Solanke's fitness)

          1. AC/DC AFC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 days, 6 hours ago

            Tel isn't in the Champions League squad either, is it because of the home grown rule?

            Anyhow that meant Richi had to start with Solanke nursing back to fitness.

            Spurs are hot and cold tho.

          2. I Member
            • 10 Years
            3 days, 6 hours ago

            Kolo Muani was last minute because he was holding out for a move to Juve all summer but it fell through at the very end. He's better than both Solanke and Richarlison.

          3. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
            • 5 Years
            3 days, 5 hours ago

            Fair enough. I'll hold

    3. lilmessipran
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 days, 6 hours ago

      Why not just keep Richa? Decent differential who is likely on pens and still first choice, Spurs next two also look decent. He only missed out last gw because of the late IB fixture.

      1. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
        • 5 Years
        3 days, 5 hours ago

        Will do, thanks!

  2. โ˜ˆโ˜พ
    • 8 Years
    3 days, 6 hours ago

    Thoughts of getting Isak on FH?

    If he gets minutes tonight

    1. lilmessipran
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 days, 6 hours ago

      Not for me, even if he does get some mins today..60ish would be the max vs Everton imo

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

      No chance ; bit part player at best this weekend.

  3. boombaba
    • 12 Years
    3 days, 6 hours ago

    I want Raya long term
    Is it to soon to move Sanchez to Raya
    I will be priced out if he moves in price and gave no WC
    Dub is other goalie

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

      Maybe not with Maresca threatening to rotate him

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 days, 6 hours ago

        He wants Raya to replace him.

        It's best to wildcard transfer goalkeepers but needs must sometimes too.

    2. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 days, 6 hours ago

      No way I’d make that switch if not on WC. Sanchez is good value, you have a good back-up if needed, and it would be a terrible entry point too

  4. โ˜ˆโ˜พ
    • 8 Years
    3 days, 6 hours ago

    Best def under 4.7 for just next GW?

    Already own Guehi and Senesi

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      3 days, 6 hours ago

      Guehi (whu)

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • 9 Years
        3 days, 6 hours ago

        RTFQ

    2. lilmessipran
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 days, 6 hours ago

      Andersen

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

        This

      2. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 days, 6 hours ago

        Fulham fixtures do turn a bit tho.

        Esp from Gw7

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

          One GW. Think that'll be a tight game and juicy for DCs

  5. Obi 1 Kenobi 0
      3 days, 6 hours ago

      What are opinions on the following for the below? Also is this side worth a BB this week?

      A. Madueke > Xavi
      B. Wirtz > Xavi
      C. Wirtz > Semenyo
      D. Roll FT

      Dub
      Guehi/VDV/Cucurella/Rodon
      Wirtz/Madueke/Palmer
      Haaland/Watkins/Evanilson

      Verbruggen/KDH/Reindeer/Milenkovic

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 days, 6 hours ago

        C.

        1. Bushwhacker
          • 6 Years
          3 days, 4 hours ago

          This ; come to the template!

    • Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 days, 6 hours ago

      Would you bench boost this?

      Dubravka Elliott KDH Reijnders

      1. Zalk
        • 14 Years
        3 days, 6 hours ago

        Not when the last two have Liv and Ars

    • boombaba
      • 12 Years
      3 days, 6 hours ago

      Would you BB
      Dubravka Forrest at home
      Rodon wolves away
      Esteve Forrest at home
      King Brentford at home

      I will have fodder all season so they look not bad considering?

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

        If you're never going to upgrade that and are happy with something like 12pts. Not the worst set of fixtures, although hard to know what to expect from Forest

      2. Miguel Sanchez
        • 9 Years
        3 days, 6 hours ago

        Yeah just get it played or you’ll waste transfers and hits trying to improve it and not focus on your main XI

      3. Feanor
        • 16 Years
        3 days, 5 hours ago

        No, I'm not boosting

        Dub
        Tarkowski
        Grealish
        Reijnders

    • Count of Monte Hristo
      • 12 Years
      3 days, 6 hours ago

      Please bench one from this 12.

      Raya

      Porro Muñoz Timber VDV

      Mbeumo Semenyo Paqueta Gakpo

      Pedro Haaland Wood

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • 9 Years
        3 days, 6 hours ago

        VDV

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

        Paqueta

      3. Bobby Digital
        • 8 Years
        3 days, 6 hours ago

        VDV

      4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 8 Years
        3 days, 6 hours ago

        Timber

      5. z13
          3 days, 5 hours ago

          Spurs def just because there's two

        • lilmessipran
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 days, 5 hours ago

          Close b/w Timber and VDV, prob. just VDV

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

        Choose 1 to play of :

        A ) Diouf
        B ) Reijnders
        C ) KDH

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • 9 Years
          3 days, 6 hours ago

          B

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

          C

        3. Bobby Digital
          • 8 Years
          3 days, 6 hours ago

          A

        4. z13
            3 days, 5 hours ago

            B

          • BUZZBOMB โ™ก
            • 10 Years
            3 days, 5 hours ago

            I had same dillema and am playing KDH, R first sub and A 3rd sub.

          • F4L
            • 10 Years
            3 days, 5 hours ago

            b

        5. Forza Papac
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 days, 6 hours ago

          Benche two

          A) Cucurella (mun)
          B) Porro (bha)
          C) Lacroix (whu)
          D) Milenkovic (bur)
          E) Rodon (wol)

          1. z13
              3 days, 5 hours ago

              D and A/E

            • IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
              • 8 Years
              3 days, 5 hours ago

              DE

            • F4L
              • 10 Years
              3 days, 5 hours ago

              be

          2. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 days, 5 hours ago

            Do we think Sanchez start against United at the weekend folks?? After his comments yesterday

            1. Miguel Sanchez
              • 9 Years
              3 days, 5 hours ago

              99% sure he will unless he gets injured or is personally responsible for about 4 Bayern goals tonight

              1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                3 days, 5 hours ago

                Cheers mate!! On BB so need him too haha

          3. Qaiss
            • 9 Years
            3 days, 5 hours ago

            Isak starts and Ekitike is benched

            1. FF Scout
              • 15 Years
              3 days, 5 hours ago

              Isak rises in price on Friday.

              1. Qaiss
                • 9 Years
                3 days, 5 hours ago

                Yeah likely

          4. F4L
            • 10 Years
            3 days, 5 hours ago

            no messing around from slot

          5. F4L
            • 10 Years
            3 days, 5 hours ago

            if salah cant look good/lively/involved in this line up, would be a really bad sign

            1. Qaiss
              • 9 Years
              3 days, 5 hours ago

              Salah hasn’t looked consistently lively for a few years. That’s just going to continue with other players taking his goals

              1. NoOneCares
                  3 days, 4 hours ago

                  This take is hilarious.

            2. Qaiss
              • 9 Years
              3 days, 5 hours ago

              Are you watching Liverpool - Atletico or Bayern - Chelsea

              1. Leo14CFC
                  3 days, 5 hours ago

                  Chelsea !!

              2. AC/DC AFC
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                3 days, 5 hours ago

                Strong looking Liverpool team

                Let's see how that works out

              3. AC/DC AFC
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                3 days, 5 hours ago

                Liverpool team to face Atletico:

                Alisson, Van Dijk, Konate, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Isak, Salah, Gakpo, Robertson, Frimpong, Gravenberch

                Subs: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Gomez, Endo, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Bradley, Leoni, Ekitike, Danns, Ngumoha.

                1. AC/DC AFC
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 10 Years
                  3 days, 5 hours ago

                  Atletico team to face Liverpool:

                  Oblak, Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Galan, Gallagher, Barrios, Gonzalez, Simeone, Griezmann, Raspadori.

                  Subs: Musso, Esquivel, Ruggeri, Koke, Sorloth, Carlos Martin, Molina, Hancko, Pubill, Zanzi, Belid.

              4. Leo14CFC
                  3 days, 5 hours ago

                  Captain Halland , palmer or Watkins please ?

                  1. AC/DC AFC
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 10 Years
                    3 days, 5 hours ago

                    Haaland

                  2. Stevie B
                    • 14 Years
                    3 days, 5 hours ago

                    I would captain Haaland.

                • Bobadoba
                  • 15 Years
                  3 days, 5 hours ago

                  Wood for captain anyone?

                  1. Stevie B
                    • 14 Years
                    3 days, 5 hours ago

                    Not for me. I will captain Salah.

                • Stevie B
                  • 14 Years
                  3 days, 5 hours ago

                  Which two I should bench from:

                  Cucurella, Pedro Porro, Esteve, Ballard and Guehi?

                  Should one transfer out?

                  Thank you!

                • TafOnTour1
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 1 Year
                  3 days, 5 hours ago

                  Isak starting is fascinating, must be ready for the PL?!

                  1. F4L
                    • 10 Years
                    3 days, 4 hours ago

                    if he scores today, looks sharp and comes off about 60, i mean you'd think he'd be starting against everton for sure

                  2. I Member
                    • 10 Years
                    3 days, 4 hours ago

                    Doubt he starts again at the weekend but who knows.

                  3. chocolove
                    • 14 Years
                    3 days, 4 hours ago

                    From out of the squad to start the UCL game. Everybody all aboard!

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

                    I can't see him starting two games given the short turnaround of less than 3 days (Wednesday 8pm KO to Saturday 12:30pm KO)

                • chocolove
                  • 14 Years
                  3 days, 4 hours ago

                  Isak baby. Template ruiner

                • TKC07
                  • 6 Years
                  3 days, 4 hours ago

                  Would you sell Reijnders + Ndiyaye to get Semenyo + King (to rotate with KDH)?

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

                    No

                  2. F4L
                    • 10 Years
                    3 days, 4 hours ago

                    nah

                • Pep Roulette
                  • 7 Years
                  3 days, 4 hours ago

                  So Wood starts this weekend for sure

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

                    Let's see how Igor Jesus gets on tonight

                    1. el polako
                      • 8 Years
                      3 days, 4 hours ago

                      Igor Jesus?
                      Is that a hybrid of Igor Thiago and Gabriel Jesus?

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

                        The patter is woeful...

                • el polako
                  • 8 Years
                  3 days, 4 hours ago

                  Isak pushed to start too soon or hit by the ball will get one of his annoying injuries.

                • Athletic Nasherbo
                  • 8 Years
                  3 days, 4 hours ago

                  Isak back on the bench at the weekend, but I’d imagine us Ekitike owners will have to get rid the following week.

                  1. Gizzachance
                    • 10 Years
                    3 days, 4 hours ago

                    Yeah, minutes be more shared with Isak ekitike etc

                    Howe only had Wilson usually injured, when not got the odd start, off the bench for Isak

                    But did at times play both of them, pool have better quality players to help manage isak

                • Gizzachance
                  • 10 Years
                  3 days, 4 hours ago

                  Early thoughts? 08 itb , 1 ft

                  Sanchez
                  Andersen porro Konsa
                  Salah rogers wirtz Barnes
                  Pedro wood Watkins

                  Dubravka esteve murrilo* reijnders

                  A BB

                  B if Murillo out get in Munoz and BB

                  C Roger’s to semenyo no bb if Murillo out, bb if not

                  D save transfer to do the Haaland in next gw, could still bb if Murillo ok, if not maybe gw8

                  Cheers

                • Tonyawesome69
                  • 6 Years
                  3 days, 4 hours ago

                  Both won't play the full game once Isak is full fit.

                  Slot on the possibility of playing Hugo Ekitike off the left:

                  “Hugo could be a player that could play off the left side, not in the way Cody or Mo is playing…

                  “But in general, both of them (Isak & Ekitike) are more No. 9s than in other positions.”

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

                    Bit more on the quote above

                    Arne Slot on starting Isak or Hugo Ekitike up front or out wide:

                    “No, everything is always possible, so they can but I think for Alex number nine is by far his best position. Hugo has played in the past when he was younger as a winger as well, but then he started to grow more and more and more. Although Cody Gakpo shows that even if you are tall you can still be a very good winger, so Hugo is a player that could play off the left side, not in the way Cody or Mo is.

                    "In general, I think both of them are more number nines than another position.”

                    https://x.com/AnfieldSector/status/1968382389526348060?t=hKaviE9nsi6l5G2Z1mf6nA&s=19

                • Ajax Hamsterdam
                  • 11 Years
                  3 days, 4 hours ago

                  Sels
                  Truffert porro esteve
                  Salah (c) Bruno kdh kudus
                  Mateta Watkins Pedro
                  Dub de cuyper* sarr** dirgu

                  1ft 2.4 itb

                  I am tempted to save?
                  Cheers

                  1. Ajax Hamsterdam
                    • 11 Years
                    3 days, 4 hours ago

                    That bah hey...my rank definitely reflects this ๐Ÿ™‚

                • KeanosMagic
                  • 3 Years
                  3 days, 4 hours ago

                  Do we assume Etikite is now a non asset, i.e Isak going to start going forward?

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

                    Probably fine for one more GW

                  2. Hairy Potter
                    • 10 Years
                    3 days, 4 hours ago

                    Will you still think that if Isak comes off at halftime tonight?

                  3. AC/DC AFC
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 10 Years
                    3 days, 4 hours ago

                    Depends on how tonight goes