As is often the case, midweek European matches generated a wealth of discussion points for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers.
Let’s first examine the action from Tuesday night.
Both Arsenal and Aston Villa played host to UEFA Champions League matches, achieving victories without conceding goals.
However, the focus extends beyond the final scores to the implications for FPL. Whether it involves fresh and existing injuries, designated penalty takers, or beneficial rests, we highlight the essential talking points in this latest Scout Notes article.
A summary of Wednesday’s matches will be provided next.
TUESDAY’S RESULTS
TUESDAY’S LINE-UPS
Aston Villa XI: Martínez, Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Maatsen, Onana (Barkley 45), Tielemans (Kamara 78), Bailey (Ramsey 65), Rogers, McGinn (Philogene 66), Durán (Watkins 65).
Arsenal: Raya, White (Merino 46), Gabriel, Saliba, Calafiori (Lewis-Skelly 70), Partey, Rice, Havertz, Jesus (Sterling 68), Martinelli, Trossard (Jorginho 88).
SAKA “UNLIKELY” FOR GAMEWEEK 9…
As anticipated due to limited training, Bukayo Saka (£10.0m) did not feature on Tuesday night.
Both the winger and Jurrien Timber (£5.5m), who missed Saturday’s loss at Bournemouth, were sidelined for the tight victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.
The pressing question now is whether Saka will be available for the encounter against Liverpool in Gameweek 9. We use ‘debate’ deliberately because discussions surrounding Mikel Arteta’s tactics are never far behind. Known for offering optimistic updates just as players are set to miss games, Arteta’s recent remarks could be interpreted as encouraging news for Saka owners who suspect he might be playing mind games.
“I don’t know [if Saka will be fit to face Liverpool]. He wasn’t able to train yet, so that’s unlikely.” – Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka, speaking post-match
CALAFIORI INJURY, ARTETA EXPLAINS WHITE SUBSTITUTION
Arsenal’s defense may not appear as solid as it typically does in Gameweek 9. With Timber already a lingering concern and William Saliba (£6.0m) serving a ban, Riccardo Calafiori (£5.8m) has now become an additional worry.
The Italian picked up a knee injury midway through the second half of Tuesday’s match and had to be substituted.
In contrast, Ben White (£6.3m) was pulled out at halftime, but there’s no cause for alarm regarding his status.
“Ben, it was my decision to take him out. He had a yellow card, and we have played enough with 10 men during certain periods. They had a lot of intensity on that side and numerous attacking players; we didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks there.
“With Riccy, it was a different situation; he had to come off because he felt something.”
“I don’t know the extent of that so in that sense it’s not great news.” – Mikel Arteta
Given the circumstances, Arsenal may need to rely on a defensive line featuring Thomas Partey (£5.0m), White, Gabriel Magalhaes (£6.3m), and Oleksandr Zinchenko (£4.8m) on Sunday. This situation is promising for Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) and his teammates as Liverpool seeks to establish a seven-point lead over the Gunners.
ARTETA ON PENALTY TAKERS
With Saka and Martin Odegaard (£8.2m) unavailable, and Jorginho (£4.8m) not on the pitch, there arose an opportunity for another player to assert their claim from the penalty spot when Arsenal was awarded a penalty in the second half.
Kai Havertz (£8.3m) had successfully converted a penalty just over a year ago. With him being on a scoring streak of seven matches at home, many anticipated that the German would be selected.
However, it was Leandro Trossard (£6.9m) who stepped up to take the penalty—and ultimately missed.
“Yes, the [players] made that decision, the penalty taker usually is Bukayo or Martin, and besides those two, we have a couple more players who are capable of taking it. They made the decision, and unfortunately, Leo missed it. As you mentioned, it was an opportunity lost.” – Mikel Arteta, addressing whether he thought about assigning the penalty to Kai Havertz in his post-match press conference
“I don’t know. I’m not privy to that conversation, as he’s one of the designated takers and Leo chose to take it. Unfortunately, he missed.” – Mikel Arteta, speaking to TNT Sports about whether Kai Havertz expressed a desire to take the penalty
TIREDNESS?
This match did not showcase a stellar performance from Arsenal, as it was ultimately decided by an own goal. Gabriel Martinelli (£7.0m), who was the standout player of the night, provided the assist; his attempt hit the post and deflected off visiting goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk into the net.
As the game progressed, fatigue appeared to set in. A basic indication of this was the shot count of 13-3 leading up to Trossard’s penalty, after which the visitors launched a late assault, recording six out of the final seven attempts in the match.
It was possibly a case of fatigue impacting performance.
This match occurred 72 hours after the final whistle at Bournemouth, where the Gunners played for an hour with just 10 men. It was no surprise that Martinelli, a substitute at the Vitality Stadium, shone brightly.
Arteta assured that energy levels would be revitalized by Gameweek 9.
“Well, we played two and a half days ago, following the internationals, and after traveling from Brazil and various countries. I expected us to possibly drop off a bit. The effort we put into the first half, without converting it into results, contributed to that.
“We made things harder for ourselves by starting to give the ball away and failing to regain possession in critical areas, which made the game more open. That didn’t help, but we have four days ahead, and believe me, we will be ready to go on Sunday.” – Mikel Arteta on fatigue
WATKINS RESTED, ROGERS SHINES AGAIN
During Tuesday’s victory over Bologna, Unai Emery had a completely fit squad and an impressively strong bench as a result:
With a clean bill of health, Emery had the chance to rotate his squad, giving Matty Cash (£4.4m), Lucas Digne (£4.6m), Jacob Ramsey (£5.4m), and Ollie Watkins (£9.1m) a rest.
This midweek rotation could become a regular feature in the upcoming weeks, especially with no players sidelined.
“We faced challenges in August and September when some players returned unfit or injured. Although we earned points, we were anticipating a better moment with players available to perform like today or on Saturday.
“Now is a good time to be strategic, make changes, and consider what’s best in each situation. I made these decisions today after our win against Fulham, as it was an opportune moment to do so.” – Unai Emery on rotation
Ezri Konsa (£4.5m) and John McGinn (£5.2m), who were substitutes on their returns from injury on Saturday, were reinstated to the starting lineup. McGinn arguably claimed the man of the match title with his whipped free-kick that eluded everyone and opened the scoring.
Jhon Duran (£6.2m), starting in place of Watkins, showcased his skills and found the back of the net whenever he received playing time. However, it’s clear that Watkins will return to the forefront in Gameweek 9.
“It’s beneficial to manage the squad. We will do this occasionally, and when players like Jhon Duran and Watkins perform well, it’s the best for the team.” – Unai Emery on rotating his forwards
Once again, Morgan Rogers (£5.4m) was a contender for star player status, challenging McGinn for the spotlight.
The impressive winger recorded four shots and created three chances, setting up Duran for his goal.
A minor critique of Rogers could be that his finishing could use some improvement, as he missed another one-on-one opportunity in this match. This season, he has squandered all five of his significant chances in the league.
A third consecutive clean sheet in the Champions League was achieved with ease. An early attempt from Thijs Dallinga was well saved by Emi Martinez (£5.0m), which was the closest Bologna got to scoring, although they did hit the woodwork late in the game.
Key Fantasy Premier League Insights from Midweek European Action: Injury Updates, Line-up Changes, and More
Understanding the Impact of European Fixtures on Fantasy Premier League (FPL)
As the UEFA Champions League and Europa League kick off, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers must stay vigilant. The midweek European fixtures can significantly impact player performance, injury updates, and team line-ups for the upcoming Premier League matches. Here we dissect the key insights gained from recent matches, focusing on injuries, potential line-up changes, and how these factors can influence your FPL strategy.
Injury Updates: Who’s in, Who’s Out?
Injuries are a constant concern for FPL managers, especially after a grueling schedule of midweek European matches. Here’s a summary of the latest injury news affecting key players:
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – Salah was substituted late in the game against Napoli due to a minor ankle issue. However, Klopp confirmed he is expected to be fit for the weekend’s match against Leicester City.
- Son Heung-min (Tottenham) – After a stellar performance in the Champions League, Son was seen limping but it was later revealed to be a precautionary measure. He is likely to start against Burnley.
- Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) – Fernandes suffered a slight knock during the Europa League tie. Early reports indicate he may miss the upcoming match against Chelsea.
- Jack Grealish (Manchester City) - Grealish is recovering from a hamstring injury. His return is still uncertain, and Pep Guardiola has suggested he may not be rushed back.
Line-up Changes to Consider
Line-up changes can greatly influence your FPL points, especially when managers make tactical adjustments following European fixtures. Here are some potential changes to keep an eye on:
Arsenal
With their midweek Europa League match, Mikel Arteta might rotate his squad. Watch for:
- Emile Smith Rowe could start in place of Martin Ødegaard if fatigue sets in.
- Gabriel Jesus may be rested, opening the door for Eddie Nketiah to lead the line.
Liverpool
After a tight contest against Napoli, Klopp might tweak his tactics:
- Look for Curtis Jones to slot into midfield, providing fresh legs against Leicester.
- Andrew Robertson could start instead of Kostas Tsimikas to strengthen the left flank.
Manchester United
With injuries affecting the squad, Erik ten Hag might employ a different strategy:
- Scott McTominay is expected to take a more prominent role in midfield, especially if Fernandes is out.
- Substitutions in the previous match might give Alejandro Garnacho a chance to start.
Player Performance Insights
Analyzing player performances from midweek matches can provide valuable context for FPL decisions. Here are key takeaways:
| Player | Team | Goals | Assists | FPL Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Son Heung-min | Tottenham | 2 | 0 | 10 |
| Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | 1 | 1 | 8 |
| Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United | 0 | 1 | 5 |
| Riyad Mahrez | Manchester City | 1 | 0 | 6 |
Benefits of Monitoring European Fixtures for FPL
Understanding how midweek European matches affect Premier League players can provide several benefits for FPL managers:
- Injury Awareness: Staying updated on player injuries can help you avoid selecting players who are less likely to start.
- Form Analysis: Consider players who perform well in European competitions, as form often translates to domestic success.
- Tactical Adjustments: Managers often adjust strategies based on European results, impacting player selection and positioning.
Practical Tips for FPL Managers
To maximize your FPL points from insights gained during midweek European fixtures, consider the following tips:
- Monitor Player Fitness: Utilize social media and club announcements for the latest injury updates.
- Evaluate Rotation Risks: Anticipate which players may be rested due to fatigue.
- Track European Performance: Keep an eye on players who excel in European matches, as they may carry that form into the Premier League.
Case Study: Analyzing a Previous Match Day
Let’s take a look at how the insights from European fixtures impacted FPL performance on one particular match day:
On Match Day 8, several players who performed well in their midweek matches carried their success into the weekend:
| Player | Midweek Points | Weekend Points | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Son Heung-min | 10 | 9 | 19 |
| Mohamed Salah | 8 | 12 | 20 |
| Bruno Fernandes | 5 | 4 | 9 |
This case study illustrates the potential for players to gain momentum from their performances in European competitions, making them valuable assets in your FPL squad.
First-Hand Experience: Leveraging Insights for Success
A seasoned Fantasy Premier League manager shares their experience:
“During the midweek fixtures, I noticed that players who performed well in European matches often carried that form into the Premier League. Last season, I triple-captained Son after his stellar Champions League performance, and it paid off with a massive haul the following weekend. Keeping an eye on line-up changes and injury updates is crucial!”
Final Thoughts
Staying informed about midweek European fixtures is essential for any Fantasy Premier League manager. By closely monitoring injury updates, line-up changes, and player performance, you can make informed decisions that will help elevate your FPL game. Remember, every point counts in this competitive landscape!
