This FPL GW30 matchups blog is written by Gabriel also known as FPLLens on Twitter. Do drop him a follow on Twitter and stay tuned for his matchups blogs as he’s now a resident writer here at allaboutfpl.com. Check out his previous matchups articles here. Also, check out Netthathaul on YouTube for the matchups and Compass episodes where FPLLens is a co-host with FPLmariner, @FPL_Nima, and @Hibbo_FPL.
Welcome back to FPL Matchups; my weekly think piece where I use my coaching lens to explore matchups in the #PL to gain some insight to navigate our #FPL decisions.
FPLMatchups GW30: Iheanacho, Moura, Havertz Scouting Report + Little Prince Pick for GW30
In GW29, I went heavy on the stats when assessing the attacking options. This week I am going back to my roots as a coach with an analysis of players based purely on the eye test. There are 3 players whose popularity has risen thanks to them generating attacking returns in the last 2 or 3 matches. I was curious about the hype, so I decided to bust out the tape (YouTube Extended Highlights) and scout these players to assess if their value in FPL is sustainable.
IHEANACHO
Iheanacho has been one of those players that has been around some good teams but is always unable to carve out a fixed role for himself. His main problem, in my opinion, has always been his finishing and staying calm when receiving the ball. His 5 goals in the last 3 games, including a hattrick vs SHU in GW28, may indicate he has matured as a player. Let us see what the tape tells us.
against BUR
LEI was listed in a 4-2-3-1 w/ Iheanacho wide left but the team was more of a 4-4-2 or 4-2-2-2. In the first image, we see Vardy smartly look for Iheanacho, but rather than engage Mee and open the lane for Iheanacho, Vardy turns inside and the space closes.
The cross from Castagne ends up being wasted as it falls to Choudhury who predicatbly struggles with the shot. Vardy’s run, in fact helps the defense as it changes their shape from a flat line to a curve, adding some cover. The understanding between Iheanacho and Vardy is not there yet.
The next play I saw in this match already showed immediate improvements in LEI movement. Iheanacho recognizes Vardy’s movement as vardy steps into towards the ball into the passing lane. The positioning of Iheanacho’s arms indicate he is ready to move into the space created as Vardy takes Tarkowski out of the play.
Mee is late to recognize the movement and Iheanacho gets the inside track on him towards goal. Look how Vardy has cleared out BUR right side in defense. Tielemans also in good position here.
Ndidi had sent a long ball over the top earlier in the match but Iheanacho shot it wide. This play shows better spatial awareness and understanding from Vardy, that opened up a similar pass from Ndidi, and a very nice finish to culminate in LEI first goal. This is great ability to learn and adapt from LEI as they take 2 failed plays earlier in the match and combine those lessons to generate a goal. Interesting developments.
The next play speaks to Iheanacho’s decision making, which has not always been the best. In a nicely progressed counterattack, Iheanacho is faced with 2 options. Rather than pass to Castagne w/ his right foot, Iheanacho takes an extra touch and is forced to play Tielemans coming in late on the right. Iheanacho should be using the line of the box to help him with offsides and have the confidence to use either foot. Bad decision making, and insecurity with his weaker foot are red flags for me.
against BHA
Vardy’s awareness is ridiculously high. He sees the lane for Iheanacho before Iheanacho sees it in this next play, and he drags Ben White awayw/o Bissouma noticing. Quick shout to Soyuncu for a nice takeaway, and Castagne immediately progressing it upfield.
I love Iheanacho’s intelligence in the next image. He slides in behind Bissouma’s right shoulder as Bissouma is transfixed with the ball despite Dunk’s yells. Pass from Castagne already on its way. Great team play.
The final image illustrates why Iheanacho is not the greatest finisher. The red arrows indicate the direction where his plant foot is pointing, and the trajectory of the ball based on his previous touch. The blue arrows indicate where his foot should be pointing and the angle at which the ball should be traveling. His poor technique sends the ball predictably into the side net.
In the next frame we see a similar movement pattern, but in the middle of the field. Iheanacho is already changing direction even before Vardy has really taken White away. Dunk did not learn from the first play as he is caught ball watching. Iheanacho’s early movement shows us an improving ability to recognize patterns in the flow of the game.
Iheanacho unfortunately takes an awkward first touch too far inside. Luckily for him, Sanchez reacts to this poor touch by shifting right. This opens up the near post for the Nigerian. This play, despite him scoring, shows how Iheanacho is not always in control, and his movement is often lacking fluidity; jerky.
against SHU
I had to include the first goal because Kean drifted into space leaving Iheanacho with an easy tap in. Not much to gain from this yet other than form. The opportunities are presenting themselves for him.
The next image is Iheanacho’s 2nd goal. A very nicely taken one time finish. I like how he does not swing at the ball. He punches it straight ahead making sure his body is over it. Bravo.
In the final image for this match, we see Iheanacho about to push the ball forward to line up his shot yet Ramsdale remains rooted to the other side of the goal. Despite the decent finish, this was a gift.
Conclusion: Iheanacho’s awareness and movement are greatly improved, as is his chemistry with the other players on the team, specifically Vardy, Tielemans, and Ndidi. His ongoing struggles w/ his finishing technique and ability with the ball inside the box will likely keep him an inconsistent asset for fantasy and real life. Add the return to health of Maddison and Barnes and it further complicates the situation.
Lucas Moura
vs ARS
Moura got an assist in the NLD, but there really was not much to highlight in this match. He provided the assist to Lamela, which was the only thing he could do at that moment. He also took a free kick that resulted in a Kane headed goal that was called back for offside. Ultimately, no reason for him to be on the radar after this match.
vs AVL
When Lucas is plugged in to the team and motivated, his energy in midfield is among his greatest assets. This Vinicius goal, and assist from Moura, is born of Moura’s desire to have the ball. In this match Spurs lined up with Lo Celso, Hojbjerg and Ndombele in midfield as well. This gave Moura more freedom to find the ball.
Moura at his best using transitions to break lines of pressure. He combines well w/ Kane here and continues his run down the left inside channel.
Kane plays Moura in the box and Moura ends up squaring the ball to Vinicius. Moura progresses and finishes plays when he is at his best.
Conclusion: Moura’s ability to ignite a team is appealing. The problem is that Moura also disappears in games. He has been subbed off at the 60 minute mark or sooner 5 times this season. He is the player for whom I found the least amount of video. There just is not much to say about him other than the very few times there is.
KAI HAVERTZ
vs EVE
This play develops thanks to Hudson Odoi. I like how Havertz seems to both see the passing lane, and the defender closing him down. He steps forward into this space as Alonso is about to cross the ball and, in doing so, almost assures he will get the to the ball first. This reminds me of his movement for Leverkusen when he very successfully played as a false 9 late last season. Good awareness and good discipline shown here.
Havertz does a nice job checking to the ball in midfield here in the next image. If Jorginho plays Havertz’ left foot, they take out 3 opponents with that penetrating pass. Unfortunately Jorginho opts for James to the right of the center circle. Another good example of how well Havertz sees the game.
The next image is a bit concerning because Havertz has closed down the space too much and it now seems he does not know what to do. This is a moment to appear in that space and then disappear as fluidly as the game itself.
Instead, Kai stays in this space for too long, then he peels to his right and crowds the space Alonso is occupying, essentially eliminating both as an option. If he runs behind Ziyech, Chelsea’s options open up.
Havertz has an impressive ability to see intermediate passing lanes and position himself strategically. He is neither overly strong no fast, but his intelligent positioning allows him the inside track on the ball and penetration towards goal. It is a brilliant pass to be sure, but it is made possible by Kai.
Once Kai had that track on the defender, I’m positive he knew what was coming next. Pickford would be charging off his line, and a classic touch to the outside would result in a penalty. This is genius attacking in my opinion. I believe he was looking for the spot kick from the moment the through ball was played.
vs LEE
Holding a defender off a passing lane seems to be a staple for Havertz. We see Ziyech connect with him here after he holds the defender before collapsing to the ball. Unfortunately, his finishing was poor in this sequence. He should have done better.
This play taught me a lot. Azpilicueta sends Havertz a nice ball to his feet. He does not seem comfortable or fluid in the tight space. It reminds me of how lost he was on the play where he turned into Alonso’s space.
His first touch gets away from him a little but Leeds defending is so bad he has a prime second chance to bury it.
He instead takes another touch. Surely, he’d love to shoot now, but his touch left the ball in an awkward spot. Every touch in the box needs to leave you with an opportunity to shoot imo.
Havertz finally shoots but his indecision in tight spaces cost him several chances in this play.
Conclusion: Havertz is an incisive, intelligent player in intermediate space, but he has serious limitations in the short passing game. This limitation could make him more prone to rotation in Tuchel’s system.
The Little Prince Pick for FPL GW30 – Diogo Jota
I wrote about how I expected goals in the WHU ARS match because of the way the matchups worked out. That observation panned out, so I am going to double down on it with a player in white-hot form. Jota has 4 goals in his last 3 matches for both club and country.
To add, LIV are desperately seeking a savior for their recent woes and Jota came up big for them against Wolves. Lastly, I want to draw attention to @TheLineUpBrazil lovely tweet showing that Jota was rested for 1 match and only played 67 minutes in the match on Tuesday. I can see his form continuing in a somewhat high-scoring match.
check all of this out on the Netthathaul on YouTube for the matchups and Compass episodes where FPLLens is a co-host with FPLmariner, @FPL_Nima, and @Hibbo_FPL
Thank you all for your time, and your kindness. There has been much appreciation for content creators this IB and I was so happy to see it.
Don’t want to pay and try out a free trial instead?
Get a seven-day free trial for FFHUB now: Free trial
Further reads from ALLABOUTFPL ahead of FPL GW30:
The Man City FPL Conundrum – What to do, and what to not, with your City assets
FPL GW30 Differential picks to consider ahead of FPL GW30 Deadline
FPL GW30 Captaincy Analysis, Metrics & Top Picks | AK FPL
FPL GW30 Attacking and Defensive Matchups | FPL Fanatix
Fixtures to Target for Attacking Points in FPL GW30
Best Three FPL GW 30 One Week Punts to Consider
Chelsea’s Transformation Under Tuchel and the FPL assets to consider for the run-in
Teams and Players to Consider for the Final stretch of FPL Season | FPL GW31 ~ GW38
History Of Fantasy Football And Origin Of FPL
FPL History: Highest Scoring FPL Players Each Year Since The First FPL Season in 2002/03
FPL Tools guide for managers: Free and Paid
Keep checking allaboutfpl.com for regular blogs. Also, follow our 15000+community on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay updated on regular Posts and FPL updates.
What’s next from ALLABOUTFPL ahead of FPL GW30 Deadline?
Our team of good writers are working relentlessly as we strive to deliver good FPL good content. Stay tuned for our, Our star writer Nima’s team reveal, and Matchups blogs. All the blogs should be out soon ahead of a Saturday morning FPL GW30 Deadline.
Our content is always free and if you like our content do drop a comment, follow, subscribe, and support us. Your love is what keeps us going:)
FPL GW 30 FPL Deadline Countdown
Login and set your team for FPL GW30 now!
FPL Lens
Latest posts by FPL Lens (see all)
- FPL GW24 Scouting Report: Edouard, Olise, Kulusevski & Bentancur - February 4, 2022
- FPL Gameweek 16 Matchups | ESR, Chelsea Wingbacks, Antonio/Bowen - December 10, 2021
- FPL GW12 Scouting Report: Conor Gallagher - November 20, 2021
