The Community Round Up

The importance of luck proved a hot topic of discussion among our community members and writers this week. Lady luck will certainly need to be smiling down on the community if they are to successfully navigate this weekend’s blank fixtures and the double Gameweek 28. There was plenty of articles and posts to help Fantasy managers get through this tricky schedule, from picking the best budget defenders to captaincy decisions.

This week also saw the launch of the first live video Scoutcast of the season, which, as with last term’s episodes, also featured Granville’s cat. As ever, we also look at the best statistic tables compiled in our Members area and feature those lucky managers who refuse to give up their lead in our Community leagues.

The Community Articles

The community’s benches have been decimated in recent weeks through budget defenders falling out of favour with Premier League managers. Luckily Innsie was on hand to offer up some cut price differential alternatives to the likes of the West Brom defender Andre Wisdom and other victims of rotation.

There is no doubting Tottenham players potential to shine when they take on both QPR and Swansea in Gameweek 27 but, as Ludo reveals, even Spurs stars are unlikely to escape rotation.

There is no such desire to transfer out David Silva, who has emerged as a major success story in recent months. But can he maintain his strong form? SC not pearls before swine believes the Manchester City midfielder may struggle to keep scoring and assisting on such a regular basis.

How much does luck effect our teams, pondered Andy85wsm in this interesting look at events that are seemingly beyond our control. The community also chipped into the debate by recalling their luckiest and unluckiest Fantasy Premier League moments.

Among those hoping for fortune to favour them is Zasa, who is representing the community in the Scout Picks in Gameweek 27 after winning this week’s vote. Another is The Puntmaster, who is hoping his Gameweek 27 punts bring him more joy that his previous picks this month.

Don’t forget, if you’ve got some analysis, scout reports or features brewing, be sure to visit our community section to submit your article.

The Hottest Topics

As well as the role of luck, Andy85wsm has also been looking at another key ingredient to Fantasy football – having fun. He says that the entertainment factor of the impending double Gameweek cannot be underestimated, whether it brings good fortune or not.

Among players being considered for Gameweek 28’s double fixtures is Charlie Austin. While he faces Tottenham and Arsenal at home, Sanchez pointed out that the QPR striker looks a good choice having already scored against Chelsea, Manchester City and the Gunners this season. However, Ludo is not convinced and believes Austin may struggle against better opposition, particularly at home.

There were further Gameweek 28 contenders to mull over in Innsie’s look at the best players options to consider.

For Ruth NZ, there are more pressing matters at hand, namely Gameweek 27. He believes this weekend may offer an even greater opportunity to climb up the rankings.

This weekend also looks like a good opportunity to take a punt on a differential captain. During our discussion on armband punts, Demi favoured Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney for the armband, while Wiz had West Ham’s Diafra Sakho under his watchful eye.

Getting the right squad balance between this weekend’s blanks and the following Gameweek’s double fixtures for Spurs and QPR will be key. As our discussion on Gameweek 27 tactics revealed, there are some who are happy to go into the weekend’s matches with just 10 players to save their transfers for the double Gameweek.

Finally, this week saw the launch of our first live video Scoutcast of the season, where Mark and Granville were joined by myself and Granville’s cat. The three humans present took questions from the community and discussed the impending double Gameweek and blank fixtures. Look out for a hot topic on Monday night when we will post a link and details of how you can take part in the next live Scoutcast. Judging by your kind comments, it could prove to be a popular format in the weeks ahead.

The Members Tables

Teltzer has been looking at points per game potential of midfielders. Meanwhile, Zombie has been analysing goals per minute to showcase the most prolific strikers. Only those forwards who have scored six or more times are included.

Elsewhere, fortunesalwayshiding has placed Newcastle’s defence under the microscope. Given their budget pricing and kind Gameweek 27 fixture, when they host Aston Villa, this could provide some useful transfer options before deadline.

If you’re a member and are yet to get to grips with the custom statistics tables, you can view this movie for an explanation of how they work. Also, remember to tag them so that people can find the tables with ease.

The Community Leagues

Greenwindmill continues to look unbeatable in the FFScout Moderators and Contributors league. He has a 36 lead over second placed Mark and goes into Gameweek 27 with an overall rank of 131. Another unstoppable manager is 99^th ranked Sarnab Das, who continues to top the Long and Winding Road league.

Back on the Horse is another high flyer refusing to give up a lead. He clings onto first place in the Puffinboy Memorial Cup league, which is named after one of this website’s first community members.