Games

Sky Sports Focus – Gameweek 41

For the final time this season, we take a look at the Sky Sports game ahead of Sunday’s ten fixtures. As always,we assess the recent run of Man of the Match (MoTM) awards, bonus point beneficiaries, the transfer trends and also cast an eye over the Scout team.

Gameweek 40 Man of the Match Awards

Listed below are the players that caught the eye of the Sky Sports reporters from last weekend’s fixtures achieving the Man of the Match award (worth an additional five points).

FixtureMoTM
Southampton vs Aston VillaSadio Mane
Burnley vs StokeJack Butland
QPR vs NewcastleCharlie Austin
Sunderland vs LeicesterKasper Schmeichel
Tottenham vs HullDanny Rose
West Ham vs EvertonJohn Stones
Liverpool vs Crystal PalaceJason Puncheon
Swansea vs Man CityYaya Toure
Man United vs ArsenalAshley Young
West Brom vs ChelseaSaido Berahino
Arsenal vs SunderlandJohn O’Shea

The penultimate week threw up lots of differentials, with only Yaya Toure (9.9%) owned by a significant amount of managers. Arsenal were the real let-downs, with managers drafting in their assets in droves to take advantage of the double but were left frustrated by their lack of goals.

Gameweek 40 Bonus Points

Five goalkeepers managed to pick up saves bonus this week. Costel Pantilimon was the real hero – he earned bonus for eight saves and also managed two clean sheets to pick up 16 points for Sunderland’s double. QPR’s Robert Green looks like earning the bonus equivalent of the golden glove, as he sits on 32 additional points.

In defence, six players grabbed bonus, five for tackles and one for passes completed. Pablo Zabaleta has the most bonus points(24) amongst defenders, whilst Cesar Azpilicueta is just two behind.

In midfield there were 21 beneficiaries in total: 15 for tackling and 11 for passes. Five players managed to earn both – all central midfielders, one of those was Nemanja Matic, who is the game’s highest bonus point earner with 54 points credited – almost the equivalent of 11 goals!

No forwards earned bonus this week but Wayne Rooney remains at the summit with 10 bonus points – all earned from passing.

Fantasy Football Scout members can access all information regarding bonus points using player stats and clicking the Sky Sports tab.

The Transfer Trends

Top Transfers Out

NameTeamValue% of Managers
FabregasChelsea8.66.8%
KaneTottenham6.76.2%
RooneyMan United9.45%
AgueroMan City9.84%
SterlingLiverpool7.83.9%

Cesc Fabregas is banned for the weekend following his red card, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling’s form has been poor in recent weeks, Wayne Rooney is doubtful after a leg injury whilst Sergio Aguero is a victim of the acquisition of Arsenal players as we see below.

Top Transfers In

NameTeamValue% of Managers
SanchezArsenal9.56.5%
AgueroMan City9.85.3%
CazorlaArsenal8.34.8%
GiroudArsenal8.94.6%
RamseyArsenal8.63.6%

Arsenal dominate after being involved on Wednesday night and unfortunately it was the attacking assets that were targeted for their 0-0 draw. Fantasy managers (myself included) will be sweating on them featuring on the final day after Arsene Wenger looks set to shuffle his starting XI.

Top Five Captains Picked

NameTeamValue% of Managers
CostaChelsea9.513.4%
RooneyMan United9.49.7%
AgueroMan city9.87.1%
HazardChelsea8.96.8%
FabregasChelsea8.66.5%

My Team

Fabianski
Bertrand Dawson Schlupp
Hazard Silva Coutinho Mane
Sanchez Giroud N’Doye

ITB: 0.3m
Transfers remaining: 0/40
Last week’s points: 73
Overall points: 2296
Rank: 36

Notes

My entire week can be summed up by the word “Mane”. The Southampton winger came good with an astonishing hat-trick, assist and MoTM award to earn 25 points – long overdue after watching him tease me for weeks. Aside from him, only David Silva managed to deliver, picking up ten points away to Swansea. My captains, in particular, produced nothing but I imagine it was the same for many. On a more positive note, we’re in the penultimate week and I’m sat in 36th position overall, continuing my decent Sky game record – at one stage I didn’t think I would make it but the acquisitions of Schlupp, Dawson, Silva and Mane in the later weeks really helped my cause. My concern is going into the final week without Sergio Aguero. Considering that many will have him – and very likely as captain – there’s still a chance I’ll slip out of the top 100 if he racks up another huge haul. The sofa will be firmly in place!

Captain Plan
With all matches on Sunday at 15:00 and so many questions over final day line-ups, it’s a real lottery. Of course, those holding position will likely opt for Aguero but if you’re chasing, I fancy a punt on Romelu Lukaku or David Silva to try and make a late climb to victory.

The Fantasy Football Scout League

The Fantasy Football Scout League looks set to win the overall prize again this season and a £1,000 is up for grabs. To join, visit Sky Sports Fantasy Football and key in League Name: FFScout, League Code: 8009000.

The Fantasy Football Club

This Friday The Fantasy Football Club show, where you can catch Fenners and Merse at 18:30 SkySports One HD where they will be discussing the upcoming week’s Fantasy Football, chatting to West Ham striker Carlton Cole and asking Liverpool midfielder Lucas for his #One2Eleven.

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1,625 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Hibbopotamus
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 days ago

    Leading in two leagues, both guys in second place have Kane and Benteke. I have Kane and Vardy. If I were to bring Benteke in, should I play it safe and lose Vardy (even playing QPR) or should I lose Kane (who is obv slumping)?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      Kane.

    1. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      Just found that. Thanks so much for the heads up on that...saved me a transfer. Right now to see how I can get Lukaku AND Costa in my side 🙂

      1. Az
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        Jonty, you convinced Lukaku is a better option than Bentekers?

        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 5 days ago

          and Costa

          Probably only room for one

      2. Jax
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        Lukaku only has 1 double digit score this season. Not a good pick imo.

        1. J0E
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 5 days ago

          Very good pick if you look at attacking threat stats for the last two matches.

          1. Jax
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 5 days ago

            sunderland game he was poor.

  2. LvGsRedArmy
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 days ago

    Is it worth replacing Panti if he's my only GK ? Not so keen tbh .

    1FT and have other issues ?

  3. The Colonel
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 days ago

    Help please....

    Mignolet (Given)

    Terry, Schlupp, Vlaar (Duff, PVA)

    Silva, Sanchez, Ramsey, Henderson (Cambiaso)

    Aguero, Vardy, Giroud

    Protecting a 25 point lead. Rival has Benteke.

    1 FT and 2.6m ITB - obvious move Giroud > Benteke?

    Don't fancy Lukaku (he always burns me and I'm a spurs fan).

    1. Hibbopotamus
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      Yep, makes perfect sense to me.

  4. Jebiga
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 5 days ago

    REPOST, sorry !

    Please help, what to do ?
    have 2FT and 12 pts lead in my ML

    1. Hazard and Kane out for Mata and Benteke. (Have exact money if i transfer them today)
    2. Hazard and Giroud out for Mata and Lukaku
    3. Something else ?

    Hart
    Terry, Skrtel, Pva
    Hazard, Alexis, Silva, Cazorla
    Aguero(c), Kane, Giroud

    Sub: Hammer, Albrighton, Alderweireld, Baird

    1. Jebiga
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      4. Siggy and Lukaku in, Hazard and kane out ? 🙂

  5. Trigg ⭐️
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 days ago

    Looked at FFF's suggested use of 2 FTs out of interest, and they are exactly what I had in mind.

    Who needs machines?

    1. Numb
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      That would put me off tbh cos their suggestions are normally rubbish.

  6. Jay_
      9 years, 5 days ago

      If I had a wildcard considering all potential rest and rotation :

      ____Schmeichel
      Ivanovic Coleman Kolarov
      Sanchez Bolasie Silva Walcott
      Aguero Costa Lukaku
      (Hamer Grealish Vlaar Morgan)

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        Would rather have a Leicester striker over Costa I think

    • DaveBensonPhilips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      Dental plan

      1. Hank Scorpio
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        Lisa need braces.

        1. Jax
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 5 days ago

          nope, Hazard.

          1. DaveBensonPhilips
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 5 days ago

            Thanks a lot Jax, now I've lost my train of thought

            1. Jax
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 5 days ago

              😉

    • JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      saw something trending on Facebook called 19 kids and counting

      Thought it was about Raheem Sterling at first glance tbh

      1. Hibbopotamus
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        You'd be a little off on that one, unfortunately

    • Ser Football 42
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      Good to go?

      Ospina
      Smalling. Ivan. Vlaar
      Mata. Yaya Toure. Barkley. Ozil
      Benteke. Lukaku. Reviere

      1. bibi
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        looks like a team that could score 100+

        1. Ser Football 42
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 5 days ago

          😯

        2. Jax
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 5 days ago

          does it? not with riviere and barkley in there...

      2. Jax
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        Shezny to start imo. he will be starting cup final so will need gametime.

        1. Ser Football 42
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 5 days ago

          Myhil is my back up

          1. Jax
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 5 days ago

            away to arsenal...ok...

            1. Ser Football 42
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 5 days ago

              I know haha but he is on form

              1. Jax
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 5 days ago

                yeah but the way things go on football Arsenal could win about 4 or 5-0.

            2. JK - Cønt ⭐
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 5 days ago

              having just kept CS v United and Arsenal

              save points if nothing else

              1. Jax
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 5 days ago

                Chelsea you mean...

    • Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      Hey.
      Play one of PVA, Berty, Toby and buy Benteke for Kane
      or
      play none of those defenders and buy Kolorov.

    • Numb
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      I see that Pardew is taking this last game very seriously, resting a player for a testimonial! Maybe better avoid Palace players this week then.

    • FortunesAlwaysHiding
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      Hey folks,

      In the final of my draft and could do with some help. I intend to play 3-4-3 or 3-5-2. Who to drop from these...

      Mids: Ozil/Hazard/Milner/Mane/Coutinho/Fellaini

      Fwd: RVP/Cisse/Vardy/Benteke

      Thanks

    • The Raging Bull
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      Anyone think Jose will be sacked next season if he doesn't win the CL?

      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        no.

      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        No.

      3. Az
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        only if they finish trophyless.

      4. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        Of course not

        1. The Raging Bull
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 5 days ago

          3 seasons at Chelsea having failed to win the CL?

          Roman wants the CL more than the prem.

          1. Bubz
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 5 days ago

            I think even Roman has the common sense to realise how far away from the likes of Barca Chelsea are. Mourinho isn't a miracle worker.

            1. The Raging Bull
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 5 days ago

              Chelsea and Barca spend over the last 3 years is similar. For the wages Roman pays Jose, believe me he expecting him to deliver the CL once in 3 yrs, hence i'm of the opinion that if Jose doesn't win the CL next season, he's out.

              1. Bubz
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 5 days ago

                Out for who? Jose is arguably the best manager in the world. Only other option is Pep.

                1. The Raging Bull
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 5 days ago

                  he once was the best manager in the world, now he's not. In CL he's way off the pace, his ideas are old. In europe he's been outhought by younger managers in Klopp, Simeone and Blanc.

              2. Donkey_Sanctuary
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 5 days ago

                Fortunately football doesn't work quite like this. Barca are not where they are now because they spend the most money

                1. The Raging Bull
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 5 days ago

                  it helps you compete by having an expensive squad, doesn't guarantee success, which is a combination of factors, manager, tactics etc

                  1. Donkey_Sanctuary
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 5 days ago

                    Exactly so it would be daft to sack Mourinho if he didn't win the CL next season. Chelsea are miles behind Barca, Bayern and Real just now

      5. Donkey_Sanctuary
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        No

    • Jax
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      Dental Plan! Hazard needs braces...

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        Oh.

      2. Bøss ⭐
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        lol! +1

    • Hank Scorpio
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      I have a hunch on Walcott this week. Problem is I would need to ditch Sanchez or Ozil for him.

      Who is most likely to get rested form those two?

      1. Pasqualinho
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        I think Sanchez of the two. But I'm guessing like everyone else.

    • meerlight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      For those fretting about K davis: here's the newspaper article saying that he'll play http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/12942251.Southampton_to_stick_with_Gazzaniga_in_goal/

    • The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      I really want Lukaku this week but my forwards are Aguero, Benteke and Vardy. uggh, I cant drop one of them can I?

      1. Bøss ⭐
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        nope, keep as is

      2. Sz21
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        Would u switch Giroud for Lukaku if u had a chance?

        1. The 12th Man
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 5 days ago

          yes

    • Bøss ⭐
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      for a 4 point hit:

      A) Hendo + Fab to Young + Yaya
      B) Fab + Kane to Young + Lukaku
      C) Play Kane and just bring in Young (no hit, hendo first sub)

    • Gideons Rolling Another One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      Simple A or B

      A: Hazard and Kane to Milner and Costa - 4

      Or

      B: Hazard to Silva

      6 point lead in the ML ...

    • Jebiga
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      Who will core more mata or siggy ? 🙂

    • Sz21
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      Lets talk about Giroud...

      As an owner and Arsenal fan Im worried about his form.
      He may be dropped.

      On the other hand.. after seeing his comments this week and knowing Wenger s trust in players..
      Isnt it likely Wenger will give him one last chance to prove the doubters wrong before the FA Cup Final.
      I just have this feeling that he will start and thus shouldn't be sold.

      Home game and they will all be smarting!!
      Thoughts?

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        I have him and not convinced. He is just out of form and Pulis will obviously will play defensively

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        Good lad Tim!

        1. Jax
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 5 days ago

          🙂

      2. Pasqualinho
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        That's good news. No direct quote in the article, though.

        1. MJ6987
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 5 days ago

          Phone it, they might have Tim's quotes on there.

      3. Granville
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        No good without a quote.

        1. Jax
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 5 days ago

          ah here will i ring him then

      4. Beavis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        No quotes, seems legit.

        FYI don't think he will rest Tekkers anyway.

        1. Numb
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 5 days ago

          You mean FWIW?

          1. Beavis
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 5 days ago

            That's the one

            1. Numb
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 5 days ago

              🙂

    • SpinyNorman [*_*]
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      RMT please! 🙂

      Ospina
      Terry Skrtel Monreal
      Hazard Sanchez Henderson Grealish
      Lukaku Kun(c) Benteke

      Subs: Kasper, Cambiasso, PVA, Bruce

      1. bodgejob
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        Play Kasper instead of Ospina

    • 50 Shades Oshea
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      walters out for

      A) sissoko

      B) bolaise

      C) young

      1. Ser Football 42
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        A if biggest punt needed

        Otherwise B

    • LvGsRedArmy
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      A) Ramsey + Kane -> Lukaku + Bolasie (-4)
      B) Panti + Kane -> Ulloa + Schmeichel (-4)
      C) Skrtel + Cazorla -> Coleman + Siggy (-4)

      Panti* - Hamer*
      Skrtel - JT - PvA - Berty - Wasi
      Alexis - Caz - Rambo - Silva - Boyd
      Kun - Benteke - Kane

    • Godot - Fashanu Zealand
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      Who shall I bring in for Bertrand? Cahill or Kolarov?

      1. Chris_White
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        Kolarov

    • La Roja
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      Pick one

      A) Gru out for TEkkers
      B) Gru out for Lukaku
      C) Hazard out for Mata
      D) Hazard out for Yaya

      1. LvGsRedArmy
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        D

      2. Scoredelario
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        C or D or another mid. I'm going to check stats later

      3. Kerz
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        D, then B.

      4. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        A or D. D if Eden is out .

    • Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      So who is taking a hit this last gameweek? Either for a bit of fun if nothing to at for, or as a last throw of the dice to win your minileague. And if so, who for?

      1. Scoredelario
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        I'm not. I like hits to have the potential to pay off over a few weeks, and I'm just not feeling confident about gws 39-42

        1. Rasping Drive
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 5 days ago

          Nothing to play for?

      2. Hamstergod
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 5 days ago

        I would like to but still have 2 free transfers. Want to go out with a bang.

        Currently considering Lukaku, Adam and Milner in

    • Scoredelario
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 days ago

      As a deadzone regular I feel like an old man when the messages go a bit faster.

      On match days I feel like I'm having an outer body experience