Community

The Community Round Up

Injuries took centre stage among out hot topic posters this week as the community were tested by a wave of international injuries.

Meanwhile, our community writers offer their top tips for surviving the weekend’s post international Gameweek and, in particular, where to place the armband.

Players to avoid come under the gaze of our Members table creators and finally we find out the Fantasy managers who will be battling through the mounting knocks and niggles to take each other on in our community competitions.

The Community Articles

With a 100 per cent success rate in using bookies odds, form and fixtures to predict the Gameweek’s best captain, it is no wonder that YMA won our latest best community writer of the month prize. Dare you ignore his advice on Gameweek 12’s best armband contender?

TM245 is another focused on captaincy issues and this week dropped by deliver his latest research on the best predictors of success, which includes our Members’ Rate My Team tool.

Those playing Sky Sports are blessed with multiple captaincy options as they are able to select a different player each of the Gameweek. Disable has taken a look at some of the best options, and, in particular, the game’s bonus and man of the match award magnets, as well as analysing the transfer habits of the top managers.

Elsewhere, Bolivian Seaman has been visiting the supporter forums for his regular look at what  the fans are saying about the forthcoming fixtures.

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

The community found itself flagging in more ways than one during the long international break. While the lack of Premier League action was a chief concern, so too was the amount of injuries being dished out among players on international duty.

Eden Hazard’s knock during Belgium’s victory over Estonia this week prompted Pochecinno to question whether he’d been labeled a doubt prematurely.

Mark chipped in by lending his views on the Chelsea schemer’s injury and shedding some light on how such news is deciphered here on the site.

Adam Lallana was another to succumb to injury having been substituted early on in England’s friendly with Spain with a recurrence of a groin injury. With more than one in ten FPL managers owning the Liverpool midfielder, Individual sparked a timely discussion on the best candidates to replace him, with Lallana perhaps unlikely to figure at former club Southampton this weekend.

With so many injuries circling, many fear they may not be able to field a full XI in Gameweek 12, according to our hot topic on how to survive a gruelling international break.

Thankfully, there is still a degree of certainty when it comes to penalty awards this season, with Bun Rab carrying out some further research into where the Premier League’s spot kick happy referees will be deployed over the weekend.

There is also security in opting for a premium heavy-hitter in attack, particularly Liverpool’s pair of midfield maestros – Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino. Our look at the Hall of Fame leaders template team found that investment in the duo had been key to their success.

This prompted us to ask which players among this elite group’s template team you own and how you think their template will change over the coming Gameweeks.

Numb believes that, realistically, most Fantasy managers will only be able to afford five of the many excellent expensive options available. After asking us on the Scoutcast which quintet we prefer, we opened up the discussion to find your favoured heavyweight options.

Finally, with the Premier League break nearing its conclusion Neenyg took some time to ask how fans of top flight teams cope with managing a Fantasy lineup without showing allegiance to their supported club. We duly discovered that this was not a problem for Mark, either now and, in all likelihood, the near future.

The Members Tables

As an antidote to my goals imminent table, Noobtastic has created an implosion imminent table to showcase recent goalscorers who are set to let their owners down in spectacular style.

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 Tournaments

This weekend marks the start of the community’s newest team contest, The Fantasy Chili Bowl.

On behalf of the organising committee, Jarvish delivered an update on the fixtures and lineups of the teams taking part.

Another keenly contested tournament is the FFS UEFA Champions League, where the group stages include some nailbiting ties, according to organiser Jaffalicious’ latest dispatch.

If you are running a community tournament and would like the latest scores included in future Community Round Ups please email me a brief summary of the current leaders and a link to your league, spreadsheet or head to head competition, at jonty@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

1,751 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FootballManiac
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Guys start Allen or coutinho?dont want a 1 pointer from coutinho..

    1. Demí
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Coutinho

    2. CREAM
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      guessing game, cout could well start on the bench.

    3. NLB
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      have to start Cout. traveled w the team so think he has a good chance of being involved (for more than a 1 pter)

    4. Junior Barraclough
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Take the risk and start Coutinho

    5. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Coin toss my friend.

  2. Phreak4piano
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Heaton (Pickford)
    Alonso Lovren Amat* (Cameron* Holebas*)
    KDB Firmino Coutinho* Chadli* (Fletcher)
    Aguero Lukaku Wilson*
    0FT, 0.5itb

    Amat > 4.6 (or less). Who to go for?

    1. NLB
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Ahh 0.1 off from McAuley. Would say Pieters but no need to double up on Stoke. Go for Dawson maybe?

  3. CREAM
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Ok is Pedro a bad idea? only been playing 70 min's but he's on fire in a strong team.

    1. Junior Barraclough
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Pedro is a good punt. Had a blinding game last week. Although maybe not long term. Depends what the rest of your team is like

    2. InSaneMan-e
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Not a bad idea at all
      Seems good value if he starts

  4. Junior Barraclough
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    The attacking football from Liverpool and Chelsea so far this season is top notch to say the least and I really cant see them losing momentum anytime soon. If you haven't got all of Hazard Costa Coutinho Firmino and even Mane then make the plans and take the hits. Just my opinion and advise for anyone who is sitting with only 1 or 2 of these players in their team 😉

    1. Demí
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I imagine a lot of the people who don\'t have Costa are just waiting for his 5th yellow before looking at getting him in.

      1. JJO
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Demi what do you think about Brunt?
        Will he start?

        1. Demí
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          No idea, not clued up on WBA enough to give an opinion

          1. JJO
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Ok thanks

      2. Junior Barraclough
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I see why people are wary of Costa with his reputation. It has been 6 weeks without a booking. I would still get him in and keep when the ban comes in. Irrespective of the price paid and price falls. Imo he's the inform striker in the best team atm in the league

    2. InSaneMan-e
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Perhaps
      For me, I have Lukaku instead of Costa
      Coutinho with that injury is also playing on people..

    3. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I agree. Liverpool and Chelsea is where the goals are/value.

    4. white lightning
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Yes I agree. I have Costa, Hazard, Coutinho & Firmino in my attack & Alonso in defense. I've gone all out on these 2 clubs as they don't have cl obligations & because they're scoring for fun.

  5. NLB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Foster
    Fuchs Stones Pieters
    Hazard Coutinho* Walcott Snodgrass
    Aguero Lukaku CWilson*
    Subs: Jaku Fletcher Friend* Amat*

    A. Wilson to Austin (-4)
    B. no hit

    thanks for the thoughts gents

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I don't think it's worth the hit really. But a really hard call to make. Callum dropping doesn't make it easier.

      1. NLB
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks, looks like you're in a similar position below. If it was for free like you, I'd probably do it. Check out Austin's fixtures from next week until GW25.

  6. Hurricane Gilbert
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    What to do?
    A) Play Callum Wilson and eat the drop
    B) Use 1FT to bring in Austin

    1. Darth_Newdar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I think I prefer A

    2. InSaneMan-e
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I like B more

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        B

  7. Darth_Newdar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    These are my defenders:

    Lovren, Williams, Amat, Holebas, Smith

    £1.1 in the bank

    Obviously I only have two defenders (Lovren and Williams) who will actually play this week. I want to do Williams --> Alonso before the price rise, but this will still leave me with only two defenders. I could play AOA and play Fletcher (!), but this would leave me with an empty bench.

    Alternative is to do e.g. Smith --> McAuley, and bring in Alonso next week.

    Thoughts? Thanks.

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Smith to McA the wise move to make

      1. Darth_Newdar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks. Would you get Alonso for -4 before the price rise?

        1. the dom 1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          never take a hit on def imo 🙂

          1. Darth_Newdar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Yeah you're probably right. It's annoying to lose 0.1 on a player I'm pretty sure I want to get in, that's all!

            1. Hurricane Gilbert
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              That's FPL in a nutshell. Can't get all that you want

  8. ducksfly2gether
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone like these teams? It's quite weak at the back, but I feel it's the only way to make up ground:

    TEAM #1

    Pickford Heaton

    Brunt McAuley PIeters Kone Friend

    Siggy Snoddy Hazard Coutinho Firmino

    Aguero Kane Anichebe

    OR...

    TEAM #2

    Pickford Heaton

    McAuley Pieters Brunt Kone Friend

    Snoddy Mahrez Hazard Coutinho Siggy

    Austin Kane Lukaku

    1. InSaneMan-e
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A lot of punting for me
      Mahrez not this season

    2. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Too light midfield with both Snoddy and Siggy

      1. ducksfly2gether
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        They both have good fixtures, both on set pieces and pens.

        1. Hurricane Gilbert
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Yes but there are too many greatee options out there. And let's face it, Hull and Swansea are crap

    3. Belalugozi78
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A sounds good.
      Siggy and Snod are for near future. Good choices imo

    4. Sharpe Shuffle
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      First one looks better. Don't get Mahrez

  9. Ninja Fury
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    HELP!

    Foster (Pickford)
    Alonso - Holebas - Stones (amat) (smith)
    Özil - Firmino - Sterling - Redmond (Fletcher)
    Lukaku - Agüro - Costa

    2FT 0.2m ITB

    Thoughts?!

    Holebas + Sterling -> ?!

    1. Champione
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Smith > McAuley, then maybe Sterling > Walcott/Siggy next week

  10. Rian23
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    -4 to get in Hazard for Sanchez?

    1. Darth_Newdar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Tempting, but a tough decision for -4. Sanchez may be rested, so it could be worth it.

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        dont think Sanchez would be rested against united.

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Nah

  11. Bouncebackability
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Draftkings and Fan Duel have agreed to merge.. This must mean huge prizes but one less game in the future presumably.

    1. Swan - Villa Proud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      No competition = less of an incentive for them to offer better prizes or lower rakes. Players have no where else to go. Merger was done out of necessity as they are bleeding morey on legal expenses

  12. AF90
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Deeney & Payet to Lukaku & Shaqiri -4?

    1. Spg76
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Deeney is on last chance saloon for me. Drives me crazy

      1. AF90
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Could be worse & captained him against Hull

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Got rid of deeney 2 GW's ago, haven't looked back. Watford had a great run of fixtures which he didn't score more than 2 pts a game. Nuff Said!

  13. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Heaton or Valdes in goal this GW, think valdes could rack up the save points and maybe get bonus

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      What score do you predict vs Chelsea?

      1. Bruno Bruno!!
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I think chelsea will but looking at how many points Valdes got against city and arsenal i think he worth a punt for one GW. Reckon he will make atleast 10 saves

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Big jump from his previous best of 6.

          1. Bruno Bruno!!
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Just think chelsea are far stronger going forward than city or arsenal

            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              Expect him to pick the ball out of his net more then.

              1. Bruno Bruno!!
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 6 months ago

                they will test him more is what i meant so more saves

                1. TorresMagic™
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 14 Years
                  7 years, 6 months ago

                  Pretty clinical of late.

            2. Eskimooo
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              Far stronger is such a stretch ...

  14. SPFC
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Buy:

    A- Lukaku and Snodgrass
    B- Hazard and Anichebe

    1. JIM BOB
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A

  15. Daddy
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Will Lovren start?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      probably

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

  16. JIM BOB
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    A any chance of Dele Alli coming off the bench for a cameo?

    Or will he either start/not feature at all?

  17. UnitedFan
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Van Der Hoorn nailed on for Swansea?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Might score a Holebas this week.

    2. Spg76
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Yes. He scored and nearly scores in every game. Nailed!!!!

  18. Sharpe Shuffle
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    This week will be a good test of the "Hazard struggles away from home" theory

    1. TooDifficuIt
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      didn't he scored on sout

      1. Sharpe Shuffle
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        He did but still 3 of the last 4 have been at home. Not saying I believe this theory. There was an article written about it on here a few weeks ago before Hazard's recent hauls

  19. batmaniac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Is Lallana - Hendo -4 too sideways? 7.2 ITB
    Foster
    Clyne, Fuchs, Evans
    Coutinho, Lallana, Haz, Allen
    Costa, Kun, Lukaku
    (Picky, Capoue, Amat, Holebas)

    1. NLB
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      would rather have your third Pool spot be given to Firm or even Mane. I know you don't have the cash tho. I did Lallana to Snodgrass this week

  20. Seb Wassell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Alonso, Evans, Smith*, Holebas*, Love.

    Need to take a -4 to replace a defender really. £1.8m in the bank, what move to make?

    Cheers.

    1. Champione
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Smith > Azpi for a double would be tempting

  21. Scratch
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    My team is gutted i'll struggle to field 11 this week. 2 playing defenders, 2 midfield doubts and Fletcher nailed on 2 points.

    Foster
    Rose, McAuley (Bellerin, Amat, Holebas)
    Hazard, Gundogan, Walcott, Coutinho, Fletcher
    Austin, Aguero, Lukaku

    Already used FT getting Hazard.

    Thinking -8 doing
    Fletcher & Bellerin -> Snodgrass & $6m (Alonso or Baines)

    Alonso seems awful popular but Spurs & City fixtures put me off slightly

    1. NLB
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Bringing in Snodgrass will give you a benching headache every week. Would take just the one hit. Alonso immediate fixtures aren't great but they're unreal after the Spurs/City games.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Hard to include Baines in a discussion with any Chelsea defender.

  22. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Hey DZ

    Anyone struggling with the armband this GW
    Lukaku v Aguero?
    Do you think Pep will start Kun after long haul flight and CL midweek?

    Pickford v Heaton is doing my nut in too!!

    1. Champione
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Lukaku and Heaton for me atm. Heaton mostly because of MNF

      1. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I like this point. Sold on Heaton 🙂

    2. Z
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I literally can't decide for myself. Full well know I'll choose the wrong ones!

      1. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        You pick one I'll go the other 🙂

        1. Z
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          My head says Heaton - Lukaku, my heart says Pickford - Aguero.

          1. Z
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            or it might be the other way round...

          2. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            You go with your heart and I'll go with your head..

  23. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Hi, i am thinking a)smith>nyom or evans.Is there a possiblity neither of them start?

    1. Z
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      As a Wolves fan you shouldn't be sniffing around the Baggies backside

      1. Z
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        There may be doubts over Nyom, now that the midfield are returning to fitness - meaning Brunt might drop back to LB like he did last season.
        Evans is nailed.

        1. wulfrunian
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          🙂 thanks for the answer.

  24. Spg76
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Aguero to be my captain but if it's a fail then no more

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Time to sell if he fails?

  25. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    WC team gtg?

    Looking at 15 'nailed' players for the Xmas break so have missed out on cheap def.

    1.1 in the war chest to look at Lukaku to Kane or even Ibra next week.

    Good luck to all this weekend.

    Pickford
    Alonso / McAuley / Pieters
    Firmino / Hazard / Coutinho / Snodgrass
    Aguero / Austin / Lukaku

    Heaton / Cedric / De Roon / Friend

    1. Funkyav
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      i like it, think snodgrass could do well next few weeks

      do you think De Roon is nailed? I am looking at getting him in for capoue. Doesnt need to do anything just needs to be nailed on

      I am also looking at defoe over austin. Just think I can leave defoe and not worry about him whereas Austin could lose his place down the line, admittedly this is unlikely if he keeps scoring

    2. Belalugozi78
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Nice team. Well balanced. I would prefer Kane to Lukaku and downgrade maybe Cedric

  26. The Game of Throw Ins
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Smith to Mcauley too get a starting 11 and Kosc to alonso for a -4 ?

    Yay or nay

    I think alonso is a great pick long term

    1. Darth_Newdar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I'm in a similar situation (see above). Smith --> McAuley allows me to play an XI, but I am seriously considering Williams --> Alonso for -4 as well.

      1. The Game of Throw Ins
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks for reply. I think I'm going to do it. I can't get the team I want long term if alonso goes up

  27. buttigieg93
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Sterling to Hazard for a hit?

    1. TooDifficuIt
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      wait till tomorrow sterling will probably play and hazard has a tough game

  28. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    GTG?
    Pedro + Austin in for Lall/Deeney.

    Pickford.
    Stones, Walker, Lovren.
    Sanchez, Coutinho, Pedro, Sterling.
    Lukaku(vc), Austin, Aguero (c).
    Heaton, G Whelan, Holebas, Amat.
    0.0m, -4pts.

  29. Spg76
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Pickford nailed at Sunderland for the rest of season. Wayne Hennessy might get the nod for Palace. The French lad had an absolute stinker in the last game.
    Hennessy at 4.3m will make a great back up option

  30. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    flag moved from costa

    1. Spg76
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Captain???