Say What

Say What?

Say What? goes big on Spurs this week, with Dele Alli to the fore, the middle and the back.

There’s also Zlatan on a certain someone who’s been grinding his gears, Wenger’s unlikely saviour and Claude Puel trying to marry off his daughter.

For all this – and a fair bit more – please read on.

Alli Spot-On For Pochettino

It’s not exactly a bad time to be a Spurs fan at the moment, and it’s an even better one to be a Dele Alli owner.

While we might not be legion just yet, 27.6% of us have him in our teams because (with apologies), like a renal extraction surgeon, he consistently delivers.

Since Gameweek 17, the England man has hit 11 goals, chucked in a couple of assists and seen his ownership rise by nearly a million.

Among midfielders, only Eden Hazard is now in more teams, but they could very well swap places by the end of this final, and utterly dreary, international break of the season.

The fact that Alli appears to be on penalty duties in the absence of Harry Kane sweetens the deal further.

He took, and scored, his first ever professional spot-kick in the win over Southampton, with Mauricio Pochettino revealing a strangely ‘whatever, brilliant!’ approach to the issue of who would be the designated taker.

“For me it’s OK. It’s good that we have players who want to take the responsibility to shoot the penalty. Fantastic. With no Harry Kane everyone can take the penalty – no problem.”

Alli himself took full advantage of his manager’s attitude.

“As soon as I realised H (Harry Kane) wasn’t on the pitch I saw it as an opportunity to get another goal so I grabbed the ball! We didn’t really speak before the game about who might take it so it was first come, first served. I was confident to take it and the boys let me have it but more importantly, we got the win.”

More than 90,000 Fantasy Premier League managers were not quite so overjoyed by Alli’s ball-grabbing antics – they’d brought Heung-Min Son into their sides because a) they correctly predicted he would lead the line in Kane’s absence and b) they incorrectly predicted he would take the penalties in Kane’s absence.

At least they can take some comfort from a) post-match Pochettino praise for their man and b) erm, see a).

“I think it was good. He had some chances to score and showed some great movement behind the defensive line. He worked well with Dele and Christian (Eriksen) and I am very pleased with his performance.”

As for the massive 1,742 managers who took a punt on Vincent Janssen doing both (the first) a) and b) above, even they got (the second) a) and b) boost from Pochettino.

If that makes any sense.

“He will now have the possibility to play more and be more involved. Today he showed great, great energy when he came on.”

Son’s owners do have a week of worry ahead – the midfielder is far, far away playing for South Korea in two World Cup qualifiers tonight and on Tuesday, so will return on the decidedly tired side for next Saturday’s trip to Burnley.

That could just open the door a smidge for Janssen, which could, in turn, raise doubts as to Alli’s penalty duties – the Dutchman, after all, is a specialist from the spot.

However, with the current mood Pochettino is in regarding Dele, he’ll probably let his star man take the penalties, pick the team and demand up to 90% of the Argentinian’s salary for good measure.

“It is all possible with him. In the box he looks like a striker because he is more than clever, he has made his mark. Outside the box playing like a midfielder, I saw him at 17 years old playing at Milton Keynes as a holding midfielder against Manchester United. And I don’t know, always he can surprise me, maybe one day he can play as a goalkeeper or as a full-back or centre-back.”

At least Pochettino didn’t mention Alli as a potential wing-back, because the 1.2% of managers invested in the cut-price delights of Ben Davies (4.7) have been rewarded with three clean sheets from the last five starts by the Welsh defender.

Once the international break finally takes the hint and buggers off, Spurs have three matches in a week – Burnley and Swansea away and Watford at White Hart Lane.

Danny Rose could well be back from injury at some point in that spell, so Davies is counting his regular-start blessings in the meantime.

“It’s hard work but it’s great and I certainly can’t complain. With every match that’s going by it’s another 90 minutes under my belt so it’s great, especially when we’re winning games like this.”

Investing in Spurs assets for the rest of the season in a no-brainer. After that, they have only Arsenal and Man United of the big boys still to face – and both of those fixtures will be at home – and a double Gameweek involving Leicester to factor in as well.

Buying Davies looks short-term, choosing between Son and Janssen carries an element of risk, but Alli looks to be a keeper from now until the season ends.

Not, you know, literally a keeper as in Hugo Lloris.

Although with Pochettino so loved-up with Dele at the moment, let’s not rule that out completely.

Zlatan’s Personal Pep Talk

While Spurs wait for news of when their double Gameweek might be, Man United are already preparing for one of theirs – a Gameweek 34 involving trips to Burnley and then Man City.

United’s run-in is not of a particularly kindly persuasion as they’ll also have to face Spurs and Arsenal away and play Chelsea at Old Trafford.

But those doubles (they still await a re-arranged date with Southampton) will keep their players on our radars, and one of them will most definitely be Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Swede has one match left on the naughty step before becoming available again for Gameweek 31’s visit of Everton.

His pre-ban form was patchy, with just one goal and an assist in five starts, but he won’t be lacking for motivation once he returns – and in particular for that trip across town to the Etihad.

“I learned a lot at Barcelona, both on and off the pitch. I learned that in football any situation can change in just 24 hours. The problem wasn’t with me, it was with him [Guardiola] and he never came to terms with it. I don’t know what his problem was with me. First he called me every day to get me and from one day to the next I didn’t play anymore.”

There are plenty of United assets worth perusing at the moment.

In defence, there’s Antonio Valencia, who has three clean sheets, two assists and a goal from his last five starts. And midfielder Juan Mata has been solid in his last four matches, with two goals and an assist.

But a fired-up Zlatan?

“When I play against his team, it’s something that motivates me, it gives me adrenaline. It is normal, after what’s happened. I’m using it as something positive, not negative. But it is something always in the back of my mind.”

He might have lost nearly 800,000 managers in recent weeks, but his Pep talk should inspire us all.

Wenger’s Theological Musings

Another team with doubles yet to come is Arsenal.

We’ve known for a long time that the Gunners are dodgy in the air and, after the unedifying spectacle of rival pro and anti-Wenger planes flying over The Hawthorns last weekend, the same can now be said of their supporters.

But that’s not stopped the beleaguered coach from praising Theo Walcott to the skies.

“He has become more of a complete player, more efficient. He does better in the tactical part of his game and works hard defensively and offensively. He has been less injured as well, that helps.”

A glance at Walcott’s recent league record doesn’t really back up Wenger’s words – since returning from injury in Gameweek 23, he’s managed no goals and just as many assists.

So what’s to love about him?

“ “He has turned up in big games as well, he can score goals in big games. He showed that against Bayern, he scored the goal and I think it was a penalty on him, which shows he can influence games.”

Fair enough, he was Arsenal’s best player in their 5-1 home loss to Munich, although that’s kind of like being hailed Britain’s least-hated estate agent. Or the third most-feared Kray twin.

But if we take Wenger at his word, then maybe we should turn our thoughts to Theo.

Arsenal still have 11 matches to play, and if they are to repeat history once again and make the Champions League spots, every one of them will be a big game.

They also have two double Gameweeks to come, involving Sunderland and Southampton, and if Alexis Sanchez can’t shake off his ankle injury (or take his eyes off the door marked ‘Exit’), then Walcott is a cheap (7.3) and considerably less popular (4.2%) alternative.

Arsenal’s form has been of the straight-to-landfill variety, with four defeats in their last five league matches.

Maybe Walcott, from the wing, can help them rise again.

Take Some Praise (And My Daughter)

Continuing our double Gameweek theme, we come to Southampton, who still have home fixtures with Arsenal and United to re-arrange.

Then again, they also have Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool to face before season’s end. Throw in their inconsistency – losing to Swansea and West Ham before scoring four times in both of their next two away matches – allied with a groin injury to man-of-the-moment Manolo Gabbiadini, and banking on the Saints looks to be of the high-risk merchant/casino variety.

But one player is starting to put forward a decent case for investment – new England man James Ward-Prowse.

He’s available for just 5.0, is owned by only 0.4% and has two goals, an assist and five bonus points to his name over the last five fixtures.

He’s also been a virtual ever-present in the side since Gameweek 13, which is not surprising when you listen to his manager, Claude Puel.

“I think he is fantastic. I looked at an interview when he was 10 or 11 and he was in the same spirit as he is now. It’s easy to train James and he has made the progress because he listens and importantly he wants to progress. He is the prototype for the academy. It is not just about making professional footballers but also developing men.”

The Frenchman even revealed his, ‘ow do you English say ‘banter’?’ side when Ward-Prowse and Nathan Redmond got their England call-ups.

“I told them the news by calling them into the office saying ‘I had a problem with their attitudes in the training session and to know their opinion as to why’. After I said: ‘I don’t understand why you’ve been called up to England, but OK’.”

This is all very lovely. And so is Puel’s daughter, Charlene. If you don’t believe me, go here.

Why is that relevant?

Because of what Puel said about JWP next:

“He is the ideal son-in-law.”

Blimey. That’s one way to guarantee you’ll always get in the side. Unless, you know, James starts channelling his inner John Terry.

But we all love a good wedding. I’d like to see the well-spoken Walcott as best man, Wayne Rooney keeping up the spirits among some of the older guests and Joey Barton orchestrating the traditional wedding reception tear-up.

And while we’re waiting for that, keep Ward-Prowse in your thoughts, if not close to your heart, for the weeks ahead.

Beautiful Big Sam Blanks

We can only hope that Rachael, daughter of Sam Allardyce, has her mother’s looks.

At least her dad’s team is now winning ugly – Palace have taken maximum points from their last three matches and kept clean sheets in all of them.

Defender James Tomkins has been talking up his manager’s work as a result.

“In recent weeks the boss has taken us to one side on the training ground, both as a defensive unit but also as a team group, to work on our shape with a massive emphasis being on clean sheets, something which he has always been known for, wherever he has managed.”

As well as that improvement in form, another plus for the Eagles is their double Gameweek 34.

The negative is that it will involve Liverpool away and Spurs at Selhurst Park.

In fact, Palace’s run-in is the stuff of nightmares.

They’ve got Leicester, Burnley and Hull at home, but they’d better be winning those if they want to avoid relegation because the rest of their fixtures involve trips to Chelsea, Southampton and both Manchester clubs and a visit from Arsenal.

What can be guaranteed, by the looks of it, is that Allardyce’s men are no longer push-overs. And they have a simple plan to execute, according to Tomkins.

“It is not just about the back four and the keeper but also those working from the front, sitting in when needed and then breaking out in numbers on counter attacks when the opportunity comes about in games.”

Tomkins has started every match since Gameweek 19 and, at 4.9, is a well-priced way into such a well-organised unit.

Allardyce, famously, has never managed a team relegated from the top flight. If he is to continue that run, the likes of Tomkins will be why.

Buying into Big Sam’s defence looks risky, but could turn out surprisingly beautiful.

The I-Pulis

We end on another beautiful thing…

West Brom’s last eight matches are just soooo Tony Pulis – won four, lost two, drawn two. It’s the stuff of mid-table comfort, well-drilled units and a shouty man in a tracksuit and baseball cap.

And it’s also a lot to do with the Baggies’ in no-way secret weapon – their exemplary set-plays – as the shouty man himself was happy to explain following the win over Arsenal.

“We do it differently against zonal than man-for-man. They have five or six players across the six yard box and they have two players who try and block your runners. So if you get away from one of the blocks, you are running at a standing object. You’ve got someone with a standing jump against a person with a running jump. I’ll bet my bottom dollar the person with the running jump will score.”

The player to benefit from Arsenal zoning out at the weekend was Craig Dawson, who scored twice on his way to a bumper 17-point haul.

His fellow defender Gareth McAuley, meanwhile, has been a major beneficiary of West Brom’s dead-ball prowess all season long – his six goals have prompted 32.3% of us to buy him in. Among defenders, only Tottenham’s Kyle Walker is owned by more FPL managers.

The problem for us now is that West Brom have a Gameweek 34 blank while their scheduled opponents, Man City, play in the FA Cup semi-finals.

That will tempt many of us to cut and run, ignoring the fact that McAuley and co will have a double Gameweek further down the line to boost a reasonable run-in which involves tough tests against Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea that are somewhat offset by matches with Watford, Southampton, Burnley and Swansea.

With 12 goals scored between McAuley, Dawson and Chris Brunt this season, benching Baggies’ defenders for the Gameweek 34 no-show might well be the wiser option.

Don’t believe me? Well, West Brom also have technology on their side, as Dawson explained.

“Every detail is covered in training. Away from that the gaffer gives us lots of videos of the opposition and makes sure we can study those in the week. We have an app.”

Yep. An app.

No news on its name, but ‘Plants versus Zombies’ seems strangely apt when considering Arsenal’s defending at The Hawthorns, ‘Farm Heroes Saga’ covers Pulis’ more agricultural leanings and ‘Grindr (Out The Results)’…maybe football isn’t quite ready for that one yet.

1,485 Comments Post a Comment
    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 days ago

      Wtf 😀

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 days ago

      If only I was a Mod 😆

    3. ChristoBisto
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 days ago

      Humour of the article too obvious for optimus 🙂 It is a bit try hard!

  1. FirminoIsBetterThanYou
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 days ago

    Anyone have the link to the Norwegian FPL? Cheers 🙂

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 days ago

      https://fantasy.eliteserien.no/

      League code is: 3769-1041

      1. FirminoIsBetterThanYou
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 days ago

        Thanks:)

    2. SKENG
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 days ago

      Any good resources for research for this game?

      1. VS10_
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 days ago

        Team Cruel's hot topic and his community article coming soon.

        Discussion on a Norwegian forum (on google chrome, right click and translate to English): http://vgd.no/sport/fotball-spill/tema/1836871/tittel/vgd-eliteserien-fantasy-17/side/1

        Look at last year's table, goal scorers and line ups on flashscore and transfermarkt.

        1. VS10_
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          And club twitter accounts for friendly line ups.

      2. Ramboros
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 7 days ago

        You will struggle to find resources even in Norwegian.

        http://www.altomfotball.no/element.do?cmd=tournament&tournamentId=1&seasonId=338&useFullUrl=false

        Choose the right season (sesong), and you click on the teams to see their squads for that season. You can see the matches (kamper) and goals (mål) of the players. If you click on the player names you can check more stats.

        Kamper = Matches
        Goals = Mål
        Assist = Assist
        Målpoeng = Goals + assists
        Spilte min = Played minutes
        Fra start = From start
        Byttet inn = Subbed in
        Byttet ut = Subbed out
        På benken = Benched

        If you scroll down you can see the statistics of the whole league. Click "Hele listen" (Whole list) to view more of the stats.

        1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          Great stuff!

    3. ChristoBisto
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 days ago

      Why is everyone suddenly bothered about this?!

      1. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 days ago

        Same platform as FPL and it will go on all summer while the PL have their holidays.

        1. ChristoBisto
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          The summer is a relief for me after the intensity of an fpl season!

    4. GE
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 days ago

      I'm a Norwegian - lucky me 🙂 live nearby Brann Stadion 🙂 Ask me questions - I'm happy to help 🙂

      1. GE
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 days ago

        Espen Ruud is nailed, the last two years the top scorer has been from Rosenborg and they haven't skills so Bendtner is nailed on.

        Mike Jensen and Midtsjø from Rosenborg should also make profit in the mid.

      2. VS10_
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 days ago

        Do you expect Brann's defence to be as solid as last year?

        1. GE
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          I don't think so, overhyped team, but Tippeligaen is very volatile so you could never know!

        2. GE
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          Good page for bargain tips (in Norwegian, but use Translate):

          https://www.nordicbet.com/no/blogg/fotball/eliteserien/18-kj-p-som-gj-r-deg-til-fantasy-vinner

      3. dark91
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 days ago

        lucky you.
        I want to come to Norway to watch the northern lights but i don't know how to plan it and where to start from !!

        1. dark91
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          This reply was meant for Gjelstads eleven 😀

        2. GE
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          🙂 Nice! Lofoten is so nice! Start there and go up to Nordkapp 🙂

  2. DAN DARE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 days ago

    Generally not much love for CP assets gw34. Admittedly, Liv,TOT is not a great combo but when you consider they've got Leicester at home gw33 (3 days before they play At Madrid) and Burnley at home gw35, a 3 gw punt on PVA and one of Zaha/Townsend/Cabeye, ditching both on a gw36 wildcard, looks like a smart move to me

    1. Numb
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 days ago

      Not sure why - Palace are in much better form than Middlesboro (right?)

      1. DAN DARE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 days ago

        The attraction to Boro is that their gw34 is a lot more enticing but it would be a 1gw punt only. Gotta look at the bigger picture

        1. Numb
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          Form over fixture generally though

          1. My Name Is Prince
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            CP might have defending form, it certainly not attacking... Will they score against Spurs? Will they keep cleanies against Liverpool and Spurs... I thought so... Why on earth would you want CP players for the double? Boro are much more likely to return points, so no form over fixtures in this case... It's more for players, not for teams...

            1. DAN DARE
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 7 days ago

              Think you've proven my point. I'm not looking at getting them in for gw34. I'm looking at getting them in for gw33-35 (LEI, LIV, tot, BUR). Attackers less tempting but that looks like a pretty good run to me for a defence that havent conceded in their last 3

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 days ago

      Ye I like the sound of this. I plan to turn King into Zaha in either 33 or 34.

      1. DAN DARE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 days ago

        Only problem with that is that Kings fixtures are great from 34 onwards. If you keep through the next 4, which are horrid, would be strange to get rid when they turn

        1. Jayv807
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          Agree, if he maintains some form, I will likely hold onto King the rest of the year.

  3. Netley Lucas
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 days ago

    'the third most-feared Kray twin' lol, good stuff Dave 😉

  4. dhamphiir
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 days ago

    Ross Barkley has created more chances (67) in the league this season than:

    Lionel Messi (62)
    Mesut Özil (61)
    Koke (58)
    Ángel Di María (57)

    1. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 days ago

      but hes not on the same planet as those players regardless of stats

    2. FPLHaggis
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 days ago

      Barkley (67)
      Messi (0)
      Ozil (61)
      Koke (0)
      Angel Di Maria (0)

    3. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 days ago

      Shows how stats can be misleading

  5. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 7 days ago

    There is only so much Pizza one man can eat

    The rest will keep for breakfast

    1. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 days ago

      No.... Just...... One more......... Slice............

    2. The Nuttman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 days ago

      I reckon I'd run out of pizza before I couldn't eat anymore.

    3. MTPockets
        7 years, 7 days ago

        Pah. Next you'll be saying there's such a thing as too-much-cheese.

      • Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 7 days ago

        What topping?

        1. Syd.
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          Meat feast

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            You sir have excellent taste.

    4. VFORVANDETA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 days ago

      Pick one.

      a) Hazard Sanchez Alli Eriksen Siggy
      b) Sanchez Mane Alli Siggy King
      c) Sanchez Alli Eriksen Pedro Tadic
      d) Sanchez Hazard Mane Alli Eriksen
      e) Hazard Mane Alli Siggy King
      f) Sanchez Hazard Mane Alli Siggy

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 7 days ago

        The one with Alli.

      2. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 days ago

        B

      3. My Name Is Prince
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 days ago

        Nice one!

      4. Netley Lucas
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 days ago

        a) if it doesn't impact your 2 key strikers and defence too much?

        1. Jayv807
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          This

      5. MTPockets
          7 years, 7 days ago

          d. Really?

        • Rainer
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          B

        • VFORVANDETA
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          I can do this with Wc.Go for it?

          Jaku Pickford
          Alonso Walker Valencia Bertrand Fabio/Gibson
          Hazard(c) Alli Eriksen Siggy Tadic/Siggy
          Vardy Lukaku Gabbiadini

          1. Jayv807
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Looks good except no Sanchez, I would fit him in somehow.

          2. Pirlø's Pen
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Sanchez is almost a neccessity

      6. DAN DARE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 days ago

        B for the next couple of gws. Then C

        1. DAN DARE
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          Reply fail /\

      7. AzzaroMax99
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 days ago

        Just saw Antonio issue...what to do? Who to get for him?
        I have Eriksen, Mane, Siggy and Fletcher...

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          Don't do anything at the moment.

          1. Fpl Richie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Agreed

      8. Dave Boozle
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 days ago

        Excellent article as always.

        Charlene est toujours bienvenue dans mon lit.

        1. MTPockets
            7 years, 7 days ago

            She's the creme de la menthe.

          • ChristoBisto
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Elle ne t'aime pas

        2. mbrewer94
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          With Leicester playing like they did last season, is anyone else looking at Albrighton as a DGW enabler?

          1. Rainer
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Hes in that King / Redmond / Zaha price bracket so would be waiting till closer to 37 to see how form & minutes are but he will be a differential.

          2. Fpl Richie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            How much? Would you play him every game?

          3. Professor Abel X
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            No

          4. mbrewer94
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            At 4.9m I'd put him in on a week 36 WC and BB him in 37 definitely. Wouldn't have to play him in week 36 and 38.

        3. Fpl Richie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          Which of the saints options are worthwhile in midfield? Looking at moving on Snodgrass and perhaps eventually King.

          A. JW Prowse: Would be as 4th/5th mid depending on fixtures. Cheapest option and some form/fixtures.
          B. Tadic/Redmond. 4th mid. Higher ceiling but both unpredictable.
          C. Go for a defender or Gabi.
          D. Stay clear.

          Thoughts?

          1. VFORVANDETA
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            B.Redmond.

            1. Fpl Richie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 7 days ago

              Ta. Anyone else?

          2. Je suis le chat
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            A. JWP for me. Enables Sanchez. Might get s defender like Bertrand.

        4. To Mee To You
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          Always a pleasure to read David Wardale!

        5. Kun Tozser
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          Who's going to come out best here?

          GW / 31, 33, 35, 36
          Coleman: mun , BUR, CHE, swa
          Fuchs: SUN, cpl, wba , WAT
          Cedric: CPL , MCI, HUL, liv
          Pieters: bur, HUL, WHM, bou

          1. Fpl Richie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Damn. Didn't realise that Pieters had those fixtures.
            The worst option is Cedric from the above.

          2. Pirlø's Pen
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Bertrand within that price range, Fuchs otherwise.

          3. Professor Abel X
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Fuchs

        6. Arctic monkeys
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          This place is crazy 😀 can't believe I'm about to choose a 15 player squad of a Norwegian fantasy game. Any popular choices ?

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            John Carew, Carew. He's bigger than me and you. He'll score a goal or two. John Carew, Carew.

            1. Arctic monkeys
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 7 days ago

              😀

            2. Somalion
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 7 days ago

              There's a name I've not seen in years.

              Lasting memory of Carew was the little spat he had with Ibra 😆

              1. Epic Fail
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                7 years, 7 days ago

                "What Carew does with a football, I can do with an orange" 😀

                1. Somalion
                  • 14 Years
                  7 years, 7 days ago

                  I remember when I first saw that and broke my hole laughing. 😀

              2. teneighty
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 7 days ago

                What Carew does with a ball, Zlatan does with an orange. 😀

                1. Somalion
                  • 14 Years
                  7 years, 7 days ago

                  In fairness, he was probably being truthful 😀

          2. Pirlø's Pen
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Bendtner

          3. ChristoBisto
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Solskjaer, anyone by that name

        7. John t penguin
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          Help wanted
          Two days ago my pet gorilla vanished and hasn't been seen since. If anyone spots him please approach with care as he is known to have various methods of attack.
          If you do catch him you can drop him off at any bookmakers
          https://goo.gl/images/KLQrj2
          I have a photo fit to help you spot him

          1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Are you about to construct 2 ashtrays?

          2. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Harambe?

          3. Ógie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            I hope the gorilla comes back soon

          4. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Is it easy to spot or could it have various guises JTD?

            1. John t penguin
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 7 days ago

              Possible he may have on dress

          5. Syd.
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Don't quote me on this but I heard from a very reliable source that he has been lined up to appear on the next edition of the Scoutcast

            Apparently they were looking for somebody with well groomed facial hair

            1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 7 days ago

              Standard application 🙂

          6. Rhinos
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            It can mimic the appearance of the female at times, usually triggered by the scent of money

        8. Somalion
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          Dele Alli or Uruk-hai?

          https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0MJGZ2ru8uI/maxresdefault.jpg

          1. Optimus.
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Thought it was the guy from The Goonies with war paint

            1. Somalion
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 7 days ago

              Think that's Poch, mate

        9. ChristoBisto
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          That's dele

          1. ChristoBisto
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            In the article photo, not a reply fail. Just saying what you see

            1. Epic Fail
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 7 days ago

              😀

          2. Syd.
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            He looks very like Beavis from Beavis and Butthead

            1. Rhinos
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 7 days ago

              As oppose to all the other famous Beavis's

              1. Syd.
                • 14 Years
                7 years, 7 days ago

                There are a lot of famous beavers about

        10. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          How does a manager with decades of experience get done by something so bleedin' obvious. Maybe it is time for Wenger to go.

          "We do it differently against zonal than man-for-man. They have five or six players across the six yard box and they have two players who try and block your runners. So if you get away from one of the blocks, you are running at a standing object. You’ve got someone with a standing jump against a person with a running jump. I’ll bet my bottom dollar the person with the running jump will score.”

          1. Syd.
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Simple

            Old people tend to lose their marbles

          2. Je suis le chat
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Also the Arsenal team tends to be short, doesn't help vs the likes of West Brom. I think Giroud is worth picking to also help defending corners.

          3. SADIO SANÉ
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Do you know how many goals Arsenal conceded from corners this season before the West Brom game?

            1. FPL Virgin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 7 days ago

              No, but Tony Pulis clearly got one over on Wenger.

        11. dhamphiir
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          David Marshall has been forced to withdraw from the #SCO squad and return to #HCAFC after picking up an unspecified injury on Int' duty.

          1. Rhinos
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Jaku 2ots confirmed

          2. Syd.
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Hit on the head by a bottle of buckie

            1. Big Al
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 7 days ago

              Or maybe an Easter egg!

        12. Junior ⚽
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          Keep or ditch Aguero?

          1. Syd.
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Keep Keep Keep

          2. Je suis le chat
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            I may keep Kun as have used my wildcard.

          3. Rhinos
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Watch arsenal fan tv then decide

            1. Junior ⚽
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 7 days ago

              🙂

          4. Junior ⚽
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Cheers

          5. Professor Abel X
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Keep at least one more week

        13. nkhoughton
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          Which Team is better
          Team A (3-5-2)
          Forster Pickford
          Alonso Valencia Pieters Nyom Yoshida
          Hazard Alexis King Alli Firmino
          Aguero Gabbiadini Barnes

          Team B (3-4-3)
          Forster Pickford
          Alonso Valencia Pieters Nyom Yoshida
          Hazard Alexis King Eriksen/Alli (4.5/4.7 mid preferably with an okay 35 fixture)
          Ibra Vardy Gabbi

          Considering ditching Valencia to Bertrand after 34 to upgrade yoshida etc

          1. Je suis le chat
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            B

          2. Professor Abel X
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            B

          3. Junior ⚽
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            B

        14. Professor Abel X
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 days ago

          Carroll Mane - Sanchez Barnes -4. 3-5-2 and saves a bench headache every week (providing Sanchez is fit)

          1. Professor Abel X
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Although i missed the question mark, it was a question. Anyone?

          2. Netley Lucas
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Maybe but kinda feels like you're selling 2 decent picks when Alexis has quite a toughie?

          3. SADIO SANÉ
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            I'd keep Mane personally, pretty good fixtures coming up - any other way to get Sanchez?
            Gestede instead of Barnes maybe?

            1. Professor Abel X
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 7 days ago

              Thanks both, maybe I will hold off for a week and then do it for free (or 3 changes for -4) the week after, lets me toss us my Mane, Cout, Lanzini, Carroll conundrum!

              1. AndyCook
                  7 years, 7 days ago

                  Would rather have Mane than Sanchez this week. And Carroll might be worth playing too. Prices won't change either so hold!

                  1. Professor Abel X
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    Cheers, would you play Carroll over Cout or Lanzini though?

          4. Junior ⚽
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 days ago

            Pickford
            Alonso / Valencia / Coleman
            Siggy / Mane / King / Sanchez
            Aguero / Carroll / Lukaku
            1FT 1.3 ITB
            Save? Who to captain?

            1. Professor Abel X
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 7 days ago

              Aguero for me

            2. Je suis le chat
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 7 days ago

              Maybe Coleman to Walker. Captain Alonso maybe.

              1. Junior ⚽
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 7 days ago

                What?! Coleman is gold bought him at 5.6.
                Not keen on capping defenders especially as Chelsea's are drying up.

                1. Je suis le chat
                  • 10 Years
                  7 years, 7 days ago

                  Fair enough. I'm just trying to hit 15 pages for the frequent posters cup. Hope they don't deduct posts with bad advice, lol!

            3. nkhoughton
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 7 days ago

              I'd be tempted by siggy

            4. AndyCook
                7 years, 7 days ago

                I would go for Aguero or Mane. Most likely scorers in my eyes - Aguero safest

                1. AndyCook
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    And save the FT. Looks good except for Carroll but his fixture is good

              • Dr Dream
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 7 days ago

                Really well written article again. Nice.

              • how now brown cow
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 7 days ago

                Evening all.

                I've had a crummy season, but finally making some small progress in recent weeks. Was nearly 200 points behind leader in mini-league, but now around 80 points with a wildcard in hand.

                It's still a very tall order, but how would you play it - take a few hits and go chasing points, or keep it tight and hope the gw36 wc/gw37 bb gets me close?

                I'm thinking we will end up with similar teams by gw37, but he'll have to bring them in earlier meaning i need to make the most of the fixtures up till then? Or am I over thinking it?

                1. John t penguin
                  • 9 Years
                  7 years, 7 days ago

                  Is kidnapping him an option

                  1. how now brown cow
                    • 9 Years
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    Ha ha. Probably the best option!

                  2. Rhinos
                    • 10 Years
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    You could do an exchange deal with whoever has your gorilla

                2. Professor Abel X
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  7 years, 7 days ago

                  Jump on the bandwagons to catch up in the next few weeks. By the time you WC he will have shown his hand, so you could potentially benefit there too

                3. Je suis le chat
                  • 10 Years
                  7 years, 7 days ago

                  Your rate of progress means you'll pass him after dgw 37. Stick with scout picks and captains.

                4. Dr Dream
                  • 11 Years
                  7 years, 7 days ago

                  No you're not over thinking at all. The way the DGW's are panning out the similar team problem will be very real across the game for DGW37....maybe...

                  The fact that you have realised it means you can react against it...just make sure you do.

                  From earlier in the week... http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2017/03/20/the-scout-cups-reminder-2/?hc_page=1#hc_comment_15267898

                  1. Rhinos
                    • 10 Years
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    Get what you're saying Wakey but the calibre of the teams also means it's impossible to own all the good options. Will be plenty of variation in scores

                    1. Dr Dream
                      • 11 Years
                      7 years, 7 days ago

                      Plenty of scope for him to mix it up as you say. The problem will lie with the high ownership of Walker, Alonso, Ibra, Valencia, Alli etc...and the DGW34 will drive some of those picks...He just needs to be mindful of not replicating too many of his rivals picks.

                  2. how now brown cow
                    • 9 Years
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    Thanks - a good read.

                    I guess a real differential over him could be gambling big on keeping say Everton and Liverpool players for decent fixtures in gw34 and 35 when he'll probably have sold already.

                5. SADIO SANÉ
                  • 8 Years
                  7 years, 7 days ago

                  Good work - 80 points is pretty doable at this stage, especially if he doesn't have his WC. Just make sure you have players at the top of the captain poll each week, especially if he doesn't have them.

                  1. Dr Dream
                    • 11 Years
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    Easily doable. One good captain shout by him and one bad one by his rival could damned near cut it in half on it's own with a good wind.

                    1. SADIO SANÉ
                      • 8 Years
                      7 years, 7 days ago

                      Yep, exactly - no panic needed yet

                6. AndyCook
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    You need to ensure you have the best captain choice each week and a solid full team and hope he misses one good captain. I find a bit of luck with the captain and a better defence have helped me close my gap - after 13 weeks in second I finally went top last week with a 40 point swing!

                  • how now brown cow
                    • 9 Years
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    Cheers guys - a lot more optimism than I expected! 🙂

                    Never been in these lower reaches at this stage of the season before. It's an ugly place :))

                7. FPL Maldini
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  7 years, 7 days ago

                  Has anyone else's mood in general had a strange turn for the worst this week just because knowing the weekend won't have any FPL?

                  Genuinely affecting me Bad this week haha

                  1. Netley Lucas
                    • 8 Years
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    I'm doing the Euro WC Qualifiers Daily 11's mate, even looking at that Norwegian FPL lol 😉

                  2. Professor Abel X
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    Your grav is so perfect for this comment

                    1. FPL Maldini
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 9 Years
                      7 years, 7 days ago

                      Haha never crossed my mind but now you say it

                      So sad and that

                      1. Professor Abel X
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 11 Years
                        7 years, 7 days ago

                        International breaks are the worst. Supporting England and missing FPL

                  3. Je suis le chat
                    • 10 Years
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    Happy every time I have a green arrow facing into a 2 week break.

                  4. how now brown cow
                    • 9 Years
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    Think of the 3 gameweeks in 8 days afterwards!!

                  5. Ógie
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    Classic addiction withdrawal symptoms
                    Some people are trying out Norwegian fpl as a substitute to get their fix but its no match for the real thing is it?

                  6. Vinyl78LP
                    • 14 Years
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    ...enjoying a few stress-free days, just logging in to check any injuries.

                8. Jinswick
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  7 years, 7 days ago

                  Quite tempted with this 8 pointer - whatcha reckon?

                  Baines, Snoddy & Aguero -> Cedric, Alli & Costa (-8)

                  Jaku
                  Baines, Brunt, Robertson
                  Sanchez, Eriksen, Firmino, King, Snoddy
                  Aguero, Lukaku

                  Grant, Barnes, Stones, F Mori
                  Bank 0.2m, 1FT, no WC

                  1. Professor Abel X
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    Aguero is my captain this week, which probably makes these moves good

                  2. Je suis le chat
                    • 10 Years
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    I'd just do Brunt to Cedric.

                  3. Netley Lucas
                    • 8 Years
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    Maybe use the 8 to strengthen the defence a bit(lot)?

                9. Dr Dream
                  • 11 Years
                  7 years, 7 days ago

                  Ooooh. Just seen there's a programme on BBC1 next week called "Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum and Dad"...that should be a good watch.

                  What a great shame it was and credit to Rio for making the programme. Must have been hard.

                  1. Professor Abel X
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    Indeed, seems he's found happiness again which is nice

                  2. Ógie
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    I seen the add for the show it looks like a real tear jerker
                    I read lately that he turned to the drink to help with the grief after the death of his wife

                    Fair play to Rio for talking about this i cant imagine how hard it must have been for him
                    I hope his story helps others in slimier situations

                    1. Dr Dream
                      • 11 Years
                      7 years, 7 days ago

                      Yeah...hopefully. I've never seen a programme of any description about a father being left to raise the kids after their wife had passed away.

                    2. Ógie
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 11 Years
                      7 years, 7 days ago

                      similar

                10. thegynn
                  • 7 Years
                  7 years, 7 days ago

                  How nailed is Phil Jones?

                  1. Netley Lucas
                    • 8 Years
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    Erm, when he's injury-free he gets starts. 'When' being the key word, currently out with a toe injury.

                  2. Optimus.
                    • 13 Years
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    http://tinyurl.com/c78sfua 😆

                    1. Netley Lucas
                      • 8 Years
                      7 years, 7 days ago

                      lol

                  3. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
                    • 12 Years
                    7 years, 7 days ago

                    Nailed on to win a gurning comp, while out with injury