Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Internationals – Saturday

Romelu Lukaku continues his prolific form as Belgium struggle to save a point from their latest World Cup qualifier without the inspiration of Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne. There are also further goals for France’s Olivier Giroud and more woe for the Dutch on another busy night of international action. Here’s how it played out…

Belgium 1 Greece 1

Fantasy Premier League’s man of the moment Romelu Lukaku grabbed a late equaliser for Belgium against a Greek side that finished the match with just nine men.

Shackled for much of Saturday’s encounter, the Everton striker eventually made his mark, chesting down a Dries Mertens centre before blasting a volley into the bottom corner – a goal which epitomised his current form and confidence.

Lukaku seems to be developing a liking for late shows – he scored twice at the end of the 4-0 win over Hull City last weekend – but his 46.8% ownership base will now be hoping that their man is preserved for Belgium’s Tuesday night friendly in Russia.

Coach Roberto Martinez certainly has plenty of options up front – Divock Origi, Christian Benteke and Michy Batshuayi were all unused substitutes against the Greeks.

Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard was a key absentee. The calf injury that kept him out of the Gameweek 29 victory at Stoke City has lead to him missing Belgium’s two internationals, with the playmaker remaining a doubt to resume Premier League action against Crystal Palace this weekend. Recent reports sound optimistic on his prognosis, however.

The 7.0% of Fantasy Premier League managers still holding Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne will also face an anxious wait ahead of his visit to Arsenal on Sunday. Suffering from a groin problem, he is said to be returning to Manchester for treatment having watched from the stands in Brussels on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Thibaut Courtois, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Nacer Chadli and Marouane Fellaini all started for Belgium, with Mousa Dembele replacing the Manchester United midfielder just after the hour mark and Kevin Mirallas coming on for a late cameo.

Luxembourg 1 France 3

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud scored twice as France made relatively hard work of their trip across the border.

The forward has started seven of the Gunners’ last ten league matches, scoring five times, and his double for Les Bleus won’t have hindered his cause ahead of a huge home match with Manchester City next Sunday.

With two double Gameweeks and a relatively kindly run-in, Arsenal players offer the potential for good returns as the season reaches its climax.

If Giroud can somehow offer us a degree of security in the face of strong competition from the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck, the 2.7%-owned forward could yet prove differential of note.

Giroud was one of four Premier League players to start and finish the Luxembourg match, the others being Hugo Lloris, Laurent Koscielny and N’Golo Kante.

FPL managers will be hoping all four are spared when France face Spain in a Tuesday night friendly.

Elsewhere, the decline of Holland continued with a 2-0 defeat in Bulgaria.

Bruno Martins Indi, Daley Blind and Georginio Wijnaldum – with the latter pair recovering from recent head injuries. They all started for the Dutch, with Wijnaldum replaced at half-time.

Spurs keeper Michel Vorm was an unused sub for the Netherlands, who are in danger of failing to qualify for their second successive major tournament just three years after finishing third at the 2014 World Cup.

The Dutch have a friendly with Italy on Tuesday.

Switzerland beat Latvia 1-0, with Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka starting and finishing the match and even managing to avoid a booking. Stoke City midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri calmed recent fitness concerns by playing 78 minutes for the Swiss.

Defensive duo Cedric Soares and Jose Fonte lasted the full 90 minutes as Portugal eased past Hungary 3-0, while Liverpool centre-half helped Estonia keep a clean sheet in a 0-0 stalemate in Cyprus.

Portugal host Sweden in a friendly on Tuesday, with Estonia also in action against Croatia that night.

Sunderland midfielder Seb Larsson didn’t make it off the bench in Sweden’s 4-0 win over Belarus, while Chelsea reserver goalkeeper Asmir Begovic enjoyed a rare start as Bosnia Herzegovina swept Gibraltar aside 5-0.

1,078 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Sleep Talk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    I guess that I'm too optimistic if I think both Haz and Gabbiadini can be fit to the upcoming gameweek?

    Does Haz+Gabbi to Tadic+Vardy sound like good transfers?

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

      Hazard should be, not sure about Gabbiadini

    2. Judders
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      They sound decent enough transfers. But would you really be looking to hold Vardy for long?

      1. Sleep Talk
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Vardy could easily enough be a season keeper for me once he's in.
        Great immediate fixtures, team in form, and dgw to come.

        Eventually I'll have to get Kane or Ibra back in, so at least then I have a choice of whether I upgrade Lukaku or Vardy.

    3. Foozeball
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Gabbiadini probably won't play. Rumors floating that he's out for a few weeks. Sounds about the typical time for a minor groin injury

    4. Sleep Talk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks guys. Gabbiadini is what's really bothering me here. There are just not that many other options in his price range, so if I were to transfer him out I think it would have to be part of a hit..

    5. The Mandalorian
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      reports are that vardy has a knock so wont start for england

      1. TLF
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Source ?

        1. The Mandalorian
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Read it on BBC or Daily Mail this morning sounded minor

  2. Foozeball
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Gabbiadini unlikely. Rumors floating that he's out for a few weeks. Sounds about the typical time for a minor groin injury

    1. Foozeball
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      reply fail XD

  3. Hooky
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Xhaka not booked? Are you sure?!

  4. Emp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Bottomed: am chasing in my mini leagues by a lot and am considering grosiky as a differential pick to king as a snoddy replacement with superior fixtures. Thoughts on this? Is he on any set pieces?

    1. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      He was dropped to the bench last week but as they lost 4-0 i guess there is a good chance he gets back in!

      1. Eden Hazardous
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        It was only 1-0 when he came on as a sub iirc 😉

        1. Hooky
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          🙂

      2. Emp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        i think that was just part of a more defensive strat away at everton i mean with such a thin squad and them being desparate i cant see him not starting but the veryu toughest away fixtures

        1. Hooky
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Hopefully yeah. Next two home fixtures look very tasty

  5. GE
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Tadic or Pedro?

    1. diesel001
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Coin toss

    2. Emp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      pedro

  6. Non-template FPL is for Kin…
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Why exactly is the Norwegian League the chosen summer entertainment?

    1. Sleep Talk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Same developers as FPL, so its a familiar setup. League itself is not much to brag about, but with Bendtner as the most expensive players, I guess many are intrigued.

      And when the U21 Euro fantasy opens up, we'll have two games to keep us occupied this summer!

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Same setup as FPL is the key. I've heard several say that this will be a nice preparation for next FPL season because it allows you to test out different approaches (early transfers to catch the rises, different formations, bench strength etc).

      1. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Not to mention ownership tactics. Do you play the ownership game or are you brave enough to go without 50% owned Bendtner? Makes for an interesting game.

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

      Because we're all gonna finish in the top 50k

  7. 3-5-2 v 3-4-3 v both
    J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Fantasy Football Scout daily hot topic

    3-5-2 v 3-4-3 v both

    We have a couple of Live Hall of Fame analysis articles coming out soon looking at the strategies, formations, transfers and forthcoming plans for this elite bunch.

    One of the things that emerged was that some have opted for a combination of a 3-5-2 and 3-4-3 giving themselves a strong fifth midfielder plus a strong third striker. Bench points may be inevitable - but it is giving them the flexibility to choose the best formation each week.

    What are you looking to have as your ideal formation. 3-5-2 with a poor third striker, 3-4-3 with a bench fodder fifth mid? Or are you willing to take a risk of bench points and follow the lead of many of the live Hall of Fame's top managers and go for both?

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

      I think you should always go 3-5-2. FPL is biased towards midfielders.

      What are you planning to do, Jonty? You have a lot of 9-game GW28 players to shift in your team.

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Oddly 3-5-2 hasn't been the most popular among the live HoF top ten. 3-4-3 - even for those that are able to field 3-5-2 is the most popular....but 3-5-2 has proved the most efficient.

        Personally I think they've got it right and leaving themselves open to being flexible plus taking a risk is the way to go...they've proven it.

        Re GWK 28 9 gwkers - With me - most will go on the wildcard obviously. For now happy to play Lukaku, Sigurdsson and King and bench the others. Interestingly the HoF analysis will show that these 9 gwkers dominate the live HoF top ten teams too....surgery required for all of us.

        With Alli, King, Sigurdsson, Mane and Lukaku, possible move for Vardy, Alonso and likely Valencia/Betrand to come in I'm well set until the wildcard.

        When I wildcard though is an entirely other question. Still pondering on that. DGWK announcements will be key to its timing.

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

          It sounds like you were in very good company with your robust GW28 planning 😉

          Looking forward to the HOF analysis. Any chance of an interview with someone near the top? The last interview piece was a great read and very useful in terms of how you should approach the game.

          1. J0E
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Actually they didn't plan that well for GWK 28 - but attacked it in style with hits instead.

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

              Didn't even Villa Ronka take a hit for GW28 (I'm assuming after a boisterous night out and several pints of strong Norwegian larger)??

              1. Crystal
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 7 months ago

                Was Ville on holiday with n Norway??

              2. My Name Is Prince
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 7 months ago

                Why on earth would he drink Norwegian lager?!?

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

                  One of his quirks.

            2. FPL Virgin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              Interesting that they didn't load up on GW28 players weeks in advance (like Ben Crellin recommend with his infamous "every transfer you make between now and GW28, should be a GW28 player" quote). Maybe they thought that getting in GW28 players early would lead to sacrificing a lot of points between GW24 to 27.

              1. J0E
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 15 Years
                7 years, 7 months ago

                A few were late to the Lukaku, King and Sigurdsson parties so not planning did prove costly gwk 24-27 - plus many had to spend multiple hits and still didn't get XI out.

                The lesson of that time as is always the lesson at this time of year - planning is everything.

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

                  Speaking of lessons, Jonty, I encourage you and everyone else to listen to last year's Scoutcast after the double gameweeks when you played the bench boost.

                  Everyone has short memories and has learnt nothing from last year. Particularly in relation to teams in the Europa league and DGWs.

                  Definitely worth a re-listen as we approach the doubles this year.

                  1. J0E
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 15 Years
                    7 years, 7 months ago

                    I finished just outside the top 5K and fielded Liverpool's goalscoring defender that week so I was fine 🙂

                    But yes I see what you mean. I think it was slightly different last season though as Klopp was an absolute beast with Cup rotation and fielded his under 12s at times. Mourinho is less keen on rotation - it will occur certainly but not to the same extent.

                    I can't see Ibrahimovic being rested too often...but last year's lesson around Liverpool was duly learned re TC. I don't trust any player with that from here on in over the dgwks. I know Aguero only got me 27...but I don't think there is another TC candidate coming up that is as nailed on and faces as good a set of fixtures as Aguero was that week.

                    1. J0E
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 15 Years
                      7 years, 7 months ago

                      Its also why I'm currently considering Bertrand over Valencia....also Bertrand means I can get Sanchez GWK 31 if I want.

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

                        I look at Man Uniteds relentless fixtures in April and I can't understand why everyone considers Valencia the "safe, boring" pick!

                      2. FPL Virgin
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 8 Years
                        7 years, 7 months ago

                        During that scoutcast last season, you kept saying "So what have we learnt from the chips and the double gameweeks?".

                        The advice and the discussion you guys had THEN is so pertinent and relevant NOW ... and yet most people on here have forgotten it 1 year on.

                    2. diesel001
                      • 8 Years
                      7 years, 7 months ago

                      Sanchez potentially a good TC option whenever their other DGW is rearranged. But don't rate Utd defence or Ibra for the TC in GW34. Plus want to use bench boost in GW37.

                  2. Philman
                    • 14 Years
                    7 years, 7 months ago

                    Great convo between yourself and Jonty 🙂

                    I think we can learnt lessons from last season, but every season is different. I believe maintaining the strong SGWs is a good lesson, but fortunately, many of these also have a DGW in 37. It's whether we keep the likes of Siggy and King right through to the end, or dump for a DGWer (if on a WC) that will be an interesting choice. As a late WCer, I think I might still keep them both, especially King.

                    P.s. I plan to go without Pool until the end - too much of a points lottery anyway. I will just need a big couch to hide behind in GW31 🙂

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

                      Thanks Philman, I think I will be following suit.

                      Although I will definitely be keeping at least 1 Liverpool midfielder. They are right at the top of the fixture ticker from now until the end of the season. Reminds of their fixtures before Christmas when everyone had 2 Liverpool mids.

                      1. Philman
                        • 14 Years
                        7 years, 7 months ago

                        If you have one, then I would certainly look at keeping. I got Mane in GW26, when many of us did, then added Cout for GW28 as a kinda free hit. However, when Kane got injured, I took the risk of dumping both Pool mids for Alli and Sanchez last week.

                        The original plan was just to get Sanchez (as I have Erik), but I felt Alli became more important to get as Spurs would rely on his goals more. With the potential large spread of points around the team, trying to get a Pool mid back now as "coverage" is just too difficult.

                      2. FPL Virgin
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 8 Years
                        7 years, 7 months ago

                        Maybe go for Coutinho, who is around £1.5m cheaper than Mane. Liverpool are the highest scoring team in the league and they have nothing else to focus on.

                      3. Philman
                        • 14 Years
                        7 years, 7 months ago

                        I think it is either no Pool mids or a double-up strategy, and I am not prepared to use two of my midfield slots on Pool mids.

                      4. Balotelli
                        • 8 Years
                        7 years, 7 months ago

                        Why if I may ask?

                      5. Philman
                        • 14 Years
                        7 years, 7 months ago

                        Why regarding which bit?

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

                        Double-up or no pool strategy? Why not pick one and keep?

                      7. Philman
                        • 14 Years
                        7 years, 7 months ago

                        There are so many players in the Pool team that can be involved in their​ goals​. For me, even if Pool win a game with a few goals, there is no certainty that your player scores points. I prefer to pick midfielders that are central to their team's goals.

                        Getting two Pool mids will increase your coverage of their goals, but there are so many good options of mids with good goal percentage involvement, that two Pool mids is overkill imo.

                      8. Balotelli
                        • 8 Years
                        7 years, 7 months ago

                        I agree that Pool have great diversity in their game and therefore FPL points are spread across many players. So to cover up for this loss we need more goals from them which we have seen so far. Whether this will be the case for the rest of the season is then the question?
                        I personally understand why people don't want Pool players. But I don't understand this two or no player strategy.

                        To even consider two or zero players must mean that there are many set of players offering close to same amount of points. And it would be strange if you couldn't find a set of players containing only 1 Pool player offering this amount of points as well. Yes, one is not certain that Pool scoring a few gives you points but then you are most likely compensated at some other time.

              2. TopMarx
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 7 months ago

                i disagree, the career top 5 were certainly buying gameweek 28 players in advance. The hits came largely because of a surprise DGW27 I don't think we would have seen hits otherwise.

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

                  *top 6 😉

                2. Gnu
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 15 Years
                  7 years, 7 months ago

                  The Citeh DGW threw all planning for 28 out the window, from looking at no hits to taking several over bith weeks was the more the norm.

                3. Philman
                  • 14 Years
                  7 years, 7 months ago

                  Let's also remember that some bought in players for GW28 that didn't end up as starters.

                  1. TopMarx
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 11 Years
                    7 years, 7 months ago

                    this too, Phillips and Stanislas in particular

                4. J0E
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 15 Years
                  7 years, 7 months ago

                  The top career and top live are very different. Just ville, peter and David in the live version.

                  New crop are playing in different ways. Lots of new entries into the top ten too.

                  Gwk 26-29 proved a real game changer among the elite.

                  1. TopMarx
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 11 Years
                    7 years, 7 months ago

                    Interesting, look forward to reading the next Live HoF article 🙂

                  2. Philman
                    • 14 Years
                    7 years, 7 months ago

                    Jonty, as one of those new entrants into the top 10, do you really think we are playing differently? I would suggest, as the Live HoF has a bias towards the current season, it just reflects that the current crop are doing particularly well this year. I think I will change my strategy according to the season requirements. I would suggest most in the career HoF have probably played this season differently due to the nature of the season, but some find this easier to do than others.

                    I would love to know your thoughts.

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

          My planning for GW28 prompted the shift from 3-5-3, via 4-4-2 (to make good use of those good Everton/WBA fixtures), to a flexible 3-4-3 set-up. It helps that there are now good 3rd striker options, and I like the extra flexibility.

    2. Egyptian Giza
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      3-5-2. Simply because mids outscore strikers.

    3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Old skool. 3-4-3 is the only way for me . Anything else feels uncomfortable

    4. Ange Ball
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      It was 3-5-2 now going towards 3-4-3 niw thar the double game weeks fast approaching

    5. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Since I prefer 4 at back due to my TV being low forever, 4-4-2 is what I like as it is more balanced coupled with the fact that there arent many strikers I would like to have. So defense and midfield is where I prefer to make points, anything from forward is bonus.

      Fav formation is 4-5-1, maybe because it worked. Used this for around 6-7 weeks in first half of the season. Would like to use that again... #Hopefully

    6. diesel001
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      With the absence of a good cheap third striker option then 3-5-2 at the moment. Gabbiadini and Austin injured. Negredo, Llorente, Rondon, Deeney very mixed form. Defoe off the boil. Better off just putting in Barnes in and collecting two points every week on the bench.

      Compare that to midfield options - Pedro, Siggy, Antonio, King etc.

    7. The 12th Man
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      4-3-3 has worked for me over the past month ( Alonso,Baines,Coleman,Pieters,Brunt/Valencia)but with Evertons turn in fix I will be upgrading my 4th midfielder from Snodgrass > Tadic or Pedro and going 3-4-3.

    8. Netley Lucas
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      King (orJWP) as a 5th almost forces a hybrid for many. With Carroll, Llorente and even Negredo having good fixtures the flexibility appeals but the benching headaches intensify.

    9. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      343 with a cheap nailed 5th mid as security ... but ultimately it is down to getting the most differential value out of the 3 lowest valued attackers in your team as a group, because the other 5 premium attackers are a template selected from about 10 players.

    10. makaveli123
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Usually 3-4-3 for me, but that might change after I play my WC. I have always liked playing three strikers, given that there are 3rd strikers with good value (and I don't see many of those atm).

    11. Philman
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      As a previous, staunch, 3-4-3 man, I was a bit late to the 3-5-2 party when I moved over with the use of 2FTs in GW20.

      I have stayed that way ever since. It has done me very well, except for missing Lukaku's haul in GW24. The money saved having Barnes has meant I have maintained a powerful defence and midfield.

      The original plan this week was to upgrade one of Brunt/Smith/Baines, and upgrade Barnes to Gabbi, which would actually give me flexibility between 3-4-3, 3-5-2 (rotating King and Gabbi) and even 4-4-2, but as a Coleman owner and the Gabbi injury, I am now re-thinking my plans.

      Last year, with all the money we had in our squads due to Mahrez and Vardy, I went with a strong front 8 for a period of time, and it did not work out well. I would therefore be very reluctant to do that as a long term option again, preferring one perma-bench mid/striker. However, as a short term option leading up to a GW35/36 WC, that's the way I want to go ideally.

      1. FFPro
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks for the insight Philman, always good to hear from a top 7 HoF player and gain some insight!

        Hope us mere mortals can hear more from you in upcoming articles!

        1. Philman
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Utaka Defoe King Pearce 🙂

    12. TopMarx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      well in the career HoF top 5 it was only last week that Peter sold his cheap third striker Barnes for Costa, for a long time he's had a cheap third striker. Number 5 David still has Anichebe.

      I think we starting to see strong benches because of squad value increasing. Plus after two very different gameweeks in 27 and 28, players and formations have shifted around. Still teams with a chunk of money ITB.

      I also sense there might be a shift towards 3-4-3 with forwards becoming more reliable. Perhaps early on in the season only really Lukaku and Costa were worth having.

      Ville is a 3-4-3 man rarely changing formantion, he still has Fletcher as his cheap 5th mid. Number four Steve although outside the live top 10 has Barnes as a cheap third striker, favouring 3-5-2.

      I'm interested to see what happens with bench boost chips still available and increasing squad values.

    13. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      'One of the things that emerged was that some have opted for a combination of a 3-5-2 and 3-4-3 giving themselves a strong fifth midfielder plus a strong third striker.'

      I think that was because of the way the blanks turned out, not a deliberate strategy. Everyone sold Sanchez, so had money in the bank and didn't need to keep a 4.5 mid to save money. Llorente, Carroll and King were obvious GW28 picks, all cheap.

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        I agree with this. I have Phillips still as my fifth midfielder, but even if fit I wouldn't be playing him

    14. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Well I religiously stick to a 3-4-3 😉

  8. mojoindojo
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Bottomed

    Playing Alonso, Valencia, Mawson this week.

    Should I take a hit to shift out Coleman or wait 1 week.

    Defence is Alonso Valencia Mawson Robertson Coleman.

    Cheers!

    1. Sleep Talk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I think this is a good as week as any to get rid. Many people have probably gone down that route already because of the two tough fixtures Everton are facing now.

      1. mojoindojo
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks!

    2. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Get rid. Plenty of good options in Valencia Bertrand etc

  9. CloudSky
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Can you see if your rival played wildcard?

    1. mojoindojo
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      No.

      1. CloudSky
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Does it chang their transfer numbers made for this week like it would if they didnt play it or it stays on zero?

        1. Hooky
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Stays 0 but you will see their team value change.

    2. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      No you can't.

    3. AndyCook
        7 years, 7 months ago

        You can figure it out - if their team values changes but it says they've made no transfer then they have played the wildcard. Equally if it previously said they had made a transfer and now says they have made zero that would also show they have played it. You'd have to check it every day though.

      • CloudSky
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers fellas, that helped.

    4. Egyptian Giza
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      a bit random, but I could happily discuss FPL with Jules Breach all day long

    5. Ange Ball
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      So wake up realised I made transfers.

      Don't no how to feel about having Mahrez and Bertrand in my team instead of Alli Valenica.

      1. AndyCook
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Should feel awful

          1. Ange Ball
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Thanks Andy your a star mate a legend.

        • Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          No spurs is worrying me. Especially as I'm going to the game. Makes it worse

          1. Ange Ball
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            True just thinking tho Burnley will make it tough for Spurs to score. Next week the time to get in the Spurs mids or defenders

        • Holmes
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Bertrand over Valencia can work. Not sure about Mahrez over Alli

          1. Ange Ball
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            I wanted vardy couldn't have him if Alli does well against Burnley just swop them over

        • nonprophet
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Heaton pickford
          Alonso Coleman Jones Davies holgate
          Alexi Antonio mane siggy fletch
          Lukaku costa deeney 1.8itb 1ft
          Wildcard still available
          Any suggestions. Can do Antonio to alli and Coleman to betrand for a hit. Or go wildcard now. Leading mini league by 75? Cheers

          1. nonprophet
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Nice fail

        • Judders
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          They seem very sideways to me. Did you not have anything else more pressing?

        • DJ1000
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Think you may get away with it in the short term. Burnley away a tough tie. Would look to get alli back in gw31-32

      2. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Flushing the cash out of my defence.

        Pick one: Holgate or Yoshida?

        Holgate will be part of a more solid looking defence and will get forward while Yoshida has 2 extra games.

        I'm leaning towards Holgate ... I'm a sucker for a playing £4.0m defender 😀

        1. Holmes
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          There is no guarantee that Holgate will be a starter?

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

            Coleman missed the first 3 games of the season; Holgate played every minute of those 3 games.

        2. Jazz!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          I'm actually contemplating this too. Though there is a slight chance Holgate doesn't even play. Even then I'm leaning towards him 🙁

        3. Crystal
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Why wouldn't Funes Mori come in?

          1. Jazz!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            He can't play RB ... Suppose they could go 3 atb and Mori comes in.

            1. Jazz!
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              He looked awfully uncomfortable at LB, he's left footed as well. Won't be able to play RB.

              1. Lord.
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 7 months ago

                Are you think about playing Everton defenders in the next two GWs? their fixtures improve after GW31, by which time we will know more about the impact of losing Coleman.

                1. Jazz!
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  7 years, 7 months ago

                  Not at all, I personally am on WC now though - so best to make the decision now. Wish I could wait 2 weeks, yeah.

                  1. Lord.
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 9 Years
                    7 years, 7 months ago

                    I hope your crystal ball is working. Good luck.

          2. Crystal
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            He can play centre back though and they could switch to a 3

        4. ChristoBisto
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Are you saving up for an angry Chilean?

        5. Frank Koscielny
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          You're only saving .3, then again I'm not that convinced Yoshida is completely nailed (even though I'm looking to get Yoshi in my team myself). Leaning towards Yoshi

        6. Theholygoalie
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          I would go Yoshida, more and better games IMO, maybe even consider Stephens if you wanna pay 4!

        7. diesel001
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Yoshida.

      3. Frank Koscielny
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        On my wildcard and not sure which forwards I should go for. Looking to get Ibra in for dgw34 and maybe Gabbiadini if he's declared fit.

        Current draft:

        Heaton/Pickford
        Alonso/Rose/Valencia/Yoshi/Chambers
        Sanchez/Alli/Siggy/King/T.Carrol
        Lukaku/Costa/Vardy

        .3 ITB

        Plan is to take out two of the forwards for Ibra/Gabbi. Would you keep the drafted forwards or look for another combination?

        Really appreciate any input here!

      4. ChristoBisto
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Can't see a way to shoe horn Sanchez in my team. Don't want to lose any of these / King > Sanchez needs considerable funding :

        King
        Siggy
        Alli
        Eriksen
        Mane

        Maybe one of the spurs boys could go but they are so solid! Mane maybe, but his fixtures are awesome!

        1. Jazz!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Has to be Siggy if it can't be King.

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

            Yeah I guess you're right. He has good fixtures too. I'll start saving up

            1. Lord.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              Mane's fixtures are great but that does not seem to mean much with Liverpool, whereas Siggy is very dependable. I will have a similar decision to make, and will be looking at King options.

              You also need to be sure that Sanchez returns with his form and fitness intact - so see what happens in GW30 first.

          2. DJ1000
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            I would leave it for a week to see how Sanchez is after 2 chile games and a bad ankle. Not sure he is essential at present and the likes of siggi have good fixtures

        2. Holmes
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Mane. Easy peasy.

        3. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          With no other information available.

          King

        4. Legomane
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          I'll rank them if that helps :

          Alli
          Eriksen
          Mane
          Siggy
          King

          I've similar ATM (TCarroll rather than king) and I'm considering dumping Siggy or Mané.

        5. Team Bobcat
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          A lot here facing this same dilemma with similar mids.

          Not an easy choice but give it until after next round of games.

          This game has a habit of throwing surprises at us. May be a straightforward one thereafter. Who knows!

          If all else fails Giroud......

      5. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Any chance Coleman can make it back for next game week?

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Prepare for a lynching.

      6. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        I knew getting Baines over Coleman was the right decision.........

        1. Holmes
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Coleman will still outscore him, enjoy some negative points in coming weeks 😉

        2. nonprophet
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          I don't know. Coleman got me 30 extra points and it'll be a free hit to get rid maybe a minus 4 at worst. I've got holgate as my unused def, so he should too which is a bonus

          1. internal error
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            You sound like you're holding in a lot of anger. Let it out my friend

            1. nonprophet
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              Ok

        3. Live Lad
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Yes if you did it for this GW.

      7. nonprophet
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Heaton pickford
        Alonso Coleman Jones Davies holgate
        Alexi Antonio mane siggy fletch
        Lukaku costa deeney 1.8itb 1ft
        Wildcard still available
        Any suggestions. Can do Antonio to alli and Coleman to betrand for a hit. Or go wildcard now. Leading mini league by 75? Cheers

      8. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Just seen Zaha's goal for Ivory Coast the other day. He is really improving this season. Could be useful for a top 6 team. Maybe a good squad addition for Spurs

        1. diesel001
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Not for me. Lacks consistency.

          1. Gregor
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            This tends to improve with age and better team mates.

        2. Eden Hazardous
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          His problem is that he has limited end product (never had a 15+ goals & assists season) and doesnt work hard. Think middle table is where he belongs

      9. Smoky Johnson
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        A) Baines > Valencia

        B) Baines, Sterling, Aguero > Valencia, Sanchez, Vardy -4

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          A

      10. Jimjam
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Can't afford Walker - Vertonghen or Bertrand in for Coleman?

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Bertrand

      11. nonprophet
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        I don't think vardy Will do that well next game, maybe two. Can see buses parked to avoid counter

      12. Theholygoalie
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Guys does anyone have an insight in regards to the Southampton defence with the Caceres signing? He looks decent and can play central or right back, hasn't had a look in yet but his CV is pretty impressive.

        Need to replace Coleman and also looking shunt Evans so was thinking single or double Soton def if i don't get Valencia or Spurs cover. Take advantage of BOU, CPY & west from before wildcarding in GW33 possibly, Bertrand, Cedric, Yoshida and Stephens all look good considering fixtures

      13. Live Lad
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        (1) Coleman + Snoddy to Yoshida + Sanchez (-4)?

        (2) Coleman + Snoddy + Kun to Vertonghen/Bertrand + Sanchez + Ibra in two GWs?

        1. Holmes
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          1

        2. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          1

      14. Karan14
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Choose on WC:

        A) Yoshida (Have Bertrand)

        B) Holgate

        Appreciate your thoughts!

        1. Holmes
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Fernandez

        2. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Mawson not possible?

      15. Legomane
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Pickford
        Alonso *Coleman Valencia
        Mane Alli Eriksen Sigurdsson
        Aguero Lukaku Llorente

        (Heaton TCarroll ASmith Pieters)

        1FT 0.8 ITB

        Aguero Coleman > Vardy Bertrand
        Siggy > Sanchez
        Mané Vardy > Mata Ibra

        1. Legomane
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Decent moves next few weeks? Not sure about Mata, would look at alternatives too.

          1. Legomane
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            30 : Aguero Coleman > Vardy Bertrand
            31 : Siggy > Sanchez
            32 : Mané Vardy > Sane Aguero (shock and awe ML rivals v HUL)

            1. Legomane
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              30: Cedric rather than Bertrand (or Yoshida for guaranteed funds)

            2. Legomane
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              Pickford
              Alonso *Coleman Valencia
              Mane Alli Eriksen Sigurdsson
              Aguero Lukaku Llorente

              (Heaton TCarroll ASmith Pieters)

              1FT 0.8 ITB

              How does this plan sound. Means I keep Mané for his home games. Dump Siggy in advance of Spurs and the 2 away matches. And have Sergio back for his decimation of HUL gw32. All the while with Sanchez banked from WHU onwards. Keeping Llorente could be problematic.

              30 : Aguero Coleman > Vardy Cédric (-4)
              31 : Siggy > Sanchez
              32 : Mané Vardy > Sane Aguero (-4)
              (shock and awe ML rivals v HUL)

      16. Legomane
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Is Cedric still a viable Southampton option.
        0.6 cheaper than Bertrand.
        0.5 expensiver than Yoshida.
        🙂

        1. Smoky Johnson
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          No

      17. Ninja Škrtel
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Alonso captain am I crazy?

        1. Legomane
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Yes hope it works out for you though as an owner

        2. Holmes
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Depends on other options

          1. Ninja Škrtel
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            only decent options are Siggy and Llorente. own Lukako, Kun and Mane as well.

        3. VS10_
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Considering it myself, and seen others too. Actually going through with it is a another thing. Don't have a Chelsea attacker, or Vardy.

        4. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          No diego?

        5. Lord.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Not this week, but I prefer Siggy.

      18. Netley Lucas
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Hart
        Walker Keane Stones Bertrand
        Dier Ox
        Sterling Alli Lallana
        Defoe

        Leaked England XI according to http://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/world-cup-qualification-uefa/2018/england-team-leaked-jermain-defoe-set-for-shock-return-to-starting-xi_sto6107374/story.shtml

        1. Holmes
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Keaneeeeeee

        2. Numb
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Wow, and to think that the likes of Carragher and Carrick struggled to get a game in their prime.

        3. Make Arrows Green Again
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Ox playing CM?

          1. Netley Lucas
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Looks that way, he wasn't great in CM @WBA last week but it's clearly a role many think is his future. Wouldn't like to see him there v the better teams lol

        4. A.T
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          If they line up with 2 holding mids Southgate needs shooting

          1. Netley Lucas
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            You'd hope Ox adopts a more CAM role, not a bad game to give it a try I guess what with all the injuries and the 'soft' looking fixture.

        5. Eden Hazardous
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Doubt Cahill isn't starting

          1. Netley Lucas
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Usually these leaks are pretty good, very leaky set-up. We'll see...

            1. Eden Hazardous
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              Southgate should have struck with the back 3 for at least one more game. Suits all the players (except the CBs)

              1. Netley Lucas
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 7 months ago

                Actually Dier can drop into a back 3, wonder if the leak is just names and not formation?

          2. Legomane
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Suspended

            1. Eden Hazardous
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              Ah

      19. EL_FENOMENO
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Kun to Costa and Antonio to Alli for a -4 worth it? And Haz to Mane next week?

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Good moves. 2 season keepers! Kun is due an explosion though... but he is very pricy

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

          Kun is just as likely to score well this week, so not sure about doing those moves for a hit. I would wait on Hazard fitness news and decide on what to fix in Midfield in light of that.

        3. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Costa has scored 6-8 last 6 home games or something. Is that what you want for the $$$ Kun much more chance of explosive return

      20. JiveNinja
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Need help deciding on my back line, Thoughts please:

        Foster l Grant
        Walker l Robertson l Daniels l McAuley l Amat

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

          Not Amat - he doesn't start anymore. Looks a bit poor overall apart from Walker.

          1. JiveNinja
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Yeah Amat is bench fodder.
            I was thinking of going:

            Foster
            Walker l Daniels l McAuley

            Just worried about having double West Brom although they may hold out against United and would Robertson outscore Daniels? Hull are at home to West Ham whilst Bournemouth play Southampton.

        2. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          How much money ITB? Keep walker and Mc all the rest can go.

          Expensive buys to target are Alonso, Valencia, Bertrand.

          Cheap buys to target are Yoshida, Mawson, Jones possibly

          1. JiveNinja
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            2.3 ITB
            Already got rid of Coleman this week for Walker (was going to get rid of Daniels this week before the injury happened)
            Was thinking it is not worth taking a hit for defender?

            1. RAFA THE GAFFA
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              Not for a hit no

        3. Holmes
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Daniels and Amat should leave. Probably for Cedric and Fernandez/Kone/Robertson