Community

The Community Round-Up

The international break has prompted a number of community members to deploy their Wildcards in the hope that new faces can trigger a charge up the rankings.

Our community articles focus on the main issues for those Wildcarders, while our Hot Topic posters offer a wealth of advice for those keen to refresh their squads.

Players who carry a strong aerial threat are the focus of our latest Members’ tables and we finish off with a look at the Fantasy managers currently leading the way in our mini-leagues ahead of Gameweek 12.

The Community Articles

Greenwindmill and Andy launched our latest Rate My Wildcard Team Surgery by revealing their draft plans. In the ensuing discussion, the best budget defenders and preferred quota of premium strikers were among the topics of concern for many.

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

The Hottest Topic

The Wildcard chatter also dominated many of our Hot Topics, with Hurricane Gilbert canvassing views on the best differentials to acquire. Sanchez delivered a warning that a strong 15-man squad will be needed to cope with heavy Christmas rotation.

Plenty of you without a Wildcard, or resisting the urge to play it, are still looking to overhaul their squads in preparation for the busy winter period, even if it means spending points. Foley200 asked for your views on how many hits we should be taking across a season.

Among those being ushered out at pace is Spurs’ Christian Eriksen, who has been ditched by more than 58,000 FPL managers this week. Andy85wsm wondered whether the Dane should be retained given his strong upcoming fixtures, including home encounters with West Brom, Stoke City and Brighton and trips to Leicester City and Watford following the derby clash at the Emirates.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is unsurprisingly the top target in midfield, with more than 138,000 FPL managers recruiting him this week following his brace and 15-points against West Ham last time out.

The Egyptian’s growing influence in Fantasy football was among our lessons learned from Gameweek 11 and also for many of those who responded to our rough with the smooth round-up of your latest highs and lows, as well as those flying high in Live Hall of Fame update. As Kun Tozser pointed out, drafting in former Chelsea players such as Salah has proved canny this season, with Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne joining the list of ex-Blues on the scoresheet.

Another player who is arguably surplus to requirements, according to Royal5, is Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, who has been dumped by more than 44,000 FPL managers following just a single goal from his last five outings.

There were plenty of community members keen to put forward alternative options, with Hymie delving into headed goal attempt statistics to unearth a number of kindly-priced forwards.

Meanwhile, Pirlo’s Pen believes that Everton’s Oumar Niasse could be a potentially lucrative third striker.

The 4.9-priced Toffee enables a strong focus on midfield, which is an issue Pariße discussed in his look at two-striker formations. Limiting premium priced options up top was also deliberated by Andy85wsm.

Ensuring that your strike force offers compelling captaincy options is a key consideration, with We Will Klopp You urging Fantasy managers to leave the armband on City’s Sergio Aguero, who has attacking returns in all but two of his eight appearances, including a pair of double-digit returns.

Romelu Lukaku is another being considered for the captaincy after the international break, with the Manchester United frontman taking on Newcastle then Brighton at Old Trafford.

Berbinho’s Forehead urges caution due to these promoted sides boasting strong defensive numbers on the road, although the potential return to the Red Devils’ line-up of long-term injury victim Paul Pogba could yet ensure that the Belgian prospers in front of goal, argues Boc610.

When to captain Harry Kane is proving season-defining for many, with the Spurs striker’s blank against Crystal Palace in Gameweek 11 the fourth time he has failed to find the net against “easier” opponents at Wembley Stadium this season.

We considered whether the possession statistics of the teams that Kane is facing could be worth monitoring more closely when considering him for the captaincy again.

Whether Wildcarding or not, many of the community believe their defensive line-ups could do with a spring clean. We asked who was top of your defender watchlist and Half space also canvassed views on the best rearguard options.

West Ham are also ringing the changes, with the Hammers deciding on David Moyes as the successor to the ousted Slaven Bilic. Deano wondered whether the former Everton, Manchester United and Sunderland manager can revive West Ham’s fortunes, while Doosra penned some verse in ode to the departing Croatian.

Finally, AceK1ght has used the break to invite the community to assess how they are faring in terms of their targets for the season and we asked for your views on the best solo performance of all time on the international stage.

To view all our discussions please visit our Hot Topics page.

The Members’ Tables

Ambergmbler has been investigating those who are “due” to find the net among our expected goals statistics, while imax123 has been exploring the best budget midfielders (priced at 5.5 or under) from Gameweek 12 onwards.

Third strikers come under scrutiny in my latest table and Hymie has added two tables to compliment his Hot Topic on headed goal attempts, looking at the players who are the most dangerous in the air and the defences they should prosper against.

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

The Community Tournaments

In TorresMagic’s Last Man Standing competition (44937-13340), Espanyolo and Ria Breeze hit the top score in Gameweek 11 with 84. There are over 2,200 teams left after 174 were eliminated when the safety score was set at 34. Entry is currently open over the break.

Stewart Latham is top of Red Lightning’s Top 10k Any Season league, displacing Elvar Mar Sigurdsson, who remains at the summit of the FFS Members League.

Damir TeNay still leads the main FFS league and is still second in the overall standings, 12 points behind overall leader Joe McFadden.

It’s all change at the top of the FFScout Moderators and Contributors league, where Jack Wain takes over from Uwais Ahmed at the top.

Joga Bonita V is in first place in HeelsoverHead’s R U Smarter than top 10K club, for those who have yet to finish the season with such an illustrious rank.

Meanwhile, it’s tight at the top of QPR Utd’s Frequent Summer Posters League, for the community’s chattiest members over summer – ZoumasBloomers is level on points with FC Lackless, but takes top spot on transfers made.

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

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

1,668 Comments Post a Comment
  1. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    My team looks crap on paper, but it is doing the business.

    De Gea
    Naughton - Azpi - Dunk - Davies
    Salah - Eriksen - Silva - Richarlison
    Morata - Vardy

    Elliot - Stones - Carroll - McBurnie

    1. Earn your Spurs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good on paper tbh 🙂

    2. My Name Is Pepu
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Just because you don't own Kane doesn't mean your team is crap.

      I'd play Stones ahead of Naughton btw.

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Expecting a 5-2 thriller at the King Power with Man City winning.

        1. My Name Is Pepu
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          Play Stones, just in case it turns out to be a 5-0 hammering. Win win situation 😉

      2. Cityzen Kane
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Agreed yeah.
        or if you have a transfer Naughton to Mee?

  2. Earn your Spurs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    If Sanchez went to City in the January window he could play in the Champions League for them this season? That's my reading of the rules - is that correct?

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Hope Sanchez does go. City would be one backup DM away from being unstoppable in the PL.

      GK: Ederson, Bravo
      LB: Mendy, Delph
      RB: Walker, Danilo
      CB: Kompany, Stones, Otamendi, Mangala
      DM: Fernandinho, ?????
      CM: KDB, Silva, Gundogan, Toure
      LM: Sanchez, Sane
      RM: Sterling, Bernardo
      FW: Aguero, Jesus

      1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        and it would also make it v difficult to pick any asset in FPL

        1. My Name Is Pepu
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          Don't think Pep gives 2 shites about that 🙁

      2. My Name Is Pepu
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Heard they're trying to land Emre Can for free next summer?

  3. DenDanskeDuo
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Monreal to Jones for free? Got no other Arsenal cover, got Lukaku as only other man u player.

    1. Earn your Spurs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I'd wait to see if he's OK after gonig off early last night

    2. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Don't think about "cover". Do Monreal to Jones on Friday if he's fit

    3. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      it’s a good move but only if he’s not injured, as soon as he’s fit though I would make that transfer, he’s probably been my most reliable player this year

    4. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Wouldn't lose sleep about having no Arsenal.

      Monreal to Jones a good move imo.

    5. DenDanskeDuo
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Cheers guys, felt pretty certain on the move as well. Will wait to see if Jones is fit though (But hasn't he been yellow-flagged most season and still playing? 😉 )

  4. ROSSI_7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Kun Aguero last 3 seasons

    2016/17 - 20 goals
    2015/16 - 24 goals
    2014/15 - 26 goals

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Him and Jesus will get around 20 goals each this season IMO.

    2. My Name Is Pepu
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I can bet this is gonna be his best season. 25+ goals atleast.

      1. ROSSI_7
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        I agree. What formation are you playing at the moment?

        1. My Name Is Pepu
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          I've stuck with 3-5-2 since GW1. Was doing great until I made a couple of erratic transfers (sold Morata and Kane before their 17 and 16 pointers respectively).

          Back on track last gameweek with 71 points.

          1. ROSSI_7
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 4 months ago

            Nice! 🙂

    3. Union_Jacks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      In less minutes than other premium strikers as always.

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        yet he gets overlooked for pfa poty

        1. My Name Is Pepu
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          Because he's not English 🙁

  5. Mikey44
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Azpi or Alonso? Azpi seems the obvious choice but Alonso has great underlying stats, thoughts?

    1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      there is only 0.1 between them now, so i’d say alonso now

    2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      im prob getting azpi................so that means alsonso will start scoring

      get alonso

    3. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      None tbh, but I'd go Azpi over Alonso

    4. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Azpi seems to forming a telepathic bond with Morata. Alonso on DFKs. Pick and stick one.

    5. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Azpi this season

    6. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Azpi for Morata linkup surely

    7. Ronnie Hotdog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Azpi for me. Since the start of last season he's played every minute of every game. And every time he makes an assist he also picks up bonus points, so an assist is as good as a goal.

    8. InvertedWinger
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Azpi.

  6. Kun Tozser
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    DDG
    Azpilicueta Jones Daniels Gomez
    Eriksen Salah Sane Sterling Gross
    Kane

    Speroni Abraham Calvert-Lewin Maguire

    4-5-1 for me this week I think

    Interesting to see how it’s going to work out with only a single premium forward

  7. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Is RLC a viable 4th mid for next 8 matches? Fixtures couldnt be any better

    EVE STK bha wba BOU WAT lei swa

    Even if he gets returns in 4 out of those 8 matches it would be considered a success given his bargain 4.5 price tag

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Just downgrade a premium striker and upgrade Carroll or your other fodder

    2. Big P
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      ‘even if....’

      Returning in 4/8 would be brilliant at 4.5

    3. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      No I don’t think so but he is the best bench player right now with those fixtures and starting to show form. my wife’s family are palace fans and they think he’s great, whether or not that transfers to fpl points...

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        he's playing tom caroll and other 4.5 cheapies he's attacking position no ? can definitely see goal or assists if so.

  8. Big P
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Best defender for 4.9m?

    Daniels, Dann, Ward, Mee, Duffy are all owned by other teams.

    1. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Mee

      1. Big P
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Read again

      2. Kun Tozser
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        How many cleans you think Burnley are getting in the next 5?

    2. Lyonnais
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I've Daniels and Ward.
      Would get Daniels or Mee (saves 0.4).

    3. Big P
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      THe listed players ARE NOT available 🙂

      1. bench boost for every gamew…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        moreno!!!

    4. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Moreno/Gomez

    5. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      hate so say it but moreno probably makes the shortlist, may get some stacking returns and good fixtures

      Dunk good fixtures and solid team

      Kiko always passes the eye test for me, very involved in attack, unlucky not to have gotten a few assists

      1. maratus
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Crystal palace has kept 0 clean sheets this season and there are no marks of better.
        What is Dann doing on that list?

        1. maratus
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          nvm, cant read it seems

  9. Lyonnais
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Is it still worth it to get Phil Jones?

    While I guess that a Man.Utd defender should be in our squads, Jones' ongoing injury issues are a worry - especially with the fixtures starting to come thick and fast. Can he play twice a week? Would you still get him in?

    18.11 NEW (should play if fit)
    22.11 Basel - UCL (probably rested)
    25.11 BHA *
    28.11 wat *
    02.12 ars (should play if fit)
    05.12 CSKA - UCL (probably rested)
    10.12 MCI (should play if fit)
    13.12 BOU *
    17.12 wba
    20.12 Bristol - Cup (probably rested)
    23.12 lei
    26.12 BUR *
    30.12 SOU

    * = Jones looks like a rotation risk

    1. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      he provides insane value for a top side defender. just stick him in ur team and have a good bench

      1. Lyonnais
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Will probably get him in... bench looks good enough to cover when he misses out.

    2. grumpyman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      It seems like he's been flagged all season - it's been great for people like me who got him in early, it 's kept the riff raff out 😉

      I paid 5 million for him. He's going nowhere, rotation be damned.

    3. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      i’ve already got him and even if he gets rested he’s worth it for the 5.0 I paid for him. but to get him in now for 5.5 is more difficult a choice. I still think no other player in that price range is as reliable for CS and BPS

    4. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Smalling?

      1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        5.3

        1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          sorry meant to say 5.3 is only slightly cheaper and he’s even more a rotation risk, not worth it

          1. My Name Is Prince
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 4 months ago

            If Jones gets injured, then surely he's a good pick though, agree not now maybe...

      2. Lyonnais
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Is he really nailed on? Bailly could come in for some games.

        1. My Name Is Prince
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          No he's not I reckon...

  10. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Captain:
    A) Kane
    B) Lukaku

    1. My Name Is Pepu
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      C) None, though Kane will get his ritual goal against Arsenal.

      1. ooooo
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Kane scores goals in twos now

        1. My Name Is Pepu
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          The derby is always different though. Check the history, it mostly finishes 1-1 at the Emirates with Kane most of the time on the scoresheet.

    2. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Kane for me but only because every time I doubt him he seems to bring a haul in and i’ve missed every one this season!

      think both will score

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        he scores big against attacking teams. struggles against buses.

  11. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Have 2 FT. Not completely decided on which two to use them on:
    a) Morata + Azpi
    b) Kaku + Jones(if fit)

    1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      A for me

  12. Foozeball
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Play Elliott or Foster?
    Or take a -4 and bring in Pope for Foster?

    1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      never -4 for a keeper imo. both bad fixtures but Foster at home so i’d go for him

  13. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Is Sterling better option than Silva despite not being nailed ?

    Sterling started 2 out of last 4 matches- 2 goals 3 assists

    Silva- 1 goal 1 assist in 4 starts

    1. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Yes!

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Silva did well earlier in the season. but all of a sudden he seems to be the assisting the assister type.player

        1. My Name Is Prince
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          He's just not that attacking... Plus Sterling is cheaper, seems a no-brainer to me

          1. HurriKane
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 4 months ago

            yh coming to the same conclusion. at 31 and christmas period approaching even he might get rotated

    2. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      But 1 point between them. At end of season, it might still be close.

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        yh but we dont know even if silva is nailed with likes of gundogan gaining full match fitness

        games coming thick and fast over christmas feel like no city attacker is nailed apart from KDB.

    3. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I would say yes - IF - you don’t own another city rotation risk or have decent bench cover

      for me I have silva and kun but only RLC as a decent cover (Carrol as well but meh), if I had sterling and both were dropped it would probably mean a red arrow

      but if I changed kun to kaku I would prefer sterling for silva as I can risk him being dropped and just RLC coming in

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        RLC is the perfect cover given palace fixtures for a city mid.

        Kun will outscore Kaku even if he misses the odd game given citys strong attack (13 more goals than next closest team)

    4. InvertedWinger
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Do we reckon Sterling, Sane and Aguero is overkill?

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Nope all of them are great options. 😉

        City has plenty of goals in them. Scored 31 goals in pl. next closest is United at 18

        1. HurriKane
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          oops mistake

          *city scored 38

          *next closest untied at 23

  14. Collie01
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Not my typical Saturday morning post but int break is taking its toll so here goes.

    What team would you pick if you were putting out a real team of FPL players? i.e. what's the best 11 (and 4 subs) you could pick, within the c.100mil budget and FPL rules if you were a manager going to play a CL final in the morning?

    Mine something like this.

    DDG
    Walker, Jones, VVD, Davies
    Sane, Kante, KDB, Pogba*, Salah
    Kane

    (Speroni, DCL, Dunk, Nyog)

    4-1-2-3 or 4-3-2-1 type formation. 3 city, 3 united, 2 Spurs, 1 Pool, 1 Chelsea, 1 Soton.

  15. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC team?

    Pope
    Daniels, Dann, Moreno
    Salah, Sane, Richarlison, Gross
    Kane, Lukaku, Morata

    Speroni, Mee, RLC, 3.9
    Bank 0.0m

    1. stamboy
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good to me. How much is the team?

  16. Frank Koscielny
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Would you keep Jones or sell? Really prone to injuries, but good value (got him at 5.1)

    1. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      how can you seriously make that call now - just wait for news

      1. Frank Koscielny
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Where does it say I’m maning the call now?I’m merely asking for input.
        If you don’t have any better input than that, go make some popcorn

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          He gave you some perfectly good input.

        2. My Name Is Prince
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          It was a rather relevant input though!

        3. InvertedWinger
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          Keep.

  17. Suttus
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Help please,A or B?
    A.Pogba, Silva and Aguero
    B. Mahrez, Sterling & lukaku

    1. InvertedWinger
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      B

  18. maratus
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Afternoon lads!

    On wc.

    DDG Elliot
    Stones Moreno Duffy Mee Francis
    Salah Sane Pogpa Zaha Surman
    Lukaku Kane Murray

    How this looks?

    Other option is Jones and Richarlison, but i dont like richarlison
    0 ITB

    1. InvertedWinger
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Looks fine. Personally think Richarlison is worth his weight in gold.

      1. maratus
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Zaha is easy to downgrade to Richarlison if he wont deliver on the easy fixtures

  19. troller
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Foster and ritchie to
    A) de gea and rlc
    B)elliot and richarlison