While the Scout League looks to be a one-horse race, our focus turns to our leader in the Sky Sports game who is now within touching distance of top spot and a grasp on the £25k top prize. We examine his quest for glory, acknowledge our community’s other leading players, glance at the recent transfer trends and indulge in a pre-match kickabout with the Fantasy Football Club.
The Scout League
Once again, Chris Pearce enjoyed another strong Gameweek, leaving those around him in his wake. His “UtakaDefoeKingPearce” lineup is now sitting on an impressive 2032 points, some 50 ahead of his nearest Scout League rival – Paul McAnulty and his “Housewives Favourite” squad. Pascal Evans’ “Covport” jumped back into third in our rankings, leaping over Chris Tuck’s wonderfully named, “Vuvuzela Symphony”; Pascal’s second Covport lineup remains fifth.
While Pearce looks to have the Scout League sewn up, his recent progress in the overall rankings remains pretty extraordinary and suggests that anything is possible. For the third week running, Chris closed the gap and is now just 13 points from toppling long time leader, Simon Ward. Having been 82 points behind under a month ago, this would truly be a huge turnaround. It looks like we’re heading for a nail-biting conclusion, with a hefty cheque up for grabs for the Fantasy manager who can stay the distance.
Chris’ progress has contributed to the Scout League stretching its lead at the top of the Private League rankings – we’re now over 26 points ahead thanks to the performances of our managers, with seven names in the overall top 20.
A reminder that if you’re playing the Sky Sports game and have yet to join our league, you can still sign up to the FFScout League with this Pin: 8004519.
Market Trends
Despite blanking in both his double Gameweek fixtures, Marouane Fellaini’s return to Everton’s lineup was enough to tempt investment from Fantasy managers. Mirroring the Fantasy Premier League game, the Belgian is the most popular signing in the Gameweek, with over 6% of trades seeing Fellaini brought into squads.
Elsewhere, City’s Sergio Aguero has earned interest after his FA Cup semi-final exploits – no doubt with Sky Sports managers seeking a differential for the season run-in. Like Aguero, Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla has been brought in as part of over 3% of the transfers made this week. The Spaniard’s popularity continues to soar: only Robin Van Persie has more owners in the game. Despite blanking in his two Gameweek fixtures, the Gunners playmaker has gathered 27 points in the last four weeks – only Michael Carrick can match that form amongst the midfielders in the game.
In the opposite column, Gareth Bale has again suffered losses – his recent injury has seen his owners shedding his services, despite his consistent form: over 10% of the trades made in the last seven days have seen Bale moved on.
Luis Suarez is another player being sold on, with four straight blanks no doubt convincing his owners to reconsider their options up top. Even Michu has suffered a decline in ownership this week: over 3% of the transfers made saw the Swansea hitman make way as a result of his blank Gameweek. Those managers may now regret that move given his home fixture with Southampton this weekend and his forthcoming double.
The Fantasy Football Club – Tonight 10pm
There’s a change of tactics in the Fantasy Football Club ranks – tonight, Fenners and Merse are recruiting Boris Becker into their burgeoning squad. While we’re unsure on his football credentials, the banter with Merse should be worth the watch. Join that trio tonight at 10pm on Sky Sports one or, if you miss out, catch up at 9am tomorrow on Sky Sports two.
