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6 February 2015 3653 comments
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This weekend marks the final chance to play the winter wildcard in the Fantasy Premier League game and make transfers in its sister game, Ultimate Fantasy Premier League. Our community writers and posters were full of useful advice as the Fantasy windows prepare to slam shut this weekend. We also assess the growing interest in Arsenal’s assets, take a look back at one of last week’s highest scoring benches, and, as always, analyse the key members tables and the latest ups and downs in our community tournaments.

The Community Articles

This weekend marks the closure of the Ultimate Fantasy Premier League’s transfer window. If you’re wondering how to use those remaining trades, Balders’s Ultimate UFPL guide will prove essential reading while you tinker with your final team.

The Puntmaster also dropped by with his regular look at the Gameweek’s best differentials. Have a gander at his latest punts here.

This week also brought about the vote for best article of the month, to pay tribute to the efforts of our community scribes. Congratulations to  Innsie, who scooped the January article of the month prize for his analysis of Baseline Bonus Points for defenders. Innsie wins a £20 Amazon voucher and could be in line for another voucher, worth £100, after notching the highest community champion scout pick Gameweek score in Gameweek 23.  However,  Rupert the Horse will be hoping to beat his score, as well as the Scouts, after winning the vote to represent the community in Gameweek 24.

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

The Hottest Topics

With four Arsenal players achieving a double-digit score in Gameweek 23, there is considerable interest in the North London club’s players from the community, including those with their winter wildcards to play this week. Picking a good defender is among key concerns but thankfully NickofOz was on hand with some intriguing analysis of the bonus potential of Arsenal’s backline.

Given Alexis Sanchez’s injury concerns, Ruth NZ is  urging the community to ditch the Arsenal midfielder and consider the many other, cheaper Arsenal options available. The Gunners’ excellent recent form is also prompting some community members to treble up on their attack.

Another team to command considerable investment from those playing their winter wildcard this week is Southampton, despite their Gameweek 23 loss to Swansea. But as our resident Saints expert Lucy explains,navigating their midield options is no easy task.

While the Southampton midfield line up is set to remain a mystery there was comfort for those looking at Arsenal’s assets ahead of Gameweek 25. Rupert the Horse offered this reminder that the Gunners are one of eight clubs where the line up announcement falls before the deadline that week – i.e, next Tuesday evening.

A strong bench that can frustratingly score more impressively than your first XI is among the risks wildcarders face, according to our top tips and pitfalls of wildcarding. This is something  Highlanderfil knows full well. His impressive Gameweek 23 bench, which included Harry Kane’s 13 points, sparked this  discussion on some of the community’s highest ever unwanted bench hauls.

The Members Tables

Confidence in my assist imminent table is at a high after it predicted Santi Cazorla’s assists against Aston Villa in Gameweek 23. With Cazorla now off the table there are a new array of names at the top to give their owners promise of strong returns.

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

Greenwindmill continues to top the FFScout moderators and contributors league despite another strong week for Mark, who retains second spot. Meanwhile it was all change at the top of the Puffinboy Memorial Cup where Ciaran Lamont moved into first place by a single point over Back on the Horse.

In TorresMagic’s Last Man Standing competition, 464 teams survived after 44 were eliminated when the safety score was set at 53.
Andy in Asia leads the FFS January Wildcard League (352700-723212), which league organiser Red Lightning tells us will remain open to new entries till the end of the season. Meanwhile, in another of Red Lightning’s leaguesSakari Uutela, who is 34th overall, is the new leader of Top 10k Any Season.

In @Ofcprodigy’s Scout Picks Challenge, where the community pits itself against our Scout Picks, Mookie was the overall leader following Gameweek 22, with the Scouts in second and Aliminator and Sticky Mockwell in joint third.

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

  1. Pomp and Circumstance
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    can I get a quick RMT? should I bench Sanchez?, as he's unlikely to play

    Pantilimon
    Wisdom, Terry, Wollscheid
    Di Maria, Elia, Hazard (vc), Cazorla
    P. Cisse, Kane, Aguero (c)

    subs.: Myhill; Sanchez, Bellerin, Hutton

    1. President John F. Keninnsie
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      I'd play Sanchez just in case. I think he'll either start or not be in the squad.

      1. Pomp and Circumstance
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        who would you bench then?...

        1. President John F. Keninnsie
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 1 month ago

          Elia or Cisse

    2. Ferguson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, I think you should bench him. The starting lineup looks good!

    3. Pilko's Pump Pants
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      There's still an outside chance Sanchez will start - better to leave Elia on the bench instead, if Sanchez doesn't start i don't think he'll feature at all...

  2. tokara
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Will walter start? Any care to shed some light?

    1. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Same question mate..its driving me crazy..i think maybe he will!!

      1. tokara
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        I think so too, Hughes sound rather positive that walters will be available

  3. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    So just to be sure:

    As i'm on a WC, I should select Wollscheid over Wisdom as Wisdom's spot is not secure?

    1. President John F. Keninnsie
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Depends when you will need those guys to play for you.

      1. Nice to Finally Michu
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        Well if i'm benching PvA this week then i'd need one of Wollscheid/Wisdom to start for me...unless I should start PvA regardless?

        1. President John F. Keninnsie
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 1 month ago

          Hmm I actually think PVA is not a bad pick this week, Naughton is pretty suspect defensively so attacking returns aren't out of the equation and Sunderland are one of those sides who get cleanies when you don't expect them.

          1. Nice to Finally Michu
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 1 month ago

            So would you opt for Wollscheid over Wisdom on the WC, while starting PvA ahead of Wollscheid this week then?

            1. President John F. Keninnsie
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 1 month ago

              Yep

              1. Nice to Finally Michu
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 1 month ago

                cheers!

  4. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Walters..update?anybody..

    1. jbenny1107
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Game time decision.

  5. nazrijack
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Foster
    Ivan Jones pva
    Hazard Silva Puncheon SANCHEZ
    Giroud Aguero Defoe

    Ospina Walters Baird Bertrand

    should i start baird ahead of sanchez & walters?

    1. President John F. Keninnsie
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn't

      1. Nice to Finally Michu
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        this

  6. baraka1670
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    None of my defenders have a home fixture
    Should i be worried??
    No i dont have a Chelsea defender

    1. President John F. Keninnsie
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Just look forward to next week 😉

    2. Pilko's Pump Pants
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      I'm in a similar situation, just gotta hope for the best

  7. TheOneAndOnly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    A) Courtois + PVA (10.1)
    B) Pantimillion + Azpil (10.6)

    A also allows me to keep Hazard, Eriksen and Kane for DGW

    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      A definitely

    2. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      A. Cheaper and nailed on. Second playing keeper and you'll have a DGW keeper in Courtois.

      1. TheOneAndOnly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        Going with Krul. He has Villa at home GW27. Expensive keepers at 10.3 but it gives me guaranteed Chelsea defender for DGW

        1. Breadbin
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 1 month ago

          Good thinking, I like it.

  8. dmhomag
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Southampton fans, who will start in midfield this weekend?

    1. Blue Lion
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      To cut it short you want to know about JWP...

      1. Nice to Finally Michu
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        Or the Mane/Elia/Tadic conundrum

        I can see Tadic and Mane of those three

      2. dmhomag
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        Lol yeah.

  9. mookie
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    WC team. GTG?

    Foster
    Naughton, Terry, PVA
    Walcott, Hazard(VC), Sterling, Silva
    Kane, Giroud, Agüero(C)

    Myhill, Boyd, Wollscheid, Bellerín

    2.6m ITB

    1. jaggy300
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Start cazorla for walcott

      1. mookie
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers mate, but i fancy Wally to outscore Cazorla in the next few.(placeholder for Sanchez)

  10. jaredwilliams
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone got any ideas what I should do with Ospina considering I have Eriksen/Kane ??

    a) Keep for upcoming fixutres and cop a potential blank this week

    b) Sell

    1. Pilko's Pump Pants
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      I'm just benching him this week and playing Pantilimon instead

  11. jai1212
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Have 2.8 itb and 1 FT
    1. A. Johnson to Sterling
    2. Keep money to swap Walcott for Sanchez when he's fit

    1. mookie
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      2

  12. FionnMac
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Is the Chelsea blank in GW27 reason enough to go for Clichy over Terry/Zouma for now?

    1. President John F. Keninnsie
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Meh, Clichy will miss a game or two as well surely.

    2. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Clichy not being guaranteed starts is a good enough reason.

  13. Blue Lion
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Moses vs Walters.
    Discuss.

    1. The Blackadder
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Walters due a penalty miss, own goal and sending off. Pick Moses.

      1. Blue Lion
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        Such grudge!.. What did he do to you?

        1. 1314
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 1 month ago

          he didn't get benefits from his hat trick while others did

        2. The Blackadder
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 1 month ago

          Exactly that above when I owned him!! Never touch him again.

    2. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Moses a definite starter this week..walters a doubt due to injury but if he starts he is going to score more points imo..

      1. Blue Lion
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        True.

    3. Pomp and Circumstance
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Walters; tho I may wait a few weeks to bring him in

      1. Blue Lion
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        Hm.. Thanks.

    4. 1314
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      moses more likely to get assists points while walters has more scoring potential..but walters position might change to midfield now , which we have to assess (though he might not play this gw)..

    5. Zasa
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Moses in short, underlying stats

  14. Tmel
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Midfield is:

    Sanchez JWP Haz ADM (Boyd)

    Planning on holding Sanchez as TV isn't great so can't spare the 0.5 to get him back. With my 1FT should I do:

    a) ADM > Silva/Caz
    b) Boyd > Mane (bench JWP and he can come in if Sanchez doesn't play and Burnley's fixtures suck)

  15. JD @JDCochran2
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Sterling or Oscar?

    Have:

    JT, Baird, PVA, Clyne, Hutton

    Silva, Hazard, Corzola, ______ Ameobi??

    Kane Giroud Aguero

    On WC

    Should I also change Zouma for JT?

    1. The Blackadder
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Sterling.

  16. The Blackadder
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    In my boys team (who I've taken over the management of :-)) pick one please
    A, Terry, Ameobi, Giroud
    B, Azpil, Cazorla, Ayoze

    1. President John F. Keninnsie
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      A

      1. Alister
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        A

    2. mookie
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      A

    4. The Blackadder
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Well, that's conclusive.

  17. La Roja
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Which one I should go for ?

    A) Corzola
    B) Carzola
    C) Cazorla

    1. The Blackadder
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Walcott 🙂

    2. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      B

    3. Make United Great Again
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Dele Alli

  18. Breadbin
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    A lot of no gravs bought Walters it seems.

    1. Kurtinho
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Including Jinswick.

      1. Breadbin
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        I don't look at his posts, I just reply to them.

    2. dmhomag
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      I have grav. Bought Walters. Don't see anything wrong.

      Last week it was a Walt v Mosey but now clearly Walters pre-injury. Good GW27.

      I am re-assessing only due to injury cos I never trust anyone saying "back next week". I won't be surprised if Fab and Sanchez are out several weeks more.

  19. Kurtinho
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Sold Sanchez last week which I felt was very risky at first, but then I discovered how much better my team looked with that extra cash. Suddenly thought this could be a good way of taking an alternate route up the ranks, whilst others struggled for cash that was tied up in Alexis. But now that he's being sold in droves, my discovery is now pointless 🙁

    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Hopefully he starts and all of you sellers go down the ranks 😀

      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        Assuming he still hogs the points with Ozil, Cazorla, Giroud and Ramsey on the pitch

        1. Kurtinho
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 1 month ago

          This. Having so many Arsenal attacking options was the tipping point for me. He'll no doubt still score big, but that can be mitigated by having one or two of Ozil/Cazorla/Giroud/Wally.

          1. Ryan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 1 month ago

            Yep, I'm hoping Cazorla, Giroud and Bellering will 'cover' Sanchez's points

    2. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Time will tell. He's still the most nailed on and best option imo.

    3. dmhomag
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Big like!

  20. Make United Great Again
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Imagine if Sanchez starts (probably won't).

    But as a Sanchez keeper I'd love it if he played!

    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Here here!

    2. The Blackadder
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      He won't be risked but hopeful for Tuesday night (feel an armband coming on)

      1. Les Bleus
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        If he's able to play he'll start imo. It's the NLD derby.

  21. Les Bleus
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    I'm very late, but why is Wisdom's spot under threat all of a sudden? Did WBA buy someone?

    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Check hot topics

      1. Les Bleus
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        On my phone 🙁

  22. EAGLES (0 Chelsea players)
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Been doing coursework all week, and haven't touched my wildcard til now. Anything news I should be aware of that I might have missed? Thanks.

  23. Pinoche
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Bench Wisdom PVA or Jones?

    1. Brazooka
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      PVA.

  24. Four Four Boyz
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Quick poll: Azpil or Zouma??

    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      I have the latter

    2. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Zouma. Both are rotation threats for the DGW but at least Zouma is cheaper

    3. Four Four Boyz
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks chaps. Zouma it is...now to decide on whether to use the cash to go -4 to upgrade johnson (still have sanchez)

  25. HarryS
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Best mid for £6.9 max?

    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Mane

  26. Ryan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Just looking at GW27 defender options. Outside of ARS, WBA, SWA the only other teams with a decent GW27 fixture and good fixtures in general are Stoke. Except now that Shawcross is injured for 3 weeks I'm not sure they can be relied upon either. Maybe its better to just stick with PVA(mun)?

    1. Blue Lion
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      WHM. They have Palace

      1. Zasa
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        Good option as well, albeit their defenders are more expensive

      2. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        fixtures in general are tough though and they aren't cheap either

    2. Zasa
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Still, Stoke and Newcastle will have the best clean sheet odds of those I reckon. Unless Villa somehow turn their fortune upside down soon, I can see Cisse dismantling them and with Krul back their defense will hopefully regain some lost ground. Not much in it though IMO

      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        Newcastle have rough fixtures in the next 10GW's, not sure its a good idea. Stoke are probably the best bet but without Shawcross I'm not as sure. I don't think there is an easy answer here

        1. dmhomag
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 1 month ago

          Next 10? My brain can't handle past 4 GW. Not a chess grandmaster.

          1. Ryan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 1 month ago

            The fixtures are really bad after GW27

        2. Zasa
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 1 month ago

          There really isn't mate.
          Stoke are your best option overall though IMO, better short term option.

    3. Shifty
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Newcastle not a bad shout with Villa home as well.

      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        I'd probably only play a Newcastle for that defender only in the next 10GW's. I think PVA will still be more useful

        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 1 month ago

          *fixture

        2. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 1 month ago

          Grammar fail all round. I'd only play a Newcastle defender in that one game over the next 10 fixtures, probably not worth it

  27. pundit of punts
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Naughton or Wisdom on WC?

    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Naughton

    2. Brazooka
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Wisdom.

    3. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      I'd have both. Tough choice

    4. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Naughton due to Wisdom being hauled off last week.

  28. JasonG123
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Good to go for this week?

    Krul
    Terry Clyne Naughton
    Hazard (vc) Sterling Cazorla Silva
    Kun Giroud Kane

    Subs: Foster // Boyd PvA Bellerina

    2.6m ITB, on WC.

    1. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Sanchez plan?

      1. JasonG123
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        Cazorla to Sanchez?

    2. Emp
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      yep

  29. Ferguson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Who should be in my starting lineup when I must choose between:
    A) Van Aaanholdt?
    or
    B) Cresswell?
    or
    C) Rose?

    1. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      I'd go for Rose, just because I have a hunch he'll score or assist today.

    2. mookie
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      A imo

  30. HNI
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Guys with combo is best this week?
    1)Panti+WIsdom
    2)Foster+PVA
    i know nothing much in it but i wanted opinion on GK more likely to give save points and defender with more attacking potential..
    Cheers guys 🙂