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16 March 2017 1794 comments
Mark Mark
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A trio of Josh Kings saved the Gameweek for the ScoutCast regulars, steering Jonty, Andy and myself to respectability, despite a scattering of ill-fated transfer hits. Meanwhile, AZ drops in with his own unique solution to the curtailed Gameweek 28, as he deals a controversial early Wildcard to help prepare for the choppy waters.

The Wildcard is a key focus of this week’s episode, as we extend our recent Hot Topic to the ScoutCast airwaves, arguing the optimum time to activate the most precious of chips.

Elsewhere, we spare a moment to weigh up the “essential” status of the aforementioned Cherries midfielder, consider the recent unrest surrounding Sanchez and Lukaku and discuss the fall-out from Kane’s twanged ankle.

This ScoutCast was first beamed live via our YouTube channel on Tuesday night. Be sure to subscribe to get notice of future live episodes.

If you’re a traditional type, you can acquire the mp3 audio version via this link or the first player below, or take in the full visual experience via the second player below.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

  1. The DGW Theory
    Swan - Villa Proud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Hello all. Just wanted to share my thoughts on the upcoming DGW’s and what I THINK could be the schedule. It’s just a theory nut will give it a go.

    From all the blanks, there were a total of 12 PL fixtures that needed to be rescheduled. One (MCI v STO) has already been rescheduled and played, leaving 11 still to make up

    GW 26
    SOU v ARS
    MCI v MUN

    GW28
    SOU v MUN
    CHE v WAT
    TOT v CPL
    MID v SUN
    ARS v LEI

    GW34
    ARS v SUN
    CHE v SOU
    MCI v WBA
    LEI v TOT

    Now, let’s make some assumptions/guesses

    - United made the Europa QF. Those legs are 13/4 and 20/4, which conflict directly with GW32/33. So, it would behold the FA to put United’s two makeups (sou + mci) into GW34 and GW37. Of these two, the derby is almost assuredly heading to GW37 as scheduling it in GW34 would have a knock on effect to many other teams (like giving WBA a blank in 34)

    - Arsenal v Southampton (or SUN or LEI for that matter) could have their GW26 fixture rescheduled for GW32 or 33. But Arsenal are on MNF both weeks. Would BT Sport agree to this? I know I wouldn’t be happy if I was an ad exec. So if they or whomever resist, the only other make up that could be played in 32/33 (and cause no other conflicts) is CHE v SOU from GW34. Moving this fixture here then also allows for CHE v WAT to be played midweek GW34 and CHE would then not have a blank in 34.

    - GW34 is likely to have all the original scheduled GW34 fixtures (bar CHE v SOU) be rescheduled to midweek. If CHE v WAT and SOU v MUN are also made up here, it gives Watford and United a DGW and SGW to Chelsea and Southampton. This ensures that every PL team plays at least once that GW.

    - SOU v ARS can go in GW35 or 36. I’ll say 35 since ARS will have another DGW in 37 (in my scenario)

    - GW37 will have the 3 remaining blank fixtures from 28, plus the Manchester derby.

    So my BEST guess at the schedule

    DGW32/33 - 2 teams
    CHE (bou/mun, SOU)
    SOU (wba/MCI, che)

    DGW34 – 2 teams
    MUN (bur, sou)
    WAT (hul, che)

    DGW35 – 2 teams
    ARS (tot, sou)
    SOU (HUL, ARS)

    GW37 – 8 teams
    ARS (sto, LEI)
    CPL (HUL, TOT)
    LEI (mci, ars)
    MCI (LEI, MUN)
    MUN (tot, mci)
    MID (bou, SUN)
    SUN (SWA, mid)
    TOT (MUN, cpl)

    Again, just my theory based on the schedule, and basic logic. Could be completely wrong, but I’ll bookmark it to see if I get it right.

    1. AK ⭐
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Few pointers Swan:

      1) Has it ever happened before that an original fixture was rescheduled to some other week and some other fixture instead was played in that original week? (Chelsea case with Watford and Southampton). I can't recall it, but then again, my memory isn't too good.

      2) In the case of Boro, can they have their DGW in GW34? I think that midweek slot is free for them.

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Can't remember seeing this happening for point 1, I agree with AK on point 2.

      2. Swan - Villa Proud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Hi AK.

        1) I don't recall that ever happening, but certainly doable if they want to keep future fixture congestion to a minimal.The blank City Stoke match was rescheduled a week ahead.

        2_ Yes they could, but if so, Boro's fixtures are bou, SUN. Which means ARS v SUN needs to be moved. DOn't think that will go in 32/33 for reasons i state (MNF) and not sure ARS want a DGW in 35, 36 AND 37.

        The linchpin fixture in this whole thing is Chelsea v Saints. If CHE v SOU is just made up midweek GW34, it means a) CHE v WAT is moved to GW37, B) United only get a SGW in 34, C) If ARS wont be moved off MNF, then Saints two other makeups get plugged into GW35 and 36, giving Arsenal and/or United 5 fixtures in about 2.5 weeks time plus United would have Europa semis to think about if they make it that far. Certainly possible, but clogs the schedule imo.

        1. AK ⭐
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Saints have messed up the whole league, haven't they? 😆

          Thanks for the post Swan! Bookmarked! It'll be a massive help if true, especially for those like me that don't have the Wildcard left anymore

          1. Swan - Villa Proud
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Cheers, and I also don't have a WC, hence the long term planning. 🙂

    2. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Whether you are right or wrong thanks for your time on this and sharing it here.

      1. Swan - Villa Proud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        No worries. If I get half right, I'll be happy 🙂

    3. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Guesswork so it doesn't really matter anyway, but why would you not have put Chelsea v Southampton in GW37?

      1. Swan - Villa Proud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        It certainly could go there. But would likely mean Saints would then have 3 doubles in 4 gameweek (34, 35/36 and 37). Was trying to spread out the fixtures a bit to give clubs less congestion.

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          S'ton wouldn't have a DGW in 34.

          1. Swan - Villa Proud
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Thanks for correcting that. Stil 5 fixtures over 4 week.

            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 16 Years
              8 years, 9 months ago

              6 over 4 😉

              1. Swan - Villa Proud
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 9 months ago

                Of course, forgetting SGW36. Mind on DGW overload

    4. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Nice post
      Thanks Swan 🙂

      1. Swan - Villa Proud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers Ogie. Hope your season is going well

    5. Moves like Dejagah
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      This is certainly food for thought, thank you.

    6. Morph - Unbelievable Geoff
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks Swan, that's well thought though and is a likely scenario.

      I'm still wondering about the assumption that GW34 fixtures will stay in the same GW. Last season the games postponed due to the FA cup QFs were played before the SF postponements were.

      I don't see why most of the GW 26 & 28 postponements cannot be played midweek in GW34, and the GW34 fixtures moved to GW37.

      1. Swan - Villa Proud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers. That's a theory as well. But not all of the 26 and 28 could be made up midweek due to A) some of the same teams having 26 and 28 fixtures to make up (SOU, ARS, MUN) and B) the knock on effect it hast o GW37 fixtures already scheduled (Ex, MCI v WBA is now postponed and has to be made up, along with the derby. Plus SOU play both ARS and MUN, so both those can't be made up together in 34)

        Bottom line: Some teams is going to get screwed with multiple doubles in quick succession. 🙂 My theory was just to spread it out more so their is more of a break.

        1. Morph - Unbelievable Geoff
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Either method gives you 2 fixtures left over, like the ones you've put in GWs 32 and 35. I see the two options as 50-50 but there seems to be an assumption that the GW34 fixtures will stay. I'm intrigued as to why.

          Guess we'll find out soon. Thanks for the post.

    7. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      An HT? This is like guessing the FA Cup draw.

      1. AK ⭐
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        It's a theory and it'll invite discussion. Worthy of a HT I think. 🙂

        1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Jeez - I'm off to bed - happy discussing 🙂

      2. Rhinos
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Pretty sure we'll be able to guess the next round draw

      3. Swan - Villa Proud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I didn't ask for a HT.

    8. John t penguin
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Jeez none of hose look outstanding
      But then again th city one in 27 did

      1. Swan - Villa Proud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Sunderland in 37 🙂

    9. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      It is possible to play all the rearranged matches can be played in game-weeks 34 and 37 apart from SOU v ARS.
      This would mean that only one match has to be played in a European week and clash with the Champions League.
      This is likely to be more acceptable to UEFA than having two matches clashing with the Champions League.
      SOU v ARS could be played in either GW35 or GW36.

      One way to get all the other matches into GW34 and 37 would be to play MCI v MUN in GW34 midweek, move MCI v WBA from GW34 to GW37, move the other 3 matches from GW34 into GW34 midweek, and play the rest in GW37 (apart from MID v SUN, which could be either GW34 or GW37). This would give WBA a blank in GW34 followed by a double in GW37.

      An alternative would be to play SOU v MUN and CHE v WAT in GW34 midweek, move CHE v SOU from GW34 to GW37, move the other 3 matches from GW34 into GW34 midweek, and play the rest in GW37 (apart possibly from MID v SUN). But this would give MCI a blank in GW34 followed by a double in GW37, which makes this arrangement less likely, since MCI will be competing for a position in the top four whereas WBA are safely in mid-table.

      1. Swan - Villa Proud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Where does ARS V SUN get played if you have MID v SUN in 34?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          GW37, MID would double in 34.

          1. Swan - Villa Proud
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Ok, so gives Arsenal 6 in 4 then, instead of Saints. Certainly could happen. Like I said someone's getting screwed.

            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 16 Years
              8 years, 9 months ago

              Arsenal and S'ton get screwed the same regardless. Between 34 and 37, they play the same number.

      2. Swan - Villa Proud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Very plausible theory Red Many ways this could go. I just didn't see the FA creating any more blanks than they already had. They may throw some into GW38 for all we know 🙂

        1. RedLightning
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          All the final round of matches have to kick off at the same time so that no team has the advantage of knowing the other results before they play.
          Last year was an exception because of the bomb scare at Old Trafford, but they certainly won't plan in advance to have any additional matches in GW38.
          Looking at it again, I realised that the suggestion in my 3rd paragraph would not create any blanks after all, so I think that would be the best solution.

      3. RedLightning
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        *Correction: replace my 3rd paragraph by:

        An alternative would be to play SOU v MUN and CHE v WAT in GW34 midweek, move CHE v SOU from GW34 to GW37, move the other 3 matches from GW34 to GW34 midweek, and play the rest in GW37 (apart from MID v SUN , which could be either GE34 or GW37.
        This would not result in any teams having blanks in GW34, and is therefore a better solution.

        1. RedLightning
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          * MID v SUN has to be GW37

          This would result in the following teams having DGWs:
          GW34: MUN & WAT
          GW35 or 36: ARS & SOU
          GW37: ARS , CHE, CRY, LEI, MCI, MID, MUN, SOU, SUN & TOT

          1. Swan - Villa Proud
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Makes sense. Same scenario as mine, only having CHE v SOU in GW37 instead of GE32/33. This could be what they do. Cheers Redlighting

            1. RedLightning
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 15 Years
              8 years, 9 months ago

              Yes, I hadn't realised that my final version was so similar to your original one, mainly because my other suggestion had more differences. Great minds think alike, perhaps?

    10. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      the Manchester derby will be in 34

      why?

      because sky control the fixtures as much as the Fa and it will be more likely to be a dead rubber in 37

      they will want the bigger fixtures on different days and weeks where possible

      1. Swan - Villa Proud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Do you think they are going to put one of their showcase fixtures on in midweek?

    11. Triggy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I had something similar posted but it got lost. Can't see Chelsea Southampton going to a European night if it can be helped, even if the cost is a WBA blank. Original post:

      Looking at all of the permutations, there are a lot of difficulties in GW34 with teams like Bournemouth not wanting to postpone a Saturday game at home to the midweek, just so Middlesbrough and Sunderland can play on the weekend instead (and they would be within their rights to stick to this). Then there are a whole series of knock-on events coming from the "simplest" solution where most of the GW34 games would go into the midweek if possible but the FA would need to make sure Man United, Man City, Southampton and Arsenal would fit their games in as a priority as they have more games than other teams to come up. As a knock on, I can only see the following fixture list happening:

      All postponed GW 34 fixtures would take place in midweek except for MCI vs WBA, but there would be MCI vs MUN instead.

      GW34 Doublers
      Man United (bur, mci)

      GW34 Blank
      West Brom

      GW32, 33, 35 or 36 Doublers (probably 35 or 36 due to Monday Night Football for 32 and 33)
      Arsenal (tot/MUN, sot)
      Southampton (HUL/mid, ARS)

      GW37 Doublers
      Arsenal (sto, LEI)
      Chelsea (wba, WAT)
      Leicester (mci, ars)
      Man City (LEI, WBA)
      Man United (tot, sot)
      Middlesbrough (SOT, SUN)
      Palace (HUL, TOT)
      Southampton (mid, MUN)
      Spurs (MUN, cpl)
      Sunderland (SWA, mid)
      Watford (eve, che)
      West Brom (CHE, mci)

    12. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I must admit-I'm confused!

      Thanks all, goodbye debate-the one thing I'm getting from this is a wc in 36 and a bb in 37 looks a lock in!

      1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        In summary, look at this, but take no real notice of it or base any of your FPL decisions on it. As I have said, it is like guessing a cup draw.

        1. Swan - Villa Proud
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Cheers mate

    13. TheHungryMøn ⭐
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Great effort Swan! Guess we should start loading up on united then

  2. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Price Changes - 17th March 2017

    🔽 Markovic, Milner, Firmino, Defour

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Only the 4 that were over 100 tonight that did not rise. This is getting repetitive.

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        WC must be playing a factor.

    2. VanDerStar
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      No risers? 4 players were supposed to rise today, weird..

    3. Swan - Villa Proud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Cheers. Lose 0.1 on Firmino but oh well.

    4. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Down .1 thanks Bobby.

  3. HVT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Happy Paddies Day!
    Cmon lads and lassies let's get some green on!

    1. Numb
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Trust the Irish to have a National day that revolves around getting pished:-)

      1. HVT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        An Irish man walks into a pub. The bartender asks him, "what'll you have?"

        The man says, "Give me three pints of Guinness please."

        So the bartender brings him three pints and the man proceeds to alternately sip one, then the other, then the third until they're gone. He then orders three more.

        The bartender says, "Sir, I know you like them cold. You don't have to order three at a time. I can keep an eye on it and when you get low I'll bring you a fresh cold one."

        The man says, "You don't understand. I have two brothers, one in Australia and one in the States. We made a vow to each other that every Saturday night we'd still drink together. So right now, my brothers have three Guinness Stouts too, and we're drinking together.

        The bartender thought that was a wonderful tradition.

        Every week the man came in and ordered three beers. Then one week he came in and ordered only two. He drank them and then ordered two more.

        The bartender said to him, "I know what your tradition is, and I'd just like to say that I'm sorry that one of your brothers died."

        The man said, "Oh, me brothers are fine----I just quit drinking."

        1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Hehehe

        2. Jafooli
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          😆

          A pint of Guinness is traditionally drunk in three gulps, leaving three froth rings in the class.

          Or at least that's what I've be told, and therefore do 😀

          1. GENERATION X
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Nobody told Darren Clarke or Ian Woosnam 🙂

        3. Numb
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Ha ha, nice.

        4. Netley Lucas
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          lol 😉

    2. Dreams
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Happy paddies day lads.

    3. Jafooli
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Enjoy HVT, have a Guinness for me.....to be sure, to sure.....top o' the morning ta yah....

    4. Je suis le chat
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks. I'm just glad of the day off to ponder which spuds to bring into my FF team. Never went in for the drinking side; leave that for the lower socioeconomic groups to terrorise tourists around Temple bar.

  4. You can’t have them all - the ownership giants to fear
    J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Fantasy Football Scout daily hot topic

    You can’t have them all - the ownership giants to fear

    Usually on a Friday I canvass views on the best differentials for the GWK ahead. But with a full set of fixtures once again perhaps we should be more concerned with the increased number of well owned players at our disposal, who have the potential to score well.

    With just 11 places available to us – we simply can’t have them all.

    Which well owned players that you don’t own do you most fear?

    Which of your current crop of heavily owned assets do you hope will do well?

    Is there one popular player you don’t own that you particularly fear?

    To help out here is a list of the most well owned players - for this I’ll stick to those with a 20% or more ownership and split into well owned clean sheet potential and well owned goal and assist potential

    Clean Sheets

    De Gea – 33.5%
    Jakupovic - 23%
    Walker - 36.2%
    McAuley -32.5%

    A ManU and Spurs clean sheet could be costly to non owners. Another lucky McAuley goal could also see a rankings plunge for non owners

    Attacking Points

    Lukaku 43.8%
    Costa 36.9%
    Hazard 28.2%
    Sanchez 25.8%
    Alli 25.3%
    Mane 24.5%
    Defoe 22.9%
    Aguero 21%

    (I’ve left out Capoue)

    Those without those key Chelsea players will be hoping they don’t do a ‘West Ham’ and score well against Stoke

    Lukaku’s huge ownership and captaincy potential make any haul from him deadly for non owners. Mane, Alli and Sanchez hauls could also hurt non owners.

    1. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Of the above I only own Lukaku, Mane and Aguero with Alli very likely to come in.

      That’s just four out of 12 potential ranking plungers. Obviously I have to hope my relative differentials of Coleman, King, Carroll, Sigurdsson and Alonso can off set any hauls. But ultimately I guess that is the story of the season – you can’t have them all. 🙂

    2. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I think we have good enough differentials plus these players to not much worry about anyone else . All of Them scoring well do make it hard to climb the rankings though .

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        There have been weeks this season where the bulk of the well owned players do well. I can see pretty much all of the above list doing well this week - but yes the likes of King and Coleman - who are favourites among the FFS community - should in theory more than compensate.

        1. Phil Dagger ⭐
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Completely agree Jonty.last thing we doesn't need now is a McAuley goal .

          1. Phil Dagger ⭐
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Also a defoe brace 🙁 no no no

    3. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Good post Jonty, not (c) Lukaku last week killed me and I was well set up going into the gw (10 players), saying that if he blanked and my alternative strategy of (c) Mane worked-I was laughing, but these are the risks we take when it comes to ownership.

    4. WDT
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Defoe to do the damage this weekend buoyed by Eng call up. Gwan Jermain

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Yep for me my worst case scenario is ManU, Spurs clean sheets, Defoe brace, Chelsea rampage at Stoke and Sanchez to score against WBA....that collection is very likely indeed.

    5. Dreams
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I own Luka, Sanchez, Costa, jaku, Walker, Alonso. Worried about Mane and Alli. I hope my relative differential called Sterling pays off against his former team.

    6. FPLtfs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Only Lukaku and Mane from your list, Jonty. Oh, and just did Kane ➡ Costa.

      Not too concerned about Sanchez atm really, and think I might get him in for gw31.
      Will definitely get spurs & utd def in the coming weeks. Reluctant to take hits atm as I'm ranked 601 and constantly sweating 🙂

    7. makaveli123
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Own Lukaku, Costa, Aguero and Mane. Alli, Hazard and Sanchez are my main concerns.

      1. HammersFan
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I've been waying up coutinho to either sanchez or alli all week and still undecided.

        I can see big points for sanchez though if brom continue their early holidays.

        Not sure why everyone is rushing to get spurs assets in this week though? Soton isn't the easiest game surely?

        1. Athletic Bilbo
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Agreed, I'm waiting to see how they shape up without HK

    8. Speédy
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Don't have hazard,Costa,Alli,kun ,spurs ,man u def
      Not afraid of Chelsea attackers as stoke won't concede much,have good alternative defs
      Alli and kun the only ones I am afraid of

    9. The Butch
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I have owned Brunt for quite a while, so McAuley is the one that upsets most when he gets these lucky goals. Arsenal definitely a good candidate for enabling him to shine again... Though changing him into Valencia this week so also cancels the De Gea fear.

      Forward, I have been punished by Defoe, the england team call might very much boost his motivation this weekend. Aguero as well could punish sellers (am one of them)!

    10. SweepaKeepa
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Sanchez the scary one missing for me. But it is an informed, balanced choice and I'm happy with the alternatives. It's just that if he goes crazy, I'm left with a big Sanchez-shaped hole in my team.

    11. Athletic Bilbo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      ML rival has Sanchez so he's my big fear but I'm resolutely rolling the ft this week. She fears my Kaku and Mane more I suspect

    12. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      For CS I fear MU and Spurs. I haven't HD a MU defender all season!
      For attackers I fear Alli, Hazard and Sanchez the most but can't have em all! I hope my Kun, Coleman, King and Eriksen go nuts however.

    13. Individual
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Early doors HT!

      Erm, yeah i purposefully only have Coleman, Kun and Kaku of those, plus Jaku OTB.

      I always fear not owning Costa but it's not possible right now without a few hits.

      I hope Kun and Coleman do the business this weekend, Kaku © I'm sure will be hygeine in my ML so it'll be about differentials​.

      I'd also add I'm discomfitted by no Alli, have had to go Eriksen as ML rival I'm chasing has Dele and we have a few others in common.

    14. Swansea Bloke
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      My WC Team active for this weekend:

      Pickford (Japukovic)
      Alonso/Ben Davies/Valencia (Fernandez/Stephens)
      Hazard/Sanchez/Mane/Alli/Son
      Lukaku/Deeney (Barnes

      Weak bench but I have no BB so I'm relatively happy with that. Will be bringing in Citeh players for GW32 onwards with FTs...

      I have 5 of your highly owned players so happy with that.

      Anyone want to RMWCT? 😉 Cheers

    15. Game of Throw_ins
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I own Walker, Mane, Lukaku & Aguero.. I m always ready for a hit a week.. But this international break is such a spoiler. Thinking of a rare Save the transfer this week. Will monitor Spurs mids and gametime/fatigue/Jetlag of long distance fliers. Mostly will get 2 or 3 of Sanchez, Alli/Son/Pedro & Defoe/Costa next GW.

    16. Darklord_bg
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I fear Sanchez and Kun the most, though now King has joined their ranks. Not very owned overall, but a lot of the top1000 and my closest ML rivals own him.

      Walker and McAuley are others I don't own but I don't expect huge hauls from them.

    17. Slam
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Chelsea attack, Spurs attack, Sanchez, Man U defence, Spurs defence...

      Yeah I'm fooked

  5. 5 reasons to keep your wildcard until gw36
    Rhinos
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Personally I think it's pretty clear that the optimal strategy is to wc 36, bb 37. In no particular order here are 5 reasons why;

    A) Jesus, if he's back by 37 it changes who'd you want as a Man City asset, if he's not then Kun a great option, good luck trying to fit him and Ibra in with one free transfer

    B) Chelsea, will they have won the league by then, could make a huge difference as to who you want as coverage

    C) Motivation, by waiting we will know who's in the mix for top 4 and bottom 3, teams with things to play for will be more reliable in both form and, crucially for fpl, team selection

    D) Form, a lot of the current RMWCTs have some absolute dross in that's gonna stink your bench out all for the hope of a one or two point boost down the line. Chances are at least one of these picks will be out of favour by then and the cheapies are often hardest to replace

    E) Squad balance, to optimise bb you gonna want a more expensive bench than you'd normally have, that's hard to maintain from now till the end, much rather just be able to cherry pick in 36

    This the optimal route imo but of course most people's teams aren't in an optimal situation. Should stress that it's different for every team but if you can reach 36 with only minor tweaks needed then I reckon this is the way to go

    1. Demí
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      E is a very good point

    2. FPLtfs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Hmm. The wildcard is a really good chip though, and it would be a shame if its wasted on a gw37 dgw that didn't work out. Might make up a lot of ground from say gw 31-32-33 if you use it by then. Maybe even more valuable than fielding 13-14-15 dgw'ers.

      I'm undecided though. Initial plan was wc gw26, but the above arguments may make me play it earlier.

      1. FPLtfs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        initial plan gw36, obviously.

    3. FIRMANHO
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Like your thinking. Would you play WC with my current team?

      Foster, Jaku
      Williams, Alonso, Yoshida, Brunt, Ward
      Siggy, Capoue, Lallana, Phillips, Snoddy
      Costa, Lukaku, Kane

      I feel like I need to....

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Yes.

      2. Tired and weary
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Definitely, that's savage.

        Williams, Brunt, Ward, Capoue, Lallana, Phillips and Kane all need to go!

    4. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah I have to agree with this.

      Depending on how your team looks some people may need to play it GW34 for the first doubles.

      Assuming we here about the doubles shortly though we should be able to use or free transfers to stock up for GW34 with it being a small double.

      Certainly think waiting as long as possible is the best way.

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        United players (including Ibra TC) is all I'd want in GW34, I'd rather have in form players playing once that GW, than dross form Middlesbough, Watford and Palace who may pay twice.

    5. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      WC 36, BB 37 is what I've had in mind all season, however I may move this forward a GW if Arsenal and Southampton have a DGW35. Three players from each of those sides should be easy to incorporate into our squads, given that there is no blank GW between then and the end of the season.

    6. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Luck is going to have a lot do with it. If the earlier WCers are lucky with injuries, suspension, rotation, and have players who end up having decent and meaningful fixtures in DGW37, they are probably going to be quids in.

      The fixtures announcement is going to dictate a lot.

      1. Rhinos
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Yes. I've long thought that accepting how big a part luck plays is key to enjoying fpl. Problem is its human nature to think our good luck is deserved and our bad luck is disgusting.

      2. @fpl_phenom
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        When are remaining postponed fixtures likely to be announced?

    7. Pazdannavaro
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      But with possible 2dgw by that time you will may loose some points in between.
      AD.A Kun is needed from gw34 either way, so as Ibra. That can planned in Gw30 with no problem. His change for Jesus is even easier then.
      Ad.B Conte is not going to rotate his squad with 360 degrees as he has winning mentality despite the circumstances.
      AD.C don't see that as a factor when it comes to top6 battling for UCL.
      AD.D Eriksen, Costa, Spurs def, Che def, Sanchez are examples of consistent source of points. You just need to reduce the risk.
      AD.E I disagree. Defenders and 5th mids having at least on dgw like Yoshida, Holebas, Capoue, Kante, Romeu are safe picks.
      So as Pickford, Valdes or Deeney.
      Some budget options already can be selected with low probability of being out of favour.
      Injury risk is always a factor. FT should do the job.

    8. Konig Luther
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      wait for fixtures release then i decide... probably still will wildcard in gw31 or gw32. Is when my team have a change of fixtures

    9. Ruth_NZ
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      When would you play it if you didn't have the BB? That's the best question.

      If your BB dictates when you wildcard then in my opinion the tail is wagging the dog.

      1. Rhinos
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I'm hoping for a 30pt boost minimum from bb so I think it's fine to utilise it this way. There's no way of knowing if I'd gain more by wildcarding now. It's all a big old gamble let's face it

        1. Balotelli
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Dont you contradict yourself here? You start the article by saying that you think there is a clear optimal strategy...

    10. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      all down to when the other DGWs fall and what the actual fixtures are for GW 37.
      there may well be more games in GW37 but there are some pretty unattractive options for these games e.g. top sides playing each other, weaker sides (those where many bench players would probably come from) away at top sides etc.

    11. Bird Raymond
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Good points, seems obvious and it's suprising that many have changed their view on this over the last week or so. I think people are overthinking things again, like with recent captain picks on here such as Siggy a few weeks ago and Mane last week.

      I played the wildcard in January last year and it worked a treat, but surely if you have waited this long and your team is in reasonable shape you may as well wait.

    12. Swansea Bloke
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I used my BB a GWs back as I felt my whole squad had decent fixtures and form. It didn't work to the magnitude that I'd hoped it would, admittedly, but I did gain me green arrows and that's the desired effect, no?

      My WC is active now and I'm setting up for the long haul. I've drafted in players that have form, fixtures and DGWs approaching. I have a few planned transfers ready for GW32 (No points for guessing which team I have in mind!)

      I think people place a lot of faith in a WC before a BB DGW when you'd get near enough the same amount of points if you used it it any other DGW or SGW to be honest. Luck has a huge part to play also.

    13. Jayv807
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I'm in my WC at the moment. I'm 4 points down in my ML and I caught up 30 points last week as my rival did not prepare and had already used his WC. But now I want Spurs, Chelsea etc and my defense was rubbish. So using my WC now lets me set myself up for the coming weeks. If I have to take a -12 or so to maximise my BB in GW 37 so be it, but I'm confident I'll have benefited a lot more than that by using my WC now. No right or wrong time to WC in my opinion. If you're happy with your team now, then save it. To each their own.

    14. Hughes the Daddy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I agree that WC 36 for BB 37 still looks best. I think perhaps some people are basing a strategy to WC early on last year's failings such as Liverpool rotation. I suspect the solution is to pick players who as you say have something definite to play for - relegation battlers in particular for me - and make sure you have the greatest chance of getting 15 DGWers . I also like the fact that a late WC allows you to essentially forget about it now and concentrate transfers on getting the most out of the period before GW36.

    15. Crystal
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      This would be true if the teams who have doubles didn't have decent fixtures up until GW37. Arsenal is a prime example, decent fixtures until the end of the season and a DGW guaranteed so there's no need not to hold 3 Arsenal players going forward. The same case can be made for Man Utd, Spurs and to a lesser extent Southampton

    16. tm245
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      If people hold their wild cards that late I think the most that can be gained would be 20 points.

      As an early wild carder, I will make transfer moves to load up on DGW players in the short term and then take hits galore to field the absolute best teams for all of the DGWs so I can maximize all of them. For DGW 37, if it is as big as it seems it might be, with a -12 or -16 I will be able to match the number of DGW players a late wild carder will have. The other advantage for them would be one extra FT in GW37 if they wild card GW36, hence 20 points maximum. A few Bench Boosted differentials and that gap can certainly be narrowed.

      I am of the opinion that shrewd hits can more than offset the advantage of a late wild carder, especially if they avoid fixing SGW problems in their team between now and then.

      1. Crystal
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I've made this point before that the WC for a one off double is only worth the number of hits it takes to get all the double gameweek players. Playing the wildcard in this way only makes it worth around 16 to 20 points, so you're exactly right in what you say

  6. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Josh King!

    1. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      😎

  7. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    It was such a lovely surprise bumping into Az after the scoutcast.

    He was good enough to stop for a photo as well

    Top bloke 🙂

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      😉 he could have smiled?

    2. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 18 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Sorry to be a killjoy but can you host the image and link to it - a link to a download may spook a few folk. Thanks.

    3. Optimus.
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      You do know he's getting well paid from FFS to stand there and get his photo taken with you?

    4. Az
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I'll always make time for a fan! 😉

  8. Boozername
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Front 8 are

    Mane - King - Siggy - Mirallas - Antonio
    Luk - Kun - Costa

    Thinking of using my ft to do Mane>Eriksen. Am I barmy? should I just save the ft??

    1. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Save.

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Id rather have Ali or Son.

  9. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    I loved the bit on the scoutcast were Mark revealed how he got the better of TM in GW28.

    Just the two transfers by last Friday night completely threw TM who was checking his team.

    Clever stuff 😀

    1. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 18 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I doubt that got the better of anyone - old tactic when you know a rival is watching 😉

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I wonder if TM would have got Josh King in if he had seen 3 transfers on Friday night?

        This is by far the best ML I'm following. Two titans with immense knowledge of the game going head to head. Absolutely fascinating to see who will come out on top.

        1. _Freddo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Mark and TM are cringing right now, pull yourself together.

          1. FPL Virgin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            I respectfully decline. It's a compelling duel.

        2. DA Minnion (Former great)
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          The word starstruck comes to mind.

  10. Atwood
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    You are not seeing things. I genuinely have Holgate, Amat and Rondon in my squad. Given that I'll be using my wildcard fairly soon I guess it's not a huge deal though.

    1FT, 2.4 in the bank. Any advice? Get Sanchez?

    Grant
    Brunt - Coleman - Alonso
    Mane - Carroll - Eriksen - Sigurdsson
    Lukaku - Costa - Rondon

    Pickford - Holgate - Capoue - Amat

    1. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Play Pickford over Grant for a start.

      Then Brunt to Valencia/Walker.

    2. Morgs
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Rondon to defoe

  11. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Play Mawson(already playing Siggy and Llorente) or Funes Mori(HUL)?

    1. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Do we know if Funes Mori will even play after starting on the bench last week? I say that as Funes Mori owner.

  12. IWR
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Brunt to Valencia or Walker? (For a -4)

    1. Morgs
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Not for a hit, wait til next week. I am benching Brunt but got a nasty feeling he will go back to hauling at home this week

  13. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Pie eating whale eats a pie on the sidelines and is sacked. Rojo eats a banana on the pitch and gets away with it. I feel for the poor whale.

  14. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on where to go from here?

    Heaton
    Alonso / Baines / Funes Mori
    Mane / Firmino / Sterling / Sigurdsson
    Aguero / Lukaku / Llorente.

    Jaku / McAuley / Maguire / T. Carroll

    1ft. 1.8itb

    1. AK ⭐
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      You can save the FT.

  15. Sickboy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Llorente or Coutinho for this week please?

    1. AK ⭐
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Could go either way, Llorente for me.

    2. nkhoughton
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Flip a coin both equally good and bad

    3. noquarternt
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I'm thinking of AOA

  16. BigManBakar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Why hasn't Baines' flag not been removed yet?

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Consistently inconsistent

    2. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 18 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      You don't think this suggests any doubt whatsoever?

      http://www.evertonfc.com/news/2017/03/16/baines-should-be-fit-for-hull

      "Leighton Baines has overcome his back complaint and should be available to play against Hull City this weekend."

      1. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        This is the key bit for me Mark.

        “Leighton trained this morning,” Koeman said at his pre-match press conference. “Normally he would be available for the weekend. We have still have the same players out.”

        I don't think that represents any sort of doubt. I'm a biased Baines owner though. 🙂

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Koeman said something similar about Baines earlier in the season. He kept missing games despite the positive news in the press conferences, if you remember?

          1. BigManBakar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            On that basis, Jonny Evans would be flagged all year.

            I'm sorry but your argument is just hilarious

            1. FPL Virgin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 9 months ago

              I'm not making an argument, I'm just recapping what happened. Koeman kept saying Baines was okay. Baines kept failing to make the team. Look it up.

              1. BigManBakar
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                8 years, 9 months ago

                How is that relevant to him being flagged on the basis of that though?

                1. FPL Virgin
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  8 years, 9 months ago

                  I don't decide how the flags work, but, as things stand, I don't think he is certain to start. Still an element of doubt.

                  1. BigManBakar
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    8 years, 9 months ago

                    Based on what is what I've been trying to ask.

                    1. FPL Virgin
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 9 months ago

                      Koeman's quotes. "Normally" is the key word.

                      1. BigManBakar
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 12 Years
                        8 years, 9 months ago

                        So, in your opinion, just the use of the word 'normally' outweighs all the local press reports and what the journalists reported in the press conference.

                        @_pauljoyce 11h
                        Leighton Baines fit for Hull game. James McCarthy still out.

                        http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ronald-koeman-press-conference-everton-12746595

                        Liverpool Echo reporting it too.

                        'Baines is fit for the weekend'

                      2. FPL Virgin
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 9 Years
                        8 years, 9 months ago

                        He probably will start, but it is not 100%, there is an element of doubt.

                        Would you really be completely flabbergasted and shocked if Baines failed to make the starting 11 or even the bench?

                        I know I wouldn't be.

                  2. AK ⭐
                    • 13 Years
                    8 years, 9 months ago

                    With all due respect, it's not about what you think or don't think.

                    The manager has come out and said he has trained and should be fit. I see no reason to keep that flag on him.

                    1. FPL Virgin
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 9 months ago

                      I'm not a Baines owner nor do I plan to get him. I have no vested interest.

                      It's right that he is flagged; there is an element of doubt. And given what happened earlier in the season, it is justified.

                      If I was transferring him in, I'd be pretty aggrieved if there was no flag to alert me to a possible issue.

                      1. AK ⭐
                        • 13 Years
                        8 years, 9 months ago

                        Respect our opinion, but it's incorrect.

                      2. FPL Virgin
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 9 Years
                        8 years, 9 months ago

                        It's actually Andy's opinion; I just happen to agree with him.

                        Baines has been passed fit before this season and subsequently failed to play. Given this history, you needed more certainty in Koeman's quotes.

                      3. BigManBakar
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 12 Years
                        8 years, 9 months ago

                        Do you expect any manager to come out and say he will play a specific player in his starting eleven? Is that the 'certainity' you are referring to?

                      4. AK ⭐
                        • 13 Years
                        8 years, 9 months ago

                        Still not sure how that makes him worth of a flag when he is back in training and should be fit. 😕

                      5. FPL Virgin
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 9 Years
                        8 years, 9 months ago

                        The Swansea manager did today. He said Olsson won't play. He said Kingsley will play.

                        I don't expect any manager to do anything. But unless they do, the doubt about Baines in particular is justified because of what has happened earlier in the season.

                        Like I said, he probably will play, but it is not certain so the flag is correct.

                      6. BigManBakar
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 12 Years
                        8 years, 9 months ago

                        He never came out and said Llorente would play - he has had his fair share of injuries over his career too. Why has his flagged been removed though?

          2. AK ⭐
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            He said Baines could be on the sidelines for one or two weeks, but it took time.

            This one is vastly different, he is saying he 'should' be fit and has trained. I find no similarities

          3. Team Cruel
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Every WBA player would be flagged every week with that logic

      2. AK ⭐
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Not sure if serious..

      3. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        He's back training. How is that any different from Clement saying Llorente is training with the group?

        1. Mark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 18 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          There a weight of reports on Llorente, including the BBC and local press, stating he's fit and available. I don't think that's the case for Baines yet. To be fair, had the club's own press team used the headline "Baines fit for the weekend" instead, of "Baines should be fit" - it might have helped extinguish any doubt. Bit odd that, if he is fit and ready.

          1. BigManBakar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            @_pauljoyce 11h
            Leighton Baines fit for Hull game. James McCarthy still out.

            This guy works for the Times and is a very reliable source for Merseyside clubs. ^

            1. Mark
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 18 Years
              8 years, 9 months ago

              Sure, and if there are reports in his paper, the BBC, Guardian etc on Friday stating he's fit and available, the flag will likely come off at that point. As it stands, the club headline hasn't really echoed that tweet.

              1. BigManBakar
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                8 years, 9 months ago

                The Liverpool Echo explicitly mentions what you've been looking for - 'Baines is fit for the weekend'

          2. BigManBakar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ronald-koeman-press-conference-everton-12746595

            Liverpool Echo reporting it too.

            'Baines is fit for the weekend'

          3. Not Much Klopp
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Just check in with @BenDinnery for all injury info. He's spot on. If you can't find a player your looking for in his news timeline then just tweet him and he will get back to you or you can check his website out at premierinjuries.com

    3. noquarternt
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I'm surprised it was ever taken off. He should be permanently flagged.

    4. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      What does a poxy flag matter to us we know he is fit to play

      1. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        It doesn't - but as a poster mentioned above there wasn't much more evidence on Llorente either. Would be nice for more consistency in the game.

          1. BigManBakar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            I'm not sure you can get a much stronger report than the one Liverpool Echo are reporting which explictly states that Baines will be fit for the weekend.

            http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ronald-koeman-press-conference-everton-12746595

            1. Mark
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 18 Years
              8 years, 9 months ago

              Well I'd guess I'd say a few more like that, to counter the official sites own rather more cautious reporting. Just a very odd headline to use if the noise from and around the club on his availability really is that positive.

  17. AK ⭐
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Coutinho to Sanchez or Save?

    Both options have pros and cons and it's tough to make a decision atm.

    1. Winners900
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Sanchez easy

    2. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Hi stranger. You know my recommendation. 😛

      1. AK ⭐
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I do. 😀

  18. nkhoughton
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Are aguero owners hopeful for an explosive return or are you expecting a blank?

    1. Moose™
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Liverpool def not too solid imo. So, expecting a goal or an assist will be sufficient.

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Nothing less that a hatrick will do.

  19. Moose™
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    G2G? AOA this week.

    Jaku

    Coleman Baines

    Sanchez(c) Mane Alli Siggy King

    Kun Lukaku(vc) Llorente

    Sub: Foster Fernandez Robertson Nyom

  20. Winners900
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Aguero + Mane to Costa + Sanchez -4p?

    This is hard really not sure. If it was Kane instead Costa it had been easy.

    + Sanchez can explode, the scariest to not own
    + Costa the most consistent player
    + I will get them in my team anyway
    * I'm in a chasing position, so maybe its better to risk with Sanchez earlier just incase he explodes when not everyone got him
    + Aguero in bad form
    - Arsenal in bad form, things maybe have happend between Sanchez and Wenger
    - Costa is not explosive
    - Aguero is Aguero and can suddenly score some goals
    - Mane can easily score against City, LFC have been loving these topteams this season
    - Its -4 points

    Thoughts please?

    1. noquarternt
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I'd hold off for a week. Mané and Agüero both excel v open attacking teams. This game could have a huge score.

    2. korbendallas82
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Have both Mane and Sanchez in your squad. I think that is a move not many can replicate u. As long as there is so good mid price forward options like Defoe and Gabbiadini.

  21. _Freddo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Walcott dumped by England on his birthday, look no further this week for your big haul.

    1. noquarternt
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah, think this is good news for him. Was class at the start of the season and everyone seems to have forgotten about him. Giroud holding up play letting Sanchez and Walcott in, could be huge. It's about time Arsenal do really well and secure 4th after the pressure of winning the league etc is off.

  22. Andrew Michel
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Siggy and sobhi or king and pedro ?

    1. liiusions
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      The one that doesn't involve Sobhi

  23. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on my team for GW29. 0.8m itb. -4 taken.

    Transfers made: Phillips to Sanchez, Brunt to Valenica

    Pickford (Valdes)
    Alonso, Coleman, Valencia (Evans, Amat)
    Hazard, Sterling,King, Mane, Sanchez (C)
    Lukaku (VC), Carroll (Anichebe)

    Future Moves:

    GW30: Carroll to Gabbiadini

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Template.

    2. VFORVANDETA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Solid 352.

    3. noquarternt
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Looks good. Is captain Lukaku to be safe though.

      1. noquarternt
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I'd

  24. VFORVANDETA
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    What is latest news on Firmino and Baines? 0ft and 1.2itb.

    Heaton
    Alonso Coleman Baines*
    Mane Siggy King Firmino*
    Lukaku (c) Costa Kun

    Grant T.caroll McAuley Yoshida

    1. korbendallas82
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Baines should be fine. But i have a feeling that vs. Hull, Koeman has other good options, who can fill in for Baines, that he can afford to put Baines on the bench, or stay home and rest.

  25. BigManBakar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Looking for some help here gents. Would be obliged if you help. 🙂

    1 FT, 6.9 itb.

    Pickford
    Coleman Baines Alonso
    Mane Coutinho Siggy King Sane
    Lukaku (c) Carroll

    (Grant Rondon Cedric Maguire)

    What moves would you be looking to make with this lot?

    A) Save FT
    B) Coutinho to Alexis
    C) Coutinho to Alli
    D) Coutinho to Hazard
    E) Rondon to Costa (bench Carroll/Coutinho)
    F) Rondon to Defoe (bench Carroll/Coutinho)

    Ta 🙂

    1. noquarternt
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      B 100%

    2. Magic Bean
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      B for me

    3. AK ⭐
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Do tell when you find the answers to this. Torn between A or B myself. 😉

    4. VFORVANDETA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      A

    5. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks again guys. 🙂

    6. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Baines > Williams 😉

      1. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        😛

  26. UnitedFan
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    A) Keep Mane (mci)

    B) Sell for Sanchez (wba)

    1. noquarternt
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      This is the exact kind of game Mané performs in. I'd keep.

      1. UnitedFan
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks

  27. Kiwivillan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Kane>Vardy for a gamble?

    1. noquarternt
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Be prepared to regret it. But if you can handle that, go for it.

    2. VFORVANDETA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      No.Many better option.Deeney Gabi Costa Defoe.

      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Costa doesn't do hauls

  28. noquarternt
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    England squad is so depressing. I keep searching through the midfielders trying to find anyone 'decent' or 'solid' enough to play in the middle. I can see Alli and Sterling who're good but the rest are just shockers like Redmond and Livermore. :'(

    1. Somalion
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Compare to the French squad, which has left out all of Benzema, Martial, Coman, Lacazette, Bakayoko and Laporte.

      The difference in depth is striking

      1. noquarternt
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah or the German or Spanish squads. Cazorla has barely had a look in his career. Would've been first on the England team sheet from 18 if he was born in Slough.

        1. Somalion
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Yup, ridiculous strength in depth available for those countries.

        2. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Aye, while the Germans somehow have the likes of Timo Horn, Werner, Plattenhardt, Orban, Weiser, Stark etc who are still uncapped.

        3. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          It also helps when Jogi Löw seemingly has a bottomless pool of young midfield talent to choose from...

          Goretzka, Weigl, Dahoud, Sané, Kimmich, Brandt, Can, Draxler, Gnabry, Amiri, Henrichs, Meyer, Geis, Arnold, Gerhardt, Seguin, Havertz, Ochs, Barkok, Öztunali .....

          All around 23 and below. Ridiculous depth which can only be rivalled by France at the moment.

  29. Kevtheotter
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Hey guys,

    Any information on Snoddy?

    1. Not Much Klopp
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Ankle sprain, late fitness test by the looks of it

  30. Sweetboi
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Bench one:

    a) Coutinho

    b) Carroll

    1. noquarternt
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Tough. Probably play Coutinho. Liverpool tend to do well in these games.