The community was all in a spin over rotation this week, with pre-Double Gameweek Wildcard deployment beginning in earnest.
Our community scribes take a look at the players who may struggle to secure a starting berth over the extended fixture list in Gameweeks 36 and 37, while our Hot Topic posters look at the particular risk of investing in assets from the two Manchester sides.
Elsewhere, our community discussions survey the strategies involved in constructing the perfect Wildcard as well as the best punt for Gameweek 35 for those holding off on using this valuable chip for a week.
Our Members Tables reveal some of the best defensive options for the season run-in and we finish off by finding out who has been able to successfully second guess the teamsheets at the top of our community competitions.
The Community Articles
The threat of rotation looms large over the community’s Double Gameweek planning according to Kryten’s two-part showcase of the players most likely to miss out. While part one focuses on double fixture teams aspiring for a top four finish, part two concentrates on mid-table and relegation-battling sides.
Wildcarders should pay special attention to TopMarx‘s latest look at the top five in our career Hall of Fame, after one of this elite bunch deployed the chip ahead of Gameweek 34.
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
The gentle flutter of Wildcards turned into a full-blown hurricane this week, particularly among those with their Bench Boost and Triple Captain chips also still in play. With only one chip allowed each Gameweek, those who are revamping their FPL squad this week were out in full force in our discussion on the optimum use of this chip for the season run-in.
Later in the week, we sparked a follow-up discussion on the best budget enabler in midfield and attack to help afford the most popular heavy-hitters.
But as Twisted Saltergater asked, will those who Wildcarded some Gameweeks ago have the last laugh, particularly if they planned well around the upcoming double fixtures?
For those overhauling their squads next week, Gameweek 35 offers a chance to take a rare one-week punt, with our Hot Topic taking a look at some of the best short-term options to consider ahead of Saturday’s deadline.
When planning for the Double Gameweeks 36 and 37, Foot Fighter urges caution regarding investment in Manchester City’s strikers – they look set for rotation with the return of Gabriel Jesus to first team action in the midweek derby.
There is also concern around the pitch-time of key players for City’s rivals Manchester United, who could be on the verge of reverting to a back three to further muddy the waters, says AA33.
While Alexis Sanchez looks to be rotation-free, there are worries he will not live up to his hefty 11.5m price tag during Arsenal’s two Double Gameweeks. Bedknobs and Boomsticks is also unimpressed by the Chilean’s chances of success after running the rule over his recent statistics.
This week’s rough with the smooth showed the highs and lows of Fantasy management, with those handing Christian Benteke the armband earning bragging rights, while those who backed Alvaro Negredo were left rueing their decision. Mir’s depositing of 35 points on his bench emerged as perhaps the sorriest tale on show.
Pep Says dropped by to find out about the community’s roughest and smoothest overall ranking positions this season. Meanwhile, Lawro sought to find out people’s favourite FPL moments of all time.
With just four Gameweeks to go Rafa the Gaffa is already looking ahead to next season and his side Newcastle enjoying top flight football after promotion was confirmed this week. His Hot Topic takes a look at some of the key players from Rafa Benetiz’s side to consider for 2017/18.
To view all our discussions, please visit our Hot Topics page. We are also still keen to hear from you about how this can be further developed.
The Members Tables
FPL Virgin has been taking a look at the attacking threat and bonus potential of Arsenal defenders in his latest table, while Nuttman88 has been finding out which keepers are the best at parrying a ball to safety.
In Twisted Saltergater‘s latest table, the most deadly ‘hot shots’ in front of goal come under scrutiny.
Elsewhere, players on the cusp of earning points by setting up goals are examined in my assist imminent table.
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, please remember to tag them so that people can find the tables with ease.
The Community Tournaments
Scott Finnigan has snatched the lead from HuttonDressedAsLahm in Red Lightning’s Top 10K Any Season and is now up to 70th in the overall rankings.
There’s no change in his January to May league, with Aneesh Kamat retaining top spot, although second-placed Gavin McGowan is now level on points.
Erik Jokerud is the new leader of the FFS Members league and moves up to 24th overall.
In the FFScout main league Mohammad Bahnassy still leads and is third overall, 24 points behind Knut Hebaek, who has regained the lead from Uwais Ahmed.
Elsewhere, Mark has extended his lead over second-placed Torres Magic in the FFScout Moderators and Contributors to 28 points.
In my Millionaires Club, for those on the wrong side of the top one million mark in Gameweek 12, Gilles Wanlin has moved top, with a three-point lead over Oli Ottey GM.
If you are running a community tournament and would like the latest scores included in future Community Round-Ups, please email me a brief summary of the current leaders and a link to your league, spreadsheet or head-to-head competition at jonty@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk.
