The release of the 2017/18 Premier League fixtures prompted a flurry of discussions among our hot topic posters, with early transfer targets and rotation strategy dominating proceedings.
Transfers – both confirmed and rumoured – were also among this week’s major discussions, while our community writers focused on the variety of summer Fantasy games.
Top savers and attacking Cherries take centre stage in our latest Members’ tables, while we finish off the round-up with news of another summer tournament taking place, whetting our appetite for the Premier League kick-off in August.
The Community Articles
Ahead of this Sunday’s ICC Champions Trophy FPL Dreams has taken a look at finalists India and Pakistan for his latest analysis of this Fantasy cricket tournament.
While this game ends, there is plenty more action over the summer via Fantasy Eliteserien – the Norwegian top flight game that is also proving popular with the community. Niemi’s latest article looks at some key differentials for Gameweek 13 and rounds up the latest knocks, niggles and suspensions.
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
Wednesday saw preparations for next season step up a gear with the unveiling of the 2017/18 Premier League fixtures. We canvassed your early thoughts just after the announcement, which revealed that Manchester United and West Brom are among those with strong early fixtures, while Everton have a “brutal start”, according to Limbo.
The Red Devils strong early start will certainly be of interest to those taking part in our discussion on the lack of desirable Fantasy assets from their ranks in recent seasons, as well as contributors to our follow up hot topic on United’s rearguard.
Chelsea have not lost an opening day match since 1998, and that trend looks set to continue given Burnley drop by in Gameweek 1. This is likely to see considerable interest in their assets, which could include rumoured transfer target Romelu Lukaku, who received high praise as a Fantasy option in our discussion on the Everton striker’s prospects next season.
Harry Kane is another striker set to garner investment from Gameweek 1, when Spurs travel to Newcastle United. But, according to our hot topic on the Spurs talisman, his inevitable price hike may force his suitors to adopt a 3-5-2 formation to squeeze him in.
One caveat for investing heavily in Spurs and Chelsea’s players is their involvement in the Champions League. This could prompt some to divert cash towards Arsenal, with our hot topic saying that their absence from Europe’s elite could bolster their chances of success.
FPL Virgin continued the debate about the Gunners with a discussion on this week’s transfer rumour that last season’s top goal scorer Alexis Sanchez could be on the move, perhaps to Manchester City.
All three promoted sides have been handed favourable schedules and our hot topic on Brighton, Newcastle and Huddersfield Town offered up some key advice on ensuring Fantasy managers can effectively tap into their potential, with cheap defenders and creative midfielders high on the watchlist.
Already Magpies set piece specialist Matt Ritchie and the Seagulls’ midfield driving force Anthony Knockaert are attracting attention. However, they will have their work cut out to mirror the success of last season’s budget-friendly midfield sensation – Josh King – according to Disable’s discussion on cut-price gems.
The fixture list reveal also gives Fantasy managers their first chance to consider rotation pairs, particular among cheaper assets in defence. Ludo provided a handy round up of the teams that rotate well home and away and Doosra has also been casting his expert eye over some key rotation match-ups.
While big name moves such as Lukaku are subject to mere rumour and speculation, there has been no shortage of confirmed deals this week. Everton revealed that Ajax skipper Davy Klaassen has joined their ranks, promoting Atheltico Timbo to take a look at the attacking midfielder’s prospects.
Manchester City have also made an early move, drafting in Benfica keeper Ederson. However, with a likely high price tag and rotation set to continue among the rest of the City defence there appears to be little enthusiasm for their rearguard, according to our hot topic.
The City capture is the second new face from Benfica to grace the English top flight next season, with Swedish defender Victor Lindelof signing for Manchester United. Eagles fan Ricardo Vaz dropped by with further details of what Fantasy managers can expect from this pair.
Finally, the definition of “an all time FPL great” came under scrutiny with Andy85wsm setting up a hot topic on latest research by Patch, who has looked at a wide range of metrics to determine legendary status.
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
Further to our Members article on Bournemouth, Mark has constructed a table looking specifically at the Cherries’ most attacking players last season.
At the other end of the pitch, Greenwindmill’s latest table focuses on the goalkeepers who made the most saves per minute during 2016/17.
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
As well as Fantasy cricket and Norwegian football, this summer also sees the launch of a Euro U21 game. Mlexer was on hand with further details as was VS10_ who has also launched a FFScout league (code: 575933631).
Elsewhere, the final results of @ofcProdigy’s Scout Picks Challenge, which is based around our very own weekly Scout Picks, have been revealed. Ianp1970 has been crowned champion, followed by AA33 in second, with Slippin’ Jimmy and A Manager Has No Name in joint third.
If you are running a community tournament and would like the latest scores included in future Community Round-ups please email me a summary of the current leaders and a link to your league, spreadsheet or head to head competition, at jonty@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk.
