Community

The Community Round Up

With less than a week to go before the Premier League season kicks off, the community has been busy assessing the merits of some of the player list’s priciest options, as well as rifling through its bargain bins. Manchester City’s stars have impressed our community writers, while it’s Liverpool stars and the prospects of a particular Manchester United midfielder that have preoccupied our Hot Topic posters.

Defensive Bonus point magnets are tracked down via our Members table review, while we finish off our catch-up with news of the latest community competitions, for poor performers and cosmopolitan managers alike.

The Community Articles

With three assists to his name, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne has been among the summer’s best performers.Dr Agabuse has been particularly impressed with the Belgian’s new advanced role, which prompted his detailed analysis of his underlying statistics in an attacking position last season.

This convincing form has certainly been spotted by Fantasy Premier League managers, who have been queuing up to add the Man City schemer to their Gameweek 1 line ups, according to Milvus’ latest update on ownership trends.

Will our hopes for De Bruyne be dashed or can we rely on his strong underlying statistics as a guide to likely returns? Such predictions form the basis of a superb article from Prokoptas which discusses goalscoring potential.

Bournemouth stars such as Josh King and Charlie Daniels proved reliable sources of attacking points last season, but, says Woolfgang, the Cherries are among a number of teams that appear to be unfairly treated in FPL’s fixture difficulty ratings.

Spurs’ Harry Kane was perhaps the most consistent points scorer last season, after claiming the Golden Boot for the second successive campaign. However, Coley’s latest article suggests that he may not be as productive next season, with Spurs effectively facing 38 away games thanks to their relocation to Wembley Stadium.

Kane sits in more than a third of teams and earns another mention in YTFC_Scratch’s article on the prevalence of the herd mentality in Fantasy Football. This compelling piece asks whether our choices are based on logic or the desire to fit in.

There is certainly strong evidence to suggest a group think has taken hold of player selections, according to our first FPL Rate My Team surgery of the season. Analysis by Lyonnais of the teams put forward for scrutiny strongly suggests that a hive mind has helped shape an emerging template.

Elsewhere, Frankie the Gent has resurrected the debate around Fantasy Premier League’s new Free Hit chip, offering further strategies on putting it to use, either to get off to a strong start, or to finish the season with a flourish.

Meanwhile, if trying to construct the perfect FPL team and strategy has got too much for you, Triggerlips dropped by with some advice on coping with the information overload Fantasy managers are facing ahead of Gameweek 1.

Finally, Niemi has heralded the return of Fantasy Eliterserien, following a short summer break, with a team by team analysis of the latest activity in the transfer market in the Norwegian top flight.

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

Among the most discussed theories ahead of the new season is that Manchester United’s Paul Pogba will be reborn, be handed the freedom to roam forward and subsequently score a hatful of goals. That’s all due to United’s recent capture of Nemanja Matic as a defensive shield.

The Fantasy Freak is among those expecting big things from the Frenchman this season, although Berbinho’s Forehead remains sceptical.

Other theories for the new campaign – notably Spurs’ potential Wembley blues – were discussed in this follow-up Hot Topic we posted on Thursday.

While Kevin De Bruyne has impressed the community scribes, our Hot Topic posters have been focusing on Liverpool’s midfield stars.

Rambo Motin is flabbergasted that nine out of ten FPL managers have shunned Reds’ winger Sadio Mane, while admirers of new recruit Mohamed Salah were out in force in our Hot topic on the former Chelsea and Roma player.

Next season will surely be another where we are left proclaiming that “we can’t have them all”, with Fantasy managers struggling to fit the wealth of available attacking talent into their squads. This is particularly the case among striker selections, says Lateriser12, who suggests that the premium forward eco-system has changed markedly for 2017/18, with even more choice available.

Even Kane may struggle to compete, especially with Man City stars looking sharp in pre-season. But as Wakey points out, the Spurs man still has strong captaincy potential in his favour. Cesc’s Old Mullet also considered the England striker’s essential status and whether we dare go without him come the season kick-off.

Competition is also fierce among the community’s backlines. Indeed, Nisag17 suggests ripping up the traditional formation form book and fielding five premium options at the back, due to the raft of tempting defensive options.

Given the performance last season of top priced wing-backs – such as Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso – talk of cheap defensive rotation combinations have been conspicous by their absence this summer. Tears for Fears aimed to address that with a look at the best pairings, while Rupert the Horse pondered the merits of investing in one of West Brom’s towering rearguard.

Further defensive options were also being touted in our Hot Topic on differential gems for the new season.

Meanwhile, our community scouts have been out and about during the pre-season calendar to help uncover some further low-owned options, with Twisted Saltergater picking through Bournemouth’s options, while Andre94PT has been talent spotting among Newcastle United’s ranks.

There will be particular interest in one of the pre-season’s flagship matches this weekend – the Community Shield – with Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez under the microscope, amid ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

To temper enthusiasm in stellar pre-season performances, Abel Xavier delivered some cautionary tales for those who pay too much attention to friendlies. He points out that Ahmed Musa of Leicester City and Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi were among last summer’s stars that ultimately failed to deliver.

Finally, Malcolm Tucker for England has been dusting off his Underworld and Iggy Pop albums to pen a Fantasy Football version of Trainspotting’s memorable Choose Life monologue, which was this week’s most popular post in terms of votes.

To view all our discussions please visit our Hot Topics page.

The Members Tables

Defenders with potential for strong bonus returns, based on baseline attributes such as passing and tackling, come under scrutiny in McNulty’s latest table, while FPL Virgin has gone back to basics with his table, which focuses purely on appearances, goals and assists.

Elsewhere, players that made the most of limited pitch time last season are the focus of boniouk’s most recent 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, remember to tag them so that people can find the tables with ease.

The Community Tournaments

Fantasy Football competitions around the world are proving increasingly popular among the community. Already Fantasy Eliterserien has garnered considerable interest and VS10_ is hoping there will be similar enthusiasm for Fantasy Bundesliga, ahead of the start of the German top flight season. He dropped by to tell us more about this game and also details of how to join the FFScout community league he has set up

Only those who have never finished inside the top 10,000 in FPL are invited to join Heels Over Head’s new community competition, which aims to discover the Fantasy Football star managers of the future. The code to join his R U Smarter Than The 10K Club league is 9355-102577.

If you’re running a community tournament and would like the latest scores included in future Community Round-ups, please email us summary of the current leaders and a link to your league, spreadsheet or head to head competition, at jonty@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk.

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

3,310 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Ake or Yoshida?

    1. Lecky Legs FC
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Ake

    2. Better Call Paul
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Ake

    3. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yoshida

  2. Tickle Me Enzo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    At this point is Cedric too much of a risk to start, have to fork over the extra 0.5 for Bertrand?

    1. The Desi Messi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yep, or Yoshida

    2. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      If you want Cedric you can risk it and if he missed one week your sub comes in. Nee disaster Shirley.

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Maybe, Yoshi if you can't find the half.

    4. Too Mane Men
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Wasn't worried until he didn't play a part in the 0-4 defeat in pre-season. Mybe that means the gaffer will think he needs his best defenders to start the season though?

      Feels a bit 50/50 for my liking though... Yoshi could be the man.

  3. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    A) Ake and Mané

    B) Bertrand and Salah

    1. Better Call Paul
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      B

    2. Lecky Legs FC
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      A

    3. Ode
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yoshida and Mane

    4. Too Mane Men
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      A because Mane is the man

    5. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      A

  4. Sepp Blattered
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Struggling to fit a line up with KDB, Mane, Kane, Lukaku and Jesus..

    1. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Can be done

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Batshuayi instead of Kane. sorted

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah, that's 5 hitters, 2 of the biggest too. Be realistic, get 4 in and get a nice side.

    4. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Aguero instead of Jesus and Sanchez instead of Mane is possible.

  5. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    A / Foster, Monreal, Zaha, Salah, Romeu, Jesus
    B/ DDG Suttner Mane, KDB, Fraser, Abraham

  6. H-SF
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    I'd like Kane is my side.
    But I could go Kane to Jesus and a 6.5 to Batshuayi (assuming he plays first few games).
    To me, Jesus and Bats outscore Kane and any other 6.5 fwd.
    It doesn't help that there is a lack of good options below 7m upfront.

  7. Squires FC
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Three utd players too much? De gea, mkhi & lukaku

    De gea
    Daniels trippier yoshida
    Kdb salah mkhi Ritchie
    Lukaku jesus mounie

    Lossl carroll dunk mee

    1. Squires FC
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      No idea why I wrote the utd players names twice, sorry

    2. SheBangsTheDrums
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Who's Mounie?

      1. Squires FC
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Huddersfield new foward. Record signing, good preseason, nailed & good fixtures

        1. SheBangsTheDrums
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Ah the lad from Porto? Sounds promising, I'll keep an eye on him.

          Going back to your original point, yes I think 3 United is a bit overkill. Some Chelsea or Spurs cover needed maybe?

          1. Squires FC
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            No he came from montpellier I think. Cheers

  8. Wykesbishop
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Can't decide on which pair to go with.

    A - Jesus and JWP

    B - KDB / Mounie (or J.Rod)

    Mid: alli / willian/ zaha / Carroll
    Fwd : Kane / Lukaku

  9. Ramboros
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Does anyone know how City lined up after the substitutions today?

    I'm mostly trying to figure out where Bernardo Silva might play.

    1. FPL Joker
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      He'll play on the bench, my boy.

  10. Sepp Blattered
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Foster (Elliott)
    Danilo - Trippier - Delaney - (Schindler) - (Dunk)
    KDB - Coutinho - Willian - Ramsey - (RLC)
    Kane - Lukaku - Abraham

    Thoughts?

  11. Net Gains
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    What will your pre-match ritual be for the opening game next Friday evening?

    1. PvA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Put Matip in

      1. PvA
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Sorry wrong site

        1. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Dunk Matip the dream partnership.

          1. Net Gains
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Now that's funny!!

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Click, slurp hic!

    3. b✪mber
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      thought that was funny - maybe it wasn't. My apologies to the mods.

  12. SheBangsTheDrums
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    How does this top heavy side look (apart from unbalanced)?

    Foster
    Yoshida Trippier Daniels
    Coutinho Zaha Willian Fraser
    Kane Lukaku Jesus

    Elliot Carroll Dunk Mariappa

    1. PvA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      That top heavy side looks top heavy

    2. COYG
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Solid

    3. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Very decent for actually for a team with a big 3 up top.

  13. COYG
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Feel like this is my best attempt, thoughts?

    foster
    valencia trippier daniels
    de bruyne mane willian fraser
    kane lukaku abraham

  14. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    JWP or Fraser?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Which one do you prefer?

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Not really a lot in it is there? I don't know much about either of them in truth but both looking fairly good value for a cheap mid.

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Yeah, think Fraser might just be a bit more nailed but it's close.

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Fraser

    3. salazar1963
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Neither. Think Tom Davies much better than that pair. He will play wing-back a la Seamus Coleman.

    4. Too Mane Men
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      JWP for set pieces
      Fraser for higher goal threat

      I'd go JWP given the fixtures

    5. fedolefan
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I would be tempted to consider Okaka too, he's a forward though and assuming you have a 4.5m forward.

  15. Tickle Me Enzo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Is Austin seriously the best forward option to start with at 7.0 and below?

    Thinking about starting with Abraham and RLC as third and fifth respective forwards and midfielders with 1.5 ITB, and upgrading one for GW2, to the best standout midfield/forward candidate.

    1. salazar1963
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      No.

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yes, if nailed.

    3. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      For me it's Tammy.

      1. Manani
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        who's tammy?

        1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Abraham, Swansea

        2. Kingtekkerz
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Abraham

  16. socho
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    When you look at the number of goals United scored last year I would be worried for 48% of players.

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

      Simplistic view 🙂

      1. PvA
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        This

    2. PvA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah I'm very worried. Because we all know that last season will basically repeat itself. Happens all the time.

    3. salazar1963
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Not falling in the Lukaku trap. Still a flat-track left footed bully for me.

    4. Sánchez
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      This is why I think Lukaku isn't as essential as is being made out. 23 goals less than top 5 sides last year. And Ibra did actually return a good number of goals.

    5. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      That's why they bought lukaku

  17. fedolefan
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Alexis is owned by only 10%. Could be 13m in a few weeks with a brace on next Friday.

    1. PvA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I remember he was a slow riser in the past seasons... not sure if FPL make him that way to prevent him from being too expensive

      1. fedolefan
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        His ownership was higher and it's harder to fit him in, so the slow rise? Though, I think he may single-handedly trigger a few wildcards and so maybe 13m is exaggerated.

      2. b✪mber
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Being 11M+ makes him tough to get in w a single transfer - people either take hits or accumulate transfers to get him, thus the slow rise imo.

        1. PvA
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Science.

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      That would be great, top player is 1st bandwagon 😆

      1. fedolefan
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I think I am starting with in GW1 and captaining too. Have a draft ready. 😛

  18. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Which do you prefer?

    1)
    Foster
    Kolasinac | Daniels | Alonso
    Salah | Milivojevic | KDB | Ritchie
    Austin | Kane | Lukaku

    2)
    DDG
    Suttner | Daniels | Alonso | Lowe
    Salah | Sanchez | Ritchie
    Austin | Kane | Jesus

    Thanks

    1. salazar1963
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      No Mane or Erickson/Alli? Guys who will rack up points consistently

      1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Nope, Sanchez or KDB I reckon this season.

    2. COYG
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      1 easy

      1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks

  19. Spencer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Sky people... Is Matic a good option?

    1. salazar1963
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      No. He'll get you 100+points and 3 goals if you want

      1. Spencer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks Sal. I thought scoring in the Sky game was different.

  20. Manani
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    isn't zaha fixture a bit too tough to get him?

    1. Too Mane Men
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yes. Only a short term option (first two GWs)

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      2 great fixtures in the first 3. Good short-term option. In my team at the moment.

  21. COYG
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Foster and Valencia
    or
    De gea and Bertrand

  22. ♤TeddyBear♤
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    What's you guys opinion on this....

    Obviously we can't get resonably good cover from each 'top' team this year.

    Do you think because the pionts from City and Liverpool are likely to be so wide spread that they are the teams we should take a punt and leave out?

    1. Ci Siamo
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I do agree to a certain extent, but in a thrashing of 4-0 then anybody can be involved

  23. Lukanio
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Puncheon or Milivojevic?

    Redmond or Tadic ?

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Milli
      Redmond

    2. salazar1963
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Punchy. The lesser of 4 evils.

      1. Lukanio
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Redmond or Tadic ?

  24. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    These 3 defenders good enough to play from the start each week. Kind of want to avoid wasting transfers on defence until my first (most likely early) wildcard

    Alonso - Bertrand - Lindelof

    1. Legomane
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Lindelöf > Trippier

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Looks okay, think Lindy will be nailed once he settles in.

    3. Too Mane Men
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Lindelof not 100% to start just yet but you could swap Berty for Yoshi or Cedric and upgrade Lindelof to Bailly

  25. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    I know Mane is FPL gold, as is Sanchez. But how come they have suddenly become really sought after after a good week or two without either being included in RMT's?

    1. salazar1963
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      People will chop and change up to 18.30 next Friday.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Gold prices on the rise.

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Eh?

  26. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Cedric or Yoshida?

    1. The Neville Wears Prada
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      yoshida now, cedric later

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Cedric when he plays, but he might not.

  27. A Team Of James McCleans
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    5.5 mid or forward?

    1. salazar1963
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Tom Davies Everton. Simple.

    2. The Neville Wears Prada
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      5.5 mid

    3. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      MID: Fraser, JWP
      FOR: Tammy

  28. The Neville Wears Prada
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    A) Jrod + KDB + Daniels

    VS

    B) Firmino + Sterling + Suttner

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      A, just.

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      A easy

    3. Sánchez
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      A medium-sized

  29. Ronnies
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Pick 1 ... ?

    a) DDG & mounie

    b) foster & chicharito

    Tnks

    1. salazar1963
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      A

  30. La Galatica
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    RMT

    I am done, my brain hurts

    Thx

    https://ratemyteam.uk/Rate/CommunityTeam/119240

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Don't like Lindelof there.

      1. La Galatica
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        What do you suggest? at 5.5 or less