FFS Cup
26 January 2018 578 comments
J0E J0E
Share:

The time has come to find out who is within touching distance of cup glory having made it through to the semi-finals of our two Fantasy Premier League competitions, taking place in Gameweek 25.

The Fantasy Football Scout Cup’s highest-ranked remaining manager, 32nd-placed Elvarus, powered his way past David Slade 86-50 to set up a mouthwatering semi-final clash with former FPL champion Tom Fenley, who won his quarter-final encounter with Brakeff 73-60.

Tom has experience of dealing with pressure on his side and, should he decide to prioritise this cup tie with his chips, he could even call upon a second Wildcard, an option that is not open his opponent, who used it last Gameweek. Both have all their other available chips to play.

In Elvarus’ favour, he has two free transfers to Tom’s one, as well as being 6,752 places ahead of the former FPL number one.

This transfer advantage could be key as both currently have near-identical teams, with thee main difference among fringe players, such as Swansea City’s Jordan Ayew for Elvarus, while Tom has Everton’s Oumar Niasse.

This could leave the captaincy decision as key, with both Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Sergio Aguero strong options in both line-ups.

The tie may even be decided by goalkeepers. Both own Adrian, but while the West Ham stopper is Tom’s only starting keeper, for Elvarus he is second to David De Gea, who may be fielded should he gamble on a clean sheet for United’s trip to Spurs.

The second semi-final sees 2,441-ranked ezdmanx take on TH14.

Despite being 8,101 places behind, TH14 has the slight advantage of experience with ten previous FPL campaigns under his belt, including a 117-placed finish in 2014/15. Meanwhile, Ezdmanx is now in his seventh season, with 18,272 his highest end-of-campaign placing.

Both have all their available chips to play and also go into this match with two free transfers. As with the other semi-final, careful use of these will be vital to success as they also have broadly similar teams.

In midfield, Ezdmanx’s selection of Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard is his only differential to Stoke City playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri for TH14.

Up front they also have Harry Kane, Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino and Huddersfield’s Collin Quaner. A shift from Kane to Sergio Aguero, possibly also backed with the captaincy, may be something the pair are considering.

A clean sheet for Manchester United at Wembley will help Ezdmanx, who is expected to field Phil Jones. While TH14 will be hoping Man City’s Nicolas Otamendi ends a run of three straight blanks when West Brom visit the Etihad Stadium.

The results from the Fantasy Football Scout Cup quarter-finals can be found here, while the semi-final draw is here.

In the quarter-final of the Members Cup Root (rank 1,272) edged past the round’s highest-placed manager The Albatross (rank 1,039) by just two points.

He now faces rrcmc, who, at 83,472nd spot, is the lowest-ranked remaining competitor. However, he is the more experienced of this pair with a pedigree of 11 campaigns, including one top 10,000 finish, and also has two free transfers to Root’s one.

Root, who is in his eighth season and finished in the top 500 in 2012/13, only has one differential up front, with Firmino squaring up to rrcmc’s Jamie Vardy.

Both their midfields could do with an early spring clean, with Root needing to replace Crystal Palace midfielder Ruben Loftus Cheek and possibly West Ham’s Marko Arnautovic. Meanwhile, rrcmc is currently relying on former bandwagons, Brighton’s Pascal Gross and Lingard, to shine.

Wembley could once again prove a key battleground in the Cup, as Root’s Jones and rrmc’s Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen vie for a clean sheet.

Both have their second Wildcard and Free Hit chip to call on. But only Root has his Bench Boost intact, while rrcmc is the only one with his Triple Captain chip remaining.

The other semi-final involves a tussle between 29,911-ranked Gloria Kanchelskis and graslauk, who is in 4,687 place.

This pair have impressed over their relatively short FPL careers, with Gloria Kanchelskis netting two top 5,000 finishes in his four previous campaigns, and graslauk finishing in 1,938 in 2016/17, which was his third season.

They also have just the one free transfer available but Gloria Kanchelskis is a chip down, having played his Triple Captain in Gameweek 22.

There are further differences in their team set-ups with Gloria Kanchelskis favouring a blend of 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 with Bournemouth forward Callum Wilson and Lingard swapping starting roles.

In contrast, graslauk has opted for a 4-5-1 formation, with Harry Kane up front and Everton duo Niasse and Dominic Calvert Lewin taking bench spots. This has freed up funds to afford Manchester United’s Paul Pogba, while Gloria Kanchelskis looks almost certain to replace his midfield differential, Arnautovic.

Graslauk’s strategy also means he has covered his opponent’s Otamendi, Jones and Alonso picks but can also call on Shkodran Mustafi, for Arsenal’s trip to Swansea. Gloria Kanchelskis’ defensive differential is Chelsea’s ‘cursed’ centre back Andreas Christensen, who, through injury and illness, has only completed 60 minutes once in the Blues’ last five league run outs.

You can view the full results from the Members Cup quarter-final can be viewed here, while the quarter final draw is here.

Good luck to those involved in our semi-finals over Gameweek 25.

578 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. A19
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    As I missed the Aguero haul, I think I will take a punt on Sanchez for GW26 and captain him if he looks dangerous against Spurs. Plan is:

    GW25: Arnie -> Albrighton
    GW26: Ota & Son -> Chilwell San(c)hez (-4)

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Losing ota though ?

      1. A19
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        No CS in the last 3 against weak oppositions, plus if Laporte is confirmed and the PL is won he will probably be rotated a lot and will mainly play the Champions League and cups. Also, I have Alonso and Jones so my defense will still be strong enough

    2. Krionos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I think a very good plan for sure. Albrighton is a good punt for this week anyway, while Sanchez could easily be swapped for Hazard if he shows consistency.

  2. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Only got 7.4 for an Arnie replacement.

    Could take a hit to downgrade DCL to get a few extra funds to use for Mkhi, but at the moment thinking Shaq or Choupo?

    Best value for 7.4?

    1. Get up ya bum
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I prefer Walcott or mkhitaryan.

    2. FantaCity
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      might be worth waiting a week for Mkhi, and to see how the new team affects Ramsey who is only 6.9m

  3. money face bandwagon
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    sane sterling aguero too much city?

    1. Get up ya bum
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      *facepalm
      Conserve baskets. There is so much basket wasting already.

    2. Coot
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Got me 44 points last week.

    3. Baps Hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Not at the moment, but save 1 extra ft for the future soon.

  4. Emiliano Sala
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Joao mario price prediction?

    1. I Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      6.0

      1. I Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Probably 6.5 actually.

        1. AndyCook
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Seems a little high, he’s a bit useless as an fpl asset

    2. Ghost Gooner
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      5.5

    3. Zladan
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      5.5m

    4. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I'm going 6 - but he won't be an FPL option I suspect.

    5. Matt Sk
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Hes pretty good on fifa 😀

  5. Lone Wolf FPL
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Arnie replacement combo

    A) Sane + Lingard
    B) Pogba + Lingard
    C) Shaq(?) + Lingard
    D) Hazard + Ayew for -4

    1. I Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      A

  6. balint84
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    staring with these is too much risk?
    jones-christensen-ogbonna-kabasele-duffy

    possibly clean sheets?

  7. Over Midwicket
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Any Bournemouth fans around? With Stanislas and King fit, do we think they slot right back into the starting XI? Will Ibe/Wilson drop to the bench? Thanks.

    1. Ghost Gooner
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Not Wilson but Ibe will be a sub

      1. Over Midwicket
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Crikey okay. Will hold off bring him in then.

  8. Ronnies
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Best midfielder for 4.5m or less ?

    a) mcarthr
    b) tcarroll
    c) stephens
    d) other, who

    Tnk guys.

  9. In Carrick we trust
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Hows this look???

    Pickford
    Alonso, vvd, martina
    Mane, pogba, albrighton, Mkhitaryan
    Kane, lukaku, ayew

    Bench, elliot, cork, jones, zanka

    1. Philip Jones's Diary
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Not great. You chasing mini league rivals?

  10. Judas
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Just put together a FPL Flowchart for the Aguero headache and #KaneExit discussion.

    Hope this helps and is a good laugh to do! Share with your friends and colleagues and let me know where you finish up!

    https://twitter.com/FPLJudas/status/956855883136471040

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Think you are a week too late 😉

  11. Hits against the machine
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Arnie -> shaq FT or

    Arnie-> shaq
    Crist-> alonso
    (-4)?

    1. Zladan
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Alonso.

  12. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Do we prefer Chupo or Albrighton for a playing 5th mid?

    1. UpAndAway
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      What about Allen?

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        If he plays in an attacking role yes - but will he?

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Albrighton

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Neither

    4. VaVaVoom
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe Chamberlain if youve got the funds

  13. VaVaVoom
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Son + Albright + Kane >>>> Mahrez + Chamberlain + Aguero

    Thoughts?

  14. Arteta
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    All about Mkhitaryan from today's press conference

    - on how Mkhitaryan is settling in
    "Well. You see straight away that he’s a great football player, which we knew before we got him here. After that, I will know more about him in two or three days. We now have two or three good days to prepare [and find out] what the best possible position is for him and how quickly he can integrate the way we want to play. It doesn’t look like there will be any problem in there."

    - on whether Mkhitaryan will make his debut against Swansea
    "I haven’t decided that yet, I will certainly decide that on Monday, but he is available like everybody else."

    - on playing Mkhitaryan and Ozil together
    "Yes, our intention is [to do it]. As I have said before, we signed Mkhitaryan on a long-term contract and our intention is to keep Ozil at the club and hopefully we will manage to do that very soon."

    At the end of interview (https://youtu.be/4027c0yxOMg?t=16m40s) Wenger was asked if Mkhi can play in "that Cazorla role" and he said:

    "I think he can play in all midfield positions. Box to box, not in a defensive role. All the other positions aren’t out of reach. He has usually been a wide player and can absorb the role as a winger, playmaker but he can be a box to box player."

    1. FantaCity
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I'd be worried about getting him in now based on any of that .... wait n see for me

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Yep

    2. Over Midwicket
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Worrying. Wait and see then.

  15. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Is this move crazy?

    Arnie, Son and Lingard to Mkhi, Pog and Albrighton/Chupo

    I'll stagger it, so it won't be for a hit.

    1. Matt Sk
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        It is tempting

    2. AndyCook
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Not very exciting

    3. AndyCook
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I’d hardly be desperate to get any of those players in

    4. Baps Hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      It is. Son and Lingard may outscore Mkhi & co after difficult fixtures. Son > Pog > Son better idea with 2 ft, because Arnie has to go now.

  16. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    I've spent the last couple days trying to figure out how to get Sanchez(c) in for the HUD, new fixtures. I've found a route, but it involves shipping players I don't want to ship (Otamendi) and owning players who are my 3rd/4th choice in their price bracket. And I don't see any way of upgrading them without downgrading a premium player, which I don't want to do, and taking the odd hit.

    Going to have to place my excitement of owning Sanchez to one side and make do with Pogba/Martial - unless anyone can convince me otherwise..

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Pogba shphldbe gold. I also am trying to fit Sanchez but I can achieve it without massive surgery 🙂

    2. Matt Sk
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Pogba is a good option, Sanchez won't outscore him by much imo. I had Martial for 3 gws this year when Pogba had the red card and he trolled me

  17. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    a) Arnie to Shaq
    b) Arnie and DCL -> Mhki and Ayew (-4) ?

    Ayew would be benched, behind Jones

    1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      a

    2. FantaCity
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Just A ... why would you spend -4 pts to bench a player? Better to wait a week, Mkhi not even certain to start

      1. FPL ZB
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        agreed. Didn't realise quite how good Stokes fixtures were as well

    3. Rex Lapis
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      A

  18. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Arnautovic RLC & Son -> Mahrez Pogba & Shaqiri (-4) ?

    1. Boomerang V
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      great move but Pogba has Spurs next so I would try to hold that one and make the other 2 for free.

      I think I will do something similar:

      Arnie, Willian -> Mahrez, Shaqiri

      1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah I think that's the most sensible move too thanks! Did you get Willian's haul last GW?!

        1. Boomerang V
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          No got him just because of the price rise 🙁 It was a stupid early transfer!

          I learned my lessons:

          Wait until deadline
          Points over pounds

          1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            That's the right way to go! Best of luck for the rest of the season 🙂

  19. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Start Lingard or Ayew?

  20. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Start Jones or Ogbonna?

    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Ogb

  21. MGD
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Pope - Elliot
    Otamendi - Jones - Christensen - Masuaku - Mbemba
    Salah - Sterling - Lingard - ERIKSEN* - ARNAUTOVIC*
    Kane - Firmino - DLC*

    What about this for a trade?

    DLC + Eriksen + Arnautovic -> Aguero + Albrighton + Surman (great fixtures)
    -4!

    1. Lemongrab
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Got an almost identical team to you except Ayew instead of DCL and Ogbonna and Hegazi instead of Masuaku and Mbemba.

      Was looking at a top heavy Aguero, Kane, Firm but concerned about having a dodgy midfield as a result. Maybe Allen instead of Surman?

  22. AnderEstimatedHerrera
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Do you expect any haul from Kane next 3 games?

    1. Krionos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      yes.

    2. @fpl_phenom
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Not v Utd ... utd done conced many at all
      Liverpool in Anfield are actually quite good fensively so thats 2 blanks IMO
      V arsenal possibly but Arsenal hitting some form and I expect the London derby to be tight...

      this is why im going Kane > Kun for 3 weeks and then back after that....

  23. Emiliano Sala
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    You think mario will start for westham on tuesday vs palace? Seems soon but they have no other attacking players

    1. AndyCook
      8 years, 6 months ago

      He’s hardly attacking and a poor fpl asset. I wouldn’t worry about him

  24. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    A) Kane + DCL -> Aguero (C) + Firmino (Play Ogbonna, keep Arnie for now)

    C) Arnie + DCL -> Shaq + Firmino (Bench Ogbonna)

    1. @fpl_phenom
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I guess C because neither will play for the foreseeable,....

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      You have Depoitre, Long, CL and Arnie ... I think you have more important issues to resolve than Kane to Aguero?

      Has to be C

      1. Hansel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Adrian/Elliot

        Jones Alonso Otamendi Ogbonna

        Salah Sterling Lingard Mahrez

        Kun (C) Firmino

        That is an XI I'm confident with. Don't really care what Long is doing as 3rd sub... And Depoitre can easily be Wilson from next week and Arnie basically anybody in that price range.

        Feel like there is a lack of captain options without Kun whereby I consider it rather than sorting Depoitre etc now

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Salah a decent captain pick ?

          Next PL game ...
          Lingard could easily be benched ?
          Mahrez could change club and not start ?
          Ota could be rested with a new CB on his way and Kompany fit
          Kun could be rested soon maybe against Leicester, a few days before Basel, so you could get just 2 games out of him ?
          But if you have confidence in your bench then go for it and good luck 🙂

    3. Over Midwicket
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Where's B?

      Sort out your terrible bench and forget about Kun IMO. Lots of good alternatives right now.

  25. @fpl_phenom
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Triple combo move?

    Kane > Aguero
    Arnautovic > Mahrez
    Son > Walcott

    yah or nah?

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Definitely not the first. Maybe the second two but wouldn't do it for a hit.

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        interesting on the definitely not the first... spurs have been poor and are facing 3 very tough fixtures.... City and Aguero have been the exact opposite....

        1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Kane has been in great form, doesn't matter whether the whole team has been meh. Eriksen is back, Alderweireld is back, Kane has a good record against Liverpool and Arsenal. Aguero was in terrible form until his lucky hattrick last week. You will want Kane back 3 weeks from now. In my opinion, its two wasted Free transfers. Yes Aguero will undoubtedly outscore Kane over the next three. But not by a stupid amount.

          Of course that's entirely my opinion and I could be completely wrong.

          1. Hotdogs for Tea
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            Will Aguero play the next 3 ? Fixtures are piling up from Leicester onwards

          2. @fpl_phenom
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            yes Aguero outscoresk kane in the next 3 and also frees up funds for other team improvements

            1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 6 months ago

              No it doesn't free up funds, because you will want Kane back after the 3 weeks are over - in fact it will suck up funds as you lose TV you had on him previously.

    2. Pieterke30
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Im happier with Kane AND Aguero tbh

  26. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    I think cheap defensive options will proliferate themselves again very soon. WBA defence stats improving and their fixtures turning, Big Sam will turn things around for Everton, Burnley should get back on track...

  27. @fpl_phenom
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    was walcott decent the other day for Everton?

    hes a good enabler

  28. wernerhedgehog
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Bad move for Alli > Arnautovic to catch a price rise, Alonso was my move.

    Pickford / Elliot
    Jones / Ogbonna / Masuaku / Robertson / Mariappa
    Pogba / Salah / Sterling / Arnie / RLC
    Wilson / Kane / Firmino
    0FT 3.8 ITB

    Should I just wildcard or:
    A: Arnie > Hazard
    B: Arnie > Sane
    C: Arnie > Mahrez
    D: Mariappa > Alonso
    E: Kane > Aguero (C)

    Thanks chaps

    1. wernerhedgehog
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      * next move

  29. Jet5605
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    What do people think about Stoke's attacking options. Shaq seems to be their best player by far and I just don't trust Choup or Diouf to deliver regularly.

    Was going to get Mahrez but after seeing Swansea against Liverpool I don't think Leicester have as good a run of games as some might think. Shaq with nice games and new manager bounce looks like a cheaper alternative.

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Don't be fooled by a Liverpool performance. Swansea are still balls.

    2. Over Midwicket
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Joe Allen will most likely play in the hole and is 5.1. I'd feel much better getting him over spending 6mil on Shaq, who has never really been a "good" fantasy asset.

  30. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Really can't decide, please help:

    Arnie to:

    A shaqiri/Allen/choupo
    B Mkhi
    C willian
    ?

    1. Over Midwicket
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      A - all terrible
      B - hasn't played game yet
      C - injured

      Probably better off keeping Arnie.

      No but in all seriousness I'd downgrade to fodder and upgrade a def/fwd, or vice versa and get the likes of Sane/Mahrez/Poggers.