Opinion

The Burning Question – When to Free Hit?

The mourning period was suitably brief when Fantasy Premier League (FPL) announced the demise of the unloved All Out Attack chip.

Its replacement, the Free Hit, has vexed managers for a considerably longer period, with a number of theories as to its best use being touted.

The consensus was to save it for one of the inevitable late-season blank Gameweeks when sides drop out of the league schedule because of FA Cup commitments.

But even that has created confusion.

Should the Free Hit be deployed in Gameweek 31, when the FA Cup quarter-finals take place, or during the semi-final weekend of Gameweek 35?

And there’s even a school of thought that argues for the chip to be saved for the final Gameweek of the season to take advantage of plum fixtures and the teams with rather more to play for.

We asked Mark and our panel of Fantasy experts – reigning FPL champion Ben Crabtree, runner-up Uwais Ahmed and Career Hall of Fame top dogs Jay Egersdorff and Peter Kouwenberg – the latest in our series of Burning Questions: When is the optimum time to play the Free Hit chip?

Uwais Says…

When the Triple Captain and Bench Boost chips were introduced, it was fairly apparent to most within the FPL fraternity that they were to be used in conjunction with a Wildcard to take full advantage of the double Gameweeks in the latter part of the season.

Things, however, are not so obvious with the new Free Hit chip.

In pre-season, there was a lot of discussion that the FA Cup quarter-final weekend in Gameweek 31 would probably be the most opportune time to use it.

But I am of the view that if you have not yet deployed the second Wildcard, it might be an idea not to commit to the Free Hit chip then.

I took the view from quite early on that if the FA Cup draw was kind and did not pit too many Premier League clubs against one another in the early rounds, there was a great likelihood that we would see Premier League clubs going the distance in the competition.

In the last two seasons, the FA Cup has boasted an all-Premier League semi-final line-up, and I anticipate that to be the case this year, too.

If Spurs beat Rochdale at home in their fifth round replay, you just have to wonder how much value there is to use the Free Hit Chip simply to maximise returns from the four matches that currently make up Gameweek 31.

Looking at the upcoming schedules for the teams guaranteed fixtures – Liverpool, Everton, Watford, Bournemouth and even West Brom (although when you are bottom and seven points adrift, it is difficult to gauge what is a good fixture) – we have enough time from now to build a squad to ensure we have a respectable outing in that Gameweek.

We can then look to use our Wildcards soon after to take advantage of double Gameweeks as they have huge potential for explosive returns and could make the difference in our mini-leagues if prepared and executed properly.

We can then implement the Free Hit chip for Gameweek 35 – the FA Cup semi-final weekend – when there will be a bigger round of fixtures to choose from than in Gameweek 31.

These will include Arsenal at home to West Ham and Liverpool away to West Brom, and possibly even Manchester City vs Swansea City and Chelsea at home to Huddersfield.

Jay Says…

Short answer here is nobody knows!

While I think that planning is vital as we head into the final part of the season, it doesn’t make sense to me to plan for an eventuality when we don’t yet know the full facts.

Gameweeks 31 and 35 will throw up blanks, and Gameweeks 34 and 37 could throw up doubles.

But the Premier League have been known to catch out FPL managers in recent seasons with creative ways of rescheduling fixtures, the Gameweek 28 rearrangement of Arsenal v Man City being a prime example.

I remember Crystal Palace v Everton and Aston Villa v QPR fixtures being shunted into unexpected Gameweeks in recent seasons, so I can’t stress enough the importance of planning with the information that is definitely in front of you, NOT the information that could be in front of you.

FPL managers need to remember there are plenty of points to play for in Gameweeks 28-30, so taking one’s eye off the ball in the short-term planning department could be a dangerous strategy.

Peter Says…

I think anyone who tells you that a specific approach to the Free Hit chip is “clearly” the best approach is wrong.

For me, there are so many factors to consider – number of existing “blankers” in your squad, club priorities changing towards the end of the season, form, etc – that the decision whether to play the chip in Gameweek 31 or 35 really could go either way.

I’ve been going in circles playing out both scenarios and have even toyed with Wildcarding next week.

If pushed, though, my current feeling (possibly influenced by spending my Triple Captain chip so prematurely and profligately) is to cling onto that Free Hit chip like Scrooge grasping his last shilling for as long as possible.

Personally, I don’t subscribe to the school of thought which suggests that using the Free Hit in Gameweek 38 might be a masterstroke because those fixtures tend to throw up unpredictable results and rotations.

But I do favour the idea of wildcarding in Gameweek 32/33 in preparation for the double Gameweeks and using the Free Hit to deal with that (no longer quite as pesky) Gameweek 35.

Having read perfectly compelling and convincing arguments about both approaches, I decided upon my preference through the “revolutionary” approach of simply sketching out my team for the next few Gameweeks (including anticipated transfers, but ignoring the effect of injuries etc) “Sliding Doors” style.

Ultimately, I was happy to ride with an extra Stoke City/Liverpool player using free transfers until Gameweek 31 and couldn’t see a huge upside to using the Free Hit chip to flood my team. Everyone is going to have three Liverpool players regardless of their strategy, and I’m lukewarm about the other fixtures.

My prevailing feeling is that I’m not prepared to sacrifice the chip in Gameweek 31 just to crowbar in another two or three of the less fashionable players from unpredictable teams.

Retaining a bit more flexibility for the dying embers of the season – when we know who will be fighting, rather than holidaying, on the beaches – tempts me more than the lottery of which third Stoke or Bournemouth player could strike it lucky in Gameweek 31.

Ben Says…

In terms of setting up a much-needed strong finish to the season, I’d prefer to play the Free Hit in Gameweek 35.

This is based solely on being able to Wildcard in Gameweek 33, which would set me up for the remaining matches while ignoring the headache of factoring in who doesn’t play in Gameweek 35.

However, assuming Spurs beat Rochdale so their fixture with Newcastle vanishes from the Gameweek 31 schedule, I currently have just four players playing that week, with Jonjoe Kenny and Oumar Niasse making up half of them.

I have time to beef up this number with transfers, or can play the Free Hit, but the lack of appealing fixtures in Gameweek 31 make it a tough call.

I can either gradually bring in average players over the next few weeks to the incremental detriment of my team, or play my Free Hit to create the worst squad I’ll have ever owned in what could be a really low-scoring week.

The difference between fielding 11 and six players might amount to just 10-15 points, whereas using the Free Hit in Gameweek 35 means I can set a Wildcard team to take full advantage of the double Gameweeks 34 and 37.

There will also be more – and better – teams playing in Gameweek 35.

I didn’t know my answer when I started writing, but holding onto the Free Hit for Gameweek 35 is now my decision.

All of my next transfers won’t be aimed at Gameweek 31 as I want some Arsenal players after their Man City fixture, but I’ll add a few in and accept a low score in what is likely to be an underwhelming week.

Mark Says…

While it’s always wise to leave options open, the onset of Gameweek 31 means that we have to arrive at some kind of decision on our strategy in order to plan our four or five transfers between now and then.

I currently own six active Gameweek 31 players, though two of those names – Jonjoe Kenny and Collin Quaner – stretch the definition of “active”.

Still, with five free transfers remaining, I’m set on going into Gameweek 31 with seven or eight key assets, maybe more if a name emerges that warrants a points hit.

That is one very strong argument to keeping the Free Hit back for Gameweek 35.

The potential of the Bench Boost in Gameweek 34 is the other.

We’re not certain on what Gameweek 34 will present us just yet, rotation risks could actually limit the effectiveness of this chip quite considerably.

But then by saving the Free Hit for Gameweek 35, I would give myself maximum flexibility to exploit the double Gameweek that will surely arrive the week before.

No matter how many teams we get playing twice in Gameweek 34, knowing that I have the Free Hit to play immediately after to salve the damage inflicted by the blanks, offers me total freedom.

Hopefully, that can translate to an effective Bench Boost, and it will be the points from that, rather than my Free Hit tally, which could be the pay-off that really counts.

Conveniently, we will know the FA Cup semi-final line-up and therefore the full Gameweek 35 picture immediately after Gameweek 31. That should reveal the potential make-up of the Gameweek 37 doubles.

Having all our chips available with that information will likely be significant.

654 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Tabbara
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts anyone
    Pickford Speroni
    Alonso Jones Mee duffy Simpson
    Son Shaqiri Salah Sterling Walcott
    Kane firmino depoitre
    1FT 1.3 ITB

    Which option is better:
    A:Mahrez for Son
    B:Van djik and Mahrez for son and Jones(-4)
    C:Other
    thx

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I like B. Looking at something similar with Eriksen

      1. Tabbara
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        yeah looking at b.Long term move but worth the hit in your opinion?

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Just, yes

    2. Home Late From Age
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      What about save? If playing, Son has to do his best otherwise his place in the first team is in danger. And why bringing in now VvD when there are other 4 good options in defense for this GW?

    3. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Just Jones to VVD this week

  2. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Best pick here? A probably concentrates on the BGW31 and B more the next 3...

    A. Kun+Ox+Jones >> Firmino+Walcott+VVD (-4).

    B. Kun+Ox+Jones >>
    Vardy+Eriksen+VVD (-4)

    Current lot:
    Pick
    Jones / Duffy / Christen
    Son / Salah / Sterling / Ox
    Kun / Kane / Wilson
    (Elliot, Choupo, Ota, Kiko*)

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Can you get firmino and Mahrez in B? Instead of vardy and eriksen

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        0.2 short 🙁

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

  3. Lingardium Leviosa.
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Why is it called squeaky bum time?

    1. John t penguin
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      you ever sat down next to a mouse hole just as the mouse ran out?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        God. Don’t get me started on that. Lemiwinks is still up there.

        1. John t penguin
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          that's why the did that nursery rhyme , hickory dickory dock the mouse ran up the cock

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah I thought so.

        2. Kings of Lyon ★
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          😆 Lemiwinks is the hero we dont deserve. Our thoughts are with the Sparrow King

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            He was never quite the same again.

      2. Lingardium Leviosa.
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I've seen this episode on the director's cut of Tom & Jerry...

        1. John t penguin
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          the one with his nephew? yip based on true story.

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Ah I saw that. It was Keith the mouse. Top bloke that Keith.

            1. John t penguin
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              people will tell their grandkids about the day a horse and a dog had a conversation about a mouse.

              1. Rupert The Horse
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                I know I will. Not mine, someone else’s.

              2. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                😆

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Because people fart when they are nervous

  4. WVA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Who to start?

    A. Grob SWA
    B. Mawson bha

    1. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

  5. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Am considering bringing in Mahrez for Sterling. Everyone has Sterling around me and I want to break away from the template.

    Mahrez: STK, BOU, wba, BLANK, bri, NEW, bur
    Sterling: ars, CHE, stk, BLANK, eve, MNU, tot

    Is this madness?

    1. John t penguin
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      who else could you do it for

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        No one else without major surgery. Lingard and Alonso to Mahrez and Dawson (-8) perhaps.

        1. John t penguin
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I would be reluctant to let go of sterling even with harder games. Your other option isn't that exciting though. If possible I would try and find a way to make it for lingard myself.
          think mahrez sterling and ?
          better than
          Alonso mahrez and lingard

          1. John t penguin
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            and how would it be -8

            1. Miguel Sanchez
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Already done Otamendi to B.Davies with FT

              1. John t penguin
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                so mahrez move is -4 either way. maybe the dawson move isn't worst option if it is only for an additional -4 though I personally believe WBA are not going to improve.

    2. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I’m tempted by the same move. Can do it for free but would ultimately cost me either an extra hit or one less player for gw31. I think he can outscore him in next 3 so might go for it

    3. SW6
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Depends if you've got lots of value tied up in Sterling. If you're losing £0.5 by selling him it doesn't make sense imo. But if you've only bought him recently I'd go for it

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Have the full £0.5 (£1.0) tied up in him so unlikely I would get him back after losing him.

    4. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Considered it but too much money tied up in Sterling to take out now for Mahrez then possibly want to bring him back in on WC for GW32? I would lose 0.6 in team value if i did, think Sterling might well be a season keeper like Salah?

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Perhaps he is a season keeper but I want to break away from the template a little bit as I will be captaining Salah a lot in the next few GWs so will need some strong differentials

        1. Krafty Werks
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Could work, especially if chasing in ML's? Really depends on your plan going forward and what chips you have left etc? Personally i've decided to keep for now and as i said (all being well) probably for the rest of the season...until my planned WC in GW32 at the very least i reckon? GL.

  6. Now I'm Panicking
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    If you buy someone while on FH for 8.0, and then sell them after a double rise when they are at 8.2 whilst still on FH, do you keep the 0.1 profit?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      No - but you do retain any profit made on pre-FH players who come back to your team.

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Ok - so if you buy at 8.0 and you sell when they are 8.2, you sell them for 8.0 - what if they drop to 7.9 then you sell them - do you sell them for 7.9?

        1. Pooodle
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          You just get your old team back with whatever price changes affected them. You don't lose or gain money on your free hit team.

          1. Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            So if I buy at 8.0 and they drop to 7.9, I can sell them for 8.0 and then buy them again for 7.9? (assuming all this happens while on FH?)

            1. Rupert The Horse
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Basically you’re not buying or selling anyone. You borrow the and they have no assigned value other than whether you can afford to temporarily move them in to your squad.

              1. Now I'm Panicking
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Is that a yes or a no to my question? 🙂

      2. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I thought it would give you an extra 0.1 on free hit? But then reverts back to old team and value.

    2. John t penguin
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      you know the answer you little imp

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        *gimp

        1. Lingardium Leviosa.
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          *shrimp

      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        He does doesn’t he.

  7. Aubaaaaa
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    If I have 1 FT and I use my free hit prior to GW35, how many FTs will I have going into GW36? 1 or 2?

    1. John t penguin
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      1

  8. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    What to do with this team? 2FTs. 1.0 ITB.

    Hennessey
    Alonso Otamendi Coleman
    Salah Eriksen Sterling Shaqiri
    Firmino Wilson Vardy
    Speroni | Azpi, Wilshere, Zeegelaar

    A) Hennessey > Pickford
    B) Speroni > Fabianski (play Hennessey in GW31)

    C) Azpi/Ota > VVD/Robertson
    D) Azpi + Ota > VVD/Robertson + Trippier/Davies

    E) Azpi + Wilshere > Robertson + Siggy/Walcott
    F) Ota + Wilshere > Robertson + Walcott

    1. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      De gea
      OTA, Alonso, Duffy
      Salah Sterling Son Shaqiri
      Kane, Firmino Wilson
      Elliot Ogbonna Kenny Lingard
      2 ft 0.3 itb
      A) OTA and Son to VVD and Mahrez
      B) Ogbonna and Lingard to Mili and VVD

      Cheers

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        C) Zoom in on Grav

    2. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Sorry,I didn't want to paste this
      I would sell Hennessy and azpi for Pickford and VVD

    3. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      And if you go Wilshire to Walcott,who you gonna bench?

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Wilson or Shaqiri. Don't mind a benching headache during these times of rotation and injury. A strong first sub (and bench in general) means I'm more likely to be able to save FTs than make panic swaps when someone is injured.

        1. CRO KLOPP
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          In my opinion first you need sort GK,and then OTA or azpi to VVD,so Wilshire to Walcott isn't a priority right now, that's my opinion
          GL

          1. CRO KLOPP
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            I'm playing Wilson and shaq this week

            1. Deulofail
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              I'm tempted to agree with you. Either GK + def or def + def (and just keep Hennessey since CSs and saves are hard to predict + he plays in GW31 so it's *perhaps* a lesser priority). Many thanks

              1. CRO KLOPP
                • 6 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Hennessy is injured?they said on scoutcast

                1. Deulofail
                  • 8 Years
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  Oh really? I haven't listened yet and had no idea. I was just looking at his poor fixtures in the next 3. Thanks for the heads up.

                  1. CRO KLOPP
                    • 6 Years
                    6 years, 1 month ago

                    So could you help me above?
                    A B or C) something else
                    Thanks

                    1. Deulofail
                      • 8 Years
                      6 years, 1 month ago

                      A is more exciting but I think B is more necessary as the bench is starting to look a little thin.

                      1. CRO KLOPP
                        • 6 Years
                        6 years, 1 month ago

                        I agree, thanks

    4. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      E or F

  9. Virgil Hilts
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    GW31 team no hits, saving FH for GW35

    Pickford
    Zanka, Ake
    Walcott, Shaqiri, Salah, Mane
    Firmino, Wilson

    Seems ok, you’re welcome to point out weaknesses before I set it up, any thoughts?

  10. Lingardium Leviosa.
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Do you think FPL will ban me if I change Team Name to Long Ndong?

    Asking for a friend.

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Only if it breaches the Trade Descriptions Act

      1. Lingardium Leviosa.
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        What about Bong Holding Long's Ndong?

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Is the Bong holding the Ndong, or is the Ndong holding the Bong?

        2. jia you
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Mee Long Ndong Holding Bong

    2. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Tell your friend to grow up and use his imagination

    3. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Try SadioMasuakuist

      1. Lingardium Leviosa.
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        😀

    4. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Nah. Probably think you might need a hug though.

  11. jia you
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Mahrez(C) / Eriksen / Sanchez / Salah / Hazard

    I like my midfield this week 🙂

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      How’s the rest of the team tho!

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Haha my defense is fine Fabianski/Alonso/Maguire/Robertson amd I'm considering captaining one of my strikers - Wilson - so cant complain 😉

        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Would go Mahrez over Wilson for the armband

          1. jia you
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah, think I'll punt Mahrez but Sanchez is really tempting me though, have a feeling in my waters!

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      -8, Wilson & Ayew frontline... no thanks

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        ah you're a glass half empty kind of guy 😉

  12. Majestic Chanka
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Seeing a lot of people moving Jones to VVD, if you already have the Liverpool man who would you target?

    1. We Will Klopp you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Vertonghen or Monreal

    2. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Slim pickings really, especially for teams who play in 31. Could go for someone like maguire

    3. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Depends on whether you're trying to build a team for 31 or intend to FH then?

    4. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Bavies

  13. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Interesting to hear most of the scout cast members favour getting rid of Otamendi before Jones?

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I am sure there is stuff that crops up in game theory that would go a long way to explain how the scouts teams seem to do the same moves sometimes.

      Nash equilibrium springs to mind.

      1. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Not just the scouts either.

        if you analyzed lots of the top runners in mini leagues it is amazing how they fall into line sometimes.

      2. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Nash equilibriums are not applicable to FPL as there is no interaction between players.

        1. Ógie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I beg to differ.

          Are we not players interacting and is not looking at a rivals team in some way interacting.

          I used to be in regular contact with a mate in seasons past constantly on the phone talking about fpl and i found our teams converged bar maybe one or two players.

          1. Brosstan
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Theres nothing to argue about. One of the premises for Nash is that the actions of other players directly influence what your optimal decision should be. In FPL, the viability of a certain pick (i.e Kane) doesnt change whether 0 or 100 % of the other managers have him.

            1. Jeremy Corbyn
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              man, I don't know where you have read that, but it has nothing to do with Nash. Maybe less showing off next time and more fantasy football chat?

  14. fkmzcgp
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Got a strong feeling Kun will be rested this weekend... is it stupid to bring in Firmino for him for a -4 hit? Already used my FT this week, would have done this move next week anyway

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Who would Man City play instead of Aguero?

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Pep's went with Sterling false nine before, possible but doubtful.

      2. fkmzcgp
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I reckon Jesus could surprise us and rise again this weekend

    2. Rik Waller
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      League cup final is this weekend. I think Kun will start it, but Jesus has a chance of starting the Thursday prem game vs Arsenal. I've got rid

    3. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Reckon Kun will start, don't see him playing Sterling in a false 9 v Arsenal? Nah. Jesus only back in light training don't see him returning for another couple weeks. I have considered same move as will defo be doing it before GW31 for sure but have concluded it's best to hold out for at least another week and do for free next week or week after.

  15. merin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    I'm having a hard time figuring out who to get instead of Richarlison. Any suggestions?

    Pope Elliot
    Alonso Otamendi Mawson Mee Mariappa
    Sterling Salah Walcott Shaqiri Richarlison
    Kane Firmino Wilson

    FT: 1, ITB: 0.9

    1. Mahrez The Magician
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Keep Richarlison

      1. merin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Hmm... i might because of GW31.
        How about keepers. Who would you get instead of Elliot?

    2. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      You’ve gone this far, I would keep for 31

    3. Pooodle
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Don't think anyone in that price range is any good so you may as well keep and you can bench him until 31.

  16. Mahrez The Magician
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Schmeichel
    Hegazi-Daniels-Jones
    Shaqiri-Mahrez-Salah-Sterling
    Aguero-Firmino-Wilson

    Sub : Elliot-Lingard-Christensen-Ogbonna

    Which option is better !?
    A-Kun > Kane
    B-Jones ( if not fit ) or Christensen > VVD
    C-Both for -4

  17. Kuzser
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Which move should be a priority for this team please? 1ft, 2.2itb

    1)Aguero, Son->mahrez Kane for -4
    2)Aguero, ota/Alonso ->Kane, vvd/simpson for -4 (not sure about selling ota as i bought gim for 5.7)
    3)Depoite, Alonso/ ota-> firmino/ Vardy and robertson/Simpson for -4 (and play 3-4-3 with shaq as a sub)
    4) any other options?

    Pope
    Alonso mee Ota (Christensen ogbonna)
    Sterling Salah shaq son Walcott
    Aguero Wilson (depoitre)

  18. Dele
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Need some help! Which player do I transfer in for Sterling?

    A) Eriksen
    B) Mane
    C) Mahrez

    The only problem with Mane is that I was looking at getting VVD in for Jones.

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A or C

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      C

    3. Pooodle
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn't ditch Sterling.

      1. czechow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        This. Sterling is essential.

  19. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    What would you rather have?

    A. Firmino+Walcott
    B. Vardy+Eriksen

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B if playing FH chip in GW31. A if not.

      1. Kuzser
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        This

      2. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I’m not playing FH in 31 but don’t want to ignore the next 3 GWs too much

        1. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          You get 2 more fixtures out of A than B, and I don't imagine the players on your bench have a simliar points potential if they even have a fixture in GW31. Even if they all have GW31 fixtures, the choice would be fairly close, so just go for the ones with more games so you have more lottery tickets.

          1. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Good point mate! Thanks

    2. merin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. Pooodle
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

    4. Rik Waller
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      It's close enough to justify going for the pair that don't blank - A

    5. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      How about Firmino+Mahrez?

  20. BAMBAA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Doing Jones -> VVD tonight. Would you also:

    1) Hazard -> Mane
    2) Hazard -> Walcott and J.Ayew -> Firmino (-4)
    3) Save other transfer

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Keep Hazard for the rest of the season imo

  21. JasonG123
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Rank these defenders from now up to (and including GW31):

    1. Dawson
    2. Hegazi
    3. Daniels
    4. Bauer
    5. Zanka
    6. Coleman

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Dawson & Coleman if fit, rest are uninspiring

      1. JasonG123
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Why Dawson over Hegazi?

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          His big head is always trying to get on the end of set pieces...ie big goal threat

          1. Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            11 goals in 142 PL games

    2. Virgil Hilts
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      All come with various issues attached.

      Coleman by miles the best if fit.

      WBA defs worst as team in terrible relegation form.

      Other 3 flip a coin.

      I guess you are looking for a good GW31 team to build, but not much confidence in GW31 players to keep clean sheets, or in the case of Liverpool, not to be rotated.

      1. JasonG123
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        West Brom have the second best clean sheet odds this week after Liverpool. Would only use them this week and in GW31.

        1. Virgil Hilts
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I fancy Hudds to score. Think Pritchard has added some spark.

          I also fancy West Ham to grab one at Anfield as well for what it’s worth. Typical Liverpool to keep clean sheet and score 5 away v Porto, then concede at home to the Hammers.

          But the bookies are probably right, mine are only hunches.

    3. QuintonFortune25
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Stoke haven't conceded many goals recently, or at least they have the best record of all the other GW31 teams. Therefore I'm going Bauer.

      1. QuintonFortune25
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        *excluding Liverpool of course

  22. columbo
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Is fosu mensah nailed on please lads? Seems the only 4.4 and below sure to start the blank if I'm not mistaken? Cheers

    1. Virgil Hilts
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Seems to be mate, play 90 mins last 7 league games

    2. QuintonFortune25
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Mariappa has played every game since Watford got a new manager, but then again he's playing Liverpool in GW31 so not much hope for a CS!

  23. pjanns
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Pope
    Robertson - Naughton - Mariappa
    Sterling - KDB - Salah- Eriksen - Walcott
    Kane - Firmino

    (Elliot - Ayew - Kenny - Hunemeier)

    1,3 ITB.

    GTG right?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Definitely.

      1. pjanns
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Cool, thanks!

  24. Typo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    I see alot of people advising to take Jones out. Why?
    Is he injured? He has been Uniteds best defender this season, and he is still kinda cheap.

    1. BAMBAA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Might be injured and I don't like the fixture.

    2. Pooodle
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah for me unless he's out for a while I'm keeping. Great value if you got him for say 5.4m.

    3. Virgil Hilts
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Might be injured (again), might have fallen out of grace with Jose somewhat, has tricky fixtures and congestion/rotation to factor in.

      1. Pooodle
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        When United had a really bad run of fixtures in GW8-11 Jones still came out with 18 points from 4 games which isn't bad at all.

        1. Virgil Hilts
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Yeh, not saying he’s a bad pick or anything, just explaining why some are selling.

          No reason he cannot keep scoring good points.

    4. Typo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      If he has a little knock, and he is out against chelsea, its no problem if your bench can cover. He gets his rest, and he is back against Crystal Palace.
      If you do not have bench cover, and he is your way to get VVD I would agree its a good transfere tho

  25. Pooodle
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Any suggestions on what to do with this mess?

    Fabianski, Elliot
    Jones, Alonso, Daniels, Ogbonna, Kenny
    Sanchez, Lingard, Sterling, Salah, Shaqiri
    Kane, Firmino, Quaner

    1FT, 0.1m ITB

    A) Sanchez, Lingard -> Eriksen, Mahrez (-4)
    B) Lingard, Quaner -> Milly, Wilson (-4)
    C) A or B plus Alonso -> Van Dijk (-8)
    D) Wildcard, ditch everyone apart from Fab, Sterling, Salah, Kane and Firmino, load up on the teams with good fixtures and use free hit in 31

    1. BAMBAA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A and you’re set.

      1. Pooodle
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers guys.

  26. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Mahrez or Wally for the next 3?

    1. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Riyad

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Next 3 Mahrez obviously. But you have take into account the extra transfers you will use to get him and sell him before 31.

      1. CRO KLOPP
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        It's minus 2 then?

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Or a hit to take him out, effectively only a -2 on a blank game week. So Mahrez hasn’t to outscore Wally by 2points in the next 3 I think

          1. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Has to*

          2. Ramboros
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            This is why calling a hit before a BGW as a 2 point hit is flawed.

            Mahrez would still have to outscore Walcott by 4 points before GW31 to be worth getting in over Walcott.

            1. RAFA THE GAFFA
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Ah ok! Think that’s possible?

      2. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Correct. Worth it?

        Still looking at the Kun+Jones+Ox >> Firmino+VVD but can also afford Mahrez over Wally? Then get Wally for Son if he looks to be dropped

        1. CRO KLOPP
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Don't know, could work out, Wally could do well too

          1. CRO KLOPP
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            I'm going son to Mahrez this week for free and then to Wally in 31

        2. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          If you can afford Mahrez over Wally without comprising I’d get him.

          We might need to sell Son next week anyway if he’s dropped so Siggy/Walcott can be direct replacements next week.

    3. Virgil Hilts
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Mahrez if on form & motivated.

      Bit of a question mark still I suppose. Went on strike, came back & played well but only 1 game to judge on.

      If he was a horse on a racecard, you’d be putting a question mark next to his name.

  27. Legohair
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    I have only two players GW 31 now,so i can only field 6 players on GW 31,sure is FH for me then?

    1. Virgil Hilts
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Yeh use your transfers to maximise points up to GW30, and FH GW31.

      Think most players will have 7+ in 31, or 11 on FH.

      1. Legohair
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah i think i do that.

    2. Pooodle
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I just tried to make a free hit team for 31 and to be honest there's only about 6 players I'd want anyway.

  28. LC1
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Which 3 to start?
    Gome(WHA)
    Otamendi(ars)
    VVD(WHA)
    Chilwell(STK)
    Dunk(SWA).

  29. as33
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Who to bench Mee or Daniels? other is VVD and Alonso

  30. Speédy
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Fielding 11 in GW 31,how does this look?
    Pickford
    VVD Dawson Daniels
    Walcott CM Salah(c) Siggy/Shaq
    Firmino Wilson Benteke

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      About as good as it gets mate!

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Looks pretty good. Could be a good differential in 31 to have 11. Even I’m eyeing up Kane to Benteke in 31.

    3. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Great team but I would get Siggy and Shaq and play 352

      I would also bring Delafoe over CM