Games

Sky Sports Focus

We now turn to the Sky Sports game as we take a look back at last weekend’s action before preparing managers for the incoming Gameweek.

As always, we’ll examine the recent run of Man of the Match (MoTM) awards, the bonus point beneficiaries, transfer trends and Watchlist, before moving on to the Scout team and our future plans.

Gameweek 29 Man of the Match Awards

These were the players who caught the eye of the Sky Sports reporters and earned an extra five points as a result.

FixtureMoTM
Leicester vs StokeXherdan Shaqiri
Burnley vs SouthamptonOriol Romeu
Brighton vs SwanseaGlenn Murray
Bournemouth vs NewcastleDan Gosling
Liverpool vs West HamMohamed Salah
West Brom vs HuddersfieldRajiv van La Parra
Watford vs EvertonTroy Deeney
Crystal Palace vs TottenhamWayne Hennessey
Man United vs ChelseaRomelu Lukaku
Arsenal vs Man CityLeroy Sane

 

The most popular player in the game, Mohamed Salah (52.5%), picked up his tenth MoTM award of the season and has now overtaken Kevin De Bruyne, who sits on nine.

The third most owned player, Romelu Lukaku (34.1%), snapped into action with a tidy 17-point haul. He was also the second most-captained player overall, so will have caused some pretty hefty rank sways, although I suspect much of his ownership are “ghost ship” squads.

Aside from those two big names, it was largely differentials who earned the gong.

Gameweek 29 Bonus Points

Let’s take a look at any player to earn 40 points or more in bonus for the season

members

Fantasy Football Scout members can access all information regarding bonus points using player stats and clicking the Sky Sports tab.

The Transfer Trends

Top Transfers Out

NameTeamValue% of Managers
SterlingMan City9.811.7%
JonesMan United7.55.5%
AgueroMan City12.83.4%
FernandinhoMan City8.73.3%
RicharlisonWatford7.62.7%

Top Transfers In

NameTeamValue% of Managers
FirminoLiverpool11.64.7%
DoucoureWatford74.7%
EriksenSpurs10.83.8%
AgueroMan City12.83.3%
De BruyneMan City11.53.1%

Average Transfers Remaining

Top 10 – 10.30
Top 100 – 10.83
Top 1,000 – 10.16
Top 5,000 – 9.64

Top Five Captains Picked

NameTeamValue% of Managers
KaneSpurs12.928%
LukakuMan United12.415%
AgueroMan City12.813.3%
De BruyneMan City11.57.3%
SalahLiverpool9.43.2%

Watchlist

In this section I aim to highlight a few differential players with low ownership who I believe present strong options for the forthcoming few Gameweeks.

Three specific price brackets will be used to cater for our available budgets.

The players will evolve with fixtures and form, and offer Fantasy managers a nudge in the right direction.

BudgetMid-PricePremium
DefenderMartin Jorgensen
5.7m
4.7%
Andrew Robertson
7.8mm
2.7%
Virgil van Dijk
8.9m
2.8%
MidfielderJordan Ibe
7.5m
0.7%
Aaron Ramsey
9.1m
2.6%
Mesut Ozil
11.1m
2.1%
ForwardOumar Niasse
7.4m
0.6%
Josh King
10.3m
1.5%
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
12.2m
1.9%

My Team

Karius
Davies Ward van der Hoorn Christensen
Walcott Eriksen De Bruyne Salah
Kane Firmino

ITB: 1.7
Transfers remaining: 9/40
Last week’s points: 88
Overall points: 2392
Rank: 211th

Notes

A slight bump in rank for me thanks to a strong showing from my three Spurs and Liverpool assets.

But the rest of the team failed to deliver this week, although I’m generally pretty happy with my Overhaul team.

Theo Walcott was a late addition and is on the thinnest of ice in my squad. In fact, I may look to bring in Aaron Ramsey if he starts against Brighton, particularly as an Arsenal player looks key with the new fixture dates giving them several individual matchdays.

Ideally, I would like the low-owned Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as well, but that would probably mean losing Firmino, which seems foolhardy given his recent form.

There’s lots to ponder for me, then, but I’m anxious about using any transfers. They’re a precious commodity as I’m below the average for swaps remaining.

I’m also convinced there will be great opportunities towards the back end of the season to bring in differential captains on single matchdays.

Slow and steady wins the race.

Captain Plan
Sat 3rd – Kane (HUD)
Sun 4th – De Bruyne (CHE)
Mon 5th – None

Weekly Articles and Podcast

As well as the weekly Focus article, I’ll be talking through the week’s action, and upcoming plans with FFS posters Buffrey and Lewis on our regular podcast – the latest episode can be found here.

The Fantasy Football Scout League

Our Fantasy Football Scout League is currently topping the League of Leagues as we look to defend our crown in 2017/18.

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528 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Scheister
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Which would you play this weekend?
    Cheers

    A) Alonso (mci)
    B) Mariappa (WBA)
    C) Jones (CRY)

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

      a

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A.

    3. Reckoner.
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Glad I don't have this decision, got to play Alonso but would want Mariappa playing too!

    4. Bunk Moreland
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      a

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

    The best transfer this week:
    A) Sterling to Arnautovic for free
    B) Sterling to Shaqiri for free
    C) Sterling+Ota to Mane+Robertson for -4
    D) Hazard to Mane for free

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

      B

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

      Save and reassess next game week.

    3. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      C for me but wouldn't be in a rush... Sterling may play?

    4. No_Mo_Salah?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Tempted with Sterling to Ramsey myself but on the fence

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

    Good to go and save or should i make a transfer?
    Adrian
    Alonso Robertson Dawson
    Salah Sterling Shaqiri Walcott
    Kane Wilson Firmino
    Elliot Ogbonna-Atsu-Schindler

    1ft 3.5 itb

    cheers

    1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Decent, could save but I'm not convinced on Wally....

  4. Can’t beat em so&hell…
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    I really am stuck. I've got 0.4 and 1FT. I think I have too much Chelsea. Verts an issue this week but like him long term. FH in 31...

    Courtois/Adrian
    Alonso/ Verts/ Daniels/ Chilwell/ Schindler
    Salah/ Sterling/ Willian/ Lingard/ Tarroll
    Kane/ Kun/ Ayew

    What would you do?

    1. GS456
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Probably be looking at

      Mahrez, Arnie or Eriksen in

      1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Mahrez or Erikk would mean Salah or Sterling on their toes.. Arnie could replace Willian though...?

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

      Vertonghen is back.Save imo.

      1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Hello! Is that confirmed?

          1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Bingo

  5. FPL_Hazards
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Quiet today, can I get some advice?

    If you have all 4 chips left, should you start making GW31 playing transfers and save FH for later or just get good players now and FH in 31?

    1. GS456
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      It’s a balance.

      I have all chips remaining.

      But I’m not ignoring Eriksen/Mahrez and arnie in favour of players who will get 2 points in 31.

      3 Liverpool and Shaqiri is enough. With 2 or 3 magic beans

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

      Depends how many GW31 players you already have. 6-8 for GW31 should be enough.
      I’d keep FH for GW35 otherwise

    3. The Darkest Knight
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I am doing it... plan is...
      1. Try to get players for GW 31 so that you can field 8-9 players in GW31
      2. Wild Card for GW 34 & 37 Double gameweek
      3. Free hit for Blank GW35

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

    Those with all chips left, are you WC'ing in GW32 or GW33?

    1. Dybala10
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Probably 32 as I want to see rubbish like Wilson and Walcott out of my team ASAP.

      Plus also means I have 2 FT ahead of the DGW in case things go wrong.

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

        True but using the WC in 33 means you have more info... I'm on holiday the week after 31 so that's making me lean towards WC in 33

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

          Snap. Can’t be arsed having 10 days in Spain, being on a WC and monitoring injuries etc during the International Break.

          Back from hols 28/3 and press WC button 31/3

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

            😆 I feel like if I'm WCing I need to be catching those price changes but doubt I'll have much time for fplstats when I'm in the Alps...

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

        International break Wildcard in that case. Has its merits I suppose, but could be problematic in some ways too.

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

      33

      Get a bit more info & GW32 fixtures not looking a massive opportunity for DGW34 BB players

    3. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Prob 32 but depends what my team looks like that week.

  7. Dybala10
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Start Adrian (Swa A) or Courtois (Mci A)?
    Sterling to Shaqiri, Mahrez or Arnautovic?
    Otamendi (Che H) or Wilson (Lei A)?

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

      Adrian
      Shaq I guess just because of the blank
      Wilson

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

    Barnsley v Norwich just called off.

    Pitch fine with U/S heating , surrounding areas snow & ice not deemed safe for supporters.

    Could be 1 or 2 Prem games in same situation?

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Doubt it.

  9. Gooner Kebab
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Looking forward to scout picks today - i doubt i'd have any of them this week. Big score incoming!

  10. The Darkest Knight
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Sell Aguero for Kane??? YES or NO?

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

      Yes

    2. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      or get both?

      1. The Darkest Knight
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Not possible

        Adrian
        VVD / Chilwell / Daniels
        Salah / Hazard / Mkhitarayan / Sterling*
        Aguero / Firmino / Murray

        (elliot* / jones* / Zeegelar* / Loftus cheek*)
        1 FT ... 0.9 ITB

        Just look at that bench.... !!!! and advice....
        Should I do
        Aguero + Jones >> Kane + Dawson for -4???

        1. Gooner Kebab
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I'd do it for minus 4

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

          Jesus that bench is something else. Sort the bench out for sure. Kun + Jones to Kane + C.Daniels. West brom are horrific

          1. The Darkest Knight
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            already have daniels.... should i go for WBA defenders or Huddersfield defenders?

            WBA has good set of fixtures... they should utilized if they want to avoid relegation.

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

      yes for me

  11. Euro Raiders
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Suggest whatever you do this week and next do make sure you have two free transfers ready for Gameweek 31.

  12. Neebster
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    De Gea
    Alonso Azpi Van Dijk
    Son Sterling Salah Shaqiri
    Firmino Kane G.Murray

    Speroni Kenny Milivojevic 3.9

    All chips intact, 2FT, £1.4 ITB. Im not using FH IN 31, so trying to build towards it, what do we suggest?

  13. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Vertonghen back to first team training

  14. Erez Avni
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    play walcot or mili?

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

      Walcott

    2. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      you know

  15. Dybala10
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    FYI Vertonghen is back in training. Confirmed on Spurs Twitter.

  16. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    What to do with this lot?

    Pope
    Mariappa Mee VvD
    Sterling Son Salah Shaqiri Walcott
    Kane Firmino

    Elliot Alonso Depoitre Dunk

    2 FT. 1,1m in bank.

    A. Son/Sterling to Mahrez
    B. Depoitre to Vardy and Alonso to cheap playing in gw31 def.
    C. Something else

    Thanks.

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

      I'm in a similar position, thinking B.

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

    Any news on Coleman?

  18. damiang2233
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    My team at the moment with 2 FT and 0.1m ITB.

    Pope Fabinski
    Otamendi Jones Mustafi Kenny Davies
    Pogba Sterling Salah Shaquiri Ibe
    Kane Vardy Wilson

    Any smart transfers that I could make.

    Thanks in advance!

  19. GS456
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Just sold Walcott for arnie

    Can’t see any returns for him next 3. And the way arnie is playing he could explode.

    Time will tell. Save 2FTs going into 31 and go from there...

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

      If Walcott had a DGW in 31 would you have still made that move?

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Strange question

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

          Not really, a blank week is essentially the same as a DGW. These players have an extra game

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

      WH game could be postponed

    3. Yozzer
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Good move. I'm toying with the same

  20. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone else fussed about 31, I have Pickford, Robertson, Salah, Firmino, Wilson , Kiko and Millijovic, might bring In Shaqiri but other than that can’t think of anyone else who’ll be decent

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

      Coleman if fit. Stanislas might be worth a punt

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

      7 is plenty I think

      1. Babit1967
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah I reckon so

  21. pakornk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Sterling fit?

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

    Adrian
    Alonso Otamendi Mee
    Salah Mane Sterling* Shaqiri
    Kane Firm Wilson

    Speroni Mili Jones* Mbemba
    1ft 0.0itb

    Any advice here? I'm thinking I might save. Otherwise could sell Sterling or Jones

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Good to save.

  23. Gooner Kebab
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone still have Matt Ryan? Who you getting after this week?

  24. JD @JDCochran2
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    any help much appreciated...1 FT, .3 ITB and I will take a hit or two if needed. On 7th red arrow out of last 8 game weeks

    1. JD @JDCochran2
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Pickford* Elliott
      Alonzo Oat VVD* Kenny* Duffy
      Salah* Sterling Mahrez Mili* RLC*(injured)
      Kane Fermino* Wilson*

  25. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Do you guys believe there is an edge to be considered right now in building a team that would actually go well on 31 BUT also would enable to field a good team in 32 which will enable to WC in 33 with the knowledge of your ML Rival's 32 Wilcarded team?

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

      Apart from Liverpool (which pretty much all of us have 3 from anyway), only Bournemouth, Huddersfield and West Brom really have reasonable fixtures in GW31 and GW32, so if you want to load up on players from those teams then go for it, but I think the points you will likely lose in the meantime may be more than the benefit personally.

  26. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    1FT, 0.3 ITB:

    Karius, Foster

    Vertonghen, Dunk, Ogbonna, Fernandez, Simpson

    Salah, Sterling, Lingard, Shaqiri, Carroll

    Kane, Aguero, Vardy

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      gtg, captain?

      1. The Mighty Whites
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        GTG? What about Sterling, Vertonghen?

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Vert is back, scout tweets

        2. Gooner Kebab
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          you got a playing 11

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

        Karius
        Alonso, Vertonghen, Maguire
        Salah (vc), Eriksen, Walcott, Mhcykitarian, Shaquiri
        Kane (c), Firmino

        Bench: Pereyra, Mee, Niasse, Tomkins

        GTG?

  27. Union_Jacks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Alonso > Bavies?

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

    Vertonghen back in first team training....

    What do we think? Start tomorrow, or rest for Juve game?

    I'm thinking the latter sadly

  29. P&F
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Has anyone started to compile the list of players that they want for GW 34 yet?

    Within that analysis have you considered the players that will have (ok ... are likely to have) a second double with good fixtures. i.e MUN TOT LEI (either via Chelsea or Southampton) and if so who on earth does one get in from MUN outside of De Gea?

  30. olidooley
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Hey guys....struggling witha decision here....1 FT 0.7 in bank

    Foster Adrian
    Alonso VVD Mee Chilwell Long
    Salah Sterling Son Shaq RLC
    Kane Aguero Ayew

    1) Sterling to Mane
    2) Aguero to Firmino
    3) save

    1. P&F
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Option 2 or 3 for me, feel you will want sterling back. Aguero i'm happy to let go now that Jesus is coming back into the fold and realistically only a matter of time before Aguero starts sharing minutes again.