Sky Sports

Sky Sports Focus

Our packed Friday schedule continues with our regular switch to focus on the Sky Sports Fantasy game, as we look back at the weekend action before preparing you for the bumper incoming Gameweek.

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 38 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
Liverpool vs StokeKurt Zouma
Newcastle vs West BromMatt Phillips
Crystal Palace vs LeicesterWilfried Zaha
Southampton vs BournemouthDusan Tadic
Huddersfield vs EvertonIdrissa Gueye
Burnley vs BrightonMathew Ryan
Swansea vs ChelseaCesc Fabregas
West Ham vs Man CityRaheem Sterling
Man United vs ArsenalAinsley Maitland-Niles
Tottenham Hotspur vs WatfordKieran Trippier

Raheem Sterling (14.9%) was the highest-owned player to earn the MoTM award this week.

Somewhat surprisingly, it was only his third of the season, but when your team-mates include Kevin De Bruyne (ten), David Silva (six) and Sergio Aguero (four), it becomes more apparent as to why that’s the case.

The second most popular player – Wilfried Zaha – sits at a lowly 4.2%. He’s long been touted in our watchlist and now has three double-figure hauls in his last four fixtures.

This was his fifth award of the season and, if it were not for injury costing him a large chunk of the season, I suspect this figure would have been even higher.

He certainly has our attention with the next campaign in mind.

Gameweek 38 Bonus Points

Let’s take a look at any player to earn 50 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
LukakuMan United12.416.1%
WalkerMan City9.55.8%
AgueroMan City12.83.8%
FirminoLiverpool11.63.8%
SonSpurs10.83.6%

Top Transfers In

NameTeamValue% of Managers
KaneSpurs12.99%
JesusMan City12.16.1%
SterlingMan City9.86.1%
FirminoLiverpool11.64.8%
SanchezMan United12.73.6%

Average Transfers Remaining

Top 10 – 0.70
Top 100 – 1.52
Top 1,000 – 1.77
Top 5,000 – 1.93

Top Five Captains Picked

NameTeamValue% of Managers
KaneSpurs12.931%%
LukakuMan United12.415.8%
AgueroMan City12.86%
SalahLiverpool9.43.9%
De BruyneMan City11.53%

My Team

Karius
Ward van der Hoorn Christensen
Ramsey Sterling Zaha De Bruyne Salah
Kane Sanchez

ITB: 0.6
Transfers remaining: 0/40
Last week’s points: 82
Overall points: 2993
Rank: 148th

Notes

I’ve moved up to 148th place ahead of what feels like the most important Gameweek of the season.

In truth, it could have been even better had I stuck with my original plan of Sterling as captain over De Bruyne.

I will try not to dwell on that too much, however, as owning Sterling over the more popular choice amongst the top 100, Gabriel Jesus, has worked wonders so far and is probably why I jumped 30 places in rank.

Looking forward to this week, it feels like captains will play a massive part in my top 100 hopes.

This is where I really need my differential Alexis Sanchez to finally step up – I’m going to be handing him the armband twice – but given his lack of points so far, I’ll be happy enough if he starts both matches. With Romelu Lukaku out injured, I hope his chances of that are increased.

The other big decision will be on Wednesday, when Harry Kane and both my Man City players feature.

Many managers will be in the same boat, and it feels like mini-leagues could be decided on that evening.

Luckily, we get a warm-up match for both teams prior to that, as well as a look at the teamsheets on the evening before we commit, so hopefully a clear favourite will emerge.

If I can come out of this week with a top 100 rank, I will be delighted.

See you on the other side…

Captain Plan

Fri 4th May – Alexis Sanchez
Sat 5th May – Harry Kane
Sun 6th May – Raheem Sterling
Tues 8th May – Mike van der Hoorn
Weds 9th May – Harry Kane/Raheem Sterling
Thurs 10th May –Alexis Sanchez

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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2,514 Comments Post a Comment
  1. mcrayeps
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    My top 7 :
    Sterling / Fernandinho / Eriksen / Son / Mahrez
    Kane / Jesus

    If MCI and Spurs off form, im dead 😉

    1. Rik Waller
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Mahrez hattrick to save the day!

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        this

      2. hspin
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        That would be horrific

        1. Dave Bauer
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          *Terrific

          1. Mayor of Flair
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            Triffic

    2. hspin
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Who is your capt?

  2. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Hi Guys

    Apologies for the long post but your help is needed please

    I am unsure whether to take -8 or -12 this GW

    I’m currently chasing 16pts in my ML and this is my opponents team

    Lloris Fabianski
    Monreal Kongolo Lejeune Masuaku Fernandez
    Arnautovic Sterling Alli Gross D Silva
    Perez Kane Aubameyang

    (Still got TC and BB - 0 transfers made)

    My team

    De Gea Hennessy
    Christensen Lowton Vertonghen Morgan Dunk
    Sterling Mahrez Iwobi Ritchie Gross
    Barnes Jesus Kane

    (playing BB Jesus (c))

    Thinking of

    Christensen, Lowton, Iwobi & Barnes > Cedric, Smalling, Fernandinho & Rashford (-12)

    or

    Christensen, Lowton & Iwobi > Smalling, Fernandez & Ramsey (-8)

    Any ideas and thoughts would be welcomed

    1. KenyaDigIt
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Looks like your ML opposition has the upper hand with thier BB and TC in place. I think you need to focus on explosive players like Pogba, Sane and even Tadic could be worth the gamble.

      Putting too much focus on defence is not the answer in my opinion... Especially for hits!

      1. Dave Bauer
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Agreed.

        Big hits to chase mini league leads need to include potentially explosive captaincy options your rival doesn’t have.

        Hazard, Sanchez, Laca maybe

    2. hspin
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Mahrez -> Son
      Gross -> Arnie
      Barnes -> Austin

      Possible?

      Agree with Kenyadigit, defence is not the solution if you are chasing

  3. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    ML's will be won and lost with this Triple Captain chip you feel.

    1. hspin
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      I do?

    2. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Agree, who is your TC?

  4. BrutalLogiC
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    is there a record of the point scores by the scout pick teams each week?

  5. Kno
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    How big a lead in your ML would you need to feel safe at this point?

    Got a 44 point lead atm and still really really nervous

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Depends on your levels of paranoia 😉 I would say a 44 point lead with both of you having same chips left means you win 95% of the time.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      100+

    3. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      I am 69 ahead of my arch rival and best friend, but still nervous. I have the better players but you always fear some freak week where Mahrez suddenly comes good. Just hope my tc captain gets a few then it is all over.

    4. #Swish41
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      1 pt lead....bricking it!!! I’d be comfortable with 30plus

    5. Andrew
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      44 is a decent lead, I'm currently only 20 ahead of my rival!

  6. KJT123
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Willian + Vardy > Ritchie + Jesus for -4?

    1. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Nah

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      nope

    3. BrutalLogiC
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      yes

    4. Wetdream
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Anyone better than Ritchie ?

    5. Dave Bauer
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      No

  7. vopemartin
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Who score more most thsi gw?

    a) Kane, Eriksen, Fernandinho (or gundogan?)
    b) Kane, KdB, Matic

    KdB most nailed midfielder for city?

  8. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Would you pick Sanchez now considering there are doubts over his gametime in first game?

    1. Regin
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      No

    2. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      No

    3. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Nope

  9. BrutalLogiC
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    play Willian or Mili?

    1. #Swish41
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Lilian if you can’t get rid

  10. #Swish41
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    ML separated by 3 pts:

    DDG
    Morgan Christensen Duffy
    Salah Lingard Sterling Willian
    Jesus (TC) Kane Vardy

    Decided I want to go for upside moves (muck or nettles):

    Willian, Duffy, Salah >

    1. Sane, Pogba, Davies
    2. Sane, Alli, Naughton
    3. Eriksen, Pogba, Naughton
    4. Eriksen, DSilva, VDH

    Currently on 2...or 3...or 1... 🙂

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      3

      1. #Swish41
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks H

  11. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Opinions?

    A: Maguire alonso arnie Sterling (-4)
    B: Maguire Davies sane mahrez (-4)
    C: VDH alonso sane mahrez (-4)
    D: VDH alonso sterling silva (-8)
    E: Maguire Davies sterling silva (-8)

  12. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season Le…
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Yet again nice article - which over the season has helped a credible ranking ..... next year will be even better .... planning/captains still need to be improved a little ....
    Keep up the great work

    1. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks, that means alot

      1. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season Le…
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Maybe one day I’ll buy you a pint 🙂

  13. WorldCupDanB
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Femenia to Chambers for a -4, Yes or No?

    If no are there any other options for 4.8?

  14. olliejames
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    QUICK VOTE:

    Play

    (A) Dunk (MU H, MCI A)
    (B) Morgan (WHU H, ARS H)

    1. reeceon
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      B

  15. Sam (Team Sam)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Do you think Wales not being in the World Cup reduces Ramsey's chances of playing?

    1. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      No

    2. Ode
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      No

  16. NestorC
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Getting Sanchez the worst decision ever

    1. columbo
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Could be based in London still. Matic Valencia Mourinho all not seen either. Be surprised if he doesn't play given Lukaku is out, too. Hoping anyway

      1. NestorC
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah, let's hope he plays somehow

    2. KenyaDigIt
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Make your mind up after the DGW... With Kaku out it could be his opportunity to shine!

      1. NestorC
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        If he start I agree

  17. Z3US
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    One of..

    Willian --> Arnie / Pogba

    Murray --> Ayew

    Anything is a -4...

    DDG
    Vert - Cedric - Morgan
    Salah - Son - Sterling - Kante - Willian
    Kane - Jesus (TC)

    Ryan -- Murray - Lowton - Kiko

    1. reeceon
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      willian > pogba

      1. Z3US
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        cheers

  18. Mayor of Flair
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Naughton or Cresswell?

  19. Ode
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Willian -> Ramsey/Mkhi for a -4?

    1. Joey Barton and Friends
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      surely not. Why do you want to ditch William?

      1. #Swish41
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Not playing and not scoring any points. Why would you keep?

  20. Joey Barton and Friends
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Is it worth ditching Christensen for a hit? (For Davies or maybe Walker?)

    1. Dave Bauer
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      For Bavies or Vert, yes imo

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

      Yes

    3. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Yes for Vert

  21. Marlen R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Is there anyone at 10.5 or lower worth bringing in for Salah at -4?

    1. Joey Barton and Friends
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Eriksen

      1. Marlen R
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Already have him - agreed. Thoughts on Pogba?

    2. Mini Mane Mo
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Haz

  22. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Chasing 52pts worrh minus 8?

    Salah>Alli
    Barnes>Giroud
    Kane>Auba

    1. Joey Barton and Friends
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      why would you sell kane for a hit?

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      That'll be chasing 60 points

      1. Ange Ball
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Yes my rival has template of Kane and Jesus he played his WC last week to block my players he has BB left and I've got TC left trying to reduce lead down to 20pts

    3. #Swish41
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Selling Kane seems risky. Can’t you get differentials elsewhere?

      Salah move ok

      1. Ange Ball
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        I'm hoping for fantasy miracle lost I don't no what to do. I also have Morgan and Alonso just looking at them in my team as well is depressing as your just waiting for Alonso to be benched for Hudds and Morgan to play against Arsenal but not West ham.

  23. AnfieldLad
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Last time before I pull the trigger. I fancy keeping Mahrez over Willian but what you think:

    A) Mahrez -> Sterling
    B) Willian + Lennon -> Sterling + 4.6 (-4)

    1. Mini Mane Mo
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      A

    2. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      a

  24. Mini Mane Mo
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Which is the better option? Cheers guys

    A. Hazard and 5.6m def (Eg Lindelof, Mustafi, Trippier)
    B. Pogba and Vertonghen

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      a

    2. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      B

    3. nkhoughton
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      A

  25. glufs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Who is most likely to play both dgw games: Sane or Dilva?

    1. nkhoughton
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Dsilva

    2. #Swish41
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Coin toss! Probably 1 start each

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

      Sane I say

    4. hspin
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Coinflip

  26. nkhoughton
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Best Mahrez replacement?

    Already own sterling

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Eriksen

    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Pogba/Arnie/Sane/Eriksen/Alli/Tadic

  27. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Chances that Smalling playes all the remaining 3?

    1. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Think he'll play 2

    2. Bleach †
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      80%

    3. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      0 IMO

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Really? He has played 13 in a row.

    4. #Swish41
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Look good, has played last 10or so

    5. Ain't No Holebas Girl
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Sounds like Jose wants to push his England chances so hopeful for at least 2 out of 3

  28. Queens of the South Age
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Any advice for this team?

    Ryan
    Alonso Mustafi Morgan
    KDB Alli Arnie(c) Hazard Ritchie
    Jesus Austin

    Hennesey Wood Kiko Lowton

    1FT and 3.7m in the bank.

    Morgan and Ritchie the obvious weak points. Worth doing Ritchie to Sane\Pogba and then Morgan out for a hit too?

  29. The Tinkerman
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    How big of a hit would you take to fix this? TC left, 1.3ITB, 1FT

    De Gea
    Vertonghen, MORGAN, DUNK (
    Eriksen, MAHREZ, Groß, LCOOK, (Gudmundsson)
    LUKAKU, Kane, Vardy

    I’m thinking -12 to lose Kaku, Mahrez, Cook and Dunk. Sterling and Jesus prime targets.

  30. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    For the dgw:

    1A) Maguire + Davies
    1B) VDH + Alonso

    2C) Sane + Mahrez + 4
    2D) Sterling + Silva
    2E) Arnie + Sterling + 4