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. QuintonFortune25
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    With the news of Yaya playing the Brighton game, who do you reckon will play alongside him in midfield? KDB, D.Silva, Gundogan?

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      Foden and Gundotheman

      1. QuintonFortune25
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 days ago

        Foden a winger no?

    2. KenyaDigIt
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      KDB and D.Silva I'd like to imagine.

    3. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      Silva, Gundogan imo, KDB needs a rest

  2. dimitros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    Dunk to Bertrand for -4?
    I have Cedric as well.

    1. Goalosaurus
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      Its a no from me.

      1. dimitros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 days ago

        Do you prefer any Swansea defender instead?

  3. jmcclory123
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    Danilo and Laporte too risky imo, stick with someone who will get definitely get two games

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      There is no one who wil definately get 2 games, so...

      1. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 5 days ago

        So, avoid City defence.

  4. alittlebitoffunman
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    should I get:
    Jesus and Eriksen (leaves me with 2.5£ in cash)
    or Alli and Kane (wanted to get eriksen and kane)

    (had lukaku, vardy and Zaha: i'm doing vardy for Ayew to free up some cash, so -8pts in both cases).

    Who to TC ?

  5. TLF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    Nmecha to get the game v Brighton? Bilva as false 9 ?

  6. Return Of Chamakh
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    Pep has just confirmed that Yaya Toure will play this weekend as it'll be his last game for City - what effect does that have on city midfield rotation do you reckon?

    1. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      Think he said he'll play against Brighton mid-week

      1. Return Of Chamakh
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 5 days ago

        Oops my bad! Where do you think he slots in when he plays?

        1. Syd.
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 5 days ago

          On the bench and gets brought on to a standing ovation

          1. Return Of Chamakh
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 5 days ago

            Haha sounds very possible! I wonder if they've made him a cake..?

  7. Sassenachs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    Can't wait for these last two gameweeks, four people in it at the top of my mini league, three with TC and me with bench boost, lets rock.

  8. FPLShaqiri
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    Pep suggesting Yaya starts vs HUDD. So front 6 of Fernandinho De Bruyne Yaya Sterling Sané Jesus looking likely

    1. George James
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      He will play in the Brighton game I think mate.

      1. FPLShaqiri
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 5 days ago

        Could play both! Probably can’t justify Willian to Silva now :/

    2. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      what? is it? he also said "all my players will be involved over the next 3 games"

      nobody is going to start all 3 - rotation, rotation, rotation

    3. drughi
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      Silva will start against huddersfield and yaya will probably start against brighton in place of silva/kdb

      1. George James
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 5 days ago

        This

    4. Winter_is_coming
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      David Silva will play from the start after rest, as usual

  9. George James
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    Walker + Mili >> Mawson + Arnie (-4)

    Yes or no?

    I feel I will be getting 2 extra games from the moves. Thoughts?

    1. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      Walker back in training and Mili has a good fixture this week and next. It's a no from me

    2. Sassenachs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      Deffo, higher upside and more fun.

  10. drughi
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    Salah>Sane/silva for free or save and have 2 FT gw 38 ?

    1. YouReds
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      I think save now after Peps comments, you just dont know who will play both games

    2. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      Save or something else. Salah still very big imo (and now something of a differential!)

  11. pressdpm
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    Have Leicester been as bad as their results suggest?

    Thinking of getting Vardy but won't if they've already given up for the season.

    1. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      Wouldn't get him in, but wouldn't get rid if I had him (if that makes sense)

      1. pressdpm
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 5 days ago

        Yeah I know what you mean

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      No, they've been worse

  12. Michelle Davin
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    After peps conference I have made up my mind.

    Kane over Jesus as TC
    Salah to Eriksen over De bruyne.

    Good luck fellas!

    1. George James
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      Good moves. Good luck.

    2. jackx13
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      What's wrong with Jesus, no indication he will not play. Yaya not a FWD

      1. Michelle Davin
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 days ago

        It just seems more risky.
        Pep could emplu a false 9.
        That other striker might start.
        Sterling can play as striker.

        Its just safer with Kane.

  13. amaximoment
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    In second place 35 points behind but can't see what transfers to make. Got 2FT if needed.

    DDG
    Smalling Vertonghen Jagielka/Tomkins
    Sterling (TC) Zaha Milojevic Shaqiri
    Aubameyang Kane Jesus

    DEF: Swap Tomkins > Van Aanholt or Monreal or Danilo
    MID: Swap Shaq > Ramsay or Tadic

  14. YouReds
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    DDG
    Alonso Bavies Chilwell
    Sterling Son Mahrez Lingard GroB
    Kane(TC) Jesus

    a) Save FT
    b) Barnes > Ayew (Bench GroB)

  15. Jones Town
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    Think I'm going to have to throw the dice with some budget strikers. Which 2 of these would you go for? Or any others to consider?

    A) Rashford
    B) Ayew
    C) Austin

    Thanks! 🙂

    1. George James
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      B

      1. Jones Town
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 5 days ago

        Just B? Thinking of getting 2 of them...

    2. Sassenachs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      B

    3. pressdpm
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      A and C

  16. bring_on _the_fantasy
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    Despite Peps presser I still feel Jesus is nailed for final 3....

    They have no other striker with Aguero injured.
    False 9? stupid comment when you have a perfectly good striker.
    Sterling upfront...again, pointless when Jesus is fit
    Rest.....Rest for what??

    I think Sterling, Sane, Silva, B Silva, Gundogan, Yaya, Fernandiho and possibly De Bruyne will all be rotated. Jesus nailed!

    Remember Pep will want to increase the Premier league goal scoring record as far as he can and will also want to break 100 PL points so that means winning last three.

    1. Volley127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      He's played false 9 before, he can do it again.

      Whether you think it's pointless or not is irrelevant. Pep can certainly do it. Might not, but that's the risk.

      1. bring_on _the_fantasy
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 5 days ago

        False nine was to rest Aguero when Jesus was injured. There is no need to rest Jesus now. He hasn't played nearly a 1/3 of the season so it fresher than most

        1. Volley127
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 5 days ago

          There's no need to rest, but he clearly wants to have everyone involved, rotation is a possibility no doubt.

          As much as I'd like to say Jesus is nailed you cannot be sure IMO. I personally think he'll start both but I wouldn't bet my house on it (if i owned one..)

    2. Maddamotha
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      What did he say?

    3. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      It is a theory, and one that makes some sense, yet in reality, has a fair degree of uncertainty, even if it seems like sound logic.

  17. andy85wsm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    When Pep said he was going to try and include all players over the next 3 games did he say anything else at the same time about starting or not?

    Saw the Yaya stuff but anything else?

    1. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      Not that we know of. Including does not mean much, just some playing time, and likely some rotation about who starts. Have to believe it will be difficult to predict which players start 2 or 3 games through the end.

    2. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      I dont believe so no.

    3. jia you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      He can only make three substitutions per game so I'm guessing that the starting line up is almost certain to change dramatically?

    4. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      I take it as 'let's win the next 2 and play the backups/reserves the final game after the records are broken'

  18. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    Getting through the pages too quick! RP

    This lot G2G?

    0FT £1.2itb

    DDG
    Vert, Smalling, Mustafi
    Salah, Sterling, Eriksen, Son
    Jesus, Vardy, Ayew

    (Ryan) (Morgan, Mili, Lowton)

    Only possible Punty McPunterson move could be Salah > Hazard or KDB just for this GW but it would mean losing £0.6m in value and will Salah really blank again...?

    Thoughts? Cheers

  19. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    Which defenders will get definitely two games according to you - Vertonghen Mawson Smalling?

    1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      Vert and Mawson

  20. JJO
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    So forget about bringing in City players now?
    Jesus and Sterling enough?

    1. Volley127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      yes

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      why?

      1. JJO
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 5 days ago

        Bring someone who will be rotated in 1 of 2 games almost certainly? and probably for a hit?

    3. KenyaDigIt
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      I still fancy D.silva to be involved in both games, especially with Yaya.

    4. Sassenachs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      That's what I decided

  21. Hand of Dog
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    Might BB 37 and TC Salah in 38.

    Can spend all week hoping Jesus, Sterling and Kane fail.

    1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      Might? Just few hour near deadline

  22. Alvaro Morata
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    G2G...?

    Fabianski. Hennesey.
    Azpi. Smalling. Laporte. Tomkins. Long.
    Sterling. Alli. Pogba. Carroll. Mcarthur.
    Jesus. Kane. Vardy.

    1. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      Like it

      I also went with Laporte...hope he starts

  23. GHB
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    Smalling start tonight?

    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      100%

    2. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      wouldn't say its' 100% at all, but I hope he does start

  24. Menelaou99
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    Guys pls tell me what you think

    Aubameyang ayew pogba
    Or
    Ayew sterling ali

  25. jia you
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    I made a comment at the beginning of the game-week, that loads of managers will be posturing about captaining Jesus/Sterling but most will revert to Kane by deadline!
    Think I'm g0ing to be proved correct on that one! 😉

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      Same as every week so just with Salah.

    2. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      You're probably right.. ha!

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 days ago

        I know, but my armband is going to stay on Jesus I think, and I was advocating Kane(C) at the time! Funny old game, funny old world!!

  26. JoshHuntCUFC
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    De Gea
    Smalling Cedric Morgan
    Salah Mahrez GroB Romeu DSilva
    Jesus Kane(TC)

    Ryan, Robertson, Tarkowski, Barnes

    1 FT, 0.3 ITB

    Thinking of shipping Robertson (drop Morgan) or shipping Mahrez or both...

    A) Robertson > Mawson
    B) Mahrez > Sterling
    C) Mahrez > Sterling + Robertson > 5.0 DEF (-4pts)
    D) Robertson > Mawson + Mahrez > 9.0 MID (-4pts)
    E) Ship Salah instead?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

    Help plz 🙂

  27. Afghanistanislas
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    Which of these would you do (would be for a hit):

    A) Bailly and Barnes > Smalling and J. Ayew
    B) Bailly and Gudmundsson > Cedric and Arnautovic
    C) Bailly and Willian > Lejeune and Eriksen
    D) Willian and Barnes > Arnautovic and J. Ayew

    De Gea
    Bailly Vertonghen vdH Morgan
    Salah Willian Sterling
    Kane Jesus Barnes

    Ryan Gudmundsson Lowton Hojbjerg

    1 FT, 1.0 ITB

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      A

  28. PompeyUpNorth!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    So, I'm third, 35 behind leader and 11 behind second, they both have Jesus, Sterling and Kane, BUT I have Erik and the leader doesn't. Leader is capt Jesus, second place is Kane.

    Do I Capt Erik and gamble on something totally different or play safe and go one of the others?
    A. Erik
    B. Kane
    C. Jesus
    D. Sterling

    1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      A or D

  29. Rik Waller
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    After that mini-panic, I think I'm back on Jesus TC.

    City could score more in one game than Spurs score in 2.

    1. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      Keep us posted

  30. Scheister
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 5 days ago

    Mini league rival and I are identical for points. He has BB left, and I have TC...
    Which should I TC:
    Kane, Sterling, or Jesus?

    1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 days ago

      In the same boat. He will C Kane on BB and maybe I'm going for Kane TC and hope he hauls like last season.