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.

Posted by

2,514 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Toplad
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    Which option:

    A) Barnes > JAyew
    B) Gross > Arnie
    C) Both for -8 hit

    Thanks!!!

    1. AnfieldLad
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      A

    2. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      c

    3. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      A

      1. Toplad
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 4 days ago

        Thanks! A it is

    4. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      A

  2. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    Best mudfielder for gw38 up to 7.3 except Zaha and Arnie?

    1. Mini Mane Mo
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Ramsey

    2. Goalosaurus
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      A.Ayew against Stoke could be an option depending on how relegation battle is looking.

    3. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      thanks both

  3. AnfieldLad
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    Play:
    A) Dunk
    B) Barnes
    Or C) Barnes -> Ayew (-4)

    1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      C will pay off in gw 37 and 383

      1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 days ago

        *38

    2. Toplad
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      C

  4. Maddamotha
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    Chasing 15 points behind. ML leader has Kane, should I get him for -4? Or go for Jesus or Sterling which I own.

    1. hspin
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Jesus or Sterling. Kane has not hit double digits since gw 23

    2. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Get him imo, GJesus and Sterling will score lots of pts to help you too.

    3. Maddamotha
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Very hard decision..

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

    I have a feeling Manchester United will score more goals without Lukaku. Hope not.

    1. semiconductor
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      I think so too

  6. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    Afternoon all....countdown is on...quick straw poll....those without BB chip, are you going
    A 343
    or
    B 352

    1. SEXY SALAH
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      343 - Kane, Vardy, Jesus

    2. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      3-4-3

      1. Zenith UK
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 days ago

        Apologies. 4-3-3 actually

  7. Cocky Spaniel Alves
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    Will Murray play both games? Any chance for getting something out of him?

  8. SEXY SALAH
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    What's the latest news boys and gals?

    1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Who will be your TC?

      1. SEXY SALAH
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 days ago

        I still have no idea, Kane, Jesus or Vardy

  9. Gentle_Turks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    Will D. Silva play both games in 37? .

    1. KenyaDigIt
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Guessing game really.

      With both games being being so close... He could stay and play both. Or play the first one, go back to spain and then come back for the final game. No one knows.

      1. Gentle_Turks
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 4 days ago

        That's my worry. Looking for a Willian replacement. What do you think Silva, or Ramsey?

        1. KenyaDigIt
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 4 days ago

          Pogba? I have Willian and will look to ship for Pogba before deadline

          1. JRM
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 4 days ago

            I like Silva to start both. Very confident of the Huddersfield start as he's been seen training (he returned from Valencia, where he saw his son) and it was alleged by Metro that he'll start (I guess they're reading between the lines, but they rightly said that he wouldn't start against West Ham).

            He doesn't need to be rested like some of the other players, and will be eager to play football in a season which has unfortunately been stop and start for him due to personal reasons. If KDB gets a rest, Silva definitely plays to control the midfield in that game.

          2. Gentle_Turks
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 4 days ago

            Yeah I thought about Pogba. Just a slight concern that he might miss one of the last three games because of FA cup final?

            1. yemzinho
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 4 days ago

              last game of the season is 6 days before the final - pretty sure he plays the rest of the games.

    2. Roy Rovers
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Will play two home games then back to Spain before away game at Southampton.

  10. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    1) Silva/Sane + Vardy
    2) Lingard + Jesus

    1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      2

    2. Totti
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      2

    3. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Cheers

    4. Dave Bauer
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      1

      (Sorry)

  11. Totti
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    willian to:

    A) tadic
    B) andre ayew
    C) D.Silva ( already owning sterling and jesus )

    ward to:

    1) olsson
    2) bertrand
    3) play double leicester defence chilwell and morgan

  12. hspin
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    Should I regret getting Sanchez in this GW?

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Yes

    2. ☻ Jon Snow ☻
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      probably

    3. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Nope, if you're chasing then you have to be different. He has scored well in the past games.

  13. KenyaDigIt
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    Any confirmation that A.Sanches is NOT in tonight's squad?

    Not sure how credible these guys are... But they don't have him in the team?

    https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-utd-team-news-squad-14611711 (look at the boom of the story for squad)

    1. hspin
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      People reporting that he might me joining them from London

    2. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      They've mentioned Mourinho and the other players are expected to join the team later. No reason for him not to start.

    3. KenyaDigIt
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Thanks for the confirmation guys!

  14. mranonymous
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    Salah > Sterling
    Firmino > Vardy
    Lowton > Smalling

    for -4?

    1. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Leicester in free fall. Not feeling Vardy

    2. Toplad
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Salah for Sterling

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

      Yes.

  15. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    gtg? - BB active

    fabianski
    smalling - mustafi - vdh - yoshida - baines
    kenedy - arnie
    kane(c) - jesus - jayew

    lloris - dilva - sane - salah

  16. Toplad
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    Who to TC:

    A) Kane
    B) Sterling
    C) Jesus

    Thanks !!!

    1. ☻ Jon Snow ☻
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      B could be a major reward

      1. Toplad
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 4 days ago

        Yeah would if I was chasing but might just play it safe and go Kane

  17. jomikijiq
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    A) Murray -> J.Ayew
    B) Willian, Murray -> Pogba, J.Ayew (-4)
    C) Salah, Murray -> Eriksen, J.Ayew (-4)
    D) Willian, Salah, Murray -> Pogba, Eriksen, J.Ayew (-8)

    1. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      D for me.

    2. No Totti No Party
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      B/D

  18. MadridistaRants
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    Between Gundogan and Bernardo Silva, who do you guys expect to get more points this GW?

    1. hspin
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      B.Silva

  19. Tinchy770
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    What are the best defenders that are nailed on for two fixtures... anyone?

    1. hspin
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Vert

  20. Legomane
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    Guess a rivals transfers? 🙂

    DDG Hart
    Davies Lejeune Long Chilwell VDH
    Eriksen Salah Sterling Kenedy TCarroll
    Kane Jesus Barnes

    total TV was 100.3 + 0.5 ITB, now 100.0, 0.0ITB...
    Looks like he's sold Salah giving him 10.2 ITB.
    Thinking Salah Barnes > KDB Ayew?

    How would you combat?
    I've got 20pt lead (he's also on -4) and TC this week.
    He has TC and BB to play 😮

    DDG
    Alonso Christensen Vertonghen Chilwell
    Sterling Son Willian Lingard
    Kane Jesus

    (Ryan Milivojevic Barnes Lowton)

  21. Regin
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    So the big question will sterling start both matches?

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      No

    2. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Noone knows, if he had been rested last week id be more confident.

    3. Roy Rovers
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Nope

  22. Tinchy770
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    Worth taking a points hit to get rid of Jones?

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      No

    2. hspin
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Depends on who you bring in. If you have someone to cover him on the bench if he does not play any of the matches I would not hit him out

  23. The Left Duke #3
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    Well lads, I had to sort my team now as am heading to Ed Sheeran gig later on.

    I have decided to go without Sterling and Jesus as my rival who I am chasing has them. Only 9 points in it and my OR of 6.3K is at jeopardy as well but may as well have some fun.

    Salah, Mahrez and Murray -->> KDB (c) Sane and Ayew (-4) done and dusted

    11 DGW players and enough money to do KDB to Salah (c)

    DDG (Ryan)
    Alonso Smalling Morgan (Long Lowton)
    KDB (c) Sane Son Willian (Gudmundsson)
    Kane Vardy Ayew

    All the best

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Never publicly admit to liking Ed Sheeran is the best advice here.

      1. The Left Duke #3
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 4 days ago

        haha i don't like him, my mrs made me go....I swear 😉

    2. Dave Bauer
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      My condolences.

      1. The Left Duke #3
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 4 days ago

        I know 🙁

  24. Bleach †
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    Anyone else has a feeling that Kane will blank vs West Brom away? 😆

    1. hspin
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Yep.

  25. SEXY SALAH
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    We all looking forward to Hazard braces against both Liverpool and Huddersfield then?

    1. Ginola14
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Torn between bringing him in or kdb

      1. SEXY SALAH
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 days ago

        I still am tbf haha

    2. Dave Bauer
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      This makes me wet.

  26. Cruz88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    My team:

    De Gea
    Fernandez Mustafi Christensen
    Salah Sterling Eriksen Son Iwobi
    Vardy Kane

    1FT, 0.4 ITB, what would you do?

    1. JRM
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Are you ditching Christensen? I think he might get a game but planning on getting rid to fund an upgrade in midfield.

      1. Cruz88
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 4 days ago

        Yeah I don't know at the moment, I don't expect he'll play both games, but still I'm tempted to swap the likes of Vardy for someone like Jesus and do Salah > Sane/Silva/Pogba as a makeweight. My defenders consistently under-perform anyway so I might just go for attacking options.

        1. JRM
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 4 days ago

          Hmm, yeah, I think getting Jesus is your priority there. He'll probably be my TC - and for many others too.

  27. No Totti No Party
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    A: Barnes --> Ayew -4 and play Salah
    B: Salah and Milivojevic --> Pogba Tadic -8

  28. Legohair
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    Salah&Murray to KDB&Ayew worth to -8???too much???

  29. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    REPOST
    Trying to squeeze the best from my team

    Squad is...
    DDG (Pope)
    Chilwell, Yedlin, #, Kiko, Lowton
    Alli, Sterling, Willian, #, #
    Kane, Jesus, #

    A Alonso, Pogba, Ayew, Milo 343 (-8)
    B Azip, Sané, Ayew, Milo 343 (-8)
    C Smalling, Pogba, Arnie, Barnes 352 (-8)
    D Bavies, Tadic/Lingard, Vardy, Milo 343 (-8)

  30. CarrollsPonytail
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 days ago

    Which one to get rid of for Sterling:

    A - Salah
    B - Mahrez

    1. JRM
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 days ago

      Mahrez, no brainer! He's under a parasol wearing flip flops.