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. YouReds
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Looks like I'm starting Morgan over Chilwell then 🙁

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Same.
      Nightmare

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Why's that? Puel comments?

    3. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Why?

    4. Tmel
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      You reckon Morgan > Fernandez is worth a hit? I already have Naughton

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

        not for a hit... I'm contemplating it for free though - I did want 2FT for next week

    5. YouReds
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Latest on an injury list that continues to grow...

      Wilfred Ndidi (hamstring), Danny Simpson (groin) and Ben Chilwell join Shinji Okazaki (ankle), Robert Huth (ankle) and Matty James (Achilles). Vicente Iborra has returned to training.

      https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/leicester-city-transfer-news-live-1531028

  2. Menelaou99
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Is Sanchez playing. Some people say he is not in the squad WTF!!

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

      That source said Lingard wasn't with the squad last week and he started.

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Its not reliable.

  3. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Just outside top 10k
    Would you take any hits ?

    DDG
    Vert/Smalling/Morgan
    Salah/Sterling/Son/Willian/Gross
    Kane(TC)/Vardy

    Ryan/Barnes/Lowton/Tark

    Jesus would be worth -8 and TC??

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

      No hits

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

        Jesus not worth it?

  4. Viper
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    For those of you that haven't brought in Jesus/Sterling yet, has Peps presser changed your mind in any way?

    I'm half thinking of keeping Vardy rather than a hit for Jesus. Mad?

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Might be wise to keep.
      Im still TCing though.

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

      What has changed? Same dilemaa

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        That's what I'm asking 🙂

    3. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      From what I've read on here seems like he was saying he will use his squad and rotate.
      I need to say, Ffs Ffs. This is common sense. Their season is over. Of course he will give his squad players minutes now.

    4. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Pep said he would try and play squad players along the way, but probably they won't start.

      1. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        So expect early substitutions if the game is already won by a comfortable margin.

        1. Get up ya bum
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Yes expect youth players to get some cameos and expect jesus, sterling, sane, kdb and Dave Silva to share gametime with Bernardo, Gundogan, yaya

    5. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      I'd still get in Jesus.

    6. Viper
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks for the replies everyone

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

        Let us know what you do with Vardy party

  5. amullea
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    7pts behind the leader in a cash league who will more than likely TC Kane (I used mine on the ill-fated GW22), should I do Alli & Vardy to Mili & Kane for -4 to minimize any potential Kane hauls or just something like Willian to Arnie or Vardy to Rashford for no hit (or both for a hit)

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

      Don't sell Alli for a hit
      Don't sell Vardy for a hit

  6. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Which one?
    A) Bailly, Vardy and Barnes to VDH, Jesus and Ayew(-8)
    B) A + Willian to Arnie(-12)
    C) Bailly and Vardy to VDH and Jesus(-4)(Play Groß)
    D) C + Willian to Arnie(-8)
    E) Bailly, Vardy, Son and Groß to Naughton, Jesus, Ramsey and Arnie(-12)

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      B

  7. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Taken a 12 point to get this:

    DDG
    Morgan Naughton Vert
    Sterling Salah Eriksen Gross Kenedy
    Kane(TC) Jesus

    Is Morgan > Fernandez/Bednarek worth a further hit?

  8. I Have No Idea What I'…
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Trailing my ML rival by 27 points. Is it worth taking a 4 point hit to replace Ben Davies or Otamendi ahead of potential rotation to sign a nailed DGW defender?

  9. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Ok, so I've got Schmeichel and Chilwell, both potentially injured. With Kiko and Pope as back ups, who is the priority to ship?

    1. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Backup is fine

  10. wolves_simmo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Which option scores more?

    A) Gundogen (HUD, BRI) & Salah (che)
    B) D Silva (HUD, BRI) & Ramsey (BUR, lei)

    1. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      A - Can see Silva and Rambo playing one game each, same as Gunny and Salah. But Salah is Salah

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

    Valencia owners what to do?

    Looking at Mustafi/Monreal and can`t decide.

  12. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Best Spurs defender?

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Vertonghen

    2. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Vert

    3. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      vertonghen... thoughts on below

    4. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks again for the responses.

  13. King Kun Ta
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    S#%t!!

    Was thinking Willian to:

    A Arnie
    B Tadic
    Or
    C Keep him

    But with Chillwel injured....

    E change to benched Laporte
    Or
    F transfer him out for -4

    Aaaahhhh!! Cheers for the advices!

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

      Also thinking of Willian to Tadic

      1. King Kun Ta
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        And then play Laporte? What will his gametime be with Stones and Kompany able to play.....

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

          E and maybe Ramsey?

          1. King Kun Ta
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            That might be it i think!

    2. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      As in you own Laporte and were going to bench him? If so, just move Laporte into the starting XI!

      1. King Kun Ta
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Yes, i own the lad because both other mentioned were flagged.

  14. @fpl_phenom
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    DDG
    Vertonghen Smalling Morgan
    Salah Son Sterling Willian
    Kane Jesus Ayew
    -----------------------------------
    Ryan Tarkowski Lowton Cook
    £2.1M in the bank.....

    for -4 points Salah to

    A: KBD

    B Hazard

    (Salah back in gw38 for free)

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Have you read Ludo's hot topic on Hazard and the formation.
      I'd definitely get Hazard.

    2. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      I woulnd't be shipping Salah, particularly not for a hit!

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        hes not playing well... looks tired ... im definitely removing him

  15. How I met your Mata
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Lindelof nailed for the 2 games?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Tough to call, probably not.

    2. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      leaked line-up showing playing tonight....

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Think its reliable though?

      2. JJO
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        any link?

      3. Eddie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Leaked lineup?

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

        Is Valencia playing??

      5. jonnymoo88
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        What’s the leaked line up? Source?

      6. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        its on ben dinnery twitter or ben crellin.... im sure you are all following both! if your not then you are missing a trick

    3. lugs
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      doubt it , i think he just got the Arsenal game cos Mou knew they would play their reserves

    4. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Where is this leaked lineup?

  16. Jambot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Any arsenal fans about? How likely is chambers to get the starts?

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

      I am an Arsenal fan, but not sure that makes me any wiser here.

      I'd guess Chambers replaces Kosc, but we have other options

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

      he was number 3 in the pecking order , now he's number 2 with koc's injury so very likely

    3. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Very likely, but whether we'll keep a clean sheet is another matter

    4. Jambot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks all

  17. dhirst
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    If you had Austin, would you show him the door for Ayew? Or pray he gets minutes. I'm not optimistic...

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      No

  18. Evanio
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    So, chasing big in mini league (30 + 60 points!!) ready to go for broke and have a couple of decisions to make:

    Walker + Willian or Smalling + Silva/Sane (which one is best option-thinking most minutes)

    Son + Gundogan > Lingard + Ramsey (-8 hit)

    TC button hit, still toying with who to put it on (Jesus/Erik/Auba/Giroud or one of the new subs!)

    So many decisions, almost certainly all in vain anyway.
    All suggestions welcome!!

  19. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Pogba or Mikhi ?

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

      Pogba

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

      Poggy

  20. Drum8888
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    When did Conte say Hazard and Willian aren't playing against Huddersfield?

  21. ILOVEBAPS
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Ramsey or Tadic

    1. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      I've gone for Ramsey

    2. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Ram

    3. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Tadic (or Zaha if you can afford)

  22. Trippier Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Reposting - thanks in advance for responses guys. Please rank in order of priority - who would you have for the next 3 matches?

    A: Willian
    B: Arnautovic
    C: Ramsey
    D: Tadic
    E: Pogba
    F: Mkhitaryan

    1. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      E and then Zaha

  23. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Did Puel drop any Morgan relevant information?

  24. Richd
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Danilo plan ruined

    Now KDB ruined

    Sanchez not an option

    God I’m gonna have to captain Kane and avoid a differential I think. Arnie just seems like my Carroll TC...

    1. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      whats wrong with KDB ??

      1. Richd
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Peps comments. KDB means a hit and removing Vardy. Can’t risk this crap

        1. @fpl_phenom
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Peps comments hardly suggest benching their best player.... he also said something breaking records and showing respect to other teams ie relegation battles

  25. PURPLE-RONNIE
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Which is the better option lads, Arni or Pogba?

    1. Tommo1888
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Similar dilemma , plus third city and third spurs .

  26. HD7
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Currently on -4
    Should I also do Mahrez to Sane for another -4?

    Current team:

    DdG (Ryan)
    Vertongen Mawson Smalling (Tark, Lowton)
    Son Sterling Mahrez AKing (Gudm)
    Kane Jesus Vardy

    1. Hotdogs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Don't like Mahrez but I'm not sure I'd swap him for Sane for a hit, maybe just play him

      1. HD7
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah me too... any other alternative Ramsey Arnie for a hit... or just play Mahrez then

        1. Winners900
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Do we think Mahrez will start both games?

          1. HD7
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            Better chance than Sane and Ramsey I guess

  27. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Eriksen over Kane and Jesus, stupid or good differential?

  28. Sheeno
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Is Davies nailed both games for GW37? Or is Vertoghen a better shout?

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Davies bigger upside if he plays both. Vert will play both.

      Depends what your own take on it is after that

  29. Super-Anders
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Thinking about who to transfer out from Gross and Willian. Will get Silva, Ramsey, Arnie or something tasty instead.

    I think Gross will get me something like 9 points for the last three games (3 starts and one assist).
    But will Willian get more than that? It's hard to know what to expect with his starts etc...

  30. Hotdogs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Which would you rather go with?

    A) Auba, Willian, Morgan
    B) J.Ayew, Eriksen, Vertonghen for -4
    C) J.Ayew, Hazard, Vertonghen for -4