Feature
26 July 2018 1554 comments
Paul Paul
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We are delighted to announce Fantasy Football book ‘Wasting Your Wildcard‘ has now been released.

Written by regular site contributor David Wardale and fully endorsed by Fantasy Football Scout, it should help you plug the painful gap between the end of the World Cup and start of the 2018/19 Premier League season, which is not far away now.

Subtitled ‘The Method and Madness of Fantasy Football’, the book is being published by Penguin’s respected sports imprint, Yellow Jersey Press, and is packed with hints and tips from some of the best Fantasy managers out there.

But it is as much about the people as the game, with stories of glory and despair, mini-league skulduggery and humiliating failure and the strange grip the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) in particular has on managers from Australia to Zimbabwe and just about everywhere in between.

There are in-depth interviews with FPL champions and Fantasy-mad Saudi princes, a comprehensive look at the eternal conflict that is stats versus ‘the eye test’ and chapters on the history of the game, the all-conquering beast that is Fantasy Premier League (FPL) and what the future of Fantasy Football might look like.

There’s also a revealing section on our very own Mark Sutherns, detailing the methods behind his successful approach to playing FPL.

Written by a fan for the fans, we think Wasting Your Wildcard will inform and entertain in equal measure, while grappling with the reasons behind why we, as supposedly grown-up men and women, cannot resist playing a game of footballing dress-up.

Order ‘Wasting Your Wildcard’ with Waterstones HERE.

Australian fans can order through Booktopia.

Read more with Scout

Visit our PRE-SEASON PAGE to get the latest pointers from pre-season friendlies and read scout reports on new players by CLICKING HERE.

Pick your FPL team for 2018/19 using our list of best available players, sorted for your convenience by position and price:

Goalkeepers | Defenders: Budget | Defenders: Mid-Price and Premium | Midfielders: Budget | Midfielders: Mid-Price | Midfielders: Premium

Also check out our detailed statistical analysis articles on every team comparing data for the last two seasons to highlight the players to sign and the players to avoid:

Arsenal | Bournemouth | Brighton & Hove Albion | Burnley | Cardiff City | Chelsea | Crystal Palace | Everton | Fulham | Huddersfield Town | Leicester City | Liverpool | Manchester City | Manchester United | Newcastle United

Read them all in one place

Become a Member and access our data

Memberships for the 2018/19 campaign are now available for the pre-season price of just £12.50. This will increase to the regular price of £15 after the first Gameweek of the season.

Join now to get the following:

  • Plot your transfer strategies using the fully interactive Season Ticker.
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  1. Andrew
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Ederson and £4m playing Ederson every week

    or

    Foster / Fabianski rotation

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Ederson and 4 m

    2. Texas Pete
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Never had much luck with rotation keepers myself. Prefer a plug in and play choice between the sticks. That's just me though.

  2. New Community Article
  3. ElliotJHP
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    The more I see of Mahrez in this pre season in that City front three the more I think he's the key to the City attack early on

    1. Eden Wizard
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      He didn't play there last night so not sure what you're on about

    2. Jafoole_88
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      i still prefer Mane or Sane.

  4. Texas Pete
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    a) start with Mki from gw1and hope for something against City/Chelski
    or
    B) Start with Jota, bank 0.5 and wait it out

    rest of mid is Salah/Sane/Rich/Stephens No other Arsenal. No other Wolves.

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      B. I don't think Mhki will be an amazing hit.

      1. Texas Pete
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Ta.

  5. mpjtmufc
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Would appreciate peoples opinions

    Allisson / Fabianski
    Davies VanDijk Tarkowski / Yedelin Boly
    F. Anderson Salah Sanchez Marhez Jorginho
    Arnautovic Zaha / Jimenez

    playing 352 and gone heavy in the midfield

    1. Simon69
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Definite no to double Liverpool defence.

    2. Raikan007
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Felipe has tough start - wait until November to see how West Ham play and how he plays
      Same goes for Arnautovic

      Mahrez might not even start. They have so many attacking wide players
      Jorginho is way too defensive and won't get you many points. 2 goals in like 3 seasons at Napoli

      Davies might not start as Rose seems to be back after injury

      1. mpjtmufc
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Take the liverpool and whu comments. doubt Rose will start ahead of davies tho as hes been out of favour and didnt exactly tear it up woth England! may swap for Sanchez in the spurs back line tho as he hasnt had the wc vertongen has.

        Marhez looks nailed on to at least start at city particularly early on with setrling being at wc

        1. Pegboy
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          I'd ignore Spurs defence for a while. Vertonghen is crucial to the organisation, and he may not start (though I think he will) against Newcastle.

      2. Pegboy
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Davies will start, but there will be rotation with Rose soon.

  6. fakelund
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Pickford
    Robertson, Cedric, Mendy
    Salah, Neves, Richarlison, Mkhitaryan, Sessegnon
    Aguero, Firmino

    Patricio, Jimenez, Ward, Wan-Bissaka,

    (1.0 ITB)

    Too risky or nah?

    1. sparty
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Similar to one of my drafts but I had to make some changes.
      Pick unlikely for GW1.
      Nobody knows if Mendy will play yet- hasn't had 1min in pre-season.
      Sess is a gamble based on pre-season.
      Firminio not likely to start GW1 (or I'd have him too)

    2. Texas Pete
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Nah.

      Don't see too many out and out risks to be honest. Sessegnon is an interesting pick. I've seen punty-er.

    3. Mayor of Flair
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Risky sure but could be very good

  7. Simon69
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts? Bench too weak? Ta!

    Ederson

    Shaw, Tomkins, Keane, TAA

    Salah, Mkhitaryan, Sané, Richarlison

    Aubameyang, Agüero

    Subs: Boruc, Kamara, Peltier, Stephens

    1. sparty
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Yeh I'd say bench is too weak in my opinion. Especially as TAA might not start the season and Kun will be rotated, you'll need at least one viable option on the bench. Maybe downgrade a midfielder to free up an extra 1m?

      1. Pegboy
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Agree with this. Downgrade Mkhi

  8. sparty
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    What do you guys think of this 3-5-2?

    DDG
    Davies*-Ake-Robbo
    Richa-Sane-Salah-Jota-Deulefeu
    Kun-Arnie

    Bench: Stekelenburg-Coleman-Wan Bissaka-Kamara

    Davies will swap out for Mendy if he looks nailed on. I went with DDG as didn't want Mendy and Ederson.
    Coleman will normally replace Ake, but GW1 home to Cardiff was too good not to pick him.
    Nervous about jota.
    WC likely in GW3/GW4 when World Cup players come back.

  9. Raikan007
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    What are your thoughts?

    Fabianski/Forster
    Peltier/Tomkins/Baines/Trippier/Daniels
    Willian/Richarlison/Salah/Mkhi/Jota
    Aguero/Firmino/Bobby Reid

    1. Mayor of Flair
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Not sure about Trippier or Willian to begin with

      1. Raikan007
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Resting purposes after WC?

        1. Mayor of Flair
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Exactly

  10. Clueless24
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Begovic Guaita (Currently undecided on these 2 or a 5.0 with a 4.0 sub)
    Mendy Bailly Coleman TAA Wan Bissaka
    Salah Silva Ibe Gray Chalobah
    Firmino Aguero Tosun

    Thoughts?

  11. Lukakwho
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone biting on 6.0M Schurrle?

    1. Raikan007
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Me.. Is he 6m? Might consider biting at this instead of possibly Cairney or Sessegnon

    2. Texas Pete
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Schurrles you can't be serious?

      /bad pun

    3. Pegboy
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Tempted but I think I'll wait and see.

  12. Sune
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    I know his fixtures aren't the best, but I believe Gross is being slightly overlooked around here.

    1. Mayor of Flair
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      You're probably right

    2. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      yeah, I like him.

      1. Christina.
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        ...prob part of my first WC after week 4 ish...

    3. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Grossly

  13. Fassy
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Why is everyone talking about Martial leaving United? Did I miss something? I know he left the team but for a different season, birth of his second child.

    1. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      He is reportedly planning on not returning to pre-season tour, which is pissing off Mourinho. And its not like hes a favorite of the manager in the first place.

  14. Mayor of Flair
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Any comments on this?

    Ederson
    Mendy Robbo Tark PVA
    Salah Mkhi Richo Jota
    Aguero Auba

    Stek Peltier Romeu Quanar

    Defo sticking with Auba over Laca, Jota obviously unknown but any other issues other than those?

  15. Jack Irish
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    RMT folks - Hope its not 'too' templatey...

    Patrico (Fab)

    Mendy / Coleman / Tomkins / Cedric / Wan Bissaka (Might change this to a solid 4.5M at some point)

    Salah / Silva / Martial / Richarlison / Stevens

    Laccy / Firm / Zaha

    0.5 M In bank!

    Just a bit worried perhaps about Firm not playing in GW1 as has been speculated.

    Thanks in advance everyone.

  16. raoulduke71
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Think I'm going for this, I know Sanchez should technically be downgraded to fund a 7m striker but I'm a united fan and he's the only player worth having atm.

    .................................Patricio..............................
    .....Robertson Coleman Tomkins Mendy.........
    ....Salah Richarlison Sanchez Jota Mahrez....
    .............................Aubameyang ........................

    1. Ole's at the wheel
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Sanchez is a great pick. And if u do have to you can swap him for lingaard etc and get that striker u wanted. Excellent team but would like to see your subs

  17. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    TEAM NEWS: Sean Dyche confirms that Tom Heaton has not travelled with the team after suffering a calf strain. Ashley Barney, Robbie Brady and Steven Defour will also play no part tonight

    https://twitter.com/BurnleyOfficial/status/1022422442340483072

    1. Over Midwicket
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Oh this makes Pope a wonderful option.

      1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Are you confusing a calf strain with a broken leg?

  18. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Better pick between these 3?

    a. coleman
    b. bailly
    c. pva

  19. the snazzy viking
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Schurrle priced at 6m

    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      He is, and don't call me Shirley.

    2. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I am very interested.

  20. TheSteel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Mahrez Auba
    or
    Sanchez Lacazette

    1. Ole's at the wheel
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Hmmm A

  21. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Reliable Foot 365 journalist Nizar Hanini has reported this morning that Premier League side West Ham United have entered the fray to sign free agent Hatem Ben Arfa.

    The 31-year-old winger’s contract expired with PSG last month.

    https://twitter.com/Nizar_Hanini/status/1022416986310168576

    1. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Aaah, I miss him....my favourite team name was

      Ben Arfa Reading

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Exactly the type of player we need

  22. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    a) Deulofeu, Firmino
    b) Richarlison/6.5 mid, Zaha/Arnie

    Which one to go for?

  23. Over Midwicket
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Schurrle 6mil boys!

    1. Lukakwho
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Yeh, too much.

    2. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      staying far, far away from that guy at any price

    3. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Risky to have him from the start - has done absolutely nothing for years. Can always transfer him in later if needed.

  24. Lukakwho
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Any changes or am I G2G for now?

    Patricio (Fabianski)

    Davies, Robbo, Bailly, Tomkins, (Cedric)

    Salah, Mkhi, Sane, (Ward, Stephens)

    Aguero, Zaha, Arnie

  25. TechNoNotice
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Any thoughts improvements? Opting for 3-5-2 this time round.

    De Gea
    Otamendi, Robertson, Cedric
    Salah, Jota, Mahrez, Milivojevic, Richarlison
    Aguero, Arnie, (Auba)

    Need sub keeper and def

  26. Catastrophe
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Any good? Where should the spare 2.0 go? Looking to get Arsenal coverage in GW3.

    Ederson
    Robertson, VVD, Bailly, Azpi
    Salah, Mahrez, Sane, Schurrle
    Zaha, Arnie

    (4.0, Ward, Kamara, W-B)

    Cheers

  27. RomeluStormzy
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    A) Allison and Sane
    B) Ederson and Firmino?

    1. MattyW
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      B

  28. Mackans
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Why is Aguero first in the watchlist? Won't it be the same rotation this year?

    1. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Jesus likely to miss one or two

    2. Tim T
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      He was the 4th highest scoring striker last year even though he only played 1960mins (equivalent of 21 games), so makes sense as you'd think increase in minutes could lead him to be top points striker in the game.

      Who knows what Pep will do though?!

  29. Mackans
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Someone who knows a site that is ranking all players in fpl draft??

  30. MattyW
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    hi guys ... what do you think?

    Foster(Fabianski)
    Shaw, Daniels, Van Aanholt (Cedric) (Peltier)
    Sane, Jota, Salah, Richarlison, Deulofeu
    Aguero, Firmino (Jimenez)

    i like this team but want someone better than Shaw longer term