Podcast

Meet the Manager #3 – Will Thomas

4 October 2018 1996 comments
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Will Thomas is among Fantasy Football’s rare polymaths, with the ability to excel in two different formats, Fantasy Premier League and Sky Fantasy Football.

In FPL he has five top 10,000 finishes including overall ranks of 753 and 82, while on Sky he has breached the top 100 on four occasions.

But as Will explains in our latest Meet the Manager video interview, juggling two different formats can have its pitfalls as well as its advantages.

He chats to me about his strategies for success and how to achieve a top finish. We also look back on his 2017/18 campaign, in which hedging his picks across two formats cost him dearly in FPL.

In addition, he reveals how Sky’s patient approach, due to limited transfers, as well as its focus on fixtures with multiple captaincy selections allowed, has helped Will to excel across most of his FPL career.

Will’s views on the current season also prove illuminating, including why managers need to take advantage of an unusually high number of budget gems this term.

He also reveals why he is shunning Harry Kane and is instead pinning his hopes for success on another, far cheaper, striker.

With a current FPL rank of 26,711, he looks to be already on his way to another strong season.

The chat with Will is available to view on Youtube here and in the embedded video below.

The first Meet the Manager video, featuring Triggerlips can be viewed here, while the second, featuring Philman, can be seen here.

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1,996 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Deulofail
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Which gets more points this week?

    A) Arnie (bha) + Pogba (NEW)
    B) Aguero (liv) + Maddison (EVE)

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    1. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Apologies

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

      I’d predict A this week

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    3. Bobby_Baggio
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      i think B

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    4. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Cheers guys. RMT thinks A quite comfortably. Tempted to follow the fixtures and do Kun > Arnie instead of Pogba > Maddison

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  2. istanbul05
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on my wildcard team with £1m in the bank?

    Not 100% on Mane but not too many alternatives as a placeholder for Salah.

    Fabianski,
    Alonso, Trippier, Doherty,
    Hazard, Mane, Maddison, Richarlison,
    Kane, Mitro, Arnie.

    Hamer, AWB, TAA, Elneny.

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    1. theroadrunner
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      dope

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    2. That Was Easy!
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Don’t go down the Elneny route, never want a non-playing player on the WC, it’ll compound issues that will arise.

      That said, it looks great.

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      1. Jack Frost
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Yes, spend a tenth or two to get a playing bench... otherwise you'll have an unforeseen issue and it will cost a hit more than once during the season. Az chose Obiang at 4.4 and they're a few at 4.5.

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    3. istanbul05
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Cheers guys, probably sensible advice to change Eleny for a 4.4

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  3. Prison Mike
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    These moves worth a hit?

    Aguero & Mendy -> Kane & TAA (-4)

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    1. MTPockets
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Will you play TAA?

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      1. Prison Mike
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Will be him or AWB

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        1. MTPockets
          7 years, 10 months ago

          I don't think it's worth a hit with the AWB option. But lots have done it thinking otherwise.

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          1. Blue Moon Rising
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            I guess he needs the cash?

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            1. MTPockets
              7 years, 10 months ago

              Yeah but -4 is a goal. If Aguero gets one, means Kane needs a brace to just break even (ignoring bps).

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    2. Bobby_Baggio
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      no

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  4. Tommo1888
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    What’s the news on arnie playing this weekend ? Missed the presser

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  5. Ronnies
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Guys,

    If im to get Hazard, i have to do it before price rise tonight.

    which is my best pick ?

    a) aguero >>>> kane
    b) richarlison >>> hazard.

    Thanks guys.

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    1. Pitch Perfect
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      If its purely between the two,
      B. All day.

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    2. istanbul05
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

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    3. Bobby_Baggio
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      b

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    4. Eytexi
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

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    5. Pras (FPL)
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      To get Hazard - you should pick the option that gets you Hazard..

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  6. Feed tha Sheep
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Play Foster (BOUR) or Fab (bha)?

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

      I'd probably go Foster, BOU aren't great away and Brighton are pretty good at home.

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    2. Fantasynørden
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Difficult one. Think i’ll go with Foster. Need to stick with the rotation.

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  7. DAN DARE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    One last punt before the wc. Which way to go?
    A) Aguero, Sterling > Kane, Hazard -4
    B) Wilson, Sterling > Kane, Gudmondsson
    C) Aguero > Kane

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    1. Jack Frost
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B looks very interesting.. but Gud will have some tough, tough fixtures after this week... so the WC is so helpful.

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  8. Marty McFly
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Aguero > Kane for free?

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    1. Pitch Perfect
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      If you want to benefit from Kane, I think you have to find room another way, even if it costs 4.

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    2. Bobby_Baggio
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      not for me

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    3. Blue Moon Rising
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yes and bring back next gw.

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  9. Bobby_Baggio
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Who to bench guys??? Feel like Palace + Wolves will end 0-0

    Patricio
    Alonso - Luiz - Trippier
    Salah - Fraser - Haz(C) - BSilva
    Wilson - Aguero - Mitro

    (Hamer) - AWB - Bennett - Stephens

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    1. Hillbilly
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      If you feel that, then swap Fraser for AWB

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  10. Lrf
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I need to bench one out of:

    A) AWB
    B )Doherty
    C) Frasier

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    1. aborg
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Fraser I think this time

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    2. Eytexi
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Doherty

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    3. Nuka Girl
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I'd say Dohety this week.

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    4. Lrf
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Cheers all

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  11. FPLtfs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    D Silva and Wilson -> Kane (c) and 4.4 fodder (-4) ?

    Switch to 4-4-2 and play on of Wan-Bissaka or Holebas every week. Other on bench is Højbjerg.

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    1. Hillbilly
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      no

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  12. aborg
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    At this point I think that Liverpool really need Oxlaide-Chamberlain. He had made a difference to the dynamic of the team.
    Hope he can be fit sooner than expected, with Keita out !

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

      Keita is okay, but yeh I agree with you. Cant help but feel like Fekir would have solved this problem. We've been lacking a bit of creativity from the midfield.

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    2. DAN DARE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Doesn't sound like Keitas out for long, if at all

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  13. Nuka Girl
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Who to play. 1GK 3Def out of these:
    Patricio (cry), Foster (BOU);
    Alonso (sou), Robertson (MCI), Holebas (BOU), Dohety (cry), Wan-Bis (WOL).

    I'm thinking
    Patricio,
    Alonso, Holebas, Wan-Bis
    Due to Home ties, City, and not trusting Watford double up.

    Any suggestions on selection, I'm struggling to decide?

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    1. Pitch Perfect
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Your instincts are correct.

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    2. Hillbilly
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      yes..correct, go with your instincts

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    3. Nuka Girl
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Cheers.
      Not getting that warm fuzzy feeling with this selection though 🙂

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  14. Pitch Perfect
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Play one:
    A. Mitro (BOU)
    B. King (wat)
    C. Fraser (wat)

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    1. Eytexi
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Mitro although he isnt playing Bournemouth

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      1. Pitch Perfect
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Of course. Jumped the gun thinking of King and Fraser!

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    2. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      mitro has aresnal

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      1. Pitch Perfect
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Sorry correct. Have had a few pints.

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      2. Rage Against The Raheem
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        But play him, he does better at home and is the sort of player that Arsenal defence struggles with.

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  15. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    over the next 2 GW's which combo scores higher?

    A - Lacazette + Knockeart -4

    B - Zaha + B.Silva

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  16. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Do you think Zaha blanks against Wolves?

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    1. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

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      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Then A it is

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    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Maybe but im giving him this week only. Hes has this week unless arnie is about to rise again before deadline.

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      1. Annie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        70% in a few hours, should be safe

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  17. Tempestic
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    TAA won't rise tonight will he?

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    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Reasonable possibility. Not tonight but maybe tomorrow.

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  18. That Was Easy!
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Lamela + Vardy

    Or

    Son + Arny

    Lamela was looked much more lovey and I have to imagine he starts.

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    1. That Was Easy!
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      FH, mind you.

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    2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 17 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I'd go Lamela and Arny

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    3. Pitch Perfect
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I like Vardy long term, but son and arnie for this week.

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    4. Gamst - Up (?) the Rovers
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      The one with Vardy in it.

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    5. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Waste of a fh if you ask me.

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      1. That Was Easy!
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        May be, however I did the same last year to success, and with 3 Pool, 3 City (Mendy as well), no Spurs, no Hazard, there’s worse weeks to use it.

        Especially with my team looking great next week. Many ways to play this game.

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        1. Forever In Our Shadow
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Indeed And I wish you the best of luck. Vardy Maddison might be a good shout. Everton arent exactly tight at the back.

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          1. That Was Easy!
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            Yeah, definitely considering it. What I do want to nail is my Spurs mid, which is very tough.

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            1. Forever In Our Shadow
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 10 months ago

              Thus why I suggested maddison. On all set pieces. Got a goal in him and hes nailed.

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              1. That Was Easy!
                • 12 Years
                7 years, 10 months ago

                You’re right, much less of a chance for it to go tits up.

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  19. batmaniac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Meet the manager is one of the best bit of work by the team this season.
    I'm following Will and going behind the sofa this weekend without kane.

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

      Same...

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    2. COYS Down Under
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Same

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  20. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
    • 17 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A Arnie and Dunk
    B Laporte and Ings

    B would allow an upgrade to Mendy

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    1. MTPockets
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A if you can keep Dunk on bench a lot. Otherwise B

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      1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 17 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers MT. Dunk dropping is annoying unless he drops tonight

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  21. The Left Duke #3
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    FT done. Salah to Hazard (c)

    Fabianski
    Alonso Shaw AWB (Robertson Doherty)
    Hazard (c) Mane Maddison Richarlison (Kante)
    Aguero Zaha King

    A) G2G
    B) Aguero to Kane (c) -4
    C) WC

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    1. korbendallas82
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Jay Egersdorff has Aguero. And he went for keeping him. Cause it would be a -4 transfer. And Then he said he wanted Aguero back already week 9. He settled for Hazard captain.

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      1. korbendallas82
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        -4 tf, to get Kane for Aguero.

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      2. The Left Duke #3
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Just watched his video. It's hard to justify the -4 really when I have money tied up in him and want him for C next week. I do have a WC still tho

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        1. korbendallas82
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          I have a wc to. But i havent done tf yet. Kane wont rise tonight i think.

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    2. Sancidino
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      You will be wanting Aguero gw 9, so not B for sure. I would say G2G

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      1. The Left Duke #3
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Ya I flirted with Salah and King to gudmundsson and Kane (c) -4. Prob is I'd need a hit to bring Salah back in if I don't play my WC. Hazard just seems more essential

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  22. fridge
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Foster
    Alonso. Trippier. Chilwell. AWB
    Salah. Hazard (c). Maddison. Fraser
    Aguero. Zaha

    Patricio. Ings. Doherty. Cairney

    A) transfer needed?
    B) bench right?

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    1. COYS Down Under
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Doherty > AWB
      Ings > Fraser

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  23. Releasebreaks
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    When will have breakfast show this week?

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    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Saturday.

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    2. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Dinner time.

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    3. Jimmy Floyd
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Friday night pints show?

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  24. Sancidino
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Which one? have 2 FT and 0.3 itb

    A)Tosun and Dilva»Laca and Fraser

    B) Tosun»Arnie

    Cheers!

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    1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

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    2. COYS Down Under
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B (Assuming you have Mitro)

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  25. DameCorp
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Front 8:

    Salah Mane Maddison Fraser Gunarsson
    Aguero Zaha King

    Which option is better with two FT.

    Kun + Salah > Kane + Haz
    Salah + King > Kane + Richarlison

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    1. fridge
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I did Mane & defender > Hazard & cheap defender and it feels right

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  26. Tsparkes10
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    2.4itb, 2FT... Kabasele > Holebas and save? Kabasele is 2nd spot on bench rn and quite happy with my team :/

    Thoughts?

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  27. Clintymints
    • 17 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Mmmmm Sterling and Kane in for Aguero and Salah -4

    Feel like I'm missing a boat here

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    1. Four Hit Wonder
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

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    2. COYS Down Under
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      That boat may well be the Titanic though....

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      1. Clintymints
        • 17 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        ikr

        Salah just looks like a broken man but could easily get a hatty

        Aguero's mins are concerning but Liverpool also look meh

        It's a big decision that could be a disaster or brilliant

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  28. AF90
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Fab/Foster
    Alonso, Robertson, AWB, Doherty, Peltier.
    Salah, Mane, Maddison, Fraser, Stephens.
    Kane, Mitrovic, Arnie.

    GTG?

    Plan to keep Salah/Mane for HUD & CAR then get Hazard GW11 (still have wc)
    Can always go Salah -> Hazard next week if I change my mind! Currently will get Aguero back in for Kane though.....sound good?

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  29. Tsparkes10
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I have 2 FT

    A) Zaha > Vardy (0.5itb)
    B) Jimenez > Rashford (1.2 itb)
    C) H-Odoi > Richarlison (0itb and rip bench)
    D) Kabasele > Holebas (2.1 ITB)

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    1. COYS Down Under
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A (but I'd prefer Mitro or Arnie over Vardy).

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      1. Tsparkes10
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Hmmm idk with the fixtures

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

      A is tempting. Vardy looking good atm, and EVE shaky defensively

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  30. HD7
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Current team:

    De Gea
    Walker Robbo WanB Alonso
    Hazard Richa Mane Fraser
    Zaha Aguero

    Subs: Hamer, Tomkins, Hughes, Kamara

    Plan is

    GW8: Save
    GW9: De Gea to Dubravka and Mane to Salah
    GW10: Fraser to Maddison and Walker to TAA (-4)
    GW11: Zaha to Arnie

    I shouldnt use WC for it and just go with the plan right?

    Another question... do you think TAA is a good idea to double with Robbo for Pool nice fixtures? If you have another idea, Im listening 🙂

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    1. COYS Down Under
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I'm personally just going for the WC, the fixture swings are calling for it I think.

      Plans are nice but an injury or two to a player you're planning to keep and then you can end up on GW11 without the team you needed.

      And TAA + Robbo is definitely the way to go along with their best attacker

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      1. HD7
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks bro!

        So its TAA Robbo and Salab probably.
        As for the ther points you made... If I see injuries to players that arent planned to be changed... WC time comes for me too 🙂

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