Podcast
4 October 2018 1996 comments
J0E J0E
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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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J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

  1. ZTF
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Ederson (Hamer)
    Bennett AWB Alonso (Robbo, Mendy)
    Fraser Hazard Maddison Rich (4.5m)
    Aguero Kane (TC) Arnautovic

    GTG, or do Mendy to Tripps for a -4 and play him?

    1. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      g2g

  2. Ziyech on the Bench
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Evening lads, G2G? 1FT 0.8 ITB - appreciate any advice

    Ryan

    Alonso, Bellerin, Trippier / AWB, Bennett

    Hazard (c), Salah, Richarlison, Maddison, Fraser

    Aguero, Zaha / Success

    Thanks guys!

    1. Hillbilly
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Good morning...toss up between AWB and Bellerin but otherwise g2g.

  3. Old Wulfrunian
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Only for gw8.
    A)Arnie or Deeney?
    B)Pereyra or Maddison?

    1. ZTF
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Arnie + Maddison

      1. Alan The Llama
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        This

        1. ted mcnure
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Agree

          1. Old Wulfrunian
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            thanks

      2. Old Wulfrunian
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        thanks both

        1. FP El Wonky
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          I totally agree. I just got these 2 mentioned in too.
          I hope it works!

  4. The Big Fella
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Has Guardiola had his press conference yet or is that tomorrow? I have Mendy and may well trade him out rather than keep hold of him. Do we think Trippier will play again after playing in the CL?

  5. Lignja
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Is this ok bench order? Going to save ft this week.

    Henesy
    Alonso, Shaw, Doherty
    Hazard, Madison, Richarlison, Fraser
    Kane, Aguero, Mitrovic

    Hamer, Robertson, Wb, Hojberg

    1. Hillbilly
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Good looking team...on paper anyway! Bench order correct...Robertson and Wb only question I think.

      1. Lignja
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Yes im not rly happy to have Robertson on bench, but if i dont play Shaw this week i dont know when to..tho will sell him soon so hope for some points before that.

  6. noahzark22
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Patricio
    Alonso, van Aanholt, Wan-Bissaka
    Hazard, Salah, Fraser, Knockaert, Maddison
    Vardy, Mitrovic

    Bench
    Foster, Ings, Mendy, Robertson

    Set and ready to go! 45 point week, here I come!

    1. ted mcnure
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      That's a desperate bench! gl!

      1. noahzark22
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        It's a great bench.

  7. Scanlon94
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Evening lads,

    Wondering what 2 defenders to play alongside Alonso this weekend out of:

    Laporte/TAA/Bennett/AWB

    Bare in mind I have Ederson In goal so not sure about doubling up on City defensive players in an away fixture at Anfield?

  8. FPL failure
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Foster
    Alonso, Doherty, WB
    Bilva, Richarlison, Hazard, Mané
    Kun, King, Zaha

    Patrício, Robertson, Pereira, Chalobah

    1 FT and 1.6 ITB, any of these options tempting, thinking of just saving for now?
    A) Bilva -> Maddison
    B) Bilva -> Fraser
    C) King/Zaha -> Arnie
    D) Save

  9. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Is having Vardy + Maddison to much Leicester

    1. BellyKlopp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      think it's good with their fixtures

    2. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Over a season I would say yes, but for their easy fixtures coming up its a good idea.

    3. I Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Nah don't think so. Almost guaranteed to get points from one of them if Leicester score.

    4. noahzark22
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      not with their upcoming fixtures

    5. ted mcnure
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Tempted.. for me it's Vardy or Bobby Firminio..

  10. That Was Easy!
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Picking a Spurs mid on my free hit, considering Lamela (who’s looked the sharpest) and Son (who has to have a breakout game eventually), is it safe to assume they both start with all their injuries?

    1. Alan The Llama
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I think it's fair to assume they'd both start however I'd pick between Son and Moura.

  11. BellyKlopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Which combo out of these?
    A: Sterling, Ings, Kamara
    B: Hojberg, Kane, Kamara
    C: Richarlison, Ings, Vardy

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      C

  12. CAPTAIN CRESPO
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Ok final decision:

    A. Salah > Hazard & Aguero > Kane
    B. Mane > Hazard & King > Jiminez
    C. Just Salah > Hazard

    1. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      B, Salah worth keeping for the 5 fixtures after City if you kept this long

  13. BABAJO
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    A. Fraser for Madison
    B. Wilson for Arnie
    C. Save
    1ft 2.0 itb
    Hennessy
    TAA Alonso AWB Doherty (Kelly)
    Salah Fraser Hazard Richalison
    Mitrovic Wilson Aguero

    Bench : Homer Kelly Hojbjerg Doherty.

  14. yakirh
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Which one to play?
    A - Robertson
    B - Pereira
    C - Fraser

    1. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Don't think there will be a clean sheet for A or B, so it;s who you think more likely to get attacking points, which would be Robbo for me.

      1. ted mcnure
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Fraser the Razor all day long

        1. Rage Against The Raheem
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          It is a close one, but I don't see Bournemouth doing much away at Watford as they have been good defensively so far. Cherries don't do as well when they are away. I see pool scoring and Robbo could be involved.

  15. ZTF
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Who's most likely to concede out of Wan Bissaka or Bennett at Selhurst

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      AWB probably.

      1. ZTF
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Reckon it's worth a -4 for Mendy to Tripps and play him over AWB then? Can see a guaranteed CS and assist or two

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          I wouldn't but makes sense if the case.

          1. ZTF
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            Cheers

        2. Alan The Llama
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          I reckon Mendy will play. I think Pep would have made his point with him by now, and the alternatives aren't good enough against Liverpool.

          1. ZTF
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            "Made his point", you think its an attitude thing more than an injury?

          2. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            I think his injury wasn't made up

  16. BABAJO
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Need your opinion guys I'm really tired of Wilson and Fraser.
    A. Fraser for Madison
    B. Wilson for Arnie
    C. Save
    1ft 2.0 itb
    Hennessy
    TAA Alonso AWB (Doherty)
    Salah Fraser Hazard Richalison
    Mitrovic Wilson Aguero

    Bench : Hamer Kelly Hojbjerg Doherty.

    1. ted mcnure
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      B or save

      1. BABAJO
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks
        I will save and see how they perform this week

    2. FP El Wonky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Hah nice.
      I just did A and B.
      Fingers crossed.

    3. Fantasy Challenged
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Save. Bouremouth's fixtures are still okay and I'd wait on Arnie to see how he progresses through the International break.

    4. BABAJO
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks guys
      I guess I'll save and hope they perform better this Gameweek. Fingers crossed

  17. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Gtg?

    Ederson
    Trippier, Alonso, WB
    Hazard, Richarlison, Fellaini, Maddison
    Kane(c), Aguero, Mitrovic

    Bench: Stekelenburg, Fraser, TAA, Doherty

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Bench points galore.

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Doherty and Fraser in for Afro and WB

      1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        That is common rational opinion. But not following the heard this time, got a feeling Afro and Obi Wan will not disappoint me.

        1. FPL Blow-In
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          I’m playing both WB and Doherty so hope it’s a 0-0 with them sharing 3baps

          1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            Wouldn't mind a goalless game as well.

    3. Alan The Llama
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I like the Fellaini pick. It seems Mourinho is destined to pick him and play hoofball as he's run out of ideas.

      1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        This. And Fella is one of the few players that don't boycott Jose currently.

        1. Alan The Llama
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          When they play Chelsea, there'll be two players on the pitch that don't hate him. Willian will be there too.

    4. FP El Wonky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Strong team.
      Bench boost worthy week in week out.
      I couldn't do that to myself.
      Much prefer my team to pick itself.
      And what said above about afro is right. He generally pops up in these games.
      Interesting shout.

      1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks Wonkee. Thought abput bench bosting but there will probably be better gws for that.

        1. FP El Wonky
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Crackin team. So many options.

  18. Sz21
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Which one from these would u bench this GW? 2 or 3 maybe?

    1. AWB.
    2. Robertson.
    3. Ings.

    1. ZTF
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      2

    2. FP El Wonky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Oh I dunno. If I'm in doubt I generally play the attacker.
      I'd play Ings. You never know.. Could upset Alonso owners.
      I'd probably bench bissaka.
      Wolves are looking mighty

    3. RIPAguero
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I have all 3 in my team and all 3 are on the bench!
      Bench order: Robertson AWB Ings

  19. BellyKlopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC team please:
    Hart (Ryan)
    Alonso, TAA, AWB (Doherty, Bennett)
    Mane, Hazard, Maddison, Fraser (Billing)
    Kane, Aguero, Ings

    1. ted mcnure
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I'd save on Hart to 4.0 and look at Ings.. Jimenez, Murray, Deeney ...?

  20. bigrussianlegend
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Guys, hi. Very concerned lack of Kane might bite me.

    Hennessey

    Trippier Jonny TAA (W-B, Bennett)

    Hazard Salah Mané Maddison

    Aguero Mitrovic Jimenez

    Is it worth taking a hit for Jimenez/Salah > Kane/Knockaert?

    1. Fantasy Challenged
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldn't bother to be honest. Not for a hit at least

      1. bigrussianlegend
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Cool. In your case, I'd go for the swap. Little downside with that much in the bank.

        1. Fantasy Challenged
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Your team is solid so no need to disrupt it too much.

          Thanks. Yeah I'll likely do it

  21. Fantasy Challenged
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Morning fellow DZers 🙂

    What to do with this lot then? Main decision is Kane or nah? I have 2.3 ITB and 1 FT. Can't decide so would like some form of help!

    Hennessey

    Alonso, Doherty, Pereira

    Salah, Hazard, Maddison, Fraser

    Mitrovic, Wilson, Aguero

    Foster, AWB, Bennett, Neves

    1) Straight swap Aguero --> Kane, switch back after the break
    2) Save
    3) Anything else

    1. bigrussianlegend
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Hmmm I'm struggling with the same question (above your post). Thinking of taking a hit for Jimenez > Kane and Salah > Gudmundsson/Knockaert.

      Are you keen to hold Salah for fixtures after MC?

  22. Bat Man
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Only Hazard rising tonight?

    1. Alan The Llama
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Only Hazard over 100% but it's not an exact science.

  23. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    How’s this look?

    Patricio
    Trippier, Doherty, WB
    Hazard, Moura, Maddison, Fraser
    Kane, Aguero, Mitro

    Hennessy, TAA, Hojberg, Delph 1.3 itb

  24. +
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    a) Walker & TAA
    b) Luiz & Robertson

    1. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      b

    2. FP El Wonky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I was going to say A.
      But David Luiz is looking very happy on the ball.
      So B.
      But its such a difficult choice.

  25. BlzE_94
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Have i got the right players on the bench?

    DDG
    Alonso Robertson Shaw
    Hazard Mane Maddison Fraser
    Kane Zaha Wilson

    Bench: Hamer, Hughes, Wan-Bissaka, Cook

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah imo

    2. FP El Wonky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I think so. Possibly I'd do exactly the same order too.

  26. Kane Train
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Which one?

    A) Aguero > Kane
    B) Wilson > Arnie/Murray
    C) Lucas > Richarlison/Madison
    D) Save FT

    1. RIPAguero
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      D

  27. RIPAguero
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Help!
    2 Free Transfers and not sure what to do?

    Patricio
    Alonso Trippier Holebas
    Maddison Mane D.Silva Hazard (C) Fraser
    Aguero Wilson

    Begovic Robertson AWB Ings

    1. RIPAguero
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      And I've got 0.2m ITB.

      1. Ajaxeeding
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        You could downgrade Robertson to TAA and use the funds next week. (Full disclosure, it is the move I just made).

  28. Sz21
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Better to start..
    1. Foster (BOU).
    2. Patricio (cpa).

    Patricio is safer probably due to Wolves def ownership although slightly lower % chance of a cleanie.

    1. RIPAguero
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      2

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

      1

  29. ZTF
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Thinking about Fraser to Knockaert next week, but Fraser does still have a couple good games before the fixtures turn. What do we think?

    1. Alan The Llama
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I don't like the Knockaert pick at all. He was talked up before Brighton's promotion before last season and did the grand total of eff all in the PL. Not sure he's up to it.

      I could be wrong though.

      1. Sz21
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        After reading this article and seeing his fixtures.. he became top of my wishlist.

        A solid low risk punt I think.

        https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/amp/football/45591883

        1. Alan The Llama
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Didn't know about that. Seems like a fair punt, all things considered.

          Before they were promoted, he really did look supremely confident on the ball. I hope he does well.