Podcast

Meet the Manager #3 – Will Thomas

4 October 2018 1996 comments
J0E J0E
Share:

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.

Become a Member and access our data

Memberships for the 2018/19 campaign are now available for the price of £15.

Join now to get the following:

  • Plot your transfer strategies using the fully interactive Season Ticker.
  • Get projections for every Premier League player provided by the Rate My Team statistical model.
  • Use Rate My Team throughout the season to guide your selections and transfers.
  • Get access to over 130+ exclusive members articles over the season.
  • Analyse our OPTA-powered statistic tables specifically tailored for Fantasy Football Managers.
  • Use our exclusive tool to build custom stats tables from over 100 OPTA player and team stats.
  • View heatmaps and expected goals data for every player.
  • Use our powerful comparison tool to analyse players head-to-head.

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A FANTASY FOOTBALL SCOUT MEMBER

1,996 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Emiliano Sala
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 3 days ago

    that was close
    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/19009094

    Open Controls
  2. ZTF
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 3 days 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?

    Open Controls
    1. Old Wulfrunian
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

      g2g

      Open Controls
  3. Ziyech on the Bench
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 days 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!

    Open Controls
    1. Hillbilly
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

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

      Open Controls
  4. Old Wulfrunian
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 3 days ago

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

    Open Controls
    1. ZTF
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

      Arnie + Maddison

      Open Controls
      1. Alan The Llama
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 3 days ago

        This

        Open Controls
        1. ted mcnure
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 3 days ago

          Agree

          Open Controls
          1. Old Wulfrunian
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 3 days ago

            thanks

            Open Controls
      2. Old Wulfrunian
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 3 days ago

        thanks both

        Open Controls
        1. FP El Wonky
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 3 days ago

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

          Open Controls
  5. The Big Fella
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 3 days 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?

    Open Controls
  6. Lignja
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 3 days 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

    Open Controls
    1. Hillbilly
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

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

      Open Controls
      1. Lignja
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 3 days 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.

        Open Controls
  7. noahzark22
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 3 days 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!

    Open Controls
    1. ted mcnure
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

      That's a desperate bench! gl!

      Open Controls
      1. noahzark22
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 3 days ago

        It's a great bench.

        Open Controls
  8. Scanlon94
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 days 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?

    Open Controls
  9. FPL failure
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 days 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

    Open Controls
  10. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 3 days ago

    Is having Vardy + Maddison to much Leicester

    Open Controls
    1. BellyKlopp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

      think it's good with their fixtures

      Open Controls
    2. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

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

      Open Controls
    3. I Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

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

      Open Controls
    4. noahzark22
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

      not with their upcoming fixtures

      Open Controls
    5. ted mcnure
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

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

      Open Controls
  11. That Was Easy!
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 3 days 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?

    Open Controls
    1. Alan The Llama
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

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

      Open Controls
  12. BellyKlopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 3 days ago

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

    Open Controls
    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

      C

      Open Controls
  13. CAPTAIN CRESPO
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 3 days ago

    Ok final decision:

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

    Open Controls
    1. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

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

      Open Controls
  14. BABAJO
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 days 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.

    Open Controls
  15. yakirh
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 3 days ago

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

    Open Controls
    1. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 days 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.

      Open Controls
      1. ted mcnure
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 3 days ago

        Fraser the Razor all day long

        Open Controls
        1. Rage Against The Raheem
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 3 days 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.

          Open Controls
  16. ZTF
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 3 days ago

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

    Open Controls
    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

      AWB probably.

      Open Controls
      1. ZTF
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 3 days 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

        Open Controls
        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 17 Years
          8 years, 3 days ago

          I wouldn't but makes sense if the case.

          Open Controls
          1. ZTF
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 3 days ago

            Cheers

            Open Controls
        2. Alan The Llama
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 3 days 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.

          Open Controls
          1. ZTF
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 3 days ago

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

            Open Controls
          2. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 3 days ago

            I think his injury wasn't made up

            Open Controls
  17. BABAJO
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 days 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.

    Open Controls
    1. ted mcnure
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

      B or save

      Open Controls
      1. BABAJO
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 days ago

        Thanks
        I will save and see how they perform this week

        Open Controls
    2. FP El Wonky
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

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

      Open Controls
    3. Fantasy Challenged
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

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

      Open Controls
    4. BABAJO
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 days ago

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

      Open Controls
  18. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 3 days ago

    Gtg?

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

    Bench: Stekelenburg, Fraser, TAA, Doherty

    Open Controls
    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

      Bench points galore.

      Open Controls
    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

      Doherty and Fraser in for Afro and WB

      Open Controls
      1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 3 days ago

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

        Open Controls
        1. FPL Blow-In
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 3 days ago

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

          Open Controls
          1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 3 days ago

            Wouldn't mind a goalless game as well.

            Open Controls
    3. Alan The Llama
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

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

      Open Controls
      1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 3 days ago

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

        Open Controls
        1. Alan The Llama
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 3 days ago

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

          Open Controls
    4. FP El Wonky
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 3 days 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.

      Open Controls
      1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 3 days ago

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

        Open Controls
        1. FP El Wonky
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 3 days ago

          Crackin team. So many options.

          Open Controls
  19. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 3 days ago

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

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

    Open Controls
    1. ZTF
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

      2

      Open Controls
    2. FP El Wonky
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 3 days 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

      Open Controls
    3. RIPAguero
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

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

      Open Controls
  20. BellyKlopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 3 days ago

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

    Open Controls
    1. ted mcnure
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

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

      Open Controls
  21. bigrussianlegend
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 3 days 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?

    Open Controls
    1. Fantasy Challenged
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

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

      Open Controls
      1. bigrussianlegend
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 3 days ago

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

        Open Controls
        1. Fantasy Challenged
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 3 days ago

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

          Thanks. Yeah I'll likely do it

          Open Controls
  22. Fantasy Challenged
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 3 days 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

    Open Controls
    1. bigrussianlegend
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 days 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?

      Open Controls
  23. Bat Man
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 3 days ago

    Only Hazard rising tonight?

    Open Controls
    1. Alan The Llama
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

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

      Open Controls
  24. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 3 days ago

    How’s this look?

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

    Hennessy, TAA, Hojberg, Delph 1.3 itb

    Open Controls
  25. +
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 3 days ago

    a) Walker & TAA
    b) Luiz & Robertson

    Open Controls
    1. Old Wulfrunian
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

      b

      Open Controls
    2. FP El Wonky
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 3 days 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.

      Open Controls
  26. BlzE_94
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 3 days 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

    Open Controls
    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

      Yeah imo

      Open Controls
    2. FP El Wonky
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

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

      Open Controls
  27. Kane Train
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 3 days ago

    Which one?

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

    Open Controls
    1. RIPAguero
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

      D

      Open Controls
  28. RIPAguero
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 3 days 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

    Open Controls
    1. RIPAguero
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

      And I've got 0.2m ITB.

      Open Controls
      1. Ajaxeeding
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 3 days ago

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

        Open Controls
  29. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 3 days 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.

    Open Controls
    1. RIPAguero
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

      2

      Open Controls
    2. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 3 days ago

      1

      Open Controls
  30. ZTF
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 3 days 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?

    Open Controls
    1. Alan The Llama
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 3 days 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.

      Open Controls
      1. Sz21
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 3 days 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

        Open Controls
        1. Alan The Llama
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 3 days 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.

          Open Controls

You need to be logged in to post a comment.