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. Hillbilly
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Patricio
    Trippier, Alonso, Holebas
    Hazard, Dilva, Maddison, Rich, Fraser
    Aguero, Mitro

    Hamer, Wilson, WB, TAA 3.4 itb, 0 ft

    Want to replace Dilva with Salah next week. Either have to take a hit this week or next and so far I'm stumped as to what to do!

    Any sober advice greatly appreciated:)

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

      Save FT, more info available after a very long break.

  2. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Bloody Cardiff. Causing all sorts of problems for our FPL teams this week.

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

      It even led to a free hit for me, the state of my mindset haha. Had 3 Pool, 3 City (Mendy and Ederson along with Kun), no Spurs and no Chelsea.

    2. Longlatini
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Even ‘dullard’ players are using transfers just to get Kane in for one week
      Crazy!

  3. Big Col
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Which 2 to Bench?

    A) TAA
    B) Bellerin
    C) AWB
    D) Doherty

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

      AWB first sub
      TAA second sub

    2. korbendallas82
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      bench C, play D. Not sure between TAA and Bellerin.

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

    I currently have 2FTs and 0.2 ITB.

    In order to facilitate doing Moura and Ings to Maddison and Arnautovic next week for free, should I do Robertson to TAA or Gomez this week? If so, should I go TAA or Gomez?

    Patricio (Hamer)
    Alonso - Robertson - Trippier - Holebas - AWB
    Salah - Hazard - Moura - Fraser - Billing
    Aguero - Mitrovic - Ings

    Thanks in advance for your help!!

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

      I think TAA’s the better pick. They’ll both get rotated eventually, might as well go with the one who swings in the occasional corner and FK, quite well at that.

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

        Thanks for the feed back! That Makes sense!

        But does my whole plan make sense?

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

          Makes sense wanting those players. Good moves imo

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

          It will probably change after the break, but it’s sound.

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

            Exacrky. Planning ahead is all very good.
            Yet every time I try to plan moves for 2 orv3 weeks ahead they rarely materialize.
            There is always a broken player or a bandwagon you fancy..

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

              Thanks for the confirmation! I’ve made the transfer for TAA.

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

                Right on!

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

    Think I’ve cracked my free hit, although it can inherently go tits up with it being a one-week go.

    Hart
    Azpi Trippier Shaw
    Hazard Son Ozil Gudmudsson
    Kane (C) Lacazette Arny

    Thoughts?
    Places up for grabs are Azpi, Ozil, Gud and Arny’s spots.

    Not overly concerned about no Mads/Vardy, Everton better than given credit for.

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

      Very good. But would be reluctant to play FH now.

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

        As would I, but the stars aligned for me.

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

      While I also think they're better than they are given credit for on this website, their defence is still quite shaky and they were poor against Southampton midweek. Would be tempted to take one of Mads/Vardy, but the other players you have are also solid options, so it's tough...

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

        Vardy/Lamela vs Arny/Son for me. Lamela has looked very sharp every time he comes on and was active against Barcelona, but Son can breakout this week.

    3. Longlatini
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Don’t play fh yet imo

    4. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      liking it! 🙂 I am this close I I to using my FH this week also, the pain if Kane hauls is too much to bear haha.
      My only qualm there is Ozil as you already have Laca.
      My team is very similar if i were to FH, waiting on tomorrow's pressers.

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

    Bench 2 from Doherty, WB, Robbo, Pereira, Bilva, King

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

      Definitely Periera, and the other for me would be WB.

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

        Cheers, Pereira was my first choice, but not sure between WB and Robbo

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

        wait what, why bench Periera? He's playing midfield now and Leicester have a semi-reasonable chance of a CS now - a lot more than WB.

  7. TJ
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Bring in Maddison or Richarlison? have no current Leicester or Everton players

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

      Toss up, Maddison is a budget Eriksen, Richarlison probably a higher ceiling.

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

      I have both, much prefer Maddison though, most of what Leicester does goes through him.

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Both good picks, either

  8. Tabbara
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Gudmundsson, Richarlison(already got walcott), Knockaert as one week punt?
    Will be wildcarding next week

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

      Gudmudsson against Hudd appeals to me the most.

  9. Superballzzz
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Play

    A - Richardlson

    B - Fraser

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

      Richarlison for me, Leicester have looked shaky at the back, Watford not as much, and Bournemouth don’t seem to do as well going forward away from home.

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

      Has to be A

    3. Longlatini
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A

  10. Pellegrini Falcon
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Should I bring in Hazard for Mane for a hit? Or just keep Mane because for the coming fixtures?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Given Liverpool's recent domination of citeh at Anfield, no

  11. LSK
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Might avoid Kane and go with this

    Patricio

    Shaw, Robertson, Alonso, Trippier, AWB

    Hazard (c), Salah, Moura

    Aguero, Mitrovic

    Hamer, King, Stephens, Ward

    It’s either play that or switch Aguero and King for Kane (c) and Vokes but that would lock me into a wildcard next week

    Any thoughts?

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

    G2G?

    Fab
    Alonso Shaw Bissaka Robertson
    Hazard Mane Richarlison
    Kane (C) Laca Mitro

    Hamer Pereira Fraser Hojbjerg

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

      Would play Fraser ahead of Bissaka or Robertson

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

        I cannot decide who to start from Fraser and Robertson
        Can go either way

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

    1 FT and 1.6 ITB, are either of these transfers worth doing this week or should I save and re-evaluate in the international break?
    A) Bilva -> Maddison
    B) King -> Arnie

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

    Patrício, Robertson, Pereira, Chalobah

  14. Longlatini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Play Awb or Bennett?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      The better side are Wolves, so B

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

        I was surprised to see the clean sheet odds similar but slightly favouring Palace, as I would have said Wolves look much better too

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

        Not by much. Really don't see why 90% of people here go for Wolves.

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

          Wolves have conceded the 4th fewest goals as well as shots inside the box this season, their defence is genuinely quite good

      3. Longlatini
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        It’s a close call, Palace yet to score at home so I guess they’re due?

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

    Kun will punish sellers. He could easily score one or two vs reds.

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

      Kane could score 3-5 against Cardiff

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

        Best to have both

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

          True, for me it’s one or the other

        2. Longlatini
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          True

    2. tokara
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      will he start? Jesus say Hi

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Jesus does not say hi, he says 'Pep why won't wou trust me?'

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          you*

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

    Hennessey
    Robertson, Bennet, Alonso
    Maddison, Salah, Hazard, Fraser,
    Jimenez, Kane, Mitrovic,
    bench: Hamer, Holebas, AWB, Guendouzi

    who should i play bennet, awb or holebas ?

  17. Positive vibes
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Hi, which combo is better for long term?
    A. TAA (already have Robbo), Maddison
    B. Trippie, Fraser
    Thanks 🙂

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

      A

    2. Balotellitubbies
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A easily

    3. LD
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A

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

    sterling owners, how long are you planning on keeping ?

    easily the best pick of city midfielders currently but he'll surely be a casualty of guardiolas rotation eventually. want Salah back in gw9 or 10 the latest, one to monitor I guess

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

      he was sub early last game

      save your worry for another day

    2. Egg noodle
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I'm swapping to Mane I think, on WC

    3. Pukki Party
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Until Brighton away.

  19. Egg noodle
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Kane scored 1 against Barcelona. Barcelona are at least 10 times better than Cardiff. Think about it...

    1. Pellegrini Falcon
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      10 goals this weekend then

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

        If only FPL was that simple

    2. fedolefan
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      10 goals then?

    3. lilmessipran
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Dam .makes sense.. triple captain?

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

      he also scored 0 against Newcastle and Watford

      1. Egg noodle
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Non-Kane owner alert! 🙂

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

      Agreed, Kane could easily score against a team like Cardiff, as could most good strikers in the prem, but other things to consider are things like key injuries and the fact that Spurs just played a hard game mid week against this team that is so strong as you say. Not saying Kane won't score, but just the fact Cardiff are a poor team doesn't mean guaranteed points like everyone seems to think.

      1. Egg noodle
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        This donkey kane has failed me on multiple occasions in the past on plum home fixtures so there is a distinct possibility..

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

          If spurs have no hangover from the mid week game and they (and kane) have a good game he could easily score a few and be the next 20 point player (non owner). But if it was that set in stone in peoples minds then they should place a £10 bet on Kane to score 2+ goal as i would if i was so sure about something like that.

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

            Go easy with all the betting nonsense. Your lifestyle is your own.

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

              Betting nonsense? I mentioned it once....I don't bet that much mate tbh seen too many of my mates waste £100's on those silly machines, the occasional acca. Was just saying if i was as sure as some people seem to be would use that knowledge to make a bit of money.

  20. Jenks
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Hello guys,

    My team for this week is:

    Henn
    WB - Alonso - Shaw - Trippier
    Dilva - Haz - Moura - Maddison
    Lukaku - Aguero

    I have 2 ft. Do you think it is worth transferring Lukaku and Dilva out for Kane and Richarlison? The problem is Lukaku is at home to Newcastle so getting him out for Kane feels a bit sideways (even though their form/fixtures are different)...

    What would you do in this situation?

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

      I'd pull the trigger

      1. Scout15
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Definitely worth it imo

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

      surely you can do better than Shaw and Silva. I'd get those two out.

      1. Jenks
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Silva is definitely out yeah I agree, obviously Man Utd poor is terrible but I fancy them to bounce back so will definetely keep this week and then maybe switch him to TAA next week.

    3. RyanMK
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I'd hold. Personally feels like it's the combination of both would have equal points over the next few weeks.

      I would swap Lukaku to Kane without selling D. Silva if you have enough ITB though. Though I'm assuming you don't since you're pondering a double swap?

  21. Scout15
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Last chance to do Mane -> Hazard before price rise.
    Got exact money but no FT.
    Should I go for it for -4? Or keep Mane cause next fixtures?

  22. FPLtfs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 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.

    Or Mane + Wilson -> Knockaert + Kane, with a plan to swith to Salah later. Two -4 in a row though

  23. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Who would you rather have this gw?

    A. Kun
    B. Salah

    1. lilmessipran
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Kun

  24. Da Ge
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    After the game with Barca, Kane might not start against Cardiff 😛

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

      Kane doesn't get rotated. Just look at last season.

  25. samaael
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    take out Ramsey for a hit?
    looking at Knockaert or Richarlison

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

      no for me.

    2. Deli Alli OxenFree!
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      ARS have a great fixture & form!
      Def don’t think Knockaert is a good move period, and neither for a hit!

    3. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      rich away to leicester not worth it for a hit
      If ramsay plays i'd keep vs Fulham.....

  26. Tabbara
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts
    Gudmensson and Kane for Salah and Wilson (-4)
    Will be wildcarding next week
    Thx

    1. samaael
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      take out Salah at own risk

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

      For a weeks punt it could be good, but you will want salah back for those easy fixtures, Burnley's fixtures aren't so great after Huds as well i think.

    3. Egg noodle
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Great shout

  27. RyanMK
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Help me out here!

    Here's my current line up:
    Hart
    Doherty - AWB - Shaw - Alonso
    Salah - Maddison - Hughes - Hazard
    Aguero - Mitrovic

    Subs: Hennessey, Mendy, Neves, Ings

    Have 1 FT. The options I'm playing around in my head are:
    A. Out: Salah, Ings ---> Kane, Gudmudsson [-4 hit]
    B: Out: Salah, Mitrovic ----> Kane, Gudmudsson [-4 hit] (allows me to have more ITB for future transfers)
    C: Keep Salah. Out: Mendy ---> Trippier

    1. Egg noodle
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Certainly not B. A or C depends on if you are willing to gamble and spend an extra 4

  28. Zlat-man
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Wally, Auba > Kane, Knockaert for -4?

    Other option is get Lamela instead and go Spurs all in as already have Son

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

      I'm tempted to bring in Lamela as well. It's a pity he usually comes off the bench. But he still seems to get goals regularly though.

    2. Deli Alli OxenFree!
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Lamela is a great shout, imo!
      (He prob has the best current form in the Spurs Midfield—and w/ all their injuries, he will get at least 60mins vs CAR)
      But for you, think u gotta just be patient with the Son-decision you made, ride it out, and see if it comes good...Personally, i’m Not a fan of the Knock-mania(especially not this week)

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

    Will Trippier play this weekend despite playing the whole CL match?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Wouldn't surprise me to see KWP starting

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

        Hmmmm - I've got Mendy and debating the swap. Thoughts?

    2. Longlatini
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

    3. Deli Alli OxenFree!
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I’m pretty sure he will play—mostly cause of the injuries Spurs have(including Aurier in Tripp’s position)
      They need a positive result in the next match, and Tripper is offering so much of their goal Treat/Potential, they need him!
      ...not sure why Davies has been playing a much more standard LB role instead of as a wingback—like he did at the start of this year, and for most of last season?

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

        I thought this but KWP can play there too. My issue is I have Mendy and I am debating the swap to Trippier.

  30. L'Aeroplanino
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    No rises today apart from Hazard please.

    1. Positive vibes
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      This

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

      Yes please