Podcast

FFScoutcast Episode 271 – Traffic

Battling through traffic, illness and technical glitches, the Scoutcast crew emerge triumphant to discuss the key issues affecting Fantasy Football managers in Gameweek 9 and beyond.

After being stuck in motorway congestion a cold-ridden Az dropped by to join David, Andy and I just in time to answer the community’s questions about why none of us own assets from Arsenal. This is particularly head-scratching given the Gunners have scored more goals than any other side over the last four Gameweeks.

We also shake our heads in disbelief at why so many Fantasy managers are ignoring Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling, who is proving to be well worth his premium price tag this term.

Liverpool’s injury list and patchy form of some of their top players ahead of a fine run of games also come under scrutiny.

Elsewhere, David invents ‘the courteous brag’ as he details how he was the only member of the crew not to be entranced by Tottenham’s misfiring striker Harry Kane in Gameweek 8.

Gameweek 9 differentials and clean sheet prospects also get an airing and we finish off with Andy putting the rest of our transfer plans to shame with a typically audacious set of moves.

This Scoutcast was first beamed live via our YouTube channel on Tuesday evening. Be sure to subscribe to get notice of future live episodes.

If you’re a traditional type, you can acquire the mp3 audio version via this link or the first player below, or take in the full visual experience via the second player below.

It is also worth mentioning that  FFScout moderator Rotation’s Alter Ego has collected this latest episode’s timestamps to help find particular sections.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

1,955 Comments Post a Comment
  1. SOTHPAW
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Which 2 would you play from.
    A, Alonso
    B, Trippier,
    C, Maddison
    D, Fraser,
    E, Arnie

    1. DeathoftheParty
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Good god

      1. SOTHPAW
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Oh you know me.

    2. Totti
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      D E

    3. Volley127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Surely there’s some other options to bench

    4. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      D and E from those options.

    5. LSK
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Silly

    6. Bruin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Ha ha funny

    7. COYS Down Under
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      This is why I hate benching headaches.

      1. SOTHPAW
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers for those with serious answers.

  2. Totti
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    fabianski
    trippier alonso arnold
    hazard manè B.Silva richarlison fraser
    lacazette wilson

    foster boly ings bissaka

    A) Bernardo -> sterling
    B) manè -> sterling
    C) other suggestion

    1. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      A

      1. Totti
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        and aguero?

        1. Rage Against The Raheem
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          I have Aguero and getting Sterling in myself for this gw instead of pool attack. playing Burnley at home is a better fixture than Hudds away imo, and then city have Southampton at home after Spurs. Could be a good differential and is in good form for club and country, he will be buzzing after that England goal.

          1. Totti
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            good planning 🙂
            good luck pal

            1. Rage Against The Raheem
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 6 months ago

              I find Planning is much easier when you think about things when you are not distracted and not sat in front of a Computer/gadget or the TV. Thanks mate, good luck to you as well.

  3. FPL Forward Thinker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    I’ve been planning Kun (c) all along but now thinking Haz (c).

    Any reason to switch to Haz??

    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, Man United (H).

    2. DeathoftheParty
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Both great options. On Kun personally, maybe work out which would benefit more in your ML from the differential.

    3. FPL_DON
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Kun for sure

    4. FPL Forward Thinker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks all

  4. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    What would you do, hoping to break into the top 3K this GW with a bit of luck currently 3.9K ?

    Patricio
    Doherty Azpilicueta Robertson
    B.Silva Maddison Hazard Richarlison Mane
    Aguero King

    Foster Zaha Tomkins Wan-Bissaka

    2FT 0.5m ITB

    1. DeathoftheParty
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Zaha to Jimenez?

    2. Totti
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      zaha to arnie and bench maddison

  5. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Only way I can get in Ricchi is for Maddison.

    Is Ricchi more important than Maddison?

    1. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      No Way Jose

      1. Bruin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Don’t think so

    2. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I have both, but I think I would lose Rich before Maddison. Maddison heavily involved in Leicesters attacking play and he should only get better with more time in the Prem. Set pieces as well.

      1. Jarnathan
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Richarlison playing #9

    3. A.T
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Not necessarily. I’d rather get a Siggy though.

      1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Me too. Just a bit out my price range 🙁

    4. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks all

  6. thunder_mike
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Pick one more City asset to go with Aguero.

    A) Mendy
    B) Sterling
    C) KDB

    1. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      B or C

      1. thunder_mike
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah that is where I am leaning, with a double up on Liverpool defense instead of Mendy.

    2. Bruin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I’d go with A this weekend

    3. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      B

    4. FPL_DON
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      A - think he'll go back to tearing it up

    5. thunder_mike
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks for all the replies, considering a triple up of Mendy, KDB and Aguero. Would leave me with only Robertson from Liverpool, unless I went for Firmino.

  7. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Newcastle followers Yedlin or Fernandez ....whose most nailed and best for bonus points ???

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I think Yedlin is nailed.You can see it by yourself in the "bonus points system" option.

      1. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        I will get Lascelles.A New fan told to someone that between Clark and Fer the latter is most nailed.

  8. FPL_DON
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Evening guys,

    What's your thoughts on my WC?

    Patricio (hamer)

    doherty mendy alonso robertson (WB)

    Sigurdsson Mane Hazard (Kennedy hojbjerg)

    Laca Mitrovic Aguero?

    (ITB - 0)

    1. A.T
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Very nice. How about Brookes instead of Kenedy?

      1. FPL_DON
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Thank you mate! Good shout but I like kennedy's fixtures and can't afford brooks.

        1. A.T
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Sorry I thought they're the same price. Nice team anyway

        2. DeathoftheParty
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Or Hughes?

    2. DARE TO BISCAN
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good. Would like to see Maddison in there. Can't have them all though.

      1. FPL_DON
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Ahh been having this issue the whole international break haha really want him but ruins my template possibly instead of siggy?

    3. thunder_mike
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Similar to mine, have fab and Richarlison instead of Hamer and Siggy. I like it. Considering Vardy over Lacazette.

  9. SIUUUUU
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Mane >Sterling or KDB for a hit?

    1. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Not unless he is out for the weekends game, which i doubt tbh. Wait for news press on friday to see the situation.

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      What attacking Pool does that leave you with their 5 star run of fixtures?

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Poor Englisz.

      2. SIUUUUU
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        That would leave me with none. But if I don't bring sterling in, I'll have 0 City attack..
        Mane flagged and not 100% convinced by his form of late.
        And sterling is in sensational form

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          I see.

          The Pool have the fix's and you have an empty bucket, a little risky. I'd rather -4 or -8 Sterling on rather than going Pool-less.

          1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            on >in -bourbon.

  10. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Random comment but what the heck. Hopefully don’t get banned for this :laugh:

    Anyone interested in buying 2 tickets for the Enrique concert in london on 19 October?

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Ban

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        😉

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Ban

    3. UnitednationsXI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Lol

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        😆

    4. Rage Against The Raheem
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Since when did the UN start selling concert tickets?

  11. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    On a scale of 1-madness how does this look.

    This week Moura & Kane to Sterling and Lacazette for -4.

    Trip to Robertson following gw.

    Means no pool attack unless I go Salah & Arnie over Sterling & Laca.

    1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Not a madness imo. Laca and Sterling has good form.

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Would be for a hit though. Just feel like Kane and Moura could bite me although spurs have been poor enough.

        1. FPL Blow-In
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Just on the eye been poor not by results. Obviously no Eriksen/Alli effects the team. No news of them being back?

          1. lespaul
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Affects

            1. FPL Blow-In
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 6 months ago

              Thanks

        2. 007 [RoboKlopp]
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Do it next week then for free and with more info

  12. Beard of Bees
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Can any Newcastle fans confirm whether Ritchie or kenedy is more likely to be on pens please? Thanks

    1. Beard of Bees
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      (Heard somewhere kenedy took one and had a shocker but don't know if Ritchie was on the pitch)

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Don't know if it will be Ritchie but can't see it being Kenedy after his awful penalty against Cardiff.

      1. Beard of Bees
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks, just found the match report and Ritchie had been subbed off already. So I'll be getting Ritchie. Haha kenedy didn't make a single passhttps://www.bbc.com/sport/football/45153217

  13. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Which would you prefer:

    A. Laca + TAA
    B. Arnie + Robertson

    Thanks

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. Lav
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      B

    3. Totti
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      A

      1. Totti
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        lacazette surely will outscore arna
        westham still can't score easily

    4. Bruin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Fixtures, B

  14. Lav
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Patricio
    Alonso Robbo Mendy
    Salah* Haz Rich Fraser*
    Kun(c) Wilson Ings

    Henn AWB Billing* Holebas*

    Got 2 FT. Was planning on Fraser -> Knockaert + Holebas -> Pereira. Look good? Can then shift Henn to Fabianksi next weekend barring injuries / suspension.

    1. Totti
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      holebas to pereira only and save one

  15. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Anything worth a hit here?? 0.4itb

    Patricio (hamer)
    Alonso trippier robbo (awb peltier)
    Salah hazard richi Madison (Stephens)
    Kun mitro ings

    Thanks

    1. Lav
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Nope

    2. Totti
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      no

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks

  16. Totti
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    is sterling enough as a city coverage for the next gameweek?

    don't have aguero

    1. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I think it is..

      1. Totti
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        he is 🙂

    2. Bruin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Any other team 100% City Mids 80%. Hope he starts

      1. Totti
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        sorry don't understan the first words 🙂

        1. Bruin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          If Sterling played for any other team he would start, with Pep who knows. Your Coverage might not play. Aguero will start. Good thing is points will be spread

    3. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      you're not 'covering' the most captained player this week so probably not, but good luck

  17. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Bernardo Silva worth getting rid for hit ( to Maddison probably) or keep another week?

    1. Totti
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      keep this week
      if you could afford getting sterling for a hit i think this would be nice

      1. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks. Kane to Lacazette and BSilva to Sterling possible with 2 free transfers and forget about Liverpool for now

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Could get Firmino instead of Lacazette if you really want a Liverpool attacker. Arsenal's fixtures aren't great.

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Wait a week. Bilva has the better fixture.

  18. Outside the box thinking : save pts magnets?
    Ruth_NZ
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Group A+ (Excellent)
    Wolves 55%/51

    Group A (Good)
    Burnley 47%/76
    Arsenal 47%/57

    Group B (Fair)
    City 43%/22
    Leicester 42%/35
    Chelsea 42%/32
    Everton 43%/36
    B'mouth 42%/45
    United 43%/36
    Palace 42%/43
    W. Ham 41%/47

    Group C (Meh)
    Liverpool 36%/24
    Spurs 38%/37
    N'castle 35%/43

    Group C- (Poor)
    Watford 31%/24
    Hudds. 31%/34
    Soton 31%/36
    Brighton 33%/45
    Fulham 30%/39

    Group D (Truly Dreadful)
    Cardiff 23%/25

    Figures show the percentage of shots by opponents that are taken from outside the box, followed by the total incoming shots from outside the box. This is designed to indicate which GKs have a higher than average opportunity to make saves (and gain save points).

    I could say a lot more about it but will just post the data. 🙂

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Started the season with Patricio and he isn't going anywhere.

    2. A.T
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Patricio then?

      1. Ruth_NZ
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Not necessarily. Wolves' opening 8 fixtures weren't as tough as what they will have from GW11-20, when 50% of their games will be against likely top-6 opponents.

        But Patricio is a very solid set-and-forget, that's for sure.

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Tougher fixtures should mean more save points with a few clean sheets in there.

          1. The Polymath
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Exactamundo

          2. COYS Down Under
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Tougher fixtures = opponents which make more scoreable chances = fewer saves along with fewer clean sheets.

            Just a hypothesis actually but I will do some analysis on this tonight.

            1. Ruth_NZ
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 6 months ago

              It's already done. It doesn't lead to fewer saves, it leads to more, especially if the team defends in a way that forces more shots from distance (Burnley are past masters at this). It also leads to more goals conceded in general, of course. But a GK managing 3-4 points in a 3-0 defeat is by no means unusual.

        2. The Polymath
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          And 40 % against those likely to be in the bottom 6 - Huddersfield, Cardiff, Newcastle, Fulham.

          1. Ruth_NZ
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Are you interpreting my comments as suggesting that Patricio isn't a good choice? If so I suggest a re-read. 🙄

            All I said was that he's not the only valid option. Personally I see three. 🙂

            1. The Polymath
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 6 months ago

              Nope. Just thought I'd mention it. 😀

              In fact I'm more looking forward to the matches against the top 6.

              1. Ruth_NZ
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 6 months ago

                Of course you are. 🙂

                Wolves are the best all-round team I have ever seen come up from the Championship. It will be great fun to see how you do in those games.

                Reckon you can make top 7?

                1. The Polymath
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 6 months ago

                  To quote the words of the new special one "We have no targets" 😀

    3. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I don't mind if you say a lot more about it.

      It's only space.

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        What would be your most important observation?

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Jees!

          It's like having the dialogue of death and it's been given the Hulk.

        2. Ruth_NZ
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          That saves are an "opposite modifier" for GKs. In home games and easier games they will have a better chance of a CS. That's the direct modifier and is the same as for defenders. But in away games/tougher fixtures they will have more opportunity to make saves (and also gain BPs if they do manage a CS). That's the opposite modifier. And what it means is that home/away and tough/easy fixtures are much less relevant to GKs than to defenders - the scale is somewhat balanced out.

          GKs are the only position in FPL to have this effect where their FPL performance can be quite independent of the team performance or even the result. No-one is going to gain much in a 1-0 defeat except perhaps the GK. And the chance of a haul for a GK is highest in the toughest fixtures. That's the opposite of all other categories.

          In my mind there are three components to selecting a GK and they are quite different to how you select a defender:

          1. They need to be a good shot-stopper;
          2. They should play for a team that concedes a higher percentage of shots from outside the box;
          3. They should play for a team that is resilient and organised enough to get its fair share of CSs. To reach the target 150 points you will need 10-12 CSs even if the first two criteria are met.

          This assumes you are looking at a base-price set-and-forget GK. In the case of a premium Ederson/Allison/Kepa type you are exchanging the save potential for a higher number of CSs (you are looking for 17-20 rather than 10-12). In the case of a rotation you are back to looking for CSs. Foster is a poor set-and-forget because the save potential isn't there; Watford's numbers suggest that their defensive style favours a defender rather than a GK for FPL purposes. But Foster paired with Patricio would work very well if you want to hunt CSs rather than saves.

          In my mind there are 3 GKs that potentially meet my criteria at the moment. Patricio is one of them. 🙂

          1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Just read the first sentence and would you mind explaining "modifier" in laymans? tx so I can read on.

            1. Ruth_NZ
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 6 months ago

              A modifier is something that adjusts or modifies the effect of something.

              A friend of mine once got attacked by a savage-looking dog. Instead of the anticipated pain he got a delicious warm and wet sensation around his ankle. Then he realised that the dog had no teeth. And that fact was an opposite modifier to what he would have otherwise expected. 🙂

              1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 6 months ago

                😆 I actually pissed myself. Thanks!

            2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 6 months ago

              OK. Read it through a couple of times now and can appreciate it's really deep analysis.

              Will have to read it again tomoz. I think. Appreciate you've put a lot of thought into it.

          2. Hits from the Bong
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            So who are the other 2? Fabianski and Hart?

            1. Ruth_NZ
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 6 months ago

              Got it in one. 🙂

              I also think Ryan could be if Brighton revert to their deep defence of last season. Hughton has been experimenting with a higher press so far and while that does make Brighton more threatening it also makes them more vulnerable.

              1. BigManBakar
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                5 years, 6 months ago

                While I agree with most of your analysis, I'm a bit more skeptical about Fabianski - at least for now. I know West Ham have had quite a difficult run in their opening fixtures, but the numbers they have been posting aren't too great. Fabianski is a save machine yes, but just the way West Ham set up against the lesser sides (sides they are likely to win against, for example Brighton/Bournemouth this season) doesn't fill me with too much confidence. They tend to concede far too many big chances when they over attack against these sides. I think Fabianski has a better chance of hauling big at home to the bigger sides, where West Ham are better set up defensively so the quality of the shots he has too face isn't that great. Case in point being the games against Chelsea and United at home this season. 🙂

                1. Deulofail
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 6 months ago

                  While I agree with your assessment, West Ham are in that phase where they look on the verge of clicking into form. In a couple more weeks, WCers might be wishing they got Fabianski over Patricio and saved themselves a Wolves spot. On the other hand, the eye test could be fooling us, and they could continue to disappoint defensively in the way that you're concerned about. Exciting times for Fabianski fans.

                  1. BigManBakar
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    5 years, 6 months ago

                    Perhaps. I think it's a bit premature to tell really. Lets see how things pan out over the next couple of weeks. Balbuena could be one to keep an eye out for as well, guy is a genuine goal threat and BAP monster.

                2. Hits from the Bong
                  • 5 Years
                  5 years, 6 months ago

                  This is a good point. Although the formation has been tweaked slightly since the Bornmouth defeat, and is now much more solid. With Noble and Wilshere being replaced by Noble, Rice and Obiang in the middle. I also think WHU were unlucky against Brighton and dominated for the most part.

                3. Ruth_NZ
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 6 months ago

                  Yes, that's fair. My take is that West Ham are becoming defensively more solid as Pellegrini gets to grips, and especially since he started going with 3 combative CMs in a 4-3-3. So I'm taking that into account.

                  That's partly why I just presented the data originally. How you interpret/use it is a less precise matter.

                  1. BigManBakar
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    5 years, 6 months ago

                    I'll keep an eye on that, thanks. 🙂

                    Thanks for the analysis btw, I was out shopping for a keeper this week myself, given the fixture turn for Hennessey. Was looking for a set and forget so went ahead with Patricio. Did it for a hit but I'm thinking long term it might pay off.

              2. Hits from the Bong
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 6 months ago

                Interesting, thanks. I’ve just sold Hart for Patricio, but looking to bring in Fab for his long run of good fixtures in a couple of weeks. Brighton have decent fixtures too, but I just don’t trust them for some reason.

              3. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
                • 10 Years
                5 years, 6 months ago

                As a Ryan and Hart WC man I like this analysis...

          3. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Nice to see some solid points, well reasoned. Thanks

          4. scubasmithy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            and the other two are.........

          5. scubasmithy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            ok so Hennessy to Patricio for a hit?

          6. danishdynamite
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Great post, thx for the effort

            Sitting with Hart as my only (playing) keeper and despite the numbers, I just can't find my balls of steel to keep him through the horror-show of BUR fixtures that lie ahead

            So he's out for Patricio

            1. Ruth_NZ
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 6 months ago

              I am keeping Hart for now. Defour is back. 🙂

              1. danishdynamite
                • 13 Years
                5 years, 6 months ago

                Really? Right, i have 48 hours to chew this over. Saves me an FT if nothing else / saves me taking a hit in a week or two

                1. Ruth_NZ
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 6 months ago

                  My idea is to wait till GW14, at which point Hart ➡ Fabianski might be on the cards for me. I want to see what ensues with Burnley now and over the next 5 weeks, when the prospects of both options are similar anyway.

                  Like you, it saves me a hit as well.

                  1. danishdynamite
                    • 13 Years
                    5 years, 6 months ago

                    A bit like me. I plan to WC between 14-15 and will, surely, be getting Fabs......seems a no brained with that run

    4. Jay_
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Just seen this. Thanks Ruth!

      • Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Interesting read.
        On WC and goalkeeper picks still to be made.
        It's been between Ryan, Lossl, Patricio, Fab & Begovic with Ryan being my gut No1.
        This has pushed Lossl down the ranking and making me wonder if I'm daft to avoid Patricio.

      • diesel001
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Patricio / Fabianski a lovely GK combo that will avoid Top 6 teams until GW22

      • Pras (FPL)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Great stuff. Thanks Ruth.

      • TopMarx
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        This is a really important stat, it's the reason I went with Hart in GW2 and then switched to Patricio on my GW5 WC. The reason I switched from Hart to Patricio is that comparing Burnley's stats this season to last season, they weren't quite as effective in keeping shots outside the box. Although I haven't checked recently to see if they have improved, and Defour may well make a difference too. The other reason is I decided to pick a keeper long term and I do think Pope could replace Hart when he's fit, even though there is no date for his return yet.

      • wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        thank you

      • Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Really needs to be cross referenced to the quality of opposition in the first 8 ... Newcastle & Cardiff tough fixtures with less speculative long distance shots and this better opposition ‘walking them in’, whereas Burnley, Wolves etc easier fixtures with more speculative long distance shots with the dodgy teams shooting from distance ... I could say a lot more but ... 🙂

        1. Ruth_NZ
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          If you feel it needs cross-referencing you are welcome to do that. But as you are probably just nitpicking for the sake of it I doubt you will. Feel free to post your findings here if you do. 🙂

          1. Hotdogs for Tea
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            I already have cross-referenced the main teams at the top and bottom of the list, and highlighted the fixtures are one of the primary drivers. I am surprised you didn’t flag this yourself and I dont think pointing out such a relevant fact is nitpicking ?

            Keeper selection is simple ...
            - keepers that are good shot stoppers from teams that concede a lot of chances, or
            - keepers that will get clean sheets ... the rest is just secondary

            Patricio, Fabs & Ederson, Kepa etc ... you pays your money and takes you choice

            When the fixtures change Hart will be a no-go pick, imho as always 🙂

            1. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 5 months ago

              I think we can scratch Hart off the list. Burnley - 35 big chances and 133 shots in the box conceded by Burnley this season, the worst totals for both defensive KPIs among Premier League clubs.

              As I suspected, fixtures are key (as they are for most considerations), the fixture swing changed everything and is a great example of a modifier 🙂

      • El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        For CS and save points Patricio, Hart and Hennessey then. Thanks for sharing.

    5. I Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Wildcarders, Mo or No Salah?

      1. Alexis Nonsense
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Too early to tell

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          If he's fit I mean.

      2. Flaming Flamingo
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        First name in my team.

      3. scubasmithy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        No Salah, prefer Sterling and the extra cash to double up on Liverpool defenders. Kun captain anyway this week

    6. popey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      on WC, Currently;

      Fab (4.0)
      Alonso Mendy TAA Doherty (yedlin)
      Salah Haz Rich XXX (4.3)
      Mitro King XXX

      choices are in order of preference;
      a) Sterling/Jimenez - 442
      b) Aguero/Knock - 433
      c) KDB/Arnie - 343

      Currently on a) and Would captain Sterling in 9 and 11 but obviously no aguero this week feels like a huge gamble. Also leaves me with an odd looking balance of funds though not overly concerned by that as have decent captain options in midfield

      b) the most template - are there better options than knockaert? Kenedy and a playing second keeper perhaps?

      Another option is to do option b) but also sterling instead of Salah, but bring Salah in to captain him vs cardiff and Fulham. This means booking in a transfer though and no liverpool attack v Hudds (i feel it may be quite tight, plus slim risk on Salah minutes with his knock/CL)

      thoughts on this?

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        B because of Aguero. Definite starter after two weeks off.

        1. popey
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          yes this seems absolutely the safer choice, and indeed was the original thinking behind the WC. huge risk that no Serg could totally waste the WC if he hauls.

          Long IB gives too much time to try and be clever on a WC..

      2. Hits from the Bong
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        B. But I would be tempted to downgrade a defender and go with 2 premiums and Doherty, then you can upgrade Knock as well.

      3. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Too much money wasted on defence. I have Alonso Doherty Holebas + AWB and Bennett who cost 8.1m

        Yedlin has great fixture this week and you benching so what point of spending 4.5
        I've had Doherty last 2 weeks for 27 delicious points but know many that had him on bench

        1. Ruth_NZ
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah. But you have realised that Doherty is a 6m defender pretending to be a budget option. 🙂

    7. Jay_
        5 years, 6 months ago

        If needed, where you would you shave .2 from this team? Got 3 WOL already to can't be Bellerin to Doherty.

        Patricio (Hennessey)
        Alonso Bellerin TAA (AWB Bennett)
        Salah Haz Rich Fraser (4.4)
        Aguero Laca Jimmy

        A) Hennessey > 4.0)
        B) Alonso > Mendy/Robbo
        C) Other

        1. Totalfootball
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          A

        2. Rage Against The Raheem
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          B imo, just set and forget with the keeper.

          1. Rage Against The Raheem
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            A i meant

        3. I Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          A

        4. Jay_
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Thanks guys

          • Jay_
              5 years, 6 months ago

              C could be Fraser to Knockaert

            • popey
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 6 months ago

              A most obvious, or Bellerin to;
              - Lascelles/Yedlin. as they rotate pretty well with Wolves
              - Duffy/Dunk. ditto
              - Balbuena/zab. cheap and decent fixtures
              - Gomez. 3 in next 4 are great for Pool

              None of these options particularly exciting granted!

              1. Jay_
                  5 years, 6 months ago

                  Thanks for the detailed reply :). All good shouts.

              2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 6 months ago

                Bellerin > Rice.

                Keep the change.

                1. Jay_
                    5 years, 6 months ago

                    Thanks mate. P.S you’re one of my fav posters! Always make me chuckle, when I’m lurking 😀

                    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
                      • 6 Years
                      5 years, 6 months ago

                      🙂 Good Luck!

                2. scubasmithy
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 6 months ago

                  A

              3. Totalfootball
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 6 months ago

                2FT 0.9 ITB

                Patricio
                Alonso Doherty Pva
                Hazard Mane Son Richarlson
                Aguero Laca Mitro

                4.0 Bennet Awb Ward

                Options -
                A) Mane + Son > Salah + Fraser
                B) Mane + Son > Sterling + Any mid upto 7.8 (Siggy etc)
                C) Pva to a defender - Mendy , Robertson , TAA etc

                *In options A and B , will play triple wolves defence

                1. Rage Against The Raheem
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 5 Years
                  5 years, 6 months ago

                  C to Robbo

                  1. Totalfootball
                    • 7 Years
                    5 years, 6 months ago

                    thanks

              4. Mr Dave
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 6 months ago

                Haz or sterling for this gw?

                1. I Member
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 6 months ago

                  This GW only? Sterling.

                2. Bruin
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 6 months ago

                  If both play Sterling. Haz is 100 % to play so ???

              5. Tev
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 6 months ago

                Kane and Mané to Salah and Laca worth a hit?

                1. I Member
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 6 months ago

                  If Mane is out, yes. If not I'd hold.

                  1. Tev
                    • 6 Years
                    5 years, 6 months ago

                    I feel like they can afford to rest him for all of the next 3 games and not risk anything. Salah vs the two worst teams in the league should be such a banker and I’m really starting to think it’s a made up injury...

                2. Bruin
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 6 months ago

                  Not a bad hit

                  1. Tev
                    • 6 Years
                    5 years, 6 months ago

                    Kane might hurt me
                    Really considering it. Think I’ll wait for pressers and lose out on Laca’s price rise

                3. Jay_
                    5 years, 6 months ago

                    Nice if Mane out, Salah fit

                    1. Tev
                      • 6 Years
                      5 years, 6 months ago

                      This is the problem 😉
                      I believe that will be the case but I know nothing realistically

                4. Bruno Bruno!!
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 6 months ago

                  How do these moves look for a Hit if Salah is confirmed fit ?

                  Zaha + Azpi + Mane -> Jiminez + TAA + Salah

                  1. Rage Against The Raheem
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 5 Years
                    5 years, 6 months ago

                    They look like good moves to me, worth a hit imo.

                5. Dynamic Duos
                  • 10 Years
                  5 years, 6 months ago

                  Fernandez would be the best Newcastle defender?, but why?

                  1. Rage Against The Raheem
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 5 Years
                    5 years, 6 months ago

                    In real life, probably, but Yedlin and lascelles will get more points imo.

                  2. dunas_dog
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 8 Years
                    5 years, 6 months ago

                    Yedlin for mr

                6. Tabbara
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 6 months ago

                  Thoughts on this WC:
                  Fabianski Button
                  Robertson Dunk Alonso Doherty Yedlin
                  Obiang Hazard Maddison Richarlison De Bruyne
                  Lacazette Aguero Mitrovic

                  I could go safe with Sterling but means I need to downgrade Robertson and Yedlin to TAA and bednark to afford it

                  Thx

                  1. dunas_dog
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 8 Years
                    5 years, 6 months ago

                    Looks OK to me

                  2. Yoshioka
                    • 5 Years
                    5 years, 6 months ago

                    Stephens could go down to 4.3 tonight, and he'll be starting again soon. I'd be tempted by him instead of Obiang given that you're not likely to ever start either. It's only .1, but there's nothing more frustrating than missing that .1 when you're doing a double transfer down the line.

                7. wulfrunian
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 6 months ago

                  Mike Dean on Che-Mutd is good only for Hazard and Pogba(He could get a red) owners.

                8. markieffm
                  • 13 Years
                  5 years, 6 months ago

                  Need to get a striker option in alongside Aguero and currently have Zaha and Joselu and 1.2 in the bank.

                  Should I

                  A) Zaha > Wilson
                  B) Zaha > Mitro
                  C) Joselu > Ings
                  D) Joselu > Jiminez
                  E) Joselu and Zaha > Mitro and Jiminez
                  F) Other

                  1. Rage Against The Raheem
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 5 Years
                    5 years, 6 months ago

                    B

                  2. dunas_dog
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 8 Years
                    5 years, 6 months ago

                    B

                  3. Yoshioka
                    • 5 Years
                    5 years, 6 months ago

                    E

                  4. Geezer
                    • 13 Years
                    5 years, 6 months ago

                    E

                9. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
                  • 6 Years
                  5 years, 6 months ago

                  Hi TM! 🙂

                  How are you this evening?