FFS Cup

FFS Cup 2018/19 – First Round Draw

The long-awaited first round draw of the 2018/19 FFS Cup took place this evening and we can reveal some of the stand-out fixtures that have been arranged.

Over 1,900 managers applied for the 1,024 places available in the first round draw, with the Gameweek 12 qualifying score set at 58 (after hits) and an overall rank of 27,117 or better needed for those hitting that total exactly.

Ten former champions – Gribude, MCH, Joe, 2EyedTurk, Leon Harris, Ninja_Fit_Saints, Wild Rover, Mark, A Manager Has No Name and donnellyc – were exempt from the qualifying score and received a bye upon submitting their applications.

Che was the lucky manager to squeak through in 1,024th place, though after four top 10,000 finishes in ten seasons he is clearly a Fantasy boss with pedigree.

Chaballer, who himself has two finishes inside the top 1k, was desperately unfortunate to miss out with a Gameweek 12 score of 58 and a current overall rank of 28,951.

Onto the ties themselves, starting with our previous winners.

Wild Rover, who has an overall rank of 73,081, has the toughest draw of the former champions based on their opponents’ current OR, with Christobisto currently sitting in 3,562nd place.

Gribude doesn’t have it easy either, with MARTINB – nicely positioned in 9,937th place – standing between him and a place in round two.

A Manager Has No Name (current overall rank: 27,117) will face Alan the Llama (86,776) for a spot in the next round, 2EyedTurk (373,752) takes on Harvard (109,141), Leon Harris (91,032) is up against cobblers304 (23,549), MCH (16,986) is paired with Madeinireland (69,950), and donnellyc (76,353) has to overcome River Template (149,140).

Fresh from his maverick eight-point hit in Gameweek 12, Mark has been drawn to face Buzzy, who sneaked into the draw with a score of 59.

Joe would have sailed into round one regardless of his bye and he is up against a Fantasy manager who, like him, has a top 1k finish to his name: stripeless.

Ninja_Fit_Saints has had a struggling start to 2018/19 and is sat just inside the top 2.5 million. Dugarry_21, his opponent in round one, is, by contrast, sitting pretty with an overall rank of 6,994.

The tie of the round is perhaps Bulldogs Fc – currently ranked 20th in the world, the best among the 1,024 entrants – against Adz87, who was as high as 114th in Gameweek 6 but who has since slipped back to a still-commendable 2,689.

Stoichkov#8 versus Jarvish leaps off the page, while first out in the draw just so happened to be editor DavidMunday815, who takes on Tottispicks.

Fellow Scoutcaster Luke – aka d1sable – opens with a tie against srini venkat, currently ranked 12,866th in the world.

Numb, who topped our Live Hall of Fame earlier this season, has to overcome MLock1984 (243,115) in order to progress to the next round.

Serendipity (4,885) has the unenviable task of taking on our current Live Hall of Fame leader, Gowanyalanger, who sits in 123rd place.

The full draw can be viewed here.

FFS Cup Round Dates

Qualifying – Gameweek 12
Round 1 – Gameweek 13
Round 2 – Gameweek 14
Round 3 – Gameweek 16
Round 4 – Gameweek 17
Round 5 – Gameweek 18
Round 6 – Gameweek 19
Round 7 – Gameweek 21
Quarter-finals – Gameweek 22
Semi-finals – Gameweek 23
Final and third-place play-off – Gameweek 24

Prizes

The prizes for the FFS Cup are as follows:

1st Place: £150 Amazon voucher
2nd Place: £100 Amazon voucher
3rd Place: £50 Amazon voucher

FFS Members Cup

Gameweek 13 sees the qualifying round for the Members Cup take place, ahead of Gameweek 14’s first round fixtures.

Fantasy managers can enter their teams from now right up to 10.30am on Monday November 26, when we’ll stop entries and make the first round draw shortly after.

Details on how to enter can be found here.

Become a Member and access our data

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

538 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Eytexi
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Who will score more in gw13?
    A) Wilson
    B) Jiminez

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      A - don't rate Jimenez' finishing

    2. zLaTaN@uNiTeD
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Wilson

    3. captainjilflex
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I think Jiminez. Wilson doesnt score as many at home and is against arsenal, Jimmy has Huddersfield

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Wilson has only blanked once at home all season? He has been immense at Goldsands

        1. captainjilflex
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          2 goals at home, 4 away. more assists at home. not saying he hasnt been good but i think jiminez will outscore him next gw

    4. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      A

  2. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    What do we reckon for the England Croatia game tomorrow? Bookies have England as favourites which surprised me.

    Pickford
    TAA Stones Gomez Chilwell
    Alli Henderson Lingard
    Sterling Kane Rashford

    1. Sir Edo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Croatia boosted by big win and got a lifeline. A fresh England at home will win, or draw..

  3. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Would you go Keane/Digne over Laporte if it lets you afford Aguero to Kane for free in GW15?

    Appreciate your thoughts! 🙂

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      yep, decent plan

    2. Sir Edo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Hard to tell but always good to plan ahead.. Laporte is great but I see it hard for him to capture bonus points in a team that always score a lot.

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Yup I can’t seen him getting more than 6-7 points most weeks. And when they concede it’ll be 2 pointers.

        I think I could do well with the 1.6m freed up from Mendy to Keane/Digne.

        1. Sir Edo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Yes, Keane in my plans too, but just for next three home games.

    3. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Why would you want to lose Aguero for Kane? Kun is on track to tally his highest ever poinstcore for an FPL season! Nailed spearhead at the heart of the best attack in the league for mine, he is going nowhere! I see the appeal of Kane (will play every minute of every match, but he still looks a bit off and wouldn’t prefer him to Kun). Is it worth doubling up?

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        This

      2. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        That’s my plan to double up on Kane & Aguero from GW17.

        Aguero to Kane GW15 for free.
        Salah has good fixtures till GW16. After than I’ll sell Salah for Aguero (change formation) GW17 when City have 2 home games and Liverpool go on a tough run.

        1. My heart goes Salalalalah
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Who will make way for Kun gw17 though? This is my plan too but don’t want to lose Arnie. So it will be a significant downgrade to turn Kamara into Kun

      3. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        So basically I’m selling Kun for 2 games (wat & che) while I can keep Salah for his 2 good fixtures (bur & bou).

    4. Rash
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I'd rather aguero tbh

  4. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Preferences?
    A. Laporte and Richarlison
    B. Stones and Martial
    C. Digne and Dilva
    D. Alternative pairing from the above.

    Digne could be Keane, not sure between them. Have 13.4 for two spots. Happy to alter the combinations and save cash for fixture swing.

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      A

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks - always value your view. I have a heavy defence (RAM plus Duffy/Doherty) which is my only reason for being a bit tentative on Laporte. But they are so solid at the back.

      2. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Do you rate the Everton defence Irbox?

        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          I do mate. Started slowly but now best they have looked in years, even better than under big Sam. I think they rank in the top 6-8 for defensive stats this season which makes Digne a very attractive option. Pickford is also tempting

          1. Fpl Richie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Brilliant - think I'll be dwelling on this until next Friday!

    2. Andy Mac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      A for me

    3. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Stones + Richarlison

  5. Art Vandelay
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    As part of my Mendy removal strategy, I could be left with the following. Camaroso will be playing most games. Cheers

    a) Digne + Richarlison
    b) Alonso + Camaroso (other 4.6 mid)

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Camaroso? You mean Camarasa right? No way would I want a Cardiff player in my starting eleven each week.

      1. Art Vandelay
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Yep, that’s what I am thinking. Desperately need Alonso, I think but also want to hang on to Haz, Salah and Sterling.

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      A looks good - haven't seen enough Everton to judge whether a double up is advisable.

      1. Art Vandelay
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers.

        To be honest, I haven’t been overly impressed by Everton but those two players look the best options of mid + defender totalling < 12.

        1. Fpl Richie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Assuming Doherty is covered. Still the best sub 5.

          1. Art Vandelay
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Yep, I have Doherty. Many thanks mate.

    3. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Camarasa is fine as bench fodder, but no chance I'd want to play week in week out

  6. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Play Arnie or Gray?
    On Arnie, remember benching him last season when he got 16

    1. Sir Edo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Arnie but I like the idea of benching a good player with tough opponents..

  7. Rash
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Siggy owners regretting paying the extra over richarlison? I think I am but will stick with him.

    1. Sir Edo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Priced out of Siggy so went Rich. 15p instead of 5p but in the long run Siggy seems the better pick..

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I think they’ll both score similar points but Rich is cheaper

  8. Sir Edo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Missed out of Siggy so went Rich. 15p instead of 5p but in the long run Siggy seems the better pick..

    1. Sir Edo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Respond fail

  9. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    I understand the hype for laporte on here but u have a nailed vvd at Liverpool at the same price ,more baps.Also u have rudiger,luiz at Chelsea with baps and goal threat but y are they not talked about.Individually in isolation if u see what's the difference bw laporte and them .Is the only reason many have robbo/taa and marcos?Is doubling up really a bad thing

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      City best defence in the league and by some margin. Need to have one of their assets and a nailed Laporte is the best option.

      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Stones anyone?

        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Kompany and Otamendi will steal some of his matches

    2. Daft Bob
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      For me it was more that I've been struggling go find ways of getting Doherty in all season since i already have 3 wolves players and needed a way to upgrade Bennett. I wasn't willing to lose RAM for him until Mendy got injured, and the Laporte downgrade conveniently gave me enough cash to upgrade Bennett to Doherty.

      The alternative was to switch Patricio to Fabianski and take out Mendy for Doherty, which would have left me with more cash and a better team structure. Not sure I made the right call but I only had 10 mins to think about it before the price rise.

  10. Infamy, Infamy
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    If Mina nails down a starting spot, what is likeliest scenario when Everton get corners:

    A. Keane stays back to defend.
    B. Keane and Mina both go up and Keane benefits from all the defensive attention Mina gets.

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      B, both the big boys will be in the box

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Keane can't defend. Getting a bit better this year though.

    3. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Would you get one of them over Digne?

      1. Infamy, Infamy
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Thinking about Keane. A goal, 2 assists, and bonus points in 5 separate games this season.

  11. Gizzachance
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    mendy to laporte seems to be the popular move
    digne seems very popular to, and 1.2 mill cheaper
    laporte 7 cs (bread an butter points for a def} +1 goal 1 bonus
    digne 3 cs 1 assist 3 bonus {pool, city, spurs in next six
    just feel i need city def more than a everton def long term
    have robbo pereira jonny yedlin, kepa (gk)
    any thoughts/ advice appreciated, cheers

    1. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Laporte the obvious move

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Yes. Easily imo

        1. Gizzachance
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          cheers

      2. Gizzachance
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        cheers, my thoughts to

    2. Garlana
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I guess it depends what you can do with the extra money from digne.

      1. Gizzachance
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        true, can understand why people looking at cheaper mendy replacements if upgrades can be done
        cheers

  12. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    What’s the best option here:

    A) Mendy + Bennett > Laporte + Doherty -4
    B) Mendy > Doherty
    C) Mendy > Laporte
    D) Mendy + Fraser > Doherty + Martial -4

    I’m prettt stuck here really, I don’t want to take a hit unless it pays off specially since it’s quals for the members cup!

    I’m contemplating going cityless in defence since I’d be able to have Yedlin/Doherty/awb as third options and it gives me martial for utds fixture run in place of Fraser where I already have Wilson.

    But equally I could have Fraser on the bench and have RAM and Doherty - maybe it’s best to two stage option A so not to take a hit

    Already there has been a Laporte rise which is annoying!

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      RAL even

  13. Smurf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    What happened to the price changes widget?

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      It’s still where it was, bottom right

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      TM smashed it with a crowbar

  14. Klein
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    What is everybody's thought on balbeuna? W ham not keeping cs.

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      You answered your own question

    2. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Good player but we are truly awful at the back....I wouldn't do it

  15. Deeney-is-a-god
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Don’t have liverpool defensive cover. Surely Mendy-> TAA is the obvious move? (Need some spare cash). Or do people reckon he will be rotated a lot?