Podcast
25 January 2019 576 comments
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Being able to visualise future moves has been key to Aleksander Våge Nilsen’s successful Fantasy Premier League career.

Each season he creates a spreadsheet that allows him to see his best line-up in any given Gameweek.

Based around fixtures this bespoke Rate My Team tool has helped Aleksander pinpoint the optimal times to ditch players and the best replacements.

It’s clearly been a great asset in his Fantasy management armoury, with two top 500 finishes, another in the top 2,000 and two overall ranks just outside the top 10,000, to put him fifth in our Live Hall of Fame.

This season his trusty spreadsheet has been particularly fruitful, seeing him rocket to 104thin the world.

During our chat, he also reveals how following top Premier League players on Instagram gives him vital knowledge before deadlines and why having a full squad of players helps him avoid unnecessary hits.

He also explains why Norwegians, who take up 13 of the top 100 places, are so good at FPL and how being a Liverpool fan has proved costly in the past to his overall rank.

Guided by his spreadsheet he also gives a rundown of his next likely moves, with impending blank and double Gameweeks set to influence his decisions.

The chat with Aleksander is available to view on Youtube here and in the embedded video below.

Previous Meet the Manager interviews:

Mark Sutherns

Mark McGettigan

Marc Rubinstein

Kenneth Tang

Jay Egersdorff

Adam Hopcroft

Matthew Jones

Richard Clarke

Will Thomas

Philman

Triggerlips

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576 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. zdrojo187
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Any TAA news?

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Nothing new, they’re just taking it day by day, I’d say he’s got a decent chance.

      1. The Left Duke #3
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        He's over in Dubai warm weather training so think he has a great chance of being ready. I'm kind of gutted I transferred him out for VVD last week thinking he was out for over 4 weeks

  2. wotwot
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Play
    A. Jimenez(WHU)
    B. Duffy(FUL)

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Really? A

    3. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      If not playing Jimi at home to West Ham when do you play?

    4. A19
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A

  3. Super Squirrel
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Yay or nay?

    His Alderwiereld & chillwell for my Alonso and 4.0m def.

    Draft league

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Yes do it

    2. wotwot
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Nay have better options out there

    3. Pinturicchio10
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Easy yes

    4. ShaunGoater123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      yes sounds good. Should be all over that

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

      Yay

  4. Hy liverpool
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Bottomed

    For next 4

    A. Firmino and Eriksen + 4 pts
    Or
    B. Salah and Ings/lloriente

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      B

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        With Ings

    2. A19
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      B ings

  5. Teror
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Richarlison >

    A. Jota

    B. Save FT

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Save.

      1. Teror
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks, Greggers.

    2. zdrojo187
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Save(after Huddersfield)

    3. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Save and wait for dgw news etc

    4. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I guess save. If Rich blanks 5th time in a row sell and never look back

      1. Teror
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Innit. If he blanks against Hudds he is CANCELLED.

      2. Amey
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        😮

    5. A19
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Save

  6. Sabina_S
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Firmino to Aub for free? My cup rival has Aub. Or roll over transfer?

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Roll it.

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Roll it

    3. A19
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      roll

    4. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Close I think

    5. Pinturicchio10
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Would largely depend on the rest of your squad.

      1. Sabina_S
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks for feedback. Rest of squad

        Alisson, Hamer

        Trippier, Laporte, Holebas, Doherty, Digne

        Sane, Salah, Pogba, Hoejberg, Camarasara

        Rashford, Jiminez, Firm

        1. Pinturicchio10
          7 years, 6 months ago

          More than happy to roll ft over with that squad.

  7. doppelganger
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Do u think Speroni will start for Palace or new Lucas Perri ?

  8. Mo Mané Mo Problems
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Without a wildcard, I think i'd like to see the following happen this weekend:

    United beat Arsenal
    Shrewsbury beat Wolves
    Watford beat Newcastle
    Wimbledon beat West Ham

    This would give me a backbone for GW31 of:
    Alisson
    Robbo, Doherty
    Salah, Puncheon, Fraser
    Jimenez

    With another round to go after that, if United/Chelsea/City drew each other, then it would be plain sailing.

    1. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Utd to beat Arsenal
      Spurs beat Palace
      Shrewsbury beat Wolves
      Watford beat Newcastle
      Wimbledon beat West Ham
      WBA beat Brighton
      City to beat Burnley
      Millwall to beat Everton
      Chelsea to beat Sheffield Wednesday

      1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Yep. Would be lovely. Leaving Chelsea, Utd, Spurs, City out of 16 teams left.

        Not a maths guy, but if you pick out say Chelsea first out of the hat. That gives you a 3 (Utd, Spurs, City) out of 15 chance of one facing the other?

        1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Although, if Utd face City in 5th round then a blank for them is sure thing for GW31.

      2. diesel001
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Not going bad so far. 4 results gone the way I want. 2 gone to replay. Come on Wimbledon, Spurs and Sheffield Wednesday!

      3. diesel001
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Shrewsbury probably blew their chance today. WBA have a chance in the replay against Brighton. Hopefully Spurs and Chelsea can win tomorrow.

    2. Pieterke30
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah pity Shrewsbury couldnt hold their lead

  9. Teror
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Bench one:

    A. Rich

    B. Doherty

    C. AWB

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      C

    2. Peter Ouch
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      C

    3. A19
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      C

  10. Oggle22
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Jesus to Aubameyang FT
    Or jesus to laca and upgrade a mid - 4?

    1. Peter Ouch
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      No laca no laca no laca

    2. A19
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Auba

    3. Pinturicchio10
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Aubameyang

  11. The Mighty Whites
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    1FT, 0.4 ITB, thoughts?

    Allison, Hamer

    Robertson, Keane, Doherty, Holebas, AWB

    Salah, Sane, Pogba, Richarlison, Stephens

    Aubameyang, Rashord, Jimenez.

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Save

  12. A19
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    I don't have any city cover for the Newcastle game, and slightly prefer Sterling to Sané I think, what would you do:

    A) Rich -> Sané
    B) Martial -> Sané
    C) Arnie & Martial/Rich -> Ings & Sterling (-4)
    D) Save, no city cover against Newcastle, and do C next GW

    Fab
    Robbo TAA Digne
    Salah Haz Pogba Martial Rich
    Rash Arnie
    Button Doherty WanB Kamara

    1. Peter Ouch
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I would get rid of haz. 26th is city and 27th is blank.

      So i will go haz to sterling

      1. A19
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks for your response. However, Bournemouth Huddersfield combined with Brighton in a DGW25... I can't sell him now

        1. Peter Ouch
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          True that, haven't checked his schedule prior to the 26th.

          You are right

    2. McEwan
      • 17 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A would be my pick probably but would wait as long as you can on the move

      1. A19
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers! Yes of course. Arnie could leave any day

  13. DeadStarComing
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Morning all. So when are we likely to find out about a DGW25, if there is to be one? Monday? Surely early next week as the clubs will need to organise tickets, travel etc.

    1. Amey
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Yes.
      They must have already discussed with the teams involved & will confirm if No fa cup replay's imo.

  14. Amey
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Hello guys,

    Fraser to Jota OR. Save FT.
    I've got Doherty from wolves.

    Cheers.

    1. Pinturicchio10
      7 years, 6 months ago

      2ft is more important and useful than Jota imo. Save.

      1. Amey
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Thank you 🙂

    2. Peter Ouch
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Save and maybe next week

      1. Amey
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Thank you 🙂

    3. batfink
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Wolves fixtures are amazing and Jota is playing higher up the pitch now.
      I would use the FT and get him in for WHam at home.

      1. Amey
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Exactly my thoughts.
        He is playing as a striker right now.
        Thank you mate 🙂

  15. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Missed the game last night. How did Moura look? Where did he play?

    1. Peter Ouch
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Moura ìs a headless chicken, he has no clue what he is doing on the pitch

      1. Amey
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        😀

      2. Pinturicchio10
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Agreed, very overrated player. Couldn't get his sh!t together in France ffs. Waster.

    2. HamezMace
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      He came on for Llorente.
      It was suggested Spurs started with a 4-4-2, with Llorente and Lamela up front, but it looked more of a 4-5-1 with Lamela wide.

      Moura didn't look too good, but when he came on, Spurs were already looking for penalties I'd say, and he's been out for a while so, wouldn't read too much into it.

  16. Strchld
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    I could do Richarlison or Felipe to Pogba for free.
    Do we know before next GW is Everton having DGW? Then really it should be Felipe to Pogba, right?

    1. Amey
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

    2. danishdynamite
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      We ought to know by sunday night whether EVE v MCY is moved to 25, but they certainly have a blank in 27

      1. danishdynamite
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        WHU meanwhile are home to Fulham in 27. I'm keeping Andersen for this reason

  17. batfink
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Sane, Mane or Pogba on a free?

    I have got Salah, Robertson and Rashers but no City cover.

    Head says Sane but I have a feeling Mane is going to unleash hell

    1. Pinturicchio10
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Pogba

  18. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Excuse my ignorance. When should we find out whether there's a DGW in GW25?

    1. danishdynamite
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      See above. You'd think they'd let us know once the FA Cup games are done

    1. Amey
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Palace won't do a keeper signing unless they are interested in playing him imho

  19. Meinhoff
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    DGW25
    Che vs HUD BHA,
    Hazo(TC)

    Yes please.

    1. Amey
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      +1

    2. danishdynamite
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Higuain FTW

    3. jia you
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Seem a solid punt if it goes ahead!

  20. Robbo121
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Depending any funny business from the cup games, who to lose for Auba

    1) Jiménez
    2) Ings

  21. SPorting
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    This i as a decent series of articles but it's going to take bloody ages to get round interviewing to all 6m managers.

    I mean, it's GW24 and they've only managed to get to #12. That's just poor planning, if you ask me.

    1. HamezMace
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I want to hear from the lowest ranked, active, FPL manager, what went wrong?

      1. Goat
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        One of my mates changes his team every single week, it drives him mad, keeps saying he’s gonna quit but won’t. Ranked 2.4m

        1. HamezMace
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          What do you mean changes it, multiple hits?

          1. Goat
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Sorry I mean as in actively changes captains and makes transfers to try and do well

            1. HamezMace
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              I see, that's the guy I want to hear from...there must be some stories of real frustration from the low ranked FPL managers out there.

  22. DantheManinaPan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    I have 2ft.

    Worth using one on Arnie - - > Ings?

    1. Meinhoff
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      If you already own Rashford and Jimenez, then yeah probably

      1. DantheManinaPan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Yep I do, thanks!

    2. HamezMace
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I don't expect Arnie to play for West Ham again this season, so you may as well, that said I'm not Ings biggest fan.

      Maybe wait until closer to the deadline and see if you need to do any DGW planning.

      1. DantheManinaPan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Anyone else you'd prefer? I'm not really in a position to be able to restructure to get anyone more expensive, though I could go for 5 in midfield and lose Puncheon, to get Jota perhaps.
        What do you think of doubling Jimi and Jota though... I'm not so sure

        1. HamezMace
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          I advised against the Jota/Jimenez double up yesterday to someone, and I've not changed my mind on that, Wolves just don't score enough goals...the Leicester game was a defensive poop show, full backs constantly out of position, centre backs unsure if they wanted to play a high line against the not so quick Jimenez...and then panicking when Jota ran free.

          ...if you have Rashford and Jimenez already, the only other name really is Wilson, but his fixtures look awful, so Ings probably is your best option, just not a player I rate that highly.

          If you have 2FTs though surely you could shuffle the deck. If there is a DGW25, Higuien could be an option.

          1. DantheManinaPan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Thanks! Appreciate it. Yeah I did have a brief look at Wilson but the fixtures are off-putting.

            If I wanted Higuain I'd have to lose one of Salah/Hazard/Pogba/Sane which I'm not willing to do atm.

            I would be really in favour of Ings as an option if it weren't for the fact he seems to get dragged off at 60-70mins (though based off a small sample size) - that said, he still has decent potential

            1. HamezMace
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              No worries.

              Only other thought would be,

              Arnie to Niasse, and Puncheon to whoever you can afford, and play 3-5-2.

              ..or even Arnie to Murray (potential DGW) and Puncheon to JWP.

  23. jia you
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Hey Guys,
    Do you think a GK hokey cokey would be worth it if there's a DGW?
    Alisson to Kepa/Ederson to Alisson?

    Alisson
    Robertson / Trippier / Digne / Shaw
    Sterling / Sane / Pogba / Eriksen / Hazard
    Rashford
    (Speroni, Rondon, AWB, Colin Q)
    0.3
    1FT

    1. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      No way. You could use two transfers way more effectively than that

      1. jia you
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah, it doesn't seem great to use two FTs like that but could work out nicely at the same time. GKs tend to haul well in doubles.

    2. Mo Mané Mo Problems
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Not worth it. Realistically Kepa could score 15 points, but Alisson could keep a cleansheet and get 7/8 points. So you're looking at a 8 points (at best 12) versus 2 transfers as I presume you'll want Alisson back.

      Plus GW26 and 27.
      Alisson: BOU, mun
      Ederson: che, blank

      1. jia you
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Guess FTs will be quite precious over upcoming GWs alright, cheers.

  24. Kloppage Time
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Calling all Alonso owners, for those still clutching onto Alonso like me, is it now time to ged rid due to Emerson emergence? Is Alonso game time now in danger?

  25. DEEGTADKMC
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Draft league

    yay or nay

    his Jesus,Luiz and Kepa for my fabianski, 4m defender and Aguero? Feel like aguero and jesus will rotate

  26. james 101
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Happy Friday!

    Digne Robbo Doherty
    Salah Fanderson Pogba. Richarlison
    Firmino Rashford Aubameyang

    (Westwood AWB Zanka )

    Play?
    A. Eth (New a)
    B. Fab (BOU a)

    Is the bench right?

    Thanks!!

    1. james 101
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      reckon I'll cap Salah

    2. The Bonus Magnet
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Eth will 100% concede 3 vs Newcastle so go with Fabs 😉

      1. james 101
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Joking?

        1. The Bonus Magnet
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          The cb Schar will score two of em

          1. The Bonus Magnet
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Seriously tho....fab is away to wolves and eth away to arsenal. Makes it an easier decision.

  27. FDMS All Starz
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    What would you do to this team?
    (3.7itb & 1Ft)

    Alisson
    TAA - Doherty - Digne
    Salah - Pogba - Hazard - Fanderson - Richa
    Rashford - Deeney

    Subs: Speroni - Bednarek - Wanbisa - Kamara

    A) Deeney to Higuain
    B) Save FT

  28. Scout Pick Community Champion Lottery – Gameweek 24
    Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Scout Picks Community Champion Lottery – Gameweek 24

    Once again, one champion representing the community will take on the Scout Picks this week with a chance to win a prize at the end of the season!

    If you want to take part please email your FFS name and FPL ID number to community@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk.

    The champion will be selected at random at 10:00 at least two days before the deadline and then asked to submit their XI by 10:00 the day before the deadline.

    This will require 11 picks, fitting into an 83.5m budget. There is no captain in the picks and the community champion must also stick to a designated FPL formation, and also must not include more than three players from a single team. Again, no chips or captaincy will be applied.

    At the end of the season the champion who has beaten the Scout Picks by the highest margin will receive a £100 Amazon voucher.

    The weekly champion will be revealed in the midweek Scout Squad article, which will outline the Scout’s initial thinking around the choices. Our picks and the champion’s picks will be revealed, as usual, in the Scout Picks article.

    Should the community champion fail to provide an appropriate squad, fitting the budget and formation constraints, a caretaker manager will be appointed to take control of the selection to represent the community.

    Submit now if you’re interested for to be the Community Champion for Gameweek 24.

    Good luck!

  29. WesMantooth
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Like many, I thoroughly enjoy the MTM-series!

    However! The ideas that some of these managers discuss with Joe has the possibility to spark good conversations on the site. As it stands, this only happens in a limited capacity.

    This "article" was allways doomed to become a section of A or B and RMT's.

    To make the community engage in whats discussed on the MTM's, FFS should make a HT everytime Joe drops a new vid. I'm sure plenty will agree with me on this.

    And who knows, those doing the vids with Joe might even pop by and participate in the HT as well.

    1. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, quite happy for this to happen!

      I'm sorting an RMT update right now but if you want to write something quickly I can HT it now 🙂