Tips

The Complete Guide to our FPL Gameweek 29 tips and advice

Ten Gameweeks to go. In a week in which we asked “why are so many top managers struggling?” Gameweek 29 could present a season-defining opportunity to make up lost ground.

FPL’s most expensive player, Mohamed Salah (£13.5m), has polled only 7.92% of the captain vote. Opinion is split on who to transfer and who to captain, and this means there is an opportunity to climb the ranks if you get your differential picks and your captain choice right.

A principal reason opinion is split is due to Salah’s disappointing return at home to Watford in Gameweek 28. Last year, in the same fixture, he returned 29 points after scoring four goals in a 5-0 win for Liverpool. The same result for Liverpool this year delivered a measly 3-point return for Salah.

An ankle injury to Roberto Firmino meant a reshuffle up front that lead to Sadio Mané playing in the centre-forward role. Many are now tempted to switch from Salah to Mané after the Senegalese continued his impressive recent form with a brace. As the FPL General noted:

“Salah out, Mane in, could be a popular move this week. The cash saved can go a long way…”

However former Career Hall of Fame number 1 Peter Kouwenberg cautioned:

“personally, I wouldn’t advocate downgrading the Egyptian unless you too need some spare cash.”

In this week’s captaincy video, David echoed views voiced by Kenneth Tang, one of the most successful FPL managers of all-time and a guest on one of J0E’s Meet the Manager videos, that: “if Firmino [does] not play … I may down-value Salah … [and I’m] a lot less likely to captain him.”

The latest team-news is inconclusive for Salah owners, Klopp gave the following update :

“He was out there running yesterday but we will have to see how he reacts. He is very positive. It looks really good but if he will be ready for tomorrow, I don’t know.”

If you are minded to sell the Egyptian, where could you spend the extra cash?

Chelsea have a plum fixture away to local rivals Fulham, after reduced minutes in the recent League Cup final and two goals against another struggling side in the shape of Huddersfield – is this the time to invest in Gonzalo Higuaín?

In his community article entitled ‘My Chelsea U-Turn’, Pep Pig revealed that his thinking has now switched from Higuaín to Hazard after the Belgian was withdrawn on 59 minutes in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Spurs. His research showed that Hazard has scored three of his double digit hauls in away matches against easy opposition (Southampton, Brighton, Watford). Chelsea have matches in both Gameweeks 31 and 33 for those considering playing their Free Hit or Wildcard chips in Gameweek 32.

Although Manchester City don’t have a fixture in Gameweek 31 and, depending on their FA Cup result, may not have a fixture in Gameweek 33, they have enticing matches against Bournemouth and Watford before. Sergio Agüero scored the only goal against West Ham as he continued his fine scoring form. However Pep’s post match quotes give cause for concern:

“We cannot live, for example, with just Sergio. The last 10-15 minutes he was exhausted. We need Gabriel as quick as possible to come back.”

Then yesterday in his pre-match press conference Pep revealed that:

“Gabriel is back. John [Stones] is coming back too, like Gabriel.”

Raheem Sterling started the match against West Ham on the bench before coming on as a second half substitute, this rest helps him to secures a place in the Scout Picks this week. The midfielder has scored in every Premier League match he has ever played against Bournemouth.

Leading the captain poll this week is Manchester United’s Paul Pogba with 23.56%. He’s another to secure himself a place in the Scout Picks – no player has more shots in the last four home matches as Pogba, who has blanked just once at Old Trafford since Solskjær took over.

David’s Captain Sensible article examines the armband credentials of each candidate. It’s a crucial read in a week when opinion is divided amongst Fantasy Football Scout users, and veteran managers are all making different moves.

G-Whizz, in his regular DS stats, fixtures and clean sheet odds, adds weight to the captain poll and tips Manchester United to have a good weekend, closely followed by Manchester City. Wolves are favourites for a clean sheet this week.

However, the three team news items on Fantasy Football Scout: Neale’s round up, the video from him and J0E, and the summary from Rotation’s Alter Ego – all report that Wolves are set to switch their goalkeeper with John Ruddy replacing Rui Patrício between the sticks. Several managers, including Live Hall of Fame number two Mark Sutherns have replaced Patrício with West Ham ‘keeper Fabianski (according to FPL Transfer Spy).

To view all our discussions please visit our Hot Topics page, and if you’ve got some analysis, scout reports or features brewing, be sure to visit our community section to submit your article.

If you’re a member and are yet to get to grips with the custom statistics tables, you can view this movie for an explanation of how they work. Also, remember to tag them so that people can find the tables with ease.

COMMUNITY TOURNAMENTS

The draw for the first round of the FFS Cup has been made. Just under 1,200 managers applied for the 512 places available in the first round draw, with the Gameweek 28 qualifying score set at 56 (after hits). Good luck to those taking part.

In TorresMagic’s Last Man Standing competition the safety score in Gameweek 28 was 46, this saw 78 managers eliminated. 378 teams are through to Gameweek 29, when the threshold for elimination moves up to 18%, a minimum 69 managers will depart. The final will take place in Gameweek 37.

Adam Levy still leads both our main FFS League and our FFS Members League. Although he has dropped one place to third overall, he is now level on points with world number two Hassam CheLSawy and only one point behind Toni Haapanen, who has been number one in the world for 15 of the last 18 Gameweeks.

Mark has increased his lead over David to 51 points in the FFS Mods & Cons. Mark should continue his fine form with Sterling, Pogba, Hazard, Salah, and Rashford all in his team for Gameweek 29. Although he faces a tricky captaincy dilemma.

James Wells remains top in RedLightning’s Top 10k Any Season mini-league despite slipping from 40th to 48th overall. This is partly down to his team being unchanged from Gameweek 27, with the armband still on Felipe Anderson – who was away at Manchester City in Gameweek 28!

Mick Barker is the new leader in RedLightning’s January to May League after an 85 point Gameweek, 40 of those points coming from his triple Liverpool defence. He played his Second Wildcard in Gameweek 23, and eight green arrows in the last nine Gameweeks have seen him rise from 287k to 29k since Gameweek 19.

Finally, with ten Gameweeks of the season to go, RedLightningLast Ten’ mini-league will start scoring this week: 194 teams are already waiting for its first points update. The code to join is 1637-1351886.

If you are running a community tournament and would like the latest scores included in future Community Round-Ups, please email us a summary of the current leaders and a link to your league, spreadsheet or head-to-head competition at geoff@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk

TopMarx Fan of Fantasy Football and Monty Python. "Archimedes out to Socrates, Socrates back to Archimedes, Archimedes out to Heraclitus, he beats Hegel. Heraclitus a little flick, here he comes on the far post, Socrates is there, Socrates heads it in! Socrates has scored! The Greeks are going mad, the Greeks are going mad! Socrates scores, got a beautiful cross from Archimedes. The Germans are disputing it. Hegel is arguing that the reality is merely an a priori adjunct of non-naturalistic ethics, Kant via the categorical imperative is holding that ontologically it exists only in the imagination, and Marx is claiming it was offside. Follow them on Twitter

1,325 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Teror
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 29 days ago

    Sane + Fanderson + Lacazette > Sterling + Fraser + Higuain (-8) ?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Anderson to Fraser necessary?

      1. Teror
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        Yes due to funds :/

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 29 days ago

          tricky, can work over 2 weeks

  2. DR0GBA
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 29 days ago

    on wildcard:

    A) Kepa + Vardy
    B) Ryan + Higuain

    I know people will mention about Kepa being dropped to the bench but with Chelsea's fixtures I can't decide whether to have double Chelsea attack or double defence

    1. Teror
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Definitely double chelsi attack.

    2. TAArt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Attack

  3. CC22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 29 days ago

    Currently got a team of:

    Fabianski, Hamer
    Kolasinac, Robertson, Digne, Doherty, AWB
    Salah, Pogba, Son, FAnderson, Hudson-Odoi
    Auba, Jiménez , Rondón

    1. CC22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Hit send accidentally there!

      Is it worth doing;

      Son & Auba to Sterling & Higuain for a 4 point hit.

      Or alternatively, FAnderson & Auba to Sterling & Vardy?

      1. Stimps
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        Sterling, Vardy imo, for a hit

        1. CC22
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 29 days ago

          Yeah, Vardy’s fixtures look really tempting and can keep Son which I’d prefer to do I think.

  4. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 29 days ago

    Who can get more pts this GW ?!
    A- Vardy + Sterling (C) -4 pts
    B- F.Andrso + Aguero

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      🙁

    2. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Obviously A but it is not a fair comparison, kind of 3 to 2

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      A

  5. Clogstar
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 29 days ago

    Eriksen to Sterling -4 and Cap? Other cap options Pogba, Salah,Higuain, Jimenez

  6. fridge
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 29 days ago

    Building for 31

    A) Laca & Son > Barnes & Haz
    B) Laca & Rich > Barnes & Haz
    C) Digne & Rich > Luiz & Barnes (lei)

    1. Shultan
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      B

    2. TAArt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      B by miles

  7. andrewe63
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 29 days ago

    [bottomed]
    Sarri quoted as saying he's 'making changes'

    Anyone have an opinion on what they might be.

    I'm thinking of swapping Son for willian if I thought the latter would get a start.

    thx

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Guesswork....but since Pedro played in the cup final as well as 90 min in last match, I would think Willian gets the start this GW

      I was thinking of bringing in Pedro but not gonna do it now based on Sarri's comments

    2. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Like Willian as a player but rarely gets 90 minutes and it's still only 3 goals and 5 assists so far this season.
      May be a PL player but not an FPL player.

      1. andrewe63
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        Thx guys.

        Pedro more FPL but willian is a pl player you're right. He's on free-kicks, corners etc which in theory makes him a good fpl player.

    3. TAArt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Would swap either for Maddison

  8. Wxdz
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 29 days ago

    Anyone considering TC Sterling

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Not without Fernandinho and Bournemouth 1 goal conceded at home last 3 since Boruc came in

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Double will be enough.

  9. Shultan
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 29 days ago

    Bottomed on last page
    Which 3 defenders to start
    A) TAA (Eve A)
    B) shaw (South H)
    C) diop (New H)
    D) pereria (Wat A)
    E) AWB (Bur A)

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      First three

    2. TAArt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      A B C

  10. LordEllison
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 29 days ago

    G2G for this GW or use my 1FT? 1.2 itb?

    Fabianski
    Doherty - Robertson - TAA
    Son - Pogba(C) - Salah - Jota
    Aguero - Vardy - Jimenez

    Subs: Guaita - Kolasinac - Hojbjerg - Wan bissaka

    1. GS456
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Nice team.

      Have the move

      1. GS456
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        Save*

        1. LordEllison
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 29 days ago

          Thanks very much

  11. George James
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 29 days ago

    Who is selling kun to fund Sterling?

    1. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Im not, but in your situation i would if you have 2FT.

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Watford next week . You'll want kun

      1. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        This

    3. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      I did for a hit... Feels a bit sick

    4. mookie
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Kun will a top captaincy option next GW and probably rise up to 12m. Might even keep him for GW31 as I'll want him for DGW32.

      1. mookie
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        *will be

  12. WrightnBright
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 29 days ago

    Last min (c) doubts!

    It’s down to Pogba or Haz and currently on Haz.

    It’s crazy I’ve gone from ‘I’m never owning that troll again’ some weeks back to having him back with the armband! Bloody bgw31!
    Not sure I could contain my rage if he blanked v Fulham - think I’ve answered my own question there, changing to Pogs!

    1. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      I'm sticking with Haz. Just think he has a higher ceiling.

  13. No Totti No Party
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 29 days ago

    Pogba In for Son (-4)
    Yes or No ?

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Don't think so

    2. TAArt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Not for -4

  14. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 29 days ago

    Supposed wolves forum leak suggests many changes https://www.molineuxmix.co.uk/index.php?threads/team-for-cardiff.210062/page-4

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      What are the changes? Can’t find...

      1. Greenbackbøøg…
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        itk says 5 changes apparently, likely docherty is one of them but im trying to find more info as well

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Could have an eye on the cup.
      Jimmy and Doc could be rested.

      1. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        The cup is two weeks away.

    3. andrewe63
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      They have put this up

      Pure conjecture though but would be effing brutal lol

      Ruddy

      Bennett Coady Saiss

      Jonny Dendoncker MGW Vinagre

      Costa Traore Cavaleiro

      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        It's hard to believe that XI is for real

        1. andrewe63
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 29 days ago

          I know.my jaw dropped.

          I make that 7 changes which seems OTT

      2. The 5% Team
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        that would be a BIG shake up haha

        Have Doherty and Jota in my starting XI, with Kola and AWB first 2 on bench so decent enough subs

    4. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Doherty probably rested according to the forum

    5. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Glad we got a clear message on Patricio at least.
      Still got Doc and Jimmy in my team, had hopes for a good haul this GW 🙁

    6. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      The post you have quoted has been edited:


      *Edit... forgot about the Chelsea game in between, so this is the team for the Chelsea match!

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        I also believe his edit even less. No way Nuno puts out that 11 vs Chelsea. He's taken point off the Top 6 and don't think it'll be any different there.

        Best practice for a cup game vs. Man United is another tough opponent like Chelsea.

    7. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Jonzy54 is the ITK. Didn't post 'that' team but did say up to 5 changes.

      1. andrewe63
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        There's a danger that Wolves, and to some extent Everton and watford a re fast becoming the so-called 'on the beach teams'?

  15. Eytexi
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 29 days ago

    Would curiously asking for ages of commenters get me criticised for being off topic or some answers. Absolutely no idea what this community is like haha. 🙂

    1. FlockofSeagulls
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Just don't lol.

      1. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        I wont hahaha

    2. Alpharius
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Age potentially irrelevant, does not necessarily indicate knowledge or experience of fantasy football. (Age: 31)

      1. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        Oh i completely agree, purely curious haha.

    3. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      742

      1. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        Impressive

  16. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 29 days ago

    Looking good to go? Any moves you’d make?

    Fabianski
    Doherty • Schar • Kolasinac
    Salah(C) • Mané • Son • Almirón • FAnderson
    Aguero • Vardy
    (Button / Digne / Bednarek / Kamara)

    1. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Yep, gtg, good luck

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Mane playing as a striker would be my © ahead of Salah

      1. Party time
          5 years, 29 days ago

          Hey bud, Who is better with the C. Pogba/Sterling?

    3. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Start one of and why

      A) awb
      B) Periera

      1. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        Pereira - attacking potential.

      2. Runaway
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        B, AWB less likely to keep CS without Sakho and Pereira attacking potential

    4. Mini Mahouse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Play Duffy(Huddersfield H) or TAA (Everton A)?

      1. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        Any other defenders from either team?

      2. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        Both. Benching either is nonsense.

      3. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        You blew WC this week?

      4. Mini Mahouse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        Shaw Doherty are my other defenders

      5. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        I don't understand goal threat Duffy at home to Huddersfield as a benching option. He's not cheap. Why buy him in first place. Same for TAA

    5. Gaffa914
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Thoughts on
      Laporte -> TAA
      Salah -> Sterling
      Son -> Hazard
      For a -4 ?

    6. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      I just found out that my two biggest ML rivals sold Son, now he is differential for me. Time to punish sellers Son!

      1. TAArt
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        You not an arsenal fan?!

    7. Kevin Twine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Vardy or Higuain?

      1. Runaway
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        I have both, If I had to choose I would go Vardy

        1. Optic1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 29 days ago

          +1.

    8. lordkippe
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      GTG ?

      Foster (Hart)

      Robertson - Doherty - Maguire ( Digne, Bednarek )

      Salah - Sterling - Pogba (C) - Son (Hojbjerg )

      Vardy - Jimenez - Arnautovic

      1. Runaway
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        Very good team, with the same mid I am captaining Sterling though but Pogba is equally good for this week.

    9. FPL Maldini
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Who to captain?

      A) Hazard

      B) Rashford

      1. Runaway
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        A

      2. Kevin Twine
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        A

      3. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        B

    10. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Son to Hazard for a hit?

      1. Optic1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        It' worth the hit with 31 in mind.

    11. MGD
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Kun -> Higuan for free?

      1. GS456
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        No way

        1. MGD
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 29 days ago

          Jesus likely to start?

          1. GS456
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 29 days ago

            Just don’t like the higauin part and as below. He has Watford next week and he can easily feature today

            1. MGD
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 29 days ago

              True. But Salah (BUR) should get C next gw anyway.

              Just acting the devils advocate 😉

      2. Runaway
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        No, never. He will play at least some part of the game today and he has WAT next week.

        1. MGD
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 29 days ago

          Hmm, yeah... maybe too punty

        2. Arctic_Orangutans
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 29 days ago

          Sterling false 9 ?

    12. Optic1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      It's going to take a -8 but I should be able to field the following 11 in GW31:

      Fabianski
      Robertson Luiz Azpi Digne
      Salah Hazard Fraser F.Anderson/Maddison
      Firmino Barnes

      FH32 / WC34 / BB35 plan.

      How's she looking?

    13. Teror
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Play TAA or Fraser?

      1. GS456
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        Trent

      2. Optic1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        TAA.

      3. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 29 days ago

        Taa

    14. Gearoid
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Lloris (Steele)
      Lindelof Doherty *Lascelles (*Balbuena Bednarek)
      *Salah Son Pogba *FAnderson (Camarasa)
      Aguero Jiminez Rashford

      2FT and 1.9ITB
      * 4 GW31 players

      A. Son to Mane
      B. Lloris and Son to Schmeichel and Hazard

    15. DavidSilva
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      Remove Coleman and Riccy for a combined 12.7m....help guys

    16. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 29 days ago

      How she looking lads?

      Fabianksi
      Robbo Doherty Schär
      Sterling(c) Salah Son Pogba F.Anderson
      Vardy Jimenez

      Hamer Rondón AWB Digne

      Cheers all and good luck