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Merry Christmas from Fantasy Football Scout

Christmas Day has finally arrived, providing many of us with a chance to take a much-needed break from Fantasy Premier League, as hard as that is.

While you’re doing your best to ignore FPL, everyone here at Fantasy Football Scout would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

While you’ll probably be digesting roast dinner rather than FPL content on this special day, I am sure many of you will be considering what to do with Son Heung-min after his Gameweek 18 red card.

Don’t forget, if you’re struggling to balance family life and FPL, former world champion Simon March has provided us with some much-needed tips. READ THEM HERE.

Thankfully, we had enough time to produce plenty of articles ahead of the Boxing Day fixtures so make sure you head over to our Gameweek 19 guide in the top menu for everything you need for tomorrow.

Until then, I would like to thank our many readers, listeners and viewers for another year of fantastic support for Fantasy Football Scout.

After the transitional season of 2018/19, with myself, Neale and Geoff coming onto the team, the 2019/20 campaign has been one of continued growth for the site.

Further increases in viewing figures and membership sign-ups have helped us invest back in more new signings including a team of talented ProPundits, video and community manager Andy Mears, as well as expanded involvement for FPL Family pair Sam and Lee Bonfield.

A great big thanks also goes to our team of mods for the thankless job they do for us every day.

That just leaves me to make another rare request for you to tear yourself away from the site for this one day of the year and spend some time with your family and friends.

Captain Sensible and the Scout Picks articles went up yesterday so there won’t be too much more to have a look at today.

We’ll be hearing from Pro Pundit Az Phillips a little bit later today but apart from that, it’s going to be a quiet one until the Boxing Day matches.

Once again, everyone here at Fantasy Football Scout, wishes you a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a Christmas Tree of green arrows between now and the end of the season.

2,689 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Strchld
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Pope
    TAA - Lundstram - Kelly
    Mane - KdB - Alli - Maddison - Grealish
    Vardy - Kane (C)
    (Button - Greenwood - Soy - Reid)

    Good to go?

    1. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Nice team GTG

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Spot in

    3. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Nice GL!

    4. Strchld
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks all

  2. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Merry Xmas folks, and hope you all had a good day!

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Just one for decision to make before switching off before the deadline....

      Start Ings or Cantwell?

      Currently on Cantwell

      1. UnitedFan
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Ings. And merry Christmas to you too.

      2. Lexi2014
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Same dilemma for me. Currently starting Ings.

        Merry xmas!

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      You too

    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Ings.

  3. KLOPPTOMANIA
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Other than cantwell, best midfield fodder.

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Fleck/Adama/Shelvey

      Or just Dendoncker and bank the cash, but those 3 are handy at this point in season

    2. Totti
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      fleck

    3. fc_skrald
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Hayden

    4. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      My cup opponent has Moutinho and Shelvey!

      I’m expecting them to outpoint my Mo Mane combo - though maybe not to seasons end 🙂

  4. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Good to Go? 🙂

    Pope
    TAA • Lundy • Aurier
    Mané • Richarlison • KDB • Alli • Grealish
    Vardy • Tammy(C)
    (McGov. Greeny. Soy. Rico*)

    1. Lexi2014
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good to me

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      All good. What's your thinking behind captaining Tammy? Considering it myself but not sure I trust him.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Fancy Chelsea to give saints a good hiding

        1. UnitedFan
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          You think there's any chance he gets rested this game?

        2. Bruce Lee
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Chelsea struggle at home against teams that sit back... feel like it will be similar to the BOU, SHU games

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

            I'm not so sure SOU will sit back. Re SHU, Tammy scored a brace v them in GW4.

            1. Bruce Lee
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              You think 17th place Southampton, with 21 goals all season, will play open and expansive football against Chelsea?

              1. Bruce Lee
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 4 months ago

                Also... Southampton... who had 44% possession against Villa...

                That Southampton?

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

                  Would you believe it !

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

                Not entirely sure but I dont think they'll try and 'park the bus', I reckon they'll have a go and will be confident with their attacking form currently and believe they can get a goal or 2. As a result it could end up being a relatively open game. We shall see soon enough anyway. Good luck and Happy Christmas.

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

      G2G

    4. jaguar shark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Tup

  5. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Ready or changes needed?

    Guaita
    TAA, Digne, Aurier, Lundstram
    Salah, KDB, Grealish(VC), Pogba(C)
    Vardy, Ings

    Martin, Greenwood, Maddison, Kelly

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      GTG Gl strong bench

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Good, not sure on Pog at all

      1. fc_skrald
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Me neither - just taking a chance there.

  6. Lexi2014
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Have 2 FTs but not sure what to do! Any ideas?

    Pope (Heaton)
    Aurier / Pereira / Lundstram/ VVD (Kelly)
    Mane / Alli / KDB (Traore/Cantwell)
    Vardy / Ings / Jimenez

    £0.4 itb.

    Still have my wc too!

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Tough one, Jimenez to Haller?

      Played a lot better since playing up top alongside Antonio, he played in a pair at Frankfurt, he's fully rested and has an extra GW eventually.

      If you don't like him maybe Jimenez to Pukki? If not Maupay

      1. lindeg
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        im buying in to the haller idea

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Traore to Fleck and play. Bench Pereira?

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Best advice is use the FTs.
      Periera out might be a good start.

    4. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Pereira&vvd ➡ Soy/digne&taa

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

    Bench for Soyuncu (LIV) for Kelly (WHU)?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Play Kelly

  8. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Pope
    Kelly - Aurier - Lund
    KDB - Sterling - Alli - Grealish
    Abraham - Vardy - ****X****

    WWYD?
    A) Play Jimenez
    B) Play Cantwell
    C) Jimenez --> Rashford

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Play Jim

    3. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

    4. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A) City will concede. Otamendi will play. Enough for Jimi. Check the previous match against each other.

  9. Donblaster
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Who to bench?

    A) Mount (SOU)
    B) Zaha (WHU)
    C) Jimenez (MCI)

    1. CheesyZoot
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      C from those

    2. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

    3. lindeg
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      c

    4. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      C

    5. beric
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

    6. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      C

    7. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Shouldn’t be any of them, but maybe Jimi.
      I’d personally would get rid of Zaha.

      1. Donblaster
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Current front 8 is
        Sterling Zaha Mount Martial Son*
        Vardy Rashford Jimenez

        Plan was Son > Alli or Richarlison.

        1. Donblaster
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Could go Son/Zaha > KDB/Grealish (-4) but have the same benching headache. Or get Salah/4.5.

          1. Big Al Stankovic
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Do that last bit. Salah and a cheap benchable mf.

  10. CheesyZoot
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Genuinely very surprised Alli now leads the captain poll...

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Yes I agree. Not sure what impact not having Son on the pitch will impact Alli and team.

    2. beric
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Its bonkers

  11. lindeg
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    people bringing kane in are just not interested in stats, pure nostalgia pick

    1. CARROW ROAD
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      How about past season stats?

      1. lindeg
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        hence the nostalgia comment

  12. davies
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Mane > Salah for free

    Yay or nay?

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

      nay

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Nah

    3. beric
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      No

    4. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Nay.

  13. Totti
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    who to captain?

    1) alli
    2) abraham
    3) KDB
    4) grealish
    5) vardy

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I like 4

    2. lindeg
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      abracadabra

  14. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    When everything goes as planned I should break into top10k first time this season.

    Pope
    Taa-Aurier-Lund (Kelly,Soy)
    Mane-Kdb-Alli-Grealish (Cantwell)
    Abraham(c)-Rash-Vardy

  15. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Just had a dekko at Shelvey ppm - really impressive stuff

  16. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Is Rashford being overrated for these upcoming newcastle and burnley fixtures?

    His best xg stats this season have came from brighton, nor, man city and tottenham - expansive teams.
    While he recorded xg of 0.09 and 0.0 against bournemouth and newcastle - teams who sit back

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Defo!

    2. lindeg
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      he plays left mid and hugs the sideline when man u are in possesion

      hes only a really good asset when man u play on counter attacks

      unless ofcourse man u get a pen

  17. Origi-nal
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    2FT and exact cash for:

    Zaha & Jiminez > Grealish & Abraham

    Worth it?

    1. Sloopy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I would!

    2. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Nah

  18. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Other than Maddison to Grealish or Rashford to Ings, anything else you’d do with 2FT 0 ITB? Thanks lads 🙂 and for the captaincy?

    Pope (Martin)
    TAA Lundstram Kelly (Soyuncu Rico)
    Mane KDB Maddison Alli (Dendoncker)
    Vardy Rashford Jimenez

    Cheers!

    1. Sloopy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Don’t buy Ings imo; rest is coming his way!

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      You sold on keeping TAA? You know whom I’m going to suggest.

      I’d leave the front 8 even though I distrust Rash profoundly

  19. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    GOOD to GO?

    Pope
    TAA, Guilbert, Lund
    Mane, KDB, RICHALISON (C), Maddison, Zaha
    Vardy, Jiminez

    4m keeper, Tomkins, Soy, 4.5 att

  20. joelsprylar
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Can i do anything to upgrade this team or should i leave it as it is?

    2FT 0,6 itb.

    Ryan

    Kelly, Lundstram, Aurier

    Mane, KDB, Alli, Richarlison

    Abraham, Vardy, Rashford

    McGovern, TAA, Hayden, Soyuncu

    1. Origi-nal
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Play Trent

    2. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Trent for kelly any day

    3. beric
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Id play trent over kelly

  21. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    can someone please tell me this.... If TAA get YC he wont be suspended ?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      He will if GW19 or GW20 yc

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        i thought he will be suspended if he get YC in GW 19 but not GW 20...

        1. Niho992
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          A player who receives five yellow cards before the 19th match-week will be issued with a one-match ban.

          This is what i found

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Pool had blank. 19 club games.

            1. Niho992
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              thx

        2. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Pool have played one less game week.

  22. MGD
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Son RC really screwed with my plans...
    4.3 ITB

    A) Son + Jimenez -> Kane (c) + Alli (-4)
    B) Son + Jimenez -> Kane (c) + Sterling (-4)
    C) Son + Jimenez -> Kane (c) + Willian (-4)

    D) Son -> Any option$ (no hit)

    Will WC next GW.

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      D

    3. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

    4. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      D) Son ➡
      1. Salah
      2. Mane
      3. KdB
      4. Sterling
      5. Pogba/martial

  23. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Hope everyone’s had a great xmas day!! My final wildcard dilemma below, thanks:

    1.
    Henderson McGovern
    ROBERTSON Lundstram Kelly Soyuncu Rico
    Mane ALLI De Bruyne Grealish Dendoncker
    Vardy RASHFORD Abraham

    2.
    Henderson McGovern
    AURIER Lundstram Kelly Soyuncu Rico
    Mane SALAH De Bruyne Grealish Dendoncker
    Vardy JIMENEZ Abraham

    1. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I prefer 1

      I wouldn't have Henderson on a WC btw he has awful fixtures after this GW

    2. Fitzy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldn't be getting Henderson in on a WC with his fixtures coming up.

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks... he’s in my pre-wildcard team with a bit of value in him, hard to drop him before WAT but I get what you’re saying, unless anything else pressing I will change him next GW with my FT

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

          Who would you change to?

          1. FCSB
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Ramsdale has the nicer fixtures doesn’t he, but Bournemouth aren’t renowned for defence... maybe Ryan or Guaita hmmm

            To be honest, if you check the keeper scores, there is only a matter of points splitting the top 10

            Who do you have?

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

              Currently on Pope, but will wc next GW, and at loss re keeper (see next pshe)

              1. FCSB
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 4 months ago

                Yeah Pope fixtures go so hard don’t they...

                I was going to wildcard 19-20 but have you seen how short the turnaround is between gameweeks, have you prepped your wildcard draft?

    3. Better Call Raul
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      2

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

      Hard call, but think I lije no 1. Liverpool defence will pay back is my gut feeling, and we need to see Spurs tighten up before junping on Aurier. Also prefer Jimenez consistency to Rashfotd

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I’m just swaying towards double pool attack, it eliminates the dilemma of Mane or Salah and provides cover if one of the other is rested...

        Aurier yep, I’m not convinced, not sure who else for 5.1 or less though?!

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

          If 5.1 is budget might as well go Aurier, occasional haul possible

          1. FCSB
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Thanks mate

  24. waldo666
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    1 FT before WCing...

    A) Maddison to Salah
    B) Jimenez to Pukki

    1. estheblessed
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A)

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A but if you want him on WC, costs more

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Cheers both.

  25. Darthshearer
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Just done a WC. GTG?

    Pope
    Lundstrum | Robertson | Holgate
    Grealish | KDB | Mane | Maddison
    Rashford (I know, i was gonna ditch him) | Vardy | Abraham

    Button | Kelly | El Mohamadey | Dendoncker

    Thoughts?

    1. estheblessed
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good. Can you do Alli instead of Madison?

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

        Only if I take out Rashford. I can then maybe put in Ings.

      2. Shakshuka
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Elmo - > Kiko

    2. NIKO.
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Wouldn’t bring Pope in on a wildcard with those fixtures

    3. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      You sticiing with Popey, not the fashion of the day. Would perhaps downgrade Maddi or Grealish to get Ings or Pukki

  26. estheblessed
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    G2G?

    Pope
    Kelly, Lundstram, Chilwell
    KDB, Alli, Grealish, Mane
    Abraham(c), Vardy, Rashford

    Cantwell, Pieters, Willems

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

      Looks spot on

      1. estheblessed
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks man

  27. Shakshuka
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Good to go? Will prob flip captaincy around a bit!

    Guaita
    Aurier Lundstram Kelly
    Salah Sterling KDB Grealish
    Rashford (C) Vardy (V) Abraham

    Martin Hanley Dendocker Rico*

  28. SALVA
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Son/Connolly -> Kane(c)/Dendo

    Yay or Nay?

    1. jonnybhoy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

  29. n14mul
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    How nailed on is holgate in the Everton defence?

    1. lindeg
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      everton fans seem to think hes the most nailed cb even above mina

      1. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Interesting...Who Is their current right back?

        1. lindeg
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          sidibe

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      He has been playing in midfield

  30. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Bench James, Mount or Mousset?

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Difficult. Probs mount

      1. lindeg
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        never mount, scored in reverse fixture, and soton concede goals for fun

    2. lindeg
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      mousset for me, think that game will be low scoring