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Podcast January 29

Meet the Manager #20 – Utkarsh Dalmia (Zophar666)

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With seven top 5,000 finishes, including a career-best rank of 17th, Utkarsh Dalmia (aka FFscout Pro-Pundit Zophar666) is no stranger to finishing the season in style.

In fact, since he started playing in 2009/10, he has never finished lower than 30,179.

But while his track record is stunning he advocates a patient philosophy of minimising risk in the transfer market and keeping a close eye on squad structure.

His chat with fellow self-proclaimed “dullard” Joe takes in the importance of price points, team balance as well as trying to minimise bad luck and the risk of a rotten Gameweek.

But such a balanced approach needs to be flexible. This is something he is having to deal with this season as he attempts to avert his first poor ranking finish in an illustrous FPL career.

Zophar also discusses how his usual big at the back philosophy involving premium defenders has had to be tweaked this year with such an array of budget options with potential for points at both ends of the pitch.

He also chats about his epic season when finishing 17th in the world and how playing his own game, surrounded by social media ‘noise’ and the pressure of so many friends now involved, has altered how he approaches the game.

The changing game, involving rotation and a wealth of captainable assets, is also covered.

As is an awareness that luck is an FPL manager’s greatest friend, or enemy. As Zophar says about Fantasy managers’ ability to truly influence the game: “I’m not the one on the pitch scoring the goals.”

The chat with Utkarsh is available to view on Youtube in the embedded video below.

Previous Meet the Manager video interviews can be found here.

Make sure you subscribe to our Youtube channel to receive alerts to all our new videos.

The series is also available as a podcast and on Soundcloud. These are available in the second and third players below.

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

317 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Totally not up to date with the current team news, what would you do with this team?

    Henderson
    TAA/Lund/Targett
    Salah/Mane/KDB/Mahrez
    Vardy/Ings/DCL

    Button/Rico/Soy/Dendo

    Open Controls
    1. Jullepuu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Soy needs to go imo and Mane if you don't want to bench him this week. Lascelles, Stephens or a SHU defender for Soy maybe

      Open Controls
      1. Atimis
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Want Stephens just maybe next week

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      2. Geriatric Unathletic
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Bearing in mind SHU blank in GW 28, I wouldn't advocate a second SHU def in the team just yet.

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

      Watch out for Mane & Mahrej injury news. Rest looks good

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      1. Atimis
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks

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    3. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mane out injured but unclear for how long. Mahrez has a knock but could still play. Slight chance Lund might have lost his place.

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  2. dbeck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Any Sarr news? Slim pickings to replace him so interested to know

    Open Controls
    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      FPL site says back Feb1

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  3. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I have Mane, bought at 11.6m (SP 11.9m now) and long term would rather him than Salah (who I also currently own) I think to go for double defence.

    How much further would you expect Mane price to drop? 0.4 in drops and if I sell now I get him back same price... could be more beneficial than benching?

    Also if I go for someone like Traoré, frees up a lotttt of funds. Enough for DCL to Auba / Aguero for example... or spread around the team and get double defence

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    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      0.1 or 0.2 at best. And if his flag is turned from red to no flag, then price will be locked as well.

      If ruled out for Norwich game as well, then more price drop can happen.

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      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        As well... -_-

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

      Ignore the price thing.
      If you think selling him will give you more points, sell !

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    3. LE CHARO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      0.1 looks certain, maybe 0.2.

      I'm in the same boat and I think I'll keep him, he's got plenty of time to recover for the Norwich game and I know I'll want him back as soon as he's available again if I sell him anyway.

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

      Pricing irrelevant imo. Points is all.

      There’s also likely to be a fairly close correlation between Mo rises and Mane falls so your loss will be offset to some extent anyway

      In a similar spot. I’m currently reasoning double attack will be the differential move over the next 14 weeks or so and a GW lost is a price worth paying.

      Open Controls
  4. Jullepuu
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Any ideas? Got 2 free transfers and 1.1 in the bank. Sell or hold Mane?

    Guaita Button
    TAA Soy Lund Sidibe Reid
    Mane Salah KDB Grealish Hayden
    DCL Vardy Ings

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  5. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Gunners Fans do you think Martinelli will start or just be off the bench?

    Open Controls
    1. KirillFCZ
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I'd expect him to be on the bench and play 20 minutes or so.

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      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

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  6. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Which would you go for (if any!)?

    A) Auba Mads Fernandez
    B) Aguero Perez Fernandez
    C) Auba Perez Ritchie
    D) Auba Martial Lascelles (means downgrading Lund to other S/Utd Def as .1 short)

    Currently on:
    Hendo McCarthy
    TAA VVD Fernandes Lund Stepehns
    Salah KDB Grealish Traore Perez
    Aguero Ings Jime

    Open Controls
    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

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    2. Jones Kusi
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

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  7. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Are ppl keeping DCL for the tougher run of fixtures or moving him on? Thinking of possibly downgrading Mané to fit in Auba/Aguero

    Open Controls
    1. Jullepuu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Moving him to Jimenez after the next two

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      1. Hansel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Pretty nice shift in fixtures tbh, well worth a look

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

      Unless you want to keep him mainly on the bench during the tough games in order to build for GW31, I think he needs to be sold - GW26 looks the ideal time.

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    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I removed him to Auba for a hit

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  8. Frank944
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What will you do with Mane e Vardy? Do you sell them? Or not?

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    1. Jullepuu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Keeping Vardy and leaning towards selling Mane because I couldn't handle myself if I kept him and he wouldn't start against Norwich

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    2. LE CHARO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Probably keeping both for this gameweek, and reassessing afterwards.

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  9. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Bet pick up to 9.8 to replace Maddison?
    a)Zaha
    b)Trossard
    c)Pepe
    d)someone else

    Open Controls
    1. czechow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I am struggling with this as well. Searching high and low in the stats and no one stands out. Looking at Moura but I am still totally meh on him as well.

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      1. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        cheers.It's tough there are not descent options.

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    2. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Just keep him. Unless downgrading to Grealish/Traore or upgrading to Son there are not many better options.

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      1. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        cheers.I have Grealish.Traore is a descent pick.Not enough money for Son.0.1 actually...

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    3. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Maddison.

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      1. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        cheers

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  10. Neo-Viper
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Mane to who? so as to upgrade a defender to Robbo

    McCarthy Button
    Taa Soy Lundstram Rico Williams
    KDB Salah Mane** Grealish Dendo
    Vardy Jimmy Ings

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  11. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Too much tinkering on the WC, didnt realise i’d sold TAA for robbo, lost .3 value 🙂

    Open Controls
    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I messed up on my recent WC doing similar with Ings and it cost me 0.1. And guess what, been 0.1 short of a move I wanted to make pretty much every week since 🙁

      Open Controls
  12. Long ago I drew a walrus
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What sites do people use to check upcoming fixtures for teams? Would like a comprehensive view of fixtures for Premier League teams, but including their fixtures in other competitions, so CL, FA Cup, EFL Cup as well. Mainly to get an idea of intervals between games, like City for example currently have huge gaps either side of the WHU in GW26 which is great for Aguero but Liverpool travel to Atletico shortly after nor which is not good for Mane.

    Open Controls
    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I think Crellin's spreadsheet has all this info on it

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  13. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Rumours appearing about possible DGW25, we should know before deadline this week then?

    Open Controls
    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      As every minute passes it becomes more and more unlikely - pretty safe to say it won't happen if not confirmed before the deadline.

      Open Controls
      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Would think so, yes,. If not next week, would be GW37 maybe?

        Open Controls
        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Almost certain they will have a DGW 37, maybe even a TGW!

          Open Controls
    2. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes definitely we'll know by tonight or tom if there is a DGW25.

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    3. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      If they’re arranging a game then yeah you’d hope so

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

      If such were to occur, then yes , imo, broadcasting schedules etc would need to be updated to accommodate the DGW and the obvious need to release info for fans to sort themselves out.
      Safely all info should be in before the deadline

      Open Controls
      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Will be interesting if it happens, hits will certainly be flying next GW's

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  14. FreddyP3
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    0FT 0.2ITB

    Guaita Stekel
    Trent Robbo Lund Kelly Rico
    Salah KDB Son Grealish Saka
    Aguero Ings DCL

    Would you wc this? Really not liking the Lund/Kelly/Rico combo anymore.. CP fixtures looking decent but Henderson will probably out score Guaita right?

    Open Controls
  15. The Left Duke #3
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I know this game is about luck and as a Mane non owner and Salah TC, what i'd give for a Salah hatty tonight for a rank boost in a disappointing season so far. Fingers crossed.

    Open Controls
    1. grumpyman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      The way my season is going there's more chance of an own goal and penalty miss.

      Open Controls
      1. The Left Duke #3
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        lol hahaha me too pal. Cruel game

        Open Controls
    2. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      fingers crossed, if somebody offer me two Salah goals at the start of the GW, I would have taken it

      Open Controls
      1. The Left Duke #3
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        stop a brace would be lush.

        Open Controls
    3. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      In the same boat but I'd be garteful for a single assist. I'm certainly not expecting 3 goals from Mr Salah - he just doesn't seem the same man as when he first played for Liverpool in 2017-18

      Open Controls
      1. The Left Duke #3
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Ya his end product of late is just off. Seems nervy or something. Fluffing chances, shoots when he should pass, etc.
        We live in hope anyway. WH are poor and that big pitch should suit.

        Open Controls
  16. Checko
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    New to the site - Have left my team to it for a while, in need of urgent repairs so wildcarded.

    My current WC first draft below - GTG? Torn between Auba and Vardy - but appreciate any comments or suggestions at all!

    Henderson
    TAA lascelles Lund
    KDB Salah Traore Grealish
    Jimmy Ings Auba

    mccarthy, o'connell, kelly, hayden

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

    Early thoughts?

    McCarthy
    TAA Aurier Lundstram
    Salah KdB Mane* Moura Cantwell
    Vardy Deeney

    Martin Holgate Kelly Greenwood

    A) Mane, Kelly to Son, VVD -4
    B) Mane, Vardy to Son, Aguero -4
    C) Mane to Son
    D) Mane, Greenwood to Aguero, 4.7mid
    E) Save play a defender

    Open Controls
  18. Strchld
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Dont know at all what to do. Have 2 FT and 0.9ITB. Any ideas?
    Have lots value tied up with Mane and Vardy. Mane probably out just Southampton so could keep him. Vardy and Maddison doesnt have blank GW28, but have a terrible form. Still looking to keep when theres not any players I would like to get.

    Just do Kiko to someone who isnt blanking gw, maybe Lascelles and bank another FT? Or do just Mane to Son and upgrade Soy to Robertson?

    McCarthy
    TAA - Soy - Kelly
    Salah - Mane - KdB - Maddison - Grealish
    Ings - Vardy

    (Button - Greenwood - Lundstram - Kiko)

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

      I like Mane, Soy to Son, Robbo

      Open Controls
  19. bigdip
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Top of the morning! WC time or take a hit to get Mane out? (if so, what hit?)

    Current team:
    Ryan Button
    Targett, Gomez, TAA Kelly, Lundy
    Mane, Martial, Fleck, Son, Grealish
    DCL, Aguero (Ings)
    (1.5mn ITB)

    WC Team
    Ryan Button
    LASCALLES STEPHENS, TANGANGA, TAA Lundy
    SALAH, WILSON, Martial, Son, Grealish
    AUBA Aguero (Ings)
    (0.0mn ITB)

    Open Controls
  20. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Steven Bergwijn stats aren't great 31 goals in 149 appearances to PSV.

    Open Controls
    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Until I know both his xG and how good he is on FIFA, I have no opinion.

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  21. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best Lund replacement (5.7 ITB)?

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    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Stevens or Baldock probs

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    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Stevens.. I’m 0.1 from Stevens so went O’Connell

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  22. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hayden(NOR) will undoubtedly blank after 2 consecutive returns on my bench the week he will replace Mané, right?

    Open Controls
    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Will be a much bigger surprise if he does get a return than doesn't (and you can say that about him every week)

      Open Controls
  23. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Dubravka
    Alex-Arnold Van Dijk O’Connell
    DeBruyne Salah Grealish Traoré
    Aubameyang Jimenez Ings

    McCarthy Doherty Mooy Taylor

    Too much money to bench Doherty, and keep for Leicester, Norwich or Downgrade? Tempted to keep him

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  24. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What are Vardy to Auba managers doing now that Vardy is fit?

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    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Change of direction for me, so Wildcarded..

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

      No idea. I'd still prefer Auba but the blank is throwing me (two moves if getting back etc)

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    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Getting rid of Vardy obviously, his fitness was never an issue for me

      Open Controls
    4. aborg
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Auba rumors that he is going to Barcelona....keep updated.

      Open Controls
  25. Le Bluff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    With last night's result, is that putting people off bringing in Sheffield Utd defenders?

    I was planning on doing Balbuena (don't ask) > Egan, but am suddenly doubting that because of the blank. Instead, I'm looking at Lascelles who has some nice fixtures.

    Kind of feels like I have the blinkers on for GW 28 though - whereby Egan could easily outscore Lascelles even WITH the blank!

    What do people think? Are we focusing too much on the blank when Sheffield Utd could arguably pick up 3 clean sheets before then?

    Open Controls
    1. farmerfat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I am going with Henderson and Egan, Will just bench when it is the blank. Planning around it

      Open Controls
    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      The fixtures and value outweighs it. Be wary of doubling up though and be wary of Henderson who also can’t play GW 31.

      Open Controls
      1. Lord.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Unless they and Man Utd both lose winnable 5th Round ties, the whole team will blank in GW31.

        Open Controls
    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I have 2 x SHU at the minute, should be able to cover the blank with decent bench and a bit of forward planning.

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    4. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Spanner in the works for me certainly, was planning to double up on Sheffield defense. Just keeping Lundstram one GW now, and look elsewhere (Wolves, Newcastle).

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

      For every blank there’s also a double 🙂

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      1. aborg
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Won’t matter by then because ppl will be using their WC’s anyways !

        Open Controls
    6. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      They will probably outscore majority of the defenders over next 4 weeks.

      Open Controls
  26. farmerfat
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    5.3 to spend on a defender on WC.

    A) Gomez (TAA double up)
    B) Ritchie ( Punty, on pens)
    C) Bellerin ( Nailed on, good fixtures)

    I am trying to make up some ground, sitting at 700k , i know there are safer options but I want someone with low ownership

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    1. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Similar rank situation, A for me.

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    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A will probably score most points, like B as well for real dif

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    3. aborg
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A but worried that Matip might take his place soon

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  27. bigdip
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Guys, Took a hit to bring in Aguero and now Mane is injured as well. Should I:

    A) Take another hit to take out Mane and bring in Salah? (making -8 in total)
    B) WC

    Current team:
    Ryan Button
    Targett, Gomez, TAA Kelly, Lundy
    Mane, Martial, Fleck, Son, Grealish
    DCL, Aguero (Ings)
    (1.5mn ITB)

    Open Controls
    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Just bench Mane for a week or two.

      Open Controls
      1. bigdip
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        but he is dropping in price

        Open Controls
        1. Alli In
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          You've got a decent front 8. You'd be taking a hit in order to bench Ings. Even though that's against Liverpool, I still wouldn't do that, even if it costs you 0.1. Mane could anyway be back for the next game which is 2 weeks away.

          Open Controls
          1. bigdip
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            thanks

            Open Controls
        2. Guru Mediation
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          So you've made the mistake of early transfer and you still don't understand the futility of chasing price changes?!

          Open Controls
          1. bigdip
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            This is the most useless advice ever lol

            Open Controls
            1. Guru Mediation
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              How is it useless? Stop early transferring is the best piece of advice you'll ever receive in this game

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  28. Squires FC
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Finally! Buzzing for tonight, anyone else? Full of optimism after watching the last few west ham performances.
    Tiny green prior to tonight is abit of a brucey bonus.

    Open Controls
    1. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I imagine Mane TC'ners won't be feeling as optimistic! I TC'd Salah though so yeah, looking forward to it!

      Open Controls
    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Salah needs to haul big time. TC awaits.

      Open Controls
    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mane(c/tc) not looking forward to it

      Open Controls
  29. Frank944
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Pope
    Kelly Lund TAA
    Martial Salah Grealish Dendo
    Ings DCL Vardy

    Button Alder Tomori Mane
    0.8 ITB

    A) Sell Button
    B) Sell Tomori
    C) Sell Mane
    D) Save FT

    What is the best choice? Thanks

    Open Controls
  30. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Trent TC, let's continue where we left off!

    & some moderate Salah returns would be acceptable

    Open Controls
    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      You should feel confident - having got through the Wolves match with 5 points it certainly looks like TAATC was the way to go.

      Open Controls
    2. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Salah(c)+Man\e*+TAA here - hoping for Salah with TAA assist, and one goal conceded.

      Open Controls

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