News

Mark Sutherns to return to Fantasy Football Scout for 2020/21 season

“Where’s Mark?”
“I miss Mark”
“Bring back Mark”

Hundreds upon hundreds of you have enquired about the whereabouts of the Fantasy Football Scout founding father since his decision to take a step back from frontline FPL duty two years ago.

He’s never been too far away from the site, though, and now, we’re delighted to report, he’ll once again be putting out Fantasy content when the new season gets underway in September.

Mark will be involved with Fantasy Football Scout in a Pro Pundit capacity, so expect articles and video appearances as he bids to bounce back from – what he deemed to be – a frustrating 2019/20 campaign.

Mark rejoins a team of contributors that includes top Fantasy managers such as Lateriser, Zophar and Tom Freeman, who have multiple top 1k finishes between them and who, we are delighted to say, will be writing for us once again in 2020/21.

Lateriser, who finished 30th in the world last season, will also be stepping up the frequency of his articles in the campaign to come.

As ever, subscribers to Fantasy Football Scout will get unrestricted access to all of their analysis and team reveals.

If you’re new to this website, Mark is its creator.

Starting Fantasy Football Scout out as a blog in 2007, he grew these pages steadily over the years and developed the site into the leading Fantasy Football resource.

He’s got an enviable FPL record to back that up, too, as his season history (pictured above) shows.

A remarkable nine of his finishes have been within the top 5,000, with four of those resulting in overall ranks inside the top 1k.

We’re absolutely thrilled to have Mark back on board for 2020/21 and look forward to his insight in the weeks and months to come.


1,232 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Light Knight
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Welcome back, Mark! 😉

  2. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Soucek 6 mil this season based on FPLs article, “a cost of under 6.5 to be expected this term.”
    Is 6 mil too much?

    1. LangerznMash
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes it's too much

    2. Nanoelektronicar
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Seems too much, but we'll have to see what else is on offer it that bracket.

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Might be worth it with a good run of fixtures. Think I prefer Bowen though...

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I'm considering him from the off at 5.5; any more and I'll swerve until he shows some numbers.

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Could be 5.5 which would be nice, but by their wording I’d say it’s 6 and they are even considering 6.5!

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

      He's 4.5m in FanTeam and I consider him a must-pick at that price. I would pay up to 6m for him I think. Any more and it's a stretch.

    5. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Typical fpl strategy to price out any player who does well at the end of season. £5m if max u would pay for him. West h won't have the same results this year

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        You haven't seen the underlying data then. 3 goals since restart and the stats say it wasn't a fluke either. He was 5th for shots in the box (14) for any mid under 8m behind only Antonio, Pulisic, Foden and Trossard since restart. He's absolutely worth more than 5m.

    6. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Bamford also possibly 6 mil but their wording is a bit more vague on this one, they sound undecided.
      “Bamford could find his was into early-season squads of je is priced under £6.5”.
      Interesting how they say early season squads is that a subtle way of saying Leeds have good opening fixtures?

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        *if he is priced

    7. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mitrovic probably 7 mil.
      “Likely to come in around 6.5”

    8. Another Hoops
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I was hoping to potentially have him as my 5th playing midfielder but 6 is too much for me. Hopefully 5.5 if were lucky 😉

  3. RoysCallerAnne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Welcome back Mark.

    Great FPL manager with really good thought processes that he was always able to communicate very well.
    Never came across as arrogant despite the incredible FPL history. To me anyway, he just comes across as a nice chap, a family man who came up with a good idea and ran with it; slightly nerdy (no harm in that 😉 ) but always good humoured .

    I could never understand the negativity that I saw regarding him 'cashing in'.
    If he earned some money from what was niche hobby blog that he grew into something bigger, then fair play to him, I'd have done the same.

    If you are really the type that uses blogs/ podcasts/ opinion pieces to influence your FPL decisions, look no further than Mark or Lateriser.

    1. BENOIT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mark over Granville, all day long.

      1. Hughes the Daddy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        no need

    2. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      xx

    3. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      hear, hear!

    4. The Mighty One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Awesome post. Agree!

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

    Now, all we need is a Mark and Granville podcast!

    Seriously, though, it's good to have Mark back in the community that he helped create. Always had an informative, but unique take on things. Good to have him back.

    1. BENOIT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yep, definitely not a sheep!

  5. meerlight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I know LR has already brought up the desire to see the Preamble again (go upvote it on page 1), but I think its worth mentioning again.

    I, and I know a lot of others, would always wait on a Saturday morning for the Preamble to drop. The most looked forward to article

    1. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      This

    2. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Agreed.

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It's not a question of what we want, but of what Mark is comfortable doing at this time.

      I'm just thankful he's back in a pro-pundit capacity.

      1. meerlight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Definitely true. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement.

      2. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, this. My selfish hope is that he returns at least semi-regularly to the Scoutcast but definitely not if that would be any kind of problem for him.

  6. Gnu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Mark doesn't know what he's let himself in for here.
    30 hours a week of spell-checking is going to be a big wake up call.

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      And that's just the article headlines.

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Shocked

  7. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Help please

    Am I right in thinking the figures for season value on FPL site are calculated from the final price and final points totals?

    If so are those figures misleading for players such as KdB and Vardy who rose steadily in value through the season. A good part of their points were scored at fairly significantly lower prices.

    Vardy and KdB values understated in historic terms compared to Mo say who saw little fluctuation in price? They indicate likely future season value were they to start at prices they ended on?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I've long wondered about this myself. Would be great to have clarification and even an article crunching the numbers.

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Just looked at Pope and his final value does seem to be the basic calculation of 170 divided by 5.2. Need to work through some more

        1. FPL Theorist
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Yes, Pope provided incredible value based on starting price (37.8 ppm). Even better than Lundstram.

      2. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Its points over current value. Value at current price on points scored to date this season aka season value.

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      They arent misleading when used as a reference for buying players. You are using them for an unintended purpose.

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Ty. As I thought then

        No not misleading during season for buying but misleading now if looking at season value from last time.

        Currently weighing up whether money up front is viable. Vardy an interesting case study of a premium who isn’t a premium but has given better value than mids. That form stretches back to the back end of 18/19 too

  8. Cilly Bonnolly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Glad to see Mark’s going to be more involved again. Going to see him on Scoutcasts too?

  9. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Ah brilliant, was going to take a year out of FPL but with Mark Sutherns back, the man who made me fall in love with FPL in the 2016/17 season (I’m aware he’s done this for years prior for other people), I’m not sure I can resist.

    Such a fantastic player but also a really enjoyable person to listen to! The way he talks about the game is incredible and engaging.

    So glad he is back. The site is far better with him than without. As is FPL.

    I just hope he doesn’t put too much pressure on himself. He has nothing to prove.

    Mark Sutherns. Good luck with this season!

  10. delux
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hi guys,

    Just wanna say that in Russian (and I guess in other Slavic languages, Bulgarian included) it's completely opposite. n-word is actually polite and official and "black" is extremely offensive. Not defending him by any means, just giving you some info. The post is still racist because you don't use n-word in normal circumstances, but google translate makes it worse than it is.

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks Delux. Interesting perspective I've not heard before.

      This is why you shouldn't make assumptions, no matter how obvious things may seem.

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Cultural differences exist.

        That said, my Russian friends / family wouldn’t use that word.

        They would say black.

        Russia is a hell of a big place though...

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I have to say though, regardless of how offensive the word is to him, referencing skin colour in the first place says a lot...

        2. delux
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          mate, I'm Russian (been living in Australia for 20+ years) and I can assure you no one would ever say "black" in Russia. It's very offensive.

    2. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No chance. We have one rule here. No tolerence. We will not let him back in this community.

    3. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks for that, so much conflict results from communication difficulties and lack of tolerance. Glad we've moved to a new, sycophantic topic today!

    4. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      So just to clarify, he is still a vile cretin?

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, probably 😀

      2. delux
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        he is, but probably not a devil like everyone is trying to make him here.

  11. james 101
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Any update yet on when thee game restarts. (When we can start messing around with teams)

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      no

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers TM

    2. Tomerick
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If I was a betting man I’d say some time between now and the start of the season.

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Should be v soon I’d think.

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Can't be until the fixtures are announced surely, I don't understand webpage updates but fpl don't seem like a team that can react fast. So fixtures first then update

      2. Nimby
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I doubt it will before the fixtures are announced, and that's apparently happening on August 21. So, August 24 is my bet, as I love posting all the time now.

    3. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Why so much hype about Mark. He isn't doing anyone a favour by coming back. It is a competitive market and he has realised he needs to now get back into the limelight given how much FPL has grown in the last year alone.

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        ban.

        1. Chenku╰☆╮
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          For what?

      2. Jealous Viper
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Why the hype? Maybe because he's one of the best ever to play the game and writes good articles?

        1. Chenku╰☆╮
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I like him don't get me wrong. But he was the one who chose to go away. Now he decided.to.come back. Not exactly fan fare stuff.is.it.

          1. Az
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            You are a thief of joy

            1. Chenku╰☆╮
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              😀

      3. Blueberg
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        For me its like when Simon Cowell let Gary Barlow take over on x factor and then it didn't work so he came back.

        1. Chenku╰☆╮
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          But Joe is fantastic. Although I would love if Mark is full.time on the weekly scoutcast. Mark Az Joe should be full time with pranil, Andy and David all chipping in regularly. Mark brings. Creativity, az some black box stuff and Joe just patience and wisdom.

          1. Az
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            you might not get everything you've asked for, but be on the lookout for upcoming news 🙂

          2. Blueberg
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Yes Joes still been good, he can be popped in Louis Walsh's hypothetical chair.

      4. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Are you on a wind-up?

        1. Chenku╰☆╮
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I obviously have a membership. I support this site. Go figure 🙂

          1. Rasping Drive
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            It was your comment about Mark returning because he needs to get back in the limelight. And you know this how exactly?

    4. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Quite funny how many of the people posting warm welcomes to Mark are the same people who have been chastising real fans like me, Virg and Daniel who have been following Mark's team and decisions religiously and posting about him week in week out while he's been gone... Hypocritical sycophants many of you, you know who you are..

      That said, welcome back Mark! It will be a pleasure knowing that you might read my "Mark knows..." comments this season when you make one of your top tier trademark differential moves!

      1. Chenku╰☆╮
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Daniel is cool but virg is a grate.

      2. Jealous Viper
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Stopped reading at the real fans like me

        1. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I doubt you'll find many who have been as vocal as me about the lack of soul in this place after Mark's departure, critical about the scoutcast without him, and made as many posts about what hes done every week.

          1. Ginkapo FPL
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Wanting Mark back, and wanting you to remain are not mutually inclusive ideas.

            1. Brosstan
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              How is this relevant to whether Im a real fan or not?

              I really dont care about haters. People who dont like me are just too dumb to understand when Im being tongue in cheek and take it personally and carry grudges for ages. I really dont care about the morons who want me gone, most of them have toad tier IQs.

              1. St Pauli Walnuts
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                He has charm. You have, erm ... well, not charm anyway.

    5. L S P
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mods - any chance we’ll have the ability to mute people as part of the site refresh?

      Asking for a friend..

      1. Chenku╰☆╮
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Naah mate. But if you report me they will ban me for a while.

      2. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Who said that?

        1. L S P
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Always on the list of suggestions when Mods ask for ways to improve the site...

      3. Another Hoops
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I'll second this just so that I can mute L S P 😉

        1. L S P
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Have to get a membership first

          1. Another Hoops
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Really? You're tempting me to sign back up again.

            1. L S P
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Whatever works 😉

      4. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I would probably mute myself tbh 😆

        When I saw the chaos on here I vowed not to get involved... but already given in twice... 🙄

        1. L S P
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Would just be a really nice option to provide people with.

      5. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I don't want to talk to myself

      6. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Would be nice actually because then the people who stalk me all year around carrying grudges because I said something mean to them years ago could be told to just mute me and stfu.

        1. L S P
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          It’s a win-win for all!

      7. BrutalLogiC
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Would pay for this

      8. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Great ide for members only.

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

      I'm surprised no EPL team has made a move for Deulofeu. Why is that?

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Is he still injured?

        1. jtreble
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          He was. He's just getting back into shape now ...

      2. Blueberg
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I think palace were looking at him, then that makes shifting on zaha easier.

        1. jtreble
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Interesting. Thanks.

      3. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Still time. More likely to go back to Spain though I reckon.

      4. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Not just that but more than in most years there's clear players from relegated teams that have pedigree in the premier League

          Callum Wilson would improve so many teams for example, Deulofeu, Doucoure, Ben foster, Brooks etc etc there's loads

          1. jtreble
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Good point.

      5. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Ha. Shows how little I have been on this site last few years.

        I had not realised Mark had even left......

        Bring back the preamble.

        1. cravencottage
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          My favorite article of the week

        2. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Your team link doesn't work ......

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

        Why do so many FPL managers seem to think that Hasenhüttl now prefers playing Che Adams over Shane Long?

        1. Chenku╰☆╮
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Because end of season vibes

        2. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Because he originally bought Adams precisely to replace Shane Long. Adams just took so long to actually settle in and play well that Hassenhuttl had no choice but to keep playing Long. Long is a bad footballer, the kind any manager is just hoping to replace as soon as someone better comes along.

        3. MosF94
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Because Adams is a better player with the potential to become a much better player, and has finally found some form after a difficult start

          1. Silecro
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Che Adams is my single biggest regret from last season from gameweeks 1-4.
            Hauled in preseason friendlies, did absolutely nothing the following 35 gameweeks

        4. jtreble
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks all for your replies.

      7. Chenku╰☆╮
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        If they announce the following player prices who will you have I. Your team Barr any fixture consideration.
        Salah -£12.5m
        kdb -£12.5m
        Sterling -£12m
        Jesus -£11m
        Werner -£11m
        Kane -£11m
        Son - £9.5m
        Mane -£12m
        TAA -£8m
        Robbi -£7.5m
        VVD -£7.5m
        De gea -£5.5m
        Pope -£5.5m
        Hendo -£5.5m

        1. Chenku╰☆╮
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          For me pope kdb Salah. That's it the budget won't stretch that much more.

        2. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Salah, KDB, Pope and TAA

        3. Another Hoops
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          At those prices KDB, Trent and Mane.

          1. Chenku╰☆╮
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            These could very well be the actual prices.

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

          TAA for sure. If he's 8m or under he's nailed on in my team.

        5. Pipermaru
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          What Son/Spurs did last season to be priced at 9.5-10m as I see all the time? He should be 9m max.

          Also Salah? From 32 goals to 19? 12,5m is too much.

        6. Pipermaru
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          TAA, Auba, Werner for me.

        7. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          TAA and KDB

      8. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Unpopular opinion, Blades will be fighting relegation next season.

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Wouldn't surprise me at all

        2. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          They will be close to dropping into the relegation battle but not quite imo. Unless they buy a proper goal scoring forward.

          1. have you seen cyan
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            They could get Callum Wilson, but I dont think thats a massive improvement

        3. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Stats say Henderson was critical to their success. Should have conceded way more goals than they did...

        4. George Sillett
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Agree if they don't get a proven goal scorer. Much more difficult if Henderson doesn't return too.

        5. circusmonkey
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Well there is a thing called second season syndrome and they don't score much so can their defense hold up?

        6. MosF94
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Possibly, but don't think we will. Henderson going is a blow, of course, but elsewhere I expect our squad to look stronger than this season, especially in terms of depth. Wilder is a fantastic manager, and our system is tricky to break down, a couple of post-lockdown performances aside. We need to focus on creating more/better chances and scoring more goals, and my prediction is that, with our strikers likely to be very cheap, there could be some great bargains in our attack (McBurnie 5.5, McGoldrick 5.0, possibly?)

        7. Hughes the Daddy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Not for me personally. Far too much team character and tactically sound manager.

        8. BrutalLogiC
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I reckon they'll finish 14th and be hovering around that mark for most of the season

      9. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Manchester United have a major semi for semis atm...

        League: 3rd
        FA Cup: Semi
        EFL Cup: Semi
        Europa: Semi

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Like a bridesmaid who thinks she is better looking than she actually is.

          1. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            It's a pretty good representation of where they are atm. Not quite good enough to challenge for silverware...

          2. Gooner Kebab
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Zing!

        2. Chenku╰☆╮
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          We need them to go to final to make FPL interesting.

        3. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          they won't have a semi when Lukaku bangs two past them in the final

          1. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Be surprised if they get past Sevilla tbh...

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

              Tough game alright.

      10. Don Van Vliet
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Welcome back, Mark!

      11. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        When do clubs return to training? Will it be 30 days after end of season - ie around 26 August? Or is the 30 days specific to competitive matches? More likely I assume.

        When might we expect to hear of even the friendly preseason games being organised. Anything on club sites anywhere?

        1. Nanoelektronicar
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          International break is 2-10 september. That doesn't help too.

          1. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Good point

            Internationals are always good for an injury - double chances when everyone is only half match fit

        2. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Aha

          Liverpool would appear to be back in training in a few days

          https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.thisisanfield.com/2020/08/what-jurgen-klopp-will-have-this-pre-season-that-hes-never-had-before/amp/

          No idea if this source is valid.

          1. Nanoelektronicar
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Virg already doing some personal training in Switzerland, so they'll be back soon.

            1. pingissimus
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Yep

              Makes me hope we’ll get at least some non meaningful preseason friendlies to agonise over

              1. Nanoelektronicar
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Just came across this, as we speak.

                https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/403983-liverpool-to-face-arsenal-in-behind-closed-doors-community-shield

                It would be the best oportunity to see Liverpool and Arsenal assets before the season starts.

      12. Community Article Round-up
        Rotation's Alter Ego
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Afternoon everyone, amongst all the excitement that Mark is back, I thought I'd give some more appreciation to the Community articles we have had recently. There have been 12 in the last 7 days (which is a really impressive rate!) including some absolute bangers. If you fancy reading something different, looking for some more detailed conversations or just have some time to spare, check out one of them below.

        Sorry, I might go on for a bit here but it's worth it 🙂

        The Theory of Everything FPL - RubberDucky

        How many times do we make the same mistakes? Every veteran manager has made the mistake of selling someone too soon or buying too late - can new managers learn from our mistakes?
        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/08/12/the-theory-of-everything-fpl/

        The FPL hunt for the next Pukki - FPL_Swan

        Promoted forwards come and promoted forwards go, but which could offer us some good FPL returns in a season where cheap forwards could be the answer?
        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/08/11/the-fpl-hunt-for-the-next-pukki/

        Value of Premium defenders vs Cheap rotating pair - Hedge

        The latest in Hedge's ever-popular series of articles looking at value, Hedge wrote up some fascinating investigations into which defender setup would have been better this season. Great source of discussion here.
        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/08/11/value-of-premium-defenders-vs-cheap-rotating-pair/

        The Curious case of Richarlison - The Ignorant Player

        After Ancellotti said Richarlison's "minimum target" should be 30 goals in the upcoming season, why have so many managers been burnt by him in the past? Is he just too unpredictable?
        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/08/10/the-curious-case-of-richarlison/

        Dates for the Diary - FPL Mentor

        Gameweek 1 blanks? Incomplete European tournaments? Limited preseason campaigns? The season may be done but preparing for the new one looks increasingly complicated, so Mentor has broken it down into the key things to monitor.
        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/08/10/dates-for-the-diary/

        Fantasy Allsvenskan GW14 - Meltens

        The latest article for Allsvenskan conversation, plus the official Scout picks.
        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/08/09/fantasy-allsvenskan-gw14-pre-match-preamble/

        Player Value - 2019/20 Review - Hedge

        How would we have best spent our budget last season? Hedge analysed the formations and revisited the idea of only having one premium.
        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/08/08/player-value-2019-20-review/

        Should we consider Goalkeepers from the Championship? - FPL_Swan

        Based on the last few seasons, what can we expect from the promoted goalkeepers?
        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/08/08/should-we-consider-goalkeepers-from-the-championship/

        13 years of hurt but still dreaming - RubberDucky

        After 13 seasons of managing a team, what lessons has RubberDucky learnt?
        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/08/07/13-years-of-hurt-but-still-dreaming-fpl-lessons-learned/

        Searching for the next John Lundstram - FPLConifa_

        There's been some excitement around the Leeds defence, will we find our new uber-cheap defender there?
        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/08/07/searching-for-the-next-john-lundstram-leeds-united-cheap-fpl-options/

        Newly Promoted Teams 2010-2020 - RedLightning

        RL's annual look at how the promoted teams faired and what we can expect from the new inductees
        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/08/06/newly-promoted-teams-2010-2020/

        Which Players and Teams flourished during Project Restart - FPL Virgin

        Have the changes to football post-restart changed who we should be looking at for FPL points? It's entirely possible so working out which teams may start the new season well
        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/08/06/which-players-and-teams-flourished-during-project-restart/

        1. RubberDucky
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Thanks RAE i think all of the recent Community Articles have been useful for our Pre Season thoughts and should keep readers in good stead once the game goes live for season 20/21.

        2. Drexl Spivey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Does anyone have a link to Legomané's captaincy formula a few years ago? I can't actually recall how successful it was in practice, but it certainly was food for thought at the time.

          1. Legomané
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Possibly a case of mistaken identity, or I’m having a senior moment — can you describe this in more detail to jog the old memory?! 🙂

            1. Drexl Spivey
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              I had it screen dumped for a while. Pretty sure it was you (hoping so, now that I've mentioned it). It was quite a complex formula weighing up ideal candidates based on individual form, team form, position and fixtures in a particular order. I remember meaning to use it at the end of that season to see how it fared, but lost the screen dump.

            2. Drexl Spivey
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Found it. I do apologise. It would appear the hot topic in question (Captain Pick Strategy) was posted by Net Gains, and there was an extended Captaincy Poll analysis by Ludo.

              My bad.

              1. ZimZalabim
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                can u share the link please

              2. Legomané
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                No worries — glad you found it!

        3. amitmishr
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          So what next for united now.

          They put all eggs in a basket and then did not have enough moolah to take that basket home. With Sancho deal likely to fall, they now focusing on vicinius and fati, both of whom will not come, they may have to try for a deadline day move. Which players may they go for, grealish for 80mn, Zaha for 70mn, or Callum Wilson for 50mn.

          Really horrendous work by Woodward. Why can't united get a half competent guy to do the job

          1. SADIO SANÉ
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            don't really see the obsession with signing someone, front 3 is fine

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

              Front 3 is not fine. One injury and we're done.

              1. SADIO SANÉ
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                what do you mean by done?

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

                  We'd be in big trouble.

                  1. SADIO SANÉ
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    how many games did they miss this season? Greenwood didn't start for most of it, still came third

                    1. SADIO SANÉ
                      • 8 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      unless you actually think United can finish above City and Liverpool with a couple of signings? surely not

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

                        Obviously not. We came third by the skin of our teeth and now it's about consolidating top 4 comfortably. That means we need to improve and an injury to one of the from 3 would be a great hindrance to that. Add to that the competition in the likes of Chelsea is getting better with quality additions to their team. You really think James is good enough to play for a consistent period?

                        1. SADIO SANÉ
                          • 8 Years
                          3 years, 8 months ago

                          he's good enough to stand in for rotation and the odd injury yeah - wanting to spend a load of money on someone that effectively benches a former academy player makes little sense to me, seems lacking in patience - if you don't think Rashford/Greenwood are good enough then that makes more sense I guess

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

                            I would say Jame isn't even good enough to stand in. End product and decision-making are very poor. He has a lot of work to do. Unless you think making up the numbers is good enough for subs. We need depth. We surely can't sit still while Chelsea bring in Werner, Ziyech and Havertz lol. Yeah we still got third but next season should be tougher.

                            1. SADIO SANÉ
                              • 8 Years
                              3 years, 8 months ago

                              if I were you I'd rather money be spent in other areas, but I guess it doesn't matter either way

                          2. amitmishr
                            • 8 Years
                            3 years, 8 months ago

                            With so many games, if someone can rotate well with first 3 all will get enough games.

                            Greenwood can play right and centre, while martial and rashford can play left and centre.

                    2. Rover
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      There is also the difference of CL over EL. Can't rest them in midweek anymore.

          2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Clears a path for Greenwood?

          3. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Seemed keen on King!!!

            1. Rover
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Frankly it seemed more of a vice-versa.

            2. amitmishr
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              We need someone dependable as a rotation option for front 3, perisic would be my choice but Woodward doesn't like players if they come cheap and easy. What's the fun without a bit of an ego fight

          4. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            No idea, I have little faith in the Glazers.

            The team still needs some serious work, I would say 5 top signings... As good as Bruno has looked, United's xG actually hasn't increased since his arrival... which suggests they haven't gotten better at creating chances, their finishing just improved.

            The challenge for next season will be staying in 3rd. Chelsea will be more dangerous if they sign a new keeper and LB, to go with the Werner and Ziyech additions.

            1. Nanoelektronicar
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              I am surprised by those numbers, seemed to me like they really improved in unlocking defences since Bruno arrived.

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

                Bruno has been relatively poor recently. Don't let the pens fool you.

            2. amitmishr
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Probably lucky that other teams had a bad season. Chelsea will improve. Arsenal has done some risky but shrewd business and Spurs may also be in the running. If Maddison wasn't injured, don't think leicester would have fallen off.

              We need a good front 3 rotation option, one backup for Pogba/bruno, left back, central defender and CDM. Atleast 3/4 of the five, if we want to compete

              1. King Kohli
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Shaw & Williams are fine for another season imo.

                1. Piggs Boson
                  • 12 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Williams' best position is RB, he's naturally right-footed. I see him and AWB rotating long-term, with Ethan Laird competing too.

                  We need someone to hold the width on the left so Rashford can cut inside. Williams can't do that. A new LB is needed imo.

                2. amitmishr
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  I would rather let centre back and CDM wait for an year, but cover rw, cam and left back positions this year

            3. pingissimus
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Wonder if this is the Greenwood factor?

              Can't really comment as I've seen little enough of him. But is he any good on the right as a RW? He's obviously dynamite at putting the ball in the net. Someone better as a RW may perhaps improve Xg for what that's worth.

              He's an XG buster too of course. United Xg is static but they have someone to whom XG appears to be an irrelevance.

              1. pingissimus
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Put another way Bruno hasn't affected XG perhaps because his arrival coincided with Greenwood starting. Musing that's all.

              2. Piggs Boson
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Greenwood is definitely a factor, as is Bruno and Pogba.

                Greenwood is one of the best finishers I've seen. He's also very intelligent in his build up play and has good dribbling ability. I've been excited about Greenwood for a few years now, and it's great to see he's starting to bulk up. He was a central striker at youth level, so I expect that to be his position once he gains even more muscle.

                But regardless United need more creative depth. Still not given up hope on Sancho, but it does seem unlikely...

          5. Je suis le chat
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            United are fine, just need to sort out the keeper, and get a couple of quality defenders, could surpass Liv next season.

            1. Nanoelektronicar
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              I would look to close the 30+ points gap first 🙂

            2. amitmishr
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Don't think so, they have no rotation option and have to play the front five game in game out. Bruno is almost tired even now. They need to sit him out q few games

            3. Now I'm Panicking
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              😆

            4. sully29
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Not a chance.

              Solskjaer's reluctance to rotate his starting attack even when they are exhausted is telling. And that's without the extra strain of competing in the CL that Solskjaer has already highlighted.

              In fact they were lucky Covid allowed Rashford and Pogba to return in time for the end of the season as they would not have finished third without them.

              Even in what is apparently their strongest area (attack) they badly need to strengthen, which is why they were targeting Sancho as a big money signing. If they go into the season with their attack as is they will flounder as their quality players inevitably tire again and the back ups put in the sub-par performances that accurately reflect their level.

            5. NIKO.
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              😆

          6. King Kohli
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Hope we don't sign any of the players mentioned.
            Rather get Sarr as a decent back up option for 30m and use the money to get a good CDM and CB.

            1. amitmishr
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              I would take Cavani, perisic, grealish, reguilon and skirniar/koulibaly this year. This might actually be in the budget as well

          7. BrutalLogiC
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Get rid ddg pls, 19m a year for a liability

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

          Sinatra came back.
          Ali came back.

          And now - Mark comes back..........

          1. Gooner Kebab
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Tyson came back

          2. Jordan.
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            are you listening benteke ,come on down...

        5. The Hunt
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          The Saturday Morning preamble was the the highlight of my fantasy week. Surely it's going to be resurrected.

        6. InterUranus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Why can't I set a picture for my avatar? Been here 3 seasons and it's only just occurred I don't have one.

          1. Dynamic
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            The 1 suggests that you've only had your account for 1 season.

            1. InterUranus
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              I have been a member since January 2018.

          2. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            FAQ off
            https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/fantasy-football-faq-and-glossary/

            How do I get a picture next to my name when I post a comment?
            Head on over to http://www.gravatar.com and register for an account (make sure you register with the same email as the one you are registered with here). Choose an image, and this will be associated with all of your comments on site. Your gravatar image should appear next to your comments within roughly 24 hours.

            1. InterUranus
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Thanks for this, at least some people here are helpful.

        7. Dynamic
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Is FFS membership £17.50 this year, even for those who were members last year?

          Have I missed the pre-season discount?

          1. ClassiX
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Extra 5 quid to pay for Mark's return. 🙂

          2. Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            You get "team reveals" though.

          3. bitm2007
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            No early birds was £17.50 as well, but came with a preferential rate lock.

            We have a pre-season offer of £17.50 available right now (this will increase to £20 in August) and thanks to our new rolling subscription you'll also get to lock in a preferential rate in 12 months time too, should you wish to stay with us (of course you can of course cancel at any time).

            1. Dynamic
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Ok thanks.

              Obviously we are already in the month of August, so when in August will this increase occur?

              1. bitm2007
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                I don't think a cut off point has been stated at any point, I just logged out and tried to sign up (like a new member would) and it just states updates to full price in August

        8. HellasLEAF
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Assuming the game launches next week? Would be 3 weeks out..

          1. @persecuted_by_mods
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Not until the fixtures are released

              1. @persecuted_by_mods
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Whenever that is