Tips

The Complete Guide to Scout’s tips and advice for FPL Gameweek 17

Happy New Year and welcome to the Fantasy Football Scout Guide to Gameweek 17 ahead of today’s 16:00 GMT deadline.

As Fantasy managers, 2020 certainly kept us on our toes and its 366th day was no exception with the announcement of additional fixtures for Gameweeks 18 and 19.

Those with assets from both Manchester clubs, Aston Villa and Burnley now have more players available for the upcoming blank and double.

But are you leaping for joy or simply scratching your head wondering what to do?

As Pro Pundit Andy was at pains to point out when talking through the implications of the fixture changes yesterday, the ideal solution will depend on your team and chip situation.

Step forward the innovative FPL Community with two tailor-made graphics.

The first, by Legomané, helps us plan transfers by using a traffic-light colour code to highlight the rest periods between matches:

(click on graphic to enlarge)

And the second, by FPL Zh0u, is a handy flowchart on strategy, which can steer our teams in the right direction.

(click on graphic to enlarge)

Andy wondered if it was time to abandon our plans for Double Gameweek 19, especially with Manchester City now having arguably the most attractive fixtures, at home to Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

The Pro Pundit, who leads the Mods & Cons mini-league, originally wanted to play his Bench Boost chip but is debating whether targeting his transfers to bring back Kevin De Bruyne (£11.7m) is perhaps the better course of action.

Liverpool also enjoy two home fixtures in the upcoming Double Gameweek and Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) had been the default captain choice for many, however two frustrating blanks has dampened our enthusiasm.

But reporting on the match against his beloved Newcastle United, Neale emphasised that it could have been very different for those who backed the Egyptian:

This was one of those games when the margins between double-digit haul and a three-pointer were slim …  But Salah has historically had a profligate side to his game and occasional frustrating afternoons come with the territory.

– Neale

Something our Captain Sensible writer Jan Sienkiewicz does when making his recommendations for the armband, is to consider how the games will unfold.

Often Fantasy managers like to target teams thought of as ‘whipping boys’, but sides frequently adapt their approach based on the opposition – and Newcastle are no exception:

The Magpies resemble a solid outfit in a backs-to-the-wall 5-4-1 but look less so in a 4-4-2/4-2-3-1, conceding goals against the likes of Burnley, Fulham, West Bromwich Albion and Brighton and Hove Albion – all at home – this season when playing without a third centre-half.

– Neale

Leeds United, however, take a different approach: employing the same style of play no matter who they are facing.

The open end-to-end nature of their games means that no team has conceded more big chances than the Whites this season and, at the same time, no team has taken more shots in the box. 

On the Scoutcast, Joe and Az both identified the trip to a rested Tottenham Hotspur as the standout fixture for captaincy. And Jan agreed, making Harry Kane (£11.0m) and Son Heung-min (£9.7m) his top candidates for the armband, despite their recent poor attacking form.

But it was the attacking displays of Marcelo Bielsa’s side that caught the attention of Pro Pundit Zophar. Considering their budget options, the seven-time top 10,000 manager noted:

Raphinha’s numbers, in particular, are excellent as he is second for shots in the box (nine) and joint-top for chances created (10).

– Zophar

And like Zophar in his column piece, David picked out a cheap midfielder whose displays have impressed recently for Aston Villa:

His total of 24 attempts on goal is the highest in the league between Gameweeks 12 and 16, at least 10 more than any other midfielder at the time of writing. El Ghazi is also top of the league for big chances (six) and shots on target (15)

– David

However, it remains to be seen if Ross Barkley (£5.9m), returned to fitness and available for selection, will dislodge El Ghazi from the starting XI.

Moving up in price, the recent performances of Christian Pulisic (£8.2m) have been encouraging. In his Scout Notes on the match at Stamford Bridge, David observed:

It was noteworthy to see Christian Pulisic start a second game in two days and manage to last 90 minutes each time – perhaps suggesting he can offer a robust route into Chelsea’s attack for matches against Fulham (away) and Leicester (away) in Double Gameweek 19.

– David

Finally, Harry Maguire (£5.4m) is the headline differential pick for the New Year. Pro Pundit Tom is impressed by his attacking threat with no defender having taken more shots in the box, and Manchester United sitting top of the ticker from a defensive perspective until Gameweek 25.

Community Competitions and Head-to-Head Fixtures

RedLightning rounded-up the Community mini-leagues and competitions in a hot topic yesterday.

As mentioned, the Manager of the Month in the Community Members mini-league is Josh Paulin. Josh wins a £50 Amazon voucher. Josh, please contact Geoff (geoff@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk) to claim your prize.

The Manager of the Month winners in 2020 were:

SeptemberHamdy Sameeh
OctoberEmmanuel Oloche
NovemberJames Frimpong
DecemberJosh Paulin

And for those interested in the Head-to-Head Leagues, the main page can be linked to here. The fixtures for Gameweek 17 can be found below:

Use the drop-down menus to show your league and division. To find out which league and division you are in, follow the instructions on the main Head-to-Head page.

Once the Gameweek starts, if you click on your opponent’s name you will be linked to their team on the FPL website.

May your arrows be green!

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

2,511 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    panties down

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      zip

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

      that's what she said

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        So the dude is the one wearing the panities. I like it.

  2. ivantys
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Scenes when Coufal is benched again.

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      What would be the point?

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No chance

    3. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      They won't keep a CS anyway so it will be a 1 or 2 pointer

      1. ivantys
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Hard to say, Everton have been garbage in attack recently.

  3. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bottled Salah captain and changed to Son. Please pay off.

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      14 pointer to 2 pointer.

  4. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Mice down! NOW

  5. Weilong7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    gd luck all..

    1. LC1
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You too mate.

  6. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Still making changes 2 minutes past deadline

  7. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Really hope Zaha keeps quiet this week!

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

    Good luck!

  9. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any other new owners around of Maddy here?
    Hope he hits a purple patch:)

  10. just a man
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Last min swap of McCarthy to start over Martinez. Good luck everyone.

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

    I know I'm late but still ... happy, healthy and successful new year to the whole FFS community 🙂

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You too although I hope you get relegated

    2. Party time
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Same to you man. Have a peaceful & successful year buddy

    3. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Made some tough benching calls this gw.

      Martinez
      Dier - Holding - Mitchell
      KDB - Bruno (vc) - Son - Grealish - Podence
      Kane (c) - Wilson

      Button - Bamford - Dias - KWP

      Good luck all 🙂

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

        Benching Bamford for Podence is ridiculous

        1. pundit of punts
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          We shall see

          Bamford due a rest/off day and up against one of the best defense

          Podence plays a leaky defense

          1. Garlana
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Surely their top goalscorer plays against the best defence?

      2. Teomi
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Bamford! Really?

        1. pundit of punts
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          See above

      3. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I would have played all 3 on your bench lol

        1. pundit of punts
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Dias probably comes in for Mitchell anyway

      4. ivantys
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Could pay off. I would have benched Jack instead.

        1. Pukki Blinders
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Even madder

          1. ivantys
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            It's just as mad as those Jack sellers 😛

        2. pundit of punts
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          United are leaky

          Grealish has multiple avenues to points

      5. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Bamford on pens and Podence only plays 65 mins... big call mate, hope it works for you. I started both.

        1. pundit of punts
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Podence tends to get closer to 90 mins these days after Jimenez got injured

          Bamford up against the best defense. Due a rest/off day as well

      6. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Wow, Bamford benched.

      7. COLLIN QUANER
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Like the Podence pick. I have also started him too. I think he gets double digits this week.

        Good luck, Pundit of Punts

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

        Oops

    4. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Any chance Soucek double rises till the next deadline?

      1. Lucky Z
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        For blank GW?

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

        No game next GW.

      3. The Hunt
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Am I right in saying that there will be a lot of transfers for players who aren't actually playing next GW in readiness for the following GW?

        1. Garlana
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Maybe but FHers won't be making any.

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

        No chance imo

    5. Shultan
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      OMG i got rid of Salah by accident!!!
      Was just trying out next moves with rash to salah to see how to upgrade defenders then forgot to undo it did my FT for this week!

      1. Duke Silver ☑
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        F

      2. dark91
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        How would you have 'undone' it? Burning another transfer?

        1. Shultan
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          You know how sometimes you try out transfers before doing them...I forgot to restore salah & left it on rashford! Then did my FT

          1. dark91
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            That's unfortunate. Wishing all the best to Rashford but not on the expense of Salah tbh 😀

            1. Shultan
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Thanks knowing my luck im expecting this to go horribly wrong
              Was planning in doing Salah to Rash next week to get 11 players but wanted Salah (C) this week

      3. COLLIN QUANER
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Pic or didn't happen

        1. Tango74
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Easy to click confirm ,itchy fingers

        2. Shultan
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Cant show a pic but here's my ID 560580

      4. Tango74
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Who for?

        1. Shultan
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Did Salah (C) to Rash
          When I noticed my mistake moved C to Son with a 5 mins to go

          1. Tango74
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Not a mistake as Salah no gw 18 and Man U players play three times

            Good move !

            1. Shultan
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              It was my planned move for next week with 2FTs but did want Salah (C) this week with saints high line.

              1. Tango74
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                We revisit after Utd game lol

                Good luck 🙂

                Son C here

      5. Well you know, Triffic
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        What's your rank?

        1. Shultan
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Its not great im at 1.6 mill as having a horrid season but was at 4 mill 10 GWs ago so been making good progress

    6. leeboy104
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Last minute swap. Started Soucek over Adams. Correct decision?

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

        Soucek is ultimately the answer to all FPL questions

      2. MIGHTY JOE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes

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

      And breathe.

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

      Good luck and happy new year everyone! Thank you to all of you who take the time to reply to posts! I'm way too lazy to 🙂

    9. Doctor Evil
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If I do a transfer to get KDB in to keep but then use my free hit after will I lose him?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes.

      2. dark91
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        If in the same GW then yes

      3. WE GO FOR IT
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes. Any moves made in the week you play FH will be considered a part of the FH. Even if they are made before.

      4. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes. See my name.

    10. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Have the same C as Fudgy, weird feeling of wanting success and failure at the same time...

      1. Duke Silver ☑
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        😆

      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Ha, poor guy.

      3. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Same and now I have a pit in my stomach 🙁

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Change your olives.

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

        Win/win

    11. Tango74
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I did son capt as united play first , and agony when they blank first

      1. MikeS
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Bruno pen incoming

        1. Tango74
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I’m one of these people who love points

          I don’t get y people want there VC to do crap.

          I under yes people will have Bruno as capt but surely not every one will abs 5pt is better than 2pts

    12. FPLShaqiri
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have Raphinha, Rodrigo, Bamford, Dier, Son, and Kane captain. I hope that game is massive.

      1. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Just hope game doest get postponed

      2. MikeS
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        G2g imo

      3. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thats one white team.

        1. FPLShaqiri
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Haha it is. Looks ugly on screen. Needs more reds and blues.

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Think red is my favourite to look at.

    13. MikeS
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Will I regret zaha (c)?

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

        No, because you have believed in yourself and that can never be wrong

        1. MikeS
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Thanks, chasing so needed a gamble

    14. Plagued by indecision
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Brought in Cancelo and switched Kane to Son (c) at the last minute. May the gods of Fantasy Football smile on me in 2021.

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cancelo in is one hell of a risky move, I'll give you that!

      2. Plant Based FPLer
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Reports say Cancelo has covid.

        1. Plagued by indecision
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Look mostly rubbish to me, but I appreciate I have taken a chance here. Bednarek to come in if he doesn’t play.

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

        I did the exact same move! Last minute
        Brought in Cancelo, and changed Kane(c) to Son(c)

        1. Plagued by indecision
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Well if it works out I’ll see you on here for a virtual pint!

    15. Woy_is_back
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son hattie coming up

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I pray

    16. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kane Hattie incoming

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

        Hope so Col, hope so

    17. Fudgy
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son blank incoming

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

        I pray

      2. MikeS
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        This

      3. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Game is tomorrow lmao

      4. Herman Toothrot
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        New Year, Same Fudgy

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

        Great to hear, this means he will haul big.

    18. L'Aeroplanino
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Do FH transfers affect price changes? Are they like WC?

      1. MikeS
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        No

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

        I don't think they matter, but don't remember why I think that

    19. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Season over.

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Bye, bye see you next season.

    20. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Scott Parker has admitted he doesn't know if Sunday's Premier League clash with Burnley will go ahead after a coronavirus outbreak at Fulham.

      Fulham have returned to training despite the six players understood to have tested positive being forced to self-isolate.

      All players and staff have been re-tested today and results should be available in the morning (Saturday).

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Oh now you tell me

    21. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      From what Parker, Pep and Mourinho are saying the PL couldn't organise a p-up in a brewery. Bunch of muppets.

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Parker I don't know but wouldn't trust anything that comes out of Pep's & Jose's mouths.

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

        Job swap with government front bench? Couldn't be worse.