Scout Network

How are the Scout Network approaching Blank Gameweek 18?

After a short break, Fantasy Premier League managers are set for the rollercoaster of Blank and Double Gameweeks in quick succession.

While we wait to find out how top-flight teams will fare in the FA Cup, there are big decisions to be made about chips, transfers and captaincy.

Some of the members of the Scout Network have shared their first passes at draft teams for Blank Gameweek 18 and have discussed their thought processes.

FPL Family

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka

The additional games added to both Blank Gameweek 18 and Double Gameweek 19 made me stop and reassess my plans. Yves Bissouma’s fifth yellow card of the season means I now only have five players with a fixture next time out so I am strongly considering the Free Hit chip.

Both Manchester clubs and Arsenal have the best fixtures of the Gameweek and it makes a lot of sense to go all-out owning players from those three clubs.

However, owning nine players from three clubs also brings a large element of risk. If one of those games was cancelled that would require the whole bench to play and thus for me that is too big a risk in the current climate.

While still targeting these key games and clubs I will also invest in other players who spread the risk factor. The likes of Spurs, Newcastle and Wolves offer good opportunities to safe-guard your Free Hit team while also providing a good likelihood for FPL returns.

Harry Kane, Karl Darlow, Roman Saïss, Callum Wilson and Pedro Neto all look good for spreading the wealth as well as for returns. Especially when you couple them with key picks such as Kevin De Bruyne, Rúben Dias and/or Joao Cancelo, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Kieran Tierney.

FPL Family

FF Titans

How are the Scout Network planning to manage Gameweek 18?

Image showing FF Titans planned team for blank Gameweek 18

After considering several different strategies for Gameweeks 18 and 19 I have decided to opt for prudence.

The new fixtures added to both last week are lifesavers and allow me to focus on bringing in assets from four key clubs: Burnley, Aston Villa, Manchester United and Manchester City.

I have saved two free transfers from the previous Gameweek and I plan to use one ahead of Gameweek 18 to bring replace Mohamed Salah with Bruno Fernandes. This will then give me potentially nine activ players for Gameweek 18 – although this includes Pascal Groß who has only played 90 minutes once in the last six Gameweeks. 

This strategy means that for Double Gameweek 19, I will have another two free transfers so I will probably sell Kane and one of my midfielders to buy back Salah and a cheaper forward option.

With what’s going on, I will make my transfers as late as possible. I am also currently planning to use my Triple Captain chip in Double Gameweek 19, while saving my other three chips for later on in the season when other Blank and Double Gameweeks will undoubtedly be scheduled.

FF Titans

El Statto

How are the Scout Network planning to manage Gameweek 18? 1

FFScout’s RMT tool showing El Statto’s early thoughts on blank Gameweek 18 team selection

I will be using my Free Hit chip this week as I focused my transfers on bringing in players who play twice later on next week in Double Gamweek 19.

I have not pushed the button yet though just due to the uncertainty around games currently so will just spend the break looking at who to bring in before making the changes just before deadline, just in case.

Initial thoughts will be to have at least one, probably two Man City defenders, likely Dias and Cancelo, as well as their talisman De Bruyne.

Fernandes and Kane are also very high on my priority own list for this Gameweek. Those four will form the basis of the side and then I am planning to target the better fixtures so players such as Bukayo Saka against Crystal Palace, Karl Darlow and/or Callum Wilson for a trip to Sheffield United.

El Statto

FPL Nymfria

I have been a little unlucky with the rescheduling, mainly because I had my team set-up quite nicely for a Free Hit in Blank Gameweek 18 and a Bench Boost in Double 19.

I sold De Bruyne three Gameweeks ago for Raphinha, mainly because of form, but with a view to fund Robertson for the Double Gameweek. In the short-term that has given me better returns, however, with Manchester City’s fixture now added to Gameweek 19, I fear this has left me at a long term disadvantage. 


For me, I think I’m now locked into a Free Hit whether I want to be or not. But if you’re still deciding? Here are three questions I always ask myself:

1. Am I selling players that I have a lot of value tied up in and that I want to keep long-term for players that don’t blank? If the answer is yes, then I would Free Hit. In my case, I’d be selling Son, Salah, Robertson and so on, for players I’m unsure I’d want to keep long term.


2. Am I happy to muddle through with just a few players in a Blank Gameweek, in the hope the Free Hit serves me better down the line? If the answer is yes, then consider not Free Hitting. The answer to this one is yes for me, however, I only have four players for Blank Gameweek 18 unfortunately, and one of them is a goalkeeper. So I can’t really ‘muddle through’ even if I wanted to.


3. Are there players that really worry me for either the blank or the double that I can’t get without a Free Hit? If Yes, use your Free Hit in the appropriate week. For myself, no City is an issue, and with less players available to me in the Blank Gameweek, I would take one Gameweek of cover in 18 and look to add using a possible hit for Double Gameweek 19.

Teams I will be targeting for my Free Hit are Manchester City, Manchester United, Spurs, Aston Villa & Newcastle. I will then fill in the cabs avoiding Burnley and Sheffield United.

Whilst I am 95% sure I will be Free Hitting for Gameweek 18, I will not be hitting my chip until the final moments, as once it’s used, it can’t be retracted. I am going to use the international break as a chance to consider the Wildcard strategy. Though with good returns in the last three Gameweeks, I am a little reluctant to mix things up too much, I would need to have four-plus players I would want to change, and keep long term, for me to consider it seriously. 

FPL Nymfria

Bendito Fantasy

Spurs’ Heung-Min Son in action against Leicester

Para esta jornada 18 usaremos el Free Hit. 

Tenemos varios partidos interesantes y buenos equipos de los cuales echar mano. Empezamos en la portería y defensa, Newcastle enfrenta a uno de los equipos con peor record ofensivo, de tal manera que tenemos a Darlow y Fernandez en la selección acompañados por Cancelo y Stones, estos dos últimos se encuentran en gran estado de forma y enfrentan a Brighton, el city no debe tener problema con clean sheets en este encuentro. 

Seguimos con el medio campo. Son es nuestro primer nombre en la lista, enfrentan a Aston Villa y en el papel no luce sencillo, pero Son sigue siendo uno de los jugadores mas rentables en FPL este año. Gündogan lo acompaña, esta elección fue dificil pero necesaria para poder acomodar la delantera, Gündo ha encontrado la portería en los últimos encuentros y mantiene un puesto titular por el momento. Finalmente Rashford y Fernandes cierran el medio campo. Manchester United tiene un partido que luce complejo contra Burnley, sin embargo sus mejores hombres en ataque son este par y tendrían nuestra confianza de cara a la jornada. 

En el ataque tenemos a Harry Kane, que es el factor decisivo para no tener a KDB en el equipo, el emparejamiento con Son lo hace sumamente atractivo para esta fecha. Lacazette contra Crystal Palas luce muy atractivo debido a la buena forma que está mostrando el Francés, y finalmente Wilson de Newcastle para un ataque con muchas posibilidades de gol.

En la banca el primer cambio es Saka de Arsenal, quien podría entrar en lugar de Gündo de último momento. 

La tarjeta está activada y pueden haber cambios conforme los equipos jueguen en la copa, pero esta es la primera versión del equipo. 

Benito Fantasy

What’s happening in the Scout Network?

Scout Network: Thinking ahead to the blank and double Gameweek in 18 and 19

Scout The Gameweek – The new podcast from the Scout Network

Next week sees the launch of the new Scout Network Podcast – Scout the Gameweek. Each week, the show will feature a different member of the Scout Network, Scout Academy and/or FFS International to discuss the upcoming Gameweek, look back at the learning points from the previous round, considering transfers, chip strategy and captaincy options.

El Statto

El Statto’s website Jumpersforgoalposts.info saw an impressive 10% increase in traffic during December, as his site continues to grow. The website also passed the 55,000 total views milestone since its September launch. Over the festive period, there were some tweaks and new features added to the interactive stats section of the website. This update allows FPL managers to look at how many returns each player has provided compared to team-mates/others in similar price or position. Articles will be back on the website soon with a look at Free Hit differential and less-discussed options aside from the big hitters.

FF Titan

FF Titan spent some time over the festive period looking at the the FPL Cup and offering advice to managers regarding cup strategy, which started in Gameweek 16. They also looked at the Premier League penalty statistics to date to see what value the penalty takers can offer us as FPL Managers.

Over the next few weeks FF Titan are planning a piece on the FPL Instagram community, looking at the most interesting accounts in this rapidly growing FPL community.

FPL Family

Over the festive period both Lee and Sam were busy with appearances on the FPL Show on both Christmas Eve and New Years Eve as well as on the Official FPL Podcast ahead of Gameweek 17. The FPL Family also passed the 8,000 followers milestone on Instagram. Throughout January, Lee and Sam will be making regular appearances on the FPL Show and Podcast as usual and both will be active on Social Media discussing their Free Hit plans for Gameweek 18 – Lee on Twitter and Sam on Instagram. Sam will also be launching the Scout The Gameweek podcast for us her at Fantasy Football Scout.

FPL Nymfria

Nymfria’s YouTube channel has been reaching record numbers and interactions over the festive period, as new graphics and content continues to be developed and rolled out into the New year. FPL Nymfria has also published a lot of content surrounding her plans for her Free Hit in Gameweek 18 and possible Bench Boost in double Gameweek 19.

Sam FPLFamily <p>Fantasy Football Scout's General Manager. Half of the FPLFamily. Pundit on the FPL Pod, Fantasy Show and Sky Sports News&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

909 Comments Post a Comment
  1. abcdef3
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Can't find any improvements on this team to be honest, do you feel differently?

    Darlow
    Dias, Maguire, Tierney, Stones
    De Bruyne, Fernandes, Son, Rashford
    Kane, Wilson

    Steer, Saka, Davis, Douglas

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Like it, not so sure on double spurs

    2. Evil Buddha
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If using FH then a great team. Wait nearer the deadline to be sure no changes needed.

    3. Dreaming of glory
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      SAKA over Wilson, actually think s Utd keep a cs

    4. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good of course, but prefer Lacazette to a 4th Defender and prefer 2 City Attackers to 2 City Defenders (City far likely to score 3 or 4 than keep a CS, IMO).

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        and yes - Saka over Wilson.

      2. poulteren
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Brighton have the third lowest shots conceeded FYI. I thknk city are more likely to concede goals than score lots

        1. Catastrophe
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I get the logic, but I can't see this being a 1-0 or even 2-0 (I also can't foresee a Sheff Utd CS for obvious reasons!)

    5. poulteren
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      i would 100pc play saka. Palace have been awful recently and stats show they conceed a huge number of chances down the flanks.

      Newcastle have conceeded the same number of shits as sheff. united FYI.

  2. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If it looks like Foden is going to start, which do you prefer on FH?
    A) Foden and Wilson
    B) Saka and DCL

    1. abcdef3
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A comfortably

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

      I like Saka too much. B.

      But my current FH draft has a midfield of Saka Foden KdB Fernandes Son

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Hmm interesting. Do have a draft like that. Would allow second striker to be Kane. But I quite like Rashford....

    4. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Don’t think you’ll ever be sure he’s going to start so probably Saka... prefer Wilson to DCL though.

    5. Dreaming of glory
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      U can’t be sure he plays that’s the problem with him

  3. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Souceck and play with 10 in gw 18

    Or saka ?

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Hmm tough. I like Soucek, but Saka is looking very good and has great fixtures. Don't quite trust Arsenal yet though.
      Probably Saka

    2. abcdef3
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Soucek

  4. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I agree with Merson and I thought the same even before he mentioned. Chelsea should definitely play with 2 strikers upfront. The team is suited for that not copying the Liverpool formation.

    Maybe go the Fergie 4 4 2 with Werner and one of Tammy/Giroud next to him.

    Thoughts??

    1. Party time
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah. It makes sense but zlpord isn’t good enough. For all we care, he may not even know how to use that formation.

        I prefer if they use 4-5-1 they have a lot of midfielders, wingers & 4-4-2 could cause an upset in the locker room

        1. Party time
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Lampard*

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

          Giroud-Werner is a partnership that could work brilliantly, though short-term.

      • Lemonade
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Hey,
        I've just WCarded, team looks like:

        Lloris/Meslier

        Justin/Dallas/Cash/Tierney/Dias

        Saka/KdB(c)/Son/Foden/Rashford

        Wilson/Bamford/Martial

        I'm still unsure whether to go for soucek/smith-rowe & sterling or stick with Son and Foden.
        What would you do?
        Thanks 😀

        PS: had lacazette last week and worked out well, I'm willing to take a pun and go for martial this time around

        1. Steve The Spud
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I just can’t get on board with a WC that doesn’t include bruno

        2. Tsparkes10
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          This. Rash, martial to Bruno, cavani. Or... Martial, Rash, Saka to Ings, Bruno, Smithrowe?

        3. poulteren
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          foden is huge rotation risk

      • Rudi Van Disarzio
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Afternoon all would you save FH for this -4 team
        Martinez
        Mitchell, Stones, Holding
        KDB(C) Son, Neto, Fernandes
        Kane

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yes

        2. abcdef3
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yes, 7 of those players will be in the majority of free hit teams anyway. So you won't lose loads of ground I wouldn't have thought. Obviously you can also gain any lost ground back with a FH later when everyone else has used theirs.

        3. aleksaa2
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          yes

        4. Party time
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Yes

        5. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Lucky Adams and Wood owners. Do we have a number how many of them got Soucek points as gifts?

          The point i am trying to make that for us not that lucky managers we should abolish bench and have Douglas and Davis or Burke o that 4.2m guy in mid and maximum 1 4.5m defender on the bench and that's it.

          That's why I am considering a 12 pt hit next week play the BB and get over it.

          Benched hauls are most painful.

          I still remember Van Der Vaart haul on my bench in GW 37 in my best season.

          If I payed him I would have finished top 10.

          What you think about this strategy of Uber cheap bench ?

          1. Crystal Alice
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            super risky in the current climate with matches being postponed in the 11th hour. Bench needs good value nailed players with points potential

            1. FPL Daniel
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Not for me. I never get bench pts. Covid or no covid. That's the way for 11 yearsb

          2. WWW.
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            It's partly why I want to use BB now (gw19) while I have a playing bench. Less pressure down the line to have a strong bench

        6. The Reptile
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Gundogan or Rashford? _ For a hit to get 9 players not using FH

          I already have Bruno and KDB (and Stones)

          I was set on Rashford but Bissouma is suspended and Lamptey injured for Brighton so thinking Gundogan as he played further forward in the last match.

          Comment please as just can't decide!

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

            Rashford, as Gundogan always liable to Pep roulette.

            1. The Reptile
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Yes there is that - I think I'll settle on Rashford - Mahrez is another option but as you say, who knows if he'll start

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

          I have Kane, Son and Dier and 12 DGWs for 19, with 1 free transfer and money not much of an issue for the players I've earmarked as replacements (Bamford, Salah and Dallas)

          Should I make just the one transfer, and who? Or all 3? They are playing Liverpool and Chelsea in 20 and 22.

          1. Dreaming of glory
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            If u fancy Spurs to keep a cs getting rid of dier would be meh

            Other 2 could pay off but I’d prefer 1 of Kane & son

            Thinking son > salah & dcl > Antonio myself so I can keep Kane

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

              Yes, was leaning towards keeping Dier.

              Just have to lose one of Son/Kane, and it's a difficult one. If I can stretch to afford Vardy, would people still keep Kane over Son?

        8. barton fc
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Best option on free hit? (will have son)
          A) grealish + lacca + Wilson
          B) kane + AWB + fernandez (NEW)

          1. Dreaming of glory
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            A

        9. McSauce
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Shaw or Saiss on a FH?

          1. Dreaming of glory
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Saiss will play, that doubt over shaw and Burnley will give it a better go than Everton imo

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

            Saiss. Great punt in general

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

            Really would like to go for Shaw, especially with his three fixtures.

            Hi is also first choice. However, he will probably be rotated for one of the games

        10. Catastrophe
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          How's she looking? Half decent bench to protect against any COVID/rotation shenanigans:

          Darlow
          Cancelo, Tierney, Maguire
          KDB, Fernandes, Son, Foden, Saka
          Kane, Lacazette

          (BPF, Wilson, Clark, Kilman)

          Cheers

          1. Dreaming of glory
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Fh? Think it’s decent. Actually fancy s utd to keep a cs rest is spot on

          2. Cruyff's Eleven
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Foden, or Mahrez?

        11. Dreaming of glory
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Option A or B? New players in bold

          A) 9 players in a -4
          Lowton - cancelo - TIERNEY
          Grealish - son - Bruno - KDB
          Kane - dcl

          B) 11 in fh
          PATRICIO
          Cancelo- TIERNEY - DIAS
          Grealish- son - Bruno - KDB - SAKA
          Kane - LACAZETTE

          Going to hold off until last minute with corona but what’s ppl initial thoughts?

          1. aleksaa2
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            A. You have a decent team and you can save FH for later.

            1. Dreaming of glory
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Thanks

          2. poulteren
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            wolves conceding a lot of shots and goals

            1. Dreaming of glory
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Ummm thanks

        12. Gemma817
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          FH 18
          Darlow
          Tierney, Shaw, Cancelo
          KDB, Sterling, Son, Bruno, El Ghazi
          Wilson, Laca

          we gtg? no bench

          1. KEN YA DIG IT
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I like the El ghazi Punt, good luck

        13. Patron
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Mates, how is this FH team with power 5 mids:

          Leno
          Yedlin, Cancelo, Bellerin, AWB
          Son, Salah, Bruno, Rash, Sterling
          Wilson

          Cheer!

          1. FPL Daniel
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Excellent. See below. Maybe add Laca and Saka

          2. Dreaming of glory
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Switch a defender to put another up top?

            1. Patron
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Its bassically Bellerin/Saka and Im priced out of playing Saka.
              Anyways I like cs potential more this gw.

              Thanks!

              1. Patron
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                basically* lol

          3. aleksaa2
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Salah isn't playing in GW18 lol

            1. Patron
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              lol, I meant KDB sorry 😀

              1. aleksaa2
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                I really like it. G2G

                1. Patron
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  hvala 🙂

                  1. aleksaa2
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    hahahaha moze i tako. Nisam uopste ni gledao sliku

                    1. Patron
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      Hahah srecan Badnji dan drug 🙂

          4. Drogo
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            No Tierney?

            1. Patron
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              This team is actually 0.0 itb so... im fine with Bellerin.
              thanks!

        14. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          If I was FH, I would consider Laca, Sterling and Rash big time

          1. Patron
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Saka is great value, but I like Bellerin with a cs potential more, also takes this valuable mid spot for me.
            Laca is great, just prefer Martial over him.

            thanks for the reply!

        15. merin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Thoughts on this FH-draft?

          DDG (Darlow)
          Maguire Cancelo Tierney (Clark Mitchell)
          KDB Sterling Bruno Son Saka
          Lacazette Wilson (Davis)

          0 ITB

          1. Dreaming of glory
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Double Utd def could be a let down and but otherwise solid

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

              Yeah, If I were to downgrade DDG to Steer and play Darlow, I'll have 1.3 more to spend. Who would you upgrade? Maybe one of Mitchell or Davis?

        16. Drogo
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          On FH:

          A) Foden

          B) Gundogan

          1. Party time
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Gundogan

            • Stormbringer22
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Foden

            • Cruyff's Eleven
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Mahrez?

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

            I'm going to have to make a very annoying decision to make in GW19 so wanted to start weighing pros and cons now.

            Keep one:

            A) Grealish
            B) Son

            Grealish has a double in 19 (provided he doesn't get booked). He also has better fixtures than Son in GW20 and for a few weeks after. Potentially one of the best value players in the game. Underlying stats are actually superior to Son and that's as an individual and Villa as a team.

            Son is on better form. I have more value vested in him with a high chance of wanting to bring him back. But he has a SGW in 19 and Liverpool in GW20. However, he also has a stored FUL fixture for a potential DGW in 24 or 26.

            Which do you keep?

            1. Wayne Enterprises
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              I’d keep Son

              1. Camzy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Basically it'll boil down to:

                Son + Watkins vs Grealish + Ings

                Does that make it easier?

                1. Stormbringer22
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 4 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  When you put it like that, I think I actually like the second one better... Ings is so clinical. Are you bench boosting as well or just fielding 11 with DGW fixtures?

                  1. Camzy
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    It's a BB. I'm currently leaning Son out as well but it really hurts. I don't wanna do it! But it's necessary in order to upgrade Davis.

                    1. Stormbringer22
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 4 Years
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      So, are you doing a -4 or a -8?

                      1. Camzy
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        3 years, 2 months ago

                        It's only -4.

                        Son + Davis > Ings + Raphinha
                        Grealish + Davis > Watkins + Raphinha

                        I'm leaning Son out right now. Stats and fixtures say to keep Grealish but Son is literally the top scoring player in the game and is a stat buster. Just really hard to get rid of him...

                        1. Stormbringer22
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 4 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          I know what you mean. What are you doing regarding James? Do you think he will be fit for the BB?

                          In a similar dilemma about Son myself. Need to get KDB back in and not sure whether to get Son or Vardy out.

                          Either Son + DCL > KDB + someone (-4)
                          or Vardy + Soucek > KDB + Brewster (-4);

                          Stupidly did the reverse transfer last week by doing KDB + Brewster to Vardy + Soucek so now I feel compelled to keep Vardy and Soucek. Son will have to go for me. Really don't want to though

                          1. Camzy
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 13 Years
                            3 years, 2 months ago

                            Yep in your case it's easier imo. Son + DCL out is way better than losing Vardy + Soucek.

            2. Stormbringer22
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Keep Son and look into bringing Grealish back in down the line if you feel strongly about him back in your team. As you say - value tied up in Son makes it more difficult to get him back. Feel like Son is more explosive as well and he can surprise you against Liverpool as well.

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

              Considering the same. It comes down to Salah + Ings with Grealish being kept or Salah + Adams/Antonio with Son being kept. It's a major dilemma but I'm not worrying about it now, besides if Jack gets himself suspended vs Spurs that's my decision made for me.

              1. Camzy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Yeah I suppose. If he gets booked in GW18 the decision will be easy. But if not...

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

              Son for me. He’s a season keep imo and I think he can do well enough against Villa and Sheffield.

              1. Crunchie
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                I am keeping Son as my only single week player but bought him at 9.0 Camzy

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

              Same dilemma. Originally I was never going to ditch Grealish, like you say, one of the best value players in the game, posts incredible numbers still and talisman etc.

              However I've come to my own conclusion that I'm keeping Son and ditching Grealish. Lots of factors to consider but it boils down to, who am I more afraid of not owning? Son's ownership cannot be ignored, his form and ability to score and assist with rubbish stats has gone on all season now so forget the stats.

              The role Grealish now plays has changed recently also and this was another clincher. Since El Ghazi and Traore have stepped up, Grealish now plays in midfield and his goal threat has gone down considerably, while his creativity has gone up a lot. There doesn't look to be a place for grealish in the front 3 anymore but he is creating an incredible number of chances (that get missed). I can see him continuing to play well, and getting assists and bonus but does that translate to huge scores in FPL?

              Son on the other hand will continue with the same role as normal, he will continue to score goals, and has decent likelihood of assists with how many set pieces he takes. The difference for me is that Son scores a goal which is 5pts vs 3pts of an assist, and because he takes so few shots and doesnt miss big chances it almost always translates into 2 or 3 extra bonus. The likelihood of big FPL points for Son then is much higher. The fixtures are pretty equal in my mind also, they turn better for Grealish soon, and look worse on paper for Son but I think theyre actually better for Son. Playing Liverpool, chelsea and city in the next 6 or so is not bad for Son, we already know how spurs will play and who they will look for goals in those games. And those defences are not scary right now, and Son loves to score against City. Factor in that Son has an EO of ~80-90%+ and Grealish is around 40-50%, choosing Grealish over Son can be quite painful. 1 final thing to throw in is that Spurs are possible to have doubles in 24/25/26 (all 3 not 1) which are not very far away, and Son will be almost essential at that stage, unless you own Kane.

              Its painful losing Grealish but for me, it leaves me with a midfield of Salah - KDB - Bruno - Son - Soucek. I wont swap soucek for Grealish because that will ruin my team and you cant argue with Soucek value and Grealish is hard pushed to take anyone elses place. Watkins could be a viable cover considering how creative Grealish is going to be, he will likely assist Watkins.

              1. Camzy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                I appreciate this in-depth reply. Had to hop in meetings so couldn't get to it but I read it now and I like the thought process. Will see if things change in 18/19. Still time to decide.

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

                  Welcome mate! Yep still time to decide and we know alot changes. Im actually going to lose Grealish going into the double 19, since fixtures arent great for that. And Son isnt bad against sheffield. I guess another factor is what price you paid for both, for me grealish is worth 7.5, buy back at 7.7 so he's easy to fit back in. But if you bought at 7m, thats a big chunk gone..

            6. Die Hard
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Son, if you have too choose, but it’s a tough call

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

            Martinez (Forster)
            Cancelo, Stones, Bednark* (Dallas,Douglas)
            Salah*, Bruno, Son, Grealish (Soucek)
            Kane, DCL, Bamford*

            With 1FT and 1.3 itb was thinking of the following transfers:

            GW18 - Salah > KDB (Gives me 9 players)
            GW19 - Douglas > Coufal + Use BB

            Solid plan?

            1. Party time
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Yeah

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

              Can't decide on Sterling vs Kane on a FH. With Kane I feel like I'm just worried about ownership and with Sterling there is potential to get ahead.

              The problem is if Kane does well my FH may end up with less points than non FHers.

              1. Party time
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Sterling

                • 2OLEgend
                  • 3 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Sterling imo

                • CONNERS
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  It's relatively easy to get both provided you have a reasonable TV.

                  1. FPL.team
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    Of course, it's easy to get any 2 players but I'm not up for downgrading the rest of my team for both.

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

                  Thanks all. I will go with my feeling that Villa won't be pushovers and Kane still hasn't scored in 5 from open play.

              2. The Onetouchables
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Free Hit this week, going to go for a 3-5-2 and take a punt without Kane & hide behind the couch...but...isint that the fun of it?

                O/R: 4,700

                de Gea
                Holding, Cancelo, Mina
                Fernandes, Son, Sterling, Saka, De Bruyne (C)
                Wilson, Lacazette
                0.4 ITB

                Going to review this later in the week with covid/injuries. Let me know your thoughts!

                1. marcos11
                  • 3 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Newcastle defender over Mina maybe?

                  1. The Onetouchables
                    • 3 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    You see I think I have to go with my gut, I recon Everton are due a result. Not many people are talking about it. Both aren't keeping a clean sheet lately, but, richarlison being back should help.

                    Stats are saying everyone selling Everton players but if it's a right call on Mina its a good way to make points as a differential.

                    1. marcos11
                      • 3 Years
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      Suppose he offers a goal threat aswell

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

                What’s a good reason to play WC over FH in GW18?

                1. bitm2007
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Poor team after GW19.

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

                  If you don't have a team that's any good for GW19 and if you want to preserve the FH for GW29.

              4. Drogo
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                FH team:

                Leno
                WanB - Dias - Alder - Tierney
                Rash - Son - Bruno - KDB
                Wilson - Laca

                G2G?

                1. Party time
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    Yeah. I like it. It’s different but I don’t trust Arsenal’s defence.

                    I prefer Darlow or even Martinez on FH imo

                    1. Drogo
                      • 11 Years
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      I actually have Darlow as my second keeper atm, will probably downgrade one of them and distribute the cash.

                2. The Mighty Hippo
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Brewster will score his first goal for Sheffield United next week to troll everyone who's bringing in Newcastle defenders and/or goalkeeper in their FH sides.

                  1. Party time
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      Brewster is pants

                    • Gudjohnsen
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      Can't see it happening tbh

                    • CONNERS
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      He has to break his duck eventually I suppose.

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

                    Quick question:
                    For DGW19

                    A) Stones & Mane
                    B) Lowton & Salah

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

                      You can buy a lot for Mane, but Mane can't buy you Stones

                      (A)

                  3. marcos11
                    • 3 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    Salah > Rashford gw18
                    Dcl > Vardy gw19
                    Son > Salah gw21

                    Good idea or is getting rid of Salah a knee jerk decision?

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

                      I'm pondering the same. Don't like being without Salah for his double though

                      1. marcos11
                        • 3 Years
                        3 years, 2 months ago

                        Thinking I could regret it and I’ll lose 0.2 in value but I have an extra fixture this week and a better gw20, if Rashford is the correct pick.

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

                    McCarthy, Forster
                    Robertson, Cancelo*, Coufal, Targett*, Lewis*
                    Salah, KDB*, Bruno*, Son*, Soucek
                    Adams, Brewster*, Bamford

                    2ft 0.1 itb

                    I have 7 players for GW 18. Lewis a doubt.

                    A FH
                    B Lewis > Yedlin/Mari and just go in with 7 players

                    Probably captaining Bruno/KDB

                    1. Crunchie
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      You will lose your 2FT is you FH.

                      can you get to 9 players with a team you are happy with?

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

                        Yes but it would mean removing Robertson and Adams. I really want to keep the for the double. Have 0.2 tied up in both of them.

                  5. mad_beer ✅
                    • 9 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    Trying to decide of Salah to KDB is worth a -4. What do you think?

                    1. Oooo Matron
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      Yeah, gives an extra gameweek plus nice doubles & great long term fixtures

                      1. mad_beer ✅
                        • 9 Years
                        3 years, 2 months ago

                        Good thinking. Thanks.

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

                      If you want to Cpt is certainly worth it

                  6. Oooo Matron
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    Thoughts on this plan?

                    GW 18
                    McCarthy to Martinez
                    Salah To Sterling

                    Martinez
                    Dias Dier Konsa
                    Fernandes Grealish KDB Son Sterling
                    DCL Brewster

                    GW 19
                    DLC to Ings

                    Martinez
                    Dias Dier Dallas
                    Grealish Fernandes KDB Sterling Son
                    Ings Bamford

                    Subs: Konsa, Brewster, Balbuena

                    1. Crunchie
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      Yes like it.

                    2. mad_beer ✅
                      • 9 Years
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      Looks like a solid plan. Well done.

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

                      I like it. Think that’s a solid team and not convinced BB is going to knock it out of the park this week.

                      Fwiw I’m also considering Ings

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

                        BB next week I mean