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17 August 2021 430 comments
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Former Charlton Athletic and Ipswich Town midfielder – and, it turns out, Fantasy Football Scout reader – Matt Holland joined Az over on our YouTube channel on Monday.

The Republic of Ireland international shares his love of, and frustration with, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) in a half-hour chat with the FPL BlackBox co-host.

Matt talks about being part of a Fantasy-esque scoring system in the Charlton dressing room, discusses professional footballers playing FPL and reveals how he was instructed not make any changes to his squad despite being privy to early team news in the Premier League studios!

The Mark Sutherns devotee (who isn’t?) also chats about his Gameweek 1 set-up, FPL managerial style and commentating on games in which he’s rooting for Fantasy returns, before answering some questions from the Scout community.

Our huge thanks go to Matt for giving up his time and speaking to us.

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  1. Werner Bremen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A Benrahma

    B Sarr

    C Other player for 6.0 (who)

    1. BERGKOP
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

    2. MJF
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Who you selling?

        1. Werner Bremen
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Barnes. I don't think he'll do anything against WH. And I need the money for Son in GW3.

          1. Paqueta Rice
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Newcastle scored 2 against WHM and you don’t think Leicester can? Barnes then has Norwich

            1. Werner Bremen
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              He's much better at home than away. I don't think he's in his top form yet, after the injury. It was supposed to be a one week punt in GW1.

      • KunDogan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        A

      • I Member
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        That's tough. Lingard still being linked to West Ham perhaps sways me in the direction of Sarr.

      • Team Bobcat
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Not enough data on either those two or anyone else.

        May as well stick with who you have

      • Tcheco
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Sarr out of those 2

        But I would stick wit Barnes until GW3

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Not conclusive but almost enough.
      Pep Guardiola on Ilkay Gundogan: "It was something in his shoulder. We will see what happens tomorrow with the doctor. It looks like something happened."

      1. Davros
        • 16 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        He said this on Sunday so should be news by now

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Oh thanks.

    4. PocketZola
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      With gun out will grealish play deeper?

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

        *potentially*

      2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I wouldn't say so, I'd say Rodri will sit in and Grealish and KDB will be ahead of him

      3. MJF
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Guessing what Pep will do is a fool's errand.

        • The Knights Template
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Sweeper

        • pjomara
          • 15 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Didn't spend £100m for Grealish and play him deep

        • Lovren an elevator
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I don't get why Grealish isn't playing higher! I see him best used as WF, certainly don't see him going any deeper

      4. Arfaish
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I have Iheanacho and Gundo to deal with.

        Obvious transfer is Iheanacho to Antonio before the rise and drops tonight.

        Is Gundo worth a -4 to Benrahma, my concern is it leaves me with triple West Ham which I’m not crazy about? I have Greenwood already.

        1. Ruudy Van
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Antonio I’d say yes.

          Mid probably with looking elsewhere.

          1. Arfaish
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Not sure there is a wealth of other options.

            Sarr or Barnes off the top of my head. Pogba not an option as I have Bruno and Greenwood already..

        2. Original Sin
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Hold onto Gundo for now? I also have him, is he guaranteed to miss GW2?

          1. Arfaish
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Not confirmed but Peps quote above doesn’t seem like good news

        3. rh6462
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Who do you have on the bench?

          1. Arfaish
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Amartey, Bissouma and White in that order currently

            1. rh6462
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              I'd say probably worth a hit then if Gundogan definitely out?

              With 15m for two you'd have a lot of options including Ings, DCL, Richarlison up front, with maybe Sarr an option in midfield?

              1. Arfaish
                • 13 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Yes Sarr would be the other option and both him and Ben let me potentially upgrade Toney to DCL too although I want to give Toney another couple weeks at least.

                Ings I have, Richarlison has always disappointed me and missing gw4 puts me off. Thanks I think you’re right.

                1. rh6462
                  • 7 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Yeah this seems good to me. I have Toney too and think he deserves a few weeks.

      5. Original Sin
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Current team
        Sanchez
        Cresswell Tsi Shaw
        Bruno Salah Gundo Barnes Benrahma
        Vardy Ings
        Steel Ayling Amartay Obafemy

        Any suggestion to get Son in the team?

        1. rh6462
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Assuming you are happy with a -4 (otherwise Bruno / Mo would need to go which I'm guessing you aren't keen on!), what about Gundogan & Vardy to Son & DCL?

          1. Original Sin
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            DCL or Antonio? I will still have 0.5 itb in that case. Is DCL preferred due to fixtures or is he assumed to do better than Antonio/Wilson?

            1. rh6462
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              I'm always worried about Antonio fitness-wise, so I have DCL, but Antonio probably more explosive and exciting to own. Fixtures for both look great so just a personal call I guess. Suggestions Antonio price rise coming tomorrow I think, not sure if you're concerned about losing 0.1...

        2. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Downgrade Ings and Barnes and upgrade Gundo. No easy way without a WC.

          1. Original Sin
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Maybe I will give it 1 more week. Ings---->Toney ( +1.5m)
            Barnes----> Sarr(+1m)
            But that would weaken the front 3 more than my liking I guess.
            I would prefer downgrading Vardy maybe to Antonio after next GW. Who knows, maybe Vardy will explode and will want to get Vardy back after selling him. It's just so difficult

      6. Ruudy Van
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Need to bench one out of this lot…?
        Have AWB x2. Raphina x 1.

        My thoughts were originally tsmikas…

        Sanchez (Steele)
        AWB Shaw TAA Tsmikas (Manquillo)
        Salah Bruno Mahrez raphina Benrama
        Ings Toney (Obafemi)

        1. Davros
          • 16 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I would sub AWB over Tsim (check out clean sheet odds below)

          1. Ruudy Van
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Perfect use of information thanks

      7. GW2 Fixture and clean sheet odds
        G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        GW2 fixture odds can be found here:
        http://prntscr.com/1pz9zys
        (Provided by Betbrain)

        GW1 clean sheet results:
        CHE: 52% ✅
        LEI: 45% ✅
        LIV: 41% ✅
        MCI: 39% ❌
        BHA: 37% ❌
        EVE: 35% ❌
        MNU: 35% ❌
        WHU: 33% ❌
        ARS: 32% ❌
        AVL: 32% ❌
        BUR: 30% ❌
        NEW: 24% ❌
        WAT: 24% ❌
        SOU: 21% ❌
        BRE: 20% ✅
        WOL: 19% ❌
        TOT: 17% ✅
        LEE: 14% ❌
        CRY: 12% ❌
        NOR: 10% ❌

        GW2 clean sheet odds:
        MCI: 58%
        LIV: 57%
        BHA: 45%
        CHE: 40%
        MNU: 38%
        TOT: 36%
        AVL: 35%
        CRY: 34%
        BRE: 32%
        WOL: 28%
        LEE: 27%
        WHU: 26%
        LEI: 25%
        WAT: 23%
        ARS: 21%
        EVE: 21%
        NEW: 19%
        SOU: 16%
        BUR: 9%
        NOR: 5%
        (Provided by Betbrain)

        Clean sheet totals will be listed from GW4, can't see much point in doing them as early as now tbh.
        Happy with my 91 points with #TeamBruNO gonna roll my FT and probably end up with the armband on Mahrez as planned.

        Whatever your moves or thoughts going into this GW, I wish you all well and will catch up again next week. Good luck!!!

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Cheers for this as always - love the Mahrez captain pick!

          1. G-Whizz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            You're always welcome 🙂

            If I'm totally honest I built my team with him and that fixture in mind.

            Got to hold my nerve and go through with my plan for now...

        2. I Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I wanted to cap Mahrez but the uncertainty is putting me off.

          1. Alisson WondHaaland
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            If I had him, I wouldnt doubt his minutes tbf. Would think hard about captaincy though as Salah and Bruno will be very popular and have tasty fixtures too

            1. I Member
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              I was so confident he would start the Norwich game before the season started but less sure now after he was hooked before Torres and Grealish. Still think he starts though, just not sure if it's worth the risk.

              1. G-Whizz
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                I'm gonna hope he's banged before being hooked, but we all knew the risks beforehand with #PepRoulette...

              2. G-Whizz
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                I see where you're coming from, it's up to you, you could well be right that it is risky, but no risk no reward in my book 🙂

            2. G-Whizz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              I have Salah so Bruno is the one to fear (again) for me this week...

              1. I Member
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                I'm on Bruno atm. I do think I fancy the Mahrez differential over Salah who doesn't have a great record against Burnley.

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

                  After what we experienced in GW1, Salah in front of a febrile Anfield crowd is too good to miss.

                  1. I Member
                    • 10 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    The home advantage is real, that's for sure, I just think Southampton are leakier than Burnley.

          2. G-Whizz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            What uncertainty?

            Minutes? I reckon (famous last words) he'll be fine...

            1. I Member
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Minutes to an extent but also the fact that City scoring 5 doesn't even guarantee him a haul. They have so many players the points can be shared by.

              1. G-Whizz
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                True, but if you don't buy a ticket, you can't win the Lottery 😉

                1. I Member
                  • 10 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Indeed. I'm just thinking what will annoy me more; Mahrez hauling but I didn't captain him or a Mahrez captain fail while Bruno and Salah deliver again? Surely the latter.

                  1. G-Whizz
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 8 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    If I had all 3 of those then surely you have to go with FernandYes?

                    I own Salah, but can't ignore City's fixture, just looks too good to not have a go at it imo, but #PlayYourOwnGame, you gotta do what's right for you...

        3. Collie01
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks for this!

          1. G-Whizz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            You're welcome mate!

        4. Riverside Red
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks...similar strategy
          Torn between Mahrez and Salah for armband...

          1. G-Whizz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Tough innit?

            Where's your head at at the mo? Salah or Mahrez???

            1. Riverside Red
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Salah

              1. G-Whizz
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Could be golden, but I'm gonna (I think) stick with Mahrez...

        5. jia you
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Liverpool 57% and I'm benching Tsimikas atm...probably won't end well

          1. @persecuted_by_mods
              4 years, 8 months ago

              I can see them conceding, especially with how shakey tsmi looked at dealing with crosses.

              1. jia you
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                yeah, think I'll take the chance and play Toney over Tsimikas

            • jia you
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              ...sticking with my plan and leaving the armband on Mane myself...GL for GW2 mate!

              1. G-Whizz
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Good luck!

                Apparently he has a better record v Burnley than Salah does so could be good for you that!!!

                1. jia you
                  • 9 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  thanks hopefully won't be punished as severely as in GW1 at least

            • G-Whizz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              :O

          2. Cruyff's Eleven
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Mahrez is a differential in his own right. No need to be greedy IMHO.

            Salah captain.

            1. G-Whizz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Hmmm, that's a great point tbf!

              Now you got me thinking...

            2. G-Whizz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Damn you Cruyff's! 😆

              The more I think about it, the more it starts to make sense to go Salah...

              1. Cruyff's Eleven
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Sorry 🙂

                1. G-Whizz
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 8 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Sorry not sorry 😉

                  Thanks for taking my blinkers off, appreciate that 🙂

                  1. Cruyff's Eleven
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Community!

                    Thank you for all your support too G!

                    1. G-Whizz
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 8 Years
                      4 years, 8 months ago

                      One love

            3. G-Whizz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Didn't work out, but actually happy I played it sensibly in the end, even if Mahrez came on and scored.

              Don't think my ancient heart could take it if I had gone with Mahrez (C) and Salah had scored and Mahrez blank lol

              1. Cruyff's Eleven
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                LOL

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

            Thanks!
            Really all I needed to decide if I should be agressive and go for Raya or play it safe with Sanchez 😉
            Fielding Sarr made me want to play Raya, but on the other hand it is good to have the penalty-taker and the potential penalt-saver playing against each other I guess.

            1. G-Whizz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Sorry, what was the question?

          4. Old Wulfrunian
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            cheers

            1. G-Whizz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              My pleasure Wulf 🙂

        6. Sean
          • 16 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Presume Veltman either plays or is not in the squad given his close contact status?

          1. Holmes
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            yes

        7. iL PiStOlErO
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          If Madders is out longer term the next week with 2ft Mahrez+Maddison to Grealish+Pogba?

          Sanchez Steele
          TAA Shaw Targett White Tsimi
          Salah Bruno Mahrez Maddison* Bisso
          Ings Antonio Scarlett

          1. Holmes
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Prefer Son and Sarr over Grealish and Pogba

            1. iL PiStOlErO
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Good choices but want to have at least 1 city.

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

            Keep mahrez and squeeze money from def If needed?

            1. iL PiStOlErO
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Or I can do that yes...just hope there wont be that many price changes.

        8. devoncop
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Home teams evidently getting the boost from home crowds in GW1.

          I am left deciding between having Son and Lukaku or Bamford and Fernandes......

          Almost inevitable Lukaku will rise in price in the next week or two as Chelsea move towards better fixtures assuming he and Chelsea manage to gel.

          1. Miguel Sanchez
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Don't think there is any inevitability about a Lukaku price rise in the next couple of GWs. A lot of people's squads aren't structured to accommodate a premium forward just yet and the fixtures will put many off.

            1. Pacer.
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Sounds hopeful. This and twitter is an echo chamber for a small number of people. What matters is what the other 6.5m managers do

          2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I'm thinking of moving for him this week too but I don't see him rising in price too soon unless he bags something like a brace against Arsenal. He's too expensive for most and for most people to get him in they'll need to drop one of Bruno or Salah which not many will do until he's firing and has better fixtures.

        9. askildu
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Should I wait to sell, and/or should I sub anyone?

          My XI:
          Sanchez
          TAA - Shaw - Digne - Tsimikas
          Salah - B. Fernandes - Buendía
          Toney - Antonio - Ings

          Bench: Foster, Barnes - Bissouma - Veltman
          Thanks!

          1. rh6462
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            If Barnes is your first sub, surely easy to hold a transfer this week. Tough call on who to bench.

          2. Sun God Nika
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I have Digne and im currently using him as a 1st sub
            I have barnes playing instead as everton defence is worrying me

        10. Ostrich Baby
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Got 1m in the bank, Vardy to Lukaku sound like a decent move?

          Team is:

          Sanchez and Steele

          Tsimikas, Shaw, Trent, Ayling, White

          Salah, Bruno, Buendia, Sarr, Harrison

          Toney, Vardy, Perica

          1. iL PiStOlErO
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Would wait at least 1 more week

          2. rh6462
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Definitely, quite jealous you've got such an easy move whilst having Salah and Bruno and three other good midfielders as well!

          3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I'd give Vardy this week unless you're insistent, he looked really sharp against Wolves and there's a history of goals in games between Leicester and West Ham

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

            I just did that move, I had Vardy and 2m ITB for this precise reason.
            Chelsea's fixtures aren't great, but I think Lukaku's gonna get a lot of goals.

            I know some will suggest historically he does better against the weaker sides, but he's a far stronger player than he was and the entire Chelsea system will be centred around him.

          5. Ostrich Baby
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            thanks all! I think I'll go for it.

        11. Squib
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Work colleague just had this on his screen:

          Sanchez (Steele)
          Shaw Reguilon Veltman Tsimikas (Coady)
          Salah Bruno Son KDB
          Antonio Dennis (Obafemi)

          Surprised. If Dennis actually comes good then could this actually be a goer?
          Maybe even KDB to Grealish/Mahrez and upgrade forward line. Got me thinking now...

          1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah it depends on him. I was looking at the possibility of this for around GW4 (ignoring Raphinha / Salah being unavailable):

            Sanchez (Steele)
            TAA Maguire Lowton (White Tsimikas)
            Salah Son Raphinha Sancho Benrahma
            Dennis Lukaku (4.5)

            That would be what I could get to using fts. Problem is relying on Dennis as a starter most weeks, will have to see how viable that is. It also would leave me a bit stuck as I have a 4.5 fwd, Tsimikas that might be out of the picture by then and then having to play one of White or Lowton and having no flexibility.

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

              Definitely interesting and something I assumed wouldn't be viable at all but maybe not

          2. The Knights Template
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Keep your eyes on your own work, Squibby.

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

              Hard to keep focus when you see things like that

          3. The FPL Units
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I think I would prefer Lukaku or Kane (at citeh) over KdB. Looks viable though assuming Dennis is fit.

          4. Lord.
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Dennis might be a goner.

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

              Injured?

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

                He went off with an injury, and is yellow flagged.

        12. I Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Would you captain Mahrez if you had Salah and Bruno? Big risk but a wounded City will surely take out revenge on Norwich infront of their fans. I guess I would be happy with a Mahrez haul even if I didn't captain him though so perhaps better to play it safe.

          1. primal33
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Personally I'd captained Salah, VC Bruno and roll with Mahrez as a regular starter.

            A Salah/Bruno haul will hurt a lot more at this stage given their high ownerships.

          2. Miguel Sanchez
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I think it is right to play it safe with Bruno or Salah for the captaincy this GW and just enjoy an differential Mahrez points offered.

          3. lilmessipran
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I have Mahrez as well..but I don't intend to captain him at all with Bruno and Salah having lovely fixtures as well

          4. Pacer.
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Sounds like sunk cost fallacy to me

            1. I Member
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Yeah it does a bit. Feels like I'm trying to justify picking him in GW1 by captaining him now.

          5. Team Bobcat
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I see the logic. I just don't trust Mahrez period.

            I have Torresand Cancelo neither getting the armband.

            Salahmy choice folowed by Ings

        13. primal33
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Current team looks like this:

          Sanchez
          Digne TAA Shaw
          Bruno(VC) Salah(C) Benrahma Barnes
          Ings Toney Antonio

          Steele Ayling White Brownhill

          Best option is to roll the FT and keep an eye on the Barnes situation, right?

          1. I Member
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah very easy hold mate.

          2. The Knights Template
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Yes indeed

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

            Easy roll

        14. hustler7
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Is Veltman to Tananga a good transfer, is he a pretty sure starter?

          No other issues and if I risk Veltman not playing I have to play ESR against Chelsea.

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

            Nope. Veltman should be nailed when he completes his Covid protocols, and Brighton's fixtures are good. Tananga did a number on City, but there is a lot of competition for the shirt.

          2. cjhewitt92
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I was wondering similar thing. I planned to look at Spurs full back.
            Doherty was tempting based on history at Wolves with Nuno. Will be interesting who plays on Thursday in Europe for them.

          3. Team Bobcat
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Time will tell. He appears better defensively than Doherty and has age on his side.

            If thats what Nuno wants and that was the case last weekend it worked.

            Be curious to see does he start against the weaker teams. That will be the acid test for me.

            On my watchlist also

            1. Lovren an elevator
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Doherty against the weaker teams perhaps?
              That could be de-lish. Still looks like Reguilon or noone for me atm

        15. Ha Ha Land
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          What to do with Grealish? Sell or hold.
          Took him thinking he would be more attacking threat but mostly played in middle of the pitch.

          1. The FPL Units
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            A hold if you have him.

          2. I Member
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Surely you can't sell before Norwich at home.

          3. Chilli Heatwave
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            The patient answer is give it another week. Personally I don’t like the pick so I’d sell now

          4. Nate(U)dog(ie)
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Keep for Norwich, but personally I don't think he'll be a great pick for a while. He's moved to a very different team and has far more players around him that can do damage going forward than before so that should help, but I think he needs to learn to be a bit more direct and greedy at times. I always thought he didn't shoot enough when in good positions at Villa and instead of trying to get into more good positions when he'd have the chance, he'd often play a pass instead. I just think he needs to alter his game a bit at City, for his own sake and to integrate with the rest of the team better. You could see it on Sunday, he got on the ball a lot but City needed to speed up the play but instead he slowed it down a lot, KDB was the only one that really injected some urgency into the play when he came on. I could be miles away on this and he'll hit the ground running but it's just what I think from him at Villa and seeing how he played against Spurs.

            1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              I need to stop writing essays for simple answers

              1. @persecuted_by_mods
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  I appreciate it #213

          5. Ha Ha Land
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            How nailed is Alonso.
            He seems to be in spot kick duty and providing crosses like old times.
            Any suggestions. Should I buy him or wait for Chelsea fixtures to ease up.

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

              Very nailed

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

                I read that as Antonio

            2. The FPL Units
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Not nailed

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

              Not nailed at all.

            4. Lord.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              He will lose his place to Chillwell.

          6. cjhewitt92
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            We all know Pep likes to Rotate. After defeat to Spurs and Norwich as next game. Any thoughts about a punt on Jesus. No other senior strikers at club, barring a Kane arrival this week.

            Do city fans see pep sticking with Torres or false 9 leading the line

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

              I don't think anyone can answer this with any conviction

            2. I Member
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Too big a punt for me. City players are don't buy, don't sell (unless you have Gundo and he's ruled out) in my opinion.

            3. Team Bobcat
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              I dont think pep can disregard Torres based on the first game of the season against Tot when his whole midfield as a whole malfunctioned.

              At least thats what i am trying to convince myself. Owner here and guessing he starts

              1. Lovren an elevator
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                So Torres is ahead of Jesus?
                (As the no.9)

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

            I regret not going for three big hitters from the start which was the plan.. changed my mind last hour before deadline.
            I really want Sonny!

            1. I Member
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Went Mahrez and Greenwood. Could've easily had Son and Benrahma/Sarr instead. Hopefully Riyad does the business this week.

          8. Chilli Heatwave
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Play one, digne or Tsikmas?

            1. The FPL Units
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Tsi

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

              Digne for attacking returns

              1. Chilli Heatwave
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Didn’t catch the game the other day, did he look as attacking as ever under Benitez?

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

                  He wasn't as attacking as Tsimikas.

                  1. G-Whizz
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 8 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    This...

                    1. Chilli Heatwave
                      • 7 Years
                      4 years, 8 months ago

                      Thanks for the info

                      1. G-Whizz
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • Has Moderation Rights
                        • 8 Years
                        4 years, 8 months ago

                        Hope it helps 🙂

            3. Miguel Sanchez
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Tsimikas

            4. I Member
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Tsimikas

            5. cjhewitt92
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Did not see Everton game, but Leeds still had moments on set pieces against Man Utd, and Bamford and Raph did not really seem at their best. Plus there is big unknown of Bamford. He scored goals last year with no fans, but will he return to championship performance in fans back, where he missed chances.

              Digne could haul and just edges it, if Benitez lets him get forward

          9. Zimo
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Everyone ready for Barnes to score a hattrick next week after u sell him?

            1. Miguel Sanchez
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Hope he looks good but stays quiet vs West Ham and then I hope to bring him in vs Norwich at 6.9

            2. @persecuted_by_mods
                4 years, 8 months ago

                I have him but I can already see he's a non option this season, early subs for someone that isn't elite are a no no. Gonna shift him on pretty soon, Leicester simply have too many options now

                1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
                  • 5 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  He's still getting back to full fitness after being out for so long, he's not being substituted because he isn't playing well (well not always anyway).

                  https://mobile.twitter.com/FFScout/status/1425842121467179015

                  1. @persecuted_by_mods
                      4 years, 8 months ago

                      Oh yeah I just mean in general, I have no guarantee he plays 90 and I think he won't most of the time because of the other options

                      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
                        • 5 Years
                        4 years, 8 months ago

                        Normally I'd agree but I think Barnes is a special case, Rodgers loves him and has left out Leicester's star player from the end of last season so far just to incorporate him, also changing their formation again. Even in preseason games where he did play Iheanacho, he seemed to want Barnes to be in his usual position so much that he tried Iheanacho as a no.10 which didn't really work. I'm not saying he won't get a rest or shift the formation again here and there but I think he's pretty safe

                  2. zes
                    • 10 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Isn't this priced into players at this price range though? Greenwood, Jota, Barnes etc are 7-8m because they aren't nailed but are explosive. If they were nailed, they'd be 8-10m

                2. Pacer.
                  • 11 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  gonna learn to shoot overnight!

                3. No_Mo_Salah?
                  • 13 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Too soon to sell... made that mistake last season. Will keep for next 2 and then take stock.

              • Von Lipwig
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                I still want to bench boost gw2, but Veltman is a problem. 4.5m to spend, will probably only play GW2 unless of emergency (like TAA, Coufal, Shaw not playing).

                Suggestions? Cheers!

                A) Amartey (WHU a)
                B) Pinnock (CRY a) (I know I know, but the fixture is juicy and I'd be happy with 6 points)
                C) Ayling (EVE h)
                D) Tanganga/Sanchez/Dier (WOL a)
                E) Duffy/Webster (WAT h)
                F) Holgate (LEE a)
                G) Coady (TOT h)

                1. Miguel Sanchez
                  • 9 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  C - think you have to go for the one with the most attacking potential in case the clean sheet goes

                2. Sean
                  • 16 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  No point making a decision until Friday, you'll know definitively if Veltman will play by then

                  1. Von Lipwig
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    I heard he was isolating? Thanks both

                    1. Gomolon
                      • 11 Years
                      4 years, 8 months ago

                      Lol I heard Veltman had a fight with Connolly so he got dropped

                      1. Von Lipwig
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 7 Years
                        4 years, 8 months ago

                        Ooh. Will we know before next game? Intrigue...

                        1. Gomolon
                          • 11 Years
                          4 years, 8 months ago

                          I hope so, I'm on Veltman and Ayling for my 4.5 defenders, I'd expect it to be a one game dropping, the lads say sorry and he's back next game. However I'm not a Brighton fan, will be checking the pressers

                          1. Von Lipwig
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 7 Years
                            4 years, 8 months ago

                            Cheers, Good luck

              • Heard Island Tangerine Exil…
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Guys & Gals, I have a (*Son*) dilemma: This is my team

                Sánchez

                Alexander-Arnold
                Shaw
                Tsimikas

                Salah
                Raphinha
                Fernandes
                Greenwood

                Ings
                Toney
                Antonio

                (subs)
                Gunn,Veltman,Tierney,Brownhill

                ..my dilemma is whether to plan in a 4 point hit ahead of week 3 to get in *Son* for Greenwood. It would involve swapping out Veltman for Amartey (+0.5m), Toney for Scarlett (+2.0m) to allow Greenwood for Son (-2.5m).

                I want to keep Tierney for GW4 (NOR) - hence why I don't get rid of him (yet) but may well transfer in Hoever (4.0) for him eventually to allow Brownhill (4.5) to be upgraded to Smith-Rowe (5.5).

                All this would mean a probable 4-5-1 formation in GW4 as even if I get rid of Ings ahead of GW4 starting I'd probably get Pukki (fixture swing) who I may not fancy enough away to Arsenal in that game week). I normally go 3-4-3 so 4-5-1 is a bit foreign to me.

                Thoughts please - should I stick with Greenwood over Son & stick with my original plan of Ayling for Veltman (GW3), Pukki for Ings (GW4), Bamford for Toney (GW5) etc, etc.

                1. Team Bobcat
                  • 9 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Pretty decent team.

                  If you gave a Son dilemma after one week with that team i worry what dilemmas you will have every week going forward considering kane lukaku and others are yet tk get up to speed.

                  Team is nice. I say hold for at least another week

                  1. Pacer.
                    • 11 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Son is a very fair dilemma in the here and now. Guy is 10m and just picked up 10 points v City from one shot. Who else is going to score all spurs points

                    1. Team Bobcat
                      • 9 Years
                      4 years, 8 months ago

                      I worry more about your train of thought in this process than the here and now dilemma of Son.

                      There will be different here and now dilemmas between now and the end of the season.

                      If this is how you approach and deal with the potential Son here and now dilemma by tearing up your whole team you are in for a very long season.

                      I dont have Son or Bruno and I have no immediate plans in getting either.

                      I am holding my Brunoless and Sonless team with aporehention but that was the decision i made when selecting my team for gameweek one and beyond.

                      I feel i just need to give my team a chance and i see likewise here

                  2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
                    • 5 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Agrew with this. It's a lot of planning to get in one player, and that's one for 10m, I don't know what you'll need to do for those around the 12m bracket that you don't have if you want them. If Raphinha and Salah aren't available for GW4 then you'll be very light too. I don't think it's worth it.

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

                  Tierney has a ~6 point ceiling, so no different to doing the Son transfer in GW3 for free.

                3. Sean
                  • 16 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Strongly against any plan that involves you taking a 4 point hit and still having no playing bench from GW4 onwards (Tsimi Amartey Scarlett). I'd rather stick with the squad structure you have now which is fine and use your transfers to play around fixtures until wildcard (Ings to Jimenez, and Greenwood to Sarr/Benrahma if he loses his place look like good moves for starters).

                4. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
                  • 5 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Not a fan of this plan - at the start you have to make sacrifices with low TV - yes I wanted Son in gw1 but I wanted Bruno and Salah more, and I felt that if you were going to do Bruno Salah AND Son then you had to commit to that straight out of the gate, i.e. a skeleton defence and Mbuemo in the XI.

                  Also I actually plan on getting Greenwood so any plan that sees him get shipped out already is not great imo

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

                    WTF. You don’t need to make those kind of sacrifices to accommodate Son.

                5. Pacer.
                  • 11 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Just ditch TAA after Norwich. It's apparently blasphemy but as pretty much nobody will EVER captain TAA he's unnecessary. It simply didn't matter that he's the best defender in the game, 5.0s and 5.5 defenders offer comparable value, which is all that matters is you're not putting the armband on him.

                  Worst case scenario for TAA is that he outscores a 5.5 by 10-20, best case is 40-50.

                  There is every chance that Son outscores Raphina/Greenwood or take your pick of a 7.5 by 100 points. And Son offers a captain choice, and covers you when he's a big captain choice. The only reason Son isn't the obvious essential right now is that he started v City.

                6. Del Griffith
                  • 13 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Just forget about Son, don't think Watford will get battered at all.

                  1. Heard Island Tangerine Exil…
                    • 10 Years
                    4 years, 7 months ago

                    Great replies everyone. Actually very helpful. Like the hold-fire concensus re: Son transfer in. Will consider Jiminez (7.5) for Ings (8.0) rather than Pukki (6.0) ahead of GW4 and will consider the option of getting rid of Trent after Norwich at home but I can't see me getting a 5.0m (or 4.5) defender in his place to allow getting Son in for Greenwood for GW3 although it would be Ayling if anyone. Will also keep an eye on Greenwood's starting XI likelihood & position as any serious threat might necessitate Sarr/Benhrama if not force my hand to get Son as Sean rightly said.

                    Evolution not revolution & stick to a plan eh!

              • cjhewitt92
                • 12 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Tuchel, may rotate like Pep in attacking areas.

                With Lukaku arrival could Chelsea move back to 352, Werner excelled as second striker at Leipzig. What people expect Tuchel to do

                1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
                  • 5 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  He said he'll try both, I'm guessing it'll be Havertz or Werner with him when play with two up top, but he seems open to who it could be (he said something like "we'll see who fights for places around him"). I'd say he'll shift between the two systems depending on opposition. I think Havertz still has a good chance to flourish like this though but hard to know yet

                2. Miguel Sanchez
                  • 9 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  4-3-3 or 4-2-2-2 if he changes formation

                3. Sean
                  • 16 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  There will be lots of rotation and hard to guess, Werner will play less for sure, thankfully we have until GW7 to figure out his plans.

              • Parsnips
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Is Dennis fit?

                1. @persecuted_by_mods
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    He's cute

                  • Annie
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Yeah, I kind of like him.

                    1. Andy_Social
                      • 13 Years
                      4 years, 8 months ago

                      "Denis Denis, Oh With Your Eyes So Blue"...

                    2. G-Whizz
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 8 Years
                      4 years, 8 months ago

                      😆

                  • KunDogan
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Wait for press?

                  • Gomolon
                    • 11 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Solid 8/10, I would

                2. zes
                  • 10 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  After averaging 2.76 goals/game with Madrid, working wonders with Newcastle with a frontline of Ayoze Perez, Gayle and Joselu and leading Everton to be the second highest team in terms of xG in the opening weekend (ahead of Chelsea, Man U etc), what will it take for people to stop with the myth that Rafa is a 'defense-first' coach?

                  1. Rassi
                    • 11 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    More than one game with Everton.

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

                    A game that doesn't involve Southampton

                  3. Old and Slow
                    • 6 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Against Southampton.... Really??

                  4. Miguel Sanchez
                    • 9 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    A bigger sample size

                    1. @persecuted_by_mods
                        4 years, 8 months ago

                        Than his whole career? Which is zeslinguers point

                        1. Miguel Sanchez
                          • 9 Years
                          4 years, 8 months ago

                          I was referencing the Everton xG this weekend.

                          1. @persecuted_by_mods
                              4 years, 8 months ago

                              I know, everyone seems to be, it just doesn't make sense to me as a response to what he's saying. Each to their own I guess!

                      • @persecuted_by_mods
                          4 years, 8 months ago

                          Saying it's "only 1 game" and "just Southampton" doesn't really negate the point Zeslinguer is making does it which mentions rafas whole career. I say that as someone that does disagree, as you can be defense first and still attacking

                        • Lord.
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 11 Years
                          4 years, 8 months ago

                          He'll play the cards he's dealt, which in this case means lots of crosses.

                      • mcginnntonic
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 6 Years
                        4 years, 8 months ago

                        Is mbeumo likely to keep hold of the striker role ? anybody know?

                        1. ☈☾
                          • 8 Years
                          4 years, 8 months ago

                          Nope their main formation is 4-3-3

                        2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
                          • 5 Years
                          4 years, 8 months ago

                          Seems unlikely especially as they signed Wissa too, he's still a good option though

                      • Dybala10
                        • 8 Years
                        4 years, 8 months ago

                        Play Coufal over Ayling?

                        1. @persecuted_by_mods
                            4 years, 8 months ago

                            Not for me

                          • iL PiStOlErO
                            • 6 Years
                            4 years, 8 months ago

                            Le Couff

                        2. Rassi
                          • 11 Years
                          4 years, 8 months ago

                          I wish FPL would allow managers to roll over 2 gws so one could have 3 FTs. Would encourage (and reward) more forward planning.

                          1. Gomolon
                            • 11 Years
                            4 years, 8 months ago

                            I think it does the opposite, allows players to make big changes to their team in one week!

                            1. Rassi
                              • 11 Years
                              4 years, 8 months ago

                              As a reward for planning ahead. Kind of my point.

                          2. Andy_Social
                            • 13 Years
                            4 years, 8 months ago

                            I think it would be a great idea to allow unlimited rolling transfers. Play it patient enough and you'd get a full extra wildcard. Make just one transfer though, and you reset to one Ft the following GW.

                            1. Rassi
                              • 11 Years
                              4 years, 8 months ago

                              Not sure about resetting transfers. Interesting idea though.

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

                            I would like that yeah.