Podcast
8 December 2021 995 comments
J0E J0E
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In this latest episode of Fantasy Football Scout’s Meet the Manager series, Joe chats to FPL Community Twitter favourite Benny Blanco about how to make Fantasy Football fun again, amid tough Gameweeks for many.

Impressively for Benny, this includes organising a real-life football tournament for Fantasy managers to test their silky skills on the pitch.

This ‘North v South’ football match involves a number of notable FPL managers, including FFScout’s Az, to raise money for the charity Street Child United.

Further details of this event, which takes place in Birmingham in May 2022, can be found via Just Giving and on Twitter.

In this latest episode of Meet the Manager, Benny chats about his role as an FPL Community ‘joker’ and the importance of putting the fun back into the game, even if a Gameweek has been a stinker.

But while he doesn’t take himself too seriously, he has been more conscientious about the management of his own FPL this season. Following a pair of top 50K finishes in recent years, he now finds himself on the edge of the top 10k.

He discusses his career history and why this season has been so successful. His key strategies over the year so far are also discussed.

In addition, Joe and Benny look ahead to Gameweek 16 and beyond and why these coming fixtures are so pivotal to our seasons.

This chat is available below:


The Meet the Manager series is where Joe chats to FPL managers with a strong record of success, have an interesting view of the game and/or who are offering the community a unique take on Fantasy management.

995 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    First team area of Tottenham training is closed due to Covid, all but confirms Brighton game will be postponed

    1. DycheDycheBaby
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Yikes

    2. GENERATION X
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Kane owners no balls left in place to kick

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

    Let the carnage begin...

    1. Lieutenant Frank Columbo
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Ominous….

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Omicron*

  3. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Spurs might get a TGW at some stage, hello Harold!

    1. No Professionals
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Yay 6 points

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Harry Kane? Lmfao, Son, Reguilon, Moura all better options

      1. GENERATION X
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        You forgot Scarlett

        1. Make United Great Again
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          LOL

    3. waldo666
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A massive 5 point haul, no doubt.

      1. Pompel
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        That's better than TC Sterling got me last season, Kane season before and Agüero before that

    4. acidicleo
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      18 points incoming as a TC..

    5. Baps Hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      That would make TC Son a possibility.

  4. BeWater
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    The Spurs v Rennes game is off so Brighton has to be.

    1. acidicleo
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Hmm..
      Need to sort kane, reguilon and Sanchez.
      Well Toney too..

  5. Ady87
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    How many Son transfers in were there before this news?

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A lot

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      64k

  6. mitro
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Rashford + Antonio
    Or
    Cr7 + Bowen

    1. waldo666
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

    2. space mercenary
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

    3. Make United Great Again
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

  7. Meechoo115
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    With no lockdown and new variant surely means high risk of many postponements in next two months

    1. pablo discobar
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Agree. Spurs v Brighton just the start imo

    2. @persecuted_by_mods
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Yes, considering how transmissible it seems to be even if initial signs show it is milder than the last variant

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah, met with my mate who’s quite high up in the NHS, but he admits there isn’t really much info on it yet bar knowing that it looks to be more transmissible.

      2. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Yes. Mildness good generally. But not for players forced to miss games

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

          And it has been mild in South Africa, where people basically have had either delta or beta already. We have no real knowledge yet how it will affect unvaccinated or older people.

    3. CRAZY TRAIN
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      No hit strategy for me for now as I fear they will be inevitable in the weeks to come

  8. DycheDycheBaby
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Well I guess everyone is doing Son to Fred then?

  9. Make United Great Again
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A. Son > Bernardo Silva -4
    B. Play Watkins vs Liverpool

    1. DycheDycheBaby
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Probably A because that's what I'll be doing.

    2. TopBinFc
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B, wouldn't take a hit with playing players on bench

  10. BIG TONES
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Been offline for a bit, so apologies if this has been asked a lot. Is Son out?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Well Spurs aren’t playing.

      1. BIG TONES
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Didn't know that either! Been out of the loop. Cheers

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          All good. Just look up.

  11. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Do we think Origi could get a start or two before AFCON or get 30 mins or so a a game?

    He’ll surely start when Mane and Salah go also. He sorts out my money issues.

    1. TopBinFc
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Wouldn't go there, he might not be nailed when they go and they won't be gone for long, Jota or Firmino are the only options

  12. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Looks like it’s time to get a strong 15!

    Thinking
    Kane, Williams, Sissoko >>> Antonio, Bowen, James

    Decent enough?

    1. Lieutenant Frank Columbo
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Sure is.

  13. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    In your opinion what is the best 9.5m DF/MF combo for this team for the next few GWs

    Meslier Foster

    Rudiger Cancelo Livramento Mitchell xxxxxxx

    Salah Rapinha Jota ESR xxxxxxxx

    Ronaldo Jesus Armstrong

    Any ideas would be welcomed

  14. CRAZY TRAIN
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Son > Jota it is then

  15. Assisting the assister
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Wildcard draft - any tweaks? .4 ITB

    DDG Foster
    Taa Cancelo Livra Dalot James
    Jota Salah Bowen Bernardo Brownhill
    Ron Ant Dennis

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Decent

    2. acidicleo
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Nice team..must have good TV..
      Maybe Ben Davies over Dalot for nailedness..
      Douglas over Brownhill?

  16. FDMS All Starz
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Sanchez to DDG worth a -4? Foster is backup

    1. acidicleo
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I think yes in the long term

  17. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Son, Toney and Reguilon shaped problems to figure out then

  18. Meechoo115
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Seriously spurs postponement is only tip of iceberg imo….

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Leicester next

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

        Probably, but there is some "luck" because Spurs vs Leicester would have been next week. So that means less chaos.

  19. tabby98
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Someone please help me here

    Guaita, Foster*
    TAA, Rudiger, Cancelo, James, Tsimikas
    Salah, Bernardo, Raphinha, ESR*, Sissoko
    Kane, Toney*, Dennis

    1FT
    £1.2m ITB

    Thinking Kane —> Ronaldo & replacing Toney for a hit?

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Kane ESR to Ronaldo Bowen

  20. Meechoo115
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Weird how overall UK Covid infections been high all season but footballer infections ramping up now

    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Its not really weird with this new variant. Cases are doubling by the day.

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Are they? 40k to 50k each day for months

        1. Meechoo115
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Does Omicron infect footballers more?

          1. Drip Doctor
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            It infects people more.

            1. Meechoo115
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              But UK infections increasing 10pc a day. Footballers being infecting much more!!

              1. Drip Doctor
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 15 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Because they get tested. Most of the general public won't bother getting tested.

                1. Meechoo115
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 4 Years
                  4 years, 7 months ago

                  Good point. You should tell the government !!

                  1. Drip Doctor
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 15 Years
                    4 years, 7 months ago

                    The fact so many footballers are starting to contract the virus again is a worrying sign for the weeks ahead. Hopefully the strain is milder.

                    1. Meechoo115
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 4 Years
                      4 years, 7 months ago

                      Must be

                2. Rupert The Horse
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  4 years, 7 months ago

                  Yeah good point. I’ve never even had a test.

                  1. how now brown cow
                    • 11 Years
                    4 years, 7 months ago

                    Horses get covid?

                    1. Meechoo115
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 4 Years
                      4 years, 7 months ago

                      Omicron infects footballers and cows. Not lawyers and horses

                      1. how now brown cow
                        • 11 Years
                        4 years, 7 months ago

                        Gulp

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

                        At least dogs should pretty safe, one has died, that I do know.

                    2. Rupert The Horse
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 13 Years
                      4 years, 7 months ago

                      Possibly, but then I wouldn’t know as I’ve never had a test.

    2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 17 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Seems like a lifetime ago, when Boris was saying he had no problem shaking hands with everyone.

  21. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    So many possibilities with Toney out. Where do you go?

    Ronaldo & some 4.5 bench fodder mid
    King & Sterling
    King & Bowen (Leaving a ridiculous amount in the bank)

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 17 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I like the last one, leaves you loads of future options. Plus both are good picks.

  22. tommo1989
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    If the Tottenham players that have tested positive have to isolate for 10 days, surely there’s chance even the Leicester game a week tomorrow could be postponed as well?

    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Very good chance. Its on Thursday.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        That’s the same as a week tomorrow.

    2. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Definitely. Should be ok for spurs v Liverpool to go ahead though

      1. tommo1989
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Not great news considering I have 5 Tottenham and Brighton players! Plus Toney, Jesus and Smith Rowe..

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

          That hurts, sorry mate. Reminds me of last year when I had 5 Spurs and MCI players when the template didn't. I was in trouble to get to top 100k after that.

          1. tommo1989
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Covid makes the game so much more about luck as it’s practically impossible to plan ahead. There will be a lot of people on -8 or -12 this week!

        2. DycheDycheBaby
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Oh damn. Unlucky dude

        3. WVA
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          This! It's not fair at all, FPL need to come up with something here

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Especially with 7/8 Leicester players contracting it, meaning that fixture is a huge doubt. Lots of DGWS coming.

    4. pablo discobar
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Leicester have their own covid problems

    5. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      So target Spurs players for second half wildcard with 3x double game weeks?

    6. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 17 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I got rid of Son for a -4.
      But I also have Vardy.
      I was hoping by the Leicester game - Spurs would have no choice to play it - and Vardy could run riot.

      If Brighton and Leicester matches are postponed that means Spurs have a serious pile up of fixtures. The Burnley one that was snowed off has to be played at some stage as well.

  23. Lord of Ings
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    So Reece James started today..I’m looking to buy a chelsea defender
    Is Alonso a better pick than James?
    He’s probably more likely to start the next 3 now right? I really still feel Reece is way superior but he could get benched

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      James far better

    2. acidicleo
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Its Reece or nobody imo.

    3. DycheDycheBaby
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      No way. Reece is far superior

    4. Baps Hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Alonso may overscore him during next 3 imo.

  24. waltzingmatildas
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Best move
    A) Raph to bowen
    B) toney to king
    C) toney and Normann to broja and bowen (-4)

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Why not a+b

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah I could, but losing raph (a pretty nailed player) for a hit doesn't seem worth it. Whereas C upgrades normann

  25. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Cancel Christmas

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Cancelo Christmas.

    2. Assisting the assister
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      White Christmas

  26. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Help is needed please

    In your opinion what is the best 9.5m DF/MF combo for this team for the next few GWs

    Meslier Foster

    Rudiger Cancelo Livramento Mitchell xxxxxxx

    Salah Rapinha Jota ESR xxxxxxxx

    Ronaldo Jesus Armstrong

    Any ideas would be welcomed

  27. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Time to turn the Heaton

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Finally gets his debut, 16 years after signing for United.

    2. DycheDycheBaby
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Legend!!!! 🙂

  28. DycheDycheBaby
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    TOM HEATON IS ON!!
    Sorry got a bit excited

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      You love a Dyche keeper.

      1. DycheDycheBaby
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Oh yes I do. Love Tom

  29. N00B
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Is Shaw an option for next games? Or do you prefer Dalot?

    1. Will Kane
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Dalot 100%. I'm convinced he will be first choice. AWB offers precisely nothing going forward.

      1. Pompel
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Strange how AWB has fallen off a cliff as an FPL assett. He was so reliable for me for a long spell last season, occasional haul even

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Wonderful option at Palace.

        2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 17 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          AWB ended up been very frustrating to own in recent years. Would get in a great position bomb forward and put in a stupid ball. It was around the time Shaw was in great form for Man United, which made it more annoying.

  30. how now brown cow
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    I think the pools panel should just sit and decide how many fantasy points spurs players would have got.

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Liverpool would say none.