Podcast
8 December 2021 995 comments
J0E J0E
Share:

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.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

995 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Jokesy87
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    A) Kane + Wilson > Ronaldo and Dennis
    B) Kane, Wilson + Townsend > Ronaldo, Dennis + Bowen (-4)
    C) Alternatives to any of the above individuals!

    Current team:
    Ramsdale (Foster)
    Cancelo TAA Rudiger (Dier, Duffy)
    Salah Raphinha Bernardo Townsend (Luiz)
    Kane Antonio Wilson

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Wait on Wilson move. Leicester game could still go ahead as some players are just sick, not covid

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

    Is Dean henderson injured or why did they bring on Tom heaton?

    1. Will Kane
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Just to give him his Utd debut

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

        Fair enough then

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      He's fine. Rangnick just wants to give everyone a chance. Basically a friendly game.

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

    Anyone know who the leicester crocks are?

    Bad enough owning madds and vardy as it is

    1. boc610
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      vardy pictured at training apparently

    2. Well you know, Triffic
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      See my previous comment.

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

        Cheers. Mainly fringe players at the minute then (lookman aside)

  4. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Could be on for a cheeky -8 this week, Son Toney and Vardy all on the chopping block, Bilva King and Ronaldo likely to come in

    1. TopBinFc
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I've seen a few getting rid of Vardy, I think that's madness, against worst defense in PL

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

          Leicester has 7 covid infections though

          1. TopBinFc
              4 years, 4 months ago

              Unless Vardy has Covid hes a keep for sure, enough fires to put without taking pointless hits for playing players

          2. THFC4LIFE
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            I’m only selling Vardy if he’s out with Covid or game is called off

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

              Same. Not taking a hit to replace with Ronaldo.

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

                Unless he's not playing..

      • bso
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Hi Guys,
        Has Davies nailed his spot and how long before Spurs can play PL again?
        Cheers!

        1. Well you know, Triffic
          • 15 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Yes i think he's nailed at the minute.

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

          Realistically liverpool game is the earliest they will play.

          Yes, davies as nailed as anyone (xmas rotation aside)

        3. TopBinFc
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Liverpool will be next game most likely

          • bso
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Thanks y'all!

        4. The Mandalorian
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Salah (c) vs Covid Spurs, ouch !

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

            Salah's Winter rest day set in stone then

          2. acidicleo
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            And Trent vc..

        5. Jones Kusi
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Dennis or Ings?

          1. Jones Kusi
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            King*

          2. acidicleo
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            D

          3. Scholes Out For Summer
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            King

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

            Dennings or Kings

        6. Scholes Out For Summer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Not sure what to do with Kane and Sanchez. Which would you do?

          A) Kane + Sanchez --> CR7 + Bachman (-4) (no money to upgrade Sanchez)
          B) Kane + Sanchez --> Antonio/Watkins + DDG (-4) (money to upgrade fodder for Bowen next GW)

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

            A

        7. Mr Johnson
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Start White or Gallagher? Cheers

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

            White. Arsenal are much better at home

          2. MJF
              4 years, 4 months ago

              Gallagher for me. Palace have been poor but Arsenal were utterly abysmal the other night, I can see Saints scoring and White offers naff all threat.

            • Mr Johnson
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              So 1 vote for each! No closer to deciding!

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

                White

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

            Help on this please

            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

          4. Dannyb
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Vardy, Jesus and Reguilon to Ronaldo, King and Dalot - 8?

            1. TopBinFc
                4 years, 4 months ago

                Nope, madness

              • DycheDycheBaby
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 4 months ago

                No way

              • Colonel Shoe 肝池
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 4 months ago

                Ronaldo, dalot and king.... Now there's a combo I never saw coming earlier in the season

            2. DycheDycheBaby
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              Charlie Savage is coming on. Mute your TV.

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

                Oh really? That’s awesome for Robbie. I wondered why the commentator said he’d lose his co commentator.

                1. DycheDycheBaby
                  • 10 Years
                  4 years, 4 months ago

                  Yes it must be an amazing feeling for him 🙂

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

              This is so so unfair, four player's in the Brighton Spurs game

              1. TopBinFc
                  4 years, 4 months ago

                  I have Toney, Samchez, Son and Dier, suck it up, haha

                  1. WVA
                    • 9 Years
                    4 years, 4 months ago

                    That's also four player's lol I have ESR too, do you not think it's a bit unfair we are hugely disadvantaged by COVID? That's potentially my mini leagues gone not to mention OR rank.

                    1. Will Kane
                      • 9 Years
                      4 years, 4 months ago

                      'Four players'

                      No apostrophe required

                    2. Will Kane
                      • 9 Years
                      4 years, 4 months ago

                      I dare say some people have been more hugely disadvantaged by COVID. Those who died from it for example

                      1. WVA
                        • 9 Years
                        4 years, 4 months ago

                        Probably best to keep it FPL related on a fantasy football site matey, that's not appropriate at all

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

                        Don’t make people feel guilty. We’re here to chat about this stuff. Let us vent worry free.

                      3. Will Kane
                        • 9 Years
                        4 years, 4 months ago

                        Fair point - apologies

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

                      Season over then. Sorry for you. R.I.P.

                    4. TopBinFc
                        4 years, 4 months ago

                        These things happen, will still only make the one transfer though, hits are pointless

                        1. WVA
                          • 9 Years
                          4 years, 4 months ago

                          What transfer will you make?

                          1. TopBinFc
                              4 years, 4 months ago

                              Son to Bilva or Foden if fit. Means I will have 10 players playing

                          2. Eat my goal!
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 7 Years
                            4 years, 4 months ago

                            Not pointless, they’re -4 points

                            1. TopBinFc
                                4 years, 4 months ago

                                Well very true, but I try to avoid

                      • GreatCarragherReef
                        • 10 Years
                        4 years, 4 months ago

                        Oh shut up

                      • GENERATION X
                        • 12 Years
                        4 years, 4 months ago

                        Life and FPL are one in the same, fairness is not compulsary

                        1. WVA
                          • 9 Years
                          4 years, 4 months ago

                          Not compulsory but if you can make it fair you should

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

                            You can imagine and get imaginary fantasy points. Just calculate your imaginary points you would have gotten if you had been very lucky every time?!?

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

                        Ditch them. It's only -8 or -12 and you can also use your bench. I had 5 injured players + Son.

                        1. WVA
                          • 9 Years
                          4 years, 4 months ago

                          -12 and my cash mini leagues are done

                          1. Black Knights
                            • 14 Years
                            4 years, 4 months ago

                            Not if their replacements score more.

                            1. WVA
                              • 9 Years
                              4 years, 4 months ago

                              Unfortunately I'm not that lucky and shouldn't have to be taking hits for stuff like this

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

                                I had 5 players in cancelled match last season and it was cancelled after deadline. So you are not the most unlucky one here.

                              2. Black Knights
                                • 14 Years
                                4 years, 4 months ago

                                I know you’ve got this ‘woe is me’ thing going on but you’re just gonna have to hope your luck swings.

                                Negativity breeds negativity. It’s only gonna get worse for your headspace if you don’t let it go/move on.

                                I’ve got 3 in the Brighton v Spurs match btw. It’ll be ok.

                          2. PartyTime
                            • 4 Years
                            4 years, 4 months ago

                            Try -24

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

                            That's only one haul. Not more.

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

                        There will be other postponement.

                        Probably involving your players.

                      • MikeS
                        • 11 Years
                        4 years, 4 months ago

                        I have four too

                        1. WVA
                          • 9 Years
                          4 years, 4 months ago

                          What's your plan?

                      • Silva’s Left Nut
                        • 9 Years
                        4 years, 4 months ago

                        Are you a child?

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

                          Bed time?

                        2. WVA
                          • 9 Years
                          4 years, 4 months ago

                          Straight to bed for that effort ha

                      • Qaiss
                        • 10 Years
                        4 years, 4 months ago

                        Yeah, this game can be very unfair and has more luck involved than people think... But that’s why there’s no point getting so worked up about it, it’s just a ‘game’.

                      • SouthCoastSaint
                        • 14 Years
                        4 years, 4 months ago

                        I know people with 6 players out this week.

                        I know fantasy is important to you but come on. Have a bit of perspective

                        1. WVA
                          • 9 Years
                          4 years, 4 months ago

                          I'll probably end up with 6 out too. I'm here to talk about FPL issues alone, I'm not comparing it to life in general

                          1. SouthCoastSaint
                            • 14 Years
                            4 years, 4 months ago

                            I know your not, actually looking out for you.

                            You’ve just had some awful rotten luck

                    5. Hazz
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 8 Years
                      4 years, 4 months ago

                      Lateriser & Zophar follow this guy - think they're a low tier source for Spurs...

                      https://twitter.com/georgebann/status/1468689355137028099

                    6. Piggs Boson
                      • 14 Years
                      4 years, 4 months ago

                      Never seen Mengi play at LB before tonight, didn't know he could play there, but he is a crazy good at CB. Future star.

                    7. AD2110
                      • 8 Years
                      4 years, 4 months ago

                      Best option for this squad. 3.0m in the bank

                      A) Sanchez + Son —> DDG + Bowen
                      B) Son + King —> Bowen + Ronaldo
                      C) Son + Davis —> Brownhill + Ronaldo

                      Sanchez*, Steele
                      TAA, Cancelo, Alonso, White, Livra
                      Salah, Son*, Jota, Raph, Gundo
                      Antonio, King, Davis

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

                      Hefti challenge.

                    9. OptimusBlack
                      • 12 Years
                      4 years, 4 months ago

                      If you have
                      Salah Gallagher Jota Allan Son**
                      Dennis Vardy (Toney)**
                      And just 0.2 itb with 0 FT
                      A- Son > Bvila for -4
                      B- Allan & Son > Mount & Bvila -8
                      C- Son & Toney > Bvila & Watkins or Antonio -8

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

                        Hey bud. Good to see you.
                        A.

                        1. OptimusBlack
                          • 12 Years
                          4 years, 4 months ago

                          Cheers Buddy

                      2. DycheDycheBaby
                        • 10 Years
                        4 years, 4 months ago

                        A

                        1. OptimusBlack
                          • 12 Years
                          4 years, 4 months ago

                          Cheers

                          1. DycheDycheBaby
                            • 10 Years
                            4 years, 4 months ago

                            You're welcome. No rush doing it tonight though. Neither player is closing to a price change.

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

                      Charlie Savage on. That’s so nice.

                    11. jdp219
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 9 Years
                      4 years, 4 months ago

                      Go ahead and drop Son based on speculation, or wait until the last minute?

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

                        Sell on Friday.

                        1. jdp219
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 9 Years
                          4 years, 4 months ago

                          That's the sensible thing. Thanks. Only worry is the deadline is midday for me, and could be swamped with work.

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

                            Go for a poo.

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

                              That’s not a striker in defence by the way.

                              1. ‘Tis the Season
                                • 7 Years
                                4 years, 4 months ago

                                lol top comment Rupert 😛

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

                        With training ground confirmed closed spurs wont play.

                        But I'd hold off buying anyone till the last minute. Think the next few weeks will get very messy.

                    12. DAZZ
                      • 11 Years
                      4 years, 4 months ago

                      Sanchez
                      Cancelo Alonso James TAA
                      Salah Jota Mbuemo
                      Kane Antonio King
                      (Steele, Livra, Sissoko, Raphina)

                      0ITB and 2FT

                      Cant get to ronaldo in 1FT

                    13. Will Kane
                      • 9 Years
                      4 years, 4 months ago

                      Those pitch invaders got on easier than the Utd subs

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

                      3 pitch invaders. What is the point?
                      Now the fans singing you fat bar steward.

                    15. 1justlookin
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 14 Years
                      4 years, 4 months ago

                      Think I'll do a minus 16 -

                      Ramsdale
                      Raphinha
                      Son
                      Kane
                      Toney

                      No reason not to, is there?

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

                        Why ramsdale?

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

                        Why you selling Ramsdale bro.
                        Raphinha will at least play, if you need him.

                      3. @persecuted_by_mods
                          4 years, 4 months ago

                          Can't find a single good reason not to

                        • MJF
                            4 years, 4 months ago

                            What’s wrong with Ramsdale and Raphinha?

                          • Will Kane
                            • 9 Years
                            4 years, 4 months ago

                            What's wrong with Ram and Raph?

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

                            Think I’ll save a transfer.

                          • DycheDycheBaby
                            • 10 Years
                            4 years, 4 months ago

                            Dude that's madness

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

                            There is.

                        • MikeLowrey
                          • 7 Years
                          4 years, 4 months ago

                          Ramsdale (Foster)
                          TAA James Cancelo Regs (Livra)
                          Salah Jota Gray (Raph, Brownhill)
                          Kane Wilson King

                          A) Kane to Ronaldo
                          B) Kane & Brownhill to Antonio & Bernado (-4)

                        • Mane Mane Mane
                          • 5 Years
                          4 years, 4 months ago

                          Who scores more,
                          A) Mendy, Gilmour and Ronaldo
                          B) De gea, Bowen and Ronaldo (-4)

                          Please help?

                        • DycheDycheBaby
                          • 10 Years
                          4 years, 4 months ago

                          Oh no AWB

                          1. Eat my goal!
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 7 Years
                            4 years, 4 months ago

                            Not been his best of late so probably a good thing

                            1. DycheDycheBaby
                              • 10 Years
                              4 years, 4 months ago

                              Yeah he just can't catch a break at the moment

                        • DycheDycheBaby
                          • 10 Years
                          4 years, 4 months ago

                          Unrelated but, for the first time since 2004, Barcelona will not be in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

                        • _Ninja_
                          • 15 Years
                          4 years, 4 months ago

                          Sanchez/Mbeumo to DDG/Fodder worth a -4?

                          Sanchez
                          TAA James Cancelo Alonso
                          Salah Raphinha ESR
                          Ronaldo Antonio Dennis

                          Steele Gallagher Mbeumo Livra

                          1. _Ninja_
                            • 15 Years
                            4 years, 4 months ago

                            Raph is Jota btw

                          2. g40steve
                            • 8 Years
                            4 years, 4 months ago

                            Looks sensible, so long as DDG & Hendo don’t take turns

                            1. _Ninja_
                              • 15 Years
                              4 years, 4 months ago

                              Cheers Hendo was subbed off tonight for Heaton, not sure if it was an injury.

                        • Original Sin
                          • 11 Years
                          4 years, 4 months ago

                          Madness to captain Bernardo ( WOL) over Salah ( AVL) ? Need to catch up and hoping for a Salah blank against Villa.

                          1. DycheDycheBaby
                            • 10 Years
                            4 years, 4 months ago

                            Unfortunately, yes I think that's madness. Wolves are doing OK defensively. And Liverpool are playing at home (enough said).

                          2. N00B
                            • 11 Years
                            4 years, 4 months ago

                            Yep. Ronaldo vs Norwich is a good punt.