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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.

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

995 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. WHUFCSmith23
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Son owner because obviously I am ffs. 1 free transfer.

    Thinking maybe go for Rashford punt as a direct replacement or do I take a hit and bring in Ronaldo?

    Is Ronaldo going to be in the essential camp?

    1. BeWater
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I would take the hit. Get Ronaldo in and assess from there.

    2. Stranger Mings
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Take hit

    3. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Ronaldo possibly only worth the money if you plan to captain him over salah some weeks. If not, then probably better to spread funds and find value in the squad

    4. Dammit_182
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I love Son but the last 2 seasons he must be my most transferred in and out player. Out GW2 last year, then in, then out before his haul vs United. I’m GW2 this year. Out First IB. Almost in after the 2nd one but news broke he might have covid. In when Conte came in. Then out for real covid…..I’ll want him back though.

    5. WHUFCSmith23
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Cheers all, probably for the best, will be Toney who is removed so fixes an issue too. Might even captain Ronaldo this week to be fair

  2. Feed tha Sheep
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    On WC- Which 5th defender? (Dalot is 4th)
    A. Davies (bench over Covid)
    B. White
    C. Williams (bank extra £)

    Which GK up to 5.0?
    1. DDG
    2. Ramsdale
    3. Other

    1. BeWater
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I'm going for Davies and Dalot. I'm on DDG at the moment.

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

      A1

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

    Does Vardy have covid?

    1. Feed tha Sheep
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      apparently trained today

      1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Trained with COVID?

        1. MikeS
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Lol.. probably then spread it to the rest

        2. Feed tha Sheep
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Training would mean he doesn’t have covid

          1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Whoosh buddy

            1. Feed tha Sheep
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              ….

    2. CoKane & Zohores
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Chat sh*t get Covid

  4. More Cowbell
    • 16 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Hi All,
    Replace Sanchez with Bachmann (4.2) or spend the extra 0.8 for DDG?

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

      Is Sanchez injured?

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

        No. Spurs game will be off.

  5. EL tridente
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Which transfer to make? Both will be for a hit
    A) Kane to Ronaldo
    B) Sanchez to De Gea

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

      A and B I think

      1. EL tridente
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Dont really want to take a double hit

    2. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I'm toying with A

    3. Stranger Mings
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

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

      A

  6. Bobby Digital
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Werner on fire tonight...

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

      Haha don’t do it

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        😀

    2. Dammit_182
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I’m all for it. He got away with an offside this time so maybe the VAR guys all have sympathy for him?

  7. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Kane to Ronny for a -4 or just play Livra?

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

      I'd take the hit.

      1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers mate. I'm swaying that way

    2. mdm
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Take the hit

      1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers bud

    3. Stranger Mings
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Hit

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

      Hit

  8. Stranger Mings
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Any news on ESR?

  9. Stranger Mings
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Chances of ESR, Jesus & foden playing at weekend?

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

      0.1%

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I reckon surely 50%

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

      Jesus has covid doesn't he?

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        No light training today

  10. BlzE_94
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Any transfer suggestions here please? Not sure who to prioritise

    Sanchez
    TAA Cancelo James Reguilon
    Salah Son Jota B.Silva ESR
    Vardy

    Steele King Livramento Locadia

  11. Paqueta Rice
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Sorry folks, out of the loop. Just home from work. I knew the Apurs game was at risk of being postponed this weekend but has it been confirmed?

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

      basically. Just operate on the assumption it will be off

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

      Not yet

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

      Spurs v Rennes has been and Spurs training ground closed, just a formality at this point

  12. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    The only thing that could be seen is madness is the Raphinha transfer. Everyone other player I'm thinking about getting rid aren't going to be playing at the weekend anyway. Effectively its only a minus 6 to get 4 players in.

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

      If they all play 60, dont get booked, etc....

  13. Hits from the Bong
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Already on -4, should I just ride it out and play Livramento? Or something more drastic? 0.5 itb

    Sanchez*
    TAA James Cancelo Livramento
    Salah Silva Foden Jota
    Antonio Dennis

    Steele* Son* Reguilon* Locadia*

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

      Think you’re well set there, but I’m taking a hit to sort Sanchez to De Gea. Good time to make a move I wanted to make anyway

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

      You're probably OK but the worry I'd have for you would be if any of your main XI don't turn up

  14. Brazooka
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Ronnie time.

  15. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    With injuries and covid wiping out three, maybe four, of my players, I’m weighing up three or four moves for -4 or -8.

    They’re all players I wanted medium to long term anyway…

    A) Kane, Toney, Raphinha, Sanchez > Ronaldo, King, Bowen, De Gea (-8)
    B) As above, without doing Raphinha to Bowen (-4)

    2FT 0.2ITB
    Sanchez* Steele*
    TAA Cancelo Rudiger James Livramento
    Salah Jota Gundogan Raphinha ESR*
    Kane* Toney* Street

    Cheers

    1. Dammit_182
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I’m all for it. It’s that or spread it out over 3/4 weeks and not field 11?

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

        Nice one, thanks. That’s my thinking too. I feel emboldened!

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

    Might be too much but is dalot ddg Ronaldo triple up too much? Insane fixture run and if united can have a decent manager bounce this could be quite a good ploy

    1. BeWater
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I'm doing it.

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

      Double Man U defence seems risky

      1. Dammit_182
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        He’s your 5th defender though. Not that risky

  17. waldo666
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Exact change so will probably be priced out but, thoughts anyway?

    Sanchez and Raphinha to DDG and Bowen

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

      Good moves

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

        Cheers, Bowen could be Gallagher if I get priced out of the above.

    2. WHUFCSmith23
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      With fixtures in mind, looks good on paper.

  18. Oooo Matron
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    What's the better combo? Can't quite afford Bowen & Antonio.

    A) Watkins & Bowen
    B) Antonio & Gray

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

      A

    2. Stranger Mings
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

  19. MikeS
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Just for fun..

    What is your best guess on how many games will be called off due to covid this game week coming?

    Spurs Brighton looks all but confirmed off, so that's 1 atleast. I reckon there will be another game called off too.. more cases bound to happen.. I'm gonna go with 2

  20. Strchld
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    How about this:

    Son, Toney and Raphinha out
    Ronaldo, Bowen and Gray in for -4.

    Is Gray an option anymore?

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

      I think he's back on the radar with Doucoure back. Seemed like a different team.

  21. BlzE_94
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Vardy, Son & Sanchez to Ronaldo, Bowen & DDG for -8?

    Sanchez
    TAA Cancelo James Reguilon
    Salah Son Jota B.Silva ESR
    Vardy

    Steele King Livramento Locadia

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

    Have Sanchez & Steele

    A) Sanchez > Ramsdale
    B) Sanchez > DDG
    C) Steele > Guaita

    A/B could be a different keeper too?

    1. BeWater
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. Stranger Mings
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

  23. Johnny too hotty
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Why is everyone getting rid of Kane before it’s decided is it not best to wait ?

    What’s website called for price change predictions???

    1. BeWater
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Fplstatistics

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Pushed the WC button yet Bewater?

        1. BeWater
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Yep I did it last night mate. I felt the Spurs game would be off and was going to miss the Bowen and Ronaldo rises if I waited anymore.

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Fplstatistics

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

      Spurs' training ground is closed, it's inevitable at this stage.

  24. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Is Antonio and Bowen too much West Ham?

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

      Not enough

    2. Stranger Mings
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      No but Bowen over Antonio

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Already have Antonio . Wondering whether to double up with Bowen.

        1. Stranger Mings
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Yes go for it , otherwise get mount

          1. DA Minnion (Former great)
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Can't afford mount. Cheers.

    3. WHUFCSmith23
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Feel like West Ham will never get the respect that they perhaps deserve. Been pretty much a goalscoring attack minded team who have been playing as a top 6 side for 2 years straight.

      Great run of fixtures, why not double up.

  25. JONALDINHO
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on this?

    2FT 0.6ITB

    Ramsdale
    Trent • Cancelo • Dias • Alonso
    Salah • Son • Jota • Foden
    Antonio • Toney
    (Foster / White / Brownhill / Davis)

    A) Son and Toney -> Bowen and King
    B) Son, Toney and Foden -> CR7, Bowen and Saka(-4)

    Fairly set on A after news Foden is fine. Do I make the moves tonight to save 0.2 TV?

    1. BeWater
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. JBay
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Definitely A and doing it tonight is reasonable enough if it saves 0.2. I'd like to have Foden for Son as well but not too risky now so I'll do it midweek if Foden is ok by then.

  26. BobbyDoesNotLook
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Bilva/Foden/Gundi or Bowen first in? Getting both this week would mean -4 and bench Raph.

    1. JBay
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Bowen seems an easier option. Gives you one more GW to watch City midfielders. And at least Gundo/Foden won't rise in price any time soon.

    2. Stranger Mings
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Get both for -4

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

      Thanks. Need to reassess amount of hits on Friday :p

  27. FCSB
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Son >> Bilva, then either…

    Raphinha >>

    1. Foden
    2. Mount
    3. Bowen
    4. Rashford

    Or…

    Jimenez >>

    5. King

    Thanks

    1. JBay
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Raphinha to Bowen.

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

    Any news on foden? Will he be fit for the weekend?

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Sounds like Man City positive about playing from articles

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

    A)Ddg foster
    Taa cancelo James Williams livramento
    Foden Bowen Salah jota Gundogan
    Watkins pukki King

    B)Ramsdale foster
    Taa cancelo dalot Williams livramento
    Foden Bowen Salah jota Gundogan
    Ronaldo locadia king

    B will require an extra -4.
    Which draft looks better guys?

  30. FirminoIsBetterThanYou
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Can't decide between Bowen or Mount, if I go Mount I'll be getting Bowen in for the Norwich game but should I just get him in now? Anyone else having a similar dilemma, any thoughts?

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

      By this i mean I'll be getting bowen in for someone else I'd keep Mount at least for next 5/6 games

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

        Bowen all day long.

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

          Yeah I think you're probably right just liked the differential in Mount but then again Bowen is probably just as much a differential.