Rate My Team
14 December 2021 658 comments
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Postponements, Covid outbreaks, injuries, rotation, quick turnarounds – it’s the most wonderful time of the year, alright.

Yes, another festive Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek is almost upon us and this one is proving to be perhaps the trickiest of the season so far, not helped by Brentford v Man Utd being called off and six Premier League managers not holding their pre-match press conferences until after Tuesday’s deadline.

As is always the case, the comments section of our site is filled with requests for advice on transfer dilemmas and team help. So we’ve asked five-time top 1k finisher and Scout’s Deputy Editor, Tom Freeman, to answer some of them over the next hour.

He’ll be on hand to reply to comments below the line of this piece and will get through as many as he can until the next article goes up, with priority given to questions from Premium Members if there is a deluge.

As ever, you can chip in with your own opinions on the raft of RMT requests filtering through – and naturally, feel free to ignore the article subject matter and talk about any other wider FPL topics that you’d normally be musing on.

Don’t forget that, if it’s an algorithmic answer you’re after rather than an opinion-based one, we also have a ‘Rate My Team’ tool available in the Premium Members Area, which gives points projections for this weekend and beyond – an example of which is below:

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  1. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Just tell me what to do please! 1 FT / 0.8 ITB

    Sanchez (Steele)
    Alonso / TAA / Livra* (Cancelo* / Johnson*)
    Silva / Bowen / Jota / Salah (Allan*)
    Dennis / Antonio / Ronaldo*

    2 of my players definitely out this GW(Ron/Cancelo), and 3 others flagged* :'(

  2. Strchld
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    My defence this week:
    TAA - James - Livramento* (Cancelo - Reguillon) If Spurs game is called off and Livramento won't start can't get 3 defenders out.

    Would you use FT to do Reguillon > someone, who?

    Or

    Raphinha to Jota (and hope that Livramento or Reguillon play)

  3. The Frenchie
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Best goalkeeper and striker to replace DDG and Ronaldo for GW17?

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I brought Guaita in last week, but wait to hear from Vieira at lunchtime if making a move.

      Ramsdale the other alternative.

      Up front, Antonio, Watkins, Dennis/King?

  4. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Start Livra or Reguilon?

    1. aapoman
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Reguilon

  5. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    £1.8m ITB and 1 FT.

    A) Janelt to Bowen
    B) Janelt to Gallagher
    C) Archer to Dennis

    Ramsdale
    Rudiger, James, TAA, Reguilon*
    Salah, Bilva, Jota, Mount
    Wilson, Antonio

    Foster, Janelt*, Cancelo*, Archer

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'd consider the Dennis move, simply cause Archer won't play, and it gives you an extra body, as Janelt will hopefully be back at the weekend.

      1. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers Tom

  6. Lucky Z
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Reguilon => Gabriel for FT?

    Sanchez
    TAA • Rudi • Reguilon • Livra
    Salah • Jota • B.Silva • Foden • ESR
    Dennis

    Steele • Locadia • Cancelo • Ronaldo

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

    Who will win today - Norwich or Aston Villa?

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      AV

    2. MJF
        4 years, 6 months ago

        If I had to bet I’d say it’ll finish a goalless draw.

        1. Rassi
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          4-2 Villa with Watkins, Mings and Gilmour braces.

      • aapoman
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        1-2 for Villa

      • avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I'm expecting a close game, both teams have improved at the back, but I see us (Villa) edging it.

    3. CRAZY TRAIN
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Currently fielding 9 'guaranteed' starters (I use the term guaranteed loosely here!).
      Non/at risk players in my starting 11 team:

      Ronaldo
      Broja

      Bench: Brownhill, Livra, Cancello

      3m itb 0FT

      Best case - Livra and Broja both start I figure I am ok
      Worse case - if one or neither start and its down to Brownhill and a possible blank

      What to do? Reluctant to take out Ronaldo for a hit (having just bought him in) so am tempted to swap out Broja at this stage - someone like Pukki or King (already have Dennis)?

    4. MJF
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Tempted to get Wood.

        1. how now brown cow
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          A bit early in the day.

          Sounds like you are scrolling down the same random forwards with half decent fixtures list as me.

        2. Rassi
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          *tee-hee*

        3. The Train Driver
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          He's one of those that randomly scores a hattrick out of nowhere, if you're lucky, this will be the gw.

        4. Penzardlife
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Likewise.

      • aapoman
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Hi,

        I have 2ft and 0.1itb. Thinking about CR7 and Mbeumo -> King and Foden. Would leave me with this and 4.2itb. How does it look?

        Ramsdale
        TAA James Alonso
        Salah Foden Raphinha Gallagher
        Antonio Watkins King

        Foster*; Livramento, Brownhill, Cancelo*

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          would go for Dennis probably instead of King

      • trafalgarlaw
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        DDG

        TAA Rudiger White Livramento
        Salah Bernardo Gallagher Cornet
        Antonio Dennis

        Foster Gilmour Ronaldo Cancelo

        Cornet -> Bowen for free or roll FT ?

      • Peteski29
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        1FT and 3.9itb

        Ramsdale
        TAA James Alonso
        Salah Jota Bernardo Bowen Brownhill
        King Antonio

        A) Brownhill to Foden
        B) Wilson to Watkins, bench Brownhill
        C) Roll

        1. Peteski29
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Bench is
          Foster Wilson Davies Cancelo

        2. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Foden move looks like a nice upgrade!

          1. Peteski29
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Thanks, that's the move I'm leaning towards at the minute

      • Mozumbus
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Changes Jesus will start?

        1. Tsssst
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          I'd say low, Jesus did sweet fa last game and Foden is back

          1. Mozumbus
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Thanks

        2. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          You never know for sure with Pep, but if I had to guess, prob not. Doesn't mean he can't make an impact off the bench, though.

          1. Mozumbus
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Thanks

      • Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I'm selling Ronaldo regardless if he misses 1 game. I prefer to improve the squad depth during this COVID and busy period. Both moves for -4.

        1. Ronaldo out:
        A. Pukki
        B Watkins

        2. Brownhill out:
        A. Gallagher
        B. Bowen

        1FT 0.7TB
        Ramsdale
        TAA James Alonso
        Salah Jota Bernardo Brownhill
        King Antonio Ronaldo
        (Foster Livramento Gilmour Cancelo)

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

          I'm doing Ronaldo & Gilmour to Foden & Watkins

          1. Tonyawesome69
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Good moves. I'm not looking to bring in a 3rd City player.

      • how now brown cow
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        From Alastair gold...

        Hopefully looking good for Tottenham's match at Leicester. Antonio Conte's press conference is set for tomorrow afternoon at 1.30pm and I understand some players have started to return to training following their isolation periods.

        1. Pacer.
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Would be lovely. Holding Son and Davies was a tough decision but with continued chaos might have been the best move if they only miss one game

        2. WVA
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          That's good news as I patiently held Son and Reguilon, guarantee they'll both still miss out though!

      • The Train Driver
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        What to do:

        The risky way:
        A. Ronaldo > Vardy then get Ronaldo back when Man Utd start playing again.

        B. Henry > Lamptey, Lamptey being a risk even wothout Covid hanging around.

        Less risky option:

        C. Henry > Lowton/Taylor, Ait Nour or White

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          A. Not a fan. Daka has impressed and could ease Vardy out. Difficult to predict when Vardy will start over this busy period.
          B. If you want a nailed player over this period then Lamptey isn't the option imo
          C. Prefer White then Ait Nouri

      • Hiiler
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I did A. Armstrong to Dennis myself as he is also probably out. Need to take a hit maybe also since I too have 9 playing players(also ESR who is not flagged but has not played in 2 games). So maybe only 8 players.

        Waiting for more news to decide what I do, leaning for -4 rightnow though -8 seems too much, and no hit seems also riskier then -4.

      • jimbo90
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        De Gea* (Foster*)
        TAA Dalot* James Livra* (Cancelo*)
        Gallagher Salah Jota Bernardo (Sissoko)
        Ronaldo* King (Toney*)

        0.1 ITB / 1FT

        Worth a free hit?

        1. Sandy Ravage
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Yup

        2. Tonyawesome69
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          No. take a -4 and play with 10 players. Livramento should be fine

          1. jimbo90
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Was my initial thought but any -4 would require removing Ronaldo who I'd then struggle to get back in. Thoughts?

            1. Tonyawesome69
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Dalot to White and/or Toney to Pukki/Dennis if you don't want to sell Ronaldo?

      • The Reptile
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Is ESR expected to start tomorrow? - Need him to come in for Ronaldo

      • Max City
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        When can we be sure LEI TOT will go as scheduled?
        Need to decide what to do with Reguilon, Townsend, Livra, and Benteke (with Ronaldo, Mbeumo, and Cancelo are out)

        1. Well you know, Triffic
          • 15 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Wait for Conte press conference later.

          1. Hiiler
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Will he be having press conference before the deadline though??? As I understand he will give it after the deadline.....

            1. avfc82
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 16 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Aye, it's tomorrow, but at least it's pencilled in.

        2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Alastair Gold (Tier 1 Spurs Source) says it’s looking promising that it goes ahead

      • Reece’s Pieces
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Foden or Bernardo?

        I will get one of these two in. Weighing up Foden's differential power vs Bernardo's ownership and form.

        Also feel that Foden slightly more likely to start. Although if Gundog has a niggle then Bilva will likely start too.

        1. Well you know, Triffic
          • 15 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Wait to see if the City covid rumours are true

          1. Reece’s Pieces
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Thats started too has it. This all sucks

      • Well you know, Triffic
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        @Tom what are your thoughts on Mbuemo replacements? Is Gallagher the best option?

        Cheers

        1. jose1
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          See my post below. I would go Gallagher if I had fund straight swap is no brainer.

          Thoughts on Odeegard?

        2. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Gallagher or Bowen, both excellent options.

        3. Reece’s Pieces
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Have to say yes and doubly so with McArthur back very soon

      • Sandy Ravage
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Best MID up to 8.8m?

        1. Well you know, Triffic
          • 15 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Bilva
          Bowen
          Foden
          Gallagher
          Mount

        2. Arfaish
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Jota. But all of Mount, Maddison, Foden and Silva worth considering.

          Id be on Maddison if it wasnt for the covid scare putting question marks over the Leicester Spurs game which now looks likely to go ahead.

      • CelticBhoy1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Will Vardy start?

        1. Well you know, Triffic
          • 15 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          If the game goes ahead, yes.

          1. CelticBhoy1
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Why did he not start last game?

            1. Well you know, Triffic
              • 15 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Rest. He doesn't play 2-3 games a week anymore due to age

        2. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Rodgers suggested he will at the weekend, yeah.

      • jose1
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Mbuemo owners what do you think of a straight swap to Odeegard?

        1. Well you know, Triffic
          • 15 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Not sure on Odengaard if ESR returns.

          1. Tonyawesome69
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            this

      • DMP
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Sanchez
        Alonso Rudi TAA
        Salah Jota Bowen Gallagher ESR
        Dennis Antonio

        Steele Livra Ronaldo Cancelo

        Good chances of actually field eleven if ESR Plays. Worth swapping out Ronaldo (12,3) or keep and save FT?

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Swap him out if you are interested in a City midfielder and need funds

          1. DMP
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Not really. Its Christmas and i ve been burned so many times by Pepe, Ill pass.

        2. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Given the info we have, you actually look in pretty good shape this week.

          Re Ronaldo, I'd try and hold, unless we learn that the weekend's match is also in doubt prior to deadline.

          1. DMP
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            With Lacazette out im tempted.

            1. DMP
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              *Auba

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

        Deadline time changed to 6.15

      • CelticBhoy1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Hold ESR?

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah, made the bench in the last game so hopefully pushing for a start

      • Pacer.
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Bench of 6 for 2022/3?

        1. GreennRed
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Why?

          1. Pacer.
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Erm. To further reduce the effect of random covid outbreaks reducing game appeal?

            1. GreennRed
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              You play the game and you take your chance, same as the other players. You'd end up with some players putting too much cash on their bench. If COVID gets so bad they might put season on hold.

              1. Pacer.
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                'You play the game and you take your chance'

                It's feels like you're addressing my point like you're addressing someone who is miffed, rather than someone raising a point about game appeal. The game is that you are supposed to have 11 players hit the field each week, like a game of...football! If we have arrived at the point where that is not happening with regularity then the game is no longer really the game. Not to mention that appeal for all semi to fully competitive leagues diminishes further because managers have no idea how to plan so that they start the week on 11 players. The game would probably be wise to respond to that if it looks to be an ongoing pattern.

                1. GreennRed
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  Have 2 COVID replacements rather than 6 subs v 4, like having a 4 man bench plus 2 COVID subs if required. The subs have to keep your team within the GW budget if they sub in. If a player misses only for COVID reasons they can autosub in either or both. If not your GW 15 players will be your team. Otherwise your 11 will be weakened in weeks where there's no COVID issues, because your bench, even if they add a bit to your budget, is wasting money for 6 subs rather than 4.

                  1. Pacer.
                    • 11 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    Don't really understand the assumption that your budget would remain the same. Budget would just increase by 9m to accommodate two extra 4.5s

                    1. GreennRed
                      • 14 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      I know, I said even if they add a bit to your budget. Maybe 12m because then you have scope for attacking players. But hopefully COVID won't impact your team every week, but stretching to 6 subs might diminish your 11. Having scope to have a squad if 17, maybe more, subs to add in if COVID impacts, might be worth a go.

      • thomashl
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Foster –> Bachmann for free?

        Have DDG, but really not keen on shipping him after getting him in for part of a -8 last week.
        Bachmann is cheap, good fixtures, might get save points at least. 4.2 is a good price

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

          Yeah i opted for Bachmann last week, nearly got me an 11 pointer

        2. Jarnathan
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Yes, this is exactly my thinking and the move I'm making this evening.

          1. thomashl
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Nice! You made me aware of this move, thanks mate.