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Podcast December 17

Scoutcast: How to tackle the Covid chaos in FPL

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Joe and Seb help Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers prepare for a decimated Gameweek 18.

The Covid pandemic has wreaked havoc with the Premier League schedule already in Gameweek 17, with six teams missing out due to the spread of the infection.

Gameweek 18 looks similarly chaotic, with half the matches postponed. At the time of writing it is still unclear whether any of the weekend’s fixtures will take place.

READ MORE: Covid watch: The club-by-club latest and how it affects FPL

Amid the confusion, Joe and Seb try to make sense of it all and offer their top tips for tackling Covid chaos in FPL.

They reveal their plans based on every eventuality, from a limited Gameweek 18 to a circuit breaker for a few weeks.

For Joe, goalkeepers and a better midfield look to be his top priorities, while a freshly Wildcarded Seb ponders his options.

Manchester City’s assets already featured on the Christmas shopping lists of many FPL managers. Their 7-0 thrashing of Leeds in Gameweek 17 ensured they became a top priority.

Armed with a plethora of heatmaps and statistics, Seb offers an extensive guide to the best options to consider and the influence that a returning Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) may have on Pep Guardiola’s side for their next matches.

Goals imminent, worst defences and best expected statistics stars are also covered, as is the progress of the show’s community team. There’s also a frisk of the next four fixtures, whenever they may be scheduled.

Due to the tight turnaround of games, and a family trip to the cinema to see the new Spiderman film for Joe, this week’s show took place late afternoon on Thursday 16 December. This sadly counted Andy out of proceedings due to work commitments.

Be sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel to get notified of future live episodes. It is also available as a podcast.

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

607 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Guys, need your advice!

    A. B.Silva + Ronaldo => KDB + Watkins -4
    B. Ronaldo => Watkins
    C. B.Silva + Locadia => Gilmour + Watkins -4
    D. Steele + Ronaldo => Martinez + Watkins -4

    Sanchez Steele
    TAA Rudi Cancelo White Reguilon
    Salah Jota Foden B.Silva ESR
    Ronaldo Dennis Locadia

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    1. Fuddled FC
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Just B this week

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

      Why sell Bilva? I like D

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      1. Lucky Z
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        If he is out

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  2. Fuddled FC
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Which option to replace Livra?

    a) Gabriel
    b) Tierney
    c) Cash
    d) Mings

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    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B

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    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      c)

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    3. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B

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

      I'm going C with Ramsdale in goal

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

      B or C

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      1. DavvaMC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Yep B or C for me.

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  3. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    2ft, waiting till last second, but assuming rest of games go ahead...

    A) Antonio + Livramento to Watkins + Tierney(5.6)
    B) Toney + Livramento to Watkins + Davies

    Ramsdale
    TAA James Alonso Cancelo
    Salah Foden Silva Mount Jota

    ****Foster Antonio Toney Livramento

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    1. Fuddled FC
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B as Antonio still might come good with the fixtures

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  4. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Guaita Bilva and Son out for Ramsdale, Foden and Mount?

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    1. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      What is latest on Bilva?

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

      Bilva and Son might play?

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    3. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldn't be taking out players with a fixture unless your squad is sorted otherwise.

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  5. WVA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Is there anything I can do top stop the rott? Dropped from 80k to 160k in the last two gameweeks and only got 7 out this week 🙁

    Thinking DDG > Ramsdale and Livramento > Cash -4 to get 11 potential starters?

    Ramsdale
    TAA Cancelo James Reguilon Cash
    Salah Son Bilva ESR
    Watkins
    Steele Antonio King Sissoko

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    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      It's a good team so I wouldn't worry. Moves look fine.

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      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers mate

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    2. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I managed to get 9 out but I've only got 7 starters this week. Those transfers sound good, although I try and get Foden in for Sissoko if poss

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      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I'm going to stick to not tripling up on team's with all these postponements, hasn't worked so far but that's just bad luck. I'd have to sell Son for Foden too and he will comfortably outscore him if he ever plays again!

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    3. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Maybe I won't get Ramsdale then...

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      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Ha, those Arsenal clean sheets have ruined me, time to put them to an end!

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

    Hi....who is the best option out of:

    A....raphinha
    B....esr
    C....saka
    D....martinelli

    Thanks

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    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B

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      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers....come to think of it as I already have ramsdale wonder if I just get raphinha?

        2 arsenal means 2 absentees if their match called off...

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        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          So would Raphinha

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    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Raphinha for this GW.

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      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks

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

    If we will have these games, I'm looking at King Gallagher Vardy to Foden Laca Watkins -8 to field XI. Thoguhts?

    It is -8 on paper, however, in fact it is -4 as woudn't be able to field XI otherwise.

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    1. pavlev
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      its -8 if those games get called off too though

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  8. Dogs Of War
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Morning all.

    What are people’s thoughts on Jacob Ramsey as an option?

    Seems to be favoured by Gerrard.

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    1. Oooo Matron
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Really good 4.5 option. I'm tempted to get him in for Allan, but is a cheap option better used up front where these is less quality? Eg Broja

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  9. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    From experience, especially when using my FH in BGW 18 last season, DTL. DONT TRUST LACA

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    1. Oooo Matron
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Honestly it was gutting. He was one penalty away from a 12 point haul!

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      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        He's consistently inconsistent.

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  10. Redranger
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    If the current games go ahead, which option seems best?

    Sanchez*
    TAA Rudiger White Cancelo
    Salah Jota Foden Gallagher*
    Watkins Dennis*
    Gunn Antonio* Livra* Bowen*

    A) Sanchez > Ramsdale
    B) Sanchez & Livra > Ramsdale & Cash (-4)
    C) Sanchez & Bowen > Ramsdale & Mount (-4)

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  11. Oooo Matron
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Any thoughts here? Have 4.5 itb. I'm thinking Allan to Foden or Livramento to Tierney are the obvious moves as it stands.

    Ramsdale
    Trent Cancelo James Alonso
    Salah Jota Bernardo
    Lacazette Watkins

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    1. Oooo Matron
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Subs:Foster, Livramento, Allan, Dennis

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

    Got 1 FT and 0.3m ITB. Have exact funds for Reguilon+Antonio --> Tierney+Laca (-4). Go for it? Would field me:

    Ramsdale
    TAA Cancelo James Tierney
    Salah Son Jota Raph
    Watkins Laca

    Foster* Brownhill, Livra*, Dennis*

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    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I don't like those moves. Reg at least has a game and it would move you to triple Arsenal. The way things are going it's best to spread the risk.

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      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Is he fit? Still yellow flag and couldn't see any confirmation that he's good to play other than self-diagnosis!

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        1. antis0cial
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          He's a maybe - "we have a little problem with Sergio [Reguilon]. He’s having training sessions but we don’t know if he’s 100 per cent fit for tomorrow’s game."

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          1. thewhitepele
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Just feel like Spurs' Covid record added with a yellow flag give quite a high % for a blank..

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            1. GreennRed
              • 12 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              I'll keep him though. Not sure it's a bonus if he plays v Pool but one less transfer even if he doesn't.

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  13. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Is Davies nailed for Spurs or only playing due to injuries do we think?

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    1. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      From what Conte said about him, something azplicuesque, it looks like pretty nailed. Conte wants his to side backs or what ever you call them, to be ball playing, and Davies fits that and he is left footed which also favors him in that set up. Dier, Romero and Davies. But he is injury prone.

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  14. Andrew
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    So if the games left actually do go ahead how many hits are people taking to put out a decent team?

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    1. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      If those 5 games are going ahead i have 11 players right now. My fpl me wants this gw to be called off, but i really want to watch football, but i hope they cancel this week and hopefully that10 days spell until boxing day can at least stop the increase of covid infected a little bit so they can better control it.

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      1. bench boost for every gamew…
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Reason that my fpl me want this off is that this is not fair, i will have a huge advantage just by having 11 players who plays, while people can have as few as 4 or 5.

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

      1 hit maybe if Bernardo is out.
      Otherwise I have 11 just by using my FT to get Laca

      Ramsdale
      TAA - Cancelo-James -Rudi
      Salah - Foden - Bernardo - Jota
      Watkins - Laca

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      1. Andrew
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Nice!

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        1. Iwantmorepointsthanks
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Thanks! What are your plans?

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  15. Fuddled FC
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Imo it is worth it to take hits this week to get 11 playing. The hits should only be used on players you prefer beyond this game week to make it worth while.

    Basically using it as an opportunity to strengthen your squad quickly

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    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      the problem is most of the played games are Sunday afternoon

      I could easily take a -12 for the deadline and then have a couple games Sunday off and it was all a waste of time

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  16. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Hey fam! 1 FT 4.3 ITB

    Guaita*
    TAA Cancelo James
    Salah Jota Bernardo Foden Bowen*
    Watkins King*

    Foster* Livra* Duffy* Davis*

    What to do here?

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    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      guaita>ramsdale and duffy>cash/tierney

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  17. as33
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Any news on Bilva?

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    1. sovietrockettes
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I'd like to know as well, brought him in for Gundogan for a hit last week [facepalm], when I could have afforded Foden [double facepalm]

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  18. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Are we better off longterm going with 9 or 10 starters rather than take hits for players we'd never consider getting if there was a full fixture list this GW?

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    1. sovietrockettes
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Never consider getting is a no-go, but I do think there are some players out there (Foden, Lacazette, Watkins) that are worth a hit

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      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Not sure about Lacazette. He's a prime example for me of one normally not considered so much in a normal GW. A tidy footballer no doubt but looks like a grandad beside the young gunners. Watkins and Foden have form and would be be targets for many in most GWs.

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        1. sovietrockettes
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          He's had his purple patches in the past (two years ago for instance) and he is now nailed

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  19. sovietrockettes
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Davis>Lacazette, Livramento>Cash for a -4 in an attempt to have a full squad? Would still be sweating Bilva fitness

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  20. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Had Watkins since GW10. Its sad to have to wave goodbye to him as any kind of differential. He is literally the only striker option this week for those needing to replace their non playing strikers. I expect a huge amount of transfers in.

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    1. sovietrockettes
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I'm getting Lacazette instead

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    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I was amazed how many got him this week. But yeah, would imagine his ownership to be pushing 80% in top 10k this week.

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    3. Nanook
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Look at it like this: he returned in 4/8 for you (excellent) and you are now protected from his quickly increasing ownership. Plus you should end up making a little $ on him. Ownership rarely stays low for regularly returning players, esp mid priced strikers in a season of stinking strikers 🙂

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  21. WolfTheJack
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Watkins or Ings for a differential?
    Not just for this week but a few coming up?

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    1. Sho-kun
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Ollie

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  22. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    What's the Arsenal best lineup with everyone fit? I can't see starts for Saka, ESR, Martinelli and Odegaard at the same time. Has Martinelli made it his spot to lose or is he the most likely to sit out if all available?

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

      ESR will be a sub for the next game too I suspect.

      Arsenal fan who owns him.

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    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Hard to know. Pundit of punts called it well the other day when he said Arteta would keep a winning team and leave ESR on the bench.

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    3. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Leno
      Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney
      Xhaka, Partey
      Saka, Odegaard, ESR
      Laca

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      1. Andrew
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Leno??

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        1. Hansel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Cheers! Considered Williams + Gallagher -> Tierney + Martinelli but for a hit it feels a bit much maybe as Martinelli is not completely nailed

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        2. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Jay Leno.

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        3. Mr. O'Connell
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah really want him to come back in

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          1. Mr. O'Connell
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            If Super Saints buys Ramsdale this week then it wouldn't surprise me

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            1. Zio
              • 5 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Been on the whiskeys?? Ramsdale is 100% nailed for Arsenal

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  23. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Feels like a mistake selling Ronaldo now. I still have him and Newcastle and Burnley should potentially be played and he'll be the talisman.

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    1. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Sell him. Then get him back for free? That's what I'm doing.

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      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Going for a 1-2 gameweek punt on Lacazette depending on when he's back. Nice fixtures with Leeds and Norwich next too 🙂

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

          If they go ahead with Boxing Day fixtures it's an absolute waste of transfers though.

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          1. Zimo
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            How? Unless u already have 11 players playing?

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

              2 transfers to sell and get back for 1 week meaning I can't upgrade anywhere else for free.

              I currently have 10 players

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              1. Zimo
                • 5 Years
                2 years, 4 months ago

                Its your opinion. U don't have to do it. I personally think its good cuz u get points u wouldn't otherwise be getting

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  24. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    If no more matches are postponed is Bowen and Ronaldo to Saka and Laca for a hit to get 11 players good? Then I'll get Ronaldo back for Newcastle probably. Keeping Laca for Norwich also an option just in case he isn't back.

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  25. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Free Hit Activated. Thoughts?

    Ramsdale
    Tierney Cancelo James TAA
    Foden KDB(c) Salah(vc) Jota Martinelli
    Watkins

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    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      looks good but pray no more cancelations

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      1. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Amen

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

      My thoughts are u should hope the gameweek isn't canceled

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      1. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        One can only pray

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        1. Zimo
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Why didn't u wait till tomorrow ._.

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          1. Make United Great Again
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            No patience.

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    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good.

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  26. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    I only have 6 playing atm

    surely it's a huge risk to take hits to get 11?

    doesn't seem far fetched for people to take hits before deadline and then games Sunday getting called off, all of a sudden could be -8/-12 with still 6 starters

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    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      its risky but could pay off

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    2. Athletico Underachieving
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I think if you’re taking hits it might be best to focus on the Saturday games closest to the deadline and hope for the best!

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  27. Sho-kun
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    I have to activate my wildcard:

    Rammbo/Foster
    TAA/Cancelo/James/White/Livra
    Salah/Jota/Son/Foden/ESR
    Dennis/Watkins/Broja

    Gtg?

    or is a version better with Kane to get Ronaldo next week?

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  28. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Something tells me Tottenham v Liverpool will be called off.

    Spurs have got a guaranteed loss there and will use Covid as an excuse to not play it with a depleted squad.

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    1. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Leicester called of the match against Spurs. Spurs wanted to play. I don't see them calling it off. Only if Liverpool have more cases will it be called off

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

        Ahh ok, good to know.

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

      Hope I'm wrong but think only 3 games will be played this Gw.

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  29. matiakez
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Here's how I'm looking currently

    Ramsdale
    TAA Cancelo James Regullion (?)
    Odegaard Salah Jota Brownhill

    Out - Ronaldo, Dennis, Antonio, Bowen

    To I just do the move I should have made midweek and get Watkins and Foden or something more funky like Lacca or Sterling?

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  30. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Grealish or Bernardo ?

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