Podcast

Meet the Manager: LiveFPL creator Ragabolly speaks ahead of Gameweek 22

Joe chats to Ragabolly about his LiveFPL website, which has transformed Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers’ understanding of the game over the last three years.

When chatting to Ragabolly, it seems incredible that he manages to pack so much into a day.

Not only does he teach physics at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) but he has also finds time to create and manage such a hugely popular FPL site.

Launched in 2018, his LiveFPL set of tools, or “his baby” as he refers to it, has vastly expanded its roster of features over the years.

This includes viewing real-time rank changes, tracking the performance of ‘legendary managers’ and a ‘what if?’ tool to see how players’ potential performance can alter rank.

Perhaps the most groundbreaking feature has been his look at effective ownership (which includes captaincy and chip use) amongst groups of FPL managers, including those nearby in the rankings.

As Ragabolly explains to Joe, in this rare interview, his work with effective ownership has gone a long way to helping FPL managers understand why their arrows are red or green each week.

In addition, he chats about his Virtual FPL game, which was a welcome distraction for thousands of managers during the Covid lockdowns of 2020.

During their chat, Ragabolly also reveals how his early work in developing a virtual FPL game was interrupted by the Egyptian army and how Fantasy Football Scout creator Mark Sutherns has helped him to develop his site.

He also discusses how he deals with mixed feedback from managers, who can have different reactions to being helped to understand their FPL performance a little better.

Ragabolly discusses his own impressive FPL team management over the years – finishing inside the top 100K in ten of his 12 campaigns, with 2017/18’s finish of 2,821 his best yet.

This episode was recorded ahead of Double Gameweek 22 and the LiveFPL creator explains how his freshly Wildcarded team is geared up for this set of fixtures.

Above all, what comes through from this hour-long discussion is Ragabolly’s enthusiasm for FPL and being able to offer managers greater insight into the game they also love.

The ‘Meet the Manager’ series is where Joe chats to FPL managers with a strong record of success, an interesting view of the game and who offers the community valuable knowledge around Fantasy management.

Joe’s chat with Ragabolly is available below:

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

1,153 Comments Post a Comment
  1. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Newcastle are 100% going down. No matter who they sign.

    1. AIRMILES
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      They're 3 points from safety. I don't expect them to go down.

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

        Ok I didn’t know this. I retract my statement

        1. AIRMILES
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          In fairness, I think 17th might be the best they can expect, but that is enough.

        2. ilikewud
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          You didn't know that they were 3 points from safety yet you were so confident about your statement smh

    2. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      bookmarked

    3. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      They'll turn up next week with Henderson, Lingard, Martial and Bailly making their debuts.

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        People here don't seem to know anything, I agree.

    4. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      What a ridiculous statement.

    5. Davros
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Crazy talk

  2. FPL price manipulators are …
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    We can focus on the league now. FA Cup is just a distraction anyway

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

    Newcastle! lol.

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Howe did this happen

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

    Hat-trick Muembo essential for DGW 🙂

    1. Definitely not sleeping
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Smokescreen. Cup games and league games are totally different.

    2. mdm
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, but only with FH. Otherwise, don't bother

    3. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      He only came on in the 62nd minute.

  5. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Barnes played the full 90 and looked fine

  6. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Newcastle removing distractions

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I thought Cambridge might win.

      Went 1-2 on Super 6.

  7. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Who is that hosting on premier sports chatting with Shay Given and Neill Lennon?

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Eddie Howe

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Ok, and who is she really?

        1. El Presidente
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Are you serious?

          1. Paqueta Rice
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Erm, yeah? My wife asked the question… Is that ok with you or?

  8. Bishopool
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Barnsley vs Barrow seems pretty exotic game.

    1. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Barnsley away end on a cold wet January is far from exotic.

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Barrow would have had a draw back to their place but just gone 5-4 to Barnsley.

        Barrow equalised 2 or 3 times in the closing minutes...

        1. Top Dog
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          No replays. Would have gone into ET

  9. Hairy Potter
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    If they play Krafth at centre back, Ritchie at left back and without a striker then they are going to lose their next match in the league as well. Cambridge keeper had a blinder, but Newcastle were poor again today.

    1. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      If they splash the cash then maybe Krafth won't be at centre back , Ritchie won't be at left back and they sign a striker they might not lose their next match in the league as well.

  10. No Kane No Gain
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Who gets more points this week:-

    A) Ronaldo + Trossard

    B) Bruno + Dennis

    Cheers

    1. 2999 - Lady of Legend
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Brunis

  11. Well you know, Triffic
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    This is the Newcastle team that had Man Utd on the ropes a week or so ago!

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Cambridge United to beat Manchester United as well

      1. Well you know, Triffic
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        They drew with United in the FA cup a few years back!

  12. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Could Chesterfield do a Bradford City and get a memorable result in the FA Cup at Chelsea?

    1. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Highly unlikely imo.

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Yep.

        Especially not from 2 nil down to 2-4.

        1. George Sillett
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          This is a strong Chelsea line up . Highly unlikely as I said.

        2. George Sillett
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          You were saying .....

    2. BIGREDDOG
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      No chance

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Have everything crossed 🙂

  13. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Trippier essential?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, Trippier triple captain.

  14. Moxon
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Best cheap defenders to get on WC?

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Brighton Spurs Wolves

      1. Moxon
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers mate! Lamptey, Ait-Nouri?

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Both very promising but expect a wingback to get some rotation.

  15. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Sanchez (Martinez)
    TAA | Reguilon | Cancelo | Dalot (White)
    Jota | Bowen | Foden | Gray (Son)
    Ronaldo | Antonio (Locadia)

    1FT, 1.3 ITB

    A. Son => Bruno
    B. Son => Maddison
    C. B + Locadia => King -4
    D. Anything different

  16. sandman58
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    FH team
    DeGea
    Reguilon Alonso TAA
    Maddison Lookman Mount ?
    Kane Dennis Ronaldo
    Please suggest a midfielder or any suggestions on who to change?

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

      Jota

  17. No Kane No Gain
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    How did Bachmann play?! Would Watford rush Foster back afternoon today’s performance ?!

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

      Did not see but 5 shots on target and 4 goals. Just.

  18. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Okay, for free.. son > Maddison & then play my bench boost, 6 DGW players and some really good fixtures.

    Lloris
    TAA - Cancelo - Coufal
    Son - KDB - Jota - Bowen - Bilva
    Antonio - Dennis

    Bachmann - Lamptey - Broja - Rudiger

  19. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Rafa really does need to go.

  20. Cenako
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Where is DCL??

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      7 days detention for missing a penalty

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Recording another Braun ad.

    3. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      DCL was never going to start this having only just come back from injury and with another game midweek but I am somewhat surprised they haven’t even kept him on the bench just in case Hull score in the first minute or something…….

      1. Cenako
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Didn’t expect him to start but it’s strange not to see him on the bench

    4. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      DCL suffered a small issue in the week no related to his long term injury

    5. mdm
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Covid?

  21. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Timoo

  22. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Everton spent 598m on players & losing to Hull ?

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      On total Tat.
      Moshiri has no knowledge in football. Throwing money wildly in the market is just causing massive problems.
      The only good thing he’s doing is the stadium.

    2. Tasty Jerk
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Incredible. That will be Newcastle soon.

  23. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Livramento (wol) or White (tot) first sub?

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Livra

      Wolves can’t score

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers!

  24. threeputt
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Early thoughts, appreciate feedback please:
    I still have both FH's, a WC TC & BB available, I appear to have 6 DGW players DGW22 but 2 of these are Foster & Son, I have one FT available.
    I'm considering a FH but with a probability of 5 DGW players would you consider a FH to be a waste ? I don't have any Manu players, 2 ARS defenders with a toughie (tot) and 6.0m itb

    Martinez Foster*
    Tierney White Rudiger Reguilon TAA
    Mount Foden Son* Benhrama* Gray
    Antonio King Edouard

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Son and Benrahma to Maddison and/or Lookman. Maybe get CR7?

  25. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Mbeumo trolling owners with FA cup hattie is just lovely to see. Blanks imminent for the rest of the year

    1. fplgaruda
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Goals quota used up

  26. dshv
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Is there any chance Son to be available for Leicester game?

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      There’s no chance he’ll be available this month…

  27. Tasty Jerk
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Chelsea 2-0 Chesterfield, good goal.

  28. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Gordon essential

    1. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Flash in the pan!

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Getting in attacking positions and 2 goals last week

        Although you are probably right

        1. Je suis le chat
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Only messing! Fond memories of watching flesh Gordon years back!

  29. Salan
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Hard to ignore Gray vs Norwich.

  30. CapsLock
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Need an opinion on form players for -4 hits

    Son >> Maddy / Lookman / Tielemens /

    Gelhardt >> Dennis / DCL

    Thanks