SoRare

Compete for real prizes in the free-to-play Sorare Academy this weekend


Sponsored by Sorare


Another week, another record! A total of 4,818 of you entered teams last week, so we’re closing in on the big 5k.

To celebrate, together with our partners at Sorare, we are offering an additional five cards per week. That’s 15 cards up for grabs every tournament and it costs precisely zero to enter.

Perhaps even better, we have been able to upgrade our servers after the increased demand caused a slowing down. Last week was a much smoother experience, so I am told!

Enter a team now and try to get one of those 15 cards. It only takes a few minutes and it’s totally free.

GET STARTED here

Let’s look at last week’s winner and then turn our attention to the upcoming tournament.

Our Winner

Last week was tough. Our winner, Idiocrate86, was not far short of 500 points, which is a huge total. All of his players contributed very strongly.

He picked a squad of very obvious big hitters, which paid off. There is a risk, though: the two managers who came second and third picked exactly the same team.

The tiebreaker is that Idiocrate picked his team first. So, if you are going to go for five well-known big hitters, it’s better to get your team locked in on Tuesday or Wednesday rather than wait for the Friday deadline.

This is also why many people include at least one differential who can separate them from the pack.

Entering a team for this week

It’s a really easy game to play and, to make it even easier, I’ll share some team selection thoughts for the weekend.

Fixtures

Just like Fantasy Premier League (FPL), I tend to start with looking at the fixtures. I have a tool on my website for this:

The green column on the right is the algorithm’s prediction of the team’s chances of winning.

Inter have a great fixture and are generally not quite as heavily used, so their big hitters might be good to target this week, rather than the usual Bayerns and Manchester Citys.

Both of those teams feature on this list. The algorithm expects them to win comfortably but Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen are not exactly pushovers.

Liverpool at home against West Ham United is promising, as all FPL fans will know already. Stade Rennais creep up there vs Angers – the algorithm is onto something there, as Rennes have scored eight goals over the last two games.

Lille and Barcelona round out the best of the fixtures, and both provide interesting options that will not be widely selected.

Form

The Academy makes it really easy to see how players have been doing recently. Hakan Calhanoglu has been on an average run knocking around the 50-point mark.

However, if you have been watching his recent games, you’ll note he’s been unlucky not to get a goal and/or assist. The recent scores are a quick guide and I often use them for this free-to-play Academy game. However, if/when you get more advanced in the main Sorare game, you’ll want to be checking out what really happened in recent matches to get an advantage.

I will look for something at Rennes given that juicy fixture. There is big differential potential. The in-form Martin Terrier could be a great shout. I used to follow Terrier in his time at Lyon a couple of years ago, where bad luck and injury really set his development back. It’s nice to see him finally kicking on – it’s four goals in six games for him.

Lille are promising, so defender Sven Botman and forward Jonathan Bamba would be my picks.

At Barcelona, wonderkid Pedri always looks good and he is in great form. Frankie de Jong is very consistent too. They haven’t been keeping too many clean sheets, otherwise I might have gone for Jordi Alba.

Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Manchester City all provide great options but it is fairly easy to see who they are just by looking at the Academy form guide.

The Final Cut

After last week, where lots of similar teams had to go to a tie-break, I’m going with what I think is a strong line-up of differentials. At least it was until I put it here on Fantasy Football Scout! Although, at least I have entered it first…

Remember the Friday deadline is at 11:00am UK time. And please share the league with your friends so we can hit 5,000 players!

ENTER A TEAM FOR FREE HERE

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Adam @ Football Trader Adam has been scouting for and trading in football games for far too long and for far too many hours. He has a particular interest in the big 5 European Leagues as well as lesser known ones like the Eredivisie, Primeira Liga and even the MLS. Before he managed to somehow make a living by writing about football, he spent ~10 years as a Ministerial adviser and project/risk manager for the UK Government including the Foreign Office and MOD. When not buried in xG spreadsheets he plays too many computer games, lifts heavy things in the gym and attempts to cultivate a handsome beard.

483 Comments Post a Comment
  1. gellinmagellan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    When is Leicester likely to double?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      33

  2. sirmorbach
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Please, friends:

    Foster
    TAA, Robbo, Cancelo, Cash
    Salah, Foden, Coutinho, Saka
    Broja, Jimi

    Lloris, Bowen, Dias, Edouard

    A. Dias to Rudiger
    B. Edouard to Adams
    C. Both for a hit
    D. Bowen/Saka to Raph
    E. All of it for a - 8 and bench boost
    F. Roll the FT

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      C

      1. sirmorbach
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers, Tony! If I may, would you BB that lot?

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Not sure. Probably close to BB after making those two transfers. All SGWers but solid FPL picks

          1. sirmorbach
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Much appreciated!!

    2. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      C - but who goes to the bench?

      1. sirmorbach
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Either Saka and Robbo go to the bench or I bench boost (I think I might)!

  3. artvandelay316
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Struggling with 5th mid slot on WC
    Salah, Willock, Ramsey, Saka, ________

    I don't really fancy Raph and current pick Mount has not filled me with confidence either. Any suggestions? Either way I'll probably transfer the player out GW 29 for Pool mid. Better to just bring them in now and save FT next week, to give me two for BGW30?

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think a bit of a punt on a WC is worth it - could go for a pool mid straight away to not book in a transfer though, depends what team looks like in 28 (decent doubling forward or defender to bench pool midfielder for example)?

      1. artvandelay316
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I have Hwang, Broja, Kane up front. Currently playing all of them. If I brought in Pool now in Mount's place I'd prob put a second Chelsea defender in and play both.

        1. Biggsy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I don't like the idea of booking in transfers off a WC so benching a pool asset but having them for 29 probably works in your scenario. Not sure i'd pick a non-Salah pool midfielder myself but could work out.

    2. WATERMELONS
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Looking at Maddison myself. Lots of extra fixtures to come. Playing leeds this week. Playing in bgw30.

  4. Biggsy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    WC Midfield seems to be the challenge. Salah obviously and then four slots:

    A. Mount/Havertz - risk of rotation but great fixtures in 28 & 29, nothing in 30 but good beyond
    B. Willock - probably provides value over a double double, no 30 and unlikely to hold long term
    C. Raphinha - unknown quanity with new manager but good fixtures for a quality player, plays in 30
    D. Saka - good fixture before double and game in 30 and beyond
    E. Coutinho - off the boil and middle of the road fixtures in 29 and 30, rubbish beyond
    F. JWP - good double and nailed as nailed can be, but lack of 30 probably take shine off

    Can't really decide which four...

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Saka and Raphinha would be locks in my WC team to cover 28-30.

      1. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah I think that I need at least 2 mids to cover 30 and they offer great options with their longer term fixtures too

    2. CABAYE4
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      C and D first picks for me.

      A is enticing but risky. Also Son to consider.

      1. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I think i've responded to your own picks, but happy without Son. Going Kane. Might be tempted by a Kulu punt in 29 or 30 but I think if I go Son its at the expense of the quality of the team for the longer term. Very concious that after a WC in 28 there are only 10 free transfers left

    3. artvandelay316
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Currently on A, B, D, plus Ramsey rather than E. Not too worried about post GW30 fixtures for Willock and Ramsey as I'll move them on using some cash savings I'm keeping aside. It's just Mount I'm unsure on. Not sure I trust he'll perform or even play both. And if it's a single game slot I'd rather just put in another Pool or Spurs ready for GW29.

      1. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah might go Ramsey if it meant a better third striker option but current set-up means I have funds for Cout and its a easier swap to Maddison or someone else beyond.

    4. Honker Muddlefoot
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I’d take Saka and Raphinha definitely, Son if you can stretch to him (unless you’re going Kane route instead, then I might go Mount), and then maybe JWP with an eye to flip him for Maddison/Barnes in 30 to take advantage of Leicester’s fixtures for the run in. Good luck, mate!

      1. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks, yeah getting Kane so no Son for me. Does feel like it should be Saka + Raph + Chelsea and then one of JWP or Willock.

  5. chelseabrad
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What are most people doing for bgw30?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Playing with 8-9

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Probably muddle through but on a WC so that is somewhat easier. Does depend on the quarter final draw tonight - might give some certainty about what GW33 looks like in which case it might be better using a FH in 30

    3. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Play 7-8

  6. Lignja
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Bb team, -4, gtg?

    Sa
    Taa, James, Digne, Coady
    Salah, Son, Coutnho, Raphina
    Jimenez, Broja

    Dubravka, Cancelo, Saka, Pukki

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes

  7. Giovanni Giorgio
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    a) Kane + Fraser/Ramsey
    b) ASM + Son

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Kane Ramsey

  8. Dthinger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I've decided Cornet and Edouard are leaving my team this week. Who should I replace them with? Budget will be 12.4m and team is:

    Foster DeGea
    TAA Robbo Laporte Cucurella White
    Salah Bruno Odegaard Raph XXXX
    Dennis Weghorst XXXX

    I suppose Willock needs to be considered, but anyone else from Newcastle attack worth looking at?

    1. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Or maybe I should just keep it simple and do Edouard to Broja.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Broja and Ramsey

    3. CABAYE4
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Broja and Saka?

      1. Dthinger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        hoping for someone with a double 28

  9. johnnymorrocco
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on WC? Plan to BB 29. Don't really want anymore GW30 players tbh but could bring in raph/laca/saka b4 then?

    Pickford
    Ramsdale
    Schär
    Alexander-Arnold
    James
    Walker-Peters
    Kilman
    Fraser
    Ramsey
    Mount
    Gordon
    Salah
    Adams
    Jiménez
    Kane

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I get Pickford as a BB pick, but feel like you're booking in a future transfer for a GK. Maybe Dubravka? Would also do Adams to Broja and then spend the funds on that midfield - I think two of Fraser, Ramsey and Gordon are ok but you won't want any of them longer term

      1. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Oh and use one line per position, that column of players isn't the easiest way to understand a squad

      2. johnnymorrocco
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        great feedback

      3. johnnymorrocco
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Dubravka Ramsdale
        Holgate Alexander-Arnold James Walker-Peters Kilman
        Fraser Ramsey Ziyech Saka Salah
        Adams Jiménez Kane

        That looks better but depends on ziyech fit or i need to find 0.1. Could dg Adams as you said but want to differentiate myslef from the template WC27ers

  10. chelseabrad
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Would you play Lloris (EVE) or Foster (ARS+wol) this week?

    1. CABAYE4
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Foster

  11. Tambling5
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Picked a template wild card, but instead planning to go with this "gut" team. D=double S= Single G=gut.
    Forster GD
    TAA S Coady D Alonso DG
    Sterling G S Son S Salah S Fraser DG
    Jimenez D Broja D Pukki DG
    Subs Foster Cancelo Livra Ramsey
    Any thoughts? Am I completely barmy? Who would you captain. Thinking of punting Alonso.

  12. gellinmagellan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Watkins or Jiminez?

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A poke in the eye or a stubbed toe

      Don't fancy either. Jiminez because his fixtures are much nicer

  13. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Struggling who to bring in for Bowen.

    A. WIllock (2 x DGW)
    B. Havertz
    C. Mount

    Thanks

  14. v3n0m
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on WC (No FH30):

    Ramsdale (Foster)
    Rudiger T.Silva Saiss Kilman (TAA)
    Salah Coutinho Raphinha Willock (Jota)
    Broja Jimenez (Kane)

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nice. Personally no Cancelo is a risk - does Coutinho to Ramsey give you enough to get him in place of Silva? Jota is brave given the competition for places at pool now, but can see it paying off.

      1. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Probably wouldn't bench Kane over a Wolves defender, double or otherwise