Podcast

Meet the Manager: Tackling the rotation threats facing FPL managers

Joe chats to data analysis expert Emma, who each week looks to second-guess the rotation threats facing Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers.

Before each Gameweek, thousands of FPL managers consult the latest set of predictions produced by Emma on Twitter via  @jumpthewave. This research channels the expertise of a team of analysts, fans and Fantasy Football veterans, including FFScout’s resident maverick, Luke.

Her research has fast become a staple part of Gameweek preparation for many, as she looks to get inside the minds of Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel, to assess which players will start.

As part of the latest Meet the Manager video series, Emma explains how she only started playing FPL a few years ago, to join her Chelsea-supporting families’ mini-league.

Completely new to the game in 2018, she used her experience as a data analyst to assess the best transfer and captaincy calls each week. She has also learned to curb her instinct to take risks at times too, as data drives her decisions.

And her use of data is certainly paying off with a top 3,000 finish in her three-year career, as well as another just outside the top 30,000. With an overall rank of around 51,000 this year she looks set for another strong finish.

While currently her research focuses on Manchester City and Chelsea, she is looking to expand her reach to look at the predictive line-ups of other Premier League teams. But for this, she needs the FPL Community’s help. Budding line-up experts are urged to contact her to see how they can help add even more weight to her research.

Joe and Emma also chat about the rest of the 2021/22 season’s plans. This includes the best time to use chips, with Gameweeks 33 and 36 looking a pivotal time for her Free Hit and Bench Boost.

Just how much will the teamsheets of the top four teams influence her decisions? Given her successful predictions so far, FPL managers are advised to pay attention to how her data can help their decisions each week.

Joe’s chat with Emma can be viewed below.

In the Meet the Manager series, Joe chats to an FPL manager who is offering new insight into the game or has an incredible rank history, to help the FPL Community fine-tune their decisions each week.

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

469 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Depending on injury news and if TAA/Ramsdale are fit, look ok to roll at the moment?

    Sanchez
    TAA Robbo White
    Saka Kulu Ramsey Maddison Salah
    Kane Broja

    Ramsdale Nacho Ait Nouri Digne

    0.4 ITB.

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      As it stands TAA Broja and Ramsey are the weakest links

    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Digne surely has to go? Such a waste of space in FPL.

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

    Anyone started drafting a FH team for GW33 yet? I'm a bit undecided whether to play the chip (leaning no), partly because I'm reluctant to leave out Salah, Kane, Cancelo. Here's my 1st draft anyway - what do you think? It is too conservative keeping these expensive SGWers?

    Dubravka
    Cancelo Doherty White
    Salah Fernandes Sancho Saka Fraser
    Kane Vardy

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Doherty? Haven't a look at it myself as am sure will FH33 (got two). For defenders I would go DGW players. Salah and Kane are borderline as they absorbed the funds significantly. In my head it will be 11 DGWs for me, need differentials to catch up.

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

        Yeah maybe he's a weird pick, but he's & BHA just dont look like scoring. Hard to pick DGW defenders, I'm finding. Leicester, Brighton, Burnley, Southampton are no-go for me so maybe Schär double up with Dubravka?

        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          United?

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

            Hmm yeah maybe DDG could be good for a CS & then some save pts in the inevitable humiliation at Anfield

      2. Sergio vamos
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        So from now untill the end of the season who scores the most points.

        A) Mount
        B)Havertz

        Was firmly backing Havertz till I saw mount last night.

        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Havertz seems to be more explosive and has false 9 role but if Mount is back to consistent starts, I would go for him

          1. Sergio vamos
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 3 months ago

            Nice one, makes sense. Especially if Lukaku starts getting game time.

    2. Gazwaz80
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Hasn’t Salah and Cancelo got a D/G week?

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

        Not if they win in FA Cup. Im assuming they both get through here

        1. Gazwaz80
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Ok, thanks….

        2. Gazwaz80
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Why are all the apps showing that these teams have D/G weeks if it’s not definite?

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

            The newly added fixtures are definite, but the 1st games scheduled (Villa v Liverpool, Wolves v City) will get postponed. It is a bit confusing for the moment though, especially when FPL start previewing KDB for the double & stuff like that

          2. fusen
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 3 months ago

            They are definite right now, but as soon as the FA cup games finish then they may no longer be possible.

            Basically if for whatever reason the FA cup games didn't happen or the teams lose then the PL games currently scheduled would go ahead. But they most likely won't and instead will be rescheduled again.

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I’m going to fill mine with DGWers because it’s more fun.

      1. Shineonme
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        This

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

      Have to have Ronaldo if FH imo

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

      Honestly I haven't even looked, although I know for sure I'm using it then as I have both left so I think I'll just do some general scouting and try to have some fun with it

  3. Chemical76
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    NEWCASTLE
    Just spotted they have a run of 3 homes games from gw32 then Norwich away.

    WOL, LEI, PAL then nor

    1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah solid run of Fixtures

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Whom to get?

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

      Yeah looks good if you're in the market for a cheap defender / GK, or perhaps a mid but I find it hard to fit them in atm. Who are your targets?

    4. Chemical76
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      ASM hopefully building up to more minutes. Easily their most points generating assest

      1. Hairy Potter
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        His instagram post yesterday suggests that he's fired up and wants to prove some of the more fical fans wrong about blaming him for the loss to Everton.

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

      Think I'll be keeping Burn a lot longer than I initially planned

  4. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    After yesterday’s win, I feel Top 4 is more or less guaranteed for Arsenal! 🙂

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Confident hey? Rightly so with the way the team have played. But nothing is guaranteed in PL and ARS track records on bottling thing is there to overcome 🙂

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

      I would be very confident in your shoes too. Well deserved, I feel. 🙂

  5. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Any player from Burnley or Everton worth a punt for the double?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      DCL if he’s back.

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      None if required transfers in then out again at some point. If WC soon or to be buried in the team maybe. Pope, Gordon and Weghorst ... not too exciting.

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

        ^This. Not going out of my way for any but Gordon, Mee, Pope etc fine if you have them already

    3. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      And possibly Pope?!

    4. Forgetmeknot
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I think there’s room for one for a minor squad slot ie pope, or I might do Ramsey to Gordon to Jimenez to Weg or DCL

      1. Forgetmeknot
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Or* Jimenez to Weg/DCL

    5. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I have been holding on to Pope and Weg for a few GWs now. Wouldn't bring them in if I hadn't. Nobody from Everton either.

    6. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Most Burnley defs will probably end up on negative pts after the City game so nah, Everton are just very poor

    7. Mr. O'Connell
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Have Weg and Mee. Will bench both.

  6. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Anymore surprises in players availability today?

    I've got 5 left to play and Tierney 6 points first off my bench now.

  7. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Who needs a Toney brace or hattie?

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Wouldn't mind even one goal today.

    2. Sun God Nika
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Moi

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      It would certainly help.

      And a Maddison benching or haul!

    4. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I am hoping for an extremely unlikely 0-0

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Where is the downvote arrow? 🙂

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Hahaha!

    5. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      He'll get a pen

  8. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Burnley have 5 games in the next 3 game weeks.with Norwich as a single .I think they're worth a gamble. Pope or a defender and Weg.

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I have Mee and hope he gets well soonest.

    2. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I have the dependable Rodriguez, brace incominnnng

    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I have Pope and Weg. Keeping them till 33.

    4. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Probably Pope out of that lot.

    5. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      FT is gold 😛

    6. tokara
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I cringed at the tot of Burnley

  9. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Crazy to see so many having ditched Cancelo and TAA (or likely to do it in the next couple of weeks) that they may actually become slight differentials for some, at least in MLs

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Not crazy depending on the chips plan and TV

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

      Somehow he became the most differential player in my (usual) starting 11! Even Martinelli has double his EO & he was at 1% the other week

    3. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Not crazy at all

  10. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    I was on Barnes all week then switched to Maddison following the Thursday night game.

    I've completely over thought this FH. So expect Barnes points today.

    And a cracker at Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United. A 2-2 battle and a late winner?!

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Antonio?

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        That would be a turn up to finish off this game week!

        Hopefully Toney and Kane show up today, after a Lacazette 2 pointer at Villa Park.

    2. tokara
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I woulf have picked Mad for security

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah, and he's an upside punt.

        I'd have had Barnes on a wild card though.

        After my bad call on Saka I'm hoping for some fortune today.

  11. Peter Ouch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    I need a Toeny masterclass

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      ffs i couldn't even spell his name right, i deserve nothing

    2. tokara
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Meumbo week

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Eriksen again?

  12. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    I’m not sure Where he’s at physically speaking but I liked what I saw from DCL against NEW.
    He has 10 days to build fitness up, could he then be an option for you for the EVE double in 31?

    1. tokara
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Go for it

  13. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Is that the strongest Everton line up with injuries, or don't they want to risk winning the FA Cup?

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

      Best they can manage I suppose. Aside from DCL & Gray (presumably fitness issues), the bench doesnt look any better. Not sure whats happened to Donny but havent been following Lampard pressers

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Donny van de Beek has the worst positional sense of a professional player that I've seen in a while.