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23 August 2022 548 comments
FPL Marc FPL Marc
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Researchers at The University of West London, La Trobe University and Nottingham Trent University are investigating the impact of Fantasy Football on its most passionate fans – and they want your help.

It has become a huge global game and continues to grow each year. Despite this, little is known about the positive and negative mental effects that involvement in Fantasy Football may have on individuals, with only one previous study on this topic currently published (Wilkins et al., 2021). The study you are invited to take part in focuses on this topic and aims to build on what we know so far.

You can begin the survey by clicking here

Participation involves completing a questionnaire. In addition, you will be asked five open-ended questions about your experiences of playing Fantasy Football, as well as questions about your behaviours and attitudes concerning the game.

You will also be asked about your personality and the potential effects that playing Fantasy Football has on your mental health and more general emotions. It is estimated that the study will take between 20 to 30 minutes to complete.

All data will remain confidential and anonymous. You will not be asked for your name or any other identifying features at any point. You are free to not answer any questions which you do not wish to answer. However, questions you do answer must be answered as truthfully and honestly as possible for us to obtain accurate findings.

Only the principal investigators involved can access the study data, which may also be used in future reports such as academic journals and conference presentations. However, again, no individual will be identifiable through such publication.

Participants are free to withdraw at any point, either during the data collection stage or for up to three weeks following it, by contacting the research team and providing the unique code they generated at the start of the questionnaire pack. In this eventuality, all of the withdrawing participant’s data will be destroyed immediately.

If you have any questions or thoughts about the questionnaire – or the topic in general – please feel free to contact Dr Jamie Churchyard at jamie.churchyard@uwl.ac.uk.

You can begin the survey by clicking here

References

Wilkins, L., Dowsett, R., Zaborski, Z., Scoles, L., & Allen. P. M (2021). Exploring the mental health of individuals who play fantasy football. Human Behaviour and Emerging Technologies, 3, 1004-1022.



FPL Marc Broadcaster, writer and overthinker. Hoping that ‘differential potential’ will catch on.

548 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Ramsdale
    TAA / Cancelo / James / Walker
    Salah / Martinelli / Gros
    Jesus / Haaland / Toney

    Ward / Cucurella / Da Silva / Andreas

    GTG?

    Only debating starting Gros or Cucu. Slightly tempted by Haaland to Kane too.

  2. Botman and Robben
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Last chance for Diaz against BOU for me...

    1. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      I think for 8m bracket, Maddison and Foden are next pick. Especially Maddison

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 days ago

        Yup, good offerings arounf that price range.

  3. La Roja
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Blimey, I considered briefly selling Robbo too but this getting out of control here..

    Bournemouth and they will be desperate to win - keep CS. He stays

    1. Karan_G14
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      He's a very tough sell. Next 4 fixtures look good. Would expect a reaction for Liverpool just like United last night.

    2. Arteta
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      They are 16th and obviously need to bounce back this weekend. Cherries will get destroyed.

    3. POGON 1948
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      It hurts to keep but Liverpool are gonna bounce back sooner rather than later + fixtures look way too good

  4. C_G
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    BOTTOMED. please help

    what to do here? 1 FT

    Ward Sanchez

    TAA James Walker Neco Saliba

    Salah KDB Marty Bailey Andreas

    Kane Jesus

    1. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      I’d save

    2. BERGKOP
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      Save

    3. 50ShadesOfGray
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      Bailey > Rodrigo?

  5. Dynamic Duos
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    James or Dias on WC?

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      James

  6. jimmyabs1987
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Salah & Toney

    Of

    Diaz and Haaland

    1. sirmorbach
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      Tough one. Heart says A, head says B.

    2. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      Former

    3. BERGKOP
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      A

  7. sirmorbach
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Please, friends:

    Alisson (Ward)
    TAA, Cancelo, Trippier, Saliba (Neco)
    Salah, Bowen, Martinelli, Rodrigo(Andreas)
    Haaland, Jesus (Archer)

    Bowen to Maddison/Zaha/Gundo for a hit? WC material? Keep as is for one more GW?

    1. Fit_to_drop
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      How can your team be WC material

      Defense - perfect.
      Midfield - replace Bowen.
      Strikers - perfect

      I would just do the Bowen t/fer on the next FT

      1. sirmorbach
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 11 days ago

        Thank you, sir. It's probably disappointment from the points that aren't coming. I'll keep. Cheers.

        1. La Roja
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 11 days ago

          Only issue I see is Bowen but not worth a hit

    2. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      I’d WC to your team

      1. sirmorbach
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 11 days ago

        Thank you, sir. Much appreciated.

    3. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      Don't think you need the hit. Can make the move next week

      1. sirmorbach
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 11 days ago

        Thanks for your thoughts!

  8. Nightcrawler
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Anyone seen Pool Double Defence Owners?

    Last seen Buried DEEP in the MUD of Manchester

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      What about one pool defence owners?

    2. George Sillett
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      Bournemouth will make it better .

  9. Barnabus
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    2FT, 0ITB

    Ward Iversen
    TAA Robbo Dias James NWilliams
    KDB Diaz Saka Bailey Andreas
    Haaland Jesus Taylor

    a) Robbo & Bailey > Perisic & Rodrigo
    b) Saka & Bailey > ASM & Rodrigo
    c) any other suggestions

    1. mcginnntonic
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      A but harrison

      1. Barnabus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 11 days ago

        why Harrison over Rodrigo out of interest?

    2. DRIZ ✅
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      A

    3. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      A

  10. mcginnntonic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Would you do this?

    Robbo James Bailey > Dunk Perisic Gundogan

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      Save

    2. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      No way

  11. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Best keeper option from Ramsdale and Sanchez? Correcting my stupid late decision before the first deadline with the Leicester rejects

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      San

    2. Arteta
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      I have to say Raya. His fixtures are looking really good for a long time.

      1. Arteta
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 11 days ago

        Sorry, I read your question wrong. Out of these two I'd probably go with Sanchez and save 0.5 for the upcoming transfers.

    3. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      I suppose Sanchez or Raya are best option

  12. Puntillimon
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Looking at points so far - midfielders clearly have the edge in the game. Not been great for someone going 523 formation. At least the 2 I’ve picked did pretty well (martinelli Salah). What do you guys think, reckon the def and strikers will catch up soon?

    1. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      It’s way too early to judge but looking at historical records for past 3 seasons, Midfielders have the edge then defenders quite recently

    2. Karan_G14
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      Definitely not the midfielders we expected to do well.

      No one was really considering Leeds, Zaha, Gros, Gundo etc.

      1. Arteta
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 11 days ago

        I wasn't much on FFS before the season started but I think that the starting template was something like Salah - Martinelli - Neto - Bailey - Pereira. If you didn't have 2-3 of those, others probably advised you to buy them. It's the same every year when it comes to most popular picks and reasons behind their inclusion.

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 11 days ago

          I can advise that a cheap starting midfield might not advisable at any stage.

      2. Puntillimon
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 11 days ago

        That’s true. It’s not just midfielders but the right ones..

    3. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      Think it's the fact the attacking defenders haven't had much in the way of attacking returns so far. A wingback getting a CS and assist and 2-3 bonus = 11-12 points.

      1. Puntillimon
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 11 days ago

        Yes? Their time will come! I’m sure if it..!

        1. Puntillimon
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 11 days ago

          Yes!*

  13. Gazwaz80
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    I posted a question concerning mental health and how F/F affected it and the amount of replies was staggering. The results of this will be very interesting and hopefully a lot of managers will get some sort of benefit out of it and maybe some insight as to how they approach F/F in the future. I personally would be stressing during match day and constantly checking my phone and notifications even when I was out with my family and and if I had a particularly bad gameweek it affected my mood over the course of the next few days. This year I decided to not let it affect me in this way and also decided to not get involved in money leagues and it seems to be working, ironically I’ve had the worst start to this season than any other and I just it hasn’t affected me anywhere near as much as I thought it would, so if I can give any advice it would be to step back and enjoy it for what it is, a really fun football game ( that’s free) and we get to chat with all our virtual friends also 🙂 enjoy and may all your arrows be green and if not, try not to worry about it to much, as it’s just a wasted emotion that doesn’t solve anything X

    1. George Sillett
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      Good man. I've always played FPL for fun , when it ceases to be that then I will stop. Yes it can be a frustrating game at times but there are far more important things than a virtual online game. Family and friends come first by a considerable distance every time.

      1. Gazwaz80
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 days ago

        Absolutely!

    2. BC1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      Bang on, it's just a game. A distraction for me personally.
      But this constant questioning (in email feeds in my workplace too) of how my mental health is, would drive anyone mad! If the editors here or the senders of those emails in work just promoted positivity, (gave you the tools to be mindful) rather than a constant "Are you OK?", "Are you OK?", "Are you OK?".
      If you are OK, you won't be much longer! Look at their constantly updated alphabet soup of acronyms for mental health disorders, and you'll be sure to find one that fits you!
      Enjoy the game, regardless 🙂

      1. Gazwaz80
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 days ago

        You too BC1 🙂

    3. sulldaddy
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      Thank you for commenting on the article!
      Totally agree, its just a game and I definitely try not to stress too much about bad transfers or losing rank in my mini league.
      There are lots of other things in the world and this game is a bit of escape for me and scratches the strategizing part of my brain.
      I suspect there is a strong correlation of stress and bad moods with managers who also play in cash based mini leagues.
      We play for beer in my main mini league, which probay helps with lower stress!

      1. Gazwaz80
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 days ago

        Playing for beer! Sounds like a good idea SULLDADDY 🙂
        Yes, playing in money leagues without doubt exacerbates mental health issues. I definitely feel much happier and relaxed and I’m enjoying F/F a lot more…

  14. waltzingmatildas
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    A) Mount and Greenwood to Rodrigo and Toney
    B) Ait-Nouri and Bailey to Saliba and Rodrigo

    Very tempted by A, but B feels more sensible?

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      A

    2. POGON 1948
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      I'd argue A is more sensible

    3. waltzingmatildas
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      Ok, cheers guys!

    4. G Banger
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      I'm considering the same move with Diaz instead of Mount

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 11 days ago

        Hmm that is tougher, I don't think I'd lose Diaz

  15. Tcheco
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Play:

    A. Andreas (nailed, on set pieces)

    B. Bailey (risk of not starting, assist & hit the post last game)

    1. POGON 1948
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      B depending on what SG says in pressers

  16. HD7
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Save or any transfer you would make here?

    Ederson
    
TAA Robo Cancelo James Trippier
    
Salah Martinelli Rodrigo
    
Haaland Jesus

    

Bench: Ward DaSilva Pereira Greenwood

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      G2G

  17. POGON 1948
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Gentlemen I require your advice

    1FT to rule them all

    A) Neto ➡️ Aaronson
    B) Iversen ➡️ Sanchez/Meslier
    C) Delete my team

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      B

    2. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      B with Sanchez

    3. Bavarian
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      A

    4. POGON 1948
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      cheers

    5. DRIZ ✅
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      C

      1. POGON 1948
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 11 days ago

        cheers

  18. Dynamic Duos
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Thoughts on this wc ? James and Patterson or Perisic and Dunk?

    Meslier Ward
    TAA Trippier Neco *** ***
    Salah Diaz Rodrigo Martinelli Andreas
    Haaland Jesus Toney

    1. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      The latter

    2. Arteta
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      Perisic and Dunk.

    3. Fit_to_drop
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      I think Maddison has shown more than Diaz in the first 3 games

  19. Klopp it
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Activated my wildcard and quite happy with this, any suggestions?

    Henderson
    Saliba, dier, cancelo
    Salah, aaronson, martinelli, rashford
    Kane, haaland, Jesus

    Bench, ward, dunk, Andreas, neco

    1. 50ShadesOfGray
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      Rashford won’t keep form I guarantee it. Get Rodrigo

    2. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      I'd sacrifice Kane > Kulu and upgrade defense

      1. Klopp it
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 11 days ago

        Kulu?

        1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 11 days ago

          Kulusevski

    3. Fit_to_drop
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      Think its a bit early to be jumping on ManU assets personally

  20. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Toney or Mitro as third striker

    Front 8
    Bailey, Rodrigo, Salah, Martinelli, Andreas
    Haaland, Jesus, Plange

    1. POGON 1948
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      Toney for now

    2. Fit_to_drop
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      Toney

    3. adam wigan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      I’ve got Toney but looking at the stats Mitro looks much more of an attacking threat and is cheaper too. Fixtures not great though so perhaps Toney now then swap later

  21. Fit_to_drop
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Crystal ball time.

    Over the course of the season will Pope justify his .5m valuation over Sanchez?

    I have Pope but could let him go on the next 2FT's to upgrade my 4.5mid.

    1. NobodyF*cksWithTheJesus
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      I'd prefer Sanchez + the .5 although not sure there's great value in 5.0 mids

      1. Fit_to_drop
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 days ago

        Very true. I might just go DaSilva to Andreas if the latter keeps up his form.

  22. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Is Walker in danger next week? Looked very ropey vs Newcastle

    1. Fit_to_drop
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      I hadnt spotted that as an owner. Hope not. But Cancelo to right and new guy at LB is a possibility. If it works out, its curtains for Walker.

    2. George Sillett
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      Oh dear has a pimp caught up with him ?

  23. Cheeky Onion
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Don't hate my team, but the points just haven't been coming. 1 FT & 0.8m ITB - what to do here?

    Ramsdale
    TAA - Cancelo - James - Dunk
    Salah - Mount - Martinelli - Bailey
    Haaland - Jesus

    Ward - Neco - Andreas - Taylor

    A) Mount > Aaronson/Rodrigo/Gross (Bailey > Zaha next week)

    B) Roll and do A next week

    C) Other

  24. Karan_G14
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Ramsdale
    TAA Robbo Cancelo James Perisic
    Salah Martinelli Neto
    Haaland Jesus

    (Ward Bailey Andreas Archer)
    2FTs & 0.0m

    A) Robbo & Neto to Walker & Rodrigo
    B) Robbo & Neto to Dunk & Gundo
    C) Neto & Bailey to Gross & 4.5 mid
    D) Robbo, Neto & Archer to Walker, Reed & Toney -4
    E) Anything else?

    Thoughts?

    1. KunDogan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      Selling Robbo before BOU? Pool will be hungry after utd game.
      C

      1. sulldaddy
        • 16 Years
        4 years, 11 days ago

        Pool were supposed to be hungry FOR United game!

  25. CornerTakenQuicklyOrigi
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Correct to bench Dunk and Trippier over Maddison?

    Ederson
    James, Perisic, Saliba
    KDB, Kulu, Maddison, Martinelli
    Haaland, Jesus, Toney

    Ward, Dunk, Trippier, Andreas

  26. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Keeping Robbo through a another price drop will be very disappointing. Likewise there is always the tsimikas risk in the back of ones mind!

  27. Rhodes your boat
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    On a wc and considering

    Taa gundo vs robbo foden, flip of a coin surely?

    1. Baps Hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      TAA Gundo imo

    2. Bavarian
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      TAA-Gundo

    3. Sun God Nika
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      A.

  28. Totti
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    guys
    exact funds to do these transfers

    robertson and greenwood -> perisic and toney (-4)

    already owning arnold and salah

    A) yay
    B) nay

    1. Taegugk Warrior
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      A

  29. Malkmus
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    A'noon all. 1FT, 0.4 itb. Save FT?

    Ward (4.0)
    TTA - Cancelo - White - Nico
    Salah - KDB - Martinelli - Bailey
    Haaland - Jesus

    Subs - Andreas, Patterson, Archer

    Everybody playing at home bar Ward, so will likely WC next gw to get Ward, Bailey out and prob one of KDB or Haaland.

    Ta!

    1. Baps Hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      Keep Ward. Only playing 4.0 gk.

      1. Baps Hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 11 days ago

        Sell your 4.0 😉

        1. Malkmus
          • 15 Years
          4 years, 11 days ago

          Thanks!

  30. Taegugk Warrior
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 days ago

    Diaz, Gundo, or Gross…?
    As mount replacement.

    1. Totti
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 11 days ago

      gundogan if you've money
      gross if you're looking for good budget midfielder