Members
21 December 2022 272 comments
Az Az
Share:

With Fantasy Premier League (FPL) resuming on Boxing Day, we’ll be welcoming back our stellar team of Pro Pundits and Hall of Famers for the restart.

Only Premium Members are able to read every single one of these pieces, so sign up today to get full access not just to the editorial content but all of the other benefits, from hundreds of Opta stats to a transfer planner.

Here, Az talks us through his current draft for Gameweek 17 – and discusses why he’s going without Mohamed Salah.

Gameweek 7 Pro Pundit Article

FPL is back! The World Cup has been an enjoyable watch but like so many of you reading this, I have to say I’m happy that we can get back to focusing on building our teams for Boxing Day and beyond.

Just like we saw in pre-season, a strong template is emerging. The likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga (£4.5m) and even Diogo Dalot (£4.8m) are attracting substantial interest, as we look to shake up our squads and target some very promising fixtures for some of the league’s top teams.

Just like I did in my (failed) Gameweek 1 draft, I’m trying to target the areas of the template where I think there are weaknesses. While this went pretty disastrously for me before, I’m hopeful that this time I can get it right. I think there are some excellent differentials for us to consider this time around and I’m hoping we see some real variety in people’s teams as the festive schedule begins.

 

 1



The rest of this article below is completely free to read but requires a Fantasy Football Scout user account for access – you can get yours at no cost here

 1



Az One half of the FPL BlackBox YouTube series with Mark Sutherns.Former Membership Strategy Manager for FFS  Follow them on Twitter

272 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Jimmy Rydberg
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Not sure about goalie but think it will be like this, any thoughts?
    Ramsdale, (Ward)
    Cancelo, James, Trippier, Gabriel, (Bueno).
    Almiron, KdB, Bruno F, Rashford, (Andreas).
    Haaland, Nunez, (Greenwood).

  2. EWH2020
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Why the obsession with Cancelo? Terrible first half of the season, awful in the World Cup, City don't clean sheets and he doesn't assist/score enough to spend 7.2m on

    1. Mirror Man
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Bed bugs ate Foden's fringe.

      • Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I'm of the same opinion. Not to say he won't get a return or two, but if I was getting him it'd be for the first 2 games and I wouldn't be surprised if they concede against Leeds. After those games they face:

        Chelsea (A)
        ManUtd (A)
        Spurs (H)
        Wolves (H)
        Spurs (A)
        Villa (H)
        Arsenal (A)

        Only really one game there that I could say I'd be confident of a clean sheet and even then Wolves will be under a new manager. Only one clean sheet in last 5 before the break too. Much rather use the money elsewhere and give myself the option of a third attacker

        1. Shark Team
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Walker is back, City still has the best numbers defensively this season. I see 4 clean sheets in the 7 games u mention but before and after those games City face LEE, EVE, NFO, BOU so he is a set and forget till next wildcard for me easily. If you want money pick a cheaper mid or fwd where you can save easily 2 million without getting a much worse player. There Cancelo cant be replaced with any 5 mil def imo

      • GreennRed
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Because he costs 7.2m, has been great in previous seasons and plays for City. Summerville would have more owners if he was 7m. Some people confusing cost and value.

      • Casual Player
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        7.4m, he needs to be doing what TAA or Robbo did last season and he’s not, and has never shown he will

        Making sacrifices elsewhere to get KdB as 3rd City player instead of Cancelo on my WC was great for me

        I’d rather Ederson or Walker if I was to invest in their defence

    2. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Toying with my first draft after the break, thoughts on the points below?

      1. Punt on James if fit? Thinking him over Dalot with DGW in mind as well?
      2. Thinking KDB over Salah? Darwin seems to be focal, City with better fixtures and DGW
      3. Overall not sure about that midfield and have 2.2ITB.
      4. No Spurs is ok?

      Kepa/Ward
      Cancelo/James*/Trippier/White/Bueno
      KDB*/Rash/Martinelli/Almiron/Andreas
      Haaland/Darwin/Mitro

      1. GreennRed
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        1. Yes.
        2. No.
        3. Salah and Maddison for KDB and Rashford.
        4. Yes.

    3. tricpic
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Declan Rice
      Worth a punt?
      Discuss

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Think there are much better options around, only gets the odd goal/assist and don't think he's on penalties any more (although admittedly I've forgotten)

        1. tricpic
          • 16 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Bailey or Jensen at that price point (already own Andreas). Both a little uninspiring. Just think Rice is nailed and had a good World Cup.

    4. Djemba-Djemba
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Anyone considering B. Fernandes, coming form a great world cup and no more Ronaldo he could go back to his previous season's form

      1. TheBiffas
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I think he's a wait and see

      2. Mirror Man
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Requires 14 penalties to be a good option. Not going to happen. Better to pick Rodri or Fred.

          1. The Knights Template
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            I call him Fredri

            1. Mirror Man
                2 years, 11 months ago

                Excellent. I really enjoyed that and will continue to do so for a while yet.

                1. The Knights Template
                  • 12 Years
                  2 years, 11 months ago

                  Your honesty is a beacon in dark times!

                  1. Mirror Man
                      2 years, 11 months ago

                      I'm trying to make the world a better place. One forum at a time.

                      1. The Knights Template
                        • 12 Years
                        2 years, 11 months ago

                        Tis all we can do.

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

              Could be a nice differential but hard to justify fitting him in at that price, especially with Rashford being so cheap.

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

              Nah he just gonna complain about the nationality of the referee.

          2. FCHaalandaise
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            How is this looking?

            DDG
            James White Trippier
            Salah Foden Maddison Almiron Mart
            Kane Haaland

            Ward Greenwood Patterson Bueno

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

              Yep, looks decent to me.

              1. FCHaalandaise
                • 3 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                Ta. Bit worried about foden though
                Maddison or Rashford sound better tbh

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

              Dea Gea is a punt but not a nice one.

              1. FCHaalandaise
                • 3 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                He has averaged 4 pts a game recently and check their fixtures

          3. TheBiffas
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Is Akanji nailed?

            1. Mirror Man
                2 years, 11 months ago

                Last seen shifting rocks in Hunts Point. So no.

              • Conners
                • 6 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                I can't see Dias warming the bench for much longer. I think he'll get his place back.

              • Shark Team
                • 8 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                None is nailed apart from Cancelo and Ederson in city def

            2. N00B
              • 11 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              Hello guys! 1st draft, no money left itb.
              What do you think?

              Kepa
              Cancelo James Trippier
              Salah Saka Martinelli Rashford
              Haaland Darwin Martial

              Bench: Ward, Pereira,White, Bueno

              1. FCHaalandaise
                • 3 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                I don't like double chelsea Def at all
                They are rubbish

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

                Almost identical, I'm on Kulu over Saka

            3. 1justlookin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              Is there any reason that Pope isn't appearing in many drafts?

              Not sure what there's not to like about him

              1. FCHaalandaise
                • 3 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                Clear no.1 for me

                1. FCHaalandaise
                  • 3 Years
                  2 years, 11 months ago

                  I'm just trying to save some money at keeper though

                2. ManUtdFan977
                  • 6 Years
                  2 years, 11 months ago

                  there’s other keepers with batter fixtures that are cheaper

                  1. FCHaalandaise
                    • 3 Years
                    2 years, 11 months ago

                    Fixtures don't automatically equate to hauls/points

              2. ZimZalabim
                • 9 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                his price

              3. Mirror Man
                  2 years, 11 months ago

                  98% of FFS commenters copy Pro Pundits, who use technology to pick their teams as they are afraid of a sub-100k rank as it might hurt their monetization abilities. Pope is obviously the best keeper.

                • Pariße
                  • 10 Years
                  2 years, 11 months ago

                  I felt fancy because of extra money and chose Ederson. But Pope is still the no1 option, not much to think about here.

                • Shark Team
                  • 8 Years
                  2 years, 11 months ago

                  Newcastle face some good attacking teams in the next gws, their defence is very low on the fixture ticker and u can get Ederson for 0.2 more

              4. ManUtdFan977
                • 6 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                Reece James and almiron or Patterson and foden

                1. FCHaalandaise
                  • 3 Years
                  2 years, 11 months ago

                  Easy first two

              5. Jässi
                • 8 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                How would you improve this threemium squad? (0.1 ITB)

                Kepa - Ward
                Cancelo - Trippier - White - Patterson - Bueno
                Salah - KDB - Martinelli - Almiron - Andreas
                Haaland - Mitrovic - Nketiah

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

                Thoughts on going 3-5-2 with KDB, Salah, Haaland and Darwin? Means no Fulham lads even with DGW, and a pretty weak defence

                Kepa
                James Trippier Castagne
                Salah KDB Rashford Martinelli Almiron
                Haaland Darwin

                Ward Perraud Bueno Greenwood

                Castagne Perraud could be White + 4.3 def

                1. FF Dirtbag
                  • 14 Years
                  2 years, 11 months ago

                  White and fofana?

                  1. Mirror Man
                      2 years, 11 months ago

                      Detroit based racketeers. Pups, the pair of them. Especially Whitey.

                2. ManUtdFan977
                  • 6 Years
                  2 years, 11 months ago

                  Should I risk going without cancelo and going for Walker instead saving money?

                  1. Mirror Man
                      2 years, 11 months ago

                      Definitely. He's a rich man's Wan Bissaka this year. Poor value.

                    • TheBiffas
                      • 5 Years
                      2 years, 11 months ago

                      I did this and now I'm at 2m rank

                      1. Casual Player
                        • 5 Years
                        2 years, 11 months ago

                        Lol I think it’s more than just that mate

                        I went without Cancelo from GW13 and climbed fast

                    • Pariße
                      • 10 Years
                      2 years, 11 months ago

                      Walker nailed?

                      1. ManUtdFan977
                        • 6 Years
                        2 years, 11 months ago

                        That’s my issue I’ll probably end up just sticking with cancelo

                    • Casual Player
                      • 5 Years
                      2 years, 11 months ago

                      Yeah I reckon

                      Walker at 2/3rds the price for 2/3rds the points of Cancelo, and you can put the cash saved to better use elsewhere.

                  2. KeanosMagic
                    • 3 Years
                    2 years, 11 months ago

                    After some tinkering, I have completed it lads!

                    Ward Iversen
                    Trippier Cancelo James White Bueno
                    KDB Salah Odegard Almiron Andreas
                    Haaland Mitrovic Nketiah

                    Feel free to copy 😀

                    1. Mirror Man
                        2 years, 11 months ago

                        Nah year alright mate. Pfft.

                        1. Mirror Man
                            2 years, 11 months ago

                            **yer

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

                          Exact money for this...looks good

                        3. Eleven Hag
                          • 8 Years
                          2 years, 11 months ago

                          Arsenal fixtures look tough from attacking view point

                          Do we need the double attack?

                      • Pariße
                        • 10 Years
                        2 years, 11 months ago

                        Where is this Cancelo hate coming from? He’s a premium defender for fantasy and in real life, and has 30 more points than the next best City defender.

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

                          No one is hating on him, his attacking numbers don't match his price tag expectations but he is nailed on for the best team in the country hence people are "deliberating".

                        2. Mirror Man
                            2 years, 11 months ago

                            *Can-Bissaka

                        3. 1justlookin
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 14 Years
                          2 years, 11 months ago

                          Anyone brave enough to start with Mason Mount for the first 2 fixtures then switch to James Maddison for Leicester's enticing run?

                          Hoping Mount will start.

                          1. Casual Player
                            • 5 Years
                            2 years, 11 months ago

                            You’d want him for 4 fixtures, yeah… the DGW19 as well? I might do it

                          2. The Knights Template
                            • 12 Years
                            2 years, 11 months ago

                            Injured calf?

                        4. Karan_G14
                          • 9 Years
                          2 years, 11 months ago

                          Choose 2 from these:

                          A) Almirion
                          B) Martinelli
                          C) Rashford

                          Choose 1 from these:

                          A) Saka
                          B) Foden
                          C) Antony
                          D) Kulu
                          E) Mount

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

                            Rash + Saka

                            1. Mirror Man
                                2 years, 11 months ago

                                Could be scabies. Seek medical attention immediately.

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

                                  Fpl and medical advice!

                                  1. Mirror Man
                                      2 years, 11 months ago

                                      This would usually be a good time to promote my Patreon but they've shut me down.

                                      1. The Knights Template
                                        • 12 Years
                                        2 years, 11 months ago

                                        Itchy and Scratchy official scabies health promotion ambassadors.

                                        1. Mirror Man
                                            2 years, 11 months ago

                                            The irony of that is very pleasing.

                              • ChelseaBlueLions
                                • 5 Years
                                2 years, 11 months ago

                                Hi guys - would appreciate your thoughts - Team A or B

                                A) 2.1 ITB
                                Kepa (Ward)
                                Cancelo Trippier Dalot (Saliba, Neco)
                                KDB Rashford Martinelli Almiron (Andreas)
                                Haaland Wilson Darwin

                                B) 0.7 ITB
                                Kepa (Ward)
                                Cancelo Saliba Dalot Trippier (Neco)
                                KDB Salah Martinelli Almiron (Andreas)
                                Haaland Wilson (Greenwood)

                              • Eleven Hag
                                • 8 Years
                                2 years, 11 months ago

                                Punt on Son?

                                Ward Iverson
                                James Dalot Tripps Saliba Patterson
                                KDB Son Martinelli Almeron Andreas
                                Haaland Darwin Mitro

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

                                  Would go Kulu and pocket the dosh

                                  1. Eleven Hag
                                    • 8 Years
                                    2 years, 11 months ago

                                    Rotation with Richa is a concern thou?

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

                                      I thought he was injured tbh

                                    2. Mirror Man
                                        2 years, 11 months ago

                                        I always read your comments with a dutch accent. And say "eh" at the end for comedic purposes.

                                        Thanks.

                                        1. The Knights Template
                                          • 12 Years
                                          2 years, 11 months ago

                                          I hope Eleven Hag has the common decency to end all of his sentences in this fashion from now on. He can make the world a brighter place in these dark times.

                                          1. Mirror Man
                                              2 years, 11 months ago

                                              All we can do is nudge them in the right direction and hope for the best.

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

                                    Which king?

                                    Egyptian or Kev?

                                    Got both Darwin and Erling too

                                  3. Vman
                                    • 12 Years
                                    2 years, 11 months ago

                                    Good Afternoon and I hope you are all feeling festive!
                                    My team is below and my question is should I move out kane for Darwin even though he's my differential in mini league?
                                    Kepa/ Ward
                                    James Trippier Cancelo/ Patterson White
                                    Rashford Salah Martinelli Almiron /Andrea's
                                    Haaland Kane Martial
                                    O.0 in bank now.

                                    Many thanks.

                                    1. Vman
                                      • 12 Years
                                      2 years, 11 months ago

                                      Martial to Mitrovic for DGW

                                  4. Shark Team
                                    • 8 Years
                                    2 years, 11 months ago

                                    Kulu/Kane: bre, AVL, cry, DGW(ARS,mci) , ful
                                    These fixtures are good attacking wise imo ... Are Spurs assets overlooked?

                                    1. Athletic Nasherbo
                                      • 8 Years
                                      2 years, 11 months ago

                                      From a Son and Kulu owner, yes.

                                    2. Mirror Man
                                        2 years, 11 months ago

                                        The algorithms don't like them, which means the influencers don't have them, which means FFS commenters aren't thinking about them.

                                        1. Mirror Man
                                            2 years, 11 months ago

                                            At least 98% thereof.

                                          • Shark Team
                                            • 8 Years
                                            2 years, 11 months ago

                                            Thats 100% true, i was always arguing for those getting brainwashed by content creators but at the end im also becoming a victim cause im afraid of the "template" which turns out to be sht

                                        2. The Mentaculus
                                          • 4 Years
                                          2 years, 11 months ago

                                          Mediocre fixtures, turning worse. Even the double is as bad as they come.

                                          No Bentancur, Richarlison, Sessegnon. Perisic knackered. Kane fatigued even before the WC. Not sure about Hojbjerg, Davies, Romero, Lloris.

                                          I do actually have Kulu, but I have a lot of doubts about Spurs too (haven't even mentioned their crap form before the break). Will see who's available for their friendly tonight but I'm getting an itchy trigger finger on Kulu - Trossard

                                          1. Shark Team
                                            • 8 Years
                                            2 years, 11 months ago

                                            Kulu had a month rest, he has 6 returns in 7 starts this season. He had 13 in 18 starts last season. I believe he will shine till Richarlison is back

                                            1. The Mentaculus
                                              • 4 Years
                                              2 years, 11 months ago

                                              That's the thing - I'm feeling optimistic about Kulu individually but wary of Spurs as a team

                                          2. Mirror Man
                                              2 years, 11 months ago

                                              My fixture tracker suggests they have one of the most favorable runs. Themselves, Newcastle, and City are very appealing.

                                              1. Mirror Man
                                                  2 years, 11 months ago

                                                  Also, I've pretty much welched on the Laporte pick. Blue Munchkin is in and will assess City's defense for a few weeks and pick the best non-Cancelo option for their double.

                                                  1. The Mentaculus
                                                    • 4 Years
                                                    2 years, 11 months ago

                                                    Good luck with our lil sweeping buddy! Despite the pain I haven't entirely ruled him out, could come in for Kulu if I bail on Ederson

                                            • Casual Player
                                              • 5 Years
                                              2 years, 11 months ago

                                              Yeah, probably. Think I want one of them

                                            • The Mighty Hippo
                                              • 9 Years
                                              2 years, 11 months ago

                                              I think Kulu looks to be a very good option.

                                          3. Chris_l25
                                            • 8 Years
                                            2 years, 11 months ago

                                            Been sat on the same draft for weeks....

                                            Ramsdale, Ward
                                            Trippier, White, Dalot, Castagne, Bueno
                                            De Bruyne, Rodrigo, Trossard, Martinelli, Andreas
                                            Kane, Haaland, Nunez

                                            0.4 ITB. Any suggestions....?

                                          4. camarozz
                                            • 11 Years
                                            2 years, 11 months ago

                                            Jaysus lads iv done it again. Totally switched off once break came, thoroughly enjoyed the world cup. But now i aint a thing done regards a wc/new team. Not good.

                                          5. Bavarian
                                            • 7 Years
                                            2 years, 11 months ago

                                            DDG or Ramsdale?

                                            1. Mirror Man
                                                2 years, 11 months ago

                                                Awkward

                                            2. Jordan.
                                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                              • 15 Years
                                              2 years, 11 months ago

                                              cant be bothered to tinker,FPL doesnt seem to matter anymore world cup seems to have killed my interest,much more invested in the greatest nfl season i can remember,pro football talk on sky at 6pm each evening might be the best podcast programme ever,really hoping fpl interest returns ,still got 5 days...

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

                                              KDB or Salah?
                                              White or Gabriel?
                                              Kane or Darwin?

                                            4. Newsh
                                              • 6 Years
                                              2 years, 11 months ago

                                              Hi Az/FPL Scout Community. Hope you're well!

                                              Does this three and-a-half-mium have merit (with 0.5 ITB)?

                                              Iversen/Ward
                                              Bueno/Dalot/Saliba/Trippier/Walker
                                              Almiron/Andreas/KDB/Martinelli/Salah
                                              Darwin/Haaland/Mitro

                                              I have value tied up in Saliba, Trippier, Martinelli and Haaland in particular, which makes retaining them seem sensible.

                                              Thanks!

                                            5. fivetothree
                                              • 3 Years
                                              2 years, 11 months ago

                                              Ok, think this is it - gtg?

                                              Ward
                                              Shaw, Trippier, Cancelo
                                              KDB, Rashford, Martinelli, Kulu
                                              Haaland, Mitro, Darwin

                                              Subs
                                              Iversen, Almiron, Gabriel, Botman

                                            6. RogDog_jimmy
                                              • 5 Years
                                              2 years, 11 months ago

                                              Well seems like me and Az have the same draft right now save DDG/Kepa.

                                              I do really like Patterson and Bueno double cheapo defense but worried with Reece James. Probably end up swerving him, not quite enough cash to get to Robbo.

                                              This is 0.0 itb - feels good.

                                              Kepa (Ward)
                                              Cancelo, Trippier, Robertson (Patterson, Bueno)
                                              KDB, Kulusevski, Martinelli, Almiron ( Andreas)
                                              Haaland, Darwin, Adams