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25 December 2022 1936 comments
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We wish a very happy and healthy Christmas to all our readers and their loved ones!

It’s the one day a year when the virtual Fantasy Football Scout offices are completely deserted, pausing as we do for family festivities.

But we can’t completely ignore the looming Premier League resumption and the Gameweek 17 deadline, with the gifting of unlimited transfers meaning that many of us are spending more time than usual tinkering with our teams ahead of Boxing Day.

We’ve still got articles to come later this evening and tomorrow morning (including the pre-Gameweek thoughts of Burning Questions’ Andy/Sonaldo), while there’s plenty of pre-written content in our complete guide to the restart.

With the Bailey’s coursing through my bloodstream and emotions heightened, I’d like to extend a huge thank you for your continued support and patronage of the site throughout not just my brief stint as editor but over 2022 as a whole and the many years before that.

It really is a privilege to work for the site after a decade or so of being an avid reader, and it’s something I never take for granted.

There’ll be a more prolonged retrospective in the traditional New Year’s message but, from myself and all at Fantasy Football Scout, we wish you a very merry Christmas.

  1. Fellaini's Fro
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts please
    A) Saka & Kane
    B) KDB & Mitro/Martial

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

      B

      1. Fellaini's Fro
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

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

      B or foden and Kane

      1. Fellaini's Fro
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers don't trust foden.

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

          Haha I don’t blame you. I’ve been stung but I’m giving him another go!

    3. Vasileios Kyriakopoulos (RE…
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B, no question

  2. JONALDINHO
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on first draft?

    Kepa
    Cancelo • James • Trippier
    KDB • Saka • Martinelli • Trossard
    Haaland • Darwin • Nketiah
    (Ward / Bueno / Patterson / Pereira)

    Low budget isn’t ideal.

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

      I like it. I’m just not convinced on Chelsea double up yet and I’d have some United in there perhaps

      1. JONALDINHO
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Not entirely convinced either but picking James mainly because of threat going forward and Kepa at 4.5 is very good value. They still have good players and a good manager. Still undecided between Trossard and Rashford

    2. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure about Kepa-James double up but otherwise good

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

        Where else would you go though?

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

      I'm not sure a triple up on Arsenal attack is warranted. They don't have great fixtures. I'd want at least one of Wilson or Almiron in there.

      1. JONALDINHO
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Would prefer to go Wilson and Gabriel over Trippier and Nketiah but I don’t have the funds

  3. Catastrophe
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Cancelo & Martial
    B) Walker & Darwin

    (No Salah)

    Cheers.

    1. Fellaini's Fro
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Prefer A but if you don't have Salah Darwin seems good

  4. Skout
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which one?
    A) Cancelo and Mitro
    B) Shaw and Darwin

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

      Shaw and Darwin

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

      Shaw and Darwin yeah

  5. Tinmen
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How’s this looking guys?
    Just not sure on Foden and double ManU

    Kepa
    Cancelo Trippier James
    Salah Martinelli Foden Rashford
    Haaland Darwin Martial

    Ward Andreas Patterson Bueno

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

      I think that’s fine for opening game at least and bring Mitro in when you know he’s fit?

  6. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Going back to FPL after having a long break, need to read up on doubles etc. but how is this first draft looking?

    Kepa Ward
    James Trippier Walker White Bueno
    KDB Bruno Kulu Rashford Martinelli
    Haaland Darwin Greenwood

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

      Similar to my 3-5-2 attempt. but i am not sure on chelsea defence double up (atm) and if Kepa is nailed.

      I may bottle it and go 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 with Ederson as my Man City cover

      But then again walker does tend to be a starter or a non sub

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

      Don’t be alarmed because there’s still time, but you’ve accidentally doubled up on the Chelsea defence.

      1. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Lol
        I have him at 4.4m, so can’t afford the upgrade to Leno or Sanchez who I probably would have otherwise!

  7. Sal8
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best striker for next 2 fixtures upto 8m?
    Will swap to mitro for gw19

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

      Martial imo and I’m not a huge backer of his (I down own him) but I think forest is a gift

      1. Revival
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Nketiah for me.

    2. XX SMICER XX
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Martial

  8. noissimbus
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    GTG? 0 ITB..

    Pope
    Cancelo Tripp Saliba T.Silva
    Marti KDB Zaha Almiron
    Haaland Kane

    Ward Andreas Bueno Solenke

    Does Zaha retain his spot or better off swapping with someone else now?

  9. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is anyone else really struggling to pick a team? I just cannot settle on one. Wish we could have just carried on as normal, no free WC.

    1. Yank Revolution
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nope. Just a little research and the best options for me become evident.

      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Tell me more?

        Because this place will have you believe Nunez is essential, but when i look at his fixtures, i don't see hauls.

        1. JONALDINHO
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          1.4XGI per 90. With Jota / Diaz out he’s practically nailed too

          1. Drip Doctor
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Not saying he won't tick along, but given his inconsistencies, and the tough fixtures, do you expect him to haul enough to justify going him over Martial/Wilson/Mitrovic/Nketiah?

            That is what i am struggling with.

        2. Yank Revolution
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Its all a process of elimination. Small groups of players can be whittled down per position. Then, look at that group's fixtures and never take rotation risk players. Many players people consider I rule out just because there's better choices. I can't really detail it more than that.

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

      Couldn’t agree more. I had it down to 5 drafts then just pitched one against another and kept whittling it down until I was least unhappy. I don’t own martial kdb or James too

      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Kane is the one i'm struggling to leave out.

        1. Drip Doctor
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          But then, getting him requires Foden instead of KDB.

    3. XX SMICER XX
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’ve been juggling the same group of players. Finding it tonight to narrow down

  10. XX SMICER XX
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Foden too much of a rotation risk?
    Realised I can fit him in to my team but worried about the turnaround between GW17 & 18

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

      I’m taking the risk but have an exit plan if he doesn’t play first two weeks

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Foden returns most of his points at home, 3 of city's next 4 are away and he might not even start the home game so I will avoid.

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

        I’ve literally removed him haha. Not that I’m easily swayed

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

    So hyped for the Boxing Day gameweek, enjoy the holidays lads.

  12. Skout
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Shaw
    B) Walker

    1. Dotherightthing
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      a

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

      B

  13. Dotherightthing
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Im Ready!!! 0.8 in the bank..

    De Gea,
    James, Trippier, Walker,
    Salah, Trossard, Almiron, Martinelli
    Haaland(C), Kane(V), Martial.

    Ward, Andres, white, Bueno.

    Good luck all!!!

  14. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    GTG?

    Kepa
    Cancelo, Trippier, James, White
    Salah, KDB, Rashford, Martinelli
    Haaland, Martial

    Ward, Andreas, Bueno, Greenwood

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      yrs

  15. Zenith UK
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I feel like this is the best team I can put out currently, don't think there's anyone glaringly missing, but thoughts and feedback please?

    Kepa, Ward
    Cancelo, Robbo, James, Trippier, White
    Foden, Martinelli, Almiron, MacAllister, Andreas
    Haaland, Kane, Darwin

    EXACT funds.

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

      MacAllister has 2 weeks off

      1. Zenith UK
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Non-issue for me, if being honest. I have to bench someone, just gives me less of a headache if I bench him because I have too. He'll be back GW19 and I'm hoping with a huge spring in his step.

        Team above allows literally every formation in the book with confidence my players will return, at least that's my thought process. If MacAllister is the biggest concern you've spotted with this team I'm going to take that as a very positive sign, cheers! 🙂

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

          two weeks not 2 GW but he will be back for a DGW21

          1. Zenith UK
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            WC ended on 18th. Two weeks from then becomes the 1st. FPL has him tipped to be back for the 3rd?

    2. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Utd have 3 unbelievable fixtures. I'd want two attackers.

      1. Zenith UK
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        It's Man U though... I just can't

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

      So Salah or KDB, eeek! I hope it does well for you thoigh, otherwise nice team!

      1. Zenith UK
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thank you mate. I had KDB until their blank v Arsenal in which I took a punt on Salah (which I swore I wouldn't) then went to Foden to buff the rest of the team and have regretted it since. However two premiums from one team just kills my squad depth! 🙁

  16. Old Wulfrunian
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Do you think it's worth to have Kepa+Chelsea defender?

    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes. I have Kepa & James, though think Cucurella will be good value for the next few weeks

      1. Zenith UK
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        You were watching the PL before the WC right?

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

      Absolutely not. Tis a very silly idea. Tis the sort of thing eggnog drinkers do!

      1. Yank Revolution
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I dub thee...Sir Sensible!

    3. GREEN JUMPERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kepa-James could be be quite useful if the latter stays fit.

    4. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I am thinking not today, but up to today, i was. I think Kepa is risky, double up with James

      I just don't know lol

    5. Zenith UK
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I am probably going both. I want James, Kepa is 4.5, who else would I pick if not fodder (already have Ward)

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

      I think one is more than enough

  17. Catastrophe
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How's this looking chaps? 0.2m ITB

    Kepa
    Cancelo, Trippier, Gabriel
    KDB, Rashford, Martinelli, Almiron
    Haaland, Kane, Martial

    (Ward, Andreas, Bueno, Patterson)

    Can I survive with no Liverpool? Could do Martial & Cancelo -> Darwin & Walker if needed.

    Cheers

    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Decent, it’s either Cancelo or Kane who would have to make way for Liv

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Looks very nice, but no Pool is a bit worrying

  18. Skout
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    G2G lads?

    Kepa
    Trippier James Shaw
    KDB Rash Martinelli Almiron
    Haaland Kane Darwin

    Ward Andreas Patterson Bueno

    1. TheFridge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Generally like this, but you're going to be thin through injuries, etc., and beholden to transfers. I'm considering something similar -- comes down to:
      A. Cancelo + Nketiah + Kepa OR
      B. Castagne + Darwin + Iverson

      For now, I'm hanging on to Cancelo to get thru the double gameweeks. Thoughts?

      1. Skout
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Similar situation it was either Shaw and Darwin or Cancelo and Mitro for me but went with the former. Can always downgrade Darwin later

        1. TheFridge
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah, that's what I was considering. Nketiah is a sub for Mitro for now.

          The downside to Darwin + __ defender: because I've had Cancelo all year, I'll lose 0.2M if I sub him out and go back to him. A bummer.

          1. Skout
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Exact same for me, 0.2 loss

  19. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Am I good to go?

    Ward
    James Trippier Doherty
    Salah KDB Rashford Martinelli Almiron
    Haaland Darwin

    (Iversen White Patterson Greenwood) 0.2

    1. GREEN JUMPERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Doherty spot may be under threat pretty soon with other fullback options at Spurs.

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

      As a former Doherty owner, don’t go for him!

  20. kevvy1960
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi

    How would you order these options:

    A - Kepa, Cancelo, Kulu. Darwin
    B- Kepa, Shaw, Salah, Martial
    C - Ederson, Shaw, Kulu, Darwin

    Thanks

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

      C

    2. XX SMICER XX
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      ABC

  21. Shark Team
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If you could pick one now and one in dgw21 who do you pick first?
    A) Martinelli
    B) Saka

    1. GREEN JUMPERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A if you already have him due to value. But Saka more likely on pens.

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

        I lose 0.1 if I sell Martinelli, yes Saka on pens but they don’t get any so I don’t know if he’s worth

  22. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Cancelo Tross Wilson
    B) Walker Almiron Kane

    Any thoughts?

  23. Brehmeren
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Tempted to bench boost with Ward, Andreas, Bueno and Patterson.

    Can see Everton - Wolves ending 0-0 and Andreas getting something against Palace.

    And the fact that I never hit anything with that chip!

  24. XX SMICER XX
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Salah or KDB?
    If I go KDB then I will be 0.1M short to get Salah back

    1. sulldaddy
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      KDB.

  25. Flynny
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Final decision...How would you fill in the last 2 places here please? Thanks

    Kepa ward
    Cancelo james trippier white bueno
    Xxx xxx rashford almiron andreas
    Haaland darwin martial

    A....Kdb and Martinelli and 2m

    B.....salah and martinelli and 1.9m

    C....salah and foden (no arsenal) and 0.4m

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

      A on the account of having Darwin and no other Arsenal attacking cover

    2. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A. I just don't think double Liverpool is worth it. They play a lot of away games, no real stand out easy game for 10 GWs. With Foden, you'll be wondering about the teamsheet every week.

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

        This. Foden will leave you frustrated AF and kicking yourself for trusting him

    3. Brehmeren
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

    4. GREEN JUMPERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not C imo due to Pep peril

      1. Flynny
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers. Last minute decision

        Will be either A or C

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

          A then

  26. ratski
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A. Cancelo, trossard and Wilson
    B. White, almiron and kane

    1. Brehmeren
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

      B

  27. cm790
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kepa
    Shaw James Cancelo White
    Salah KDB Almiron Rashford
    Haaland(c) Martial

    Ward Patterson Andreas Greenwood

    0.9ITB

    Thoughts?

  28. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which combo:

    A. White and KdB (bench is Patterson and Greenwood)

    B. Cancelo and Martial (bench is Andreas and White)

    C. White and Kane (bench Patterson and Periera)

    Thanks!

  29. jam_doughnut
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Kulu and Wilson
    B) Almiron and Darwin

    1. Mark Colonel
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I go A

  30. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Shaw or Walker?

    1. GREEN JUMPERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm going White instead - more nailed, keeps a City spot free, possible doubles ahead

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Have Gabriel too

        1. GREEN JUMPERS
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Fair enough. Tougher call then. Slight concern over Utd missing 2 starting center backs, but Walker takes up a valuable City spot. Walker just edges it for me based on longer term fixtures compared to Utd.