Preamble
26 December 2025 396 comments
rainy rainy
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‘Twas the night before deadline, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even Ward-Prowse;
Our teams had been tinkered with the greatest of care,
In hopes that St. Cricket Score soon would be there;
All the lights were switched off at FPL Towers, 
The Dead Zone was quiet, no comments for hours;
Even Sam in her Spurs kit and Az of Blackbox,
Had pressed pause on their banter (this was quite a shock);
When into this idyll there came such a clatter,
I opened an eye to see what was the matter!
My mobile’d gone mad, its screen swarming with notes,
With each one proclaiming the site had new posts!
Who’s up at this hour, why would FFS beckon?
Why, ‘twas arvo in Aus! (In some parts, I reckon?)
The scene became clear: I’d dozed off on the couch,
And under my head there lay something hard, ouch!
Lifting my face from my laptop, I thought, 
I couldn’t have typed in my slumber — or not!
I flew to the website, my fingers frenetic,
’Twas as I feared, I’d been waxing poetic!
Thank goodness most comments felt festive enough,
But dear me, one critic had got rather gruff;
“Your somniloquy, mate, put me round the bend,
Now where is the Scout Squad on which we depend?!”
(As most of the Scouts were still tucked up in bed,
‘Twould post presently, there was nothing to dread;)
Soon Europe had chimed in, and Canada too!
More rapid than Özil, the comments they flew;
And as morning sped west like St. Nick and his sleigh,
A jolly mood reigned, there was football to-day!
Whether it’s Moose Jaw, Wallaroo or Great Busby,
You’re dreaming of points in, or watching the rugby,
It’s past time for verses of cloven-hoofed beasts,
Of bearded old Nick, and Yuletide feasts;
Time to wrap up this ramble, no further ado,
Happy Christmas to all, and green arrows to you!

396 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. SalahFingers
    • 8 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    On Bench Boost.

    Raya
    Lacroix Tarkowski Chalobah
    Saka Foden BrunoF* Wilson*
    Ekitike Thiago Haaland
    Dubravka Senesi Rodon Anderson

    Should I just do Bruno + Wilson -> Semenyo + Rogers?

    My minileague leader has Semenyo and Rogers. Is there any decent alternatives?

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 11 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Gordon and one other

      1. SalahFingers
        • 8 Years
        8 months, 5 days ago

        I like the idea of Gordon. Their fixture look pretty decent. Thanks.

    2. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Cunha + Rice

      1. SalahFingers
        • 8 Years
        8 months, 5 days ago

        Would you really double up on Saka & Rice when they have Villa and Liverpool in their next 4 games.

        1. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          8 months, 5 days ago

          I would if chasing, neither of those D's fill me with coincidence ATM.

    3. Mangekyo sharingan
      8 months, 5 days ago

      B.fernandes got injury he will be back on 17 January

      1. SalahFingers
        • 8 Years
        8 months, 5 days ago

        Yeah that's why he's got an asterisk and is one of the people I suggested getting rid of.

    4. Captain Mal
      • 2 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Plenty to choose from depending on your risk appetite (Rice/Schade/Gordon/Wirtz/Cherki/Palmer etc.)

      1. SalahFingers
        • 8 Years
        8 months, 5 days ago

        Oh palmer is actually a really good choice. It's a pity he's against villa this week.

        1. Haa-lala-land
          • 5 Years
          8 months, 5 days ago

          Villa defence not exactly water tight now a days. They just conceded three to Brighton

        2. Captain Mal
          • 2 Years
          8 months, 5 days ago

          I wouldn't worry about Villa's defence, their defensive stats are below average. The main concern with Palmer is the minutes management through the upcoming busy schedule.

  2. gaus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Bench DCL or Semenyo?

  3. Alli
    • 9 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    I'm planning on using BB but Esteve is flagged. Should I transfer?

    0 ITB - 3 FT

    Sanchez - Dúbravka
    Chalobah - Guéhi - Andersen - Cash - Esteve*
    Saka - Rice - Rogers - Foden - Bruno G.
    Haaland - Ekitike - DCL

    1. SalahFingers
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      I wouldn't worry about it in his case. I don't think it's worth a transfer.

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Yes - Rodon, or Heaven

  4. Captain Mal
    • 2 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    233k transfers in for Keane
    83k transfers in for Tarkowski

    Interesting that most seem to value the saved money over the saved transfer.

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Tark on 4 yellows

      1. Captain Mal
        • 2 Years
        8 months, 5 days ago

        Yes, two games left until the threshold increases, could be a factor if someone has a thin bench.

    2. Studs Up
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Most probably have an Afcon transfer or two stashed for a rainy day.

      1. Captain Mal
        • 2 Years
        8 months, 5 days ago

        Could be true for some, but definitely not for "most". People have been taking hits already...

        1. Studs Up
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          8 months, 5 days ago

          Oh

    3. FPL Sanky
      • 2 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Keane is cheaper, is defcon legend and has far superior goal threat than Tark

      That counts for more than 1 transfer that we will have to make 4-5 GW's down the line

      1. Captain Mal
        • 2 Years
        8 months, 5 days ago

        The goal threat is a valid reason.

    4. Mr. O'Connell
      • 14 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Wait what's wrong with Keane?

      1. Captain Mal
        • 2 Years
        8 months, 5 days ago

        Nothing, just a booked transfer long-term (could be a month for all we know).

  5. Weasel51
    • 10 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Any news on Cody Gakpo today?

  6. Weasel51
    • 10 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Best 1 week punt:

    A) Grealish away to Burnley
    B) Trossard at home to Brighton

    1. Haa-lala-land
      • 5 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      A

    2. SalahFingers
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      A

    3. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      B

    4. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      B

  7. boroie
    • 8 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Any chance of Ekitike hitting pens for Liverpool with Salah/Gakpo/Szobo out?

    1. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Think record is bad, MacA on them

  8. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Start who please…

    A. Hincapie
    B. Guehi

    1. H.Wilson
    2. Stach

    Cheers

    1. Nomar
      • 16 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      B1

  9. g40steve
    • 8 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Really want to cap Hugo would you or play safe with Haaland, 60k

    1. Captain Mal
      • 2 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      I think it's way too early to make decisions based on whether you are chasing or leading. We're not even halfway there yet, 20 more GWs left after this one concludes.

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 months, 5 days ago

        This

    2. Nomar
      • 16 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      I’m playing safe.

      Done the “ooh look, non Haaland player has a great fixture, I’ll cap him instead!” move and it’s always backfired for me.

    3. Robcar24
      • 3 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Got to go with who you think scores the most points

    4. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Yes, wouldn’t take the risk against the ownership/% captaincy as the upside doesn’t look as good as the downside if Haaland gets a hattie and Etikite blanks

    5. Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      This is the week for Eki captain

    6. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 11 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      I'm in the same dilemma, I finished top 2k last season by punting on different captains to Salah in the second half of the season

      The problem is Haaland could still haul and is on pens

      1. g40steve
        • 8 Years
        8 months, 5 days ago

        But Salah was off & on, Haaland destroys you in minutes after doing nothing.

        But Wolves are away & useless

    7. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Cheers guys, the pens is huge & Hugo record is terrible.

  10. Nomar
    • 16 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Raya
    Andersen, Guehi, Mukiele
    Saka, Semenyo, Wilson*, Foden
    Thiago, Haaland (c), Ekitike (vc)

    Dubravka, Chalobah, Senesi, Stach

    £0 ITB, 1FT. Playing BB chip.

    A) Trust Wilson and roll transfer
    B) Get replacement

    1. Haa-lala-land
      • 5 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Looks an easy roll to me. Great bench this week.

      1. Nomar
        • 16 Years
        8 months, 5 days ago

        Thanks, that was my gut instinct.

  11. Jstap94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Rice or Gordon on WC with BB in 19?

  12. boroie
    • 8 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Captain?

    A - Ekitike
    B - Haaland

    Been on Ekitike all week but starting to have last minute nerves…

    1. Babit1967
      • 10 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Just seems a big risk not captaining Haaland - if you’re chasing then go for it, if not play safe.

      1. boroie
        • 8 Years
        8 months, 5 days ago

        What we expecting EO of the two to be?

        I just struggle to see Haaland going massive against away to Dyche’s Forest. Dyche will have them set up with 11 behind the ball.

        1. g40steve
          • 8 Years
          8 months, 5 days ago

          Haaland has penalties in his locker Hugo don’t

          1. boroie
            • 8 Years
            8 months, 5 days ago

            That’s the only doubt I have. I think if it weren’t for pens I would 100% be going for Ekitike. Pens is putting doubt in my mind.

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      B

    3. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      If only there was a highly detailed article comparing these 2 captain options in a sensible way.

      1. boroie
        • 8 Years
        8 months, 5 days ago

        I don’t have access to it as it is for Restricted Members… what does it suggest?

  13. Paul W.
    • 4 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Start:

    A) Vicario (CPL A)

    B) Dubravka (EVE H)

    1. Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      B - one of the only few games you can play Dub

    2. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      I have Petrovic & going Dubs.

    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      B

    4. Paul W.
      • 4 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Thanx everyone

  14. Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Play 1
    a) Minteh (ars)
    b) Wilson (whu)
    c) Guehi (TOT) - already playing Richards

    1. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      C (Richards very likely to be out?)

    2. Paul W.
      • 4 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      B (also have Wilson, hope he will play)

    3. Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Yes, prefer Wilson but hate to see 15 min sub cameo

  15. BobbyDoesNotLook
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Play one
    A) Rodon (sun)
    B) Andersen (whu)

    Raya
    Vvd O'Reilly Rodon/Andersen (Richards*)
    Saka Foden Semenyo Cunha Stach
    Haaland Ekitike (Guiu)

    1. Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Anderson

  16. lilmessipran
    • 14 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Used up all my FTs and still have a barebone defence..would you take a hit here with 0.5 ITB?

    Starting- VVD Keane Senesi

    Bench- Richards Esteve

    1. boroie
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      No… unless you have someone else in your team who is a doubt.

  17. iFash@FPL
    • 2 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Bruno F. to Cunha or Palmer?

    1. boroie
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Cunha

      1. Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        8 months, 5 days ago

        Cunha until Palmer starts smashing

  18. boroie
    • 8 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Starting Wilson with a bench of…

    Richards Esteve King

    A - Wilson to ELF and start ELF
    B - Richards to Dalot, start Wilson and have Dalot first sub
    C - Roll FT

  19. Nightf0x
    • 11 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    alison (dub)
    Oriley cala mukiele (richards clyne)
    Saka rice foden neto (king)
    Haland tiago ekitke

    Which, 3fts? (Alison to pope is for budget + anyway was going to do this transfer in gw20, gw19 FH)

    a) neto to gordon
    b) tiago neto alison to bowen gordon pope
    c) tiago neto to bowen/wolte rogers
    d) neto clyne alison to gordon keane pope

  20. V-2 Schneiderlin
    • 16 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    This week would you rather have :
    A. Trossard
    or
    B. Gordon

    ?

  21. THE Wild Rover
    • 16 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Wrexham v Sheff U is a great game, 2-3 after 27 minutes. Could see Bamford back in the Prem in Jan on this form.

    1. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
      • 9 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Find it bizarre he was dismissed by current Leeds manager, especially after how good he was last time in the prem!

  22. Tanishq2095
    • 13 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Guys quick help pls, on WC

    Bowen
    Thiago
    Woltemade
    Or DCL (saves 1.9m)

    Best 3rd striker option with Ekitike n Haaland? FH on 19

    1. ball c
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Bowen mate

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      DCL

  23. ball c
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Play one:

    A) Andersen
    B) Van Den Berg
    C) Senesi

  24. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Start one:

    Richards (TOT)
    Andersen (whm)

    Thanks!

    1. ball c
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Andersen

  25. Dilzy
    • 17 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Starting Hincapie with a bench of:
    Richards, Guiu, KDH

    A) Hincapie to Keane (-4)
    B) Hope Hincapie starts

  26. fgdu
    • 12 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    This may be a standard question but guehi or senesi

    1. fgdu
      • 12 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Start 1

  27. Evasivo
    • 16 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Am I right in playing Anderson O’Reilly and benching Chalobah Mukiele

  28. Joyce1998
    • 10 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    G2g?

    Raya
    Gvardiol, Andersen, Alderete
    Saka, Foden, Cunha, Semenyo, Rice
    Ekitike(C), Haaland

    Dubravka, Thiaw, Esteve, Guiu

  29. tabby98
    • 10 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    On a WC any changes?

    Sanchez
    Saliba, VVD, O’Reilly
    Cunha, Rice, Gordon, Foden
    Haaland, Ekitike, DCL

    Dubravka | Mukiele, gudmundsson, Miley

    £0.1m ITB

    1. Jstap94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      Everton defence?

      Maybe Sanchez to Raya and Saliba to Keane or something.

      Otherwise strong

  30. Nightcrawler
    • 7 Years
    8 months, 5 days ago

    Start

    A) Wilson

    or

    B) DCL

    ????????????

    1. Jstap94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      DCL if Wilson has a knock

    2. Nutmeg Ninja
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 months, 5 days ago

      DCL