| Player | Club | Factors | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Change |  Raya Martin | ARS | C, Vs |
| No Change |  Alisson | LIV | C, Vs |
| No Change |  Donnarumma | MCI | C, Vs, Sus |
| Up |  Ramsdale | NEW | C |
| No Change |  Sels | NFO | C, Vs |
| No Change |  Dubravka | BUR | C, £ |
| Player | Club | Factors | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Change |  van Dijk | LIV | B, Vs |
| No Change |  Muñoz | CRY | A, Sus |
| No Change |  Jurriën Timber | ARS | C, Vs |
| No Change |  O’Reilly | MCI | A, Vs |
| No Change |  de Ligt | MUN | C, Vs |
| Up |  Thiaw | NEW | A |
| No Change |  Andersen | FUL | A |
| No Change |  Milenkovic | NFO | C, Vs |
| No Change |  van Hecke | BHA | B, £ |
| No Change |  Mukiele | SUN | C, £ |
| Player | Club | Factors | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Change |  Saka | ARS | A, Vs |
| No Change |  Bruno Fernandes | MUN | A, Vs |
| No Change |  Foden | MCI | A, Vs |
| No Change |  Semenyo | BOU | C |
| Up |  Gakpo | LIV | A, Vs |
| No Change |  Minteh | BHA | A |
| Up |  Anderson | NFO | A, Vs, £ |
| No Change |  Fernández | CHE | B |
| Up |  Bruno Guimarães | NEW | B |
| Player | Club | Factors | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Change |  Haaland | MCI | B, Vs |
| No Change |  Mateta | CRY | B |
| No Change |  Thiago | BRE | A |
| No Change |  Welbeck | BHA | B |
| No Change |  Woltemade | NEW | B |
With the Sky Sport Fantasy Football game up and running, we’ve published this piece for Fantasy managers looking for feedback on their starting XIs ahead of the upcoming season.
Please use this article for Sky RMTs and chat only.
A reminder that the official Fantasy Football Scout league details are – name: FFScout and pin: 8183867.
Hi all,
New around here. Feels like I've been tweaking my team almost on a daily basis lately so would welcome any thoughts. Have settled on this but not sure if I've gone too weak in defence?
Foster
Ward, Friend, Cook
Hazard, Xhaxa, Payet, Redmond, Mahrez
Augero, Ibra
Looks good - though defence weak at expense of midfield. You'll be relying on Xhaka solely picking up bonus points - is Fernandinho a better bet?
I can't decide whether to go Mane/Cazorla or Mahrez, Townsend. The former is more balanced but worried Mahrez will score big again...
Considered Fernandinho but went for Xhaka as hopefully he'll get regular bonus and gives me an extra captaincy option which Fern wouldn't with Kun in the team. With Mahrez, just felt I had to give him the chance to continue where he left off last season...
Good team, i actually really like it. Defence isn't as bad as you think, you've included all the big hitters plus all captaincy covered.
One of the best ones I've seen. Only one is Xhaka as I don't like attacking players who have very little chance of scoring.
Thanks. Don't really consider him an attacking player in the team, he's there for bonus passing/tackling and captaincy option.
Any last-minute tweaks anyone would make to this Sky team?
Forster,
Francis, Stones, Pieters
Hazard, Cazorla, Mane, Fernandinho, Redmond
Aguero, Ibrahimovic
Thinking of starting with Vardy instead of Ibra, and had Kante over Fernandinho but wanted to upgrade from Gomes in goal. Also had Dann over Pieters.
Not sure on Vardy this season, stick with Zlatan. Would go Kante instead as think he will be a bonus magnet this season. Would go Mane/Ayew if you can afford it, then all your captaincy options will be covered.
Thanks mate. I've gone for a bit of a mix in the end:
Heaton,
Francis, Stones, Friend,
Hazard, Mahrez, Redmond, Deulofeu
Hazard, Vardy, Gray
I've got Vardy and Gray in for the opening fixtures. Plan to swap in for Ibra and Mane for Sunday/next couple of gameweeks. May keep Gray in if he performs well. This way, I've got all my big fears in check and I'l lose less sleep!!
Definitely keeping an eye on Kante. Will be interesting to monitor bonus point effect.
Oh, and Mahrez/Townsend vs Mane/Cazorla?!
Mahrez/Townsend due to favourable early fixtures for both.
Current team as follows;
Valdes
Dann, Shawcross, McAuley
Mahrez, Kante, Tadic, Firmino, Townsend
Aguero, Ibrahimovic
What do you think? All comments/tips welcome.
Not bad at all, just missing a West Ham player for captaincy.
Mahrez didn't fill me with confidence in pre season which is why I've spread my money a bit more and gone for Ayew, West Ham coverage handy early on for captaining
Azp is a real pound stretcher, would love to have him in but dont think hes gona make my team.
De Gea
Baines Ward Friend
Hazard Payet Xhaka Townsed 8.8 to spend
Aguero Zlat
Any advice on the last spot or obvious mistakes I'm making?
Brand new to this sky game, literally read the rules at 9pm.
Redmond???
Redmond looks good as playing upfront. Worth a punt if you have no interest in Tadic
9pm?? Well done because you've pretty much cracked it! Ye would go Redmond/Townsend for that last spot.
Any feedback would be great 🙂
Courtois
Stones - Pieters - Friend
Hazard - Ayew - Tadic - Deulofeu - Townsend
Aguero - Ibra
Put a lot of thought in but the middle 3 of Ayew, Tadic and Deulofeu have been changing constantly.
Really good team, strong all round really not much to add. If anything maybe you could add a player who will attract bonus's as you've gone all out attack?
I tend to agree. Deulofeu to Xhaka I'm definitely considering. His disciplinary record if off putting though.
Yes his disciplinary record is off putting but think he will be a bonus magnet this year, just have a think a few hours left now!
The potential is there.
Mind me asking what your team is looking like or all hush hush? 😉
Put it this way we think alike as i have 8 of your 11
Ah well I guess we'll sink or swim together.
Best wishes for the season ahead, imagine we'll talk a few times in the near future.
We definitely will mate, all the best ye...
Any help would be appreciated. My first time playing this game
Forster
Valencia, Stones, Francis
Hazard, Mane, Tadic, Townsend, Ramirez
Aguero, Vardy
Ramirez would be my only worry as not sure Boro gonna score many this year, look to swap for a West Ham player and then your good to go i think.
He's my big concern, but only .1 in the bank and Boro have decent early fixtures. That swayed my over Gueye from Everton.
Tore is only real West Ham mid I can afford and doubt he will play. Downgrading Valencia or Forster are the only real ways to upgrade to Feghouli or Kouyate
Think Gueye will be a big bonus scorer this season, definitely worth the punt. Maybe Forster for Steklenberg, who seems nailed, would free some funds up for you?
Mahrez or Silva ?
Mahrez as Silva will be rotated i think plus gets injured frequently.
After much, much deliberation, I think I've finally come up with my team after my 700th draft. Let's hear your thoughts, chaps -
Foster
Stones, Ward, Pieters
Hazard, Eriksen, Redmond, Deulofeu, Kante
Aguero, Kane
I fancy Foster to do well bringing in the points under a defensive Tony Pulis. Hazard is looking great playing in the hole during the pre-season. Eriksen is my *safe gamble* - I really fancy him to do well this season. Kante I think will hoover up points under Conte and is less likely to be carded as much as Xhaka. Aguero and Kane for obvious reasons.
Best of luck to you all in all your leagues, lads. 24 hours to go.
Oh, and Redmond because he's been playing as a striker and I fancy him to grab a few goals for Southampton this season.
Really good team, just missing a ManU player as might hinder you when it comes to captaincy options.
Forster
Baines Cook Ward
Hazard Ayew Tadic Mane Xhaka
Aguero Zlatan
Any advice welcome as I need to finish tinkering tonight
Excellent team, not much you can add to that really.
Just want to say good luck all as i wont be on before it starts and a big thanks to Rey Rey for some fantastic advice and commitment to this thread. We owe you one dude.
I'm pretty flattered from the legend himself, great advice on the ffclinic today. Just been waiting for your article before i finalise my team btw??
Yeah sorry dude, doesn't look like that's happening this season, out of my control unfortunately.
Hopefully you had a good start today!
Really?? Genuinely disappointed to hear that, always looked forward to your articles on the Thursday
Are there going to be any Sky articles from yourself this season?
On the Thursday...thanks
Best defender to rotate with friend ?
Foster
Francis Pieters Friend
Hazard Xhaka Redmond Mahrez Mane
Aguero(C) Ibrahimovic
Any glaring errors?
Good team, just missing a West Ham player for captaincy options in the next few weeks.
That's what transfers are for 😉
Hi, first time poster here!
Wondering if I could get some opinions on my team please?
Stekelenburg
Friend-Fuchs-Pieters
Hazard-Mane-Xhaka-Payet-Redmond
Aguero-Ibra
Any suggestions please? Main thing I'm unsure of is whether to play Stek or Heaton!
Thanks
I'm a bit worried about Stek as Everton don't seem quite there yet. Koeman has said they're only 70% where as at Saints he felt 100%.
Think Everton will get more clean sheets this season under Koeman and as it stands Steklenberg is No1, cant really go wrong especially with that price. Really good team.
Hi, thanks for the replies!
Went for Stek because he's looked a decent shot-stopper in pre-season, looks to be no. 1 and the fact that we (Everton) conceded so many shots against last season!
Btw I have Ayew over Payet...made a typo 🙁
Ive always done the sun dream team but the work lads have set up a sky sports one this year and chucked me in at the deep end by giving me 6 hours notice, seen some good teams put together and some great advice especially from rey rey. Ive put a team together and would appreciate any advice. Keep up the good work guys
Stekelenburg
Stones pieters friend
Xhaka tadic ayew bolasie hazard
Aguero ibra
Solid team, I think Townsend will score higher than Bolasie.
Pieters could be a good differential for a defender.
....but take my view with a pinch of salt I'm brand new to Sky. Only found it last night.
As the PM had said Townsend is a better choice than Bolasie, especially if Benteke moves to Palace. Otherwise your ready to go, just make sure you use your transfers wisely and have a different captain every matchday if you can.
Would it be wise to transfer xhaka to oscar before the game? Chelsea have got a good run after west ham and hes the penalty taker now so they day?
Would keep the faith for a few games yet, sure Wenger will start him from now on. Not the best start however!
Messed up big time.
Had a decent team jotted down on paper and subsequently on here.
Went to put it on the site... and I had Joel Ward down as a £5m bargain. That's Elliot Ward who plays (or doesn't) for Bournmouth.
Anyway, after much tweaking. I have this.
Heaton
Francis, Ward, Friend
Hazard, Mahrez, Payet, Xhaka, Redmond
Aguero, Zlat.
Any obvious errors?
Would you swap Francis and Ward for Olsson and Nyom?
Appreciate the feedback for a newbie to Sky.
You've cracked it PM, no need to change your defence as in my opinion those 3 are the best value 'cheap' options. Nyom is not nailed this season plus Olsson will be out once Brunt is back and Evans goes back as cb.
Cheers Rey Rey,
LAST MINUTE. SHAW OR VALENCIA?
Valencia at the moment as he has looked really good in pre season, Shaw has looked good too but is just coming back from a long term injury so would probably be a bit more of a risk.
Stekelenburg
ward dawson friend
hazard ayew tadic payet townsend
aguero ibrahimovic
not sure if my defence is strong enough? Could bring in stones or valencia for dawson and replace tadic with redmond?
Stone could score heaps this season with passing bonus galore. Tadic and Redmond are a lot closer than many are making out. Yes Redmond got the goal but Tadic looked a terror. Feel like he will be involved with more goals than Redmond, especially with FKs and Pens.
Fischer or Ramirez for Sky Team? Are both nailed?
Thanks Rey Rey et al. I'm 15 points clear in my private league thing already despite being the newcomer.
Who to captain tomorrow? Hazard or Payet?
Xhaka's been a big disappointment this week, think most people have took a hit on him. Would definitely go Hazard as Chelsea are home plus Payet may not start.
Do you think transfer Xhaka out or keep the faith a bit longer?
Would leave him for the next couple of games because he still has the potential to be a big points scorer, plus sure Wenger will start him now after the Liverpool result.
I'm going Haz over Ayew for my team. Haz is an intriguing one this that I reckon not many have have early on.
Average start but pretty optimistic for some reason (47 points before Chels v WHU). Although none scored thought all of Deulofeu, Tadic and Townsend looked bright imo. Only regret is picking Pieters over a Baggies defender but hind sight is 20/20, the idea of Stoke being solid defensively still lives with me even though it is no longer true. How was everyone else's start?
51 with Hazard and Payet to play.
54 with Haz and Payet still to play. Relatively happy with that, with the only disappointment being Xhaka. Will be keeping an eye on him over the next few games but he's one of my first considered changes anyway if a cheaper midfield bonus point magnet reveals themselves.
Yep I got lucky with Xhaka. Didn't get him mainly because i could't fit him with the player that were the spine of my team I went without. Gueye at Everton looks like that cheaper bonus magnet.
Yeah agreed, Gueye is one I'll be keeping an eye on. Xhaka's cameo wasn't very encouraging but it's only one game and still think he should come good though if you can get comparable performance for less then it'll be a no-brainer.
Not a bad start everyone. I'm on 50 with 2 Chelsea players left to play. Think Xhaxa was a big let down for a lot of us then! Keeping a close eye on tonights game, on which West Ham player looks the most attractive for next Sundays captaincy.
Yes we're all very similar. Was nice that someone in my money league has Coutinho and Mane..... And I have Ayew for WHU and I'm praying he delivers, he's a streaky player so good start could pay dividends. Xhaka will end up being a good pick but that Liverpool game is definitely not a good time make your debut.
56 points with Hazard, Kante and Noble still to play. Rey Rey, you've been a star.
No probs mate! With 3 left to play, looks like your gonna have a really good week. Think i need to take my own advice sometimes lol.
Lol!! Always the same. I ended up on 86 points.
I've got to resist the temptation not to change too early, I've a feeling the defensive guys won't pick up as much as I thought. Kante had an immense game and only netted me 1 or 2 points. The same as Noble. Xhaka will need to settle in and Mkatairsn looks like he's not going to be first choice for a while, especially if Mata keeps playing well.
Yes you might be right regarding the defensive midfielders! Kante was definitely a surprise as he was no where near a passing bonus and didn't even get 3 tackles considering how immense he was last season. Mhiki will be first choice, think Mourinho is slowly moulding him in. Remember no matter how tempting it might be, don't waste transfers early on. As they say it's a marathon not a sprint...
Score check after GW1?
Feeling pretty smug with my 97 points
Not done math but nowhere near that, surely a really high rank. Coutinho?
Yeah ended up at 403
Never even had Coutinho unfortunately
Foster
Friend Ward Francis
Hazard(c) Mahrez Mane Redmond Townsend
Aguero(c) Ibrahimovic(c)
Great start, well done! Im on 77, i went for Firmino & Xhaxa instead of Mane & Redmond at the last minute. Needless to say im gutted lol.
Magic that, envious of Liverpool coverage as I waiting to get a feel for best option.
Out of Mane/Coutinho/Firmino, think they will all score round about the same amount of points. I have Firmino, hope he does a Coutinho against Burnley!
What is our plan then Ayew owners? Disappointed as changing him is easy enough but wanted a good west ham player earlier, would take two changes for Payet which I do not fancy which leaves a direct change to Noble which is a bit meh...
Noble looks your only option really unless you want to use the 2 transfers but Payet might just be worth it.
Yeah I am tempted to go withut West Ham cover just because the options to get the west ham players don't attract me. It's a shame because I didn't feel we got a measure of West Ham tonight because Chelsea looked very resolute. Considering Gueye as a bit of an enabler for the future and will only set me back 1 transfer.
Gueye could be this season's bonus points magnet so would be a great enabler i feel. Your right shame about West Ham, Defoe might be one to look out for as Sunderland play Boro on the Sunday too.
Love the idea of Defoe but another double change for him. Am currently leaning towards Gueye or maybe Gaston Ramirez but will wait for Ayew updates. You suffering any pressing concerns?
Just on which West Ham player to transfer in on Sunday, it was Ayew initially but fear his will be a long term injury. Same problem with Defoe as 2 transfers needed otherwise would be a good alternative. It's either Fernandinho for Noble or Firmino for Payet??
That's TOUGH as I think both Fernandinho and Firmino are good picks. Personally would rather do without Fernandinho, but Payets potential is more volatile.
How did Andy Caroll play tonight guys? Worth bringing him in?
Pretty nondescript. As were West Ham in general. When Payet and Lanzini are back it will improve things but Cresswell is also a big miss for Big Andy, the new LB doesn't attack in the same way.
Caroll wasn't great but can't really judge West Ham yet as they were playing one of their hardest games of the season, next week will tell us a lot more. Hopefully Ayew isn't out for too long.
Thanks guys.
So here's the situation, Ayew injured. Options are
A) Ayew to similar priced player (Ramirez, Gueye, Lamela)
B) Downgrade Tadic to Redmond then Ayew to Firmino/Payet
C) Downgrade Pieters (My big mistake) to a budget defender (Not sure who) for Ayew to Firmino/Payet
Early season pains....leaning towards B honestly which is annoying as I loved the Tadic pick
Scratch that the math doesn't add up so effectively has to be straight swap. Options are
A) Nolan
B) Ramirez
C) Lamela
Think Noble it probably might have to be especially due to West Hams attractive captaincy options coming up plus he will give tackle bonus and is also on pens, so maybe not a bad alternative after all?
Yeah just there are so many good options in midfield, only just realised I typed Nolan. I could force Payet in by downgrading Courtois but his fixtures look so promising and feels to early for a double change.
Ayew and xhaka out to get payet?
Or Ayew or for noble!
Decisions
Probably Ayew for Noble, not worth using 2 transfers so early plus give Xhaxa a few more games yet, he still could be a bonus magnet.
My big mistake was seeing you all put Ward in so going with him as my cheap defender. Problem is I picked Elliot Ward from Bournemouth who left the club in February!!!! Don't even know why he was in the list of players to select?!!
My second mistake was swapping Cazorla for Ramsey the night before the season started!!!
Funny enough ive heard a few people putting the wrong Ward in lol. Yes i made the same mistake taking Mane out for Firmino last minute but don't worry long way to go yet.
How did everyones first week go? Captain strategy for next week?
Here's my latest blog for those interested: http://wp.me/p6Zd12-1lf
Great work on all those rmt's by the way rey rey!
Thanks mate. Really enjoying these blogs, great replacement for the sky articles that used to come on this site. Hopefully you can throw one out every week!
Envious of the Foster pick. I went Courtois, not sure if it was a mistake yet, the Chelsea fixtures do look really nice but that extra cash would've really helped.
Yeah, happy I thinned out my defence, gives more flexibility with captains etc. That said, I think Cortois will prove to be a good pick this season
I went Courtois too last minute from Foster. Think in the long run Courtois will outscore Foster, just have to wait and see if the new point system is worth the premium keeper.
Unlucky to not get week one CS. Collins hit the ball of his life. Fixtures look good for him too.
Just gonna use the same strategy every week. 1 captain each day.
Definitely. Think it places more importance on saving transfers. late on in the season changes may be needed for captain picks, those with transfers in hand will have a big advantage.
