Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Spurs Battle Back

Tottenham Hotspur produce a memorable fight-back to keep their Champions League hopes very much alive, while Manchester City all but book their place in the quarter-finals with a 4-0 win in Basel.

Spurs’ passage to the Champions League last eight might not be as assured as City’s, but Mauricio Pochettino’s men did their prospects a power of good with a stirring 2-2 draw away to Juventus.

Disaster beckoned when the Italians took a quick-fire 2-0 lead in Turin, but a goal in each half from Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen, both involving Dele Alli assists, tipped the tie back in the Londoners’ favour.

Pochettino made only two changes from the side that started the 1-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday, with Erik Lamela replacing Son Heung-min and Serge Aurier in for Kieran Trippier.

However, the Ivorian full-back picked up a booking which rules him out of the second leg on March 7.

Spurs play three matches before that – an FA Cup fifth round tie at Rochdale this weekend and then league fixtures away at Crystal Palace and home to Huddersfield.

That third match is now highly likely to feature Aurier, with Trippier saved for the Juventus clash that follows four days later.

Rotation in defence has mainly involved the full-backs this season and with Danny Rose now back to full fitness, it seems only a matter of time before Ben Davies, who started last night and has played eight of the last nine league matches as well, is handed a rest.

It would be a major surprise if Rose doesn’t feature in the FA Cup on Sunday. How Pochettino utilises his full-backs after that is rather more open to question.

That hasn’t stopped major investment in Davies, with a 12-point haul against Arsenal tempting 117,000+ managers to make him the most popular pick ahead of Gameweek 28.

But the Juventus tie is so finely poised that the Welsh international could well be saved for it, which would likely mean Rose featuring in at least two of the aforementioned trio of matches that precede it.

Elsewhere, Lamela’s start in Turin was put down to his previous time in Serie A with Roma, according to his manager:

“Erik Lamela knows what it means to play here against Juventus and we believe this experience will help the team.”

The 11.8% of managers who own Son will be a little relieved that he was handed just eight minutes off the bench – the South Korean has started every league match since Gameweek 15, so was clearly due a break.

But Lamela’s return to fitness, plus the signing of Lucas Moura, who came on late for his debut last night, ramp up the competition among Spurs’ attacking midfield slots.

Spurs’ schedule (cry HUD bou NEW) is kind and their form excellent – they’ve beaten Man United and Arsenal at home and secured away draws at Liverpool and now Juventus.

But unless Rochdale pull off a major FA Cup shock this weekend, Spurs will be in the quarter-finals and will, therefore, miss the Gameweek 31 clash with Newcastle.

And with their finely poised Champions League tie sandwiched between league matches with Huddersfield and Bournemouth, a degree of rotation could be on the cards.

Rampant City March On

Pep Guardiola was always going to rotate his players to cope with a busy period involving action in four competitions from now until early March.

Last night’s ruthless 4-0 win in Basel should now mean he’ll be able to rest some key players for the return leg in Manchester on March 7.

City entertain Chelsea before the tie concludes and then travel to Stoke City the Monday afterwards.

Before all of that, Guardiola’s side play Wigan in the FA Cup this Monday, Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final six days later and then the Gunners again in a Gameweek 28 trip to the Emirates on Thursday, March 1.

The Chelsea fixture follows three days after that.

The situation would be complicated further should City fail to see off Wigan at the first attempt as any replay would push the Arsenal fixture out of the Gameweek 28 schedule.

But assuming that his all-conquering team win their FA Cup fifth round tie at the first time of asking, it would seem likely that most of Guardiola’s key assets will be asked to play three major fixtures – the Arsenal match-ups and the Chelsea clash that follows them – in seven days.

The significance of last night’s result then kicks in as rest will surely be on the agenda when Basel come to the Etihad Stadium three day after Gameweek 29’s visit from the Blues.

The coach implied as much when he spoke post-match.

“Of course, we will be focused against Basel at the Etihad, but with Arsenal and Chelsea to play it’s important to be focused there, too.”

It’s all ifs and buts for now, but what is rather clearer is the fact that Guardiola’s squad is creeping closer to full strength at just the right time.

Both David Silva and Leroy Sane returned after injury lay-offs last night, the pair handed run-outs in the 57th and 63rd minutes respectively.

And Guardiola also hinted that Gabriel Jesus could be back in contention as early as next week from a knee injury that has kept him sidelined since Gameweek 22.

“For the next game at Wigan (on Monday) they will be ready. Now except (Benjamin) Mendy we have all our squad and we can use them in all competitions.”

The Brazilian’s imminent return to fitness is of major interest to 30.4% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers with Sergio Aguero in their squads.

The Argentine is in blisteringly good form. His strike to make it 3-0 in Switzerland last night was his 14th in 11 matches since the start of the year – no player in 2018 has netted as many across the top five European Leagues in all competitions.

His four goals against Leicester City on Saturday has led to renewed FPL interest, a further 88,000+ purchases making him the second most popular buy ahead of Gameweek 28 despite the hectic and tricky schedule to come.

If Jesus is fit to face the Latics, Aguero – who has played from start to finish in the six league matches since Jesus was injured and played 86 minutes last night – could finally be handed a breather.

Similarly, the return of Sane and form of Bernardo Silva could also allow Guardiola to manage Raheem Sterling’s minutes, given that the England international has been involved in every league match since Gameweek 10.

Even the prospect of a blank in Gameweek 31 if City beat Wigan doesn’t seem to be deterring investment in the side’s major players, with Kevin De Bruyne also among the top five for transfers-in this week.

The Belgian produced yet another assist – he has a league-leading 16 domestically – when his near-post corner was headed home by Ilkay Gundogan to open the scoring in Basel.

Bernardo Silva doubled the lead, and Gundogan concluded the rout in the second-half when he curled home from an Aguero assist.

Guardiola made just two changes from the team that demolished Leicester 5-1, as Vincent Kompany and Fabian Delph returned to the starting XI, with Aymeric Laporte dropping to the bench and Oleksandr Zinchenko missing out.

City’s defence has been fragile of late, the clean sheet in Switzerland decidedly welcome for a unit that has managed just one shut-out across the last six matches in the league.

That has prompted sales in Nicolas Otamendi – only two players have been sold more than the 42,000+ managers who have moved him on ahead of Gameweek 28.

The centre-half played last night and has missed just one league match all season. Given that he has started 16 of the last 17 in all competition – and a run of eight straight matches – it would be a major surprise if he’s not rested for the Wigan tie at the very least.

City’s form is now so irresistible that even forthcoming fixtures with Arsenal and Chelsea and the team’s heavy workload are not dissuading Fantasy managers from holding on to, or even investing in, most of their key assets at present.

Last night’s emphatic victory at least offers up a window for rotation during what remains an otherwise complex and packed period.

342 Comments Post a Comment
  1. andy85wsm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Kane the best striker in the world.

    English.

    England World Cup Champions 2018.

    1. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      With this logic Argentine would have been champions for 12 years already 😛

    2. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero is better. If Eriksen was English we'd have a chance

      1. wander
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Kane going for his 3 rd golden boot suggests otherwise

        1. wander
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          In a row

        2. Rhinos
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          kun not always been on pens

          1. Pegboy
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Kane would have won last years golden boot even without penalties

      2. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Aguero is not better than Kane

        1. Rhinos
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          it's an opinion, you cant prove otherwise

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Stats say otherwise mate, and you need to remember he is only 24! After Messi, Ronaldo and Lewandowski, there is Harry Kane!!

            1. Rhinos
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              kun has a trophy cabinet

              1. IRBOX ⚽
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Irrelevant. He has played for better clubs than Spurs

                1. Rhinos
                  • 10 Years
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  until this season youd struggle to say city first team much better than spurs

                  1. IRBOX ⚽
                    • 7 Years
                    6 years, 1 month ago

                    Duration is another factor. Kane will win many trophies over the course of his career

                    1. Rhinos
                      • 10 Years
                      6 years, 1 month ago

                      thats guesswork. kun is better right now. Deadliest finisher in premier leagueq

                      1. IRBOX ⚽
                        • 7 Years
                        6 years, 1 month ago

                        lol thanks for humouring me

                      2. Rhinos
                        • 10 Years
                        6 years, 1 month ago

                        it's true. Spurs would have won 5-0 if kun had played. Kane is top notch but kun still betterq

                      3. naytan101
                        • 6 Years
                        6 years, 1 month ago

                        Kun is a god! The goal against QPR makes him the biggest legend ever to grace the Premier League !

            2. Ciro Di Marzio
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Really annoys me when people try to “prove” who’s better using stats. This isn’t baseball, football is an art form and there for it is subjective 😉

              1. Jairzinho
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Surely baseball is somewhat subjective as well then?

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      So you’re saying he’s first.

    4. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      We have world class players everywhere except central midfield and maybe centre-back. We can do it. It's all on Southgate and his tactics.

      As Sven taught us, a group of talented players can do nothing without good tactics.

      1. andy85wsm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        We're screwed then

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Our terrific performances against Germany and Brazil gave me hope. I like the look of the 343. It unleashes our outstanding wingbacks, makes use of our ball-playing centre-backs, and gives freedom to Rashford Kane Sterling up front.

    5. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      F**k sake, and it begins...

      😀

    6. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Lawl

    7. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Lol he isn't the best striker in the world. Far from it.

    8. joeydelucchi
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      on that note Belgium look decent dont they!

      Mertens
      Hazard
      KDB
      Dembele
      Lukaku
      Carrasco

      ...to name a few

    9. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      It’s not Kane England need, its Eriksen. Banging a goal in from close range isn’t the problem, creating a chance in the first place is. England never really recovered from Gazza’s international retirement, and having Beckham whip crosses in all game only papered over the cracks.

      1. Babit1967
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        England will not win the World Cup, Germany, Spain, France and Brazil are far superior

  2. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Ooh. Two Alli assists eh.

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      He looks rubbish though

      1. Pegboy
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        ^terrible opinion^ He loses the ball more than he should, but that's mostly because he's trying passes others can't. Eriksen and Son are still better fantasy prospects at the moment.

  3. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Erikseeeeeeeeeeeeeen

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Sen sen sen

  4. FA Cup results wish list
    J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Fantasy Football Scout daily hot topic

    FA Cup Wish List

    What outcomes are you looking for this weekend and Monday’s FA Cup games, given that those that progress will miss Gameweek 31?

    A lot will depend on whether you have a free hit chip, and whether you want to play it in Gameweek 31 or save it for Gameweek 35?

    If saving how many GWK 31 players do you already have?

    As an example I’ve got four currently – Shaqiri, Bauer, Firmino, Salah

    I’m hoping that Manchester United, as expected, beat Huddersfield. This will bump up my GWK 31 player tally to six, with Schindler and Milivojevic playable.

    As well as that result my other hope is that Southampton beat West Brom – this puts Bournemouth and West Brom assets in the frame for GWK 31.

    The real cat among the pigeons would be Sheffield United beating Leicester – as that suddenly puts Leicester and Arsenal players under consideration. If that happens suddenly a free hit chip may become more preferable in Gameweek 31.

    For more on the GWK 31 permutations please do visit Ben Crellin’s twitter account @BenCrellin and his handy spreadsheet. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-Xniaw-tEEiXoyqbGZLzMx6XEcv9TLolfa8GzndvTPw/edit#gid=1726884737

    1. wander
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I’m hoping that as much teams blanks as possible forcing people who haven’t planned to be forced into a free hit or forced into a wildcard due to not having sufficient players . I currently have 5 and will aim to field 9. I used my free hit already after a terrible start to the season and admit it was horribly misused . I have Dawson so would like them to play .

      1. wander
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I’m also moving kun to bobby for fixtures and blank which seems madness after the recent hauls but I feel my logic is correct as I don’t feel kun will get the armband

      2. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I agree - more blanks the better. Will see lots using their free hit chip on quantity over quality.

        The real crunch though will be if the big guns don't blank. Arsenal, Leicester for example. Chelsea against Hull is another FA cup match where the underdog could do well if Conte rotates. Less blanks makes me more likely to use the free hit chip.

        1. FPL ZB
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          are you of the WC 32, BB 34, FH35 and TC37 camp at the moment? Think that's what I'm leaning towards

          1. wander
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            If some of the top teams draw each other in the quarter final it may make 35 mangable without the free hit and it could be saved for the final day which is generally an abunsince off goals. Hopefully the FA Cup draw is very soon after 5th round which I’m sure it Is. the last few gameweeks are massive with 10 per cent of overall scores coming in the final few weeks last year. Part of me hates and loves the chips haha

            1. J0E
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              GWK 38 is a lottery - anything goes! Last year the big players did well... in many other seasons they haven't.

            2. UshFPL
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Surely it would be expected that 10% of your overall score would come in the final 3.8 weeks?

          2. J0E
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            I think I may prefer GW 33 WC....maximise the knowledge for GWK 34...will see what state my GWK 31 team is in.

      3. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        If the number of blank is more, I would rather play 5-6 players instead of using my FH 😛

    2. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      So you prefer using a free hit if better teams (with players you don’t own) are available?

      I would’ve thought the week which required fewer transfers regardless of teams - in most cases GW31.

      GW31 likely to have fewer fixtures than GW35 due to progression in cup.

      1. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Week which required more transfers***... GW31

      2. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        See above - all about quality over quantity.

        Less blanks means more great players available that week that may be impossible for me to own without a free hit chip

        More blanks means less great players available...means that everyone will captain Salah, I already have Firmino and can easily take my tally up to 10 or so good players.

        1. ktk_interista
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Please check my comment below. I don't understand your logic. With Leceister and Arsenal, if they don't blank and you decide to load up on them only on GW31, you will be less reluctant to get them in from GW28-30 and after GW 31. Both teams have a sea of blue fixtures that you would be missing out on.

          1. J0E
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            I've actually rethought that - with them I'd be keen to get them earlier as their fixtures are good so no need for FH chip - i'd spend all my next transfers on them probably.

    3. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      im hoping wigan draw with city(wolves mansged it) just for the lols. Also hope hudds beat man u

      1. GreenArrows
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        This!

      2. mookie
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        This! Pretty please with cherries on top

    4. agueroooooney
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Wins for Hull and/or Rochdale would be nice to shatter everyone's plans

    5. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Maximum carnage please!

      Worst shock out of all of them for me would be Huddersfield beating Man U - filthy casuals with the DDG/Pogba/Lukaku trio will be let right off the hook!

      1. Rhinos
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        yeah but the look on jose 's face would make up for it

    6. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Unless United, City, Cheslea or Spurs go out I think I’m using FH in 35.

      Leicester vs Arsenal is the fixture I’m hoping is not a blank because both have good fixtures leading upto it and I wouldn’t mind players from these 2 sides.

    7. FFPro
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I have 6 confirmed with Milivojevic, 4 FT to come.

      Hoping for maximum carnage. Either way I'm saving my FH but would like others to be in a worse position naturally.

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I agree with you about United and Southampton wins. United due to my Speroni/Hennessey combo, and United due to Wilson (though I'm happy to sell him if he has no game).

        I feel differently about a Leceister hypothetical loss. I have Wilshere and Vardy, which would give me 8 GW31 starters already (assuming Zeegelaar, Wilshere and Hennessey count), plus 5FTs before GW31. So it would make FH chip even less profitable for me.

        1. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Southampton due to Wilson*

    8. ktk_interista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      As a FH chip non owner, Leceister losing would be perfect as it would completely ruin the FH in GW31 plan where most teams are expected to blank. Arsenal and Leceister players coming into consideration for GW 31 means I can start loading up on GW31 players who I would actually want now and also want to keep beyond GW31 since both teams have a terrific run of fixtures for the long term. I can easily field 8-9 GW31 players who are not just rubbish filler picks. Those who play the chip in GW31 to load on Arsenal and Leceister just for GW31 would lose very good players with very good fixtures after that.

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Load up in 31, WC 32. Your thought process is flawed

        1. ktk_interista
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          You are right. On second thought, having used my chip, I want those who still have it to blow it and that means maximum carnage so that they waste their chip on rubbish players.

      2. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I am thinking like you

    9. @FPL_Chess
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Hi Jonty, The FPL Chess site is advising people to get players in for GW31 rather that play the Free Hit, as we’ll need that for GW35. The difference being of course, is that we can get players in between now and GW31 for free but won’t have that option for GW35 as GW34 is obviously a DGW and we’ll be focussing on that.

        1. FPL ZB
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I think that's the thought process of a lot of us on here, it's certainly my plan - especially since many of the doublers in 34 will also double in 37

      • tisza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        We're going to beat Brighton 🙂
        But unlikely to make a difference for GW31.

      • Pranav Santhosh
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        It couldn't get better than Rochdale beating spurs for me as a Kane son holder over these 3 weeks nothing would be better than spurs having a fixture in 31

      • potatoace
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        If mcy draw with Wigan , does that mean they're on for 3 dgws or even potential for a treble gameweek?

        1. potatoace
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Assuming they progress in the cup.

          1. Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Yep - 3 games to rearrange if they then reach the FA Cup semis

      • OldBenKenobi
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Hoping for Bournemouth and Palace to have games as my bench fringe players are likely comprised of them. Means little to no surgery required to field a decent no. of players that week and can keep my FH chip for the following BGW

        1. Patch
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Hoping for opposite so what will it take for this to not happen?

            1. Patch
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Oh well looks like you are more likely to win, highly doubt Hudd will defeat Man U so looks like Palace will play...

      • Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Having used my FH chip and profiting 22 pts I cannot complain and expect not much gain if I had it for GW31 and GW35.
        If Bournemouth plays I will have Shaq, Wilson, VVD, Firmino, Salah, Hennesy and Dacoure.
        If I have 7 with the fill ups being bench warmers, the only players I want to keep after GW31 are VVD, Salah, Firmino.
        I want Ramsey if fit, for the remainder of the season. Dacoure as my low price mid so even thinking Shaq can go even though he has a game GW31.
        Having said all that, the cup results will be the defining moment and the guys with FH chips will sweat on when to use it.

        1. ktk_interista
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I profited 34 points from it if taking the GW I played it in isolation. Fairly happy with that as I clawed my way back to a decent rank. However it meant that I lost Kane, Son and Alli the week after and they delivered big which took away a portion of my gain from the chip.

      • Hart-ake
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Hmm. Re: Arsenal v Leicester. Surely, if that doesn't blank, that makes it less appealing to use the free hit chip, as they are teams that have good fixtures anyway?

        The reasons to use the free hit chip should be that teams are blanking that have players you don't want to get in either side of GW31?

      • Feyzi
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Surely this will be one of the crucial decisions for all managers to climb up/down the rankings and claim their top spot in ML's.

        The question is definitely quality vs. quantity but the bottom line is that we do not have the answer now and the answer may change from team to team.

        What I intend to do is to follow every post here on the subject, make my mathematical calculations, appoint an expert mathematician if necessary, and then decide whether quality or quantity will win.

        Currently, I have Salah, Firmino, Walcott as the differential and Diouf as the third striker in my team.

        If Huddersfield walk over United, I will suddenly have Adrian, Ogbonna, Pogba and Lingard available too, but I do not know if I want that, in all honesty. With my 2FTs, the latter two will be the first ones to get rid of.

        I have drifted below 100k in the ratings, for the first time in the last dozen GW's and I need to climb up.

      • Going Home
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Wins for both CCFCs and SUFC would do nicely. Would get me XI out in GW31 and, more importantly, a quarter final for the mighty Coventry City

      • President Giggs
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I'd like Southampton to beat West Brom, and then all the others to blank.This will allow me to field;

        Pickford
        VVD, Bauer
        Salah, Walcott, Shaqiri, Ibe
        Firmino, Wilson

        and then have 2FT going into gwk 32 to prepare for 34. Nobody else in my ML is anywhere near this prepared, hopefully allowing me to close some of the 60 point gap on first place.

      • The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Travel back in time and Everton beat Liverpool

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          To the late 80s?

      • cheese XL
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Why would you be more likely to free hit if arsenal and Leicester play in gw31? Would it not be better to use free transfers to bring them in now with good fixtures ahead of gw31?

      • Pompel
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Couldn't it be that the best time to use the FH chip will be in GW38 to try to get the players with something to play for. GW31 not likely to provide much of an advantage either way (if salah stays fit), and GW35 may not have too many blanks.

        1. Patch
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I like this idea.

          Depending on how this weekend games end, we can see a bit more clearly...nice idea

      • Big Daddy Sam
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Hoping that Huddersfield beat Man Utd & Southampton beat West Brom because then I'll have a pretty solid 10 I can field right now:

        Pickford, Van Dijk, Salah, Firmino, Shaquri, Richardlson have fixtures

        Then I'd also have Hegazi, Jones, Lindgard & Wilson

      • Jay_
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I think Leicester losing would make the FH in 35 even more valuable. Leicester fixtures and Arsenals from next gw make bringing their players in a win win.

        • Rohirrims
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Currently own 3 Liverpool, 1 Stoke, 1 Everton. Will get atleast 1 more player with the United/Huddersfield result. Hoping that all the big guns United, City, Chelsea, Tottenham go through which would then mess the inactive teams. West Brom & Leicester losing would be sweet as it gives me 3 more players so could end up having a full XI without a hit.

          Depending on the draw for quarters will either WC this week or GWK 32 and if I WC this week will be using the FH Chip in GWK 31 and triple captain Kane (MCY, NEW) in 34 and probably field 9-12 in 35.

        • Ramboros
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          An outcome that I find interesting is if City draw in the first match and then lose the replay. They would still likely get a blank in GW31 as Brighton should win their game, but they'll likely have a game in GW35 as Swansea have low probability of reaching the semis.

          This could create absolute carnage with a late announced BGW for City, as well as potentially a late announced DGW30 for City and Brighton. City is also one of the teams with rather poor fixtures from GW32 to GW34, so a Free Hit in GW35 with a City heavy team would be interesting.

          1. RedLightning
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            The late announced DGW30 for City and Brighton could also arise (and is probably more likely to) if City draw the first match but then WIN the replay, which would probably result in 3 matches for them to rearrange from game-weeks 28, 31 and 35.

            A DGW30 could be a good opportunity for a Triple Captain chip on a City player!

        • Freddo
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          The more blanks the better, hope all the obvious teams go through so people waste their FHC to have the same template as anyone who planned for it.

          The herd mentality deserves to be punished.

          1. Jaws
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            imo hardly more herd mentality than around these parts...

        • Stat Sloth
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I currently have Pickford, Deulofeouou, Shaqiri, Salah, Firmino and 2FTs. 5 players.

          I am hoping for a HUD win against MUN, coz that would give me 2 more players.

          If SOT wins against WBA, I also get 2 more players.

          So those are the most important, and perhaps most probable, results for me. Which leaves me with 5, 7, or 9 GW31-players atm.

          The rest of the PL-teams can go on in the cup, I don't mind. With my planning, I seem quite safe ^^

        • Pieterke30
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Im hoping for a maximum of PL clubs to get beaten. Have already played FHC.

        • Rover
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I'd love a Wigan draw along with a Sheffield United win

        • mbrewer94
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Currently have 4: van Dijk, Shaqiri, Salah, Firmino

          I'd like as many games as possible to be called off so I can free hit in GW31, I don't want to load up my team with rubbish players from rubbish teams.

          That said, West Brom going out to Southampton would make my life easier as it would mean Liverpool don't blank in GW35.

          I'm a Sheffield United fan, the offensive game we play will play right into Leicester's hands and they'll destroy us. Don't pin any hopes on Leicester vs Arsenal being on!

      • The Left Duke #3
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Bench two this GW only....tough one

        A) Alonso (away to MU)
        B) Otamendi (away to Ars)
        C) Gomez (home to WH)
        D) Daniels (home to New)
        E) Mee (home to Sou)

        1. wander
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Alonso and Gomez may not be fit which will make your decision easier.

          1. The Left Duke #3
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Ya maybe. 2 weeks away though so suspect they'll be fine

        2. Zladan
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          BD

        3. Alexis Nonsense
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          B + C

          Expect goals in both ends at Emirates

      • #FPLBhuna
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Richarlison and Alonso >>

        A) Eriksen and VVD (0.9itb)
        B) Eriksen and Robertson (0.1itb)

        1. The Left Duke #3
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I think you have the money the wrong way round but A for me

        2. FPL ZB
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          At this point I'd just keep Richarlison

        3. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Keep rich if FH gw35, A if FH gw31

      • Top 10K Chip Use
        IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Top 10k. Anyone got the stats on % used FH and WC?

        1. SW6
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          For top 10k:

          WC - 30.1%
          Free Hit - 38.1%
          Triple Captain - 32.4%
          Bench Boost - 18.3%

          1. Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Interesting 🙂

          2. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks mate. You’re a legend. FH is very high!

          3. Rhinos
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            surprised so many used fhc. Spose it's the most enticing one

            1. BobBradleysOpportunity
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              it's the newest one, so it is the one most likely to be inappropriately used, i don't think anyone really understood its value until halfway through the season, well i didn't anyway, and I'm glad i held it

          4. Dhody
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Wow! How did you get those?

            Any chance you could let me know:
            How many people in the top 100, 1000, 10000 have used NONE of their chips?

            1. agueroooooney
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Chips remaining for top 10k:

              4: 34.2%
              3: 31.7%
              2: 19.5%
              1: 10.1%
              0: 4.5%

              1. diesel001
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                I'm in the Top 10k. I have all 4 chips remaining.

                1. Gegenpress
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  How do you plan on using them? i have all too

          5. Desperately Seeking Dusan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            I'm surprised so many have used so many chips... might explain their current position in the top 10k and suggest they won't be there after the DGW and GW31/35!

            I guess in general the FH chip was used with the DGW for Spurs and West Ham, it was by a lot in my ML's. Although a couple of people also had a mini injury crisis and played it great effect as I recall.

          6. GHB
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Wow. This gives me massive hope now . Cheers

          7. CasuallyOverthinking
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Very interesting 🙂
            Where does one find such stats? Would be super interesting also for overall, top 100k and so on!

              1. CasuallyOverthinking
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Wow, that's great, thanks!

          8. doy
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Solid numbers have used their chips, great news.

        2. Barnsley FC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I'm in the top 1k and still have all my chips left besides TC. This definitely gives me hope.

        3. thisisdiz
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          On top 1k. Have lost my TC on Kane DGW..

      • Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        "Pressuring high limits the amount of running players must do. When you win back the ball, there are 30 metres to goal rather than 80" - Josep Guardiola,

        So KDB was exhausted because of the high number of games he played? I must admit, the more I read into it, the more advantages I see to the high press. I hope Jose doesn't stay a dinosaur.

        .
        A quote by the father of modern football: "Do you know how Barcelona win the ball back so quickly? It’s because they don’t have to run back more than 10 metres as they never pass the ball more than 10 metres" - Yohan Cruyff.

        1. SW6
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Mourinho vs Benitez last weekend was an example of football that is now outdated, both managers refuse to keep up.

          1. Rhinos
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            bit harsh on rafa. we can't all spunk 50m on reserve wing backs

            1. SW6
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Hmm I firmly believe Rafa is very overrated at the moment. I watched a lot of Championship games and Newcastle were very average and a little lucky to get promoted so comfortably.
              They've played some shocking football this season too and their squad is not as bad as everyone makes out.

              1. fattfattygavgav
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                I think Rafa's doing well with what he's had to contend with. Did they not win the Championship last season?

        2. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Interesting logic innit? Might have to apply it to my club this season

          1. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Do you have coaching badges?

            I'm looking into it atm, and wanted to know how long it takes to progress.

            1. IRBOX ⚽
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Not as yet. Still playing at a decent level, but turning the big 3-0 this season. Coaching is definitely something I want to progress to. Good luck with it

              1. Piggs Boson
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Good luck to you too! Not far off the big 3-0 myself 😀

                1. joeydelucchi
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  I'm currently doing my level 1 badge, its really good so far and definitely recommend it.
                  I'm 35 and still playing for maybe next couple of years, as long as my legs hold out haha. you should keep playing tho as long as you can, dont let society convince you that you should now put on weight and give in to the lazy lifestyle, i do yoga twice a week too to keep my legs away from injury it really helps.

                  But yes coaching is great and the things i never considered before starting the course, are now becoming much more real and possible; i.e. coaching a kids team, mens team, doing levels 2,3/uefa b etc....its funny when you dont put yourself in the position of a coach (i never had done and have only done this course as it was offered by my club) you dont realise where and what doors can open up to you...apparently once you have done levels 2&3 you can become very appealing to coaching academies in the states or other countries...so who knows! 🙂

      • raoulduke71
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I have Jones but wanted Davies...now I'm thinking both are bad options with rotation. Any ideas?

        1. OldBenKenobi
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Jones isn’t a bad option just not as appealing due the the fixtures. Plus he is nailed. Only get Davies if you have a good bench to cover any no shows as he could likely be rotated (but when he plays he normally returns well)

          1. Js31
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Considering how poor we've looked lately, gave away some awful goals. I wouldn't be surprised if Rojo & Lindelof get some game time soon. Plus Bailly is nearing return.

      • 007 [RoboKlopp]
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Choose Eriksen or Alli?
        Alli plays more forward imo.

        1. OldBenKenobi
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Eriksen in better form regardless of where they play

        2. GreenArrows
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Eriksen

        3. Over Midwicket
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Eriksen every day til the end of time

        4. The Hindu Monkey
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          owning Alli is like owning a BMW which only starts once a month

      • Nanoelektronicar
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        What do you think about Pritchard? He looked very good against Bournemouth, they have nice fixtures and might have a game in gw 31.

        1. BobBradleysOpportunity
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          that bournemouth performance was a complete write-off, they looked like they didn't care

        2. potatoace
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          He's a good player. Proven scorer. Can do a lot worse than him

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Stats?

            1. potatoace
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              7 goals last season. Seen him play. Not bad for a budget buy

        3. OldBenKenobi
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Decent budget option for a team fighting for every point. It’s the tail of of the season where players from these type of teams (fighting for survival) can be key for FPL teams. Trick is picking the player/team that end up doing well....

      • GreenArrows
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Kenny + Lingard > VVD and Shaqiri...

        No brainer right? Preparing for GW31 and not making my team worse with low scorers....

        Pope Elliot
        Otamendi Jones Duffy Ogbonna Kenny
        Salah Sterling Son Walcott Lingard
        Kane Firmino Quaner

        2FT 2.3itb

        1. Prøfeßör …
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Looks good.

        2. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Concerns for:
          Pope, Jones, Ota, Sterling, lingard, Quaner

          1. GreenArrows
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Hence why I want two of the concerns out...

            Quaner - I dont play him
            Lingard > Shaqiri so issue fixed
            Sterling > will wait and see
            Ota > Will come out next GW
            Jones > Keeping
            Pope > Wait and see

            VVD Ogbonna and Duffy can cover Ota and Jones rotations so not really an issue. Only concerns are Sterling and Pope

          2. Going Home
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Concerns for Sterling? I mean, he will be rotated, but is anyone seriously thinking about shipping? He's a machine

            1. GreenArrows
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              I mean concern for rotation, i will not be taking him out anytime soon

      • #FPLBhuna
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        A) Alonso > VVD (FT)
        B) Alonso > Robertson (FT)
        C) Alonso & Richarlison > VVD & Eriksen (-4) 0.1itb
        D) Alonso & Richarlison > Robertson & Eriksen (-4) 0.9itb

        1. Top 210 Club
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Moreno says hi

          1. #FPLBhuna
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Ola Alberto

        2. BAMBAA
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Wait a week and then maybe A.

          1. #FPLBhuna
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            You mean next week before the start of next gw? If so yes im not rushing to transfer yet. So much can happen.

        3. BobBradleysOpportunity
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          i don't see any option for keeping alonso?

          1. #FPLBhuna
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Because that option is not under consideration. Hes a gonner.

        4. I Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          C

        5. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          C

      • Alexis Nonsense
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I've used my WC

        So only FH + TC to play with in blank and DGWs

        A) Get 9-11 playing in 31 and FH + TC in DGWs

        B) Get 11 + DGW players in and FH in 31 TC in tasty double

        1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Why WC this week? What happens when you want to get rid of all the BGW players you get for 31?

        2. lespaul
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          BB in a double

      • Sz21
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Eriksen more or less attractive now we reckon..?
        Looking to change Pogba and thinking it is between Mahrez/Eriksen atm.

        Own Kane too if this makes a difference.

        1. Going Home
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Of those two (and if he's not sulking) I would go for Mahrez. Better fixtures, better chance of playing in GW31 imo

      • Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Pool supporters out there.
        Chances of Gomez pairing up with VVD?

        1. Alexis Nonsense
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Pairing ?

          Gomez is not central defender is he ?

          1. Wild Rover
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            It’s his preferred and best position

          2. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            A bloody good one.

        2. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I think many Pool fans would like this with TAA and Robertson as full backs, or wing backs with Matip

      • FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Do anyone have the link to the bgw/dgw spreadsheet?

        Deleted it by a mistake

          1. Lingardium Leviosa.
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            I just came.

          2. FC Hakkebøf
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks buddy

        1. SpaceCadet
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Still sticking to the plan and doing kun > Kane bud?

      • Hart-ake
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Feel there's an interesting debate around the Free hit chip in terms of if it is best to use it with the crappy teams or if you want Leic-Ars for instance to blank.

        I feel like it is better to use the FHC if there are more blanks in general and also more blanking 'big teams'. As this means more advantage for those using the chip over those that don't. I realise that there are perhaps fewer that you want from the smaller teams and fewer that may produce bigger scores but nevertheless this is where the advantage lies for free hit chip players as many teams won't have many players from these teams. And for those teams that have loaded up on the smaller teams' players, that probably means a few gameweeks of having to play them when free hit chippers don't.

        I realise that there a couple of exceptions, like you may want to get Walcott or Shaqiri in anyway, but in general you would otherwise want to avoid the teams that are currently blanking in GW31. Whereas if Arsenal v Leicester blanks, there are players from these teams that I would like anyway, which would make using the chip less appealing....

        1. FC Hakkebøf
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          As I dont have a wc, I feel forced to use the FH chip in gw31, unless a lot of big teams dont progress in the cup. I cant afford to load up on a lot of mid-buttom teams, just to get rid of them again.. it makes no sense, and would be harmful when the dgw arrives. All I can hope for is some really tough draws next round and/or some upsets..

        2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Only problem is that everyone will own and captain Salah, probably own Firmino and a LIV defender for 31. If you're using the FH then you're only using it for effectively 8 players from three poor teams (until we find out about more blanks... ) which I don't think will be a good use of funds. If we get LEI ARS then FH becomes more of an option IMO

          1. FC Hakkebøf
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            But someone from the weak teams either have to score a goal, or get a cs and get some baps as well regardless.. I think people.understimate the anount of points you can get in a match like Hddersfield vs Crystal Palace..

            1. Going Home
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              This - and people who load up on average players from poor teams using FH get the biggest advantage. If you don't FH, you either accept fielding 5/6 players or take hits to get in players you will want to get rid of asap

              1. FC Hakkebøf
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Not bad to load up on players you need to get rid of if wc is intact tho

                1. Going Home
                  • 12 Years
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  Maybe, although it could force your hand to play it sooner than you would have liked.

                  Let's put it this way, if the only extra fixture for GW31 is the loser of Huddersfield/United, I will be going in with six players and will not be gunning for more (even with my WC intact)

                  1. FC Hakkebøf
                    • 7 Years
                    6 years, 1 month ago

                    I get the point and I totally agree.. but less harm if the wc is intact regardless.. but im planning to play the FH in 31 almost no matter what, as im loading up on dgw players from all sorts of teams to make my BB as useful as possible in gw34 as the TC wont be as useful in this gw given that spurs and mci play eachother that week (Aguero/Kane TC less appealing)

                    1. FC Hakkebøf
                      • 7 Years
                      6 years, 1 month ago

                      Then I can use FT to plan towards the bgw35 and dgw37.. also people who spend FH and WC aftee gw31 will loose out on two ft at a bare minimum, and if they also loose out of 4-6 players, I can easily take a couple of hits as well in the same timeperiod and be level onor even in a huge + in terms of points gained and lost

                    2. Going Home
                      • 12 Years
                      6 years, 1 month ago

                      Surely it depends who their DGW fixture is? Man City will have a home fixture v BHA to be rearranged and Spurs a home game against Newcastle. Couple that with the City v Spurs game, I would still consider TC on Kane or Aguero.

                      For me I will use TC in GW37 for altogether different reasons - it will be semi-final of the H2H cash league I am in haha

                      1. FC Hakkebøf
                        • 7 Years
                        6 years, 1 month ago

                        By using the BB first, you can get rid of all.the silly players from bgw35 to dgw37..

                        In (b)gw35 Man City play Swansea at home.. Spurs play Brighton away.. Man united play Bournemouth away..

                        In dgw37 Man City play at home to Huddersfield.. Spurs play WBA away and Man united play Brighton Away..

                        Surely one of these teams will progress to the semi finals and hand you some great TC candidates compared to gw34....

                        1. Going Home
                          • 12 Years
                          6 years, 1 month ago

                          I would be terrified about any City player's minutes in a SWA HUD dgw, especially as that will be the week after the UCL semi final second leg and the league will have been won weeks earlier.

                          Kane however... 🙂

                          Not sure why you include United though?

                          1. FC Hakkebøf
                            • 7 Years
                            6 years, 1 month ago

                            United will recover I think... and vs those.teams, Lukaku/In form Sanchez can be a bully

                          2. Going Home
                            • 12 Years
                            6 years, 1 month ago

                            I certainly hope they don't - it's been great watching them slip up (even as a Jones owner, as pretty much everyone has at least one united defender).

                            I certainly wouldn't bank on them turning it around, not enough to justify trusting Lukaku or Alexis with the TC

                          3. FC Hakkebøf
                            • 7 Years
                            6 years, 1 month ago

                            I have enjoyed it too, as I am a LFC fan

            2. Mark
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 17 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              But if I spare two FT's going into GW31 then that's another two potentially added to Salah, VVD, Firmino, Walcott, Shaqiri, Pickford - which I already have/might have.

              That would make 8 players so you'd have to hit 3 players that nail it in GW31 to better that - that's not easy from a small talent pool.

              Yes, a Hudd or Palace player could score big but can you isolate and get that player? If you miss, you could argue that you've wasted the FH.

              And yes, I'd WC in GW32 to clear the GW31 players, prepping for GW34 double.

              1. FC Hakkebøf
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                But do you really trust pickford, shaqiri, walcott from now and till gw31? Im not conviced about their potential points tally... also in bgw35 there will be less blanks as well as less dgw teams in gw37, which makes it easier to navigate

                1. FC Hakkebøf
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  Im in a bit different situation though as I dont have a WC... so for me the choice is more obvious as I dont wont mid-buttom teams hanging around for 5-7 rounds or so

                  1. Mark
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 17 Years
                    6 years, 1 month ago

                    I certainly trust Shaqiri - arguably we should have him regardless of GW31 the value he's currently hinting at. I have to trust Pickford as I'm not going to make a change in goal regardless - few of us have the luxury of swapping keepers in and out.

                    Walcott - possibly a risk but the signs are good and the fixtures are favourable enough for him to produce something over the next three.

                    1. FC Hakkebøf
                      • 7 Years
                      6 years, 1 month ago

                      Im keeping Shaq for now as well as he is producing points week after week atm.. Not to sure about Walcott though.. I dont have him and probably wont get him except for a FH gw31.. as I said, I dont have a wc though, so not as easy for me to take a risk with these players

                      1. OldBenKenobi
                        • 7 Years
                        6 years, 1 month ago

                        I don’t have my WC anymore either so my plan is to invest a little more in my bench player making sure that they don’t blank. That way you still have some cover without totally destroying your main 11. I would still have a few in my starting 11 but I’m happy to have them regardless of GW31. Really want to hold my FT to the later BGW. I detailed this in my post a little further down the page.

                        1. OldBenKenobi
                          • 7 Years
                          6 years, 1 month ago

                          Hold my FH chip*

                          1. FC Hakkebøf
                            • 7 Years
                            6 years, 1 month ago

                            I have responded to your post

                2. GreenArrows
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  Lingard + Kenny > Shaqiri and VVD is actually better pointswise for me.....

                3. FC Hakkebøf
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  Id rather have these options just playing one gw than multiple gws... though I do own Shaq.atm who has been.excellent so far.. but given Stokes team performance, I think it wont last throughout to gw31

                  1. GreenArrows
                    • 7 Years
                    6 years, 1 month ago

                    Exactly, so I am kinda sorting my team out and preparing for GW31 at the same time. Doing these 2FTs will give me 5 players and I am to get 9 (-4) then WC GW32, BB GW34, FH GW35, TC GW37...thats my plan

                    1. FC Hakkebøf
                      • 7 Years
                      6 years, 1 month ago

                      Unfortunately I dont have the luxury of a wc.. makes the decision to FH in gw31 a lot harder I admit..

                  2. Mark
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 17 Years
                    6 years, 1 month ago

                    But who are you considering for Shaq over this next three? Clearly if you can upgrade significantly then that's fine, but in my squad, budget restricts what I can do.

                    1. FC Hakkebøf
                      • 7 Years
                      6 years, 1 month ago

                      Im thinking about downgrading Alonso maybe for Davies... Chelsea have bad fixtures... would free up a lot of cash to upgrade Shaq or Pogba...

                      1. FC Hakkebøf
                        • 7 Years
                        6 years, 1 month ago

                        If Leicester dont progress the FH is pure waste I admit... as I would trust Arsenal and Leicester players from now and till gw31.. but still makes it harder for me to prepare for the dgw34 where I plan to use the BB if I dont use the FH, as I dont have a wc

              2. GreenArrows
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                This is my plan

              3. Hart-ake
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Yeah, I get what you're saying, for sure. Is it really worth using the free hit chip for just getting the chance of a Pritchard or Benteke goal? It's a risk, for sure. In that sense, you want bigger teams to blank in GW 31 who have a better chance of getting bigger hauls.

                But the funny thing is, on the flipside, you arguably have less advantage with players from the bigger teams, which is what I was getting at. As the ones you want from those are likely to be well-owned anyway. I mean, I always thought of the free hit being used in a gameweek exactly like GW31...

          2. Going Home
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Except Lei***ter and Arsenal have decent fixtures up to and after GW31, so people won't mind bringing them in generally (so the FH advantage is lost)

            *used my FH and think it's better for me if there are more fixtures in GW31/35 as FH will be of less use

            1. FC Hakkebøf
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              I agree

            2. Hart-ake
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Yeah, that's what I was trying to say- the advantage is lost if Leic/Ars blank....

              1. Going Home
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Correct, as you will use your FH to bring in Leicester/Arsenal players who non-FH owners have been enjoying for a few weeks and will continue to enjoy for the following weeks. For example, I will have at least three players from that fixture in my squad in GW31, whether or not the fixture goes ahead

        3. Hart-ake
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I guess, now I'm thinking about it, would be ideal if Man City blanked for the free hit. Not great fixtures for the next three, but then at home to Brighton...

      • Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Which games do we think Danny Rose will get? Tempted to bring in Davies for Otamendi

        1. Lingardium Leviosa.
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Precisely. The risk of rotation made me avoid. Went for VVD instead.

          Not sure if this helps.

        2. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Rose and Bavies rotate. Could have both but expensive. I think rotation starts now.

        3. THFC4LIFE
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I would stay away from Davies. At 5.6m he’s a rotation risk, Vertonghen is a good option for a touch more and he’s nailed

          1. Alexis Nonsense
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Vert has played every minute, I think he's going to be rested soon

            1. Going Home
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              I could use your statement to argue the exact opposite conclusion:

              Vert has played every minute, he is the linchpin around which the defence is built

        4. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I don't mind the rotation and benching, it's the one minute 1 point cameos that really irk

      • RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Early thoughts on Ota+Ox >> VVD+Deulofeu/Shaqiri?

        Team:
        Pick
        Ota / Christen / Jones
        Son / Salah / Sterling / Ox
        Kun / Kane / Wilson
        (Elliot, Choupo, Duffy, Kiko*)

        1. Prøfeßör …
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah, probably.

          Shaqiri looks more dangerous.

      • pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        J Rod to be banned or not?

        1. potatoace
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          From what I've read on it , it would be strange if he does get banned. Having said that, as someone pointed out, FA rarely charge someone then change their mind. Maybe there's more to this than the press have

          1. Going Home
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            What is strange is that the Firmino/Holgate issue still hasn't been decided. Would be just my luck that Bobby gets stiffed with a ban just before GW31

            1. potatoace
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              I wish they would at least provide an update.

              1. Going Home
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Me too (although the other side of it is that maybe people will hold off bringing Bobby in while this hangs over him and I can keep enjoying his points without the whole FPL world being on the wagon haha)

                1. potatoace
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  Sadly I think your average Joe has completely forgotten about the investigation.

        2. danishdynamite
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          IF he is innocent of the charges, he's not made it easy to believe by covering his mouth when saying whatever he did / did not say.

        3. Ógie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          The FA are dragging these too cases out.The committee that are over these cases are taking the piss they must think this gig will see them through to retirement.

          I wonder how long more will these stiffs will dining out on these two cases?

      • depeche
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Alonso + B.Silva >

        a. VVD + Eriksen
        b. Fernandez + KDB

        Have Sterling, Son, Ota, Kane

      • THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Which games are currently on for gw31? Want to know how many players I currently have with a game. Cheers

        1. Lingardium Leviosa.
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Pool v Wat
          Sto v Eve

        2. Going Home
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Liverpool v Watford
          Stoke v Everton

          1. FC Hakkebøf
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Look at my respond to your comment above.. both in terms of H2H and OR your right in playing your TC in dgw37!

      • Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        At this time of the year we should tell our chips/dgw/bgw plans when asking for transfer advice and rate my team posts.

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Easy replies this week - just use #WTCG

          1. Going Home
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Why Tackle Christians' Gnomes?

        2. GreenArrows
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          This!

        3. Ógie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          What if you have already devised the ultimate plan and and want to keep it a secret?

          1. OldBenKenobi
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Shhh

          2. Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            If you have solved this riddle you probably don't need advice to make a mere transfer 😉

      • Nanoelektronicar
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Jones to VVD straightforward or not?

        1. Prøfeßör …
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Not straight forward, no. For your team (and only .1 in the bank), probably or save.

          1. Nanoelektronicar
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            I invested into Walcott, have money tied on the bench in form of Depoitre, Hazard looks like a bank, but I don't want to sell him just yet.

            1. Prøfeßör …
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Surely can't sell Hazard now. Depoitre to Niasse could work out but it could also backfire. I'd hold until late next week at the very least.

              1. Nanoelektronicar
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                I am letting Depoitre drop, I already did 2 value saving transfers, Christensen > Daniels and Lingard > Walcott and it didn't pay off straight away.

                I would gladly play both Mee and Long next week, just not sure about Long playing and Tarky coming back.

      • OldBenKenobi
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        As someone who has used his 2nd WC (still have my FH) my plan to deal with BGW31 is to invest a more in my BENCH with non blanking players.

        This means I will have to perform little to no surgery on my main team afterwards.

        My bench currently has:
        Elliot, Ibe, Bauer, Dummett

        So ideally want BOU, HUD, CRY, WBA all to play so I can get the likes of Hennessy for Elliot and maybe Dummett out a allowing me to keep FH for the later BGW.

        The teams around me are all are all heavily invested in top teams so it may catch them out.

        Solid plan????

        1. OldBenKenobi
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Should also state my main team has the following:

          DDG
          Alonso, Otamendi, VVD
          Salah, Sterling, Pogba, Shaqiri
          Kane, Firmino, Wilson

        2. FC Hakkebøf
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Without a wc, FH in gw31 is more suitable imo.. by bringing in players not blanking for gw31, it will be difficult to plan accordingly towards dgw34, which is the best week for BB imo... your bench will be full of none dgw players and BB wont be as effective then....

          Much easier to navigate bgw35 and dgw37 with FT's and maybe a few hits as there are fewer blanks

          1. OldBenKenobi
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Fair points! It really does all depend on the FA cup results as to what I end up doing tbh

            1. Hart-ake
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              This bench strategy is not too shabby, along with possibly 3/4 in your main team anyway...could work. Means you are not overloading these GW31 players in your main team.

              But as indicated above, would probably mean playing your triple captain in DGW 34, considering the state of your bench.

      • shearer9
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Who is the best keeper from now till end of season for 5.0 or less? Looking at Schmeichel atm but already have Maguire. Pope? Pickford? Thanks for any input.

        1. OldBenKenobi
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Could be Heaton if he returns soon

          1. shearer9
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Need to get a keeper in this gameweek though.

            1. OldBenKenobi
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Fabianski but may not play 31 other than that he a great option

              1. shearer9
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Unsure about the double-up with Naughton, but will consider it thanks.

          2. Going Home
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            I have my Pope-tinted glasses on, but why the assumption that Heaton walks straight back in when match fit? Pope has been one of the best keepers in the league for the last 23.5 games

        2. Spencer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Karius might be a good option

          1. Kings of Lyon ★
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            This

          2. OldBenKenobi
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Possible rotation would put me off personally.

            1. Brosstan
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              He wont be rotated unless he drops a few absolute clangers in consecutive games. Which of course is possible, but hes been playing ok so far this run.

          3. shearer9
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Got max 'pool but thanks.

      • Steve Stiffler
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        DDG
        Ota - Maguire - Alonso
        Pogba - Son - Sterling - Salah - Shaqiri
        Kane - Wilson

        Elliot - Baeur - Mbemba - Depoitre

        2FTs , 0.9 ITB, was thinking on doing:

        a) Alonso(will wait) + Pogba > VVD + Mahrez
        b) Ota + Pogba > VVD + Mahrez

        1. mazkills
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          B

      • Ohh1454
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Alonso and Lewis cook or Simpson and Walcott?

      • mazkills
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Choose one:
        A) Transfer out Son
        B) Transfer out Schmeichel
        C) Transfer out Deulofeu
        D) Transfer out Ota
        E) Save Transfer

        Fixtures look ok for these players (have Dunk to cover Ota if benched)