Fixtures

The FA Cup Solutions – Part Two

As discussed in yesterday’s article, the forthcoming two rounds of FA Cup fixtures will impact heavily on the Premier League schedules for Gameweeks 31 and 35 respectively.

The Premier League teams who advance past the FA Cup fifth round – which gets underway this evening – and make it to the quarter-finals are set to blank in Gameweek 31.

Meanwhile, those who clinch a place in the semi-finals will also be without a fixture in Gameweek 35.

New to Fantasy Premier League (FPL) for this season, the Free Hit Chip looks tailor-made as a means to cope with these reduced sets of matches.

We’ll be looking at the strategies involved when wielding this chip as we attempt to navigate this tricky part of the season.

Having looked over the merits of using a Free Hit Chip in Gameweek 31 yesterday, we now turn our attention to what has emerged as the favoured tactic – the plan to hold for now and instead activate in Gameweek 35.

To follow, we’ll also roll out the third article in this series, which will attempt to aid those FPL managers who have already deployed their Free Hit chip.

The Fixtures

We currently have four league fixtures set to go ahead in Gameweek 35.

Everton vs Newcastle
Arsenal vs West Ham
Stoke vs Burnley
Watford vs Crystal Palace

And here’s the FA Cup Fifth Round draw, with two matches getting underway this evening.

Leicester vs Sheffield United
Chelsea vs Hull
Sheffield Wednesday vs Swansea
West Brom vs Southampton
Brighton vs Coventry
Huddersfield vs Man United
Rochdale vs Spurs
Wigan vs Man City

Of the remaining six Gameweek 35 matches still at risk, four of them require both sides involved to be knocked out of the FA Cup – either in the fifth round or quarter-finals stage – for the league fixture to stay intact.

These are:

Leicester vs Southampton
Chelsea vs Huddersfield
Man City vs Swansea
Brighton v Spurs

However, there are two FA Cup scenarios which require a defeat for just one of the Premier League sides involved – either in the fifth round or quarter-finals – to impact on Gameweek 35.

If Man United either lose away to Huddersfield or in the last eight, then the Red Devils will travel to Bournemouth in Gameweek 35.

And if West Brom are defeated by Southampton – a team they’ve lost twice to already this term – or in the last eight, then the Baggies entertain Liverpool in Gameweek 35.

The Gameweek 35 Free Hit – The Pros

One of the main advantages of playing the Free Hit chip in Gameweek 35 is that the very nature of semi-finals means there can only be four teams involved.

Therefore, even if that quartet are all top-flight teams, there can only be a maximum of four matches postponed – or, in other words, a minimum of six Gameweek 35 matches going ahead. That should offer us a wider pool of talent to recruit from with the Free Hit.

Again, your approach will likely depend on whether you have the second Wildcard available.

With the Wildcard still in hand, you could plan to deploy this in Gameweek 32 – prior to the international break. This would also allow you to benefit from a 15-day gap between deadlines, granting extra thinking time and perhaps more potential to play the market for price rises.

The alternative is to delay the Wildcard until Gameweek 33, though that will kill the potential to carry over two free transfers prior to Gameweek 34 (if you build to bank your Gameweek 33 transfer). It’s arguable whether that counters an extra week of minimising injury or suspension, or whether having two Free Transfers on the eve of the double Gameweek is more powerful.

With that decided, managers can then focus their current transfer policy on a mix of players with strong fixtures between Gameweeks 28-31, including a range of acquisitions with the blanks in Gameweek 31 in mind.

This strategy will task managers with setting their ambitions for Gameweek 31, depending on the number of fixtures taking place.

Those who already own a handful of key assets – such as Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Virgil van Dijk, Sadio Mane, Theo Walcott, Oumar Niasse and Xherdan Shaqiri – may feel content to avoid the use of further transfers on active players. That allows the freedom to concentrate instead on options with strong fixtures from Gameweeks 28-30 – with Spurs assets presenting obvious attractions.

The strategy then expands to play the Wildcard in Gameweek 32, clearing out unwanted assets left over from the Gameweek 31 preparations. The focus of this Wildcard would be to recruit players guaranteed two fixtures in both Gameweek 34 and in Gameweek 37.

Gameweek 32 falls after the Quarter-Finals which means we will know the semi-final line-up since no replays will be played. This means we will be aware of the teams and players who will sit out Gameweek 35 and likely handed another double-header in Gameweek 37.

This then adds extra value to the Free Hit, since it allows recruitment for the Bench Boost in Gameweek 34 with total disregard for the blanks that immediately follow in Gameweek 35.

If the Free Hit has been used, or is deployed in Gameweek 31, then any Wildcard recruitment and transfers for the Bench Boost in Gameweek 34 will have to strike a balance between those teams with two fixtures and those missing Gameweek 35.

This restricts the freedom with the Wildcard and transfers heading into Gameweek 34; it could, therefore, make the Bench Boost somewhat less effective.

Without the Free Hit chip to play in Gameweek 35, it is more difficult to have a strong full Bench Boosted 15 man squad in Gameweek 34, while also fielding a full XI in Gameweek 35. It can be done by spending points on transfers or by focusing only on those teams that are knocked out in the quarter-finals. However, this, in turn, will impact on the strength of the Gameweek 37 squad.

That may even convince some managers to reverse their strategy, deploying the Bench Boost in Gameweek 37 and the Triple Captain in 34. The main issue here is that teamsheets around Gameweek 37 are more difficult to predict: nailing a captain could be a lot easier than maximising 15 players to play twice in quick succession.

If you don’t have a Wildcard, holding the Free Hit Chip until Gameweek 35 rather than deploying in Gameweek 31 still looks likely to be the more popular strategy, particularly if only three fixtures remain following the fifth round.

However, these managers must still be wary with Gameweek 31 recruitment. Overload on active Gameweek 31 players and they will likely need to spend points on transfers to speed the transition to double Gameweek 34 and 37 players.

The Gameweek 35 Free Hit – The Cons

If you have all your chips available, the drawbacks of this strategy seem quite minimal.

There are two clear risks involved. For one, you will likely fail to achieve a full XI for Gameweek 31 and therefore run the risk of losing ground should a popular player that you overlook deliver a big score.

This means you have to try to mitigate this risk by acquiring the key targets mentioned. However, there is then the knock-on of being distracted by these players, only to miss out on big scorers in teams that are inactive in Gameweek 31.

Those using the Free Hit in Gameweek 31 have the freedom to exploit favourable schedules for Spurs (STK BOU wba), Burnley (SOT EVE whu) and Swansea (bha WHU hud) for example. If they bring in assets from these teams that fly in the next three Gameweeks, you may need the likes of Walcott and Shaqiri to keep pace over the same spell. Not impossible given their fixtures and form, but a consideration nonetheless.

The scale of the risk involved depends on the number of Gameweek 31 options you already own and the ambitions you set yourself in terms of the sweet spot for active players.

Another potential issue could be that, by Gameweek 35, the landscape in terms of team and player motivation may have shifted.

Of the eight sides guaranteed to feature in Gameweek 35, five of them – Newcastle, Stoke, West Ham, Watford and Crystal Palace – are currently relegation candidates.

If any of these teams have their fate sealed by Gameweek 35, there’s a chance that, with less at stake, their key targets for a Free Hit squad will be less profitable than in Gameweek 31, when there is still very much all to play for.

In Conclusion

As discussed in yesterday’s piece, navigating this period and optimising the Free Hit Chip is relative to a host of factors that each FPL manager needs to consider.

This includes the state of your current squad, the number of chips at your disposal, and the fixtures on offer in both Gameweek 31 and 35.

As mentioned above, the worst-case scenario for Gameweek 35 is six matches. We already know eight teams taking part – Everton, Newcastle, Arsenal, West Ham, Stoke, Burnley, Watford and Crystal Palace – while at least four more sides will be added to that list.

But on the other hand, Gameweek 31 could present just three fixtures.

Essentially, looking at the scenario’s for both Gameweeks, we could have, at the very least, double the number of teams to consider with the Gameweek 35 Free Hit. The theory is that the more options we have at our disposal, the better chance we have of profiting when building a Free Hit squad.

In addition, deploying the Free Hit chip in Gameweek 35 allows for more freedom with Wildcard recruitment in Gameweek 32, which in turn benefits our squads for the Bench Boosted double Gameweek 34 and the late double in Gameweek 37.

This is a very powerful argument in favour of the later Free Hit strategy.

However, a loss for Man United at Huddersfield tomorrow could yet alter our view.

The Red Devils’ trip to West Ham would slot in as the third confirmed fixture for Gameweek 31, bringing both Marko Arnautovic and Alexis Sanchez onto the radar as powerful differentials. That would shift more potential power the way of managers deploying the Free Hit earlier.

The results from the FA Cup fifth round matches will decide matters, with the draw for the quarter-finals on Saturday offering further clarity.

We will be providing a recap of the impact of the fifth round on the Free Hit strategies in our Scout Notes over the weekend.

But for the final part of this FA Cup impact series, we move to assess the state of play and likely strategy for those who have already spent their Free Hit chip.

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599 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Scheister
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Barring any injuries, which do you advise?

    Bernardo Silva to:
    A) Arnie
    B) Mkhi
    C) Mahrez

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

      B

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

    My current mood after reading about WC planning

    https://media.giphy.com/media/12FEubciHeVPgs/giphy.gif

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

      Never say no to panda 😆

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      This makes panda sad 🙁

  3. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Can anyone please help me with hull city predicted lineup?
    I'm looking at fantasy football where I have to select 11 players from Chelsea and Hull

  4. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Vert toby davies
    Really can't decide
    Any good reason?
    I know vert is safe option and alder not 100% ready

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

      Davies most likely for rotation.

  5. Numb
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    From the article above:

    "The theory is that the more options we have at our disposal, the better chance we have of profiting when building a Free Hit squad."

    By this logic we should all be using the chip in a week with a full fixture list, no blanks

    My instinct was that the opposite is true, the less fixtures the harder it is to get a decent team that week without the chip, therefore the more valuable the chip.

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

      Was thinking the same. ie use in GW31

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

      I think there's a tipping point for that theory. Three fixtures might be too few, for example. I guess we'll see.

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

        3 fixtures = 6 teams - max of 3 per team, pretty easy

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

          And it will be at least 4 fixtures I believe

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

          To get a starting XI, sure. To get one that has significantly more quality than someone who is not using their FH, maybe not. Your differentials over the non-FH crowd may have had to be forcibly extracted from the bottom of a barrel.

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

            Yeah I get that

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

          You’ll be looking to Choupo-Moting or Diouf or perhaps Doucoure to deliver - those will be the calibre of differentials over a non FH lineup. I think the GW35 Differentials could be stronger. Theory again at this point 😉

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

            I dunno, it's difficult. We'll see. 😉

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

            Hi Mark I mentioned this earlier on a different article, wondering if you have any insight on it...

            In GW31 4 games are set to be televised on Sky that weekend.

            Spurs vs Newcastle (Friday)
            Burnley vs Chelsea (Saturday)
            West Ham vs United (Sunday)
            Man City vs Brighton (Sunday)

            That means if/when they are rescheduled, they will be moved to a time slot where Sky can televise them without clashing with one another and likely not clashing with Champions league (although as of last year, domestic PL games can clash with CL without special permission).
            http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39458057

            I wonder if that could reduce the chances of a bumper DGW34 and instead we get several smaller Doubles. Say, for instance Spurs vs Newcastle being moved back a day to Thursday the 15th, thus moving it into a DGW 30

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

              Yes, you're correct. All four will need to move to a TV slot.

              No televised slots are in place for GW34 currently so I presume they could drop in Mon, Tues, Wednesday and Thursday.

              I presume the rescheduling for GW34 won't be announced until after the QF are played and therefore they will use the semi-final lineup as a basis for planning GW34 midweek matches.

              So if Spurs draw United, in the QF, the team that's knocked out will be playing on the Thursday as they won't be involved in an FAC semi and their PL GW34 fixture will move to Sunday.

              Alternatively, I guess we could well see one of those fixtures removed and creating another DGW.

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

      Exactly! I wrote a long post the other day, arguing the exact same thing. The logic seems to be that fewer games including the poorer teams in GW31 means that it is less appealing to use, but I feel you can gain more advantage in doing so.

      Obviously it depends on personal teams and circumstances, etc, but if you get it right in GW31, I thought you could do really well.

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

        You can gain an advantage from a smaller pool if you nail the right players. But if there are fewer fixtures the potential for goals, assists and clean sheets are lower. I think a 5-5 or 6-4 split could be best a 3-7 as we could be more limiting. Obviously it depends on whether you already have the protagonists covered without the chip.

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

          Yeah, it's a fair point. It really does depend on what fixtures are not blanking. Probably ideally you want a couple of bigger teams non-blanking rather than only Liverpool (of which everyone has Salah anyway).

          But you're right in that it is harder to pick the right players perhaps and could be a waste of a FH chip.

          My issue is that I don't want to take anyone out of my midfield or forward lines for any extra non-blanking players, e.g. Sterling.

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

      It’s a sweet spot - we need the blanks to justify it and reduce the FH risk but we the talent pool to exploit it. All theory but that’s how I see it.

      Part three has more on this with regard the potential limitations of GW31.

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

        On the other hand, as I alluded to yesterday, in order to navigate 31 without the chip we are almost limiting ourselves to players from a few teams for the 3 GWs in between now and then.

        Tbh this is what I will probably do but just pointing out the counter argument.

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

          I certainly feel it's not cut and dry. I think if you FH in 31, you potentially benefit between 28 and 31 rather than only in 31.

          Clearly though, you would be spending points on hits between 34 and 35 if you do so. On the other hand, those not using FHC in 31 may end up spending more hits now getting 8-9 players out for 31, so it may be swings and roundabouts in that sense.

        2. Jay_
            6 years, 1 month ago

            The only risk I can see for getting stung like this is missing out on some Spurs or Arsenal defenders for 2-3 weeks.
            Depends who people have I suppose but for me that’s the only pain. The Pool attackers are already there and wouldn’t be sold regardless, Kane/Aguero and Sterling wouldn’t be sold until gw31 itself and the 3rd forward spots (Wilson/Niasse) etc are no bother to want to take out now anyway. It just so happens to be a nice time for a defensive reshuffle and the N.London teams have the fixtures but probably blank. SWA/BUR, the best of the rest and natural teams to target fixture wise, probably both blank too.
            Say Pool spots are maxed out, that leaves Everton with BFS the new tinkerman, Stoke unkind immediate fixtures and Watford 2 nice homes now but tough 30 and 31 games and a WAT defender in 31 might as well be a 0.
            That’s the main headache for me personally, WBA losing tomorrow would be nice as a defender from them would be very handy now but then again I think it would make it too easy.

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

              What about Spurs or Arsenal attackers? They look good for the next three.

              1. Jay_
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  Sorry mate I was busy. Yep they look good but as I was saying, I'm guessing most people won't have room. Kane, Salah, Sterling, Firmino takes up a lot of the budget and leaves 5-7m price attackers available for upgrade. I suppose downgrading Alonso and Otamendi would leave the money to upgrade to a Spurs or Arsenal attacker but that will be a few hits in the meantime and only getting 1 or 2 weeks out of them until 31. Would it really be worth it?

      2. Scheister
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Bernardo Silva ->

        A) Arnie
        B) Mkhi
        C) Mahrez

      3. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Here's my dilemma

        I own Otamendi,Alonso Depoitre and I want them out.

        I want VVD for fixtures and gw31 and Firmino as not owning him is clearly stopping me from climbing (stagnant 30k for 5weeks) but that only leaves me 4.4m for other defender.

        is Van der hoorn a good answer or should I not be looking at VVD and spreading the cash across Defense more evenly?

        1. Don Van Vliet
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Could Robertson be an option, if you're looking to cover Liverpool clean sheet potential? That might enable you to also get an Arsenal defender for their upcoming favourable fixtures.

          1. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah I looked at robertson, leaves me 5.2m so won't be able to afford arsenal. I like the bonus potential of VVD though. my other thought is to keep Kane Wilson up top, Upgrade Shaqiri or Walcott to Mane.

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

        Having a poor season and only have the Bench Boost chip left to play, which gw is looking the best to use it? The hot topic is saying gw34, does this apply for players without wildcard/freehit chips?

        1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I think it's 34 as im in a similar position to you and should be easier to get a decent amount of dgw players that week imo. I'm already planning my transfers for that week to maximise the chip the best I can and hope to hit a good triple captain in 37

        2. DJ1000
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Yep in gw34 there are good dbgw cheap goalie & defender options from the likes of Swansea West Ham Brighton etc. so I will be playing it then. If you can get 25-30 extra points from B.B. extra players you have had a good week

      5. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        After reading this article I'm actually glad to have used my wildcard and free hit already as an optimal strategy seems so hard to decipher! I may end up taking some hits here and there but I wont have to weigh up as many permutations as those with a full set of chips...

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

          I bet you are glad that you have already played them. Me thinks otherwise.

          1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Well I already know my Free hit failed but I'm pleased I wildcarded when I did... not going to be agonising over any ifs buts and maybes will be nice as I can just enjoy the game

      6. Jay_
          6 years, 1 month ago

          The home stretch league, all welcome.
          Code to join: 309-1268274

          Details here http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/17644855

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

            I have just signed up Jay.

          2. Mika-eel
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Done. Hope to end top 10 🙂

          3. Jay_
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Nice one lads 🙂

            • dark91
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Done. What are the prizes? 😛

          4. Ronnies
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Hi guys,

            I played my TC in GW 22.

            When is the best time to play WC, FH and BB

            Tnks guys.

          5. Nightf0x
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Depoitre price going down tonight, should i ship him out for niasse or jayew or accept the loss and wait till the beginning of the gw?

            1. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              I don't think he will go down tonight source: fplstatistics

              If he does I can't afford firmino and thats my plan this week

          6. Fantasy Gold
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            When are the Scout Picks coming out?

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

            If Sheffield Utd can cause an upset tonight who would be 1st on your shopping list?

            Mkhitaryan & Maguire will be my prime targets..

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

              Vardy and Mickey.

          8. Optimus.
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Schmeichel, Simpson, Morgan (c), Maguire, Chilwell, Ndidi, Iborra, Mahrez, Gray, Iheanacho, Vardy.

            Subs: Hamer, Dragović, Fuchs, James, Silva, Albrighton, Diabaté.

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

              Morgan at 4.4 ...

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

            Evans, Myhill, Barry and Livermore

            I’d have put money on McClean being one 😀

            Who’s the drunk driver then?

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

              Some extremely experienced players there who should know a lot better

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

              Liverpool have the Fab Four..

              WBA have the Cab Four..

              1. Fantasy Gold
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Why what did they do?

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

                  Stole a taxi at 5.30 am trying to make the midnight curfew 😀

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

                Taxi for Optimus 😛

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

              I am really surprised that Evans was involved he comes across as such a level headed guy.

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

                Barry too

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

                  Indeed.

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

                Blimey, that is surprising. Captain too. Not a good sign.

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

              #justice for the cab four.

              1. Fantasy Gold
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Sky Sport’s Cab 4.

                Want to see Thierry Henry’s in-depth analysis on these boys in the studio

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

              Is there a joke about Evans being part of an Uber defence that only FPL managers will get?

              No. Okay then.

              1. Fantasy Gold
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                😆

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

            I find a limit of 15 mini leagues that one can join to be restrictive i had to leave an other mini league to enter Jay's run in league for instance.

            Hopefully fpl make the limit higher in future maybe 20 or 25 would be better now that the game is getting so popular and the multitude of different mini leagues grows.

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

              Good shout. Would be nice if league limit was increased based on season's played or something. Some rewards for loyalty to the game would be nice and, realistically, veterans are more likely to require more league entries.

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

              Totally agreed. They need to increase it to around 25.

            3. Old Man
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Would increase the time taken to do the updates though ..... just saying.

          11. Cobain
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Four West Brom players steal taxi in Spain! Just had a bet that James McClean was one of them.

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

              Lol, massive fail. Look up 😉

            2. Fantasy Gold
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Why the hell would they do that?

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

              Why would you jump to that conclusion has James a history of criminality?

              1. Fantasy Gold
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                He doesn’t seem like the most clean-cut type

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

                I guess he's seen by some as a firestarter on the pitch, so goes with him off it.

          12. SoccerBoi69
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Pretty settled (until FA Cup results) on my WC team. The only remaining choice IS THUS:

            A) Vardy + Sterling + Milivojevic + Mee
            B) Vardy + Eriksen + Milivojevic + Lowton
            C) Niasse + Sterling + Eriksen + Lowton

            Currently favouring B as I own KDB, can see rotation effecting Man City more than anyone and Lei/ Tot's fixtures are totes juicy (ugh) until the end of the season. The positive with C is that it allows me to easily switch Sterling/ Eriksen to Mahrez/ Son/ Mkhi etc etc. (Although I own Walcott too so he could become Rambo). A's alright too I guess. Thoughts?

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

            Leicester aren't getting knocked out with that team!

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

              Fox supporter brain lobe: hope you're right!
              GW31 manager without FH brain lobe: hope you're wrong!

              In truth we should win, but who knows?

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

              🙁

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

              Jeez. Big boys came.

            4. Fantasy Gold
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              I agree.

              I was hoping they’d play a slightly weakened team but with their comfortable league position, it makes total sense to have a real crack at it

          14. JC1231
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            I will be waiting on Fa cup results but wanted to get some opinions on my planned moves. Any help wouls be much appreciated..

            Fabianski (elliot)

            Maguire schindler shawcross (kenny mariappa)

            Son salah sterling hazard (choupo)

            Kun firmino niasse

            2ft 0itb

            A) haz + kun + kenny => mahrez kane vvd (bench shawcross)
            B) haz+ kun => kane eriksen/mane
            C) haz + sterling + niasse => 4.4 mid kane walcott

            Thank you

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

            Breaking: Johnny Evans responds to questions by reporters about cabgate.

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQkpes3dgzg

            1. Fantasy Gold
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Haha.

              Really find it baffling that pro footballers do this.

              No matter how much I’ve had to drink, I’ve never ever thought that stealing a cab is a good idea 😉

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

                You haven't lived.

                1. Fantasy Gold
                  • 9 Years
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  Ha! True story.

                  I am literally Boring James Milner

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

              Legend, great film

          16. JurgenRodgers
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Emerson starting tonight for Chelsea, Intresting too see how he perforns

            1. Fantasy Gold
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              This does not bode well for Alonso 🙁

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

                Dunno mate....emerson always likely to play tonight...

                Hopefully Alonso back midweek..

                1. Fantasy Gold
                  • 9 Years
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  If he does well tonight it just muddies the waters even further though.

                  Hopefully he has a shocker

            2. Bun Rab
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Tonight we find if he can be a league replacement for Alonso. When the big games are over.

          17. Chucky
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Hazard dropped

            1. Fantasy Gold
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              🙂

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

              It’s been coming, last game was the tipping point

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

                That time he failed to get the ball in the quadrant for the corner - you could see Conte was fuming.

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

                  Surprised he didn’t haul him off, shocking stuff

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

              I'm already looking for a replacement.

          18. Optimus.
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            For those of you wondering.. Ola Aina, Fikayo Tomori and Michael Hector are on loan from Chelsea at Hull and therefore are not eligible to play against their parent club tonight

            1. Bun Rab
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Chelsea have spies everywhere!

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

              Secret agents Harry Wilson, Kevin Stewart and David Meyler are eligible for Liverpool tonight 😉

          19. Rhittique
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Is KAne gonna start the next match? saw the yellow flag. i have to bring him this gw. Do I? is he injured or sth.

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

              The next Prem match, yep

            2. Epic Fail
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Yeah

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

              Aye it’s Poch trying to swap Aguero back to Kane and save 0.1

              1. FFSbet.com
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                🙂

          20. Syd.
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Tiger Woods tee's off at 8.02pm

            Text me if there is a goal in any game

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

              What's you're number?

              1. Fantasy Gold
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Seeing you with a different grav is weird

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

                  The real Epic Fail would not say ‘you’re’

                  Your welcome

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

                    Feck, that is awful. I'm fully ashamed of myself, or at least I would be if it was me, which it isn't. 😎

                    Phew.

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

                07%@&*%?

            2. Fantasy Gold
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Does he still play golf?

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

              Retired injured by 8.09. Switch over after.

          21. goriuanx
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Just seen Pogba in London.

            For those asking, no I didn't give him my autograph.

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

              Did he have a huge entourage?

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

                Just one or two guys. Pretty sure it was him.

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

              I don't think he would make it into a list of the Top 20 best players in the PL

            3. Fantasy Gold
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              What’s he doing in London?

              Don’t we play Huddersfield tomorrow?

          22. DMP
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Time to sell Alonso for VVD, right?

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

              I’m selling the Ota one.

              1. Syd.
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                I have not owned him all season just can't bring myself to own a defender that I don't rate

              2. Fantasy Gold
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                But surely it’s better to sell Alonso if we get no clear update from Conte again?

            2. Epic Fail
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              I am.

            3. DJ1000
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              I am selling Ota first.

          23. DMP
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Have booth Mark! Currently on Alonso ..

            1. Fantasy Gold
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Epic fail