Scout Squad

The Scout Squad – Gameweek 28

Four of the Premier League’s top six go head-to-head in Gameweek 28, prompting our Scouts into the biggest money-saving drive since West Brom’s warm weather training camp in Barcelona.

Premium defenders have been snubbed as our ‘expert’ team of Fantasy Football Scout regulars Mark, Jonty and Paul and Career Hall of Fame luminary Peter Kouwenberg aim to splash most of their cash on big-name midfielders and strikers.

The unanimous first choice at the back is the relatively pricey Virgil van Dijk, but there’s also agreement that Leicester is more and B teams – Burnley, Bournemouth and Brighton – are A-okay.

Mohamed Salah gets the nod in midfield because Mohamed Salah, while Christian Eriksen, Theo Walcott and Riyad Mahrez all jostle for a place next to the Egyptian deity.

There are uniform thought processes going on up front as well, mostly involving Harry Kane, Roberto Firmino and Jamie Vardy.

In fact, the Scouts’ selections are so similar that the discussions over who will make the final cut are likely to be more cordial than a bucket of orange squash.

We’ll be back later in the week with the Scout Picks article, but for now you can see for yourself just how a hive mind works with the team’s selections and justifications below.

PaulJontyMarkPeter
GoalkeepersNick PopeMat RyanMat RyanNick Pope
Mat RyanAsmir BegovicNick PopeAsmir Begovic
Kasper SchmeichelLoris KariusBen FosterBen Foster
DefendersVirgil van DijkVirgil van DijkVirgil van DijkVirgil van Dijk
Ben MeeBen DaviesBen DaviesShane Duffy
Shane DuffyHarry MaguireHarry MaguireHarry Maguire
Charlie DanielsShane DuffyBen MeeJonny Evans
Ben ChilwellStephen WardCharlie DanielsBen Mee
MidfieldersMohamed SalahMohamed SalahMohamed SalahMohamed Salah
Christian EriksenChristian EriksenRiyad MahrezRiyad Mahrez
Raheem SterlingRiyad MahrezChristian EriksenChristian Eriksen
Theo WalcottMesut OzilGerard DeulofeuJunior Stanislas
Jose IzquierdoGerard DeulofeuTheo WalcottPascal Gross
ForwardsHarry KaneHarry KaneHarry KaneHarry Kane
Roberto FirminoRoberto FirminoJamie VardyRoberto Firmino
Jamie VardySergio AgueroRoberto FirminoJamie Vardy
Callum WilsonJamie VardyCallum WilsonSergio Aguero
Troy DeeneyCallum WilsonOumar NiasseTroy Deeney

 

Jonty Says…

With a number of top of the table sides colliding, this week looks a poor one to be investing in premium defenders.

Luckily, there are plenty of cheaper options at the back with strong clean sheet potential.

Brighton hosting Swansea City puts Mat Ryan (4.5) and Shane Duffy (4.6) in my thoughts.

I’d like to see one of them included as Brighton have four shut-outs at the Amex stadium and the visitors have created a record low number of chances on the road (61) while scoring just nine times, the fourth lowest tally in the league.

At 5.5, Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk also offers compelling value for money ahead of West Ham’s visit to Anfield, particularly as he is joint third for goal attempts (five) among defenders over the last four Gameweeks.

I’m keen for us to splash out on a Liverpool attacking double-up of Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino. Between them they have delivered eight goals and four assists over their last five league run-outs.

I’d also like to see a pairing of Spurs assets Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen for their trip to a Crystal Palace side that has conceded nine in their last four.

I’ve swerved the big names from Chelsea’s away encounter with Manchester United for fear of a drab 0-0 draw.

However, I think Manchester City’s trip to Arsenal looks to be full of goals with both attacks offering up options.

For the visitors, I’d like to include Sergio Aguero, who has six goals in seven away starts, if money allows.

And for the hosts, I think Mesut Ozil looks the man most likely to be involved in goals, after netting three times and assisting a further four in his last seven home matches.

Peter Says…

Very unusually for me, nearly all of my midfield and attacking selections (even Javier Hernandez) provided returns last time, with James Ward-Prowse and Callum Wilson the only exceptions.

In contrast, it was a horror show at the other end of the pitch, with only Lukasz Fabianski salvaging anything from my eight defensive choices.

This Saturday, the main footballing action will be at the Hendon Football Centre in Barnet for the Simon Humber Fantasy Football Cup, and I make no apologies for plugging our Just Giving charity page once again.

Moving to the Premier League, this week I have pulled together probably my cheapest ever defensive selection, allowing an expensive attacking choice.

My five defenders share three common traits: they are all at home against bottom half opponents; none are premium price players and they are all in double figures for shots in the box this season.

I am now chained to Ben Mee like The Defiant Ones, knowing that the one week I don’t pick him he’ll finally break his scoring duck. Hopefully, one of Duffy, Harry Maguire, Van Dijk or Jonny Evans can show him how it is done this weekend.

I’ll be doubling up on Burney’s and West Brom’s defence by selecting Nick Pope and Ben Foster to join the wildcard pick of Bournemouth’s Asmir Begovic – rousing names from inspirational teams, for sure.

Picking in-form players from high-scoring teams facing off against defensively frail opponents seems a decent starting point, and so double-ups from Leicester (Riyad Mahrez – toys now back in pram – and Jamie Vardy), Spurs (Eriksen and Kane) and Liverpool (Salah and Firmino) are unlikely to cause many raised eyebrows, although I note that Stoke City and West Ham have shown a little more defensive resilience over the last few matches.

With four attacking spots remaining, I hunted for a suitable combination from Bournemouth, Brighton, Manchester City and Watford and settled upon Junior Stanislas, Pascal Gross, Aguero and Troy Deeney, although I wouldn’t be surprised to see an Everton attacker make the final selection.

Paul Says…

I’m turning to the statistics to seek out budget-friendly alternatives this week, bringing in both Mee and Duffy for the visits of Southampton and Swansea respectively – with 20 efforts each inside the opposition box, their close-range goal threat is bettered only by Marcos Alonso (30) among defenders.

Eriksen and Jose Izquierdo were both featured in our Gameweek 27 Big Numbers article due to a recent upturn in form.

Over the last three Gameweeks, the Dane is ranked top for big chances created (four) and key passes (12) – that’s despite facing Man United, Liverpool and Arsenal during that period. He also warmed up for a trip to Crystal Palace – where he scored last year – by netting in last week’s Champions League draw in Juventus.

Izquierdo gets the nod over Gross for Brighton’s home encounter with Swansea. The Colombian’s improved pitch-time is key here – he’s played 90 minutes in each of the last three Gameweeks and welcomes the Welsh side on the back of successive goals against West Ham and Stoke.

Over that period, Izquierdo is fourth-top in midfield for shots in the box (six), while only Kevin De Bruyne can better him for shots on target (six to four).

I’m also backing Bournemouth to recover from the 4-1 loss at Huddersfield that ended their seven-match unbeaten league run last time out.

Callum Wilson entertains Newcastle in fine form, having supplied 12 points against both Arsenal and Chelsea in the last five Gameweeks.

The Magpies, meanwhile, have allowed more shots (65) and efforts in the box (45) than any other side.

Mark Says…

It comes as a blessed relief to take my eyes off the big picture and long-term planning and focus purely on the next Gameweek.

Perhaps there’s something in that.

Initially, things looked problematic and, given how the Gameweek 28 fixtures fall, I have ended up overlooking big names and loyal servants like Man City, Man United and Chelsea, purely because their match-ups are so difficult to call.

But Friday’s Picks won’t be short on talent and it’s again refreshing to give some plucky differentials an airing.

Kane and Salah remain present and correct, but if I have my way, they will be rubbing shoulders with Mahrez and Gerard Deulofeu – two silken-skilled and overlooked midfield craftsmen.

Somehow a Liverpool player soars to the top of my defensive pecking order, though the Anfield resilience and van Dijk’s set-piece threat can justify that.

Below him there’s room for at least one or two more leftfield options, with Maguire and Mee my favoured centre-back stoppers should we deploy a back four.

Much as I’d have liked to promote my own Charlie Daniels, I just couldn’t let my bias promote him above that pair.

Mee gets a leg up as uncertainty builds on Nick Pope’s start in the light of Tom Heaton’s return to training.

Pope gets another call-up in my 18, but only just – Mat Ryan is my preferred option in goal.

The Community Champion

Representing the community against the Scout Picks in Gameweek 17 will be davidoff7, who is in our Live Hall of Fame top 50 after climbing to 132nd in the overall rankings this season and finishing in the top 10,000 four times.

The Community Champion who has the best lead over the Scouts during 2017/18 will win a £100 Amazon voucher (currently we can only offer Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com vouchers).

Gameweek 27’s contender, PKW, was beaten 71 -54 by the Scouts.

The one to beat remains Gregor, who achieved victory by a 33-point margin in Gameweek 5.

1,644 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Super-Anders
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    What’s the best move here for this week?

    Pogba -> Eriksen
    Sterling -> Eriksen
    Aguero -> Kane

    It will be for a -4. Not planning on keeping any of the outgoing ones for long.

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

      Pogba > Eriksen.

      United attack has been pants for a while & there's better value for his price. May as well go big(ger) with the Dane.

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

      Pogba to Eriksen or Mahrez

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

      Pogba -> Mahrez

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

    Bottomed. Hazard to:

    A) Eriksen
    B) Mahrez

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

      B

    2. djapebronx
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

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

      B

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

      Is Haz injured? Thought he's been looking incredible recently. Be tempted to keep just a tad longer.

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

        Nah - just redistributing the funds really. I can upgrade a weak defender & help prepare for GW31 by downgrading him.

        I feel lucky to have got Hazard's points in the last two games; with the upcoming fixtures feel his output will slow. He may even be rested/hooked early vs. Palace. He definitely has been great of late - calculated risk I suppose.

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

      Keep IMO

  3. sentz05
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    How does Aguero and Son out Kane and Walcott in sound?

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

      Just Aguero to kane for now imo

      1. sentz05
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Need the funds so how about Sterling out instead?

  4. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    GTG?

    Pope
    Alonso VVD Dunk
    Salah(c) Sterling Wally Shaq
    Kun Kane Wilson

    Bench: Schmeichel Milivojevic Zanka Ogbonna

    1. Ziyech on the Bench
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      gtg

  5. Ziyech on the Bench
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Adrian

    Duffy, Fernandez, VVD

    Shaqiri, sterling, Hazard, Salah(C), Albrighton

    Kane, Aguero

    Elliott, Ogbonna, Quaner, mbemba (BB used already).

    GTG? 0FT 0.6 ITB

  6. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    worth doing son to mahrez? not really a gw31 transfer, but good fixtures

    1. Ziyech on the Bench
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      ya

    2. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I'm doing it

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

      Hard one..Son with great fixture

    4. Queens of the South Age
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      If you've got nothing else pressing then I'd do it. I've got other priorities so sticking with Son and hoping for some kind of return.

  7. sentz05
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Walcott or Siggy?

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

      Siggy if money no issue

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

    Otamendi or Jones -> VVD?
    Or do something else?

    (1FT, 0.0 itb)

    Hennessey
    Alonso/Ota/Jones
    Salah/Sterling/B.Silva/Walcott
    Kane/Firmino/Wilson

    Bench: Speroni, Duffy, Ogbonna, Quaner

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Jones

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

        Problem then is to play Ota or Duffy/Ogbonna?

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

          Duffy

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

            Thanks

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

      keep Jones, jose will double down

  9. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    I think I'm gtg?

    30 point week coming then..

    Lossl
    Daniels VVD Maguire
    Sterling Mahrez Salah Eriksen
    Wilson Kane Firmino

    Speroni King Mariappa Holgate

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Lovely team!

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

        Cheers pal

    2. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I'm jealous

      1. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        You do realise I get aroused everytime you post?
        😆

        1. CRO KLOPP
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I already have boyfriend

        2. CRO KLOPP
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Have you ever helped me btw?

          1. Gnu
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Probably not 🙂
            I did mention though that your grav looks like my wife.

            1. CRO KLOPP
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              You must be one lucky man to have her

    3. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Gtg

    4. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Who to captain??.

      1. CRO KLOPP
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Mohamed

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

          Cheers that's what I'm thinking but Mahrez and Kane are great options also

          1. CRO KLOPP
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            My gut says Kane,but if Salah goes well it's red arrow,but if you are chasing then Kane

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

              Nice one

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

    A) Alonso, Martial, Lingard and Depoitre>VVD, Mahrez, Mili and Firmino(-8)
    B)Alonso, Martial and Lingard>VVD, Mahrez and Walcott(-4)

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

      Odemwingie top of the watchlist above RVP, Suarez, Drogba and Sturridge. Good times.

  11. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Hmmmm

    Mane or Firmino. Mane or Firmino. Mane or Firmino.

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

      Firmino

  12. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Score Predictions?

    Leicester vs Stoke
    Swansea vs Brighton

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      2-0
      1-1

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      2-1
      1-0

    3. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      4-0
      1-0

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

      2-0
      1-0

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

      1-1
      1-0

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

      1-2
      Bri-Swa 1-0

  13. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Armband on:
    A) Salah
    B) Kane

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      100% A. Just for the E/O

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

      A

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

      Mo mo mo

    4. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Armband stays on Mo for now. Cheers!

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

      A

  14. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Any chance of an Alderweireld drop in price would allow me to do the following

    Alonso to Alderweireld
    Linagrd to Mahrez

    using my 2FT

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Afraid not. That chance has gone.

    2. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Aldy is rising. Maybe get Bavies and have decent cover for him if his benched.

  15. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Who would you rather own in the next 3? Forget about the GW31 for a minute

    A) Eriksen

    B) Mané

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. Ramboros
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. istanbul05
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

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

      tough both are goo- erik just about. i have mane hes not done much recently

  16. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Adrian Elliot
    Otamendi Christensen Ogbonna Kenny Kabasele
    Salah Sterling Alli Walcott Willian
    Kane Aguero Ayew

    How does;

    Ota, Willian and Aguero to Davies, Mane and Vardy look? -4.

    Will then do Christensen to VVD.

    1. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Davies Nailed on ?

      1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I could go Alder or Vert

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

          Stay away from Alder. He's been way off form in the cup games. I'd go Vertonghen over Davies for safety.

        2. Bruno Bruno!!
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          id bring in vertonghen just because he is 100% nailed barring any injuries

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

    Spurs have Palace away on 25 Feb, Rochdale home 3 days later on 28 Feb, Huddersfield Home 3 days later on 3 March and Juventus away 4 days later on 7 March.

    Son going to get rotated? Safer to switch to Mahrez (or -4 for Eriksen) or hold and hope Son starts the 2 PL games?

    1. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Switch to Mahrez

    2. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Hmmm. I’d probably hold for now and see what happens.

      Moura and Lamela could get the cup games.

  18. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Bench one:
    A) Schmeichel (STK)
    B) Pope (SOU)

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

      A

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

    No love for Mourinho here by the look of it. He grinds out results whether you like it or not. Always has done, always will do. It’s hardly news...

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

      He’s a great manager just really boring and doesn’t suit United at all. Plays the opposite of the way United should, doesn’t know his best 11

    2. LǝgleSs e|even
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      GGMU
      But I don't think the 'he always wins it on the second season' applies this time tho..

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

        Most other seasons we’d be very close to first. City have just been exceptional all year.

  20. CostaCoffee
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Allison for Roma is a brilliant keeper, 2 great saves tonight. Lpool should do all they can to get him

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

    Anyone else confused about what to do, only a few more days left before I commit to

    A) GW31 FH and bring in DGW players

    B) Bring in GW31 players.and save FH

    Have all Chips and FT...it's better when fate or something forces my hand...but self doubting alot!

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

      Thanks to City, the decision has been made for us.

      A. It’s very easy to field a team in GW35 now. No need for the FH.

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

        Cos City will play in GW35 now...

        I am thinking Lingard to anyone less than £6.5m???? That is a DGW

  22. Scotty B
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    1 FT & 0 ITB

    Adrian
    TAA Duffy Alonso
    Ibe Walcott Shaqiri Sterling Salah
    Kane Aguero

    Elliot Otamendi Schindler Quaner

    What on earth to do with that lot this week?

  23. LǝgleSs e|even
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Best player in Utd no doubt. Best keeper in the league. DDG.

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

      And the world!

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

        Not quite.

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

          Apart from Karius, of course.

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

      He’s definitely up there at United.

  24. RIPAguero
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    VVD in for...

    1. Otamendi
    2. Jones
    3. Christensen
    4. Kenny
    5. Ogbonna

    ?

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      2

  25. istanbul05
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Will wait until Friday but how does Otamendi, Haz, Lingard to VVD, Eriksen & Mahrez(-4) sound?

    Adrian,
    Otamendi, Mee, Chilwell
    Hazard, Salah, Sterling, Lingard,
    Kane, Firmino, Wilson

    Elliot, Choupo Moting, Jones, Mbemba.

    Cheers!

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Brillint

  26. LǝgleSs e|even
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Will Griggs on Fire!!

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

    Anyone know if Tarkowski is back soon?

  28. GE
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Phil Jones injured or 'injured'?

  29. CRO KLOPP
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    De gea
    OTA, Alonso, Duffy
    Salah Sterling Son Shaqiri
    Kane, Firmino Wilson
    Elliot Ogbonna Kenny Lingard
    2 ft 0.3 itb

    A) OTA and Son to VVD and Mahrez
    B) Ogbonna and Lingard to Mili and VVD
    C) something else?