Metrics

Metrics – The Impact of the Gameweek 31 Free Hit

With the dust now settled, we can now look back and assess the effectiveness of the Fantasy Premier League Free Hit chip in Gameweek 31.

When it came to the reduced four-fixture schedule, many managers chose to plan and use transfers leading up to Saturday, fielding a nearly full squad without the use of the Free Hit.

Others thought it the perfect time to employ the chip, while a third group decided to ignore both solutions and just relied on the small number of players they could muster ahead of yesterday’s deadline.

We won’t be able to weigh up the full merits of these strategies until the season is over and, in particular, the Gameweek 35 Free Hits are played. However, we can compare the intermediate gains from the different approaches employed.

So, let’s present some of these results by trying to answer a list of questions.

Q1: How many extra points and ranks did a Free Hit team gain over non-Free Hitters in Gameweek 31?

SampleFH average pointsNo FH average pointsAverage FH points gainAverage FH rank jumpAverage no FH rank drop
Top 1k102.7682.8419.92434.17-157.15
Top 10k100.6181.0419.562729.12-1300.81
Top 100k100.0477.6522.3815948.45-12779.96


Looking at the table above, we can see that Free Hit teams scored, on average, around 20-22 more points than non-Free Hit sides, which appears to be a very decent gain.

Also, teams in the top 100,000 using Free Hit in in Gameweek 31 jumped up around 16,000 places, while those that didn’t suffered an average drop of 12.8k.

However, we know that many teams entered the Gameweek with a small number of players as they’d not planned for the reduced schedule, which caused Free Hitters to make up more ground.

But those managers who did plan leading up to Gameweek 31, suffered less damage to their rank, as indicated by the results in the table.

For example, I was able to field a full 11 players with no Free Hit chip played and achieved a score of 103 (-4) = 99. That was pretty much the same as the average Free Hit team (100.6 in the top 10k).

Am I a good representative for Gameweek 31 planners, or just an anomaly?

That leads me to the second question.

Q2: How many extra points did a Free Hit team gain over non Free Hitters who planned for Gameweek 31?

I took having eight or more players this week as an indicator of a manager planning for the blanks.

The chart below shows the average points gained by teams with eight or more players vs the Free Hit average (now focusing on the top 10k).

It is clear that a Free Hit team still gained around 18-20 points more than the managers who planned for Saturday’s matches.

Even those with 11 players couldn’t match the Free Hit average, mainly due to them fielding non-starters (Moritz Bauer, Oumar Niasse etc) or by taking late transfer hits to acquire nailed-on players.

So my team does look like an outlier, as Free Hitters still gained over planners.

However, that might not be the full picture…

There is a theory that players who planned for Gameweek 31 lost ground over recent Gameweeks as they were unable, or unwilling, to bring in the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Henrikh Mkhtaryan, Son Heung-min ahead of “mediocrity” from Stoke City and Everton.

Time, therefore, to test this theory and see if Free Hitters gained even more than the 20 point gap already discussed.

Q3: Did planning for Gameweek 31 cause more losses over the previous couple of Gameweeks?

To answer this question, I looked back at the past three Gameweeks (28-30) and calculated the points gained in that period for both the managers who activated their Free Hit in Gameweek 31, and those who didn’t.

As suggested by the figure, there is not that significant a statistical difference between “planners” and “Free Hitters”.

The advantage that Free Hitters might have gained is just an extra three points on average over the three Gameweeks.

Therefore, I am more inclined to say that planning for Gameweek 31 didn’t really hurt the average manager.

They might have missed some individual hauls from the likes of Son and Mahrez, but it appears that managers who used the chip and who were not distracted by Gameweek 31 signings also missed out on the bulk of these points.

The last couple of Gameweeks seemed rough, but the statistics suggest that they were rough on the majority of managers.

Q4: How much did a Free Hit team gain over the user’s original set-up?

I went back to all managers in the top 10k who used Free Hit this week and calculated how many points their original teams would have brought in.

I employed two assumptions – that they captained Salah and they would have used their Free Hit to get extra players.

It turns out the average score they would have managed was 80.53 points, so using the Free Hit chip led to a jump to 100.6 points – a gain of 20 (again) over their previous line-ups.

In summary, Fre Hitters gained around 20 points this week over the non-Free Hitters, over Gameweek 31 long-term planners and over their own original teams.

Numbers suggest that planning for Gameweek 31 cost three or so more points, making the net gain for Free Hit users around 23 points.

Finally, I’ll leave you with some statistics about the usage of chips in the new top 10k post-Gameweek 31 and about the point differences between ranks.


RankPointsDifference from above rank
120740
100199183
1k194150
5k190338
10k188419
20k186321
50k183231
100k180428
500k171787
1M165859


As you can see in the table, most ranks are not separated by a huge chasm of points.

For instance, the difference between 20k and 5k is currently just 40 points.

Also, among the current top 10k managers, over 69% have now used their Free Hit, while 47% have spent their second Wildcard.

That suggests that the remaining seven Gameweeks will see a big shift in rank as the effects of the double Gameweeks and the chips still to be employed shake things up once again.

3,952 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Sz21
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    What are the main considerations WC's should think about now when choosing their teams.

    Have a nice little template WC team in place but I think I have overlooked the fact that I will be FH'ing in 35.

    1. Virgil Hilts
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      As many 2 x DGW players you can get to cover 34 & 37.

      Should be able to get 14 + Salah with Bench Boost in 34, and close to 10 + Salah in 37 with TC.

      35 Free Hit to remove FA cup semi final players for a week

      1. Sz21
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks a lot.

        Don't have my TC unfortunately. Hopefully won't be too punished for that.

  2. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    A or B Mates?

    Team for GW32 looks like this:

    De Gea
    VVD Ogbona Alonso Baines Mbemba
    Stan Salah Mahrez Shaq Obiang
    Firmino Wilson Auba

    I have the money to WC exactly to this:

    De Gea Fabianski
    Robertson Vert Lowton Alonso Tomkins
    Salah Mahrez Kennedy Son Willian
    Kaku Barnes Auba

    A) WC now and make profit from price changes
    B) Team is okay for 32, WC in 33 with better information for the Doubles

    1. Dakers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      no city mid? other than that wc looks good

      1. HD7
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        they will be rotated from 34 to the end

  3. BrutalLogiC
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    swapping Wally out for Willian and getting change feels like cheating

    1. NIKO.
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Haha defo

  4. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Settled on this squad and hit WC. Will no doubt change over 2 weeks but please rate?

    De Gea Fabianski
    Lowton Monreal Van Der Hoorn Robertson Alonso
    Salah Mahrez Willian DSilva Kenedy
    Aubameyang Firmino Murray

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      looks decent. Not tempted by spurs mid like son?

      1. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks. Yes Willian or Silva may well be Son by deadline

      2. Virgil Hilts
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Agreed on Son.

        Looks higher priority than having both Monreal and Alonso.

        Kenedy dodgy fixtures for GW34 ...Spurs and Arsenal

    2. Dakers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      looks good. murray fixtures rough though. if it was my team, i would have son over willian, with alonso as the che cover

  5. seanie3
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    have exact money for both combinations, which do you think is best

    a) Monreal & Willian
    b) Alonso & Mkhitaryan

    1. william prunier
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      B

    2. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Alonso and Willian

    3. AYLD28
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Wait, Alonso might drop soon

  6. Smurf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Is there any players likely to rise twice over the two weeks before the next gameweek deadline?

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Only ones you'd want to keep

      1. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah good point.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Maybe Lukaku and Aubameyang.

      1. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        I’ll be keeping both 🙁

    3. Virgil Hilts
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      It’s more about not missing risers/fallers that would mess up your WC team than making 0.1 on double risers imo.

      Like others have said ,any double risers you will be unlikely to sell anyway.

      Outside chance for someone like Lascelles with him having a good fixture next week, a DGW coming up but someone you could cash in on in the event of a double rise.

      1. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah I think you are right to be honest in not missing risers/fallers for my team.

  7. arndff_
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    A) Monreal + Chilwell/vdH + DSilva
    B) Christensen + Chilwell/vdH + Son

    1. william prunier
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      B

      1. arndff_
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Reason?

    2. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Son for sure

  8. Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    A. Wilson (wat) > Aubameyang
    B. Aguero (eve) > Aubameyang
    C. Sit tight and just let the prices go..

    Looking at getting Aubameyang in this week, looks like he's rising tonight...I can afford to upgrade Wilson, but am concerned about Aguero's minutes post International break. He has Everton away then Champions League QF midweek...he's also dropping and I'll lose SV.
    Also have WC in hand if there are any catastrophes. Thoughts?

    Pope
    Alonso VVD Chilwell Schindler
    Salah Son Stanislas
    Aguero Firmino Wilson

    (Begovic Milivojevic Baines RLC)

    1. Westfield Irons ⭐️
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Similar predicament as you...

      Boils down to
      A) free transfer Auba
      B) WC active to get Auba, Lukaku, Willian (before price rise) and go for it

      It's the fear of the DGWs not being the expected fixtures that's stopping me, but I think an early WC might be worth 0.5 v a later one.

  9. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Lukaku or Aubameyang?

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Auba
      Kak has City after Swans
      Vardy/Firmino ahead of Kak potentially

  10. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    On WC ---
    Current defs: Azpi, Robertson, Bavies, Lowton, VDH
    Current mids: Salah, Willian, Mahrez, Son, Ki

    Do I wait on Chelsea assets until after Spurs? No City is a concern.

    1. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Azpi, Willian, Son > Monreal, Sterling, Mhki...?

      Allows me to upgrade later, at least.

    2. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Am I thinking too much?

    3. Westfield Irons ⭐️
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Why did you go early?
      Thinking of WC tonight.
      Was it price rises?

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Yes, price rises. I'm at 0.0itb right now.

    4. Westfield Irons ⭐️
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I would get the price risers in...
      Then worry about who you really want.

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Good thinking. Thanks!

  11. Dakers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    A) Ota Christensen Bavies Naughton Mee (current)
    B) Ota Alonso Bavies vdH Morgan
    C) Other changes

  12. Flying Finns
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    After 24hrs of indecision on trying to decide between gw32 or gw33, wildcard is active! Wonderful sense of relief

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Feels good huh?!

      1. Flying Finns
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

      2. Flying Finns
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Awesome

    2. Homer21
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Still undecided!

    3. Tiki-Taka
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Having a similar issue myself deciding between 32 or 33, what made you decide now? Cheers mate

      1. Flying Finns
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Con- ML rivals wildcarding in GW33 knowing your team
        Pro - price rises, GW33 points, and peace of mind, and two more weeks of tinkering

        1. Tiki-Taka
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          ty, think i'm gonna do it - less into FPL this year tbh so I think it's more fun just to hit it now!

  13. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    A) or B) Guys?

    A)Team for GW32 looks like this:

    De Gea
    VVD Ogbona Alonso Baines Mbemba
    Stan Salah Mahrez Shaq Obiang
    Firmino Wilson Auba

    B)I have the money to WC exactly to this:

    De Gea Fabianski
    Robertson Vert Lowton Alonso Tomkins
    Salah Mahrez Kennedy Son Willian
    Kaku Barnes Auba

    A) WC now and make profit from price changes
    B) Team is okay for 32, WC in 33 with better information for the Doubles

  14. Why wait to wildcard?
    Salah’s Sonnet
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    When people are being patient and waiting until GW 33 to wildcard, what is the biggest benefit of this? As we'll know the doubles to come this week anyway won't we? Does it make much of a difference?

    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Instead of knee-jerking in Silva they'll be knee-jerking in whoever scores well in GW32 instead.

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah i guess so, fair point.

        1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Seriously though, I don't think a WC team I would do this week would ordinarily heavily outscore my current team after I use my 2 x FTs, so might as well wait a week to see what is happening with Kane, who else gets injured etc.

          1. Salah’s Sonnet
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            i do agree, however, i know that my rival is waiting WC right before doubles, and the ground i could make up between now and then with a WC could prove huge. This is part of the reason i may confirm.

            1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              Sounds like the way forward in your situation - good luck 🙂

            2. Legomané
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              Or you just show him your hand..not ideal if chasing

              1. Hibbo
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                He will always be behind his hand and it's too early to block a man up.

              2. Salah’s Sonnet
                • 13 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                This is true, but my ML leader also cannot afford the team i've made, so it doesn't make too much difference.

                1. yakirh
                  • 8 Years
                  6 years, 7 months ago

                  He can block your heavy hitters and win

                  1. Salah’s Sonnet
                    • 13 Years
                    6 years, 7 months ago

                    Also true, but maybe my heavy hitters win and he can't have them, all mine haha!

              3. yakirh
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                This

      2. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        It's better than falling into the Gabbiadini trap again.

        1. Virgil Hilts
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Was set on 33 myself for the reasons you outline, but looked at all my targets rising on Fplstats and wouldn’t have been able to afford my planned GW34 team.

          So all about price rises if people WCing 32 I feel.

    2. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      The extra information is absolutely invaluable.

      If you really want to smash the bench boost in GW34, then a Wildcard in 33 is a must.

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        I consider the bench boost to be really a medicre chip, i've never gained anything from it in the past even with a good bench. If i wildcarded now, i imagine a bench of Pope, Barnes, Morgan and van der Hoorn to be ok'ish anyway.
        I do see your arguement though.

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          mediocre*

        2. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Imaganie Ederson, Mustafi, Mili and Rashford then as a double game week bench, or anything similar 😉

      2. james 101
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Probably not "invaluable" right?

        I mean, it has a value. But that value is definitely limited to some extent.

        And there's a play off against it. Eg gaining extra points by getting rid of some GW 31 players a week earlier. Catching rises / falls earlier. Etc.

        It's probably closer than most think though. I'd agree.

        1. Gnu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          ...and not forgetting that by rolling your FT over gw33 it gives you 2 FT's for dgw34.
          That has appeal to me .

          I planned my gw31 team with a wc in 32 so that has a bearing although I looked at it and reckoned I could wait a week but I think the gains possible say its WC GW32.

          1. james 101
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Yeah. Solid play.

          2. Salah’s Sonnet
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Are you agreeing and siding more with WC'ing GW 32 GNU?

            1. james 101
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              Gnu and I are both WCing now I believe.

            2. Gnu
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              Yes, sorry if it was a bit muddled.
              I wildcarded last night, full on commitment. 🙂

              Bottom line to remember is what chips folks have plans in place so it's not the same for everybody.

              I considered FH for 31 but went with FT's a few hits ( 5 green, 1 red arrow) so although I missed on Mahrez I had actually decided to cover the budget Albrighton choice (wrongly obviously).
              I don't think my WC team will be different if I wc now or 33 but the t FT's let me cover injuries and a possible flip from one non DGWer ( Firmino) to a budget 3rd striker while shifting in a Chelsea or Manu defender depending on form.

              1. Salah’s Sonnet
                • 13 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                haah it's ok. Yeah agreed on what chips people have and to manouvre around.

                So you still have your FH chip. I don't have my FH chip, burnt it in the early gameweeks stupidly 🙂
                My WC team wouldn't be too different also. Will have 2FT's like you say as well if WC now.
                In my situation, do you reckon wildcarding is the way to go?

                1. Gnu
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 15 Years
                  6 years, 7 months ago

                  Ok, here's my quick initial view ZS.
                  Actually,I'll ponder first as what I was going to type could easily be argued as strongly for WC33.
                  The FH is the changer.
                  Back in a mo.

                  1. Gnu
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 15 Years
                    6 years, 7 months ago

                    What's your current team btw?

                    1. Salah’s Sonnet
                      • 13 Years
                      6 years, 7 months ago

                      Pope
                      Otamendi - Alonso - VVD
                      Mahrez - Sane - Salah - Stanislas
                      Wilson - Firmino - Mounie
                      ____________________________
                      Butland: Baines, Shaqiri, Kenny

                  2. Salah’s Sonnet
                    • 13 Years
                    6 years, 7 months ago

                    yep no probs 🙂

                    1. Gnu
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 15 Years
                      6 years, 7 months ago

                      Hmm, tough call Zico
                      Your team is in sound shape but it depends on how valueable you see Arsenal and ManU coverage for GW32.
                      I would WC but that may be swayed by my own mindset.
                      Without FH chip I'd be wanting to go into gw35 with 2FT's so I guess it's how you see your best route into that.

                      When the FH chip was introduced, I saw it as facilitator to maximise the BB chip - time will tell how this pans out.

                      1. Salah’s Sonnet
                        • 13 Years
                        6 years, 7 months ago

                        Yeah that all makes sense to me GNU, thanks.
                        Iregard Man U's & Arsenal's fixtures as important for GW 32, really great fixtures to take advantage of there.
                        Like you say, without the FH chip, i want to be going into GW 34 (did you mean GW34?) with 2FT's.

                        The thing is, even with my team in good shape now, it's loaded with mediocre players, that would mostl likely perform less than the players i'd bring in (above) anyway. I'm with you i reckon and going to pull the trigger tonight 🙂

                      2. Gnu
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 15 Years
                        6 years, 7 months ago

                        Good luck, there's a few possible risers in just under an hour.

                        To clarify, I think having 2 FT's going into gw35 might be more useful you without the FH chip bu that means you've got 1 FT going into 34.

                      3. Salah’s Sonnet
                        • 13 Years
                        6 years, 7 months ago

                        Yep, sure is, i'll be certainly catching Auba's rise if he goes up.
                        Going to hit that button shortly haha.

                        Ahhh i understand now. Yeah true, agree that carrying 2 FT's into GW35 is the way to go.
                        Hopefully i should be ok with only 1 FT going into GW 34 with the players im bringing in on WC anyway. Plus we'll get to know the announced fixtures really soon.
                        Thanks a lot for this GNU, really appreciated.

          3. Clintymints
            • 15 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Same boat. I've had 5 flags as of last week, Adrian in goal, used 2 ft to get some blank player so I have to wc this week

          4. Hotdogs for Tea
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Planning in that way is great, but so many on here seem to be WCing because they simply can’t wait any more - the excitement is killing then 🙂

        2. elwardio
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Though could also say waiting till after Spurs v chels has advantages too

      3. Tiki-Taka
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Is there going to be any extra information though? It looks like the DGW fixtures are gonna be confirmed in the next few days

      4. Lewis - Sky Pod
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        What ‘invaluable extra information’ do you expect to get, 33 weeks into a season as opposed to 32, with full fixture details already out?

        1. grumpyman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Injuries, team selections suggesting DGW rotation, seeing which players are highly selected and who the differentials are etc

          1. Lewis - Sky Pod
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            The likelihood of an injury to a significant player within 1 gwk is extremely low, in that event, I’ll have 2 FT.

            Team selections won’t vary much from the previous 31 weeks. Only CL clubs will need to rotate and that will be fairly predictable, waiting 1 more week won’t help.

            1. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              ... umm ... internationals, CL/EL in 32 and 33 .... some may have 6 games from now to 34 😉

              1. Lewis - Sky Pod
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                Internationals are irrelevant since we can use WC transfers all the way up to 32 deadline.

                1. Hotdogs for Tea
                  • 9 Years
                  6 years, 7 months ago

                  Ok, so the player coming back with a knock and a yellow flag is not an issue ?

                  The point generally though is that there are potential problems in WCing early to BB in 34, but you weigh it all up for your own personal case 🙂

        2. william prunier
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Well he'll find out he's missed price rises and is priced out.

        3. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Doubles put into 32 and 33, Blanks in GW35 played in the midweek of 35, Son getting a red card in 32, formation change of teams that make up your bench ... maybe 🙂

          1. Lewis - Sky Pod
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Doubles won’t be put into 32 or 33. Blanks won’t be played in 35.
            Son can easily be replaced if he gets his first red card in England.
            Formation changes after 31 weeks are extremely unlikely

            1. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              Ok

              1. Hotdogs
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                It's weird but this season I've found that the entire community has been completely focused on one single strategy - use FTs for 31, WC32, BB34, FH35, TC37.

                I really don't think it's that clear cut at all, and I think in many cases the sheep mentality is making the game less interesting

                It was refreshing to see you argue for FH31 (which I was set on doing) and once again now for WC33 (which I'm leaning towards as well).

                Given the rate price changes are moving I'm a little worred that for WC33 we may actually get priced out of our target team if 4-5 players rise 0.1-0.2 each this week so it's starting to bother me a little. Thoughts?

                1. Hotdogs for Tea
                  • 9 Years
                  6 years, 7 months ago

                  I am WCing in 36 to get a genuine double game week 37 squad, my bench will probably have nailed players in the 4.5 to 7.0 million bracket, paid for by foregoing a premium striker or midfielder ... this way I will know the exact status of all teams as close as possible.

                  A couple of transfers and I will shift a bit of cash off my bench for 38.

                  Of course this all depends upon where the blanks are slotted in 🙂

                  1. Hotdogs
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 9 Years
                    6 years, 7 months ago

                    Given how late it is in the season would you be concerned about rotation and teams hitting the beach for DGW37?

                    For me it's WC33 so I can play the WC as close to BB34 as possible. I will keep a few SGW players (Salah, probably Firmino, maybe even Mili) so I won't have a full 15x2. Quality over quantity.

                    Then hopefully I can save my FT in GW34 so I get 2FTs for GW35 to bring in Tosun and someone from ManCity. It's actually not that difficult to field an ok XI for BGW35.

                    1. Hotdogs for Tea
                      • 9 Years
                      6 years, 7 months ago

                      The risk of rotation is there from now on due to the non PL games - in 32 & 33 with City & Liverpool in CL, Arsenal in EL, in 34 with Utd, Chelsea, Spurs, Leicester in FA Cup semi 4 days later - by 37 the non PL mid week games are gone (either City or Pool are out of the CL and with Arsenal they don’t double in 37 any way.

                      If a few teams are on the beach I will back against them, but with just a few points between 19th and 11th I think most teams will be playing quite hard until 37.

                      With a genuinely spread 15 players to BB I will cover most bases even if a few players get a rest 🙂

                      Most BB WC teams in 32 will be shot by 37, hopefully 😉

                      1. Hotdogs
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 9 Years
                        6 years, 7 months ago

                        Sounds like a plan. I assume you've already taken a quick look to confirm the WC36 team makes sense for weeks 36-38?

                        In my case my decisions are based on the MLs I'm involved in. I'm in a regular ML as well as a h2h one and I'm currently leading the regular league. The h2h league ends in GW35 (it moves into playoffs the last 3 weeks) so I'm incentivised to use my chips by then.

                        I also used my FH in 31 as I was facing my main h2h rival that week, he fielded 9 and with my FH I figured out his transfers, copied his 9 and added 2 more.

        4. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          The fact that not onky 4 of the 31 blanks have gone to 34 😉

    3. elwardio
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      It's a straight trade off. Around 1m more value if you pull the trigger early and info till the last minute if you go late. Considering it's only the difference between a 5.5 and 4.5 defender I probably should have waited.

      1. Hibbo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Well put.

        1. Gnu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          What's a million to gun toting, cigar smoking, junk monster like you Tony!

          1. Hibbo
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            I'm on a steady upward curve at 51k right now so I'm not too worried about squad value more about making the right decisions.

            Price adds a layer of anxiety to the game that if you ignore the anxiety doesn't exist. The I need to make this transfer tonight or I have exact money for the perfect wildcard squad.

            Show me the fixtures then I'll activate but before then it's no different to before.

            1. Gnu
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              Good to hear on the upward curve 🙂

              Although I see your point, I quite enjoy the squeeze on budget at WC time, so often you see the perfect combo and you realise you've missed it by .1 or .2 million.

              1. Hibbo
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                It's probably a case of wildcarding tomorrow for me anyway.

                If that's when we have fixtures announced.

    4. Whats the Huth
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Couple reasons why I won't WC yet.

      I have a solid team in place for GW32 with bringing through only 9 GW31 players and managing it well without FT.
      I want to load up on Chelsea and Spurs players. But definitely do not want them all for GW32.
      I've used my FT to do Wilson to Abua. So I'm happy with my Arsenal cover at this stage.
      And finally. KANE!!!
      Those who WC now will struggle immensely with getting Kane back in.
      Whereas those who WC GW33 will have much more info in place and can easily get Kane in.

      1. Kai
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Not true. Those who WC in GW32 will have 2 free transfers for 34. Kane can be added back easily.

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Not so easy if you have spread the cash to maximise the WC and BB though

    5. william prunier
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Only difference is you get priced out by waiting.
      All the top players have played it this gw.
      No brainer.

    6. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      More data after GW 32 like some players may appear, injuries, rotations, Kane possible back(?) also Spurs-Chelsea, my ML rival wo is chasing may use his so will know who he pick and most important - my team looks quite good for that GW plus want to keep Vardy or VVD one more week

      Fabian
      Alonso, VVD, Oggy/Mariappa
      Salah, Mahrez, Stanislas, Shaq/Milivo
      Firmino, Auba, Vardy

    7. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      If “everyone” is wildcarding, will price changes be so much of an issue?

    8. Js31
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      For the reasons Mark outlined on the scoutcast

    9. diesel001
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Because my team for GW32 is quality without a WC. So I can save the WC and bring in Chelsea / Spurs players in GW33 after they have played each other:

      De Gea (SWA)
      Hegazi (BUR) - Otamendi (eve) - VVD (cpl)
      Salah (cpl) - KDB (eve) - Ibe (wat) - Xhaka (STO) - Sterling (eve)
      Auba(c) (STO) - Firmino (cpl)

      Lossl - Dunk - Aurier - McBurnie

      1. asquishypotato
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Completely agree, if no need to pull the trigger then no need to hit early.

    10. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      If your team is dire then a WC in 32 is a good idea, but there is a possibility that your WC team could be thrown in to disarray with a couple of injuries in 32.

      Plus a decent bench boost 15 squad means spreading your cash a bit on to the bench, and you don’t really want DDG & Fabs in your team from 32 to 36 (assuming FH in 35).

      That said, the early 32 WCs have pretty dire benches, so I don’t think they are maximising the BB anyway imho.

    11. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Re price changes: I got Auba in last night , and may do Wally->Son or Mahrez for a hit. Then I can't really see that many wc must-haves who will rise , so I don't buy the assumption of gaining £1m by wc'ing in 32.

    12. asquishypotato
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Many reasons

      Price changes (not necessarily profits but rises)
      Poor week 32 team
      International breaks can carry many injuries
      Two transfers to take into week 34, especially when free hitting in week 35
      Flags for the sake of flags: those with Rob Elliot, Kane, Aguero - no point in keeping them for the sake of one more week to ‘save a transfer’ or find out more information. Clear then out and keep pushing forward. Proactive > Reactive

    13. I Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I'm waiting until GW33 for the following reasons:

      - Extra week of information.
      - My team has good fixtures and in form players. Not convinced my Wildcard team would score more points this week.
      - Don't want to load up on Chelsea and Spurs assets when they play against each other. Much rather bring them in in 33.
      - I've already played Free Hit so I can bank a transfer in GW34 and have two frees for GW35. That should be more beneficial to me than a GW32 WC and two frees for GW34.

    14. Yozzer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      4 or 5 risers already and bound to be a few more. That soon adds up. Even with a good team this week saving could cost you dearly if too many targets have risen.

    15. Yozzer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Also I've seen a lot going to take a hit this gw. That's an extra 4 points for us on quite a few people ...small added bonus

  15. mrwinner
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    please rate my WC team - aim was to try and get nailed starters to get the most out of the DGW's though of course there has to be one or two iffy picks (Willian/ Mikhi)

    DDG

    Alonso / Valencia / Morgan

    Mikhi / Willian / Salah / Mahrez

    Aubameyang / Vardy / Barnes

    Bench - Fabianski, Cedric, Ki, Naughton

    1. Dakers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      no city? not even dilva?

      1. mrwinner
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        I just feel there will be more rotation from City than other teams with the league almost wrapped up which will lead to too much anguish when the teams are announced and players are missing. Dilva may be allowed to spend more time in Spain with family.

  16. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Evening all, playing my work league's cup final this week - worth £140. Any way of improving this line up?

    DDG
    Valencia, Monreal, Lascelles
    Salah, Mkhi, Silva, Sterling, Willian
    Auba, Firminio

    Dubravka; Robertson, Mariappa, Depoitre

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Nope. Amazing side this week

    2. james 101
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Should do well mate

  17. james 101
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    WC Active.

    Draft 1:

    DDG. Fab.
    Alonso. Smalling. Lowton. Mustafi. VDH
    Salah. Mahrez. Son. Willian. Kennedy.
    Firmino. Auba. Vardy.

    What needs changing?

    Thanks!

    (Only £0.1m in the bank)

    1. Mind över Mata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Get a city attacker

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Really?

        Who for who?

    2. shearer9
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Why do you have so much value on your bench?

      1. Stat Sloth
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Because it is the smart thing to do, for flexibility and if/when rotation/injuries happen.

  18. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Tear this Wildcard team apart please...

    De Gea Fabianski
    Otamendi Monreal Fernandez Lowton Chilwell
    Salah Mahrez Sane Willian Gudmundsson
    Aubameyang Firmino Deeney

    1. Pegboy
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Obvious one is Deeney doesn’t have DGW.

      Chilwell>Morgan
      Ota>Alonso Deeney>Barnes

  19. BrutalLogiC
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    3 must have players in WC?

    Presumably Salah is one.

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Aubamayang and DeGea

      1. BrutalLogiC
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        I like it

  20. CAPTAIN CRESPO
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Who scores higher - For this week only.

    Mounie or WIlson

    1. AYLD28
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Both will get 2

  21. CRO KLOPP
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    DDG Fabianski
    Alonso (______) Lowton Fernandez Morgan
    Salah Mahrez Son D.Silva Willian
    Aubameyang Firmino Barnes

    Would you change anything here?
    Need defender for 5.5 mil

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      monreal?

      1. CRO KLOPP
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        He's there atm, still uncertain of his gametime

        1. TLF
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          His potential for attacking returns may be enough to counter concerns re rotation.

          1. CRO KLOPP
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Fair point mate, cheers

  22. AYLD28
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    RMWCT First Draft

    DDG, Fab
    Alonso, Otamendi, Lascelles, Mustafi, Mawson
    Silva, Mahrez, Willian, Salah, Kennedy
    Aubamayang, Firmino, Murray

    0.0 itb

    Immediate thoughts?

    1. Pegboy
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Lacks Spurs and Utd.

      Prefer Barnes/Ayew to Murray.

      1. AYLD28
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        I have DDG has united def cover. Other than Lukaku I don’t see anyone else worth having.

        Spurs next three fixtures don’t massively appeal imo but yes I could get some spurs in.

        Son & Vert over Silva & Ota?

        1. Pegboy
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Murray + Silva > Barnes/Ayew + Son

          With the change you could look to upgrade Lascelles or Kenedy to teams with a better DGW

  23. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    1) Sterling, Sane or Silva for MCI mid?

    2) Chilwell or Mariappa for cheapie defender?

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

      1) Silva
      2) Chilwell

  24. Pegboy
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    On WC:

    A) Smalling + Robertson
    B) Davies + Lowton

    Rest of defence: Morgan, Mustafi and VdHoorn

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

      A

      1. Pegboy
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers.

        Confident Smalling keeps his spot?

  25. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    RMWCT please

    DDG Pope
    Robertson Monreal Christensen Chilwell van der Horn
    Salah Mahrez Son Sterling Willian
    Auba Firm Barnes

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

      Very good.
      Not a fan of Barnes though ..

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Any suggestion for replacement? Deeney? Have 0 ITB.

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

          Hmm..then go Barnes..

      2. @fpl_phenom
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        I think Barnes is very decent value!

    2. GE
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Sterling nailed?

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        When not injured he’s started most games

  26. GE
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    2 questions when on wildcard:

    1) Will Mahrez rise tonight?
    2) Players that will probably double rise before next GW?

  27. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Landed on this wildcard team...uses all cash....any comments??

    Ddg fab
    Alonso monreal lowton chilwell dummett
    Salah Mahrez Silva son willian
    Auba firm barnes

    Thanks

    1. Dakers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      like it.

    2. CRO KLOPP
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Can't decide on Monreal,we have similar team

    3. @fpl_phenom
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Great team ... no Lukaku though.... is having Alonso worth more than having Lukaku.... Im not convinced Alonso is worth it

      1. CRO KLOPP
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        It's like this basically
        Alonso plus Firmino
        Or
        Mawson plus Lukaku
        I would love Lukaku still

        1. @fpl_phenom
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Put in the price risers for now anyway

          Also remove fallers

          1. CRO KLOPP
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Cheers mate,will do
            GL

            1. @fpl_phenom
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              You too

      2. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers...yeah lukaku isnthe great debate....

        But I'm just not sure he is worth the money....

        Esp when his extra game is city away....

        1. CRO KLOPP
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          This too

  28. Pigsinblankets
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Butland, De Gea
    VVD, Alonso, Zanka / Dunk (Hunemeier)
    Salah, KdB, Stanislas, Shaqiri, Mahrez
    Firmino, Wilson (Quaner)

    This team good enough to hold off a week on the WC? Could just do Quaner to Auba for free.

  29. Dakers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    A) Ota Christensen/Monreal Bavies Naughton Mee (current)
    B) Ota Alonso Bavies vdH Morgan
    C) Other changes

  30. Darklord_bg
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Why do folks assume the doubles will be only in GW 34 and 37?

    With most teams out of European competitions, they could spread the postponed games to all game week until 35.

    1. Ramboros
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      What do you think happens when all leagues start using European dates to rearranged fixtures that can be played on other dates?

      1. Darklord_bg
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        What happens? If the teams in question are not playing in European competitions I don't see what the problem is.

    2. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Anything is possible - brace yourselves for a curveball!

    3. @fpl_phenom
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      @BenCrellin kinda looks into this stuff a bit... I’m going by him ...

      1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        He was wrong last year - he makes a spreadsheet - he isn't the PL fixture secretary.

        1. @fpl_phenom
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          He’s the most clued in on the blank weeks and rescheduling

          1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Last year he wasn't

    4. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      They have 2 spare midweeks.

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        This