Scout Notes

Scout Scribbles – Austin and Heaton Eye Returns

Charlie Austin and Tom Heaton step up their recoveries as we await news of Double Gameweek confirmation that will affect both their respective teams over the run-in.

Southampton were handed a boost after their top scorer Charlie Austin made a welcome returning to full training this week.

Despite failing to feature since Gameweek 19, the forward’s total of six goals is two strikes more than any team-mate this term. Discussing his lay-off with the club’s official website, Austinconceded:

“It’s been a frustrating time, being injured. It wasn’t like being out for two weeks – it’s been 14 weeks now.

I was in such good form and that was the hard thing, because I’d had to bide my time for ages to get in. It’s good to have that light at the end of the tunnel and this is the last tick in the box – it’s great to be back with the lads.

All the hard work I’ve done with the physios has paid off and hopefully, I can stay fit until the end of the season. Now I’m back, we’ve got a big eight weeks and I’ll put all my energy into helping the team drive forward to stay in the Premier League”.

Encouragingly for Austin, new manager Mark Hughes played with two up front in his first match in charge, last weekend’s FA Cup win over Wigan.

Now down to just 5.8 in FPL, Austin’s rate of 99.8 minutes per goal for the Saints in 2017/18 could now be set to turn heads in our Wildcards, with the Saints expected to be handed two Double Gameweeks over the remainder of the campaign.

On the downside, Hughes will be sweating over the availability of Ryan Bertrand after the left-back withdrew from England duties due to a back problem.

Heaton steps up recovery

Burnley’s Tom Heaton edged nearer a top-flight return this week with another appearance for Burnley reserves.

’I am back into full training on the grass as of last week and I have played a couple of reserve team games.

In the next week or so I am expecting to be back to 100 per cent and hopefully get back in the team.

Being back fit is the first marker and then trying to get back into the team is the next step.

Beyond that I still have ambitions of making the plane for the World Cup and there is a fair bit of water to go under the bridge yet. I am working every day with that ambition in mind.’

Heaton has failed to play since sustaining a dislocated shoulder in Gameweek 4, with Nick Pope benefitting from a first-team run in his absence.

However, with Heaton still hopeful of making the World Cup squad for this summer, we can expect the pair to job-share once he’s back in contention – hardly the best news for Pope’s 10.1% ownership.

The Clarets are one of a number of sides expected to be handed a double in Gameweek 34, with Matt Lowton (4.4) or Ben Mee (4.9) now looking the best bets as uncertainty gathers over their number one for the run-in.

Mahrez eases fears after training return

Riyad Mahrez shrugged off injury concerns ahead of Algeria’s clash with Tanzania today by returning to training yesterday.

The winger was initially rated a doubt for the fixture by his national manager, Rabah Madjer, after picking up a minor muscle problem during Leicester’s FA Cup defeat to Chelsea last weekend.

However, Mahrez was then pictured back in full training after being assessed by Algeria medics.

Now up to fourth among FPL midfielders, the Foxes flier has produced a goal or assist in 11 of his last 14 league starts thanks to an improved run of form under Claude Puel.

The second most bought midfielder for the Gameweek, Mahrez has claimed over 50,000 new owners since the Gameweek 31 deadline passed. He faces Brighton and Newcastle in the next two rounds of fixtures and with a pair of expected Double Gameweek also to be factored in, is set to play a significant part in many Wildcard plans between now and the end of the season.

Zaha allays concerns

Wilfried Zaha left his 91,000+ new owners frustrated in Gameweek 31 after limping out of Crystal Palace’s win at Huddersfield with no more than three points to show for his 88-minute outing.

Having only just returned from injury, the Eagles’ flier played down concerns over another lay-off.

“To be honest, I was getting hacked down for at least ten minutes straight, so I felt my knee throbbing and instead of trying to play on it, I thought I might as well come off. Hopefully I can manage it well and it should be fine.”

Given that Roy Hodgson’s side are without a Double Gameweek, interest in the Eagles’ key assets is likely to be muted as we wield our Wildcards.

Yet following their upcoming home clash with Liverpool, Hodgson’s side clearly have the schedule to pick up the Fantasy points and seal their survival.

Zaha – who had scored or assisted in eight of 20 starts under Hodgson prior to last weekend – then faces Bournemouth, Brighton, Watford, Leicester, Stoke and West Brom in the final six rounds of fixtures.

Elsewhere….

The latest on Sergio Aguero’s fitness suggests that he remains on track for a return to contention for Manchester City’s Gameweek 32 encounter with Everton. Reports today have revealed that Aguero has continued his rehabilitation in Dubai and looks certain to sit out Argentina’s two friendlies with Spain and Italy over the break.

Across Manchester, United midfield pair Paul Pogba (hip) and Anthony Martial (toe) have both failed to train this week ahead of France’s pair of friendlies with Colombia and Russia.

Michail Antonio bagged a brace in West Ham’s 3-1 friendly win over Dagenham last night. David Moyes welcomed back Arthur Masuaku, who has missed the last six league matches through suspension, though the Hammers’ defensive prospects were dealt a blow after James Collins limped off before the half-hour mark.

Everton are another side nursing injury concerns for Gameweek 32. Mason Holgate withdrew from the England U21 squad to undergo minor ankle surgery, while Idrissa Gueye could be missing for three weeks with a muscle tear, according to the Senegal international manager. The combative midfielder has returned to Merseyside after being assessed and may miss crucial league encounters with Man City and Liverpool – not the best news for those without Wildcards who took a punt on Leighton Baines or Seamus Coleman for Gameweek 31.

Meanwhile, over at Anfield, Nathaniel Clyne stepped up his return from injury with a full 90-minutes for Liverpool’s U23’s on Wednesday as they slipped to a 3-1 defeat to Middlesbrough. Clyne’s return to contention adds to Jurgen Klopp’s options for the right-back role, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez already rotating in that position. Gomez got the nod in the Gameweek 31 run-out against Watford, though Alexander-Arnold had started the previous five Premier League matches. Clyne will be another with World Cup ambitions, a factor that could fuel his return to the teamsheet over the closing fixtures.

807 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Son a good option for wildcard?

    Have kept him since Spurs & West Ham dgw back in Jan.

    Although keeping him means I can sell him to enable a move for Kane in GW34 if fully fit.

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah

    2. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Apart from Salah, he's the most essential attacker in the game. Can score a brace every single game. Nailed on, greedy, 2 DGWs. Essential.

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

        Calm down lad haha

      2. Predator
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Haha

    3. FULLSERVICECOVER
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Don't agree that he is essential for the next 3 with city and chelsea sandwhiched in there.Personally overlooking spurs until gw34...each to their own.

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

        this

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

      Very good option, but he generally isn’t as good away from home. Perhaps the Bournemouth game put paid to that, but I’m still not entirely convinced.

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

        I think he’s about to put that to bed , class player

    5. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      The reason I am getting Son in is because Kane is out and him and Alli are playing as false 9s. He is now playing on the last man in defence so is bound to get more chances in a very good Spurs team now out of Europe

    6. Cok3y5murf
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Wouldn't sell him for Kane. He is better than Kane at times.

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

        Easy now

        1. Cok3y5murf
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Lol 2 double digit hauls in his last 2 games. When was the last time Kane had one?

    7. Legomane
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Greedy Son is the best player in the game after Salah ATM

    8. joeydelucchi
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      im really unsure right now, for example wouldnt you prefer mikhis chances in the next few games compared to son vs city and chelsea and even stoke away wont be easy .

      1. Olly002
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Under no circumstances would I ever favour mihki's chances over practically anyone.

  2. Man Getting Hit By Football
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    What are VVD owners doing with him? Activated wildcard but have held off on transferring him out yet.

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

      sell

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

        Get someone who has a double gameweek like Smalling or Bailly

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      sell

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

      I am holding I think.
      He is still a better shout than most DGW players

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

        Utd don’t concede much and have dgw’s , each to their own needs though

    4. FULLSERVICECOVER
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Had him for a while,but he won't be making my WC team.

    5. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Sell. 2 away games and I expect Liverpool to concede in both

    6. Johnny 8
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Selling

    7. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I've swapped for Maguire on my Wildcard, can't see Liverpool keeping a CS in the next 2 and Maguire has a double

    8. Dybala10
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Sold for Robertson to pocket the 0.1 gain but likely to bring someone else in like Christensen/Mustafi.

  3. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    WC Active

    DDG, Fab
    Lowton, VDH, Ota, Robertson, Morgan
    Mahrez, Salah, Mkhi, Willian, D.Silva
    Kaku, Firm, Barnes.

    thoughts please?

    Cheers

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

      Need Spurs attacker imo

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Decent looking

      No Spurs at all is quite brave - I would argue Son is a decent WC pick regardless of fixtures

      Good to see an option that breaks the Aubameyang bandwagon

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        i kinda freaking out not having Son in my team to be fair but who do i take out for him?

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Can only be Mkhi but then you'd want to get Auba in

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

            Why not D Silva?

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

          Mkhi or D Silva

    3. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      You stole my team. I have Alonso and Mustafi instead of Ota and Robbo.

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        great minds lad but having no spurs is a bit worrying though. what do you think?

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

          I have Aubamayang and Son instead of Lukaku and Mkhi due to Lukaku's bad value if you're captaining him.

          Son is essential IMO. Will rack up braces until the end of the season.

          Also get Alonso.

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

      You not concerned about Mkhi rotation ?

  4. Don Kloppeone
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Appreciate a few of your views/ comments

    This is my attempt at a 3-big-hitters alternative to the 3-5-2 WC team I had before. What do you think?

    £0itb
    Cech, Hennessey
    Smalling, Vertonghen, Morgan, Lowton, VDH
    Salah, Son, Mahrez, Willian, King
    Lukaku, Auba, Firmino

    I'm not sold on it yet and may revert to the original option:

    £0.1itb
    DDG, Fabianski
    Alonso, Smalling, Lowton, Morgan, VDH
    Salah, Son, Mahrez, Willian, Silva
    Auba, Firmino, Barnes

    Cheers fellas/ fellesses

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

      do you have FH available?

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Yep sorry should have said

        Have FH and BB available (no TC)

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

          a) Cech + Hennessey + Smalling + AKing + Lukaku
          b) DDG + Fabianksi + Alonso + DSilva + Barnes

          It's close, but I'd rather Lukaku over Silva. Not too much in the rest.

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            I'm really not sold on the "Lukaku essential" frenzy - the team's form has been poor and he has only recently started scoring again

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

              he's a better option than DSilva imo.

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

                But it's not really a straight swap is it?

                DDG>Cech
                Fab>Henn
                Alonso>Smalling
                Barnes>A.King

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

                  As I said I don't think there is much in the rest...
                  Smalling and DDG will get similar points.Barnes and King won't do a great deal. Alonso will do well, but I don't think it will compare to Lukaku's potential over Silva.

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

      I have the same but DDG Fab Christensen Vardy instead of Cech Hennessy Vert Firm

      Henessy has to go as only a SGW player

  5. french holiday
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    save your wildcard...

    double gameweek surprises and postpontments awaiting

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

      Glad I didn't press the button. If the fixtures fall with only 4 extra games in GW34 I think I'll save my WC for 35/36 and BB in 37.

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        GW37 was the bigger of the DGW's last season, but the general assumption on here is that the 6 GW31 postponements will be in GW34, with the 4 GW35 postponements in GW37. Time will tell.

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

          I don't think the all 31 blanks will go into 34 ... if that was the case they would have set it up weeks ago?

          We will see a bit of a shuffle between the game weeks in my view, but yip, time will tell.

    2. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I am glad I did press the button. Caught the price rises and csn react to any situation when the dbgw fixtures are released

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

        Same here, I had to anyway, Team was full of GW31 muck because Iv saves my FH.

        I might FH in 37 now as it will be my last chip

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

          B.B. gw34 .... see how bad GW35 looks or if I can navigate it with a few transfers...

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

          If the DGWs don't go to plan, my plan B is to FH in GW37, particularly as I don't have TC left.

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

      Love the replies! "Give us the dgw fixtures you bell end" is my particular favourite.

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

        I liked the guy who thinks hear gained 106pts on using it gw31

      2. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Yep 😀 Also at the end of the video he underlines how official fpl twitter will be first place to reveal double gameweek news and then says he'll be back with more tomorrow 🙂

    2. Rik Waller
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      What a bellend

  6. Buck The Trent
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Who will score more ?

    A Firmino (cpl eve)
    B Lukaku (SWA mci)

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

      A

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

      I reckon both will score but who will score more is hard to guess.
      Better call Saul.

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

      A

    4. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      A

    5. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      A, but Kaku also has two DGW's.

      1. Buck The Trent
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Plan is firmino + cash to lukaku for dgw

    6. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      A easy

    7. LC1
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Firmino in them two games but Lukaku if you're including 34

      1. Buck The Trent
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Plans firmino to lukaku dgw34

    8. Athletic Bilbo
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      B, won’t be rested for champions league

      1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Lool firmino will be rested as Liverpool secured of top 4??. Lool. Liverpool have better chance of top 4 than beating city in ucl and klopp can't take the chance of missing out of top 4 with rivals Chelsea and spurs with no Europe

    9. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I expect Firminho minutes to be at risk. Although Liverpool more free flowing and Firminho in a happier more atracking team

    10. Rik Waller
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      A

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

      A blud. By a MILE. Can see scores of 13 and 8 v 2 and 5

  7. FPLMatt
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    DDG

    Alonso Bailly Maguire

    Willian Arnautovic Son Mahrez Salah

    Aubameyang Vardy

    Subs: Fabianski, Naughton, Tarkowski, Barnes

    Thoughts on this one? Picked a team of players who I think are essentially nailed in their teams so I don't have to worry about rotation.

    Kane entry plan: Arnautovic to Kenedy Aubameyang to Kane. This allows me to then field a 4-4-2 in the second DGW with 10 DGW players plus Salah

    1. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I like it. Obviously a risk going no City and no Spurs, but you already know that

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

        Son is in there... City yes bit risky but don't like their fixtures and rotation risk plus I will be loading up on them with free hit in 35

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

      Currently have roughly the same idea, so now copying your Kane strategy, thanks! Just not sure on Alonso/Arnautovic Vs Monreal/DSilva.

  8. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    any idea when DGW fixtures will be annouced lads?

    1. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Don't think it's been discussed

    2. The Rumour Mill
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Sometime around the end of the world cup at this rate....

    3. FPLMatt
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Not sure broke my F5 button this morning so no clue

  9. Point-one short
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Is J Ayew nailed when he returns?

    1. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Should be, but depends how his replacement does in the next two...

      1. Point-one short
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers.

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

    What are you thoughts on keeping PVA on a WC?

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

      Why would you keep glue on your toilet?

      1. Professor Abel X
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        XD

      2. Point-one short
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Sh!ts and giggles?

      3. Over Midwicket
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        In case you get stuck in a sticky situation?

      4. Pap Le Cissier
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Well, bus drivers do tell you to remain seated at all times...

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

          Where is thebusdriver anyways? Miss the bantz.

    2. Point-one short
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Better to be had elsewhere.

    3. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Hes a wonderful pick. Will rack up goals, assists and cleans with his rampaging runs and sumptuous fixtures. All for 5.1.

  11. Wild Rover
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    There are people who actually think that FPL decide when the DGW's will happen 😀

    1. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I know, good job we know it's all Mark's doing

    2. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      *that Mark decide

  12. Moses _H
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    why everyone with DDG in goal locking up funds with Fab.
    I say its better to get a 3.9 GK and transfer the best goaly in 34 for the BB.
    Lots of options and more info

    1. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Fabs covers DDG's game against City, and Swansea have a good (expected) DGW for BB

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

        This! It’s perfect, that’s why they’re in almost every WC team that can afford it...

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

        Ryan is even better coverage for that match and is .2 cheaper. And he will have shots to save later 😉

        1. Professor Abel X
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          He does, but he doesn't have as nice a DGW (based on Ben Crellin's predictions)

    2. Point-one short
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      And waste a transfer on a gk?

    3. Johnny 8
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Cause he has two doubles and it's a way of getting in a nailed part of Uniteds generally tight defense.

    4. Moses _H
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I would never bench DDG against anyone.
      Waste a transfer is better than locking up value on ur bench for 2 weeks.

      1. Point-one short
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        But then you have to also transfer out someone else to upgrade the GK. So you've just locked what you'll use the 2ft for.... what happens if a player gets injured, kane recovers quicker than expected, someone hits form you want in?

        1. Moses _H
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          a hit to remove a non playing goaly isnt that bad

          1. Point-one short
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Proper preparation prevents p!ss poor performance.

            1. Hurnt
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              The 6 p’s of success nicely done

    5. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I'm agree with you. Prefer now DDG and 3.9m, keep 2FT to gw 34, and make some arrangements.

    6. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      That's why I have DDG and Hennessey (dont have BB). DDG every week except Hennessey in 35.

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

        If you don't have BB or FH, DDG+Hennessey is a sensible strategy.

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

      You also need to keep spare cash in the bank to do this, better to just have Fabianski in as a place holder for Fabianski 🙂

      1. Moses _H
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        but the cash held up can be used to get the best goaly in 34

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

          Who’s the best goaly x 2 in 34?

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

            Assuming Swans get a dgw34.

          2. Moses _H
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Pope or Heaton if back, Fabs, Ryan, Hart or Adrian

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

              If the DGW pans out like we suspect then the best keeper combo is DDG & Fabianski

              That’s why most are getting them now on WC.

              1. Moses _H
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                i doubled up on swan def probably thats y i cant see fab on the bench for 2 weeks burning up my cash

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

          The point is if Swans get a dgw34 they will have they best fixtures for a cheep bb second keeper.
          I'm looking at DDG and Courtois though.

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

            Great but that’s even more cash... the original post complained out the cost of Fabianski as a second keeper.

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

              Yep. Cheers. That post was in response to "moses" though.

              The way I see it, if you're benchboosting in 34 then you essentailly get your extra points from a gk , 2dfs and an attacker. So best plan would be to max out on those extra players.

  13. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Hi, which one is better?
    A. DDG, Mustafi
    B. Cech, Ota/Baily
    Ta.

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

      A by a mile. Nailed on and bap monsters.

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

      A. DDG has good save potential,and Mustafi has better attacking threat than Bailly

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

      A easily

  14. Yankee Toffee
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Too top heavy wc?

    Cech, Ryan
    Smalling, Morgan, Lowton, Dummet, VDH
    Salah, Mkhi, Willian, Son, King
    Kaku, Vardy, Auba

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

      Nice curves.

  15. Speédy
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Best one week punt for 32??
    Currently on Sanchez

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Rambo.

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

        Do you know something i dont?? i thought i was one of the last FPL men still keeping faith in him and more importantly keeping faith that wenger will see sense!

    2. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Sanchez imo

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

      Stats would suggest Sanchez has been ‘unlucky’ not to return FPL points... good one week punt , I wouldn’t captain him ahead of Salah though

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

        So has Richarlison...

  16. MGD
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Should we now get rid of Pope on WC?

    PP: 4,5
    SP: 4,7
    CP: 4,9

    1. Point-one short
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Yes, think so.

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

        Yeah, me too. It's a bummer, would really want to keep him.

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

      Yup.

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

      And Fabianski costs 4.7....... perfect

    4. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Unfortunately yes.

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

    DDG
    Morgan Tarkowski Mustafi
    Salah Son Silva Willian Mahrez
    Lukaku Aubamayang
    ——————————————
    Fab Barnes Christensen Naughton
    £0.1M ITB

    Thoughts on my team?

    I can bring in Smalling for Christensen as I have the £0.1M spare.... can easily bench him v city then...

    1. Point-one short
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Not convinced by morgan or barnes picks, otherwise good.

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

        Cheers mate, what’s your thoughts on Smalling? If I gave him instead of Christensen I’ll be benching Morgan GW32.

        Barnes likely to become Ayew GW34 with a free transfer.

        1. Point-one short
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Still on the fence about smalling - great value if he continues to start, but not sure if he will when Jones is fit.

        2. Point-one short
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Think I'm probably going to get JAyew and a power 5 midfield on w/c - don't think I'd play the 3rd striker before 34 anyway

  18. Manc
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    I kept Ramsey on gw29 and he still hasn't played for me. Some advice for upcoming fixtures? Is it better get rid of him to earn funds?
    Thanks in advance

    1. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Get rid

    2. The Wizard of Ozil
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I rage ditched him after 2 x no show. If he plays he's a good one to have but too frustrating to own rn.

      1. Pierce34
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Same, I've had Ramsey for 5 GWs this year and he's only played in 2 of them (despite never being flagged).

  19. Non-template FPL is for Kin…
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    What if DGWs are cancelled this year?

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

      Then they’ll play them next season?

      1. Holmes
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        DGW1 😎

  20. Teror
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Who likes my WC team? 0.7 ITB

    DDG - Hennessey
    Ota - Alonso - Robertson - VdH - Lowton
    Son - Salah - D.Silva - Mahrez - Kennedy
    Auba - Firmino - Murray

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

      Why did you buy Kenedy and Murray?
      Are you planning to start them vs HUD: Kenedy at 32 and Murray at 33?

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

        I might. Murray has got DGWs so maybe he's good for bench boost n ting. I'm not sure Murray is an impulse buy. Open to switching him to Barnes to free up cash. Kennedy was Willian but then I thought I might be better off with Alonso + Kennedy than Willian + Mustafi.

        What do you think? You're a better rank than me, who should I go with? Don't try talk me out of Firmino or Robertson, though.

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

          Murray could be transferred out to J Ayew (if Swansea has a DGW at 34).

          I’m not sure how nailed on is Willian... Mustafi proved that he’s an injury prone and on the other hand, Arsenal still has got matches at EL.

          So maybe Alonso and Kenedy is the better combo.

          Those days I stopped thinking about my WC team, because I think the first thing which should happen is PL annoucing the DGWs. Then I’ll be back to it.

          PS: Rank is just a number. You may surpass me by the end of the season, dunno.

  21. FPL_Hazards
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    T - 2 hours ...

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Refresh button time

    2. Pierce34
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      This man knows his stuff.

  22. Dele
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Is van der Hoorn nailed?

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

      Sort of. He'll miss out of they pay 4 at back though. But doesn't seem they play that formation much anymore

      1. Buck The Trent
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Good point. With easier fixtures, they may not play back 3 anymore

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

          Nah. Hope not. They seem to play this 3atb against everyone now.

  23. rodog
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Tweaked a little bit - latest WC - what do you think?

    Lloris McCarthy/Hart

    Lowton Mustafi Smalling Morgan Christensen
    Salah Mahrez Son Willian Kenedy
    Aubameyang Lukaku Vardy

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

      Definitely, GKs are bad.

  24. LSP
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Pick one

    A) Firmino, DSilva, Christensen, Mustafi, Chilwell

    B) Lukaku, Ki, Alonso, Fernandez, Morgan

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

      I can't say I'm a big fan of either but out of those two I'd say A

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

        I probably should've stated that the remaining team consists of:

        DDG Fabianski
        Bailly Lowton
        Son Mahrez Salah Willian
        Aubameyang Barnes

  25. Who is already on the beach?
    Athletic Bilbo
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    I’ve seen a lot of comments about various teams having ‘nothing to play for’. So I took a look at the facts and the league table, and it’s not as clear cut as some would suggest. (Sorry for long post).

    Ok, Man City are likely to have won the league by GW35 at the latest, and who knows how they will approach the league then.

    Man U will want the kudos of finishing second, but along with Liverpool and Spurs will want to be higher than 4th, avoiding the awkward champions league pre-qualification at the start of next season (where would spurs play the home leg?).

    Chelsea must surely beat Spurs next week to have a realistic hope of catching the top 4, but you would expect at this stage that even in defeat they would keep fighting in case the others slip up, even an eight point gap is not insurmountable. This should keep the teams above honest for a while, but it’s a real worry that Chelsea’s season will be effectively over before gw37.

    So much talk of Arsenal giving up on the league... but whilst United were favourites for the Europa League last year, Athletico Madrid look a totally different level to everyone else this year. Arsenal’s best hope of European football next season is through the league. Whilst Southampton are still in the FA Cup, Arsenal have to finish 6th to guarantee this. 2 defeats and the likes of Burnley and Leicester can be upon them: Arsenal could easily slide to 8th if their delicate form falters due to weakened lineups.

    Should Southampton not win the FA Cup, then 7th place brings an extra Europa League place. This certainly keeps Burnley, Leicester and Everton interested, and quite possibly right until the end.

    Bournemouth and Watford seem the most likely for a premature end to their seasons. One more win should guarantee safety, yet the Europa places look too far out of sight. Having said that, Watford have a strong run of fixtures and if they put a good run together they could sniff an opening into Europe. A couple more defeats for Everton and they could join this pair at the travel agents.

    Brighton’s motivation will almost entirely hinge on the next 3 fixtures. Win the two home games and they can relax: slip up and it’s hard to see where the survival points come from, they could be scrapping til the end.

    And below that, everyone is fighting against relegation. Some teams will be safe by week 37 perhaps, but the majority will be desperate for points right until the last week or two. Except perhaps West Brom, who should be buried by then.

    A final thought: it’s a World Cup year. I’ve known managers with nothing to play for rest key internationals at the end of seasons to help them prepare for International tournaments (Gylfi 2016 immediately springs to mind). Even if selected, how hard will the likes of Hazard, de Bruyne, Salah, Kane be pushing in the last couple of weeks if the season is effectively over?

    TL;DR talk of sun beds and travel agents is premature except for Watford and Bournemouth. Arsenal can’t give up on the league, Burnley and Leicester have plenty to play for. Beware player motivation if using BB in 37

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      This is a bloody great post!

      I would question whether Burnley, Leicester, Everton and possibly Bournemouth / Watford care about European football. Its horrible to say but the Premier League is the bread an butter. Recent years have seen English clubs throwing away their EL place and considering the competition more of a hindrance. English football has evolved in such a way where European success is secondary to survival in the PL its sad to see but it is the reality.

      Not sure on the prize money difference from finishing 10th to 7th might be arguably a better incentive.

      1. Athletic Bilbo
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks KOL, good point and not sure on the prize money. I reckon Dyche would love it though wouldn’t he? Leicester have ambitious owners for sure. Everton might feel better off out of it after this years humiliation.

      2. Athletic Bilbo
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Prize money is roughly £2m per position, not an earth shattering amount

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

          Lend us £2million mate 😉

          1. Athletic Bilbo
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Sure thing, I’ll just need your bank account details and sort code....

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

              😀

        2. Pooodle
          • 15 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          But it is also more than the FA Cup winners get (1.8m) so I think is a motivation for the boards and there's probably related pressure on the managers to finish high.

          1. Athletic Bilbo
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            And they’re professional sportsmen, and most will take a pride in what they do. I’m no psychologist but you would surely expect a natural reduction in performance once you achieve the main objective and breathe that enormous sigh of relief?

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

          To a club like Swansea etc that is a huge amount (one league place is roughly an extra 1.7% on annual turnover, climb 3 places and turnover is increased by 5% with little cost incurred) and I am pretty sure players get a bonus depending how high they finish.

          One or 2 teams in the middle of the league will take their foot off the gas but most will be playing hard, more or less, to the last game of the season

          1. Athletic Bilbo
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            It’s not insignificant and perhaps I was a little flippant but the prize money alone for 20th place is just shy of 100 million. That doesn’t take into account sponsorship, gate revenue etc, so much less than 1.7%.

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

              A bit out of date but I am in the right ball park though, Swans latest Accounts has turnover at 127 million and they are generally about 12th in the PL for turnover

              https://www.swanseacity.com/news/swans-confirm-latest-accounts-0

              https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/football/2018/jan/23/premier-league-highest-earners-world-manchester-united

              1. Athletic Bilbo
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                Of course, the point of my post was to question the widely held belief on here that some clubs have nothing to play for, when in fact they do. The financial aspect reinforces that

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

                  Yip I was agreeing with you 🙂

    2. Pooodle
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Arsenal are the interesting team for me because their fixtures are so good, but I wonder if Wenger would risk coming 7th or 8th with a gamble of winning the Europa League instead? I'm not sure that guaranteeing Europa League football next season will be a particular motivation for them.

      However, I also can't really see the teams below them making up the points so I think they're stuck in 6th either way.

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

        The most Wenger will do is ease a few players carrying niggles through the fixtures, Ramsey, Monreal, Wellbeck etc where he has little cover

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

      Just one important note: With the new qualifying system, every top 4 team is automatically qualified for the group stage in CL.

      1. Athletic Bilbo
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        That makes me a little more concerned about World Cup motivation and rotation at the end of the season

    4. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      The European qualification rules have changed.
      The top 4 Premier League teams will now all go straight into the 2018/19 Group Stage without having to survive a pre-qualification round first.
      ...except in the extremely unlikely event that Arsenal win the Europa League and Liverpool win the Champions League but neither of them finish in the top four, in which case the 4th team in the Premier league will not even qualify for the pre-qualification round!

      1. RedLightning
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        (In that case, the 4th team in the Premier League would qualify for the Europa League instead)

    5. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Good read, cheers 🙂

  26. WesMantooth
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Whats your dream-scenario for 34 and 37, and why?

    a: 6 games in 34 - 4 in 37
    b) 5 in 34 - 5 in 37
    c) 4 in 34 - 6 in 37

    I'm hoping Arsenal and City's double gets scheduled for 37.
    I'm without the TC but got the rest of my chips left to play. If 37 becomes the largest DGW, im able to build a team that looks great 32-33-36, FH34, decent 11 in 35, and 14-15 dgweekers for a BB37.

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

      Whatever the fixtures, I’m pretty comitted to BB GW34.

      End of season rotation too much of a risk to try and get 14 DGW players + Salah in 37

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

        Even if 34 only offers 4 extra fixtures?
        Will surely make it hard to get decent city and arsenal coverage in 37, and they should have some really tasty doubles if that happens.

  27. AThousandSuns
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Is it possible to cancel the free hit chip after activating it and making more than 1 transfer?? and if yes, Would your points be deducted prior to the upcoming gameweek. Thanks lads

    1. Pierce34
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      No. Activated by accident?

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

        A buddy of mine. I guess he will dance to the music then haha

    2. Buck The Trent
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Non cancellable/refundable just like budget airlines

  28. Moses _H
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    How is this WC looking
    DDG 3.9
    Alonso Christensen Mee VDH Fernandez
    Salah Son Willina Mikhi Mahrez
    Auba Firminio Barnes

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Def wouldn't double up Alonso and Christ
      Also wouldn't double up Swans def
      With only 2 premium strikers you should be able to manage DDG+Fab link-up

    2. Duffy Dunk
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Christensen->Monreal/Mustafi

  29. Don Kloppeone
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Another option (WC active) - actually looks quite a tasty 3-4-3 alternative and it gives the top pick keepers PLUS the big 3 WC strikers:

    DDG, Fabianski
    Christ, Robertson, Morgan, Lowton, VDH
    Salah, Mahrez, Son, Willian, King
    Auba, Lukaku, Firmino

    Pretty sexy right?

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

      Looks good if you are happy to ignite City, which is a fair enough approach

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

        Ignore, assuming you are not a part time arsonist 🙂