Scout Notes

Scout Scribbles – Christensen Scare For Blues

The international break starts with some mixed defensive news for Chelsea, while the in-form Riyad Mahrez helps steers Algeria to victory.

Denmark’s 1-0 win over Panama – one of England’s World Cup opponents – was achieved without Chelsea’s Andreas Christensen.

The versatile defender has returned to Stamford Bridge after missing out last night, with his national manager, Age Hareide, playing down the severity of his injury:

“Andreas Christensen has been sent home to London. We do not want to take any risks with him. I cannot say exactly what is wrong with Christensen, but it is a little fatigue. It’s not serious, but it can be. It is a bit frustrating because we would have liked to trial him in both central defence and as a defensive midfielder.”

Priced at just 5.3 in Fantasy Premier League, interest in Christensen is on the rise as the cheapest route into a defence that is one of just six set to play twice in Gameweek 34, with the Blues travelling to Southampton and Burnley.

Antonio Conte could, however, have David Luiz back in contention for the Gameweek 32 home encounter against Spurs on April 1, with the Brazilian stepping up his recovery from an ongoing knee problem.

Returning to the Denmark match, the usual FPL suspects of Christian Eriksen and Kasper Schmeichel started for the Danes, while Huddersfield centre-half Mathias Jorgensen was also handed a rare international appearance and his club colleague, Jonas Lossl, was on the bench.

Eriksen is likely to be in the plans of many an FPL manager as Spurs have an upcoming Double Gameweek 34 involving Man City at home and a trip to Brighton, as well as another double probably taking in a trip to West Brom and a visit from Newcastle.

But any of his 14.5% ownership watching yesterday’s match would have been dismayed to discover the Panamanians in combative mode for what was meant to be a friendly, as Hareide alluded to post-match.

“You play a friendly, especially between two teams that will play in the World Cup, and you take it a little bit more easy – but I think that’s their style and the referee has to decide about that.”

Eriksen survived and was replaced after 64 minutes for purely tactical reasons, while the 4.7% who own Schmeichel were at risk of losing their man to serious injury when he was the victim of a studs-first challenge to the midriff from Blas Pérez that narrowly missed connecting with the Leicester man’s face.

Pérez was sent off, the Danes won and all ended well, with Denmark back in action on Tuesday against Chile.

As for Panama, they’re also playing again that day against Switzerland, so the 12.6% of managers with Xherdan Shaqiri in their squads will no doubt be grateful that their man is missing the international break with a minor calf issue.

Vokes shines as Bale makes hay

Burnley striker Sam Vokes scored one goal and set up two more as Wales cruised to a 6-0 win over China.

His turn was not the star one, however, as a Gareth Bale hat-trick confirmed the Real Madrid man as his country’s all-time record goalscorer.

Then again, Vokes is used to playing second fiddle at club level as well – he’s currently third in the attacking pecking order at Burnley behind in-form duo Ashley Barnes (three goals in as many Gameweeks) and Chris Wood (three in two).

The Clarets’ schedule (wba wat LEI CHE) includes a double in Gameweek 34 that is prompting interest in their assets, yet despite his fine 63-minute performance yesterday, Vokes’ role as a bit-part player under Sean Dyche will ensure we steer clear.

New Wales manager Ryan Giggs also handed starts to Wayne Hennessey, Ashley Williams, Ben Davies, Joe Allen and Andy King, with the latter providing an assist.

Spurs full-back Davies (23.2%) and the 2.0%-owned Stoke City man Allen played 70 and 63 minutes respectively, the others the full 90.

All are likely to be back in action for the final of the China Cup on Monday, when they will play the winners of today’s other semi-final between Uruguay and the Czech Republic.

Elsewhere…

Gabon and Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is missing his country’s Long’s Cup duties in Bangkok as his grandmother has passed away.

The 8.3%-owned striker has been attracting a lot of FPL interest as the Gunners’ schedule (STK SOT new WHU) includes a fixture in the reduced Gameweek 35 slate and Europa League ineligibility makes him virtually nailed-on for league duty.

On the flip side, the news that Arsenal do not have a double in Gameweek 34 has dampened some of the enthusiasm in their key assets.

Meanwhile, Leicester City midfielder Riyad Mahrez (10.7%) is another in many managers’ Wildcard plans on the back of a good set of fixtures (bha NEW bur SOT) that includes two matches in Gameweek 34.

Indeed, since yesterday’s confirmation of the Double Gameweek 34, he is the fifth most bought player in the last 24 hours.

The winger’s fine domestic form – he has two goals and an assist from his last two Gameweeks – was carried into the international break as he set up two of Algeria’s strikes in a 4-1 friendly win over Tanzania.

Mahrez recovered from a slight muscle issue to play the full 90 minutes yesterday and is expected to be back in action again on Tuesday, away in Iran.

1,039 Comments Post a Comment
  1. anish10
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Hows this WC for BB 34

    DDG--Ryan
    Alonso--Smalling--Lowton--Morgan--Stephens
    Son--Salah--Mahrez--Willian--Gudmonsonn
    Auba--Lukaku--Murray

    Plan to save 33 then

    Auba > Vardy

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

      Looks good and very similar to me only I have gone for Gross and Barnes (atm).

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

      You've nailed it 😀

      I think.. this is exactly the team I have right now, but with Vardy in for Auba.

      Your TV must be high?

      1. anish10
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Fingers crossed, TV not that high only 104.4. Had a lot of money tied up Ota and few others before I sold.

    3. Royal5
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Zero City stands out. Rest looks pretty good.

  2. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    WC time

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      It’s in June I thought

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        ok.. WC preparation time

        1. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          hahahaha... yes WC preparation time

  3. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone else not WC’ing this week just because it’s one less GW to factor in to an already complicated run in?

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

      Good cast ... 🙂

  4. Old Gregg
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Oh go on then. One final RMT before I log off for the weekend.

    DE Gea/Ryan
    Scholloto - Alonso -Smalling - Lowton- Morgan
    Salah-Mhki-Willian-Mahrez-Cork
    Auba-Murray-VArdy

    1.4 itb for

    Mhki + Auba > Kaku+Son

    How do you like dem apples?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Pls stop spamming

      1. Old Gregg
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        What are you on about?

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

    (A) - 3-5-2:

    Pope, Hennessy
    *ALONSO*, Davies, Robertson (Chilwell, Van der Hoorn)
    Salah, Mahrez, Silva, Son, *STERLING*
    Aubameyang, Firmino (*QUANER*)

    (B) - 3-4-3

    Pope, Hennessy
    Davies, Robertson, *LOWTON* (Chilwell, Van der Hoorn)
    Salah, Mahrez, Silva, Son (*KING*)
    *LUKAKU*, Aubameyang, Firmino

  6. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    definitely not having christ in my team. rotation and injury prone

    1. Better off with a pin and a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Particularly over Easter.

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

    "VOKES SHINES AS BALE MAKES HAY" 😀

  8. goriuanx
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    For those who are BB'ing in 34 and FH'ing 35, the below teams have potentially 2 DGW's.

    Brighton
    Chelsea
    Leicester
    Man United
    Saints
    Leicester
    Spurs

    I'm building my WC around these teams.

    BF

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      same here 🙂

    2. Siva Mohan
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      sshhhh

    3. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      No Saints for me.

      1. Better off with a pin and a…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Saints are tricky because their fixtures aren't good, their form isn't good and the new manager makes any guesses about the lineup tricky. Shame really as I think there will be some good value to be had there somewhere.

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

      Your team will be crocked by 37 😉

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

    I've decided now is the best time to WC because if you wait for DGW37 then you will do well to get more than 7 players for DGW34.

    WC now means a full squad of DGW for and a full XI for DGW37.

    Only downside is less choice for DGW37 in terms of personnel.

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

      does it matter if you need a full 11 for dgw34?
      avoid 34 if u can with a few dgw players
      37 has the better fixtures for the better teams

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

        It matters because most other people will have a full DGW squad for 34.

        City are the only concern for DGW37 and you can easily put in three of their players for that week. Who else will you want for that week that you won't have in 34?

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

        gw37 is very late to hope teams will play their best XI.
        Bench boost then will probably be useless.

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Well yes but If you don’t have FH then BB37 is a no brainer

  10. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    cheeky wee repost as lost in previous article

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      d oh !

  11. machickenz
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Gabon and Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is missing his country’s Long’s Cup duties in Bangkok as his grandmother has passed away.

    Us new Aubameyang owner's worried?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Opposite. No injury that means unless someone trips him over at funeral.

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        This

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

      Not worried at all

    3. Page 302
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I read the same news and started thinking about how this could affect his FPL potential... but then I realized it was his granny's funeral. So I stopped.

  12. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    cheeky wee repost as lost in previous article 🙂

    here we go

    ddg ryan
    alonso bailly stephens lowton morgan
    salah mahrez son gross cork
    vardy auba firm

    gw 34 vardy luka firm
    gw35 fh
    gw 36 vardy kane firm
    gw37 vardy kane auba

    good to go ? thanks 🙂

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      one more ? 🙂

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

      Gross Cork, Son.

    3. Transferred Out
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      not sure you need Firmio for the double in 34, consider Murray and upgrading Cork?

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

    Appreciate a couple of opinions on this (cheers @zoumasbloomers for reply on last article)

    Morning all

    How does this lot look for a WC team:

    £0.1itb
    DDG (Ryan)
    Alonso, Bailly, Vertonghen, Morgan, Lowton
    Salah, Son, Mahrez, Willian, Groß
    Auba, Firmino, Barnes

    With this lot I plan to do Auba, Firmino >> Lukaku, Vardy in time for a BB in GW34 which will give me 14 DGWers + Salah
    Worst case scenario I downgrade one of the MUN or LEI defenders to free up funds on a -4 hit

    I prefer this way having a strong team now (i.e. avoiding people like Christensen, Smalling .etc who may be rotated or injured) and have more flexibility to downgrade if needed later

    Thoughts?
    Cheers

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      does your team have copyrights 😉 ?

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

        Maybe it should !
        I'm quite lucky that I have a decent TV so can afford this for now

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

      I'm thinking Vardy over Firmino now.

      Form is a concern but not great fixtures and feels like a waste of a transfer to do it in two weeks.

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

        I hear that but I have a lot of value locked up in Firmino and want to ride that for as long as I can while his form is still good

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

          Not sure it matters, does it?

          Once he's gone, he's gone!

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

    A) schelleto Maguire
    B) Christensen + Morgan
    Pick one. Helpp

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

      B.

      By a long way.

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

        Y??

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

    If you use free hit one week does your free transfer roll over and you have two free transfers the next week?

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      no.. only 1.. same as after using WC

    2. HamezMace
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      No, resets to 1

  16. HamezMace
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Just so I’m understanding this right, Burnley are the only team to play a double in 34, and also have a game in 35?

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Yes.. and good GW36 & GW38

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

        Triple Burnley on WC then. Thanks mate

  17. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    actually found it much much easier to build team for this set of fixtures rather than the ones we thought were going to happen 🙂

  18. Season run In Bench Fodder
    J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Fantasy Football Scout daily hot topic

    Season run in bench fodder

    Whatever a FPL manager’s situation they will need a small cohort of cheap players…who can be benched most weeks.

    But with double Gameweeks looming this group of budget enablers becomes more important – especially for those looking to use a bench boost during a double Gameweek. They can also be vital for those without a free hit chip, to help navigate through Gameweek 35’s limited fixtures.

    Which bench fodder are you targeting? And let us know not just why you like these players but also how they fit into your chip plans.

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

      Stephens, Tarkowski and Gundmundson/Cork.

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

        BF

    2. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      So for me I’m looking to bench boost Gameweek 34, navigate Gameweek 35 with a free hit, triple captain in Gameweek 37 – with an eye on funds to make sure I can get Harry Kane in with minimal fuss.

      This means double double Gameweek cheap players are particularly appealing. Brighton players look strong in this regard. Burnley are another that appeal – can play DGWK 34 then bench GWK 37 – also handy for those with no free hit chip btw as they play GWK 35.

      Here’s some on my watchlist with that in mind

      Goal

      Ryan…. Two double gameweeks and cheap gk in poorer teams tend to do well in doubles thanks to save points. A clean sheet a strong possibility in their Palace match in DGWK 34 too.

      Defence

      Duffy/Dunk appeal for similar reasons.

      I like the look of a Burnley defender with Lowton offering assist and bonus potential. Can bench a Claret in GWK 37 too.

      I’m tempted by Cedric at Southampton too and banking on a mini revival of sorts under Mark Hughes. Bit of a long shot though.

      Midfield

      Brighton’s Gross looks the best one. What I like about him is that I can use him as a cash cow to fund Kane in GWK 36/37. Easy to drop down to say Andy King - who can then either be played or benched in DGWK 37.

      Gudmundson another strong option – on set pieces for two admittedly tough home games. Getting him means that I have to look elsewhere for a Kane cash cow though.

      Another pair I’m looking at are AYoung and Matic at Man Utd. Nailed on and two doubles. Both offer the rare chance of attacking returns too. Could be a nice safe option…should get at least 5 for a bench boost.

      Forwards

      GMurray is screaming for our attention. Palace away looks a good fixture and is strong at home.

      ABarnes or Chris Wood other good options.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        thank you for sharing Jonty 🙂

      2. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Brighton and Burnley essentially then! Definitely good bets

        1. J0E
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Yep pretty much. All yesterday's announcement did was shift my focus from Swansea dross to Brighton dross (or even Gross 😉 )

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

            Are you considering Gross as 5th mid or even 4th?

          2. stat
              6 years, 7 months ago

              How about Kiko Femenia?
              Only 4.3M, no DGWs but has great fixtures - BOU BUR hud CPA tot NEW mun.
              Apparently preferred to Janmaat at RB, though he also plays as a RW sometimes - seems nailed on while Deulofeu is out at least. Bonus magnet too.

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

          Well you said it all. I have Ryan, Duffy, Lowton, Stephens, Gudmundson right now. And Murray 🙂

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

          Are you actually looking at Young and Matic? Nailed on and enablers, yes.. but their floor and their ceiling are relatively low

          1. J0E
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            As a holding place as part of an intricate plan to get Gross and Vardy in GWK 34 and leave enough to get Kane in two moves GWK 36 or 37.

            If that plan goes array then at least I have a dgwk player that's ok in those man utd pair.

            Key to wildcarding is always have a plan B...and Matic and A Young are definitely not plan A material. 🙂

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

              I think I'll start with Vardy for sure. Lukaku Vardy Murray. I was firmly on Auba but I just don't want to have any planned transfers.

              Like you said, something will inevitably go wrong and I don't want to take a hit so soon after using the WC

              1. reddragons178
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                But if you WC now and FH in 35 you will have to use 2 FTs in 34, so no harm in having a fw plans to do that and using SGW players for GW 32/33?

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

                  Don't have to use FTs. I'd prefer to have them in the bank in case needed and not use them.

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

                    Yup, this. If my team is fine, then great I won't use them. They're a nice safety net, theoretically

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

          Jonty, what`s your opinion on Southampton mids? Need one for 34 and 37 doubles. Currently on Tadic.
          My wc cheap players for BB 34: Ryan, Lowton, Cedric, Morgan, Gros, Gudmundsson, Tadic.
          Single gw players: Salah, Auba, Ogbonna

        5. FPL ZB
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          As a Brighton fan though, surely Murray doesn't play both doubles with Locadia looking good and Ulloa doing well against Utd the other day?

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

            Exactly! Which game will the old boy play?.

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

          Thank you Jonty great explanation and reasoning!

          Assuming you want Kane in 36, Will you look to do Vardy + someone to Kane + 4.2m mid?

          Something along those lines?

        7. pax888
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          So with this who are your 3 chosen Brighton players Jonty?

          Shame you can't have 4 just for supporting them.

        8. Tomcooper9
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Best option:
          A) Gudmondson + GMurray
          B) Gross + ABarnes?

        9. Jonny JAB
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Got the blinkers on there Jonty about a CS away to CPL ;)!

      3. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Gudmunsson. Cheap, gets assists, no blank so useful for those with no free hit. Can't wait to drop Walcott to get him in

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          he s expensive as a 5th mid though

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

            Gross is even more expensive 🙁

      4. Whats the Mata?
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Ryan in goal.
        Double Burnley def (Lowton and Tarkowski)
        Gross(for similar reasons as Jonty, funding Kane)
        Barnes upfront

        Basically Gudmundsson and Murray OR Gross and Barnes.
        The latter looks bettwr

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

          I'd actually prefer Gudmundsson and Murray

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

            I do too, they're the two I have right now

          2. J0E
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Yep - its either Gudmondsson and Murray or Barnes and Gross. Both pretty good pairings. Need to do some sums to see which is cheaper.

            1. Better off with a pin and a…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              The second option feels more nailed to me as well (though I guess both Barnes and Murray have competition). Gud + Murray = 5.1+ 5.9 = 11. Gross + Barnes = 6.0 + 5.3 = 11.3 so clearly the Gud + Murray option is the cheaper one.

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

        Is schelleto nailed jonty as 4.4 fodder. Will he play both matches in dgw??

        1. J0E
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Possible not for a dgwk. He's first choice though - should play the palace match at least.

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

        If bench boosting in 37 it doesn’t need to be fodder, actually the reverse is the case

        I sense this again is aimed at the WC33, BB34, TC 36 crowd 😉

        1. J0E
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          You need to consider fodder no matter when you use BB.

          So for you in GWK 37 I assume you would answer the hot topic with Swansea players.

          Nothing in the hot topic precludes BB WK 37 choices.

          My own reply is focused on BB GWK 34 but that's not the hot topic - just me answering it.

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

            My bench going towards 37 is likely to be players in the 5.0 to 7.0 range, not planned it yet or considered fixtures but off the top of my head the likes of Ederson, Ayew, Arnie, JWP, Lingard, Austin and even players maybe like Fernandinho, Matic etc ... point being the bench doesn’t need to be fodder if you are boosting in 37, as alluded to in the Hot Topic.

            1. J0E
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 15 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              So all your team is going to cost more than 5.0?

              Never seen that before. I guess its possible if your premiums are cheaper and you avoid the likes of Kane and Lukaku.

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

                Yes exactly that, paid for by down grading a premium player some where who has little to play for, injured or likely to be rested.

                For me the advantage of the BB in 37 is the chance to have £££ on the bench that you don’t have to carry in future game weeks ... two 5.5 keepers, premium nailed defenders, the ‘magnificent 7’ mids ... a strong 15 overall to give a kicking bench, at the expense of one premium player. This gave me 187 points last season !

                This also helps deal with rotation because you have cast the net over 15 players and takes you in to 38 without worrying if a few players don’t make the match day squads 🙂

                I read in to the assumption of fodder bench in the HT as only in relation to an early WC and bench boost because you simply can’t carry an extra £2 mill on the bench from GW32/33

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

                  That "187 points! it worked last season"-logic seems a bit strange to me. Referring to one instance does'nt seem like a good samplesize. That said , i think your strategy holds merit if your plan is to WC36. Sacrificing one premium asset to upgrade 4-5 slots could be very valuable in a BB DGW.

                  For those wildcarding earlier, I would be a bit cautious though. Burying an extra 3-5million on the bench, several gameweeks, during the run in of the season seems dodgy to say the least. Money is a part of the game for a reason.

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

                    Not making a big deal of it, just making a point - any way good luck with the rest of your season 🙂

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

                But with Kane in the team of course, have to cover your TC 😉

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

              So you’re repeatedly telling people to spread their funds for bench boost on here, but have not considered how this might be achieved?

              Matic, JWP and Fernandinho are the very definition of bench fodder by the way...

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

                I just chucked a couple of names in there by way of example of price, I will pick my team closer to the time I have to, pointless doing in now

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

                The point being is that the bench will have more potential than 2 Burnley & 2 Brighton up against Spurs, Leic, Chelsea & Palace

                I am not saying this is good or bad, just different to what others are planning and the general feel of most of the recent posts, articles and hot topics

                Debate is good, surely ?

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

                  It is indeed.

                  My view is that my double Burnley have reasonable fixtures in 32 & 33 and strong fixtures in 36 & 38. Brighton have strong fixtures in must-win games in 32 & 33, and Ryan covers De Gea’s trip to the Etihad in 33. So declaring these assets to be worth little is to focus to much on the bench boost in 34. These players have potential across several gameweeks.

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

                    ok ...

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

        Izquierdo + the usual suspects.

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

        Even though I'm gonna BB in 34 I'm going for Andy King as 5th mid. He has a nice fixture that week and the money saved can be better used elsewhere

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

        Interesting that there’s no mention of Leicester defenders so far: enablers with 2xdgw.

        However I’ve recently been a victim of the Leicester defence having owned serial chance-squanderer Maguire for an amazing period of clean sheet avoidance. I’m very wary of Chilwell, Morgan and Simpson but can see that they are popular on here.

        Albrighton is another possibility who can burn or delight owners in equal measure.

      10. JasonG123
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Jonty are we sleeping on Stanislas? I think he’s a much better option than Gross if fixtures are no concern.

        He has has also shown that he can score well in tough fixtures, indeed Bournemouth often play much better in tough fixtures.

        1. J0E
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          I may well consider him. Not ruled out.

        2. Niemi
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          I'm with you on this. I rate Stanislas highly as a fantasy prospect when fit

      11. jia you
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        With all these WC teams, I guess I'm the only one on here that still owns Colin Quaner and Adrian Mariappa! Fine cheap bench fodder that they are 😉

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

          Mariappa has good fixtures, and seems fairly nailed, I’d hang on to him. I know Britos came back, but he’s probably still trying to find his way out of Anfield in a dizzy stupor

          1. jia you
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            I have money itb to upgrade say to a BUR def, but I already own Lowton and why double up v LEI & CHE! Prob just keep him 🙂

          • 11 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Mariappa is a god.

        • 11 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Triple Newcastle looks good. Something like Dummet, Lejeune, Kenedy. I'm expecting the fat Spanish waiter and his side to do me proud.

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

          Worth noting that Kenedy can’t play in GW38 against Chelsea, a week you will likely need some bench cover

      12. Jeremy T
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Preparing to WC33, BB34 and FH35, my wildcard is likely to include a sprinkling of budget double-doublers (Brighton and Soton) and a maximum of one or two GW34 doublers that are benchable in 37 (Burnley and Bournemouth). Main options that spring to mind are:

        Brighton: Ryan; Dunk; Gross
        Soton: McCarthy; Cedric; Austin
        Burnley: Lowton; Gudmundsson; Barnes
        Bournemouth: Lewis Cook (only if budget is a real issue); Stanislas

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

        I’m BB34 and TC37, so for bench fodder I need to remember: they need to play 34 and be benched 37!

        So who’s got a good 34 and a benchable 37?

        Brighton and Burnley.

        If you’re doing it the other way round, then who has a benchable 34 and a good 37?

        Southampton and Swansea. (And Arsenal I guess, but they’re not going to provide bench fodder for you)

        Easy.

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

          This is important! Lots of Burnley and Brighton for me

      14. alexmj
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Ryan, Lowton, Chilwell/Morgan, Southampton def, Gudmundson, Murray

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

          Wildcarding now and plan is to FH34 and BB37. Basically means that Swansea, WHAM NUFC, Arsenal and City are my friends, and I'm quite happy about it. Currently looking at Fabianski, VDH, Dummet and Ayew as my fodder. They'll be called upon in 35 and prob only Dummet offers the chance of returns that GW. In 37 though, I will expect to Get a little bit more. Also looking at Kenedy, but he'll actually be my 11th man as I actually rate him better than fodder. He's a 6.5m asset in sheeps clothing, expect him to do well in both 32-32-35-37.

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

        Fabianski, Murray and Van Der Hoorn

    3. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      These moves would be for a -4 before double in 34. unsure which weeks I will do them all in yet
      Walcott => Gudmunsson
      Shaqiri => Son
      Wilson => Vardy

      No wildcard or free hit...

      Any thoughts appreciated

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

      Triple Burnley on a WC then.

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

        I've gone for triple Burnley

      2. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Works for me...

    5. MarkoSD
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I think everybody have around 5 million more than me, people having two pricey deffs and auba and kaku, how?

      ryan ddg
      morgan tarko lowton alonso shelotto
      son salah stanislas willian mahrez
      vardy kaku barnes

      any better ideas?

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

        That's a good team mate.
        Maybe Stanislas to Gross or downgrade to Gudm giving you more money for your defence?

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

          tnx. gross is ok but can't force myself to sell stan the man. yes, with gudm 0.9m more, but not enough for mutd def

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

        What's your SV mate?

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

          101,6

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

      How can i do this WC team better? (BB GW 34)

      De Gea McCarthy
      Alonso, Dunk, Lowton, (Morgan) (Chilvell)
      Salah Mahrez Willian Mkhi (Gudmunson)
      Lukaku Auba Barnes

      Will do Auba & Mkhi -> Kane & Gross in GW 34.

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

      Surprised to see Lukaku being overlooked still.

      A flat track bully with Swansea next and has the easiest DGW fixtures.

      After his heroics v Chelsea, I fancy him to punish City too.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        mmh tough one at city...will get him in 34 for dgw instead of auba

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

        I have him.

        Any thoughts on my squad below?

    8. Dacra
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Bailly 100% nailed?

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

        I'd say no

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          close

    9. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      is davies (spurs) too much of a rotation risk guys ? thanks

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

        He's definitely a risk. Personally, I'm not looking at Spurs defence at all. I'll go with Chelsea, maybe United, and then cheapies

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

      Ok. Getting closer to my final squad - I think(?!)

      DDG Ryan
      Christensen Vert Morgan. Lowton £4.2
      Hazard Salah Son Mahrez Willian
      Lukaku Vardy Barnes

      Who's best for 4.2?

      Or anywhere else to save a little?

      Thanks all. This place has helped a lot. (I think!)

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

        Christensen out.
        No 4.2 DGWer if you BB34.

        Kane plan?

        Auba v Hazard in lead up to DGW?

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

          Thanks mate

          Who'd you swap in for Christensen?

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

            I would go Tark. This will give you chance to upgrade 4.2. Maybe to Schelotto?

      2. Old Gregg
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Think you'll be struggling for a DGW player for 4.2

        Dumett for a SGW

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

        Sick midfield. Christensen not badly injured. Could get a Mariappa or Dummett with a single Gameweek fixture?

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

      Hello all. I guess this looks templatish enough for a wildcard draft?

      DDG, Ryan
      Azpi, Bailly, Morgan, Mee, Lowton
      Son, Mahrez, Willian, Salah, Gudmundsson
      Aubameyang, Vardy, Murray

      Save FT on GW33
      -> Aubameyang to Lukaku on GW34

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

        Get the template nailed and then make a few changes 😛

        Looks good. Are you going to try to get Alonso in?

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

          Cheers Pukka. I actually think I could go without Alonso as I don't consider him anymore as nailed as before. At least he could be rotated when Chelsea have three fixtures between 14th-22nd April

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

            Yeah I'm a little worried but Azpi could also be rotated

      2. Karan14
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Looks great. Plan of getting Kane back in 36?

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

          If I go for this team structure it would take -8 on GW36 to get Kane in..

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

          If I keep Lukaku

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

            By removing Lukaku for Kane, I could do with -4

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

      Guys, Firmino vs Bournemouth.

      How much of a concern is this?

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

        In what sense?

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

          Not planning on keeping him because of the DGWs.

          Is that a bad plan with such good form and a great fixture?

          Or is resting a big issue that means getting rid is sensible?

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

            I'm currently planning on keeping, but resting around CL is definitely a concern. If I had a WC I'd definitely consider dropping for Vardy.

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

              Thanks.

              I suppose it's a punt and as such, no one can really know!

    13. SSJTevez
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      DDG Ryan

      Alonso Bailly Christensen Lowton Morgan
      Salah Mahrez Son Willian Gross
      Auba Firmino Barnes

      GW33 Save
      GW34 Vardy+Lukaku in for Firmino+Auba
      GW35 FH
      GW36 Gross > Gudmundsson/King (unsure)
      GW37 Lukaku>Kane TC

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

        No Kane 34 plan?

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

          Not necessary, I don't think. I want him for my GW37 TC

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

            I’d say he is. Top scorer two season running and won’t go down without a fight this year. Essential for DGWs.

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

              That's if he's even match fit and firing hard

              He'll be fine by 37

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

              If he's fit for GW34, which I'm not convinced he will be.

              I'll go with Son for now and if he looks back, fit, and ready to play I'd consider making a move but I think with FH in GW35 I'll end up waiting for GW36 to bring him in. GW37 maybe even

        2. SSJTevez
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Nope. Will get him for 37

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

        That looks strong. I assume you're on a WC?

        I don't love the idea of planned transfers but it looks strong. I have some preferences (like Murray over Barnes) but all those players are good options.

        Go get yourself a grav! It'll help people recognize you and you'll get more replies 🙂

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

          Thanks mate. Correct about WC!

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

        I currently have the exact same squad you plan for 34, but have it now, planned transfers haven't worked well for me in the past.

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

          Auba has great short term fixtures though

      4. Goonsquad245
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Looks spot on - doing the exact same I think.

    14. Sif
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Re: Article
      Vokes scored twice