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FPL chip strategies for the Blank and Double Gameweeks ahead

Manchester United’s victory over Chelsea on Monday evening and the subsequent FA Cup quarter-final draw means that we finally know the full extent of Blank Gameweek 31.

Just five Premier League matches will take place that weekend as a result of the clash with the FA Cup quarter-finals and ten clubs will be without a league fixture.

Those ten sides will face a Double Gameweek as a consequence, very possibly as soon as Gameweek 32 given that there is a convenient midweek after the already-scheduled matches that is free of any UEFA Champions League or Europa League action.

Gameweek 35 also looks primed to be a Double Gameweek and could even potentially absorb some of those cancelled Gameweek 31 games, though of course, the Premier League will have further fixtures to reschedule as a result of Gameweek 33’s clash with the FA Cup semi-finals.

As a result, we are operating under the assumption that the following will occur – though we emphatically stress that nothing has so far been confirmed regarding when the Double Gameweeks will take place:

Blank Gameweek 31 – five Premier League fixtures will be contested.

Double Gameweek 32 – ten Premier League fixtures will be initially contested, plus some/all of the additional five that were postponed from Gameweek 31.

Blank Gameweek 33 – between six and eight Premier League fixtures will be contested.

Double Gameweek 35 – ten Premier League fixtures will be contested, plus some/all of the additional two/three/four that were postponed from Gameweek 33 and potentially any other outstanding matches.

Chelsea and Brighton (whose Gameweek 27 meeting was postponed as a result of the clash with Sunday’s EFL Cup final) may enjoy an additional Double Gameweek or even a Triple Gameweek in Brighton’s case, depending on the Seagulls’ progression to the FA Cup semi-finals.

For quite some time now, we’ve preached a “wait and see” policy on chip strategy and stressed the importance of the FA Cup fifth round, given that the results of the cup ties in the weekend just gone have such an impact on Blank Gameweek 31 and beyond.

Now seems the right time to assess our options, however, so we’ve taken a look at a handful of chip strategies that Fantasy managers might consider for the weeks and months ahead.

There is no right or wrong way to deploy chips in FPL – at least, not until hindsight comes into play – and there are strategies beyond the ones outlined below that could prove to be more effective in the long-run.

Last season, Yusuf Shiekh Wildcarded in Gameweek 25, Bench Boosted in Gameweek 37 and used his Triple Captain chip in Gameweek 38 – and finished first in the world.

As is always the case with these things, the most favourable strategy will differ from manager to manager and may depend on your current set-up.

Strategy 1

Build a team for GW31+33 / FH32 / WC34 / BB or TC35

This strategy entails steadily building a team of players using free transfers (and maybe a hit or two) between now and Gameweek 31, drafting in players who have a guaranteed fixture in Blank Gameweek 31 and, ideally, Blank Gameweek 33.

The Free Hit chip can then be used to cherry-pick 11 players who have attractive fixtures in Double Gameweek 32, before the second Wildcard is deployed in Gameweek 34 ahead of Double Gameweek 35.

Bench Boost or Triple Captain can then be used in Double Gameweek 35, with the remaining chip (if any) having to be used in a single Gameweek or, if there is one, another mini-Double Gameweek involving Chelsea and Brighton.

Pros:

  • Good if you are already well on your way to fielding 11 players in Blank Gameweek 31 (e.g. already have perhaps five or more assets in your squad who have an unaffected fixture that weekend).
  • This policy could ultimately save a valuable chip, as those Fantasy managers using Free Hit in Gameweek 31 may end up with a very similar starting XI given the (relative) lack of attractive fixtures to choose from.
  • Building a team for Blank Gameweek 31 has the dual benefit of setting up for Blank Gameweek 33, too. There may be a cluster of clubs without a Premier League fixture in both – Wolves and Manchester United already fall into the camp.
  • Players from Leicester, Liverpool, Bournemouth, West Ham, Huddersfield, Burnley, Chelsea and Everton can be targeted for Gameweek 31 in the knowledge that those clubs also have a fixture in Gameweek 33.
  • The likes of Leicester, West Ham, Liverpool and Huddersfield have largely good fixtures anyway leading up to the Blank Gameweeks.
  • An especially attractive strategy for those with low team value who don’t have a lot of money tied up in assets they may need to ditch (e.g. Paul Pogba or Raul Jimenez).
  • Means that a decision can be made as late as possible on fit and firing Gameweek 32 players, with that Gameweek falling after the March international break.

Cons:

  • Means that Bench Boost or Triple Captain can’t be used in Gameweek 32, which may potentially be the biggest Double Gameweek of all.
  • Means that one of the two above chips would have to be used in a mini-Double Gameweek or a regulation single Gameweek.
  • With still a month to go before Gameweek 31, injury/suspension/loss of form could befall the players that are being stocked up on.
  • Would likely mean having to avoid/gradually ditch in-form assets from the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Wolves in order to field 11 players in Gameweeks 31 and 33 (though up to three outfield players and a goalkeeper from these teams could, of course, be benched during their blanks).
  • Those relying on team value for a later Wildcard may lose a considerable amount of money if ditching assets such as Doherty, Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Raul Jimenez as they build for Gameweeks 31 and 33.

A slight variation of this strategy is as follows:

Strategy 2

Build a team for GW31 / WC32 / FH33 / BB or TC35

As above, this strategy entails gradually building a team of players using free transfers (and hits, if necessary) between now and Gameweek 31, drafting in players who have a guaranteed fixture in Blank Gameweek 31 – but not looking beyond that point.

The Wildcard can then be used to select 11 players who have attractive fixtures in Double Gameweek 32 and potentially again in Double Gameweek 35.

The Free Hit chip would be used for Blank Gameweek 33.

Bench Boost or Triple Captain can then be used in Double Gameweek 35, with the remaining chip (if any) having to be used in a single Gameweek or, if there is one, another mini-Double Gameweek involving Chelsea and Brighton.

Almost all of the same pros and cons for Strategy 1 apply to this method too, though in addition:

Pros

  • Ensures a strong starting XI in Blank Gameweek 33, which will have more fixtures to choose from than Blank Gameweek 31.

Cons

  • The gap between Double Gameweek 32 and Double Gameweek 35 is three weeks – meaning advanced stockpiling for the latter could be affected by subsequent injury/suspension/loss of form etc.

Strategy 3

FH 31 / build for 32 and TC or BB / WC34 / TC or BB 35

This strategy entails gradually building a team of players using free transfers (and hits, if necessary) between now and Gameweek 32, focusing almost exclusively on players who have a double in Gameweek 32.

The Free Hit chip can then be used to select 11 players who have attractive fixtures in Blank Gameweek 31.

As in Strategy 1, the second Wildcard is deployed in Gameweek 34 ahead of Double Gameweek 35.

The Bench Boost and Triple Captain chips can be used in Double Gameweeks 32 and 35.

Pros

  • Means that the Triple Captain and Bench Boost chips can each be used in a Double Gameweek, potentially raising the points ceiling for both of those weeks.
  • Has the potential to retain high team value until the Wildcard, especially for those managers who have a lot of money tied up in the more popular assets from the likes of Wolves, Manchester United and Manchester City.
  • Means managers can focus on the attractive fixtures leading up to Gameweek 31 without worrying about blanks. Manchester City’s forthcoming run (WHU, bou, WAT) could be fully exploited, while someone like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang might be brought in for Gameweek 27 as a short-term punt.
  • Managers can cherry-pick a Gameweek 31 squad and ensure a playing starting XI.
  • As with Strategy 1, ensures a strong Double Gameweek 35 team/squad with transfers left relatively late in the day.

Cons

  • Potentially severely weakened Gameweek 33 team, with focus being on Double Gameweek 32 and the Free Hit having already been used in Gameweek 31.
  • Wolves v Manchester United is definitely off in Gameweek 33 – meaning that managers with numerous assets from these clubs who planned to keep hold of Messrs Pogba, Rashford and co may be struggling to cobble together a starting XI.
  • Double Gameweek 32 occurs after the international break, meaning any plans to steadily build a squad for that round of fixtures could again be derailed by injury/suspension/loss of form given that much can happen in the intervening six weeks.
  • With Liverpool, Leicester, West Ham and Chelsea all enjoying decent fixture runs in the coming weeks and months, managers may already own five, six, seven or even more players with a fixture in Blank Gameweek 31 as it is – leaving a question mark over how much worth the deployment of a Free Hit chip on the likes of Bournemouth and Burnley assets for one Gameweek really is.

A slight tweak to Strategy 3 would be to use Free Hit in Gameweek 33 instead of 31, with the decimated starting XI instead being in the latter.

Fantasy managers without their Triple Captain chips should be able to adopt and adapt any of the above strategies, though those without their Wildcard will likely have to sacrifice one of the Blank Gameweeks in order to get the most out of the Doubles: FH31 or FH33, build for 32 and 35, and TC/BB in 32/35 is one avenue for that group of FPL bosses.

980 Comments Post a Comment
  1. 328345
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    a) Almiron and Arni
    b) FAnderson and Rondon?

    c) other mid+striker with a 13.7m budget

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

      B

    2. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      b

    3. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      B

  2. Reckoner.
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    My thinking yesterday switched from using Free Hit in GW 32 to using it in 31.

    If this was to end up being the reschedule for GW32:

    https://twitter.com/BenCrellin/status/1097636488467103745

    I'd be looking at 10 DGW players for GW 32 (+ Alisson, Robertson & Salah) after this weeks transfers.

    And 7 players playing in GW 33, with transfers building up to that to increase that number.

    Would be pretty happy with that!

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      It's not in his hands though 😉

      1. Reckoner.
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Oh yes I know that, but he's obviously looked at the fixtures and predicted what would logically work.

        We'll wait and see.

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Like he did last season, and was completely wrong.

          Best discussion around the fixtures is in response to this HT from last night https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2019/02/18/how-chelsea-vs-man-united-could-affect-fpl-schedule/?hc_page=13&hc_sort_by=comment_date#hc_comment_19896377

          1. Reckoner.
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks for the link, will have a read.

          2. Amey
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Thank you for HT mate

    2. Jorgen1311
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Oh man, how’d u manage that, What players do you have?

      1. Reckoner.
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Kolasinac, Bednerak, Valery (coming in after this GW), Bennett, Son, Pogba, Jota, Rashford, Aubameyang, Aguero (coming in after this GW)

  3. Benditlike
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Like many others im planning to FH31. Who do you consider top 10 players to own for GW 31?

    1. Marty McFly
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      3 Liverpool
      2 WHU
      2 Chelsea
      2 Leicester
      1 Bournemouth
      1 Burnley

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Triple Liverpool
      Fraser, Wilson/King, Anderson
      Hazard/Higuain or both
      Someone from Leicester

    3. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Salah, Mane, Robertson
      Hazard, Higuian - maybe Alonso
      Perreira
      Anderson and Arnie
      Wilson and Fraser
      Richarlison

    4. JohnCarewCarew
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I’d add Newcastle players to the above. Decent fixture in 31 and good ones leading up to it, starting this week. I’m starting with a punty Almiron and looking at Rondon and Yedlin.

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        If you're FH'ing in 31, you don't need to worry about the fixtures leading up to it.

    5. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      FH in 31 makes no sense. What will 33 look like?

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

      I actually meant FH 32

  4. rowdog24
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I like strategy 1 or 2 but my main concern is not using TC or BB or on a DGW. Do you think this is a legitimate concern?

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Nope.

  5. Marty McFly
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    G2G?

    Foster (Hamer)
    Pereira - Robbo - AWB (Tarkowski - Balbuena)
    Salah - Mané - Pogba - Fanderson (Højbjerg)
    Auba - Jimmy - Barnes

    Somewhere between now and bgw31... Pog > Haz, Auba > Vardy, Jimmy > Arnie, Hamer > TBC.

    FH32

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

      Yes

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

    FH in 32 so need to have a strong team for bgw31.
    Initial plan was:
    27 Haz, kamara-> Auba McNeil
    28 son digne -> sterling, lascelles for -4.

    Now with Chelsea playing in gw31 not sure whether to keep Hazard or not. What would you do?
    1) stick to the plan
    2) ignore Auba, do Digne->New def this week, son->sterling next week.

    Current team is:
    FAB
    Robbo awb Pereira Schindler
    Son salah Anderson pogba
    Rashford Jimenez

    Digne hazard kamara

    1. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I would keep haz, great differential right now and plays in blanks as you say 🙂

    2. Iceball
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Keep Haz for sure, what would you do if you had Alonso, see below?

    3. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      2

      was thinking of doing Firmino > Auba for a -4 as well, but now I'm going without Arsenal strikers. Not worth a hit, especially with Arsenal fixtures GW 29/30 and blank 31

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

        Cheers mate

    4. Marty McFly
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Have you got 2fts? Anything in the bank?

      I would definitely keep Hazard in your postion.

      If you have 2fts maybe just do Digne > Yedlin?

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

        Thinking about this. Have 2ft and 2.1itb

        1. Marty McFly
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I think that’s the move then. Leave yourself plenty in the bank to get Hazard in further down the line for Pog/Son.

  7. Amey
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Guys can we talk about gw 27 for a Change ?? 😛

    Who should be first on the bench ??
    Kiko or awb ??

    1. Flaming Flamingo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Tough call. Kiko maybe, just.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thank you mate 🙂

    2. Party time
        5 years, 1 month ago

        If Janmaat is back then Kiko might not start. I think both teams will concede but I will put Awb first 🙂

        1. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Kiko doesn't start with Janmaat back but does if fit with Holebas suspended

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Thank you kiwi.
            I think I'll need one from my bench this gw

        2. Party time
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I think Kiko is flagged also

            1. Kiwivillan
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              FPL flags are a joke. Kiko back in training last week and Gracia said probably not ready before last Cup tie but hoped back for Cardiff

              1. Amey
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Great to hear that

            2. Kiwivillan
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              See Pogba dropping in price flagged based on hearsay injury and playing next game

              1. Amey
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Pathetic from fpl sometimes

          • Amey
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Thank you mate 🙂
            Yes kiko is flagged. Yellow

        3. Iceball
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Kiko doubtful but I think him 1st on bench since better fixture than AWB

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah. Cardiff is easy compared to Leister
            Thank you:)

          2. Kiwivillan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Leicester haven't scored against Palace in last 3 encounters

        4. My heart goes Salalalalah
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Someone replied to me that Leicester hasn't scored against Palace in their last few matches

          1. Kiwivillan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            11-0 to Palace since Leicester went up 2-0 in previous 4

          2. Amey
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            😮
            Didn't know that.
            Thank you mate

        5. Cojones of Destiny
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          kiko defo

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Thank you 🙂

      • Iceball
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Currently have 6 players who play GW31. Was going to lose Alonso, but what now?
        I can handle this week on bench since only him and Sterling blanks.

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Bin for a Leister Defender

        2. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I have 1 player for 31. Not stressed

          1. The 5% Team
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            because you're using FH then?

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Nope.
              He'll play 6-7 players in that gw i think

              1. The 5% Team
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                ah of course, me too

            2. Kiwivillan
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              I'll take hits to get 8-9 that play 31 and 33

        3. Kuzser
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Keep on the bench this week, but I would ditch after as you can get extra money for an upgrade elsewhere. If Chelsea has a new coach, then Alonso might not keep his place with that performance.

        4. Marty McFly
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Out of a Leicester defender.

          1. Marty McFly
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            For*

      • FPL-Gutten
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Does anyone know the situation with Boruc/Begovic? Is is "safe" to go with Boruc for the blank gameweeks?

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Seems that Begovic was dropped for poor form, not injury, and Boruc has done well since coming in, and it seems to be his place to lose now.

        2. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Begovic had a fight with Eddie howe as per Bournemouth echo.
          Dropped. Looking for new club next season.

          So, Boruc have no credible threat to his place in the team

          1. FPL-Gutten
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks!

        3. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I would bet money barring injury Boruc is Bournemouth GK for rest of season

      • Cojones of Destiny
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Mark made one transfer so far any idea what it might be ?

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Digne to Pereira ??
          Don't know his team ID 😛
          Wild guess

          1. Cojones of Destiny
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/team/4668/event/26
            thinking ings to arnie may be ?

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Or Richa to Anderson ??

        2. Rotation's Alter Ego
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Ings to Rondon I suspect.

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            😮

      • Shatner's Bassoon
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Rashford and Pogba are gonna punish sellers in that Arsenal away game in GW30 aren't they.

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Are people selling them?

          1. Shatner's Bassoon
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Well, I dunno... I don't think I will. It's just on paper it looks like:

            (ars) - BLANK - (WAT/MCI) - BLANK.

            One way or the other you're either getting them both blanking in the same GW or selling them, so I think a lot of people will look at Arsenal away followed by a blank and get rid.

            1. HamezMace
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Some people on here have flagged up the value tied up in both those players - Pogba has gone up 0.9m, and Rashford, a little less I think, but anyone selling - especially those planning to bring them back on a WC34/35 will have to consider the budget available.

              1. Shatner's Bassoon
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Yep that's a fair comment but don't underestimate the market skew of the casuals shipping these lads out after suddenly seeing they have a blank.

                Could easily see a 0.2 downward shift which would make it easier to get them back.

                1. HamezMace
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  True, filthy casuals ruining fpl for the rest of us! 🙂

        2. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I'm going to keep
          Son,Pogba, Rashford, Doherty on the bench through the blanks.

          So. I'd take that.
          And yes, Arsenal away means Joy for Lingard 😉

        3. Vobinho
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Pogba definately a season keeper, even for the harder fixtures.

          I'm getting rid of Rashford as there could be rotation there

      • CROCosta
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        i have a question about bench boost:
        basically most here are considering it for double gw32/35. does it matter if you use it in double or regular week? are you seriously gonna have 15 players from double gameweek teams and 0 liverpool, chelsea, no boruc, no anderson, no leicester? i don't really see the point in using it for double gameweek rather then a single gameweek when all your 15 players (and i beleive most importantly both gk) have good fixtures.
        would like to here some counter-argument or if anyone is really planning to wc for bench boost without the likes of salah, robbo, taa, chelsea assets etc.

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Salah is probably the only player who would survive in most WC teams ahead of a DGW/BB combination.
          Depending on fixtures there will be plenty of options that most people would consider favourable over any of the single GW players you've mentioned,

        2. Shatner's Bassoon
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I think the last couple of seasons I've had about 10 or 11 double players and then the rest are single GW players with strong fixtures.

        3. Reckoner.
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Wildcarding in 34 and BB in 35 means you only have to run with that team for the remaining 3 gameweeks.

          By that point Liverpool / City may have already won the League, relegation may have been confirmed for a few, mid table teams may already have their feet up on the beach.

          For me those last 3 gameweeks could be the hardest to predict so picking the best team is going to be really hard for anyone.

          That's why I'm not really concerned about the WC 34 BB 35 tactic, who's to say my team that was setup for 35 won't outperform those who have players from all the big hitting teams?

          1. CROCosta
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            i can see the logic there, thanks!
            i have used wc myself 2 weeks ago so no wc+bb for me

          2. The 5% Team
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            yes, that's why I'm gonna use BB in 32 and not in the later stages of the season

      • OPTA FPL
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Any news on Doherty yet?

      • Vobinho
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        GW27 :

        Hamer
        Wan Bissaka Schindler Shaw
        Jota Son Pogba Salah
        Firmino Auba (c) Rashford

        Ryan, Digne, Rich, Holebas

        I have three options :

        Hamer to Etheridge/Schmeichel if Hamer doesnt play
        Jota to Fanderson if Jota is out
        Firmino to Arnie.

        All these are one week punts, which would give the best upside do you guys think?

        1. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Hamer won't play. Hamer>Boruc No brainer. Probably best fixtures 31 33 of any Gk

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

            I'm wildcarding in 28 though, so wondering which transfer is best for one week. Tempted to take the zero on the keeper and get more points elsewhere?

      • Cruz88
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Was hoping the article would offer an option for those like me who have all their chips except their wildcard. Am thinking I might ride out 31 and use FH 32 to build an awesome DGW team

        1. Cruz88
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Oops, I mean people who STILL HAVE all their chips EXCEPT wildcard 🙂

          1. Cruz88
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Argh that's what I wrote what's wrong with me

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              😀

              1. Cruz88
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Clearly it's going to be a long day 🙂

                1. Amey
                  • 5 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  He he.

        2. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          32 FH still makes most sense

        3. Pep Pig
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I'm in the same boat as you mate and set on the FH 32 strategy. Fielding 8 players plus is sufficient for GW31 for me without hits

          1. Cruz88
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Thing is I currently only have 4 players for GW 31. I was going to bring in Aguero next week as well as i have enough ITB to upgrade lacazette and man city have some decent fixtures coming up. Might squeeze two or three more in before 31 I suppose. Though they're not the most appealing teams

            1. Pep Pig
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              I think Leicester players do make appeal with their upcoming fixtures. Arnie and Anderson at WHU could become very appealing. The way I look at is, if you FH in 32, it gives you the option of a very strong 11 who potentially play twice, over FH in 31 which is nowhere near as appealing getting 11 out. All you need is your Liverpool assets, Arnie or Anderson, and one or 2 Leicester options and you will possible match the Free Hitters anyway.
              I see what you're saying with Aguero, it could be a bold and golden move still bringing him in, but with the cup games approaching his minutes would worry me. Though I'm keeping Sterling

              1. Cruz88
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                If I've learnt one thing this season though its not to doubt Aguero 🙂 didn't captain him for his arsenal hat trick and didn't even own him for his next one

      • Simmoo
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I’m being dumb but why can’t GW34 be the 2nd double?

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

          European commitments I think

          1. The 5% Team
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            yes, QF fixtures for UCL and Europa League that midweek

      • balint84
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        bench 1

        A) bennett
        B) awb
        C) robertson
        D) diop

        1. Cojones of Destiny
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          bennet

      • Pompel
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Excellent article - should've been members only though.
        Think I'm in still in strategy 1 camp, even though I'm looking at pretty mediocre team for GW31 & GW33. And what to do with Richarlison?

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Yep. Should have been for members.

          Bin Richa

        2. Pompel
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Not so sure - if not using FT on Fanderson this GW, Rich and Felipe has same expected point score GW28-GW31

        3. ChuckN
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          What would your 31 team be?

          I have only
          Boruc
          Robbo
          Salah Mane Puncheon (lol)

          I'm planning on getting another 4 or 5 tops with 1-2 hits that GW and then benching Pogba/Son/Lloris. No WC or TC left.

          1. Kiwivillan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Boruc Robbo Salah Mane I would rate as probably 4 best 31 assets so already miles ahead

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

        Thoughts on Pogba (LIV) as captain this GW? Alternative is Son (bur) but finding Pogba's big game form hard to ignore under OGS

        1. Pompel
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I'm torn between Salah and Pogba. Thinking the latter should have potential to gain some OR

      • Chip Strategy discussion
        Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Fantasy Football Scout Daily Hot Topic

        There is obviously loads to talk about now as we have some more clarity on the DGW/BGW situation, so we'll start today with the strategies outlined in the above article. These are strategies for people with all their chips and wildcard still available, but should still be somewhat helpful for people who have used one or more of them.

        Here are the strategies outlined above:

        Strategy 1: Build a team for GW31+ 33 / FH32 / WC34 / BB or TC35

        Strategy 2: Build a team for GW31 / WC32 / FH33 / BB or TC35

        Strategy 3: FH 31 / Build for 32 and TC or BB / WC34 / TC or BB 35

        Although it's interesting to hear which you're going for, also explain why you're going for what you are.
        What are the benefits pushing your decision the way you're leaning, or the negatives to the other approaches?

        This is a very team-based decision so there may well be significant differences in approach.

        Make a case for your chosen approach. Are there key players or teams involved? Are you cautious to sell certain players? Why will your strategy maximize your potential (or minimize the risk)?

        With so much to talk about leading into the early GW27 deadline, remember that if you see posts that are worthy of being a Hot Topic you should use the flag button under the post. Write 'potential Hot Topic' in the box that pops up to alert me and the mod team, and we can take a look at the post to get it highlighted.

        1. danishdynamite
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Heading toward Strategy 1. I can easily get 10-11 out for that week with FT's from here in

          However, this would involve losing some pretty chunky TV by getting Liverpool / Chelsea players back for 31/33 (Pogba / Sterling / Kun > Mane / Haz / Hig) and I'd need to be pretty damn convinced about their form before going for it.

          1. Geoff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I get the feeling Strategy 1 will be the most popular.. I think it's mine too.

            I've already sold Pogba, which helps. And is scary.

            I'm not worried on losing Sterling, Auba, and the Wolves lads. It's just when do I do it.

            My bigger question this week is do I keep Richarlison..

        2. sully29
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I guess the starting point for this decision is to see how many GW31 players you currently have in your team? If you have very few or a lot then that leads you down one path or another straight away.

          Though if they include Chelsea/Everton players then it is a bit of a conundrum as you probably don't want them anyway.

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            A lot of talk about future chip use but the 30% of us who don't have a FH chip, give me your advice. Cheers.

          2. Kiwivillan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Only Salah(Snodgrass doesn't count as convinced will be dropped this week). Not worried. Free transfers and hits on my fringe players then maybe likes of Son Rashford out in 31

          3. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I have 6 and easy to get 10 players. However I am lost on how I use my WC chip as it will involve a lot of GW33 absentees.

            1. Kiwivillan
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              WC 34 BB 35

              1. Eze Really?
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Good but I will get battered in GW32.

                1. Kiwivillan
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  I just realised you no FH. Ouch

        3. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Going with strategy 1:
          Reasons:
          1. Current players
          Salah,Robbo,Mane, Pereira,Fabs.
          So with 4 FT can field 9 player's which is enough imo. It's a low scoring gw by the looks of it.

          2. Don't have TC chip left.

          3. FH in gw 32 has the best potential imo as it's biggest dgw. So no need to plan transfer's, can select 11 dgw player's 😉

          4. BGW 31 & 33 team's will have similar look so sorted for that gw 33 too.

          5. WC 34 to clear the junk player's (2-3) picked up for BGW's & maximize squad value for BB in gw 35

          1. Geoff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            And you can always take a hit.. I'm thinking of taking one this week to improve my team, particularly if Doherty is out, and to prepare for 31

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Yep 🙂

          2. King Kun Ta
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Sounds like my plan....but also got the TC. But when?

            1. Kiwivillan
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              If you had and did Hazard TC vs Hudd you would've got 4pts less than if you did Aguero or 5pts Laporte

            2. Amey
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Salah/Mane against Fulham sounds good

            3. Geoff
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Salah against Huddersfield maybe?

        4. Shatner's Bassoon
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I'm sat with 6 players across Man Utd, Man City and Wolves (probably fairly common so hopefully this rings true for a few) - so, assuming City beat Swansea that means I've got 6 key players not playing in either week 31 or week 33.

          For those interested, the players are Sane, Sterling, Jimenez, Doherty, Pogba, Rashford.

          I'm trying to avoid thinking about value tied up in players etc and just focus on navigating those three weeks as best I can, which I think I'll do with transfers after GW29 to prep for 31/33 - and then FH in 32 - probably getting back some of the players above that I'll have to let go in 30/31 just to get more players on pitch.

          There is a nagging part of my brain though which is telling me that 32 is going to be the biggest DGW of the season by some distance (right?) so playing FH stops you from bench boosting.... not saying it's easy to BB in this gameweek given blanks either side but if you could somehow engineer it, it would be pretty special!

          1. Geoff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I've sold Pogba already which tips me a bit. I might even sell Sterling already and just commit to it now. I'll sell Richarlison or Sterling, and I do think Richarlison looks easier to sell, but selling Sterling gives money to play with and another player for 31/33

            1. Shatner's Bassoon
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Yeah Sterling to Hazard is staring me in the face for GW31 in particular.

              I've actually lost money on him as it stands anyway so it's a far easier move than shifting the United/Wolves lads.

          2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Jimmy & Doc need to be sold after GW29, fixtures are bad

            Replace with Rice/Pereira/Lascelles and Arnie

            SAne > Felipe or Maddison this week

            1. Shatner's Bassoon
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              I have Lascelles + Anderson ATM. Doing Digne -> Pereira this week, I think.

              Gonna wait on Sane for the moment.

              Agree RE Wolves post 29, although Chelsea away not looking so tough these days!

              1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                • 14 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Rice is a good addition to any squad at the minute, got the fixtures, playing OOP, dirt cheap, benchable & nice 31 fixture - Doc has to go in GW30 imo, doesn’t keep CS’s and bad fixtures - plus if you really miss him could get him back on FH32 for DGW before 31 blank

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

                  Or you can pick Jonny instead of Doherty. Not as good as but cheaper

                  1. Shatner's Bassoon
                    • 5 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    Can see myself cashing in on Doherty during this run, then going for Jonny instead on the GW34 WC.

                2. Shatner's Bassoon
                  • 5 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  I do have Fabianski though so that would give me a bit of pause, going for the WHU double up.

                  See what you mean though.

            2. Geoff
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              I agree, it'll be easy enough to sell Wolves assets then

        5. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Definitely strategy 1 with only Salah as described. I think 31 will be a damp squib and 7-9 key players will be plenty

          1. Kiwivillan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            *only Salah as 31 player atm as described earlier response

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

          Strategy 4 - FH31/WC32

          1. Geoff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Is that what you're looking to do?

            1. HamezMace
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              I think so.
              I really want to FH31.
              1. I don't want to lose TV, and weaken my team ahead of GW31, by bringing in lots of Newcastle, and West Ham players.
              2. I would like to be able to use BB, and TC on DGWs.

              1. Kiwivillan
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                I have 4-6 players I can sell before 31 that don't affect TV. That's practically a reasonable 31 number plus a couple

                1. HamezMace
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  So you're going to be happy with 8 players playing in GW31?

        7. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Thankfully my BB was out of the way from GW 1 with 20 points in my pocket, so I can pick Strategy 2. One need not prepare overmuch for BGW31 in my opinion, so it's a pretty easy course of action for me.

        8. Pep Pig
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Unfortunately I blew my 2nd WC in GW 23 as I felt I needed it. It's worked well closing my ML gap from 120 pts to 39 pts. Though I'm not comfortable without it so only time will tell whether I made a big mistake or not.

          I'm chipping away at strategy A. I can't see an alternative without a 2nd WC.
          After this week, I will decide whether Almiron improves the Newcastle attack and whether Tielemans bolsters Leicester going forward as I'd love Maddison/Vardy and Tielemans to become options.

          Will plan to bring in Bournemouth attacking options with Wilson hopefully returning. (Excellent turn of fixtures from GW 30.

          I think the template team is going to have a real mix up with Leicester, Newcastle, Bournemouth's good fixtures. I will be holding Sterling and hopefully adding Aguero to the mix.

          Exciting times ahead especially if Kane makes a return this week too. He has to become an option against Chelsea and Arsenal if he features against Burnley

          1. Geoff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Or Almiron himself, maybe. I'm closely watching Newcastle and Leicester as well.

            Wolves > Bournemouth down the line will be good. I think the chance to go with some of those mid-table teams will be really exciting.

            1. Pep Pig
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Indeed Geoff. You know my thoughts on Almiron. Watching Newcastle and Leicester closely at this end too. It is common for the bottom half the table to mix things up in the closing months and there's no doubt their fixtures give them every chance.

        9. Vobinho
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I'm sort of in the Strategy 1 camp, but instead :

          WC 28 in order to build for 31 & 33

          FH 32

          But at the same time try to make sure I have enough cover for 35 in my WC team and then use FT's and a possible hit to get a good team for 35 (BB) and beyond.

          I find more value in WCing early as WCing in 34 doesn't give much in terms of utlising the team value and building a better squad. Doing so in 28 gives 9 GW's of value.

        10. Do I Not Like Orange
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Strategy 1. I currently have 7 who play in 31 with 2 FTs still to use this GW, so making an 11 for that week would be fairly easy. However, this includes dead weight such as Rich, Digne & Schindler, and I have no desire to lose Pogba or Doherty for Leicester players, so my thinking is to get 8-9 good quality options out for 31 & keep the players I have value in.

          FH in 32 mainly because given the fixtures I'd strongly consider losing my expensive Pool assets to free up value on a strictly one-off basis.

          1. Geoff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah, it'll be nice to re-allocate the Salah money in GW32.

            What are your thoughts on Richarlison? Even though he hasn't been, part of me thinks he could score against anyone. Games in 31 and 33.. it's hard for me to sell him this week

            1. Pep Pig
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              I think keeping Richarlison has become a differential in itself mate. Once Everton pick up, I've no doubts he would too. Though with Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Man Utd and Spurs to play in 5 of their next 11, it doesn't look great.

              The FH32 brigade will see the "majority" of FPL teams spreading the Salah funds. I might be inclined to keep him if that's the case as he could still haul. Though I'll decide that nearer the time depending on his form

              1. Geoff
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 11 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                I'm looking at a risky Sterling > Anderson + an upgrade somewhere else (Hojbjerg > Maddison or something) -4 this week but it doesn't quite feel right. If Doherty was out I'd be more convinced

            2. Do I Not Like Orange
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Probably keep for now as tbh I don't like any of the options in the same price bracket (already have Ando). Will still ditch Digne though.

        11. Reckoner.
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Strategy 3 with BB in 35.

          I don't want to dead end my team in the build up to WC in GW 34, which is what I would be doing if I free hit in GW 32. I feel I will miss out on too many points doing that.

          FH in 31 means I can keep the majority of my team together until I WC in GW 34 but does probably mean I won't get a full team out for GW 33 (probably 9+ though).

          1. Kiwivillan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I won't dead end my team with FH 32 and treating 31 and 33 with disdain which is what I'm doing

            1. Reckoner.
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              So writing off getting decent scores in 31 and 33? Seems risky.

        12. Biancazzurri
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I have 4 players for 31 and it includes Billing. So it's strategy 3 for obvious reasons. I can't fathom sacrificing the players I like in my team for the sake of the BGW.

          FH 31
          TC 32
          33??
          WC 34
          BB 35

        13. Demel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I have a bit of a hybrid version of option 1 in mind.

          I have a lot of value in

          Robertson
          Doherty
          AWB
          Pogba
          Rashford
          Jimenez

          - Out of these AWB is the only one I will consider moving on.
          - Robertson/Salah both play in GW31 (I also own Fab/Digne who can play)
          - It leaves me with 4 non-playing outfielders (injuries/form still means that I could yet lose one of those 4 and field 11.

          This means I am on track to field 9/10 players (I am not fussed about getting 11 out). I can then wildcard the following week keeping most of my value whilst players are making odd moves to downgrade these players to other options.

          This means losing the following players...

          - Bednarek
          - Sane
          - Son
          - Aguero
          - Camarasa
          - (possibly AWB)

          I don't have to move on Son/Aguero until the week of GW31 (I can bring them back in on wildcard the following week should I choose). I have money in the bank for Sane > Hazard and will make that possibly next week. It then just involves shuffling Bednarek, Camarasa & probably AWB for playing options).

          I will therefore...

          1) Keep my best players I have value in for the season
          2) Field 9-10 in GW31
          3) Play my wildcard in GW32 (11 DGW) + lots of value kept.
          4) FH in the next blank
          5) BB/TC in the next following doubles.
          6) Win FPL! 🙂

        14. the Penman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I can bracket 31&33 together quite effectively now, and dead-end my team to WC34 using free transfers. Free hit in 32 means 11 DGWers in 32 and WC should mean 10-13 DGWers in 35 (probably keeping Robertson and Salah).

          So: FH32, WC34, BB35 and use my TC either for an extra double if we get it or in an “easy” fixture for a nailed-on big hitter.

          1. Geoff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Like Salah vs. Huddersfield.

            I think the teams missing / likely to miss both 31 and 33 make it easier to stomach getting rid of some players. It also means that when I WC in GW34 I might be going a bit non-traditional, as I'll have lost some value, but that sounds fun to me 😀

            1. the Penman
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Absolutely this. Think I’ve lined up my 31&33 team with one hit in the next 6 weeks!

        15. CROCosta
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          out of wc and tc, currently own 6 gw31 players, my plan going forward:
          w27: save
          w28: son + eriksen > sterling, hazard
          w29: lindelof > taa
          w30: bennet + jimenez > chilwell + wilson/king (-4)
          w31: aguero + rashford > higuain + firminho (-4)
          this would give me 11 starters for gw31 and 6 players with double gw32 for total -8 + gw32 transfer to be used, would take aditional hit if needed due to injury.

          Will stick to this plan at the moment and save free hit until required (prolly for second dgw35). bench boost will not have 15 double game players but might use it on gw32 as all my bench players have solid fixtures as well

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

            I'm going strategy 1.

            But I'm not going to ignore players who blank in 31...

            So I'm still looking to get auba this week and turning him into kun.

            Then I'll get 3 or 4 bgw31 players to field 8 or 8 players....possibly for a hit or 2...

            Don't want to have the blinkers on and focused solely on bgw31 assets.

            1. Pep Pig
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              This makes perfect sense mate. 8 players from teams such as Liverpool, Leicester, WHU will more or less cover the free hitters putting 11 out

        16. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Last year i planned for the blanks (strategy 1), but ended up ignoring in form players and keeping bad players only for the one fixture. This year i think i'm going for strategy 3 as i don't want to sell players i got in cheap from Wolves.

        17. Pompel
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Strategy 1 for me I think. GW31 probably low scoring, so not too fussed not fielding full team.

          1. Kiwivillan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            +1 not fussed is how I feel

        18. CarrollsPonytail
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I think I have settled on strategy 1, my only concern is that I have Aguero right now and was planning on doing another hokey-cokey with Aubameyang (Auba - GW27-28, Aguero GW29-30) over the next few weeks but that will hugely impact how many players I can get out in GW31. Somewhere between 7-10 is my guess at this stage.

          Resigned to playing the TC on a single gameweek player.

        19. shearer9
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          What about this:

          Up to and including GW29 get in whomever you like based on form and fixtures.

          WC30 - get in as many DGW32/35 players as possible.
          FH31 - can get a full starting 11 with zero advance planning.

          BGW33 - 6-8 fixtures ain't bad, and not many will be planning for this week anyway.

          BB/TC32
          BB/TC35

          Makes use of all chips with minimal forward planning, other than WC30 which admittedly will be make-or-break.

          Main risk involved is form/injury changes between WC30 and the DGWs...

          1. Lukakuna
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Depends on how different your WC30 team would be from your GW29 one. I believe it would be kind of similar for many

        20. KneejerkJoe
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Anyone wc 30 fh 31 BB 32 TC 35?

          1. shearer9
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Yes, see above.

        21. Lukakuna
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Looking at strategy 3 mainly because I think 32 is the best week to bench boost.
          Will have a good squad for BB32, but only have a minimum of 7 players for GW33 before hits.

        22. lugs
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          strategy 3 for me

          most seem to be using the FH 32 strategy, but it has occurred to me that i can already field 11 or close to 11 dgw'rs in 32 without doing anything, so it seems like a waste of a FH when i can already play 11 dgwr'rs + play my TC chip instead

          my plan (doesn't include BB since i used it gw 1)

          27-30), keep most of my current team, with any transfers been made with gw 32 & 33 in mind (probably getting some Chelsea)

          31) FH

          32) play TC and roll free transfer

          33) mini WC to get a half decent team out by selling some blankers

          34) WC

          current team

          Lloris
          TAA-Shaw-AWB
          Salah-Son-Pogba-Jota
          Auba-Aguero-Rashford

          Hamer-Bennett-Bednarek-Puncheon

        23. Woy of the Wovers
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Only one of the options suggested allows the use of both BB and TC in a DGW. On that basis alone option 3 looks clearly better.

          There are obviously other options which allow the DGW to be used in combination with the power chips and they could also work. But forcing one of them into a SGW use has too be sub-optimal

        24. Jigger & Pony
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Strategy 1 is base case like many here, but I can shift to Strategy 2 in GW32 (WC instead of FH) if the Spurs game is on and Arsenal gets some form. A FH33 will then allow us to get the likes of Kane, etc. for a juicy fixture.

          This also allows you to save FT in 34 so you head into 35 with 2FTs.

      • Live Scoutcast Tuesday at 9:30pm - Leave your questions here
        DavidMunday815
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        The Scoutcast is back tonight at 9:30pm so we need your questions to shape the content. Which player should we discuss & why? Which team should we discuss & why? What should our talking point be & why?

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          A lot of talk about future chip use but the 30% of us who don't have a FH chip, give me your advice. Cheers. Sorry to repost.

          1. Winter_is_coming
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Agree, add some discussion for those, who have not all chips left.

          2. fclackless [Brazil Nuts]
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            This

        2. SuperHam
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Chelsea and Everton- with last night's result, Chelsea and Everton now will play in BGW 31. Provided we can make it through GW27, should we be keeping the likes of Hazard, Alonso and Richarlison in order to navigate GW31?

          The above assumes I am going for the 'Build a team for GW31+ 33 / FH32 / WC34 / BB35' strategy.

        3. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Auba-kun-higuain cycle till gw 31

          1. Kiwivillan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Kun 28-30

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Yeah.
              Auba this gw
              Kun till 30
              Higuain 31-33

        4. Eytexi
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Player: Almiron, because there seems to be very little knowledge of a player with some very attractive fixtures & differential potential.

          Team: Chelsea, because the cup exit leaves a lot of hokey-cokey potential. Who's worth keeping? Who will be worth buying come GW31?

          Talking Point: which Arsenal striker? Is it worth a hit and shuffling team structure to bring one in for the next two?

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

          Team - Leicester... is it worth investing in good fixtures even though their form hasnt been great in terms of attacking output

          Player - Higuain - great value if he can find scoring boots over Chelsea's good run

          Key topic - title race. Will the nerves start to hit home and make results unpredictable for the top teams?

          1. Geoff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            If you want to write a separate comment about Leicester, looking at some of their options I'm happy to HT it 🙂

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

              I've just posted regarding Leicester.

              1. Geoff
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 11 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Cheers!

        6. hustler7
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Chip strategies for those who have used their WC's...

          1. Kiwivillan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Thoughts and prayers

          2. Geoff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            If someone wants to write something on this, flag it and we can make it a Hot Topic 🙂

          3. diesel001
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            1) Set up your team so it is good for BGW31 AND BGW33 (note the 'AND')
            2) Free Hit in DGW32
            3) Use FTs and perhaps a hit to get a team set up for BGW35
            4) Bench Boost in BGW35
            5) Triple Captain in GW36

            1. hustler7
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              I am not sure if I want to load up with the players who do not blank in 31 and 33 though. I would also like to use my BB and TC on the double GW's.

              Not sure if free hit 31 is the best bet and try and load up on DGW players with a mix of those who are also playing 31 and 33?

              1. diesel001
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                You don't load up. You get 8/9 players for GW31 and GW33. That lets you carry forward a few DGWers into 32 and 35.

                Most people will not have 11 out in GW31 and GW33. They will sacrifice those weeks for bigger GW32 and GW35.

                You are at a disadvantage because those with WCs will WC in GW34 and have lots of GW35 DGW players. Without a WC you need to average out over the GW31 - GW35 period.

                That means having more players in GW31 and GW33 than people with WCs and fewer in GW35 than those with WCs.

                You can play TC in GW35 if you want. There is a dilemma for everyone as to when to play the TC and BB because there are currently only 2 DGWs, but 3 chips to play (FH, BB, TC).

                My view is that those without WCs need to get as close to the strategy to those with WCs as possible to minimise the damage that not having a WC does.

                The reality is that the FA Cup results and draw have fallen in favour of those that have all their chips left. You are now at a distinct disadvantage and need to minimise the damage.

                1. Kiwivillan
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  This is perfect. You should repost this and it sure be hulked more than most

                2. hustler7
                  • 11 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Thanks for the above Diesel!

                  Currently sitting at 122k would like to at least get to 40k, lets see what happens with the above strategy!!!

                3. Mo Mané Mo Problems
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Well, if the QFs throws up some shocks then the wildcard will become less effective.

                  Would need City and Brighton to lose though.

                  If you were doubling down on the early wildcard, I'd probably suggest hoping for that scenario. Loading up on DGW32ers who will actually become available in BGW33.

                  If the FH32 crew don't have any City or Spurs, then City's fixture against CAR and Spurs' fixture against BHA, could really get you some advantage. Albeit, the FH32/WC34 crew could pull their WC a week earlier I guess to get Sterling/Kun/Kane/Son/Laporte/Lloris/Tripp whilst still having plenty of DGW35ers.

        7. shirtless
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Should Aguero hokey-cokiers still go through with the move if they don’t have many other decent caption options this week? Just maybe go for Lacazette instead of Auba re the EL ban?

          Is Freehit DGW31 the best move still if you have only six/seven starters as I have but don’t want to sell Utd & Wolves players?

        8. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Forget the chip strategies for now. We don't know when fixtures will be rearranged yet (we can make a good guess, but can't be certain).

          We have 4 GWs before the first BGW. Which players should we target for GW27 - GW30 to carry momentum into GW31 - GW35?

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Liverpool, Leicester, Newcastle, West Ham all have good fixtures 27-30 and no blank in GW31

          2. RedLightning
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            The players you should target depends on an important part of your chip strategy - when you intend to play your Free Hit.

        9. Dave Boozle
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Question - how is Joe getting on without a fridge?

        10. Mikeharbrw
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          With the outlines clear of the dgwk/ bgwks, and some outstanding short term fixtures for the likes of Man City after this gameweek- why not wildcard in gw28?

        11. Pirlø's Pen
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          With Felipe Anderson emerging as a popular pick, could a double up with a Arnautovic be a good differential?

        12. Legomané
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Manchester City...

          Is Wildcard in GW28 viable option for managers who don't have any City coverage?

          Alternatively, if going the FH32 route - is saving a FT this week and mini-WC'ing in 2 or 3 City assets next week worth prioritising over acquiring BGW31/33 targets? This would likely mean greater number of hits to assemble a reasonable squad for the blanks.

          WHU/bou/WAT is surely a set of fixtures we would normally target tripling up on?

        13. Musicholic
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Preparing for GW 31 and 33 - Identifying the must have players and planning the use of FT's from now to getting in those players.

        14. Awesom-o
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Rondon.

          Do his very favourable fixtures and lack of blanks make him a viable option or another example of loading up of mediocre options before a blank gameweek?

        15. FP Elephant
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          1. Player - Aguero. After the blank, do we get him for his next three games before the blanks in 31/33 (and lose Aubameyang to do so)?

          2. Team - Chelsea. Can they be trusted after such boom and bust performances. Can they still punch bad PL teams? Fixtures are appealing with no blanks, but thinking time to let Hazard go for the likes of Son or cash up front for Aguero.

          3. Talking point - chip strategy now that GW31 is known.

          Thanks David/SC team!

      • Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        A nice article but what about a strategy for no FH chip?

        1. Shatner's Bassoon
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I reckon I would WC in gameweek 32 after prepping for 31.

          With the WC in 32, you could ensure you have a reasonable enough side for 33 (Boruc as sub keeper for eg...) but also have a decent number of DGW players for 32 and then looking forward to BB35.

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Sounds logical. My brain can't cope atm with GW33 possibilities.

          2. Kiwivillan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Sounds reasonable

      • chrismoo75
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Why are people loading up with Son - Away to Burnley who are playing decent, then Chelsea/Arsenal, away to Soton then blanks, and a trip to Man City in GW35.

        Hoping people carry on so I can sell him for a bit more come next GW

        1. Eytexi
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Form/Quality over fixtures, plus Arsenal and Chelsea are hardly solid defensively.

        2. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Why are people talking about taking hits for Auba/Laca C when Arsenal have looked rubbish lately and Southampton and Bournemouth haven't?

          1. Poseidon.
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Agree with you dude Arsenal suck

          2. X Trapnel
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I suppose because they are entitled to. Maybe they do so knowing none of us is perfect and sometimes decisions backfire. Maybe they do so knowing that City don't play this week. Maybe they have Sterling in reserve. Maybe they've spotted Auba's scoring record this season. Maybe they fancy two nice home ties then will switch back to City.

          3. Eytexi
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Making me doubt myself. Who do you plan on captaining? Son? Salah? Anderson?

            1. Kiwivillan
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Son probably

        3. Shatner's Bassoon
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Bang in form, key to Spurs given current injuries, Chelsea and Arsenal don't really look that great at the back.

      • Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Anything worth a hit?
        Will pass bgw 31 and 33 by FTs. FH 32

        Shaw/matip to chilwell?
        Rashford to vardy?
        Lamela to maddison?

        Alisson
        Robbo Shaw Matip Jonny
        Son Pogba Felipe Lamela
        Rashford Arnie

        Speroni Bednarek Aguero Sterling

        1.2 itb 0 FT

      • Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Auba or Laca? Why?

        1. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Neither. See earlier reply where you posted

          1. Eytexi
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Refresh my memory, not having any luck finding that post. 🙂

          2. Eytexi
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Found it, no worries.

        2. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Auba
          Main man + highest point ceiling

        3. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Laca playing 90 mins central striker is the main man that said I have only Koscielny and that's enough for me

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

        Bench one:

        A) Robertson (mnu)
        B) Doherty (bou)
        C) AWB (cpa)
        D) JWP (ars)

        1. Eytexi
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Definetly C or D.
          Has to be D for me.

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

            Suspected as much - just wanted to keep him in as a differential

        2. A19
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          C

      • azz007
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        need help,

        all chips intact and WILDCARD.

        4 players in GW31, Salah, Shcindler, Shemicel, A Smith

        what to do ? when to;

        FH -
        BB -
        TC -
        WC -

      • A19
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        What to do with Hazard:

        A) keep and hope Chelsea find form again in their good fixtures run
        B) sell for Sterling GW28 and then Sterling->Haz GW31
        C) Keep Haz and do Son -> Sterling (28) -> Mané (31)

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

          B

          1. A19
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers!

      • Richd
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Tempted by Rashford to Rondon this week.

        Could be suicide, could be genius.

        I’ve had Rashford since the start of OGS

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Keep him imo
          He's turning into a good CF.
          I mean he understands his role more than ever now.

          OGS putting a lot of time on training ground.
          Both goals yesterday looked training ground drills.

          Him & Pogba are insane value imo

      • FPL Maldini
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thoughts on these transfers moving forward?

        Boly and Laporte —> Pereira and TTA

        Would mean all my Liv spots used up (VVD an Salah)