Scout Notes

How Man United got back to winning ways at Chelsea

Owners of Manchester United assets were encouraged by the Red Devils’ return to winning ways on Monday night.

After their first defeat under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer against PSG in the Champions League last week, they progressed to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win at Chelsea.

Manchester United had not won at Stamford Bridge since the Sir Alex Ferguson era, demonstrating once again how far the Red Devils have come since Solskjaer took over.

With the latest Blank and Double Gameweek implications already covered HERE, and Chip strategy HERE, this article focuses on the latest performances of the players involved on Monday night.

Chelsea 0-2 Manchester United

Goals: Ander Herrera (£5.0m), Paul Pogba (£8.8m)

Assists: Pogba, Marcus Rashford (£7.8m)

Paul Pogba (£8.8m) was the star performer for Manchester United in their 2-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. He was heavily involved in both goals as his resurgence under Solskjaer’s continues at a frightening pace. For the opening strike, Pogba drifted to the left flank and sprayed an exquisite cross all the way to the back post, where Ander Herrera (£5.0m) darted in to score a header. Solskjaer himself was behind the move, reportedly ushering Pogba into that area of the field from the sidelines before the goal. The left side of the pitch was where Pogba had a great deal of joy playing for Juventus, which might explain why Solskjaer worked on it in training.

“Well, we’ve had a couple of good days of training. Of course, you want him to see space, and find space.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

It was Pogba who started and finished the move for the second goal. It began with an incisive through ball from central midfield, which released Marcus Rashford (£7.8m) down the right flank. Pogba then raced into the penalty box to rise highest and direct the England international’s cross into the net.

Solskjaer made a point of highlighting Pogba’s troubles against PSG when praising him after the Chelsea win. In the Champions League, the Frenchman was often surrounded by opposition players and stopped from playing his game, while he was also sent off. It says a lot about Manchester United’s caretaker manager, in contrast to his predecessor, that Pogba was fully trusted to lead the attack again in another important fixture.

“He (Pogba) had a tough game against PSG, but I thought he was probably our best player, he had two or three players around him all the time. Tonight, great response. Of course, he’s playing against one of the best defensive midfielders in the world with [N’Golo] Kante next to him, I thought today he found the spaces. We know he’s one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, he’s got the vision, the player view. The cross for Ander’s goal, fantastic, then again he plays it out to Marcus and way he gets into the box, fantastic.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

“The team helped me get to my best. I give everything for them. They help me score goals and to make assists. We are just enjoying playing together. We are Manchester United. We play to win trophies. He [Solskjaer] took this job because he can do it. He trusts us and we trust him. Obviously, we go for it, and we never know if we are going to win. We go to win.” – Paul Pogba

It was also a great night for central midfielder Herrera, who is another player thriving under Solskjaer. He has been afforded a more roaming advanced role of late, which is what led to his run for the opening goal. However, Solskjaer spoke about him in glowing terms with regards to his entire display against Chelsea and it sounds like he has reached undroppable status for the Norwegian.

“Ander was allowed more freedom to roam forward, lately he’s been asked to sit. Today we needed more arrivals in the box because of Marcus [Rashford] and Rom [Lukaku] being wider as well. His energy and tenaciousness is vital for us. And that’s why he plays, more or less, every single game. He has loads of energy, he can cover the right-hand side, he runs forward. Tonight you can’t just praise one, it’s 11 players, plus the subs, but Ander has done fantastic.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Anyone concerned about Solskjaer’s tactical knowledge will have been greatly encouraged by the decisions he made for the Chelsea match. Not only did he usher Pogba into positions that led to the opening goal, but he also deployed a midfield system that cut Chelsea’s supply off at the source. It was thought that Alexis Sánchez (£10.0m) might get a chance of starting with Anthony Martial (£7.2m) and Jesse Lingard (£6.7m) still out injured. However, Solskjaer started Juan Mata (£6.1m) at the most advanced tip of the midfield diamond, tasking him with pressurising Jorginho (£4.7m), David Luiz (£5.9m) and Antonio Rüdiger (£6.0m), to great success.

“There are different ways of stopping a team, and they’ve got so many good players. Juan did a fantastic job between the two centre-backs and Jorginho. He ran his socks off and stopped Luiz when he had to and stopped Jorginho when he had to, and went up to Rudiger a few times, Juan’s work rate was phenomenal.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

It was another difficult match for Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri, who faces increasing pressure at Stamford Bridge. Monday’s performance that was not particularly encouraging for Fantasy managers considering signing Chelsea assets for Blank Gameweek 31, when they travel to face an equally out-of-form Everton.

Against Manchester United, while they had more possession, the Blues were plagued by the usual problems of recent weeks. Their style of play continues to look far away from the Sarri-ball expected by their manager. There still seems to be no plan B once Jorginho is closed down, and defensively Chelsea simply weren’t good enough.

Marcos Alonso (£6.5m) was very much at fault for Herrera’s opening goal as he did not track the midfielder’s run, who was able to head into the net unchallenged. That was not the first time Chelsea defenders have been sloppy in defending their penalty box against forays from midfield, and it wasn’t even the last time in this match. Pogba was able to start and finish the move for the second goal with very little resistance from the back-line. They are, of course, not helped by the fact that one of the best deep midfielders in world football N’Golo Kanté (£5.0m) is being asked to play a more advanced position and if that continues, there seems little value in Chelsea defensive assets for Blank Gameweek 31 on current form.

However, Sarri seems unlikely to change that as he has always defended deploying Jorginho in the deeper role and using Kanté more in the attacking phase. He also praised Luiz for his leadership qualities after the match.

“I think David [Luiz] is a leader, we need all to improve because I am not able to get out of my players a very high level of aggressiveness.” – Maurizio Sarri

Sarri also pointed to Chelsea’s greater share of possession and shots as reasons to be positive. However, his comments probably do more to provide encouragement for Fantasy managers that Manchester United are slowly increasing in defensive capabilities under Solskjaer.

“In the first half we played well. We need more aggressiveness, more determination in the situation inside our box and inside the opposite box because the difference was there. We played 78 balls in the opposite box and United played only 16 in ours and the result was 2-0 so there was a difference. In the second half it was difficult because they are physical, defended very low and compact so we played confusing football in the second half.” – Maurizio Sarri

As the pressure mounts on Sarri, comments on the players from his post-match press conference have sparked further scrutiny of the situation at Stamford Bridge. Asked if the players were still “with” him, the Italian did not seem as sure as he was a few weeks ago.

“I think so, I am not sure but I think so. The situation with the players is really good for their relationship, but the relationship is not so important. It’s important to play and get the results but my relationship with my players at the moment is good.” – Maurizio Sarri

The only slight silver lining on the night for Chelsea was the performance of Gonzalo Higuaín (£9.5m), who was unlucky not to score in the first half. Although he had just one shot on target in the second period, the Argentinian was praised for his good movement by the local press. With Higuaín offering something that predecessors Álvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud (£7.7m) could not, it does provide encouragement for the future, especially with a Chelsea asset potentially begrudgingly needed for Blank Gameweek 31.

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Kepa; Alonso, D Luiz, Rüdiger, Azpilicueta (Zappacosta 82′); Kovačić (Barkley 71′), Jorginho, Kanté; Hazard, Higuaín, Pedro (Willian 58′).

Manchester United XI (4-3-1-2): Romero; Shaw, Lindelöf, Smalling, Young; Pogba, Matić, Herrera; Mata (A Pereira 76′); Lukaku (A Sánchez 73′), Rashford (McTominay 90+4′).

674 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Because I currently only have 3 pool players for gw31 people are saying to FH then and build for gw 32

    Which players do I need to bring in for then?

    1. MTPockets
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Long, Zabaleta, Richarlison, Digne, Rondon, Alonso

      • I Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I also only have 3 players for GW31 but FH in 32 is much more appealing to me.

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

          How you looking to sort for 31?

    2. PocketZola
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Please help, all chips left but not sure of what to do. 0ft, 0.6itb

      Fab
      Doherty shaw wan schind
      Salah, son, sterling, pog
      Jim laca

      Sub. Keane, richarlison, kamara

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

        A) Keane to taa?
        B) richar to anderson?

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

          ?

          1. MTPockets
              5 years, 1 month ago

              You wrote 0ft. As you have 11 playing would just leave it

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

                Sterling isnt playing

      2. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        now that he's fit, shall we assume taa is nailed ? thanks

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

          who would play instead of him?

      3. Where dahoud at
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        So bit stuck here iv 1ft and 0.3 itb heres my team,

        Boruc
        Robertson, kola, bennett, scook, awb
        Pogba, mane, McArthur
        Batshuayi, rashford

        Etheridge, hazard, aguero, kdb

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

          Haz to son or erik for a diff

        2. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          i d save to be honest

          1. Where dahoud at
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Really? Whats the reason? Cant see me getting big points

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

              Palace do have a fantastic record v Leicester - though I’d prefer to be on Townsend than either Bat or Mac.

              If I did anything it would be Bat to Rondon to get another 31 player with a decent run of fixtures. Roy H is very conservative with new players and as a Pakace fan nothing would surprise me less than Bat being benched again.

              Next week you can have a great side out and save the ft.

        3. F_Ivanovic
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          KDB to Son (C) is the obvious move.... he blanks this week and in 31/33 and he's just not showing he has consistent point returns so far.

      4. Pogs
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I have my WC, FH, TC and BB left which is making it difficult to formulate a plan for GW31 - 35.

        Does this sound resonable?
        WC in 30 for GW 32
        FH in 31
        BB in 32
        Get as many out as poss for 33
        TC in 35

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          that was my plan but it's tricky because when will we find out about the fixtures in gw32 ?

      5. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        planning a bit early but for gw38:

        vvd and son to taa and mane for free ?

        thoughts ?

        thanks a lot !

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

          This season or next season?

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            cheeky 🙂

          2. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            d'oh !!!

            meant gw28 haha

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

              lol - I thought you were being sarcastic 😀

              1. Ajax Hamsterdam
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                nope. so what about these moves ?? thanks 🙂

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

                  Think MT Pockets has summed it up nicely below/.

        2. MTPockets
            5 years, 1 month ago

            38?

            1. Ajax Hamsterdam
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              28 sorry

              1. MTPockets
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Assume you already have 3 Liv? Guess it's ok if really want Mane and not other way to upgrade Son

                  1. Ajax Hamsterdam
                    • 9 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    i have salah and vvd so then i would have salah mane and taa

                    thanks

                    1. MTPockets
                        5 years, 1 month ago

                        Can't you keep VVD and find the upgrade £ somewhere else?
                        I wouldn't want to be using up transfers to sell 31/33 players

                        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
                          • 9 Years
                          5 years, 1 month ago

                          thanks

            2. Ajax Hamsterdam
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              ignore post above please

              gw28

              vvd and son to taa and mane for free ?

              thoughts?

              thanks 🙂

            3. King Kohli
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Can you WC & BB same week?

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

                You wish!

              2. Ajax Hamsterdam
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                nope

            4. Claudio555
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Really missing a great captain for this gameweek. Shall I do Rash+Laporte>Auba+4,8m def for a hit?

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

                i like it both short term and long term to be honest.

                Get in a 31 player as the 4.8m - Newcastle have a decent run of fixtures, and compare Utds fixtures to Arsenal, the move looks wise

                I'd look at Auba for the next 2 weeks, then switch to Higuian in time for Fulham away, Wolves home, 31

              2. avfc82
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Personally not keen on that move.

              3. Claudio555
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Sorry, I can't afford Auba. So it will be Lacazette. Still worth it?

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

                  who would you captain otherwise? If you think Laca (C) will bring in 4 more points than Rashford + your captain currently, why not.

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

                I'd just be tempted to get Fanderson in for Fulham to be honest and captain him. There's still a doubt whether Auba will start due to Europa League.

              5. Claudio555
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Captain would otherwise be Salah

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

                just captain salah or son

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

              Sane and Success our for FAnderson and Auba (c)
              Yes or no?

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

                who would you captain otherwise? I like it but I think Sane will bounce back and big

            6. fr3d
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              After Burnley, Son’s fixtures are (che, ARS, sou, blank).

              Get rid to upgrade elsewhere? Like getting Agüero

              1. Greenbackbøøg…
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                tempting, but home to Arsenal probably isn't a bad fixture unfortunately

                1. I Member
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Chelsea shipping goals for fun too.

              2. I Member
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Three good fixtures before the blank.

              3. The Hindu Monkey
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                awesome fixtures

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

                Thought about it.
                But Son is in brilliant form so ...

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

                arsenal and southampton are good fixtures

            7. abraham22
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              In the members tables for team data, when it says "Crosses conceded (right zone)", does this mean it's crosses allowed by the defensive team's right back or coming in from the offensive team's right winger?

              1. MTPockets
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  from that teams' pov (defender)

                  1. abraham22
                    • 9 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    Thanks a lot!

              2. Chenku╰☆╮
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                I have 6 starting players for gw 31 if brooks is fit. My Chip Strategy is going to be see out gw31 with FTs and then FH gw 32, see out gw 33 with FT if possible or WC and work my way through.

                Do you think this is a viable plan?

                Fab
                Doherty Robbo Periera WB Shaw
                Mane Salah Sonny Pogba Brooks
                Auba Jimmy Rashy

                1. MTPockets
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    6 seems more than most, so yes

                    1. Chenku╰☆╮
                      • 9 Years
                      5 years, 1 month ago

                      cheers

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

                  How many more points is Salah likely to get over Mane?

                  Mane better value?

                  1. The Hindu Monkey
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 9 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    short term probably yes next few - but if you own salah, keep him

                  2. No Kane No Gain
                    • 5 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    Many more. Mane can easily got on a 5 game 2 point run at any time.

                    Also, there are many more advantages to having salah.

                    1) i believe not owning salah can cause heart problems. Just watching him in games where you do not own him is as stressful as it can be in life.

                    2) It can be an absoloute nightmare trying to fit him into your team at a later date.

                    3) What fears you the most, not owning salah or not owning mane?1 Salah by far.

                    4) if mane hauls and you do not own him the damage is minimal, but if salah hauls without owning the damage can be very high.

                    5) salah is just a much better player.

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

                      I'm guessing you don't own Salah then?

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

                    you need salah, cant believe we’re still having this debate

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

                      Here’s one for you.

                      I have Mo but not Pog. I could go Mo and Camarasa to Pog and Sterling from 28-30 and then get Mo back in 31.

                      For short term points it could work. It would also give me two Liverpool (Mane and Robbo) and two City (Kun and Sterling) rather than my 3:1 split. It sort of makes sense as the Liverpool strength is attack and defence whereas on city you presumably want double attack plus added Pog

                3. The Hindu Monkey
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  So…

                  Man City are the problem. If I completely ignore them… I can have a front 8 for the next 4 weeks of:

                  Salah Anderson Hazard Pogba Son
                  Rashford Firmino Jimenez

                  Only benching issue would be in 29 – when I would have to bench one of them.

                  I can then afford with JUST a minus 4 (as will roll and make three moves in 31 and will have already sorted the defence)

                  Boruc
                  Pereira Robertson Lascelles
                  Salah Anderson Antonio Maddison Hazard
                  Higuaín Firmino

                  Peltier (laughably) Wan Jimenez on my bench

                  Pros – just a minus 4 for an awesome team for 31… with a free hit for 32… and a very decent team for 33

                  Cons – massive value lost on Rashford (but it’s that or play with 10 in 31… which is a whole separate thought process I think) – oh and the rather large one of NO City at all for 3 weeks and praying that Sterling/Aguero get rotated through it

                  My other route involves a minus 16…

                  So I suppose all of this really comes down to this…

                  Will Sterling score more than 12 points than Hazard 28-30 – or will Aguero score 12 more than Rashford same period

                  Thoughts??

                  1. MTPockets
                      5 years, 1 month ago

                      Difficult. Will they score more? Quite possibly but -16 isn't a fun gamble to take now if don't have either
                      The value thing's an inevitability if not FH31. Can maybe carry 1/2 of Doherty, Jmenez, Rashford etc but not all of them

                      1. The Hindu Monkey
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 9 Years
                        5 years, 1 month ago

                        yeah Jimenez I got for 5.5 so never leaving my team, likewise Wan at 4m - Rashford is very tricky as also got at his lowest price point... others not so bothered by - mainly because I'll be keeping my triple Pool who I've all made a ton on as well.

                    • HamezMace
                      • 9 Years
                      5 years, 1 month ago

                      I'm also struggling with losing Sterling ahead of GW31.
                      Hazard has great fixtures, Fulham in 29, and Wolves in 30, but he's just not looking that great right now.
                      Does avoid the City rotation headache though.

                      1. The Hindu Monkey
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 9 Years
                        5 years, 1 month ago

                        yes... and Sarri could well be sacked by then...

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

                          Hazard under interim Zola could be explosive.

                          Hazard under the 'third coming' would be horrible.

                          1. The Hindu Monkey
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 9 Years
                            5 years, 1 month ago

                            ha ha yeah

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

                            He won't though.
                            I heard he is taking a job in France

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

                              He's angling for the PSG job for sure.
                              Guaranteed league title in another country - so he'll have one more than Pep, and will be able to claim he's the better manager.

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

                                😀

                    • avfc82
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 14 Years
                      5 years, 1 month ago

                      Many on here will disagree, but going without any City attacking coverage between 28-30 is asking for trouble IMO. Simply put, they are much better than everyone else going forward.

                      Over the last 3 Aguero and Sterling have returned over 60 points against Arsenal, Everton and Chelsea. They play West Ham, Bournemouth and Watford after their blank...

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

                        Getting Kun for Auba next week good option ??
                        It means I'll need to take a hit to play 9 players in gw 31

                      2. The Hindu Monkey
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 9 Years
                        5 years, 1 month ago

                        Yes. But you have to break everything down in isolation. I've missed those points (although Laporte papered over the cracks slightly as have my triple United) - but now it's a very simple

                        Sterling WHU, bou, WAT - minus 12
                        Hazard TOT, ful, WOL

                        that doesn't look so obvious when you break it down like that

                        for example. I have had NO city atatckers last three and my rank has gone from 21k... to 21k - put simply - all my other players are performing as well

                        1. avfc82
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • Has Moderation Rights
                          • 14 Years
                          5 years, 1 month ago

                          It depends if you think Hazard and Chelsea will improve. As it stands, he's blanked in 5 of his last 7 games which doesn't fill you with confidence.

                          Re your rank, depends which way you look at it, you've done well to remain around 20k, but you'd be higher if you'd owned Sterling or Aguero and captained them in the DGW.

                          1. The Hindu Monkey
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 9 Years
                            5 years, 1 month ago

                            it's about balance. but yes. I would. although only just... I worked it out and had I ripped my team up for one of them (would never have got both) I would be on something like 14 more points than now... which isn't that much

                            Hazard got me 15 in that week

                            I wouldn't even be arguing this were it not for the minus 12 - but the point is I can get double, even triple city on a 32 free hit and then again for 34-38 on my wildcard - it's only for this 3 week period that is the problem

                            1. avfc82
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • Has Moderation Rights
                              • 14 Years
                              5 years, 1 month ago

                              Is there any way you can get one of Sterling or Aguero in after the blank without a huge hit? What's your current team right now?

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

                                Your doing great avfc82....any chip strategy in place yet?

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

                                  I ask as ive only 2 players playing in gw31...gulp!

                                  1. avfc82
                                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                    • Has Moderation Rights
                                    • 14 Years
                                    5 years, 1 month ago

                                    If you can get up to 6-7 in 31 via free transfers and maybe a hit that should be okay.

                                2. avfc82
                                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                  • Has Moderation Rights
                                  • 14 Years
                                  5 years, 1 month ago

                                  I think its team dependent, and I've gotta admit I'm not that keen on any of the strategies, but I'll probably go FH32, WC34, BB35.

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

                                    Thanks mate.

                  2. King Kohli
                    • 11 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    If you had to get only 7-8 quality players for bgw 31, who would you have?

                    1. The Hindu Monkey
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 9 Years
                      5 years, 1 month ago

                      Pereira Robertson Lascelles Tark
                      Salah Anderson Maddison Hazard
                      Higuaín Firmino

                      1. The Hindu Monkey
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 9 Years
                        5 years, 1 month ago

                        8 of them basically...

                      2. King Kohli
                        • 11 Years
                        5 years, 1 month ago

                        I'd add Fraser/Wilson to the list

                      3. Greenbackbøøg…
                        • 9 Years
                        5 years, 1 month ago

                        Stick fabianski in there

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

                      I'm looking towards

                      Fabs
                      Robbo, Pereira, Clyne/Luiz
                      Salah,Mane, Hazard/Fraser
                      Barnes, Higuain/Wilson

                      8 player's.
                      Possibly 1 more defender

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

                      Fabianski
                      Maguire, Robertson, TAA
                      Salah, Anderson, Maddison, Hazard
                      Wilson, Higuan, Vardy

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

                      Robertson - Periera - Alonso
                      Salah - Hazard - Mane
                      Higuian

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

                    I can't figure out all this BGW/DGW stuff so I'm just going to do the usual. Bury my head in the sand and take it week-by-week.

                    Good plan?

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

                      Best I've seen so far.

                    2. Bobby Digital
                      • 6 Years
                      5 years, 1 month ago

                      +1

                    3. Ted Striker
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 7 Years
                      5 years, 1 month ago

                      Thank God, somebody else.

                  4. Claudio555
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 6 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    Best option?

                    A. Laporte>Pereira

                    B. Laporte+Rash>4,8m def+Laca for a hit

                    If B I will play Laca as captain (otherwise Salah)

                    1. MTPockets
                        5 years, 1 month ago

                        Will you captain Lacazette again in 28?
                        If not I wouldn't take a hit + potentially additional transfer for him

                    2. pakornk
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 7 Years
                      5 years, 1 month ago

                      Arnautovic a good option?

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

                        IF he stays fit, definitely great option

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

                          has he ever

                    3. Simmoo
                      • 8 Years
                      5 years, 1 month ago

                      Lots asking how to approach the BGWs and DGWs without a WC.

                      I've spent a few hours today working out how to navigate it best, and the thing that really comes through is that it really is dependent on your own specific team.

                      I have settled upon:

                      - GW 27-30: Build a team towards DGW 32.
                      - GW 31: No chips and survive with 7/8 key players.
                      - GW 32: Bench boost with stacked team.
                      - GW 33: Free Hit as key teams have blanks.
                      - GW 34: Do Nothing.
                      - GW 35: Triple Captain with another stacked team.

                      Key issues I can see are no obvious TC in 35 despite it being a double, and getting thrashed in 31 due to fielding 7/8 instead of 11.

                      Key benefits are being able to use BB and TC in DGWs, giving yourself a long run up to prepare for the doubles (thus negating the need for a WC).

                      1. MTPockets
                          5 years, 1 month ago

                          If by stacked you mean DGW - how do you get 7/8 key players in 31 + stacked in 32 including bench?

                        • potatoace
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 12 Years
                          5 years, 1 month ago

                          How are you getting a stacked bench boost team for gw32 while going into gw31 with 7/8 key players

                        • NOMONEY
                          • 8 Years
                          5 years, 1 month ago

                          im in the same position and im planning the same thing

                          1. NOMONEY
                            • 8 Years
                            5 years, 1 month ago

                            but like the above comments, i reckon you wont be able to field 7/8 players, more like 5/6 players

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

                              Exactly, surely better to FH31 with no WC....more teams could be playing in GW33, so less damage.

                        • The Hindu Monkey
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 9 Years
                          5 years, 1 month ago

                          I don't have a gif strong enough to illustrate how on earth you're going from 7/8 players in 31 to a stacked BB team in 32

                          You would need a minus 20

                        • The Hindu Monkey
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 9 Years
                          5 years, 1 month ago

                          your tactic needs to be build a team for 31/33
                          free hit in 32
                          bb/tc in 35
                          bb/tc in a single game week

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

                        I want Vardy but I know he will troll me 😛

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

                          He is trolling Puel for sure 😛

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

                        Is anyone else sick of the chip strategy talk? Its weeks away and I'm already sick of it 😆

                        I think I'd just prefer 38 straight up gameweeks. Too much thinking involved

                        1. The Hindu Monkey
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 9 Years
                          5 years, 1 month ago

                          personally I would prefer no chips at all

                          then all we would be discussing would be how many hits to take 😉

                          1. Viper
                            • 14 Years
                            5 years, 1 month ago

                            Exactly 🙂

                        2. Shuko
                          • 9 Years
                          5 years, 1 month ago

                          Yep, not a fan of all these chips. It's like 30 weeks of nice even gaming and then this huge mess of an ending with bgw/dgw + chips.

                        3. Wild Rover
                          • 13 Years
                          5 years, 1 month ago

                          You should try reading all this chipless 😀

                        4. potatoace
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 12 Years
                          5 years, 1 month ago

                          I'm fine with that proposal.

                          Last year many sgw players trumped over dgw ones in last season's dgw fixtures.

                          Many best laid plans gang aft a-gley

                        5. Pierce34
                          • 8 Years
                          5 years, 1 month ago

                          I agree. In fact, I would probably rather scrap the whole division of the game into gameweeks altogether. Maybe I should play the sky or telegraph game, or whichever it is that doesn't have gameweeks.

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

                            Meh - let's just scrap the whole game and get new hobbies. Anyone for a game of golf?

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

                              Is there anything you can't do?

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

                                Golf - I'm shite at it

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

                                  Me too, but I'm still better at it than FPL.
                                  I only play in August though, so that probably doesn't help.

                      4. Wild Rover
                        • 13 Years
                        5 years, 1 month ago

                        Kola OG removed 😡

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

                          wont affect fpl

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

                          Really
                          Kane claimed it right ??
                          😀

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

                              10 points swing for owners

                              1. THFC4LIFE
                                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                • 7 Years
                                5 years, 1 month ago

                                Fuming

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

                                  Yep.
                                  Captained Kane last year when he was awarded goal afterwards

                              2. Wild Rover
                                • 13 Years
                                5 years, 1 month ago

                                Well they still conceded so only 2pts, I also thought that initially 😉

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

                                  😮
                                  Yeah.
                                  3 with YC though 😮
                                  Also he was on highest bps before that so could have got 1 bonus too

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

                          fpl only change points within 24h

                      5. JoshHuntCUFC
                        • 8 Years
                        5 years, 1 month ago

                        Building for the blanks...

                        Need to get rid of Ederson this week (no playing Gks)
                        Need to get rid of Laporte sometime before BGW31.

                        A) Ed+Lap -> Alison + Luiz
                        B) Ed+Lap -> Fabianski + TAA

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

                          b + kepa would be a better comparison

                          id want trent

                        2. Bobby Digital
                          • 6 Years
                          5 years, 1 month ago

                          Keeping Ederson.. Boruc is not nailed apparently.

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

                            Boruc is as nailed as any other playing keeper.

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

                              not really

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

                                Explain how?

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

                                  because he hasnt been first choice for the majority of the season, clearly there is competition for that position

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

                                    All keepers have competition, but he's clearly currently first choice ahead of Begovic.
                                    Until Boruc gives Howe a reason to drop him, it's his place to lose.

                                    You could argue the same for Heaton and Hart at Burnley, or Leno and Cech.

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

                        Fab Hamer
                        Alonso AWB Shaw Doherty TAA
                        Sterling Son Salah Pogba Højberg
                        Firmino Mitro Jimenez
                        1ft, 1.1 itb.
                        A) Alonso to Pereira
                        B) Shaw to Pereira
                        C) Save since can field 11 players now, then start adding players who play GW31

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

                          would you start alonso v spurs? if not may as well sell now

                        2. MTPockets
                            5 years, 1 month ago

                            C and wait for more fixture info. Otherwise B b/c at least Chelsea play 31/33

                        3. pakornk
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 7 Years
                          5 years, 1 month ago

                          Chillwell or Perreira?

                          1. pundit of punts
                            • 11 Years
                            5 years, 1 month ago

                            Pereira

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

                            per

                        4. Viper
                          • 14 Years
                          5 years, 1 month ago

                          Digne & Richarlison owners, what are you doing?

                          I'm thinking of selling Richarlison regardless and keeping Digne

                          1. L S P
                            • 8 Years
                            5 years, 1 month ago

                            Pretty sure I'm keeping Digne but definitely selling Rich.

                            1. Viper
                              • 14 Years
                              5 years, 1 month ago

                              Who are you selling for a Leicster defender? (if anyone)

                              1. L S P
                                • 8 Years
                                5 years, 1 month ago

                                Holebas

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

                            very happy not owning either

                            1. L S P
                              • 8 Years
                              5 years, 1 month ago

                              quality commenting there

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

                                cheers

                          3. pundit of punts
                            • 11 Years
                            5 years, 1 month ago

                            Rich has to go

                          4. Fpl Richie
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 8 Years
                            5 years, 1 month ago

                            Richarlison definitely going. I'm either selling Digne or AWB for Pereira, though I don't like 5m plus defenders on my bench really, especially for that many games.

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

                            Keep Digne.
                            If you can live without Fanderson or Maddison this GW, I'd say there's a case for wait until GW29 an reassess Richa. as Everton got Cardiff and West Ham play MCI in GW28.

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

                            Rich is gone this week and never back

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

                            Rich going to be differential soon. Not expecting too much but I have some other issues to solve first. And Richarlison having game at GW31

                        5. pundit of punts
                          • 11 Years
                          5 years, 1 month ago

                          What would you prefer for BGW 31?

                          A. Wood + Fraser + Roberston

                          or

                          B. Firmino + Brooks + Chilwell + 4 points

                          P.S. - Already have Pereira and TAA

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

                            A with Barnes

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

                            ashley barnes form and fixtures are impossible to ignore

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

                          Under what scenario will Newcastle and West Ham play in the GW 33?

                          1. pundit of punts
                            • 11 Years
                            5 years, 1 month ago

                            That game is on.

                            1. pundit of punts
                              • 11 Years
                              5 years, 1 month ago

                              Stand corrected there as they play different teams.

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

                            West Ham play Chelsea away in 33.
                            Newcastle will play Palace, if Palace are knocked out of the FA cup.

                          3. L S P
                            • 8 Years
                            5 years, 1 month ago

                            WHU definitely play CHE in 33
                            NEW plays CPL in 33 if WAT beats CPL in FA Cup

                          4. MTPockets
                              5 years, 1 month ago

                              West ham play. Newcastle if Palace lose to Watford in the FA Cup

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

                            If I will be benching either from 28-30, which player should I sell for Pereira?
                            A) AWB (lose 0.2, blanks 31, might play 33)
                            B) Digne (lose 0.2, plays both blanks with rubbish fixtures)

                            Probably FH32 and building for 31, but still undecided.

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

                              Tough choice.
                              I'd say A if Money isn't in question.
                              Digne is a lottery.
                              Also could do with an extra body in bgw

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

                              a

                            3. pundit of punts
                              • 11 Years
                              5 years, 1 month ago

                              If you can have a decent 11 for BGW 31 without Digne then he has to go.

                              You will need AWB back as a DGW enabler. Won't be wise to lose value on him.

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

                                most people are fhing 32