Scout Notes

Attacking returns for Hazard and Higuain as Fulham show fight

Gonzalo Higuain and Eden Hazard were among the Fantasy Premier League points-scorers at Craven Cottage as Chelsea edged past Fulham in the west London derby.

The pair’s FPL returns – eight and six points respectively – were modest given how porous Fulham have been at the back in 2019 but were a relative success story after a grim Gameweek 29 for other premium Fantasy assets.

The Cottagers, meanwhile, showed plenty of spirit under their interim boss, Scott Parker.

We round up the goals, assists, manager quotes and Fantasy talking points in the Scout Notes article below.

Fulham 1-2 Chelsea

  • Goals: Calum Chambers (£4.2m) | Gonzalo Higuain (£9.6m), Jorginho (£4.6m)
  • Assists: Ryan Babel (£5.5m) | Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.3m), Eden Hazard (£10.8m)

Chelsea’s mini-resurgence continued on Sunday as they got the better of their west London rivals at Craven Cottage.

The stats point to an encouraging display, with the Blues ranking first or second among Premier League teams for goal attempts, shots in the box and efforts on target in Gameweek 29 – the fact that none of their attempts were deemed “big chances” by Opta shouldn’t disguise the fact that there were some presentable opportunities among them.

Those sorts of figures may have been expected given how leaky Fulham’s backline have been of late but Sunday’s clash was perhaps a trickier test than it would have been with Claudio Ranieri in the home dugout, as the Cottagers showed a lot of heart under interim boss Scott Parker.

There were encouraging signs early in the match as Eden Hazard (£10.8m), Gonzalo Higuain (£9.6m) and Willian (£7.1m) made inroads into the Fulham defence, though fatigue seemed to catch up with the visitors late on after a busy week of EFL Cup and Premier League action.

Hazard looked particularly tired in the second half and was replaced on 74 minutes, having also been handed a half-hour breather on Wednesday against Spurs.

The hope for existing and prospective owners is that Chelsea’s key assets get a further rest on Thursday night when they take on Dynamo Kyiv, with the Gameweek 30 encounter with Wolves taking place less than 72 hours after that.

Maurizio Sarri acknowledged that tiredness was a factor in the final half hour at Fulham, saying:

We played very well for 60 minutes. We could have killed the match with a third goal. We didn’t kill the match and then in the last 20, 25 minutes we were very tired, physically but also mentally.

In seven days we played 120 minutes in a difficult match against City, we played 90 very expensive minutes against Tottenham, and today a very important derby against a team with a new coach. It was a very difficult match.

So very good for 60 minutes, then very tired, but it was a normal reaction to our seven days.

Higuain opened the scoring on 19 minutes with a fine finish from a Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.3m) cross and impressed with his movement, though should have found the back of the net either side of that strike.

The former Juventus striker nodded a superb Hazard cross wide early on then wasted a through-ball from the Belgian when stumbling in the box, before blazing high over the bar when found by a chipped Jorginho (£4.6m) pass.

Higuain nearly scored a carbon copy of his first goal just before half-time then fired wide when following up a spilt Willian shot after the break.

Hazard produced two trademark runs and shots – both comfortably dealt with by Sergio Rico (£4.4m) – either side of half-time, while he teed up Jorginho for Chelsea’s winner and supplemented his assist with one bonus point.

Hazard, Willian and Higuain racked up 16 shots and 22 penalty box touches between them at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

Goal aside, Jorginho produced a much better performance in central midfield and left the pitch to the sound of Chelsea fans signing his name.

Sarri said of the Italy international:

I’m very happy for him. He scored, but my opinion of Jorginho is the same. He is a great player, one of the best in Europe in that position. For him, it’s not easy the first season in a new team. Today, he was very tired in the last part of the match. We were lucky Kovacic entered very well on the pitch.

In that position, we had some problems. We are trying during training with Kovacic and his answer was very good.

A better team than Fulham might be able to nullify Jorginho and Chelsea again, of course, but Antonio Rudiger (£5.9m) said his manager has learned a few lessons in recent weeks:

He learned from that [league] game against Manchester City. There we went high, we went to press, we wanted to win the ball and everyone knows what happened.

In life, you need to adapt to things. This league is different to Italy; you have to adjust a bit. I think everyone has adapted to new things, also the coach.

You saw the way we played against Tottenham and Manchester City. It was different to the way we played in the first three months. Everyone needs to adapt, everyone needs to learn and it is good that it has happened in this moment.

Rudiger was partnered by Andreas Christensen (£5.0m) for the west London derby as David Luiz (£5.9m) was handed a rest, while rotation continued in the left-back department as Marcos Alonso (£6.4m) made way for Emerson Palmieri (£5.2m).

There was also a change in goal made by Sarri, as Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5.2m) made a swift return between the sticks at the expense of Willy Caballero (£4.7m).

The Spanish custodian made two crucial stops from Aleksandar Mitrovic (£6.5m), the first a flying tip over from the Serbian striker’s stinging volley and the second a diving stop from a header late in the game.

Sarri said of Kepa’s display:

[He played] very well. It was a normal decision [to play him]. Kepa made a big mistake, he paid with the club and the team, and now the situation is closed.

Kepa is a man. He understood. His behaviour this week was very good. His reaction today was very good. I know the man. He is very clever, with a very good mentality. He made a mistake on a misunderstanding, but now it’s enough.

Also now I know very well Caballero is a very important goalkeeper and a very important man for our group and our dressing room. I have to find space also for him.

Parker made only one change for his first match in charge of the Cottagers, bringing in Ryan Sessegnon (£6.0m) for Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (£4.4m).

The hosts looked much better in Parker’s 4-2-3-1 than they had under Ranieri in recent weeks, with Tom Cairney (£4.6m) playing behind Mitrovic and Sessegnon and Ryan Babel (£5.5m) providing the width.

It was from Babel’s cross that Calum Chambers (£4.2m) pulled Fulham level and it was ample reward for the hosts’ lively start at the Cottage.

The Dutchman would have had a goal of his own, too, had he not turned his back on play and missed seeing Kepa spill a cross.

Joe Bryan (£4.8m) also went close with a couple of curling efforts, while Sessegnon had a late strike chalked off for a marginal offside.

Cairney was excellent in “the hole” and backed Parker to get the job on a permanent basis:

If that is what he can do in a few days I wonder what he could do in six months, eight months? 

I would like to see him given a chance. I speak on behalf of everyone, he is so highly regarded at the club. He has been immense. 

Parker said in his post-match presser that he wanted to “free up” Fulham’s players and gave his thoughts on Sessegnon after the match:

I’ve known Sess since he was a 16-year-old boy, shy and quiet training with us, but his talent was there from day one.

I’ve been there at 18. Everyone feels as if it’s on top of you. He’s had the weight on his shoulders the last few months, and he hasn’t been playing well.

That can be for a number of reasons: a young boy playing in a tough league, and I just tried to free him up. I said it to all of them. I don’t care what mistakes they make.

While Fulham conceded yet another two goals in a Premier League fixture (they have shipped 22 in 2019 at an average of 2.44 per match), the evidence on Sunday suggests Leicester may have a trickier time than anticipated when the Cottagers visit the King Power Stadium next weekend.

Parker said of his side’s overall efforts:

We didn’t stamp authority on the game in the first half in terms of possession. Second half was amazing, amazing. It’s not just about the passion, effort, desire and character because I understand that only gets you so far in football.

It’s a foundation and a base, that’s what we need and very great clubs has that but there’s also an element of skill. I know how good these players are and, in the second half, they showed that at times.

Fulham XI (4-2-3-1): Rico; Odoi, Nordtveit, Ream, Bryan; Chambers, McDonald (Anguissa 62′); Babel (Ayite 71′), Cairney (Vietto 80′), Sessegnon; Mitrovic.

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Arrizabalaga; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Christensen, Emerson; Kante, Jorginho (Kovacic 68′), Barkley (Loftus-Cheek 79′); Willian, Higuain, Hazard (Pedro 73′).

1,397 Comments Post a Comment
  1. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 25 days ago

    Best option:
    A) Jiminez to Vardy (cap sterling)
    B) Jiminez and Pogba to Aguero (c) and Brooks -4

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 25 days ago

      B if no money tied in Pogba

      1. JJeyy
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        0.6 locked up. But is money worth it at this point - can also go Maddison over brooks.

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 25 days ago

      None of those, if you insist then A

      1. JJeyy
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        Gonna get vardy next week so makes a lot of sense to get him now before Fulham when jimi has Chelsea

    3. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 25 days ago

      depends what ur doing w chips obviously

    4. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 25 days ago

      A

  2. abaalan
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 25 days ago

    With GW31 in mind:
    A) Laca -> Vardy
    B) Laca -> Firmino
    C) Jimenez -> Rondon
    D) Jimenez -> King
    E) Jimenez -> Arnie

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 25 days ago

      A or D

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 25 days ago

      A

    3. MattysFantasyFooty
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 25 days ago

      A

  3. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 25 days ago

    Laporte > VVD was an easy transfer. £1.4 itb, any hits needed? Not keen on playing Kola or Deulofeu this week.

    Allison
    Pereira Rudiger VVD Kola
    Salah Pogba Hazard
    Rondon Vardy(!) Jiminez

    Button Deulofeu Camarasa Doherty

    1. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 25 days ago

      if planning on taking hits before 31 anyway may as well get rid of kola now

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        Except that he has 33

  4. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 25 days ago

    Who to bench folks?
    A. Digne (new)
    B. AWB (BHA)
    C. Snodgrass (car)
    D. Anderson (car)

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 25 days ago

      C

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        Sure not Anderson?

    2. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 25 days ago

      A

    3. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 25 days ago

      c

    4. F_Ivanovic
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 25 days ago

      C is out anyway.

  5. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 25 days ago

    Really can't work out what I'm doing. All chips left...

    Thinking Aubam, Moutinho, Shaw (-4) to King, Mane, Clyne?

    Fab/button
    Doh/Clyne/AWB/TAA/Digne
    Mane/FelipeA/Son/Salah/Pog
    King/Jimi/Rash

    1. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 25 days ago

      would make sure u leave money for son>hazard before 31

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        Why Son and not Pogba? Son has good fixtures 33 and 34 so tempted to keep

  6. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 25 days ago

    RIP Keith Flint.He meant so much to me.Prodigy addiction until the end of the world.

    1. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 25 days ago

      Really sad news.
      I got engaged last year just before going to watch him in Birmingham.

    2. MTPockets
        5 years, 25 days ago

        Indeed. A few legendary albums and and great live
        From my home town and a former school

      • camarozz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        Why don't these ppl speak to someone, anyone before they take their own life. Such a waste at 49 yrs of age.

    3. Ange Ball
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 25 days ago

      Vardy injury has put halt on my plans should take the risk do A or is B safer.

      A) -4 Jota Rashford > Brooks Vardy
      B) -4 Jota Rashford> Brooks King

      1. Annie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        A, he will be fine

        1. Ange Ball
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          Annie what's your rank

          1. Annie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            About 45k, disappointing

            1. Ange Ball
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              Wow you see that disappointing I am 66k

            2. Snevitz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              45k is a really good rank, especially if you have a few chips left.

              1. Annie
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                I guess breaking into top 10k so early was hoping for best season. Most of my higher finishes are charges at the end, but can't see that the way the last few GWs have gone

                1. Snevitz
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  5 years, 25 days ago

                  Every single season I hover around 300k until Christmas and them have a late surge with varying degrees of success. Anywhere in the top 1% of players is a good overall finish in my opinion.

      2. EMBOLOFAN
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        vardy will be fine

      3. Snevitz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        Wait for the press conference....

        1. Ange Ball
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          Can't wait Rashford will drop tonight

          1. Snevitz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Vardy is meant to be fine.

          2. Jimmers
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Rodgers said after the game it was only minor and was taken off as a precaution

    4. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 25 days ago

      Bench just ONE?

      A) Leroy Sane (WAT)
      B) Kieran Trippier (sou)
      C) James Tomkins (BHA)
      D) Ricardo Pereira (FUL)

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        C just

      2. Ruinenlust
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        B

      3. Ange Ball
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        C

      4. F_Ivanovic
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        A. But if I had A I'd be getting rid...

    5. Richd
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 25 days ago

      I feel like I need to smash the -4s until my pubes fall out

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        You what?

      2. MTPockets
          5 years, 25 days ago

          Firmino, Richarlison and Anderson for you then?

        • GREEN IS GOOD
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          sounds a bit pedo that

      3. Ruinenlust
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        I have the exact money for Son, Jimenez and Aguero -> Hazard, Vardy and Higuain lol

        1. Richd
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          Well you’ll have to let the dream die as that’s suicide this week

          1. Ruinenlust
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Yeah this week I can only do

            Son -> Hazard
            or
            Jimenez -> Vardy

            Which would you do?

            1. Richd
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              Son to hazard I guess.

              Unless you can save it

              1. Ruinenlust
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                I could save but

                Hazard (WOL) has a better fixture than Son (sou)

                and

                Vardy (FUL) has a better fixture than Jimenez (che)

                So I want to make one of those transfers

        2. EMBOLOFAN
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          sounds good. maybe do the first two and save the aguero transfer for next week

      4. Clarity
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        Fabianski - Speroni
        Robbo - Pereira - AWB - Doherty -Bennett
        Salah - Pogba - Son - Felipe - Snodgrass
        Vardy - Aguero - Jimenez
        2FT 0ITB

        Any suggestions please?

        1. EMBOLOFAN
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          really tough with 0itb. i assume you arent selling pogba/doherty/jimi before 31?

          1. Clarity
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Plan to keep pogba and jim to hold value but happy to let doherty go.

      5. The 5% Team
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        Lots of Salah sellers...about to drop in price tonight. And he has Burnley and Fulham next...wow.

        1. EMBOLOFAN
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          love it. so funny

        2. Jimmers
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          ....and plays GW31 and 33!!

          1. F_Ivanovic
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Most people that sell him probably already used up their chips.

      6. Hy liverpool
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        Rashford to King now or wait till weekend ?

        Convince me

        1. EMBOLOFAN
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          getting to that stage of the season where i want players from teams who have something to play for. gets really unpredictable for the midtable clubs

          1. EMBOLOFAN
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            to the extent that id rather have rash this week

            1. Hy liverpool
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              It's more about short term move for next 4 gameweeks ... King has better fixture and rashford has game this midweek

      7. The Royal Robin
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        Would you play Deulofeu vs City or Kola vs Utd?

        1. Hy liverpool
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          Gerard

        2. Tsparkes10
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          Deulo

        3. Flaming Flamingo
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          Kola

      8. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        Why is everyone getting rid of Son? Good fixture this week and next few seem decent after 31?

        1. Richd
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          I wanna keep. But I have 2 FT and need to think about 31 and can’t waste the transfer.

          It’s dealing with the game weeks as a block now

        2. Hy liverpool
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          Blank gw31 and gw33.. Bad form and have game this midweek
          Southampton are not that bad too.

          1. Tsparkes10
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Why blank gw33?

            1. Richd
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              If Brighton win I believe. In the cup.

            2. Kiwivillan
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              If Brighton beat Milwall I think

              1. Hy liverpool
                • 10 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                This

        3. Snevitz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          I'm keeping him one more week and then probably getting Fraser. May get Son back on my WC in week 34 though, he's very good value.

        4. EMBOLOFAN
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          think he has a good fixture but possibly getting rid for vardy

      9. GREEN IS GOOD
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        I'm really looking forward to scrolling through pages and pages of the same questions, repeated ad infinitum, when the reality of the upcoming GWs hits the wider world. It's started already.

        1. Richd
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          Bloke at my work realised today.

          “Look at the fixtures the week after this one !”

          I feel I did a good job acting

          1. Dynamic Duos
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Why what are the fixtures like game week after next ? Have I missed something?

            1. Deulofail
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              wut

      10. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        This may have been common knowledge, but just found that Gomez is looking at surgery rather than an imminent return, as I previously thought.

        https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47116999

        Suddenly considering a move for Matip to triple on Pool defence for the next 2 at least.

        1. Richd
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          I felt bad for Matip owners the other week

          VVD 20
          TAA 18
          Robbo 12
          Matip 6 😀

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Haha somewhat expected to be outscored by those other legends! But he made 2 points up on Robertson in the last game 😀

          2. EMBOLOFAN
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            especially with his pass to salah this week

        2. Hy liverpool
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          If i can field 4 liverpool players i wouldn't get him... Don't know how we are competing for the epl with those players.

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            I'm mostly interested in getting FPL points as I'm not romantically involved with Liverpool 🙂

            1. Hy liverpool
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              He can't play fe*king football so it's fpl or being romanically involved

              1. Deulofail
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                Lol still managed to nick a bap last match 😀

                1. Hy liverpool
                  • 10 Years
                  5 years, 25 days ago

                  Go get him then... There's a reason your name has "fail" in it.

                  1. Deulofail
                    • 8 Years
                    5 years, 25 days ago

                    Yeah, because it's a pun on Deulofeu and the fact he frequently fails as an FPL option.

        3. EMBOLOFAN
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          this is old news, lovren could easily return before 33 though. matip is playing ok but 3x liverpool spots are important to get right imo

          1. EMBOLOFAN
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            prefer any of robbo/trent/vvd/allison on a def triple up tbh

          2. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            If it really is old news, then it's a shame the Inuries tab has been out of date all this time, much like the Set Pieces tab.

            The 3x Liverpool slots depend as much on your strategy as all the other slots. The defenders are appealing to me because they are at a benchable price points, though I will have to sell one again before GW32 if I don't one to play one (or two) of them against Spurs (assuming I don't use FH).

            1. EMBOLOFAN
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              my brain cant handle anything that doesnt involve not FHing 32, as it's complicated enough to keep on top of that...so i'll abstain from offering advice

        4. Richd
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          I think he’s good for your strategy.

          However the FH32 players it’s really easy with budget to get three from Salah mane TAA VVD and Robbo

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Cheers Flapjack. It would likely be for just the next two matches, and to play ahead of Kante this GW, for a little booster, hopefully.

            1. Richd
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              Yeah I must admit I don’t know the ins and outs of Lovren but it makes sense to get you through the blanks and Burnley and Fulham could easily be 12 points !

              Keep an eye on the pressers I guess

              1. Deulofail
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                Yeah. All this downtime waiting for pressers. Can't we get the whole season over with in one game night.

      11. Clarity
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        Really don’t know what to do with my 2FTs. So annoyed I’m 0.1 off Doh >TAA.

        Fabianski
        Pereira • AWB • Robbo
        Salah • Pogba • Son • FAnderson
        Aguero • Vardy • Jimenez
        Speroni / Doherty / Snodgrass/ Bennett)

        Any ideas? 0ITB

        1. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          Anderson over Snodgrass is strange on recent form

          1. Clarity
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Snodgrass prone to being benched more i think

            1. Kiwivillan
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              Yeah 3 games in a week but 14pts last 2 played. I sold last week to afford Mane and TAA

              1. Clarity
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                Wonder if recent charges on snodgrass will have an effect

        2. EMBOLOFAN
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          could ditch benno for that cheap bournemouth defender and afford it that way

          1. Kiwivillan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Simpson? Will he play again?

            1. EMBOLOFAN
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              just saw your comment further down - seems not. either way i'd find a way to get the money to bring trent in i think

              1. Clarity
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                What u think about snod to mcneil, doherty to trent?

        3. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          Bennett>31 Def

      12. sfsfsfe
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        Interesting sub £7m midfielders for gw 31?

        Rice: good with the defender classification but still quite the punt for goals/assists
        Lanzini: great player for assist and goals but only played 45 min one game and 90 since his severe injury.
        Brooks: cheap but Bournemouth struggling for goals and could be subbed early because of his recent injury.
        Maddison: set pieces+creating a lot. Should be nailed under Rodgers? Could be one of the most popular transfers in for 31
        Almirón: passes the eye test but still no returns during new castles winning streak

        1. EMBOLOFAN
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          i still like maddison as an option, have watched leicester quite a lot. he's been unlucky to not have more goals and assists this year.

          1. sfsfsfe
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Yes I agree. But the attacking choice for a lot of managers seems to be between vardy and Higuain. And a double up on Leicester with both vardy don't really appeal to me... would rather go for vardy and Lanzini if he continues to get 90 min in gw 30

            1. EMBOLOFAN
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              being averse to double ups is irrational unless you need to rotate for fixtures imo

              1. EMBOLOFAN
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                there is no need to "spread risk" on fpl - just make decisions that give you highest expected points

        2. Richd
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          I have rice. Love him.

          Lanzini and Brooks on my watchlist but yeah the whole returning from injury thing when we NEED them to fill in for the blanks is a bit scary

        3. Hy liverpool
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          From those options i would pick Lanzini

        4. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          Ok so he’s not quite sub 7.0 but he’s close enough - Siggy.

          The fixtures aren’t as bad as they look when you factor in Arsenal and Chelsea away form. He’s on pens and Everton may just be turning a corner. And well he returns regularly enough to hope for something In 4 matches and that’s all I’m looking for.

      13. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        Repost soz

        What to do here lads? WC soon? 1FT, 0.9ITB

        Rui,Fab
        Kolasinac,Robbo,Shaw,Bennett,WB*
        Salah,Sterling,Pogba,Fanderson,Billing
        Higuain,Rondon,Jimenez

        1. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          Chips intact

        2. EMBOLOFAN
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          kola to luiz
          shaw to someone who plays 31/33

          next week:
          sterling to haz

      14. Flaming Flamingo
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 25 days ago

        Is it bad that whenever someone asks for the community to pick a player for them, I deliberately go against what everyone is saying to encourage the poster to think for themselves?

        1. MTPockets
            5 years, 25 days ago

            What do you think?

            1. Flaming Flamingo
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              I don't do it really, haha. I do think a lot of people would benefit from trying to work through their dilemmas though, but that's a discussion for another day I guess.

              1. Richd
                • 11 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                I suppose it depends on how it’s asked.

                Personally I ask when I’m truly torn and wanna bounce ideas around, and I think the majority of regulars do the same

                1. Flaming Flamingo
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 25 days ago

                  I agree. I imagine the best FPL players are those that can find the balance between following their own instincts and taking on board other peoples opinions and points of view.

                2. Deulofail
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 25 days ago

                  Boing boing. I like to get and give reasons for answers, but then the pages turn and people don't reply or say thank you or offer up their rationale etc. So I try boinging again. It can certainly help to work through ideas, writing it down, and at that point it would be rude not to post it 😀

                3. F_Ivanovic
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 25 days ago

                  Yup I'm definitely the same. Honestly though it feels pointless as lots of time I put some detailed thoughts about my post (which supposedly people like) yet it gets ignored and the easy A/B questions are the ones that get answered in droves.

          • IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Fair tactic. Furthermore, I always look at someone’s rank and history before taking on their recommendations

            1. Flaming Flamingo
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              I wouldn't take past rank as a gauge of the quality of someones advice personally.

              1. Gnu
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                I suppose the sexyness of their grav would be a better gauge then.

                1. Wild Rover
                  • 13 Years
                  5 years, 25 days ago

                  That's me and you ignored then. Where's Henry Hill when you need him?

                  1. Gnu
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 14 Years
                    5 years, 25 days ago

                    True.

                2. Flaming Flamingo
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 25 days ago

                  100%

              2. Snevitz
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                I wouldn't ignore anyones advice without considering it first or feel the need to check their 'credentials'.
                There are a few posters on here whose advice I would give greater weight to though based their comment history.

                1. Flaming Flamingo
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 25 days ago

                  I agree completely. That's why I don't understand why they chose to show the number of years on the site alongside the grav. I'm not sure how much of a difference it has mode or not, but it inherently gives people a way of ranking posters which is at the very least unhelpful.

                  1. Deulofail
                    • 8 Years
                    5 years, 25 days ago

                    Yeah I said similar things at the time. Luckily, though, we haven't seen any overt negative effects from it really. It's just the implicit suggestion that signing up at an earlier date makes you more legitimate somehow.

                  2. Snevitz
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 14 Years
                    5 years, 25 days ago

                    That 9 just means I hate terms like 'he's burnt me before", "he's trolling me" and "just go with your gut".

                    On a serious note I'm not really sure, what's a bit sad is that it shows how few people actually keep posting on the site.

                    1. Gnu
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 14 Years
                      5 years, 25 days ago

                      Indeed.

          • Richd
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            I once copied Jonty’s wildcard as I was so busy with work but got Sanchez instead of Ozil. He plummeted into obscurity and I had a great season

            That’s my confession

            1. Flaming Flamingo
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              Maybe one day you'll become a FPL guru and he'll copy your wildcard team to complete the circle.

          • Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Poor form

            1. Flaming Flamingo
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              😛

          • Snevitz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            I hate seeing opinion presented as fact, especially when the stats actually indicate something different.

            1. Deulofail
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              imo you don't hate that

        2. davies
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          Thoughts on this -8?

          Son Jiménez Camarasa Bennett > Brooks Barnes Higuain TAA

          Would give me 10 blankers + 1FT for next week...

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Keep Son this week

            1. davies
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              Can’t afford Higuain otherwise

          2. Hy liverpool
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Do it but keep jimi... Barnes has liverpool, i would have jimi this week over him

            1. davies
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              Harvey Barnes (midfielder)

              1. Hy liverpool
                • 10 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                My bad

          3. Tsparkes10
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Like it a lot

        3. Ruinenlust
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          Any 4.0 defenders that have a game in GW 31?

          1. Kiwivillan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Not nailed ones

            1. Ruinenlust
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              Peltier? Started the last 2

              1. Kiwivillan
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                Doesn't play 31

                1. Ruinenlust
                  • 6 Years
                  5 years, 25 days ago

                  Sorry meant Stankovic

          2. EMBOLOFAN
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            some random bournemouth guy played last week and is 4.0 i think

            1. Kiwivillan
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              3.8m covering injuries and Lerma suspension

              1. EMBOLOFAN
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                ah so we assume he's not staying

        4. It’s gonna Ben Mee
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          Schindler has stayed in my team due to the BGWs but now I’m considering taking him out for Luiz for a hit.

          Yay or nay?

          1. EMBOLOFAN
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            probably more pressing issues

          2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Will FH GW32

          3. Richd
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            How many 31 will you have ?

            He’s a body at least ! It makes it different to removing for a blank player

            1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              Will field 11 but I have so much cash tied up in Doherty so don’t want to ship him. Thinking Luiz will probably make up for it GW 31 and 33.

              Schindler is gone immediately when I WC GW 34 anyway.

              1. Richd
                • 11 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                I’d lean towards no

                But it depends if you wanna gamble or not, obviously it could payoff but it’s a risk with upside.

                1. Richd
                  • 11 Years
                  5 years, 25 days ago

                  Also I’m thinking selling Doherty isn’t bad. And I’ve had since 4.4.

        5. adidasOriginals
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 25 days ago

          Any point in hanging on to Rashford or change for a bgw player?

          1. EMBOLOFAN
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            i want him for arsenal game. its an important match and ars are poor at the back

          2. MTPockets
              5 years, 25 days ago

              PSG midweek. Maybe see how that goes (lineup/injuries)

          3. Tsparkes10
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Is it more ideal for me to FH in GW 31 or 32? My heads spinning... All chips remaining.

            2 FT 1.6 ITB

            Fab/Button
            Shaw/Doh/Taa/AWB/Digne
            Feli A/Salah/Moutinho/Son/Pog
            Aubam/Jimi/Rash

            Not sure what is sensible thing to do?

            1. Richd
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              You have 5 for 31/33 and 2 FT so use all three transfers and you’re on 8.

              I’d say just use all transfers for 31 players, who also have 33 and a hit or two and then FH32

              You should have planned sooner 😉

              1. Tsparkes10
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                I know :(. Kinda gave up and didn't realise tbh as gap with my ML Rival is getting larger so taking it less seriously.

                Thinking maybe Shaw, Moutinho, Aubam to Diop, Mane, King this week for a - 4... Then bring in Haz for Son and possibly Vardy for Rash

                1. Richd
                  • 11 Years
                  5 years, 25 days ago

                  Weren’t you 1k in the world not that long ago ?

                  Chin up and get planning now. I almost gave up as I dropped outside the top 1k to almost 40k and had to work my butt off but I’m on the brink again and this next few weeks is where you can do the same !

                  Yeah moves like that will be what you wanna do.

                  You got all your chips ?

                  I think if so FH32 is still viable for you mate

                  1. Tsparkes10
                    • 5 Years
                    5 years, 25 days ago

                    1573 was my highest but then wildcarded and went down from there as didn't jump on the Pogba, Son and Salah bandwagon quick enough... First season so a learning curve I guess to not force a WC :).

                    Yh got all my chips so hopefully get 9 or 10 out for 31 and 33 and FH 32. Gonna need to take a few punts here and there but makes it more exciting I guess.

                    Cheers for advice, need of comments like this are reason I posted a few times 🙂 appreciate it

            2. Now I'm Panicking
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              Looks like you have snookered yourself into FH31 to me.

              1. Kiwivillan
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                Hogwash

                1. Now I'm Panicking
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 25 days ago

                  "I politely disagree" works too

            3. Kiwivillan
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              Guest on Always Cheating podcast said FH32 is like a vacation to exotic place and FH31 like vacation to Skegness

              1. Deulofail
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                Don't need ot go on vacation if you already live their 🙂

            4. JackJack
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              Can you please post this one more time so we really get the point?

              1. Tsparkes10
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                Haven't had replies hence the reposts. Obviously struggling so tips over pointless comments would be appreciated

                1. JackJack
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 25 days ago

                  I've seen many replies, mate.

              2. Deulofail
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                It hasn't quite sunk in for me yet, Jack's Complete Lack of Surprise

          4. pol
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Current team:

            Guaita / Patricio
            Robertson Wan-bissaka Dunk Doherty Bednarek
            Salah Maddison FAnderson Kante Pogba
            Aguero Jimenez Rashford

            Thinking of doing -8 over the next 2 GW to field 9 in GW31:
            Doherty + Patricio + Aguero + Pogba > TAA + Boruc + king + hazard

            Would you do Bednarek > Perreira as well for an additional -4?

            1. EMBOLOFAN
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              i would yeah. good plan

              1. pol
                • 13 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                I feel like -12 might be too much since I am only 14 points behind leader in ML but I also need players for GW 31 so though choice

                1. EMBOLOFAN
                  • 5 Years
                  5 years, 25 days ago

                  if the player you're bringing in simply starts twice (and lasts 60mins) you've got your 4 points back

          5. ryacoo
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Is Arnie ever gonna get his place back?

            Start him vs (car) or Jimenez (che) this week?

            1. Tsparkes10
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              Arni

            2. EMBOLOFAN
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              not ideal situation but would start arnie

          6. Lemonhead
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            Anyone know when the DGW32 fixtures are likely to be announced?

            1. Legomané
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              Sometime after next round of FA Cup is complete

              1. Legomané
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 25 days ago

                (Those matches are played the same weekend as GW31)

            2. tutankamun
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              Ben Crelin:

              “March 17th-19th (imo).
              The GW31 deadline is March 16th and there almost certainly won't be any more DGW announcements prior to that deadline.”

            3. Lemonhead
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              Wow not a lot of turn around time eh? Thanks guys

          7. MikeLowrey
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 25 days ago

            A) Pogba & Jimenez > Brooks & Higuain
            B) Pogba & Son > Brooks & Hazard
            C) Jimenez & Rich > Vardy & Brooks
            D) Doherty, Pogba & Jimenez > Brooks, Luiz & Higuian (-4)
            E) Doherty, Pogba & Jimenez > Fraser, Rice & Higuian (-4)

            Current lineup (using FH in GW32)

            Fab
            Robbo TAA Digne Doherty
            Son Salah Pogba Rich
            Aguero Jimenez

            (Boruc Camrasa Barnes Bednarek)

            1. Snevitz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 25 days ago

              You currently have 7 for the blank. I don't think you need to take a hit this week unless it improves your team which looks pretty good as it is.
              I definitely wouldn't be removing players like Son or Pogba who have a good fixture.
              I'd think about a move like Doherty to Chilwell or Rice, bank the other transfer and then take a hit or two next week to field 10 or 11.