Scout Notes

Sterling’s hat-trick furthers his Double Gameweek credentials

Manchester City and Watford are two of ten sides without a fixture in Blank Gameweek 31, with both of these clubs in FA Cup quarter-final action next weekend.

Their Fantasy assets signed off until after the international break on Saturday evening, with Raheem Sterling‘s hat-trick helping the league leaders to a 3-1 win.

The premium midfielder’s second 21-point haul of the season takes centre stage in our Scout Notes article below.

Manchester City 3-1 Watford

  • Goals: Raheem Sterling (£11.4m) x3 | Gerard Deulofeu (£5.6m)
  • Assists: Sergio Aguero (£11.9m), Riyad Mahrez (£8.2m), David Silva (£8.5m) | Troy Deeney (£5.9m)

Raheem Sterling (£11.4m) joined Mohamed Salah (£13.4m) at the top of the Fantasy Premier League points-scorers’ list after his eighth double-digit haul of the season.

Sterling is now only 31 points away from matching his incredible 2017/18 campaign, with still eight matches of the season to go.

We’re now in a curious situation where the FPL player with the best points-per-match ratio (7.3) this season is a disposable asset ahead of the next round of fixtures, with City blanking in Gameweek 31.

The reigning champions are only a victory over Swansea City away from blanking in Gameweek 33, too.

Those Sterling owners who are planning to Free Hit in Gameweek 32 will be tempted to sell (rather than bench) him ahead of next weekend, with little value tied up in the premium midfielder: Sterling has only risen £0.4m from his starting price and has actually dipped in value from his season-high price of £11.6m in Gameweeks 16-18.

Whatever the approach, Sterling is unlikely to be “differential” material should City enjoy a Double Gameweek 32 – which seems a very real possibility if they get the better of Swansea next weekend. Already in 14% of FPL squads, the England winger will surely feature in a large chunk of Free Hit/Wildcard teams in that Gameweek given that Pep Guardiola’s side will potentially face a double-header against Fulham and Cardiff City.

Rotation is always a threat (Sterling has been benched in two of the last five Gameweeks) but there is no doubt that the former Liverpool wide-man is, as he has been for much of his manager’s tenure, a trusted asset of Guardiola’s – something that can’t be said yet of Riyad Mahrez (£8.2m) or currently of Leroy Sane (£9.4m).

The City head coach’s almost Football Manager-esque approach to press conferences and post-match interviews (two parts praise, one part tactical criticism) was in evidence again when he was asked about Sterling’s display.

Guardiola said:

He can do better. The first half he didn’t play good. The three goals were fantastic but he can do better. He didn’t help us a lot defensively in the first half and with the ball was not clear, he lost a lot of balls. He can do better.

While those comments were seemingly just an exercise in ego management, Guardiola was right in that Sterling did little of note before half-time.

Nor did many of his team-mates, as Watford set out purely to suffocate City’s attackers and offer no ambition of their own.

Watford’s average position map bore a striking resemblance to that of Bournemouth’s last weekend and at times in the first half, the Hornets looked as if they were playing with a six-man defence.

The stats show that City had nine shots before the break but there was a growing sense of frustration among both the home support and owners of City’s attacking assets, which only served to further fuel the argument that the Sky Blues lack drive whenever Fernandinho (£5.3m) is missing.

City will likely encounter similar rearguard approaches when they meet Fulham and Cardiff, though those two clubs are not particularly renowned for their ability to keep out “big six” sides.

Guardiola said after full-time:

It was almost impossible to attack when they play so deep, there were no spaces.

Most of the games we play are like this, difficult because the opposition are so organised. The opponent came here and defended with 11 players in the box. We spoke at half-time to make more attacking movements and we did it.

It was so difficult but we created enough chances and after the first goal, it was easier.

Sergio Aguero‘s (£11.9m) owners had to make do with an assist for Sterling’s first strike but the Argentinean striker had chances of his own, the best of which was a free header from a Bernardo Silva (£7.5m) cross on 28 minutes.

Aguero was inches away from connecting with an Oleksandr Zinchenko (£4.7m) cross-shot moments earlier and shot straight at Ben Foster (£4.6m) just before being withdrawn in the final ten minutes but this was one of the more frustrating afternoons for his legions of FPL owners – the premium forward was twice denied tap-ins when Bernardo and substitute Sane opted to shoot rather than square the ball.

Although his points haul was dwarfed by Sterling’s, Aguero kept up his record of banking an attacking return in every single home league match that he has started in this season.

It could be argued that Aguero has only been benched once in the league this season when fully fit (the Argentina international having been a substitute in Gameweeks 17 and 18 after gradually returning from a groin injury) and he is another Fantasy asset who will likely form the basis of many Free Hit squads in Gameweek 32.

Aguero’s miscontrol led to Sterling’s controversial opener just after the break, a goal that had originally been flagged for offside before referee Paul Tierney overturned the decision.

City’s second was peak Sterling, with the winger tapping in a low Mahrez cross from close range, before the England international completed his hat-trick with a jinking run and deflected shot on 58 minutes.

Mahrez was a lively presence on the right wing, though whether he’s still a Fantasy option in Gameweek 32 remains to be seen as Kevin De Bruyne (£9.7m) may well have recovered by that point, thus allowing Bernardo to return to a more advanced role in the front three.

The Algerian provided an excellent opportunity for the improved David Silva (£8.5m) early on, only for “El Mago” to head/handle the ball off target.

City’s defence were seldom troubled and they remarkably have conceded only four attempts on goal over the last three Gameweeks combined.

Watford ruined the hosts’ clean sheet with their only real serious attack, substitutes Troy Deeney (£5.9m) and Gerard Deulofeu (£5.6m) combining with their first touches to score the Hornets’ consolation.

Deeney and Deulofeu were two of seven players who dropped out of the Watford side for this encounter, with Javi Gracia seemingly having one eye on the FA Cup quarter-finals next weekend.

Andre Gray (£5.9m) led the line in what was ostensibly a 4-1-4-1, with Kiko Femenia (£4.2m) and Isaac Success (£4.6m) the unlikely wide-men on the flanks.

Gracia’s stifling tactics worked well in the first half and he was understandably miffed after full-time regarding the nature of City’s opener:

Everybody could see what happened, it was a game before that moment and a game after it.

We played a very good first half, defensively perfect, knowing we have options in the second half and in that moment, our plan changed and it was difficult for us.

I think it is offside because, when Aguero touches the ball, Sterling is offside and he influences it by going to the ball. The linesman says it is offside but I do not criticise the referees and I will not do it today.

Gracia explained his mass rotation thus:

The decisions I make are focused on the next game. Before the game, I thought we needed fresh legs to compete today and to run a lot.

In this moment, we have 26 players available and all of them deserve to play. As you can see, they have competed well. It is good for us to compete today.

There are eight games left and the FA Cup. This is the best news for us, to have 26 players ready to compete and all of them trying to help the team.

If I have to take the decision again, I would do it the same way.

Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Kompany, Otamendi, Zinchenko; B. Silva, Gundogan, D. Silva; Mahrez (Foden 90′), Aguero (Jesus 80′), Sterling (Sane 65′).

Watford XI (4-1-4-1): Foster; Janmaat, Britos (Cathcart 82′), Kabasele, Masina; Capoue; Femenia (Deulofeu 65′), Doucoure, Cleverley, Success (Deeney 65′); Gray.

867 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Syd.
    • 15 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Surely Arnie starts next week given the hopeless performance from Shitaritto

    1. Amey
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      WH fan or Arnie owner ??

    2. el polako
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      It looks like there is some bad blood between Arnie and Pellegrini ever since the China malarkey.
      Wouldnt put my mortgage on Arnautovic starting, plus he can still pick up a training injury.

    3. MTPockets
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Surely Anderson will haul next week...

        1. Gudjohnsen
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          People been saying that for months now. Will he even start, that is F.Anderson?

          1. el polako
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 7 months ago

            Google sarcasm.

        2. g40steve
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          Remember the Alonso chat that lasted for months?

          1. el polako
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 7 months ago

            It will be Son now, until end of season.

          2. MTPockets
              5 years, 7 months ago

              Yes and it took me a while to bail tbf

        3. dhirst
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          I’m done with the hammers, waste of time

        4. bench boost for every gamew…
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          a little bit of changery is on the cards

        5. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          I watched the extended highlights on sky, Arnie did more in 45 than the whole of WHU in 90 mins....dont know whats happened to Anderson, looks disinterested ??

      • Gudjohnsen
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

        Lesson learned.

        Now I have to rely on triple Chelsea and LFC to minimise the damage.

        Not feeling overly Confident.

        1. MTPockets
            5 years, 7 months ago

            Yeah, rolling FT for another week of info on Vardy/Wilson/Fraser hasn't work so well so far

        2. Gudjohnsen
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          Etheridge to either Boruc or Fabianski for a hit?

          1. Team Cruel
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 7 months ago

            Yes

          2. Business Cat
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 7 months ago

            Boruc, yes

            Fabianski....NO!

          3. MTPockets
              5 years, 7 months ago

              boruc

          4. Ian Davis
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 7 months ago

            Current free hit XI:

            Fabianski
            TAA/Rice/Digne
            Salah/Mane/Fraser/Hazard
            Higuaín/Vardy/Wilson

            Any tips?

            1. IRBOX ⚽
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 7 months ago

              That’s my squad without FH, except I have Robbo for Mane and Chilwell for Rice. I still think it is a sub-optimal week to be using FH

              1. Demel
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                It is about the lead up weeks, holding value and being able to BB next week.

                1. IRBOX ⚽
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 7 months ago

                  Have had green arrows in the lead up, and will gain more value by having players in the blanks. Free Hit will lose a lot of value this week

                  1. Demel
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    5 years, 7 months ago

                    This is true. But this is also with the benefit of hindsight. I hoped for more green arrows whilst people shed their premium assets but it hasn't quite worked like that.

                    I still hope to overtake players over the next 2 weeks. A Free Hit this week should result in a green arrow. A bench boost full of DGW players (hopefully) should net the same result.

                    So it isn't really just about this week for me. I hope overall it pays off.

                    1. IRBOX ⚽
                      • 7 Years
                      5 years, 7 months ago

                      You’re having a strong season regardless and I’m sure you’ll finish really well! Best of luck mate

                      1. Demel
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        5 years, 7 months ago

                        Thanks. You too!

                2. Anathallo
                  • 15 Years
                  5 years, 7 months ago

                  This, 100%

                  Wouldn't have had Sterling (c) if I wasn't FH in 31. It really depends on your team, it wasn't 'sub optimal' for me even if it might be for you.

                  FWIW you've got a great looking 31 team Ibrox, and I'll have a great looking 32 with Raheem likely TC.

                  I really don't think there is anything to pick between the strategies on a purely objective level.

                  1. Demel
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    5 years, 7 months ago

                    I agree. Hindsight may tell us which approach is best. I wanted to go different to try and crack the top 1k (fully understanding I would be out of the Top 10k if I get it wrong). The safer option is to build for 31 and FH/WC 32. But at this stage I don't think there is a right or wrong answer.

              2. Ian Davis
                • 14 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                Any ideas on a better option than Digne?

            2. Business Cat
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 7 months ago

              Fabianski to Boruc, then it's optimal IMO

              You have Rice, you DO NOT want double WHam defence!

              1. Ian Davis
                • 14 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                Even vs Huddersfield at home?

                1. bench boost for every gamew…
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 7 months ago

                  not overly confident but for 31 i thought it was the best option, going Anderson as my third man from Hammers was the real blow. So fed up that he is going for a -4, but since it is a -4 with 2 FT my 2 players is for blankers so i´ll tell myself i is for free. It will also give me 1ft in 33 that i have saved for him anyway and i might need that flexibility then with Fa cup then having some possible effects on my team.

                2. Anathallo
                  • 15 Years
                  5 years, 7 months ago

                  I'm tripling!

                  1. Demel
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    5 years, 7 months ago

                    Nothing wrong with that.

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

            First draft of a Free Hit XI. Have I missed anyone? Plenty of cash in the bank to use.

            Fabianski
            Azpi - Robertson - Ake
            Brooks - Hazard - Salah - Mane
            Higuain - Wilson - Vardy

            1. IRBOX ⚽
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 7 months ago

              Would prefer TAA and Fraser/Maddison over Ake and Mane, otherwise solid as

              1. Demel
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                Newcastle don't concede a lot and Fulham sometimes do is my logic. Although I can see your point as well.

                1. IRBOX ⚽
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 7 months ago

                  No Schar though and Lejuene is average imo. Toffees just scored 2 and Bournemouth good at home. Tough call

                  1. Demel
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    5 years, 7 months ago

                    True.but Wilson and Fraser/Brooks is already fairly loaded up top.

            2. QuintonFortune25
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 7 months ago

              How come Brooks over Fraser?

              1. Demel
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                I need to look at it in more detail as none of these players have been on my radar until now. I get the impression he is possibly the better option of the two.

            3. Amey
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 7 months ago

              How many players do you have for this gw ??
              FT ??
              I'd rather use FH in 33 tbh. Low scoring gw imo (gw 31)
              Suggestion*

              1. Demel
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                Thanks. It is a bit of a long term plan. I have just 3 Hazard - Kepa - Robertson.

                My plan is FH 31, BB 32 (should the blanks fall how I hoped/planned), WC 33 (I will then cover most of 33 and get a team in good shape for 35 where I will TC).

                1. Amey
                  • 6 Years
                  5 years, 7 months ago

                  Do it then
                  No way out for you as only 3 players.
                  That's a nice team you posted too.

                  1. Demel
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    5 years, 7 months ago

                    Thanks. Good luck to you as well. How are you shaping up?

          6. emodabi
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 7 months ago

            Hi,

            I did like 2 early transfer yesterday and now I am tempted to use the FH next week. So if I continue like tomorrow and change all the players I want using the FH. Does my team will revert back and the 2 transfers that I did early and separately will be considered as part of FH and not permanent?

            1. QuintonFortune25
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 7 months ago

              No those transfers won't stick unfortunately. You'll the exact same 15 as GW30.

              1. emodabi
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                I understand this and I want them not to stick. My issue I have done earlier transfers and I changed my mind to use the FH and I am afraid the one that I did will change my team for GW32 and will be permanent but this is not the case right?

                1. QuintonFortune25
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 7 months ago

                  Yeah you're right, it's not the case.

                  1. emodabi
                    • 7 Years
                    5 years, 7 months ago

                    Thanks Mate

          7. QuintonFortune25
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 7 months ago

            How's this FH31 team looking?

            Fabianski
            TAA - Luiz - Rice
            Salah - Mane - Hazard - Fraser
            Higuain - Vardy - Wilson

            Stek - Diop - Hayden - Stankovic

            Unsure between double Liverpool midfield or defence, what's your thoughts on Mane v Robertson?

            1. MTPockets
                5 years, 7 months ago

                Almost identical to those above, so probably ok
                Robertson

              • 7rjngs lollygagger
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                I’d go Robbo and Maddison/Tielemans. You still have a decent chance of an attacking return of course and a better than even chance if a cs.

                I went Mane a long time back - which has paid - but I’d much prefer double defence this time.

            2. James2201
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 7 months ago

              Need some advice, currently dropping back in my work league but have all my chips left still to play. I am considering playing my free hit next week to field a full 11. Currently I have 7 players playing. From looking at my team would you use the free hit?

              Dubravka
              TAA Lindelof Kolasinac
              Anderson Pogba Salah Hazard
              Arnie Rashford Higuain

              So it’s Rashford, Pogba, Lindelof and Kolasinac that cannot play. Was thinking of using the free hit to triple up on Liverpool and maybe try get some Leicester in there aswell. What do you think?

              1. g40steve
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                Take hits if needed next week & FH 32?

              2. TAArt
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                I’d take a -8 to get 10 and then fh in 32. Kola, Lindelof, Rashford out, VVD, Wilson, Chilwell in work?

              3. DandyDon
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                Anderson may be benched also after his fall in form. Yes look at potential of the week after, there will be a number of double gameweeks not confirmed yet, if you save freehit for then better rewards. I’d make a few transfers to bring in pool, Leicester Chelsea or Bournemouth who all have decent games 31and for future blanks (again not yet confirmed) in 33

                1. TAArt
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 6 Years
                  5 years, 7 months ago

                  Fixtures in 32 double will be by far the best

            3. gunthourinho
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 7 months ago

              If you have all your chips left and wildcard, given you canonly play one per week, what is your strategy for the rest of the gameweeks?

              1. Syd.
                • 15 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                FH
                WC34
                TC35
                BB36

              2. CostaCoffee
                • 11 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                FH 32
                WC 34
                TC/BB 35
                Will then have TC or BB left over for one of the last GWs

              3. QuintonFortune25
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                FH31
                BB/TC32
                WC33
                TC/BB35

                I'm hoping to have 14 double GW players in GW32 so will probably bench boost.

              4. McEwan
                • 15 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                Still waiting for more information. It’s easy interchangeable for me atm. Could wc 32, fh 33, or fh32, wildcard 34 then fill in the chips 35BB prov and tc38

            4. Richd
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 7 months ago

              Raheem in same season points as Salah now.

              Vindication !!

              1. Gudjohnsen
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                Can't stand the guy but he delivery. Gotta hand it to him.

              2. Syd.
                • 15 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                And not to forget that Sterling has played 300 minutes less than Salah

              3. Amey
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                Not bad for a rotation prone player 😉

              4. DeadStarComing
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                Salah has a game in hand 🙂

                1. g40steve
                  • 6 Years
                  5 years, 7 months ago

                  Take the points on the board not the games

              5. jia you
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                One's the real deal, the other's a bit of a one season wonder getting a few luck pens and lucky goals this season to keep up the hype.

            5. Sandy Ravage
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 7 months ago

              Which option:
              A - VVD + Pedro
              B - Diop + Mane

              1. Gudjohnsen
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                Would never go for Pedro.

              2. MTPockets
                  5 years, 7 months ago

                  Probably B, but not a fan of whu defence
                  See if Pedro plays in EL on thursday

                • Bobby_Baggio
                  • 13 Years
                  5 years, 7 months ago

                  B

              3. Ronny17
                • 14 Years
                5 years, 7 months ago

                Can you make a normal transfer without points hit and play free hit in the same gameweek?

                1. MTPockets
                    5 years, 7 months ago

                    No, they're captured by FH and you get previous GW squad back

                    1. emodabi
                      • 7 Years
                      5 years, 7 months ago

                      And if I did 2 transfers with one hit and I confirmed that and I changed my mind and used the FH instead the confirmed transferred will rolled back to my original players?

                2. DeadStarComing
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  5 years, 7 months ago

                  Morning everyone. As it's been about a year since I last used it I just wanted to confirm some things with the free hit chip. Is it correct to say you sell your players at the current selling price and buy new ones at their current buy price? So it is worth activating early and getting in any players who may rise early on it?

                  1. MTPockets
                      5 years, 7 months ago

                      Worth it if you're price-limited, but you won't hold any of the gains from your FH squad after the GW ends

                    • IRBOX ⚽
                      • 7 Years
                      5 years, 7 months ago

                      Correct, however, you won’t maintain those rises on your FH squad the following GW when it reverts back to your original squad

                      1. DeadStarComing
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        5 years, 7 months ago

                        Oh no of course. You don't earn money on free hit buys - get that. Cheers both,

                  2. Cookie Kid
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 8 Years
                    5 years, 7 months ago

                    Mark captained Sterling, also enjoyed Rondon points and now 920 in world with all chips still to play.

                    Mark knows.

                    1. drughi
                      • 15 Years
                      5 years, 7 months ago

                      thought rondon was a medioker pick but when mark has him just follow suit really. Rondon is now all of a sudden a world beater

                    2. DeadStarComing
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 13 Years
                      5 years, 7 months ago

                      For non Aguero owners it was a solid pick. Worth noting he has owned Sterling from GW9 also. Sterling is a good FPL pick though. He goes under the radar most weeks.

                    3. Rocky FPL
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 6 Years
                      5 years, 7 months ago

                      Even I Captained Sterling and have Rondon and even Digne. Not even in 100k though

                    4. IRBOX ⚽
                      • 7 Years
                      5 years, 7 months ago

                      I think most people were turned off by the price tag this season - Sane and Mahrez were the ‘optimum’ City options in pre-season. Sterling is great and has well and truly justified his price

                      1. Rocky FPL
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 6 Years
                        5 years, 7 months ago

                        He was 8.5 last season if I remember correctly?
                        Because of that I thought he was overpriced, clearly I was wrong. One of the best fpl asset this season. Can't believe he has the highest ppm in the game.

                    5. DandyDon
                      • 6 Years
                      5 years, 7 months ago

                      Ah he is one of the 600 that has overtaken me. Surprised to see so many top players with Rondon, considering their wk33 fixture isn’t the best, worked a treat for them so far. I seemed to be very unlucky not getting more Aguero points after he started

                  3. lilmessipran
                    • 12 Years
                    5 years, 7 months ago

                    Camarasa to Snodgrass/brooks worth a -4 to field 11 this week? All the chips intact for future gws

                  4. Gudjohnsen
                    • 7 Years
                    5 years, 7 months ago

                    Predictions for the games today?

                    Liverpool 2 - Burnley 0
                    Chelsea 2 - Wolves 1
                    Arsenal 1 - Manchester United 3

                    1. Bobby_Baggio
                      • 13 Years
                      5 years, 7 months ago

                      3 - 1
                      2 - 1
                      1 - 1

                    2. drughi
                      • 15 Years
                      5 years, 7 months ago

                      3-0
                      2-1
                      1-2

                    3. Amey
                      • 6 Years
                      5 years, 7 months ago

                      Liverpool 3 - Burnley 2
                      Chelsea 3 - Wolves 1
                      Arsenal 1 - Manchester United 3

                    4. One for All
                      • 6 Years
                      5 years, 7 months ago

                      3-0
                      2-0
                      2-1

                  5. #FPLBhuna
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 7 Years
                    5 years, 7 months ago

                    so i bought chica in last gw..

                    got to hold right?

                  6. Bobby_Baggio
                    • 13 Years
                    5 years, 7 months ago

                    What's an acceptable hit to take for GW31 if not using any chips?

                    1. drughi
                      • 15 Years
                      5 years, 7 months ago

                      I'm taking a -8 but for players playing in both gw 31 and 33 and using FH in gw 32. Players going out is not not playing gw 31 and gw 33.

                      1. Bobby_Baggio
                        • 13 Years
                        5 years, 7 months ago

                        Cool I'm same using FH32. Have 2FT and thinking -8 to get 11

                        1. drughi
                          • 15 Years
                          5 years, 7 months ago

                          -8 is my limit, have taken one or two -12 in my career for dgw but thats it

                    2. #FPLBhuna
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 7 Years
                      5 years, 7 months ago

                      -4

                      1. Bobby_Baggio
                        • 13 Years
                        5 years, 7 months ago

                        Cheers

                    3. MTPockets
                        5 years, 7 months ago

                        Think it depends who for. I'd take hits for Liverpool, not for west ham

                      • THFC4LIFE
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 7 Years
                        5 years, 7 months ago

                        Depends on your team and you should take gw33 into consideration aswel

                        1. Bobby_Baggio
                          • 13 Years
                          5 years, 7 months ago

                          We won't know fixtures until after the deadline right?

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

                            True but we can 2nd guess.

                            City v Cardiff likely blank
                            1 of Palace and Watford will blank
                            Spurs v Brighton could blank.

                      • QuintonFortune25
                        • 8 Years
                        5 years, 7 months ago

                        If you've got no chips then you've really got to look at transfer across a 3-5 GW timeframe rather than just the immediate GW. For instance, if I owned Sterling and was worried about his blanks in GW31 and 33, I would still keep because between GW31 - GW35 he'll still play (TBC) 5 fixtures as would a BGW player like a Liverpool player.

                        So the point is, it's probably not worth taking too many hits when you consider all of the fixtures between now and DGW35.

                        1. Bobby_Baggio
                          • 13 Years
                          5 years, 7 months ago

                          Apologies I have all chips including WC.

                      • Ruth_NZ
                        • 9 Years
                        5 years, 7 months ago

                        Don't count hits. Take each one (or each combination) on it's own merits. Assess what it gives you in terms of potential return and what it costs. Then decide if it is worth it.

                        There are circumstances where a -16 could be the best thing to do. But no-one in their right mind would suggest doing that willy-nilly.

                    4. dhirst
                      • 8 Years
                      5 years, 7 months ago

                      Have 2 frees and can field a full 11 with these moves.

                      Best combo? GW 31 only.

                      Hazard and Wilson
                      Vardy and Fraser

                      Or something else?

                      1. Rocky FPL
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 6 Years
                        5 years, 7 months ago

                        Has to be Wilsard.

                        1. dhirst
                          • 8 Years
                          5 years, 7 months ago

                          That’s my gut feeling. Missed the boat on Vardy, couldn’t afford this week and a couple of rivals have him already. Wilson could be a good differential given most will go Vardy.

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

                        Lol same 2 options as me! See below

                        My default was Wilzard but Vardy does have the better fixtures and is less of a troll so making me think!

                        1. dhirst
                          • 8 Years
                          5 years, 7 months ago

                          Ha yeah agreed, I can get vards with chips after 31, Wilson seems a good option to mix it up.

                    5. Ejaaz11
                      • 9 Years
                      5 years, 7 months ago

                      I haven't used my free hit chip yet. Is now the time to use it?

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

                        Depends how many players you have

                      2. Optimus.
                        • 13 Years
                        5 years, 7 months ago

                        I'm saving all my chips for the final gameweek, hoping for a 200+ points gameweek to go out with a bang

                    6. FPL Forward Thinker
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 6 Years
                      5 years, 7 months ago

                      Critic my planned 2FTs for 31 please : 3.7m itb
                      (FH32,WC34,BB35,TC36)
                      - Pogba and Shaw to Salah and Daniels ? Exact money.
                      4-4-2
                      Fab
                      TAA Pereira Digne Daniels
                      Salah (c) Mane Hazard FAnd
                      Higuain Rondon

                      Sub: Hayden
                      (Button,RBenn,Kun)

                      1. MTPockets
                          5 years, 7 months ago

                          Looks fine to me (assuming Daniels is playing again - haven't checked)

                          1. FPL Forward Thinker
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 6 Years
                            5 years, 7 months ago

                            Daniels played last two 90 mins but not totally convinced but will give it a gamble. Just needed a 4.1m players to afford Pogba to Salah

                      2. Old Man
                        • 13 Years
                        5 years, 7 months ago

                        Currently watching MOTD and it reminds me that there is a large element of luck in this FPL game of ours. Knockhaert should have been sent off after 1 minute of the CPL-BRI match and yet he was on hand to score a wonderful goal for Brighton.

                        1. Syd.
                          • 15 Years
                          5 years, 7 months ago

                          There is certainly a huge slice of luck involved

                          Some of the assists and goals beggar belief at times

                          1. FPL Forward Thinker
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 6 Years
                            5 years, 7 months ago

                            Seconds before Kuns was subbed both Bilva and Sane should have assisted a Aguero tap in.
                            So luck against aguero owners because of selfishness of these two players

                        2. DeadStarComing
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 13 Years
                          5 years, 7 months ago

                          It's crazy yeah. I mean the first Man City should not have stood. It will be interested to see what VAR does next season. Probably a lot less open play goals but more penalties.

                          1. DeadStarComing
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 13 Years
                            5 years, 7 months ago

                            *interesting even

                        3. el polako
                          • 7 Years
                          5 years, 7 months ago

                          Sterlings 1st goal.
                          Pickford staying on the pitch.

                      3. drughi
                        • 15 Years
                        5 years, 7 months ago

                        Getting rid of sterling who has averaged 10 ppg in my team for hazard who has averaged 5.5 ppg in my team feels so wrong but it has to be done

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

                          No, you are just forcing yourself

                          1. drughi
                            • 15 Years
                            5 years, 7 months ago

                            indeed

                        2. MTPockets
                            5 years, 7 months ago

                            Why does it feel wrong when he's blanking?

                            1. drughi
                              • 15 Years
                              5 years, 7 months ago

                              read again

                              1. MTPockets
                                  5 years, 7 months ago

                                  I don't get it

                            2. GREEN IS GOOD
                              • 8 Years
                              5 years, 7 months ago

                              Wtf

                              1. drughi
                                • 15 Years
                                5 years, 7 months ago

                                yeah

                            3. SHOOTER MCGINN
                              • 9 Years
                              5 years, 7 months ago

                              Think I'll be doing the same

                          • Don Kloppeone
                            • 7 Years
                            5 years, 7 months ago

                            Morning gents
                            As it stands which option do you prefer for GW31/33?

                            Sterling, Jimi >
                            A) Haz, Wilson (-4)
                            B) Fraser, Vardy (-4)

                            Fab
                            Robbo, TAA, Luiz, Pereira
                            Salah, XXXX, Maddison
                            Higuaín, XXXX, Barnes

                            FH32 and WC34 and BB and TC still in hand. Obv option B leaves me loads of cash itb. It’s really a question of who is more important for the blanks, Haz or Vardy (when already have Hig and Maddison)?

                            Cheers

                            1. MTPockets
                                5 years, 7 months ago

                                a

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

                                  Thanks mate. I think logically having missed out in getting Vardy for GW30 it may be better to stick to the original plan (option A)

                              • dhirst
                                • 8 Years
                                5 years, 7 months ago

                                As above, A. If you can get Vardy with chips another week seems then that seems a better option.

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

                                  Yeh that’d be the plan. I have all chips still remaining

                              • FPL Forward Thinker
                                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                • 6 Years
                                5 years, 7 months ago

                                A

                              • Amey
                                • 6 Years
                                5 years, 7 months ago

                                A
                                Wilson/Vardy dilemma for me too. Will have Hazard regardless of anything

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

                                  Cheers Amey

                                  I think if I could afford Vardy with Haz I’d prob go for it but Wilson/ Fraser did look good

                                  1. Amey
                                    • 6 Years
                                    5 years, 7 months ago

                                    Thank you
                                    I can get Vardy+Hazard+Fraser

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

                                      I can do that also if I lose Pogba also and make it a -8. Would lose 0.5 value which is why I was holding him...

                            2. Anathallo
                              • 15 Years
                              5 years, 7 months ago

                              Am going to triple up on West Ham defence this week. Gambling against Huddersfield attack rather than having belief in West Ham defence. Also don't really see any other clean sheet bankers in that fixture list. Could flop or could pay off.

                              Anyone think this could be a good idea, or just madness?

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

                                Quality of the defense is just not good enough for double or triple ups. If it was Watford or Palace or even Newcastle, then it would have been worth a punt.

                                You can try double double up, thats lil bit safer.

                                1. Anathallo
                                  • 15 Years
                                  5 years, 7 months ago

                                  The double double up seems a little much 😉

                                  Appreciate the feedback. It feels weird backing such a bad defence but Hud are truly woeful going forwards.

                                  Do you see any other likely clean sheets in that fixture list?

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

                                    I meant double up on 2 teams instead of tripling in one 😛

                                    Liverpool, Bournemouth and Burnley have a decent chance of CSs I guess

                                    1. Anathallo
                                      • 15 Years
                                      5 years, 7 months ago

                                      Liverpool seem primed but want to gamble against Fulham defence so going Salah and Mane. Burnley I'm less sure about - I feel like I 100% want Vardy, and that suggests I don't think they will CS.

                                      Thanks for input!

                              2. MTPockets
                                  5 years, 7 months ago

                                  I wouldn't, but guess it could work
                                  They play Chelsea in 33 if you're not free-hitting

                                  1. Anathallo
                                    • 15 Years
                                    5 years, 7 months ago

                                    FH31, so won't be touching West Ham defence again!

                                • GREEN IS GOOD
                                  • 8 Years
                                  5 years, 7 months ago

                                  B. Madness

                              3. Atimis
                                • 8 Years
                                5 years, 7 months ago

                                Which one??

                                1. Shaw Jim to Azpi Wilson -8
                                2. Shaw Pogba to Azpi Fraser -8
                                3. Jim Pogba to Wilson Fraser -8

                              4. g40steve
                                • 6 Years
                                5 years, 7 months ago

                                After Sterling hatrick slipping in ML.
                                Need Mane, Trent & Salah master class with Pogba & Rashford to go mental while Kaka quiet?
                                May rescue me from 60 point deficit.

                                1. Amey
                                  • 6 Years
                                  5 years, 7 months ago

                                  Kaka is a legend !!

                              5. Clucas
                                • 8 Years
                                5 years, 7 months ago

                                Hello FPL Friends,

                                I'm not used to post any comments but this time I'll need your help, please.

                                I have all chips intact / 6 players to play in GW 31 and 2FT.

                                Would you play the FREE HIT Chip this week or do a -4 for instance and bring in 3 players?

                                Thank you in advance.

                                1. MTPockets
                                    5 years, 7 months ago

                                    Take the -4

                                    1. Clucas
                                      • 8 Years
                                      5 years, 7 months ago

                                      Thanks a lot. When are you planning to use your available chips?

                                      1. MTPockets
                                          5 years, 7 months ago

                                          FH32, WC34, BB35. But I've already used TC

                                    2. Holmes
                                      • 11 Years
                                      5 years, 7 months ago

                                      Just couple of transfers

                                      You can also roll with 7 players this week, TC in 32, FH in 33, WC in 34, BB in 35

                                      1. Clucas
                                        • 8 Years
                                        5 years, 7 months ago

                                        Thanks a lot Holmes. When are you planning to use your available chips?

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

                                          Same boring strategy, FH in 32, WC in 34, TC in 35

                                          I do hope fixtures are rearranged in such a way that WC in 32 is also an option

                                    3. GREEN IS GOOD
                                      • 8 Years
                                      5 years, 7 months ago

                                      I'd do 3 transfers for -4. get 3 premium players.

                                      FH32
                                      WC34
                                      BB35

                                      1. Clucas
                                        • 8 Years
                                        5 years, 7 months ago

                                        Thanks for your reply 🙂

                                  • YEAH PITCH!
                                    • 5 Years
                                    5 years, 7 months ago

                                    Which 2 are essential...

                                    A) Vardy
                                    B) Higuain
                                    C) Hazard
                                    D) Maddison
                                    E) Fraser

                                    1. Sandy Ravage
                                      • 8 Years
                                      5 years, 7 months ago

                                      A & E

                                    2. Rocky FPL
                                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                      • 6 Years
                                      5 years, 7 months ago

                                      C is needed to protect your rank.
                                      All others are good picks but won't call them essentials.

                                  • Sandy Ravage
                                    • 8 Years
                                    5 years, 7 months ago

                                    Son to:
                                    A - Mane (ful, TOT, sou)
                                    B - Hazard (eve, car, WHM)
                                    C - Tielemans / Maddison (bur, BOU, hud)

                                    1. MTPockets
                                        5 years, 7 months ago

                                        You don't have FH? Then B b/c Che may have DGW in 32