Opinion

Should I play my Free Hit chip in FPL Blank Gameweek 31?

The second and biggest Blank Gameweek of the season takes place this weekend.

Ten teams are without a Premier League fixture due to the clash with the FA Cup quarter-finals, meaning we have just five top-flight matches to choose from as we assemble our Fantasy teams ahead of Saturday’s deadline.

The five fixtures still going ahead are:

While there will be plenty of Fantasy managers who decided on their strategy for Gameweek 31 and beyond some time ago, there are still those amongst us who will be pondering whether to activate our Free Hit chip this weekend.

There may even be a percentage of FPL bosses who a while back decided to use their Free Hit chip in Gameweek 31 (or left themselves open to the possibility) who are now having second thoughts – perhaps if they have, say, five or more active players already or if they are questioning the appeal of the unaffected fixtures.

Certainly, the volume of requests for help in our Comments section and on Google suggests there is still a degree of uncertainty among some members of the Fantasy community.

How Fantasy Football Scout users are approaching Gameweek 31

Last week we ran two specific polls on Gameweek 31, asking Fantasy Football Scout users first for how many players they plan to field this weekend and secondly for how many points they’d be willing to sacrifice in FPL hits if they are instead planning to Free Hit in Gameweek 32.

The results as of March 11 are as follows:


Almost one-third (32.05%) of Fantasy managers polled planned to field nine or fewer active players in Blank Gameweek 31.

Over one-third (37.97%) aim to have a full starting XI with a league fixture (possibly with the use of the Free Hit chip), while just under 30% hope to have ten players in action.

Among those managers who still have the Free Hit chip and who are planning on instead using it in the as-yet-to-be-fully-announced Double Gameweek 32, over 70% will be taking at least a -4 hit.

A not insignificant 28.72% plan to take a hit of -8 or worse, meanwhile.

How the top 10,000 FPL managers currently shape up ahead of Gameweek 31

On Saturday we ran our regular top 10k metrics article, which uses data mined from Ragabolly’s site.

After a bit of number crunching, we now know that, as of the Gameweek 30 deadline, the top 10,000 Fantasy managers in the world had an average of 7.77 “active” players in their squads for Blank Gameweek 31.

By active, we mean Fantasy assets whose clubs have a fixture in Gameweek 31 – what that figure doesn’t show is any flagged FPL players (be it through injury, suspension or Aboubakar Kamara-type unavailability), non-playing bench fodder or incidences of two goalkeepers being selected from the same club.

Those variables will likely lower the current average to nearer the 7.00 mark, pre-Gameweek 31 transfers.

A team-by-team breakdown of the ten clubs in action this weekend reads as follows:

TeamAvg no. of players in top 10k squads
Bournemouth0.68
Burnley0.23
Chelsea0.79
Everton0.37
Fulham0.07
Huddersfield Town0.30
Leicester City0.87
Liverpool2.71
Newcastle United0.58
West Ham United1.17

Many Fantasy managers in this sample of the world’s leading 10,000 managers already have a triple-up on Liverpool, with West Ham, Leicester, Chelsea and Bournemouth some distance behind as the next-most-popular clubs who have a fixture in Gameweek 31.

Free Hit in Gameweek 31 as part of a wider strategy

Three weeks ago we outlined the pros and cons of three different chip strategies that Fantasy managers may decide to use going into the blanks and doubles ahead.

Strategy 3 in the linked article incorporated using the Free Hit chip in Blank Gameweek 31 as part of a wider approach.

We’d certainly urge anyone thinking of that strategy (or something similar) to look at the advantages and disadvantages of the different scenarios – not that those approaches are the only ones.

Many of the pros and cons in that piece are still valid but an additional downside to the “building for Double Gameweek 32” strategy is that we won’t know the exact details of that Gameweek until the rearranged fixtures are announced some time after the FA Cup semi-final draw has been made (next Monday at the earliest).

Final Thoughts

As ever, there isn’t a definitive answer to a question such as this.

Opinions on strategies are subjective and completely dependent on an individual’s Fantasy squad.

FPL bosses probably need to ask themselves a number of initial questions going into this weekend:

  • How many players could I get out using free transfers or perhaps by taking a points hit?
  • Do I still have my other chips available?
  • What is my wider approach to the season run-in beyond Gameweek 31, including how do I tackle Gameweek 33 when many of the same clubs will blank again?
  • Do I think the players I can draft in on a Free Hit in Gameweek 31 are worth building a team around and sacrificing a chip for?

Fantasy managers perhaps needn’t think that a full starting XI is a necessity this weekend: the results of our FFS poll and analysis of the top 10k shows that there are plenty of managers, even the high-flying ones, who won’t be able – or are choosing not – to do so.

Of course, should an FPL boss be in a position where they may only currently have two or three assets in action, then the Free Hit chip looks all-the-more enticing.

While there is plenty to be gained by being able to cherry-pick 11 players this weekend, it could be argued that a higher points ceiling exists by deploying the Free Hit chip in a Double Gameweek (likely to be Gameweeks 32 and 35). The counterpoint to that argument, of course, is that Bench Boost or Triple Captain couldn’t be used in the same Gameweek.

An example of a Free Hit starting XI this weekend might be something like:

Fabianski; Robertson, Luiz, Rice; Salah, Mane, Hazard, Brooks; Wilson, Higuain, Vardy.

Fantasy managers perhaps need to also ask themselves:

  • How many players from a Free Hit team such as this do they already have
  • How many would they realistically want (e.g. are Leicester defenders/West Ham midfielders worth it given their current form?)
  • How many points they could see this sort of team scoring versus how many they predict their own current team will rack up
  • Whether any potential drop in overall rank this week could be more than compensated by using a Free Hit chip further down the line

As ever, the “right” approach regarding the Free Hit chip will differ from manager to manager. Hopefully, some of the pointers listed above can help those FPL bosses who are still wavering come to a final decision.

You can still vote in (and see the shifting results of) our two polls below:



874 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    Toying with the idea of taking a -8 to bring in Haz, Fraser and either Vardy/Wilson for Sterling, Pogba and Jimi

    Two main questions:

    1) Is dropping Pogba worthwhile if I’d need 0.4 extra to bring back on WC in 34?

    2) Would you pick Vardy (bur, hud) or Wilson (NEW, BUR) to complete the trio based purely on likelihood of scoring more points in 31/33?

    Thanks

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      1 yes
      2 Wilson

    2. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Sterling can in theory get a game in 33 but unlikely. You use 8 points to get 3 players that most likely gets you 12 points just by playing (31 and 33) and stack that up with the sacrifice of 0.4 more spending on a player in 34 which you even don´t know will be picked. United´s double in 35 are not the best. Making 0.4 on a WC is not very hard and won´t guarantee you to get less points.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 18 days ago

        Thanks mate. Helpful and makes me more confident re -8. Which would you pick out of Wilson and Vardy to go with Haz and Fraser?

        1. bench boost for every gamew…
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 18 days ago

          Vardy, just. But that one could go either way tbf. Pens sways it for me, and Newcastle a bit more stable at the back when comparing fixtures. Bou is home and Leic away though, but Bou is good home and Leic is good on counterbreaks so way could be as good as home.

    3. droginexile
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Is Pogba gonna keep his value though, looks like he'll drop at least 0.2 this week and if people are free hitting in 32 that wont affect his price. he will likely fall again before BGW 33.

      Im slowly coming to this conclusion and may replace him with Haz this week who will have 31 DGW 32 and 33 so 4 games to Pogbas 2 before WC.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 18 days ago

        Yep I think I now agree so feel the -8 is justified. Main question left is getting in Vardy or Wilson alongside Haz and Fraser?
        What would you do?

        1. Big_Andy_GAWA
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 18 days ago

          United have a DGW in 32, yeah?

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 18 days ago

            I’m FHing in 32
            I expect Pogba to drop before then so I would need 0.3m extra but I gain a player in Fraser that could score very well when Pogba gets 0pts

        2. droginexile
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 18 days ago

          Of that choice I would pick Vardy as you already have Fraser to help cover Bournemouth.
          Have no keeper this week so thats my concern, think I'll have to go Boruc if I want to stretch to Haz.

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 18 days ago

            Boruc is as good a shout as any this week tbh. I’ve had Fab since GW1 so I’m lucky in that respect.

            I agree Vardy spreads the risk, he has just never excited me - he tends to be very consistent though. It’s a tough one as the Wilson/ Fraser double up can be so strong

    4. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Yes.
      Both good.
      🙂

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 18 days ago

        Cheers Rafa

        The Vardy vs Wilson question is a killer. Wilson has the better fixtures imo but having Vardy spreads risk a bit

  2. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    Bottomed out sorry.

    Best -4? Will FH32, WC33/34.

    A. Son+Kamara >> Fraser+Wilson
    B. Son+Kun >> Hazard+Wilson

    Fabianski
    TAA • Digne • Rice
    Salah • Mané • FAnderson • Almirón
    Vardy
    (Button / Son* / Aguero* / Schar* / Bednarek* / Kamara*)

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Replied on last page

      Haz, Wilson is a better spread but depends how much value is tied up in Kun mate

      What do you reckon re mine above?

    2. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Maybe go all in on the dream duo for this season. Two great home games and Bournemouth is really good at home. Could pay off big.

    3. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Safety with Haz, ownership will be high one suppose. The double up act on Bou can be fruitful if they turn it on. Haz potential double in 32 and could price hike, so could be smart to get in before 31. I think B, as Son have been poor lately and Spurs have a bad run of fixtures/blank

    4. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Thanks all. Sorry got pulled into a meeting 🙂

  3. Jack Burton
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    Hate early transfers just worried about being priced out sterling to haz and deulefeou to Fraser for minus 4 have exact cash do u think hig and haz will play on thur

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      it's extremely unlikely I'd say

      1. Jack Burton
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 18 days ago

        Cheers mate fingers crossed

    2. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      They are 3-0 up. He probably doesn't even travel. In your situation I'd make the transfers. I don't need the funds in between so waiting just in case TAA is not fit or something like that.

      1. Jack Burton
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 18 days ago

        Got TAA as well may go for it thanks

    3. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      not even sure they will travel, 3-0 is safety ground so reckon they´ll play a second string team for that one.

      1. Jack Burton
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 18 days ago

        Hopefully thanks

  4. Cruz88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    If not using your TC in 32, what are you guys considering to be the best option? Potentially Arsenal assets in DGW 35?

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Auba in 35 or BHA in a triple maybe

    2. Jubilanus / BSC Small Boys …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Salah 36 HUD

      1. Thomas M.
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 18 days ago

        this

    3. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      I'm not worried. The chip is overvalued anyway, getting Kun hatty type of scores is unlikely. But there should be plenty of options. DGW35 big hitters or Salah in 36 if he does better in between.

    4. simong1
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      I'm leaning towards Salah v Fulham this wk. Fulham's defence is so leaky.

    5. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      TC Aguero or Hazard in 32 most likely

  5. Jambot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    Hoping someone can help me figure out something in a public head to head league I’m in.

    I’ve got a red arrow and gone down and I won my game? No one has has gone above me on points scored, I have the highest cumulative points total in the league despite the awful h2h record. Team is linked (or my team ID is 3:) it’s the league with the red arrow can anyone figure out how that could happen? Or has something gone wrong?

    Cheers for anyone who can help

    1. Jambot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      *Team ID 33

    2. JCrosbie
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      It doesn't make sense. Only thing is that they made a mistake last week's table

      1. Jambot
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 18 days ago

        Thanks, I didn’t think it made sense either! thanks for having a look and confirming. Never known a mistake like that before. I’m not too fussed it’s only a public league not sure it’s worth trying to bring it to any kind of official attention.

    3. droginexile
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Same happened me in my private league this week, we both won our games, hes on 59 pt and me on 57 but it shows that we swapped places and that Im now 2nd. Some kind of glitch id say.

  6. Tsssst
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    FAO Those without or not using their Free Hit.

    How many you getting out for the BGW31?

    1. boogle
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      11 but have taken a couple of hits over the weeks to get there

      1. Thomas M.
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 18 days ago

        This with 2 hits. Atm with a flagged Lascelles

    2. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      11 with a catastrophic, Etherige to Fab, hit last week

    3. Better off with a pin and a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      11.

      Boruc,
      Robbo, TAA, Rice, Luiz
      Salah, Haz, Maddison, Brooks,
      Rondon, Vardy

      (Lloris, AWB, Pogba, Jimmy)

      Still got an FT to use this week and no idea what to do with it!

    4. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Boruc
      TAA Robertson Azpilicueta
      Salah Hazard Maddison Richarlison
      Higuian King Rondon

      Happy with the Chelsea Liverpool triple up, not overly keen on Richarlison but you never know..

    5. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      9 now with 2 FT so 11. Most likely to get Fraser and Vardy. I have Anderson who tempts me to switch to Maddison (with 33 in mind) for -4, but while i was pro that i´m not sure atm, no minus points and 11 players in a blank could be gainful as most will have less players and minus points going into the GW.

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 18 days ago

        What’s your team?

        1. Big_Andy_GAWA
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 18 days ago

          8 with a -4. All seemingly good options, though. Am half considering taking a further hit for Rice or Diop, but will probably just leave it...

        2. bench boost for every gamew…
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 18 days ago

          Fab
          Dijk, Luiz, Diop
          Salah, Mané, Haz, Anderson (FT)
          Rondon (FT)

          Double West ham def not ideal but got me one CS in 29 and Hudds is decent chance. Hopefully Kolasinac covers the 33 for Diop and Anderson is most likely Maddison for -4 now or in 33 and either way money itb enables me to do Anderson to either Eriksen/Alli/Son or Kun if FA cup serves it that way.

  7. MGD
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    Fab
    TAA - Yedlin - AWB* - Shaw*
    Salah - Mane - Hazard - F Anderson - Masuaku*
    King

    Hamer - Jimenez* - Doherty* - Aguero*

    0,7ITB 1 FT.

    8 starters as of now

    A) Aguero + Masuaku -> Vardy + Fraser/Maddison (-4)
    B) Aguero + Masuaku -> Higuain + Fraser/Maddison (-4)
    C) Aguero + Jimenez -> Vardy + Higuain (-4)
    D) A + Shaw -> Pereira (-8)
    E) B + Shaw -> Pereira (-8)
    F) C + Shaw -> Pereria (-8)

  8. boogle
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    A) Play Digne (CHE)
    B) Hojbjerg > Brooks/Barnes for a hit and have Digne as only sub?

    1. Jambot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Don’t think I’d take a hit if I had 11 personally

      1. boogle
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 18 days ago

        2 of my players are TAA and Arnie who may be at risk? Leaning towards not taking the hit

        1. bench boost for every gamew…
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 18 days ago

          TAA is reported having a good chance to play BM on wednesday so likely to play vs Fulham. arnie risk in terms of starting or not but will play so not a need for a sub in that case. Would take a new consideration based on Liverpool midweek, Klopp´s press conf before Fulham regarding TAA

  9. JBG
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    Current team for gw31:

    Fabianski-Boruc
    Pereira-Robbo-(Lindelof-AWB-Doh)
    Salah-Mane-(Pogba-Jota-D.Ward)
    Higuain-Vardy-Rondon

    Is Lindelof+Pogba+Jota to Azpi+Brooks/FAnderson+Fraser/FAnderson for -8 worth it?

    I bought Pogba at around 8.7 and his sale value is 8.8, my total team value is; 105.5. I build a "dreamteam freehit" for gw32 and with the team I want i'm left with 0.9 itb. Pogba and Lindelof are going back into my team for 32.

  10. Manumana
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    Looking to do

    Doherty & Kola - Luiz & Rice for -4 giving me 10 players.

    Yay or nay ?

    Thx

    1. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      hm, assuming you already have midfielders and attackers and needs defenders i would say -4 for defenders in this case is prob ok, but Kola has a game in 33 and Rice have Chelsea away in 33. You are kind of banking on a CS for both in 31 and that Kola does nothing away to Everton. Luiz is fine, i would strongly debate wether a Bou defender with 2 home games vs a Rice that obv has one very good game but also one hard is the best.

  11. HAMMERTIME107
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    Thoughts please??
    Only have this 10 this week:

    Boruc
    Alexander-Arnold | Ogbonna
    Salah | Hayden | Fraser | Pedro
    King | Firminho | Vardy

    But it means I can have this team next week:

    Boruc
    Alexander-Arnold | Ogbonna | Schlupp
    Salah | Fraser | Pogba | Pedro
    Lukaku | Vardy | Aguero

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Ogbonna a worry

  12. Pique and De Bruyne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    Hey all, this might be a daft question but here goes. I have already made some transfers this week and if i was to activate my fh would this cancel the transfers or would i keep those players and loose the points?

    1. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Cancels

      1. Pique and De Bruyne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 18 days ago

        Thanks Figu did some in a rage after another bad week but having 2nd thoughts now.

  13. MGD
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    repost:

    Fab
    TAA - Yedlin - AWB* - Shaw*
    Salah - Mane - Hazard - F Anderson - Masuaku*
    King

    Hamer - Jimenez* - Doherty* - Aguero*

    0,7ITB 1 FT.

    8 starters as of now

    A) Aguero + Masuaku -> Vardy + Fraser/Maddison (-4)
    B) Aguero + Masuaku -> Higuain + Fraser/Maddison (-4)
    C) Aguero + Jimenez -> Vardy + Higuain (-4)
    D) A + Shaw -> Pereira (-8)
    E) B + Shaw -> Pereira (-8)
    F) C + Shaw -> Pereria (-8)

    1. Pique and De Bruyne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      I would say A with Fraser.

      1. MGD
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 18 days ago

        Thanks! Bou have nice fixtures indeed..

    2. MGD
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Sorry for double post...

      1. Pique and De Bruyne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 18 days ago

        Yeah great fixtures, good time to get on board.

        1. MGD
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 18 days ago

          And with the ft gw 33 i can do shaw -> gw 33 defender to field 11 🙂

  14. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    Boruc
    Rice TAA Robertson
    Fanderson Salah Almiron
    Vardy

    Currently have 8 GW31 players and 1FT - which is the best option? (FHing in GW32)

    a) Sterling & Rash > Haz & Wilson (-4)
    b) Sterling, Rash & Jimenez > Haz, Hig & Wilson (-8)

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      I’d say the -8 would probably pay off but it’s risky as Hig is a bit of an unknown entity atm

  15. leocarter27
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    Best option please?

    A) Wilson and maddison in for rashford and sterling? -4 (10 starters)

    B) Wilson, vardy and 7.9m mid for rashford, kamara and sterling? -8 (11 starters)

    Thanks

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      B

    2. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      A for me

  16. simong1
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    TC Salah v Fulham GW31 or v Huddersfield GW36?

    Looking to use my TC over a single GW as my chip strategy doesn’t allow it on a double.

    I am currently leaning towards the Fulham game as who knows, come Huddersfield, Salah could be injured, rested for the CL or Liverpool might be out of the title race so will have lost motivation.

    Pros of waiting for Huddersfield however are that it’s a home game and Salah’s current FPL form isn’t the best.

    Anyone have any opinions on the above? Thanks!

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      also considering it this week mate

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      based on FPL form, I would wait for HUD game but FUL pretty poor at defense, worse than HUD I would say. So take the punt and move on...

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Fulham

    4. Thomas M.
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      I´ve planned the Huds game all the time. Absolutely Salah has been unlucky not getting points the last couple of games. Could explode vs Fulham or maybe get that little groove in for Huds at home. However, i think Liverpool needs to play their best team every game in PL for that title.

    5. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Id wait for the home game

    6. Tsssst
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      far too risky with his current form

      1. Bushman
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 18 days ago

        Agree with this. I would hold

    7. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      City might be out of the title race

    8. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Kane in 38 vs Everton in new stadium

  17. Michelle Davin
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    What is everybodys strategy with all chips in place?

    Me personally:

    GW31: field 11 for a -4
    GW32: Free hit
    GW33: wilcard planning for GW35
    GW34:nothing
    GW35:Bench boost

    No idea about the TC yet.

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Popular strategy.
      Although i don't see any advantage of using WC in gw 33 instead of 34 (especially if City goes through to SF of fa cup)

    2. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Same but a week later on the wildcard. You'll be wildcarding in players that don't have a game that week in 33. Plus it is another week for them to get injured, dropped, suspended or whatever.

      1. Michelle Davin
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 18 days ago

        Sorry,I will WC in 34.

  18. Arfaish
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    Which one looks the best to field 10 players?

    a) Pogba > Fraser (-8)
    b) Pogba, > Brooks (-8)
    c) Jimenez > Wilson (-8 and losing 0.6m on Jimi)
    d) leave at 9 and only -4

    1. JAYPEE
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Are you going to get either Pogba or Jimi back for DGW 32?

      1. Arfaish
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 18 days ago

        Both but no value tied up in Pogba

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      A

  19. JAYPEE
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    Pick one out of:
    David Luiz or Rice
    Maddison or Fraser (I already have Wilson and Brooks)
    If I make both picks I’ll be taking -8

    1. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Rice and Fraser. I'm also considering a -8 as over 31, 33 seems worth it...appreciate comment above

  20. Tsssst
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    A. Higuain/Wilson/Maddison

    Or

    B. Wilson/Vardy/Siggy

    1. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      A

  21. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    Anderson to Fraser ?

  22. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    Why there is no option to vote 11 active players without using a free hit?

  23. Bournemouth assets
    Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    BGW31 is quickly approaching and with only 5 games on, the pool of players we can pick from is much smaller than it normally is.

    Fraser returned a goal and an assist in GW30 for 13 points, and has added an assist the last 3 GWs he's scored in. Wilson has goals in 3 straight GWs, and although he's missed quite a few recently he looked back on it in GW30 with a goal and assist for 11 points. These are the two I'm looking at the most and I would think are the favourite targets, but there are others to look at. Brooks is only 5.1 and has some decent attacking numbers this season, while Boruc (4.0m) and Ake (5.1m) look like the likely defensive options. At close to the same price as Wilson, King could be an option.

    What's your Bournemouth plan and why?

    Bournemouth now have only one of the top 8 in the last 8 GWs, and they have Newcastle at home in GW31 and Burnley at home in GW33, when other teams will blank.

    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Daniels at 4.1 looks a good option based on historic attacking threat.

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      I already have King. Likely to do Jota > Fraser this GW as one of my two FT's to get me to eleven starters.

    3. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Wildcarded 28 with Boruc as a back up for Ederson and had Fraser as well. Brought in Brooks last GW for the triple up as I wanted to keep Jimmy for doubles.

      On Free Hit I'd go Boruc Fraser Wilson

    4. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Already own Brooks and I think Fraser + Wilson will join him.
      My other options are Maddison or Higuain but I do prefer the Bou attackers over both of them given their home form & fixtures.

    5. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Fraser in for Son this week, Wilson in for either Jimmy or Rondon in 33.

    6. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      I've got Clyne & Fraser.
      Chose to get Vardy instead of Wilson, as Wilson has credible substitute in Fraser which Vardy lacks in his team.

    7. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Had Boruc for a 3.9m bench keeper since he pushed Begovic out. Now it pays off as he’s a viable 1st choice keeper!

      Wilson up top - some players I just feel good about having in my team regardless of where in the season we are, and he’s one of them.

    8. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Just Boruc at the moment and going with this attack ...
      Hazard Salah Mane
      Higuaín Vardy Barnes

      Would have wanted Wilson but committed to Barnes a few weeks ago, and not prepared for a hit to get in Brooks etc

      It is just one game so I can ride it out, with WC32 and FH33 to sling shot my 32 team into 34

    9. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Already own king. Thinking of bringing in Wilson for jiminez for free.

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 18 days ago

        Or Anderson to Fraser

        Or Lindelof to Clyne/mepham

        Have 10 starting players

    10. Bushman
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      I’m on a FH. Definitely Wilson and either Fraser or Brooks with Boruc 2nd choice to Fabianski. I’m currently leaning towards Fraser. My team, which I drafted on Sunday, is exactly the same as the one in the above article except Fraser instead of Brooks (for the time being at least).

    11. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      I have two free transfers, I was originally going to go for Brooks and Higuain but will probably get Fraser and Wilson instead.

    12. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Bottled Daniels as wasn't sure of starts or what formation Bournemouth were going to play. So brought in Ake as a guaranteed starter.
      Wilson in for me. Always go ex-Cov. Plus have never had any luck whatsoever with King - in fact if King is popular choice might just buy him to block everybody else 🙂
      Am seriously tempted by a -4 Anderson to Fraser even though i have 11 for this GW

    13. asquishypotato
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Wilson in for rashers and that will do - defensively never trusted them so we will see if their stats work.

      No harm in Boruc though

    14. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      I have Wilson, Boruc and Brooks (Couldn't afford Fraser sadly)

    15. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Probably Fraser and Wilson in for a hit. This would actually give me 12 for GW31 but with TAA and Lascelles I'm a bit concerned and this lot should cover GW33 well.

    16. The Rumour Mill
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Already own Fraser and will be adding Wilson in for Zohore this week. Newcastle and Burnley defences away from home are porous.

      In GW34 though I'm likely to wildcard them all out. Apart from Fulham at home in GW35 their other fixtures are away to sides battling relegation and home to a spurs side chasing the top 4. Bournemouth will also likely be on the beach by then too. That combination does not look conjusive to returns to me.

    17. scubasmithy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Got Wilson only at the moment and a full 11 out, was tempted to take a hit to do Anderson to Fraser, but with West ham facing Huddersfield I don't think it's worth it (free hitting 32)

    18. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Dont have the love to be honest for a tripple up or double up for that matter in the next 3 gws. Newcastle are not a bad side. Nor are Burnley (although neither have a great league position). Leicester under Rogers may go all
      out attack against them. against the top six away from home have shipped many many goals so an attacking Leicester may give them a spanking which I think they will btw. Yes maybe one or two interest me, Fraser and Wilson only though from gw34 to gw36 to fill out a wc team.

    19. CarrollsPonytail
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Wilson definitely. Probably Ake as well. I already own 4 playing midfielders this week so doubt Fraser will be in my plans.

  24. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    RMT projections this week for members?

    Currently 60.5 (-4)

    1. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Week 31 - 62.4
      Week 33 - 62.2
      0 hits, let's hope it's right.

      1. _figu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 18 days ago

        33 still has City players in there.

        1. Snevitz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 18 days ago

          My team doesn't though 🙂

    2. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      58.95 no hits

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      61.29 (-4) if I go ahead with my planned transfers.

    4. Sedemuda
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      59 -4

    5. Vobinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      56.72 (-4) I'm guessing no Salah makes a difference

  25. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    Looking for recommendations on good FPL related podcasts? Apart from the scoutcast of course

    1. Tigers Time
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      'Always Cheating'
      'FPL Surgery'
      'The 59th Minute'

      1. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 18 days ago

        Thanks will look into these. Got a long journey now and need some content for my soul

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      The three mentioned by Tigers time plus I also like 3 Amigos FPL show and Fantasy Football Fanatics.

    3. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Who Got The Assist.

    4. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      FML FPL is a brilliant laugh

  26. cpo001
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    So I haven't built a team for GW31 and have 4 starters. I intended on using the Free Hit because maximising returns between GW26 and GW30 was my aim - however that didn't work out and I've had 3 red arrows in a row.

    With all my chips left, ML rivals closing in (who have both built a team for GW31 and GW33 and will FH32), I'm looking at the one option I think I have available to me - Wildcard 31.

    Is there any issue with the following?

    Wildcard 31 (also covers 33)
    Free Hit 32
    Adjust team using FTs/-4s to get back City/Utd players in preparation for likely DGW35
    Bench Boost 35
    TC 36 possibly

    Thanks

    1. nkhoughton
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      What about fh31 wc 32?

    2. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Totally depends on your team, we're all in different scenarios and whilst this is very different to other strategies, it might work out well for you. All I'd suggest is try doing a mock up DGW team for 35 that you'd be happy with and see if it's achievable. If you can't get near a good BB team for 35 that would be a concern for me. I'm actually moving away from city assets after 32.

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      I think this is the worst gw to WC imo

  27. nkhoughton
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    Are the matches listed in gw33 set in stone now?

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      No because of FA cup

  28. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    Richarlison to Fraser for a -8

  29. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    Which midfielder should I drop to get players with a fixture this week? Son, Pogba or Sterling?

    1. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      Son, as he's dropped a bit (and presumably will again this GW) I'm guessing you won't lose much in value.

    2. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      If Son has 33 fixture I'd get rid of Pogba

  30. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 18 days ago

    Is it worth taking a hit for a defender?

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      If that defender has a game in both 31, and 33, and is replacing a defender who doesn't, is it even a hit?

      1. Bury94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 18 days ago

        That's a good way to think about it, thanks!

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      For Robbo, TAA & VVD yes. Maybe Ake too.

    3. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 18 days ago

      as part of a transfer combination where an attacker or mid is involved yes, i think so, assuming one that plays both 31 and 33 for one who def not playing.