Scout Notes

Mane brace enhances Blank Gameweek 31 captaincy credentials

Liverpool became the fourth English team to qualify for the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after an excellent 3-1 win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening.

Three days after he registered a brace in the 4-2 victory over Burnley, the in-form Sadio Mane scored two of the Reds’ goals in Bavaria to help his side to a first competitive away win since January.

The Senegalese winger once more outscored Mohamed Salah, who produced a fine assist for Mane’s second strike but who yet again failed to get on the scoresheet.

It is now just one goal in nine matches for the most expensive player in Fantasy Premier League, while Mane has ten goals in his last ten appearances.

The victory was perhaps all the more significant given the concerns about Liverpool’s away form going into the Gameweek 31 clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Salah, Mane and Roberto Firmino each have identical records in Liverpool’s away league matches contested this calendar year: played five, scored one, assisted none.

The tonic of a victory in Germany and an upcoming fixture against a side with the worst defensive record in 2019 surely gives Liverpool’s front three the chance to remedy that statistic on Sunday.

Casting our eyes further ahead, Liverpool’s schedule for late-March/April is now complete (barring the exact dates for the Champions League last eight) and looks as follows:

Sunday 31 March: Gameweek 32 – Tottenham Hotspur (a)
Friday 5 April: Gameweek 33 – Southampton (a)
Tue/Wed 9/10 April: UEFA Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Sunday 14 April: Gameweek 34 – Chelsea (h)
Tue/Wed 16/17 April: UEFA Champions League quarter-final, second leg 
Sunday 21 April: Gameweek 35 – Cardiff City (a)
Friday 26 April: Gameweek 36 – Huddersfield Town (h)

Compared to Spurs, Manchester United and Manchester City, Liverpool’s itinerary after the international break looks relatively serene.

The two Friday night matches could be an aid to Fantasy managers fearing small-scale rotation around the Champions League (the semi-finals follow Gameweek 36), while the fact that the Gameweek 35 trip to Cardiff is scheduled for a Sunday also allows an extra day’s recovery following the quarter-final second leg.

Our Scout Notes below round up the main Fantasy talking points, key manager quotes and headline injury news from the Allianz Arena.

Bayern Munich 1-3 Liverpool

  • Goals: Joel Matip (£4.9m) own-goal | Sadio Mane (£9.9m) x2, Virgil van Dijk (£6.6m)
  • Assists: Serge Gnabry | Virgil van Dijk, James Milner (£5.6m), Mohamed Salah (£13.4m)

Two attempts and two goals for Sadio Mane (£9.9m).

The Senegal international registered the same number of shots as Roberto Firmino (£9.2m) and Mohamed Salah (£13.4m) on Wednesday evening but, as he has done for much of 2019, once again outshone his two attack-minded team-mates.

Mane and Salah’s underlying statistics are similar this calendar year: Mane has the edge for big chances and shots in the box, while Salah beats his colleague for overall attempts, efforts on target, key passes and (by some distance) penalty box touches.

Their two expected goals (xG) tallies in 2019 are almost identical.

Much has been made of Mane’s significantly inferior attacking KPIs away from home recently and the Senegalese winger indeed has only had three shots in his last four Premier League fixtures on the road.

Mane looks far more clinical than Salah in front of goal, though, and the Gameweek 31 ownership/captaincy debate involving the two Liverpool midfielders effectively boils down to form versus underlying stats.

The way Mane took his first goal in Munich exemplified his current confidence.

Collecting a long ball from Virgil van Dijk (£6.6m), the former Southampton winger showed tremendous composure to wrong-foot the stranded Manuel Neuer and produce a delicate chipped finish over two covering Bayern defenders to put Liverpool 1-0 up.

The Senegal international rounded off the scoring late on with a header from a superb Salah cross.

Mane’s aerial ability is an underrated quality: no FPL midfielder has had more headed goal attempts in 2019.

Speaking after the game, Klopp said of Mane’s current form:

It is so obvious that I don’t have to really speak about. He knows it, everybody knows it and I don’t want to speak about it because it’s so important for us that these guys stay fit and all that stuff. Remind me after the season and I will sing my own song about him, if necessary! It’s really good, he’s in a good moment. Long may it continue, that’s more my concern.

Mane might have had other attacking returns in Germany, too, had Salah not opted to go alone with one jinking second-half run and instead squared the ball to his unmarked team-mate.

Andrew Robertson (£6.9m), meanwhile, forced Neuer into a save from a Mane key pass.

Salah was his usual self: full of running and trickery, terrorising the Bayern defence one minute and heading down blind alleys the next.

That run we mentioned above was only halted by a last-ditch intervention from Niklas Sule as Salah shaped to shoot, while the Egyptian stung Neuer’s palms with an effort just outside the hosts’ area early in the second half.

Salah is a paradox of a player at times, demonstrating tunnel vision when ignoring Mane and (in another situation) James Milner (£5.6m) but showing great awareness for Liverpool’s third goal and having earlier produced a fine, half-volleyed through-ball for Firmino that the Brazilian narrowly sliced wide.

After his two goals against Burnley, Firmino posed little goal threat of his own and spent much of the game selflessly dropping deep from his centre-forward position (thus allowing Salah and especially Mane to run in behind).

Klopp had lined his side up in his usual 4-3-3 but was forced into a change early on when Jordan Henderson (£5.3m) limped from the field with a twisted ankle.

Speaking after the game, the Liverpool boss said:

It was a difficult game, to lose Hendo so early. He twisted his ankle. Hopefully not too serious, but serious enough. He couldn’t stop anymore so that’s actually not too cool.

It’s Hendo so he’s a hard one but we have to see, of course. It looks hopefully not that serious but for tonight we had to change.

That’s always a bad sign for a game when you have to change early. We trained with him there in that position. We wanted to, not to rest Fabinho, but we wanted to bring in fresh legs and Hendo had fresh legs but unfortunately, that didn’t help with the ankle.

Naby Keita (£7.1m) missed out with a minor injury, meanwhile.

While Joel Matip (£4.9m) had the misfortune of turning a Serge Gnabry cross past his own goalkeeper to level the scores up at 1-1, there were more encouraging signs for owners of his central defensive partner ahead of Gameweek 31.

Having already banked an assist for his role in Mane’s opener, van Dijk put Liverpool 2-1 ahead with a header from a Milner corner.

Van Dijk has four goals and as many assists in competitive matches since the beginning of December.

While his attacking contributions are an obvious attraction from an FPL perspective, van Dijk once again delivered yet another impressive defensive showing at centre-half.

Klopp said of his influential stopper:

It was brilliant. He was involved in the goal of Bayern as well, so what a night (laughs)!

What can I say? I could write a book about his skills, his strength, how much I like him, what a fantastic person he is. He is so young, already so mature, so strong, all good.

Virg knows that he can play better than he did tonight; we can play better than we did tonight. But tonight we played – especially the second half – as good as necessary and possible.

Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.5m) had difficult starts to the game as Bayern experienced some joy down the flanks, with Franck Ribery getting the better of the Liverpool right-back early on and Robertson culpable for letting Gnabry in behind for the hosts’ equaliser.

Like the rest of their team-mates, however, the Reds’ full-backs improved significantly as the game wore on.

Alexander-Arnold was name-checked a couple of times in Klopp’s post-match interviews, one comment explaining why Milner came to provide the assist for van Dijk’s goal:

There was a pass in the second half from Trent through all three lines, more or less, to Bobby, he turned and he couldn’t finish the situation off but it was just [brilliant].

We work a lot on the set pieces. Trent was today the main taker but after having, I don’t know, seven or eight or something like this, we thought it made sense for Millie to take one and that’s the one that leads to a goal.

One positive bit of news for owners of Robertson: the Scottish left-back picked up a booking late on and will now miss the Champions League quarter-final first leg in between Gameweeks 33 and 34 through suspension.

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, van Dijk, Robertson; Milner (Lallana 87′), Henderson (Fabinho 13′), Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino (Origi 83′), Mane.

600 Comments Post a Comment
  1. MysticMac17
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    MY FH team this week:

    Fabianski
    Azpi Robbo Rice
    Hazard Salah Mane Fraser
    Vardy Barnes Wilson

    Subs: Kepa, Lanzini, Ake, Tarkowski

    Thoughts? Tempted to drop Azpi and go triple West Ham defence

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Arnie over barnes probably

      1. MysticMac17
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Am thinking the same but actually maybe for Vardy instead of Barnes. Have to wait for news from EX WHU employee's Twitter on Saturday

    2. Anathallo
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      I've been on triple West Ham defence all week, but feeling a bit uncomfortable with it. That said, I much prefer West Ham's chances of a clean sheet - it's just the eggs in one basket thing. Think I will end up with the same XI as you but Luiz for Azpi and Arnie for Barnes.

    3. thischarmingman
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Looks good to me, how is gw32 looking for you?

      1. MysticMac17
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        GW 32 is bench boost for me. No transfer required next week so will roll the transfer into 33 and make 2 transfers in 33 so will hopefully have 9-11 players for 33.

        Guaita
        TAA Schlupp Montoya
        Sterling Pogba Son Salah
        Rashford Jimenez Aguero

        Ryan, McNeil, Bednarek, Kolasinac

    4. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Why put so much value on your bench ? Upgrade Barnes to Firmino ?

      1. Anathallo
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Already got 3 Liverpool... May as well go big value on bench if you have the XI you want.

        1. MysticMac17
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          Yes. This exactly. I'm not gonna use the budget on my 11 for the sake of it. Just pick the players you think will score the highest.

        2. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          May as well go big up top with Liverpool & Bourenmouth and tight at the back with Chelsea & WHU ?

    5. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Looks nice - all the main target men in there - GL!

    6. Yoshimiwinz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      drop barnes, upgrade Lanzini to Almiron

  2. thischarmingman
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    A few .£ off doing Moutinho aguero - haz Wilson. Rondon worth it? Or look at other mf for 31 - 33?

    1. tucaoneo
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Ashley Barnes

  3. Hy liverpool
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Which compo

    A. Lanzini wilson
    Or
    B. Arnie Fraser

    I have king if that matters

    1. Anathallo
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      B I think. Lanzini has never been a massive FPL scorer.

    2. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      b!

    3. MysticMac17
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      B

  4. Mattymo23
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Got in Aguero at 11.3? Planning to use FH GW32. Worthwhile getting rid of him for a -4 for Wilson to complete my 11?

    1. Anathallo
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Yes if using WC in 34

      1. Mattymo23
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        I am but why does that make your answer a yes?

        1. kennethrhcp
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          not taking another hit to get him back in is my guess?

          i.e. Aguero out for 31 -4
          32 FH = Aguero in if wanted
          33 still out as back to gmwk 31 team
          if no WC in 34 then it'd be a hit of 2 to get him back in again

          1. Mattymo23
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

            Ah got you! Thanks

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      In isolation sounds like a worthwhile move yes

    3. EMILE FOR ONE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      In exactly the same situation and stumped. But I think worthwhile as his Purchase Price when you get him again is only 0.3 more than what you sell him for. Youl be able to squeeze that from somewhere

  5. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Best option here for gw31/33:

    Fabianki
    TAA • Digne • Pereira • Lascelles -- Schindler
    Salah • Hazard • Richarlison • XXX -- Pogba
    King • XXX -- Jimenez

    A: Hayden + Vardy
    B: Fraser + Vardy (-4)
    C: Mane + Wilson (-4)

    1. Anathallo
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      C

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      C

    3. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      C

    4. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      C no doubt - very jealous you have an option to bring in Mané!

    5. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      C

    6. UnitednationsXI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      wow, didnt expect such a consistent response.

  6. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Hello guys. Thoughts about Sterling and Kamara to Mane and Wilson for a hit to field 11?

    1. Anathallo
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Absolutely if you still have WC in hand.

    2. GREEN IS GOOD
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      100% YES

    3. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      No brainer

    4. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Cheers all

    5. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Super jealous but yes sounds like a must-do move!

  7. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    FH32 is looking good:

    Ryan
    Doherty - Luiz - Laporte
    Jota - Pogba - Hazard - Sterling
    Rashford - Higuain - Aguero

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Doherty ?
      Higuaín ?
      Jota ?
      Ryan ?

      1. Bruno Bruno!!
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Ryan is the main concern, chelsea and Man City as a potential double

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          Really. More likely SOU and che.

      2. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Doherty has attacking threat.
        Higuain - Chelsea expected to have easy fixtures.
        Jota - Wolves love playing Top 6 teams.
        Ryan - for save points. Not likely to be many CS given the fixtures and already tripled on Chelsea and City. May switch to Guaita if he remains nailed.

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          Doherty very unlikely to start both, or Jota for that matter, after what their manager said in the last double

          1. Mysterion
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

            Very unlikely is very wrong, iirc what Nuno said was that the last match in a series of three matches in quick succession is the one susceptible to rotation... as of now, Wolves have only two games in the week of DGW32 - it'll be three if they beat United in the cup

            1. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 15 days ago

              It’s still 2 games in 3 or 4 days with the season basically over, or 3 games in a week with an FA Cup plum fixture as the third game ... either way I wouldn’t bank on the likes of Jota or Doherty playing both games in the double, and would even stick with ‘very unlikely’ in either circumstance.

              Every year we seem to over egg the custard when it comes to our expectations of how many players will start both games in a double game week 🙂

              1. Mysterion
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 15 days ago

                Season wouldn't be over because they'll want to finish 7th and maximise their chances of EL next season... I agree the rotation risk is high if they get through in the cup but minimal if they don't.

                Haha true but this isn't the same as the top 6 sides who have CL/ EL to contend with, it's Wolves!

                1. Hotdogs for Tea
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 15 days ago

                  Maybe I am thinking too much and seeing problems that don’t exist, I have been wrong with Kun/Jesus and Auba game time to my detriment, so you can pretty much ignore everything that I say 🙂

                  1. Mysterion
                    • 6 Years
                    5 years, 15 days ago

                    With those premiums, there will be carnage for sure 😉

    2. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Ryan & Jota?

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Spurs ?

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Spurs with Liverpool and Palace - no thanks.

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          You don’t think a nailed Kane can haul against Palace & Pool ?

          1. diesel001
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

            I think it is harder for him to score against Palace and Liverpool than for Higuain to score against ful and CAR.

            1. diesel001
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 15 days ago

              And especially for £12.5m when Aguero(c) is the way to go.

            2. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 15 days ago

              Higuaín very unlikely to start both

              1. Deulofail
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 15 days ago

                Why pls?

                1. Hotdogs for Tea
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 15 days ago

                  GW32 x 2, GW33, EL 1/4 all in the space of two weeks - bound to be a rest in there and It is likely to be one of the easiest fixtures which is one of the doubles

                  1. Deulofail
                    • 8 Years
                    5 years, 15 days ago

                    Not sure. Might play false 9 system without Hig in difficult fixture(s). I think "very unlikely" is a bit strong. Perhaps he just player 60-70 mins in each. Who knows

                    1. Hotdogs for Tea
                      • 8 Years
                      5 years, 15 days ago

                      Giroud surely has to start one of the 4 or Pedro or Hazard pushed down the middle? and I doubt it is in the EL.

                      We may get an idea from tonight’s game how Sarri might set up, but I do think it’s ‘very unlikely’ Higuaín will start both 🙂

                      It’s the same for City, Spurs, Man U etc ... almost impossible to plan for the 32 double unless you play a FH or WC and set the team up after the pressies

                      1. Deulofail
                        • 8 Years
                        5 years, 15 days ago

                        Haha I like that you plugged in an irrelevant jibe at the end there; we're talking about Higuain, not chip strategy. The same 'impossible to plan' comment could be used in GW34 regarding GW35, given the congestion in Europe. Fair play if you think it's "very unlikely". I respect your opinion, though I'm less certain personally.

                      2. Hotdogs for Tea
                        • 8 Years
                        5 years, 15 days ago

                        It is almost impossible to plan for 32 now though without actually knowing the fixtures, I couldn’t settle on a FH team if I tried, god knows how any one could do that without the FH, I will leave that to the elite players 😉

                        ... but in 34 we will actually know the fixtures for 35 and even then there is a CL/EL 1/4 inbetween, I think.

                        I am seriously thinking of WC in 35 and BB & TC in the singles or 3rd DGW 🙂

                      3. Hotdogs for Tea
                        • 8 Years
                        5 years, 15 days ago

                        I think Giroud just moved up a few notches in his chance of a start in the doubles 🙂

    4. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      If Spurs & Chelsea gets dgw
      Ryan
      Azpi Laporte Doherty/awb
      Hazard Sterling Pogba Son/Deulofeu
      Jimenez Lukaku Aguero

    5. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      a bit pointless w/o knowing fixtures?

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Got to think about it.

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          Why ? It’s a FH and no planning needed until the fixtures are announced, a league game and two internationals in between, injuries, loss of form .. a bit of fun I know but all a bit too much guess work, but at least you have had some feedback to consider 🙂

      2. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Latest position:

        Wolves - bur MUN - confirmed
        United - WAT wol - confirmed
        Chelsea - car BHA - extremely likely (90%+)
        Brighton - SOU che - extremely likely (90%+)
        City - ful CAR - highly likely (80%+)
        Cardiff - CHE mci - highly likely (80%+)
        Palace - HUD tot or HUD new - likely (70%+) but HUD tot much more probable
        Spurs - liv CPL - quite likely (60%+)
        Watford - mun FUL or mun SOU - quite likely one or other (50%), each equally probable
        Fulham - MCI wat - unlikely (25%)
        Soton - bha wat - unlikely (25%)
        Newcastle - ars CPL - very unlikely (10%).

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          @ruthnz

    6. WVA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Ryan
      Laporte Luiz Dalot
      Sterling Hazard Pogba Son
      Aguero Jimenez Zaha

  8. Avo24
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Pick 1 for 31&33
    A. Ake
    B. Perreira
    C. Maguire

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      A

    2. EMILE FOR ONE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      A

  9. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Bottomed
    Pretty sure I will make this move, barring any news on injuries .etc:

    Jimi, Sterling > Wilson, Haz (-4)

    It will give me this team for GW31. Plan to FH32, WC34 and BB35 with TC in hand

    1.1itb
    Fab
    Robbo, TAA, Luiz, Pereira
    Salah (C), Haz, Maddison
    Higuain, Wilson (v), Barnes
    (Hamer) (Pogba, Doherty, JWP)

    What do you think? Missing a couple of hot topic names (Vardy, Mané, Fraser) - would you do anything different or take any additional hits?

    Cheers!

    1. EMILE FOR ONE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Looks like sensible moves. Don't think you need to take any hits

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Thanks mate

        The only temptation is to take a hit to drop Pog for someone (Fraser?) and be able to bench Pereira and have him as security

        1. EMILE FOR ONE
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          I always base additional hit choices on my position in ML and the likely transfers my rivals will make. You've probably got some value tied up in Pogba so might make sense to hold, but if your rivals likely to chase those points too Fraser looks the most appealing. I'd be content with Wilson

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

            Thanks makes sense. Will check out their likely transfers

    2. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Definitely, that hit is so worth it

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Cheers matey.

        Not worth Pogba to Fraser for another -4 is it? Would allow me to bench Pereira

  10. EMILE FOR ONE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Really stumped on which transfers to make as each has a downside.

    Goal: Maintain 30 point ML lead
    Strategy: FH32 WC34 BB35

    Boruc
    Luiz VVD Robbo*
    Salah(c) Barnes Richarlison* Son**
    Vardy Rondon Kun**

    (Begovic, Doherty, Bennett, Camarasa)

    A) DUMP KUN -4
    Kun Son > Hazard Higuan/Wilson (11 starters BUT Kun CP - SP = 0.3, would want him back straight away).
    B) GET HAZARD -4
    Richarlison Son > Hazard Noble (Keep Kun's value BUT 10 starters)
    C) GET MANE -4
    Robertson Son > Rudiger Mane (Keep Kun's value BUT 10 starters)
    D) GUNG HO -12
    Robertson Richarlison Son Kun > Azp Hazard Mane Wilson (11 starters BUT lose kun and a huge hit)

    1. CLASS OF 78
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      (A) seems good. 0.3 doesn't seem a lot. You can easily cover Robbo with TAA on you WC and get that back with interest.

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      A looks the best of those moves

      I wouldn't take a hit to drop a LIV defender even if it's for Mané and at this stage losing 0.3 in value isn't awful to get a very good player with 2 great fixtures in BGWs (Wilson btw over Hig)

    3. EMILE FOR ONE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Thank you 78 and DonloBatto. Didn't think of the swith to TAA later. Ditching a pool defender now does feel like a stupid move

  11. CLASS OF 78
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Whatdya reckon, do Hazard/Wilson/Fraser get 8 more points than Brooks/Higuain?

    1. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Yes for me

    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      hope so. 3 players vs 2 players
      lol

      1. CLASS OF 78
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Haha, yeah, I know what you mean, but it's still a whole 8 points! The Higuain illness thing has worried me really. He doesn't look that well at the best of times 🙂

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      I would say yes - on paper they should easily do that

    4. CLASS OF 78
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Thanks people, will wait till the end of the day then go for it.

  12. niloh1
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    hey guys which do you prefer? already got luiz. thinking leaning towards e right now.

    a) wilson & emerson & hojberg
    b) wilson & digne & hojberg
    c) barnes & rudiger & hojberg
    d) barnes & digne & hojberg
    e) barnes & fraser & bennett
    f) barnes & brooks & bennett

    1. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      B or E, I think Wilson will be one of the highest scorers this GW so B for me

  13. The EJJ
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    News of Arnie has got me tempted to pick him over Vardy. Although if you're looking at gw31 + 33 together then Vardy is still the better option as WHam have that Chelsea fixture. Arnie is tempting tho!

    1. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Don't burn your fingers, Vardy is the better pick

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      No don't give into that temptation - Vardy is a better player atm with decent fixtures also

      1. The EJJ
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        think you're right boys, cheers

  14. Robson-Canoe
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Alright, I'm taking the gamble on Arnie over Higuain, would you change anything for this FH31 Team?

    Fabianski
    Rice Azpilicueta Robertson
    Salah Mané Hazard Fraser
    Vardy Wilson Arnie
    (2.7 ITB)

    D.Luiz over Rice?

    1. CLASS OF 78
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      That's a great looking team. I think keep Rice for his good 31 fixture then maybe change him at 33, for Chilwell or Pereira maybe.

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Flipping gorgeous....
      Keep Rice

      Any views on mine above?
      Cheers

    3. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Looks boss. Keep Rice.

      Luiz over Azpi instead?

  15. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    everyone stay away from Arnie, you dont deserve him. Us people who have stuck by him the last 3-4GWs ARE THE ONES WHO DESERVE HIM.

    Many Thanks

    JurgenFlopp #BottleJob

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      I have watched his points cycle.
      Sell him after he gives you a 12 points haul. 😛
      It's a sign believe me.
      And well done keeping him !!

    2. fclackless [Brazil Nuts]
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Didn't catch the Pool score last night ... any idea?

  16. HerrPep
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Hey guys. Quick question:
    a) Fraser + Callum Wilson
    b) Fraser + Barnes
    c) Just Callum Wilson

    1. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      FH? Long-term?
      Wilson is a must imo.

  17. yer old da
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Taken a 4 point hit to get this full XI for the GW:

    Fabianski
    Robbo, Luiz, TAA, Pereira
    Salah(c), Hazard, Fraser, Hayden
    Higuain, Vardy

    Question is whether it’s worth another 4 point hit to swap Jiminez for Wilson and start him instead of Hayden? Gives me a sub. Basically will Wilson outscore Hayden by more than 4 points over GWs 31&33? I’d lose 0.5m on Jiminez though if I wanted him back, but surely it’s more about points at this stage and Bournemouth have a kind run of fixtures.

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      I think I would do that... 4 points over 2 weeks is a definite for Wilson

  18. King Kun Ta
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    My team atm....

    Fab/Boruc
    Pereira Robbo Clyne
    Mane Salah Fanderson Rich
    Vardy Barnes Wilson

    Digne Pogba Bennett

    0 FT and 3.4 ITB

    Q1
    Fab or Boruc? (have Clyne playing)

    Q2
    Pogba -> Haz to bench Rich for -4? Will loose 0.5 on Pogba considering getting him back next GW with FHchip.

    Thanks for the feedback!

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      1 Fab
      2 no hit.

      1. King Kun Ta
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Cheers!

  19. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Something to consider for those looking to bring in Bournemouth assets. They will likely have reached 40pts by GW33 which I imagine would be their first target of the season. Historically Bournemouth assets have not had the same output after reaching this target. They play Burnley in GW33 who will still be in a relegation battle, scrapping for every point they can get. I guess what I'm saying is dont be blinded by the sea of blue in the season ticker.

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      You really think they are points counting and will just switch off when they hit a points target?
      No chance imo - they've only just got Wilson/ Fraser back and they will use that to bounce back coinciding with their fixture turn

      1. Forza Papac
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        I wouldn't put it as bluntly as that. Teams of Bournemouths profile can take their foot off the pedal after targets are reached and the threat of relegation has gone. We see it happen every season.

      2. Forza Papac
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        It would be naive to think they're going to be going full guns blazing right to the end of the season.

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          No I get the point and maybe this is why I haven’t got as fully into bed with BOU as others. Sticking with Wilson for now...

  20. Andrew
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Is Fraser worth the extra £1m over Brooks?

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      they both can return points but Fraser is better imo

  21. HerrPep
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    a) FRASER + WILSON
    b) FRASER + BARNES
    c) WILSON + BARNES

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      A

    2. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Probably A

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Putting it in caps on the same page doesn't mate it a different question

      But A in my opinion

      1. kennethrhcp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        cheers for making me laugh 🙂

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          Pleasure mate lol

          I do get the frustration sometimes when you’ve posted a question and no one is replying but at least wait for the page turn 😉

          1. HerrPep
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

            Good point ahah but I forgot to mention the option Barnes + Wilson - hence the repost! But that's a laugh - quite frustration and anxiety both ahah

  22. Andrew
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    A. Fraser TAA
    B. Brooks Robertson

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      A just

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      A for me. Fraser better pick than Brooks and TAA/ Robbo is a coin toss

      1. Andrew
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Are they a coin toss on likely to play?

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          There is always the possibility that either could get rested although for this week I expect both to play...

  23. Arnie quotes
    Skonto Rigga
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 15 days ago

    Hi folks. Just thought I'd wade in here regarding those Arnie quotes, not that I'm trying to persuade/dissuade anyone to get/not get him (I'm considering him myself).

    Having seen the press conference video, there's a strong chance Pellegrini is saying this:

    "(If) he's ready, I think that he will return to his position."

    Awful sound levels not helping with the transcription and Pellegrini's a bit of a mumbler as it is. It's like he goes to mouth "if" and nothing much comes out. Anyway, it sounds fairly positive regardless and, as many have said on here already, that Cardiff performance surely stands him in good stead for GW31.

    West Ham generally post a video of the presser later on in the day so hopefully it'll be clearer on that.

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      Yeah was just looking in to that, thanks.

      1. Forza Papac
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Clicked that expecting the Pellegrini presser 😆

        1. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          It's not?

          1. Mysterion
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

            a toomah!

            1. Deulofail
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 15 days ago

              😆 Spoiler!

              1. Mysterion
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 15 days ago

                😀 couldn't resist

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 15 days ago

      I thought it would be more "Consider that a divorce!” and “Hasta la vista, baby!” when I read the headline.

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Have you seen the Apprentice USA where Arnie is now in the "Alan Sugar" role? Instead of saying "you're fired", he says "you are terminated" - it is the ultimate in cringe.

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        So you're telling me there's a chance? 😀

        1. MTPockets
            5 years, 15 days ago

            I'm still hoping for an exwhuemployee tip tbh

            1. Mysterion
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 15 days ago

              Love how he tries to be cryptic but pretty much gives it away anyway as it gets close to deadline 😛

              1. MTPockets
                  5 years, 15 days ago

                  Nobodys timid on twitter

          • Rotation's Alter Ego
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

            They also have referred to it without the if.

            They are normally spot on as well, this is what confused me!

        2. Rotation's Alter Ego
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          Cheers for this Neale. Been really bugging me!

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

          Hope so...Little Pea has made him into Saint Arnie in comparison with his cheating antics every game...

      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Can anyone tell me if Digital Rev is a reliable company?

        1. Pompel
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          Ordered a camera lens from them once, no porblems then at lesst

      3. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Do you think Mitrovic (LIV) to Wilson (NEW) or Arnie (HUD) is worth a -4?

        Already taking a hit if that influences the decision.

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          Wilson yes imo
          Arnie STAY AWAY
          😉

        2. Geoff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          Wilson, I'd go for it

        3. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          For one game only, I'm not sure about Wilson, but I wouldn't do it for Arnie. If it includes GW33, I would definitely do it, assuming I'd have enough Bournemouth slots for my plans elsewhere.

        4. OldBenKenobi
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          Im holding Mitro.
          Great differential this week.
          If liverpool concede then he will likely be involved and everyone and the gran has 1 or 2 pool defnders (including me)

          1. OldBenKenobi
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

            def not part of a -8 either...

      4. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Would it be wiser to use TC or BB in GW32 with this team, assuming City get their awesome double fixtures confirmed?

        Patrício (Boruc)
        Robertson, Doherty, XXX, (TAA, Clyne)
        Sterling (TC), Hazard, Kanté, Pogba, (Barnes)
        Higuaín, Agüero, XXX

        XXX = Unspecified DGWers

        FH and WC still in-hand

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          TC

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

            Cheers Amey

        2. OldBenKenobi
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          BB

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

            😮 Oh no!

        3. Robson-Canoe
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          I'll use TC Agüero if they get their DGW

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

            How about me and my team? 😛

            1. Robson-Canoe
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 15 days ago

              Well that's what I was hinting towards, I'd also use TC in your case, a DGW of ful, CAR is just too tasty. BB is overrated.

        4. Eytexi
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          TC by a mile - can't see why you'd bench boost for double Bournemouth defence away to Leicester.

      5. Weilong7
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Lloris Button
        TAA Robertson AWB Lascelles Chilwell
        Pogba Salah Son F.Anderson Masuaku
        Aguero Jimenez Rashford

        2 FT 0.4ITB

        Son and Rashford out for Maddison and Wilson?
        Button to Fabianski / Boruc for a -4?

        any other suggestions?

      6. No Salah
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Despite devastating home form Mane has only one away goal since GW15!

        Wondering if I should get him for a hit regardless and captain. Otherwise my captain option is Wilson 🙁

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 15 days ago

          Did alright last night.

      7. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        Does Arnie confusion also mean Chicharito should be avoided in case he is benched for the former?

      8. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 15 days ago

        So Higuain is flagged? Anybody have a clue or will he play?

          1. My heart goes Salalalalah
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 15 days ago

            ...and along comes mr reliable! Thank you my favorite ffs member