Scout Notes

Final straw for West Ham defence in comeback win

The Fantasy Premier League interest in West Ham’s defence hit rock-bottom in Blank Gameweek 31 in a high-scoring game at the London Stadium.

The Hammers conceded three goals to bottom side Huddersfield Town after FPL managers had stocked up defensive assets.

Whether this spells the end for investment in Lukasz Fabianski (£4.8m) and his colleagues at the back, is the focus of this latest Scout Notes article.

West Ham United 4-3 Huddersfield Town

Goals: Mark Noble (£4.8m), Angelo Ogbonna (£4.2m), Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández x2 (£6.1m) | Juninho Bacuna (£4.2m), Karlan Grant x2 (£5.0m)

Assists: Manuel Lanzini (£6.4m), Aaron Cresswell (£5.0m), Samir Nasri (£5.2m), Felipe Anderson (£7.2m) | Aaron Mooy (£5.0m), Chris Löwe (£4.4m), Terence Kongolo (£4.3m)

West Ham’s defensive issues were laid bare by the most goal-shy side in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. In the four matches prior to Blank Gameweek 31, Huddersfield were bottom of the league for shots in the box, efforts on target, big chances and goal conversion rate. That, understandably, led to mass investment in Hammers options additional to Fabianski at the back, 145,000+ signing Declan Rice (£4.7m), with Angelo Ogbonna (£4.2m) and Issa Diop (£4.4m) also considered. However, in Blank Gameweek 31, the Terriers recorded more big chances than any other side, were joint-second for total goal attempts and joint-third for shots on target.

“We talked before the game that maybe this team don’t win too many games because they don’t have many goals but they always score from set pieces. They then scored two goals from set pieces.” – Manuel Pellegrini

Before this match, Huddersfield had scored eight away league goals all season but they added three to that total after visiting West Ham, an increase of 37% in one match. Considering how late we are in the campaign, that is a huge figure that demonstrates the levels to which the Hammers’ defence have fallen.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men have seriously struggled to keep clean sheets in home matches against favourable opposition this season, Newcastle the only side outside the top six to blank at the London Stadium in 2018/19. Bournemouth, Wolves, Burnley, Cardiff City, Crystal Palace, Watford, Brighton and Fulham have all come to West Ham and scored when Fabianski has largely been turned to as a starting goalkeeper for his 18.4% ownership.

Conceding three to Huddersfield’s attack is likely to be the final straw for Fantasy managers as we approach Free Hit and second Wildcard season. With goalkeepers such as Rui Patrício (£4.5m) and Vicente Guaita (£4.2m) already confirmed to have two fixtures in Double Gameweek 32 and Ben Foster (£4.6m), Mat Ryan (£4.4m) and Neil Etheridge (£4.7m) likely to have the same, Fabianski, who faces Everton at home, will not be an option worth considering next time out. After that, it’s a trip to Chelsea in Blank Gameweek 33 and Manchester United in Gameweek 34, by which point second Wildcards are likely to have seen him removed for better shot-stoppers.

Only two West Ham defensive options came away with healthy Gameweek scores. The first was Ogbonna, who scored a second-half headed goal. The centre-back hadn’t shown a great of threat in the four matches prior to Blank Gameweek 31, but out of West Ham’s defensive options, he was joint-top for shots inside the box with Diop.

Aaron Cresswell (£5.0m) was the other, registering the assist for Ogbonna’s strike. The left-back was making his second start in a row, having missed out on a place in the first XI in Gameweeks 28 and 29. Crucially, it was Cresswell who largely benefited from a surprise benching for Robert Snodgrass (£5.0m), the usual set piece taker. The former Ipswich Town defender took three corners at the London Stadium, more than any of his colleagues, although Manuel Lanzini (£6.4m) and Felipe Anderson (£7.2m) chipped in with one each.

The latter experienced some advantages from Snodgrass’ absence, but not as many as was expected when the team-sheet came out. As already mentioned, Anderson was able to take one corner against Huddersfield, but also had a crack at a direct free-kick, which he fired into the wall. Either way, he finished the match with more key passes than any other player, with the majority of them coming from open play. Anderson’s number of chances created against Huddersfield was higher than the total he had recorded across the previous matches, hence how he was able to provide a first assist since Gameweek 25.

The striker situation at West Ham still seems rather unsettled, even after Pellegrini’s comments last week about Marko Arnautovic (£6.9m) returning to the solitary forward position for the Huddersfield match. The Austrian did indeed make his first start since Gameweek 24 but had just one shot and was booed off the pitch when he was replaced by Lucas Pérez (£6.2m) in the 68th minute.

“I think that, as every player who is not at their best, Marko did not have the best game. When Samir Nasri came as a playmaker, he gave more balls to the attackers. The complete team played very bad during most part of the game, conceding two goals from set pieces and after that, the complete team improved and we changed the score.” – Manuel Pellegrini

Meanwhile, Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández (£6.1m) was absent for just the second time since Gameweek 25 after a poor performance against Cardiff, in which he was booked for diving. However, the Mexican was brought on for Michail Antonio (£6.8m) at half-time and scored twice, getting the winning goal too. He probably has the advantage over Arnautovic at this point but it is hard to tell, given the minutes he and his colleague have played in recent weeks.

“I think that Javier was playing well all the games except against Cardiff, where all the team played very bad. Maybe in that action [his dive] he felt someone touch him and he made a mistake. But he is an important player, every time he is in the box he is a danger to the other team. Today, I think he did not have so much pressure without having Marko behind him. But I always say to the players who are a substituted you are still involved in the game, it is so important.” – Manuel Pellegrini

Mark Noble (£4.8m) registered further confirmation that he is still on penalties for West Ham after he dispatched a first-half spot-kick following a foul on Manuel Lanzini (£6.4m). The Argentinian midfielder has now started the last three matches in a row.

With set pieces proving important for Huddersfield against West Ham, it is no surprise to see that no player created more chances at the London Stadium than Aaron Mooy (£5.0m).

Meanwhile, no player from either side registered more shots on target than Karlan Grant (£5.0m), who emerged from the match with two goals and a 13-point haul. It was the third start in four for the striker, who this time kept Steve Mounié (£5.8m) out of the starting line-up for the first time since Gameweek 27. It sums up Huddersfield’s season that, even though he arrived in January and has scored just three times in the Premier League, Grant is now the top-scorer both for the Terriers and former club Charlton Athletic this season.

In defence, Christopher Schindler (£4.2m) missed the match through illness and with Thomas ‘Zanka’ Jørgensen (£4.4m) benched for the third time in four Gameweeks, it was Terence Kongolo (£4.3m) and Jon Stankovic (£3.9m) at centre-back. The latter, who has been used in central midfield of late, looks like he could make for decent bench-fodder for those playing the Free Hit in Double Gameweek 32 as he has started the last four in a row. Also, FPL defender Chris Löwe (£4.4m) made his first start since Gameweek 27 and was used on the left-wing.

However, defensive issues continue to plague Huddersfield as much as they did their opponents. Despite having a comfortable hold on the game in the 75th minute, with a 3-1 lead, the Terriers let it slip with no team conceding more shots than them in the Blank Gameweek. That bodes well for Crystal Palace options preparing for a home match against them in Gameweek 32.

“There are reasons why we are bottom of the table (referring to goals conceded in the second half). I said it from the beginning but I still kept fighting as you saw today.” – Jan Siewert

West Ham United XI (4-1-4-1): Fabianski; Cresswell, Ogbonna, Diop, Zabaleta; Rice; Anderson, Lanzini, Noble (Nasri 59′), Antonio (Hernández 45′); Arnautovic (Pérez 68′).

Huddersfield Town XI (4-2-3-1): Lössl; Durm, Kongolo, Stankovic, Smith; Mooy, Bacuna (Puncheon 67′); Löwe, Pritchard, Rowe (Billing 55′); Grant (Mounié 70′).

1,169 Comments Post a Comment
  1. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Was you more happier with life pre or post FPL?

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      worst top post of all time award

    2. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I read that in an Ali G voice 🙂

      and I've never considered my happiest all that important, only glory.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Ahaha, I didn't the first time but I did the second.

    3. LSK
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I've never been happy, but FPL does distract me from the futility of life

    4. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      pretty much same from what I can recall. 2nd FPL season had regular impact on my moods but since then it has all been good...

      #numb

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Definitely before fpl.

        But fpl is life, so...

    5. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I enjoy FPL but it's hardly the defining factor in whether I'm happy in life.
      It's a free to play game and has about 1% impact.

    6. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I enjoy it even when I have a crap week I'd still rather be with FPL than without it.

      Doesn't stop me having a whinge when things go wrong but I still love playing it and look forward to it every weekend.

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        I don't know what it is but I certainly don't look forward to it any more. Feels like something I have to do than want to do.

        1. ritzyd
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          Then take a break and stop playing - or at least step away from it. A game like this should never be a cause for unhappiness. Change your approach, for example, only log in on deadline day each week.

    7. Bird Raymond
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      It's a distraction while I'm bored at work in the week, and a substitute for gambling at the weekend.

      It can be frustrating sometimes but the highs are inseparable from the lows.

      I think it's frowned upon but a number of times when I've been having a stinker of a season I've packed it in half way through and had a good rest from it. There's no obligation to keep on playing if you are really not enjoying it.

    8. La Vida Latte
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      It destroys my mood in the weekends. And I don´t enjoy football that much anymore. I don´t even know who to cheer for anymore.

      But other than that... just fine 😉

    9. The Mantis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I've been saying I'll retire from it for the last 5 seasons...

    10. Nas
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I can’t imagine what I’d do with my free time without fpl. The summer breaks are tedious. Of course by September I’m already threatening that this would be my last season and I’ll never play it again and all that. But I’m truth I’d probably have stopped watching epl games without fpl. It takes a lot to make you set your alarm to wake up at 6am on a day off to watch crystal palace v Brighton

    11. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Has made me enjoy football even more, love it!

    12. hueycho
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I can never watch premier league games like how used to before i got into fpl....anyone else agree?? :>

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        yep, now I have some interest in watching club football which wasnt the case before... 😉

    13. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I definitely struggle with it .
      Good week good mood
      Bad week bad mood.
      By Tuesday look forward to next game week.
      It is addictive though . Would probably be better off if I didn't do it but not that easy giving it up.

  2. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Do we know for sure that Chelsea and City have double GWs?

    Would be a big spanner in the works if for some reason they don't.

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Not for sure, as it's not been officially confirmed.
      But there is seemingly no other week the City v Cardiff game could happen.
      Likewise with Brighton (vs Chelsea), they have no other slots available.

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      GW39?

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        in Dubai?

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      City 99% as they have no other free midweek.

      Spurs vs Brighton is confirmed for 35 which means Chelsea vs Brighton has to be in 32 otherwise they also don't have a free midweek.

  3. SkeletONv01
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    TV not so great, so came up with this

    Goalie(undecided)
    Doherty/Wan Kenobisaka - Shaw - Laporte - Luiz
    Sterling - Pogba - X
    Aguero - Kane - Rashford

    6.5 ITB, who would you fill the gap with? Would you made any changes? Im also uncertain on Rashford, what about Jimenez? We think he will play both games?

    1. Webbinho
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Milovojelic

    2. Webbinho
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Also don't think Aguero/Sterling will play the midweek before the semi, but one game probably enough.

  4. infamousprob
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    which one would you go for?

    1) Kepa, Son, Deulofeu
    2) Ederson, Pogba, Ward-Prowse

    1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Wait for Southampton DGW to be confirmed

      1. infamousprob
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        just can't see Southampton getting that midweek game, coz they have fridaynight -game aginst liverpool the same week.

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          So why do you want JWP?
          ...or Deulofeu when the manager has already shown he's prioritising the FA cup, by making 8 changes against City?

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 12 days ago

            This

          2. infamousprob
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 12 days ago

            already have JWP. Deulofeu only one with DGW looming and could afford.

            1. HamezMace
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 12 days ago

              Oh I assumed FH team.
              Well don't do anything until the games are confirmed.
              There will be others - such as Camarasa, Babel, someone from Brighton, Townsend maybe, if you must have a DGW player.

              1. infamousprob
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                5 years, 12 days ago

                brighton players would be rotation risks as watford players. Knockaert could be possible.... Babel is a good shout! Cardiff players have too bad games ahead...

                thanks from the feedback 🙂

                1. HamezMace
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 12 days ago

                  Not as much. Brighton still in the PL relegation fight. Watford pretty safe, and have already shown their hand regarding rotation.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      2

    3. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Defo 2

  5. Nas
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    @hindumonkey I cannot wait for your team of the weak after this shambles of a gameweek. You could probably do a whole 25 man squad of the weak

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Alisson and Alonso surely

  6. Murder On Zidanesfloor
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    RMFHT

    Ederson
    Luiz Lindelof Duffy Tomkins
    Sterling Hazard Pogba
    Kane Kun Rashford
    Bench fodder

    1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Anyone??

      1. subhojit123
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        If possible downgrade Kane and strengthen elsewhere. Spurs have liverpool and crystal palace

      2. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        It's fine mate.

  7. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Are we going to play Euro 2020 qualifiers fantasy?

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I'm going to be too focused on Norwegian premier league fantasy.

      1. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Eliteserien has the same international breaks so enough time to do both.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      lets see if we can reach 2020 first

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        oh, qualifiers, nope...

    3. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Depends if we're leaving the EU or not.

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        What makes you think we're leaving the EU?

    4. mikess
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      There isn't one this time is there?

  8. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    on a -8 hows this looking, will play FH in 38 most likely.

    Fabianski
    Ake VanDijk Doherty xxx
    Pogba Hazard Sterling xxx
    Rashford Aguero (TC) Wilson

    Valery or Milivojevic

    1. Webbinho
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      TC Aguero risky imo. Think will be benched for the Cardiff home game and rarely scores away

      1. Park the bus
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        TC Sterling here

      2. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        It's a FH38 team.

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Milivojevic
      Go for it.
      GL

  9. Amey
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Don't know about City dgw atm.
    But, that one fixture for Kun,Raz,Bilva in my team looks brilliant enough.
    Need some fireworks from City & United !!

    1. Park the bus
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      assume it's almost certainly going to be fulham away and Cardiff at home??

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Yeah
        Bdw I've just realised Cardiff is a home fixture 😀
        I think we're in for a treat by FPL gods

        1. Webbinho
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          Surely be Sane, Jesus, Mahrez for Cardiff game? Likely 3 or 4 days before Semi final

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 12 days ago

            Nahh
            Ww saw what happens when Raz & Kun don't start.
            Also PL is much more important than fa cup.

            Different with CL tbh

          2. Warby84
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 12 days ago

            No way not after the swans first half performance.. You know they are going for the title as well?

  10. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Any love for doucoure or am I just to desperate to include a Watford player on fh?

    1. suddenorgan
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Capoue has more threat and is cheaper. Still not a great option though probably safe(ish) to play both games.

      1. suddenorgan
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        BTW if anyone has membership and wants a laugh have a look at Doucoure's xG over the last six gameweeks

  11. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Made a draft FH team . .3 ITB.

    How is it?

    Ederson
    Awb Lindelof Luiz
    Jota sterling milivojevic hazard
    Kane Aguero king

    1. Ohh1454
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      You need some united attack maybe sacrifice Kane and don't know about king he doesn't have a dgw zaha or bats better options

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        King can become Zaha/bats.

        Kane isn't leaving my team whatsoever.

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Who is your CPT

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Kane/sterling

    3. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Nice team with 3 itb
      What is your TV ?

    4. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      King, only has one fixture?

  12. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    If Brighton v Cardiff is in GW36, would Connor Murray in a DGW against NEW & CAR be worth a C/TC punt or stick with one of the Pool guys against HUD.

    1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Connor Murray??

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Glenn

      2. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Assume he means Colin Murray the radio 5 presenter.

      3. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Ireland scrum half

    2. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Good player but not sure I'd triple captain a scrum half in what is essentially a football-based fantasy game.

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        I've been watching too much Rugby.

  13. subhojit123
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Hi guys.. how does this FH team look -

    De gea
    Walker Luiz Azpi
    Sterling(C) Hazard Pogba WardProwse
    Aguero Rashford Jimmy

    Bench - 3.9, Valery, WBA, Brooks

    Any suggestions?

    1. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Kepa, Laporte, Lindelof, Luiz gives the same teams in defense but for a lot cheaper.

      1. subhojit123
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Is laporte sure to start?

        1. Eytexi
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          More than Walker.

          1. Bobby Digital
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 12 days ago

            Lies

  14. Shatner's Bassoon
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Community flocking to JWP for the double will absolutely guarantee a 3 pointer. Been that kind of season.

    1. Rostah
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      To be fair he's a budget enabler, even just getting 3 points isn't the end of the world

      1. Shatner's Bassoon
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        True enough!

    2. Webbinho
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      We don't even have a double until 35 most likely

      1. Shatner's Bassoon
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Yeah, kind of wishful thinking really cos would love JWP and Valery as enablers.

        Guess the Liverpool game on a Friday makes it hard to fit the Watford game that week.

  15. The Ejiptian King
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Has Mane trained?

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      NOT IMPORTANT

      it's whether he's pictured in training is important 😀

      Can we stop this. It hurts Everytime i see my VC scoring 13.

      1. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        lol, hurts me more by not having him.

    2. Nas
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Maybe salah is training too much. He needs to miss a couple of training sessions to return to form

  16. Runaway
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    For FH32 team:

    A) Higuain + Son

    B) Kane + Jota (or another 6.1)

    Rest of the team:

    Ederson
    Shaw Doherty Bednarek
    Hazard Sterling Pogba ----
    Aguero Rashford ----

    1. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      B, and I'm tempted to keep Fraser vs a Maguire-less Leicester tbh.

      Otherwise, Ward-Prowse looks a great bet.

    2. Thomas M.
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      i like B more than A.

    3. suddenorgan
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Son and Jota are both rotation risks so B because Kane is better

  17. shirtless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Scored an extra 18 points on Freehit, and dropped 25 places OR lol. On top of 24 points on TC. I hate chips!

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I prefer wedges

      I'll see myself out

      1. shirtless
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        🙂 here all week

      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        No you won't, you'll be escorted out to make sure you actually do leave.

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          Hope my forehead fits through the door

  18. scarlet
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Does anyone know whether I can make standard free transfer this week and then play my free hit chip so that essentially get two free transfers for GW33 (one before GW32 and one after)?

    Scared of doing it in case it locks me out of playing my FH Chip!

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Nope, you'll go back to 1 FT.

  19. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Tough decision for the 3 up front this week. What would your selection be out of:\
    Vardy
    Higuain
    Rashford
    Aguero
    Jiminez
    Kane

    1. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Rash, Kun, Kane.

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I'm going with

      Lukaku Aguero Rashford

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Ah of course, Lukaku.

    3. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Aguero no brainer, Rashford or Lukaku if fit, Vardy

    4. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Rash, Kane Aguero for me.
      Zaha should be in this mix too though.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Kane and Kun, wow.

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          It's easy with no Hazard.

    5. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Aguero Rashford Zaha

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Haha really an option?

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          Actually, just checked and his form aint bad.

          1. goriuanx
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 12 days ago

            🙂

    6. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Kun
      Vardy
      Rashford

      That’s my initial plan but could change depending on funds

    7. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Kane Vardy Aguero

    8. Webbinho
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Vardy, Kun, Kane

    9. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Aguero Rash Zaha/Bats

      Zaha/Bats a better option than Jim imo.

      Tempted by Kaku/Kane but it just doesn't feel worth the outlay and the downgrades I have to make.

    10. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I want Aguero Kane Lukaku but pretty sure I can't afford.

    11. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Kane and Kun, loads of value in MF. 3-5-2 here

  20. Malkmus
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    A'noon all, another FH Team, any thoughts:

    Ederson (Hamer)
    Lindelof - Luiz - WB (4.0, 4.0)
    Pogba - Sterling - Son - Haz - A
    Kun - Rashford - B

    1 - A = 4.5 Mid, B = Zaha
    2 - A = Mili, B = 4.5 Fwd

    Ta !

  21. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Must admit it's a bit satisfying watching Eggdork have such a terrible season after all the gloating and promotion regarding being 'the greatest fantasy player ever' and the stupid patreons where he gives silly advice.

    1. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Shows how often I get on here these days

      I’ve no idea who you’re talking about! 😀

      1. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Self-proclaimed greatest fantasy player ever. No denying he has a very good track record but it has backfired spectacularly for him this season after branding himself as the greatest of all time.

        https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/entry/64342/history

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Agreed

      Very few things make me happy, but this is one

    3. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Really? It makes me think that I should be cashing in.
      As the 652nd best manager in the world (according to FFS) I should start selling my advice rather than just posting it for free on here.....

    4. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Cmon mate there's no doubt he's a great FPL manager. One bad season doesn't mean anything.

      If I get a chance to make money on FPL even I would.

      1. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        I haven't denied that his track record is excellent. It's just the whole branding part, calling himself the best etc. If you're gonna talk the talk you better make sure you walk the walk afterwards. If he came across as a humble guy I wouldn't be criticising him.

        Also on his patreon he regularly tells people to avoid certain moves, only for himself to make those moves. Hypocrite.

        1. MINUS FOUR
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          I've watched a few of his videos out of interest and he just seems to give really generic, obvious advice. Like Andy LTFPL except with an ego. To me, talking to people about who to bring in and who to avoid is fraught with danger. I'd like to see more content talking about strategic thinking, alternative strategies etc. Doing videos and podcasts that turn into glorified 'Player A or Player B' responses is never going to work in my opinion.

        2. Rostah
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          The branding, while annoying, seemed thrust upon him. When he first started posting on YouTube it had none of the world greatest malarkey. On Reddit everyone I saw someone share his video, people would ask what's the fuss over this guy and people would go on about world's best etc.

          Think I remember people going on about him being the world's greatest on here s lot last season also. Think it was s silly move too adopt it himself but it was what he was known for already. The Patreon thing is a difference kettle of fish though.

    5. Richd
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      He’s given everyone a better rank this year. Generous guy

      A masterclass is helping

  22. merin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Rashford or Lukaku for this FH32-team?

    Ederson
    Lindelof Luiz AWB
    X Sterling Pogba Jota
    Aguero Jimenez X

    (Boruc Doherty Simpson Romeu)

  23. HamezMace
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Oh I've just seen the error from the Millwall keeper for the Brighton equaliser.
    That's a shocker!

    1. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Absolute hologram goalkeeping.

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Can only assume he thought it was going out, but it's not even close, from his starting position that really is bad.

    2. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      ... and the stomp?

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Not seen a stomp?

  24. Shatner's Bassoon
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Ryan
    Valery Luiz AWB
    Pogba Sterling Hazard JWP
    Rashford Aguero Kane

    Bench = Pure fodder.

    No City DF isn't ideal but not sure what else I would be missing?

    Avoid Wolves + Watford if they're gonna be distracted. Hope Ryan racks up the saves.

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Southampton unlikely to have a double it seems.
      ...and no easy changes for Valery/JWP, so you'll need to sacrifice elsewhere.
      I like the Ryan punt, I've been torn between De Gea and Ederson, maybe you've gone the right way.

      1. Shatner's Bassoon
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Yeah just realised the issue with the Friday game...

        I really want City defensive cover and think Ed's the best way to go so perhaps I'll get him and try to work a 4-3-3.

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          I think Ederson is a great shout.
          But I also want B.Silva to go with Aguero and Sterling.
          ...whereas there isn't another United player I'd want after Rashford and Pogba, so De Gea seems a good pick, with Laporte.

          Luckily I have two weeks to change my mind several times, before asking on here.

  25. MINUS FOUR
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    What is your biggest green arrow and biggest red arrow (by number of places up/down in OR)?

    Green: 68k (GW5 Wildcard)
    Red: 57k (GW3)

    But importantly, my biggest red arrow since that GW3 has been just 207 places in GW15. Haven't had many amazingly exciting gameweeks, just loads of reasonably good ones all adding up. Last season I remember some much bigger highs, but also some much bigger lows.

    1. Rostah
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Red 55k GW3 WC
      Green 68k the following week

      Plenty of ups and downs since but luckily much smaller ones

      1. MINUS FOUR
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Similar numbers. I wonder if anyone has an absolutely massive rise or fall.

        1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          *see comment below* haha

    2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Green: 710k in GW5, had an absolute stormer that GW after a rubbish start
      Red: 443k in GW2, didn't even own Aguero who got 20 points

      1. MINUS FOUR
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        WOW. Those are the kind of numbers I was hoping to see! That's crazy.

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Oh I've had an absolute rollercoaster this season - really not been a good one!

      Biggest green: 204k (GW8)
      Biggest red: 161k (GW7)

      Season high rank: 29k (GW15)
      Season low rank: 329k (GW21)
      Current OR: 126k

      As you can see - it's been quite a ride!!!

      1. MINUS FOUR
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        All over the place, that's for sure. Hope you've at least enjoyed some of the highlights on the wild ride.

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          It’s def kept me interested!!

    4. WesMantooth
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Green 175k gw5
      Red 113k gwk3.
      Basically all reds and greens since gw5 have been smeller than 5k.

      Size of greens and reds are'nt that exciting though are they? Points losses/gained v 10k is a better metric explaining the gains made or lost in a single gameweek.

    5. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Biggest red 386k places in GW8. Had 20 points on the bench

      Biggest green was GW15 jumped 160k places.

      Not been a great season. Played too conservatively early on. Since GW25 I've taken 5 hits in 6 weeks and had 6 greens in a row. OR currently just iver 200k so the aim is to break that 100k mark. Currently about 35 points off that total so should be doable provided my chips pay off

  26. Park the bus
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    not seeing the need for Kane in 32. will anyone captain him ahead of Aguero or Sterling? you've got a guy at 12.5 in a team that's been struggling. Money can surely be better spent elsewhere??

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Yes, I will captain him, assured minutes over the City players.

    2. Richd
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Well that’s what people need to decide on.

      He’s a great player and scores great. Just depends on what route people wanna take.

      I’m strongly considering him.

    3. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I'll have Aguero sterling and Kane and captain sterling.

      Kane is a very good differential

    4. mikess
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      He's still scoring each game. No issues owning him myself

    5. Rostah
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I think this might be the only time he's in my squad all season

    6. suddenorgan
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      he's definitely going to play both and has been scoring despite Spurs not playing especially well

    7. The Mantis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I'm pretty sure he will be in my team for the DGW

    8. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Defo in my side, will certainly being close to getting the armband, can see a brace vs Palace

  27. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Which defenders/ keepers you are targeting for the doubles?

    How will your backline look like on a FH?

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Ryan/Gunn/Guiata
      Duffy Luiz Schlupp

    2. mikess
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I'm eyeing double Chelsea, Probably Kepa and Luiz, Duffy/Tomkins/Schlupp & Laporte

    3. Rostah
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Chelsea, City, and Brighton if their Cardiff fixture is moved to 32

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Don't think it'll be Brighton v Cardiff, as this prevents City v Cardiff.

    4. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Probably something like Kepa, Luiz, Schlupp, xxxx.
      Final space depends whether I go for triple City attack or not.

    5. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Depends if Soton get a DGW, as then I'll play 3-5-2 with Valery being one of my DF's and JWP in MF.

      If they don't I'm likely to play 4-4-2, DF looking like:

      Kepa
      Laporte AWB Johnny Dunk

      Looks tripe can't lie

  28. -GK22-
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Will redesigning and changing my kit colour on the website guarantee me at least 6 green arrows between now and the end of the season?

    1. Barca_Rover
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Depends on what you select as the new colour

    2. MINUS FOUR
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Yes but only if you do an 'FPL dare' and call your mum to see what colours she's wearing then use those.

    3. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Depends on the design

  29. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    A. Ederson ,Schlup, Lindelof,Alli
    B. Ddg, Azpi, Valeri, D.Silva

    1. The Mantis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      C?

  30. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Can anyone lend their advice for some differentials to use for the DGW 32 when using free hit?

    i.e. Mahrez...

    everyone will be putting in Kun / Sterling etc

    1. mikess
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Bernardo Silva, Martial, Son, Alli, Eriksen, Batshuayi, Sane, Murray, Knockaert

      1. The Mantis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Bilva I am strongly considering. Pep loves him but also loves to bench him

        Batshuayi I was thinking about but I want Kun / Kane / Rashford as my front 3

    2. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Why do you want differentials?
      Just get in whoever you think will score the highest.

      1. The Mantis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Mainly because of my standings in my mini-leagues

        1. Snevitz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          As someone who generally rises in rank much better in the second half of the season I find concentrating on getting the players who I think will score the most points in is the only way to play.
          Your team will never be identical to someone else's so you will always have players who are differentials to their team.
          I'd never consider Mahrez over Sterling for example. Let other people go for risky picks while you just get all the points from the obvious players.

          1. The Mantis
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 12 days ago

            I make you right. It's really only because I know that a lot of my close competitors are also playing FH and will likely go for the safe bets. If I was to take a risky option it could pay off but if it doesn't I'd be further behind

            Likely going with Sterling & Aguero then

    3. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Kane won't be in lots of sides due to his price, feel he could outscore Aguero, guarenteed to play 90mins x2