Scout Notes

How the FA Cup semi-finals may also impact on Double Gameweek 32

Watford, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester City progressed to the FA Cup semi-finals over the weekend.

Those four clubs’ quarter-final victories ensured that they would blank in Gameweek 33 and increased the likelihood of these sides having Double Gameweeks in 32 and 35 (this was already confirmed in Wolves’ case).

We will cover City in their own Scout Notes piece tomorrow and instead focus on the other three Premier League teams to make it through to the last four of the FA Cup in this article.

While we stress that we are yet to hear official word from the Premier League regarding the full Double Gameweek picture, we know already that Wolves will face Burnley (a) and Manchester United (h) in Gameweek 32.

A fixture announcement from Spurs yesterday means that Brighton may well face Chelsea (a) in Gameweek 32, along with their already-scheduled match against Southampton (h).

The Seagulls’ match against Cardiff (h) also remains outstanding.

Watford face Manchester United (a) in the first Gameweek back after the international break and could then have a midweek fixture against Southampton (h) or Fulham (h) to go with it.

Again, this is educated guesswork at present and will hopefully be confirmed in the next few days.

While it looks likely that Watford and Brighton will join Wolves in having a Double Gameweek 32, it is worth considering just how appealing the Fantasy assets are from these three clubs.

The FA Cup semi-finals take place just a few days after the proposed second fixture in Gameweek 32 and would perhaps throw into doubt just how strong a side Wolves and Watford in particular would name in a midweek Premier League game, given that those two clubs meet at Wembley on the weekend of April 6/7.

Brighton are, of course, embroiled in a relegation scrap and Chris Hughton would surely be averse to making wholesale changes with their Premier League status still in the balance.

Whether the likes of veteran Glenn Murray (£6.3m) would start three matches in the space of a week is open to debate, however.

Wolves and Watford, comfortably sitting in seventh and eighth in the Premier League table, might be a different proposition.

Gracia rested seven players for the trip to Manchester City in Gameweek 30, sparking speculation that he was sparing players for Saturday’s quarter-final against Crystal Palace.

The Watford boss said at the time:

If I have to take my decision again, I will do it the same way. I’ve chosen for this game these players, it’s because before the game I thought we needed fresh legs to compete today to defend well and run a lot.

We have lost the game [but] in my opinion we’ve competed well against a very good team and now we can focus on the FA Cup, we will try to get a good result and try to carry on in that competition.

In this moment, we have 26 players available and all of them deserve to play. 

The fact that Gracia currently has a fully-fit squad to choose from would surely only increase the risk of rotation in the likely Double Gameweek 32.

Wolves perhaps haven’t quite got the same depth of squad as the Hornets but Nuno Espirito Santo has demonstrated recently that he is not averse to making changes when the fixture congestion kicks in.

The Wolves boss rested four of his “midfield five” – including wing-backs Matt Doherty (£5.4m) and Jonny (£4.3m) – in the 2-0 win over Cardiff in Gameweek 29, which was the third of three games that his side contested in the space of a week.

Santo explained his thinking after that win over the Bluebirds:

It’s a short squad, a very short squad of 16 [outfield] players, so credit to them as they prepare themselves for the moment the chance comes.

I think it is our job to prepare the squad well, so we’re always able to choose a strong XI.

When you have a tough cycle of games in a week, the third one is the one we believe requires some attention.

Although the “third” game after the international break will be the FA Cup semi-final, it could be that Santo instead chooses to tinker with his starting XI in one of the two preceding league matches with one eye on the trip to Wembley.

While Raul Jimenez (£6.8m) played all three of Wolves’ fixtures in Gameweeks 27-29, he had previously been benched at the back-end of a similar run in Gameweek 16.

Santo could again choose to keep cup specialist John Ruddy (£4.2m) ticking over with an appearance in Double Gameweek 32, meanwhile, as he did against Cardiff a fortnight ago.

All of this could potentially bode well for Fantasy assets whose teams play Wolves and Watford in Double Gameweek 32 – namely Manchester United, who face both.

The likes of Paul Pogba (£8.9m), Marcus Rashford (£7.6m) and Romelu Lukaku (£10.8m) have an eight-day break between their second Gameweek 32 fixture (Wolves away) and their Champions League quarter-final tie against Barcelona, so rotation wouldn’t quite be of the same concern.

The rest of this article quickly recaps the events of Brighton, Wolves and Watford’s FA Cup quarter-finals.

Wolves 2-1 Manchester United

  • Goals: Raul Jimenez (£6.8m), Diogo Jota (£6.1m) | Marcus Rashford (£7.6m)
  • Assists: Ruben Neves (£4.9m) | Luke Shaw (£5.1m)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Manchester United produced the “poorest performance” of his short tenure as his side bowed out of the FA Cup at Molineux.

The Norwegian said:

It was a big step backwards. That’s the poorest performance since I’ve come here. The lack of urgency going forward, lack of forward passing, lack of regains.

Last week [against Arsenal] we were happy with the performance. We got what we deserved today because we never deserved to win this game.

Sometimes international breaks come in handy and we would have loved to play it again and put it right.

Hopefully some of them will have good experience with the national team, some will have a few days off and train hard here.

Then we will be ready to push again because we’re in a great position in the league, we’re in the Champions League.

United, missing the in-form Romelu Lukaku (£10.8m) because of a foot injury, were toothless in attack, with Marcus Rashford (£7.6m) too often choosing the selfish option in possession and Paul Pogba (£8.9m) well below his usual standards.

A long-distance effort from Rashford in the first half was the Red Devils’ only shot on target before the England forward scored a stoppage-time consolation.

Sergio Romero (£4.9m) was one of the few United players to have emerged from the game with any credit, having kept his side in the game in the second half with a number of key saves.

Solskjaer at least welcomed back a number of first-teamers from injury, with Ander Herrera (£5.0m) and Jesse Lingard (£6.7m) starting and Juan Mata (£6.1m) appearing off the bench.

Anthony Martial (£7.2m), who didn’t look himself and who didn’t register a single shot or key pass at Molineux, was subsequently revealed to have picked up a knee injury and dropped out of the France squad.

An official FFF statement said:

Anthony Martial is suffering from recurring problems in the right knee. He again felt severe pain in his right knee after Saturday’s match against Wolverhampton.

Victor Lindelof (£5.1m) was omitted from the Sweden squad for “personal reasons”, meanwhile.

Wolves were excellent, particularly in the second half.

Diogo Jota (£6.1m) had earlier spurned a chance from a Matt Doherty (£5.4m) cross before wasting the best opportunity of the first half, firing straight at Romero after being set free by Ruben Neves (£4.9m).

The hosts ramped up the pressure after the break, with Romero tipping over a Joao Moutinho (£5.3m) drive and producing a superb stop to push Raul Jimenez‘s (£6.8m) goalbound header onto the bar.

Jimenez lashed in Wolves’ opener with 20 minutes to go after a spot of penalty box pinball, before Jota shrugged off Luke Shaw (£5.1m) to double the hosts’ lead on the break.

Jimenez and Jota may have grabbed the headlines but there wasn’t a bad performance in the Wolves side, with their back three comfortably dealing with United’s attack and Moutinho and Neves excelling in central midfield.

Moutinho, indeed, registered seven key passes.

Santo said of his side’s display:

In the first half, we defended very well. We were very organised and very compact. We allowed them to have possession of the ball but tried to recover in the right areas. We were well organised and the shape worked very well.

In the second half, we were much better with the ball, we had possession and created some problems for them with our movement.

Wolves XI (3-4-3): Ruddy, Saiss, Coady, Boly; Doherty, Dendoncker, Neves, Joao Moutinho, Jonny; Jota (Traore 87′), Jimenez (Costa 90′).

Manchester United XI (4-3-3): Romero; Dalot, Lindelof, Smalling, Shaw; Herrera (Pereira 71′), Matic (Mata 86′), Pogba; Lingard (McTominay 86′), Rashford, Martial. 

Millwall 2-2 Brighton and Hove Albion (4-5 penalties)

  • Goals: Jurgen Locadia (£5.3m), Solly March (£4.8m)
  • Assists: None

Chris Hughton hailed the contribution of his substitutes after Brighton rescued victory from the jaws of defeat the Den on Sunday.

Trailing 2-0 after 88 minutes, the Seagulls were on the verge of a cup exit (and a Premier League fixture in Blank Gameweek 33) before two goals from Jurgen Locadia (£5.3m) and Solly March (£4.8m) forced the match into extra-time and then penalties.

Hughton said:

At that stage of the game, we were going to have a lot of possession. When you’re a home team leading the game, the inclination is to protect your lead.

We knew we’d have a lot of the ball, but you need moments. Solly’s introduction changed the emphasis of the game a little bit and gave us more in the final third, and the same with Jose [Izquierdo].

Anthony Knockaert (£5.2m) and Alireza Jahanbakhsh (£6.7m) have started Brighton’s last three competitive matches on the flanks but both wingers were withdrawn in the second half on Sunday, with Jahanbahksh in particular ineffective down the Brighton left.

The impact of March was especially telling, while Locadia was used on the left of a front three in the first two months of 2019 and – along with Jose Izquierdo (£5.9m) – is another name to add into Brighton’s attacking midfield mix as we approach Double Gameweek 32.

March’s darting run down the right led to Locadia lashing in Brighton’s first goal before March himself got on the scoresheet when his overhit free-kick sailed through the grasp of Millwall goalkeeper David Martin just before full-time.

Albion were perhaps fortunate to force extra time as they had offered little in the way of serious goal threat until late in the second half, with Glenn Murray (£6.3m) not getting much of a sniff all day and indeed missing in the shootout.

Beram Kayal (£4.4m) had the best of Brighton’s chances before their late revival, forcing Martin into three fairly unremarkable saves.

The fact that substitutes Izquierdo, March and Locadia had five of Brighton’s other six shots on target said much about their threat for the best part of normal time but Albion fans would point out they perhaps should have a penalty for a foul on Shane Duffy (£4.7m) and that they then had Murray blocked off in the lead-up to Millwall’s first goal.

Locadia was denied a perfectly legitimate goal in extra-time, too, when Martin Montoya (£4.3m) was erroneously flagged for offside.

The Lions had the better of the chances before Alex Pearce nodded in a 70th-minute corner, with Lee Gregory looping a shot onto the roof of the net and then firing straight at Mathew Ryan (£4.5m) when through on goal.

Aiden O’Brien doubled Millwall’s lead with little over ten minutes remaining and Brighton’s defenders didn’t instil a great deal of confidence for those Fantasy managers looking at the likes of Duffy and Lewis Dunk (£4.4m) for the Double Gameweeks to come – though Duffy’s prominence at dead-ball situations continues to catch the eye.

Brighton and Hove Albion XI (4-3-3): Ryan; Montoya, Dunk, Duffy, Bernardo; Stephens, Propper, Kayal (Izquierdo 73′); Knockaert (Locadia 73′), Murray, Jahanbakhsh (March 67′).

Watford 2-1 Crystal Palace

  • Goals: Etienne Capoue (£4.8m), Andre Gray (£5.9m)| Michy Batshuayi (£6.5m)
  • Assists: Craig Cathcart (£4.5m), Roberto Pereyra (£6.0m) | None

Roy Hodgson provided an update on Wilfried Zaha (£6.9m) after his side crashed out of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.

The Ivory Coast winger was missing with a hamstring complaint and Hodgson said:

Well you never know with hamstring injuries and strains, you have to be very careful especially with players as explosive as Wilf is. 

He felt it after the Brighton game and didn’t train during the week, we took him out on Thursday just to test it slightly under controlled conditions but it was pretty obvious that it would have been an enormous risk to play in the game today and risk a much more serious injury.

With the two weeks coming up now we can only hope that he will recover in time for when we play our next game.

He’s an outstanding player and I don’t think when you take players of that quality out of a team you’re not going to be able to say you didn’t miss them.

Mamadou Sakho (£4.9m) was again absent after having knee surgery and Hodgson said that both the centre-back and Zaha were “difficult to replace”:

During the season I think we’ve been playing reasonably well and those periods have been with Wilf and Mamadou Sakho. They are two difficult players to replace and quality is very hard to replace.

The quality of Sakho and Zaha whenever you go into a game without them you’re going to miss them, you can only hope that the guys who get their chance in place of those players can take the opportunity and play well themselves.

Patrick van Aanholt (£5.4m) was unexpectedly absent from Palace’s matchday squad, meanwhile, with no details provided of any injury the Dutch defender may have.

Jeffrey Schlupp (£4.5m) was therefore deployed at left-back but it was the performance of Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£4.5m) that caught the eye on the opposite flank.

The young right-back produced a couple of teasing deliveries before setting up a chance for Max Meyer (£5.5m) just before half-time, while he went close to scoring his first ever senior goal late on when flashing a shot just wide.

Wan-Bissaka also made a crucial block to deny Gerard Deulofeu (£5.6m) late on as he continues to impress from a defensive perspective.

Michy Batshuayi (£6.5m) scored in his third straight away match for Palace after capitalising on an error from Adrian Mariappa (£4.2m) and would be an interesting differential forward option should the Eagles be given a Double Gameweek 32, particularly as one of their fixtures is a match against Huddersfield Town (albeit at home, where Palace have struggled).

Vicente Guaita (£4.2m) wasn’t quite so impressive though, flapping at a number of crosses and being caught in no man’s land when Etienne Capoue (£4.8m) turned in a 27th-minute corner.

Palace’s goalkeeping situation looks as uncertain as ever going into the season run-in and Wayne Hennessey (£4.5m) will fancy his chances of a recall after seeing his positional rival make a pig’s ear of several deliveries on Sunday.

Andre Gray (£5.9m) came off the bench to grab Watford’s winner after a superb pass from the improved Roberto Pereyra (£6.0m) and the Hornets’ super-sub continues to make a strong case for inclusion in Javi Gracia’s starting XI: this was his third goal as a substitute in five competitive matches.

Who Gray replaces is another question, though, with Troy Deeney (£5.9m) in commanding form and Deulofeu providing plenty of menace as he buzzes around the Watford captain.

All four of Deulofeu’s shots on Saturday were on target, with Guaita making a fine one-handed stop to prevent the best of the ex-Everton midfielder’s efforts from creeping inside the near post.

Gracia indeed had all three of his main striking assets on the field in the final quarter of an hour, with Deulofeu moving back to the right flank to allow Gray to play alongside Deeney.

The Watford boss said:

It’s not a surprise [that Gray scored] because he’s doing it in the last games, he always has chances to score and he’s finishing very well.

It was a difficult decision because the game was open but to take off Will [Hughes] and put Gerard on the right and Andre up front with Troy – it was good for the team.

Jose Holebas (£4.8m) came off at half-time of this encounter, meanwhile, after taking a knock to his foot.

Watford XI (4-4-2): Gomes; Femenia, Mariappa, Cathcart, Holebas (Masina 45′); Hughes (Gray 77′), Capoue, Doucoure, Pererya; Deeney, Deulofeu (Cleverley 89′).

Crystal Palace XI (4-2-3-1): Guaita; Wan-Bissaka, Tomkins, Kelly, Schlupp; Kouyate, Milivojevic; McArthur (Benteke 84′), Meyer, Townsend; Batshuayi.

769 Comments Post a Comment
  1. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Danny Ings is the answer.

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Correct

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

      That nobody is looking for 😉
      Massive differential potential, if he can stay fit for 2 long games !!
      That's a difficult task in all honesty though considering him.

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

        I still have him. Don't ask. Praying for a double for them in 32 and for him to get fully fit.Don't have a free hit left.

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

          You will be payed for your persistence mate 🙂

        2. bench boost for every gamew…
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          saints having a game on friday 5april means the schedule is tight in that week. As the game involves no Europe participants there´s a chance it will be moved across one of the other slots, even in a midweek when CL/EL.

      2. ebb2sparky
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        He lasted 39 minutes last time I bought him!

    3. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Who will be the biggest mistake in GW32?

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

        If Danny Ings is the answer then I dread to think what the question is

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

    Who is more likely to get a DGW in 32?

    A) Southampton

    B) Brighton

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

      B

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

    i have unfortunately higuain. no fh. do i just keep him & hope he & chelsea find some form or ship him for lukaku maybe or rash or jimenez? i have 1 or 2 other transfer i want to do as well

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Wouldn’t sell higauin. He will have a good double. Wouldn’t buy him thougu

  4. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Soooo we got a FH template yet? Being lazy

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Yeah

      City. Chelsea. Palace. Saints. Brighton defemder

      Pogba. Hazard. Sterling

      Aguero. Maybe Kane. Lukaku or Rashford. One of bat. Jimi. Zaha

  5. Pras (FPL)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Draft 1.0

    Guaita
    Luiz / Lindelof / Valery
    Sterling / Haz / Pogba / Bilva
    Kane / Kun / Rashford

    Thoughts?

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

      Great team & awesome TV. I can't afford that (1.5m short i guess 😀 )

      1. Pras (FPL)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Cheers - now just need Soton to get a double

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

          I also need that in order to play Valery & get double Chelsea defense

        2. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          0.6 short of that myself tasty team!!

          1. Pras (FPL)
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 12 days ago

            Have you tried having a bench of 3.9; 3.8, 3.8, 4.2?

            1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 12 days ago

              Ah yes 0.5 short then haha

    2. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I'm torn between this and having Ederson over Bilva and upgrading 3rd defender. But I like it.

    3. Pras (FPL)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Thanks for feedback gents

  6. European Motivation for Hornets and Wolves?
    Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Would you agree Watford and Wolves are very unlikely to play anything but their strongest teams in the DGW?

    Apparently the FA Cup runners up don't get a European place, so 7th in the league this year gets the extra place if Man City make the final...

    Wolves are currently 7th & Watford 8th with 1 point between them... so can't see either of them wanting to risk missing out on European football by resting players to try to get to a final vs. Man City

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

      Nuno would love his odds against a one off final against City imo.

      We've learned from earlier matches that they will rotate

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        I'd imagine he may well also love his odds of being able to put European Qualification via league position on his CV even more than a cup final appearance

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

          Hmm
          Agreed.
          So you think Jimenez can start both matches ??

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 12 days ago

            I think so, I'd say same with Watford - both teams full strength in both DGW games - winning breeds confidence, 7th gets a European place, and the winner of their semi final is guaranteed nothing other than a potentially traumatic day out against Man City without the guarantee of European football for the runner up...

            If the cup runners up got the Euro place then it would be very different - I could be wrong though!

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

              Cheers mate
              Got Rashford atm. Can turn into Jimenez as git Lukaku too

        2. FPL Forward Thinker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          Let’s say wolves finish 7th and Watford beat Man City in the final.
          No Europe for Wolves.
          If you don’t believe that the two rotate then stock up mate.
          If someone else is a believer that they will rotate then their players are still worth having for a one single fixture.
          Or if rotation puts u off the go with your heart.
          Nobody is right or wrong as anything can happen.

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 12 days ago

            Totally agree that anything can happen. Not everything is as likely to happen though...

            The scenario of Watford beating City in the final for example would attract very generous odds with the bookmakers...

            It's good to ensure enough balance is brought to the table as the article seems to suggest we're likely to see rotation which may not be the case when you look at the practicalities of the situation and the trade off between european qualification from league position (extremely likely - but not guaranteed) vs. european qualification from beating man city in the cup (extremely unlikely - but not impossible)

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

      “... Apparently the FA Cup runners up don't get a European place, so 7th in the league this year gets the extra place if Man City make the final ...”. I wish this had been mentioned in today’s FFS article.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        I had to ask the same question myself as it wasn't in the article...

        Apparently this is the case, so if i was a betting man, I'm not sure either manager will want to give up 3 premiership points when they are so close to a European place - plus the confidence from winning & flying high in the league is surely worth a lot more than an extra couple of days rest coupled with the bad atmosphere going into the semi on the back of a league defeat would bring

        In fairness a cup final is a big day out for fans etc... but the fact that it's likely against City... and the fact that they could achieve European football for next season - I think they'll definitely prioritise the league tbf

        Could be wrong though

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          To be fair it is all educated guesswork though as Skonto rightly points out in the article... they could well rest players!

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

          Thanks for sharing.

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

      yeah good point.

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

      I'd have thought they'd want to win a cup, and whilst the odds of beating Man C in the final (assuming they get their) aren't good, it's a single game, so you never know. (after all, Leicester, Newcastle and Crystal Palace have all beaten them this year, and Wolves themselves have already drawn against them)

    5. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      This is a very good point.

    6. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Since when have midtable PL teams with thin squads seen Europa qualification as something to be aimed for rather than avoided?

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Yes it's a well known fact that no teams outside the top 6 ever want to finish as high as they possibly can in the league, let alone a team just up from the championship who could achieve European football in their first season back in the top flight

        That would totally ruin any manager's CV

    7. tuvok
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      There’s certainly a big enough chance of Wolves resting players against united in the second game (just a few days before the semi final) for me to reconsider their assets and, more significantly maybe, take United’s assets more seriously. Pogba et al could benefit from that.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        I wonder what would be their motivation to rest players though? Surely they stand to lose more than they gain by playing a weakened team in the league

    8. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      think they'll rotate a bit but in predictable areas. can't see wolves resting jiminez as they don't really have any cover for him.

    9. HNI
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Well Warford manager himself said he has good 26 man squad to choose from which points to heavy rotation. Wolves maybe but then only Jiminez looks worth a shout as both doherty and jota have been rested couple of times before when schedule wasnt as heavy as now

    10. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Anyways its impossible to be sure either way, they could well rotate. But trying to put yourself in Nuno/Gracia's shoes... i'm not sure they'll prioritise a cup final appearance over European football - they'lll probably want both - and they best way to get both is to win all three games

      1. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 days ago

        I think you are vastly overthinking the importance of qualifying for the EL for a team like Wolves/Watford. A cup, or cup final would be a much better achievement.

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 11 days ago

          That’s interesting - I actually think people are overthinking the importance of a cup final appearance

          European qualification from a league appearance is a much greater achievement (for a manager) than a losing cup final appearance - you can get to a cup final without even playing a premiership team if the draw goes right for example

          There is also more prize money for 7th than a losing cup final appearance, and no euro place for losing the cup as we already covered....

          So I think just blindly saying a cup final appearance will cause rotation in the league is a bit weak to be honest - it *may* do so, but unlikely when you weigh up the gives & gets

          The most likely scenario is strong teams in both DGW32 fixtures and the cup semi, for both teams imo

          1. Flaming Flamingo
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 11 days ago

            The potential Man City final would represent a chance at winning a trophy, something which is undoubtedly the priority for both Watford and Wolves.

            It's not like either team are throwing away any chance of a result, even with resting players. Both have already done so with a much larger gap between the games, so it's highly unlikely they'll choose not to do so this time.

            Moreover, win or lose the midweek game won't make or break either if their chances of getting into Europe. The semi final however as a one-off game has far more importance. It'd be foolish of either not to give themselves the best possible chance of winning the semi final and if that means resting players then so be it.

            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 11 days ago

              I don't disagree that the Cup Final is a huge game - but I do disagree that the evidence supports that Wolves are likely to rest players in the league to prepare for it

              The evidence actually suggests the opposite

              (a) Wolves have not rotated in the league before or after any FA cup match this season
              (b) 7th place in the league has more prize money than a losing cup final appearance
              (c) 7th place in the league gets an automatic European place which a losing cup final appearance does not

              This certainly does not guarantee they won't rotate this time, but it's never happened before in any league games this season

              And it also puts to bed the myth that Wolves rotate in the league before or after FA cup matches

              1. Flaming Flamingo
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 11 days ago

                The problem I have with your reasoning is that you're ignoring the context. PL teams rarely play their best team until the latter stages, it only then will it become a priority. Also, this will be the first time that there are midweek PL games before the FA Cup. In spite of that, both Wolves and Watford did rest players in the league, against Cardiff and Man City respectively.

                The other thing I'd add is that the prize money doesn't really act as an incentive. Every season we see teams dwindle once they reach safety in spite of the monetary gain, so I struggle to see how that would take precedent over the potential of winning silverware. I also have a hard time imagining that any PL club not fighting for relegation would take 7th over the chance to win a FA Cup final. I just don't see it.

                1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                  • 14 Years
                  5 years, 11 days ago

                  The problem I have with the reasoning that Wolves will play a weakened team in the league is that it ignores the available evidence

                  They may well rest players, but the evidence just doesn’t support the position

                  Although it not being supported by the available evidence but does not mean it can’t happen

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

      Mods, thanks for hulking this thread.

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

      Good info. Thanks

    13. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I appreciate the point, but both managers have previous of heavily rotating their team prior to an FA Cup tie, but you haven’t acknowledged that

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 days ago

        I ''haven't acknowledged it'' as you put it, because I can't acknowldege it - it isn't true - it's a myth that has somehow developed from Doherty not starting Leicester before the Shrewsbury game, and then again being benched v Cardiff (which wasn't adjacent to a cup match).

        For a closer look - Wolves for example have played 5 cup ties this season:

        In the 9 games immediately before and after those 5 cup games, there has been absolutely minimal rotation - to the point of being non-existent - Doherty was benched in GW23 and that's it - outside of that Jiminez, Jota, Doherty, Bennett, Boly, Jonny started literally every game they were available for excluding injury & suspension,

        1. Liverpool
        2. Shrewsbury
        3. Shrewsbury Replay
        4. Bristol City
        5. Man Utd

        Here are their lineups involving their core FPL players in the games before, and after, each FA cup this season:

        GW21 Palace - Doherty, Bennet, Boly, Jonny, Jiminez all start. Jota injured
        - FA CUP - Liverpool
        GW22 Man City - Doherty, Bennet, Boly, Jonny, Jiminez, Jota all start

        GW23 Leciester - Bennet, Jonny, Jiminez, Jota all start. Boly suspended. DOHERTY BENCHED
        - FA CUP - Shrewsbury
        GW34 West Ham - Doherty, Bennet, Jiminez, Jota all start. Boly suspended. Jonny Injured

        GW25 Everton - Doherty, Bennet, Boly, Jonny, Jiminez, Jota all start
        - FA CUP - Shrewsbury Replay
        GW26 Newcastle - Doherty, Bennet, Boly, Jonny, Jiminez, Jota all start
        - FA CUP - Bristol
        GW27 Bournemouth - Doherty, Bennet, Boly, Jonny, Jiminez, Jota all start

        GW30 Chelsea - Doherty, Boly, Jonny, Jiminez, Jota all start. Bennett suspended
        - FA CUP - Man Utd

        Do you really consider this to be ''heavy previous'' of rotating players prior to an FA Cup tie?

        1. Professor Abel X
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 10 days ago

          I stand corrected, thanks for the detailed reply. How about Watford?

    14. Alpharius
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      If either manager doesn't think they could win the cup/get to the final anyway why did they bother playing strong teams up to this point?

      There are no guarantees on league position after the next 7 games anyway, and surely the cost/benefit would recommend risking potentially 1-3pts for a shot at the cup?

    15. GHB
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      No chance either team play full strength in the game leading up to the semi final imo.

      Both managers will desperately want to lead their teams to the final, anything can happen in a one off game in the final.

    16. HammersFan
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      Im sure if you ask any watford or wolves fan, they would rather win a cup and finish 8th-10th than finish 6th with no cup.

      For a team outside the top 6, any trophy is more important than European qualification, which lets face it these teams barely make it pass the first round anyway and it probably hinders the team early in the season.

      Also you could through Westham, Leiceter and even at a push Everton in the race for 7th.

    17. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      Not buying it at all. I think you are massively ovethinking the situation unfortunately.

      There is no team in the country that wouldn’t play their best team in the cup final regardless of the opponent being Man City. And with that will come rotation.

      The managers have already show they are happy to rotate. For example why would Wolves not rotate now but they rotated against Cardiff? It’s clear they are prioritising the cup and rightly so.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 days ago

        I think that’s a bit weak to be honest - have Wolves really rotated that much before cup games?

        I’ll look at the detail later but off the top of my head I don’t remember them playing a second string before the Man Utd cup match for example

    18. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      Struggling to fully understand all the different permutations for European Cup qualifications tbh.

      Champions league goes to the top four and winner of CL (if outside top four) and winner of EL (if outside top four).
      5th and 6th in the league get Europa league, unless they are already qualified for the CL (see above).....in which case their place goes to another country? Is this correct?

      FA Cup winner gets 3rd place for EL, unless they are already qualified for CL/EL in which case the team in 7th place gets EL.

      What happens if the 5th and 6th placed teams win CL and EL? This means on top three get the remaining three CL spots, 4th and 7th get EL spots....would the 3rd spot now move to 8th?

      So confusing....

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 days ago

        https://www.premierleague.com/european-qualification-explained

        So as Man City won the league cup, 6th in the league gets a EL place & if Man City win the FA Cup, 7th would get a EL place - becuase for english domestic cups the extra place always goes to the next highest ranked team in the domestic league that aren't already qualified for europe

        If Chelsea or Arsenal were to win the EL and finish in EL qualification slots - their EL slot goes back to Europe i think as they would get a 5th CL slot alongside the top 4

    19. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      No, I completely disagree. Watford will rotate heavily and Wolves will rotate as much as they can. A FA Cup Final would be huge for either team and Gracia has already made it plain that he prioritises the cup now.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 days ago

        Out of interest, for Wolves for example, why would an FA Cup final against Man City be more of a carrot than automatic European qualification from league position (countless $m), and the extra prize money from a higher league position (more $ than a losing cup final appearance)?

        European qualification from league position on a manager's CV would be much more highly rated than a cup final appearance - to finish in automatic European positions in the league requires consistency against literally billions of pounds worth of competing teams over a full season

        You can make a cup final without even playing a premier league team

        If there was an automatic Euro place for the FA Cup final, or an easier opponent than Man City, there would be more of a case for prioritising the cup... but as it is - there really isn't any support for the prioritising the Cup argument, particularly when their selection decisions before and after every FA Cup game this season indicate prioritising the league

        This doesn't guarantee anything of course, and they could well rotate

        1. Jam0sh
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 10 days ago

          It's about winning something

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 9 days ago

            Totally agree - winning the increased prize money on offer for a 7th place finish vs. 8th or lower (and a losing FA Cup Final appearance) and winning a guaranteed European position from league qualification

            1. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 9 days ago

              And lose more prize money the year later and get graggrd into a relegation battle 😉

              https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/11960/10099975/europa-league-help-or-hindrance

              1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                • 14 Years
                5 years, 9 days ago

                Of course it's a challenge - that's why its very well rewarded financially... and that's why teams like Wolves are fighting tooth and nail (and incidentally demonstrating they are not willing to rest their core FPL players at all this season in the league to prioritise the FA cup) to qualify in the first place 😉

                I must say, the achievement actually seemed to go down pretty well in Burnley for example... very strange considering they apparently hated the idea of playing in Europe 😉

                https://www.independent.ie/world-news/and-finally/a-burnley-pub-was-named-after-sean-dyche-because-of-europa-league-qualification-36969988.html

                Does this guarantee Wolves won't do what they have not done to date and rotate in the league to prioritise the cup? Of course not, that is impossible to guarantee...

                But the evidence does not support the position that they are prioritising the cup

                And the myth that Wolves rotate players before and after FA Cup games has been put to bed 😉

      2. tisza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 11 days ago

        pretty much this. Watford & Wolves aren't likely to move up the table and no relegation threat.
        How much of a carrot is PL prize money vs. FA Cup final appearance is hard to gauge.
        Would be wary of trying to compare what has happened earlier in season re: rotation as unique circumstances now.
        Would of thought likes of Jimenez and Jota would get managed due to their importance to Wolves goal output.
        Watford assets neither here nor there due to low ownership and hardly big FPL points contributors anyway

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 11 days ago

          You can quantify it quite objectively by looking at the expected revenue from the Europa league and the increased revenue for a premier league position vs. a losing cup final appearance

          And i think it's a bit weak to totally disregard the fact that Wolves have not rotated before or after cup games all season

          To put these factors together and come up with the conclusion that they are likely to rotate in the league is a bit strange to be honest

          They could rotate of course... but all the evidence points to the contrary

    20. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      The EL is the graveyard of teams like Watford & Wolves ... just ask a Burnley fan

      Players play to win leagues and cups, not to finish a few places higher in the league or qualify for a dodgy Thursday night in Riga

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 days ago

        Players do what their managers tells them - and football clubs are businesses - they stand or fall on revenue - there is more financial incentive to finishing 7th than losing in the FA Cup Final, so it's nowhere near a forgone conclusion that they will prioritise the cup final over the league

        There are more managerial kudos for Nuno/Gracia to achieving automatic european qualification from league position than there is by being the losing FA Cup finalists

        Why do you think Burnley fought so hard to finish in a European position in the first place?

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 11 days ago

          *Players do what their managers tells them*

          (Apart from Kepa)

        2. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 11 days ago

          As a Swansea fan I have to disagree 100% ... EL is a bit of fun if you draw Valencia but what ever extra £million you get in qualifying for it, you lose double by finishing 15th the next season after a relegation battle because you simply don’t have the players for 2 games a week

          There is absolutely no way that Wolves or Watford will prioritise trying to finish 7th against a day out in an FA Cup final ... select players from those teams at your peril 🙂

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 11 days ago

            Again, Swansea players do what the Swansea manager tells them, not what the Swansea fans tell them

            And if there is quantifiably more financial and managerial incentive to finishing in automatic european slots (which there is) and a track record of not rotating in the league before or after any FA Cup games this season (which there is) then there isn't really a lot of objective support for the argument that they will prioritise the cup is there?

            As i say, this doesn't guarantee they won't rotate, and it doesn't exclude anyone from having a gut feel that they will rotate

            But all the evidence points to the contrary

            1. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 11 days ago

              Swansea players do not do what the manger tells them lol

              Serious question, are you from a UK ? From a small city team ? a championship / PL yo-yo team? do you support one of them? understand what they want? what their dna is about ? Have you met their players ? lived next door to them?

              A day out at Wembley in an FA Cup final out trumps just about anything apart from a Championship play off win or automatic promotion

              We don’t give too hoots about finishing 7th or EL, actually we don’t even want EL, the players certainly don’t ... an FA Cup win date in embroidered on Cardiff City shirts ... not ‘we finished 7th PL 2019’ 😉

              1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                • 14 Years
                5 years, 11 days ago

                Its a lovely sentimental view that you should cherish and never let go of...

                But the reality is that the evidence supports the viewpoint that Wolves are unlikely (not guaranteed) to prioritise the FA Cup final over the league:

                The evidence being:

                (a) Wolves have not rotated in the league before or after any FA cup match this season
                (b) 7th place in the league has more prize money than a losing cup final appearance
                (c) 7th place in the league gets an automatic European place which a losing cup final appearance does not

                This certainly does not guarantee they won't rotate this time, but it's never happened before in any league games this season

                And it also puts to bed the myth that Wolves rotate in the league before or after FA cup matches

                1. Hotdogs for Tea
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 11 days ago

                  Where are you from ?

                  1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                    • 14 Years
                    5 years, 11 days ago

                    I'm from a place where evidence & facts carry a higher weighting than gut-feel and sentimentality

                    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                      • 14 Years
                      5 years, 11 days ago

                      The evidence being:

                      (a) Wolves have not rotated in the league before or after any FA cup match this season

                      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                        • 14 Years
                        5 years, 11 days ago

                        The facts being

                        (b) 7th place in the league has more prize money than a losing cup final appearance
                        (c) 7th place in the league gets an automatic European place which a losing cup final appearance does not

                    2. Now I'm Panicking
                      • 9 Years
                      5 years, 11 days ago

                      Hull?

                  2. Deulofail
                    • 8 Years
                    5 years, 11 days ago

                    Rome, obviously.

                  3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                    • 14 Years
                    5 years, 11 days ago

                    The conclusion being - the evidence suggests Wolves are unlikelly (not guaranteed) to play anything but their strongest team in the DGW's

                    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                      • 14 Years
                      5 years, 11 days ago

                      Sentimentality & gut-feel however suggest they may rotate

                    2. Hotdogs for Tea
                      • 8 Years
                      5 years, 11 days ago

                      Ok you win, good kick 🙂

                      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                        • 14 Years
                        5 years, 11 days ago

                        Ta 😉

                      2. Hotdogs for Tea
                        • 8 Years
                        5 years, 11 days ago

                        *luck

    21. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 days ago

      Would love to be a fly on the wall of the Wolves dressing room when their manager reveals a team without Jimenez, Doherty and Jota for their Semi Final.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 days ago

        I really couldn't see that happening - I think he starts a strong team for all three games - but no guarantees of course

    22. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 12 months ago

      Well, I guess that puts to bed your myth that Wolves would not rotate in a PL DGW before an FA cup semi final 😉

  7. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Best team you can get!

    Kepa
    Laporte, David Luiz, Schlupp
    Sterling, Hazard, Pogba, JWP
    Aguero, Lukaku, Rashford

    (assume Sou will get DGW, Wolves will rotate before the cup, Spurs are meh and play Pool).

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      De hea affordable

      1. zotter
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        I wouldn’t get ddg over kepa

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

        sadly nope but can get MU def over Luiz

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

          *actually only if sell Rash/Lukaku so forget that

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      This is the best I have seen so far,

      Kepa
      Luiz Laporte Lindelof
      Sterling Hazard Pogba JWP
      Kane Aguero Rashford

      Speroni Romeu Connelly Simpson

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        And only affordable if you have a really good tv

        1. g40steve
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          .1 short, just cannot squeeze anything more.

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

            If I hadn’t sold Rashford a few weeks ago I could afford this team. As it is I’m 0.6m short.
            If I wanted this team either Kepa > Foster or Rashford > Zaha would do it for me.

            1. g40steve
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 12 days ago

              That’s why I am short.

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

        only about 2 mil short 🙂

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

      I like the rash luk double hadn't thought of that

    4. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      One of the better ones I have seen.

  8. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    I honestly can’t believe double che defence is more popular than getting a city defender - city have the fixtures and defensive form - Chelsea have been dire

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

      Chelsea play Cardiff and BHA...fix create form..
      I plan to have 2 Chel def and City def

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I'd imagine virtually every FH team will have maximus players from Chelsea & Man City

      2x Chelsea Def
      1x Haz
      1x Ederson
      1x Sterling
      1x Kun

    3. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      not getting 3x chelsea would be dumb and hazard is only viable attacking option alongside higuain, who is unpopular. impossible to double up on city defence because everyone has kun and sterling

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

    Aguero gets more minutes than Sterling in the DGW32 right?

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

      We just dont know...

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

      Like sane did last time

  10. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Pep talking about fixture schedule after international break

    "it's crazy, that's why we need everybody"

    Injured players returning too after the break. I don't like the sound of this

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

      Guess TC Aguero is too risky then

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

        Jesus plays in the FA cup so Aguero will start both games. He is also on a 2 week rest.

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

      with those fixtures 90 mins can be enough

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I'm going with three city myself

      I just have a feeling this is going to go horribly wrong and pep is going to troll at levels we have never seen before

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

        We saw on the weekend what happens when he rests sterling and aguero, and we then saw in the second half what happens when they play. Im not worried, they need to win every single prem game here on in.

  11. Rash
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Bottomed

    Some feedback please in this FH 

    Foster
    Laporte Luiz valary/dunk
    Sterling pogba hazard milo deulofeu
    Kane aguero 

    Speroni dunk/valary Peltier crouch

  12. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Are there other Manchester U defenders than Ashley Young to consider on a FH for this dgw?

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

      Lindelof

    2. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Shaw.

    3. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      None is best option

    4. Regin
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      shaw, lindelof, smalling or ddg

  13. Norman Conquest
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    heads up on anyone picking lindelof his wife is 37 weeks pregnant he has already pulled out of the sweden squad and going by her blog she expects him to be around for the birth (who wouldn't) i am not suggesting he won't play but just one to keep an eye on

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

      Stellar effort.

    2. Mo Mané Mo Problems
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Now this is the kind of research that matters.

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Yellow flag incoming:

      Wife Pregnant - expected back TBD

    4. Pras (FPL)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Hulk this!

      And drop Mrs Lindelof’s mobile number below so we all get regular status updates. Ta

    5. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Top detective work 🙂

    6. IfYouTinkerYou'llHaveA…
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Now we need to know if it’s her first baby or not? First ones are usually late, second ones pop straight out!!

      1. Norman Conquest
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        it's their first so we might be ok

        1. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 11 days ago

          I think he means labour.

          Second would be better because lindelof could be in an out in 10 minutes.

          First could be stuck there for days

      2. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        This

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

    3 mids enough if I have Kane?

    Ederson

    Luiz Lindelof Doherty

    Hazard Pogba Sterling

    Aguero Kane Rashford

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Don’t get it. Find another who plays. Stephens.

    2. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Did you forget a defender, Laporte? Same as mine, only Kepa.

  15. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Who’s hit the FREE HIT button? When will we get confirmation of the doubles? End of the week? Thanks

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I have done mine 0 in bank - may god have mercy on my soul 😀
      Follow Ben Crelin on twitter is my advice.

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

      \o/

      City,Spurs doubles confirmed. Other's are yet TBD

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Ah cool, didn’t know city had been confirmed

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

          Pep said about Cardiff fixture in his press

          1. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 12 days ago

            What’s the benefit of activating it now? Any big hitters rising / falling or something else?

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

              I am short on TV so didn't wanted to miss out on my Targeted players. So activated it

  16. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    OK this is my final free hit team 0 in bank.

    Ederson (hamer)
    luiz-tomkins-awb (connolly-simpson)
    sterling-pogba-hazard-ali-(romeu)
    Batshuayi-Lukaku-Aguero

    Any injuries I could get rashford instead of lukaku OR shaw instead of Luiz.

    Ederson the only guaranteed city starter besides beernardo - stops headaches.
    Taking a gamble on a palace clean sheet against Huddersfield. Hopefully they will stop that run of 1 goal conceded in each of thier four games.
    Luiz is there for both attacking and defensive points.
    Surely he will get something v cardiff
    Decided to go heavy in midfield and hope -aguero/sterling do well in the games they play. Pogba - hazard will be owned by most this week as well.
    I got ali because he is guaranteed starter and palace will be thier first home fixture at the new stadium. I hope he is involved in any Kane returns.
    Batshuayi looks sharp and is in form great value should play both games.
    Lukaku badly needed for Man united so I think he will start both after his rest - probably my captain.
    (Sorry for the waffling - writing it to keep a record of my reasoning)

    I did consider deulofeu but with the FA cup coming up he could be rested?
    Surely
    Garcia has to wrap him in cotton wool?

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      This is good. But why not mane over alli ?

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Two reasons ali is cheaper and he seems too relish the big games,
        Mane has done me proud over the last two game-weeks though.
        I have no idea what the liverpool-spurs result will be both teams are playing strangely.

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

    Sorry to ask a question which may have been answered many times, but if I don't have a free hit chip left, when would should I use my wildcatd. At the moment I have six players in teams playing twice in gw 32 (and unlikely to increase that number) and a full team in gw 33,

    Genuine thanks for any advice

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Wc 34. Get max Chelsea for 32 given they double and play 33

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      WC34 probably.
      Get some Chelsea/Palace to add to the 6 and 10.

  18. Jimmy Boy
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    How does this look?

    Gunn
    Luiz - Duffy - Schlupp
    Hazard - Sterling - Pogba - JWP
    Kane - Aguero - Rashford

    Gunn and JWP places obviously dependent on Soton getting a DGW, but they're good enablers

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I think you could nearly keep the southampton lads they are in good form - a single gameweek they might do well.
      Surprised JWP has not being picked up by a bigger club reminds me of James Milner loads of energy.
      You will have fun watching Duffy attacking corners as well.
      Schlupp/luiz very attacking.

  19. Dthinger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Someone in my Draft league managed to get zero points for GW 31. ZERO! He's obviously not paying attention to the game. But what makes me crazy is who he has that no one else (who is paying attention) has been able to trade for these players because he isnt paying attention:

    Sterling, Sane, Bernardo Silva, Lacazette, Aubamayang, and Son.

    All of those players are essentially out of the game because the rest of his team are crap:

    Pope, Czech, Alexis Sanchez, Jesus, Sanchez, Alderweireld.

    So his weekly scores are so low he barely registers in our league table.

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

      Someone in mine got 56, only problem is he never hit free hit so had a minus 36. Not sure which is worse.

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        LOL casual?

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

          He is. Wears a skrtel shirt to our seven a side game 😉

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

    So if I just do the template free hit I can just hold my rank right?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      The template GW31 team did well.

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

        🙂

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

        Fair point. 😀

  21. Netters2018
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Bednerak Luiz and Son, or Valery Tompkins and Zaha?

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      How is that comparable. First team much more cash.

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

        This

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

    How many FH drafts depend on Southampton DGW? An awful lot using Valery/JWP as enablers it seems.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Expect them to drop off shortly.

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

        Really ??
        No dgw for saints ?
        Valery could have been a nice enabler

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

          Not confirmed but it's 50/50

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

            Thank you 🙂

        2. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          35 probably.

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

            Cheers TM

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

    Which scores more?

    A) Arnie + Anderson + Salah + Chilwell +12 points

    OR

    B) Aguero + Sterling + JWP + Laporte

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      A. 2. 2. 7. 2. 12 = 25

      B. 16. 15. 6. 9. = 46

      So B

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

        Bit optimistic on Salah there!

        1. zotter
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          Lol

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

      B by a landslide

  24. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Do the FREE HIT transfers count towards a player rising and falling?

    I know WC transfers don’t

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      no

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Thanks TM. Was my guess. See a lot rising very fast but doubt they will

  25. manchesterisblue
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Is it possible to use your FT for the week and then do a free hit the same week over your whole team including that FT?

    Ex. Get rid of Felipe Anderson to someone else right now. Then do my free hit for GW32 some time next week after the international break. Will Felipe Anderson be gone come GW33 or will he still be in my team?

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      No. All transfers revert back

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

      Still in ur team

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

        Soz misread... gone

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          Are you sure??

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      I thought he’d still be in your team

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

      Anderson will still be in your team. Sorry.

  26. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 12 days ago

    Why are people loading up on Spurs? They’re bang out of form

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

      New stadium 😀

    2. MTPockets
        5 years, 12 days ago

        180 mins of hope

      • zotter
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        No one loading on spurs. Maybe one

      • Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Not Kane he’s scored 3 in 4

      • jtreble
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 12 days ago

        Nobody is loading up on TOT at the moment. Have a look in FPL Statistics.

    3. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 12 days ago

      Is Stankovic nailed now?

      1. MTPockets
          5 years, 12 days ago

          who?

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

            Lol

          2. Big boy Bowen
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 12 days ago

            Huddersfield, 3.9. Started last 4 games or so

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

              Oh ok soz... hmmmn good shout, no idea from me re: nailed

            2. MTPockets
                5 years, 12 days ago

                Honestly no idea

        • RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 12 days ago

          Another FH question... if I sold Mane on FH now for 9.7m and then in a weeks time I decide I want Mane on FH, what price would I pay?

          1. zotter
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 12 days ago

            The higher price. Which is why I’m sitting on Jiminez for the moment

          2. MTPockets
              5 years, 12 days ago

              Whatever price he is at the time

            • RAFA THE GAFFA
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 12 days ago

              Thanks both. I’ll sit on my value players then. Might just do Salah > Sterling and wait for the announcements

              1. zotter
                • 14 Years
                5 years, 12 days ago

                Yeah you aren’t gonna have that issue on salah

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

            Going rouge this GW with a -12 and playing the TC chip.

            Arnie + Anderson + Salah + Chilwell -> Aguero + Sterling + JWP + Laporte (-12)

            * Will TC Aguero

            GW32 Team:

            Fabianski
            Laporte VanDijk Ake
            Sterling Pogba Hazard JWP
            Aguero Rashford Wilson

            1. zotter
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 12 days ago

              Thing is Aguero gets say 20. Only leaves you 8 surplus. Then you definitely lose on not having dgw players

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

                Im going to TC Aguero though so thats 60 points

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

                  You only gain 20 on captainers (most non casuals).

            2. RAFA THE GAFFA
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 12 days ago

              Living up to your name 🙂

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

              Rouge is makeup. Rogue perhaps?

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

                yes Rogue

          4. Jet5605
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 12 days ago

            Hi all, currently have all chips still available. Any recommendations on strategy?

            1. zotter
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 12 days ago

              Save them all for 37

              1. g40steve
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 12 days ago

                LOL