Members

2019/20 Memberships Now Available

Fantasy Football Scout memberships for 2019/20 are now available for the June discounted price of just £12.50.

Last season’s memberships expired on June 1 but you can now renew to get access to the Members Area.

But you’ll have to hurry if you want to take advantage of our pre-season offer.

This year it will end on July 1 and from that point, it will rise to £17.50.

This is a £2.50 increase on the usual price of full season Memberships.

Over the years we have made steady improvements to what our Members can enjoy and we will be re-investing back into the site to enhance it further in 2019/20.

However, we recognise the support of our loyal members and are going to offer the usual discounted rate of £12.50 until July 1.

If you’re new to the benefits of Fantasy Football Scout membership, you can get full details, along with a series of movies previewing the content, via this page.

In 2018/19 we published more Members articles than ever before, and plan to produce at least 150 in the 2019/20 campaign.

We also introduced Members only comments and Hot Topics to allow for detailed discussions of content behind the pay-wall.

Our projections and Rate My Team tool have both been tweaked with the former updated more often than in previous seasons.

We are also hugely excited to introduce the brand new Flat-Track Bully feature which allows Members to conduct research in greater detail.

Using this new feature you can customise which matches form part of your tables and comparisons and which do not, based on the opposing team.

This will help you identify players who perhaps perform better against weaker opposition, Flat-Track Bullies, or maybe those who thrive against the top teams like Raúl Jiménez did in 2018/19.

We will be releasing other new features when the June discount expires on July 1 so stay tuned on that front.

Last season, we helped Adam Levy to become the reigning Fantasy Premier League champion.

In his recent interview, he said: “I always sign up pre-season for £12.50 as I think that’s good value for the members’ content.”

In previous seasons we’ve helped FPL winners Tom Fenley and Simon March, while in 2015/16 we were thrilled to see Ed Masters – the winner of that year’s Members League – finish third in the overall rankings.

In 2017/18, Paul Gee went one better. He won our members’ league and finished second, losing out to champion Yusuf Sheikh by just eight points.

We are hugely grateful to those who show their support by signing up as a member each season. This continues to enable us to maintain the site, grow the FFS team and develop more ideas.

Members can switch between competitions to mine the data using an array of tables. Our comparison tools for players and teams can also be used to make head-to-head comparisons.

Filters can be applied to take into account only the last two, four and six matches played by a team or player.

Meanwhile, the match dashboard offers analysis of each match, together with charts which plot average positions and our collection of heatmaps for touches, shots, chances created among other statistics.

Members can also create custom tables based on the data and share them with other members.

The most famous of these is Joe’s Goals Imminent table which has a hugely successful rate for accurately predicting which underperforming assets will find the net next.

We will be producing a new preview movie highlighting what is available next week.

Our pre-season features begin with access to our members season ticker tool on or around June 13 with the announcement of the Premier League fixtures, with our Rate My Team tool and Player Projections to follow once the Fantasy Premier League player list is confirmed.

Having added new features over the last year – including Expected Goals data and Heatmaps – we’ll also be bringing back our Development Squad updates as we gear up to realise more ideas and bring you more tools to help enhance your Fantasy campaigns.

If you’ve any feedback or suggestions of content that you’d like to see added to the members offering, then please feel free to drop us a line at support@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk.

A reminder that memberships are available for just £12.50 during the month of June, but will increase to £17.50 on July 1.

Be sure to check out all the other benefits of signing up as a member here. A full FAQ on our Members area is also available here.

Existing registered users can upgrade via this link. New users, who are yet to get a registered account, can sign up via this link.

Payments can be made through Paypal or via Stripe using debit or credit cards.

565 Comments Post a Comment
  1. CL Final predictions
    Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    With the CL final looming, what are your predictions for the game?

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      2-2 after 90 mins with Liverpool to win with a late winner in extra time

    2. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Kane to hold back spurs for a Liverpool win.

    3. FPL Maldini
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Because I desperately don't want Liverpool to win then....

      A Liverpool win.

    4. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Spurs winning just doesn't feel like it's going to happen.

    5. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      1:0 Spurs win in extra time, Knighthood for Harry Kane after his winner from an Ali dive.

    6. el polako
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Cagey and rather boring first 45 minutes and the goal or max two in second half - no idea who'll win.

    7. Marvin Moon
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Could Liverpool just win please. I've watched two final defeats in my life already and I didn't like it.

    8. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Harry Kane VAR penalty
      Salah brace, Robertson assisting both
      Dele Alli crying

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Ah just saw you said Kane VAR penalty.. I agree. He's good at drawing them too

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Sounds like you've marked him for your GW1 team next season 🙂

          Hopefully he's less than 12.0m. He was one of the worst value players in the game last season, in terms of ppg per million.

          1. Geoff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            I always seem to go for him when he's fit. Even when he's close to fit he somehow sneaks into my team 🙁

    9. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Liverpool 1-0
      Sadio Mane

    10. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Liverpool 3 vs Tottenham Hotspurs 2

    11. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Kane to score a VAR penalty..

    12. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I think Spurs name might just be on the cup . I am going to 2 - 1 with a late winner by Kane

    13. Conor1
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Liverpool 3-0

    14. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Spurs 2 1 AET. It's finally our year . I feel it

    15. jungle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Kane to fluff his lines. Son to score.

      1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        I'm hoping Kane doesn't start ( never thought i'd say that) He's got form of being sluggish and slowing us down after coming back from injury. We can't afford that.

    16. Poseidon.
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      We went 1-0 behind in the final once against Bayern but Teddy came on and scored then Ole came on and scored. This was with no Keano too as he was banned after sacrificing himself for the team in the semis

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        3-1 to Liverpool

    17. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Istanbul all over again.

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

      3-2 Liverpool AET. Spurs go 2-0 with 1/2 hour to go. Pool pull it back and take it with an extra time Salah wonder goal. Best advert for English football.

      In reality it will probably be 0-0 or 1-0 to either side.

    19. davidfromkent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Liverpool 2 Spurs 0, Salah and Mane with 2 TTA assists.

    20. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Expect a Pool win, hopefully the best team wins and the officials have a great game.

  2. adams_6
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Could they both lose please.
    Like, get hammered. As a Gooner I know too many Bin dippers and the other one is obvious. Not bitter at all!

    1. Marvin Moon
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      You know when you use the term bin dippers you're implying that people in Liverpool are so poor that they have to eat out of the bins. That's a bit off really mate.

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        It was trash talk

        1. Marvin Moon
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          You bugger. This made me laugh despite being on my high horse.

      2. el polako
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        People in London are so rich that they can afford to pay in excess of 300k for someone to sit at home and play Fortnite.

  3. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    I just logged on to compare Salah and Mane, just to see if the BBC were right in calling Mane the main man for Liverpool, and realised my account had expired 🙁 Take my money FFS!

    1. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Thanks Giggs 🙂

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Wow, the comparison is not even close...

      1. Diva
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Salah still the boss.

  4. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Personally, despite being a long-standing member, I am very disappointed at the prospect of "members' only" comments.
    I think that everybody should be included in all discussions.

    Just my point of view. 😐

    1. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Members Only comments are only for content with data in it, that can't be shared normally now.

      So if someone wants to discuss a specific data point we can make a thread that's members only. It's not for just any comment, only for discussion about stuff that's behind the paywall

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        I just want to be able to block people who annoy me like Giggs Boson and Doosra ... I mean .... arbitrary posters 😉

        1. Geoff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          You and me both 😉

          1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            Unfortunately you are stuck with me 😆

        2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          😆

          1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            😆

    2. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I'm with Groucho Marx on membership. As a non member, it would be great if there were a non-members only section for comments.

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I can't see a social divide forming from the odd data post, but hopefully no one will feel excluded. It would be nice to be able to discuss member tables and comparisons in detail.

      Also, hi Doosra! 🙂

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Hi, G B!!! 😀

      2. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah, it's been in place for a bit now but we haven't used it too much.

        I think ideally I'd have someone who knows what they're doing in the members area more than I do write something every week or so - I have to admit I'm not as good in the members area as I'd like to be

    4. Richd
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      As a member (need to renew) I think it’s a good move.

      Always feel like we can’t/shouldn’t discuss stats or members articles as it’s not fair on other members or the owners of the website. However that shouldn’t be the case, the discussion of those stats is vital.

      Obviously that won’t stop the Twitter used who use FFS data but it’s a good step

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        The biggest problem right now is that for a user to post a members only comment they need to let me know first, so I can make it members only after it goes live. Ideally there would be a 'submit members only comment' button that then let's a mod quickly scan to make sure it's being used for the right reason and then it goes up

        1. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Would be ideal for members discussions to happen behind the paywall. Seems like it would solve all the problems, but I get that it would be a ton of extra work.

          Discussing a table underneath the table you are discussing is the dream.

  5. tucaoneo
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Told you those coloured pictures aren't cheap!

    1. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      😀

    2. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      😆

  6. Henryyy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Membership active 🙂

    1. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Welcome back!

    2. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Noice Rocco! 🙂

  7. Delph & Safety
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    I know it’s probably said a lot but is there any chance the members area could become more mobile friendly?

    1. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah.. I really want it to be. I want to get a bit of a site redesign done to sort the comments better but that's on my list. It's quite a large project, obviously

  8. 3 A
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Testing... First time as member

    1. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Looking good, welcome! 🙂

  9. Romani
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Romani has upgraded to Full Membership. Thank you Scout

    1. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Congrats!

  10. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Easy to read article on football law changes. Some interesting changes in there re GKs, FKs, handballs and subs.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48382254

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I really like the changes. They encourage more attractive football, fairer decisions, and more clarity for VAR.

    2. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Looking forward to arguing about what constitutes "unnaturally bigger"

      "unless the player has controlled the ball onto his own arm or hand"... Controlled onto is own arm? Controlled? Onto his own arm? Controlled? 😆

      This seems dubious to me: "if the offence was going to be a red card for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity, but the opposition take a quick free-kick, then the player will only be booked because the other team are considered to have restarted their attack."

      "A player can now be booked for celebrating - for removing his shirt or celebrating with the fans - even if the goal is disallowed." Lame rule getting lamer

      I think the rule changes are okay in general. Not really removing much subjectivity. Just a bit more clarity. Nothing major.

  11. The Pesci challenge
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Upgraded

  12. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    I'm liking the new "hide membership badge" on/off option this season for us members, nice touch. My ML rivals won't know how deep I'm in now at least

    1. rainy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      For an extra £2.50, ‘XXXX’ can fix it so your rivals see a different username above your posts 😉

  13. Klein
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    So its next year for one. Which one is it gonna be!!

  14. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    @Vobinho In Wengerland

    Did you have Matt Henry in your CWC team? I know you were going to play the bowling chip so would be worth some good points.

    1. Vobinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      No, only have Starc, Cummins & Archer as bowlers. Hoping for the Aussies to blow them away in the first ten so the wickets stay with those two!

      Glad I didnt go for NZ as I would have gone with Southee & Boult - Southee not playing and Boult wicketless so far and probably wont be back now until the death overs.

      Who have you got playing today?

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        I've got Starc, Cummins, Warner and Zampa. Playing the bowling chip. Similar to you hope that Australia bowl first - bowl them out fairly cheap and then Warner knocks them off quickly (like Gayle yesterday).

        1. Vobinho
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          That would be ideal.

          Had Russell and Gayle yesterday and Starc, Cummins & Warner today, so two similar results would be great.

          Planning for the next round looks difficult, plenty of tight games but at least it should mean 2 x 50 overs played for the batsmen.

          1. diesel001
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            Australia bowling first. Hopefully they can blow Afghanistan away.

            1. Nightcrawler
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 10 months ago

              Hopefully starc does a boult and all rounders share the wickets.

              1. diesel001
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 10 months ago

                Did you have Henry?

                1. Nightcrawler
                  • 4 Years
                  4 years, 10 months ago

                  Nope. Went with SA bowlers for the bowling chip and can't see much upside in picking bowlers from games u would not use the chip on

                  1. Nightcrawler
                    • 4 Years
                    4 years, 10 months ago

                    Good Lord this is going to be absolute carnage. Enjoy lol

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Looks like Afghanistan are settling in now. Making it difficult to get them out.

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Rahmat Shah is taking it to Australia. Struggling to bowl to him.

        1. Nightcrawler
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          All 4 wickets from your picks well done. Must be on a huge score by now

          1. diesel001
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            Not good enough. Needed at least 6 or 7 wickets given the chip is in play. People who played it with South Africa bowlers in the England game have won out.

            1. diesel001
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 10 months ago

              In the end it has worked out okay picking up 7 wickets from my three Aussie bowlers. Now need Warner to score big.

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      If you want to see a poor bowling strategy then this is it with Australia. You would never see England consistently bowl short to tailenders who are hooking, pulling and clubbing you for boundaries.

      No yorkers have been seen. England would be bowling at the stumps and saying 'you miss and I take you out'

    4. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Warner playing crap.

  15. Romani
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Now joined full member. Clicked on Members at the top of page and just get Members Page telling me how to join and what the benefits are? Am I on the wrong button?

    1. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Is it telling you to login?

    2. Richd
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Sometimes it takes a few mins or delete cookies from memory

  16. Richd
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Membership renewed. Well worth the money.

    Now I’ve also just joined twitter and looking for some accounts to follow.

    @FlapjackFPL

    Original I know

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      How long before you start running a Patreon service?

      1. Richd
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        I doubt anyone would want to pay for that

    2. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Given you a follow, mate.

      1. Richd
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Thank you mate. I’ve followed everyone back so hope it’s included you 🙂

        1. G-Whizz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Thanks, I've returned the favour...

  17. Romani
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Re-started computer and changed Password Now ON!!Thanks all.

    1. Richd
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Money well spent! The key numbers articles are my favourite benefit, the ticker just works so much better as a member and best of all when you have a 50/50 shout between two players the comparison tool is that tiebreaker

  18. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Membership renewal complete

    1. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Beaut!

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Haha absolutely delicious!!!

  19. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Young up-and-coming Polish Goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski is only a few details away from joining Southampton, several news outlets in Italy are saying.
    You'd think Gunn, McCarthy and Forster are enough cover, but it is what it is.
    The guy's a rock, I'll give him that. Will never forget his game where he made 17 saves vs Atlanta to keep a CS in a 0-0 draw. Bricks.

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Oh ffs I really really really wish he would have come to West Ham to be Fabianski’s understudy this year to learn from would have been beautiful.
      I guess Southampton must have promised him the Number 1 spot?

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        I guess, he's really Serie A's best young keeper imo. Shocking they're letting him go. But hey, theyre you go.
        I think he has gotten assurances. Should start.

        Y'all have Roberto, who's not bad by any stretch either.

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          He is the funniest transfer ever already:
          https://twitter.com/_carltoncole9/status/1134456835635908610?s=21

          1. Differential C (Mark)
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            Love it haha xD lad didnt know you lot beat the world in '66 xD

  20. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    RIP Jose Antonio Reyes. Traffic collision.

    https://twitter.com/SevillaFC_ENG/status/1134777067017555969?s=20

    1. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Sad news 🙁

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Indeed it is. Only 35, the lad. May he rest easy.

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Horrible news was one of my favourite players growing up

    3. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      🙁

    4. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Rest in peace and thanks for the memories José. Forever an Invincible!

  21. Saxe-Gotha
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Ahhhhh. Renewed.

  22. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Ok, I've joined again. I'm going to have a go at playing seriously instead of a minimum hit a week. Until the end of Aug when I start getting bored 🙂

    1. Fitzy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Just focus on the FFS cups...

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Or until you have used your wc gw2 and you still have the wrong players. 😉

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        You know me well 😉

  23. Darth_Krid
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Rejoined too. Stats area is unparalleled anywhere.

    1. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Nice one, glad to have you back 🙂

  24. Kane Toads
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    membership renewed! ... Go Spurs! Kick off 3am local time for me...

  25. Forever In Our Shadow
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Testing my new membership to see my badge. 😉

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Best £12.50 i spend every year. Well over £1k up over the last 3 seasons at least. Thanks FFS.

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        🙂

    2. Countess Weffie von Wobbego…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      good idea

  26. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    How many times do I have to refresh the page to bring you £12.50 in ad revenue?

    1. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Actually one of the things that I wanted to mention was that since we have so few ads, and we try to make them as out of the way as possible, it would be a bonus for us if people who have adblockers on their browsers whitelisted FFS.

      We get very little in ad revenue but every little bit counts 🙂

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Starting to refresh now. I hope I can earn myself membership before the end of the month, but sounds like it could be a struggle.

  27. Possession-based systems - Brief analysis
    Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Possession-based systems - Brief analysis.

    I'm learning coaching at the moment and thought I'd randomly share some tactical observations. Feel free to ignore if you're not interested.

    Modern 4-3-3 (W-W variant)
    Invented by Vittoro Pozzo in the 1930s, the only manager to have won two World Cups, and one of the best managers of all time.

    IF......................F9......................IF
    ......................................................
    ............CM..................CM.............
    ......................................................
    WB..................DM...................WB
    ......................................................
    ............CB...................CB.............
    ......................................................
    ........................GK.........................

    4 diamonds evenly distributed. 2 vertical, 2 horizontal. Allows control over the whole pitch.
    Mathematically the best formation for maintaining possession.
    IFs must start wide to maintain width in build-up, and must be quick enough to reach the box during the last third of the attacking phase.
    DM must be very intelligent, fit, and technically superb. A complete player. (i.e. Busquets, Fernandinho)
    Only 1 WB can push forward at once, or risk wide counter attacks.
    GK must be an excellent passer.
    Can transition to the 343 if the DM sits between CBs, allowing both WBs to get forward at once.
    This is the formation Pep's Barcelona used during their period of dominance.
    Difficult for lower-league teams to find the right players to play this perfectly. You need really good players.

    3-4-3

    ..........IF............F9.............IF.........
    ......................................................
    WM.........CM...........CM..........WM
    ......................................................
    ........CB............CB...........CB........
    ......................................................
    ........................GK.........................

    3 horizontal diamonds. Switches are consistent and fast.
    Can overload the wide areas with ease.
    3 CBs allow both WMs to push forward aggressively at once. This stretches the opponents back line and allows immediate switches.
    The CMs must work together well, with one slightly more forward depending on the position of the attack. They must be fit and intelligent.
    Can transition to the 4-3-3 if the central CB steps forward and the WMs cover the flanks.
    Only 3 tiers high, so vulnerable to balls over the top or else can leave space between the defensive and midfield line.

    Conclusion: 3-4-3 is more effective in breaking down opponents due to its ruthless stretching of the play and switches, but is inferior to the 4-3-3 in maintaining possession. Fluid transitions between the two formations may be the superior way to play possession football and completely control matches. You will often see 4-3-3 teams use a 3-4-3 when passing out from the back, before transitioning to a 4-3-3 in the attacking phase to hold possession (Busquets used to drop to CB during build-up for Barcelona). This allows a smoother defensive->attacking transition phase.

    Note: Wolves' switch from the 343 to the 352 last season is likely a result of needing to play more direct in a tougher league. The 343 is more possession-based and suited them in the Championship, but they struggled to dominate matches with it in the Premier League. I expect Nuno to continue with the direct 352 next season, which proved very effective in the last half of the season.

    Also I am not a fan of the 4231 for possession, and it is rightly going out of fashion. Cruyff touches on a 4231 defensive weakness in his lecture here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NZ0byEyeOA The passing lanes are janky and it's not diamond-friendly... and diamonds are a goal's best friend.

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I instantly regret that last line 🙂

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Nice post.. and last line 😀

    2. Marvin Moon
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Cracking stuff. When's the module on kick and rush?

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        No thanks 😀

        Smooth direct football is nice though. Just have to look at Leicester's title winning season. Need big strong CBs to dominate the air when sitting deep, and quick skilful players up top, Vahrez-esque.

        But possession stuff hits me in the right spot. More maths and analytical 😀

    3. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      +1
      Diamonds are for Evra

    4. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      How about playing a central midfielder in central defence in a 3-4-3 that lets you transition to 4-3-3?

      You would think someone like Fernandinho could do that job quite well. David Luiz would fit in as well.

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        That's generally what 4-3-3 teams do. The midfielder becomes a CB in a 3-4-3 during the defence -> attack transition phase.

      2. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        that’s what Potter did with Swansea at times, with Matt Grimes dropping back from his central (wouldn’t call it defensive) midfield role ... god help the Brighton players, they won’t have a clue what they are doing until Feb, but by then it will be too late 🙂

    5. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Nice work Giggs Boson.

    6. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Possession is cute and cool when a team dominates a game but have a clear idea on how to penetrate opposing teams and score. The passes have meaning, its not just passing for the sake of it. Man. City were brilliant this season like that.

      However, not a huge fan of too much possession when a team doesn't know what to do with the ball when they have it, and just pass it on just because they can. We've seen teams like Chelsea and LVG's United just pass the ball left-right waiting for the apocalypse to arrive. It's probably fun for tactical hobbyists like yourself and others, but to the normie dumb-dumb fans like me, its looks rubbish.

      I'd rather my team get like 30-40% possession, but everytime we get the ball it moves forward. Defend solidly and Counterattack quickly. Press opposing players when they have the ball. Force them to enter zones where the ball can be relieved off them through sheer numbers and overloads.

      Pep’s idea is probably ‘you can’t concede if you’ve got the ball’ I'd say a better version is ‘you can’t lose the ball if you haven’t got it’.

      Probably just preference though.

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Also, quality post. I like to see "football" discussions in this forum more, makes it much more interesting and diverse. Cheers, Giggs Boson!

      2. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah, sounds like you're more of a fan of the Solskjaer/Fergie/Klopp method of fast-paced direct football. Heavy-metal football.

        Possession football is hard to coach, and you need special players, and it frequently looks toothless when just one thing is off. But when it's just right, it is wonderful to watch. I could watch clips of Pep's Barca all day.

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          watch the Celina goal against City in the FA Cup ... shows how possession play actually produces an end result

          https://youtu.be/O3-3j4-W66w

    7. Diva
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      It feels like Pep has 10 of the 11 players needed to run the 4-3-3 at Manchester City, but he doesn't seem to trust Sané to fill the last position.

    8. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Big Sam uses more diamonds. All of them ending with a long ball to the goal.

  28. Warbling Wendy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    This is a fantastic website and Mark should be proud of what has come to be here. I'm always happy to subscribe with £12 feeling like a small price when I come here to read the articles every day !

  29. fclackless [Brazil Nuts]
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Rejoined this morning ... £12.50 continues to be very good value.

    Emphasis on membership with greater benefits and also a small reward for existing members will hopefully foster a greater community feel too.

    Also I like that the description and videos of membership features etc are now all on an easy to find page!

    1. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah, we've got a lot through recently and hopefully are in a position to improve more this season. The number of members articles alone has gone up significantly now that we have enough staff available to write them. Tech support for the members area, designing new members features, and staffing were becoming problems but hopefully those now won't be issues going forward.

      FFS has kept it the same in the past despite increasing costs, VAT, and more features. I can't see how £12.50 isn't worth it!

    2. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I'll look into that issue you mailed about, not sure tbh. Let me get back to you

      1. fclackless [Brazil Nuts]
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        cheers ... bit weird. I've emptied cache with no result but any further advice appreciated!

  30. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Good job FFS membership isn't measured when calculating inflation. As a percentage, it is a very large rise.

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      It’s a bit harsh on people who have better things to do during the summer (I’ve heard these people actually exist). 1st Aug would be a fairer date to implement any increase imo.