Podcast

Meet the Manager #16 – Tarek Balbaa

The Meet the Manager series, where Joe interviews a Fantasy manager with a more than enviable track record, is back for 2019/20.

This campaign’s series of interviews starts with a chat with Tarek Balbaa, who explains why being based in Egypt has helped ensure he puts the eye test to good use in his Fantasy decisions.

Over his illustrious career, Tarek has eight top 10,000 finishes, including two in the top 1,000.

With all Premier League matches broadcast in Egypt, he is able to watch four to five televised games a week.

This has ensured he was quick to acquire Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne this season and is still reticent to invest heavily in Manchester United.

Underlying statistics are still important to Tarek but he likes to go back to basics with such research, preferring shots in the box statistics than the phenomena of expected statistics.

Tarek also talks about his poor seasons and the lessons he’s learned from mistakes made. Chief of these for him has been to focus heavily on what mini-league rivals are up to.

The chat with Tarek is available to view on Youtube here and in the embedded video below.

It is also available on Soundcloud and as a podcast. Embedded versions of these are also available below.

All 15 previous episodes can be viewed via our Youtube channel or heard via our Soundcloud channel.

Lessons learned from Gameweek 4

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

985 Comments Post a Comment
  1. panda07
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Who would you bench out of these 4?

    A) Mina (bou)
    B) Lundstram (SOU)
    C) Pukki (MCI)
    D) Ings (shu)

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      a or b, probably Mina as Lundstram @ home

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Expecting an attacking return for Lundstram?

        1. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          He has good xGI to be fair. And SHU could get a cs at home against SOU for sure

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            So why play Ings 😛

            1. Brosstan
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Ings shouldnt be in anyone's team

              1. panda07
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Why? If Ings can stay fit he's good value

        2. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          doubt it, but its possible. I think its more likely saints dont score

    2. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Lundy, I think. We're starting to find our feet at Southampton, and I reckon us scoring and maybe even keeping a cleanie.

    3. King Henrik
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I would not bench Pukki anyway. If anyone is gonna sneak a goal for them against city its him.

      It's a tough one I would probably go for Ings.

  2. villa_til_i_die
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Guys, what’s everyone’s thoughts on Guendozi?, same price as Dendoncker, has played regulary and looked great v Spurs.

    1. Party time
        4 years, 7 months ago

        You already know the answer 🙂

      • Liber
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        No.

      • panda07
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Think you're better off with Dendoncker who's got some attacking threat

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Sorry, remind me how many points Dendo has? Hayden has more 🙂

          1. panda07
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            He asked between Dendo and Douzi. Dendo scored 2 goals last year to Douzi's 0. Dendo had a goal ruled out by VAR in PL and scored in the Europa League this year too.

            1. FOO FIGHTER
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Remindme how many points Dendo has. I would rather have Gwen.

              1. have you seen cyan
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                This reminds me of that time when people actually thought xhaka was a decent option after he got some assists. Oh how we laughed, Boom xhaka Laca! xD

              2. panda07
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                You're taking this year's points after 4 GW's as the be all and end all? Too small a sample size. It's about potential for points and Dendo looks better in that respect.

                1. FOO FIGHTER
                  • 4 Years
                  4 years, 7 months ago

                  I would only have Boly from Wolves at this point to be honest.

              3. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                How do total points matter in 4 gws lol.

                1. FOO FIGHTER
                  • 4 Years
                  4 years, 7 months ago

                  Not saying it is the be all and end all. Dendo is not going to haul this season. Gwen is a better option in my honest opinion.

                  1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                    • 5 Years
                    4 years, 7 months ago

                    What makes you say Dendo cant haul? Any stats or information to back that up?

                  2. villa_til_i_die
                    • 12 Years
                    4 years, 7 months ago

                    Wow, looks like I kicked off a debate!, it’s all opinion of course, from the brief highlights I saw, I was impressed by Guendozi. My gut tells me he’s worth a punt, so that’s what I think I’ll do this g/w. This season is impossible to read as yet, my team seems ok for the most part, so this transfer ain’t really going to hurt me(he says, lol). Good luck to you all.

                    1. villa_til_i_die
                      • 12 Years
                      4 years, 7 months ago

                      Damn international break can give you too much to think about. Before you know it, you’re going crazy!

    2. King Henrik
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Right guys its that time again where I think I know what I am doing but any input from the experienced guys on here would be great.
      I have Jota Kwp and Perez so I am gonna wildcard. Thoughts??

      Pope
      Trent Zinchenko Pieters/Zouma
      Salah Sterling Mount James Cantwell
      Aguero Abraham

      Button Kelly Lundstram Greenwood.

      1. panda07
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I like it, would probably go for Ota over Zinchenko though...

        1. King Henrik
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Hmm. It's a good shout considering Laporte is dead. Cheers.

      2. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I would rather go Barned than Tammy.

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          *Barnes*

        2. King Henrik
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I have Barnes atm his fixtures look delightful I might keep

      3. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Please, do not go Zouma or double up of Chelsea in any shape or form 🙂

        Lol

      4. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        No KDB?
        How much value have you lost holding those three for so long?

        1. King Henrik
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Too much

    3. FPL Maldini
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Thoughts on this Kane WC team?

      Pope
      TAA - Dunk - Lowton
      Mane - KDB - Sterling - McGinn - Cantwell
      Kane - Haller

      Lundstram - Soyuncu - Nketiah

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Expensive penalty taker to have in your team. Personally not sold on him until he starts going

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          cant believe Kane got a hatti from pens lol, he probably is the best penatly taker in the world tho

          1. The Big Fella
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Brace* 1 was open play. Same in the World Cup too. Golden Boot winner but I think he only scored 2 from open play and was off his backside by pure fluke

          2. FOO FIGHTER
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Lol

      2. panda07
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Don't like the Kane pick and I think your defence is suffering as a result of having him

      3. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Go Auba instead of Kane.

    4. poukeris
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Hello,

      Im on wildcard now, need advice:

      1.Sterling, Barnes, Wesley
      2.Pepe, Abraham, C.Wilson

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        1 by a landslide.

        The rest of the team decides though what you need. I have Pepe now but understand he's tough to get in.

      2. Shineonme
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        1/ but Abrahams instead of Barnes

    5. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Last Man Standing

      bcvy39 to join if have at least 66, 35, 36 and 40 after hits for GWs 1-4

      Over 3850 qualified for GW5.

      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2019/07/27/the-last-man-standing-competition-5/ for more details.

    6. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Evening gents. Who would you start here?

      A) Dunk
      B) Lundstram

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Prolly A by a little maegin as they are better defensively I think. Tough call tho. I'm playing both

        1. FC Hakkebøf
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Considering benching Pukki, if Martial is fit, in order to play Ceballos

    7. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Norwich were pretty inept against west ham not sure Norwich will get anything against city

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Considering benching Pukki, if Martial is fit, in order to play Ceballos

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          If Martial is fit will he start straight away after being injured? It is like expecting Jesus to start ahead of Aguero when Jesus was injured.

          1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Makes zero sense^
            Martial is first choice st and jesus is back up fir Aguero

      2. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        They are not that bad at home.

      1. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        lol@ all those people pretending Pep will play Fernandinho and Walker at cb

    8. King Henrik
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Ok so with some top advice my WC looks sexy AF. Thoughts ? Also 0.6 itb

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        G2g

        1. King Henrik
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Lol see below pls.

    9. Legohair
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Which WC team

      A.
      Pope-Button
      TAA-Zinchenko-Souyncu-Lundstram-Kelly
      Salah-Sterling-KDB-Maddison-Cantwell
      Pukki-Haller-Ayew

      B.
      Pope-Button
      VvD-Zinchenko-Souyncu-Lundstram-Kelly
      Salah-Sterling-KDB-Pepe-Cantwell
      Pukki-Barnes-Greenwood

      1. zotter
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        A but James over Madison imo

        1. Slitherene
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          James for short term, Maddison for long term.

    10. King Henrik
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Oh and here's the team 😉

      Pope
      Trent Digne Pieters
      Salah Sterling Mount James Cantwell
      Aguero Barnes

      Button Lundstram Kelly Greenwood

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Too much burnley

      2. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        its pretty good but dont be surprised if Mount and James just start doing nothing at all, but then again they could be great. GL

      3. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Not enough KDB

      4. zotter
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        If you went Kdb over sterling how about haller martial over James barnes

      5. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Pieters > Soyuncu

        Otherwise pretty good. I personally don't like Aguero as much as KdB.

        KdB + Haller over Aguero + James

      6. Shineonme
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Mid looks lightweight

    11. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Any fantasy NFL fans about? What are the best podcasts? Cheers

    12. zotter
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Is it worth going mane over salah on a wc if it means digne over 5.0

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Yrs

        1. Zimo
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Yes*

          1. zotter
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Ok so. Ayew Salah or Wood Mane?

            Got digne in by downgrading firm to haller

            1. Zimo
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              That one's difficult. Is ayew a sure starter?

      2. Shineonme
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Yes absolutely

    13. zotter
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Rmwct...

      Pope. Button
      Soy. Lund. TAA. digne. Ota
      Cantwell. Salah. Kdb. James. Mount
      Ayew. Haller. Aguero

      0.3itb

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Looks pretty good. Solid bench opens up for good rotation options. Only downside is no Sterling nor Martial

        1. zotter
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Could downgrade digne to 4.5 and get martial for James but feel digne offers so much more than martial over james

        2. zotter
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Sterling is obviously a choice v aguero. Let’s say both are even. I feel Mount and James Offer much more than Wood ings Wesley joelinton

      2. Shineonme
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Rather sterling over Aguero.

    14. FPL Maldini
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Has Digne shown enough to make him worth his 6.1m price tag?

      Considering him on my WC

      1. zotter
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Same position for me and yes surely given he is #2 defender

      2. Shineonme
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        He's not bad value considering Laporte, TAA & Robertson are more expensive. I expect him to be one of the top 3 defenders point wise by the end of the season.

    15. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Sorry to ask it again

      A little weird question, which one?

      A) get vvd this week and otamendi after gw6
      B) get otamendi this week and emerson after gw6

      Own TAA and Robbo

      1. zotter
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        What’s your full defence

        1. Emiliano Sala
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Pope
          TAA Robbo Digne AWB Kelly

          Going to sell awb this week and digne after gw6

          1. zotter
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Awb to it’s obvious one

            1. zotter
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Ota

            2. Emiliano Sala
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Now you understand the question I guess

          2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Selling digne is an odd move

            1. Emiliano Sala
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Everton concede lots of chances
              And chelsea's fixtures after gw 6 are really great

              1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Fixtures being good doesn't guarantee CS in a leaky defense. As an arsenal fan I can attest to that. Keep Digne imo

                1. Emiliano Sala
                  • 7 Years
                  4 years, 7 months ago

                  Kante back soon too. My gut says emerson will explode

                  1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                    • 5 Years
                    4 years, 7 months ago

                    This is more about you then, just do it. No need to ask when it comes from gut feeling

      2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Just get ota and see how emerson goes in the next couple.

    16. zotter
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      In terms of essential ness on wc out of ten

      A. Trent
      B. Cantwell
      C. Pukki
      D. Salah
      E. Sterling
      F. Kdb
      G. Digne
      H. Pope

      Top three for me are Trent Kdb pope

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Can I have the lotto numbers please.

      2. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        A
        E
        F
        D

      3. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        What the hell is cantwell doing in there.

        1. zotter
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          As in essential cheap mid or downgrade to 4.4 fodder

          1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            No such thing as essential cheap mid

      4. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        It's all about team balance. Noone is essential
        Your combination of 11 matters more than the individual players

      5. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Top 3 must have are Sterling, Trent and KdB for me.

    17. Kryptonite666
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      What do we think of triple Man City ?

      Pope (Button)

      TAA Soyuncu Pieters (Lundstram) (Kelly)

      Mane Sterling KDB Mount

      Aguero Pukki (Nketiah)

      1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Painfull defence and bench. Ouch

      2. Salah4Ever
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        This defence will not help you

    18. Salah4Ever
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Pope
      Taa Digne Zinchenko Lundstram
      Salah Sterling Kdb Mount
      Pukki Haller
      Stek, cantwell, greenwood, kelly
      1ft 1.5M ITB
      Any thoughts?

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Pukki to abraham

        1. Salah4Ever
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I don't fancy the next 2 Chelsea fixtures , think may be c wilson > abraham

      2. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I'd hold. That team looks pretty good. Next week you can move on the next bandwagon.

    19. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Switzerland lead Gibraltar in the first half. Xhaka and Schar with assists.

      1. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Ripping up my WC team to get them in

      2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Schar killing it in attack

      3. el polako
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Schar, Xhaka and Guendozi - essential.
        Will give captaincy headaches though.

    20. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      G2g

      1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Reply fail to salah4ever

        1. Salah4Ever
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Ty

    21. Hurnt
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I’m sweating

    22. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      How’s it looking for Gw 5? Took a -4. 1.9mOR

      Ryan
      TAA Digne Dunk Lundstram
      Sterling(C) Mane KdB Anderson
      Haller Pukki

      Button Mount Soyuncu Wickham

      1. Salah4Ever
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Mount chances to get points higher than pukki, but it is just predictions

        1. Salah4Ever
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Or even dunk to be benched but he would then score

    23. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Best 5.5 defender for this wc team?

      Barnes - Haller - Pukki
      Son - KDB - Salah - Richarlison
      Digne - VVD - 5.5?
      Heaton

      Button, Cantwell, Lundstram, 4.0

      1. Salah4Ever
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        No love for city?

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          the 5.5 defender can be a citizen :p

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

        Lovely team get Ota to finish it off

      3. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Has to be Otamendi

    24. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Very interesting that there are 0 strikers right now at 6.5m.

      They either went up like Barnes and Pukki. Or down like King, Jota, Deulo etc.

      I'm looking to offload Wesley in the next few weeks and have 0.3m and because of the swing, I can get a number of those second bracket guys.

      So... who's best from:

      King, Deulo, Jota, Wood?

      1. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Deulofeu one to monitor with the new gaffer.

        1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          The next igahlo

      2. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Bournemouth got great fixtures but King not quite firing but he would be the one at of the above simply as he is rotation proof

    25. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Own Son, would you swap him to Pepe after this gw ? Arsenal faces Villa at home

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Wait and see. But looks like you're committed to Son. You had a pick between them at one point and went Son. Just stick to it.

        1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Hi Camzy. Sorry to jump on this question thread, but you always talk sense on here......Mane or Firminio ??? I have Salah plus Sterling and KDB

      2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Nah I would hold.

    26. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Steve Smith the main factor in this series. The rest of the batting has been pretty average except Stokes . It's easy to forget that The Aussies could quite easily have been 2 up going into this game and England won the match Smith didn't play. No arguments from me if Australia go on and win this match.

    27. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Mane or Firminio ??? I have Salah plus Sterling and KDB

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

        I think firmino due to budget reasons and the easy switch to Vardy for leicester’s gorgeous fixtures from GW9

      2. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Bobby

    28. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      what happened to Alonso guys, is he still alive?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Waiting for Emerson to get injured.