Opinion

How to handle the emerging ‘template’ ahead of Gameweek 5

She may have enjoyed the first two Gameweek’s but she’s not as chirpy now! Having been 2-0 down in the General vs Mrs General head-to-head league, I’ve clawed it back to 2-2 and life is bearable again.

We can blame her for Raheem Sterling (£12.3m) registering a grand total of zero shots in Gameweek 4 as she triple-captained him. I won’t repeat what she said about him after the final whistle. Mrs. General owns Anthony Martial (£7.7m) and Aymeric Laporte (£6.4m) too so maybe the curse has been passed on to her this season, at least I hope so.

Things have been going smoothly for me with no major fires to fight aside from the misfiring Diogo Jota (£6.3m) who will be booted out of the battalion before the weekend. The Wildcard is neatly tucked away in the back pocket (why doesn’t anyone keep it in the front pocket?).

There’s been a lot of debate about the ‘Template’ in FPL this week. I mean, what does it even mean? One of the most common mistakes FPL managers make (and we’ve all been guilty of doing it at some point) is worrying too much about what others are doing. Looking at the teams of rivals in your mini-league or seeing similar teams posted on Twitter each week clouds our judgement.

It’s not about following the pack, the goal is the beat the pack. One of the hardest things to do in FPL nowadays is to focus 100% on your own team without being influenced by other factors such as the ‘Template’.

Focus on bringing in the players you believe will score you the most points and don’t worry about what anyone else is doing or saying. I like to think of it as having tunnel vision for my team only. Block out everything else especially when you sit down to make your transfer/captaincy decisions for the weekend. Trust your own judgement/research/instinct/eye test. FPL is a simple game which we overcomplicate. The only ‘Template’ you need to worry about is your own.

The international break and the upcoming Champions League/Europa League fixtures have been well covered already so rather than repeat what’s already been said, I’ll mention a few players/teams that we may be overlooking/are not being talked about much.

Jamie Vardy (£8.9m), owned by less than 10% of managers, has scored three goals in his last two matches yet he’s only the 22nd most-transferred in player ahead of Gameweek 5. Fixtures and his awkward price point are the main reason but Manchester United (away) and Tottenham (home) in the next two are not bad fixtures for Vardy. He loves a game against the ‘big six’. United and Spurs have managed just one clean sheet between them out of a possible eight. I have a feeling Vardy is going to be in a lot of teams soon. Those who own him already/move early for him despite the fixtures could be rewarded.

The North London clubs, Arsenal and Tottenham have great fixtures coming up and most of us don’t own many of their players if any at all. The four goals Harry Kane (£11.0m) scored for England during the break will do his confidence the world of good. It doesn’t matter how they go in or who it’s against. He’s got the penalty miss out of his system now too!

Son Heung-min (£9.5m) and Christian Eriksen (£8.8m) are worthy of consideration as well. It’s probably best to avoid the defence (the same can be said for Arsenal) until they show signs of improvement.

Nicolas Pépé (£9.4m) has the potential to be an excellent FPL asset. Liverpool (away) and the North London derby were tricky tests for him, but he passed the eye test and with a bit more composure in front of goal, he will rack up plenty of Fantasy points. At just 3.7% ownership, getting on him before the masses do could be a shrewd move. I prefer Pépé to the more expensive Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) who has spent a lot of time on the wing with Alexandre Lacazette (£9.4m) through the middle. We can’t trust Unai Emery to give Lacazette enough minutes to justify his price tag (he’s yet to complete 90 minutes this season). Europa League will only make things worse.

Looking at the Arsenal midfielders on the FPL site, there ar quite a few flags which bodes well for Dani Ceballos (£5.7m) who should start against Watford on Sunday. Like Pépé, he’s got all the attributes to be a great FPL option, we just need Emery to start him every week.

A few others who I think will score well over the next few weeks are Alex Iwobi (£5.9m) at Everton and the Fraser/Wilson (Callum) combo at Bournemouth which was back in action in Gameweek 4.

I’m going to spend the next 24 hours figuring out how to replace Jota with either Ashley Barnes (£6.7m) or Sébastien Haller (£7.5m) with two free transfers and £0.0m in the bank. One of Andrew Robertson (£6.9m), Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.6m) or John McGinn (£5.6m) will have to be reluctantly sold. A good headache to have, I guess. Or I could just get Chris Wood (£6.3m) and bank the other trans…..(slaps self in face).

Good luck in Gameweek 5 everyone and most importantly, enjoy your weekend. It’s good to have FPL back!

989 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Focus on bringing in the players you believe will score you the most points and don’t worry about what anyone else is doing or saying.

    To think people get charged to hear this.

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Simple but great advice!

    2. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Completely agree!

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Indeed. What happened to making own decisions and using ya brain. Society in general has become lazy and demanding, they want everything now with the least work possible

    4. The Mantis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Yes correct. We know who the quality players are, but so easy to jump on bandwagons here

      Unfortunately when I played my WC I did the knee jerk choices and I paid for it in the end. Should have kept my original team, now slowly trying to get it back in the shape of who I want

    5. Tomerick
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I consistently find that I do better when I ignore the crowd. There are some players like Pukki where it works out but you need to base your decision on more than just doing it because everyone else is.

  2. RichardNixon
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Agree about Fraser, Wilson & Iwobi. Richarlison is another one that is looking sharp again and will get points in the next few i reckon

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Agreed

  3. Baines on Toast...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    I have a radical suggestion to improve FPL: Hide player ownership percentages and transfer counts.

    I can think of nothing which would better help smash the template mindset.

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Not something I care about too much but yes could work

    2. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Would make the game very enjoyable- also more difficult!

    3. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Good idea

    4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Interesting idea for sure!

    5. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Would be in favor of this.

      But it wouldn't change a huge deal. People are still gonna snap up players that score big early on

    6. AicilaXI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A welcome addition, but I don't think it would really do that much. People base transfers over past results, not ownership or transfer counts.

      The general hugbox here ober transfers doesn't really help either.

  4. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Strange question but here we go... who scores more over next 5 or so weeks

    A) otamendi
    B) haller

    1) pieters
    2) Barnes

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B2. But if you can only have one striker A2

      1. Rhodes your boat
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Argh yes that’s the issue just can’t decide which pair

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A2

  5. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    This GW has got potential to be a high scoring one, who's looking forward to all of our mid-40 scores then?

    1. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Would be an improvement on my score last week, so I'll take it.

    2. Krionos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I think City will put 7 past Norwich if they keep the same approach they have so far. Doesn't matter who, just captain a City player this week!!!

      1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Raza (c) nailed after much head smashing

      2. Konstaapeli
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        It's going to be narrow one goal game now.

  6. Reckoner.
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    With my WC changes I now have a benching problem!

    Bench 1 of:

    A) Lundstrum (Home to Southampton)

    B) Ceballos (Away to Watford)

    C) Pukki (Home to Man City)

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

      1. Reckoner.
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Currently he's the last one I'm thinking of benching. Fancy him for some assists vs Watford.

    2. fakelund
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Struggling with the same,

      Need to bench one of Lundstram, Zinchenko and Lanzini...

    3. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

    4. V-2 Schneiderlin
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'd play the attackers - bench A

    5. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

    6. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A

      Fancy 'The Arse' to give Watford a "damned good spanking.

    7. AicilaXI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B

    8. The Mantis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Not Pukki

  7. Link
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Debating starting Donks over Pukki. Madness? Anyone else?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      No. You gotta remember that Laporte is out and Man City are away. Norwich could score 1 or 2

      1. jb1985
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Also last time Norwich failed to score at home was Jan 5th 2018, that was in FA cup game against Pompey. I am a Pompey fan 😀

        1. jb1985
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          2019, Not 2018.

    2. The Mantis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      No chance

    3. AicilaXI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Madness.

  8. Darthshearer
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Is it time to WC for me?

    Heaton (Button)
    El Mohamady | Wan-Biss | Robertson | VVD | Zinchenko
    Salah | Sterling | F Anderson | Densoncker | Mount
    C Wilson | Greenwood | Pukki

    I have 1 FT and 1.3 ITB

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

      not really no, few transfers and ur ok

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      No... good team and not the template either in a good way.

    3. Darthshearer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Good stuff, I shall have a look at a couple of tweaks then 🙂

  9. barracuda
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Has Martial beer pronounced as healthy?

    1. Maddi Son
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      lager but fit apparently

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

        🙂 Thanks pal. Is the Man Utd presser scheduled for tomorrow?

    2. Tomerick
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      As long as you drink responsibly.

    3. Am sorry to say again it�…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I don't think any beer is healthy

  10. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    GTG? 1FT, £2.6m itb

    Pope
    Digne Zinchenko Dunk Lundstram
    Mane Sterling Mount
    Aguero Pukki Haller

    Button Dendoncker Cantwell Kelly

    Plan to do Dunk -> Trent. Worried about not owning KdB tho, thoughts? 🙂

  11. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Think I might start Lundstram over Zinchenko..

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Sounds a bit mad to me.

    2. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Thought about this too. While I don't expect City to keep a cleanie, I think Zinch has been due an attacking return for a while now and I can see City score 6 in this game.

    3. KunDogan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I wouldn’t...

    4. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      lol

    5. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Good luck

  12. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    KWP you are such a tease....

    1. luk46
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      What happened?

  13. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    A) Haller + Trossard later switched to James/H.Wilson/Ceballos

    B) Barnes + Trossard later switched to Lanzini/Anderson

  14. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Nice write-up.

  15. fakelund
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Got a benching dilemma...

    Got to bench one:
    a) Lundstram
    b) Zinchenko
    c) Lanzini

    1. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Pfuuu thats a hard one, but probably A out of those

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      C just.

    3. luk46
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Has to be A

    4. KunDogan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A or C

  16. nedfoo
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Please rate my wildcard team!

    Pope
    TAA Lundstram Rico
    KDB Sterling Mane Cantwell
    Aubameyang Pukki Barnes

    Bench: McGovern / Soyuncu / Kelly / Lansbury

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I like some of your selections, but overall, the squad is too thin. Once injured players return are Rico and Kelly in their teams starting elevens? Probably not. Lansbury certainly isn't too. Then you have Lundstram and Cantwell playing week in, week out. Not ideal. I'd look at downgrading one of your premiums and reinvesting the money in other areas.

    2. The Mantis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe try and not choose the template budget defenders. I did the same in my WC and it didn't go well

    3. AicilaXI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Awful defence and don't even know what you are thinking with Lansbury. Find the extra .1

  17. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    A) Martial + Vardy > KDB + Barnes
    B) Martial > DSilva
    C) any other suggestions?

    Pope Button
    TAA Robbo Digne Montoya Lundstram
    Salah Sterling Martial Mount Cantwell
    Vardy Pukki Greenwood

    1. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      A for me

    2. Am sorry to say again it�…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Wait for Martial news and if he's fit then stick. Or if you want KDB downgrade Robbo? I wouldn't get rid of Vardy.

      1. corderz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        So something like Robbo to Pieters and Martial to KDB?

  18. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Waste of WC? Too template? Maybe I need to take some risks and get Pepe or someone in?

    Pope, Button
    TAA, Digne, Soyuncu, Lundstram, Kelly
    Salah, Sterling, KdB, Mcginn, Cantwell
    Pukki, Barnes, Haller

    1. The Mantis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I played my WC and followed the template (at the time) pretty much and it did not work out for me at all

      Had to take -8 the week after and -4 this GW

      Go with your instinct. TAA / Digne can't go wrong. Maybe 1 better defender?

      The front 3 are surely to go off the boil soon (however I have 2 of your 3)

      Salah / Sterling / KDB all good decisions, base team around them and TAA perhaps. I've got Mane instead of Salah but eventually will try and get him back in

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah thinking about losing McGinn for Otamendi. Maybe lose one striker but which?

        1. The Mantis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          I'm not sure about Otamendi, again seems to be a template choice (but it could work)

          I've got Haller & Pukki as they look decent. Barnes has had a good start but he hasn't done very well for me in other seasons so I'm not backing him yet. Although he does have good fixtures. Maybe stick with the front 3 for now

          I would just try to get a couple of differentials in. I've got Kane who nobody wants to back atm. James is a good one too

          1. Tshelby
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Really difficult to fit one in if I keep TAA, Digne, double City, Salah and the front three. So don't really know who my differential could be

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      It is devastatingly template.

      Looks just like Joe's WC and Holly's.

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Is that a positive thing?

    3. nedfoo
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Looks pretty good to me. Don't know how you can fit Pepe in - I think 2 city attack assets (with their fixtures) and 1 liverpool attacker are pretty much essential so I'd hold tight.

    4. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Nothing wrong with template - it's the template for a reason and it's gw5 not gw35.

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers Bram
        seen your response on the previous article

    5. Am sorry to say again it�…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      You need a punt in there...

  19. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Posting again for daytime crowd :

    BBC article re Laporte, Otamendi, Stones & City’s defence - found it extremely interesting :https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49668729

    Pairing/games played/win%/goals conceded per game:
    Laporte & Otamendi 16 88% 0.6
    Laporte & Stones 15 73% 0.6
    Laporte & Kompany 11 91% 0.5
    Otamendi & Kompany 6 67% 0.8
    Stones & Otamendi 3 67%. 0
    Stones & Kompany 2 100% 1
    Laporte,Stones,Kompany 1 100% 1
    Fernandinho, Otamendi 1 100% 1
    Laporte, Otamendi, Kompany 1 100% 1

    "The other thing that could have been a factor in not picking them together is the number of mistakes they both make. They are both good ball players, but they both have more errors in them than Kompany or Laporte, which might be why Pep prefers to only play one of them."

    Pukki will be waiting to pounce on those mistakes??

    Shouldn't lose sight of the fact that Ota is only 5.4 though & surely offers value, plus that whilst city's defence may not be *as* good without Laporte (which it won't)... They'll still be a pretty good defence relatively speaking...

    1. MTPockets
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Except that says Stones & Otamendi - zero goals conceded per game

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          The 3 games played stat is a worry in & of itself though

          1. MTPockets
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Laporte's clearly first choice so suboptimal. But can't gauge yet if it's a worry assuming both fit, and article doesn't breakdown pre-Laporte cleansheets. The other partnerships listed:

              Huddersfield 17/18 - cs
              Rotherham - cs
              Burnley - cs
              Newport county - conceded 1

              1G conceded in 7 games in past 20 months (using that article's approach)

              1. MTPockets
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  * in 6 games not 7

                • Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  The article actually does show the pre Laporte records in terms of starts and results though... And even pre-Laporte Pep only started that pair in around 20 of a possible 60 games...

                  What is he seeing in training every day that made him do registrant to play then before Laporte arrived, made him desperate to sign Laporte, and made him refuse to start then together after Laporte arrived?

                  5.4 could work out superb value for Ota though, no doubt... But I just wouldn't be suprise to see them starting to concede a lot more - they'll need to pay nearly a third of the season now without their best centre half

                  1. MTPockets
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      But not goals conceded, which is the core metric elsewhere in the piece. It does read somewhat like an author's conclusion looking for supporting data - don't think it's revalatory to conclude that any defence without the best defender may be worse. Think I'll have 3 attackers anyway - at least until I know what the settled back line is. Assuming there is a Pep settled back line

                      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                        • 14 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Youd imagine over large Sample sizes the amount of city goals conceded would look worse with that pairing though - which Pep has obviously been pre empting by doing his utmost to keep them apart over the last 100+ games, (pre and post Laporte arrival)

                        Of the 22 games they did start pre Laporte, they lost 4, which leaves 18 games, even assuming they conceded 0.5 goals per game in the remainder, that's still 'only' 9 CS out of 22 - not shocking, but not great either

                        I found it a hugely interesting and timely article, hoping we can see something similar from FFS soon

                        1. MTPockets
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            They still conceded at least 0.5 per game with Laporte. I'm always wary of analysis that changes the parameters - suggests that extrapolating with the larger sample size may not support the conclusion. Or perhaps the author couldn't be bothered to confirm but that's lazy. Anyway different team and different season but yes I think it's fair to suggest that a defence without Laporte may concede more.

                            Hopefully there'll be even more goals to compensate

                            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                              • 14 Years
                              4 years, 6 months ago

                              I wouldn't personally jump to laziness as being the driver for the author of the article not focusing on goals conceded, perhaps they were of the opinion that there was more than enough research to conclude that city's manager considers Otamendi & Stones to be so inferior as a centre back pairing that he effectively avoids pairing then wherever possible

                              We also need to remember the article wasnt written for an FPL audience so again totally understandable they would focus on games, results, and lineups rather than directly on goals conceded

                              The cautionary point on extrapolation to larger sample sizes is relevant though - which is why I pointed out that it's only a 3 game sample that ota/stones have their 100% CS record in 😉

              2. Karan14
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Ota for 5.4m is too good value to turn down if he is nailed.
                With AWB in my team im definitely considering getting him in after Norwich.

              3. KujaliaFC
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                I fancy getting Stones in. He has low ownership.

              4. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                3 games 0 goals conceded looks like a good stat to me 🙂

                1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  Apart from the 3 games played (out of a possible 56) 🙂

              5. Brosstan
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Your selective way of reading stats is absolutely ridiculous. Your source says stones and otamendi have 100% CS and your conclusion is Pukki is going to score? Lol

                1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  For the record, nowhere in the post have I said Pukki it's going to score. I questioned if he will be waiting to pune on the mistakes that Stones & Pukki may make 😉

                  Your overly emotional response to the post is hilarious tbf, maybe it's a bad time of the month?

                  Either the rush of blood to the head was so strong that it temporarily impaired your ability to read, or alternatively you just struggle with understanding English... Neither are good outcomes tbf 😉

                  1. Brosstan
                    • 9 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    Nice passive aggressive post knobhead. Fine to see you showing your true colors. Pathetic

                    1. George Sillett
                      • 8 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      Pointless trying to debate anything with him as he is always right and always will have the last word. Additionally he will introduce what he considers to be amusing digs but which are actually both patronising and very childish.

                      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                        • 14 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        '' Pointless trying to debate anything with him as he is always right and always will have the last word.''

                        It's important to challenge viewpoints that we don't agree with - its in this way that we gain a better understanding of the world around us.

                        The alternative is to sit in silence, to bottle up that bit of cognitive dissonance created when someone has made a comment that you either don't agree with, or don't understand.

                        Is much better to say why you disagree, or what you don't understand, and discuss that with the person, rather than to remain me, bottling up that dissonance and letting it fester into negativity.

                        Maybe if you had taken this approach more throughout your life you wouldn't be as bitter and twisted as you now come across 🙂

                        And for the record (once again) nowhere in the post have I said Pukki it's going to score. I questioned if he will be waiting to pounce on the mistakes that Stones & ota may make

                        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                          • 14 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          *remain mute

                          Goddamn predictive text is the scourge of the western world

                          #firstworldproblems lol

                    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                      • 14 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      Definitely a bad time of the month by the looks of things 🙂

                      Classy post, as ever 🙂

                      1. SADIO SANÉ
                        • 8 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Are you doing period 'banter' here? Classy. You ready to let me know your FPL ID yet?

                        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                          • 14 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          Sometimes the best way to deal with a ridiculous comment is with a ridiculous response 🙂

                          That's the third time in four days you've asked for my team ID - I'm going to start charging for fan club membership - must be some sort of record 😉

                    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                      • 14 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      If by 'true colours' you mean 'showing Brosstan where he once again has typed some grade A nonsense' then, yes, I suppose I am 🙂

                      1. SADIO SANÉ
                        • 8 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        he typed that nearly two hours ago, don't let it get to you too much 😉 🙂 😀

                        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                          • 14 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          It would be rude not to reply though & my reception is unfortunately intermittent, first world problems eh? 😉

              6. Olivier Bernards watch
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                ota and stones are pretty much my primary transfer targets for the next couple of weeks.

                1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  Good stuff - definitely has a possibility of working out well

            • stu92
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              FPLStatistics showing Martial about to drop in value. Was planning on transferring out next week as part of a double transfer for a -4 hit. I can't make this move this week without taking a -8, which I don't really want to have to do.

              Should I:

              A) Ride it out and take the highly likely -0.1, and then make my double transfer next week for -4 (0.1 difference isn't a deal breaker on that front)
              B) Make double transfers now for -8

              Everything tells me to accept the 0.1 loss, I just really hate losing value!

              1. Stef rocks
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Hold if you think he will play and do well. People sometimes forgot this game is on pts not on squad value!

              2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Martial wont drop. Rest easy

                1. stu92
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 4 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  Even if he does, you've been a very calming influence. I think I'll stick.

            • Stef rocks
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Watching Pepe last 2 GWs i can say he definitely passed the eyetest for me and I am struggling to find place for him if not this GW (which i think he will get good vs WAT) then next one (without ruining half my team).

              Pope
              Zinch Lund TAA Digne Emerson
              Salah Sterling De Bruyne Mount Cantwell
              Pukki Haller 4.4

              0.0 ITB 1FT this GW - 2 FT next if i hold
              Any suggestions?

            • TokyoRisingSun
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Ryan. Button.
              Emerson. Zinchenko. Dunk. Kelly. Lundstram.
              Salah. Sterling. KDB. Mount. Dendoncker.
              Pukki. Barnes. Haller.

              Emerson to VVD for a -4 worth it?

              1. beastie
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Yes

            • CrouchDown
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Rank in order of preference (regardless of price)

              (A) Abraham
              (B) Barnes
              (C) Haller

              1. beastie
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                C
                B
                A

            • CONNERS
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Hi all

              Apart from Cantwell, who would you say are the 'best' of the really cheap mids?

              Douglas Luiz, Donkey, Hayden?

              Thanks

              1. TLF
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                What do you consider to be really cheap ?

              2. CrouchDown
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Donkey I would say

              3. CONNERS
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                The 4.5 to 4.8 bracket really. Mostly benchwarmers who will play the odd game.

                1. TLF
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 7 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  I think Dendoncker and Cantwell and the best 2 in that price bracket. In addition to the others you mentioned Guendouzi maybe....

              4. EMBOLOFAN
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                im in the donk camp. 8 big chances since he joined wolves! all last season though

              5. KujaliaFC
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Dendonker and Guendouzi look good.

                Full internationals in top rated teams in Belgium and France.

            • IRBOX ⚽
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Anyone think AWB > Matip to be a wise transfer? Or save and get TAA/Robbo once their fixtures tidy up

              1. The Mantis
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Save I'd say

              2. EMBOLOFAN
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                the latter. united defence is really not bad

                1. IRBOX ⚽
                  • 7 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  Agree. Their xGc is great, just can’t seem to manage a clean sheet

              3. Karan14
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Otamendi if you dont have 3 City already?
                Ill most likely be getting him in for AWB after Norwich.

                Ideally you want TAA long term so I would plan to get him in soon.

              4. Murder On Zidanesfloor
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Do it imo

            • The Mantis
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Great read, thanks

              "It’s not about following the pack, the goal is the beat the pack. One of the hardest things to do in FPL nowadays is to focus 100% on your own team without being influenced by other factors such as the ‘Template’".

              Couldn't agree more. I was slated in the Scout Squad comments this week for saying that I'm going to captain Kane. This has just cemented my decision

              It's all a bit of fun anyway if it doesn't pay off..........

            • KujaliaFC
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              I like your Chris Wood idea.

              I asked the panel about getting him in instead of Barnes, but they said Barnes is a better option.

              Still, he's such a huge differential, so I'm still tempted.

              1. Camzy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                I can afford Chris Wood next week. Interesting option to be sure. Fixtures are certainly good enough.

              2. AicilaXI
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Surely he's due.

                That being said, I will be shipping him as soon as the fixtures dry up.

            • ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              It's early stages with Leandro [Trossard] but he's felt something in his groin - we're probably looking at after the next international break before he's available again."

              https://twitter.com/OfficialBHAFC/status/1172125894053388288

              1. Rotation's Alter Ego
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 12 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Cheers Bemba, as feared then.

                1. Rotation's Alter Ego
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 12 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  Little worse even - 4 PL games vs the predicted 2 he'd miss.

              2. Nomar
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Glad I sold him 3 weeks ago.

            • Mike2795647
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              King to Barnes for a -4, worth it?

            • Raging wildcard
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Really struggling with this conundrum on my wildcard. Which combo to go for?

              A) Mane, James, Haller
              B) Salah, McGinn, Pukki

              1. Mike2795647
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                B