Pro Pundits

What FPL managers should be considering ahead of a busy winter period

In our latest Pro Pundits article, Lateriser12 – who has overall ranks of 77th and 189th to his name  looks ahead to a busy December for Fantasy managers.


We’re 12 weeks into this Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season: that’s roughly a third of it done already.

But there isn’t time to breathe. Winter is coming. It’s time to strap yourself in and get ready for a brutal six weeks. Nine Gameweeks packed into 40 days. That is an average of a Gameweek every 4.44 days. We’re about to enter one of the most crucial periods of the Fantasy Football season and this article is all about the frenetic six weeks or so ahead.

A lot of FPL managers are currently struggling. But, I get the feeling that in the last three or four weeks, people are finding some rhythm and respectability, and crawling (or shooting) their way up the ranks. While some might see this start of the season as frustrating, I think it’s extremely normal.

I’ve traditionally been a slow starter (except in this season, where I am currently sitting at 45k after a delicious 83 in Gameweek 12). In fact, that is how the name ‘Lateriser’ actually came up. Because, much like Fergie’s teams, I have always have a very strong second half of the season.

For some of you that have given up hope, I have a nice little story. In my best season to date, I was ranked 1.8 million exactly halfway through the season. I finished the season at an overall rank of 77.

Enough trumpet-blowing for now. Let’s get down to business.

I thought it would be a good idea to scan the Fantasy eco-system just before we enter this crucial period. A lot of ground can be gained in this period by just reading in between the lines.

I’ve primarily broken down this article into four categories:

  • Christmas Darlings – A brief look at the Christmas period in the last two seasons.
  • Fixture Frisk – The good and the bad over this clutch nine-Gameweek period.
  • Cup Saturation – Which teams have cup competition games that matter and which teams don’t.
  • The Elephant in the Room – Gameweek 18 (there’s more to it than the Liverpool blank).

Christmas Darlings

First off, a big thank you to Ziro for providing me with some crucial data over the past few seasons.

I was wondering if there were any FPL assets that were fans of the festive season so I decided to dig deeper, and a couple of surprising names sprung up.

Before we look into this data, it is worth noting that that 2017/18 season had ten Gameweeks (900 minutes) in this winter period while 2018/19 had nine Gameweeks (810 minutes).

The tables I have included below are for all players with a minimum of two goals in the winter period, sorted by how many times they have found the back of the net. There is some interesting data otherwise as well for you to analyse, if you feel like.

Looking at the data for the previous two seasons, we can see that a certain Harry Edward Kane (£10.8m) absolutely loves the winter period and top-scored in both seasons over the timeframe studied.

A very noteworthy stat is that in 2017/18, Kane scored 35% of his goals in this winter period and in 2018/19, he scored a staggering 47% of his goals over this timeframe, where he was also matched by Son Heung-min (£9.6m).

The South Korea international indeed scored more than 50% of his FPL points in this period last year.

Kane has become a story of the past these days but it’s worth noting that Tottenham Hotspur sits fifth on the Season Ticker over the period studied (we’ll dig deeper later).

Other names that show up in both tables are Mohamed Salah (£12.3m), Roberto Firmino (£9.4m) and Son, all of whom were in the top seven for both of the previous seasons.

It is worth noting that the Liverpool player stats were just before the Liverpool formation change happened which led to Sadio Mane (£12.1m) finding another gear and destroying Salah since January. With the Egyptian having a dodgy ankle, I wonder if good old Firmino is worth some festive fun?

There are some other noteworthy observations.

Raheem Sterling (£12.0m) had a strong 2017/18 with seven goals and two assists but a (relatively) quiet 2018/19 with three goals and two assists.

Current favourite Jamie Vardy (£9.6m) scored three and four goals respectively in both seasons. That said, Leicester are different gravy nowadays.

A special mention to Luka Milivojevic (£6.7m) who features in both tables with three and four goals respectively. Is it Wilfried Zaha (£6.7m) penalty-winning season this Christmas? I mention this because Palace sit right on top of the Season Ticker during this period.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) had a very strong 2018/19 with seven goals and two assists in the winter period.

Marcus Rashford (£8.6m) and Paul Pogba (£8.4m) both had a noteworthy winter period last year as the new manager bounce was in full flow: Rashford had nine attacking returns while Pogba had seven. I wonder if Pogba replaces Andreas Pereira (£5.0m) in the number 10 role once he’s back from injury with Fred (£5.3m) and Scott McTominay (£5.1m) finding some Chemistry in the middle of the park? Before you jump, I’m only taking a note. One must have an open mind in FPL.

Fixture Frisk

A quick fixture frisk tells us that there might be some value in looking at Zaha for this busy winter period. The Ivory Coast international has a run of strong fixtures and should be as nailed as they come with little or no rotation expected for him.

I wasn’t going to mention him, but just to please my good friend AppleBonkers, I’ll also say it’s worth looking at Bonus Points King Jordan Ayew (£5.1m) during this period, especially if you are looking at the 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 formation.

Aston Villa also have a juicy run of games after Gameweek 15 and dynamic duo Jack Grealish (£5.9m) and John McGinn (£5.8m) have to be considered.

Leicester have a great run of fixtures themselves so the double-up/triple-up that most managers have is not going anywhere.

There is a slight bump in Gameweek 18 and 19, though, with Leicester playing Manchester City and Liverpool in successive matches.

Traditional winter kings Spurs have a great run of fixtures in this period. They play West Ham, Bournemouth, Burnley, Norwich and Southampton, all of whom are known to concede goals in droves (if we ignore Bournemouth’s recent AC Milan-ish form). I’m very intrigued to see what happens with Pochettino and if he sticks around, I’m eyeing up a punt here.

Newcastle are finding a bit of form themselves and I’m just waiting for my current favourite player in the league, Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.4m), to score his first goal. Lord Maximus and Jetro Willems (£4.6m) is comfortably the most entertaining left-sided attack in the league at the moment. You have no idea what is going to happen next. I mean, did you see this over the weekend? Fast forward to 1.37 and you’ll witness what is the moment of the season for me.

Manchester United have a nice run of fixtures themselves during this season and I am very happy to own my captain of last week, Anthony Martial (£7.7m), for now.

Liverpool have a great run of fixtures in my opinion while Manchester City’s matches do dry up a tad bit. That said, they can score goals against pretty much anyone. I’m personally looking to time the ‘Sterling to Salah’ move correctly when it comes to the two big hitters.

Cup Saturation

Liverpool have an extremely packed schedule in this period, with the Reds playing a game every third day. They are even splitting their squad into two so that they can take on the Carabao Cup and the Club World Cup on the same day during their Gameweek 18 blank.

That said, I don’t expect them to show any respite in the league since this is comfortably their best chance to win the title in a long time and Klopp will absolutely prioritise the Premier League.

Liverpool are sitting on top of their Champions League group, as well, which makes matters slightly more predictable.

Manchester City have a similarly packed schedule themselves and we should see a fair bit of rotation here as usual. That said, Manchester City are comfortably placed on top of their Champions League group.

Should Tottenham Hotspur win their next home game against Olympiacos, they are looking extremely comfortable in the Champions League and I can see them prioritising the league. In addition, Spurs do not have a Carabao Cup tie either.

Chelsea is where it gets extremely tricky. While the Blues are now not involved in the Carabao Cup, they have everything to fight for in their Champions League. Just after their game against Manchester City at the Etihad, they fly to Valencia for a big Champions League game. Will we see Lampard rotate here?

As someone who is looking to switch Mason Mount (£6.8m) to Christian Pulisic (£7.4m), I am treading with caution. I love Chelsea’s double-header versus West Ham and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge but I am a little concerned about the rotation. If you are on a Chelsea triple-up like me, a deep squad would be very handy.

I’m a little bit worried about Tammy Abraham (£8.0m), as well, since he will most likely be nailed-on to start those Champions League games.

The only comfort I’m finding here (rightly pointed out by my fellow pundit Zophar) is that both Tammy and Mount have played a gruelling long season in the Championship so they are used to it. It’s muddied my potential switch (which I am still inclined on making).

All the three Europa League teams (Arsenal, Wolves and Manchester United) are comfortably placed in their respective groups so there is not much worry there. United has a comfortable home game versus Colchester as their Carabao Cup fixture while the other two teams are already out of this competition.

The Elephant in the Room – Gameweek 18

I just thought that it would be a good idea to bring Gameweek 18 to your notice if you haven’t already had a look. This is what you’re in for:

The Gameweek 18 fixtures – in Indian Standard Time!


As well as Liverpool blanking, Chelsea are away to Spurs and Leicester face a trip to the Etihad.

That’s about eight players in the average FPL starting squad at the very least, in my opinion.

A little planning around this can help you gain a slight advantage over “casuals”, however.

Aston Villa play Southampton at home this Gameweek and have a nice run from Gameweek 18, while Manchester United face Watford away and have a kind fixture schedule as discussed above.

Lord Lundstram plays Brighton away on that weekend, one of several favourable fixtures that Sheffield United enjoy from Gameweeks 14-19.

I’ve seen a few people talk about using the Free Hit chip but personally, I’m not feeling it. Saving a transfer in Gameweek 17 and a hit or two in Gameweek 18 can see you through this.

It is also worth noting that Manchester City has a great run from Gameweek 18.

Too much big hitter-switching you say? I urge you to read my last article here.

For what it’s worth, I followed my own advice last week and sold Sergio Aguero (£12.0m) and Kevin De Bruyne (£10.2m) for Mane and Vardy – gaining 15 points as a result.

That’s it from me for now. Writing this piece has me well-prepped for the coming nine Gameweeks and I’m probably going to re-read this again before deciding my moves (or lack of moves) before the deadline next week.


FFScout user Lateriser12 has a very impressive Fantasy CV. He has registered two finishes in the top 200 (one of them equating to number one in India) and four in the top 10,000 in the last six seasons. The secret to his success has been playing non-conventionally and fearlessly, swearing by ‘upside chasing’ and not giving ownership much of a look.

Nominated for ‘Best in Fantasy Football – Editorial’ at the Football Content Awards 2020

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602 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    A bottle of Buckfast

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

      Eggs and bacon.

    2. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Finest benedictine monk fuel..

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

    As usual, here for your thoughts and feedback. Let me know what you think.

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Great article darling xx

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

        Cheers darling

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

      Son and Kane are tempting me. But Poch needs to stop being so stubborn and make some tactical changes.

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

        I'm monitoring very closely.

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          I jumped aboard Kane... instead of Vardy.

          He better start paying me back with interest.

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

            Oooof

            He wilk

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

      My feedback would be to provide fixtures in non-Indian time 😉

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

        Oops

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

        I don’t know, it’s enjoyable to see them like this. I was living in the states for a bit recently and it was fun seeing all the early morning kick offs.

    4. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Opinions on navigating this if still holding a wildcard? Punts in week 18? And wildcard Liverpool guys back in?

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

        Absolutely a good plan that. Allows a few pints as well. One of the biggest advantages of having a wildcard is having the freedom to play and gamble without fear in my opinion.

      2. Conik
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        That's my plan. Gameweek 18 highly likely to be a low scoring one. The fact that Leicester play Liverpool in 19 means I'll probably aim to take out 3 Liv and Lei after 17 and WC before 20.

        GW 18 team looking something like this (based on current team)

        Henderson

        Lundstram
        Rico
        Maguire (to replace Robbo)

        McGinn
        Martial
        KDB
        Mount
        Son/Sterling (to replace Liv mid)

        Tammy
        Kane/Jesus (to replace Vardy)

        Bench Pope/Soy/TAA/Wickham.

        1. jtreble
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Nice GW18 team.

      3. jtreble
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        City have, by far, the best fixture run in the league from GW19 to 24 for your WC once GW18 is done. Something to consider. Good luck.

    5. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Well done on your transfers this week! Would you still recommend selling KDB from next week (after Chelsea)? I really want to wildcard and switch to double Pool defence, going without KDB. Statistically he isn't performing, and he doesn't have the form/fixtures to compare to the likes of Pulisic. But I'm scared to do it! And the Rodri factor is making me even more scared...

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

        People worry to much about big hitter transfers out. If it doesn't work, you can get him back.

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

          Fair point

      2. TiAgoFPL
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Man , I’m doing the same after chelsea
        Digne + KDB
        Pulisic + TAA

    6. Werner Bremen
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Chillwell or Soyuncu?

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

        Chillwell for me. If I had space for a third Lei player, it would be him.

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

      Great article Lateriser,you are doing good work here.

      Keep em coming 🙂

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

        Thanks

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

      Great stuff LR. Interesting read and as usual focuses on the real issues.

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

        Cheers Slouchy

    9. TiAgoFPL
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Spurs , but who ?

      1. TiAgoFPL
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        And awesome article

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

        The two that love Christmas. Half an eye on Dele as well.

        1. Cruyff's Eleven
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Struggling to see how I can play 352 with Kane, so am considering Son over KDB, with Ayew as 3rd (benched) striker....

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

            A good option that

        2. TiAgoFPL
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Indeed I have an eye on Alli

    10. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      So Sterling and Jimenez to Kane and Rashford after gw13?

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I see it now. Sorry. Lets consider this comment a test...

    11. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A very useful article, especially for someone with a WC burning a hole in their pocket and no clue when to use it.

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

        Cheers Phil

    12. MosF94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Great article, I love Saint-Maximin too. So much fun to watch, and his decision-making isn't actually too bad by young, pacy, tricky-winger standards. He (and Almiron) just isn't having any luck (or composure) in front of goal atm. Him almost snapping the bar in half when he looked certain to score, and later accidentally blocking that Almiron shot, were two of the highlights of last weekend's MotD for sure, cracked me up!

      Also, that 1.8m > 77 OR rise is absolutely insane. Have you written any articles about it? Would be very intrigued to hear how you did it!

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

        Haven't written about it but there were a couple of interviews back then

    13. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Wonderful read - thank you!

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

        Thanks Cyruff

    14. WWF
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Great article, thanks!

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

        🙂

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

      Another fine article providing food for thought, thanks for taking the time to share.

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

        Cheers TLF

    16. rohan
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Great stuff as always. Just a couple of thoughts

      1) The Pool triple up becomes tricky if Salah is out for a month. In that case, Bobby F might become an enticing option. I have a pretty set back 3 of TAA/ Soy/Tomori/ Lundstram with Clark on the bench. So for those playing 3-5-2/3-4-3, the third Pool slot definitely becomes a consideration. Maybe consider an article on that?

      2) I didn't know your best season saw you go from 1.8 million (AT THIS STAGE!?!) to under 200. Just goes on to show how crucial captain picks are really. The next 4/5 weeks will see most (me included) oscillate between Mane and Vardy. How does one make up the ranks in that case?

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

        1) Good idea. Might give it a consideration but its not worth writing about until we know about Mo's fitness.

        2) Find where the masses are going wrong 🙂

    17. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Excellent article as always LR, alway look our for your work. Good read and insightful.
      Salah in for KDB from GW 14, subject to fitness. Tasty home fixtures for dbl liv attack to good to resist.
      Keep up the good work ❗

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

        Cheers buddy 🙂

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          xxx

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

            yo

            1. Christina.
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              boring weekend.

    18. souleil
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Nice article, mate, I love your write-ups! Keep it up and good luck over the festive period. Who do you fancy more on top of TAA and Mane - Salah or Robbo?

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

        Salah i think but waiting for fitness news.

  3. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Just a proofreading thing: you appear to have written “th” not “k” after those previous ranks.

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

      Hahaha hopefully this is a funny troll. Otherwise, embarrassing.

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

        Thankfully it was a joke. Brilliant finishes!

      2. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Ahoi mate. Inebriated. Ready for your annual sing-a-long...

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Coincidentally those 2 ranks are the 2 seasons I looked after his team while he was busy galavanting.

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

        Same

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

        Sssh. There's no need to spill the beans.

      3. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        ...and those were the 2 seasons I looked after Missus EpicFail while you were looking after LR's team.

        I scored every weekend.

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

          i did warn EF

  4. Maddamotha
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    2FTs 0.7ITB. How to burn a FT or two here? Im inclined to save, but I kind of dont wanna waste a transfer, any ideas?

    Pope
    TAA, Soy, Rico, Lund
    Salah, Sterling, KDB, Mount
    Vardy, Abraham

    Button, Dendo, Greenwood, Tomori

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

      Greenwood to Connolly.

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

    Great article, thanks. Currently eyeing up Danny Ings. Surprised he didn’t make the previous year top scorer spots since he always seems to ruin my Christmas clean sheets.

    I was wondering, in your look at the last couple of years, did you notice a trend towards goals, clean sheets or neither? Most teams are not used to the fixture density that this time of year offers up (and how welcome that is compared to the International Break we’re all struggling through) and I was wondering if that led to more or fewer goals (and where?).

    I like holding my wildcard to plan for this time of year and was wondering if there were lessons to be learned on an optimal formation. Thanks!

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

      That is something I haven't had a look at as yet. Might give it a go over the weekend and report back here.

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

        Sorry. You go and write a great article with four sections and some tit is like: did you do this other thing?

        Good work! And thanks, if you get around to it that would be really handy. Might take a look myself this weekend during normal football time as well. Thanks!

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

      The projections in the members area absolutely love Ings. So much so that they see him as second to Lundstram for value over the next 6...

      I'm not convinced he's going to be THAT good over the next few, but definitely worth a look in.

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

        Ya I noticed the saints fixtures but decided not to mention him because I'm not convinced yet. He's a good option on paper. Just not one i am liking yet.b

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

          I mean, they are dreadful at the moment. But Ings seems to do bits even when they get stuffed. Shame I would need to break my structure to bring him in and therefore need a big hit.

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Are you saying Ings can only get better?

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

              He’s getting better all the time!

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

              Good one

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

        Oh that is interesting, thanks. I will have to take a look. Those fixtures are so enticing but I am a little worried about not knowing who the manager will be two weeks from now.

  6. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Pukki regression has been really unexpected .

    Thought he was the real deal as he got 6 goals 2 assists in first 5 gws with returns against liverpool,mancity and chelsea

    Also thougth likes of Buendia and Cantwell will be feeding plenty of chances given how attacking norwich setup

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

      I think that people just worked out how to play against Norwich. Adjustments have been made and Pukki’s threat properly worked out, and Norwich are yet to counter with adjustments of their own.

      Whisper it, but I am expecting the same to (eventually) happen to the Sheffield United defence. Once someone works them out, everyone will have a blueprint.

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Wouldn't mind as long as lord lundstram keeps on banging in those attacking returns with the odd clean sheet 😉

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

          Just such a horrendous preseason positional decision from fpl towers! Next year he will get the doherty treatment so we need to enjoy him now.

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

        Norwich has had injuries also. I doubt the problem is Pukki, I think it is his team mates.

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

          Arguably they were their most injured vs City though. I don’t see Pukki as the problem, I should clarify, just that everyone knows if you stop Pukki, you pretty much stop Norwich so they just put double coverage on him.

      3. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Wilder is more streetwise though. He is adaptable ( as he was in The Championship) and when necessary will shake things up quickly to counteract a changing situation.

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

          I hope he does! Living in Norwich the mood has really gone down since after the City game. I just haven’t seen him get anything to work lately, although enjoying Onel’s running at least.

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

            Problem is that poor defending becomes more exposed in the prem. I always had Norwich down as favourites to be relegated because of this (as opposed to The Blades who were pre season favs to go down). In the Championship Norwich scored a lot of late goals which in my opinion rather skewed their season. Sheff Utd were always going to be harder to break down and whilst not scoring bucket loads had a more solid foundation. Plus I really rate Wilder . I'm not a Blades fan but do live in Sheffield btw.

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

              It’s fun living in promoted cities without the horror of supporting the team, isn’t it? Think you make very reasonable points; it always seems harder to translate a good attack to the prem than a good defence.

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

                Yes you get the positive buzz from Sheff Utd fans who traditionally have been born pessimists ! As a Cov City fan I would love to be in Norwich's position though.

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

      Thx 😉 He just scored 🙂

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Doesnt necessarily translate into fpl points. Look at Sterling who has been killing it in CL and Internationals.

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

          Well tbh, I don't care 🙂

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

          Finland first time ever to final tournament is all that matters 🙂

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

            Go finland! Exciting times

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

        Tell them it was a penno against Liechenstein. I've got him in auction league, can't sell.

  7. Epic Fail
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    There should be an upvote button on articles.

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

      And ability to add to favourites

      And lots of other new features

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah that could come in handy.

        I think the comments section is a bit archaic too, but I sort of still like it for nostalgia.

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

        Was invented in browsers about 25 years ago.

  8. Baps hunter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Pukki Party!!!

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

      Pukki scores again! 🙂

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

      That feeling when you thought you were friends with someone and then realise they have a whole different group of people they go out with sometimes.

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

        Fireworks just started in Helsinki 🙂 People celebrating on the streets.

  9. Hy liverpool
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Great article this

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

      Thanks mate

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

        Very much so. Might get Son as a result

  10. Hy liverpool
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Lovely temu pukki

  11. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Oh my things just go from bad to worse

    Why did I sell Pukki and Kane

  12. Monkey Hanger
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Pukki new haircut working. 🙂

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

    Pukki again OMG

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

      Two goals and fantasy assist. 100% goal involvement. I blame other Norwich players, not Pukki.

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I blame the population of the clubs he plays, far more than Liechtenstein. 😉

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

          Population in Norwich compared to population in Manchester?!? 😉

  14. Hy liverpool
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Pukkiiiiiiiiiiiiii

  15. Hy liverpool
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Alisson is amazing today

  16. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Liechtenstein have a population of around 40 thousand people. Finland have over 5.5 million.

    Bit of a mismatch...

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

      There should be pre qualifying for euro groups, finals back down to 16. The whole thing is a boring money making procession until the last 16. Finland fans going nuts, they qualified but only beat Liechtenstein 3-0.

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        The way they qualify for CONCACAF would be perfect.

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

          Tell us how that works.

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Basically there are around 5 different rounds of qualifying, with the better teams getting added at each round. Depending on their ranks.

            So of course the crap teams all start at round 1. Just getting to round 2 would be an achievement for some of them.

            Rounds 4 and 5 are group rounds.

            I can't remember if it's actually 5 rounds, but it's something like that. You get the jist.

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

              Thank you, sounds too much sense for UEFA.

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

      Hello GB. How's things?

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

        Hi LR. I'm not too bad thanks. Another cracking article btw!

        Do you think there's something to the Christmas Darlings section? Could it be an accurate predictor?

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

          We'll find out after this year if Spurs and Bobby show up.

          #boxingdayberba was a thing

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

      Yes. Population of Iceland vs population of England is another example.

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

      You should notice that Liechtenstein is the 6th team in this group. There are other groups with five national teams. So that evens it. Greece for example has twice the population compared to Finland. Yet they played 1-1 vs Liechtenstein imo. But do check this 😉

    5. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Bit like Watford vs Norwich then

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

    Non FPL related question..

    Where do you think Zlatan will end up now that he's left LA Galaxy?

    Milan?
    Napoli?
    Retire from football?

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Up his own arse

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

        Interesting

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

      Back to Sweden (Malmö?) is one possibility imo.

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

        Highly unlikely imo

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

      Milan

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

        Would be my guess aswell

  18. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Your squad value = Squad value shown on FPL site + money in the bank?? RIght??

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Yes but sell value will be different

      1. OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        yes that I know

  19. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Indeed a very helpful article for the likes of me atleast

  20. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    What to do here??

    Pope
    Chilwell Soyuncu Lundstram Robertson
    Mount KDB Sterling Salah
    Vardy Abraham

    Button Rico Dendoncker Greenwood

    2 FT, 0.3 ITB

    ???

    1. fc_skrald
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Nothing

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

      Not sure there is much to do this week. Maybe a one week punt on a goal keeper and then get Henderson after that

    3. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Could upgrade Button to McCarthy to have 2 playing keepers?

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

    Big hitter doesn’t necessarily translate to big expense!

    I’m afraid to take sterling out in case.... what he achieves the same consistency as Maddison or hits form like pulisic and replicates the return of a cheaper player

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

    Hi guys. I need some advice on what to do with my team. I have made two transfers plans. But before we get into it, I would like to show you the current state of my team. Should make it easier for you to advice me

    Gazza
    TAA Soy Lundstram
    Mane KDB Son Mount
    Vardy Abraham Jimenez
    ___
    Button; Tomori Hayden Kelly

    2.5 Itb 1 FT

    Plan A)
    GW13: Mount to Martial/Maddisson (bought Mount at 6.0)
    GW14: Save
    GW15: Son + Kelly to Pulisic + Robertson

    Plan B)
    GW13: Tomori to Robertson (Bought Tomori at 4.5)
    GW14: Save
    GW15: Undecided, but plenty of options
    GW16: Kelly to Tomori perhaps

    Which plan do you prefer? I know plans usually go up in smoke, but I love to tinker and it is decisive in terms of my GW13 transfer

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

      I prefer plan B, because I really like the TAA Robbo double up

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

        Robertson is in both plans...

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

          Noticee but the sooner the better, gw15 Vs gw13

    2. Sailboats
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A or just do Kelly > cheap playing defender like Janmaat and save the other FT. Dont like B due to benching headaches

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

        Might be a benching headache, but we got the busy crhsitmas period coming up... Most people will have a 4.5-5.5 shitting on the bench anyway

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

      B but I guess I have told you this already. B does give you more flexibility and time reassess your other moves later. Situations change fast in fpl. Yet you will have to wait Robbo injury news. The later you get him before the blank... It gets more meh imo. Robbo can easily keep cs and assist one vs CP. Yet Maddison is tempting also with nice fixtures. Your team is too good 😉

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

        Yeah I know you have and thanks for that. Just wanted to get all the information out there. It is a diffucult decision for sure. Would have been a lot easier if I had someone in my team that I needed to get rid of.

        It's doing my head in. I want to keep the value I got in my team. Got so many for a bargain. Makes it hard to sell them

    4. Conik
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B because I'd want Mount from GW 14 onwards.

    5. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Bring in Salah (if his ankle holds up) for KDB after Chelsea

  23. Kingy81
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Thinking Tielemans before the price rise is in the Belgium squad v Russia ?

    Yes or No ???

  24. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Best int. break ever. #pukkiparty

    1. Monkey Hanger
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Another Finn?

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah. Nation wide pukki party. Can't belive this. Dream comes true.

        1. Monkey Hanger
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Congrats, and enjoy.

          1. S.Kuqi
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            We will!

  25. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Get him in boys 😉

    1. AuFeld
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Could be a good differential. Wait and see for me.

  26. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Will Pukki invite for a new party? Now trying to convince myself to save the free transfer instead of taking a -4 point hit.

    a. do nothing, save the free transfer
    b. 2 transfers for -4
    c. wildcard

    Heaton
    TAA, Lundstram, Rico
    Salah, Sterling, KDB, Hudson-Odoi
    Pukki, Vardy, Abraham

    McGovern, Tomori, Reid, Elneny

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

      If you still own him, might aswell ride along for another week. A.

  27. Rash
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Great article! Thoughts on my team and next moves please?

    Pope
    Trent soy lundy janmaat
    Sterling kdb maddison mane
    Vardy tammy

    Button mount rico Connolly

    2ft 1itb WC available

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

      Good team that. No real weakness. Mount and Connolly the ones I'd look to switch maybe?

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

        I can do rico sterling to Williams Salah which would leave nothing itb to upgrade mount or Connolly

  28. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Why so much Pukki talk yet nothing about the Kaptain himself? I'm surprised he's not rising in price tonight!

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

      When playing for Spurs he reverts back to CDM.

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

      Because he is not sorrounded by the same team when playing for Spurs...

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Neither is Pukki lol

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

          Not defending the Pukki hype.. They played a bad team.. And Norwich dont score goals.

          I just think that people in general wants Pukki to do good because it was good fun while it lasted

    3. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Norwich are getting quite a few key players back from injury after the break.

      Spurs still have an encumbent manager

  29. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone else planning on using WC in gw18? If not, when are you planning to use your WC (if you still have it)

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

      I'm considering wild card after gw18 take a few punts when liverpool blank.

    2. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Me to, but worry about losing a lot of value. If I sell someLiverpool/Leicester/Chelsea players and bring them back with WC it will affect teamvalue in a big way.

      1. Phil's Stamps
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        This.

        I'm getting in Salah for GW14 (if fit), for GW18 I'll switch him back to Sterling/Son and possibly Mount to McGinn/Grealish, bench TAA and Mane. But that's all I can see at the mo. I almost hope injuries force my hand. I might end up not even using my WC.

  30. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    What's the story with red flags and price drops? Lascelles has low ownership and 4.4m, unlikely to drop by next GW or not?