Pro Pundits

How I’m using the FA Cup weekend to forward plan in Fantasy Premier League

FPL Family’s Sam Bonfield is looking forward to the downtime on FA Cup third round weekend and planning ahead.


What a rollercoaster this festive period has been. This point of the season is where I normally hit my stride and by making good decisions during the Christmas fixture congestion, it usually sets me up well for the second half of the season.

With the close of Gameweek 19 I was around the 7k mark having had a green arrow of around 6,000 places and I was hoping that this was the start of holding my position as opposed to yo-yoing as I had been in the weeks previous.

Alas, Gameweek 20 went catastrophically wrong with my players blanking, my captain – Jamie Vardy (£10.1m) – missing and Kevin De Bruyne (£10.6m) causing me red arrows with every attacking return he registered as he was so highly captained and vice-captained as a result of Vardy’s absence.

In many ways, I think the Gameweek came too quickly for me – a match on the Friday followed by a new Gameweek on the Saturday just meant that I didn’t have the thinking time, which is so important to how I play the game.

One of my key FPL rules is that I never make a change on the day of the deadline, so this meant I had a matter of hours between the end of the Manchester City game on the Friday and my self-imposed deadline. I think I was also a little complacent as I had set my Wildcard team for Boxing Day’s Gameweek 19 and in turn also for Gameweek 20, meaning that because of the tight deadline, I didn’t think enough about the latter.

As a result, Gameweek 21 saw a lot of pondering. However, I just couldn’t settle on a transfer that felt right – they either involved getting in a player a week or two earlier than I had wanted or losing a player before a game I thought they would do well in. It was because of this I did something that I never do and burned a transfer.

This worried me but actually it was the right decision. Vardy was handed the armband again (mostly as a shield because he was rating so highly in all the captain stats and was indeed the most-captained player of the Gameweek) so when he missed the game, vice-captain Dele Alli (£8.8m) stepped up.

I really thought he would be better than he was especially given his record against Southampton, and so his blank filled me with dread as with most people’s vice-captains on Marcus Rashford (£9.1m) or De Bruyne I feared for my rank ahead of their fixtures. However, with blanks for Rashford, Anthony Martial (£7.9m) and De Bruyne, as well as a one-point cameo for Raheem Sterling (£11.8m) and Sergio Aguero (£11.7m) missing in action, I got away with it. Add that to goals from Todd Cantwell (£4.9m), Danny Ings (£6.7m) and Mohamed Salah (£12.3m), an assist from Tammy Abraham (£7.8m) and clean sheets for Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.4m) and Caglar Soyuncu (£5.1m), I have seen a green arrow back to around 9k. Now to maintain and build on it. 

For me, the first FA Cup weekend is the perfect opportunity to look ahead through the rest of January and into February, as it offers a breathing space following on from the busy festive period. This is the time where the Members Area and the Season Ticker take on ever-increasing importance.

This year the changes in managers over Christmas at West Ham, Everton, Arsenal, Watford and Spurs add a whole different element to this period. All five of these new manager teams sit in the top half of the Season Ticker for Gameweeks 22-26. All five clubs also contain key players who, with a combination of fixtures and new manager bounce, could be fantastic differential picks after the FA Cup weekend. 

The key players on my watchlist from ‘new manager bounce’ clubs are:

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.8m)

Carlo Ancelotti saying that he thinks the striker “is going to be at the top in England and in Europe” highlights just how important Calvert-Lewin is likely to be in this Everton team over the course of the rest of the season.

His heatmap and the stats from the Members Area highlight how much of a positive change Ancelotti has had on his game, as does the three goals in the last four games.

As a result, he has already scored eight goals this season: more than in any other Premier League campaign. If Abraham continues to under-perform, Calvert-Lewin would make a lovely third striker option and is one I am seriously considering for Gameweek 22 onwards.  

Lukasz Fabianski (£4.9m)

West Ham’s poor run of form can be partially linked to Fabianski’s injury. Since his return for Gameweek 20, Fabianski has returned eight and six points respectively (a penalty save and a bonus point contributing to the first haul when he didn’t keep a clean sheet).

Historically, Fabianski has always been a great rotating keeper option. With West Ham needing the points and David Moyes being brought in to steady the ship, this should make Fabianski an attractive option once again, especially given the Double Gameweek 24 that West Ham enjoy.

Troy Deeney (£6.2m)

Nigel Pearson’s arrival at Vicarage Road has made Watford a team worth considering from an FPL stance and Deeney as their captain and talisman should not be overlooked.

Whilst he failed to return in Gameweek 21, his 12-point haul in Gameweek 20 shows that he has the potential to bring huge gains for brave FPL owners.

Deeney has the added advantage of being on penalties, which adds to his Fantasy appeal. If Watford continue to rebuild in 2020, Deeney or his teammate below could both be great options. 

Ismaila Sarr (£6.2m)

How I've risen up the rankings in FPL over the last two months

With three returns in the last four gameweeks, Sarr is the in-form Watford player of the moment.

Two goals, two assists, two clean sheets and two bonus points show the change in him, as he previously only had one attacking return up until Gameweek 18.

Sarr’s heat map, xG and xGI stats all look excellent and thus at £6.2m he could be an excellent pick, especially over the next three Gameweeks where Watford play teams that are currently conceding a lot of goals (Bournemouth, Spurs and Aston Villa).

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.8m)

At 18.3% owned, Aubameyang isn’t exactly a differential. However, he had been a difficult pick in recent weeks as a result of a lack of consistency in his returns.

Even with a blank in Gameweek 21, he has returns in two of the last three and, more importantly, Arsenal have improved dramatically since Mikel Arteta’s arrival and this should only continue over the coming weeks.

If Arteta can get Nicolas Pepe (£9.1m), Mesut Ozil (£7.2m), Alexandre Lacazette (£9.3m) etc playing at their best week-in, week-out, this will only strengthen Aubameyang’s appeal.

Aubameyang looks for me to be the premium striker who is about to go on a run and, therefore, with Harry Kane’s (£11.0m) hamstring injury, a straight swap from one side of north London to another looks like it could be a good idea. 

Ryan Sessegnon (£5.4m)

Spurs have a great deal of improvement to make and thus this one is very much a watching brief especially given that the Lilywhites play Liverpool in Gameweek 22.

However, with three consecutive starts, Sessegnon seems to be solidifying his place in the Spurs team. His positioning in the last two matches as well as the number of touches he has in the opponents’ half and in the final third, suggests that there is assist potential there.


Gameweek 22 feels like the tonic that we FPL managers need, with time to take stock, watch the FA Cup matches, get full updates on those injured in Gameweek 21 and make some forward planning decisions.

Knowing that Gameweek 24 is our first double of the season, rolling transfers, making transfers to free up funds and watching the markets will be vital in having the team you want.

For me, I want Sadio Mane (£12.3m) and Salah for their double and thus I need to free some money or at least plan where the cash to upgrade Alli to Mane will come from now.

I have £2.4m in the bank but this means I still need another £1.3m to make the transfer achievable. Ideally. I would have liked to move Toby Alderweireld (£5.4m) to Djibril Sidibe (£5.3m) – however, this only saves me £0.1m so I’ll either need to make another transfer to move Sidibe to a cheaper player in a couple of weeks time or I move him to a cheaper player now to free the money in advance. Doing the latter is a risk as it means early compromises to my team, while doing the former means playing to use an additional transfer which may be useful or needed elsewhere.

Either way, the FA Cup break is the perfect opportunity to look at the stats and heatmaps and forward plan for Double Gameweek 24 as well as for the rest of the fixtures in January.


Sam Bonfield is a member of our Pro Pundits initiative, a team of Fantasy managers here to bring you regular advice and updates on their teams. Sam has served up two top 30k finishes in the last two seasons and is currently inside the top 10k in the world.

Sam FPLFamily <p>Fantasy Football Scout's General Manager. Half of the FPLFamily. Pundit on the FPL Pod, Fantasy Show and Sky Sports News&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

974 Comments Post a Comment
  1. osceola31909
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Sorry if already asked, but have the OR been updated?

    1. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yup

  2. Cruz88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I got burnt by removing KDB already this season (when he played Arsenal) but am now considering moving him on again in week 24 in favour of Salah. Anyone else considering the same?

    1. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I was, but Kane's injury/lack of form has made it pretty easy for me to have all 3 (with Mane). Lack of any standout premium forwards this year has been a big help in budgeting for the power mids.

      1. Cruz88
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I could have all three but would have to lose someone like Jimi or Ings though (as well as Martial)

        Henderson
        Trent Soy Lund Kelly Rico
        Mane KDB Martial Maddison Sarr
        Vardy Jimi Ings

        2.6m ITB, 106.9 TV

    2. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      It could only be justified if he was nailed on to be a DM every week, if he plays AM it would be madness to get rid IMO.

  3. Mr_Barbs
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Ramsdale > Fabs
    Maupay > DCL

    2FT and got exact funds before price rises. Worth it?

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Soyuncu, Sidibe
    Salah, KDB, Martial, Maddison, Traore
    Vardy, Ings

    McGovern, Lundstram, Maupay, Kiko

    1. Sparky6670
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I'm considering similar moves and we have very similar teams!

      Ramsdale > Fabs
      Ayew > DCL

      Ramsdale
      TAA, Evans, Sidibe
      Mane, KDB, Martial, Grealish, Traore
      Vardy, Abraham

      McCarthy, Lundstrum, Ayew, Cathcart

  4. FPL FREAK
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Mccarthy + Rico

    Or

    Henderson + 3.9 fodder

    Tempted by Henderson Cs record.... What do u say...?? ?

    My backline:

    Gazzaniga. Button.
    TAA. Soy. Kelly. Lundstram. Rico.

    1. FPL FREAK
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Anyone..??

    2. Atters
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I'd go Henderson and 3.9

    3. Sparky6670
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      McCarthy & Rico

      Good fixtures

      Never understood why someone would not have a player who plays regular for an extra 0.3/0.4 over one that doesn't play at all

  5. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best move here with 2 FT’s and 1m itb?
    Ryan
    TAA,Söyüncü,Lundstrum
    Salah,KDB,Maddison,Moura
    Vardy,Rashford,Jimenez

    Button,Cantwell,Kelly,Rico

    Moura >> Richarlison,Sarr or Mooy?

    1. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Rich. Think you def need some Everton cover.

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks, roll the other?

      2. Sparky6670
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Agreed

    2. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      for sure.

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

    Was wondering why Sterling was so low in "per match" stats, then realized his 1-min cameo counts as one match. Oomph

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

    Can't help feeling that getting West ham players in for their DGW is a waste of time (and transfers).

    Apart from the obvious Pool triple-up, I'd rather load up on Everton, Man U and Leicester players, all of whom could easily register more points in their single games.

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

      Couldn't agree more.

      Reminds me of past DGWs where many of us got players from crap teams in just because they had two games. And those often performed worse than SGW players from better teams / with better fixtures.

    2. Pras (FPL)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Fabianski is the exception though. Always has save points. Now also plays for a defensively minded manager. The DGW is just a bonus.

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

        Yes, he could come good via penalty / regular save points.

        But should someone really spend one transfer on getting him and keeping (or waste an additional transfer out after BHA) for these fixtures:

        lei, LIV, BHA, mci, liv

      2. Soto Ayam
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I would have agreed to fabianski as he will get save points, however, Liverpool traditionally score at least 3 against us and Leicester will probably do the same. Both games are at home where teams who move the ball quickly do well against us. I'd leave any west ham defensive assets well alone for the dgw.

    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Flappy could do okay I think

    4. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mistake not to get Fab IMO, knowing DGWs

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

      tempted to get one you know, but im not sacrificing good players for it.
      Most likely chance of a Ham getting in my team is my move to bring in Mane will mean downgrading Zaha so i could just shove Noble in for a laugh I guess.

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

        with those fixtures I actually figure Noble is maybe West Hams best option, cant see them getting many goals in those games, Noble on pen duties at least.

        1. teneighty
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          I also have my eyes on Noble. Doesn't mess up the team structure and is easy to bench if other transfers become more urgent going forward.

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

      Flappy might do ok, but it's far from guaranteed. They could easily lose both games by 3 or 4 nil.

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

    GTG?

    Guaita
    Soyuncu, TAA, Doherty
    Grealish, Mane, Richarlison, KDB
    Maupay, Rashford, Vardy (c)

    (Heaton, Lundstram, Cantwell, Kelly)

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

    What is your current rank, and what rank would you be satisfied with come the end of the season?

    I'm currently 66k and I would be content with a 20k finish.

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      400k. Will be happy to get inside the top 100k. Been a very poor season.

      1. doy
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        It's been a tough, old season

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

        Sadly, same here 🙁 Was at 10k after ten weeks and I've just let it slip. Gonna go for 50k!

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      1.4m

      Top 100k

      1. doy
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        It can be done!

    3. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      720k
      50-100k

      1. doy
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Go for gold!

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

      Moved from 23k to 9k over Xmas.

      Would be happy for the season to end now!

      1. doy
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Top 10k, the dream!

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

          One thing getting there, another staying there!

    5. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      10k > 1k is the goal

      1. doy
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        3 digits...an even bigger dream!

        1. Yankee Toffee
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Made it once, hoping for a second, GL!

          1. doy
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            I see you have, best wishes mun!

    6. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Currently 30k. Top 10k is always the aim.

      1. doy
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        It tis isn't it, much harder these days due to the sheer amount of players!

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

      330k

      50k should be enough for my minileagues

    8. Planet Head
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Currently 82k but badly want that first top sub-10k after missing out by 2 points last year

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

        Ah so unlucky last year man, but very well done to get that close! I managed a rank of 10987 in 15/16 and have been getting steadily worse as the years have gone by. Was hoping this year would be the one I'd turn it around and finally get the 4-digit rank but currently sat out at 400k!

    9. Mingo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Currently 675, I'd be delighted with anything in the top 10k as my best previous finishes have been just outside the top 100k. It goes without saying that I'd love the season to finish now and give me a 3 digit finish!

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

      dropped to 103k this xmas period from 35k :/
      Only a 10k finish will do

    11. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I'm at 176k. Would be happy to get inside 100k as it would beat last year's 118k finish.

      Still have all chips so quite hopeful of achieving this.

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

        I think you can / should aim higher than this. If all goes well it could be 10k, though I'd reckon a 50k finish is most likely

    12. Laurel and Vardy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Currently at 240k. It's a tough season but as always I aim for the top 5k since I was there the last four seasons and have a HoF rank to protect 🙂 Wish me luck.

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

        good luck, in your case quite feasible

      2. Manani
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        wow well played. top 5 k 4 seasons in a row is something!

    13. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      at 16.5k, finished 91st last season so umm just as high as I can really. Was 650k not so long ago so progress has been very good over christmas.

    14. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      29k
      10k - like always!

    15. Reiger
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Currently 1K, top 100 would be nice.

      1. StoichkovFPL
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        nice

    16. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      106k

      10k

    17. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      120k, top 10k for a second season in a row please!

    18. Pep Pig
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I was sat in 1.5m in GW15 whilst being fairly happy with my team. Made a few tweaks and climbed 1.3m places in the ranks so I'm hoping I can keep the momentum. Currently 50 points away from my main rival in the ML but halved the gap over Christmas. The aim will be top 20K

      1. Pep Pig
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        The top 10k chip use is:-
        TC 19.5%
        FH 16.7%
        BB 20.5%

        As always this keeps us all well in the game if we use the DGWs well

        1. UshFPL
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Interesting. Where did you find this information?

          1. Pep Pig
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Live FPL site mate

    19. The_Fish
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      25k, I expect a top 10k finish for the first time.

      Never been in this position before, normally somewhere in the 250k-500k at this point and have a strong 2nd half of the season.

    20. shortymak
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Having worst season ever ranked 1.7mill nothing but red arrows or going up couple of ranks when green aiming for 700k to 500k need help tho lol what strategy to use for catch up

      1. Pep Pig
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Whats your team link pal?

        1. Pep Pig
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          You have a decent setup mate. I'd be tempted to bring in Sarr maybe for Zaha after the FA Cup games? Are you planning on bringing Robbo or Mane in for the double?

          1. shortymak
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Yes that move I have planned and was thinking Salah to maddison or son or someone else to get funds for 3 pool defenders or else rashford to Jimenez for funds

            1. Pep Pig
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              I personally wouldn't move Salah on. I can see him being a perma-captain from the DGW for several weeks.
              You could use use 2 FT in GW23, Alli > Maddison or Grealish, Rashford > Ings
              Then in DGW24, bring in Robbo for one of your cheap defenders.

              It's only one way of planning though mate.

              1. shortymak
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                Ya maby get city players for next 2 gws I think big scores coming for them

              2. shortymak
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                Looking for something different to catch up

    21. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      66k and I would be happy with top-100k, very happy with top 50k. I have five top-100ks in a row and preserving this run is more important to me than risking top 10k - if that happens then it happens, so much the better!

    22. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      5k and top 10k would be nice enough but ofc aiming for high as possible

    23. ameisin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      68k > would love to break top 10k for first time ever!

    24. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      266k at the mo, I'll be happy with top 1% at around 70k although I'm still optimistic of a top 25k finish.
      I have been about this rank at this time of the year for 8 out of 9 seasons so no need to worry.

  10. December Community Writer of the Month
    Rotation's Alter Ego
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    After closing off the year and the decade we now look back to the month of December and the absolute mass of superb Community articles we received!

    Every month we ask you to vote for the Community writer that you believe has made the biggest/most important contribution for that month. The winner will receive a £20 Amazon voucher from Fantasy Football Scout.

    Votes should be submitted to geoff@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk

    This month’s candidates (and it's a cracking list):

    Greyhead - "Learning from the Great and Good" (Series)
    Rubberducky - "How I went from 1.3m to a 50k Overall Rank in FPL" and "Early Post Christmas FPL Planning"
    Kroos Kontrol - "FPL Bargains - Team of the Decade"
    r_mactavish - "FPL Gameweek 15 Captain Pick and Stat attack"
    luketownsend1997 - "Will the Jamie Vardy Party ever end in FPL?" and "FPL 2019/20 in Review - Goalkeepers and Defenders"
    JK - Cønt - "Laporte the key for City"
    shniklas - "Harry Kane - An FPL Must own over Christmas"

    The Community Articles can be found here: https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/category/community-submissions/

    A huge thanks to everyone who has contributed to and submitted articles, and a reminder to anyone that is thinking about contributing that it's very straight-forward and can be done through the submission portal: https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/submit-your-article/

    Equally, you can email Geoff (geoff@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk) or myself (ted@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk) if you wish to discuss potential Community article topics or if you have any questions.

  11. Yankee Toffee
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Grealish fully on pens now with Wesley out, even with the miss against SHU? Must be ahead of Kodjia?

    1. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Some Villa fan on Twitter said he will be on pens

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

  12. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Pope
    TAA Soy Lund
    Salah Maddison KDB Traore
    Tammy Rash (V)ardy

    Button | Rico | Cantwell | Kelly

    Saving the FT and prepare for DGW with:

    A) Tammy, Rash and Traore -> Mane, Maupay and Greenwood (-4)
    B) Tammy, Rash and Traore -> Mane, DCL and Greenwood (-4)

    Which option do you think is better?

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Any thoughts?

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

      B)

    3. Better luck next year
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Would wait with there transfers, as all players you are planning on transferring out have good fixtures for next GW.

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers!

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

    Pope Button
    TAA Soy Rico Lund Dunk
    KDB Salah Martial Traore Dendoncker
    Vardy Kane Ings
    1 FT 0 ITB
    Kane > DCL looking like to obvious move.
    Sorry for the wall of text but two questions:
    1. Wait till next week to make the move. The price will rise but will still have a lot in the bank
    2. Last few weeks have given me a lot of red arrows. Went from 290k to 600k. I also took two -4s in that time. Should I take another one this week with the cash or wait till the week after and avoid hits?

  14. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hey Sam is that your sister in the pic?
    Very cute!

  15. Moose™
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Any ideas lads?

    Ryan Button

    TAA Soyuncu Lundy Rico Simpson

    Mane KdB Alli Grealish Cantwell

    Vardy Rashy Tammy

    1FT & 0 ITB

    Looking to get rid of Alli, Rashy, and Tammy. But, Rashy and Tammy have good fixtures.

    However, UTD without midfield Rashy might struggle imo.

    Ryan Alli Rashy - - - > McCarthy Salah DCL (-8)

    Stay away from keyboard?

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I'd probably keep Tammy and Rash for this gameweek and get rid of them before dgw

      1. Moose™
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah. Same thought. Thanks mate

  16. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    First XI is set. Would you use FT to change your bench player or just save FT?
    Im thinking about Targett > Holgate but he will be on my bench this GW anyway.

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

      Save FT. Will come in handy soon enough.

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

      I'm considering Targett --> Holgate this week, but that's because Holgate looks like a significant upgrade on Kelly/Targett/Aurier this week, so will definitely be in my first XI. In your case I'd save I think. 2FT next week could be extremely useful!

    3. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      cheers guys

  17. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Do people think DCL is the real deal? Those fixtures look great but still a bit worried he's a bad game away from being dropped/replaced in the window.

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Surely Ancelotti has his eye on a January striker but if they keep the 442, surely Keane will be dropped

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

      I still doubt it a bit. Still wait and see imo.

    3. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I’m a toffee. He looks a different player at the moment. Really hungry.
      Sadly I don’t have room for him for a few weeks.
      Think I’m going Moura > Richarlison this week.

      People said Ings was one game away from an injury. Look what has happened there.

      1. StoichkovFPL
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Waiting for injury/5th YC etc is diferent than opinion what a player can do.
        Im not saying he is bad pick but I would hold just a bit longer.

        1. The 12th Man
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Calvert Lewin has shown form though and with good fixtures coming up , why not?

          I’d only move to him if one of your strikers needs moving.
          Eg my strikers are Rashford,Jimenez and Vardy. I can’t drop any of those before next week is played out but come week 24 I may need to move funds from one of those to fund Mane or Robertson. So I’m waiting a little longer too.

          If one has a player like Kane I’d jump straight on DCL or Ings .

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

      Im not convinced yet

  18. Planet Head
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Mini leagues still not updated. What the actual?

    1. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      they are

      1. Nutella
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Not H2Hs

  19. rodragon
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Maupay to dcl for free or save?

  20. Mr_Barbs
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Any of these worth a transfer this week? 2FT and got exact funds before price rises

    Ramsdale > Fabs
    Maupay > DCL

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Soyuncu, Sidibe
    Salah, KDB, Martial, Maddison, Traore
    Vardy, Ings

    McGovern, Lundstram, Maupay, Kiko

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Considering the same, but then again its WH defence and Maupay actually looked good in last few games. I think returns are around the corner for him.

  21. In a Rush
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    1ft nothing Itb
    Willems ➡️ Holgate or Fredericks

  22. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Last few weeks have been good but they need to be even better.

    What would you say is the biggest problem here? Best upgrade?

    Ramsdale Martin
    TAA Soy Kelly Guilbert Lund
    Salah KdB Alli Grealish Dendo
    Vardy Rash Maupay

    1,6 itb, 2ft

    1. In a Rush
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Maybe get rid of the villa defender to Sidibe

      1. iL PiStOlErO
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Considering that move. Maybe also Maupay to Calvert. Will see, cheers.

        1. In a Rush
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Yes that’s also a good option but I would be happier to hold Maupay rather than Guilbert. Although I guess you don’t really need to play him with your other options.

          1. iL PiStOlErO
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            All true, thanks.

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

      with 2ft i'd start to think how you want to play the liverpool and west ham double GW and perhaps tailor your moves towards that plan. You team is fine so no major surgery needed so just think if you want a Liverpool def or Mid, the latter will need more planning as harder to get Mane in

      1. iL PiStOlErO
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Will consider it, glad to hear nothing major is wrong here. Cheers mate.

  23. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on my injury?

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      You are one month out, maybe more my friend. I hope your Son will make us proud.

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

    need to raise fund to do Alli to Mane, which move looks best to do so:

    A) Grealish to Traore/Cantwell
    B) Maddo to Sarr
    C) Lundstram to fodder, Willams prob the best

    Fabianski
    TAA Soy XXX (Rico, Kelly)
    Mane KDB Salah Grealish/Maddo XXX
    Vardy Maupay (Greenwood)

    Hopefully the FA cup throws me a bone with a clue but at the moment, its torn between A and B

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

      sorry whats all the xxx's and why is mane already in your team? how much money you need and whats in the bank? Losing grealish or maddison is bad I wouldnt do that.

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

        apologies, its not clear, the XXXX were meant to be the players listed in the options to create my final team. I failed! i need to find 0.7m from the current team to get alli to mane

        Fab
        TAA Soy Lund Rico Kelly
        Alli KDB Salah Grealish Maddo
        Vardy Maupay Greenwood

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

          Thanks, well weak points imo are:
          - Kelly
          - Rico
          - Maupay
          and ofc Alli

          Trying to free up cash from those would be ideal imo and wouldnt damage your team. I dont have fantasy open but how much is Maupay? Maybe something like Maupay>DCL or Deulofeu, and if you still need more do Kelly or Rico to cheapest playing defender, maybes thats enuf?

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

            DLC and Maupay are the same price so Maupay down is to the likes of Ayew or Mousset which isnt great.

            Likewise, sale price on Kelly and rico is 4.2 so cant squeeze enough. Fab to McCarthney leaves me 0.1 short so then can downgrade Rico/Kelly but thats for a -8

    2. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A, (Traore) out of those

  25. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    So the Foxes have Saints at home this time.

    So it has to be at least 10-0! _Easy this Fantasy stuff innit.

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

      Ings to get 10?

  26. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Fabianski or Ryan the better pick?

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Ryan, still don't think WH are able to keep a lot of cs.

      1. St Pauli Walnuts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Those save points might make up for it though

        1. iL PiStOlErO
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          True. But if I have to choose between those two it would be Ryan.

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

          lol, the fab love around here is unreal. Its clearly a bad move, no idea what you guys r thinking. Get him in for a double where he has horrendous fixtures and surrounding fixtures not great either?
          Just because its a double doesnt mean you should load up on cack. I will eat my hat if Fab outscores Fosters single GW score that week.

          1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            What sort of hat?

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

              like an Aintree hat with fruit on it 😀

          2. St Pauli Walnuts
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            I didn't say he would, just that he might. I don't make outlandish statements of perceived that might result in me eating hats you see, it's a dreadful business.

            As it happens though, I agree with you on people looking at bringing in other West Ham players just for the DGW. My point is that Fabianski is the keeper most suited to poor fixtures in the league, there aren't many who can score reasonably well in those scenarios He is under 5 mil to boot and with a manager bounce and one that favours defensive pragmatism. I guess that is what people are thinking.

            1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              Great retort sir. 🙂

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

              fair enuf

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Ryan for me in the long run

    3. Reiger
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Ryan is best in the long run

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

      Ryan

    5. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Fabianski = 4 clean sheets in 8 games

      Ryan = 5 clean sheets in 21 games

      Those numbers tell a story, and Fab makes saves as well and is usually a bap magnet

  27. Nutella
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one please:

    A) TAA (tot)
    B) Soy (SOU)
    C) Lundy (WHU)
    D) Sidibe (BHA)

    1. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I have those 4 and am benching Soy (mostly down to owning Ings)

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

      B or D, too hard

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

      Soy, Ings will score

      1. StoichkovFPL
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I have Ings but think this GW he wont score 🙂

    4. The_Fish
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

  28. rodragon
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Maupay to dcl with my ft?

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

      i feel Maupay is a hold for a few more weeks

      1. Reiger
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        This

  29. The_Fish
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is it possible to see top 10k chip use stats?

    Had a look on livefpl but couldn't see it.

    1. Reiger
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      From the left-hand menu, Top 10K, then Live Top 10K Statistics

    2. The_Fish
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks chaps

  30. MadeinIreland
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone done any double / blank game week planning yet on when 8s best to use the chips?

    I understand navigating the game weeks is likely to be easier this year so is it best to just use TC on the upcoming DGW?

    Cheers...

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

      Im doing:
      - TC in 24
      - Free hit second double
      - Wilcard one week prior and bench boost third double
      - Blanks, im just going to ride the storm as best I can. Not using free hit on a blank.

      Do we actually know how many double game weeks there could be? Theres normally 3 I think most season right?

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I think TC in 24 is a must - if you wait for a better opportunity, you end up having to TC someone like Duffy :-D. For the others, keep hold for now and wait 5o see how the blanks/DGWs pan out. Strategy for these will be all anyone talks about on here for weeks soon, so you aren't going to miss it!