Podcast

Meet the Manager #20 – Utkarsh Dalmia (Zophar666)

With seven top 5,000 finishes, including a career-best rank of 17th, Utkarsh Dalmia (aka FFscout Pro-Pundit Zophar666) is no stranger to finishing the season in style.

In fact, since he started playing in 2009/10, he has never finished lower than 30,179.

But while his track record is stunning he advocates a patient philosophy of minimising risk in the transfer market and keeping a close eye on squad structure.

His chat with fellow self-proclaimed “dullard” Joe takes in the importance of price points, team balance as well as trying to minimise bad luck and the risk of a rotten Gameweek.

But such a balanced approach needs to be flexible. This is something he is having to deal with this season as he attempts to avert his first poor ranking finish in an illustrous FPL career.

Zophar also discusses how his usual big at the back philosophy involving premium defenders has had to be tweaked this year with such an array of budget options with potential for points at both ends of the pitch.

He also chats about his epic season when finishing 17th in the world and how playing his own game, surrounded by social media ‘noise’ and the pressure of so many friends now involved, has altered how he approaches the game.

The changing game, involving rotation and a wealth of captainable assets, is also covered.

As is an awareness that luck is an FPL manager’s greatest friend, or enemy. As Zophar says about Fantasy managers’ ability to truly influence the game: “I’m not the one on the pitch scoring the goals.”

The chat with Utkarsh is available to view on Youtube in the embedded video below.

Previous Meet the Manager video interviews can be found here.

Make sure you subscribe to our Youtube channel to receive alerts to all our new videos.

The series is also available as a podcast and on Soundcloud. These are available in the second and third players below.

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

317 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Bergwijn price prediction?

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

      7.5 reasonable?

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah probably

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      7 mil

    3. NielsvanDelft
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      7.0 will be reasonable, he usually doesn't show up in the big games. All of his goals and assists this year came against really weak opponents. So don't expect too much of him

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Is he any good?

        1. NielsvanDelft
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah I like his style of play, lacks in finishing though. But he is enjoyable to watch and has really quick feet, just needs to improve on his end product

    4. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      As a forward or mid?

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        mid

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

    Bruno to United confirmed by Fabrizio Romano..

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

      What do you think price will be? I’d say 8.5m

  3. SirT83
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Doubling my Liverpool defense.
    Van Dijk or Robbo?

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

      Not enough funds. Might just get VVD imo. But, Robbo more fun to own.

      1. SirT83
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I got the funds. 4.0itb

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

      Robbo if you have the funds

      1. SirT83
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Got the funds.

    3. Lukakuna
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Van for security of starts

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

    BRUNOOOOOOOO!!

    I'm so damn excited about him!

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

      Martial as FPL pick seems good again.. Imagined all the threaded passes by Bruno..

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

        United have a great run of fixtures around after GW30.
        We have time to assess.

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

        I bloody hope so

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

      How long until United ruin him?

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

        Dream on

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

          Don't get me wrong, I don't want it, but it's what always seems to happen.

    3. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Why? Every player who goes to ManU usually under performs. Also, what can be expected fro the "best player" in the Portuguese league?

      1. Long ago I drew a walrus
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Not expecting another CR7 but I'd argue that Nani/Anderson at their peak were a class above what we've currently got

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

      Fingers crossed bro.
      We really needed a creative cm. Good buy from United. One more CDM is needed now

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

        I think we're moving in the right direction. It was never going to be a quick fix with the problems we have.
        But atleast Ole is making the right signings and not going for panic transfers like Sanchez, Fred etc.

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

          Agreed

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

      Let's hope he takes to the premier league quicker than Pepe.

  5. NielsvanDelft
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What are the thoughts about JWP and KWP (if he joins Southampton) for their fixtures after Liverpool?
    JWP too expensive? KWP a nice option as a 4.4 instead of Stephens?

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      KWP keep an eye.
      JWP never

  6. rdpx
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    New post! I wondered why no-one was replying...

    A. Auba, Perez, Gomez
    B. Auba, Fleck, VVD
    C. Aguero, Fleck, Gomez

    ?

    (All -4)
    (All dropping Mané and losing £0.4m)

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

      B

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Wait for Auba news on Barcelona. Also misses GW28.

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

      B out of those., but you’re getting 2 players with a blank gw28

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

      GW28 blanks thanks

      About to get on a very long flight will have 5 hours at LAX to think about it...

    5. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B with Hayden?

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

    What would you do with that team as I have no Salah?

    Unfortunately only 1ft and 0itb.

    1. Save ft, play the team below and bench Mane
    2. Get Salah for Mane and one of those for -4
    a) Alli/Maddison-> Hayden
    b) Alli/Maddison-> Traore
    c) Soy - > Lasceles
    3. Do A, B or C from above and bench Mane
    4. Vardy, Maddison-> Auba/Kun, Hayden/Traore for -4 (bench Mane)

    McCarthy
    Vvd - TAA - Lund
    Grealish- Alli - KDB- Maddison
    Vardy - DCL - Ings

    Mane, Soy, Kelly

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

      2C

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

    Is anyone hoping on the Matt Ritchie Train?

    Good fixtures, set pieces, penalties, 0.6% ownership.

    I like the look of this punt

    1. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Thought about it, but feels too much for a Newcastle defender. Especially if going with double Liverpool defence.

    2. suddenorgan
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      If I was on WC he'd be in my team, unfortunately so far down the list of priorities that he'll have to wait until GW28

    3. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Definitely on peno’s you reckon?

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

        He is their number 1 penalty taker for sure .

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

      Yeah

  9. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Villa going to final is a real spanner in works for my wildcard team.

    Was set to have Hendo, Lund, Grealish and probably Kdb, Aguero and Auba aswell. Atm it looks like they all will have blank gw28.

    Fingers crossed for dgw26.

    1. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Aguero + Auba DGW then get rid before 28 is the dream

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Probably doing Aguero & Grealish -> Dcl & Mane in gw28. If I plan carefully that bgw won't affect much

        1. Long ago I drew a walrus
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          DCL has terrible fixtures. Vardy, Jimenez, Ings all have great runs 28 and beyond and so does Auba after the blank.

        2. Long ago I drew a walrus
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Also, are you going double LIV for the next few weeks? Otherwise, would need to do third LIV out before hand as well. Will be tricky

          1. S.Kuqi
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            True. Going for dpuble pool def+salah. Forgot that I need sell one of the defs.

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

      Don't think GW 26 will be a dgw.
      Winter break.
      If anything, 25 will be the one IMO

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Dgw25 would be even better. No time for my rivals to prepare

  10. Ady87
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Line up okay for this week? Would you make any transfers? £0.6m ITB.

    Ryan
    TAA Gomez Lund Lascelles (Stephens)
    Salah KDB Grealish Fleck (Traore)
    Aguero Jiminez (Ings)

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I’d play Traore over Fleck

  11. SHOOTER MCGINN
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Only just realised the Liverpool game isn't on TV tonight. What a let down.

    1. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Extended highlights 10:15pm on Sky

    2. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I think I'm mostly happy about that! 😆

  12. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best move with 2FTs? Thanks 🙂

    A. Soy >> Fernandez
    B. Rico >> Lascelles
    C. Mané+Greenwood >> Hayden+Agüero
    D. Mané+Maupay >> Traoré+Agüero

    McCarthy
    TAA • Lunds • Rico • Soy
    KDB • Salah • Grealish • Mahrez
    Vardy • Maupay
    (McGov. Greenwood. Aurier. Mané*)

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

      They all make sense. Wait for this dgw news etc. C looks least likely to go wrong. I'd go B over A if you need another gw28 player.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        C means losing the player of the season though?

        A allows the following, B doesn’t but keeps me a GW28 player.

        GW25: Soy >> Fernandez
        GW26: Mahrez+Greeny >> Ings+Hayden
        GW27: Maupay >> Jimmy

  13. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Some United fans have the audacity to compare Bruno with de Bruyne. I've seen enough, time to log off twitter.

    1. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I know, will take a while for KDB to get up to Bruno's level

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

        +1

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

      Could turn out to be more Pepe than De Bruyne...let's just wait and see how he settles in the premier league.

  14. Bagayokeso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on WC?

    McCarthy
    Trent-Robbo-O'Connell-Egan
    Salah-KDB-Grealish-Traore
    Auba-Vardy

    McGovern-Ings-Hayden-Williams
    0.5m ITB

  15. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Auba/Aguero or stick with Vardy?

  16. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Curious about what the likely effect of the winter break will be. Does it tend to change things up in other leagues? Is a short fortnight too short to make any difference?

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

      Much needed break for those who are part of UCL/Europa League

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

        Wolves is one club I’m pondering. They’ve got a really thin squad and are back to back in 27/8.

    2. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not really sure how it will affect them but it can only be a good thing. A full 2 weeks off versus not getting it at all should be really good for the mind and body you'd imagine.

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

        You’d think so

        But the thought crossed my mind that it can disrupt rhythm too. Take a player in really hot form and take him out for a couple and things might conceivably turn around.

        I know injury - and rough fixtures had a part - but Vardys break hasn’t been positive so far!

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

          Everyone has the break so can’t see how it will affect any particular club more than another so makes no difference fpl wise.

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

      Less muscle injuries maybe

  17. Lukakuna
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on Martial? Great replacement for Mané or trap?

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Good IMO

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

      I have him and would not buy

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

        Why?

    3. suddenorgan
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      given his pattern of doing well in home games the Burnley result was kind of worrying, Wolves and Watford the next two, both decent at the moment..

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

        Fixtures are even worse than they look yeah!

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

      Just sold on WC, watch their last couple of prem games without Rashford, no threat whatsoever.

  18. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    If there is a dgw25/26 what would you do to your team?

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

      Nothing, skip that DGW.

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Triple captain KDB!!! Oh wait 🙁

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

      Can’t see it happening

  19. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    We are at a point where big decisions are made.
    With blank GW28 do you want ShefU players?
    Is Lund viable any more?
    Can we take the easy way out and triple up on VVD TAA Robbo and Laporte (3 from 4)
    Do we move early with Auba when he might be playing Barcelona?
    Without a FH chip how many players minimum for GW28?
    Is using a WC silly when we don't know the outcome of FA cup?
    Are you about to regret having 2 Everton assets atm/ (Holgate and DCL)
    Do we go for broke and get 3 Citeh and if so do we keep a 6 mil player benched to cover rotation?
    If Auba goes will we create a Martinelli bandwagon?
    Are we taking new player risks (Bruno F)
    What are the chances of a large portion of our teams only playing 1 game in a double GW?

    1. Bagayokeso
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Are we overthinking?

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Not really. I am sure you will tick 8 of the 11 boxes relating to consideration.

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

      That is a lot of questions

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        And many answers too that could determine success or failure.

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

      Yes but only one.
      Lund is viable but going for a safer choice in DEF.
      Double Liverpool defence, avoid City defence.
      Auba will stay.
      Should get 11 out for GW28 pretty easily.
      WC is fine without knowing outcome of FA Cup, looking at the ties, I don’t think FH will be needed, will just go through the game week with whatever team we can field.
      I would regret having two Everton assists, but I don’t have any.
      3 city is too much IMO, KDB the only option for me.
      New signings are a wait and see.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks for the reply buddy.

  20. suddenorgan
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    more and more tempted to stick with Mane as I am struggling to find a single midfielder worthy of a -4 besides Salah who I have already

    1. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Think it's probably easier to stick if you own Salah.

      Will just be super annoying if he misses Norwich as well.

      Son has Villa in GW26 but it's City up next...

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

        I think Son is the only one I'd consider but don't really trust Spurs.. I would have to play Cantwell or sidibe this week if I keep

  21. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Triple wolves too much? Doherty Traoré and Jimenez...

    1. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Hard to say no to Traore and Jimenez given the form they're in, the consistent points and the upcoming fixtures.

      Still not massively convinced by Doherty just because of the price really.

      I'm on double Liverpool defence though so a bit harder

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I still think Doherty will return some returns soon was very close vs Pool with that header at the back post... He may come into a bit of form..

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

      Yeah would avoid defence tbh

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

        Prefer two Liverpool defence then a rotation of SHU, NEW and SOU as cheaper options with good chances of clean sheets.

  22. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What would you do about Mahrez, Vardy and Mane??

    1. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Keep, keep and keep

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Keep Keep Sell

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

      Wouldn’t consider owning, keep and sell.

  23. I Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    So what I'm hearing is don't use any transfers yet because there's a slight possibility of DGW25 or 26?

    1. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah, apparently it should be announced either today or tomorrow if it happens, best to wait if you can

  24. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I have Mane, bought at 11.6m (SP 11.9m now) and long term would rather him than Salah (who I also currently own) I think to go for double defence.

    How much further would you expect Mane price to drop? 0.4 in drops and if I sell now I get him back same price... could be more beneficial than benching?

    Also if I go for someone like Traoré, frees up a lotttt of funds. Enough for DCL to Auba / Aguero for example

  25. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Dubravka
    Alex-Arnold Van Dijk O’Connell Doherty
    DeBruyne Salah Grealish
    Aubameyang Jimenez Ings

    McCarthy Traoré Mooy Taylor

    Play Doherty or Traoré? Man Utd look toothless without Rashford, so think wolves could get a clean sheet I think playing all 3 is too much..

  26. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Thinking of taking Ings out for a 1 week punt but who for out of these?

    a. DCL
    b. Jimmy
    c. Deeney

    Would look at Bringing Ings back fro GW26

    d. Just bench him and play 5 mids?

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      If no value built in Ings then could do b.

      However I’m playing Ings

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

        0.1 so not that fussed

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

      C.wilson, one week punt

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

        nah what about Maupay?

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

        Definitely not this

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

      Probably not with the 2Ft but Jimenez if you must

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

    Wldcard Tinker, can i grab your thoughts?

    Dubravka
    TAA Robbo Egan Stevens
    KDB Salah Grealish
    Jimmy Ings Kun

    McCarthy Lascelles Hayden Dendonker

    Am i best to do Robbo to VVD to get Dendonker to Fleck?

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

      Yep do the moves

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

        cheers, rest looks good?

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

          Not a fan of double SHU defence.

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

            you want a triple with Hendo?

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

              Haha nah your good to go lad

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

            Agree with this, one is enough

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

    How many is mane expected to miss from current news?

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      After tonight’s game, one GW. But could also miss Norwich game after that given UCL v Atleti 2 days later

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

      at least the next 1 or 2 at a push

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

        Thanks both might hold

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

      Probably Southampton. Maybe a bench appearance Vs NOR.

  29. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Salah injury incoming tonight. A feeling.