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

    So which teams are going to blank in 28 then? SHU, Villa, M.city and arsenal?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Nailed it

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Assuming Man City go through tonight, of course.

  2. G Banger
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Advice on this lot?

    Henderson
    TAA Kelly Lundy
    KDB Salah (C) Grealish Cantwell*
    Vardy DCL Jimenez

    Button Soyunco Stephens Mane*

  3. Neo-Viper
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Mane to who? so as to upgrade a defender to Robbo

    McCarthy Button
    Taa Soy Lundstram Rico Williams
    KDB Salah Mane** Grealish Dendo
    Vardy Jimmy Ings

  4. bigdip
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Help pls! Already to took hit to bring in Aguero (before Mane news broke).

    Which TWO players from my bench should I start whilst Mane is on the mend on my bench:

    A) Ings (Away to Liverpool)
    B) Lundstram (Away to Crystal Palace)
    C) Fleck (Away to Crystal Palace)
    D) Kelly (Home to Southampton)
    E) Targett (Away to Bournemouth)

    1. Guru Mediation
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Read the comments we posted on other page. Bench Mane and stop early transferring/chasing price rises/drops

      1. bigdip
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        bench for who???

        1. Guru Mediation
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          A); C); B); E); D) would be my order.

          That's a great bench so no need for a hit

        2. Guru Mediation
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Apologies for the rude post

      2. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Looks like he has

        1. Guru Mediation
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          fair

      3. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Obviously didn't read this post.

        I'd play AD or AD depending on how you see the games going

        1. Guru Mediation
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          yep

          1. bigdip
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            thanks all

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

      Before the news broke? Him going off injured was the give away mate.

      A and C.

  5. Jones Kusi
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Would you sell Mane for Salah if I sell Mane for 11.9? I will miss 2 good captain fixtures if not.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      If you can afford it just do it.

  6. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I wildcarded and forgot I had Haller tonight

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Understandable

    2. Ady87
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Just checking that you know playing WC won't make a difference to Haller playing tonight?

      1. Ady87
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Or have I misunderstood ha

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

        I know that, but because I’m concentrating on WC I forgot..

        1. Ady87
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I did the same with Firmino and playing my WC. Need a haul.

    3. Jarnathan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      What difference does it make? Would you have kept him if he scores?

  7. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Ryan (rams)
    Lund taa simpson (sidibe soy)
    Tarore kdb mane salah (martial)
    Maupay dcl vardy

    Which?

    A) WC
    B) mane simpson -4 to robo grelish/fleck
    C) mane maupay/vardy -4 to auba grealish-fleck/son
    D) martial simpson -4 to grealish/fleck 5.4/7.1 def.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B with Greal

  8. Ady87
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Any thoughts on Jorginho as 5th Mid at £4.9m (If Fleck is 4th Mid)?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Criminally underlooked on here

      1. Jarnathan
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Is he good enough to play as a 4th mid though?

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

      I looked at this but went Mooy as he’s playing more of a 10 role..

    3. Ady87
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Has Tammy been on the pitch when he's taken their pens? Can't remember.

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah was last game, think he’s nailed on penalties but no different to Noble..

    4. Morph - Unbelievable Geoff
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Jorginho has only ever missed one penalty (excluding shoot-outs) and on that occasion he scored the rebound.

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Good knowledge

  9. EWH2020
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    a) Mane to Son -4
    b) Mane to Fleck -4
    c) Bench Mane and hope for the best

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Easy C

    2. Klein
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      For 1 week its easy. But will he play Norwich? 3 days between athletico and nor.

  10. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is there no live hall of fame anymore?

  11. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Who would you rather have for GW25 only?

    a. Jimmy
    b. Ings
    c. Deeney
    d. DCL
    e. Other?

    Other 2 strikers are Kun & Vardy.

    8.7 to spend

    Cheers

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Wilson

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Maupay

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

    I know Wildcarding early depends on circumstances but still feel it'll be a hindrance to a high rank this season.

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Hindrance?

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Time will tell I guess, but there's always more than one way to skin a cat.

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

        True.

        p.s. Waiting how long it will take before some do gooders to want the phrase "skin a cat" banned and make it into a social media campaign, 😀

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          True - maybe "shave a peach"?

          1. Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Though is there more than one way to do this? I need to give this more thought.

    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Might well be beneficial, but top 10k looking pretty far away for me this year so nothing to lose.

    4. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      As a wolves fan, What are your thoughts on Doherty? Is he worth getting on WC for the upcoming fixtures or should I avoid and downgrade..

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

        He is threatening to haul but luck's not going his way. It's a 50-50 decision in my view.

    5. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Planning for BB is more likely to be a hindrance

  13. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    JNO missed the double deadline, only had 2 pool and captained Vardy. Just wow 😮

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Who?

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      JNO?

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Who?

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

      Just some fpl expert whos pumped out thousands of youtube videos on fantasy lol
      (he is on the wildcats youtube stream as well)
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2c6-HWgz-E

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Sounds more like "has too much time on his hands" than an "expert"

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

          Yea, he has been doing it a long time, probably one of the orginals making fpl videos tbh.
          Theres so much stuff on youtube these days you really need to be able to filter the good from the bad. Not saying JNO is bad, but missing a double deadline when you have been making videos about what to do in the double is a bizarre mistake.
          He somehow got away with it and is on 56 points

          1. Fulchester's New Centr…
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Might have done it on purpose to generate "buzz"

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

              lol :p

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

        Just another YouTube channel related to FPL 🙄

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

          I think it crosses everyones mind at some point lol, setting up a channel ^^
          PlanetFPL is very good imo, James has unrivalled football knowledge

          1. Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            I wouldn't be so arrogant to think that anyone would care that much about my opinions on a regular basis, but it's a different world nowadays I guess.

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

              Yea, some advice is easy to give. But a lot is subjective and depends on your personal preference. Like some guy on here the other week b4 the city, palace game showed me he got in Tosun and capped lol. I laughed but tbh cant criticise it if thats what he wants, I was captaining Ings. Ings blanked, Tosun scored 😀

        2. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Might as well watch Ryan's World for insight

  14. The Left Duke #3
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    1 FT 0.0 ITB

    Guaita McCarthy
    TAA Robbo Soyuncu Lundstram Rico
    Salah KDB Traore Grealish Noble
    Vardy Abraham* Ings

    A) Abraham to Jimenez (even tho i got rid 2 weeks ago)
    B) Just bench Abraham for Ings or go 451

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A - forget the past

  15. G Banger
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Forgot to say 1FT and 0.0 ITB, would you do anything to this?

    Henderson
    TAA Kelly Lundy
    KDB Salah (C) Grealish Cantwell*
    Vardy DCL Jimenez

    Button Soyunco Stephens Mane*

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Not much you can do. I'd be inclined to shift Soy to a NUFC def and play him.

      1. G Banger
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Was having similar thoughts, cheers

  16. Frank944
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Tomori to:

    A) Soyuncu and keep 0.3 ITB
    B) Evans and keep 0.0 ITB
    C) Tarkowski and keep 0.2 ITB
    D) Dunk and keep 0.5 ITB
    E) Cathcart and keep 0.9 ITB
    F) Lascelles and keep 1.1 ITB

    Thanks!!

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Dial up?

      F

  17. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Anything worth a hit here or G2G as it stands for GW25?

    5.5itb 0FT
    McCarthy
    TAA, Lunds, Holgate
    Salah (C), KDB, Martial, Grealish
    Vardy (v), DCL, Ings
    (McGovern) (Cantwell, Soy, Williams)

    Cheers

    (P.S. Can't wait for the tension of glory or FPL failure of tonight's Salah TC 😀 )

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I'm on TAA (TC), feel it could make or break the season

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I think you’ll do very well. As a TAA owner I’m happy for him to do well as long as he is assisting a Salah mega haul 😉

  18. Shineonme
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Will Aub even start against Burnley ?

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

      Why wouldn't he? Fully rested.

  19. Sadio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    May go maverick this week with Grealish (C) over the Liverpool options.

    Don't see too many other options.

  20. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    This might not be the right forum but I wanted to organise a weekly mini league; something like scout picks. The difference is maximum 80 mil budget for 15 players at current prices. 5 GBP per entry. As many entries as you like. Winner take all weekly. No profit taking, only bank charges if any. Paid out 24 hours after the final whistle.
    I guess the post will be held back if out of order.

  21. Netters2018
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Best midfielder up to 9m, really struggling to find a 5th to go in my 352 formation.

    Already have KDB Salah Grealish, Traore.

    Any ideas please?

    1. Jullepuu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Mahrez could be good if he is confirmed fit