Pro Pundits - Zophar

What the EFL Cup final means for FPL teams in Blank Gameweek 28

Fantasy Premier League managers will have to factor an EFL Cup final between Aston Villa and Manchester City into their plans for future Gameweeks.

The Wembley encounter clashes with the Sunday of Gameweek 28, forcing Villa and City’s matches to be postponed to a later (or potentially earlier date).

What does it mean for our Fantasy teams? Well, not only will the players of those two clubs be fixtureless that weekend, the assets from Sheffield United and Arsenal, their respective Blank Gameweek 28 opponents, will be out of action too.

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Investment in the Gunners generally has remained at a minimum this season (although many are considering Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.7m) in for Jamie Vardy (£9.9m) right now) but assets from the other three teams – Kevin De Bruyne (£10.6m), John Lundstram (£5.1m), Dean Henderson (£5.0m) and Jack Grealish (£6.7m) are all in a large number teams. Furthermore, many of us have value tied up in them too.

That means that you will find it hard to sell these types of players as they will likely have a corresponding Double Gameweek in the future and it could cost a lot to buy them back in. There have been murmurs of a possible Double Gameweek 25 or Double Gameweek 26 but I am ignoring that for now as there is nothing concrete at the time of writing.

With Blank Gameweek 31 expected to ravaged by FA Cup postponements, as detailed by this article, the Free Hit chip is probably best saved for then. So the challenge for Fantasy managers is how to best position themselves to take advantage of Blank Gameweek 28 using only free transfers and the odd hit(s).

Personally, when it comes to Blank Gameweeks, I’m a firm believer in quality over quantity. Rather than take hits to field a full 11, I try to look for the assets that can go big. Getting just one or two points for showing up is not a significant advantage.

Using the Season Ticker in the Members area, I have deleted the fixtures for the four blanking teams (Villa, Sheffield United, Manchester City and Arsenal).

As expected, Liverpool sit top of the pile and it goes without saying that you should look to optimise your quota of three players. Leicester’s Gameweek 28 fixture at Norwich means that Vardy is a potential captain candidate that week and should probably be retained despite his dip in form. Defensively though, the Foxes’ fixtures do not look very promising.

Southampton seem a great team to target at both ends of the pitch after their visit to Anfield in Gameweek 25 is out of the way. Not much needs to be said about Danny Ings (£7.0m) but the likes of Nathan Redmond (£6.2m) could be a good pick as he tops the expected goal involvement (xGI) (1.05) amongst their midfielders.

Newcastle, sitting second in the ticker, are unpredictable at the best of times but, in attack, Miguel Almirón (£5.8m), at under 5% ownership, could be an effective differential.

The fit-again Jamaal Lascelles (£4.2m) looks a better bet though, with the Newcastle captain carrying significant goal threat from set-pieces as detailed by Tom Freeman in his article this week.

Elsewhere, Burnley have decent fixtures leading up to Gameweek 28 and have rediscovered their mojo.

Chris Wood (£6.2m) has the potential to deliver across this run, only Gerard Deulofeu (£6.1m) (12), Raul Jiménez (£7.6m) (12), Gabriel Jesus (£9.5m) (15) and Roberto Firmino (9.6m) (17)  have taken more shots in the box than the Kiwi (11) over the last four Gameweeks amongst forwards.

Only Sergio Agüero (£12m) (six) has scored more goals than his three too. The Gameweek 27 fixture against Bournemouth looks the best time to hop on an emerging Wood bandwagon.

Chelsea are another team with a great fixture in Gameweek 28 (Bournemouth away) but the preceding fixtures are not the best. Bit of a ‘don’t buy don’t sell’ situation there at the moment with form also not the best, especially at home. Tammy Abraham’s (£7.7m) injury is a concern as well.

While the likes of Brighton and Palace have good fixtures on paper, they are inconsistent and don’t score many goals so I see the ceiling for their attackers as quite low. Wolves’ Europa League campaign resumes after the Leicester game and given how badly it dented their reliability early on in the campaign, I’m a bit wary of their assets as well. This might be overthinking on my part though, admittedly.

In summary – don’t be worried if you can’t field 11 during Blank Gameweek 28. It’s not worth shipping out reliable assets such as De Bruyne or Henderson for. Lundstram might be expendable though, depending on whether he loses his spot full-time to the resurgent Muhamed Bešić (£4.4m).

In terms of my own team, I am inclined to ship the injured Sadio Mané (£12.3m). Though he is tipped to be back for the Norwich game in Gameweek 26, Liverpool play Atletico Madrid away on the Tuesday. The turnaround time between fixtures is the shortest possible so I really don’t think Klopp risks aggravating the Senegalese’s hamstring by starting him twice in a space of 72 hours.

Firmino’s aforementioned stats of late have been great so switching to the Brazilian using the two free transfers is an option with someone like Redmond or Adama Traoré (£5.8m) to come in midfield. I’m more inclined to double-up in defence though with Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) coming in for Çaglar Söyüncü (£5.0m) and Son Heung-min (£9.9m) for Mané.

Only Salah (16) has taken more shots than the Korean’s 13 amongst midfielders for the past four Gameweeks. Robertson has created just one fewer chance (seven) than Trent Alexander Arnold’s eight over this period as well.

That would still leave me with two Manchester City players, Lundstram and Grealish, as well as Kelly which is not an ideal situation, but still manageable with three free transfers to use before the Gameweek 28 deadline. This is how I’m currently setup before the weekend’s team news.

Which FPL assets topped goal threat, creativity and clean sheets this month?
1,016 Comments Post a Comment
  1. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Which do you prefer?
    A) Lundstram, Redmond and firmino
    B) Robertson, son and greenwood

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

      B

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

      Umm... None really, A if any

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Feel like I need to utilise the 3rd liverpool spot.
        So, it's Robbo or firmino really

    3. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

    4. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

      None for me. Lunds days look numbered and Greenwood won't start the weekend imo

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I already have those two. So I guess it's more
        A) robbo and son
        B) Redmond and firmino

  2. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Current team (WC active) 0.0 itb:

    McCarthy
    Lund Ward Robbo
    Grealish KDB Salah(c) Pérez Traoré
    Aubam Vardy

    Bench: Button Maupay Lascelles Stephens

    Advises?

    1. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Ward and Perez risky enough picks and people seem to think Lundstram place is in doubt with new signing too

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

        Maybe I can do Pérez to Ward prowse and Ward to Baldock

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

      Maybe just Ward to Charlie Taylor?

    3. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Perez and Maupay -> Hayden & Ings/Jimenez? You could go o Connell for Lund.

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

    Start ings or lundstram?

    Already playing baldock and fleck

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

      Ings can score

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Ings

  4. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Best option please?

    McCarthy
    Lundstram TAA Rico Kelly Soy
    Salah Fleck KDB Mane* Dendoncker
    Vardy Jimi Ings

    A. Mane > Grealish
    B. Mane & Kelly > Robertson & Grealish (-4)
    C. Mane & Jimi > Grealish & Auba
    D. Save and do one next week

  5. AdamJ91
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    McCarthy - Button
    TAA - Soyuncu - Webster - Rico - Reid
    Mane - Salah - KDB - Grealish - Hayden
    Vardy - Ings - Jimenez

    1 FT / 0.2 ITB.

    Soy & Mane > Robbo & Son? (-4)

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

      Just Mane to Son, play TAA, Webster & Rico, you can wait a week to get Robbo.
      I don’t like hit

    2. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I’d do it can repay the -2

      It’s the hit when you might want Mane back that’s worththinking about

  6. DeadStarComing
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Fixture ticker still not showing the blanks? Come on Scout... 🙂

  7. I Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Seeing Lundstram on a lot of benches this week. Good chance of a CS if he starts.

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

      If he starts ?

  8. COLLIN QUANER
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Good evening everyone.

    Would you wildcard this team?

    McCarthy, Button
    TAA, Wan-Bissaka, Lund, Soy, Saiss
    KDB, Salah, Grealish, Cantwell, Mane
    Vardy, DCL, Martinelli

    Hmmm. Very tempted

    1. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      No

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

      Yeah

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

      I would

    4. Up the tics
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Absolutely wouldnt

    5. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      defo

  9. tinear
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Maddison or Martial. Which do you think need to go first?

    1. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Maddison

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Who are you selling for? Both look like holds to me.

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

        Making fund for Mane to Salah. Thinking of Grealish/Traore/Fleck/Mooy. Which one do you think? Or keep Mane and both Maddy and Martial?

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          No I think you need Salah. I would do Maddison to Grealish.

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

            Thanks

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

      Both are good. I picked Martial over Maddison due to fixtures.

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

        Had to lose either one to fund Mane to Salah

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

      Sold both this week - Maddison straight away but could have kept Martial for this week (upgraded his to KDB)

      More tempted by Harvey Barnes than Maddison at the moment given that it frees up 1m +

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

        I could get rid of both but with a hit. Another week for Martial is not bad i guess

  10. Concrete
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Think I’m doing Mane out as have no value tied up and getting in Robertson. Will make the swap back after Norwich

    Will cost a couple of -4 though

    Is this worth it?

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

      Im shifting to Salah atm, with value tied

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

    Pérez or Ward Prowse?

  12. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Any advice appreciated

    In a bit of turmoil after mane TC catastrophe (happy with the decision, it made sense, shocking luck).

    Pope
    VVD Soyuncu Rico 
    Salah mane KDB Grealish 
    Vardy Ings Deeney 

    Button Lundstram Kelly Cantwell 
    1ft 0.4itb

    A) mane to son (then vardy to aguero next week)
    B) mane and deeney to traore and aguero (-4)
    C) above but aubameyang rather than aguero

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

      A

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

      You're need Vardy back for Gw 28

  13. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Rose signs on loan

  14. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Gtg lads? Salah or Kun for captain is a toughie, any thoughts?

    Guaita

    Taa Lundy Rico

    Salah KDB Martial Grealish

    Aguero Firmino Deeney

    Cantwell Soyuncu Stephens

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

      Salah for me.

    2. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero may not start

      1. Babit1967
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Spurs away, surely you’d expect him from the off

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Jesus is very capable.

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

      Man city have near on no chance of catching Liverpool and are safe for a top four slot in the league. They're main aim now is the champions league and cup final. I think Aguero will be rotated in the league to save him for those bigger games.

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

        don't see any imminent risk - next UCL match for MCI is 26th Feb

  15. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Hi...any views on this wildcard please? Looking to bb in 29 when the fixtures align

    Hendo McCarthy
    Taa robbo boly egan Stephens
    Salah kdb grealish traore fleck
    Auba jiminez maupay

    Maupay is a pre existing player and becomes ings gw27. Thanks

  16. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Was looking for a midfielder under 6.0 who will start only in BGWs 28 and 31 and on the bench in other GWs.....newcastle have two good home fixtures in both the BGWs BUR and Villa...

    What do you suggest about bringing in Maxi or Almiron?? or do u fancy any other teams that has gud fixtures in BGWs??

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

      Newcastle might blank in 31

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Is it due to the possible FA cup involvement for NEW and/or VILLA??

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

          Villa are already out, but Newcastle will blank in 31 if they beat Oxford then West Brom in the cup

          1. Eleven Hag
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            ok thanks mate..will stay away then....

  17. CheesyZoot
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Play one:

    A) Rico
    B) Kelly
    C) Greenwood

    Have Grealish (vs Rico)

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

      Sorry I mean play two!

    2. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

    Is a Traoré/Jimenez double up points chasing?

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

      Not really. GW27 onwards everyone will have them.

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

      no

  19. Legohair
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Any news on mane or abraham?

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

      Mane should be fit for Atletico, not sure on Tammy.

      Lampard presser might help.

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

        So he could miss norwich game then? Damn it dunno what to do with him, sellcor keep?

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

          Depends how Klopp wants to play it.

          Give him 20 mins, start, sit it out...

    2. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Id say keep Mane if you have value in him. Tammy easrier to replace

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

        I dont have value at him, if i just knew that he would be ready against norwich, i would keep him. Is klopp having press tomorrow?

  20. Early alternative Free hit plans
    Whazza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I see a lot have already decided to FH in BGW31 as it's likely to be the biggest BGW of the season. However, could we survive BGW31 without using FH and saving it for a juicy DGW instead? I think we could and you should consider it especially if you're on a wildcard! So, bear with me...

    First of, a lot depends on if Liverpool have a fixture in gw31 as they are so good and heavily owned. For that to happen Pool will have to lose vs Shrewsbury or Chelsea in the FA cup. As we know Klopp is going to field the youngsters vs Shrewsbury and not even attend the game himself, so there's a chance we will know about Liverpool's gw31 quite soon. If they do get the job done we will have to wait until the beginning of March when Chelsea play Liverpool. If the youngsters are fielded again vs Chelsea there's every chance Liverpool vs Crystal Palace could take place in gw31.

    But so far there's only two confirmed fixtures. I'm not saying fill your teams with these, but there are plenty of good budget picks to have already. Putting some in your team (even on the bench) could come in very handy.

    The two confirmed fixtures are: WOL-BOU and BUR-WAT

    Wolves: Many have 1-2 already (Jimenez, Traore) and they are looking like season keepers at their price points. Bou at home is as tasty as it gets, although there's a long time to go until gw31. If on WC I'd aim to have both of them and perhaps Boly (4.7) or get a third one with FT before gw31.

    Bou: Meh, Ramsdale at a push? Perhaps get one in using FT if they show some form come gw31.

    Bur: Pope! The second highest-scoring keeper at only 4.6M. If on WC would recommend over Henderson as no blank, while Henderson blanks 28 and 31. Keep in mind, no need for Ramsdale (when it comes to 31) if you have Pope. Then we have Wood (6.2) looking good. A good fourth or fifth defender could be C.Taylor (4.2) having started the last 7.

    Wat: Again, the keeper Foster looks a good pick. In midfield Sarr (6.2) looked great before his injury and should be back by then. Deulofeu/Deeney looking like good options up front already too.

    So if things work out we could quite easily have:

    3 LIV at home to CRY
    3 WOL at home to BOU
    2-3 in BUR-WAT

    That would mean 8-9 players. A strong core right now on WC is 3 LIV and 2 WOL + one of Pope/Ramsdale/Foster. Add a cheap fifth defender (Taylor?) and you already have 7 players for BGW31 and plenty of FTs.

    Take into consideration this is with 7 blanks, when only around 5 are likely. Come on Shrewsbury (or Chelsea later) I guess! 🙂

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

      100% prefer FH34.

      See in the coming weeks how things plan out but I’d happily play 7/8/9 in 31 if it’s a 4/5 game week and save FH.

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Exactly what I'm thinking at the moment. If Spurs beat Southampton we're also guaranteed either Spurs v West Ham or Norwich v Everton depending on who wins the quarterfinal between Spurs and Norwich.

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

      I think they key is how close you can get to the team that the FHers are going to FH to, without killing your team in the weeks before. I think it is probably doable too, but needs a lot of planning and ignoring other good options in the meantime.

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I'm not so sure. If Liverpool are playing most teams already have three of their players and there's nothing wrong with triple Wolves given their run of fixtures. Add Pope and Rico who are already well owned and that's 8 players already.

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

          We seem to be on the same page 🙂 those who currently have no Wolves will need to spend almost half of their transfers from now until 31 on Wolves though. Those who have them already are in a better position, as long as they don't flop for the next few weeks anyway!

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

            As an FH user I guess I will be possibly deadending into 31, WC in 32 and BB 34. Wolves assets coming in after this week. Just worried how EL affects them

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

            Nailed it Jarvish

      2. Bojaninho
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Ignoring the good options is the problem in this case, by the time you get to that bgw, the points you potentially gain have been nullified by the points you have missed out on or even worse.

        if that makes sense

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          But Liverpool and Wolves are good options, not just for the BGW but in the lead up to it as well.

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

        I have only 2 Liverpool players and Wood atm. Henderson in goal and I own Lund snd KdB. So the first issue is to handle bgw28.

        Atm I feel, that there will probably be points also in Spurs vs Whu or Norwich vs Everton. With FH we can get full eleven of decent players into our teams with good fixtures. Those teams that blank gw31 are going to have dgw, which could be time for BB.

        So FH31 should allow preparing for dgw and at least for my team that looks like more doable. When to play WC is another matter.

        1. Whazza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          There will be at least two DGWs though (34 & 37) so you can still BB in one of them and plan for that accordingly. If you have your FH for the other you don't need to focus on both with only two gws between them. I guess WC works too if you keep it for that long.

    4. Lord.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      It is possible to plan for BGW31 with FTs, and Liverpool falling to Chelsea/Shrewsbury in the Cup makes it more appealing, but another option could be wildcard in GW29, when all the blank and DGW fixtures should be known. There might just be scope to set up the Squad to cope with BGW31, and time to adjust for GW34.

      Another factor, particularly if Liverpool progress in the Cup, is whether there is sufficient talent playing in GW31 to make playing the FH chip worthwhile.

      1. Whazza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Very good points.

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

        WOL-BOU, BUR-WAT, LIV-CP and TOT- WHU / NOR-EVE is what we should expect. So let us say FH team could be something like:
        3x Liv + 2-3x Wol,
        Wood, Deeney (Haller/Pukki)= 8-9 players, then Son+Alli vs Whu or Richa+ DCL vs Nor.

        Imo that looks like pretty average gw, might be even high scoring.

        1. Lord.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I agree that four fixtures including Liverpool in GW31 could make a FH worthwhile. However, if Liverpool progress and the other 5th Round ties go with the form book, there won’t be much to spend FH money on. Won’t happen of course, but it’s why I’m keeping options open.

    5. grumpyman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      GW28 is a spanner in the works with this plan though. Wolves, SHU and MCI blank, so fielding 11 in 28 and getting a decent team out in 31 could be tricky. Also, Liverpool will be well into rotation mode by then with the league wrapped up, so you definitely can’t rely on your 3 pool players starting in 31 either.

      1. potatoace
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Wolves aren't blanking in 28.

        1. Lord.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          .... and also likely that City and Sheff Utd both blank in GW28 and GW31.

          1. Flynny
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            I have wildcarded this week and intend to bb in 29.

            Ideally want to save the free hit tile the big dgw

            I have 3 lpool and 3 wolves on wildcard and v much hope I can get away with it free hitting in 31!!

            1. Lord.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Not clear to me why GW29 will be a good week to bench boost. It should be the earliest that we get the full picture on rearranged fixtures, so I’ll be thinking about wildcarding then.

              1. Flynny
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 1 month ago

                Wolves Sheffield and saints all have excellent fixtures at home in 29...

                Perfect for bb

    6. FPLRaiser
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks Whazza! Food for thought, I was 90% FHing in 31, but will give it a little more thought.

      The only issue I have is this is all very much based on the present. While Wolves are the form team right now and Bournemouth are dreadful I can't look to WOL v BOU in 7 weeks time as "as tasty as it gets". Remember when this was said about Southampton and Watford?

      I'm just saying a lot can change

      1. Whazza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        You are right, mentioned there's a long time til gw31. But is 7 gws that much? I think it is fair to assume BOU is a great fixture anytime in the season.

        1. FPLRaiser
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Yep. You're probably right and Bournemouth has been a good fixture for attacking players all season, even when they were playing well.

          Just making a point about judging future outcomes by present standards. In Gw 11 I would have backed any team playing against Southampton, but things can change and quickly. Watford seemed to change overnight. It's worth a thought.

          Great post though! Thanks

          1. Whazza
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            I see your point. And no problem, good luck with the rest of the season!

    7. Easy Cheesy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Anyone like neto with this strategy in mind? Or simply stick dedonk in as an 8th attacking player who is usefup for these two weeks. Dumping cantwell today so looking at wolves / burnley mid

  21. balint84
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is Starling good choive for a chaser?

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

      No

    2. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      no- way off form and expensive

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

      He's way too much money imo.
      Should be priced at 8.5

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

      Hannibal Lecter thinks so. Pass the chianti.

  22. Old Man
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    The Foxes are going to ask for an official explanation why the infamous"hand ball that wasn't" didn't lead to a penalty in the SF against Villa on Wednesday. It was neither given by the ref nor VAR. They want to know why.

    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Tuesday

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I'm not sure what this will achieve, the game won't be replayed.

      1. Art Vandelay
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        True, but I think it is worth calling out the muppets so things can be improved.

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Oh no doubt. But it'd be a very long list.

          And many will argue it's do with the laws, not the interpretation nor implementation of it.

  23. nerd_is_the_werd
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    What's the new 'template' these days?
    Don't think it's Leicester assets anymore..

    1. Art Vandelay
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Not sure what the template is but I certainly feel I am going against the grain with Vardy and Maddison and Soy. Not the easiest fixtures over the next three, but then a sea of easy games with a good one in BGW28.

      I'm sticking and hoping for a recovery in fortunes. (will probably ditch Soy though).

  24. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Which pair looks best:?

    A) Kun and Wood
    B) Auba and Jiminez

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

      B

  25. Art Vandelay
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Currently playing a fairly standard (templatish) 3-5-2. with Vardy and Firmino

    2FTs. Any love for this move?

    Alli + Ayer > Hayden and Auba (c)

    Cheers

    1. Bojaninho
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      hayden bench fodder?

      Whats your other mids

      1. Art Vandelay
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

        Yep, starting attack will be

        Salah, KDB, Maddison and Traore.
        Vardy Auba Firmino (to Jimenezin a few GWs)

        1. Bojaninho
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          i like it then

          1. Art Vandelay
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers. I need the differential so hopefully Auba can go on a bit of a run.

            Will hold off until last minute in case there is any news on DGWs.

    2. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Good move imo

      1. Art Vandelay
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

  26. Bojaninho
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Hello gents

    couple of issues,

    Moura sell or keep for one more week, i know its City but they aren't exactly solid.

    My other pain is Ryan , brighton can't keep a cs for love nor money so thinking direct swap to Pope

    any thoughts

  27. Cruz88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Hows this WC team? Holgate would make way for Stephens in a couple of weeks and I'll use a transfer or two in order to get a decent squad for 28

    Henderson Pope
    Azpi Trent VVD Holgate Williams
    KDB Grealish Hudson Traore Salah
    Jiminez Aguero Ings

    1. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Like it- a bit off template ( Azpi , Hudson)

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

        Thanks. Thinking ahead to potential doubles

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

      Rather Aun over Aguero only because of rotation risk

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

        Aub#

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

          I'm ok with that to be fair. Can downgrade easier than can upgrade and if both play I'd prefer Aguero (given Arsenal's away form)

  28. Oldie99
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Weird choices this weekend and havent followed news much, correct line-up? Correct bench etc?

    Pope
    VVD TAA Lund
    KDB Grealish Salah(C) Martial
    DCL (VC) Vardy Jimi

    Ryan / Kelly, Rico, Cantwell

  29. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Play Lund and risk a cameo or play Rico?

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

      Lund, his cameo would likely match Rico’s 90 minute score.

  30. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Wildcard
    Which looks better? Or any suggestions?

    Aub or Kun?
    1.
    Dubravka McCarthy
    TAA J.Gomez Bertrand Lascelles O’Connell
    Salah KDB Grealish Traore Bruno (when he is confirmed)
    Auba Jiminez Ings

    2.
    Henderson Pope
    TAA VVD Lascelles Stephens O’Connell/Lund
    Salah KDB Grealish Traore Fleck
    Aguero Jiménez Ings

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

      1