Pro Pundits

Does early FPL team news really provide an advantage?

In his latest Pro Pundits column, former Fantasy Premier League champion Simon March looks at the issue of early team news.


One of Fantasy Premier League’s most controversial topics this season has been that of ‘early team news’ as several Twitter accounts have recently emerged with information before the deadline.

Sometimes this takes the form of a diligent and well-connected journalist who has spoken to the relevant club before kick-off, while others are more clandestine in nature.

Some FPL managers have shown gratitude but, recently, among them, these accounts may have noticed some growing murmurs of discontent.

Among those are FPL enthusiasts who suggest that early team news is unfair and some have gone as far as to suggest that it might even be ruining the game.

So, the inevitable question is: is early team news fair?

For many, accessing this information is viewed simply as an element of their preparation. Fantasy football is generally (though not always…) something that rewards effort and dedication. If you make the effort to track down and monitor early team news, then sometimes you can benefit from it in the same way that studying underlying stats, or watching a lot of football can inform you too.

Now that so much information is so easily distilled, disseminated and digested in relation to FPL, the advantage gap between those who take it very seriously and those who approach it more casually is narrowing.

Early team news, while not hard to access, is something that requires active seeking and monitoring and, despite the recent early team news craze, this is something most managers will not do.

It’s also fair to question exactly how much of an advantage early team news actually offers. In most cases, it will only be useful for the first fixture(s) of the Gameweek and the window to act on it is typically five to ten minutes maximum. That’s hardly enough time to re-do a whole Wildcard team.

Also, if you’re taking out a player who has been revealed as being benched, there’s nothing to say that this player won’t come on and score more than the player you started ahead of them. Perhaps it edges the probabilities in your favour, but maybe not by as much as some will suggest.

It, therefore, follows that there are several arguments against early team news. Firstly, for some, it reduces the skill associated with predicting line-ups.

It’s true that, as Neale demonstrates on this very site each week, there is a skill to deciphering what managers actually mean when they say a certain player has ‘a knock’, ‘a chance’ or is ‘undroppable’ (we’re looking at you Pep, we’re looking directly at you). It also takes a lot of effort to monitor press conferences, injury news etc…

While it takes less effort to absorb this information, it still takes some effort and some judgement, all of which becomes less significant when you can access reliable early team news. So, you could argue that early team news reduces a skill and/or effort element from the game and, potentially, even a fun element (not that having a player benched is ever ‘fun’ exactly).

Another argument against early team news is that, while this it is made public, it is not always ‘accessible’ to all. The typical conduit for early team news is Twitter, which as we continue to see demonstrated in all walks of life, is not actually a particularly large proportion of the wider population.

It’s not that hard to find so-called ‘in the know’ accounts if you want to monitor them or to find the information reproduced on FPL forums, those who are well-connected with clubs and pass things on in the week rather than on FPL deadline day, so I’m not convinced that this is a huge barrier, but it is a barrier nonetheless.

Furthermore, accessing this information is not always straightforward or convenient. As we know, FPL is a global game and, for example, if you wanted to monitor early team news for Gameweek 24 in parts of Southeast Asia, you’d need to wake yourself up at about 2:25am or, if you wanted to monitor early team news for Gameweek 25 in California, you’d have to wake up at 3:25am.

It’s hard to argue that this doesn’t offer an advantage to FPL managers in the UK or more GMT-adjacent time zones when it comes to viewing early team news. Thus, it follows, this phenomenon creates something of an unfair imbalance in favour of players in some locations over others.

Early team news is also something you use at your own risk with no guarantees that it will actually pay off. It has potential, however, to negate the skill element and some of the fun associated with FPL by reducing the need to monitor team and injury news and it may also create an uneven playing field between those managers who can easily access the news and those who can’t, particularly those in different time zones.

If I do have a biggest concern with early team news, it would centre on the fact that not everybody can access it with the same level of ease and the potential that this might have to affect the fairness and global appeal of FPL, something which, I’m sure most will agree, adds a lot to the game and to the FPL community.

Speaking as somebody who once woke themselves up at 3:20am because I was in Jakarta and I wanted to take advantage of a scheduling quirk that allowed us to see a pre-deadline Arsenal teamsheet and switch Santi Cazorla for Alexis Sanchez if the latter was passed fit (wasn’t worth it), I can say from personal experience that this is not something you’d want to do regularly.

Ultimately, it would be a shame for a global game like FPL if how well you can do becomes significantly influenced by where you live.


Simon March is a member of our Pro Pundits initiative, a team of Fantasy managers here to bring you regular advice and updates on their teams. Simon won the FPL title in 2014/15 and has become a fixture on the punditry circuit ever since.


469 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Of course it does

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

      Best top of the page ever.

      1. benbro
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Lol

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

        I was going to write a 10 paragraph essay on the how part of FPL has always been gaining an advantage on your opponents come hook or crook but I couldn't be arsed

        I would just like to point out many have gained an advantage over the years using this very site before it went mainstream and became no more than a cash cow for the new owners.

        1. benbro
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Such a good point.

          I think this is the subtext to every meet the managers interview as well right?

          More data, maybe
          More time, maybe
          Less influenced by others, maybe
          More guile: every time

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

            I did read the article and it is a great article but I felt that there was also a moral undertone to it which is fine but then you have to think is this a bit rich coming from a site that charges £20 so you can gain an advantage on others?

            Maybe I am reading too much into it.

        2. The Ejiptian King
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Being on here back in the day must've been like taking candy from a baby, huge advantage.

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Literally lol.....

    3. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      The tl:dr version

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

      It's amazing that they asked such an obtuse question after telling us exactly what to think about Ighalo just yesterday.

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

      simple

  2. George Sillett
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Leeds doing their utmost to not get promoted again.

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

      Their wheels have really come off and they appear to be in free fall now. They have won 1 of their last 5 games and even in that game they had to come from 2-0 down.

    2. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Promotion via the playoffs looks to be their objective

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Same with Forest, smash all the top teams get bummed by the bottom half.

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

        They don't throw away 11 point advantages though.

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

      Bielsa and Poch have a lot of similarities. They should be development coaches as opposed to managers.

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        "Specialists" in failure

    5. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      They played CL eight final last time when they played PL

  3. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    West Ham obviously will shite bricks if Kun starts. I am actually waiting to see if Bowen will carry over his impact from the Championship.

    Irrespective West Ham will sh*te bricks.

    1. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Sounds painful..

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Someone earlier described them as about to get “cluster bummed” by Man City

      Quite the turn of phrase

  4. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Aguero (c) happy with the reschedule? Makes sense he starts this match and Madrid and Jesus up top against Leicester

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

      Aguero will play every game of his 18 months contract left in city

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

      What makes sense to us is irrelevant to Pep.

    3. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      As happy as can be yes. Ultimately even managed minutes and he stands a good chance of a haul. Plus it feels like the rough justice of the weekend has been turned into just regular concerns.

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

      Kun cap here, happy its this gw but really not sure if he starts or is benched. I was confident him starting the original date but slighly less now.

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

        You think he will not start after his media speak that he wants to reach Shearer with goals?

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

          Pep doesnt give a rat's ass about Kun breaking Shearer's record.

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

            Yea the same as Messi is not trainer at Barcelona 🙂

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

              If they really cared that much then Kun would have taken the last penalty that Gundogan missed.

              1. El Presidente
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 1 month ago

                Good point

        2. _Ninja_
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          You think pep will start him every game just to beat shearers record?

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

            Afcourse, Aguero is more important to the club than Pep 🙂

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

          @Wiseman. After which game did he tell the media that?

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

            About the record.

          2. Jebiga
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Before Spurs. And on Spurs game he has 14 shoots

            1. how now brown cow
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Should have had more shoots on target...

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

          Silly comment by Kun then. He is 80 goals off Shearer's record.

          1. El Presidente
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            If it was Ronaldo 18 months would more then enough... but surely City going to extend his contract at least 2 more seasons...

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

              Kun has averaged less than 20 PL goals per season at City, so doubt that he starts scoring 35-40 per season.

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

                *20,5 on average

    5. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Very happy. But I own Mahrez and KDB too.. Could still backfire though, you never know.

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

      Kun (c) captain but feeling good as also have Jesus so can win either way

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Quite a play that - deserves a pay off. But see why you’re looking at WC 🙂

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

          Yeah wc was always the plan so Jesus was my one week punt. Could be the ultimate differential or just a 1 point cameo. Sterling injury and West Ham def stats makes it exciting

    7. Rash
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      When is it rescheduled for?

      1. ‘Tis the Season
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        19th

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

      Gutted KDB and Mahrez owner.

      1. ‘Tis the Season
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Mahrez could haul but the worry for us is KUN

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

          Need 17 from those two to match my bench guys

          1. Citizenkane91
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Doucore Lundstram?

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

      Kun (c) KDB (vc) here, celebrating it like they both just scored hattricks 😀

  5. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    can any of you geniuses point me in the direction of the best 4.0 defender? leaning Lamptey which is completely speculative, Hanley likely to lose his place pretty soon (imo)

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

      I stopped reading at geniuses

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        😀

      2. Like an Egyptian Magician
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        lol

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

      If you can't strech to 4.2 (or even 4.1) then pick one of Lamptey, Hanley, or Janmaat. Get a 3.9 if you need the extra bit of cash

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I can't 🙁 ah Janmaat could be a decent shout if he's back soon

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

          Should be back at the end oh this month

          1. SADIO SANÉ
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            should be back by 31 at the very least...not a terrible idea

    3. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Lundstram

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        what a time that was

  6. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is Carlo viewing Tinder in that image?

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

      Grinder

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

        Grindr* 😉

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

          Now we know why you call yourself saltyballs 😉

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

            hehe you know...

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

      If so the sob swiped the wrong way for Holgate

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

        Yeah he swiped Sidibe to the left as well. Good thing he had tinder plus so he was able to correct that mistake

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

          He was doing Sidibe in the shower, was why he had that sock missing

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

            Oh

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

    Is KDB rested v WHU?

    1. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Could well be after his minutes.

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

        he has played the most out of any of the big hitters recently hasnt he

    2. Don Van Vliet
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Check back in 8 days.

    3. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Rested?

      So what’s he doing now?

      Honestly, I think Pep is going to be more worried about KDB being undercooked and out of rhythm than being fatigued

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

        Exactly

  8. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Best 3rd Liverpool spot? (TAA + Salah + ?)

    A) Mane
    B) Robertson
    C) VVD

    1. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      D) Firmino

      1. The Cisco Kid
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Has anyone actually done a comparison of Firmino with Mane in the team to Firmino without him? It feels like Firmino catching fire and Mane’s absence could be related.

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

          I’d be interested in this

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

          The other year Mane went to AFCON but Salah didn't. Pool form dipped badly. No one remembers?

        3. The Cisco Kid
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Okay, a cursory glance at the members area, comparing Firmino in GW20-23 and Firmino in GW24-25 reveals two noticeable changes in his play. First, he has received more big chances without Mane. With Mane it was something like 0.2 per game, without him it spiked to 3.0 (going from memory here; correct me kindly). The second thing that informs that change, in my mind, is that Firmino challenges and wins fewer headers without Mane and instead wins tackles and picks up loose balls.

          Not watching back any game footage whatsoever, imagine it this way: with Mane and Salah, Liverpool play the ball to Firmino to challenge in the air. He either wins and gets it to the wingers, or he loses and the wingers challenge the second ball. Without Mane, someone else has been tasked to do the aerial work (Origi?), freeing Firmino to mop up and be available at the end of the move.

          There. Analysis in 10 minutes or less. Let me know what you think!

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

            He gets lazier when Mane plays coz Mane puts in a shift. Another line of thought

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

              Haha he’s the opposite of lazy in this team!
              He does drop deeper when Mane and Salah are both playing. Big chances are up as he’s often involved in the play which leads to more assists / hockey assists
              As an owner in FPL it’s the same each year. Super consistent player who will get you 180 points each season and isn’t shy of bonus points, but inconsistent each week which would lead to frustration of some managers who wants points all the time. That’s my view

            2. The Cisco Kid
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Another line of thought, sure. In his defence, statistically it appears Firmino puts in a shift with or without Mane; the question is what sort of job is he being asked to do?

          2. Like an Egyptian Magician
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Nice bro!!!

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

      I’m on wc and currently on Firmino

    3. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Ignoring funds, mane, surely.....

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

      Mane

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

      If you can spend the residue in good areas then I'd go VVD. Less rotation ...... in theory.

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

        Who knows what could happen once league wrapped up

    6. Like an Egyptian Magician
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      C

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

    Mo Salah's numbers are something else, I found this stat impressive:

    He has 136 appearances to score 15 goals + 9 assists to surpass Eden Hazard's entire Chelsea career

    1. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      He is a Machine! Top five in the game for sure..

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard carried Chelsea on his own for years tbh. Liverpool would still be top 2 without Salah.

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

        I'm not sure finishing top 2 with 10 players is realistic chief.

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

      Hazard didnt have a Milner pen poacher at Chelsea either

    4. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Where do you rate him compared to liverpool "legends"?

      I find it hard to compare against eras with more orthodox forwards like rush, fowler, owen, but do you rate him higher than Suarez?

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

        This
        Next season Salah will probably disapear

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

          Longevity is definitely a requirement when it comes to legend status. I'd want a few more seasons before that label.

          Delivering a first league title in 30 years in potentially the best ever PL season, CL and other trophies sure does push the legend shout close though.

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

        I think the world legend gets thrown around too easily.

        Suarez produced the best season I've ever seen from any PL player, but Salah has been more successful for us across a longer period. That however, is also down to the manager and players around him.

        Peak Suarez probably gets 40 league goals in a Klopp team.

        1. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          It's all a bit meaningless, but yeah longevity normally comes into it.

          Suarez at his peak was devastating. Salah has had one fantastic season and been very good since, but service at another level now compared to a few years ago.

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

            Neither are legends for me. Although Salah probably comes close to that status, depending on what he does for the next few years.

            1. how now brown cow
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Favourite ever top 3 pool players you've seen play?

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

                Dalglish Gerrard Suarez

                VVD probably overtakes Suarez soon enough

                How about for you at Spurs?

                1. how now brown cow
                  • 9 Years
                  4 years, 1 month ago

                  Different kettle of fish - so many "players of the season" who have won precisely zero - ginola, klinsmann, etc.

                  When we actually have won trophies it's been with poor teams.

                  Favourites probably hoddle, king, kane.

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

                What I’ve seen. Barnes Gerrard Suarez.

                1. how now brown cow
                  • 9 Years
                  4 years, 1 month ago

                  Late 80s team with barnes, beardsley, aldridge was special. That 5-0 vs forest was amazing. Anyone not old enough to remember should watch highlights.

        2. Citizenkane91
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          40+ in the league, excluding other cups in that estimation. Remember he had like 15 shots in the woodwork too, after half a season. And, he created so many of the chances by himself, he was the definition of a one-man team!

    5. Blanka
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      That also just shows what a fraud Eden Troll Hazard was though.

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

        His issue was one season great next one poor

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

          Also 1 game great, next game poor. Lovely player but trust him with captain's armband at your peril ha.

        2. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          You can never know for sure from the outside, but seemed a little too capable of turning it on "when he wanted".

    6. Like an Egyptian Magician
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      If he wins the CL again this year while remaining clinically decisive he’s a no-brainer Ballon d’Or for me

  10. Agbonlahorse
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Sorry to sound newb, but has there been a spait of early leaks?

    Not been on the site much these last few months. Which games/ teams particularly? Any particular Twitter ITK? I want some of me that action.

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

      Yeah they are mainly on twitter and are not hard to find you just need to be following the right person.

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      first game of the week usually, but not always (this week an example of that) - FPL_Rockstar or FPLsubscribe on twitter mainly

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        someone on reddit too, but he had the same source as FPLsubscribe - they get it 15 mins before the deadline

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

          Who's the reddit guy? Do you know.
          Seeing as subscribe has been hounded off Twitter after his VVD news.

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

            He got a lot of abuse and although there's no justifying it, you have to expect that on Twitter given the nature of hiding behind anonymous accounts. And let's not forget that he sent abuse back too.

            Should've stuck to his brilliant team news.

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

              It was a shame.
              Twitter is such a cesspit.

          2. SADIO SANÉ
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            https://www.reddit.com/user/samuraigaijin hasn't posted for 10 days - think he may have given up because subscribe got it more often but you never know

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

              Cheers bud.

    3. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Anfield express last season was a help.

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

        Remember that game end of season when King posted he wasn't playing just mins before deadline. That was chaos.

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

    I'm all for early team news. The more of these 'In the know' accounts the better.
    However Early team news worked to my disadvantage this week as had Lundstram in my team all week but swapped him out for Rico 5 minutes before the deadline upon hearing he was benched.

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

      This!

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

      Sheffield United played the day after the deadline, if you got early team news on that match on Sat morning it must have been fake anyway.

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

        Nope, ITK on reddit posted it was the same team again. He has been accurate.

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

          There is no way they can get early team news more than 24 hours before the match unless it is Wilder himself. Sheffield United has a very predictable lineup, I could tell you the starting 11 as well but definitely not ITK.

  12. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Remember when the Scouts got leaked team news and kept it to themselves 😎

  13. jason_ni
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    The inital city postponement was too good to be true for me, 2 people I'm chasing both doubled down on their city capt/vice capt, both had the triple city.
    Would have been a super chance, albeit an unfair one to close the gap, but will have to do it the old fashioned way!

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

    Wonder if City will field their Carabao cup type line up. Lot of players short of football.

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I can't see why they would.

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

      They’ve been playing the first team with 1 or 2 youngsters in Carabao Cup anyway so wouldn’t make a big difference.

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

      Their Carabao cup team is better than any XI below them in the league.

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

        Plenty enough for West Ham to give extra rest for the big boys. Their season starts again v Leicester and putting distance between them

        1. ‘Tis the Season
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Well said mate, highly doubt pep plays a strong side for Wham. Leister far more critical to retain distance.

          1. bench boost for every gamew…
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Please explain the logic of this.

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

    Early team news can come from a variety of sources too. For example Man Utd flew down to Southampton last season and the Manchester Evening News spotted that Sanchez didn't board the flight.

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

      That is more to do with the squad

      They do it every week stalking the team entering and leaving the Lowry Hotel

      The once said there was 9 Lingards but soon realised they had mistaken him for Matchstick men and matchstalk cats and dogs

  16. FanDoc
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Good analysis on early team news. Not sure how much impact early news has but as you pointed out, it does come with a risk if the news is not accurate. Living in the US, we have to get up early just to watch the early matches which I do but I don't look for early team news since I never know if I can trust it. Plus it really won't change any decisions I have made for that GW and don't feel not being able to get early news has that much effect on what I will do for that GW. Others may think it does put them at a disadvantage but I'm not one of them.

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

      Trust is the hardest thing to earn.
      Even when these leaks are correct it still takes a good few postings before they are to believed as the real deal.
      Then no sooner have they earned that trust they are promptly destroyed by haters. Understandably too.

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

      How do you cope with early games + work/family life? I don't think it's something I could ever do. Massive respect to international fans. A whole different level of dedication.

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

        Staying up until 6:30am is tough but I love doing it

    3. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      It did help me when they accurately predicted Ings would be benched

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

    Aguero/Martial to Jimmy/Mane worth -4?

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

      Wait to see if aguero starts or not. But having said that the transfers look good regardless

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

        I also think it's worth seeing what Martial does. Fernandes has had some training with the team no--maybe they've developed some chemistry?

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

          I would prefer fernandes

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

        Mane could murder West Ham. Strong captain option

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

      Thanks!

    3. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Same situation here, thinking if martial does well vs Chelsea might be worth holding vs Watford next because he is a confidence player

  18. davies
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Chances of Vardy dropping before deadline?

    Been hovering around -90% for a few days now...

    1. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      You’re in for a long wait

  19. dbeck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Interested to hear who your front three would be on a wildcard?

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

      Jiminez. Ings. And then either Vardy. Firmino. And last depends on doubles

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

      Ings Jimi vardy(holding place for rashford)

    3. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Regardless of WC, I currently have vardy, ings, jimenez and I'm happy enough.

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

        I have Firmino Vardy Ings. May sell Firmino soon if rotatioj kicks in

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

        I get it that vardy would be hard to sell, but is he a buy given his form?

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

          Not a buy

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

            So jimmy and Ings are nailed but the third spot is hard. Form suggest DCL but team structure works in Firmino favour

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

              Dcl fixtures horrible

        2. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Probably not a buy, but with fixtures not a sell either for me. If he continues to blank I might look at auba.

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

      Jimmy Ings Firmino right now
      Will consider Auba post his blank if I decide to go double liv def in wildcard. Haven’t ruled out Vardy but would need to see the goals flowing again before jumping back on
      I think the city rotation will kick in again for champions league and also domestic cup run

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

        I agree but won’t have the wc in the back pocket to get back on double pool d easily

  20. zotter
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Gw 27

    Pope
    Trent. Rico. Stephens
    Salah c. Alli. Grealish. Kdb
    Vardy. Firmino. Ings

    Button. Holgate. Soy. Cantwell

    0.1 itb

    Save or sell Rico??

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

      Save Rico isn’t a huge issue as seems nailed and is a 4m def

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

        Could switch to lascelles. But I get you. Save sounds good

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

          Tempted to play holgate as arsenal Everton could be low scoring

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

            Not a bad shout, under arteta aren’t shooting enough

  21. zotter
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Related to ff dgw potential. Do we think Liverpool prioritise league or FA cup rest of season? Assume champs league is priority regardless

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Seriously? Until the league is won it’s easily the priority

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

        Sorry I mean like post gw31

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

          Like are Liverpool players valuable in doubles

  22. zotter
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    In terms of gw27 which bites into mid season break. Clearly hammers happy as gets them chance to play a weekend city

  23. zotter
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    So. As it stands. Looks like dgw29 city arsenal. Blank 31. Dgw34 for lots and dgw37 for some.

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

      Yup.

    2. Hitmonlee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      You think City double in 29?

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

        I would have thought so. If they reach semis of cL no other window

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      City v Arsenal in GW29 can only happen if Arsenal are out of the Europa League.

  24. dbeck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Can I grab some feedback on my wc draft

    Pope McCarthy
    Taa aurier Egan lascelles boly
    Barnes son salah KDB Haydn
    Firmino Ings Jimmy

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

      I would assume city have a dgw 29 and get ederson.

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

        Haven’t really looked at the odds of doubles, what needs to happen for the city double?

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

          Nothing before then. Just expectation of city to reach fa cup and champions league semis

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

            If city lose to Madrid 4-0 it won’t happen

    2. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Why wc now out of interest?

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

        Team has bad players: Kelly Sarr Rico maupay lund etc

        Currently tracking well behind so need to make up ground so want to try get max value from wc

        1. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Fair enough. Not criticising, just interested.

          So much uncertainty over fixtures, but if team needs sorting then hard to argue
          .....

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

            Also have 6 blankers for gw 28

    3. Citizenkane91
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      What's your reasoning for:
      1. Aurier?
      2. Firminho as third LIV? Do you think there are comparable alternatives to Mane for a midfield slot?Tammy/Jimenez/Vardy from gw 28 are good contenders against Firminho.
      3. Boly?
      4. Rotating keepers?

      (In that order.)

    4. Citizenkane91
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      McCarthy
      TAA Doherty Lascelles Reece Egan
      Barnes Salah Mane KdB X
      Tammy Ings Jimenez

      Vardy, Pulisic, Traore, Perez, SHE defenders would be others I'd look at.

  25. fplking14
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Are we concerned about Storm Dennis?

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

      Sounds like a stripper

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

        Is that you Don

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

          Covfefe

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

            Bigly

    2. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      No

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

        Stormy Daniels?

  26. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    The leak certainly didn’t do me any favours when we found out Aguero was benched at Sheff U. Sold him for Jesus who blanked, Aguero replaced him and scored then I had to use another transfer to swop back

  27. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Out of interest, what would have happened FPL wise if City-Arsenal has been rescheduled for next Wednesday? 🙂

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Chaos. City suddenly get a harder fixture and Arse a dgw after the deadline.

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

      Arsenal in Europa League

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

        Or something similar in a break like this. Be interesting to see how they handled it

    3. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Would still have been same gw presumably.

  28. STONEROSES
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is Saint Maximin a selection worth of serious consideration?
    I need to downgrade Maddison to a £ 6M mid.

    Does Barnes seems Leic overkill with Vardy also in my team?

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

      Barnes better

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

      I have just taken a punt on Saint-Max, nice fixture 28 and a few nice hm fixtures after(inc WH Villa)

    3. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Barnes and SM are both good picks. Almiron also a shout. Assume you have Traore?

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

        I don’t have Traore no?
        Would you put him ahead of Barnes and SM?

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Yep

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

            Cool, ta!

    4. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I’m gunna do Maddy > Barnes switcheroo too. But I’m not in any particular rush

    5. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Newcastle don’t score many goals

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

      For a punt I prefer Redmond over saint maxim (even with Ings)

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

        Yep, have would consider Redmond but he’s 6.2 so can’t quite stretch to him unforch

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

          Sorry my bad didn’t check the price. Doucore another one to throw in the mix, Watford attack will improve with Sarr coming back

  29. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Quiet on here, must loads crying in their beer as I was on Sunday 😉

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      It's the worst possible fpl week really.

      A million conversations on dgw/postponement that in effect didn't happen.

      I'm on 2 from 1. Not exactly riveting stuff.

    2. A Fat Spanish Waiter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Not much to discuss. No games until Friday and no GW deadline for 11 days.

  30. Fuddled FC
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Hmm best option here

    a) Sidibe > Boly/Fernandez
    b) Maddy & DCL > Traore & Jimi (-4)
    c) Vardy > Jimi

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A

      1. Fuddled FC
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Just feels a bit dull that move with 2 Pool defenders & 1 SU already.

        1. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Follow your gut instinct.

          Wolves don't always do what you expect against struggling teams though.

          1. Fuddled FC
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Yup got says that is the most sensible option:-(

            Cheers