Podcast

Meet the Manager #21 – Darren Wiles

Over the last decade, Darren Wiles has quietly amassed one of the best ever Fantasy Premier League careers.

Since he started in 2009/10, he has finished in the top thousand places three times. In fact, only once has he finished a campaign poorly, in 2015/16, when Leicester City won the Premier League title.

With such a track record, he deservedly sits in seventh spot in Fantasy Football Scout’s Live Hall of Fame (at the point of the last update).

It’s an achievement he is modest about, rarely speaking in public about his FPL management, so we were fortunate that he made an exception for us.

This was his first ever Fantasy Premier League video and podcast appearance and his Twitter following is under 200. That may change after today, however.

During his chat with Joe, as part of the Meet the Manager series, Darren reveals the secrets to his success.

His search for value emerges as a key reason for a strong finish, with money spread out across a playing XI to ensure the whole team contributes to a good score. This means keeping the number of heavy hitters in attack to a minimum and seeking out high-impact, premium defenders to bring in points at both ends of the pitch.

Fixtures is another major driving force in his campaigns. This is most apparent when Darren talks about his current Gameweek 26 squad and its focus on players from teams with great upcoming fixture runs. This was achieved without using his second Wildcard and instead through careful studying of the fixtures over time.

Patience is often a virtue for Darren but his one bad season showed him that stubbornness can be a curse in FPL management. His reluctance to tap into Leicester’s stars early on cost him dearly that year.

But as with many Meet the Manager interviewees before, it is the lessons learned from poor campaigns that can make them even better managers.

The chat with Darren 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

400 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Chances of soton game going ahead?

    I can survive without the pool game but both would be a killer

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

      Whether it goes ahead or not, we cant really do anything about, can we?

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

        Weather it goes ahead or not, we cant really do anything about, can we?

    2. Klip Klopp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I hope it goes ahead!

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

      Looks unlikely to me. Hope they give the Burnley fans travelling down enough notice.

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

      It will be on

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

      What's the reason behind these games possibly not being played ?

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

        you could have googled that in less time than it took to ask. Where do you live?

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

          You could have also simply answered the question lol. I dont live in the UK.

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

            It’s already been answered

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

    Why isn't Traore flagged?

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

      Fit and ok to play

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

        Sounds to me like he isn't 100%

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

      The flag was wrong in the first place...

  3. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I have all my chips but I need a bit of advice on how to play the next few weeks.

    Ryan
    Baldock, Robertson, TAA
    Grealish,Traore, Salah, KDB
    Vardy, Ings, Jiminez

    Button, Rico, Dendoncker, Kelly,

    I have 1FTs and 2itb

    A. Swap Ryan to someone like McCarthy or Ederson
    B. Grealish to someone?

    Please help!

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

      A. Dubravka

      Or change Kelly

    2. Breww
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      i would prioritize transfers to improve the overall makeup of your squad first.. Kelly Rico and just for the blank Grealish are the ones to look at. Probably Kelly to start with.

  4. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Henderson
    TAA - VVD - Stevens
    Salah - KDB - Grealish - Traore
    Aguero - Jimenez - Ings

    (McCarthy - O'Connell - Mooy - Stephens)
    2 FT & 0.0m

    What moves would you make here?

    Currently have 6 blankers for GW28
    City attackers and Grealish on the chopping block
    Happy to take a risk or two.

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

      Maybe Kun to Vardy and Grealish to Richarlison

      Kun, Grealish, Van Dijk to Wood/Abraham/Pukki, Mane, Doherty can also work

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I really like the look of the 2nd option with Wood.
        Not liking Everton's fixtures but I feel Rich & DCL will tick along.

        How about KDB & VVD to Mane & Boly and could do Aguero/Grealish to Vardy/Barnes the week after?

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

          That is sensible. Hopefully Mane shows some good signs in next 2 games.

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

      Aguero to Vardy, KDB to Mané, Van Dijk to Doherty and Grealish to Barnes ( think that works but as away brain in holiday mode......) for mini WC and sets up well for 29

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

        * if not Doherty then Boly good second option- or Saiss based on likely attacking returns

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Yup I like the look of that and I'm considering something very similar.

          Can do KDB & VVD to Mane & Boly this week and then Aguero/Grealish to Vardy/Barnes the week after.
          To afford Doherty I would have to sell Aguero, KDB & VVD all 3 this week.

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

    which combo is better long term?

    A. KDB,Cantwell,Taylor (Bur)
    B. Grealish,Maddison,Periera (LC)

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

      B

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

      B

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

    4. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B but not Maddison.
      Barnes is better.

    5. Your Doing It Wrong
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

    6. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Taylor is flagged

    7. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn’t go Kdbless though

    8. kamdaraji
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      thanks

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

    Subject to no injuries this team look ok to go and carry transfer?

    Henderson
    TAA Stevens Boly Stephens
    Salah Son KDB
    Firmino Jiménez Ings

    Pope Barnes Mooy Fernández

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      looks very good, roll ft

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

      Yes save FT.

    3. Your Doing It Wrong
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Nice, save transfer

  7. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Need some opinions on the below.
    a. Grealish and Connolly > 6.0 mid and Jimi -4
    b. Save ft and do these moves in GW28

    1ft 2.8itb
    Pope
    Stephens TAA Lundstram
    Grealish* KDB (S)alah traore Mane
    Vardy Ings

    Ryan* Lascelles Rico connolly*

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

      A with Barnes

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        You think jimi and -4 will outscore Grealish?

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

          Yes think so and then set up nicely for 28

    2. Your Doing It Wrong
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

    Trent next year 7.5 def in FPL but dominating Liverpool midfield in real life. What do you think is it too early to think this change from Klopp?

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

      I don't see why they would want to do that. The balance of the side is perfect.

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Why would he do that?

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

      If he was a winger he would be marked a whole lot more and likely would be far less effective.

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

    Think I am going to be brave and do KDB to Mane. Had him and Salah weeks ago and Mane of course trolled me then injured.

    Could stick with LFC double defence but you cannot ignore Mane with those fixtures coming up.

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

      might do the the same

  10. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    C Taylor got flagged 🙁

    Hamstring injury 75%

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

    Any suggestions here? 2FT. Wildcard already used. Was thinking Mooy to Barnes, gives me a benching headache but might be good in the long run? 1.8 itb

    Hendo Pope
    TAA VVD Stevens Lascelles Stephens
    Salah KDB Grealish Traore Mooy
    Auba Jimi Ings

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

      Prob get Barnes yeah

  12. OldBenKenobi
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Grealish or Traore?

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

      Grealish.

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

    The more I look at the prospects of those Saturday matches the more I think the likelihood is that they'll both be postponed. 60mph winds now predicted.
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2637487
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2641181

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

      WOL vs LEI and ARS vs NEW is safe?

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

      The City game was postponed largely due to issues with fans getting to the game; flooded motorways, trees on train and tram lines and areas under water around the ground. I suspect the same will apply here rather than how wet or windy it is.

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

        I hope they all go ahead as I want to watch them on TV and FPL to be on a level, albeit wet and windy playing field.

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

      I'm optimistic that all games will go ahead. Why you ask? Absolutely no reason.

    4. Marmalade Forest
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      The hubris of people (who probably captained Salah) saying “why captain Kun and VC KDB? Didn’t you see the weather forecast?” For that game to go ahead anyway... and then the Liverpool game to be cancelled for bad weather and the hubris we’d be exposed to from those with City assets.

      Blows my mind...

      On a serious note, I hope it doesn’t affect the Gameweek too much as the game shouldn’t be about exploiting weather or freak results/performances but long term reward for long term risks.

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

        Salah(c) KDB(vc) her but have TAA and VVD as well 🙁

      2. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        It's not as if the game goes ahead on a lovely day that Pep might not leave Aguero and De Bruyne on the bench or not even in the squad with Real games so close.

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

      Can't have another weekend with one football match. Screw that!

    6. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Why why why

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

      Its gonna be fine

  14. Vpan
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Better combo (with Salah+TAA):

    A) Son + VVD/Robby

    B) Mane + Soy

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

      A

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Mane + Boly

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

    If anyone is bored watch, In the mind of ‘Aaron Hernandez’ on Netflix, about the American footballer turned killer.. Very good watch

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

      Enjoyed it thoroughly.

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Do I need to know who he is or have any interest in NFL?

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

        Nope.

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

      I follow nfl for a couple of years now. CTE is a serious problem there,even more so than in boxing

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

        Looks like a serious problem..

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

      It was really interesting indeed..
      Its a proof why this stupid, boring 'sport' should be banned, being dangerous for the health of a lot of young American kids.

    5. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Am 10 mins in and looks good. Would recommend the 5 part Storyville on OJ if you haven't seen it too

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

        My favourite documentary of any kind, narrowly beating out The Two Escobars and all of Adam Curtis's stuff.

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

          Have seen the Two Escobars (would recommend the book Killing Pablo by Mark Bowden too). Will look into Adam Curtis stuff. Any other recommendations you have for documentaries or non-fiction books?

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

            Depends what you're into. Adam Curtis is more political contrarian stuff than sports, but always interesting if a bit leftfield. On sports documentary, I really like Wrestling With Shadows, Red Army & the ESPN one about Holyfield & Tyson. Best non-fiction I've read recently were El Narco & McMafia (both about organised crime).

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

              Where would you recommend starting with Adam Curtis? I recognise the title Hypernormalisation and think its been on iPlayer before. I like documentaries on sports, true crime, religion, technology, food industry, politics...

              1. FPL flop
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 1 month ago

                Check out Wild wild country on Netflix! Excellent in depth documentary!

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

                Start with the Power of Nightmares, it's a 3-part series and probably one of his most accessible ones. Move onto the Living Dead series if you like that. I think Hypernormalisation is great but not one I'd recommend for first-time Curtis viewers as at 3hrs it's a bit of a slog.

          2. GreennRed
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            The best there never was. The Story of Marcus Dupree. Also on 30 for 30.

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

            Also Screwball on Netflix is decent.. " investigates the MLB's infamous doping scandal involving a nefarious clinician and his most famous client: the New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez."

  16. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    is it worth paying 0.7 more to get Periera instead of Chillwell?

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

      Ya

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

    Too late to do anything about it now, but Danny Rose will score vs Arsenal. Bookmark this

    1. Surfeit of Lampteys
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Lol yeah I'll bookmark it as Things That Won't Happen.

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

        You’ll see

        1. Surfeit of Lampteys
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          22/1 with Bet 365 put your money where your mouth is.

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

            Nice I will have a look tonight, but will use Ladbrokes as that’s all I got installed

            1. Surfeit of Lampteys
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Yes good idea. Better them than more money lining Stoke and Ray Winston's pockets.

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

                Ok worse odds, used boost to get it from 16-1 to 18-1 Danny anytime goal scorer. £5.87 stake, £111.53 return. Will post the win receipt 🙂
                Although could be called off anyway, hopefully not

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

                  First goal scorer woulda been 55/1 😮 I’m not that crazy tho

                  1. Surfeit of Lampteys
                    • 6 Years
                    4 years, 1 month ago

                    Lol well it'll probably be low scoring so if you're *that* confident...

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

                      Greed is the downfall of all gamblers 😀

                      1. Nomar
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        4 years, 1 month ago

                        There's a good reason why bookies are rich.

                2. Marmalade Forest
                  • 6 Years
                  4 years, 1 month ago

                  Even if you win, I hope you think of it as a £25 loss for not taking the time to sign up and install 365.

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

                    I was just thinking that lol, I’m super lazy 😀 tbh where I live it’s normally a ball ache verifying myself, takes three days to a week and loads of emails. Last poker website I signed up for my god, had to send them literally copies of absolutely everything and they still weren’t happy, the only option left basically was to physically attend their office.
                    Driving licence, passport, two utility bills, and copy of my tenancy agreement. Pathetic joke, considering it took them a day each time to get back to me to ask for the next document. Had to send them copies of my passport alone four times as their auto computer said it wasn’t clear, which it clearly was..

                    1. Marmalade Forest
                      • 6 Years
                      4 years, 1 month ago

                      What a pain.

                      It’s dangerous in the UK how easy it is to sign up to these sites with little to no verification.

                      I’ve stuck a few quid on just because I’d be livid if it came in and I didn’t.

                      Come on Danny.

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

      It's all scripted; like WWE.

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

        Aye, it’s already written

    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I love it when people think they can predict the future.

  18. Surfeit of Lampteys
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I'm not usually one for this kind of transfer comparison stuff but Chelsea sign Ziyech for 'just' £33m wtf?! Liverpool supposedly want £30m for Harry Wilson. Doesn't mean they'll get it of course (shouldn't even get half) but insanely good deal for Chelsea. I don't get it at all really, from Ajax's perspective.

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

      Does seem cheap, but still a lot of money for Ajax I guess.

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

        Only about the same as Davinson Sanchez it seems. Something not quite right there.

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

          Made £150 million last summer on de Jong and de Ligt too. What are they thinking?

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

            Euros, but still.

          2. Surfeit of Lampteys
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            I really don't know what they're thinking. Unless he's out of contract in the summer but can't find anything online to that effect.

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

              Contract runs until the summer of 2020. Chelsea have done a really good deal in the current market.

              1. Surfeit of Lampteys
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 1 month ago

                2022 you mean. Just looked it up.

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

                  Yeah that's what I meant.

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

              Contracted till 30.06.2022 according to transfermarkt, so maybe there is a release clause or he supported Chelsea as a boy like Robbie Keane.
              Surprised that nobody else seems to have been seriously in for him
              Well done Chelsea.

    2. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Liverpool got about 20m for each of Solanke and Ibe. They’ll have no problems getting 30m for Hilson

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

        20m for players ispocket change now.

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

          More or less, yeah. Top defenders go from 50-90mil, top mids from 90-150mil and top forwards/strikers 120mil+, so 20 mil for a player... its the old 5 really.

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

            Transfer deals are a complicated thing. What you purchase a player for is not what should be focused on. If you purchase a player for 20m and the payment structure for that player to the club you purchase from is over 2 seasons or whatever it may be then no big deal. If you are paying that player 150k a week then big deal as the wage bill makes up majority of clubs expenditure.

            That is why Messi will retire at Barca, there is not one club that will be able to afford the transaction 🙂

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

              Yes, of course and thats valid both for sellers & buyers. The Neymar deal was different, because PSG just payed the buyout clause in the contract. They did it because at the time 250mil€ for the best player in the world - apart from the 2 ET´s - seemed like a reasonable sum to pay for a player with a long contract ahead and all the marketing and sales revenue. On paper looked legit if you ask me, the problem is that Neymar is NOT like the other 2 ET´s. He does not have the same commitment to perfection and definitely not the same commitment to professionalism.

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

                Now if they sell him for half the price they´ve paid....

            2. GreennRed
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Plus he'll be 33 in June, played >16 years for a team built around him in a 2, sometimes 3, team league in lovely weather.

              Why would he consider going to the Premier League where he'd be a target for some hatchet defenders and possibly ruin his legacy.

              But it would be great to see him light up Match of the Day for a couple of years, himself and Aguero. Shtop 🙂

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

            Still good money though! 🙂

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

              He won't be stuck for a few quid unless the taxman forces him to be.

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

          Not when they're as bad as those two.

      2. Surfeit of Lampteys
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Not too sure that's how transfers work but we'll see. Anyone pays that much for Wilson then more fool them but can't see it myself.

    3. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Chelsea always do good business.

      They buy players early and for cheap price..

      1. Surfeit of Lampteys
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        They ain't buying Ziyech early but they are buying him cheap. I've not seen so much of him this year but I suspect he's dropped off a little from last season's high standards.

        1. The Overthinker
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Early as in, before the season even ends.

      2. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Utd too

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

      It depends on the players contract. If you want to sign Messi you need to sell your stadium. Also, let's say Pool get 25m for Wilson, BOU will pay back the fee over a period, whatever the two clubs agree on. This is not like PSG paying one lump sum to Barca for Neymar.

      Apparently Ziyech is a problem child.

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

        Yeap, money, money. Agent, agent. Family members, family members. All want a piece of the pie. Last year, big transfer prospect, others left, he stays. Not very happy. Agent nagging the club all the time, mum&dad nagging son all the time. Here you go. Too soon to send in the clowns.

    5. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Great deal at 38m for a player supposedly at his peak. Man Utd got Bruno for 46.5m, although Bruno is a couple of years younger than Hakim.
      Very surprised no one else was in for Hakim as he is a quality player

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

      Ajax may have had low expectations when they initially signed Ziyech in 2016 for 11m and set a [now] "low" buyout clause. Tripling their ROI over four years ain't too shabby.

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

        Regardless, Chelsea has little to no correlation of money spent in the transfer market and immediate points returned.

    7. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      utd have Sancho in the bag... they picked up their second target

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

        Like Haaland was supposed to be 6 weeks ago?
        Not convinced.

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

          Sancho's Dad's leg wasn't smashed by a United legend though 😉

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

        The kid is too good for the Europa League.

      3. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Is he good enough for us? Don’t really watch much German football

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

          You have Tammy Abraham leading the line, Barry from down the pub is good enough for you

          1. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Huh? We have Rashy leading the line when fit...

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

              Oh sorry thought talking about Chelsea lol

    8. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Interesting signing

      You have to factor in he is new to the league. It can sometimes take players a season to settle in properly

      At his age that's not ideal, there are risks associated to it. He did well at Ajax and in the champions league. There has to be a reason he wasn't snapped up last season like some of the others

  19. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Bjorn Ironside is finally dead....

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

      Over 1000 years. Dial-up?

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

      Why would you post spoilers for ppl who haven't seen it yet? Such a d*ck move...

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

        Have to agree, though if it's any consolation it may apparently be ambiguous.

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

        How is it a spoiler? He died 1000 years ago

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

      Thanks for the spoiler you jerk

  20. FantasyHero
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Pick one :
    A. Firmino & Son
    B. Jiminez & Mane

    Rest of team
    McCarthy button
    TAA lascellas egan o'Connell Stephens
    Salah kdb hayden traore (?)
    Vardy Ings (?)

    Leaning towards Jimenez and Mane as Jimenez seem to be a better bet than Son but firmino has great form.

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

      Easy B

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

    quiz time. Try and figure out the anagrams of these premiership players

    Feret Snob

    Lamas Hint

    Crush It Snot

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

      Give us a clue.

      Long way to go to beat Colin W*nker.

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

      Ben Foster
      Alan Smith
      Chris Sutton

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

        you were supposed to do that on a piece of paper and send it to me

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

          Don't we get to mark each others?

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

        someone else can think of three anagrams if they like

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

          In fact it's Jarvish's turn as she solved the previous one

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

          Grab thy rear?

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

            Sorry, only knew 1 apart from Colin above.

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

            Gareth Barry

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

      Someone likes countdown, and Rachel Riley :p

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

    Henderson
    TAA Stephens Lundy
    KDB Salah (C) Grealish Mane*
    Vardy DCL Jimenez

    Button Lacelles Cantwell Soyunco

    Form or fixtures:
    a) Keep DCL
    b) Move to Ings (Soyunco to trash)

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

      B depending on how low you need to go. for a non-player I wouldn't bother.

  23. @fpl_phenom
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    any idea when we will know the state of play regarding city's DGW's?

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

      Wouldn't have thought there will be anything soon

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

        I'm getting rid of KDB. Need differentials. Can get him back for DGW with my free hit or wildcard

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Depending on how they are with CL it could be dodgy picking any of them in a DGW.

  24. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Out of the loop a bit, but what is all this talk again of games being cancelled ? is there another storm in UK or something ?

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

      Yep, Dennis incoming

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        oh bugger - so which games ? all of them ?

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

          Liverpool and Southampton games. Not sure about Sunday.

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

          Only the Saturday games under threat I think.

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      jeez, Dennis looks like a right menace

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

      We'll find out on Saturday. No point worrying about it.

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        it’s FPL, it’s what we do 😉

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

    Which looks best?
    A) lundstram, Mané, wood
    B) boly, grealish, firmino
    C) robbo, grealish, jimenez

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      C - probably has the best hair styles
      B - probably cooler dudes
      A - nerds

      Go for C (Norwich factor)

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

        That was the plan, but worried about Mané!

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          you have Salah though ?

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

            Yeah

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Gomez, Grealish, Firmino.

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

        That'd be 4 liv

      2. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Apologies. meant to say Gomez, Grealish, Jimenez

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

          Ahh OK. You like Gomez?

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

            Allows you a bit of cash for the same CS returns. Robertson's attacking returns are poor for 7m.

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

              If I do lund to gomez, could keep kun!

  26. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Which of these moves looks the best way to use my free transfer?

    I have 1FTs and 2itb

    A. Ryan --> McCarthy/Dubravka/Ederson
    B. Kelly --> Holgate/Stephens
    C. Any other suggestions

    Ryan
    Baldock, Robertson, TAA
    Grealish,Traore, Salah, KDB
    Vardy, Ings, Jiminez
    Bench:Button, Rico, Dendoncker, Kelly,

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      roll it

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

        you think? Means I only have Rico and Baldock to accompany my 2 liverpool defenders

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          how many points do we ever get from our 11th player ?

          You could get a Newcastle defender to tighten up your bench, but I would rather having a transfer up my sleeve to sell KdB for Son in 28 and then get him back

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Drive on. A couple of injuries and KDB and Grealish out for GW28 would make 2FT nicer to have.

  27. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Guys, Can I have your thoughts. Would you get rid of Aguero after the WHU game. Surely limited minutes v Lei then a blank and CL in full swing.....also fixtures not great and CL main focus and I have KDB......Or do you keep the greatest striker in PL history for the last 8 years ??

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

      Depends on who you get for him, but probably any forward is better than him if we can't rely on his gametime. What a waste of magic 🙁

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

      If he doesn't start against West Ham keep. If he does I'd sell.

    3. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Switching to Jimenez myself

      1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Great answers....already have Jimenez and Ings.....what do we think of Auba or get Vardy back ??

        1. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I’ve still got Vardy but am considering switching him to auba after the blank

  28. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Tactic #1 until the end of the season - use your free transfer to buy any decent player in opposition to Norwich

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      *attacking player

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Good idea

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

      Surprisingly they aren't conceding much nowadays.

      WHM and BOU are looking more like whipping boys at the moment.

  29. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Mo Salah!
    Mo Salah!
    Mo Salah!

  30. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Who would you get for Digne? Needs to play GW28. 2 FT. 1.2m in bank.

    Currently:

    Pope, Martin
    TAA, Gomez, Digne, Dunk, Lundstram.

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Newc or Soto defender