Scout Notes

Pepe stakes claim for place in Fantasy teams with season-best haul

Arsenal 4-0 Newcastle United

  • Goals: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.8m), Nicolas Pépé (£9.1m), Mesut Özil (£7.2m), Alexandre Lacazette (£9.3m)
  • Assists: Pépé x2, Bukayo Saka (£4.5m), Lacazette
  • Bonus Points: Pépé x3, Aubameyang x2, Lacazette x1

Nicolas Pépé (£9.1m) set himself up as a potentially exciting differential option once again as he starred in Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Newcastle – and is still owned by just 2.4%.

Back in the side after a Gameweek 25 benching, the Ivory Coast international was unplayable in the second half on Sunday, registering a goal and two assists. Also scooping maximum bonus, Pépé left the Emirates Stadium with a 17-point haul, his best since joining Arsenal in the summer.

While Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.8m), stationed in his customary left attacking midfield role again, added his 15th league goal of the season in Gameweek 26, it Pépé could be the one Fantasy managers turn to for Arsenal’s upcoming appealing fixtures. As a midfielder, he stands to benefit to a greater extent from goals and clean sheets, while Pépé’s creativity makes him more likely to assist than Aubameyang.

After Everton visit north London in Gameweek 27 and Blank Gameweek 28 is out of the way, the Gunners face West Ham (home), Brighton (away), Southampton (away) and Norwich (home) between Gameweeks 29 and 32 – so Pépé may very well be on Fantasy radars already.

Also looking an interesting prospect for that impending run of games is makeshift left-back Bukayo Saka (£4.5m). Although he is technically playing as a reverse-out-of-position defender, classified as an FPL midfielder, his overlapping runs against Newcastle saw him do well in advanced areas.

No other midfielder priced at £4.5m has scored more points than Saka so far in Gameweek 26, which could make him a candidate to include on Wildcards.

Fantasy managers may just want to track his minutes in the coming weeks though, as Saka has played 90 minutes in just three of the last five Premier League matches, benched for Gameweek 22 and subbed at half-time against Burnley in Gameweek 25.

“It is getting natural with Bukayo (Saka). But he takes responsibility and takes risks in the final third. He’s a player that wants to make an impact and he has courage. He did really well.” – Mikel Arteta

However, it is worth saying that the centre-forward position at Arsenal is hard to call right now, possibly even for manager Mikel Arteta. Despite averaging 4.75 points per game in his previous four starts, Gabriel Martinelli (£4.6m) was left on the bench, with Eddie Nketiah (£4.3m) starting for the first time since a loan at Leeds United and playing 84 minutes.

“(Nketiah) has been training really well. He’s a kid that has a goal in him. I believe that we have a game (against Newcastle) with a lot of blocks and numbers behind the ball. He’s a very talented player to find goals and I trust him. That’s why I decided to keep him.” – Mikel Arteta

Meanwhile, if Arteta did not already have enough options to lead the line in Martinelli and Nketiah, Alexandre Lacazette (£9.3m) came out of the blue to finally end his scoring drought. The Frenchman added a late goal and assist to ramp up the competition for places.

As much as the scoreline suggested Arsenal comfortably dominated Newcastle, this truly was a game of two halves. Mesut Özil (£7.2m) and Dani Ceballos (£5.2m) were also among top performers on Sunday evening, but, like Aubameyang, Pépé and Saka, they only really excelled after half-time.

Newcastle were arguably the better side in the opening 45 minutes, controlling large spells of the game while Arsenal struggled to piece much together. It was only after the Magpies came into the second period way off the pace that the Gunners found their groove.

“The goals we gave away were so not like us. We were excellent in the first half but as soon as switched from it, we didn’t start the half as we should, and we went sloppy and conceded goals we shouldn’t have.” – Steve Bruce

Arsenal were helped in their efforts by a mixed afternoon for Valentino Lazaro (£5.5m), who was making his first start for Newcastle. The FPL midfielder came in for DeAndre Yedlin (£4.4m) to play at right-back in Steve Bruce’s 5-4-1 formation and looked dangerous on the overlap in the first half. Having recently signed on loan from Inter Milan, Lazaro was straight onto taking corners and indirect free-kicks, asking questions with his forward runs too. However, a lack of concentration after the interval meant the 23-year-old was at fault for both of Arsenal’s first two goals, which came just three minutes apart.

Those who had been targetting Newcastle’s defence for budget investment might find it easy to be discouraged by a 4-0 defeat but there remain some reasons to consider them. As previously mentioned, the Magpies did an excellent job of controlling Arsenal for much of the first period. To do so away from home, with a number of new players in the side, bodes well for a trip to Crystal Palace next time out, whose Selhurst Park stadium has seen fewer goals than any other Premier League ground this season.

However, Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.4m) continues to epitomise the problems with Newcastle’s attack. He asked put plenty of questions to the Arsenal defence on Sunday evening but left the game with yet another blank.

In the 14th minute, the winger used his skill and pace to get around Ceballos following a Lazaro corner, but his squared ball to Joelinton (£5.5m) was a bit too behind the striker to get proper purchase on it. After more devastating runs lacking end product in the back-end of the opening period, Saint-Maximin went through in the second half and, with a fine effort, was unfortunate to strike the base of Bernd Leno‘s (£5.0m) post.

Arsenal XI: Leno; Saka, D Luiz, Mustafi, Bellerín; Ceballos (Torreira 82′), Xhaka; Aubameyang, Özil (Willock 90+1′), Pépé; Nketiah (Lacazette 85′).

Newcastle United XI: Dúbravka; Rose, Clark (Schär 83′), Lascelles, Fernández (Ritchie 75′), Lazaro (Hayden 74′); Almirón, Bentaleb, S Longstaff, Saint-Maximin; Joelinton.

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708 Comments Post a Comment
  1. HVT
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Saiss or Boly?

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

      Boly - nailed for just 0.3 more

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

      Boly.

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

      Boly a better option if money isn't an issue.

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

      Saiss

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

      Boly

  2. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Captaincy shout for next week:

    Ings (AVL)
    Jimenez (Nor)
    Salah/Mane (WHU)

    All home games

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

      Mané perhaps

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

        Still Salah

    2. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      At home....Salah great record at home

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

        I’m just keeping it on Salah now.

        Chopping and changing it every week hasn’t worked for me. Accept the blanks and the hauls will follow.

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

    How to improve this squad with 1FT and 0.0 itb?

    McCarthy
    TAA-VVD-Boly
    Salah(c)-KDB-Maddison-Grealish
    Aubameyang-Jimenez-Ings

    Button-Fernandez-Cantwell-Soyuncu

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

      Save FT for this week.

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

      Save FT

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

      cheers both

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

      Maddison to Traore or Barnes

  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

    A) VVD & KDB ➡️ Boly & Mane
    B) Aguero, Mooy & VVD ➡️ Greenwood, Mane & Doherty/Boly (-4)
    C) O'Connell ➡️ Saiss
    D) Anything else? Happy to take a risk.

    Want to get Son/Barnes/Vardy also but don't like their fixtures this week and I'm not sure which City players I want to sell.

    Appreciate your thoughts! 🙂

    1. Whats the Mata?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      C and monitor which options to take/remove the following week

  5. Warbling Wendy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Mccarthy, Button
    TAA, VVD, Stephens, Lascelles, C.Taylor
    Salah, KDB, Grealish, Traore, (Hayden)
    Aguero, Aubameyang, Jiminez

    2FT with nothing in the bank - I can't really see any moves to make, but it just feels wrong to burn a transfer - any suggestions?

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

      Aguero to Ings

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

      Traoré to Cantwell. Frees up some cash and you have Jimi anyway to cover Wolves.

      Norwich need wins now so I would imagine they’re going to go all out from here on in.

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

      You will be having 33M worth of players blanking in GW 28, u got to save the FT

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

    Hello. Was busy with interview prep. Couldn't follow last night's games.
    Are we seriously considering Pepe and is Son still on penalties...
    Martial to Son paying dividends atm

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I worry about rotation once EL starts for Pepe. Son still on pens imo

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

        Whether that is a good thing is another matter. Well, he got 3 pts yesterday anyway.

  7. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Who's the best third forward alongside Ings and Jimenez on a WildCard?

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

      Vardy or DCL - depends where you stand on form or fixtures being more important?

      1. Whats the Mata?
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Surely form comes with fixtures?

        Not saying DCL will fade as no team in the PL are defensively sound this season.

        But Vardy with those fixtures and no cup competitions could come back strong?

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

      I think it’s Vardy still.

    3. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Hate to admit it but DCL looks the best option imo. He has been in form regardless of fixtures. He also plays in 28 and is also playing 31 which edges it for me.

      That's assuming you don't FH or WC for 31

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

        Excuse me... fake news He’s not definitely playing in 31

        1. n14mul
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Think spurs will beat Norwich in fa cup sir

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

      DCL for value.

      I've been very happy with his performances and underlying stats since owning him. 8,5,2,11. averaging 6.5ppg. I bought him at 5.9m. Terrific value.

  8. n14mul
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Morning,

    Is it worth considering mane and Salah with TAA again?

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

      No what’s the point. Only need to cap one and the value is in the defenders.

  9. Unconstitutional
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    What, if anything, can I do to strengthen this team? 1 FT 0 itb.

    Ramsdale
    Soyuncu, Dunk, TAA
    KDB, Salah, Grealish, Alli
    DCL, Auba, Firmino

    (Dendoncker, Williams, Kelly, Button)

    1. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Good team, maybe your keeper and dunk or soy to boly

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

    Ben Crellin hasn't updated blank odds in twitter for gw31 (at least for free imo). Has someone else done the job or do we have to do it ourselves?

    1. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      From what I see 2 games will be on for sure Norwich vs Everton & wolves vs bournmouth.

      Only other game I see is a Newcastle vs villa if West Brom beat Newcastle.

      And obviously everyone invoking Chelsea beat Liverpool so Liverpool vs palace is on......basically 4 games gw31 at a max

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

        Burnley vs Watford
        Wolves vs Bournemouth

        These are the only 2 for now

        1. n14mul
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Sorry my bad Burnley Watford for sure as Ibrox says. But think spurs will beat Norwich which then gives us another game.

          Possible

          Norwich vs Everton
          Newcastle vs villa
          Liverpool vs palace

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

            And should Norwich beat Spurs (unlikely) we have Spurs game:

            Nor vs Ever / Tot vs Whu
            (Liverpool vs palace)?
            Burnley vs Watford
            Newcastle vs Villa

            So it will be at least 3 matches.

    2. Countess Weffie von Wobbego…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Has anything happened to change the odds since he last updated?

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

    Auba + Maddison to Jimmy + Son for -4 this GW?

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

    Bottomed previous article

    Player with stars are the ones I am planning to move on so could take hits and really spice things up for GW27 but will wait till Friday as Europa and CL fixtures could bite should there be injuries etc.

    Henderson McCarthy
    TAA VVD Stephens Lascelles *Dunk
    Salah Son *KDB *Perez *Cantwell
    Jimenez *Auba * Ayew

    Team I will go with for GW27 should I not decide to go crazy with hits. Still pondering whether I should save.

    Henderson
    TAA VVD Stephens
    Salah KDB Son Perez
    Auba Jimenez Ayew

    McCarthy Cantwell Lascelles Dunk

    Any suggestions?

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

      Auba to Ings or Perez to Traore

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

        Not sure I want Ings. Pretty much every team in top 100k owns him. I am chasing top 10k now. Sitting at 58k.

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

          He is going to hurt you by avoiding. Form and fixtures is a receipt for success. Look for differentials elsewhere. Sometimes having all highly owned assets is a sword in itself

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

            Ings is not that expensive, better find swords elsewhere imo.

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

            Think the way I have played the game lately has panned out well to be honest.

            GW24 I broke into the top 100k at 75k first time this season. GW25 I had a -12 hit went to 70k.

            No hits this week and jumped to 58k.

            Have not owned Ings once this season so I am still 50/50 about getting him.

            Obviously my rank will change with the remaining fixtures so expecting a red arrow with only KDB left this GW. How far I drop we will have to wait and see so will base my moves on where I sit in the ranks once this GW is completed.

    2. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I was also considering to get rid auba, now not so sure after yesterday. But I think like you I will wait till after midweek games

    3. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Also like you I am chasing so had a thought of KDB to mane....Not sure I am brave enough with the thought of needing KDB back later for dgw

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

        Pep will rotate in the DGW. Which players he rotates obviously nobody has a clue.

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

    Henderson
    TAA VVD Lundstram
    Salah(c) KDB Grealish Traore
    Vardy Ings DCL

    McGovern Dunk Soyuncu Dendoncker

    1 FT, 3.9 ITB

    1. DCL >> Jimenez
    2. Vardy >> Jimenez
    3. ?? >> Son
    4. Save FT

    Thanks all

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

      2, then DCL to Vardy next week

  14. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    1FT 0.8 ITB GTG? Kelly to Boly? Y or N?

    Henderson
    TAA Aurier Rico
    KdB Maddison Salah Traore
    Vardy Firmino Ings

    McCarthy Soy Cantwell Kelly

    1. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    2. Eric Banternaaa
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    3. LC1
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Definitely

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

    Aguero owners. What's your plan?
    Had assumed I was downgrading for Jimenez - but this possibility of a dgw29 is a headscratcher.

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

      Am selling as late as possible to either DCL or Vardy in GW 28

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

      Which possibility?!?

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

      I’m definitely selling for Jimenez next week. I’m hoping to get 70+ minutes against West Ham, he will then be benched against Leicester to get ready for Madrid

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

      Do you know how early we will get the news for GW29? Don’t think holding him for gw27/28 is the smartest of moves

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

    Any Brighton fans know what's going on with Montoya ? Was not in the squad vs Watford.

  17. Old Gregg
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Morning,

    Redmond injury has put a spanner in the works.

    Hendo
    Taa-Vvd-lund*
    KDB-Salah-Grealish-fleck
    Vardy-Ings-Dcl

    4m-Redmond*-Rico-Soy

    a) Lund + Redmond > Boly + Traore (-4)
    b) Lund + Redmond > Boly+ Son (-4)
    c) Lund + Redmond > Boly+ Richarlison (-4)
    d) Lund > Boly
    e) Redmond > Son
    f) Redmond > Traore
    g) Red > Richarlison
    h) WC

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

      Wait until pressers to see how long he’s out for

      1. Old Gregg
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I read on here it was a month as it's muscular. But this wasn't official.

        will do thanks

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

      F

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

    Ryan
    TAA Lundstram Stephens
    Martial Salah Traore KDB
    Vardy Aguero Ings
    Button Holgate Soyuncu Dendo
    0.4itb 1ft

    Limping towards my wildcard as you can see, best moves ahead?
    I'm probably leaning on a hit to do Kun+Lund to Pool def+Jimi before Martial to Son in 28.

    1. Eric Banternaaa
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Why you looking at getting rid of Kun?

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

        Bad fixtures, blank, rotation etc. I'd keep if a dgw was announced.

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

    1 FT, £0.2m ITB. Should I save? If Martial blanks that might change things, what then?

    McCarthy
    TAA Robertson Egan
    KDB Salah Traore Martial
    Auba Ings Jimi

    Subs: Williams (WAT) Lascelles (cry) Hayden (cry)

    1. Eric Banternaaa
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yes wait until tonight’s game, never been a fan of Martial.

  20. jb1985
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Took a hit to change 3 players with 2 FT. Hopefully without injuries i am happy with my squad rotation up until we know more about GW31.

    C.Taylor, Grealish, Auba > Boly, Son & DCL

    I am tempted to use my BB chip in GW27 though.

    Hendo,
    TAA, VVD, O'Connell, Boly
    Son, Salah, KDB, Traore,
    Vardy, Jimi

    Pope, DCL, Lascalles, Hayden

    1. Eric Banternaaa
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Nice team.

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

      DCL over O’Connell

  21. Eric Banternaaa
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    How to improve this squad with 2FT and 0.0ITB?

    McCarthy Button
    TAA Lund Rico Stephens Williams
    Mane Salah Son Cantwell Dendoncer
    Aguero Ings Abraham

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Very unbalanced in my opinion; downgrade one of the Liv mids and upgrade a defender to VVD/Robbo.

  22. JariL
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is Hayden still the best pick for cheap bench fodder mid despite starting on the bench this GW? Need someone cheap but who plays.

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

      Cantwell looks best, Luiz from the cheaper bunch

  23. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    A couple of quickies:

    1. This GW start:
    A) Aurier (che)
    B) Williams (WAT)

    2. For GW28, is Dendoncker or Williams passable for my starting 11 (no hits)?
    Y/N

    Thanks

    1. Eric Banternaaa
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Wait until tonight’s game to see if Williams starts. Similar predicament to me with Williams & Dendoncer.

  24. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    WC currently active. Which triple Pool would you opt for?

    A. Salah + Mane + TAA
    or
    B. TAA + VVD/Robbo + Salah/Mane (Also, Salah or Mane?)

    Cheers

    1. Eric Banternaaa
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Robbo looked in good shape on Saturday. The small break may have helped.

      If he tempted by B although I have A.

    2. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I’m going with Salah TAA and VVD.

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

    How would you improve this templat-ish team with 2FT and 1.8m itb

    Ryan
    Taa Robbo Aurier -- Lundy Rico
    Salah Grealish KDB Martial -- Stephens
    Vardy Ings DCL

    I can afford DCL > Jimmy in a single move.

    Could also look at martial > son but will need to free up 0.5m from somewhere. but martial has WAT whereas Son has che...

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

      How much is Lund worth in your team? Could you downgrade him to Lascelles and do Martial to Son?

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

        Can do

  26. CONNERS
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Hi all,

    Team is below, have 5.1 ITB and 0 FT left this week. (Need to fix Sidibe & Williams but that can wait for now).

    For GW28, would you do Grealish & Fleck to Son & Traore?

    Ryan
    TAA - Robbo - O'Connell
    Salah - KDB - Grealish - Fleck
    Vardy - Ings - DCL

    Button / Cantwell - Sidibe - Williams

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

      (Would be for -4 btw).

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

        Quite like the moves.

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

      Thanks

  27. Heiro
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Dilemma here.
    Should I WC?

    Foster
    Williams,Trent,Tamori,Lacselles, Stephens
    KDB, Cantwell, Salah, Greilish, Maddison
    Vardy, Ings, Firmino

    -Foster terrible Fixtures,
    -Vardy Maddison have city away and not playing well
    - Grielish Blank
    - Williams and Tamori out of favour,
    - Cantwell pricey on the bench
    - Firmino poor Liverpool cover

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

      How much money ITB and FT?

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

        1FT +1.5 in the bank

    2. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      No way. Fix Tomori, later Williams, and you have a decent squad. Leicester fixtures turn soon.

      1. Phil's Stamps
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Oh and Foster to Henderson after the blank.

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

      I would save FT this week, then maybe do:

      Firmino to Jimmi
      Maddison to Son
      Tomori to Gomez

      (-4)

  28. Who are all Lukakus
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    1 FT 1.5m itb
    WC available
    Ryan Button
    TAA Soy Lund Stephens Rico
    Salah KDB Martial Grealish Denc
    Auba Vardy Ings
    Must save FT, right? Not that I am happy with my team but FTs are previous for coming GWs

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

    "stakes claim". I was expecting something more exotic 😉 Anyone having better suggestions?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Flash in the pan.

  30. Live Scoutcast 8pm Tues - leave your questions here
    J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Scoutcast 8pm Tuesday.

    Joining me are Az and Holly

    Looking forward to it.

    Ahead of tomorrow feel free to leave your questions for us here

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

      What to do with players like Aguero, KDB & Grealish who have a blank and tough fixtures coming up?

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

      Thoughts on kdb?

      Thinking of getting rid in 28.

      Realise he may double in 29 and beyond but can see him heavily rotated.....thanks

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

      Wildcard strategy would be good - holding mine whilst my team sinks!
      But the big question is surely about strikers - what to do with Vardy and Aguero?

    4. Whats the Mata?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Ideal Liverpool trio?

      1. Whats the Mata?
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Keep faith in DCL?

        1. Whats the Mata?
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Last one, will Vardy come any good with mouth-watering fixtures ahead?

          WC currently active and Im planning to get him in gw28, great fixtures and no cup matches as well.

    5. Mike1981
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Is there merit in focusing on key players within teams in a relegation battle? Less risk of rotation and must win games approaching.

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

      Vardy was anonymous at the weekend. Time for him to go?

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Several weeks ago one of our scoutcasts asked is the Vardy party over? My opinion hasn't changed since.

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

        Would love a discussion on this on the scoutcast - it's a good opportunity to test the thought processes of our Pro Pundits & see how much homework is being done 🙂

        I will go ahead & give my own 2 cents on Vardy - I may as well as the question keeps coming up (As always - this is my own opinion & not a guarantee of anything 🙂 )

        Wolves are a bit of a bogey team for him anyways, so even though he was smothered last night - I think it’s one of these situations where you have to scratch a little deeper than his recent raw FPL scores & look at some of the “whys” behind the scores, and then judge whether those “whys” are likely to continue - Is he really in “poor form” for example?

        Or has his output been contaminated by several black swan/anomalous factors that it may not be wise to expect to continue?

        GW18 mci - 9 (excellent)
        GW19 LIV - 2 (not going to criticise for blanking vs best team in the world)
        GW20 & GW21 - 0 mins - so zero points is hard to criticise
        GW22 - SOU - 1 Assist (a superb Assist) & a VAR disallowed goal millimetres from being allowed, plus a VAR disallowed Assist - would have been another haul
        GW23 - missed a pen - he’s only human - an 8 or 9 point swing with baps
        GW24 off injured unluckily early so couldnt get involved in the later goals
        GW25 - just back from injury - 1:1 big chance well saved by Caballero in first half, put a goal on a plate for Harvey Barnes that Barnes messed up just before being subbed off in 70th minute due to returning from injury
        GW26 - zero supply - probably the only game in the list to actually be concerned about - not a good day out - but that won’t be the case in every game

        I'd be very hesitant to write off a player of his destructiveness due to a missed penalty, two missed games, marginal VAR calls, and an unlucky injury tbh - Every penalty taker misses, some more than others - one of every 5 are missed or saved, there's a huge element of luck to taking penalties like every other aspect of the game

        Id also be hesitant to roll up 1 point in 3 games missed with injury as genuine "form" - it's important to separate luck (good or bad) from the player selection process imo - when I look at Vardy's last 7-8 games whilst I do obviously see bad FPL scores, I don’t really don't see bad form, I see more bad luck, and I don't fancy betting on that bad luck to continue

        Especially with AVL, nor, BHA coming up

        Getting Ndidi back would be nice though, and as someone who is positive on Vardy’s prospects, I’m always going to lean towards keep rather than sell - but personally I reckon he has a good shout of being on 200 points by GW31

        He might not score again this season of course - but if the scouts are advising selling Vardy - I want to hear something deeper than "his recent scores are bad", "he had no touches against Wolves", "Leciester are in bad form compared to earlier in the season", "He is 33", "Ndidi is injured" - none of those hold water for me (apart from Ndid Maybe) 🙂

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

          TL;DR

          Vardy is awful end of story

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

            Have you considered becoming a pro pundit 🙂

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

              Certainly have the prerequisite qualifications

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

                Your TLDR conclusion above certainly seems to suggest so 😉

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

                  I also have an innate ability to elicit your condescending and pompous predisposition 🙂

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

                    All you need now is a thicker skin & you'll be ready for the big time 😉

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

                      Certainly doesn’t bother me, just some observations pertaining to your personality traits

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

                        You'll learn to differentiate eventually - give it time 😉

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

          Very good points there Maximus. What are your reasons for classifying Vardy as awful, IBROX?

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

          Just to add to this:

          I think the problem is less Vardy himself, and more his teammates supplying him just aren't getting the job done. I think there's been an element of tiredness over the winter and the team will benefit from going back to one game a week.

          Its also worth looking at the contrast in who they played earlier in the season and who they've played recently. In their purple patch they faced a 10 man Newcastle (twice!) and 10 man Southampton and won 17-0 over those 3 games. They also played Pochettino's Spurs, Emery's Arsenal, Silva's Everton, pre-Pearson Watford, and Pellegrini's West Ham who were all sides about to pull the trigger on their managers. They were astonishingly fortunate with who they played, and the timing of when they played them. In short, this elevated their underlying numbers and FPL points beyond what they "should" have been capable of.

          This isn't to say they're a bad side, they aren't. They swatted aside West Ham twice without Vardy, have been the better team twice against Chelsea, etc. They just aren't really clearly the third best team in the league like the table suggests. 4th or 5th would be a more accurate reflection. If we look logically at who they are up against for the rest of the season, the stretch from GW28 of nor, AVL, wat, BRI does look like it holds promise (the bri match may go though in 31). Having a fixture at all in GW28 is useful, and Norwich have shown at home they can be weak defensively. Villa are defensively awful, but they held it together in the league cup twice against Leicester and Vardy, so could do it again I guess. Watford have improved enourmously under Pearson, but recently their defence has shown weakness/nervousness against Everton and Brighton. I think over these 3 games expecting around 15 points wouldn't be unreasonable.

          After this though it worsens considerably. Everton away and Arsenal away are much tougher under the new managers. The final 3 games of Sheffield Utd, Spurs and Man Utd are unattractive. Leaving just Bournemouth and palace, who are both unpredictable themselves, and likely to be involved in an almightly relegation tussle by this point. Its also possible that Leicester could have top 4 wrapped up with about 3 games to go aswell, which hardly helps motivation.

          My current plan is to hold the guy until GW30/31 depending on whether they blank or not, and then ditch for the run in, unless they show an almighty upturn in form or other circumstances change.

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

            GW31 was the high water point I had in my head as well - will see how he's done by then & reassess

            Rashford could /should be back around that time which could be fortuitous

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

      Who is the best nailed on striker for the season run home alongside Ings and Jimenez? I currently have Firmino, but he prevents the Salah/Mane/Trent combo, or double defence with Salah.

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

        Tammy is due a good run of hauls soon.

    8. The Rumour Mill
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Was this the worst gameweek of all time? Watching one and 2 pointers come in day by day was like death by a thousand cuts. I have absolutely hated every second of it. Man City's game getting called off was the only bit of excitement but even that was ruined by the rescheduling. I hope this winter break experiment is never repeated!

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

        sorry but i think it is going to be like this for years to come. Not entirely fan of it but the power of media will probably makes this arrangement as it is, as it provides more games to be televised.

        And like it or not but we are also affected by how our teams performs and in this factual week a lot of us have invested in players from same team which also have an impact on how we measure it, yes it was boring to have no players on the first game day, and yes it was downer when City game was postponed.

        If they continue with it at least not abandon the most important 15.00 games, i hate that interval between 1230 and 1730, that´s awful.

        1. The Rumour Mill
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Its at a stupid point in the season for a start, has ruined any rhythm teams had, has compromised the FA Cup, and we still have the ludicrously congested fixture list at xmas which causes all the injuries anyway! Much better would have been to take away the fixtures on dec28th and put them in one of these weeks so we just had 2 normal gameweeks.

          Yeah the TV thing is a fair point. This will probably become moot at some point though as streaming enters the market.

          The downer wasn't city being postponed, it was the rearrangement into the same gameweek that was the real shot to the testicles.

          Yeah the gap between 3 and 5pm was weird. The only good thing about it is I've enjoyed following the Championship more these past 2 weeks. Which is another point - why do the guys playing 38 games a season get a break when the guys playing 46 don't? makes no sense. They should just add another league ( call it league three) and we have 4 leagues of 18 and one of 20 in the EFL and PL. With that you instantly have a sensible schedule for all, don't compromise the cups or Europe, and everyone's happy.

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

            Im with you for most of your points, was merely pointing to the FA standpoint so to say. Should at least be put forward til beginning of january. But money talks loudest i guess

            1. The Rumour Mill
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Oh I know, wasn't having a pop at you at all! Yeah that would make more sense if they're going to continue with it.

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

            Fitness of championship player are often high standard

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

      On a scale of 1-10 how successful do you feel the WC has been? I’d give it a 5/10 and would be interested to see how you intend to manage blanks and doubles without the chip. Red arrows imminent?

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

        I am still not decided yet as it has been so few gw´s but still feel that it was needed for my team, my defence was in shatters and my OR was going nowhere. Still think Kun in last week (before Spurs) was the right choice but luck was not on my side, you can´t control that. Almiron was a punt that i might regret but damn how close he was vs Norwich (the only game i wanted him for, he might play 28, but also might just be someone else)

        My plan is to be flexible, and 28 is no problem, and rest is still undecided. I kind of hope Liverpool goes out of the FA cup, but it might not have much bearing as everyone does own 3 of their assets.

        1. J0E
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Good luck with it. Flexibility is the key and sounds like you've gone into it withthe right attitude.

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

            Yep, you are right about that. Flexibility is the key. I have to admit when i looked at your team before gw25 i thought you might would wildcard so i disagree with Az on this one, even if the benefit of a later wildcard could be handy to navigate blank and doubles there was def a case for you to do it with your current team at that time.

      2. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        My one or the wildcard in general.

        Mine is 10/10 so far. 😉

        Love all the players I've brought in. Don't want any I've dumped.

        The time to assess any wildcard is after a number of weeks. As you know it provides the spine to a team for the long term.

        Anyone who provides a final verdict on a wildcard after one week is not really playing FPL that well. 🙂

        1. Az
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          10/10? Really?

          I reckon a -4 of Vardy and Haller to Jimi and Ings would have pretty much sorted you out, you're going into the DGWs unarmed basically so you can own Son.

          He did well yesterday... but jam!

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

            Az gets it! Seems a waste to spunk such a valuable chip without any data ahead, especially when the team could have been sorted with a couple trannies

            1. J0E
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              You could do with a wildcard yourself with your current rank. 😉

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

                BOOM

                Headshot 🙂

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

                Have you seen my progression from 1.9 million to (soon to be 300k) in just 5 GW’s.. that’s the exact opposite of needing a WC.. and my team is better than yours 😆

                1. J0E
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 1 month ago

                  Fingers crossed you keep those top 300K finish dreams alive.

                  Good luck. 🙂

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

                    😆 think I’ve got you comfortably covered this season now that you’ve wasted the wildcard

                    1. J0E
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 14 Years
                      4 years, 1 month ago

                      Someone should write a book about that 😉

          2. J0E
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Ha...you are setting up the scoutcast nicely. 🙂

            1. Az
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              I was shocked when I saw you had wildcarded.
              SHOCKED

              And I couldn't make the last one so couldn't make my feelings known... you just wait!

              1. J0E
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 1 month ago

                This is incredible advertising ...keep it going 🙂

                1. The Rumour Mill
                  • 7 Years
                  4 years, 1 month ago

                  Any chance of getting Granville back for this one too? 😉

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

                Would love to hear some banter on this you from Az on the scoutcast. Be ruthless!

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

            In fairness to Son non owners - it was jam he hadn't scored a hattrick by the end of the match 🙂

            That last 25 mins was the first time in months I've actually thought he looked well utilised by Jose - hopefully it continues and he keeps pens (and gets better at taking them!)

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

            I agree with you Az, reckon Joe could hand ave got away with a hit or two but he's an expert player and I'm sure he'll be able to dodge the oncoming bullets without the security of a bullet-proof WC.

          5. Whats the Mata?
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Really depends on the team though. Havent seen Joe's team yet but people will be WCing later on to set up for the DGW, agreed, although the WC from now on until the DGW will help you get players in who could really help you boost your rankings.

            Works both ways.

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

      Does Rashford's return (its not far away - GW29!) interest those with TC chips still intact

      Particularly given that his DGW (if utd beat Derby or Sheffield beat Reading) will involve Sheffield United home combined with one of those juicy man utd late season fixtures

    11. JasonG123
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Manchester City have a blank in GW28 but Ben Crellin today said today that they have a 75% chance of having a DGW in GW29. How do we manage their assets given this information?

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

      I would ask, whats going on with fixtures, but I think an article would be better on that one.

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

      For those of us without a 2nd WC what is the best strategy for getting players in for the double GWs once we know when all the fixtures are being played?

      Thanks

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

      Hold City players through to the blank or start off loading now

      Sell Vardy (Man City) to get Jiménez (Norwich), then swap back for GW28

    15. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      1) With Mane's ownership falling, is he a powerful differential or does he fail to justify the extra £5m over a Liverpool defender? Can a £12m player ever be good value for money if you're going to keep the captaincy on his teammate?

      2a) How many fixtures do you need in gameweek 31 to make it navigable with free transfers?

      2b) How many fixtures in gameweek 31 is too few in the sense that it drains the free hit of its power because you'll have 11 two-point players from just a handful of crap fixtures? What's the sweet spot in terms of the number of confirmed fixtures that makes a free hit in 31 viable?

      3) Can you explain in the simplest terms possible what is going to happen in gameweek 34?

      4) Vardy has only had 4 goal attempts so far in 2020. Are we falling into the classic trap of keeping an under performing player simply because he has a fixture in a blank gameweek?

      5) Should we bring in Son despite 4 tough fixtures and an 78% chance of a blank?

      6)Should we ditch man city players for the blank in 28 or hold them for the 75% chance of a double in 29?

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

        1. I think there's a case to be made for the Mane/Salah double up and captaining Mane away and Salah at home. But would depend on what Klopp does after they win the league, if rotation kicks in big time I don't think you can justify owning both.

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

          I think Klopp will try to break some records unless it is a crazy congested schedule

    16. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Vardy or Tammy?
      I have triple City attack and will be looking at getting rid of two before deadline to get Mane. So I need a striker to join Jimenez and Ings once I sell Aguero.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        *I should add:
        Vardy means shipping KDB and holding Mahrez.
        Tammy the opposite.

    17. kawaiii
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      We are all going nowhere this season.
      Up 10, down 30 thousand. It feels the most boring I can remember. Most people have similar teams. Will play the chips at a similar time.

      What can be done to improve motivation and ultimately rank ?

    18. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      The player: Dele Alli. Or perhaps the opposite (Incele Alli?)

      What to do with a player who gets in good enough positions to get four big chances in a single game and fails to covert any of them?

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

      Which factor do you think is more important at this point of the season when making transfers, player/team form or fixtures?

      I'm leaning toward form over fixtures atm.

    20. Dont give a fuchs
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      How to plan for BGW 28? Should we get rid of players with value invested like KDB and Grealish?

    21. Jakedmat01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Do we now keep Man City assets through GW28 with the possibility of a DGW29, thoughts on Grealish good form but blank GW and very poor fixtures coming up