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. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    What to do here guys, need a playing GK for BGW,meaning i need to use both my FTs (0.4 ITB)

    Hendo Button
    Rico Lunds TAA Dunk Catchart
    Kdb Salah Grealish Cantwell Doucou
    Ings Kun Bobby

    GW 26: Lunds to Lascelles
    GW 27: Button + Kun to McCarthy + Vardy/Jim

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Transfers look solid

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

    Is Webster + Kdb for Taylor + Mane good enough for -4?

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Not sure I'd get rid of KDB. He might blank but possible DGW in 29. Season keeper.

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

        I'm planning on taking him out for Mane in gw28 anyways, for a hit(need a GK, have Henderson and Button).

  3. Sterling Malory
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Anything worth a hit or GTG?

    Henderson
    TAA VVD O'connell
    Salah KDB Grealish Traore
    Ings Jiminez Auba

    McCarthy Cantwell Dunk Lascelles

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      G2G

  4. Soto Ayam
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Lund to fermandez\lascelles, butt to mcarthy

  5. What are your BGW28 plans?
    Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    What are your plans to deal with GW28 blanks?

    I have XI players but will likely do Grealish, Lundstram, or KDB out to help my starting XI and have a bench option. I'm also hoping to roll a transfer.

    Is anyone considering selling KDB, maybe for Son? How many hits will you be forced to take? Are you using a chip? Are you planning on fielding less than XI players?

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Not selling KDB again, did that when he got injured and it bit me in the ****. Might ship Grealish for Son depending on who I downgrade Auba to.

      I can field an 11 without Son I think.

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

        Thanks for those stars, sounds like a painful one 😀

        Son in for Grealish would be brilliant but I kind of don't want to sell Grealish..

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

      Interesting. In your XI players, are they are sure starters?

      I think a few people are falling into the trap that they can get out an XI because their XI all have fixtures.

      I also have Grealish, Lundstram and KDB. But I also have Williams and Greenwood who I also consider as 'having a blank'.

      I plan to switch 2 of the above 5 out with FTs over the next 2 GWs. No idea who's going or coming in yet, though!

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

        Here's my side:
        https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/55/history

        My two biggest issues would be Cantwell (LEI) and Rico (CHE).

        I'd like to have someone in for Lundstram to be able to bench Rico I think

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

          Nice. Very similar set up to me except I essentially have Martial to your Jimenez.

          - Grealish > Barnes is tempting. Grealish did look great yesterday but the fixtures toughen up (along with the blank) and Villa are woeful at converting the chances Grealish creates.

          - I agree re. Lundstram. He'll get this GW for me but I think he'll be gone after that.

          So I could well do Grealish and Lundstram/Williams > Barnes abnd 5.3/4.8 defender.

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

            I'd looked at that but Grealish always looks great. Woeful, but he's still so influential.

            I like those moves for you. Wolves / Newcastle defence? Where are you looking?

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

              I already have both Lascelles and Boly. So it's tricky to know where to go.

              I have Mane and Salah so the Liverpool defensive double-up is out of the question. Hard to know whether to try and plan towards GW 31 or not! I still have Free Hit but it would be great to try and save that.

        2. No Totti No Party
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          You have 1 point more than me :), but i have few players to go

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

            I'll get you next week 😉

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

        I think when making tfrs for GW28 a few issues must be considered:
        1) Is the player you are getting better than the one you have over an extended period?
        2) How much money you losing when wanting him back?
        3) Is GW28 that important if you have 9 10 11 players?
        4) Is getting a player likely to get more than 2 points?

        Roll with the loss IMO

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

      Benching Grealish and KDB. May switch out OConnell or maybe bench him too. Fielding XI.

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

        Nice, I think that's ideal.

        No hits I assume?

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

          No hits...unless Son starts his red card spree again! 🙂

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

            This comment hasn't aged well Joe!

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

        Hey Joe, do you think Webster was dropped or rested last week? I'm going to need him to put out 11 gw 28 without a hit.

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

          Its all rotation at Brighton, so less about dropped or rested and more he picks the team that suits the occassion. I've mooy myself and accept the threat of rotation that goes with it. I reckon Webster is more likely to start than not tho.

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

            Much obliged

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

      McCarthy
      TAA, VVD, Robbo, Taylor
      Son, Maddison, ____
      Vardy, Jimmy, Ings
      (Hendo, Lundy, Luiz, KDB)

      All players currently in board except the _____ - which is Mahrez at the minute plus 0.8 ITB

      I'm thinking Richarlison might be an interesting swap for Mahrez

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

        Not worried about no Liverpool mids?

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

          Na I actually made a conscious decision back in GW21 to go from double defence to triple after seeing the weekly lottery between Mane & Salah for captaincy week after week after week

          Its done OK so far!

          18 Cleansheets, 2 assists, 1 goal, a load of baps in 6 short gameweeks & nice fixtures still to come 🙂

          Under no illusions that I could get punished though - but so could any team 🙂

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

            omg, give it a break telling us about your triple Liverpool defence. Every day I log on and before Ive even spent 5 mins browsing the site, there you are bleating on about how great you are.
            So you are 6 GWs in and the move has got you circa 150 points. Big deal, well done.
            In those same 6 GWs, my Liverpool trio have scored just over 200 points and Im sure many other FPL managers have done even better.
            Yes, your trio are cheaper but you are still 50 points behind by default because you didnt have Mane or Salah or even Firmino. You have to have used the money saved very wisely to grab 50 points in 6 GWs. Maybe you have, and if so well done but as your team is not linked its impossible to tell.
            You seem to have good ideas and are able to communicate them well but linking your team is imperative as to how much people will listen to you because atm you sound like a know it all with no substance to back it up.

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

              😉 are you feeling alright?

              For me it let me go Aguero Auba Vardy up top with Mahrez in midfield. Its been working well but I would have expected more from Auba.

            2. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Nom nom nom 😆

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

                😆

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

              Lol Relax Roy - If someone asks “am I worried about no Liverpool midfield” I’m afraid I’m going to have to answer that question the same way every time - because it’s the honest answer to the honest question 🙂

              I’m also very happy for your 200 point haul - Which trio got you it?

              Im assuming it was around 10.0 more expensive than the treble defence if it was TAA/Salah/Bobby?

              And around 12.5 more if it was TAA/Salah/Mané?

              And possibly involved use of the TC chip as well?

              50 extra points over 6 GW’s... for ~10.0m - 12.0m budget... and a triple captain chip? it’s definitely not terrible, but to be honest, personally, I’d probably be looking for a bit more than that (maybe even a fair bit more considering the TC was involved! But that’s just me 🙂 )

              I did have Son (c) yesterday which was a nice 26 points boost closing a fair bit of that 50 gap straight away - and also didn’t use the TC - but it’s (virtually) impossible to look at 1 player scenario/sensitivity analyses anyways 🙂

              And as already noted, I’m under no illusions it could all come crashing down quite spectacularly - Salah & Mane are well capable of punishing non owners - but equally they’ve created a captaincy lottery that I just wasn’t comfortable betting 25.0 in every week

              Until next time Roy, may your arrows be green 😉

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

                6 times in 2 days you have patted yourself on the back for your triple defence move. Im sure if I clicked further it would be 60 times in 20 days.

                Still no link.

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

                  Love it Roy!

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

                  Why Roy - I’m touched that you follow me so closely - I had no idea 🙂

                  Now that you mention it though - the maths here are somewhat intriguing

                  Interestingly - FFS’s comment structure stores 20 comments per page - and the last 2 days seems to span 5 pages for me - thus by harnessing the awesome power of mathematics, we can deduce that I have posted 100 comments in that 2 day period - the weekends are full of football! 🙂

                  By further utilising this awesome power - we can use your aforementioned count to deduce that a whopping 6% of my 2 day comment history has been “patting myself on the back” to coin your phrase - now if that isn’t a dreadful level of self indulgence then I don’t know what is 😉

                  Equally interestingly - applying this same logic in the opposite direction - I can see you have actually referenced my triple pool defence on here occasions in the same 2 day period.

                  Interestingly, this would put you at a 37.5% rate of referencing this topic over the last 2 days of posts (is it 3/8??)

                  I can only say I am humbled & flattered to have such a devoted acolyte 🙂

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

                    Just link your team

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

                      The percentage of your recent posts in reference to this particular topic certainly suggest it features prominently in your thoughts 🙂

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

                      Minimus teamus linkus.

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

                        It’s pretty obvious mate - hiding a very poor managerial record so that his ramblings on here are more justified in his opinion

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

                        Show me where I have claimed to be anything more than meagre salt of the earth FPL manager Irbox & I shall gladly retract the claim - I’m under no illusions, believe me 😉

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

                        I am getting a tad worried about Roy though - he’s approaching a 50% Maximus-rate in his last 2 days of posts!

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

      Surprisingly I don’t need to make a transfer to have a starting 11 for GW28 although I won’t have any outfield players available on my bench

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

        Same but my bench has a lot of money sitting there.

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

          Same. Grealish, KDB and Egan. But if I sell them I will be close to 1.5m short getting them back. So they stay

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

      I have Aguero, KDB and Mahrez plus Fleck. My original plan was to swop Aguero to Jimi this week and sell Mahrez gw 28 but talk of a possible dgw for City in 29 is affecting my thinking.

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

        Spanner in the works that’s for sure. But you have to wonder how many of those City players will actually get 2 full games in the DGW?

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

          Better than not having them though!

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

            True except during the BGW...

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

          Even if they play once they are better than most other SGW options. Anything more is a bonus.

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

      Won’t need to take any hits, already got ten confirmed.

      McCarthy
      Robbo TAA Soy
      Son Salah Cantwell ____
      Jiménez Ings Vardy

      Martin*, KDB*, Grealish*, ??Williams??, Egan*

      Got the main boys, will await and see to make transfers. Will have 2 FT. Got my eye on a few players. I can afford to bench KDB as a lot of value tied up in him.

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

      Kun to jimi
      Grealish to Son
      over the next two gws will give me 11 starters.
      Feel good about the changes but will prob want grealish back soon.

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

        Love those moves

    9. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I own Lundstram, Grealish and Mahrez who blank, and will most likely switch one of the midfielders for Harvey Barnes.

      Actually made that De Bruyne > Son move myself a weeks back, ahead of GW24.

    10. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Have the following for GW 28 + 1 FT

      Ryan
      TAA Gomez Lascelles Digne Soy
      Son Salah Dendoncker
      Ings Vardy

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

      I did Grealish to Son reluctantly.

      Will bench my SHU def and KDB.

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

        I think that's a very nice move

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

      I have a bit of a headache now as Montoya and Ritchie have both been dropped.
      Was planning on taking a -4 to do 3 transfers ( 2 Free) but now I dont know how i am going to manage.

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

      No hits required for 28. 31 a different story

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

        Absolutely. I'd love to hold a FT through 28 to leave the option of no FH GW31 open

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

      Think i may well ship KDB for Mane or Son. I had sold him previously and got him back so wont lose much value, meaning i can swap him back in without too much pain (unless he decides to punish me...)

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

        Gotta get Mane! Though I have Salah / Mane / KDB right now

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

      KDB is a season keeper, nothing I've seen has made me revise that. I'm hesitant to get rid of Grealish as he's been great for me, however the plan is to move him to Barnes or Perez for Leicester's good run of fixtures. Lundstram will get replaced, possibly for Boly. although I also have Rico stinking up the place. Happy to bench any Blades assets as they still offer great value.

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

      My plan is is to trade KDB for Mane in GW27; and bring Vardy back for Aguero in GW28. I will be wildcarding in GW29 or 30, so I can get KDB back very easily. Mane's cameo only reinforces my thinking.

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

      Afternoon Geoff, current plan is Kun & Montoya to Jim & Robbo into 27 for a -4 followed by Doug.Luiz to H.Barnes in 28. Would give me the following:

      Ryan (Henderson)
      Trent, Robbo, Soyuncu
      Salah, Barnes, Snoddy, Traore
      Jim, Vardy, Ings
      (Hanley, Stevens*, KDB*)

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

        Great moves I think

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

      My plan is to field 11, but not sure what to do after City wednesday, that might help me decide further on. I think i want one City, but not sure if that one is KDB and Grealish is difficult to judge as tough games on paper but if Villa does something he is often involved. And we might know more soon about Villa´s game vs Shu. The thing with Grealish is that he is not expensive so not really a problem if i want him back. if not a double in 29 for Villa i might just chance on taking him out and eventually in after 31 (or in if Villa plays).

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

      Planning on KDB to someone to fund Maupay to Jimenez in GW28. KDB to Son wouldn't generate the cash unfortunately, although I'm not convinced Son has achieved anything other than have the fortune to play against Villa, a Villa missing their best defender aswell (and I use that term loosely when Villa's defence is concerned!). Spurs fixtures don't look very attractive to me at all.

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

        This plan would change if City have a double in GW29 though of course!

    20. Hungry Singh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero, Mahrez, Lundstram.

      Possibly all 3 out; will depend on who plays the next games.

      Vardy and Son in looks mighty tempting from 28 onwards.....

    21. Samurai Blue
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I currently can field a maximum of 10 players with 1 on the bench, because I only have Henderson as a playing GK.

      Do you think it is worth getting a GK instead of Henderson just to field 11 players? My other GK is Button and usually I have 1 playing GK so no need to rotate due to missing points. Other players having a blank for me are Lundstram and KDB, thinking of getting rid of the former.

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

      Not really worries have 3 city Grealish and Lord Lund....

      Will get rid of at least one city but will not be taking hits for it.. At the end of the day they get the games back and trying to get as many in on blanks has messed me up before.

    23. souleil
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Probably shipping Grealish and Lund and benching KdB and Kun.

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

        Saving ft this week. Then 2 out of kdb auba and grealish need to go in order to field 11 in 28.

        Maybe keep grealish?

        Kdb and auba to vardy and son perhaps. Kdb likely to be rotated a lot shortly i guess..

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

      sell KdB for Son, bench Ederson for Pope

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

      Plan to go with 10 players for GW28, going without a keeper and rolling my GW28 FT in case GW29 ends up being a DGW. Will play a 4-4-2 with 2 bench subs.

      Still have all my chips but not sure when I will play them yet. Waiting to see how many teams will blank in GW31 which will determine if I need to play my FH or not. Then I will be able to plan when to use my WC, TC & BB as well.

      Benching KDB GW28 since he is the only Man City asset on my team and feel he is least likely to get rotated. Though he may get subbed out after 60 minutes but I can live with that.

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

      Have four. Stevens, Kevin, Pepe, Aubameyang.

      Will keep Stevens and maybe Pepe. Probably getting rid of Auba and Kevin for Jimenez and Mane.

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Nice plan

    27. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Waiting to see whether City have a double in week 29 but considering KDB & Martinelli to Barnes & Vardy. This would leave me with only Egan blanking.

    28. SweepaKeepa
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Will wing it with a Newcastle-flavoured skeleton eleven. Maybe Auba to Vardy to supplement.

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

      Pope
      TAA VVD Stephens
      Salah Son Traore Cantwell
      Vardy Ings Jimenez

      Button Holgate KDB* Lundstram*

      12 players, no hits.

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

      Currently wildcarding, shipping Grealish, Vardy, Martial, and all my defenders except TAA. In come Jimenez, Traore and Son.

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

      I’ve got Pope to cover Henderson and then just KDB and Grealish that I could just bench, though I am tempted to actually lose KDB to fund a move for Vardy. Potential DGW29 and then Burnley at home for City though so it would certainly be risky!

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

      now with Son injured and a possible DGW29 KDB is surely a must keep unless a large restructuring happy to bench only have 10 playing atm very likely to remove Grealish due to blank and then tough fixtures until GW37

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

    Probably going to use BB this GW.....

    Pope(BOU)/McCarthy(AVL) Stephens(AVL) Lascelles(cry) Cantwell(wol)

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

      I'd save it tbh

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

        Can’t see me using it anywhere else? No longer have a WC and I’m probably using FH during the DGWs to get the strongest starting 11.
        I’m not falling for the whole planning transfer weeks in advance of doubles just be be let down or lose points leading up to it

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

    Vardy Martial to Jimenez Son for free? 0.8 ITB, 2FT rn... tough

    McCarthy (Martin)
    TAA Lundstram Lascelles (Rico Kelly)
    Salah Mane KDB Martial** (Hayden)
    Vardy** Ings DCL

    Much appreciated 🙂

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

      Wait for tonight I think, let's see how/where Fernandes plays and what Martial looks like.

      Nice moves though, I'd certainly be tempted. Need Son now though? I think waiting a week on him might make sense

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

      Why not just Vardy > Jimenez?

      I'd sell Lundstram more urgently for a playing defender.

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

    GTG?

    Henderson
    TAA Aurier Boly
    KdB Maddison Salah Traore
    Vardy Firmino Ings

    McCarthy Cantwell Rico Soy

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      gtg

  9. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Have I missed something.....why are people using Bench Boosts now and not waiting for the DGWs?

    Or are people just trying to be different?

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

      You haven't missed anything. BB now is not the group consensus.

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

      One fairly vocal guy on here (who I won't name and shame) had rattled on for a while abo0ut his master plan of using the BB in GW26. That bench scored 7 points.

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

    Really need martial to do something tonight! Or he’s on the chopping block

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

      Chopity chop chop

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

      That guy is the biggest show pony out there. Id never sign him. He might to better with better around him but as soon as UTD have to depend on him. Boom, forget it.

    3. Bada Bing
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Martial is the epitome of the phrase "flatters to deceive". He will never become a consistent player in FPL or in the real world.

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

      Watford are at home after, though.

      But I know what you mean! Such a frustrating player to own!

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

      I am keeping him for Watford at home regardless of what he does ( or doesn't ) do tonight.
      Definitely on the chopping block. ..

  11. Marty McFly
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Aguero + Moura > Jimmy + Mane for -4?

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

      Nice but be mindful of possible Citeh DGW 29

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

    There is no doubt chips have value. But as much as we think. With Pool Citeh and the like going to rotate big time, there is one hell of a lot of luck in play towards the end of the season.

    BB has a way of burning you. Getting a decent bench can create havoc when the chip could just be ignored. A free hit maybe ok but cannot BB. A WC and BB the following week can be bad news further down the line.

    Always had a decent bench the latter part of the season to cover rotation but this year it could be even more cruel.

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

      The guy that has just climbed to top of world rank is on 72 this week and has a bench of 20 right now with Button as his keeper. Id say he would loved to have pressed BB as 20 is a great target score for that chip.

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

        Its all educated luck!

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

    What should i do here, the liverpool triple up is hurting me in my mini league over the past few weeks everyone has Robbo/TAA.

    Guaita, TAA, Lascelles, O Connell
    Son, KDB, Salah(c) Grealish, Traore
    Jiminez, Ings.
    Bench : Vardy, Rico, Soy.

    Have 1.1 itb, so do I get
    A) Alisson for Guaita
    or
    B) O Connell for Gomez

    Thanks

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

      Vardy to DCL should give you the cash for liv def double up

  14. Wally banter
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Will villa get dgw 29?

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

      More likely scheduled in for 37.

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      check ben crellin twitter account

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

      I would say it's very unlikely - both them and Sheff Utd not in Europe, so if they do run out of slots when the fixtures need arranging after GW31, they can be put in any European midweek. No need to hurry it through for 29.

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

    Hendo Button VVD TAA Stephens Stevens Lascellas Salah KDB grealish trarore hayden Ings jimi auba 2FT, 0.1 itb Suggest transfers

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

      Hard to see anyone I would eject from that line-up....

  16. El_Gigante
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Guaita | Button
    TAA | Robertson | Soy | Stephens | Lascelles
    Salah | KDB* | Martial | Traore | Fleck*
    Aub* | Ings | Greenwood

    *BGW28

    0.9itb, 0ft

    What transfer to make next week?

    A. KDB > Son
    B. Aub > Vardy
    C. Aub > Jimi
    D. Something else

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

      Wait and see. You look good at the moment

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

    I see the cheapest mid is now 4.3 and I need a 4.2 to make up a 2 person transfer.

    Chances of someone falling into this net before the week is out?

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

      Elneny is close

  18. Igor-Stimac
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Any indication when the DGW and short gameweeks will be?

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

      Short GWs will be in 28 and 31

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

      Dgw 37 possibly 29
      Bgw 28 31
      Bit of both 34

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

      28 will be 4 teams blanking
      31 will probably be 10 to 14 teams blanking
      34 will probably be 1 or 2 teams blanking, and probably 4 to 6 other teams having a DGW
      37 will probably be 8 to 12 teams having a DGW

      Likely will be other DGWs (or a TGW) as well. Could be another DGW as early as 29.

      1. Igor-Stimac
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks!

      2. Igor-Stimac
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Is it worth thinking of chip strategy now or wait until they are confirmed? I have 4 players blanking in 28 currently

        1. Igor-Stimac
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Also thinking - if there is a short followed straight after by a double. Would it makes sense to prep for the double and free hit in 28? Followed by wildcard and then bench boost for the bigger double?

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

            The problem is we don't know who will be playing in the main DGWs (34 and 37) until after 31, which makes it difficult to prep for them with FTs. I would personally look to navigate 28 with FTs as the FH may be more use in the big blank week (31) or one of the big DGWs.

            1. Igor-Stimac
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Makes sense - fingers crossed the next double isn't in 29 then.

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

              Can we not assume that those blanking in GW31 will have a double in either 34 or 37? Or am I missing something?

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

                Except for Chelsea-City which might move to GW29

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

                That's about right.

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

                Correct, but unknown which one at this stage.

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

    best midfielder 9m or less?

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

    People ditching Vardy? I'm getting him in

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

      Same here

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

      Quiet

  21. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    With my OR not improving, whom from Arsenal will you go with?

    1) Auba
    2) Pepe
    3) Both

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

      Chasing last weeks points?

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

        The next 5 are all really good fixtures, 3 at home. Chasing future points as well.

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

      They blank in GW 29 which doesn't help.

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

        Yeah, I am WC'ng so there will be enough to navigate those 2 BGW's hopefully.

  22. Bada Bing
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    What's up with Hayden? He's been benched for two weeks in a row now after being a constant starter. Has he lost his place permanently and is he now stuck in Bruce's doghouse?

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

      They've got Bentaleb now which seems to be muddying the waters.

  23. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Play Lundy or Lascelles?

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

      Same dilemma.

      Think I'll start Lundstram in the hope that his last 2 sub appearances have done enough to warrant a start.

  24. Sandy Ravage
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Downgrade TAA > Gomez to upgrade Fleck > Son?

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

      Nah. TAA arguably the best fantasy asset in the game. He had a shot after about 30 seconds against Norwich.

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

      Nah

    3. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      No.

    4. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      No

  25. BNMC
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Can't wait for the likes of Abraham and Martial to turn my green arrow red.

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

      Because you own them or don't own them?

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

        I don't and they always seem to...
        Do I want to say it...
        I think I will say it...
        HAUNT me.

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

          Get Derek Acorah on the phone

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

            He's in the haunting business himself now

  26. Le Bluff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Does anyone have GW 31 in the backs of their minds at the moment?

    Only 2 confirmed fixtures going ahead:
    - WOLVES v BOURNEMOUTH
    - BURNLEY v WATFORD

    A lot riding on the Chelsea v Liverpool cup tie, for obvious reasons. But also the West Brom v Newcastle cup tie (Newcastle v Villa would be a blank if Newcastle beat West Brom).

    Personally, I would love it if both Liverpool and Newcastle won. That would mean all Liverpool assets, Grealish and Lascelles would have a fixture. And may prevent the need for a Free Hit. Throw in the likes of well-owned assets like Traore and Jimenez and you're getting close to an XI.

    Unfortunately though, I don't think I can see it. Gut feeling says Chelsea will knock Liverpool out, and I also fancy West Brom (who are at home) to beat Newcastle.

    Which all leads to the idea that playing the Free Hit chip in GW 31 is the way to go for me.

    What are other people's thoughts?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Chelsea knocking Liverpool out means they have a fixture? I'm starting to plan for that gameweek with free transfers. Currently own Deeney as only player to have a fixture. Plan is to bring Jimenez in over Ings and hoping for Everton Norwich game to be played.

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

      If there are only 3 games that week I'm seriously inclined to just ride it out. No fussing around with bb or transfers.
      I've got 2 wol already though.

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

        *fh

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

      I think GW31 is free hit time but I’d be interested to hear the views on why not to do this/ when would be a better time to play it (assuming you still have your wildcard left).

      If you don’t have a wildcard then I guess it would be better to leave free hit for a big DGW and just get 3 Wolves players in for GW31.

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I have used it during a dgw last two seasons, just because it's more fun. I have got red arrows the weeks before the blank though because of keeping bad players only because they have a fixture on bgw. This year i've heard the gw34 could be a blank and double gameweek, planning on FH that week currently.

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

      Rico is my only player from those 4 teams, so hoping Liverpool get through in the cup which should kill the GW31 FH for almost everyone else.

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

        I meant it will kill riding out 31 with FTs to get a decent team (so the opposite of what I actually just said :-D)

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

      You've got it the wrong way round don't you? If Liverpool and Newcastle win they won't play in GW31.

  27. La Vida Latte
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Aguero -> Jiminez
    A) This gameweek
    B) Next gameweek

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

      A.

  28. Kaiser123
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I think Grealish might have to go. Away to Sou then Carb Cup following week. Grealish might be a bit weary after that at Wembley. Zero ITB and can only think of Traore and Barnes, already have Fleck.

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

      I'm probably selling him as well but will want him back for the run in and DGWs.

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

      Traore is a an excellent replacement, and has a fixture in GW28 and GW31.

  29. claretparrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Happy Monday, all!

    Thoughts on a -4 of:
    VvD, Madds & Vardy > Boly, Mané & DCL?

    McCarthy
    Digne - VVD* - Stephens - TAA
    KdB - Madds* - Salah (C)
    Jimi - Ings - Vardy*
    [Button ¦ Doucouré - Rico - Cantwell]
    2 FT, 0.7 ITB

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

    Any changes needed here? 1FT and 0 ITB

    Henderson (McCarthy)
    Trent VVD Stephens Lascelles Cathcat
    Salah Bergwijn Traore Barnes KDB
    Jiminez Ings Aguero

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

      Id roll it.