Tips

The Complete Guide to Scout’s tips and advice for FPL Gameweek 28

Welcome to the Fantasy Football Scout Guide to Gameweek 28. 

Firstly don’t get caught out – we have an early deadline this week: Friday 19:00 GMT deadline.

Read on for help with those all-important transfer and captaincy decisions.

Captain candidates

Mohamed Salah once again tops the Rate My Team tool and the captaincy poll ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Watford.

However, is trusting a player who has scored just twice in away matches this season – and not at all when Mane has played – a good idea?

In his Captain Sensible article David left us in no doubt:

The case for Salah is very strong, considering his underlying data. Yes, he is still without a goal in an away match than Mané has started, but Salah’s underlying statistics suggest he is due at least something at Vicarage Road and that such an unwanted fact is nothing more than happenstance.

David

But he’s perhaps not the only option to consider. 

Form versus Fixtures

Heading into Gameweek 28, two players encapsulate the perennial form versus fixtures dilemma.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the form player. As Neale noted in his analysis of the underlying stats:

Since Carlo Ancelotti took charge in Gameweek 19, no other FPL asset has had more attempts on target or big chances than the Everton striker.

– Neale

However the fixtures stiffen for the Toffees, who are second bottom in our Season Ticker for the next three matches.

Although Pro Pundit Tom Freeman feels the fixtures aren’t as bad as they seem on first glance, and includes Calvert-Lewin as one of his forwards to consider. 

Leicester City, on the other hand, are top of the Season Ticker. 

But the out-of-form Jamie Vardy has failed to score since Gameweek 18. Did we see any signs of encouragement in Gameweek 27?

Pro Pundit Sam is one manager who will be keeping the Foxes forward:

There were some glimmers that the old Vardy we used to love pre-Christmas is coming back.

– Sam

Pep Pig – top of  RedLightning’s January to May League (league code aafkpq) – picks out Jamie Vardy as one of the three players to watch in Gameweek 28:

I’ve stuck with my plan to bring him in for the in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and even giving him the armband over Mohamed Salah.

– Pep Pig

However David did caution in Captain Sensible:

When he was at the height of his powers earlier in the campaign, Vardy was not busting many statistics, he was simply dominating them. He was doing well because he was regularly top for shots in the box, big chances and shots on target for four-match blocks at a time. So the fact his numbers have dropped off in line with his returns is certainly more of a factor in his decreasing points potential than some would have us believe. 

– David

Both Calvert-Lewin and Vardy have been named in this week’s Scout Picks but rumours circulating on Friday night suggest the Leicester striker may not even be in the starting XI.

Grealish versus Harvey Barnes

A question many have been considering recently is what to do with Jack Grealish, who has provided just one assist in the last four Gameweeks. FPL Virgin asked the question – should we sell Grealish

Pro Pundit Az was fairly unequivocal in his answer:

I think Villa go down and their fixtures couldn’t be worse. He’s literally their only threat, teams that are capable in defence are surely just going to mark him out of the game. He might get the odd assist, but Leicester / Chelsea options may be more explosive with their run ins so I think I’m going to ditch.

– Az

Meanwhile JohnRoss concluded in his hot topic that it was worth selling Grealish if you are buying Harvey Barnes. 

And the Leicester City midfielder was one of the names picked out by Pro Pundit Zophar in his latest piece which looked at stats and upcoming fixtures to identify which players to target

Team News

Neale brought us the latest news with Rotation’s Alter Ego providing us his summary in a hot topic.

The headline is that Martial is doubt for Manchester United, Solskjaer revealed:

I don’t know with Anthony, to be honest. I’ve not asked. He tried [on Thursday] morning, so he wasn’t that bad, but we’ll have to do a scan [on Friday] probably.

– Solskjaer

Another United player who has got people talking this week is january-signing Bruno Fernandes.

He’s a player Joe transferred in for Son last week with the Portuguese delivering a 14-point return in Gameweek 27. He’s particularly good at penalties, scoring 22 out of 24 over his professional career. 

Speaking of his new signing Solskjaer said:

He has been known for his set plays. He has practised quite a few penalties and I wasn’t in doubt that he would score.

– Solskjaer

Although Karam noted on the Scoutcast that Fernandes does take the vast majority of his open play shots from distance, which isn’t great for Fantasy potential. 

Another player potentially taking over penalty-taking duties is Kevin De Bruyne. 

In the absence of Sergio Aguero, the Belgian stepped up and converted his spot-kick against Real Madrid in the Champions League. 

Holly (aka FFCommunity_) opened a hot topic on what to do with Kevin? 

Despite the blank fixture for Man City this Gameweek, the Scoutcast were unanimous in their decision to keep De Bruyne. Highlighting a potential Double Gameweek 29 for the champions.

Looking ahead

Considering what we know of the expected blank and double Gameweeks for the season, FPL Virgin outlined his trademarked plan – the “FPL Virgin Chip Strategy

In his community article he explained why he feels using his Wildcard in Gameweek 33, Bench Boost in Gameweek 34, and Free Hit in Gameweek 37 could reap rewards.

It was an excellent week for The Great and The Good, with all bar one of the featured managers gaining green arrows. The FPL General has played his Wildcard and Greyhead expects him to Bench Boost in Gameweek 29. Can he match Andy’s success in Gameweek 27

Finally in his Gameweek review, TheFantasyFreÆK looked back on data from the previous seven seasons before concluding:

After going through the data, I can confidently say that this season to date has witnessed some of the worst defending in the league’s history. To put things into context, at this stage, Villa have conceded 330 shots inside the box while West Ham have conceded 86 big chances. The FPL repercussion is that the findings cannot be more obvious, target attackers who play against these teams!

– TheFantasyFreÆK

Useful information for planning future transfers.

To view all our discussions please visit our Hot Topics page, and if you’ve got some analysis, scout reports or features brewing, be sure to visit our community section to submit your article.

If you’re a member and are yet to get to grips with the custom statistics tables, you can view this movie for an explanation of how they work. Also, remember to tag them so that people can find the tables with ease.

Fantasy Football Scout Memberships are now available for a reduced price of £9.99 for the remainder of the season. Rolling monthly subscriptions are also available for £2.99 per month. Click here to sign up or upgrade your account.

Community Competitions

Don’t miss out on your chance to win a share of £300 in prize money by entering the latest edition of the open-to-all Fantasy Football Scout Cup

Sign up via the entry form here. The deadline for entries is 10:30am on Monday 2 March.

For an update on all FFS Mini-Leagues and Community Competitions, please click here to read the latest round-up.

For those interested in the Head-to-Head Leagues, the main page can be linked to here. The fixtures for Gameweek 28 can be found below:


Use the drop-down menus to show your league and division. To find out which league and division you are in, follow the instructions on the main Head-to-Head page.

Once the Gameweek starts, if you click on your opponent’s name you will be linked to their team on the FPL website.

May your arrows be green!

TopMarx Fan of Fantasy Football and Monty Python. "Archimedes out to Socrates, Socrates back to Archimedes, Archimedes out to Heraclitus, he beats Hegel. Heraclitus a little flick, here he comes on the far post, Socrates is there, Socrates heads it in! Socrates has scored! The Greeks are going mad, the Greeks are going mad! Socrates scores, got a beautiful cross from Archimedes. The Germans are disputing it. Hegel is arguing that the reality is merely an a priori adjunct of non-naturalistic ethics, Kant via the categorical imperative is holding that ontologically it exists only in the imagination, and Marx is claiming it was offside. Follow them on Twitter

1,351 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Can imangine the hits taking place now 😀

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

      It kind of selling in the air

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

    Was all set for Auba to Vardy. Now what? Burn a transfer? Have 2 FT and starting 11.

    On the bench are Eagan, KDB and Auba.

    KDB to Richarlison?

    1. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      You'll want KDB back soon.

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

    Over to you FPL Rockstar

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

      We trust in him

  4. Thomas Magnum
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Lundstram to
    A) Lascelles
    B) Taylor (have Pope)
    C Sell Grealish instead

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

    Who replaces Abraham for Chelsea?

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

      Giroud

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

      Olivier.

  6. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    (P)erez over (S)alah may be too crazy?

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I’d say so

  7. Atwood
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Done Vardy > Iheanacho.

    No hits. Might backfire spectacularly but I fancy a gamble.

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

      Wtf?

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

        Done Vardy > Iheanacho.

        No hits Might backfire spectacularly but I fancy a gamble.

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

      Jesus christ

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

        What's so crazy about it? My rank's okay and I fancy taking a risk.

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

      Im thinking Perez over Kelechi, could go either way tho

    4. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      What if Vardy plays?

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

        Some people have no idea.. really!

    5. DF
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      love it. proper flair. hope it lands.

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

    Didn’t realise so many still own Vardy.

    All held too cause of the BGW28 game...

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

      🙁

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

    Nacho Captain

    Nailed on Hattie tonight

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

      Perez*

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

    Will Traore start?

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Doubtful

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      No one knows, Jota form and him playing minutes in Europa league making people think not

  11. King Didier
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    2FT 0itb

    Dubravka
    TAA Gomez Boly
    Salah Maddison KDB Grealish
    Vardy Ings Jimenez

    McCarthy Dend Lund Targett

    What to do?

    A) KDB + Maddison + Gomez ---> Mane + Saint-Max + R.James
    B) KDB + Grealish + Gomez ----> Mane + Hayden + R.James
    C) KDB + Grealish + Gomez ----> Mane + Snodgrass + Fernandez
    D) Other?

    Appreciate any help

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Would only sell Grealish tbh

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

    Keeping vardy (c), but done mahrez to Pérez -4 and benching traore.

    Traore and salah (vc) coming in if vardys out.

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

    Vardy's effective ownership in the top 10k was 46% for GW27

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

    Vardy out for a hit is only a -2.

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      😀

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

      You aren’t helping mate

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

      What about the people who already brought him in for a hit?

  15. YEAH PITCH!
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Traore to Barnes?!

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

      Yeeep

  16. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Jota or DCL???

    Cant decide at all... stats so similar

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

      Jota if u dont own Jimmy

  17. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Current team
    Mccarthy
    TAA Stephens Holgate
    Salah KDB Martial Moura
    Jiminez Ings Firmino

    Button Hilson Lundstarm Kelly
    Took a -8 Martial and Hilson to Bruno and Mount should I free hit
    Free hit team
    Mccarthy
    TAA Soyuncu Stephens
    Mane Salah Bruno Perez
    Ings Jiminez Vardy

    Button Holgate Kelly Lundstarm

    Worth it?

    Cheers

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

    Martial to perez (-4) poised....

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

      I already have Barnes, but am able to do the same thing (for free) tonight.

      Very tempted.

  19. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is Vardy our?? Is it confirmed?

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

    I'm sorry but I can't bring myself to listen to a guy whose Twitter bio is 'Smash the gym 6 days a week, 1.3% body fat making the sluts go nuts!'

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

      Jelly?

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

      He’s usually right

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

        A right tool by the sound of things

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

      Being a tool doesn't mean he's not itk. Ignore him then

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

      “Making the sluts go nuts”

      What a chap 😆

    5. DF
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I suspect he maintains eye contact with himself in the mirror whilst launching his tweets from the gymnasium.

  21. Deeney-is-a-god
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone if KWP is fit to start this weekend?

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

    So Vardy and Henderson to Ihenacho and Pope for -4? Still have Martial.

  23. GuillermoDickero
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Would you go for Perez or Barnes?

    1. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Went with Barnes but with news now maybe Perez better option

  24. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Hate this early line ups,like TM said 2 hours deadline before game will be good

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

      They'll leak before that too 😀

      1. FFSbet.com
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Then 3-4 hours before or after price changes night before

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

          Lol

    2. Greek Freak
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I'd prefer deadline at kick-off, like in UCL fantasy.

      1. FFSbet.com
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        That is option too but different time zones and many cant make moves in that 60 minutes

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

    What's this Vardy news? Literally only kept him for all the blanks weeks to captain him this week and for the good run.

  26. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    What the chuff is up with Vardy?

  27. JoeSoap
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    A. Martial/Lundy>Fernades/C. Taylor (-4)
    B. Kelly/Rico>C Taylor (risk Martial starting)
    C. Kelly/Martial>C.Taylor/H Barnes

    McCarthy
    Robbo, TAA, Kelly
    Salah, Martial, Dendo, Traore
    Vardy, Ings, Jimmy
    Gazza, Rico, KDB, Lundy

  28. E25
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Maddison to Fernandes this week or save?

    Ryan
    TAA Stephens VVD Doherty
    Traore Salah Maddison
    Vardy Jimenez Ings

    Button / Rico Hayden KDB
    1FT 0.9ITB

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

      Lol

  29. Shafinology
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Hey guys I need some help here. I may have to field 9 or 10 palyers if I don’t use my wildcard. 1FT & 2.1m ITB

    Henderson/Button
    Lascelles/Soy/TAA/Doherty/Kelly
    Salah/Mahrez/KDB/Fleck/Cantwell
    Auba/Jimenez/Ings

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

    A) Barnes + Saiss
    B) Pereira + Saka